Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 11 Feb 2009

Vol. 674 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 16, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 17 to 63, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 64 to 72, inclusive, answered orally.

Food Labelling.

Noel Coonan

Ceist:

73 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has submitted new proposals to the EU regarding the introduction of national food labelling legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4986/09]

The Minister for Health & Children has overall responsibility for the general food labelling legislation. Under the general labelling Directive (2000/13/EC), the place of origin of the foodstuff must be given only if its absence might mislead the consumer to a material degree. The European Commission is currently undertaking a major review of all food labelling legislation. In this context the Commission has prepared draft revised labelling regulations and these are being discussed at Council Working Party level in Brussels. These draft regulations will be submitted to the EU Council of Health ministers during 2009.

Notwithstanding the outcome of the current review on origin labelling my Department has taken steps to try to introduce origin labelling for meats other than beef, which is already subject to specific legislation since September 2000.

Regarding the labelling of poultry meat, there are EU Regulations, which provide for the labelling of unprocessed poultry meat at retail level. The Regulations require such poultry meat to be labelled with the information regarding class, price, condition, registered number of slaughterhouse or cutting plant and, where imported from a Third Country, an indication of country of origin.

My Department, in conjunction with the Department of Health and Children, drafted regulations that would require the country of origin to be indicated on pigmeat, poultry and sheepmeat. This was notified to the EU Commission in December 2007 as required by legislation. The Commission was not prepared to adopt the draft regulations in their present format on the grounds that the proposed legislation is not in compliance with EU food labelling regulations. The Commission's main contention is that only harmonised rules with EU-wide applicability may be applied to food labelling other than in exceptional circumstances. In March, the EU Commission delivered a negative opinion on the regulations but afforded Ireland an opportunity to provide further information in support of them. In the meantime, the Department provided additional details including the current misleading labelling practices and evidence of consumers' desire for country of origin labelling. However the EU Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health formally adopted the negative opinion in December 2008.

We will continue to pursue this issue in conjunction with Department of Health and Children, at EU level in the context of the current review. In the meantime products carrying the Bord Bia quality assurance label provide consumers with assurance on product origin.

Dairy Sector.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

74 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the difficulties facing dairy producers due to a collapse in prices for dairy products; the measures he will introduce to support the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4974/09]

The dairy sector is facing a period of market volatility across the globe at present resulting from supply/demand disequilibrium in international markets. Having reached record high levels in 2007 and early 2008, dairy product prices and producer prices also peaked in that time. Since then international dairy product prices have fallen back considerably, although the average Irish producer price for 2008 was similar to the 2007 price. Indications are that markets will remain weak in the first half of 2009 and it looks like being a challenging year for the dairy sector.

During the Health Check negotiations I argued very strongly in favour of keeping critical market instruments in place and using them effectively. These support measures can now be used to respond to price volatility in the current market situation and will help support the dairy sector in Ireland. The wisdom of that approach is now evident and the retention of the intervention system for butter and SMP, as well as the Private Storage Scheme for butter, can now be utilised for the benefit of the entire sector. Indeed, in view of the market difficulties, I made clear to Commissioner Fischer Boel that the activation of the full range of supports would help to restore confidence and put a floor under current market prices. The Commission initially responded by commencing the 2009 butter private storage scheme two months early. Then, on January 15th, the Commissioner announced further measures to assist the dairy sector. These included a commitment under the Intervention system to purchase more than the fixed quantities of butter (30,000 tonnes) and Skimmed Milk Powder (109,000 tonnes) if the market situation requires it. In addition, she announced the reintroduction of export refunds for butter, milk powders and cheese and these were reinstated at the milk management committee meeting on 22nd January. Irish operators can now avail of these refunds and my Department will continue to examine the position and urge the Commission to set the refunds at an appropriate level to support the dairy sector.

While we are facing short-term uncertainty, analysis shows that the long-term outlook is bright. The main international forecasting organisations predict global growth in wealth and population in the medium term. This will present new opportunities for quality producers like Ireland, and all areas of the dairy sector can expect to reap the rewards. One of the major challenges in the medium term will be to ensure that Irish farming and the agri-food sector is at the heart of an evolving high-value food market, which is focused on quality and innovation. This is at the core of Government strategy, evidenced by the National Development Plan 2007-2013, AgriVision 2015 and the Partnership Agreement Towards 2016.

As part of this overall strategy, my Department provided funding of €114 million towards investment in dairy processing. A total of 19 capital investment projects were approved and awarded Government grant assistance under the Fund, which will generate an estimated capital spend of €286 million at full production. The purpose of the Fund is to increase the efficiency of the main dairy outputs by supporting the upgrading of plant and buildings. This will assist operators in capturing new business in global markets and in developing new valued added products.

In the meantime, I will continue to monitor developments in the dairy sector closely and intervene again with the Commissioner as the market situation evolves.

Departmental Schemes.

Damien English

Ceist:

75 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if young farmers' installation aid or early retirement scheme applications received after 14 October 2008 have been processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4998/09]

The Young Farmers' Installation Scheme and the Early Retirement Scheme were suspended for new applications on 14 October 2008 due to budgetary constraints. Applications for these schemes received in my Department since 14 October 2008 have not been processed.

Joe Carey

Ceist:

76 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will introduce measures to support the sheep sector; his views on introducing a ewe payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4980/09]

The sheep sector already benefits significantly from the main schemes operated by my Department. Sheep farmers receive an estimated annual:

€126 million from the Single Farm Payment,

€60 million under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme and

€84 million under REPS.

In addition to this support and following the Sheep Strategy Report, a number of other measures have also been put in place to further assist the sector.

Additional support to the sheep sector is being considered in light of the outcome of the recent CAP Health Check. One of my primary objectives in the Health check negotiations was to get access to unspent funds within the EU's agriculture budget for use by Member States with a wide range of discretion. This was achieved in the final deal and, as a result, Ireland will receive additional funds amounting to approximately €7m in 2009 (from the national reserve) and €29m in subsequent years.

I am currently considering how these funds can best be used to develop Irish agriculture within the terms laid down in the EU regulations. As part of this process I asked for and received submissions from four farm organisations. The proposals made include a top-up to the SFP for sheep farmers, a hogget ewe premium, a sheep maintenance payment for all ewes, and a dairy income support scheme linked to milk quota volume.

Some of these proposals are linked to suggestions for the use of €120m additional modulation funds, also arising from the Health Check, on which a separate consultation process is underway, and to which different EU rules apply. The closing date for these submissions is 16 February, and therefore it is not yet possible to indicate the range of proposals in this case.

All submissions received will be examined carefully, and will be a useful input to the decisions on these matters, which I expect to announce in the near future.

Food Labelling.

John Deasy

Ceist:

77 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the fact that legislation currently being prepared at an EU level will not be sufficient in safeguarding the food industry here from loopholes in food labelling legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4994/09]

The Minister for Health & Children has overall responsibility for the general food labelling legislation. Under the general labelling Directive (2000/13/EC), the place of origin of the foodstuff must be given only if its absence might mislead the consumer to a material degree. The European Commission is currently undertaking a major review of all food labelling legislation. In this context the Commission has prepared draft revised labelling regulations and these are being discussed at Council Working Party level in Brussels. These draft regulations will be submitted to the EU Council of Health ministers during 2009.

Notwithstanding the outcome of the current review on origin labelling my Department has taken steps to try to introduce origin labelling for meats other than beef, which is already subject to specific legislation since September 2000.

Regarding the labelling of poultry meat, there are EU Regulations, which provide for the labelling of unprocessed poultry meat at retail level. The Regulations require such poultry meat to be labelled with the information regarding class, price, condition, registered number of slaughterhouse or cutting plant and, where imported from a Third Country, an indication of country of origin.

My Department, in conjunction with the Department of Health and Children, drafted regulations that would require the country of origin to be indicated on pigmeat, poultry and sheepmeat. This was notified to the EU Commission in December 2007 as required by legislation. The Commission was not prepared to adopt the draft regulations in their present format on the grounds that the proposed legislation is not in compliance with EU food labelling regulations. The Commission's main contention is that only harmonised rules with EU-wide applicability may be applied to food labelling other than in exceptional circumstances. In March, the EU Commission delivered a negative opinion on the regulations but afforded Ireland an opportunity to provide further information in support of them. In the meantime, the Department provided additional details including the current misleading labelling practices and evidence of consumers' desire for country of origin labelling. However the EU Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health formally adopted the negative opinion in December 2008.

There is also the issue where a primary product can enter Ireland and be processed in some way thereby allowing it to be branded, as an Irish product, this is known as "substantial transformation" This terminology originates in WTO, CODEX and EU Legislation governing the EU Custom Code and therefore can only be amended at EU level. I have been concerned that this arrangement could, in certain circumstances, be used to mislead the consumers as to the origin of the raw materials used in certain products. This was one of the principal points made to the European Commission in the context of our request for their approval of our proposed national arrangements.

We will continue to pursue this issue in conjunction with Department of Health and Children, at EU level in the context of the current review. We are pressing for the inclusion of a requirement to indicate the origin of primary ingredients in finished products. In the meantime products carrying the Bord Bia quality assurance label provide consumers with assurance on product origin.

Animal Diseases.

P. J. Sheehan

Ceist:

78 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the health status of cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry here; if he has quantified the losses to agriculture arising from the implications of non-regulated disease conditions on farms here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5043/09]

In general, Ireland's national herd covering all farm species meets very high health standards and very good progress has been made in recent years in dealing with regulated diseases such as BSE and Brucellosis. However, less progress has been made in relation to non- regulated diseases. While the losses to agriculture arising from these latter diseases vary from farm to farm and are not easily quantifiable, it is accepted that less than optimal animal health leads to inefficiencies in production resulting in reduced quantity and poorer quality of farm output, thus reducing the competitive position of individual farmers, their incomes and the agri-food industry generally.

My Department has been actively progressing an initiative to further improve the health of the national herd and flock for many years and this was given added impetus by the inclusion in the Programme for Government of a commitment to introduce a herd health initiative to deal with non-regulated diseases. To advance these objectives, I recently launched Animal Health Ireland which aims to improve overall animal health standards, thereby enhancing on-farm productivity and securing improved profitability for farmers through a coordinated national approach to animal health.

The main priority of Animal Health Ireland will be to identify and prioritise non-regulated disease conditions that impact negatively from both a financial and disease perspective on Irish livestock, excluding those already covered by regulation. It will be managed by a Steering Group that will act as the Board of the organisation. I recently appointed Mr Mike Magan as chairman of the interim Steering Group whose other members comprise individuals with skills and competencies such as livestock farming, veterinary science, agricultural economics and international marketing. The Steering Group will report to a Stakeholders Group which will be representative of farming bodies, dairy co-ops and service providers and will have overall responsibility for the strategic direction, structure and financing of the organisation. The organisation will have a small number of Executive staff who will be responsible for implementing agreed strategies and I have assigned a number of executive staff to the new organisation for an interim period. Future arrangements for the Steering Group, staffing and organisation of the body, will be a matter for the industry.

Fishing Quota.

Tom Sheahan

Ceist:

79 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the decision process whereby the allocation of the 2009 increase in mackerel quota was allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4951/09]

The representatives of the polyvalent (multi-purpose) vessels in the Irish fleet sought an increased share of Ireland's mackerel quota for 2009, while the representatives of the Refrigerated Salt Water (RSW) fleet, based in the north-west opposed any increase in the share for the polyvalent vessels. The background to the situation is that the allocation arrangements were last revised in 2001. Since 2001 the polyvalent vessels have had an allocation of 7,000 tonnes of mackerel from Ireland's quota. This 7,000 tonnes represented 10% of the Irish quota when the arrangements were put in place in 2001. In all years, except 2002, the Irish mackerel quota has fallen well below the 2001 level (as low as 46,000 in 2005) and the allocation to the polyvalent vessels has remained at the set level of 7,000 tonnes. The cuts in the quota each year were borne in total by the RSW Pelagic segment vessels. In 2009 the mackerel quota has been increased to 66,068 tonnes which remains below the 2001 quota when the share out arrangement was last determined.

In the context of the representations made in relation to the share out of mackerel, Minister Killeen organised a meeting with all interested parties on 26th of November to hear the case for (i) a continuation of the current arrangements and (ii) for granting to the Polyvalent fleet an increased share of the 2009 mackerel quota. Strong and comprehensive presentations were made at that meeting by the Irish South and West Fish Producers Organisation (IS&WFO) and the Killybegs Fishermen's Organisation (KFO) in respect of both proposals. Following the meeting, the Minister requested clarification and additional information from both parties, which were received.

Minister Killeen examined the cases made and considered in detail the issues arising. Following this full consideration, Minister Killeen decided to introduce new arrangements for the share out of mackerel for 2009 and future years. Under the new arrangements, the polyvalent segment will be allocated 13% of the mackerel quota. For 2009 this will involve a total allocation of 8,562 tonnes for the polyvalent fleet rather than the 7,000 tonne set allocation in place heretofore. This allocation for 2009 involves a 22.3% increase for the polyvalent segment.

It is important to note that the mackerel quota is of substantial importance to the north-west based pelagic industry which is completely dependent on pelagic fish stocks, such as mackerel and do not have any access to whitefish, prawn and other stocks which are available to the polyvalent vessels. As the mackerel quota is a set quantity for Ireland any increase in the allocation to the polyvalent fishing vessels must be at the expense of those vessels in the RSW Pelagic vessels and accordingly changes in allocation arrangement must take account of the importance of fishing in both the south — west and the north — west and balance the interests of both communities.

Grant Payments.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

80 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to alleviate hardship caused to farmers in the Shannon callows region from Shannon Harbour to Lusmagh, County Offaly who are affected by a severe shortage of fodder due to extensive summer flooding in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4733/09]

I am keenly aware of the problems encountered by farmers as a consequence of the bad weather, particularly the harvesting of forage and cereal crops in 2008.

In recognition of these problems, I wrote to the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Ms Fischer Boel, seeking approval for the early payment of the 2008 Single Payment. My request was for advance payment at a rate of 50%, payable from 16 October 2008.

The reason for my request was based on the very adverse weather conditions being experienced in Ireland.

I am pleased to say that the European Commission responded favourably and the advance payment of 50% of the Single Payment effective issued from 16 October. I believe that these advance payment went some way in alleviating the difficulties faced by farmers due to the exceptional weather conditions. The balance of Single Farm Payments issued in early December.

Proposed Legislation.

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

81 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to publish the animal health and welfare Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5024/09]

A good deal of work has been undertaken on drafting the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which gives effect to a number of commitments in the area of animal health and welfare contained in the Programme for Government. In particular, the Bill will amend and consolidate previous legislation to reflect the changed disease status of our animals and update existing legislation, to ensure that the welfare of all animals, including non-farm animals, is properly protected and that penalties for offenders are increased significantly. The proposed legislation will also provide for the consolidation of responsibility for the welfare of all animals within my Department.

My officials have met with a wide range of organisations that made submissions on the draft Bill following the public consultation process initiated by me last year. This element of the process provided an opportunity for parties to elaborate on their respective submissions. Drafting of the bill is now continuing taking account of the further comments received.

Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

82 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of farmers who have applied for the nitrates derogation who have applied for REPS 4; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4879/09]

The new REPS 4 scheme allows grassland farmers to apply for REPS even if they are operating above the general limit of 170 kgs of organic nitrogen per hectare laid down in the Nitrates Directive, provided that they apply for a nitrates derogation. In 2008, 603 REPS 4 farmers applied for a derogation.

I welcome the fact that more intensive farmers are joining REPS, as it means that our most productive farming is being carried out within a framework of prescribed environmental standards.

Foreshore Licences.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

83 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will confirm that use can be made of valuers from the private sector in respect of foreshore applications arising from the difficulties in the Valuation Office supplying a valuation service for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4400/09]

Following confirmation by the Valuation Office that it would not be in a position to supply a valuation service in respect of activities on State foreshore, my Department sought approval from the Department of Finance for the use of valuers from the private sector. A number of applications for foreshore consents currently on hand cannot be progressed without valuation. The Department of Finance has now given my Department sanction to obtain the services of valuers from the private sector subject to conditions. These conditions and procedural issues are currently being examined as a matter of urgency. I expect my Department will be in a position to engage the necessary valuers shortly.

Common Agricultural Policy.

Niall Collins

Ceist:

84 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the discussions there have been at the EU Agricultural Council regarding the future of the CAP post 2013. [4933/09]

Pádraic McCormack

Ceist:

89 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding his consultations at an EU level with regard to changes to the Common Agricultural Policy post 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5016/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 84 and 89 together.

A first policy debate on the future of the CAP after 2013 took place at the informal meeting of Agriculture Ministers in Annecy in September last. In the initial debate, there was general agreement on the global context in which policy thinking must be developed. All the ministers present were concerned about global food security, increasing environmental pressures and the impact of climate change; factors which have been reflected in recent food price volatility. While a large majority of Member States favoured maintaining a strong EU agriculture policy, there were differences in emphasis from different Member States.

The French Presidency took the discussion forward at a specially convened Council in November 2008 at which it presented a series of draft conclusions for discussion by Ministers. The draft brought together aspirations on a number of broad challenges and generally understood principles on future CAP policy. It took on board the commitments made in the final Health Check negotiations to further simplification and to address the differing levels of direct payments between Member States. It also pledged that the conclusions were without prejudice to discussions on the Financial Perspectives. Unanimous agreement could not be reached on the conclusions put forward by the Presidency and they were therefore agreed as Presidency, rather than Council, conclusions.

The Czech Presidency has signalled that its main priority will be to continue discussions on the future of the CAP including an examination of direct payments with a particular focus on the differences between Member States and the system of payments.

My own view, which I have expressed at meetings of the Council and bilaterally to my Ministerial colleagues, is that we must maintain a strong agricultural production base in the European Union in the future to take account of the challenges ahead in meeting increased demands for food. Any reduction in food production in the EU would be taken up elsewhere where less efficient production systems exist and would result in a heavier carbon footprint. We must also undertake food production and distribution in a manner that is sustainable in all its dimensions — economically, socially and environmentally.

There will be major challenges ahead from climate change, increased competition on world and EU markets, the financial crunch and other factors. We must ensure that we have the capacity to cope with the challenges and fully exploit the opportunities as they emerge. To do so our whole sector, from farm to fork, must be highly efficient and competitive. It must also be innovative, producing the products that changing consumer tastes demand, and it must be relentlessly focused on quality and safety.

To achieve these objectives, there is a continuing need for an active and appropriately resourced European agricultural policy.

That policy needs to recognise the role that a cohesive agriculture & rural development policy can play in addressing future energy needs, addressing environmental concerns and providing a secure and sustainable food supply in Europe.

Proposed Legislation.

Terence Flanagan

Ceist:

85 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he plans to introduce legislation to deal with the difficulties facing the fishing industry with regard to the criminal offence system and the need tor the introduction of a system of administrative sanctions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5004/09]

The EU Commission has now brought forward proposals for a new European Fisheries Control system which allows for the application of administrative action or criminal proceedings in conformity with national law.

The possibility of introducing administrative sanctions for fisheries offences in Ireland was comprehensively considered, including an examination of practices in other Member States, at the time of the passage of the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Bill through the Oireachtas.

The position taken by the Minister at that time was based on legal advice from the Attorney General. I consider that under this new EU Commission proposal there is a possibility of introducing administrative sanctions and a penalty points system for Irish vessels and I have sought legal advice to determine if the current EU Commission proposal could accommodate their introduction here in Ireland.

It is worth noting that the proposal from the EU Commission envisages penalties up to a maximum of €600,000 for repeated serious infringement and under the penalty point system the suspension of a fishing licence for prolonged periods, and even the permanent withdrawal of a licence. These penalties are substantially higher than the level provided for in Irish legislation.

Aquaculture Licences.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

86 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the average waiting period for persons seeking a licence for aquaculture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4887/09]

The Fisheries (Amendment) Act, 1997, as amended, governs the granting, renewal, amendment or revocation of aquaculture licences.

In considering an application for an aquaculture licence, including an application to renew an aquaculture licence, the licensing authority must consider:

the potential impacts on safety and navigation,

the ecological impacts on wild fisheries, natural habitats, flora and fauna,

the suitability of the waters,

the other beneficial uses of the place or waters,

the likely effects on the economy of the area, and

the statutory status under European legal frameworks of the area under application.

This process involves consultation with a range of scientific and technical advisers as well as various statutory consultees.

Applications are also subject to public consultation whereby any interested person or body may make submissions or observations on any licence application.

The process also involves publication of Ministerial decisions on applications and allowing a one month period for appeal of any decision. Any such appeal must then be considered by the independent Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board.

The timeframe for reaching a determination in respect of applications will vary depending on location, species, scale and intensity of production, culture method, statutory status of sites, potential visual impact, access route and frequency of access to sites, other activities in the area etc. This does not include consideration of any submissions or observations raised during the public consultation period.

In the circumstances it is not possible to indicate a specific timeframe for the processing of such applications.

Departmental Schemes.

Joe Carey

Ceist:

87 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to reintroduce the early retirement scheme and the installation aid for young farmers scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4805/09]

The Young Farmers' Installation Scheme and the Early Retirement Scheme were suspended for new applications on 14 October 2008 due to budgetary constraints. I have no proposals to re-open the schemes.

EU Directives.

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

88 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in view of the clear difficulties governing the spreading of slurry, which is regulated by calendar date, rather than actual weather conditions, if he has plans to introduce a more environmental and farmer friendly regime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5034/09]

The Nitrates Regulations (SI No. 378 of 2006) are a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in the first instance. The objective of the Regulations is to protect water quality and the various provisions are designed to control the management of fertilisers, including the timing, method of application and maximum amounts that may be applied, in order to prevent fertiliser losses to water.

The EU Nitrates Directive requires Member States' Action Programmes to include rules regarding periods when the land application of certain types of fertilisers is prohibited. Therefore the Nitrates Regulations had to specify prohibited periods during which fertilisers may not be applied to land. The purpose of these prohibited periods is to ensure that fertilisers are not applied at times of the year when crops are not growing and not able to use them, and when there is a high risk of those fertilisers finding their way into waters instead. Outside of these prohibited periods, fertilisers may be applied to land provided that weather and ground conditions are suitable and that any buffer zones, as specified in the Regulations, are respected.

The contents of the Regulations made by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government were the subject of extensive consultation with stakeholders, including the farming bodies, and were finalised following a long period of negotiation with the EU Commission. At the conclusion of this process, the Nitrates Regulations (SI No. 378 of 2006) were made by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in 2006 to further implement the EU Nitrates Directive.

The provisions in relation to landspreading, including the dates of the prohibited periods, are fundamental measures in meeting the objectives of the Directive, which is to protect waters against pollution from agricultural sources. Ireland's Nitrates Action Programme (Nitrates Regulations) is subject to review,with a new Action Programme to be published by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government by 30.6.2010.This publication will be preceded by a consultation process, during which there will be opportunity for all stakeholders to comment on the current Programme and its implementation by means of the Nitrates Regulations.

Question No. 89 answered with Question No. 84.

Grant Payments.

Johnny Brady

Ceist:

90 Deputy Johnny Brady asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will quantify the benefits to the horticulture, livestock marts and small meat sectors in his pre-Christmas 2008 grant aid announcement. [4926/09]

In December 2008 I announced details of a grant-aid package of €16.7 million under my Department's capital investment scheme for the marketing and processing of agricultural products. The grant-aid will benefit 66 enterprises and is expected to contribute to an actual investment on projects in the region of €70 million across the horticulture, livestock marts and small meat sectors.

These investments will help to improve the competitiveness and added-value of agricultural products through improved processing facilities as well as improving storage, handling and marketing facilities at ‘near farm' enterprises. The geographic spread of the beneficiaries will generate significant economic activity throughout the country over the next few years and will create significant employment during the construction stage of the new facilities. In addition to improving the competitiveness of Irish agriculture the investments will ensure that the Irish public has on-going access to the freshest, locally grown food in the interests of public health and well-being.

In the Horticulture sector, the grant aid is targeted at 13 projects which are primarily investing in developments required by the multiple retailers, so as to ensure a continued outlet for growers' produce. As well as improving viability and profitability within the sector, the investments will raise quality and environmental standards, develop value added lines, expand markets, improve labour productivity and increase marketable yield.

In the Livestock Marts sector, the 22 investments being supported will impact positively on the environment by providing marts with adequate slurry storage and treatment facilities. In a number of cases the grant aid will assist in improving current procedures within the existing mart premises and contribute to the health status of animals being sold through the marts.

In the Small Meat sector, which includes small slaughterhouses and low throughput meat establishments, 31 projects are being supported which will assist food business operators in the sector to improve efficiency, add quality and value to products, produce new and innovative products and develop new markets.

Common Agricultural Policy.

Bernard Allen

Ceist:

91 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the way unused CAP funds will be dispensed; when funds are expected to be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4966/09]

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

98 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of submissions received by his Department on how the CAP health check funds should be spent; the sector within the farming community which accounted for the largest number of submissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4902/09]

Bobby Aylward

Ceist:

122 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans for the use of unused funds from Ireland’s single farm payment ceiling. [4943/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 91, 98 and 122 together.

One of my primary objectives in the Health check negotiations was to get access to unspent funds within the EU's agriculture budget for use by Member States with a wide range of discretion. This was achieved in the final deal and, as a result, Ireland will receive additional funds amounting to approximately €7m in 2009 (from the national reserve) and €29m in subsequent years.

I am currently considering how these funds can best be used to develop Irish agriculture within the terms laid down in the EU regulations. As part of this process I asked for and received submissions from four farm organizations. The proposals made include a top-up to the SFP for sheep farmers, a hogget ewe premium, a sheep maintenance payment for all ewes, and a dairy income support scheme linked to milk quota volume.

Some of these proposals are linked to suggestions for the use of €120m additional modulation funds, also arising from the Health Check, on which a separate consultation process is underway, and to which different EU rules apply. The closing date for these submissions is 16 February, and therefore it is not yet possible to indicate the range of proposals in this case.

All submissions received will be examined carefully, and will be a useful input to the decisions on these matters, which I expect to announce in the near future.

Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

92 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of REPS 4 farmers who have applied for the mixed grazing supplementary measure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4884/09]

Out of 12,773 farmers who have applied for REPS 4 (including those whose applications have been received since the 2008 closing date of 15 May), 935 farmers have applied for the mixed grazing supplementary measure.

World Trade Negotiations.

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

93 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding the latest communications with EU officials in respect of impending WTO negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5044/09]

The current position in regard to the WTO negotiations is that talks are stalled following the failure to reach agreement at the Ministerial meeting last July and the decision to defer indefinitely a second Ministerial meeting planned for last December. The World Economic Forum at Davos last month provided no new momentum for the negotiations and the next key event will be the G20 meeting in London in April.

Against that background I, my officials and my colleagues in Government have continued to pursue Ireland's interests in the negotiations with the Commission and other Member States at every opportunity at co-ordination meetings in Geneva, at the Article 133 Committee in Brussels and at the recent meeting of Trade Ministers. We have also recently written once again to the Commission in relation to the particular difficulties arising from the current market access proposals, and we are awaiting a response.

Food Industry.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

94 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will provide a progress report on the marketing initiatives which have been introduced by An Bord Bia internationally to protect Ireland’s market share of the global food industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5012/09]

Bord Bia has a comprehensive set of marketing and promotional programmes in place. These programmes are target driven and have been developed in consultation with key stakeholders in the Irish food industry.

The UK will continue to be Ireland's single largest export market and a major priority for exporters. While Bord Bia will continue its marketing activities in the UK, however other Eurozone markets offer the prospect of new opportunities and more stability in the light of recent exchange rate volatility. Bord Bia has a comprehensive set of promotional programmes and services to assist Irish food and drink companies build additional business in Euro zone countries. Bord Bia research has prioritised key target markets in Euro zone countries for prepared foods and identified opportunities for cheese and dairy ingredients as the dairy sector continues to seek out new markets. The recent establishment by Bord Bia of a full-time presence in Shanghai, servicing the Asian region, and the relocation of the US office to New York reflect continued growth potential in these regions.

In order to facilitate the full return to normal exports of Irish pigmeat, Bord Bia has also put in place a Market Recovery Campaign to build on the reassurances already provided to customers since the product recall. The campaign will include a customer reassurance programme, bilateral veterinary meetings in selected markets within Europe where appropriate, a trade communications programme to position the capability of the Irish pigmeat sector and initiatives to maximise international market access for Irish pigmeat products.

Farm Waste Management.

Seymour Crawford

Ceist:

95 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when farmers will be awarded the outstanding farm waste management grants; his views on the fact that farmers entered into agreement with their banks in good faith that payments would be made according to the charter of farmers rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4785/09]

The Farm waste Management Scheme was introduced by my Department in March 2006 in order to assist farmers meet the additional requirements of the Nitrates Directive and closed for the receipt of payment claims on 31 December 2008. Almost 17,400 payment claims remain to be processed in 2009 and my Department is continuing to carry out inspections on completed work carried out under the Scheme.

Last week, the Government took a number of decisions on the overall Expenditure Control and Economic Strategy that included the funding for the Farm Waste Management Scheme and arrangements for payment of grant aid on a phased basis. My Department is in discussion with the Department of Finance on the implications for the Department's Vote and the details that will be published in the Revised Estimates Volume next month.

David Stanton

Ceist:

96 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of applications for the farm waste management scheme which are awaiting processing; when he expects his Department to pay the outstanding grants; the budget available for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5049/09]

The deadline for completion of work and the submission of claims for grant payment under the Farm Waste Management Scheme expired on 31 December 2008 although applicants were permitted to submit certain supporting documentation up to 9 January 2009. Almost 17,400 payment claims remain to be processed to payment stage under the Scheme in 2009. The Book of Estimates provides €125 million for the Scheme in 2009.

Last week, the Government took a number of decisions on the overall Expenditure Control and Economic Strategy that included the funding for the Farm Waste Management Scheme and arrangements for payment of grant aid on a phased basis. My Department is in discussion with the Department of Finance on the implications for the Department's Vote and the details that will be published in the Revised Estimates Volume next month.

Animal Diseases.

Eamon Scanlon

Ceist:

97 Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the status of Ireland in regards to brucellosis. [4936/09]

Brucellosis is now at a historically low level in Ireland. The last confirmed case was disclosed in April 2006. If no case of Brucellosis is disclosed between now and March 2009, my Department will apply to the EU Commission for Official Brucellosis Free status in April 2009. At that stage, I would envisage a relaxation of some of the programme's control measures which will reduce the burden on farmers of testing and movement controls. However, given the nature of the disease and as Brucellosis continues to exist in Northern Ireland, we will be adopting a cautious approach to reducing controls and any reduction will be phased over a number of years and will be based on an assessment of the risks involved.

I must emphasise that any new outbreaks of the disease between now and April next could jeopardise the attainment of officially free status. Consequently, I would urge all involved to continue to comply with the control and testing arrangements that remain in place and to exercise caution when sourcing replacement female animals.

Question No. 98 answered with Question No. 91.

Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

99 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the main problems that have occurred on REPS 4 plans that have been sent back to farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4883/09]

Checking of REPS 4 applications to the standard required in EU Regulations requires extensive administrative checks including cross-checking REPS applications against the Department's land and animal databases.

The detailed examination of plans has revealed a number of issues requiring further assessment. These include:

the presentation of biodiversity options and the other mandatory area based undertakings.

the reconciliation of areas claimed for payment under REPS 4 and the Single Payment Scheme.

the compliance of planned use of chemical and organic nutrients with stringent national legislation as well as with optimum farming practices.

The first payments for 2008 REPS 4 applications issued in the last week of January to those whose applications required no correction following the administrative checks. Further payments continue to be made as applications are cleared.

Sheep Sector.

Andrew Doyle

Ceist:

100 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in view of the Aylward Report, he has plans to introduce a sheep welfare scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4955/09]

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

149 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a package for the sheep sector will be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4903/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 100 and 149 together.

Additional support to the sheep sector is being considered in light of the outcome of the recent CAP Health Check. One of my primary objectives in the Health check negotiations was to get access to unspent funds within the EU's agriculture budget for use by Member States with a wide range of discretion. This was achieved in the final deal and, as a result, Ireland will receive additional funds amounting to approximately €7m in 2009 (from the national reserve) and €29m in subsequent years.

I am currently considering how these funds can best be used to develop Irish agriculture within the terms laid down in the EU regulations. As part of this process I asked for and received submissions from four farm organisations. The proposals made include a top-up to the SFP for sheep farmers, a hogget ewe premium, a sheep maintenance payment for all ewes, and a dairy income support scheme linked to milk quota volume.

Some of these proposals are linked to suggestions for the use of €120m additional modulation funds, also arising from the Health Check, on which a separate consultation process is underway, and to which different EU rules apply. The closing date for these submissions is 16 February, and therefore it is not yet possible to indicate the range of proposals in this case.

All submissions received will be examined carefully, and will be a useful input to the decisions on these matters, which I expect to announce in the near future.

Pigmeat Sector.

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

101 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the level of EU support provided following the pork dioxin incident in December 2008. [4928/09]

The EU has agreed two measures with potential total support of €35.7 million. The first measure allows temporary storage of 30,000 tonnes of product for up to 6 months at a potential cost of €15 million. The second measure allows support of €20.7 million to the costs of the disposal scheme adopted following the dioxin incident.

Milk Quota.

John Cregan

Ceist:

102 Deputy John Cregan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the consequences of the CAP health check for milk quotas between 2009 and 2015. [4938/09]

John Cregan

Ceist:

103 Deputy John Cregan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied that milk quotas here are sufficient to prepare for the end of milk quotas in 2015. [4939/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 102 and 103 together.

The CAP Health Check agreement last November represented a very positive outcome for the Irish dairy sector, and the milk quota elements of the final package will be particularly beneficial to milk producers in this country.

It was agreed that quotas will be increased by 1% per year for the next five years, commencing on 1 April 2009. This increase comes on top of the 2% increase already implemented in 2008. In addition, there will be an adjustment to the butterfat correction mechanism in 2009 that will generate the equivalent of a further 2% increase in the national quota. Taking all of these together, there will be a cumulative increase in Ireland's quota by 2014 of 9.3%, or almost 500 million litres, compared to 2007.

I believe the agreed combination of quota increases and butterfat correction allows Ireland to prepare properly for quota abolition in 2015. I say this for two reasons. The first is that our additional production potential places us in a position to derive the maximum possible benefit from the quota increases over the next five years. The second is that my efforts to encourage greater efficiency at producer and processor levels will continue so that maximum added value from the quota increases can be achieved and the Irish dairy sector will continue to be well-placed to compete on international dairy markets into the future.

Milk Prices.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

104 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason the price supports he welcomed under the CAP health check have failed to support milk prices; the minimum milk price at which he expected these supports to sustain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4876/09]

The Common Agricultural Policy contains various market support measures for the dairy sector. The initial CAP Health Check proposals had planned to abolish or weaken most of these. During the negotiations I argued very strongly in favour of keeping critical market instruments in place and using them effectively. These support measures can now be used to respond to price volatility in the current market situation and will help support the dairy sector in Ireland.

Dairy product prices reached record high levels in 2007 and early 2008 and producer prices also peaked in that time. Most CAP market instruments were suspended as they were not necessary at that time. Since then international dairy product prices have fallen back considerably, although the average Irish producer price for 2008 was only marginally down on the 2007 price. Indications are that markets will remain weak in the first half of 2009 and I made clear to Commissioner Fischer Boel that a range of supports would help to restore confidence and put a floor under market prices.

The Commission initially responded by commencing the 2009 butter private storage scheme two months early. Subsequently, on January 15th the Commissioner announced further measures to assist the dairy sector. These included a commitment under the Intervention system to purchase more than the fixed quantities of butter (30,000 tonnes) and Skimmed Milk Powder (109,000 tonnes) if the market situation requires it. In addition, she announced the reintroduction of export refunds for butter, milk powders and cheese and these were reinstated at the milk management committee meeting on 22nd January. Irish operators can now avail of these refunds and my Department will continue to examine the position and urge the Commission to set the refunds at an appropriate level to support the dairy sector.

The activation of these measures will take some time to influence commercial markets and stimulate demand for dairy products. It should be noted that market measures alone will not be sufficient. Dairy farmers incomes are comprised of the market price paid for milk and direct income support from the EU. Market forces have a major influence on the price paid for milk. World market prices determine the returns received by dairy processors and these in turn are reflected in the price paid to farmers. In essence, farm gate prices normally reflect the returns from international markets of dairy product sales. Therefore, nobody can predict precisely what the minimum or maximum milk price will be as it is determined by market forces.

While we are facing short-term uncertainty, analysis shows that the long-term outlook is bright. Global growth in wealth and population will provide opportunities for quality producers like Ireland, and all areas of the dairy sector can expect to reap the rewards. In the meantime, I will continue to monitor developments in the dairy sector closely and intervene again with the Commissioner as the market situation evolves.

Pigmeat Sector.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

105 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if compensation from public funds to be paid out to pigmeat processors is for pork actually born, fed and reared here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4910/09]

The product recall scheme provides assistance in respect of eligible product manufactured from pigs slaughtered in Ireland between 1 September and 6 December 2008. A case has been made for other products manufactured in Ireland and that were affected by the product recall to be considered for assistance. These would include products containing both Irish and imported pigmeat and products made here using solely imported pigmeat that, at the time of the recall, could not be segregated satisfactorily to facilitate its sale. My Department is currently considering the position of such products.

Organic Farming.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

106 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the organic food producing promotion initiatives planned for 2009; the estimated cost of these initiatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4905/09]

The main organic food promotion event this year will be National Organic Week, which will be held for the fifth year in a row this September. The National Organic Awards will take place in conjunction with National Organic Week.

Bord Bia, in collaboration with Bord Iascaigh Mhara, have invited a number of organic companies to exhibit at Biofach, the World Organic Trade Fair in Nuremberg later this month. This export driven initiative was one of the actions outlined in the Organic Marketing Plan 2006-2009. Biofach is the largest and most important trade event for organic food in the international calendar. The objective of this initiative is to increase the profile of indigenous Irish organic products on the international stage.

Bord Bia are also facilitating a number of non-exhibiting Irish food companies to attend this Trade Fair to show them at first hand the scale of the development of the organic sector worldwide. I would be hopeful that their attendance will encourage the development of a range of new innovative organic products. This in turn could lead to increases on the supply side in Ireland in line with my Department's Organic Farming Production Plan 2008-2012 launched last year.

The total cost to my Department of these initiatives will be in the region of €300,000.

Food Safety Standards.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

107 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on proposals for a statutory imposed code of conduct governing the relationship between supermarkets and their suppliers following the pork dioxin scare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4901/09]

I have no role in relation to contractual relationships between retail buyers and their suppliers. The Competition Authority, established under the 2002 Act has a role in relation to ensuring that markets operate freely and this includes the retail sector.

Fishing Industry Development.

Niall Blaney

Ceist:

108 Deputy Niall Blaney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied with the outcome of the December 2008 EU Fisheries Council. [4924/09]

Niall Blaney

Ceist:

131 Deputy Niall Blaney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will quantify the value of the increased quota secured at the December 2008 EU Fisheries Council. [4925/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 108 and 131 together.

The package of measures agreed at the December 2008 EU Fisheries Council were in my opinion the best possible deal available to Ireland in what were very challenging circumstances.

The main elements of the package include an increase of 5% in the value of quotas available to Ireland from €194m to €200m and the successful defence of the Hague Preferences against determined opposition from some Member States.

The EU Commission's proposals for complete closure of all whitefish fisheries in the waters off Donegal were successfully renegotiated and agreement was reached on a package of measures which both delivers strong conservation measures for the cod, whiting and haddock stocks in decline while facilitating the continuation of important fishing activities for the Irish fleet in the area. In addition, the Council established effort limits under the EU Cod Recovery Plan Regulation (Council 1342/2008) for the Irish Sea and for the waters off Donegal. I appreciate that the introduction of these new conservation measures are a challenge and I have established a Steering Group involving the Federation of Irish Fishermen (FIF), the Department and agencies to provide support to the industry in relation to the practical implementation of these new measures.

Bovine Disease Controls.

Seán Connick

Ceist:

109 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the benefit to farmers of the recent decision to raise the testing age for BSE to 48 months. [4945/09]

As the Deputy will be aware since my appointment as Minister I consistently requested the EU Commission to raise the age for BSE Testing in the light of the on-going reduction in case numbers and the ages of confirmed cases. Consequently, I warmly welcomed the decision to raise the testing age of both animals slaughtered for human consumption as well as emergency slaughtered and fallen animals from 30 to 48 months. This came into effect on the 1st January 2009.

The costs associated with BSE testing of cattle being slaughtered for human consumption at meat plants are for the most part, borne by the industry. Consequently, most of the savings arising from the reduced level of testing at these locations will accrue to the industry including farmers. It is estimated that the number of cattle to be tested will fall by about 400,000 a year and will result in annual savings of more than €8 in testing costs.

This decision also enhances Ireland's standing abroad and is a vindication of the position I advocated when I identified the increase in the minimum age for BSE testing as a priority.

Grant Payments.

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

110 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of REP scheme two farmers paid in 2008; the amount of money paid to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4881/09]

In 2008, €9,759,552.12 was paid to 2,140 participants in REPS 2.

Farm Waste Management.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

111 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the expected end date for the completion of inspections under the farm waste management scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4870/09]

Almost 17,400 payment claims remain to be processed to payment stage under the Farm Waste Management Scheme in 2009. It is not possible at this stage to provide a date for the completion of all farm inspections required to be carried out under the Scheme.

However, my Department will endeavour to ensure that these inspections are completed within the shortest time possible and has introduced revised arrangements to expedite the process.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

112 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of farmers in County Roscommon who are awaiting payment of the farm waste management grant; the value of outstanding payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4742/09]

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

128 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of farmers in County Leitrim who are awaiting payment of the farm waste management grant; the value of outstanding payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4743/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 112 and 128 together.

The information requested by the Deputy will be forwarded to him as soon as possible.

Aquaculture Licences.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

113 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the breakdown of the number of aquaculture licence applications received and granted for the years 2003 to 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4889/09]

The information requested by the Deputy is shown in the following table.

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

Number of aquaculture licence applications received

58

70

73

68

38

26

Number of aquaculture licences granted

23

38

34

25

10

1

Number of Aquaculture licences granted by Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board

2

9

3

1

3

0

The figures provided do not include renewal, assignment, revocation, amendment or review of licences. Licences issued by the Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board follow on from appeals of decisions made by the Minister.

In considering an application for an aquaculture licence, including an application to renew an aquaculture licence, the licensing authority must consider:

the potential impacts on safety and navigation,

the ecological impacts on wild fisheries, natural habitats, flora and fauna,

the suitability of the waters,

the other beneficial uses of the place or waters,

the likely effects on the economy of the area, and

the statutory status under European legal frameworks of the area under application.

This process involves consultation with a range of scientific and technical advisers as well as various statutory consultees. Applications are also subject to public consultation whereby any interested person or body may make submissions or observations on any licence application. The process also involves publication of Ministerial decisions on applications and allowing a one month period for appeal of any decision. Any such appeal must then be considered by the independent Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board.

The reduction in the number of new licences issued in 2008 arises from the need for full compliance with the requirements of EU legislation and in particular the EU Habitats and Birds Directives.

My Department is working actively with the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the EU Commission to agree future procedures to ensure that all applications for aquaculture licences are fully compliant with the requirements of the EU Birds and Habitats Directives. €1.46 million has been set aside specifically to support compliance of fisheries and aquaculture with respect to activities in Natura 2000 sites.

Reaching early agreement with the EU Commission on how to enable licences to be issued in Natura 2000 sites in compliance with the Birds and Habitats Directives is a very high priority for my Department.

Grant Payments.

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

114 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of REP scheme three farmers paid in 2008; the amount of money paid to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4882/09]

In 2008, €301,303,772.78 was paid to 44,325 participants in REPS 3.

Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

115 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of farmers he expects to participate in REP scheme three and REP scheme four by the 15 May 2009 single farm payment deadline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4880/09]

I expect 46,376 REPS 3 participants to be in the scheme on 15 May 2009. There are currently 12,773 applicants for REPS 4, made up of 10,773 who submitted applications and farm plans by 15 May 2008, another 1,546 who submitted farm plans after 15 May 2008 under the special arrangement agreed with the European Commission for farmers in REPS 2 with contracts terminating in 2008 after 15 May, and finally 454 who are not in the latter category but have applied since 15 May 2008.

Grant Payments.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

116 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a series of staggered payments over 2009 to 2010 will be introduced for the 17,000 farmers who are awaiting payment under the farm waste management scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4908/09]

The deadline for completion of work and the submission of claims for grant payment under the Farm Waste Management Scheme expired on 31 December 2008 although applicants were permitted to submit certain supporting documentation up to 9 January 2009.

Last week, the Government took a number of decisions on the overall Expenditure Control and Economic Strategy that included the funding for the Farm Waste Management Scheme and arrangements for payment of grant aid on a phased basis. My Department is in discussion with the Department of Finance on the implications for the Department's Vote and the details that will be published in the Revised Estimates Volume next month.

Fisheries Protection.

Dinny McGinley

Ceist:

117 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the details of the newly imposed restrictions on the whitefish fishing fleet in the north west, with particular emphasis on the limited number of days at sea; the implications for the fishing and the livelihood of those involved; the measures he proposes adopting to alleviate these hardships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4741/09]

The EU Fisheries Councils in November and December 2008 adopted a new Cod Recovery Plan, as set out in Council Regulation (EC) No. 1342/2008 and Annex IIa of the 2009 TAC and Quota Regulation (EC) No 43/2009. These Regulations are applicable to the fishing fleets of all Member States fishing with specified fishing gears in the relevant sea areas. Under these Regulations, Ireland and other relevant Member States are required to introduce and implement a licensing regime to manage its allocation of fishing effort — days at sea limits in areas VIa (north west of Ireland) and VIIa (the Irish Sea) for vessels using specified gear types.

At the December Council, the EU Commission's proposals for complete closure of all whitefish fisheries in the waters off Donegal were successfully renegotiated and agreement was reached on a package of measures which both delivers strong conservation measures for the cod, whiting and haddock stocks in decline while facilitating the continuation of important fishing activities for the Irish fleet in the area.

Following consultations with representatives of the Irish fishing industry, the Department introduced a pilot system of authorisations and allocations of fishing effort for the period 1 February 2009 to 30 April 2009.

I appreciate that the introduction of these new conservation measures are a challenge and I have established a Steering Group involving the Federation of Irish Fishermen (FIF), the Department and agencies to provide support to the industry in relation to the practical implementation of these new measures. The effort allocations already made were done on a pilot basis only and I am happy to make amendments where proposed by the Federation of Irish Fishermen (FIF) within the legal framework that has been established.

Fishing Quota.

Tom Sheahan

Ceist:

118 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his attention has been drawn to the concerns that the distribution of the 2009 increase in mackerel quota is not equitable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4952/09]

The representatives of the polyvalent (multipurpose) vessels in the Irish fleet sought an increased share of Ireland's mackerel quota for 2009, while the representatives of the Refrigerated Salt Water (RSW) fleet, based in the north-west opposed any increase in the share for the polyvalent vessels. The background to the situation is that the allocation arrangements were last revised in 2001. Since 2001 the polyvalent vessels have had an allocation of 7,000 tonnes of mackerel from Ireland's quota. This 7,000 tonnes represented 10% of the Irish quota when the arrangements were put in place in 2001. In all years, except 2002, the Irish mackerel quota has fallen well below the 2001 level (as low as 46,000 in 2005) and the allocation to the polyvalent vessels has remained at the set level of 7,000 tonnes. The cuts in the quota each year were borne in total by the RSW Pelagic segment vessels. In 2009 the mackerel quota has been increased to 66,068 tonnes which remains below the 2001 quota when the share out arrangement was last determined.

In the context of the representations made in relation to the share out of mackerel, Minister Killeen organised a meeting with all interested parties on 26th of November to hear the case for (i) a continuation of the current arrangements and (ii) for granting to the Polyvalent fleet an increased share of the 2009 mackerel quota. Strong and comprehensive presentations were made at that meeting by the Irish South and West Fish Producers Organisation (IS&WFO) and the Killybegs Fishermen's Organisation (KFO) in respect of both proposals. Following the meeting, the Minister requested clarification and additional information from both parties, which were received.

Minister Killeen examined the cases made and considered in detail the issues arising. Following this full consideration, Minister Killeen decided to introduce new arrangements for the share out of mackerel for 2009 and future years. Under the new arrangements, the polyvalent segment will be allocated 13% of the mackerel quota. For 2009 this will involve a total allocation of 8,562 tonnes for the polyvalent fleet rather than the 7,000 tonne set allocation in place heretofore. This allocation for 2009 involves a 22.3% increase for the polyvalent segment.

It is important to note that the mackerel quota is of substantial importance to the north-west based pelagic industry which is completely dependent on pelagic fish stocks, such as mackerel and do not have any access to whitefish, prawn and other stocks which are available to the polyvalent vessels. As the mackerel quota is a set quantity for Ireland any increase in the allocation to the polyvalent fishing vessels must be at the expense of those vessels in the RSW Pelagic vessels and accordingly changes in allocation arrangement must take account of the importance of fishing in both the south — west and the north — west and balance the interests of both communities.

Common Agricultural Policy.

Bobby Aylward

Ceist:

119 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the manner in which he estimates the CAP Health Check will be worth €170 million to farmers here. [4942/09]

Seamus Kirk

Ceist:

155 Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the value of the CAP Health Check to farmers here. [4941/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 119 and 155 together.

The deal I secured for Irish farmers in the Health Check negotiations was a very good one in very challenging circumstances. In terms of additional payments to farmers, the deal itself is worth over €90 million over the coming years. This money arises as a result of the agreement secured by Member States to utilise unspent Single Farm Payment funds. Heretofore these funds could not be accessed because of the complex rules surrounding the Single Payment arrangements. In addition, the increase in milk quotas will deliver an estimated €100 million worth of additional milk production by the year 2014. This was an outstanding achievement by any standards considering the alignment of forces on the Council.

Special Areas of Conservation.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

120 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when management plans will be implemented in all coastal special areas of conservation where this contributes to the delay in the issuing of aquaculture licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4913/09]

My Department is in consultation with the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the EU Commission to agree future procedures to ensure that all applications for aquaculture licences are fully compliant with the requirements of the EU Birds and Habitats Directives. €1.46 million has been set aside specifically to support compliance of fisheries and aquaculture with respect to activities in Natura 2000 sites.

It is a matter in the first instance for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to establish the conservation measures which he considers appropriate, in respect of special areas of conservation designated under the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations, 1997 (S.I. No. 94 of 1997) including, if necessary, management plans.

Fishing Industry Development.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

121 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the recommendations from the Cawley report which have been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4890/09]

I regard the Strategy for a Restructured, Sustainable and Profitable Irish Seafood Industry 2007-13 (The Cawley Report) as the blueprint for the development of the seafood sector going forward.

An implementation group, the Seafood Strategy Implementation Group (SSIG) was set up in 2007 under the chairmanship of Dr Noel Cawley. It is comprised of stakeholders from all sectors of the industry as well as representatives from the relevant state agencies and from my Department.

This group is charged with overseeing and driving the implementation of the recommendations contained in the Cawley Report. Substantial progress has been made on a number of fronts, including the current decommissioning scheme which was one of the key recommendations of the Cawley Report. A total of 45 vessels have accepted offers. €21m was spent in 2008 with an estimated €16m to be spent in 2009. A significant economic benefit currently estimated at some €22m will accrue to the remainder of the fleet from the redistribution of the prawn and whitefish catch previously taken by the decommissioned vessels.

Other progress includes; developing marketing opportunities for Irish seafood, work on the establishment of the Seafood Development Centre, publication of a draft lobster management plan, establishment of the Step Up Programme to incentivise consolidation and prioritise support for the development of seafood businesses, ongoing development of an industry focused Environmental Management System for the wild-capture seafood sector, encouraging use of environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient fishing by way of grant aid, increased training opportunities in the sea fisheries, aquaculture and shore-based sectors.

The Cawley Report recommendations and their indicated funding are underpinned by the National Development Plan (NDP) 2007 — 2013.

I am confident that, with the buy in and participation of the key stakeholders in the implementation process, progress will continue to be made and the goals set out in the Cawley Report will be achieved.

Question No. 122 answered with Question No. 91.

Farm Retirement Scheme.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

123 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of transfers of active farm holdings registered with his Department for the years 2007, 2008 and 2009 for persons retiring from farming; the breakdown of the number of those transfers which were between family members and to non-family members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4907/09]

The following table shows a breakdown of applications received under the Early Retirement Scheme in 2007 and 2008 by farm holdings transferred to family members and non-family members.

Early Retirement Scheme

Transfers to family members

Transfers to non-family members

2007

91

48

2008

211

116

Most of these transfers were by lease. Definitive transfers of holdings were as follows:

Early Retirement Scheme

Definitive transfers to family members

Definitive transfers to non-family members

2007

31

2

2008

72

2

The scheme in question was introduced on 6 June 2007 and was suspended for new applications with effect from 15 October 2008.

Dairy Sector.

Seymour Crawford

Ceist:

124 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he has taken at EU level to help underpin the dairy sector; if he is satisfied that such steps will be sufficient to allow farmers make a profit during 2009; his views on the situation whereby the USA is buying in product into storage at Government level at a time when they are objecting to such a structure at a European level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4784/09]

Dairy product prices reached record high levels in 2007 and early 2008 and producer prices also peaked in that time. Since then international dairy product prices have fallen back considerably, although the average Irish producer price for 2008 was similar to the 2007 price. Indications are that markets will remain weak in the first half of 2009 and I made clear to Commissioner Fischer Boel that a range of supports would help to restore confidence and put a floor under market prices. The Commission initially responded by commencing the 2009 butter private storage scheme two months early. Subsequently, on January 15th the Commissioner announced further measures to assist the dairy sector. These included a commitment under the Intervention system to purchase more than the fixed quantities of butter (30,000 tonnes) and Skimmed Milk Powder (109,000 tonnes) if the market situation requires it. In addition, she announced the reintroduction of export refunds for butter, milk powders and cheese and these were reinstated at the milk management committee meeting on 22nd January. Irish operators can now avail of these refunds and my Department will continue to examine the position and urge the Commission to set the refunds at an appropriate level to support the dairy sector.

Dairy farmers incomes are comprised of the market price paid for milk and direct income support from the EU. Market forces have a significant and increasing influence on the price paid for milk. World market prices determine the returns received by dairy processors and these in turn are reflected in the price paid to farmers. In essence, farm gate prices normally reflect the returns from international markets of dairy product sales.

Irrespective of the position adopted by the US or others, the reintroduction of exports refunds to support the dairy market in the EU is fully compatible with our WTO obligations. While we are facing short-term uncertainty, analysis shows that the long-term outlook is bright. Global growth in wealth and population will provide opportunities for quality producers like Ireland, and all areas of the dairy sector can expect to reap the rewards. In the meantime, I will continue to monitor developments in the dairy sector closely and intervene again with the Commissioner as the market situation evolves.

Grant Payments.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

125 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the percentage of farmers due a REP scheme four payment who have been paid to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4874/09]

Of the 12,319 farmers who are eligible for 2008 REPS 4 scheme payments, 10,773 applied before the 15 May 2008 and a further 1,546 applied under the special arrangement agreed with the EU Commission for REPS 2 plans terminating in 2008 whereby farmers with plans terminating on or before the 31 August had to lodge their application by 15 May 2008 and a full plan by 31 July 2008, and those terminating after 31 August 2008 and up to 30 November 2008 had to lodge their application by 15 May 2008 and a full plan by 31 October 2008.

To date 2,063 REPS 4 payments have either issued or are scheduled for payment.

Dairy Sector.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

126 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the initiatives he has taken and will take to secure an appropriate level of price support for the dairy sector in order to prevent a situation in 2009 in view of the fact that the support granted to date has had no impact on market prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4875/09]

Michael Creed

Ceist:

152 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps in view of the crises in the dairy industry here and the recent decision by the EU Commission to reactivate dairy export refunds, he will take to secure sufficient refunds for Irish dairy exports on to the world market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4954/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 126 and 152 together.

Dairy farmers incomes are comprised of the market price paid for milk and direct income support from the EU. Market forces have a significant and increasing influence on the price paid for milk. World market prices determine the returns received by dairy processors and these in turn are reflected in the price paid to farmers. In essence, farm gate prices normally reflect the returns from international markets of dairy product sales.

Dairy product prices reached record high levels in 2007 and early 2008 and producer prices also peaked in that time. Since then international dairy product prices have fallen back considerably, although the average Irish producer price for 2008 was similar to the 2007 price. Indications are that markets will remain weak in the first half of 2009 and I made clear to Commissioner Fischer Boel that a range of supports would help to restore confidence and put a floor under market prices. The Commission initially responded by commencing the 2009 butter private storage scheme two months early. Subsequently, on January 15th the Commissioner announced further measures to assist the dairy sector. These included a commitment under the Intervention system to purchase more than the fixed quantities of butter (30,000 tonnes) and Skimmed Milk Powder (109,000 tonnes) if the market situation requires it. In addition, she announced the reintroduction of export refunds for butter, milk powders and cheese and these were reinstated at the milk management committee meeting on 22nd January. Irish operators can now avail of these refunds and my Department will continue to examine the position and urge the Commission to set the refunds at an appropriate level to support the dairy sector.

It is too soon yet to expect these initiatives to have made any significant impact on the international markets. However, I will continue to monitor developments in the dairy sector closely and intervene again with the Commissioner as the market situation evolves.

North-South Ministerial Council.

Margaret Conlon

Ceist:

127 Deputy Margaret Conlon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the outcome of the recent North-South Ministerial Council sectoral meeting. [4935/09]

This meeting had to be cancelled because the DUP Minister scheduled to attend was delayed at Heathrow Airport.

Question No. 128 answered with Question No. 112.

Food Safety Standards.

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

129 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will review the entire inspection regime following the pork dioxin scare to ensure inspectors are working in areas of greatest risk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4911/09]

As I indicated to the Joint Oireachtas on Agriculture I am establishing a review group with representatives from my Department, the Department of Health and Children and other state agencies concerned, to examine all aspects of the dioxin incident and to make recommendations as to the future policy in this area. Dr. P. Wall, associate professor of Public Health at UCD, has agreed to chair the group.

Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Eamon Scanlon

Ceist:

130 Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the provision being made in his Department’s vote for REP scheme in 2009. [4937/09]

The provision in my Department's vote for REPS in 2009 is €355 million.

Question No. 131 answered with Question No. 108.

Agricultural Exports.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

132 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his projections, proposals and conclusions for the development and expansion of the agri-food sector over the next five years with particular reference to the need to enhance, encourage, improve and create the proper competitive economic environment for Irish food exports on world markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4915/09]

The Irish agri-food and fisheries sector is operating in a global market that is experiencing significant challenges and unprecedented change and at the same time providing significant long term opportunities. Despite the well documented challenges in the global market, I believe that this indigenous industry has the potential to boost export returns and approach €10 billion in annual export revenues by 2011, as has been targeted by Bord Bia. The strongest growth potential exists in dairy, prepared foods, beef, alcoholic beverages and seafood sectors.

The role of my Department and its agencies is to assist this industry to maximise the return from these opportunities. A number of strategic initiatives have been taken to help the agri-food sector achieve its potential including capital investment schemes for the food processing sectors, fisheries, innovation and research and development.

Addressing the industry's capacity to compete successfully at home and overseas has assumed a new urgency and my belief is that a new development plan for the period to 2020 is required to maintain the impetus gained from the Agri-Vision 2015 strategy. My Department has already started the preparatory work on this plan which is focusing on the opportunities arising from a growing international food and energy crop markets, the challenges from the global economic downturn, currency fluctuations, climate change and the critical issue of competitiveness.

Grant Payments.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

133 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the status of applications under the farm improvement scheme which were made before the closing date of 31 October 2007 but which have not been processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4401/09]

The Farm Improvement Scheme was introduced by my Department in July 2007 with funding of €79 million as agreed under the 2006 Partnership Agreement, Towards 2016, and was suspended on 31 October 2007 as applications received had reached this level of funding. The applications received under the Scheme are being processed by my Department up to the level of funding available.

Agricultural Exports.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

134 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he is taking to promote new exports to mainland Europe in view of the fact that there is little prospect of sterling recovering enough to compensate exporters here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4886/09]

Bord Bia, under the aegis of my Department, is the State agency responsible for market development of food, drink and horticulture. In addition to specific allocations for quality assurance measures and healthy eating initiatives, Bord Bia has a marketing and promotional budget for 2009 of €20m. This has enabled Bord Bia to implement a comprehensive set of promotional programmes and tailored services to assist Irish food and drink companies build additional business in Europe.

In addition, an inter-Departmental Market Access Group comprising representatives from the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Enterprise, Trade and Employment, An Bord Bia, Enterprise Ireland and Bord Iascaigh Mhara is currently engaged in a co-ordinated effort to identify potential market opportunities for the full range of Irish food and beverages, prioritisation of market initiatives and broader access issues.

Animal Diseases.

Margaret Conlon

Ceist:

135 Deputy Margaret Conlon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to progress the herd health initiative. [4934/09]

Noel Treacy

Ceist:

144 Deputy Noel Treacy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the function of Animal Health Ireland, which he formally launched recently. [4931/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 135 and 144 together.

My Department has been actively progressing an initiative to improve the health of the national herd and flock for many years and this was given added impetus by the inclusion in the Programme for Government of a commitment to introduce a herd health initiative to deal with non-regulated diseases. To advance these objectives, I recently launched Animal Health Ireland which aims to improve overall animal health standards, thereby enhancing on-farm productivity and securing improved profitability for farmers through a coordinated national approach to animal health. The main stakeholders are fully supportive of this initiative and have agreed to financially support it.

The function of Animal Health Ireland (AHI) will be to:

develop effective national plans for action in the area of unregulated disease

coordinate and prioritise research projects and initiatives in respect of action programmes undertaken

build upon and coordinate the national infrastructure that will enable industry, at all levels, to take appropriate and effective action.

My Department will meet some initial costs of AHI and will provide a small number of Executive staff to assist the interim Steering Group, currently being chaired by Mr Mike Magan. This Group, which has been selected on the basis of competencies, will oversee the initiative and a Stakeholders Group comprising representatives of the organisations that are co-financing it will in turn oversee the Steering Group. Work has commenced on the administrative arrangements to be put in place to support AHI, which will operate independently of my Department.

Animal Health Ireland represents a significant change from the long-established Government-led model that has characterised animal health policy to date in Ireland. AHI provides a unique opportunity to develop an improved understanding of current practices and future trends in international best practice in the area of herd health and affords those organisations — including farmers, producers, processors, and support/advisory service — actively participating in the project to build on the significant resources, informational infrastructure, capabilities and expertise already available within the range of organisations. And following on from that, developing a national strategy to take appropriate action in the area of non-regulatory animal health which in effect will allow industry to a large extent shape its own future.

Bovine Diseases.

Seán Connick

Ceist:

136 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of cases of BSE here in 2008. [4944/09]

The number of confirmed BSE cases here was 23 in 2008 which represents a continuation of the trend of falling numbers of cases since 2002 when there were 333 cases.

Farm Safety.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

137 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to promote the importance of health and safety on farms in 2009 in view of the fact that 21 people lost their lives on farms in 2008, which was 11 more than in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4906/09]

I am very concerned with the level of farm safety on our farms. Last year 21 people died on Irish farms and this year to-date 3 people have died on Irish farms. I strongly support the work of the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), which is the national body in Ireland with responsibility for securing health and safety at work.

In 2002 the Farm Safety Partnership Advisory Committee was established. This Committee is made up of representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Teagasc, HSA and other farming groups and supports and co-ordinates the majority of research and promotional activities in relation to farm safety. Throughout 2008 this Committee developed a Farm Safety Action Plan for the period 2009-2012, which was launched by my colleague Mr. Billy Kelleher T.D., Minister for Labour Affairs, in December 2008. This Plan sets out ambitious goals and actions to raise national awareness of occupational safety and health in agriculture and to reduce fatalities and accidents on Irish farms.

I fully support the HSA in the implementation of this new Farm Safety Action Plan 2009-2012 and my Department has committed to:

Include a link on DAFF's website to the "Farm Safety Section" of the Health and Safety Authorities website.

Ensure that Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS) training courses will address farm safety issues as they arise under particular REPS Measures.

Incorporate appropriate health and safety aspects in DAFF's farm building specifications when they are being drafted/revised.

Support farm safety week/month and to issue timely press statements on a relevant topic to highlight the need for health and safety awareness in agriculture.

Grant Payments.

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

138 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the value of REP scheme payments by his Department in December 2008. [4929/09]

A total of €57,705,655.80 was paid to REP scheme participants in December 2008.

Live Exports.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

139 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the arrangements he will put in place to ensure live exporters can continue to get livestock cleared for export on a Saturday in view of the fact that the live export trade is important to calf and weanling producers and must be protected and that live exporters are experiencing difficulties regarding the clearance of livestock for export on Saturdays due to the suspension of overtime in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4873/09]

I am fully aware of the importance of the live export trade to Irish farmers and exporters. My Department has provided the necessary services to facilitate the live export trade on Saturdays at the export assembly locations. Nevertheless and in line with all services being provided by Government Departments, it is essential that the required service is provided in the most cost effective and efficient manner and in a way that enables exporters meet Saturday sailing schedules. Against this background, my Department is currently reviewing all aspects of this service. While this review is under way, my Department continues to provide necessary services on Saturdays at existing export assembly locations, as heretofore.

Animal Welfare.

Noel Treacy

Ceist:

140 Deputy Noel Treacy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the level of support his Department provides to voluntary animal welfare organisations. [4930/09]

Since 1995, my Department has made ex-gratia payments to animal welfare organisations to assist in their work in the direct delivery of animal care and welfare services. Initially, these payments were made from residual funds in my Department's Vote at the end of each year. However, specific provisions for this purpose have been included in my Department's Estimates in recent years. Ex gratia funding is intended only as a contribution to the overall costs of these largely voluntary organisations, which operate throughout the country in both urban and rural areas.

The level of support provided in recent years is as follows:

Year

Total Amount

Number of organisations funded

€m

2005

1.206

86

2006

1.221

94

2007

1.479

107

2008

1.250

110

Farm Waste Management.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

141 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payments will commence under the farm waste management scheme to the 17,400 farmers awaiting grant aid in view of the serious cash flow implications for farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4871/09]

The deadline for completion of work and the submission of claims for grant payment under the Farm Waste Management Scheme expired on 31 December 2008 although applicants were permitted to submit certain supporting documentation up to 9 January 2009.

Last week, the Government took a number of decisions on the overall Expenditure Control and Economic Strategy that included the funding for the Farm Waste Management Scheme and arrangements for payment of grant aid on a phased basis. My Department is in discussion with the Department of Finance on the implications for the Department's Vote and the details that will be published in the Revised Estimates Volume next month.

Aquaculture Development.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

142 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his attention has been drawn to the potential future employment prospects of aquaculture or fish farming which, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, is currently the fastest growing sector in the world; the action he is taking to harness this potential for job creation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4900/09]

The considerable potential of the Irish aquaculture sector to create wealth and jobs in coastal communities has been recognised by the Government for some time. The Seafood Strategy, Steering a New Course — Strategy for a Restructured, Sustainable and Profitable Irish Seafood Industry 2007-2013, identifies a much bigger role for aquaculture in meeting the increasing demand for seafood and sets down a number of recommendations that will deliver significant development and expansion of the aquaculture sector. That strategy has been translated into a series of detailed actions and schemes and these have been incorporated in the non co-funded Fisheries Operational Programme 2007-2013.

A provision of €5 million has been made in my Department's Vote to support Aquaculture development in 2009. It is planned to roll out a number of actions to assist the development of aquaculture and draw down the available funds in the near future.

Farm Waste Management.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

143 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will put in place special arrangements to ensure all receipts are returned to farmers by the end of February 2009 under the farm waste management scheme in order that they can claim back their VAT; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4872/09]

Invoices/receipts submitted by farmers for the purposes of grant payments under the Farm Waste Management Scheme are available on request from the Department's local AES offices.

Question No. 144 answered with Question No. 135.

Food Safety Standards.

Andrew Doyle

Ceist:

145 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; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4956/09]

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.

Rural Development.

Johnny Brady

Ceist:

146 Deputy Johnny Brady asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the impact for Ireland of the recent announcement of the European Commission to provide additional funding for rural development. [4927/09]

Under the European Economic Recovery Plan the EU Commission has proposed that an amount of €1.5 billion should be made available to all Member States in their Rural Development Programmes via the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). One third of this amount (€0.5 billion) is proposed to be spent on new challenges related operations, being climate change adaptation and mitigation, renewable energies, water management, biodiversity, innovation measures relating to these areas and the restructuring of the dairy sector. The remaining two thirds (€1 billion) is proposed to be allocated to developing broadband internet infrastructure in rural areas.

It is particularly important to me that Ireland should receive a fair share of these funds, reflecting our traditionally high spend on rural development measures. I am also anxious to ensure that there should be reasonable flexibility allowed to Member States in how these funds are used within the rural development programme, which includes some of our largest agricultural schemes.

The Recovery Plan is still under negotiation within the Community and the outcome of this process and the potential amount available for Irish agriculture will not be known for some time.

Grant Payments.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

147 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason REP scheme four payments were not paid in 2008 and have been delayed until now; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4878/09]

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. These include checks on areas and on the plan details and the controls have to satisfy stringent EU regulatory and audit requirements.

Many REPS 4 plans have been prepared using eREPS, the electronic planning system approved and funded by my Department. The information on these plans is in computerised format and it was necessary to develop an appropriate computer based control system for checking these plans. This was a lengthy process and the system was only available from late autumn. However a substantial minority of plans submitted this year were not prepared using eREPS. Administrative checks on these have to be done manually and are extremely time-consuming.

An effect of industrial action in my Department's local offices last year was that this process was delayed. In these circumstances my Department sought some flexibility from the European Commission which would have allowed payment of those REPS 4 cases which had been fully cleared, but the Commission were not prepared to allow this. The first payments for 2008 REPS 4 applications issued in the last week of January to those whose applications required no correction following the administrative checks. Further payments continue to be made as applications are cleared.

Rural Development.

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

148 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the €17 million in modulation funds to come available in 2009 to 2010 will be targeted toward mountain areas in view of the fact that ewe numbers have fallen from 4.75 to 2.7 million; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4904/09]

Under the Health Check agreement modulation funds of approximately €120m will be allocated to Ireland's Rural Development Programme over a four year period beginning in 2010. This funding may only be spent on measures addressing the new and ongoing challenges of climate change adaptation and mitigation, renewable energies, water management, biodiversity, innovation measures relating to these areas and the restructuring of the dairy sector.

Ireland's Rural Development Programme will be revised during 2009 to incorporate both the additional funding and the new measures. I am currently considering how these funds can best be used to develop Irish agriculture within the terms laid down in the EU regulations. As part of this process I have asked for submissions from the rural development stakeholders and the closing date for these submissions is 16 February 2009. All submissions received will be examined carefully, and will be a useful input to the decisions on these matters, which I expect to announce in the near future.

Question No. 149 answered with Question No. 100.

Agricultural Imports.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

150 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the breakdown on the level of beef and dairy imports into Ireland by quantity and country of origin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4877/09]

The Central Statistics Office is responsible for the collection of statistics in relation to imports and trade in products of animal origin. The last full calendar year for which information is available from the CSO is 2007. The following tables therefore cover 2007 and for dairy products the period up to August 2008 and in the case of beef, the period up to up to October 2008.

The following should be noted:

In certain cases the record of import may include the re-import of Irish products that were originally the subject of an export from this country.

The information available for imports from EU Member States does not differentiate between products originating in the EU country and those originating in third countries that may already be in free circulation within the Community.

Imports of Beef from Non-EU countries (tonnes)

2007

20081

tonnes

tonnes

Argentina

146

2

Barbados

2

2

Bosnia & Herzegovina

1

1

Brazil

5,446

669

Chile

48

China

73

India

2

Mellila

1

1

Norway

40

Thailand

25

Uruguay

372

Totals

5,782

1,049

1to end October 2008.

Imports of Beef from EU countries (tonnes)

2007

20081

tonnes

tonnes

Austria

4

4

Belgium

67

296

Germany

579

1171

Denmark

275

742

Spain

176

314

France

879

685

UK

17,734

15,752

Italy

63

72

Ireland

468

224

Lithuania

1

352

Luxembourg

1

Latvia

9

9

Netherlands

3,568

3,112

Northern Ireland

536

447

Poland

35

374

Portugal

4

Totals

24,398

23,555

1to end October 2008.

Imports of Dairy Products from EU countries (tonnes)

2007

20081

tonnes

tonnes

Austria

1,006

1,351

Belgium

15,626

10,602

Czech Republic

5

Germany

17,598

15,450

Denmark

1,234

1,529

Estonia

1

Spain

1,367

588

Finland

2,176

1,902

France

15,354

11,232

UK

90,496

71,889

Greece

376

180

Hungary

568

420

Italy

267

2,057

Lithuania

1,676

947

Luxembourg

30

46

Latvia

314

60

Malta

5

139

Netherlands

10,291

7,425

Poland

877

1,416

Portugal

775

472

Sweden

806

710

Northern Ireland

272,782

179,185

Ireland

15,539

1,732

Totals

449,169

309,332

1to end August 2008.

Imports of Dairy Products from Non-EU countries (tonnes)

2007

20081

tonnes

tonnes

Argentina

2

Australia

1

Canada

31

46

Switzerland

331

180

China

4

3

Iceland

3

Israel

31

43

Kenya

4

1

Libya

12

Malaysia

33

Norway

1

Nigeria

2

1

New Zealand

180

156

Philippines

3

Singapore

11

Thailand

4

2

Turkey

1

Taiwan

245

169

USA

1073

67

Totals

1960

680

1to end August 2008.

Source: CSO.

Aquaculture Development.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

151 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his attention has been drawn to the fact that aquaculture in Scotland alone is 50 times the size of that in Ireland while the Norwegians produce as much in one week as Ireland produces in a year despite the ideal conditions for aquaculture here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4899/09]

With regard to the farming of Atlantic salmon, the facts are that Ireland turned out just less than 10,000 metric tonnes in 2007, the Scottish industry produced some 170,000 metric tonnes (about 17 times more than Ireland) and the Norwegians produced approximately 770,000 metric tonnes.

It should be noted that the Irish aquaculture industry also has a substantial shell fish farming component, which neither the Scotland nor Norway have. Ireland's shell fish farmers produce between 45,000 to 50,000 metric tonnes of high quality mussels and oysters annually and new species of shell fish like abalone and scallops are also being farmed in increasing volumes.

The considerable potential of the Irish aquaculture sector to create wealth and jobs in coastal communities has been recognised by the Government for some time. The Seafood Strategy, Steering a New Course — Strategy for a Restructured, Sustainable and Profitable Irish Seafood Industry 2007-2013, identifies a much bigger role for aquaculture in meeting the increasing demand for seafood and sets down a number of recommendations that will deliver significant development and expansion of the aquaculture sector. That strategy has been translated into a series of detailed actions and schemes and these have been incorporated in the non co-funded Fisheries Operational Programme 2007-2013.

A provision of €5 million has been made in my Department's Vote to support Aquaculture development in 2009. It is planned to roll out a number of actions to assist the development of aquaculture and draw down the available funds in the near future.

Question No. 152 answered with Question No. 126.

Grant Payments.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

153 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the details of the negotiations he, his Department officials or Department of Finance officials are engaged in with Irish banks regarding moneys due to farmers under the farm investment scheme, the farm waste management scheme and REP scheme four; if he accepts the clear contractual obligation on him to honour these commitments in a timely manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4953/09]

Insofar as commitments have been entered into by my Department, the liabilities arising will be met subject, of course, to such verification as may be required to ensure that the claimants have complied with the terms and conditions of the schemes. The timing of payment is subject to the provision of adequate funding on the Vote for my Department. Last week, the Government took a number of decisions on the overall Expenditure Control and Economic Strategy that included the funding for the Farm Waste Management Scheme and arrangements for payment of grant aid under that scheme on a phased basis. My Department is in discussion with the Department of Finance on the implications for the Department's Vote and the details that will be published in the 2009 Revised Estimates Volume next month.

I have arranged to meet the Irish Banks tomorrow to discuss with them how those farmers who are due their Farm Waste Management grants, which are guaranteed by the State, might be facilitated.

Departmental Expenditure.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

154 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied regarding the adequacy of the budgetary provisions of his Department to meet in full and without restrictions all commitments and liabilities including those projected to the end of 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4916/09]

The Estimate for my Department is prepared to provide for liabilities that are expected to arise in the year in question. A substantial element of the funding in the Vote for my Department each year is provided for demand led schemes that are subject to variables such as farmer up-take and the rate at which approved projects are completed which in turn is influenced by market and economic conditions. The nature of many schemes and the potential liability is that there is always a degree of uncertainty about the final outturn. The situation in relation to 2009 was complicated further by the fact that the Budget was presented by the Minister for Finance in the context of very careful consideration by Government of the allocation of scarce resources in the context of the national economic and fiscal situation.

Against this background, a particular difficulty has arisen in relation to the funding for the Farm Waste Management Scheme in 2009. In addition to the general situation I have outlined, other factors which had an influence on the preparation of the 2009 Estimate were the closing date for the scheme, the adverse weather conditions which impeded construction work, the credit shortage and deterioration in market conditions as well as the fact that the Government provided a Supplementary Estimate of €195 million for the Scheme prior to the Budget in order to meet liabilities arising under the Scheme. In these circumstances, €125 million was provided for the Scheme in the 2009 Budget. In the above context and given that a large number of claims were submitted before the expiry of the deadline for the completion of work, including over 14,000 claims in December, this funding is inadequate to meet the claims on hands.

Last week, the Government took a number of decisions on the overall Expenditure Control and Economic Strategy that included the funding for the Farm Waste Management Scheme and arrangements for payment of grant aid on a phased basis. My Department is in discussion with the Department of Finance on the implications for the Department's Vote and the details that will be published in the Revised Estimates Volume next month.

Question No. 155 answered with Question No. 119.

Foreshore Licences.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

156 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will introduce legislation to resolve planning issues relating to offshore wind generation; the remit of any proposed legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4563/09]

My Department has responsibility for foreshore functions under the Foreshore Acts 1933 to 2005. When considering applications under the Foreshore Acts, including offshore energy projects, the role of my Department is to ensure the protection of the environment and the sustainability of developments on the foreshore. Foreshore consents for offshore wind developments already granted from 2002 to date allow for the installation of at least 1512 megawatt (MW) of offshore wind capacity. In addition possible Foreshore consents for offshore wind projects currently at both the application and the pre-application stage have the potential to deliver an additional 1900 MW.

A consolidation and streamlining of the Foreshore Acts has been under consideration for some time. This is intended to provide a modern, effective and integrated legal framework for the management of the State's foreshore estate in the future. Preparation of these proposals will to take account, among other things, of the EU Public Participation Directive, the principles in the EU Recommendation on Integrated Coastal Zone Management, the outcome of the EU Maritime Green Paper, the EU Marine Strategy Directive and the EU Roadmap on Maritime Spatial Planning.

The Government decided on 2 October 2007 that responsibility for certain foreshore licensing functions under the Foreshore Act 1933 including in respect of all energy related developments would transfer to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. My Department is currently putting in place the necessary arrangements to ensure the efficient and effective transfer of the appropriate legislation and associated functions.

In the interest of efficiency and effectiveness it is considered appropriate that the review of the Foreshore Acts should await the completion of the transfer of the relevant elements of the Foreshore functions to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. My Department will continue to work closely with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in the context of progressing the various elements required to develop the appropriate coastal zone legislative and management framework. In the meantime legislation will be brought forward very shortly to give effect to the transfer of the relevant functions to the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Simon Coveney

Ceist:

157 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to introduce legislation to update and fast-track the planning process to facilitate large-scale offshore wind generation projects. [4601/09]

My Department has responsibility for foreshore functions under the Foreshore Acts 1933 to 2005. When considering applications under the Foreshore Acts, including offshore energy projects, the role of my Department is to ensure the protection of the environment and the sustainability of developments on the foreshore. Foreshore consents for offshore wind developments already granted from 2002 to date allow for the installation of at least 1512 megawatt (MW) of offshore wind capacity. In addition possible Foreshore consents for offshore wind projects currently at both the application and the pre-application stage have the potential to deliver an additional 1900 MW.

A consolidation and streamlining of the Foreshore Acts has been under consideration for some time. This is intended to provide a modern, effective and integrated legal framework for the management of the State's foreshore estate in the future. Preparation of these proposals will to take account, among other things, of the EU Public Participation Directive, the principles in the EU Recommendation on Integrated Coastal Zone Management, the outcome of the EU Maritime Green Paper, the EU Marine Strategy Directive and the EU Roadmap on Maritime Spatial Planning.

The Government decided on 2 October 2007 that responsibility for certain foreshore licensing functions under the Foreshore Act 1933 including in respect of all energy related developments would transfer to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. My Department is currently putting in place the necessary arrangements to ensure the efficient and effective transfer of the appropriate legislation and associated functions.

In the interest of efficiency and effectiveness it is considered appropriate that the review of the Foreshore Acts should await the completion of the transfer of the relevant elements of the Foreshore functions to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The necessary arrangements to give effect to the transfer of the Foreshore functions are at a very advanced stage.

Redundancy Payments.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

158 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason a statutory redundancy payment to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3, which would not be paid by the company, has been so long delayed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5141/09]

The Redundancy Payments Section of my Department with responsibility for the administration of the Redundancy Payments Scheme referred this matter in November 2008 to the Scope Section of the Department of Social and Family Affairs for further clarification as to entitlement under insurable criteria. My Department is awaiting the outcome of this referral in order to proceed with the processing of this claim and I have asked my officials to renew efforts to elicit a response in this case.

Work Permits.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

159 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of work permits granted to US citizens for each year since 1998 to date in 2009. [5122/09]

The figures requested by the Deputy are set out in the following table.

Employment Permits Issued to US citizens from 1998 to 2009 (up to 9/2/2009)

New

Renewals

Issued

2009

47

7

54

2008

736

131

867

2007

815

391

1,206

2006

606

438

1,044

2005

577

479

1,056

2004

535

410

945

2003

600

371

971

2002

474

319

793

2001

719

255

974

2000

817

243

1,060

1999

598

299

897

1998

998

443

1,441

Redundancy Payments.

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

160 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the time normally taken to process applications for statutory redundancy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5169/09]

Up until mid 2008, our customer service targets for processing correctly completed redundancy claims were, in order of priority: four-six weeks for statutory redundancy lump sum claims to employees whose employers failed to pay the statutory entitlement; six weeks where claims were correctly submitted online, hard copy printed down correctly signed and sent in by employer; 10+ for manual claims sent in by employers. By and large these targets were met.

In mid-2008, there was a surge in the number of claims received in Redundancy Payments, such that by the end of the year there had been an increase of 59.9% over 2007. At that time, customer service targets had slipped as staff were unable to cope with such a massive increase in claim numbers. Actual targets being achieved were, in order of priority: 6-8+ weeks for statutory lump sum payments to employees whose employers had failed to pay the statutory entitlement; 12+ weeks for correctly submitted online claims, hard copy printed down correctly signed and sent in by employer; 16+ for manual claims sent in by employers.

I have allocated additional new staff to the Redundancy Payments Section in recent weeks and work has commenced on clearing the backlog, while pressing ahead with the payment of statutory redundancy lump sums to those employees whose employers have failed to pay their entitlements. However, the number of claims continues to rise.

Revised customer service targets are currently being established and the staffing level within the section is being closely monitored with a view to ensuring that claimants get the best possible service at, what is for them, a very difficult time.

Work Permits.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

161 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the rules regarding the issue of work permits were last reviewed; her plans in the current economic environment to review these rules; the number of non-renewal work permits which have been issued in the past six months of 2008 and to date in 2009 in each employment category; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5179/09]

Since 2004, Irish labour market policy has been to ensure that general labour and skills needs are met from within the workforce of the European Union. For strategic skills/labour shortages in designated occupations in key economic sectors such as healthcare, information technology and financial services, Government policy is to issue employment permits for the employment of non-EEA nationals for specific vacancies and in response to employer demand. The various schemes that give effect to such policies were introduced under the Employment Permits Act, 2006.

Currently employment permit holders constitute approximately 1.5% of the total labour force. Given that our current employment permit arrangements were designed to be vacancy-driven, the numbers of permit applications and consequent numbers of permits issued over the last six months have been showing a consistent downward trend.

I am currently having our employment permit arrangements reviewed to ensure their ongoing relevance to the needs of the Irish labour market. The numbers of non-renewal permits issued from July 2008 to date, by permit type and economic category, are set out in the following tables.

New First Time Permits Issued from 1 July 2008 to 7 February 2009 by permit type and economic sector

Economic Sector

New Permits Issued

Green Card

786

Information Technology

270

Healthcare

239

Services

80

Financial Services

79

Manufacturing

31

Construction

24

Transport

22

Education

16

Research

12

Retail

5

Sport

3

Government

2

Catering

1

Entertainment

1

Legal Services

1

Work Permit

1,121

Healthcare

302

Services

171

Information Technology

153

Agriculture and Fisheries

138

Sport

73

Catering

50

Education

50

Financial Services

44

Manufacturing

24

Construction

21

Entertainment

21

Transport

20

Research

17

Domestic

12

Retail

10

Tourism

10

Government

3

Legal Services

2

New First Time Permits Issued from 1 July 2008 to 7 February 2009 by permit type and economic sector

Economic Sector

New Permits Issued

Spousal/Dependant

803

Services

217

Healthcare

215

Catering

107

Retail

76

Information Technology

41

Manufacturing

38

Tourism

25

Domestic

19

Agriculture and Fisheries

18

Financial Services

15

Education

14

Construction

8

Transport

4

Entertainment

2

Research

2

Government

1

Sport

1

Intra-company Transfer

251

Information Technology

88

Manufacturing

72

Financial Services

34

Services

25

Construction

20

Retail

4

Entertainment

2

Healthcare

2

Tourism

2

Government

1

Research

1

Training

46

Information Technology

39

Manufacturing

3

Services

2

Construction

1

Financial Services

1

Local Employment Service.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

162 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the catchment area assigned to each of the local employment services in Dublin. [5248/09]

Details of the catchment area assigned to each of the Local Employment Services is set out in the following table:

Catchment Area

Ballyfermot LES

Ballyfermot

Canals LES

Kilmainham

Islandbridge

Drimnagh

Inchicore

Bluebell

Dublin Inner City Partnership (DICP)

St Andrews Resource Centre deals with Inner South East Dublin

South West Inner City deals with Inner South West Dublin

Inner City Renewal Group deals with Inner North East Dublin

North West Inner City deals with Inner North West Dublin

Southside LES

Loughlinstown

Ballybrack

Shankill

Hillview

Whitechurch

Sandyford

Ballyogan

Dun Laoghaire

Blackrock

Kimmage, Walkinstown, Crumlin, Drimnagh LES (KWCD)

Dublin 12

Part of Dublin 6 and 6W (Harolds Cross, Mount Jerome Side)

Tallaght LES

All South Side of Naas Road

East of Walkinstown Roundabout (Rathfarnham, Whitechurch, Saggart and Bohernabreena)

Clondalkin LES

Clondalkin, Palmerstown, Lucan, Newcastle (recent change).

Ballymun

Dublin 11 and parts of Dublin 9

Blanchardstown

Abbotstown, Blakestown, Coolmine, Corduff, Delwood, Mulhuddart, Roselawn, Tyrrelstown

Finglas/Cabra

Dublin 7 and Dublin 11

Northside

Dublin 17, parts of Dublin 5 and Dublin 13

Ministerial Appointments.

Charles Flanagan

Ceist:

163 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance if, in respect of the five members of the board of Anglo Irish Banks who tendered their resignations prior to the recent nationalisation of the bank, any of the five currently serve on other State boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5100/09]

I am assuming that the Deputy is referring to the five members of the board who resigned on 19 January 2009.

Ms Anne Heraty is a non-executive director in Bord na Móna, is also a board member of Forfás and is the Chairperson of the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs. Mr. Gary McGann is the Chairman of the Dublin Airport Authority.

To the best of my knowledge, Mr. Michael Jacob, Mr. Ned Sullivan and Ms Noel Harweth do not currently sit on State boards.

Appointments to the board of a State Body are generally made by the Minister with responsibility for the Body in question, usually subject to the consent of the Minister for Finance. The arrangements for such appointments are normally set out in legislation establishing the State Body.

EU Funding.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

164 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Finance if he will directly facilitate a meeting with the Special European Union Programmes Body and the North-South Ministerial Council with a view to securing SEUPB funding for ferry services (details supplied) that will generate significant tourism revenue for the Exchequer in the coming years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5120/09]

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

169 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance if he will facilitate a meeting of the North-South Ministerial Council with the Special European Union Programmes Body regarding the Lough Foyle and Lough Swilly ferries in view of the fact that it was stated in Dáil Éireann on 4 February 2009 that the issue has no home Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5164/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 164 and 169 together.

I should firstly point out that, in relation to the evaluation and selection of projects, the SEUPB is bound to follow the structures and processes set out in the Operational Programme, as approved by the European Commission, which provides 75% funding for the entire INTERREG IVA Programme. In this regard, individual project applications are a matter for the relevant Project Steering Committees of the INTERREG IVA Programme. The SEUPB has a role on such Steering Committees, through the Joint Technical Secretariat, which chairs the meetings and which provides relevant project assessments. The Deputy will be aware that the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) has no direct function in relation to the assessment of individual project applications.

The Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) is the Managing Authority for the Peace III and INTERREG IVA EU-funded cross-border Programmes. The INTERREG IVA Programme 2007-2013 has allocated indicative budgets to various themes, whose eligible area comprises of Northern Ireland, the Southern border counties and western Scotland. This includes a Tourism theme, which has an allocation of €30 million, and a Rural Development theme, which has an allocation of €10 million. I understand that, while the Tourism theme is currently closed for applications and most of its budget has already been committed in principle, the Rural Development theme will be open for applications later in the year and that this may offer an opportunity for funding of the type mentioned by the Deputies. I understand that the Body is open to discuss the application process with any eligible applicant or anyone acting on their behalf.

Estimates for Public Services.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

165 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Finance when the revised Estimates for public services 2009 will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5142/09]

It is intended that the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2009 will be published in mid-March this year.

Tax Code.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

166 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Finance if there are plans to review the introduction of the air travel tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5150/09]

Pat Breen

Ceist:

175 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 205 of 11 November 2008, if he has plans to review the air travel tax in view of the announcement by a company (details supplied) to reduce its services at Shannon Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5149/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 166 and 175 together.

I announced in Budget 2009 that an air travel tax will come into force in respect of passengers departing from Irish airports on and from 30 March 2009. A general rate of €10 per passenger will apply, with a lower rate of €2 for shorter journeys.

The Finance (No. 2) Act 2008 confirms the introduction of an air travel tax from 30 March 2009. However, I took account of concerns raised by the regional airports particularly those on the western seaboard. The lower rate of €2 will apply to departures from any Irish airport where the destination is 300 km or less from Dublin airport. This means that all Irish departures to locations such as Manchester, Liverpool and Glasgow will be subject to the €2 rate. We currently face significant financial challenges and the air travel tax is an important revenue raising measure.

Ireland is not unique in regard to applying a tax on air travel. A number of countries within the EU apply similar taxes including, the UK, France and the Netherlands, as do Australia and New Zealand. The proposed rates for the Irish air travel tax are not unreasonable both for shorter and longer journeys, when compared to rates in other countries.

It should be recognised that tourists will only be subject to the tax on their return journey. The additional €10 or €2 in the context of a much larger purchasing decision involving travel, hotel expenditures etc. should not have much of an effect on tourist numbers. I appreciate the airline industry continues to go through a difficult period. However, this difficult trading period has, in addition to weak world economic activity, been largely driven by a massive spike in oil prices. Oil prices have now halved from the all-time high prices experienced earlier in the year.

I tried to be as fair as possible in looking at areas for additional tax revenues. It is also worth noting that fuel used by commercial airlines is completely exempt from tax, so it is a sector that already has considerable preferential treatment. I have no plans to review the air travel tax.

Pension Provisions.

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

167 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance the proportion of salaries the new pension related levies apply to; if it is applicable to tax free allowances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5162/09]

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

168 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance if the new pension levy is tax deductible; if the income levies introduced by him in winter 2008 are tax deductible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5163/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 167 and 168 together.

The new public service pension related deduction will apply to the remuneration received by a public service employee at the rates announced on 3 February 2009.

Public Servants paying the new pension contribution will be treated for tax purposes in the same way as those making pension contributions in the private sector. Contributions will be deducted from gross pay by employers before income tax, PRSI and health levies are calculated. Thus, pension contributions will be effectively relieved of tax at the marginal rate.

The income levy on the other hand is payable on gross pay, before account is taken of pension contributions or capital allowances.

Question No. 169 answered with Question No. 164.

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

170 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the pension levy; if income that is not pensionable will be exempt from this levy. [5103/09]

The pension related deduction announced on 3 February 2009 will realise a payroll saving of €1.35 billion in a full-year and €1.12 billion in 2009. The deduction will apply to all remuneration. Certain income that is not pensionable, for example, overtime earnings, will be subject to the deduction.

National Lottery Funding.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

171 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Finance the way the funding from the national lottery is apportioned to each sector of the budget for each of the previous five years in tabular form; if he will further break these figures down by subhead; and if he will respond directly to the Deputy. [5115/09]

Appendix 1 of the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2004 shows the allocation of National Lottery funding to subheads in the Votes of Government Departments for 2004. A similar breakdown of expenditure which was part-funded by the proceeds of the National Lottery is given in Appendix 1 of the Revised Estimates for Public Services for each of the years 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 (copies of these appendices are set out below).

Since 2005, subheads which had previously been funded completely by the proceeds of the National Lottery are now partly funded by such proceeds. As the Lottery funds are treated as an item of non-tax revenue, it is not possible to indicate the percentage of Lottery funding contained in any individual subhead. The National Lottery contribution to the funding of all subheads part-funded from the Lottery in the years 2005 to 2008 is as follows:

Year

€m

2005

210.5

2006

200.0

2007

230.0

2008

265.0

Appendix 1: NATIONAL LOTTERY ALLOCATIONS

Vote/Subhead

2003 Provisional Outturn

2004 Estimate

Current

Capital

Total

Current

Capital

Total

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

6. Office of the Minister for Finance

L. — Charitable Lotteries Fund

7,618

7,618

7,618

7,618

25. Environment, Heritage and Local Government

B.3 — Grant-in-aid Fund for Task Force on Special Housing Aid for the Elderly

11,536

11,536

11,599

11,599

B.4 — Communal Facilities in Voluntary Housing Schemes

1,900

1,900

2,069

2,069

E.2 — Grant-in-aid for An Chomhairle Oidhreachta (Heritage Council)

1,971

5,077

7,048

2,000

5,100

7,100

Subtotal:—

1,971

18,513

20,484

2,000

18,768

20,768

26. Education and Science.

B.1 — Grant-in-aid Fund for general expenses of Adult Education Organisations

800

800

822

822

B.9 — Grant-in-aid Fund for general expenses of youth and sport organisations and other expenditure in relation to youth activities

27,121

27,121

28,624

28,624

B.10 — Grants to Colleges providing courses in Irish

1,177

1,177

1,185

1,185

B.11 — Publications in Irish

66

66

66

66

B.14 — Grant-in-aid Fund for general expenses of Cultural, Scientific and Educational Organisations

272

272

263

263

Subtotal:—

29,436

29,436

30,960

30,960

27. An Roinn Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta

C. — Íocaíocht le Ciste na Gaeilge

2,326

2,326

2,675

2,675

K. — Grants for Community and Voluntary Service

26,922

26,922

27,309

27,309

Subtotal:—

29,248

29,248

29,984

29,984

Appendix 1: NATIONAL LOTTERY ALLOCATIONS —continued

Vote/Subhead

2003 Provisional Outturn

2004 Estimate

Current

Capital

Total

Current

Capital

Total

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

33. Health and Children

B.7 — Grants to Health Agencies and other similar organisations

10,193

10,193

10,478

10,478

J.2 — Building, Equipping and Furnishing of Health Facilities

2,539

2,539

2,539

2,539

Subtotal:—

10,193

2,539

12,732

10,478

2,539

13,017

35. Arts, Sport and Tourism

C.1 — Grants for sporting bodies and the provision of sports and recreational facilities

98

61,000

61,098

63,597

63,597

C.4 — Irish Sports Council — General Assistance to Sports Organisations and other expenditure in relation to Organisations and other expenditure in relation to sports activities (Grant-in-Aid)

26,597

26,597

29,000

29,000

D.10 — Grants to An Chomhairle Ealaíon

11,249

2,000

13,249

17,008

3,500

20,508

Subtotal:—

37,944

63,000

100,944

46,008

67,097

113,105

36. Defence

X. — Coiste an Asgard

657

657

693

693

Total:—

117,067

84,052

201,119

127,741

88,404

216,145

Appendix 1: NATIONAL LOTTERY ALLOCATIONS

Vote/Subhead

2004 Provisional Outturn

2005 Estimate

Current

Capital

Total

Current

Capital

Total

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

6. Office of the Minister for Finance

L. — Payments to the Promoters of certain Charitable Lotteries

7,618

7,618

7,730

7,730

25. Environment, Heritage and Local Government

B.3 — Fund for Task Force on Special Housing Aid for the Elderly

11,599

11,599

11,947

11,947

B.4 — Communal Facilities in Voluntary Housing Schemes

2,069

2,069

2,131

2,131

E.2 — Grant for An Chomhairle Oidhreachta (Heritage Council)

2,000

5,100

7,100

2,050

5,270

7,320

Subtotal:—

2,000

18,768

20,768

2,050

19,348

21,398

26. Education and Science.

B.1 — Grant-in-aid Fund for general expenses of Adult Education Organisations

822

822

848

848

B.9 — Grant-in-aid Fund for general expenses of youth and sport organisations and other expenditure in relation to youth activities

28,622

28,622

33,889

33,889

B.10 — Grants to Colleges providing courses in Irish

1,151

1,151

1,209

1,209

B.11 — Publications in Irish.

66

66

69

69

B.14 — Grant-in-aid Fund for general expenses of Cultural, Scientific and Educational Organisations

254

254

269

269

Subtotal:—

30,915

30,915

36,284

36,284

27. Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs

C. — Payments to Ciste na Gaeilge

2,741

2,741

3,362

3,362

K. — Grants for Community and Voluntary Service

29,964

29,964

32,026

32,026

Subtotal:—

32,705

32,705

35,388

35,388

Appendix 1: NATIONAL LOTTERY ALLOCATIONS —continued

Vote/Subhead

2004 Provisional Outturn

2005 Estimate

Current

Capital

Total

Current

Capital

Total

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

35. Arts, Sport and Tourism

C.1 — Grants for sporting bodies and the provision of sports and recreational facilities

80,704

80,704

61,926

61,926

C.4 — Irish Sports Council — General Assistance to Sports Organisations and other expenditure in relation to Organisations and other expenditure in relation to sports activities (Grant-in-Aid)

29,000

29,000

32,573

32,573

D.10 — An Chomhairle Ealaíon (Grant-in-Aid)

17,008

3,500

20,508

19,412

3,588

23,000

Subtotal:—

46,008

84,204

130,212

51,985

65,514

117,499

36. Defence

Y. — Coiste an Asgard (Grant-in-Aid).

693

693

1,123

1,123

39. Health and Children

B.2 — Grants to Health Agencies and other similar organisations

3,536

3,536

3,722

3,722

40. Health Service Executive

B.11 — Grants to Health Agencies and other similar organisations

6,942

6,942

7,018

7,018

C.2 — Building, Equipping and Furnishing of Health Facilities

2,539

2,539

2,539

2,539

Subtotal:—

6,942

2,539

9,481

7,018

2,539

9,557

Grand Total:—

130,417

105,511

235,928

145,300

87,401

232,701

Appendix 1: EXPENDITURE PART-FUNDED BY THE NATIONAL LOTTERY*

Vote/Subhead

2005 Provisional Outturn

2006 Estimate

Current

Capital

Total

Current

Capital

Total

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

6. Office of the Minister for Finance

L. — Payments to the Promoters of certain Charitable Lotteries

7,730

7,730

8,618

8,618

25. Environment, Heritage and Local Government

B.3 — Task Force on Special Housing Aid for the Elderly

11,948

11,948

17,012

17,012

B.4 — Communal Facilities in Voluntary Housing Schemes

2,240

2,240

2,445

2,445

E.1 — Grant for An Chomhairle Oidhreachta (Heritage Council)

3,717

5,270

8,987

3,862

7,108

10,970

Subtotal:—

3,717

19,458

23,175

3,862

26,565

30,427

26. Education and Science.

B.1 — Grant-in-aid Fund for general expenses of Adult Education Organisations

848

848

891

891

B.9 — Grant-in-aid Fund for general expenses of Youth Organisations and other expenditure in relation to youth activities

33,885

33,885

36,728

36,728

B.10 — Grants to Colleges providing courses in Irish

1,134

1,134

1,175

1,175

B.14 — Grant-in-aid Fund for general expenses of Cultural, Scientific and Educational Organisations

254

254

269

269

Publications in Irish

69

69

Subtotal:—

36,190

36,190

39,063

39,063

27. Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs

C. — Payments to Ciste na Gaeilge

3,352

3,352

4,354

100

4,454

K.1 — Grants for Community and Voluntary Programmes

14,000

14,000

11,548

11,548

L.1 — Local and Community Development Programmes

70,396

70,396

74,381

74,381

Subtotal:—

87,748

87,748

90,283

100

90,383

Appendix 1: EXPENDITURE PART-FUNDED BY THE NATIONAL LOTTERY* —continued

Vote/Subhead

2006 Provisional Outturn

2007 Estimate

Current

Capital

Total

Current

Capital

Total

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

35. Arts, Sport and Tourism

C.1 — Grants for sporting bodies and the provision of sports and recreational facilities

56,782

56,782

62,724

62,724

C.3 — Irish Sports Council (Grant-in-Aid)

34,425

34,425

40,914

40,914

D.7 — An Chomhairle Ealaíon (Grant-in-Aid)

62,645

3,588

66,233

68,640

3,670

72,310

97,070

60,370

157,440

109,554

66,394

175,948

36. Defence

Y. — Coiste an Asgard (Grant-in-Aid)

1,123

1,123

749

749

39. Health and Children

B.2 — Grants to Health Agencies and other similar organisations

3,722

3,722

3,815

3,815

40. Health Service Executive

B.11 — Grants to Health Agencies and other similar organisations

7,018

7,018

7,193

7,193

C.2 — Building, Equipping and Furnishing of Health Facilities

2,539

2,539

2,539

2,539

Subtotal:—

7,018

2,539

9,557

7,193

2,539

9,732

244,318

82,367

326,685

263,137

95,598

358,735

*The total expenditure of €326.685 million in 2005 was financed by €210.5 million from the National Lottery; the balance was funded by the Exchequer. In 2006, estimated total expenditure of €358.735 million will be financed by €200 million from the National Lottery and the balance by the Exchequer.

Appendix 1: EXPENDITURE PART-FUNDED BY THE NATIONAL LOTTERY*

Vote/Subhead

2006 Provisional Outturn

2007 Estimate

Current

Capital

Total

Current

Capital

Total

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

6. Office of the Minister for Finance

L. — Payments to the Promoters of certain Charitable Lotteries

8,618

8,618

8,618

8,618

25. Environment, Heritage and Local Government

B.1.14 — Communal Facilities in Voluntary Co-Operative Housing Schemes

2,624

2,624

2,700

2,700

B.2.4 — Private Housing Grants

63,011

63,011

66,221

66,221

E.1 — Grant for An Chomhairle Oidhreachta (Heritage Council)

3,862

5,526

9,388

4,485

7,315

11,800

Subtotal—

3,862

71,161

75,023

4,485

76,236

80,721

26. Education and Science.

B.1 — Grant-in-aid Fund for general expenses of Adult Education Organisations

891

891

929

929

B.9 — Grant-in-aid Fund for general expenses of Youth Organisations and other expenditure in relation to youth activities

36,693

36,693

42,617

42,617

B.10 — Grants to Colleges providing courses in Irish

1,228

1,228

1,256

1,256

B.14 — Grant-in-aid Fund for general expenses of Cultural, Scientific and Educational Organisations

229

229

230

230

Publications in Irish

Subtotal:—

39,041

39,041

45,032

45,032

27. Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs

C. — Payments to Ciste na Gaeilge

4,251

4,251

4,352

100

4,452

K.1 — Grants for Community and Voluntary Programmes

11,145

11,145

26,548

26,548

L.1 — Local and Community Development Programmes.

71,972

71,972

81,500

81,500

Subtotal:—

87,368

87,368

112,400

100

112,500

Appendix 1: EXPENDITURE PART-FUNDED BY THE NATIONAL LOTTERY*— continued

Vote/Subhead

2006 Provisional Outturn

2007 Estimate

Current

Capital

Total

Current

Capital

Total

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

35. Arts, Sport and Tourism

C.1 — Grants for sporting bodies and the provision of sports and recreational facilities

55,053

55,053

49,250

49,250

C.3 — Irish Sports Council (Grant-in-Aid)

40,914

40,914

54,025

54,025

D.7 — An Chomhairle Ealaíon (Grant-in-Aid)

71,140

11,170

82,310

75,000

5,000

80,000

Subtotal:—

112,054

66,223

178,277

129,025

54,250

183,275

36. Defence

Y. — Coiste an Asgard (Grant-in-Aid)

749

749

879

879

39. Health and Children

B.2 — Grants to Health Agencies and other similar organisations

3,757

3,757

3,903

3,903

40. Health Service Executive

B.11 — Grants to Health Agencies and other similar organisations

6,344

6,344

7,358

7,358

C.2 — Building, Equipping and Furnishing of Health Facilities

2,539

2,539

Subtotal:—

6,344

6,344

7,358

2,539

9,897

Total:—

261,793

137,384

399,177

311,700

133,125

444,825

*The total expenditure of €399,122 million in 2006 was financed by €200 million from the National Lottery; the remainder was funded by the Exchequer. In 2007, estimated total expenditure of €444.825 million will be financed by €205 million from the National Lottery and the remainder by the Exchequer

Appendix 1: EXPENDITURE PART-FUNDED BY THE NATIONAL LOTTERY*

Vote/Subhead

2007 Provisional Outturn

2008 Estimate

Current

Capital

Total

Current

Capital

Total

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

6. Office of the Minister for Finance

K. — Payments to the Promoters of certain Charitable Lotteries

8,618

8,618

8,618

8,618

25. Environment, Heritage and Local Government

B.1.14 — Communal Facilities in Voluntary Co-Operative Housing Schemes

1,922

1,922

3,000

3,000

B.2.4 — Private Housing Grants

67,342

67,342

69,221

69,221

G.1 — Grant for An Chomhairle Oidhreachta (Heritage Council)

4,485

9,051

13,536

5,529

7,874

13,403

Subtotal:—

4,485

78,315

82,800

5,529

80,095

85,624

26. Education and Science.

B.1 — Grant-in-aid Fund for general expenses of Adult Education Organisations

929

929

959

959

B.9 — Grant-in-aid Fund for general expenses of Youth Organisations and other expenditure in relation to youth activities

42,617

42,617

43,733

43,733

B.10 — Grants to Colleges providing courses in Irish

1,178

1,178

1,256

1,256

B.14 — Grant-in-aid Fund for general expenses of Cultural, Scientific and Educational Organisations

230

230

235

235

Publications in Irish

Subtotal:—

44,954

44,954

46,183

46,183

27. Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs

B.1 — Supports for Community and Voluntary Sector

18,500

18,500

26,047

26,047

B.3 — Local and Community Development Programmes

82,869

82,869

83,450

83,450

F.1 —Payments to Ciste na Gaeilge

4,058

214

4,272

4,365

1,000

5,365

Subtotal:—

105,427

214

105,641

113,862

1,000

114,862

Appendix 1: EXPENDITURE PART-FUNDED BY THE NATIONAL LOTTERY*— continued

Vote/Subhead

2007 Provisional Outturn

2008 Estimate

Current

Capital

Total

Current

Capital

Total

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

35. Arts, Sport and Tourism

C.1 — Grants for sporting bodies and the provision of sports and recreational facilities

49,882

49,882

56,000

56,000

C.3 — Irish Sports Council (Grant-in-Aid)

54,025

54,025

57,631

57,631

D.7 — An Chomhairle Ealaíon (Grant-in-Aid)

77,000

6,000

83,000

77,102

5,000

82,102

Subtotal:—

131,025

55,882

186,907

134,733

61,000

195,733

36. Defence

Y. — Coiste an Asgard (Grant-in-Aid)

879

879

803

803

39. Health and Children

B.2 — Grants to Health Agencies and other similar organisations

3,901

3,901

3,985

3,985

40. Health Service Executive

B.11 — Grants to Health Agencies and other similar organisations

7,702

7,702

7,513

7,513

C.2 — Building, Equipping and Furnishing of Health Facilities

2,539

2,539

2,539

2,539

Subtotal:—

7,702

2,539

10,241

7,513

2,539

10,052

Total:—

306,991

136,950

443,941

321,226

144,634

465,860

*The total expenditure of €443.941 million in 2007 was financed by €230 million from the National Lottery; the remainder was funded by the Exchequer. In 2008, estimated total expenditure of €465.860 million will be financed by €250 million from the National Lottery and the remainder by the Exchequer.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

172 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Finance the percentage of subheads’ funding (details supplied) which were accounted for by national lottery money in each of the previous five years in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5117/09]

The tabular statement requested by the Deputy is as follows.

Percentage funded by the National Lottery in 2004

C1 Grants for Sporting Bodies and the Provision of Sports and Recreational Facilities

100%

C3 Irish Sports Council — Administration and General Expenses

Nil

C4 Irish Sports Council — General Assistance to Sports Organisations and other Expenditure in relation to Sports Activities

100%

D9 The Arts Council

Nil

D10 The Arts Council

100%

From 2005, subheads which had previously been funded completely by the proceeds of the National Lottery are now partly funded by such proceeds.

As the Lottery funds are treated as an item of non-tax revenue, it is not possible to indicate the percentage of Lottery funding contained in any individual subhead.

Eircom Staff.

David Stanton

Ceist:

173 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Finance if employees of Eircom, formerly known as Telecom Éireann, are regarded as public servants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5118/09]

As the Deputy is aware, Telecom Éireann was floated on the Stock Exchange as a private limited company in July 1999 and renamed Eircom. It is now in the private sector and employees are employees of Eircom, although staff from the former Department of Posts and Telegraphs may retain certain limited terms and conditions of employment under the Postal and Telecommunication Services Act 1983 and the Postal and Telecommunications Services (Amendment) Act 1999 that derive from their previous employment in that Department.

Sports Sponsorship.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

174 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of the nationalisation of Anglo-Irish Bank, it is intended to proceed with the sponsorship of the Anglo-Irish Novices Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival 2009; the amount of sponsorship involved; if it is intended to provide corporate hospitality at the meeting in connection with the race; if so the cost involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5119/09]

Anglo Irish Bank is being run on an arms length commercial basis. Accordingly, normal commercial decisions, which include decisions on corporate sponsorship, are a matter for the Board of Anglo.

Notwithstanding this I am informed that Anglo is not sponsoring the Novice Hurdle at Cheltenham this year, nor will there be any corporate sponsorship.

Question No. 175 answered with Question No. 166.

Tax Code.

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

176 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Finance the number of primary and post primary schools which have obtained charitable status from the Revenue Commissioners since the scheme was first introduced; the amount of revenue which the schools in question were able to obtain as a result of donations and other fund-raising events; if the information will be provided for each year since the scheme was introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5180/09]

I am assuming that the "scheme" referred to in the Deputy's question is the scheme of tax relief for donations to eligible charities and other approved bodies under section 848A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997.

The position is that all primary and post primary schools providing education based on a programme prescribed or approved by the Minister for Education and Science automatically qualify as approved bodies for the purposes of this scheme.

The precise arrangements for allowing tax relief on donations varies depending on whether the donor is a PAYE taxpayer, a person who is subject to self-assessment or a company. For a PAYE donor, the relief is given on a "grossed up" basis to the eligible charity or approved body, as the case may be, rather than by way of a separate claim to tax relief by the donor. The claim for refunds is made by the eligible charity or approved body. In the case of a self-assessed donor, that individual claims the relief and there is no grossing up arrangement. In the case of a company, it will claim a deduction for the donation as if it were a trading expense.

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that, because of the different arrangements for claiming the relief it is not possible to provide the detailed information sought by the Deputy. However, the following table sets out the refunds of tax made by Revenue to primary and post primary schools relating to qualifying donations made — by individual PAYE donors only — in 2006, 2007 and 2008:

Year

Number of Schools

Donations by PAYE Donors

Tax Refunds Made

€m

€m

2006

91

2.70

1.65

2007

122

3.04

1.96

2008

145

3.24

1.99

Public Contracts.

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

177 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Finance if he will supply a copy of the guidelines or other documentation that have been issued to public bodies regarding pre-qualification criteria to be used by them in respect of public contracts; the way it should be applied in respect of turnover and the recourse contractors have other than raising it with the public body concerned to have particular pre-qualification rules amended to allow a greater number of competent contractors to be considered for projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5277/09]

All suitability assessment guidance has been made available on my Department's website www.constructionprocurement.gov.ie to anyone to download. As this guidance is freely available no documentation has been specifically issued to public bodies regarding pre-qualification criteria to be used by them.

The application of turnover limits is a matter for individual contracting authorities to determine. Under EU law, the rules require that such limits must be proportionate to the size, complexity and nature of the relevant project, and they must also be transparent and non-discriminatory. Appropriate turnover levels should be set to enable contracting authorities establish a sufficient number of competent contractors who have the capacity to carry out the work to be included on a tender list.

Under EU law contracting authorities are obliged on request to inform unsuccessful tenderers of decisions reached in relation to these tenders. However, where firms are dissatisfied with the administration of public procurement procedures by contracting authorities, they can have recourse to the Irish courts or can register a complaint with the EU Commission.

Hospital Services.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

178 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the provision currently made for in-patients in the Mid-West Regional Hospital who require speech therapy and occupational therapy, particularly those who are recovering from a brain injury or infection; if there are plans to have such therapists in-situ in the hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5065/09]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Accident and Emergency Services.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

179 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if hospitals have a facility to allow patients to pay their accident and emergency bills by credit card; if not, the reason for same; her views on whether such a facility would save time and money in the issuing and posting of bills and receipts; her other proposals to reduce paperwork and administrative costs in the health services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5076/09]

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

196 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason patients cannot pay accident and emergency charges via a credit card; if she has plans to facilitate the paying of accident and emergency charges by credit card in view of the cost savings that could be accrued by not having to then bill each patient; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5172/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 179 and 196 together.

As this is a service issue it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Health Service Staff.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

180 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to amend legislation to differentiate between physiotherapists and physical therapists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5077/09]

The Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 provides for the establishment of a system of statutory registration for 12 health and social care professionals, including physiotherapists. This new system of statutory registration will apply to the 12 professions regardless of whether they work in the public or private sector or are self-employed and is the first time that fitness to practise 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. While the proposed system of statutory registration applies, in the first instance to 12 health and social care professions, the legislation empowers the Minister for Health and Children to include, on the basis of specific criteria, additional health and social care professions in the regulatory system by regulation over time, as appropriate.

The first step in the implementation of the system was the establishment of the Health and Social Care Professionals Council, launched in March 2007. The Council has now recruited a Chief Executive Officer in May of last year and is currently putting in place a suitable organisational structure. The Council has examined which professions from within the designated 12 are most suitable for early registration and has decided to appoint the first two of 12 statutory Registration Boards, provided for under the Act. The Social Workers Registration Board and the Physiotherapists Registration Board are the first two registration boards prioritised for registration initially, to be completed by early 2009.

The Health and Social Care Professionals Act, 2005 provides for the protection of the title ‘physiotherapist' for use by those professionals who will qualify for registration with the Physiotherapists Registration Board. There is an additional issue for consideration regarding the possible protection of the title ‘physical therapist' via regulation for use by those professionals who will be registered with the Physiotherapists' Registration Board. This issue will be considered by the Health and Social Care Professionals Council during the course of establishing the Physiotherapist Registration Board. In line with the provisions of the Health and Social Care Professionals Act, the Minister will consult with the Physiotherapists Registration Board and other appropriate organisations in regard to the protection of variant titles under the Act.

Health Services.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

181 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) has been removed from the care of a facility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5088/09]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Tobacco Products.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

182 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the proposed regulations to be brought forward regarding provisions for the sale of tobacco products; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5089/09]

The Public Health (Tobacco) (Registration) Regulations 2009 (S.I. No. 41 of 2009) and the Public Health (Tobacco) (Self Service Vending Machines) Regulations 2009 (S.I. No. 42 of 2009) were finalised last week and will be available on my Department's website this week. The Public Health (Tobacco) (Retail Signs) Regulations 2009 provide for the sign to be displayed at a premises where tobacco products are sold by retail are currently being finalised and will be available shortly. The draft Public Health (Tobacco) (Product Information) Regulations 2008 were required to be notified to the European Commission and cannot be finalised before 24 March. However I can provide the Deputy with a copy of the draft regulation if required.

Medical Cards.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

183 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has issued regulations or guidelines to set out the way different assets, shareholdings, shares in private companies, unit funds with income rolled up and so on, should be treated in deciding the gross income for persons over 70 years in the medical card means test. [5094/09]

Under the Health Act 2008, automatic entitlement to a medical card for persons aged 70 or over ceased on 31 December 2008, and with effect from 1 January 2009, the income thresholds for entitlement to a medical card for those aged 70 or over is €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.

Under the over 70s medical card scheme, from 1 January 2009 any savings and similar investments up to €36,000 (single)/€72,000 (couple) will be disregarded and only interest from savings or similar investments above these figures will be considered as income for means testing purposes. The relevant portion of savings and similar investments will be assessed on the income calculated at a notional interest rate, based on the prevailing interest rates at the time of application. The Health Service Executive's (HSE) Central Application Unit will review the notional rate on a quarterly basis.

Alternatively, where an applicant wishes to have the actual interest from savings/investments considered, then the HSE will apply this approach and use the most beneficial option in favour of the applicant, subject to submission of the appropriate certificates from the relevant institutions. In the case of "longer term" investment accounts, where the interest is only applied at the end of a fixed period, if the applicant so wishes, the HSE will only take account of the interest earned on the date the investment matures.

Income will not be imputed from property (whether a family home, a holiday home or any other property) for means testing purposes, unless it is rented and only the net rental income will be included as income. The income to be assessed will be the gross income, less any cost necessarily incurred associated with the rental of the property and such cost may include insurance premia, loan/mortgage repayments, maintenance etc.

The above information relating to the assessment of savings and investments under the over 70s medical card scheme is available on my Department's website at www.dohc.ie and I have also asked the HSE to ensure that it is available on its website (www.hse.ie). Persons can also contact their local HSE office or the HSE "infoline" at 1850-24-1850 for further information. The HSE has also prepared detailed assessment guidelines for staff in relation to the over 70s medical card scheme.

Hospital Waiting Lists.

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

184 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Kerry who has been told that they must wait for another nine months for an operation at Cappagh Hospital, Dublin, may expect to be treated. [5104/09]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

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

Health Services.

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

185 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will receive the orthodontic treatment for which they have been waiting since 2004. [5105/09]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Cancer Screening Programme.

Deirdre Clune

Ceist:

186 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children the funding she has committed towards the development of the breast cancer services at the South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital in Cork prior to and since it’s establishment in 1992; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5109/09]

Funding began to be allocated specifically for cancer services in 1997, following the publication of Cancer Services in Ireland: A National Strategy in 1996. Since 1997, records show that the following funding was allocated to South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital (SIVUH) in respect of symptomatic breast disease services:
2001: €508,000 approximately (IR£400,000);
2002: €130,000;
2003: €500,000.
In addition, all costs for those medical consultants who have joint appointments with SIVUH and BreastCheck are met by the National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS). The NCSS advises that SIVUH sessional costs for these consultants equate to €271,000 per annum, while the non-pay cost element is €650,000 per annum.
The Interim Director of the National Cancer Control Programme has advised that planning is underway for the transfer of symptomatic breast cancer services from SIVUH to Cork University Hospital (CUH) later this year. Funds have been allocated for refurbishment works in CUH to facilitate this transfer.

Deirdre Clune

Ceist:

187 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children the reasoning behind her decision to establish BreastCheck on a site adjacent to the South Infirmary Victoria Hospital Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5110/09]

Deirdre Clune

Ceist:

188 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children the funding she has committed towards the establishment of the BreastCheck unit in Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5111/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 187 and 188 together.

The decision to locate BreastCheck in the South Infirmary Victoria Hospital was made by the National Breast Screening Board in early 2002 as part of the planning for the national extension of BreastCheck. Following a decision to site regional units in Cork and Galway, the Board engaged with the former Southern Health Board (SHB). On the advice of the Chief Executive Officer of the SHB, the South Infirmary Victoria Hospital was selected as the host hospital for the Southern Screening Unit. I understand that this advice was the result of consultations within the SHB.

The capital costs associated with the establishment of the Southern Unit totalled €10,287,000, comprising:

Construction

5,718,000

Imaging and other equipment

2,634,000

Mobile Units

1,935,000

Screening commenced at the Unit on 4 December 2007. Approximately 12,000 women were screened in the Southern Region in 2008.

Deirdre Clune

Ceist:

189 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children the funding she has made available to relocate breast cancer services from the South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital to the Cork University Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5112/09]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Hospital Waiting Lists.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

190 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will expedite an outpatient appointment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork who is on the orthopaedic knee waiting list for almost a year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5143/09]

The management of out-patient waiting lists is a matter for the HSE and the individual hospitals concerned. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the Executive for direct reply.

Care of the Elderly.

James Reilly

Ceist:

191 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of beds in long stay homes and hospitals for the elderly which the Health Service Executive plan to close in 2009; the number of beds being closed in each home, the locations which it is planned to close; the number of beds which will remain at the end of 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5159/09]

As the overall operation and capacity of beds in long stay homes and hospitals for the elderly is a service matter, this has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

The following is a revised reply to Question No. 191 received from the Department of Health and Children.

The Health Service Executive National Service Plan 2009 sets out the HSE's plan for the management and configuration of public long-term residential care services during 2009. The plan identifies a requirement to reduce the number of long-term residential care beds in some parts of the country, particularly where the standard of facilites is considered inadequate and where it is necessary to address infrastructural deficits in order to meet Health & Safety and Fire Requirements and the planned new standards. The full details in relation to these planned reductions are not currently available. However, my Department has sought urgent briefing from the Health Service Executive in relation to this matter and I will revert to the Deputy as soon as possible with a comprehensive response.

As part of the HSE's plan, it will also provide for a number of additional and replacement long-term residential care beds over the course of 2009. The latest information from the HSE indicates that 704 additional beds and 492 replacement beds will become operational during 2009. This includes beds being provided under the Capital Plan and beds being provided under the Fast-Track Initiative.

Nursing Home Accommodation.

James Reilly

Ceist:

192 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of additional or replacement long stay nursing home beds currently under construction; the number of the additional or replacement long stay nursing home beds currently under construction which will be commissioned in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5160/09]

The provision of services for older people is a priority for Government. A commitment has been made to provide 860 additional public long-stay beds for older people under the Fast-Track Initiative and these are in the process of being put in place. Older people have also been specifically highlighted in the Social Inclusion Priority of the National Development Plan 2007-2013.

The latest information from the HSE indicates that 704 additional beds and 492 replacement beds will become operational during 2009. This includes beds being provided under the Capital Plan and beds being provided under the Fast-Track Initiative.

In terms of the number of beds currently under construction, I have asked the HSE to provide detailed information directly to the Deputy.

Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.

James Reilly

Ceist:

193 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of applications received under the nursing home repayment scheme; the number of applicants issued offers to date; the number of appeals made against offers; the number of appeals decided; the number of appeals which have received an increased offer; the number of appeals officers employed by the scheme; the number of payments made to date; the cost of same; the cost of administering the scheme; the average waiting time to process an application; the number of applications that have yet to be decided upon; when the scheme will complete its work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5168/09]

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

Since the commencement of the scheme almost 35,000 applications have been received by the Scheme Administrator. Over 33,000 of these applications have been concluded which has resulted in excess of 19,500 offers being made to date. Payments have issued to over 16,000 claimants with a value totalling in excess of €353m. In the region of 1,600 applications remain to be determined. The vast majority of the remaining offers will issue by the end of April 2009. The Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office is an independent office established to provide an appeals service to those who wish to appeal the decision of the Scheme Administrator under the Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006. Two Appeals Officers have been appointed to consider appeals. Up to 30 January 2009 the Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office had received 5,220 appeals, of which 1,385 relate to appeals made against amount offers to claimants. The Appeals Office has issued 2,806 appeal decisions and of these appeal decisions, 184 decisions have resulted in an increased offer to claimants and 242 decisions have resulted in an initial offer to claimants. The total cost of administering the Scheme to the end of January 2009 was €21m which includes payments made to the Scheme Administrator, HSE administrative costs, Appeals Office costs, legal fees and probate costs.

Health Services.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Ceist:

194 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on correspondence regarding services in respect of a child (details supplied) in County Meath; if domiciliary care allowance will be approved in respect of this child; if a medical card will be provided for them; if the other services requested will be provided within a reasonable timeframe; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5170/09]

The provision of a Domiciliary Care Allowance, a medical card and specialist health services is a matter for the Health Service Executive. I have arranged for the Deputy's questions to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Hospital Staff.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

195 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of nurse vacancies that are currently unfilled at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin; when these critical positions will be filled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5171/09]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Question No. 196 answered with Question No. 179.

Health Services.

Simon Coveney

Ceist:

197 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Health and Children when approval will be received from the Health Service Executive national director of estates to proceed further with the development of the Carrigaline Health Centre, County Cork. [5181/09]

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Hospital Accommodation.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

198 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the health and safety grounds on which the decision was made to close a 19 bed unit at St Patrick’s Hospital in Waterford; if a report exists detailing these grounds; if so, if she will publish the report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5249/09]

I understand that there has been ongoing concern regarding health and fire safety issues associated with the unit at St. Patrick's Hospital, Waterford, a HSE facility. This unit is the last remaining ward on an upper floor of the hospital. Due to these fire and safety issues it is not viable to continue to accommodate patients in this area of the hospital nor is it viable to refurbish the ward to meet required standards. However, as this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

199 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to build a new 50 bed unit at St Patrick’s geriatric care hospital in Waterford; the stage such plans are at; if funding is available; the timeframe the Health Service Executive is working to; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5250/09]

In drawing up its capital programme, the Health Service Executive is required to prioritise the capital infrastructure projects to be progressed within its overall capital funding allocation under the National Development Plan, taking account of the NDP targets for division of capital investment between the Acute and Primary, Community and Continuing Care programmes.

The Executive is finalising its capital proposals and consultation is ongoing between the HSE and my Department. Details on individual projects will not be known until such time as the capital plan for 2009 is approved.

Smoking Ban.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

200 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will review her decision not to initiate the process of imposing a ban on smoking in vehicles transporting children under 16 years of age (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5256/09]

Last July, I announced that further provisions of the Public Health (Tobacco) Acts 2002 and 2004 are to be commenced from 1 July 2009. From that date there will be no advertising or display of tobacco products in retail outlets and tobacco products must be stored in a closed container. There will be tighter controls on the operation of vending machines and anyone wishing to sell tobacco products must register with the Office of Tobacco Control. The implementation of these important measures, which are aimed at protecting both children and adults from the dangers of tobacco consumption, are my key tobacco control priorities for 2009.

The harmful effects of exposure to cigarette smoke are well known as is the fact that such exposure is particularly dangerous in enclosed spaces (including motor cars). Parents and others with responsibility for the welfare of children have a particular responsibility to ensure that such exposure does not take place. The issue of introducing a ban on smoking in cars in which children under 16 years of age are being transported, will be kept under review.

Health Services.

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

201 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will expedite an application for three additional home care hours for a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; the reason for the delay in processing the application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5292/09]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Homeless Persons.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

202 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of young homeless persons sleeping rough at present; the number who slept rough on 3 February 2009 during the snow; if there was vacant accommodation available on that night; if any effort is being made to ensure the availability of adequate accommodation to meet the needs of those sleeping rough or homeless; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5295/09]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Refugee Statistics.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

203 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of programme refugees to be accepted by Ireland in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5084/09]

I take it that the Deputy is referring to the Government's Decision of November 2005 to accept 200 persons per year for resettlement.

My Office is currently working with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to arrange for the transfer to Ireland of 198 refugees accepted for resettlement in Ireland under the 2008 Quota. Their arrival has been delayed for logistical reasons.

My Office is also very actively involved in supporting the local authorities and service providers at both national and local level as they prepare to receive and integrate these refugees into the local community. No decision has yet been taken in regard to the 2009 programme.

Departmental Expenditure.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

204 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the annual cost of providing security to former officer holders; and the number of office holders involved. [5133/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

205 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if former Taoisigh and former Ministers are entitled to a State car; the duration for which they are entitled after leaving office; the cost to the State annually; the former Houses of the Oireachtas office holders, judges or other State servants who are entitled to and avail of the facility; and the duration for which each of these offices holders has availed of the State car and accompanying driver. [5134/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

214 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí assigned to former Houses of the Oireachtas office holders; if they are drivers or on static duty; and the number of office holders involved. [5132/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 204, 205 and 214 together.

Among former Office Holders, only former Taoisigh and former Presidents are provided with State cars pursuant to a long standing arrangement.

In my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 586 of 27 January 2009, I outlined the costs associated with providing State cars to the former Office holders concerned. For operational and security reasons it is not Garda policy to disclose the number of gardaí detailed for specific duties over any specific period of time.

Citizenship Applications.

Phil Hogan

Ceist:

206 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made in respect of naturalisation for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5066/09]

Officials in the Citizenship Section of my Department inform me that the application from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question is nearing completion and I will be making a decision on it in the very near future.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

207 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a person (details supplied) can apply for citizenship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5073/09]

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

208 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the process involved for an Australian citizen living in Australia who is married to an Irish citizen who wants to apply for full citizenship here; the process they need to go through to obtain Irish citizenship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5086/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 207 and 208 together.

The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended, provides that the Minister may, in his absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation provided certain statutory conditions are fulfilled. In the case of a non-national 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 island of Ireland after naturalisation, 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 with my Department if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements applicable at that time.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

209 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of applications for citizenship from US citizens granted in each year since 1998 to date in 2009. [5121/09]

I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service that the statistics requested by the Deputy are not compiled in such a manner as to provide data on the granting of naturalisation by country of origin.

Garda Deployment.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

210 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí stationed in Blanchardstown, Dublin 15; and if that is an increase on the same period in 2008. [5128/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

211 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of community gardaí in Blanchardstown, Dublin 15. [5129/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 210 and 211 together.

I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of Blanchardstown Garda Station on 31 December 2007 and 31 December 2008, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 180 and 193 respectively. This represents an increase of 13 members, or 7% in the period in question. While the number of Gardaí attached to the Community Policing Unit in Blanchardstown Garda Station on 31 December 2008 was 24, all Gardaí have responsibility, inter alia, to be involved in Community Policing issues as and when they arise. As with any organisation, on any given day, the strength of Blanchardstown Garda Station may fluctuate due, for example, to retirements, resignations etc. It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking everything into account. The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available the needs of Blanchardstown Garda Station will be fully considered within the overall context of policing requirements throughout the country.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

212 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the breakdown of the number of gardaí at each Garda station (details supplied) in Dublin on 31 January 2009 and each of the past five years; and if they are community gardaí, detectives, traffic gardaí or other. [5130/09]

I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of Crumlin, Sundrive Road, Kilmainham, Kevin Street, Pearse Street, Irishtown, Ballyfermot, Ronanstown, Terenure, Tallaght, Rathmines and Clondalkin Garda Stations on 31 December 2004 to 31 December 2008, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was as set out in the following table:

Station

31/12/04

31/12/05

31/12/06

31/12/07

31/12/08

Crumlin

87

87

98

108

104

Sundrive Road

65

65

73

78

81

Kilmainham

81

81

87

87

87

Kevin Street

119

122

127

139

151

Pearse Street

252

253

260

268

275

Irishtown

57

56

54

56

60

Ballyfermot

81

80

88

87

95

Ronanstown

82

88

92

87

85

Terenure

91

97

98

101

110

Tallaght

173

167

178

181

193

Rathmines

72

70

76

75

73

Clondalkin

76

81

92

104

91

I have been further informed by the Garda Commissioner that the number of Community Gardaí attached to these stations on 31 December 2005 to 31 December 2008, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was as set out in the following table:

Station

31/12/05

31/12/06

31/12/07

31/12/08

Crumlin

4

4

5

6

Sundrive Road

4

6

6

6

Kilmainham

5

7

9

13

Kevin Street

7

7

18

31

Pearse Street

11

13

33

19

Irishtown

3

2

2

4

Ballyfermot

14

9

9

9

Ronanstown

13

12

12

9

Terenure

7

6

6

5

Tallaght

20

22

24

27

Rathmines

3

3

3

3

Clondalkin

16

11

11

11

Figures for Community Gardaí and the Garda Traffic Corps for 2004 are not readily available. The Deputy will also be aware that for operational and security reasons it is not Garda policy to disclose the number of Gardaí detailed for some specific duties.

The Garda Traffic Corps are assigned on a Divisional basis rather than a station basis. The DMR South, DMR South Central and DMR West patrol the areas referred to by the Deputy. The personnel strength of the DMR South, DMR South Central and DMR West Garda Traffic Corps on 31 December 2005 to 31 December 2008 was as set out in the following table:

Division

31/12/05

31/12/06

31/12/07

31/12/08

DMR South

19

20

22

16

DMR South Central

17

28

25

22

DMR West

18

20

20

20

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

It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking all relevant factors into account. In that regard, the needs of the Garda Stations referred to by the Deputy will be fully considered by the Commissioner within the overall context of the needs of Garda Stations throughout the country.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

213 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if community gardaí are on static guard duty at Farmleigh House, Phoenix Park, Dublin; and the number of gardaí on duty at that location. [5131/09]

I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that members of Community Policing Units are not utilised on duties at Farmleigh House. For operational and security reasons it is not Garda policy to disclose the number of Gardaí detailed for specific duties over any specific period of time.

Question No. 214 answered with Question No. 204.

Decentralisation Programme.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

215 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 87 of 4 December 2008, the grade which is under subscribed; the timetable envisaged for completion of this decentralisation project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5157/09]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 87 on 4 December 2008. It should not be assumed from the figures provided that this decentralisation project will ultimately be undersubscribed. The filling of the remaining posts will essentially only arise when the permanent accommodation is in place, at which time a trawl of those applicants on the Central Applications Facility who originally listed the Property Registration Authority in Roscommon as a 2 to 10 preference will be carried out. New applicants for Roscommon, first preference or otherwise, since September 2004 will also be taken into account at that stage.

Planning permission has been granted for the new permanent offices in Roscommon for the Property Registration Authority. The Office of Public Works, who are responsible for providing the accommodation, are liaising with the successful tenderer in relation to the preparation of working drawings. It is anticipated that the permanent accommodation will be available for occupation around mid-2010.

Closed Circuit Television Systems.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

216 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will ensure that there is sufficient closed circuit television coverage to deter crime in Sheriff Street, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5165/09]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there is a Town Centre CCTV Camera located at the junction of Commons Street/Sheriff Street. This camera is monitored from central locations in Dublin. There are an additional nine (9) Garda CCTV cameras located in the general Sheriff Street area. The Garda authorities are currently considering the installation of a further two (2) cameras for the Lower Sheriff Street area.

I am further advised that the area is subject to regular patrols by uniformed and plain-clothes members of An Garda Síochána, on foot, mountain-bike and mobile patrols, including the Community Policing Unit, which has eight (8) members specifically allocated to this area. The area is also patrolled by the District Detective and Drug Units, with additional patrols conducted by the Divisional Crime Task Force and Traffic Corps personnel.

Asylum Applications.

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

217 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5167/09]

The person concerned applied for asylum on 29 November 2006. Her application was refused following consideration of her 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 29 June 2007, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of submitting written representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned. In addition, she was notified of her 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 and this application is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.

In the event that the Subsidiary Protection application is refused, the case file of the person concerned, including all representations submitted, will then be considered under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. When this latter consideration has been completed, the case file of the person concerned is passed to me for decision.

Court Procedures.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

218 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of warrants currently outstanding in the Coolock garda district, Dublin 1, as of 4 February 2009; the number of warrants in each category which are outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5173/09]

I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the following table shows the number of bench, committal and penal warrants outstanding in the Coolock Garda District as of 8 February, 2009.

Given the enormous transaction level in the District Courts, it is inevitable that, at any given time, there will be a significant number of bench warrants awaiting execution. It should also be borne in mind that the vast majority of outstanding penal and bench warrants relate to unpaid fines for minor infractions of the law and not convictions arising from violent crime. I am assured by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána give priority to the execution of warrants against those that they believe to be involved in serious crime.

I am further informed that the Garda authorities are committed to strengthening the warrants enforcement process. The issue of the execution of warrants, and bench warrants in particular, has been raised by the Garda Commissioner with each Regional Assistant Commissioner and a range of measures, aimed at reducing the number of warrants on hand, have been identified and are being implemented. These measures include the re-assignment of additional Gardaí to this function and the appointment of Inspectors with responsibility for execution of outstanding warrants. The position is being closely monitored by senior Garda management and consideration will be given, at an organisational level, to introducing further measures to address the issue if necessary.

In addition, I intend to seek Government approval for a Fines Bill which will provide for the payment of fines by instalment and an improved means of assessing the capacity of a person to pay a fine. As so many warrants relate to financial penalties, these proposals should result in a smaller number of warrants being issued and so reduce pressure on the system. I am also looking at other legislative measures in this area.

I can assure the Deputy that the operation of the warrants system will continue to be monitored, particularly with a view to making whatever changes may be necessary to improve its operation.

Number of Warrants outstanding in the Coolock Garda District on 8 February, 2009*

Warrant Type

Number outstanding

Bench warrant

534

Penal warrant

3,306

Committal warrant

142

*Figures are operational and liable to change.

Asylum Applications.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

219 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of asylum seekers in direct provision accommodation in 2007, 2008 and forecast for 2009; the budget for direct provision accommodation in 2007, 2008 and for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5175/09]

The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers in accordance with the Government policy of direct provision and dispersal. At 31 December, 2007 the RIA was providing accommodation for 6,625 persons; at 31 December 2008 the figure was 7,002; and at 31 January 2009, the figure was 7,053. Due to the number and nature of the variables affecting the demand for RIA accommodation, it would not be possible to forecast future accommodation levels in 2009 with any degree of accuracy. Expenditure on RIA accommodation services in 2007 was €83.262m; in 2008 this was €91.472m. The budget provision for 2009 stands at €70.892m.

Garda Recruitment.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

220 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of members of the Garda reserve recruited to date; the stations to which they have been allocated; and the number in each of those stations. [5189/09]

I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the number of Reserve Gardaí that have graduated/been attested from the Garda College during the years 2006, 2007 and 2008 is as set out in the following table: Number of Probationer Reserve Gardaí who graduated since 2006

Divisions

2006

2007

2008

Carlow/Kildare

6

9

Cavan/Monaghan

3

3

Clare

1

5

Cork City

7

11

12

Cork North

5

1

Cork West

4

DMR East

4

4

DMR N.C.

11

12

DMR North

18

21

DMR S.C.

13

25

DMR South

10

10

DMR West

20

12

Donegal

1

4

Galway West

4

9

5

Kerry

1

Laois/Offaly

5

Limerick

14

3

Longford/Westmeath

3

6

Louth/Meath

8

10

Mayo

8

6

Roscommon/Galway East

5

Sligo/Leitrim

1

6

3

Tipperary

4

3

Waterford/Kilkenny

13

4

Wicklow/Wexford

6

1

Total

36

187

137

Additionally, 111 Garda Reserve trainees have been recruited and an intake of approximately 50 further Reserve trainees is expected this month. The personnel strength of the Garda Reserve as at the 31st of January 2009 was 327 Reserve Gardaí allocated to the following stations :

Station

Number

Station

Number

Anglesea Street

11

Kilkenny

6

Arklow

1

Kilmainham

4

Ashbourne

1

Letterkenny

5

Athlone

1

Longford

1

Balbriggan

3

Lucan

7

Ballina

3

Macroom

1

Ballyfermot

3

Malahide

1

Baltinglass

1

Mayfield

3

Balymun

6

Midleton

3

Bandon

1

Monaghan Town

4

Blackrock

5

Mullingar

6

Blanchardstown

11

Naas

3

Bray

3

Navan

2

Bridewell

6

Nenagh

1

Cahir

1

New Ross

1

Carlow

5

Newbridge

2

Carrick On Shannon

1

Pearse St

17

Carrick-On-Suir

1

Portlaoise

1

Castlebar

8

Raheny

4

Cavan Town

3

Rathfarnham

3

Celbridge

1

Rathmines

2

Clonakilty

1

Ronanstown

1

Clondalkin

3

Roscommon

3

Clonmel

2

Santry

4

Clontarf

4

Sligo

6

Coolock

6

Store St

6

Crumlin

3

Sundrive Rd

2

Donnybrook

4

Swords

4

Drogheda

7

Tallaght

2

Dun Laoghaire

4

Terenure

3

Dundalk

5

Thurles

1

Ennis

9

Tipperary Town

1

Enniscorthy

1

Togher

4

Fermoy

2

Tralee

2

Finglas

4

Tramore

2

Fitzgibbon Street

5

Trim

1

Galway

18

Tuam

2

Gorey

1

Tullamore

4

Gurranabraher

6

Watercourse Rd.

3

Henry Street

10

Waterford

9

Howth

3

Westport

3

Kells

1

Wexford

1

Kevin Street

5

Whitehall

2

Kildare

3

Wicklow

1

Emigrant Support Services.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

221 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will actively support the undocumented Irish in the USA and encourage the Australian model as a priority. [5064/09]

The Government attaches the highest importance to resolving the plight of our undocumented citizens in the United States.

In the absence, to date, of comprehensive immigration reform in the US, we have actively pursued a bilateral approach in this area, aimed at reforming our overall immigration arrangements with the United States and facilitating greater legal migration between the two countries. The approach has had three core objectives; a reciprocal Working Holiday Agreement (now operational); new bilateral arrangements to provide reciprocal long term working visas (known as E3s); and a solution for our undocumented.

The second objective, the provision of long term working visas similar to the E3 Visas available to Australian citizens, has already formed the basis for detailed discussions with senior Member of Congress over the past twelve months. Ideally, the undocumented would be able to avail of the proposed visa scheme. However, if that is not possible — as many of our key contacts have already advised — then their best prospect for a solution lies with comprehensive immigration reform.

The Deputy will wish to note that the E3 visa scheme for Australian citizens, put in place in 2005 as a result of a free-trade agreement between the US and Australia, is targeted at highly skilled graduates and is not open to undocumented Australians. If an identical scheme were to be introduced for Ireland, it would be of little benefit to our undocumented citizens.

Finding a solution for the undocumented will remain an important priority for the Government. In taking up the issue with the new US Administration and Congress, we are building on the extensive work on behalf of the undocumented that the Government has carried out over recent years with many of those now within the Administration, and in cooperation with the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform, to which we have provided funding of $235,000 since 2006.

The Taoiseach, I and other members of Government will use the unique opportunity afforded by the St. Patrick's Day celebrations in the US to engage the new Administration at the very highest level on this issue.

Overseas Development Aid.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

222 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he is taking to ensure value for money with the overseas development aid budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5083/09]

As Minister of State with responsibility for our overseas aid budget, I am deeply conscious of the need to ensure value for money and impact on the ground in terms of poverty reduction.

I can assure you that the aid programme has in place a comprehensive programme of appraisal, planning, audit, and evaluation to ensure that funds are spent effectively and benefit the most vulnerable and poorest people of the countries in which we and our partners operate.

Our systems seek to maximise aid effectiveness and poverty impact, and ensure value for money. Proposals are appraised by Irish Aid staff using a number of different criteria, including quality of intended impact, sustainability, cost effectiveness and efficiency in the use of resources.

The Irish Aid strategic and annual business planning processes have a strong results focus which identifies specific results against which Irish Aid programmes are measured and evaluated. Programmes are continually monitored and assessed by both staff in the field and at headquarters to ensure that they are achieving results and that intended objectives and goals are being accomplished. External reviews are also conducted as necessary.

Irish Aid expenditure is subject to rigorous accounting, evaluation and audit controls. Programmes are regularly audited and evaluated by independent audit firms and by Irish Aid's Evaluation and Audit Unit. The Unit's work is also examined by my Department's independent Audit Committee. These evaluations provide assurance that funds are used for the purposes intended and have a particular focus on poverty outcomes and value for money.

Emigrant Support Services.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

223 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of embassy staff involved in lobbying the US Congress in relation to the undocumented Irish in the US and the need to protect Ireland’s economic interests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5123/09]

The Embassy in Washington is comprised of the Ambassador and nine diplomatic staff who are dedicated to promoting and protecting Ireland's interests in the United States. Full attention is given to our economic interests and to the needs of Irish citizens, particularly those who are undocumented. Our Consulates General in New York, Boston, Chicago and San Francisco also engage actively on both issues on a daily basis. A total of ten officers are based at these Consulates. The economic work of our Missions is conducted in close consultation with the IDA, Enterprise Ireland, Tourism Ireland, Bord Bia and other agencies.

I can assure the Deputy that our network of Missions in the US will continue to attach the highest priority to promoting Ireland's economic interests and will avail of every opportunity to urge that a solution be found for our undocumented citizens.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

224 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if consideration has been given or the work which has been carried out to date on drawing up a bilateral agreement with the USA to help regularise the undocumented Irish in the USA and the undocumented Americans here and to address the future immigration issues between both countries. [5124/09]

The Government attaches the highest importance to resolving the plight of our undocumented citizens in the United States.

In the absence, to date, of comprehensive immigration reform in the US, we have actively pursued a bilateral approach in this area, aimed at reforming our overall immigration arrangements with the United States and facilitating greater legal migration between the two countries. The approach has had three core objectives; a reciprocal Working Holiday Agreement (now operational); new bilateral arrangements to provide reciprocal long term working visas (known as E3s); and a solution for our undocumented.

The second objective, the provision of long term working visas similar to the E3 Visas available to Australian citizens, has already formed the basis for detailed discussions with senior Member of Congress over the past twelve months. A bilateral programme on long term working visas would represent a very significant step in the reform of our immigration arrangements with the US. The Deputy may wish to be aware, however, that the E3 visa arrangements for Australian citizens are not open to their undocumented in the US.

The third objective, finding a solution for the undocumented, remains an important priority for the Government. Ideally, the undocumented would be able to avail of the proposed E3 bilateral visa. However, if that is not possible — as many of our key contacts have already advised — then their best prospect for a solution lies with comprehensive immigration reform.

Immigration remains a divisive issue in the US Congress, and making progress in this area will continue to be challenging. In taking up the issue with the new US Administration and Congress, however, we are building on the extensive work on behalf of the undocumented that the Government has carried out over recent years with many of those now within the Administration, and in cooperation with the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform, to which we have provided funding of $235,000 since 2006.

The Taoiseach, I and other members of Government will use the unique opportunity afforded by the St. Patrick's Day celebrations in the US to engage the new Administration at the very highest level on this issue. I am not aware of any significant concerns in relation to undocumented US citizens in Ireland.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

225 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if consideration has been given to setting up a dedicated Irish lobby group, involving supporters of Ireland, US based Irish business people and officials from his Department and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, with the aim of lobbying for Irish interests on Capital Hill. [5125/09]

Ireland and the United States enjoy close political, economic and cultural relations. Successive Presidents and their Administrations, and Ireland's many friends on Capitol Hill from both sides of the aisle, have made an enormous contribution to bringing peace and economic prosperity to this island. We enjoy in particular an excellent working relationship with the bi-partisan Friends of Ireland in Congress, chaired by Congressman Richie Neal, who continue to provide invaluable assistance and support to us on many issues.

The Government attaches the highest importance to strengthening and developing this unique relationship, including through the work of the Irish Embassy in Washington. The close cooperation between our two countries is underpinned by the network of relations with Members of Congress and their staff maintained by the Embassy and our Consulates in the United States. The Ambassador and his colleagues attach the greatest priority to their work in this area and coordinate closely with their counterparts in Enterprise Ireland, the IDA and other State agencies.

We are also fortunate to benefit from the experience and expertise of the members of the Taoiseach's Economic Advisory Group which was established in 1992 to engage corporate leaders in America to promote Ireland as an investment location and to respond to Irish American leaders' willingness to be identified with Irish issues. The Group has been a source of invaluable counsel and advice over the years, and the Government is extremely grateful for the significant contribution made by its distinguished members.

Reflecting the constantly changing character of the relationship, the Taoiseach last July initiated a review of Ireland/US relations with a view to ensuring that these are developed in the optimal manner. That work is well advanced and the Government will be considering the outcome of the review in the coming weeks.

Sports Funding.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

226 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if money from the national lottery was used to fund a project (details supplied) in County Dublin; if so, the amount in each of the previous five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5116/09]

The Government is providing €191m of exchequer funding towards the redevelopment of the Lansdowne Road Stadium. None of this money is from the proceeds of the National Lottery.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

227 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when the sports capital grants will be released for 2009; the amount expected to be allocated for south Tipperary in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5114/09]

Under the sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. Since 1998, over €725 million has been allocated to over 7,400 projects across the country. As I announced in the House recently no decision has been taken about the timing of future rounds of the Programme.

Under the Programme, the level of funding to each county, including Tipperary, for local projects is on the basis of a pro-rata distribution of the available funding on the basis of the population as set out in the 2006 census of population conducted by the Central Statistics Office, subject to the number, nature and quality of applications received for each county. The level of allocations therefore to successful local applicants in each county in recent years was primarily determined by the overall level of allocations available under the Programme in those years for local clubs and the population of the county.

Departmental Bodies.

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

228 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason that there is no requirement for bodies such as Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann to publish annual accounts in view of the fact that they are in receipt of millions of euro in public money annually; if he is has satisfied himself and taxpayers that public money received by this organisation is spent in accordance with best practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5154/09]

I understand that Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ) is on the list of organisations published by the Revenue Commissioners as being eligible for charitable tax exemptions. Under the law as it stands at present, CCÉ, as a voluntary non-profit organisation which is not a limited company, is not covered by the requirements of the Companies Act 1963, as amended, to publish accounts. The Deputy will be aware that the Charities Bill, which it is anticipated will be enacted in the current parliamentary session, provides that any organisation eligible for charitable tax exemptions on the day the relevant provisions of the legislation are commenced will be automatically deemed to be entered onto a proposed new Register of Charities. All charities on the Register will be required to submit an annual activity report to the proposed new Charities Regulatory Authority. All charities will also be required to keep proper books of accounts and the vast majority of charities will be required to submit an annual statement of accounts to the new Authority. Both the annual activity report and the annual statement of accounts submitted by charities will be accessible by the public on the Register via the internet, which will greatly enhance transparency and accountability across the charities sector.

With regard to the public funding provided to CCÉ, the position is that the organisation is required to submit an annual business plan to my Department, as well as audited accounts. These are assessed each year in the context of the decision-making process in relation to the grant assistance for current purposes to be provided in the forthcoming year. I understand that appropriate assessment processes are also applied by the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism in relation to the capital funding provided by that Department. In addition, my Department has commissioned an independent review of the funding to CCÉ with a view to providing assurances from an audit and accountability point of view that the organisation's Regional Development Programme is being implemented appropriately and effectively; that public funds are being used appropriately and subject to adequate controls; and that there is adherence to normal requirements in relation to tax compliance, recruitment and procurement. The review will be finalised shortly.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

229 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the waiting period for the processing of payment in respect of jobseeker’s benefit and jobseeker’s allowance in her Department’s branch offices in Mallow, Fermoy, Cobh, Youghal and Midleton, County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5144/09]

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

230 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of applications for jobseeker’s benefit and jobseeker’s allowance awaiting processing for payment at each of her Department’s offices in Mallow, Fermoy, Midleton, Youghal and Cobh, County Cork. [5145/09]

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

231 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of additional clerical staff who will be deployed to her Department’s offices in Mallow, Fermoy, Midleton, Youghal and Cobh, County Cork to deal with the increased number of applications for jobseeker’s benefit and jobseeker’s allowance due to the economic downturn; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5146/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 229 to 231, inclusive, together.

The total number of jobseeker claims awaiting a decision at Mallow, Fermoy, Midleton, Youghal and Cobh local offices as at 1st February 2009 and the average processing time for claims decided in January 2009 are provided in the following table. The offices listed in the questions, with the exception of Cobh, are Branch Offices.

Unlike Social Welfare Local Offices that are staffed by civil servants, Branch Offices are operated by private individuals under a contract for service. Branch managers, under their contract for service, must provide for sufficient clerical assistance to allow for the efficient performance of the work of the office. However, the decisions on branch office claims are made in the parent Local Office.

Decisions for Mallow and Fermoy Branch Offices are made in Mallow Control Office which also decides claims for Macroom Branch Office. Decisions for Midleton and Youghal Branch Offices are made in Carrigaline Local Office which also decides claims for the Carrigaline area and for Bandon, Clonakilty and Kinsale Branch Offices. Following a recent staffing review four additional staff are being assigned to Carrigaline Local Office but due to the limited accommodation in the Carrigaline office these staff are being based in the Regional Office in the Marina in Cork city.

The overall performance in any individual local office in processing claims can be adversely affected by a wide variety of factors; including increased inflow of claims, staff vacancies and the duration of such vacancies and the turnover of staff in the office.

The Department has put a range of measures in place to deal with the extra workload arising from the increase in the Live Register. These include:

additional posts assigned;

use of temporary staff to fill vacancies pending the appointment of permanent staff;

extension of temporary staff contracts in certain offices;

increased overtime;

prioritisation of work;

process improvement initiatives.

These measures are being reviewed on a continuous basis.

Claims awaiting a decision 1 February 2009

Average time to decide (weeks) January 2009

Office

Jobseekers Benefit

Jobseekers Allowance

Claims Awaiting decision

Average weeks to decision

Claims Awaiting decision

Average weeks to decision

Mallow

302

5.54

180

6.60

Cobh

13

0.98

24

2.47

Fermoy

198

3.69

144

5.45

Midleton

347

4.39

267

8.87

Youghal

94

2.67

151

6.72

Joe Costello

Ceist:

232 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5166/09]

An application for disability allowance by the person concerned was disallowed by a Deciding Officer of the Department on 26 August 2008 following a review by a Medical Assessor who considered him to be medically unsuitable for the allowance.

He appealed this decision and, in the context of this appeal, he was examined on 21 October 2008 by a different Medical Assessor who also expressed the opinion that he was medically unsuitable for disability allowance.

I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the case has now been referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing. The person concerned will be informed when arrangements have been made. The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Defence Forces Strength.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

233 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Defence his plans to reduce the number of civilian posts in the Defence Forces; his further plans to change the specification of a particular post (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5294/09]

There are no plans at present to reduce the number of civilian posts in the Defence Forces. However, in view of recent budgetary developments, it is anticipated that, for the time being, recruitment of civilian employees will only take place in exceptional circumstances.

This Department is in the process of recruiting a civilian clerk for the Combined Vehicle Base Workshops, Defence Forces Training Centre. The person selected for the position will be a civilian employee of this Department. A detailed job description for the position in question will be drawn up by this Department in consultation with local military management. There are no plans at present to take on any other civilian clerks in the Defence Forces Training Centre.

Building Regulations.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

234 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there is an obligation on general practitioners for their practice premises to be wheelchair accessible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5078/09]

Part M of the Building Regulations, dealing with Access for People with Disabilities, applies to all new buildings and extensions to or material alterations of existing buildings to which the public have access and which commenced on or after 1 June 1992.

Part M requires adequate provision to be made to enable people with disabilities to safely and independently access and use a building. It also requires that, if sanitary conveniences are provided in a building, adequate facilities are made for people with disabilities. Technical Guidance Document M provides guidance on how to comply with the requirements of Part M.

Compliance with the Regulations is primarily the responsibility of the owner or builder of a building. Responsibility for enforcement of the Regulations rest with the 37 local Building Control Authorities.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

235 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the sewerage scheme in respect of Bruff, County Limerick; if his Department received a submission from Limerick County Council’s preliminary report of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5358/09]

Dan Neville

Ceist:

242 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the provision of an upgraded sewerage scheme at Dromcollogher, County Limerick; and if Limerick County Council has submitted its preliminary report to the scheme. [5246/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 235 and 242 together.

The combined Dromcollogher, Hospital, Pallasgreen and Bruff Sewerage Scheme is included for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009.

Further consideration is being given to Limerick County Council's Preliminary Report for the scheme following receipt of additional information from the Council in December 2008.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

236 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of applicants currently on social housing waiting list for a local authority (details supplied) in County Kildare; the number of applicants on the housing list for each of the past three years; the amount allocated to the local authority in respect of its social housing allocation for each of the past three years to include the 2009 allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5092/09]

Jack Wall

Ceist:

237 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of applicants currently on the social housing waiting list for a local authority (details supplied) in County Kildare; the number of applicants on the housing list for each of the past three years; the amount allocated to the local authority for its social housing allocation for each of the past three years to include the 2009 allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5095/09]

Jack Wall

Ceist:

238 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of applicants currently on the social housing waiting list for a local authority (details supplied) in County Kildare; the number of applicants on the housing list for each of the past three years; the amount allocated to the local authority in respect of its social housing allocation for each of the past three years to include the 2009 allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5096/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 236 to 238, inclusive, together.

The number of households on a local authority's waiting list continuously fluctuates as households on the list are allocated housing and new households apply for housing support. My Department does not hold information on waiting lists.

However, a statutory assessment of housing need is carried out every three years by all housing authorities in accordance with the terms of the Housing Act 1988. The most recent assessment of need took place in 2008, information on which is available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie, including a breakdown of the net need figure by housing authority. Also available on the Department’s website are details of allocations for Kildare County Council and Athy Town Council for the years up to 2008.

With regard to allocations for 2009, my Department is due to meet the housing authorities in March as part of the annual Housing Action Plan review process. Following this, 2009 allocations for the social housing investment programme will be finalised and I expect to be in a position to announce these allocations in early April. Newbridge Town Council is not a housing authority and so does not receive an allocation for social housing.

Local Authority Elections.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

239 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a sitting town councillor who is a craft worker for a local authority and whose work category has not changed since they stood in the last local elections is entitled to run for that town council in the forthcoming elections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5099/09]

The provisions governing local authority membership and local authority employment are set out in sections 13 and 161 of the Local Government Act 2001. Under section 13 of the Act, a person employed by a local authority who is not the holder of an employment designated by order under section 161 is disqualified from being elected or co-opted to, or from becoming a member of, a local authority.

The employments designated under section 161 of the Act are those employments whose maximum salary, on the last date for receipt of nominations at a local election, does not exceed the maximum salary of a Clerical Officer in the local authority service. Therefore, employees whose maximum salary is above that of a Clerical Officer may not stand at a local election.

Water Quality.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

240 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will clarify the powers available to local authorities under section 12 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992, Section 296 of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959 and Section 28 of the Local Government (Water Pollution Act) 1977 in respect of water quality and sampling; if in this context he will clarify the proposed additional powers which he proposes for local authorities under the Draft European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice of Waters) Regulations 2008; his views on whether these inspections duplicate those carried out by Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food officials under the existing nitrate directive regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5126/09]

These Acts provide for a range of powers in relation to the protection of the environment. Section 13 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act confers powers on an authorised person to, inter alia, enter premises, take samples and inspect documents. Section 296 of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959 relates to the powers of an authorised person in the context of protecting salmonid fisheries.

Primary responsibility for the protection of water quality is assigned to local authorities under the Local Government (Water Pollution) Acts and section 28 of the 1977 Act, confers powers on an authorised person, including powers of entry and inspection. Local authorities operate under the general supervision of the EPA regarding the performance of their functions in relation to environmental protection.

A number of additional powers are to be given to local authorities under the proposed revisions to the European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations and these proposed revisions also provide for enhanced cooperation between local authorities and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in this area.

Housing Aid for the Elderly.

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

241 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when moneys will be allocated to local authorities in respect of the housing aid for old people, the housing adaption grant and the mobility aids grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5174/09]

Local authorities will be notified of their capital allocations for 2009 in respect of the Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes, following the publication of the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2009.

Question No. 242 answered with Question No. 235.

Local Authority Housing.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

243 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Question No. 1105 of 27 January 2009, his views on whether the European Central Bank interest rate cut of 0.5% announced on 15 January 2009 will be passed on in full to local authority mortgage holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5251/09]

In general, following consideration by its Board, the rates charged to local authority borrowers are normally adjusted by the Housing Finance Agency (HFA) in line with movements in European Central Bank (ECB) rates. The Agency recently notified local authorities of its decision to pass on, in full, the 0.5% decrease announced by the ECB in January. The effective rate for local authority borrowers from 1 March 2009 will therefore be 3% — a cumulative rate decrease since October 2008 of 2.25%.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

244 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the date he provided authorisation to Kerry County Council to purchase land for housing at Castleinch, Listowel, County Kerry; the amount of loan approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5254/09]

Sanction for a loan of €5.6 million in respect of land acquisition in Castleinch, Listowel was provided to Kerry County Council on 7 August 2008.

Planning Issues.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

245 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the date he issued guidelines to local authorities on the building of houses on flood plains; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5255/09]

Draft Guidelines for Planning Authorities on the Planning System and Flood Risk Management were issued for public consultation in September 2008. The draft Guidelines are aimed at ensuring a more consistent, rigorous and systematic approach to flood risk assessment and management in the planning system. The draft guidelines state that: development in areas at risk of flooding, particularly flood plains, should be avoided unless there are wider sustainability grounds that justify appropriate development and where the risk can be reduced or managed to an acceptable level; a sequential approach must be adopted to flood risk management when assessing the location of new development based on avoidance, reduction and mitigation of flood risk; flood risk assessment must be incorporated into the process of making decisions on planning applications and planning appeals.

A total of 39 submissions were received on foot of the consultation process and these are currently being considered by my Department, in conjunction with the OPW, with a view to finalising the guidelines shortly.

Harbours and Piers.

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

246 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a licence has been granted to commence dredging at Arklow Harbour, County Wicklow. [5147/09]

Arklow Harbour Commissioners applied in February 2007 for a Dumping at Sea permit to facilitate dredging at Arklow Harbour and the application was circulated to my Department's consultees in the normal way. My Department was advised by the Marine Institute that the results of a chemical analysis of samples from the proposed area to be dredged showed high levels of contamination, principally from Copper and Zinc, and that the material was not suitable for direct disposal at sea.

The Marine Institute has held direct discussions with the consultant engineers acting for Arklow Harbour Commissioners with a view to arriving at a possible solution to the current difficulties. However, the Marine Institute has advised my Department that it continues to have concerns regarding the disposal of contaminated spoil arising from dredging at Arklow Harbour.

At a meeting held on 19 June 2008 between the Harbour Commissioners, the Marine Institute and an official of my Department, the Commissioners agreed to re-examine the proposal to dredge the harbour having regard to the issues raised in relation to the contaminated sediment. This examination will include consideration of appropriate alternative dredging and disposal methods in order to ensure safe disposal of the dredged material. When that examination has been completed, my Department, in conjunction with its specialist advisors, will assess any revised proposal submitted in relation to dredging of the harbour.

It is not possible to say at this stage what the eventual outcome of this application will be and the need to consider disposal options other than by Dumping at Sea cannot be ruled out.

Afforestation Programme.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

247 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the way his Department will meet its planting targets in view of proposals to reduce grant aid for forestry projects; if he will review these proposals in view of the financial consequences of failing to reduce CO2 emissions here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5285/09]

This Government remains committed to the maintenance of an active and substantial forestry programme, evidenced by the almost €125 million that has been allocated to the forestry subhead for 2009. Over €100 million of this allocation has been assigned to the afforestation programme, which is in line with the financial commitment given to forestry in 2008.

There have been no reductions in either the levels of establishment grants or annual premiums payable under the Afforestation Scheme for 2009. The Scheme is fully operational and my officials are accepting and processing both applications for approval to plant and applications for the appropriate grant payments. I am satisfied that afforestation remains an attractive land use alternative for landowners given the grant and premium payments currently in place.

Indeed, the current suite of Afforestation Grant and Premium Schemes is the most financially attractive package made available in the history of forestry in Ireland. The establishment grant covers 100% of the planting costs, while the annual forestry premium is payable to farmers for 20 years. Under the Forest Environment Protection Scheme (FEPS), landowners can receive a premium of up to €200 per hectare, over and above their forestry premium, should they choose to participate in the scheme, which promotes the establishment of high nature value forestry.

The Forest Service of my Department remains dedicated to the task of promoting and supporting a robust afforestation programme in order, among other things, to utilize the carbon benefits of Irish forests. Irish forests planted since 1990 sequestered 1.7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide in 2008. It is estimated that this will increase to between 4.1 and 5.0 million tonnes by 2030, depending on the rate of afforestation. The Government remains committed to working towards the achievement of this target.

Grant Payments.

Bobby Aylward

Ceist:

248 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment of grant under the farm waste management scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [5067/09]

The person concerned is an applicant for grant-aid under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. A decision will be made in respect of the application as soon as possible.

Bobby Aylward

Ceist:

249 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment of a farm waste management grant will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [5068/09]

The person concerned is an applicant for grant-aid under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. A decision will be made in respect of the application as soon as possible.

John Perry

Ceist:

250 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Sligo will receive their REP scheme four payment; if he will ensure payment as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5070/09]

REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007-13 and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before the first payments issue. The first payments for 2008 REPS 4 applications issued in the last week of January to those whose applications required no correction following the administrative checks. Further payments continue to be made as applications are cleared.

Queries have arisen during the administrative checks on the plan of the person named and it is currently under further examination.

John Perry

Ceist:

251 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Sligo will receive their REP scheme four payment and their organic grant payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5071/09]

REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007-13 and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before the first payments issue. The first payments for 2008 REPS 4 applications issued in the last week of January to those whose applications required no correction following the administrative checks. Further payments continue to be made as applications are cleared.

Queries have arisen during the administrative checks on the plan of the person named and it is currently under further examination.

My Department has no record of an application by the person named either for the Organic Farming Scheme or for the Scheme of Grant Aid for the Development of the Organic Sector.

Fishing Fleet.

Tom Sheahan

Ceist:

252 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason days at sea restrictions have been placed on white fish fishermen who operate in box 6A in view of commitments given to these fishermen before Christmas 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5080/09]

The EU Fisheries Councils in November and December 2008 adopted a new Cod Recovery Plan, as set out in Council Regulation (EC) No. 1342/2008 and Annex IIa of the 2009 TAC and Quota Regulation (EC) No 43/2009. These Regulations are applicable to the fishing fleets of all Member States fishing with specified fishing gears in the relevant sea areas. Under these Regulations, Ireland and other relevant Member States are required to introduce and implement a licensing regime to manage its allocation of fishing effort-days at sea limits in areas VIa (north west of Ireland) and VIIa (the Irish Sea) for vessels using specified gear types.

At the December Council, the EU Commission's proposals for complete closure of all whitefish fisheries in the waters off Donegal were successfully renegotiated and agreement was reached on a package of measures which both delivers strong conservation measures for the cod, whiting and haddock stocks in decline while facilitating the continuation of important fishing activities for the Irish fleet in the area.

Following consultations with representatives of the Irish fishing industry, the Department introduced a pilot system of authorisations and allocations of fishing effort for the period 1 February 2009 to 30 April 2009.

I appreciate that the introduction of these new conservation measures are a challenge and I have established a Steering Group involving the Federation of Irish Fishermen (FIF), the Department and agencies to provide support to the industry in relation to the practical implementation of these new measures. The effort allocations already made were done on a pilot basis only and I am happy to make amendments where proposed by the Federation of Irish Fishermen (FIF) within the legal framework that has been established.

Grant Payments.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

253 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the status of the application under the farm waste management scheme for a person (details supplied); when payment will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5093/09]

The person concerned is an applicant for grant-aid under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. A decision will be made in respect of the application as soon as possible.

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

254 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will receive their farm waste management grant. [5106/09]

The person named is an applicant for grant-aid under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. A decision will be made in respect of the application as soon as possible.

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

255 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will receive their farm waste management grant. [5107/09]

The person named is an applicant for grant-aid under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. A decision will be made in respect of the application as soon as possible.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

256 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will receive their REP scheme four payment; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5127/09]

My Department has no record of a REPS 4 application for the person named.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

257 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be awarded a REP scheme four. [5135/09]

REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007-13 and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before the first payments issue. The first payments for 2008 REPS 4 applications issued in the last week of January to those whose applications required no correction following the administrative checks. Further payments continue to be made as applications are cleared.

Queries have arisen during the administrative checks on the plan of the person named and it is currently under further examination.

Foreshore Licences.

Andrew Doyle

Ceist:

258 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the guidelines being used to review and decide on applications for offshore energy licences; if these guidelines are adequate to consider the complex nature of the offshore energy operations; and if a group is investigating the improvement of the review procedure and guidelines in respect of applications for offshore energy licences. [5139/09]

The construction of an offshore electricity generating station on the foreshore is governed by the Foreshore Acts 1933 to 2005. When considering applications under the Foreshore Acts, including offshore energy projects, the role of my Department is to ensure the protection of the environment and the sustainability of developments on the foreshore. Applications for offshore electricity generating stations are subject to Environmental Impact Assessment and the views are sought from in excess of 100 consultees, both statutory and non statutory.

Applications are subject to a two month public consultation phase, advertised both locally and nationally. The application is assessed within the Department and by the Marine Licence Vetting Committee, which comprises of a number of professionals, suitably qualified to assess the application. When it has been determined that all the issues in the consultation process have been properly addressed, the application is sent to the Minister for a decision as to whether the lease should be granted.

A consolidation and streamlining of the Foreshore Acts has been under consideration for some time. This is intended to provide a modern, effective and integrated legal framework for the management of the State's foreshore estate in the future. Preparation of these proposals will take account, among other things, of the EU Public Participation Directive, the principles in the EU Recommendation on Integrated Coastal Zone Management, the outcome of the EU Maritime Green Paper, the EU Marine Strategy Directive and the EU Roadmap on Maritime Spatial Planning.

The Government decided on 2 October 2007 that responsibility for certain foreshore licensing functions under the Foreshore Act 1933 including in respect of all energy related developments would transfer to the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. My Department is currently putting in place the necessary arrangements to ensure the efficient and effective transfer of the appropriate legislation and associated functions.

In the interest of efficiency and effectiveness it is considered appropriate that the review of the Foreshore Acts should await the completion of the transfer of the relevant elements of the Foreshore functions to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

My Department will continue to work closely with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in the context of progressing the various elements required to develop the appropriate coastal zone legislative and management framework. In the meantime legislation will be brought forward very shortly to give effect to the transfer of the relevant functions to the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Grant Payments.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

259 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive payment under the farm waste management scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5252/09]

The person named is an applicant for grant-aid under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. A decision will be made in respect of the application as soon as possible.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

260 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Cork who is an applicant under the REP scheme four will receive their first REP scheme payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5253/09]

REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007-13 and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before the first payments issue. The first payments for 2008 REPS 4 applications issued in the last week of January to those whose applications required no correction following the administrative checks. Further payments continue to be made as applications are cleared.

Queries have arisen during the administrative checks on the plan of the person named and it is currently under further examination.

World Trade Talks.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

261 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding the World Trade Organisation; the extent of recent developments; the expected impact on Irish and European food producers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5296/09]

The current position in regard to the WTO negotiations is that talks are stalled following the failure to reach agreement at the Ministerial meeting last July and the decision to defer indefinitely a second Ministerial meeting planned for last December. The World Economic Forum at Davos last month provided no new momentum for the negotiations and the next key event will be the G20 meeting in London in April.

All in all the prospects for agreement are uncertain and therefore it is premature to forecast the expected impact on Irish and European food producers. On the one hand, the new administration in the US, upcoming elections in India, changes in EU Commissioners and the changed economic situation militate against agreement being reached. On the other hand there is the determination of the WTO DG Lamy and a number of WTO members to reach agreement. On balance, it is difficult to see serious negotiations restarting until later this year and any conclusion in 2009.

Against that background I, my officials and my colleagues in Government continue to pursue Ireland's interests in the negotiations with the Commission and other Member States at every opportunity at coordination meetings in Geneva, at the Article 133 Committee in Brussels and at the recent meeting of Trade Ministers. We want an agreement that is balanced within and between the various negotiating pillars, that delivers real benefits to Ireland and that does not sacrifice our agriculture sector.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

262 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the action he proposes to take to ensure that national, European or other policy strategies arising from global warming or climate change proposals, do not negatively impact on the agri-sector with particular reference to reducing the bovine herd and the need to preserve and develop the national and European food producing sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5297/09]

The Government fully supports the EU commitments to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions to at least 20% below 1990 levels by 2020, and to scale up this reduction to as much as 30%, as part of a new global climate change agreement when other developed countries make comparable efforts. The Government also supports the commitment to increase the share of renewables in energy use to 20% by 2020, including a 10% biofuel target.

While it is recognised, both nationally and at EU level, that delivering emissions reductions in the agriculture sector will be difficult, it is also clear that any policy leading to a significant reduction in Irish cattle numbers, as a means of achieving emissions reductions, would be simply counter-productive in terms of reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. Any fall in Irish beef and dairy output would simply be replaced on European and global markets, most likely, by food from countries where production systems are far less sustainable and where the carbon footprint of that food is significantly higher than food produced in Ireland.

Ireland's pasture based food production system is very efficient in terms of emissions per unit of food produced and offers the optimal means of safe, sustainable, high-quality food production.

Globally, the consumption of meat and dairy products is expected to increase significantly by 2050. In the interests both of global food security and of the pursuit of important market opportunities, the ability of the EU agriculture and food sector to respond to these developments needs to be encouraged and protected. In that context, I will continue to press for the policy strategies needed to ensure that we meet our climate change goals in ways that are consistent with national objectives for our agricultural sector and rural economy.

Food Industry.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

263 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the extent to which his Department has monitored the growth of food exports throughout world markets; the degree to which new markets are being established where existing markets have been lost; if he has a particular strategy to address any issues arising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5298/09]

Bord Bia closely monitors food exports and has recently published a Strategy to boost food exports for the period 2009-2011. The strategy sets out the Bord's six key priorities to be addressed including enhancing the industry's position on its home market to capitalise on the potential for growth and expansion of exports with a particular emphasis on the Eurozone markets.

My Department in conjunction with the industry, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Bord Bia continues to pursue the opening up of markets. A Meat Market Group was established in 2007 to ensure market for Irish meat to non-EU markets. The main barrier had been the restrictions imposed by countries as a result of BSE and efforts to remove remaining restrictions has met with considerable success. The Saudi Arabian and South African markets were re-opened in 2007 while, more recently, the Philippines and Israel have lifted their restrictions. Efforts are continuing to regain access to other markets such as Japan, which continues to restrict for BSE related reasons, and Russia, whose restrictions are related to the recent dioxin incident.

Building on the ongoing work of the Meat Market Access group an inter-Departmental Group chaired by my Department and comprised of representatives from the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Enterprise, Trade and Employment, An Bord Bia, Enterprise Ireland and Bord Iascaigh Mhara has also been established and is currently engaged in a coordinated effort to identify potential market opportunities for the full range of Irish food and beverages, prioritisation of market initiatives and broader access issues.

Food Safety Standards.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

264 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the extent to which all imported food and food products are checked and tested here to ensure compliance with national and European health and traceability standards; if he can give an assurance that no such products are exempt from such tests or scrutiny; the action he proposes to take to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5299/09]

My Department is responsible for the operation of EU controls on imports of products of animal origin and fresh fruit and vegetables under its service contract with the FSAI and in compliance with Community rules for the hygiene of food and feed.

The EU rules stipulate that food products of animal origin imported from an EU source must be from approved food business establishments and be accompanied to destination by a commercial document or a health certificate signed by an official veterinarian of the competent authority of the Member State of origin.

In the case of importation from third countries products of animal origin for human consumption must have originated in a country approved by the EU for trade in such products, have been produced in an approved establishment (with the exception of honey), be appropriately labelled and transported and must be accompanied by a veterinary health certificate in accordance with the models laid down by Community legislation. Consignments from third countries must be landed at an EU approved Border Inspection Post (BIP) approved by the Food and Veterinary Office of the EU (FVO) for veterinary checks. In co-operation with Customs services my Department undertakes a range of checks on imported consignments including documentary, identity and physical including the sampling of imported products for analysis under national residue monitoring programmes and EU safeguard measures.

The scope of products of animal origin coming under these requirements are set out under Commission Decision No. 2007/275/EC11 Official Journal of the European Communities No. L116 of 4.5.2007 which also provides for an exemption from border inspection in the case of certain composite and specified food products comprising processed low risk processed animal products and plant products. Details of the products are set out in the Decision. Such products must comply with public health requirements for their placing on to the market. Consignments of animal products must remain under Customs control until the BIP has authorised entry into the EU.

Any imports failing to comply with these veterinary control checks may be detained for further examination. Where non-compliance is established they are returned to the exporting country or destroyed. Where there are risks to animal and public health, and in cases of animal disease outbreaks, the Community adopts safeguard measures that ban or restrict imports from affected countries or areas until the risks have been removed.

The FVO monitors and inspects each Member State's controls on Food Safety including the operation of BIPs to ensure the conditions for import and placing of animal products on to the market, as provided under the harmonized legislation, are being correctly applied.

Imported fruit and vegetables are checked for compliance with EU marketing standards. Apart from quality criteria these standards also set down strict provisions regarding labelling, including country of origin. There are currently 36 specific marketing standards. Regulation (EC) No 1221/2008 will, with effect from 1 July 2009, reduce the number of specific standards to ten but all fruit and vegetables will be required to satisfy the EU's general marketing standard. Controls on the import of food of non-animal origin comes under the responsibility of the Health and Safety Executive.

Irish Horseracing Industry.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

265 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his proposals for the future development of the sporting horse industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5300/09]

Responsibility for the development of the sport horse industry rests mainly with Horse Sport Ireland, an organization established in 2007 in accordance with the proposals outlined in the Dowling Report (July 2006). Horse Sport Ireland, working with its affiliate organizations, is putting in place policies, practices and plans that will lead to the sustainable development of a vibrant sport horse sector in this country. It aims to lead the Irish Sport Horse sector to achieve and maintain world class standards in the areas of breeding, sport, and the provision of leisure riding opportunities. I believe this will strengthen the sport horse sector, bringing a new common purpose to future development and will lead to greater organizational efficiencies within the sport horse sector resulting in an enhancement of Ireland's standing in the sport.

In co-operation with Horse Sport Ireland my Department provides a range of horse breeding improvement grants from NDP funds, which are focused on quality, to encourage farmers to breed marketable non-thoroughbreds such as Irish Draughts, Irish Sport Horses, Piebald and Skewbald Horses, Kerry Bog, Connemara and other ponies. Funds have also been provided for the marketing and promotion of such horses and for the development of the sport horse sector.

Fishing Industry Development.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

266 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he has taken or proposes to take at European Union level to minimise the impact of overfishing in Irish coastal waters with consequences for the fishing community; if he will impress upon his EU colleagues the necessity to recognise that those who contributed most to the depletion of the stocks should be restricted adequately to allow stocks to recover; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5301/09]

Since taking up the Agriculture Fisheries and Food portfolio in June 2008, it has been highlighted to me very forcefully by the Federation of Irish Fishermen that it is essential to have in place a level playing field on control across the EU.

The EU Commission estimates that 88% of EU stocks are over-exploited and scientists have recommended closure of 19% of fisheries. These are shocking statistics and should make us all pause and take stock of the serious situation facing the industry across Europe. Each December we agree the TACs and quotas for the following year taking account of the scientific advice available, but where we are failing, I believe, is that these limits are not being respected and there is persistent overfishing well in excess of quota across Member States.

The EU Court of Auditors report in December 2007 highlighted this problem and identified substantial control failures across Member States. On foot of the Court of Auditor findings, the Commission has brought forward a proposal to strengthen fisheries control across the EU. The Commission's proposals for a new control system are aimed at tackling overfishing. The main themes of their new approach follow.

There should be a new common approach to control and inspection. This involves a strong focus on inspections on shore based links in the supply chain whereby the owner of the fish must be able to produce documents proving that the product was caught in conformity with the rules and that it observes a principle of product traceability. It involves using best practices such as risk analysis, concentrating control on problematical fisheries and periods. It also involves the use of new technologies to ensure the maximum effective delivery.

There should be promotion of a culture of compliance with the rules. This involves a proposal for dissuasive and harmonised sanctions whereby a list of infringements is established together with a minimum fine applicable in all Member States. It also involves a points based system which may lead to the suspension of a fishing licence or its permanent withdrawal.

There should be promotion of enhanced co-operation between Member States involving systematic exchange of information involving a common website where all relevant information and control data is available to the control authorities of all Member States, the Commission and the Community Fisheries control Agency. The proposal also strengthens the Commission's powers to guarantee common implementation of the Regulations and to intervene in case of poor application of control measures on the ground.

I am, in principle supportive of these measures. I am convinced that if we do not have a common approach to fisheries control across the EU it is grossly unfair to fishermen and will result, despite all our best efforts in Ireland, in the further decline and eventual closure of the fisheries that our fleet rely upon for their economic survival.

It is important to remember that I and my predecessors as Ministers for Fisheries pushed strongly for a level playing field on control. As a coastal state with responsibility for protecting some of the richest fishing ground in the EU and with a fishing industry almost completely dependent on sustainable fish stocks in our own waters, it is of the highest priority that there are effective control regimes in place across all Member States.

Our own industry here in Ireland strongly believe that they are on their own in being subject to controls, and that operators in some other countries are not detected or when they are, that they face low penalties. I consider that this new proposal offers the best opportunity to introduce a level playing field on control.

I will be seeking certain amendments to the provisions where the provisions are excessive or impractical. I will in particular be seeking strong powers for coastal Member States to effectively police waters under their control. I firmly believe that we must seize this opportunity to put a stop to illegal fishing which will if left unchecked destroy fish stocks and the livelihoods of coastal communities around our coast dependent on fishing.

Food Security.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

267 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, unilaterally or together with his European Union colleagues, he has put in place or will put in place adequate measures to ensure European food security, continuity and consistency of supply adequate to meet the demands of the EU for the foreseeable future, having particular regard to the need to ensure self sufficiency in the course of the current turbulent global economic situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5302/09]

According to the European Commission's latest statistics, the EU's overall trade in agricultural produce is fairly close to balance with its total trade of almost €153 billion in 2007, split between imports of €77.4 billion and exports of €75.1 billion. Broadly speaking, the EU is a net importer of raw products such as tropical products, certain fruit and vegetables and oils/oilseeds while it is a net exporter of more processed products such as food preparations and beverages. It currently has a surplus of dairy products, whilst trade in livestock and cereal products is in balance.

European food security and agricultural production issues are dealt with through the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which is constantly evolving to meet the demands of increased globalisation and competitive EU and world commodity markets. The 2003 reforms of the CAP, with the introduction of the decoupling of direct payments under the Single Payment Scheme, allowed farmers to respond to the demands of the market and effectively meet consumers' needs.

Ireland is a very significant net food exporter and is self sufficient in terms of the majority of agricultural commodities. Latest statistics from the CSO indicate that Ireland is 675% self sufficient in terms of beef and over 230% self sufficient in terms of meat production (beef/sheepmeat/pigmeat/poultry) in overall terms. A similar situation exists for dairy products where Ireland produces significantly higher quantities of butter and cheese than is required domestically.

Pigmeat Sector.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

268 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans for the development and expansion of the pork and bacon industry on home and export markets with particular reference to maintaining existing outlets and establishing new markets and the need to establish clear recognition of a quality Irish product; if he is satisfied that he has established adequate traceability and health check procedures to ensure the quality and customer confidence required on world markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5303/09]

Teagasc has prepared a development strategy for the Irish pig industry, which identifies the issues facing the sector and makes certain recommendations. The ‘Pig Industry Strategy Steering Group', which includes representation from my Department and all sectors of the industry, has been established for the purpose of furthering those recommendations. This group will identify, prioritise and promote actions needed to ensure a viable sustainable future for the pig sector.

Following on from the dioxin issue, Bord Bia plans a number of relevant marketing and promotion initiatives. On the Irish market a series of promotional campaigns are planned. These will commence this month and will focus on building awareness and loyalty to the Bord Bia Quality Mark. These will underline the quality of Irish pigmeat and will communicate its origin.

A customer reassurance programme will be carried out in export markets. This that will entail continued direct Bord Bia contact with customers, placing key information about the Irish pigmeat industry in context and demonstrating the integrity of Irish health controls, a trade communications programme designed to position the capability of the Irish pigmeat sector and the safety and quality measures in place to influence key decision makers in the retail, foodservice and manufacturing sectors and a programme to maximise international market access for Irish pigmeat products. This will involve communications activities designed to build confidence among national authorities and opinion formers in markets based around Ireland's health controls.

On the issue of traceability, the current position is that traceability of pork at slaughter and after is on the basis of production batch. The Department is in consultation with the EU about the possible potential to improve pork traceability so as to reduce the impact in the event of future recalls.

Sheep Sector.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

269 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans for the future development of the lamb industry with particular reference to retaining existing export markets, establishing and developing new outlets and ensuring recognition abroad for a quality Irish product; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5304/09]

Approximately 70% of Irish sheepmeat production is exported, mainly to the high-value EU market. Traditionally, France has been the major export market for Irish lamb and in 2008 it accounted for more than 50% of Irish sheepmeat exports. The French market, however, has been in decline due to a fall in consumption and demand. Also, Irish sheepmeat is facing strong competition on the French market from the UK due to a weakened sterling and from New Zealand, which continues to build up its presence of chilled lamb on the EU market. However, the effect of the decline in exports to France has been lessened by increased exports to other markets. Exports to Sweden and Denmark have increased significantly in recent years.

The number of new potential markets for Irish lamb is limited due to the relatively high cost of the meat and to cultural factors, as lamb is not widely eaten in many countries of Eastern Europe. As a result, promotional efforts are being targeted at maintaining and developing existing markets, including the home market. In relation to providing the customer with a quality assured product, the Bord Bia operated Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme, which was established in 2007, now has 7000 participants and it is hoped to increase that number this year.

State Laboratories.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

270 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the degree to which full laboratory facilities for the equine industry are available here; the degree to which samples are currently sent abroad; if it is intended or expected to provide the full range of facilities here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5305/09]

The Veterinary Laboratory Service of the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Food provides a broad range of pathology and microbiology based tests (in particular, those associated with the diagnosis of scheduled diseases) for equines in Ireland. Samples for testing for the scheduled diseases — dourine, glanders and equine piroplasmosis — are sent abroad by exporting agencies for testing. This procedure is considered to be more economical than setting up tests for such scheduled diseases in the DAFF laboratories. A number of private laboratories provide testing facilities for the equine industry also.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

271 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied that all traceability, animal feed testing and the testing of all elements of the food chain can be carried out with minimum delay through the laboratory facilities available here; the degree to which such samples are referred to overseas laboratories; the reason for such referrals; when he expects the full range of facilities to be available here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5306/09]

A comprehensive array of laboratory tests are provided in the DAFF Laboratories to comply with regulatory requirements relating to testing of food and feed. Generally, turn-around times for test results comply with what has been agreed with the laboratory's customers. When it is more cost-effective (eg due to the need for sophisticated laboratory facilities), samples have been submitted to appropriate laboratories abroad for testing. Increasing the range and depth of testing carried out in the laboratory divisions is a continual aim of the laboratory service.

Tests for dioxins in feed are currently being validated at the Department of Finance's Laboratory at Backweston and should be available in the near future.

Beef Industry.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

272 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans for the future development and expansion of the beef industry with particular reference to maintaining existing and developing new export markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5307/09]

My plans for the development of the beef sector can be summarised as follows: advanced processing methods and product development; sophisticated and targeted marketing; efficient farm production with quality assurance; and better scientifically based animal breeding.

Ireland produces over 0.5 million tonnes of beef annually, over 90% of which is exported. More than 50% of these exports go to the UK with some 40% going to high-value Continental EU markets. This outcome has been achieved by the delivery of a high-quality, competitively-priced product together with effective marketing and promotion by both Bord Bia and the industry. The value of Irish beef exports in 2008 was almost €1.69 billion, an increase of over 7% on the previous year.

The immediate prospects for Irish beef exports remain positive. A continuing supply deficit in the EU market is predicted as production will only account for 90% to 95% of consumption. This shortfall offers Irish beef producers an opportunity to further consolidate their position in this market. Potential importers such as Brazil and Argentina are limited in what they can do because of either health or export restrictions. However, the impact of exchange rate developments will be important, particularly in relation to the UK and, given the economic recession, a continuing switch to lower value cuts in key markets.

One consequence of the shift towards the internal EU market over recent years has been a decline in amounts available for export to international markets. Nevertheless, third country markets continue to provide an important alternative outlet for Irish beef and I will continue my efforts to ensure that as many of these markets as possible are open to our exports. The re-opening of markets in Saudi Arabia and South Africa in 2007 and, more recently, in the Philippines and Israel demonstrates that our BSE controls are working effectively. Work on opening other markets is continuing and a Market Access Group supports our efforts in this regard.

Notwithstanding these favourable factors, we cannot afford to be complacent. The development of non-price strategies is fundamental to meeting evolving market challenges. Consequently, and in line with the Agri-Vision 2015 Action Plan, a number of policy initiatives have been developed and enhanced.

Amongst these are the Animal Welfare Scheme for Suckler Herds and the Beef Quality Assurance Scheme. The Animal Welfare Scheme collects genetic data from suckler farms around Ireland for analysis by ICBF. This will expedite the genetic improvement of, and add significant value to, the national beef herd by allowing farmers to select the most profitable breeding animals for their farms.

The Beef Quality Assurance Scheme, which is administered by Bord Bia, plays a vital role in reassuring consumers that they are purchasing a safe, quality product, fully traceable across the production system from ‘farm to fork'. Funding is also continuing for the beef breed improvement programmes being progressed by ICBF with major advances expected through the use of sophisticated science and technology in this field.

With a view to developing markets, Bord Bia is implementing a marketing strategy for Irish beef for the period 2008 to 2013 based on the overriding principles of differentiating and re-positioning Irish beef. This strategy is focused on the key characteristics of Irish beef — traditional grass based production, full traceability and quality assurance — and the targeting of high-value niche markets.

Finally, I should mention the Beef Forum. This was established to examine the beef sector and to identify the opportunities and challenges facing it, thus allowing a framework for future development to be set out. I believe that all these measures, combined with our high level of food safety standards, will best position the Irish beef sector to maintain and improve its competitiveness in EU and international markets.

Educational Disadvantage.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

273 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will address the problems that will arise for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24 which was classified as disadvantaged and which has more than 300 students who have come to it from a DEIS primary or who live in a DEIS area but which is not included in the DEIS programme; if he will allow the school to retain its home school community liaison teacher, its disadvantaged teaching post and its book and disadvantaged grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5069/09]

The school to which the Deputy refers is among a number of schools that were judged by an independent identification process in 2005 not to have a sufficient level of disadvantage among their pupils to warrant their inclusion in DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), the Action Plan for Educational Inclusion. The next identification process is scheduled to be held at the end of the current DEIS programme which runs from 2005-2010. There will not be an opportunity before this to be included in the current DEIS programme of supports.

A review mechanism was put in place in 2006 to address the concerns of schools that did not qualify for inclusion in DEIS but regarded themselves as having a level of disadvantage which was of a scale sufficient to warrant their inclusion in the programme. The review process operated under the direction of an independent person, charged with ensuring that all relevant identification procedures were properly followed in the case of schools applying for a review. The review was concluded and the results were notified to schools in August 2006. The school in question did not apply for a review at that time.

Following the introduction of DEIS, a commitment was given, as a concessionary measure, to Non DEIS schools in receipt of resources under pre-existing schemes, that they would retain a level of support in line with their size and disadvantage levels for the duration of the DEIS Initiative. Given the current volatile and challenging economic climate, difficult decisions had to be made in Budget 2009 in order to contain public sector spending. One of these decisions was to advance the withdrawal of such supports from non DEIS schools to the beginning of the next school year.

The main focus of Social Inclusion measures will be to retain resources in DEIS schools. There is a need to focus targeted resources on the schools in most need and 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 my Department should focus its educational disadvantage measures on those schools serving the most disadvantaged communities.

Schools Building Projects.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

274 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made for a new school building in respect of a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5087/09]

The proposed building project for the school to which the Deputy refers is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. The 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.

Schools Refurbishment.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

275 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science when a school (details supplied) will receive funding for emergency works to be carried out; if he will confirm if this application is being dealt with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5091/09]

My Department received an application for emergency funding from the school in question. This application is currently under consideration and a decision will be reached very shortly. The school authorities will be notified of the outcome as soon as possible.

School Transport.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

276 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of a request for school transport in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5097/09]

Under the terms of my Department's Post Primary School Transport Scheme, a pupil is eligible for transport if s/he resides 4.8 kilometres or more from her/his local post primary education centre, that is, the centre serving the catchment area in which s/he lives. Pupils who are eligible for transport to the education centre in the catchment area in which they reside may avail of ‘catchment boundary' transport to an education centre in another catchment area provided spare seats are available on the school bus.

In general, such tickets are allocated on a "first come first served" basis. The family should liaise with the Transport Liaison Officer in Co. Kildare VEC in relation to the availability of catchment boundary tickets.

Departmental Funding.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

277 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in the context of his meetings with the Church of Ireland Board of Education on addressing the problems created for Protestant and other minority religious schools following changes in budget 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5098/09]

The Deputy will be aware that I met with representatives of the Church of Ireland Board of Education, led by Archbishop John Neill, on 13 November last. The meeting provided me with an opportunity to explain at first hand the context for the budget changes that were of concern to the Bishops and the schools serving the Church of Ireland and other minority churches. In the course of the meeting, I confirmed my budget day announcement that the funding provided through the Protestant Block grant was being continued by the Government. I explained that against a backdrop of a difficult economic and fiscal situation I had to take decisions that impacted on the staffing and the range of funding grants to schools generally. The decision to cease paying certain grants to the Protestant fee charging schools, that were not paid to other fee charging schools, has to be viewed in that wider context.

It was inevitable in the difficult financial circumstances that the education budget for 2009 could not be totally spared from the need to curtail expenditure but it is important to reiterate again that the Protestant Block Grant which in the current school year amounts to €6.25 million will continue to be available and the retention of this grant demonstrates the importance that I, and this Government, continue to attach to ensuring that students of the Protestant faith can attend schools that reflect their denominational ethos. Historically this payment covers capitation, tuition and boarding grants and is distributed through the Secondary Education Committee established by the Churches concerned.

I fully appreciate the concerns that were expressed to me about the needs of the dispersed minority population and the particular need to sustain schools in the Protestant tradition that are directly serving that dispersed population in particular areas of the country. In that regard, I expressed my willingness at the meeting to respond positively to any proposals that might be made to my Department that would enable the available funding to be focused and adjusted to more effectively meet the twin objectives of access for individuals and sustaining the dispersed schools that they wish to attend. The Bishops indicated that they would reflect on how the funding I am continuing to make available might best be deployed to meet the needs of their schools.

My Department has not received, as yet, any proposals from the Church of Ireland Board of Education. However, further meetings can be scheduled at any point to develop and build on what I believe was a useful and constructive discussion.

Higher Education Grants.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

278 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath, who is in receipt of an education grant, has not been awarded the top-up grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5102/09]

To qualify for the Special Rate of maintenance grant, an applicant must qualify for the ordinary maintenance grant in respect of the 2008/09 academic year. In addition, total reckonable income must not exceed a specified amount, which is €20,147 in the 2007 tax year. On the operative date, 31st December 2007 for the 2008/09 academic year, the reckonable income must include one of the eligible long-term Social Welfare payments prescribed under the scheme.

The decision on eligibility for third level grants is a matter for the relevant assessing authority — i.e. the local authority or VEC. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department except, in exceptional cases, where, for example, advice or instruction regarding a particular clause in the relevant scheme is required.

If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a maintenance grant, or that the rate of 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 Refurbishment.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

279 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of the application from a school (details supplied) for emergency works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5155/09]

An application for emergency funding from the school in question is currently under consideration and a decision will be reached shortly. The school authorities will be notified of the outcome as soon as possible.

School Management.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

280 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science when a decision will be made with regard to the management structure in respect of a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5156/09]

The management structure for the proposed new school to which the Deputy refers is under consideration in my Department and a decision will be taken in this matter in due course.

School Staffing.

P. J. Sheehan

Ceist:

281 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the situation in a school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5177/09]

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.

The staffing schedule for the 2009/2010 school year, Primary Circular 0002/2009, has been published on my Department's website at www.education.ie and my officials have written to all schools to notify them in this regard. The schedule is a transparent and clear way of ensuring that schools are treated consistently and fairly and know where they stand. Under a system that allocates additional teachers at different step points under a common schedule it is a fact of life that one single pupil change in enrolment can cause a school to lose or gain a teacher. In recent years when improvements were being made to the staffing schedule it was also the case that there were winners and losers depending on individual enrolment profiles. If I were to change the staffing schedule to allow the schools that are due to lose a teacher to retain that teaching post I would be treating them differently from other schools with the exact same number on the rolls and I do not propose to do so.

I have a responsibility to ensure that whatever the overall level of allocation the system for allocating teachers to schools is transparent and fair where everyone knows where they stand and each school knows that it is getting the same number of mainstream class teachers as the school up the road with similar enrolment. The system should not create anomalies or operate on the basis that one or more schools should be treated differently to others.

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.

Schools Refurbishment.

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

282 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding work required for repair of sewerage works; if funding is available for this repair at a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5178/09]

My Department makes grants available to schools for works required as a result of unforeseen emergencies of a capital nature that may arise during the school year. It is open to the school in question to apply to my Department for such grant aid. Any application received will be assessed and the school authorities advised of the outcome.

Departmental Funding.

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

283 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount invested each year to date in the programme for research in third level institutions; the level of investment to be allocated in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5182/09]

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

284 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount invested each year to date in the strategic innovation fund; the level of investment to be allocated in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5183/09]

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

285 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of projects which have been funded each year to date under the programme for research in third level institutions and the Strategic Innovation Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5184/09]

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

286 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the breakdown of the third level institutions funded under the programme for research in third level institutions and the Strategic Innovation Fund each year to date; the amount allocated in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5185/09]

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

287 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if a progress review has been undertaken in relation to the programme for research in third level institutions or the Strategic Innovation Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5186/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 283 to 287, inclusive, together.

The Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions (PRTLI) was introduced in 1998 and projects with a total value of €865 million have been approved to date under the four cycles of the programme. A call for proposals in relation to the fifth cycle of the programme, which I announced in January with funding of €300 million, has issued. The PRTLI is the most significant research programme supported by the Department. It supports the building of strategic institutional research capacity, enabling the establishment of research centres and facilities, and joint research programmes and national initiatives.

The objectives of the programme are:

To enable a strategic and planned approach by third-level institutions to the long-term development of their research capabilities, consistent with their existing and developing research strengths and capabilities and national goals.

To promote the development of high quality research capabilities in third-level institutions, so as to enhance the quality and relevance of graduate output and skills.

Within the framework of these objectives, to provide support for outstandingly talented individual researchers and teams within institutions and the encouragement of co-operation between researchers both within the institutions and between institutions having particular regard to the desirability of encouraging inter-institutional co-operation within the two parts of the binary system and within Ireland, the EU and internationally.

In 2004 an international Assessment Committee undertook a comprehensive review of the PRTLI. The impact assessment concluded that the programme had very positive impacts on institutional strategic planning, inter-institutional co-operation and on the quality of research being produced in Ireland. It endorsed the essential link between research and teaching and learning, and considered the programme to be ambitious and far-sighted and vital to underpinning the development of the research system in higher education. Preparations are underway for a further impact assessment of the programme to be conducted this year.

The Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF), which was introduced in 2006, is a major catalyst in bringing about substantial change and quality improvement in our higher education institutions, and promoting system-wide collaboration that draws on all institutions collective strengths. The strength of the Irish higher education system, which consists of a relatively large number of institutions with diverse missions, will only be fully realised through institutional collaboration. Projects approved under the Fund are aimed at institutional reform, enhancing teaching and learning, improving access and life long learning and enabling the development of fourth level activity.

SIF was designed:

To enhance the delivery of core activities of education and research, through effective and creative institutional and inter-institutional collaboration and including, where necessary, appropriate internal restructuring and rationalisation efforts;

To support enabling measures to prepare for the expansion and development of post-graduate education (including expansion and development of graduate schools), including both intra- and inter-institutional collaboration;

To support innovation and quality improvement in teaching and learning, including enhanced teaching methods, programme restructuring, modularisation and e-learning; and

To support access, retention and progression both at individual institutional level and through inter-institutional, sectoral and inter-sectoral collaboration.

In accordance with the terms of the National Development Plan, the impact of the SIF will be reviewed in 2010 to inform the assessment of policy in this area. The detailed project and institutional information sought by the Deputy is being compiled and will be supplied to the Deputy shortly.

Departmental Circulars.

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

288 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of circulars produced by his Department each year for the past five years; if such circulars were printed and posted to schools, if so, the cost of doing so each year for the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5187/09]

The number of circulars produced by my Department for the past five years are as follows:

Year

Number

2004

135

2005

111

2006

166

2007

111

2008

115

For the years in question circulars were printed and posted to schools, VEC's and Third Level Institutions. The vast majority of these circulars were printed in the Department. The amount spent by my Department on posting circulars 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 circulars etc, for the years in question is as follows:

Year

2004

1,313,203.75

2005

1,458,607.33

2006

1,652,104.16

2007

1,546,530.87

2008

1,655,664.61

This figure includes the cost of posting a variety of materials to schools and teachers including circulars, payslips (approximately 2.1 million payslips are issued annually), publications, etc. It should also be noted that my Department agrees on occasion to circulate relevant materials produced by other organisations to schools, and that therefore the postage cost given above does not exclusively relate to material emanating from my Department.

My Department regularly reviews its postage arrangements with a view to achieving maximum value for money. In this regard, 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.

Higher Education Grants.

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

289 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made by his Department in introducing changes to the streamlining of the maintenance grant supports system as envisaged by the Student Support Bill 2008; when it is expected changes to the system will take effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5188/09]

The Student Support Bill, which was published in February 2008 provides the legislative framework for the reform of the administration of student grants and the amalgamation of the existing four student grant schemes into a single unified scheme which will be provided for by way of regulation.

The Bill is part of an overall programme of legislative and administrative reform, which will facilitate the introduction of significant service level improvements in the administration of student grants, providing for greater consistency of application, improved client accessibility and timely delivery of grants to those who need them most. It will include guaranteed timeframes for the assessment of grants, an independent appeals procedure and more efficient arrangements for handling applications and making payments.

This new, significantly more customer-oriented system of administration will provide for a more simplified and accessible applications system, much greater speed and consistency in processing student grant applications, more transparency and accountability in the awarding of grants and regular, on-time EFT payments for students.

The Bill concluded Second Stage in the Dáil on the 30th April 2008 and it is anticipated that it will progress to Committee Stage shortly. A number of amendments are currently being considered, arising from a review of the Bill following the Second Stage debate and further consultations since publication.

The passage of the Bill will facilitate progress on the two other significant pillars of this project, the development of a single unified grant scheme and consolidation of the administration of student grants into the VEC sector. The Department is working closely with the IVEA and other relevant stakeholders to develop the new administrative structures required to support more efficient and effective delivery of the new unified grants scheme.

School Accommodation.

Charles Flanagan

Ceist:

290 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will enumerate which towns and villages in County Laois are being considered by the developing areas unit of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5245/09]

As the Deputy will be aware, the main emphasis in 2008 was on providing sufficient school places in developing areas such as Portlaoise, as well as delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country. In this context, a new 8 classroom school was provided in September 2008 for Gaelscoil Portlaoise. A new 16 classroom school was constructed for Portarlington Convent National School. Construction has also commenced on a new 8 classroom school for Emo.

A new 8 classroom school for the Convent of Mercy in Borris in Ossory was included in my announcement of 23rd January, to proceed to tender and construction. In Mountrath, a new Community School catering for 650 pupils commenced construction in July 2008. It is envisaged that it will be ready for occupation in September, 2009.

As part of the first Bundle of PPP projects, two post-primary schools catering for 850 pupils each will be built in Portlaoise. These projects which are on the one site will accommodate St. Mary's CBS and Scoil Chríost Rí. The Forward Planning Section of my Department is currently identifying the areas throughout the country where significant additional accommodation will be required at primary and post-primary level in the medium to long term. Factors under consideration include population growth, demographic trends, current and projected enrolments, recent and planned housing developments and capacity of existing schools to meet demand for places. Those areas identified that require additional capacity will be addressed in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Simon Coveney

Ceist:

291 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the full costs of renting prefabs for all schools in Cork City and county who do so; the length of time these schools have been renting prefabs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5290/09]

Currently there are 282 prefabricated units being rented by 116 schools in Cork city and County. The total annual rental cost amounts to €4 million. Rental of these units commenced as follows:

Year

2008/9

46

2007/8

93

2006/7

60

2005/6

27

The rental of the remaining units commenced during the period 1999 to 2005.

In general, the Department approves the purchase or rental of prefabricated classrooms based on need at the time of application. Local school managements then organise their class numbers, year on year, to achieve the optimum local efficiencies. In all cases school managements are required to seek 3 tenders to achieve value for money before approval is given to rent, with the lowest suitable tender being approved.

The demand for additional accommodation in schools has risen significantly over the last number of years, with the appointment of 6,000 extra teachers in the primary sector alone since 2002. In considering the need to provide extra resource and other teachers to schools in recent years, the Government could have decided to make children wait until permanent accommodation could be provided. However, it was decided to prioritise the placement of the extra teachers into schools as soon as possible.

The Permanent Accommodation Scheme was introduced in 2003 to reduce the need for prefabs. It was designed to give value for money in terms of providing permanent accommodation in place of prefabs, where an accommodation need was likely to exist for a considerable length of time. Since its introduction, over €100m has been allocated to schools under the scheme and it has resulted in the provision of an additional 625 classrooms and 275 resource rooms in schools around the country, thereby reducing the demand for prefabs.

It will continue to be necessary for prefabricated accommodation to be provided because competing priorities mean that it will not always be possible to have a permanent accommodation solution in place in a short time-frame.

Barr
Roinn