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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 17 Feb 2009

Vol. 675 No. 1

Written Answers.

The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 15, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 16 to 50, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 51 to 59, inclusive, answered orally.

Proposed Legislation.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

60 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Transport when he will introduce legislation to ensure the mandatory testing of all drivers involved in serious road collisions; the reason there has been such a delay in introducing this legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5826/09]

The current position regarding the testing of drivers for alcohol at the scene of a collision is that a member of An Garda Síochána may require a driver involved in a collision to provide a preliminary breath specimen. This discretion is provided in acknowledgement of the fact that urgent medical attention may be required for seriously injured victims and must take precedence over breath testing. In addition, a Garda may request a blood or urine sample from a driver who is in hospital following a vehicle incident where the Garda believes that person was intoxicated.

There is no suitable technology currently available for the testing of drivers for drugs at the scene of a road traffic collision.

However the Road Traffic Acts provide that where a member of the Garda Síochána is of the opinion that a person in charge of a mechanically propelled vehicle in a public place is under the influence of a drug or drugs to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of that vehicle, he or she may require that person to go to a Garda station and further require that person to submit to a blood test or to provide a urine sample.

A Road Traffic and Transport Bill, which inter alia proposes measures to put in place the mandatory testing for alcohol of drivers involved in road traffic collisions, is currently being drafted. The intention is to bring the Bill to Government as soon as possible and, subject to Government approval, the publish it in the coming months.

EU Funding.

P. J. Sheehan

Ceist:

61 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Transport his views on the complaint being considered by the EU Commission on unfair State aid for State transport companies; the contact his Department has had with the EU on this matter; when he expects a ruling to be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5933/09]

The European Commission informed my Department in July 2007 that, as a result of a complaint received by them, it had decided to initiate a formal investigation procedure into whether the Exchequer capital and current funding provided to CIÉ contravenes European Union law.

My Department submitted to the European Commission a detailed response to the issues raised and outlined how the compensation paid to Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus in respect of their public service obligations complies with the requirements of Regulation 1191/69 under Article 73 of the Treaties.

Since submitting the detailed response, the European Commission has been in contact with my Department requesting responses to third party comments on the matter. Third party comments were received by the European Commission as part of the standard process of formal investigation procedures of this nature. Responses to these comments have been forwarded to the European Commission.

Officials have been in contact with the European Commission recently and I understand that the investigation procedure is ongoing.

Ministerial Appointments.

Joe Carey

Ceist:

62 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport the process of selecting a chief executive for the Dublin Transport Authority; the progress to date; when he expects the Dublin Transport Authority to be fully operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5930/09]

Joe Costello

Ceist:

106 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Transport when he will appoint the new chief executive officer for the Dublin Transport Authority; the estimated date for the full operation of the DTA; the annual running costs of the organisation; when he plans to introduce the Public Transport Regulation Bill to transform the DTA into a national transport regulator; the impact this will have on transport planning for the greater Dublin Area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5805/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 62 and 106 together.

My Department is proceeding with preparations for the establishment of the Dublin Transport Authority (DTA) as soon as possible during 2009. A key part of those preparations is the recruitment of a Chief Executive Officer and the necessary recruitment process is now underway.

The Public Appointments Service initiated the recruitment process for the CEO on 23 January last and the closing date for receipt of applications is 19 February next. The timing of the appointment of a CEO will obviously depend on the outcome of this process.

My Department has had very productive discussions with the Department of Finance on the administrative budget and staff numbers for the DTA, on the basis of which it was agreed to proceed with the recruitment of the CEO. Final decisions on funding and staff numbers will be taken following consultation with the new CEO and the Authority.

The Government has recently approved the General Scheme of the Public Transport Regulation Bill which contains proposals for a new bus licensing regime which will replace the Road Transport Act 1932 and the provisions of the Transport Act 1958 that relate to the provision of bus services by the State bus companies. It is proposed that responsibility for bus route licensing and public transport services contracts nationwide will be assigned to the DTA under the Bill, which will also provide for the amalgamation of the Commission for Taxi Regulation into the DTA. The Bill will also provide for the renaming of the Dublin Transport Authority as the National Transport Authority given its proposed national focus in relation to commercial bus licensing, future bus and rail subvention and the regulation of small public service vehicles.

In the light of the recent Government approval of the General Scheme of the Public Transport Regulation Bill, the Bill will now be drafted and published as soon as possible.

Section 12 of the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 requires the DTA to prepare a long-term strategic planning framework for the integrated development of transport infrastructure and services in the Greater Dublin Area. The proposed Public Transport Regulation Bill does not contain any proposals to alter the provisions of that section.

Road Safety Strategy.

Noel Coonan

Ceist:

63 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Transport the progress to date on the National Road Safety Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5941/09]

Jack Wall

Ceist:

99 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Transport the actions under the Road Safety Strategy 2007 to 2012 which have missed their deadlines; the reason these key deadlines have been missed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5827/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 63 and 99 together.

The Road Safety Strategy 2007-2012 was prepared by the Road Safety Authority, approved by the Government and launched in October 2007. Its overall objective, through a combination of education, enforcement and engineering actions, is to save lives and prevent serious injuries, thereby bringing Ireland in line with best practice countries in road safety terms.

The Strategy is being successfully implemented across a range of agencies. We have seen a sustained reduction in the number of people killed on our roads. 2008 saw the lowest number of road deaths on record at 279, despite the fact there has been a 40 per cent increase in the number of drivers and a 70 per cent increase in the number of vehicles on our roads. Of course it is important to maintain the momentum in Road Safety measures, as each fatality and serious injury is a tragedy for families, friends and communities. According to the European Road Safety Performance Index (PIN) programme, which is run by the European Transport Safety Council, (ETSC), Ireland is now ranked in the top ten best performing EU countries for road safety performance.

Action 83 of the Strategy requires the Road Safety Authority (RSA) to report to me by the end of the second quarter of each year on the implementation of the 126 actions in the Strategy, all of which identify the lead agency responsible for implementation and a target implementation date. The Authority has confirmed that all actions in the Strategy identified for completion in 2007 have been completed in full. These include publication of a revised Rules of the Road, road safety awareness events, integration of RSA enforcement activity with An Garda Síochána, Customs and the HSA, and publication of various consultation documents including one on compulsory training for motor cyclists.

The report for the year 2008 will be presented to me in June of this year. However it is clear from communication with the RSA that substantial progress has been made on the annual Actions and those specifically for 2008. More than half have been completed and substantial progress has been made on the majority of the rest.

It is of course the case that work has already begun on other actions in the Strategy which have a longer timeframe for completion, for example in the case of my Department the introduction of a lower blood alcohol level for drivers (Action No. 76), with a target date of 2nd Quarter 2009. This will form part of the Road Traffic and Transport Bill, which I hope to see published in the coming months, as will provisions relating to mandatory alcohol testing of drivers at collisions (Action No. 75) and to driving under the influence of drugs (Action No. 78).

It may be the case, over the course of an ambitious and challenging Road Safety Strategy, that some of the target dates are missed, even where work on the Actions themselves is underway, but we must not lose sight of the underlying achievement: road fatalities are falling and substantial progress is being made on all the key issues in relation to the safety of road users.

Marine Safety.

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

64 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Transport the progress to date in relation to ensuring low polluting fuels in maritime operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5969/09]

Issues relating to pollution from ships are continually under review at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and at EU level. It is most desirable owing to its international nature that measures relating to shipping should as far as possible be applied internationally. This ensures for instance that States which apply measures in the interest of ship safety or the prevention of pollution would not be at a competitive disadvantage.

There have been two significant developments in 2008 aimed at ensuring low polluting fuels usage in maritime operations. Firstly, my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government made the Sulphur Content of Heavy Fuel Oil, Gas Oil, and Marine Fuels Regulations, 2008, which give effect to the EU Sulphur Directive, 1999/32/EC as amended by 2005/33/EC. For protection of human health and the environment these Regulations prohibit the use or marketing of marine fuels of sulphur content above prescribed levels. From 1 January, 2010, the tolerance level for marketing of marine gas oil will become stricter, from the existing 1.5% sulphur content to 0.1%. From that date, the use in inland waterway vessels or in ships at berth, of marine fuels with sulphur content which exceeds 0.1% will be prohibited.

Secondly, in October, the IMO, to which Ireland is a Party, adopted a revised Annex VI to the MARPOL Convention, on Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships. The revised Annex VI introduces significant changes to permissible emissions into the air from ships, including sulphur emissions, with provision for a gradual reduction in allowable ship emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulphur oxides (SOx).

This revision will bring in global standards that will significantly reduce harmful emissions from ships, principally through use of low polluting fuels. It will enter into force internationally on July 1, 2010. My Department is preparing Regulations to give effect to the revised Annex i.

Driving Tests.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

65 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Transport when he will introduce legislation necessary for the proposed graduated driver licence system; the type of GDLS he favours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5828/09]

The Road Safety Strategy 2007-2012 outlines a range of measures to be considered in relation to a Graduated Driver Licensing System (GDLS). The driver licensing regulations, which were made in October 2007, providing for the introduction of a learner permit to replace the provisional licence and some other measures, were the first step in the introduction of a GDLS. A progressive roll-out of appropriate measures is envisaged as the most practical approach for implementing a GDLS.

On 13 January 2009 the Road Safety Authority (RSA) launched a consultation process on a GDLS and published a consultation paper. This contains a number of possible measures and the RSA also welcomes other suggestions from the public. The consultation process runs until 13 March 2009, following which the RSA will consider responses and bring forward in due course proposals for my consideration. It is too soon to say what the timeframe for that will be or whether new legislation will be required.

Road Safety.

Lucinda Creighton

Ceist:

66 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding his Department’s obligation to prepare guidelines for local authorities in relation to the setting of speed limits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5949/09]

Following the metrication of speed limits in 2005 the Minister for Transport issued guidance to Local Authorities on the setting of special speed limits in accordance with Section 9 of the Road Traffic Act 2004. The purpose of these guidelines is to provide advice and guidance to Local Authorities in relation to the making of special speed limit bye-laws by county and city councils. These Guidelines set out principles to guide local authorities in setting speed limits with the intention of contributing to the establishment of uniform and standard application of appropriate speed limits on a country-wide basis. These Guidelines were revised and issued to Local Authorities again in December 2008.

The Government's Road Safety Strategy 2007-2012 sets out two related actions (a) to prepare and publish technical/engineering guidance for the setting of speed limits generally and (b) to audit and report on the appropriateness and consistency of speed limits every two years. Work on these Actions is now in hands and in concluding that work regard will be had to Action 30 of the recently published Smarter Travel Plan to "address the twin objectives of road safety and emissions reduction through the enhanced enforcement of appropriate speed limits", as there is clearly scope for a co-ordinated approach.

I should also point out that the speed limits that may be in force on any road are maximum speed limits and driving safely means that a driver must drive at the speed that is suitable for the conditions, for example, weather, visibility and the driver's own level of experience.

Aviation Policy.

Bernard Allen

Ceist:

67 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Transport his plans for the reform of aviation policy; the timeframe for the separation of regional airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5914/09]

David Stanton

Ceist:

73 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport his policy in relation to the independence of Cork Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5874/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 67 and 73 together.

Ireland's aviation policy as set out my Department's current Statement of Strategy is to promote regular, safe, cost effective and competitive air services linking the country with key business and tourism markets. Within the European Union, Ireland has consistently supported market liberalisation measures, which have to date, served as the platform for the rapid expansion of aviation generally. We have also sought to influence the emerging EU and wider international framework for aviation to ensure that it continues to promote competition and innovation in the market-place. The introduction the EU-US Open Skies agreement and the conclusion of a more liberal agreement on a bilateral basis with Canada illustrates our commitment to supporting liberalisation measures.

Our approach to the encouragement of air services is complemented by our policy on the development of airport infrastructure within the country. The main objective is to ensure that the three State Airports have sufficient capacity to respond to the needs of a competitive airline sector and to provide vital international access. The opening of Terminal 2 at Dublin Airport in early 2010 will allow Dublin Airport to respond to foreseeable demand, cater for a range of short haul and long haul services and will ensure that the airport continues to be an efficient gateway to the Ireland of the 21st century.

In addition, the six regional airports have a role to play in facilitating access to the regions. My Department provides financial support for airport development and operations as well as PSO services connecting Kerry, Galway, Knock, Sligo, Donegal and Derry to Dublin.

The further key components of our strategy are to ensure that our aviation safety and security policies comply with, or exceed, the highest international standards and that the policy framework for air navigation services ensures that the requirements of airlines for efficient routings and the avoidance of delays are met as far as possible without compromising safety.

The global economic downturn and the reduction in consumer demand for air travel are currently having a negative impact on the airline industry globally. From an Irish economy perspective, the overarching priority is to maintain the highest possible levels of connectivity between Ireland and key markets around the world and my Department will continue to closely monitor developments in the aviation sector that impact on that objective.

As to the separation of the three state airports, I announced on 22 December last that I would be deferring a decision on separation until 2011. I made this decision following consideration of the business plans in the light of changed economic circumstances especially in the aviation sector, the views of the three boards, as conveyed to me by the chairmen and consultation with my colleagues in Government.

In conjunction with the deferral of separation, I requested the Chairmen of the three airport authority boards to agree new governance arrangements for Cork and Shannon. I considered that, pending a decision on separation, the boards and management of Cork and Shannon Airports should have a stronger role in respect of the day-to-day management, development and promotion of their respective airports, with appropriate accountability to the DAA. I have met with each of the boards in recent weeks and am pleased that all three have now agreed revised governance arrangements along these lines.

I should add that these governance arrangements will provide an opportunity for Cork Airport to realise the potential provided by the very substantial investment in the airport in recent years. Shannon Airport will also be in a strong position to reap the benefits of US pre-clearance facilities, due for introduction at the airport in mid 2009.

Capital Projects.

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

68 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if funding for capital projects has been transferred from his Department to other Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5986/09]

The Exchequer capital allocation for my Department in 2009 was reduced by €182 million as part of the Government's recently agreed expenditure controls and economic strategy. This amount will contribute to overall reductions in capital expenditure and to other measures such as labour-intensive spending on schools building projects and energy-saving measures.

Smarter Travel Policy.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

69 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport his Department’s work place travel plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6000/09]

My Department instituted its first Workplace Travel Plan in September 2007. Among the measures contained in that Plan were a dedicated website to facilitate staff in lift sharing; provision of bicycles in each office location in Dublin to service inter-office travelling needs and to facilitate those who might wish to sample commuting by bicycle; the establishment of bicycle users and walkers groups; provision of information to staff on timetabling of public transport services; awareness raising in relation to walking distances to the Department's offices from suburban areas; and promotion of the annual travel pass scheme.

In delivering the Plan, an undertaking was given to regular review. Such a review has been undertaken recently and it is envisaged that my Department's second workplace travel plan will be launched shortly. At this stage, some 75% of my Department's staff travel to work either on foot, by bicycle or by public transport.

Alan Shatter

Ceist:

70 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Transport the funding provided to An Taisce in respect of the green schools travel module for each year since inception; the amount requested for each such year; his views on the future of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6007/09]

An Taisce's Green Schools Travel Module was supported, on a pilot basis in the period 2005 to 2007 in the Greater Dublin Area, by the Dublin Transportation Office. €154,909 was paid in 2005, with €295,301 and €187,633 paid in the succeeding years.

The pilot programme, which peaked at 50 schools and 20,000 pupils in the Greater Dublin Area in 2007, produced encouraging results with an average 10% decline in car use for school journeys in the participating schools. This decline was replaced by an 8% increase in walking/cycling and 1% increases in reliance on public transport and mixed mode travel.

In 2008, I indicated that I wished my Department to make up to €2 million available on an annual basis, up to and including 2012, to the Green Schools Travel Module through the DTO. €1,448,864 was paid in 2008 and enabled the Module to operate in 317 schools.

I consider that the Green Schools Travel Module is a key educational support towards achieving significant modal shift by the year 2020 in line with the Smarter Travel Policy. The Module increased its reach from about 20,000 pupils in 2007 to some 75,000 in 2008 and I envisage that by 2012 it can reach about 265,000 pupils on a nationwide basis.

National Development Plan.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

71 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the degree to which that portion of the national development plan which is relevant to his Department is expected to proceed on target and within cost; the extent to which cost reduction has been identified to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5875/09]

All transport infrastructure projects identified for development under the National Development Plan are proceeding. A number of road and public transport projects have already been completed, others will be completed on or ahead of schedule this year and many more are under construction or at planning. The implementing State agencies have indicated to my Department that there is a general downward trend, in the cost of land purchases and procurement tenders in recent times.

National Roads Authority.

David Stanton

Ceist:

72 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport the details of the meetings he and his departmental staff have had with the National Roads Authority in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5873/09]

I met with representatives of all the relevant agencies, including the National Roads Authority (NRA), on 13 February 2008 to discuss Transport 21 issues. In addition, I met with the Chief Executive of the National Roads Authority (NRA) and with senior officials and Board members to discuss a number of policy issues ranging from the Dublin Port Tunnel to the NRA's national roads programme on four separate occasions between April and December.

More generally, my Department maintains regular contact with the NRA in relation to policy and funding issues in respect of the national roads programme element of Transport 21.

Question No. 73 answered with Question No. 67.

Light Rail Project.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

74 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the most recent meeting of the group preparing contingency plans for the upcoming big dig for the major infrastructural works necessary for Metro North, Dublin rail interconnector and the LUAS link-up including all relevant stakeholders, residents’, community and local business groups; the regularity with which the Dublin City Manager has briefed him on the upcoming big dig; the progress made on preparations for the big dig; when contingency measures will commence; when he will bring the public information campaign to inform the general public of what to expect with the big dig infrastructural works and in particular when the bus gate at College Green, Dublin will commence; the way he envisages it will operate for pedestrians and cyclists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5807/09]

As I have indicated previously, pending the establishment of the Dublin Transport Authority, the Dublin City Manager chairs the Dublin Transport 21 Implementation Group which co-ordinates and oversees the investment programme in Dublin. The Group comprises the chief executives of the principal implementing agencies, an Assistant Secretary from my Department, the Fingal County Manager, the Director of Traffic and representatives of the Garda Síochána and business associations.

Two sub-groups have been established and the business community is represented on both.

The Contingency Planning Group, which is chaired by an official from Dublin City Council, is overseeing the preparation of a traffic management strategy for the Transport 21 construction phase, focused particularly on the city centre. This strategy will take account of other construction activity by local authorities, public bodies and private developers.

The Communications Group is preparing a co-ordinated communications strategy for the construction period of major Transport 21 projects, such as Metro North and the Interconnector. The theme of this strategy will be "Dublin is open for business".

I understand that the Contingency Planning Sub-Group meet monthly. Significant progress has been made in the preparation of a contingency plan, which includes traffic measures such as the provision of Park and Ride Sites, enhanced public transport services, Real Time Information installations for bus stops, dedicated breakdown towing services, a bus gate at College Green and improved traffic light control at specific junctions. In addition, a detailed Scheme Traffic Management Plan is currently being finalised by the RPA in conjunction with Dublin City Council. This will be finalised in time for the Public Inquiry on Metro North and will become a public document at that time. It will, amongst other things, address the needs and concerns of both pedestrians and cyclists, with particular emphasis on maintaining their safety and service amenity levels (such as the avoidance of excessive crowding on pedestrian routes) throughout the duration of construction works.

I hold regular quarterly meetings with the Transport 21 implementing agencies, An Garda Síochána and business organisations in Dublin to identify the principal concerns of the business community and to review progress on traffic planning for the construction phase of Transport 21 projects. I last met with the Dublin City Centre Stakeholders Group on 29 September 2008. The next meeting of the Group is scheduled to take place in the first week of March, 2009.

In addition, earlier this month, I met with the Dublin City Manager to discuss progress on preparatory work for Transport 21 projects in the city centre.

It is planned that contingency measures will commence later this year. The College Green Bus Gate is planned to come into operation during the summer and Dublin City Council will publish details on its operation in the coming weeks.

An extensive public information and awareness campaign will commence following the conclusion of the Metro North Public Inquiry by An Bord Pleanála, which is scheduled to commence on 2 March 2009.

Dublin Port Company.

Dinny McGinley

Ceist:

75 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Transport if he asked the former chairman of Dublin Port to resign at his recent meeting with him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5983/09]

The Minister is not answerable to the Dáil in relation to his diary engagements or private meetings.

Question No. 76 answered with Question No. 58.

Cycling Policy.

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

77 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Transport if he has received and reviewed the new report by Dublin City Council’s roads and traffic department, Cycle Collisions in Dublin City 2002 to 2006; if he will introduce measures to enhance the protection and safety of cyclists here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5822/09]

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

108 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will implement the recommendations of the Dublin City Council report that found that almost three quarters of cyclists killed in Dublin were hit by left turning heavy goods vehicles. [5842/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 77 and 108 together.

Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No 477 of 2006) research and analysis into the causes of collisions is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. The recent report on cycle collisions will of course be taken into account by the RSA as part of that work.

The Road Safety Strategy Action (No. 82) to develop a national cycling safety strategy by the Road Safety Authority has been amalgamated into the National Cycle Policy Framework, which will be published in due course under the Smarter Travel Plan.

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

78 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Transport when the national cycling policy will be published; the key proposals the strategy will contain; the amount of money he will allocate each year for the national cycling strategy over the next three years; the estimated cost of implementing the national cycling strategy; the targets for new cyclists for 2009 and 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5821/09]

I intend to publish a National Cycle Policy Framework shortly. The Framework will be not only a comprehensive response to current difficulties faced by the cycling community in terms of road priority and safety issues, but will also prove to be a springboard to creating a culture of cycling in Ireland. I will address the overall cost of the new policy framework and the funding to be allocated to it in 2009 when it is published.

The National Cycle Policy Framework will aim to increase the modal share enjoyed by cycling from 2% in 2006 to 10% by 2020. It would not be reasonable to set specific targets for increases in modal share in the short term, as suggested in the question. However, progress can be measured when the results of the 2011 Census are available.

Marine Safety.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

79 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the action taken by his Department since 2005 in relation to reports from the Marine Casualty Investigation Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5989/09]

Since its establishment in 2002 the MCIB has published 114 reports containing 467 recommendations. In the four-year period 2005 to 2008, the MCIB published 46 reports regarding 55 craft incidents, which resulted in 42 fatalities and 7 injuries to persons. On receipt of the reports my Department examine each of the MCIB's recommendations with a view to addressing any shortcomings in either the statutory basis of maritime safety policy or in relation to Safety regulation enforcement arrangements.

For example, as part of the ongoing work to enhance maritime safety within specific sectors the Merchant Shipping (Fishing vessel) (15-24 metres) Regulations came into effect for new vessels on 1 October 2007. This represents a phased approach aimed at improving safety measures across all categories of fishing vessels.

To further heighten Safety awareness my Department recently issued Marine Notice Number 5 of 2009 to remind fishing vessel owners and operators in this category of the application dates contained in the Regulations and encouraging them to make their application for survey in sufficient time to the Marine Survey Office. My Department regularly issues Marine Notices, bringing particular information or advice, arising from MCIB reports, to the attention of the specific maritime sector or sectors.

For the leisure sector new measures have centred on lifejackets, licensing requirements, enforcement and increased safety awareness. There are regulations containing national requirements governing all types of pleasure craft relating to the carrying and wearing of lifejackets, age restrictions on the operation of pleasure craft including personal watercraft and controls on the use of alcohol and drugs while operating such craft. It is now compulsory for all children up to the age of 16 years to wear a lifejacket/personal flotation device (PFD) while on board a pleasure craft and for everyone on board small pleasure craft, under 7 metres, to wear a lifejacket/PFD.

The MCIB recommendations make a significant contribution to the development of maritime safety. Where measures have yet to be implemented they serve as part of the overall input into the ongoing development of the maritime safety agenda.

Nevertheless, seafarers have to take personal responsibility for their safety when they decide to take to the water. By taking simple measures such as wearing a lifejacket and following other sensible precautions, individuals can contribute to the enhancement of safety generally and to saving lives.

Question No. 80 answered with Question No. 58.

End-of-Life Vehicles.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

81 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Transport the number of Irish and foreign registered car write-offs on roads here which have been identified to date; the action he will take to reform the national vehicle driver file to address the dangerous problem of car write-offs; if he will introduce a compulsory reporting system for car write-offs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5830/09]

As I indicated in replies to previous similar questions voluntary arrangements with insurers have been put in place whereby my Department receives regular notifications of write off instances. Since this commenced in June 2008 some 21,427 vehicle write offs have been notified and the relevant records on the NVDF, which contains data on some 2.5 million vehicles, have been updated with this information. Once recorded on the NVDF further activity in respect of these vehicles, including renewal of motor tax, is not permissible. These voluntary arrangements are operating satisfactorily and I have no immediate plans to make them statutorily compulsory.

Provision of write-off data in relation to foreign registered vehicles at the time of registration is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners.

Road Safety.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

82 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Transport the obligation of his Department to prepare an audit of the appropriateness and consistency of speed limits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5947/09]

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

111 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Transport when he will publish the new guidelines for the setting of speed limits by local authorities which was a key action under the Road Safety Strategy 2007 to 2012; the reason the deadline for this action which should have been published by the third quarter of 2008 was missed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5825/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 111 together.

The Government's Road Safety Strategy 2007-2012 sets out two related actions (a) to prepare and publish technical/engineering guidance for the setting of speed limits and (b) to audit and report on the appropriateness and consistency of speed limits every two years.

Work on these Actions is now in hand and in concluding that work regard will be had to Action 30 of the recently published Smarter Travel Plan to "address the twin objectives of road safety and emissions reduction through the enhanced enforcement of appropriate speed limits".

Following the metrication of speed limits in 2005, the Minister for Transport issued guidance to Local Authorities on the setting of special speed limits in accordance with Section 9 of the Road Traffic Act 2004. These Guidelines set out principles to guide local authorities in setting special speed limits with the intention of contributing to the establishment of uniform and standard application of appropriate speed limits on a country-wide basis.

Local Authorities were requested to examine the position in relation to speed limits in their cities and counties and take whatever action they deemed appropriate. These Guidelines were revised and issued to Local Authorities again in December 2008.

I should also point out that the speed limits that may be in force on any road are maximum speed limits and driving safely means that a driver must drive at the speed that is suitable for the conditions, for example, weather, visibility and the driver's own level of experience.

Park and Ride Facilities.

Tom Sheahan

Ceist:

83 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Transport when he will direct the relevant agencies and authorities to invest in park and ride facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5920/09]

My Department supports park and ride as having a role to play in encouraging commuters to switch to public transport. The provision of dedicated park and ride facilities at railway stations is a matter for Irish Rail, and at Luas and proposed Metro sites it is a matter for the RPA. Local authorities also have a role in providing commuter park and ride facilities. Good progress has been made in recent years in the provision of park and ride facilities.

Iarnród Éireann have begun a network-wide programme of expanding or developing new car parks, with the assistance of Exchequer funding, to cater for record demand. Within the past year car parks have opened/been extended at eight train stations, namely, Leixlip Louisa Bridge, Mallow, Ennis, Tullamore, Arklow, Limerick, Hazelhatch and Gormanston, resulting in over 1,350 extra car parking spaces. New car parks are also due to open over the next eighteen months at Portmarnock, Newbridge, Rush and Lusk, Donabate, Laytown, Portarlington, Carlow, Wicklow and Gorey and at Limerick Junction over the next year. I understand that Iarnród Éireann is currently examining a number of other locations for their suitability for expansion. To date Exchequer funding of €21 million has been allocated for the car park extension programme.

Besides existing park and ride facilities on the current Luas network, the RPA is planning further facilities on the Luas extensions and the Metro to open at the same time as these lines.

My officials have also held discussions with local authorities in Dublin and in the regional cities with a view to identifying and progressing bus-based park and ride facilities in their areas and as part of my recently launched "Smart Travel — A Sustainable Transport Future" I will be asking local authorities to fast track the development of such facilities.

Aviation Policy.

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

84 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the recent decision to reject a takeover bid by an airline (details supplied) for Aer Lingus; if he will publish a White Paper on national aviation policy in view of the recent turmoil in the sector as a result of that airline’s takeover bid and the challenging global aviation environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5817/09]

The Government's aviation strategy is to facilitate the development of as wide a range as possible of competitive, safe and reliable air services for the benefit of business and tourism. In this context, at the time of the Aer Lingus IPO, the State retained a 25% shareholding in Aer Lingus to protect our strategic interests in a number of ways. Firstly, having a shareholding at this level acts as a block against a hostile takeover. The value of the State's shareholding in this regard has already been demonstrated and has ensured that the aviation market in Ireland will continue to be served by at least two strong competing airlines thus ensuring consumer choice and competition.

Secondly, the shareholding also ensures that the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company cannot be changed without the approval of the State. This, in turn, means that the safeguard measures relating to a disposal of Heathrow slots cannot be changed by other shareholders. Also, the provision whereby the State can appoint three directors to the Board cannot be changed by other shareholders.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Government recently rejected Ryanair's Cash Offer of €1.40 per share for the State's 25.1% shareholding in Aer Lingus. The Government took the view that the Ryanair Offer greatly undervalued Aer Lingus. The implications of the proposed takeover for competition in the Irish airline sector was also a major consideration. The cornerstone of Irish aviation policy is, and has been for many years, to encourage competition. Because we live on an island Irish consumers depend very heavily on air transport. The virtual monopoly that would have resulted if the Offer had been accepted would not have been in the best interests of Irish consumers. The Offer by Ryanair did not include any remedies to address the negative impact the takeover would have had on competition. The Government will continue to exercise its shareholder role in Aer Lingus with a view to protecting Ireland's strategic interests.

The global economic downturn and the reduction in consumer demand for air travel are currently having a negative impact on the airline industry globally. From an Irish economy perspective, the overarching priority is to maintain the highest possible levels of connectivity between Ireland and key markets around the world and my Department will continue to closely monitor developments in the aviation sector that impact on that objective.

I am satisfied that our strategy for aviation is appropriate and that a major review along the lines proposed by the Deputy is not warranted at this time.

Light Rail Project.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

85 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding Metro North; if he will confirm that there have been no changes to the route or underground nature of the service provided in the long-standing Metro North plans; when construction works will commence on the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5806/09]

Good progress continues to be made on the Metro North project. The Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) has made an application to An Bord Pleanála for a railway order and, subject to the grant of an enforceable railway order, preparatory works such as utility diversions will commence later in the year. The first round of tenders for the Public Private Partnership (PPP) contract are due to be submitted to the RPA at the end of this month.

The RPA has made no changes to the route of Metro North, either underground or on the surface, as outlined in the railway order application to An Bord Pleanála.

The start and completion dates of Transport 21 projects, which have not yet commenced, will be determined by the outcome of the statutory approval and procurement processes and the funding allocation available during the current difficult economic climate. My priority for public transport is to deliver additional capacity across all modes as quickly as possible and major projects, such as Metro North, will be particularly important in this regard.

In accordance with the requirements of the Government decision on Transport 21, Metro North will be submitted to Government for a final decision on the project on the completion of the tender process.

Rail Freight Services.

Kieran O'Donnell

Ceist:

86 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Transport his proposals to increase the use of rail freight and the role the proposed freight forum will have; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5994/09]

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

87 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Transport when he will establish the industry and stakeholder forum for the development of freight that was proposed in the new smarter transport document; the persons he will appoint to this forum; the remit of the forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5824/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 86 and 87 together.

I propose to establish a forum on the movement of goods, as set out in the Smarter Travel policy paper, later this year. My Department is currently undertaking preparatory work on the membership, tasks and timescales for the forum. The forum will address both economic competitiveness and environmental sustainability matters associated with the movement of goods by air, sea, rail and road.

The realistic potential for rail freight and its role within an integrated freight transport strategy will be among the matters explored by the forum.

Iarnród Éireann continues to pursue a policy of growing its rail freight business where opportunities present and of returning the rail freight business to profitability. In that context, Iarnród Éireann has made progress in recent years in growing the rail freight business in areas where it holds a competitive advantage over road haulage, e.g. large volumes or trainloads over longer distances.

Rail freight is fully liberalised since 1st January, 2007, and while no applications have been made for entry to the market to date, any expressions of interest would be welcomed.

Taxi Regulations.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

88 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport if he reviewed recent proposals from the Joint Committee on Transport on reforming the regulation of the taxi industry including the legal opinion prepared by a person (details supplied) for the committee on the possibility of introducing a cap or moratorium on the issuing of taxi licences; if he will reform the regulation of the taxi sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5799/09]

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

My Department has received a copy of the opinion of the Senior Counsel on taxi deregulation referred to by the Deputy. The proposals contained in the Senior Counsel's Opinion are being examined by my Department's legal advisors. I am expecting to receive shortly from the Commission of Taxi Regulation the economic review into small public service vehicles sector it has commissioned, together with the views of the Oireachtas Committee on Transport in that regard. When the Commission's review and deliberation of the Oireachtas Committee are completed and published, I will consider any recommendations relevant to my statutory obligations.

Private Transport Services.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

89 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether the granting of licences to private bus companies at the expense of Bus Éireann has systematically undermined the public transport system. [5840/09]

There is no basis for the presumption that the granting of licences for the provision of public bus services to private operators has undermined the public transport system. On the contrary, the presence in the market of over 600 services being provided under licence by private operators contributes significantly to the overall level of transport service available to the public.

Congestion Charges.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

90 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport if he will rule out the introduction of a congestion charge within three years as he suggested at the recent launch of the Deloitte review of Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann in view of the ongoing public transport deficit in the greater Dublin area; if he is currently reviewing any other fiscal measures including road pricing systems such as currently operate in the Netherlands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5802/09]

I will not rule in or out the potential fiscal measures needed to reduce congestion in the Greater Dublin Area. Although I expressed an opinion that congestion charges might ultimately be needed to help free up road space for alternative transport, I am not considering or proposing any specific measures at this point in time.

The Government's approach to this issue is set out in Action 11 of the new smarter travel policy framework which I launched recently. It states that fiscal measures would be needed to act as a disincentive to unnecessary car travel.

In relation to emissions, the Government has already introduced fiscal measures by ensuring that the VRT and Motor Tax systems, from July 2008, are entirely based on CO2 emissions with rates considerably varying between models on the basis of their emissions. Some reductions in CO2 emissions are likely to emerge even in the short term from this change.

I believe that further research on the optimal measures needed will be warranted after we see the recommendations of the Commission on Taxation Report due later this year.

Departmental Expenditure.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

91 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport the cost to date regarding the implementation of the State Airports Act 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5975/09]

Some €333,000 has been paid by my Department to consultants for the costs associated with business planning and other aspects of the implementation of the State Airports Act 2004. This work included provision of advice to the Department on the financial and other conditions necessary to facilitate separation, the preparation and evaluation of business plans and on resolution of certain issues identified in the business planning process.

I took account of this advice in reaching my recent decision to defer separation to 2011, having regard to the impact of changed economic circumstances on the State airports.

EU Directives.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

92 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether the EU’s road transport working time directive should be applied to all self-employed transport workers; his further views on double jobbing in the taxi industry and calls for the return of the 40 hour availability rule for taxi workers and on EU proposals to reform the working time directive; if he will make recommendations to this effect to the Road Safety Authority or the EU Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5811/09]

I understand that the Road Safety Authority is consulting employer and union interests concerning proposals by the European Commission to amend the EU Road Transport Working Time Directive 2002/15. The consultation was placed on the RSA website on 4th February 2009 together with supporting documentation. The Road Safety Authority will be reporting to my Department on the outcome of the consultation in March and decisions will be taken on an appropriate national position on the Commission's proposals. I do not intend to pre-empt the outcome of the RSA's consultation.

My Department does not have responsibility for the general Working Time Directive which is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

Regarding double jobbing in the taxi industry and an ‘availability' rule, the Commission for Taxi Regulation was established under the Taxi Regulation Act 2003. I understand from discussions between my Department and the taxi industry representatives that they are developing proposals in that regard and when submitted to my Department, they will be referred to the appropriate authority for consideration.

Light Rail Project.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

93 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport the estimated start and completion dates for Metro West, Luas line BX and D, and the Dublin rail interconnector; if he has produced alternative public transport provisions for the newly regenerated district around Broadstone if Luas line D does not proceed on schedule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5808/09]

The start and completion dates for projects which are yet to commence construction, including Metro West, Luas Line BX/D and the DART Underground, will be determined in each case by the outcome of public consultation, the statutory planning approval process, the public procurement process and the availability of financial resources.

Indicative completion dates for major projects can be found on the Transport 21 website.

The proposed new DIT campus in the Grangegorman/Broadstone area will be adequately served by public transport, including the proposed new Luas line D.

Road Network.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

94 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the recently announced Regional and Local Roads Programme 2009 and the National Roads Programme 2009; the road building, maintenance and upgrade projects which will not proceed in view of the €240 million reduction in the national roads budget for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5813/09]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

275 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his priorities for the development of the roads capital programme over the next five years in view of the prevailing or anticipated economic climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6188/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 94 and 275 together.

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme element of Transport 21. The implementation of individual national road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Act, 1993 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

My Department's allocation for National Roads Projects in 2008 was €1.657 billion. In 2009 the allocation is €1.449 billion.

The upgrading of the major interurban routes connecting Dublin with the Border, Galway, Limerick, Cork and Waterford is on target for completion, as promised, in 2010. Work is now completed or well underway on the whole major inter-urban network. The M1 to the Border was completed in 2007 and, by the end of this year, over 70% of the routes will be open to traffic.

The Government has already made it clear, under Transport 21, that priorities for the roads investment programme after the completion of the major interurban network in 2010 will be the Atlantic Road Corridor as well as the improvement of other key national primary routes and the targeted improvement of certain national secondary routes.

Because of financial constraints the NRA has not been able to proceed with some of its planned work in 2009. This work will proceed in later years as funding becomes available.

As regards regional and local roads, road grants totalling €607.5 million were allocated to local authorities on 2 February 2009. Expenditure of these grants is now a matter for each individual authority.

Question No. 95 answered with Question No. 58.

Smarter Travel Policy.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

96 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the degree to which funding has been put in place to meet the requirements of his recently announced proposals to transfer 500,000 motorists to public transport and bicycles with particular reference to specific targets and timescales; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5879/09]

The Smarter Travel Policy is a long-term vision that stretches from 2009 to 2020 and is estimated to cost, over its lifetime, €4.5 billion.

The action period of 12 years is very ambitious. The wide-ranging nature of the individual issues and the fact that the change needed will be incremental year-on-year means that it is not possible to assign precise deadlines to each action.

The funding for the policy will be a matter for decisions by the Government in the light of prevailing economic and Budgetary parameters. In the present circumstances, the focus will be on making progress from within existing resources.

Notwithstanding this, intensive work has started on delivering actions in 2009. The National Sustainable Travel Office has been established. The proposed National Cycle Policy framework will be launched shortly. In the near future I will also be announcing a sustainable travel demonstration fund to support innovative projects in this area. This year up to 150,000 school children will be reached through the Green Schools Travel initiative. In all, I will be increasing the funding for sustainable travel projects from €3 million in 2008 to €14 million in 2009. This is in addition to other investments under Transport 21 in 2009. These infrastructural improvements will support sustainable travel targets.

Light Rail Projects.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

97 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport when the feasibility studies for light rail systems in Cork, Limerick and Galway as proposed in the new Smarter Travel document will be published; the person or the agency currently undertaking these feasibility studies and their remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5819/09]

Action 12 of my Department's sustainable transport policy document Smarter Travel, which I launched recently, refers inter alia to completing and acting on feasibility studies into Bus Rapid Transit systems and/or Light Rail systems in Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford. These studies derive from a commitment which we made in the 2007 Programme for Government, to carry out feasibility studies into Luas-style Light Rail Transport systems in these cities within two years. I have since asked that these studies should include consideration of Bus Rapid Transit.

The responsibility for carrying out these studies rests with the relevant local authorities. I expect all of these studies to be completed within the original timeframe, and I expect them all to be published by the local authorities.

Proposed Legislation.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

98 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Transport when the Harbours Bill will be introduced into Dáil Éireann; if he will ensure that the Bill is amended to protect and enhance the role of worker directors and local representatives in the governance of the national ports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5833/09]

The Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2008 is currently at Committee Stage in the Seanad. The primary purpose of the Bill is to give effect to certain aspects of the Ports Policy Statement, which was launched in January 2005 and is available to view on my Department's website.

One of the key recommendations of the Ports Policy Statement was the need to enhance port company performance through reform of the board structure. These recommendations are the basis for the provisions on board structure, which are contained in the Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2008. There will be ample opportunity to debate these proposals and other related matters during the passage of the Bill through the House.

Question No. 99 answered with Question No. 63.
Question No. 100 answered with Question No. 58.

Public Private Partnerships.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

101 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Transport the number of public private partnerships his Department is currently involved in and for which infrastructural projects; the value of each of these PPPs; the breakdown of the public and private financial contribution to each partnership; if he is currently looking to undertake new PPP arrangements and the projects in relation to same; if Metro North is a key project in this regard; if he is seeking the backing of a Middle Eastern consortium for a new PPP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5812/09]

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme element of Transport 21. The implementation of individual national road projects, including Public Private Partnership (PPP) schemes, is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Act 1993, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

In addition, the allocation of funding in relation to the construction or maintenance of such projects is a matter for the NRA under section 19 of the Act (as amended by the Roads Act 2007).

The NRA's current PPP programme comprises ten national road improvement schemes. Four of these have already been completed:

M50 Second Link Bridge;

M1 Dundalk Western Bypass;

M4 Kilcock — Enfield — Kinnegad Bypass;

M8 Rathcormac — Fermoy Bypass;

The six schemes under construction at present are as follows:

M3 Clonee — North of Kells

M6 Galway — Ballinasloe

N7 Limerick Southern Ring Road

M7/M8 Portlaoise — Cullahill/Castletown

N25 Waterford City Bypass

M50 Upgrade phase 2.

The details of the PPP contracts entered into by the NRA are commercially sensitive under the terms of those contracts. The NRA is currently developing proposals for a second phase of national roads projects to be procured as PPPs.

As regards public transport, it is intended to procure Metro North, Metro West, the DART Underground and the proposed Luas Lucan line mainly through PPP. I am not in a position to give any information in relation to the budget for these projects in advance of the completion of the public procurement processes for each of them. The publication of such commercially sensitive information prior to the completion of the competitive procurement processes would prejudice the State's capacity to derive maximum value for money in respect of these projects.

The procurement process for the Metro North PPP contract is already underway and the first round of tenders are due to be submitted to the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) at the end of this month. As I have pointed out on previous occasions, my priority for public transport is to deliver additional capacity across all modes as quickly as possible and major projects such as Metro North and the DART Underground will be hugely important in this regard.

Proposed Legislation.

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

102 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport if he has made a decision on changing the legal blood alcohol level for motorists; if so, what the proposed new level will be; the reason the decision to change the BAC level has been delayed for so long; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5834/09]

The Government gave its approval late last year to the drafting of a Road Traffic and Transport Bill, which inter alia proposes a reduction in the legal Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level for drivers. It is hoped to have the Bill published in the coming months.

Road Traffic Legislation.

Seán Barrett

Ceist:

103 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Transport if he will allocate responsibility to a Minister of State for reviewing and updating the various Road Traffic Acts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3488/09]

I already have responsibility for the road safety functions within the Department, which includes the Road Traffic Acts, corporate governance of the Road Safety Authority and the Medical Bureau of Road Safety, and the making of secondary legislation on issues such as driver testing and licensing, vehicle standards and the regulation of traffic.

The Road Traffic Acts are kept under review and amended from time to time, and my Department is in regular contact with all the agencies involved in road safety and traffic, including my colleague the Minister for Justice, Equality & Law Reform, An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority.

The text of a Road Traffic Bill is currently being drafted for publication in the coming months.

Rail Network.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

104 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Transport the estimated completion dates for the Navan rail line and the western rail corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5809/09]

Transport 21 provides for the re-opening of the Western Rail Corridor on a phased basis in the period to 2015. Work on the line between Ennis and Athenry commenced in 2007 and services are due to commence between Ennis and Athenry in the autumn of this year.

Planning and design work on phases 2 (Athenry — Tuam) and 3 (Tuam — Claremorris) is a matter for Iarnród Éireann as part of its Transport 21 programme. I understand that further studies are planned for 2009 to determine up to date costings of phases 2 and 3 of the Western Rail Corridor.

Transport 21 provides for the development of the Navan Rail Link on a phased basis in the period to 2015. Work commenced on the Clonsilla — Dunboyne section (Phase 1) in late 2008 and is due for completion in 2010. The current position regarding the Dunboyne — Navan section (Phase 2) is that a scoping study has been completed and Iarnród Éireann is now proceeding to undertake a feasibility study on the two alternative routes identified in the scoping study. The start and completion dates of Transport 21 projects in planning, such as phases 2 and 3 of the Western Rail Corridor and phase 2 of the Navan Rail Link, will in each case be determined by the outcome of public consultation, the statutory planning approval process, the public procurement process and the availability of financial resources determined by the funding allocation available during the current difficult economic climate.

Smarter Travel Policy.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

105 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Transport if he will confirm that Galway has been chosen as the pilot demonstration city or town for the transport sustainability measures proposed in Smarter Travel; if this decision is pending; the way or if there will be a nationwide competition for local authorities, transportation departments to win this funding; when the programme will commence in the chosen city or town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5820/09]

Action 44 of the new smarter travel policy framework, which I launched recently, outlines the Government's aim to establish and support a national competition to deliver outstanding examples of sustainable travel towns and rural areas.

It is my intention to pursue this initiative in 2009 and it will be an opportunity for local authorities to identify and put forward examples of transport sustainability best practice at local level.

At national level I first intend exploring the potential of a partnership between the Departments of Transport, Health and Children and Environment, Heritage and Local Government to support this initiative. I will publish the outline of the scheme after such preliminary work.

It follows, therefore, that no location has yet been chosen. In relation to Galway City, my Department has provided funding to support the operation of the Galway Transportation Unit. The purpose of the Unit is to develop and implement an Integrated Transport Solution for Galway City in accordance with best practice and the objectives outlined in Transport 21. My Department has agreed to cover half the cost of its operation for up to five years. I would expect that such planning will reflect the new smarter travel policy and that any plan will also be the result of very close liaison between both Galway City and County Councils.

In my opinion such integrated sustainable transport plans will be the ones most likely to attract future transport investment funding as it becomes available.

Question No. 106 answered with Question No. 62.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

107 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether commitments to make a 20% cut in greenhouse gases by 2020 will be hindered by the recent cuts in Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus. [5839/09]

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector requires an integrated approach across all areas of transport supply and demand. The Smarter Travel policy sets out such an approach, and will ensure that the transport sector, including bus services, makes a meaningful contribution to Ireland's commitments on greenhouse gas emissions.

I do not see the present financial difficulties of Dublin Bus or Bus Éireann as impacting negatively on the long-term goals of the Smarter Travel policy. As the Deloitte report on a cost and efficiency review of the two companies makes clear, there is now an opportunity, in the case of Dublin Bus, to create a simplified network offering improved services with improved cost efficiency. Such an approach, complemented by other measures to improve the efficiency of bus services such as more bus priorities and integrated ticketing will affect any potential adverse impact of service changes on emissions.

Question No. 108 answered with Question No. 77.

Ministerial Appointments.

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

109 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport when he will appoint a new chairperson of Dublin Port; if he will appoint a person with strong experience and expertise in ports here and the maritime industry in view of the challenges facing Dublin Port and the whole marine sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5832/09]

The chairman of Dublin Port Company announced his resignation from the post on 29 January 2009. The chairman's resignation leaves a vacancy on the board to be filled. Before filling such a vacancy, section 30 of the Harbours Act 1996 provides for consultation with a number of bodies.

Various bodies including the Chambers of Commerce of Ireland, IBEC and ICTU have been invited to submit nominations for this vacancy. I will take any such nominations into account when making my decision.

The Ports Policy Statement published in January 2005 gives a number of indications with regard to port company board appointments. It points out that an appropriate balance of skills, competencies and experience is required at board level in order to ensure that the board is capable of providing the leadership and strategic direction required to control and guide the port efficiently and effectively. It is also important that board members cultivate a commercial ethos and display a genuine dedication to the welfare of the port and all its stakeholders. I will bear these points in mind when making my decision.

Road Network.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

110 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Transport the status of the long promised Leinster outer orbital route and the Dublin eastern bypass; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5814/09]

As the Deputy will be aware, as Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in respect of the national roads programme element of Transport 21. The implementation of individual national road projects, such as the Leinster Orbital Route or the Eastern Bypass, is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Act 1993 in conjunction with the relevant local authorities.

Neither Transport 21 nor the National Development Plan provides any funding for a Leinster orbital Route or the Eastern Bypass to be constructed in the period to 2015.

It is clear that, in the current economic climate, further progress on projects such as the Leinster Orbital Route and the Dublin Easter Bypass will only be possible as and when resources become available. Both proposals remain important potential elements of our longer-term infrastructure development. My Department will continue to liaise with the National Roads Authority with a view to ensuring that route options are preserved free of impediment for these potential projects.

Question No. 111 answered with Question No. 82.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

112 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the estimated transport emissions for 2010, 2012, 2015 and 2020; the expected evolution of CO2 emissions if the economy contracts by up to 5% or more each year to 2011 and 2012; his views on when, within the context of the new smarter travel sustainable transport plan, transport carbon emissions will be stabilised and then fall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5818/09]

The production of CO2 emissions projections is a matter for the Environmental Protection Agency. The latest such data available to my Department was published by the Agency on 16 September 2008.

At that time transport CO2 emissions for 2010 were projected by the Agency to be in the region of 15 million tonnes. For 2015 and 2020, the projections were in the region of 16 and 17 million tonnes respectively.

With regard to the likely effects of the current economic situation on future transport emissions, it is not possible, at this stage, to make such predictions with accuracy.

The Government's aim is to achieve emissions reductions that are sustainable in the long term. It is therefore vital to address the necessary changes in personal behaviour over the short, medium, and long term, as outlined in the Smarter Travel policy.

Proposed Legislation.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

113 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Transport when he will bring forward legislation to reform the 1932 bus licensing law; the new measures the proposed new bus legislation will contain; the way he will reform the bus licensing system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5804/09]

The Government has recently approved the General Scheme of the Public Transport Regulation Bill which contains proposals for a new bus licensing regime which will replace the Road Transport Act 1932 and the provisions of the Transport Act 1958 that relate to the provision of bus services by the State bus companies. In accordance with the Programme for Government commitment, the proposed licensing regime will provide a level playing field for all bus market participants. It will establish a clear structure against which applications for bus route licences will be considered as well as a modern system of penalties and associated powers for revocation of licences.

The General Scheme of the Bill also contains proposals for extending nationally the provisions of the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 in relation to the provision of public service obligations; assigning responsibility to the DTA for bus licensing and public transport services contracts nationwide; the amalgamation of the Commission for Taxi Regulation into the DTA, and the renaming of the DTA as the National Transport Authority given its proposed national focus in relation to commercial bus licensing, future bus and rail subvention and the regulation of small public service vehicles.

In the light of the recent Government approval of the General Scheme of the Public Transport Regulation Bill, the Bill will now be drafted and published as soon as possible.

Smarter Travel Policy.

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

114 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Transport when he will publish the new national walking strategy; the measures he will include in the new strategy to promote walking and the increased safety of pedestrians; the estimated cost of the new walking strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5823/09]

The commitment to deliver a National Walking Policy is contained in one of 49 actions in the Smarter Travel, A Sustainable Transport Future, which is the new Government policy on transport. I launched the policy last week and it covers the period 2009 to 2020. It will take some time to implement the incremental change necessary to meet the Government's targets.

The National Walking Policy will have to address all aspects of walking from the safety of pedestrians in commuting and their daily activities to recreational walking, including rural walking. In relation to the latter, good progress is being made by both the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and the Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism in developing recreational walking. The new policy will integrate best practice from existing initiatives and examine additional ones, which will be needed to create a culture of walking in Ireland.

Given the range of issues to be addressed in the new Smarter Travel policy, I expect that progress on the walking policy in 2009 will focus on researching best practice and identifying the issues so that we are in a better position to publish a policy in 2010. While the cost of elements of a National Walking Policy could be estimated, many aspects of it would relate to other expenditure areas relating to traffic management and it is not possible to offer an overall estimate at this early stage.

Public-Private Sector Pay.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

115 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Taoiseach if he will outline the average hourly and yearly pay rates among the lower paid, middle income and higher income groups between the private sector and public sector workforce in 2000, in 2005 and in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5642/09]

Data from the annual National Employment Survey (NES) is available for the following periods and shows the average hourly earnings for the lower paid (those earnings less than €15 per hour), middle income (those earning between €15 and €30 per hour) and the higher income groups (those earning more than €30 per hour).

Average Hourly Earnings

Public sector

Private sector

Reference Month

Less than €15

Between €15 and €30

More than €30

Less than €15

Between €15 and €30

More than €30

March 2003

11.11

20.83

42.15

9.96

19.91

45.62

March 2006

12.32

21.45

42.99

10.71

20.12

46.14

October 2006

12.58

21.22

45.17

10.66

20.15

45.47

Annual earnings data from the annual National Employment Survey (NES) is also available for the following periods and shows the average annual earnings for the lower paid (those earnings less than €30,000 per year), middle income (those earning between €30,000 and €60,000 per year) and the higher income groups (those earning more than €60,000 per year).

Average Hourly Earnings

Public sector

Private sector

Reference year

Less than €30,000

Between €30,000 and €60,000

More than €60,000

Less than €30,000

Between €30,000 and €60,000

More than €60,000

2002

20,128

42,479

75,353

18,578

40,222

92,334

2005

20,278

42,479

78,993

19,142

40,699

96,843

2006

20,158

42,946

78,359

19,333

40,929

91,832

National Flag.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

116 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Taoiseach if it is correct that at all the Government press conferences only the EU flag is flying and not the Tricolour. [5581/09]

The National flag and the EU flag are both represented in the backdrop to the podium in the Government Press Centre. In addition, the National flag is present at all major press conferences held there. However, camera angles, interview positions etc. can mean that the National flag does not always come into view in newspaper photographs or in television coverage. While obviously my Department is not in a position to control such matters, the Government Press Office will try to ensure as far as possible the National flag is given prominence at events in the Press Centre.

Freedom of Information.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

117 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Taoiseach the number of Freedom of Information requests received by his Department each month in 2007 and 2008 in tabular format; the number acceded to; the number refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5582/09]

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following tables.

Year: 2007

Month

Rec’d

Granted

Part Granted

Refused i.e. exempt from release

No Records

Withdrawn

Jan

14

5

5

4

Feb

1

1

Mar

8

1

3

3

1

April

4

2

2

May

2

2

June

6

1

1

4

July

9

4

1

2

2

Aug

10

3

3

4

Sept

0

Oct

4

2

1

1

Nov

7

3

2

1

1

Dec

6

3

1

2

Total

71

23

17

11

17

3

Year: 2008

Month

Rec’d

Granted

Part Granted

Refused i.e. exempt from release

No Records

Withdrawn

Jan

4

1

2

1

Feb

5

3

1

1

Mar

1

1

April

5

3

2

May

12

4

5

2

1

June

1

1

July

5

2

2

1

Aug

7

2

1

1

3

Sept

8

4

3

1

Oct

11

4

5

1

1

Nov

14

6

4

2

2

Dec

10

7

1

1

1

Total

83

38

26

3

6

10

All FOI applications received in my Department are processed by statutorily designated officials and, in accordance with those statutes, I have no role in relation to processing individual applications.

Smarter Travel Policy.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

118 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Taoiseach his Department’s work place travel plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5856/09]

My Department supports the Government's Smarter Travel Policy, launched by the Minister for Transport on 5 February 2009. This travel policy recognises the valuable role that workplace travel planning can play in making commuting travel patterns more sustainable.

As announced in budget 2009, the provision of bicycles and associated safety equipment will be treated as a tax exemption benefit-in-kind for employees who agree to use the bicycle to cycle to work. In light of this, my Department intends to provide a covered-in bicycle shelter for staff. Additionally, my Department supplies limited car parking facilities to staff and visitors to Government Buildings.

National Flag.

Michael Noonan

Ceist:

119 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Taoiseach the protocol which applies to the flying of the EU flag and the Tricolour at occasions such as press conferences at which he is in attendance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6013/09]

The National flag and the EU flag are both represented in the backdrop to the podium in the Government Press Centre. In addition, the National flag is present at all major press conferences held there. However, camera angles, interview positions etc can mean that the National flag does not always come into view in newspaper photographs or in television coverage. While obviously my Department is not in a position to control such matters, the Government Press Office will try to ensure, as far as possible, the National flag is given prominence at events in the Press Centre.

Ministerial Travel.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

120 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Taoiseach the cost in relation to foreign travel, accommodation and related ministerial and official costs associated with St. Patrick’s Day 2008; and the plans related to St. Patrick’s Day 2009 and the projected cost. [6164/09]

The official costs to my Department associated with St. Patrick's day 2008 are detailed in the following table:

2008

Costs

Foreign Travel

2,968

Accommodation

14,202

Official Costs (including Subsistence, Official gifts and Photography)

4,946

Total

22,116

I expect to visit New York and Washington during my official trip to the United States for St. Patrick's Day in March.

The St. Patrick's Day Ministerial programme for 2009 is not yet finalised and projected costs cannot be determined at this stage. The cost of the individual programmes and accompanying delegations will, in all cases, be kept to a reasonable minimum. In view of the current difficult economic climate, the potential provided by these visits to promote trade and business opportunities will be maximised and will be a key component of the 2009 programmes.

Work Permits.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

121 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will support a matter (details supplied). [5608/09]

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.

Employment Rights.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

122 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has received a reply from the National Employment Rights Authority and the Health and Safety Authority in response to Parliamentary Question No. 144 of 9 December 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5622/09]

As I indicated in my reply on 9 December, I referred the matter raised by the Deputy at that time to the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) and the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) for investigation by them as the authorities with responsibility in that regard. The investigations are day-to-day operational matters for those bodies and are not matters in which I have a function. Accordingly, I do not as a matter of course receive reports on the progress or outcome of individual cases.

FÁS Training Programmes.

Áine Brady

Ceist:

123 Deputy Áine Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the policies she and the State agencies have in view of recent announcements or initiatives being undertaken by FÁS to upskill personnel in electrical trades, technicians and engineering personnel, who would have worked in the construction industry and are now unemployed, in order that they would become employable to other industries (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5627/09]

I visited a business that operate a Technical Training Centre, with particular focus on Automation including PLC's (Programmable Logic Controllers) and VSD's (Variable Speed Drives). These systems that they train on, are at the heart of every Industrial Business in Ireland and covers several Industries such as Pharmaceutical, Power, Electronics, Mining, Foods and Beverage etc. Electricians, Technicians and Engineers would be expected to have this knowledge in these industries. Last year the companies' courses would have run under the CDP section in FÁS. The CDP programme is only available for persons employed. The company is finding that Electricians, in particular, are looking to upskill and be available for Industries with a focus on Automation. Below are some of the training courses

FÁS provides significant up-skilling training in automation for both employed and unemployed Electrical and Engineering crafts-persons and technicians in many of its Training Centres and also tenders with private providers registered on the FÁS National Register of Trainers when additional training capacity is required.

FÁS provides comprehensive Automation Training Programmes at FETAC Level 5 at Limerick Training Centre and programmes at level 6 in Dublin, Athlone and Cork Training Centres. FÁS has recently developed a number of short automation and CNC courses suitable for unemployed electrical and engineering craftspersons and technicians to broaden their skill base for employment in manufacturing and engineering sectors. The courses are in the following disciplines: Hydraulics, CNC Competencies, Pneumatic, Programmable Logic Controllers and Electrical/Electronic Control Systems.

If the demand for these courses exceeds the supply, FÁS at a local level will go to tender to approved trainers registered with the National Register of Trainers (NRT) in this field. It is important that trainers with the capacity to provide this training are registered on the NRT in order that they may tender for contracts as the opportunity arises.

Departmental Agencies.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

124 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the budget and staff employed by the National Employment Rights Authority for each year of its existence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5686/09]

NERA was established on an interim basis in February 2007. Staff attached to the Labour Inspectorate, Employment Rights Information Unit and Employment Rights Prosecution and Enforcement Unit of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment were subsumed into NERA at that time.

98 members of staff were employed by NERA at 31 December 2007. At 31 December 2008, NERA employed 133 staff members of staff. The current staff complement is 131.

NERA's outturn for 2007 totalled €6.957 million.

NERA's provisional outturn for 2008 stands at €9.595 million.

NERA's estimate provision for 2009 amounts to €9.701 million.

County Enterprise Boards.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

125 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if funding will be made available to county enterprise boards for the provision of re-training in each board area in respect of persons who have lost their business or enterprise or for those who are seeking to commence new business and small to medium sized enterprise opportunities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5745/09]

The 35 County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) were set up in 1993 to provide support for micro-enterprises in the start-up and expansion phases, to promote and develop indigenous micro-enterprise potential and to stimulate economic activity and entrepreneurship at local level. The CEBs deliver a series of Programmes to underpin this role and they can provide both financial and non-financial assistance to a project promoter.

The Boards are widely dispersed geographically and provide a single point of contact at local level for new and established small businesses. All areas of the country are served by and benefit from, the full range of Enterprise Board grant supports and entrepreneurial development programmes. Subject to certain eligibility criteria enterprises may access assistance and support from the CEBs. The forms of financial assistance which are available, subject to certain restrictions, include Capital Grants, Employment Grants and Feasibility Study Grants. The provision of non-financial assistance can take the form of a wide range of business advice such as Programmes covering Business Management, Mentoring, E-commerce, Enterprise Education, and Women in Business networks.

The focus of CEB activity has been increasingly on the provision of "soft" supports — management training, mentoring, advisory and information services, etc. A significant allocation is made to the CEBs each year for the provision of these soft support or Measure 2 activities to support start-up and development of the microenterprise sector. In addition, CEB staff would be engaged on a daily basis in the provision of an informal information and advisory service to local entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs.

The Capital Allocation for the 35 CEBs under the 2009 Estimates Process stands at €20.8m for the provision of grants and soft supports to enterprises. In 2009 the Boards will continue to be actively involved in the area of economic development and will ensure that available funds are targeted to maximise entrepreneurial development. This will be done not just by direct grant aid to businesses and project promoters but also through the provision of a range of other important business supports such as mentoring, business training and business advice, all of which help to stimulate indigenous enterprise creation.

Proposed Legislation.

James Reilly

Ceist:

126 Deputy James Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her plans to update the Competition Act 2002 and in particular to alter the Act in order that meaningful discussions can take place with the doctors’ unions, the Irish Dental Association and Irish Actors Equity Union amongst others; when she expects legislation to be presented to Dáil Éireann for approval; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5771/09]

I intend to bring forward legislation during the course of this year to give effect to the amalgamation of the National Consumer Agency and the Competition Authority as announced in the Budget speech last October. The legislation will encompass the outcome of the review of the operation and implementation of the Competition Act 2002, the amendments to section 4 of the Act subject to consistency with EU competition law and the amalgamation of the two bodies.

Smarter Travel Policy.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

127 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her Department’s work place travel plans; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5849/09]

The Government's policy document "Smarter Travel — A Sustainable Transport Future", which was launched by the Minister for Transport on 5 February 2009, recognises the role that Workplace Travel Plans can play in reducing car dependency and encouraging employees to use alternative modes of transport to travel to work.

At present, my Department operates a Travel Pass scheme which encourages staff to avail of public transport to travel to work. Under this scheme, which was introduced by the Department of Finance in 2001, an employee can forego part of his or her salary in lieu of the provision by my Department of an annual bus or rail pass. A particular attraction of the scheme for staff is that the employee is not liable to pay tax and PRSI on the cost of the travel pass provided by the employer.

In addition to continuing to operate the Travel Pass scheme, my Department will support the actions on Workplace Travel Plans which are to be developed under the Government's Smarter Travel policy.

Croke Park Tickets.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

128 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if FÁS has sold back all its ten year premium tickets at Croke Park; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5904/09]

I understand that the Director General of FÁS has returned all ten-year premium tickets to Croke Park, requesting a refund on the unused portion of the term of the tickets.

Employment Support Services.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

129 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of apprentices who have commenced their off the job experience to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6009/09]

Since 5 January 2009, 5,597 apprentices have commenced their off-the-job training. The following is the breakdown by each of the three off-the-job phases:

Phase 2 = 1,947 apprentices;

Phase 4 = 2,008 apprentices;

Phase 6 = 1,642 apprentices.

Departmental Agencies.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

130 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the membership of the boards of State agencies under her Department; if any board members have served more than two terms; if there are cases in which a chief executive subsequently became chairman during the past ten years; if one or more members of the audit committee in each case has specific financial expertise; and if the companies disclose necessary action to remedy significant failings in internal controls. [6018/09]

It has not been possible in the time available to compile the information as requested by the Deputy. My officials are working on preparing the material and I will communicate with the Deputy as soon as the information is available.

FÁS Training Programmes.

Dinny McGinley

Ceist:

131 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the competency development programme organised by FÁS has been suspended which will have a negative impact on persons in employment and in need of being upskilled; her views on having this programme reinstated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6101/09]

FÁS has informed me that its Competency Development Programme is not suspended. However, for the last two weeks FÁS has not been making any new commitments pending its assessment of existing commitments for this year.

Ministerial Travel.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

132 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the cost in relation to foreign travel, accommodation and related ministerial and official costs associated with St. Patrick’s Day 2008; and the plans related to St. Patrick’s Day 2009 and the projected cost. [6157/09]

Costs incurred by my Department in respect of Ministerial programmes for St. Patrick's Day, 2008 are set out below.

The then Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheál Martin, represented the Government at the St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Rome and the Vatican City in 2008. The total cost of the visit, including the cost for the two officials who accompanied him, was €5,822.44.

The Minister of State for Labour Affairs, Billy Kelleher, represented the Government at the St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Savannah and Charleston. The total cost of the visit, including the cost for the two officials who accompanied him, was €19,979.74.

The Minister of State for Trade and Commerce, John McGuinness, represented the Government at the St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Seattle. The total cost of the visit, including the cost for his spouse and the official who accompanied him, was €21,784.86.

The then Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation, Michael Ahern, represented the Government at the St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Birmingham. The total cost of the visit, including the cost for his spouse and the official who accompanied him, was €3,677.92.

The St. Patrick's Day Ministerial programme for 2009 is not yet finalised and projected costs cannot be determined at this stage. The cost of the individual programmes and accompanying delegations will, in all cases, be kept to a reasonable minimum. In view of the current difficult economic climate, the potential provided by these visits to promote trade and business opportunities will be maximised and will be a key component of the 2009 programmes.

Employment Support Services.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

133 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will confirm that she has applied for funding under the EU Globalisation Fund in order to support the retraining of workers losing their jobs in a company (details supplied) and other ancillary companies in the Limerick area; the estimated timeframe for a decision; the amount of money which might be advanced under this fund for this purpose; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6168/09]

Funding is available from the European Globalisation Fund (EGF) for the retraining of workers in EU Member States made redundant as a result of changing global trade patterns. Currently, a minimum threshold of at least 1,000 redundancies applies for a given enterprise and its suppliers. This threshold must be reached within a four months period. If redundancies occur in a particular industrial sector, the 1,000 threshold has to be realised within a nine months period. In order for an application for assistance from the EGF to be eligible, formal notification of redundancies must issue from the company concerned to the individual workers affected.

As regards the 1,900 redundancies recently announced by DELL at its Limerick plant, no formal notification of redundancies has yet issued to the employees in question. Accordingly, no application for assistance from the EGF can be advanced at this time in respect of DELL or those that arise as a consequence of the DELL situation. Once redundancy notices have been sent to the individuals concerned, and other eligibility criteria have been met, a period of ten weeks is available within which an application to the EGF can be made. That application will then be made without any delay.

Up to €500m is available from the EGF annually and there is no minimum or maximum amount of funding that a Member State can seek. That is dependent on the particular circumstances that apply in any given case.

Pension Provisions.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

134 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 177 of 3 February 2009, the reason for the pension top-up and ex gratia payment made and the statutory basis for these payments; and if she authorised these payments. [6327/09]

The severance package granted to the former Director General of FÁS was granted in accordance with Section 6(3) of the Labour Services Act 1987. The Labour Services Act provides that terms and conditions, including those in relation to remuneration and superannuation, of the Director General, may be determined by the Minister with the consent of the Minister of Finance.

The severance package recognised the public service given by the former Director General of FÁS during his tenure in that organisation, as well as his many years as a civil servant in my Department.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

135 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the estimate of the full year and the 2009 Exchequer and local government savings, over and above the savings from the deferral of the national pay agreement, from a public sector pay cut of 5% on salaries of more than €50,000, €60,000, €70,000 and €80,000 respectively, from March 2009; and the breakdown of these savings between existing and retired public sector workers. [5576/09]

It is estimated that the savings in the various bands mentioned by the Deputy from a 5% cut in salary would be as follows:

Band

Estimate 2009

Estimate Full Year

€m

€m

50,000 upwards

290

350

60,000 upwards

160

195

70,000 upwards

125

150

80,000 upwards

95

115

There is no breakdown readily available on the distribution of pensions among retired public servants generally. The limited information that is readily available would not allow reasonable estimates to be made of the effect on pension outgo of pay cuts which were limited to certain categories of retirees.

Public Sector Pay.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

136 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the estimate of the number of existing public sector workers with salaries of more than €50,000, €60,000, €70,000 and €80,000 respectively. [5577/09]

The estimated numbers of public service employees (not including local authorities) in the salary bands in question (not including other payments such as overtime) are as follows:

Number

above €50,000

102,000

above €60,000

45,000

above €70,000

31,000

above €80,000

22,000

Pension Provisions.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

137 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the estimate of the existing number of retired public sector workers whose pensions are tied to grades with final salaries of more than €50,000, €60,000, €70,000 and €80,000 respectively. [5578/09]

The information required by the Deputy is as outlined in the following table. The information covers retired Civil Servants whose pensions are tied to the stated salary levels. I, as Minister for Finance, have statutory responsibility for Civil Service pensions. Statutory responsibility for Public Service pension schemes outside the Civil Service rests with relevant Ministers in other Departments as appropriate.

Relevant serving salary scale

Number of retired Civil Servants tied to relevant serving salary scale

Number

€50,000 to €59,999

1,186

€60,000 to €69,999

574

€70,000 to €79,999

381

€80,000 and upwards

1,699

The statistics provided in the table above are generated on the premise that the majority of the cases involved have: (i) qualified for full pension and (ii) reached the top of their relevant pay scale prior to retirement. The combined numbers in the categories above represent approximately 24% of the overall retired Civil Service payroll.

Fiscal Policy.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

138 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the value of new maturing borrowings by the State that will have to be placed during 2009; and the estimated premium over the European Central Bank rate at which he expects them to be placed. [5592/09]

The National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) have advised me that Ireland has a net financing need of some €24.5 billion in 2009. This is based on:

the forecast Exchequer Borrowing Requirement of €18 billion as set out in the Addendum to the Stability Programme Update;

the refinancing of a €5 billion bond which matures in April; and

some €1.4 billion in respect of the frontloading of the Exchequer contribution for 2010 for the National Pension Reserve Fund in relation to the bank recapitalisation programme.

The European Central Bank has two lending rates — the interest rate on main refinancing operations (which provide the bulk of liquidity to the banking system) currently stands at2%; the interest rate on the marginal lending facility (which offers overnight credit to banks from the Eurosystem) currently stands at 3 per cent. These rates are short-term rates available to banks.

The NTMA intends to raise funds on the long-term government bond market through a combination of auctions and syndicated loans. It already successfully raised a five-year €6 billion bond at a coupon of 4% in early January. The yield on 10-year Irish Government Bonds is currently around 5.2%. For commercial reasons, the expected yield on bonds to be issued in 2009 is not disclosed.

Financial Institutions Support Scheme.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

139 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the value of money market instruments in the banks covered by the State guarantee which come to maturity during 2009. [5593/09]

The Deputy should note that for the purposes of reporting a consistent figure across the covered institutions, that a money market instrument is defined as short-term unsecured instruments with a maturity of one year or less and excludes deposits.

As at the 31 December 2008, the aggregate value of outstanding money market instruments maturing in 2009 for the covered institutions is approximately €78.3bn. This amount is based on information provided by the covered institutions and may change significantly where instruments mature and are rolled over during 2009.

Public Service Contracts.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

140 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the details of the proposed savings in 2009 generated by the initiatives on public procurement. [5594/09]

Initiatives by my Department in regard to construction procurement will yield savings but these will not be quantifiable for a number of years when projects which are currently using the new form of contracts come to a conclusion.

The National Operations Unit will be established in the current year with a remit to procure goods and services and has been set a target of achievable savings of at least €25 million for this year with increased savings in subsequent years. This is in the €140 million announced as part of the adjustment package on 3 February 2009.

Tax Code.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

141 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare can receive a P21 balancing statement for the year 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5610/09]

I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a P21 balancing statement for 2007 will issue to the taxpayer in the coming days.

Pension Provisions.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

142 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the distribution of employees in the public service by range of gross earnings and the estimated contribution they will make to gross and net receipts from the new pension payment. [5620/09]

The pension related deduction entails a deduction of 3% on the first €15,000 of annual income, 6% on the next €5,000 and 10% on the balance. This amounts to an average deduction of around 7.5% although the effect varies at different income levels. This produces a total gross saving of €1.35 billion when applied to the relevant part of the public service pay bill (excluding employers PRSI).

The following table sets out an estimate of the numbers of public servants in a range of salary bands. The recently announced public service pension related deduction will apply to all earnings, not just salary. The numbers at different bands vary from time to time depending on matters such as incremental movement, retirements etc. It is not possible to produce similar information on overall earnings as the incidence of payments such as overtime is a variable. The table does not include employees of the local authorities who are not within the public service pay and pensions bill, but who are covered by the pension related deduction.

The net amount of the pension deduction depends on individual circumstances but as a broad rule of thumb it is estimated that the tax forgone will be about one third of the overall gross amount. Information is available on my Department's website which allows the approximate impact on individual public servants to be calculated.

Salary Range

Est. Nos in range

up to 25,000

22,000

25,000-30,000

33,000

30,000-35,000

38,000

35,000-40,000

36,000

40,000-45,000

33,000

45,000-50,000

36,000

50,000-55,000

30,000

55,000-60,000

27,000

60,000-65,000

9,000

65,000-70,000

5,000

70,000-75,000

3,000

75,000-80,000

6,000

80,000-85,000

4,000

85,000-90,000

3,000

90,000-95,000

3,000

95,000-100,000

3,000

greater than 100,000

9,000

Total

300,000

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

143 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons in the public service who are paying a 5% pension contribution towards their pension entitlement and the number who do not; and if he will provide details of their distribution across the main categories of public service employment. [5621/09]

The Minister for Finance has statutory responsibility for civil service pensions. Statutory responsibility for public service pension schemes outside the Civil Service rests in the first instance with the relevant Ministers in other Departments, as appropriate.

The number of civil servants in 2008 is estimated at 38,572 in whole time equivalent terms. The number of civil servants making pension contributions in 2008 on a co-ordinated basis is estimated at around 25,000.

Áine Brady

Ceist:

144 Deputy Áine Brady asked the Minister for Finance the estimated actuarial cost of providing a pension for a public servant post their normal retiring age of 65, assuming that they had 35 years service, and had a salary at retiring of €35,000, €60,000 and €120,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5626/09]

While the actual payments to a person after retirement will depend on the actual salary at retirement the actuarial costs for public servants are not generally derived for different pay rates. The actuarial costs of public servants pensions are generally expressed as a percentage of pay over the working life of a typical employee of the group in question. These costs depend not just on final pay but on other factors such as pay at entry and pay progression throughout a person's career. The latest estimate in this regard is taken from the Report of the Public Service Benchmarking Body. This report estimated the total cost in the case of a typical person entering the Civil Service after 2004 to be 26.1% of pay. This figure includes the contribution paid by employees which was estimated, on average, to represent 4.8% of pay. Therefore the estimated cost to the employer was 21.3% of pay. In arriving at their actuarial cost figure for a civil servant the Body made the following assumptions:

age at entry: 26;

age of retirement: 65;

pay at entry: €25,000;

pay at retirement: €61,000.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

145 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the anomaly whereby the new pension levy will bring certain workers’ salaries marginally under the standard tax rate band of €36,400 which effectively means that they will only receive relief on their pension levy contribution at the 20% rate while a person earning up to €10,000 more will not pay as much on the levy due to the fact that they will receive 41% relief of their pension levy contribution; if there are plans to address this anomaly or if it has been addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5629/09]

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

146 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of the fact that some pensions are calculated on the basis of number of years service over 80 less twice the social welfare pension, which means that those on lower pay do not qualify for a Government pension in addition to their social welfare pension, there are measures that will be provided to recognise the increased contribution being paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5630/09]

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

151 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Finance if he will introduce a pension entitlement for those public service workers who are not entitled to a pension but have been hit with the levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5644/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 145, 146 and 151 together.

The approach to the pension related deduction is that it applies generally given the fact that all public servants enjoy the benefits of a public service pension which provides for greater security and more favourable terms than the generality of private sector pensions. The graduated approach to the payment is to ameliorate somewhat the impact on lower paid public servants.

Due to the availability of tax relief at the marginal rate for pension contributions, in certain circumstances an individual on a higher gross income may incur a lower net loss than an individual on a lower income as a result of the new pension deduction.

This situation also applied before the deduction was introduced. However, it must be stated that the income tax, PRSI and health levy system is highly progressive. Those on higher incomes pay higher rates of tax. Across the entire public service, on all grades and on all pay scales, the total deductions (which include income tax, PRSI, health levy and the new pension deduction) will be higher as a percentage of gross pay as pay levels increase.

Integration takes into account the value of the Contributory State Pension (CSP) in calculating occupational pensions. Following a recommendation of the Commission on Public Service Pensions, a new system of integration was introduced, with effect from 1 January 2004, for public service pension schemes. The revised system improved the position for people on lower rates of pay and ensured that every person who meets the requirements of the pension scheme gets an occupational pension, regardless of income. It is proposed that the deduction will confer no additional pension benefit.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

147 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Finance the rationale behind the recent decision to introduce a public service pension levy; the reason this step is justified as opposed to a general fiscal measure that would affect all the workforce equally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5639/09]

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

148 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Finance the advantages he contends that are enjoyed by the lower paid in the public sector versus their private sector counterparts that would justify the recently announced pensions levy in view of the fact that public sector workers tended to benefit less from the economic growth that took place over the last 15 years than the private sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5640/09]

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

149 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Finance the evidence in place to show that the advantages of working in the public sector at present, with a relatively secure employment prospect versus the private sector outweigh the disadvantages in terms of earnings potential experienced during the boom times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5641/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 147 to 149, inclusive, together.

Public servants at all pay levels have access to public service pension schemes. These schemes are superior to the generality of such schemes applying in the private sector, both in relation to security and the terms on offer. It is appropriate, therefore, that a deduction should be made to reflect this reality at a time when significant savings are needed from the public service pay bill.

I would not agree with the seeming implication in the Deputy's question that public service earnings lagged behind the private sector during the years of economic growth or that lower paid public servants did less well than their private sector counterparts. The second report of the independent Benchmarking Body (published as recently as December 2007) which evaluated the pay and jobs of grades in the public service, by reference to comparators in the private sector, concluded that ‘in general public service salaries compare well with the private sector' and ‘in general, where remuneration was found to be below private sector levels this arose in the case of some of the more senior grades examined'.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

150 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Finance if he will compare and contrast the average pension entitlement among the lower paid, middle income and higher income groups at retirement age in both the public and private sectors; the estimated pension as a proportion of income paid before and after the pension levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5643/09]

The Minister for Finance has statutory responsibility for Civil Service pensions. However, statutory responsibility for public service pension schemes outside the Civil Service is a matter in the first instance for the relevant Ministers in other Departments, as appropriate. Policy responsibility for the oversight of private sector pensions is a matter for the Minister for Social and Family Affairs.

As regards pension entitlements of civil servants, they are based on length of service and final pensionable remuneration. The maximum number of years of reckonable service is 40. The maximum pension payable is 50% of final pensionable remuneration. The calculation of pensions will not be affected by the proposed new deduction.

Question No. 151 answered with Question No. 145.

Financial Institutions Support Scheme.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

152 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Finance when the review body set up to investigate the banks will report; if he is prepared to issue strong measures such as pay freezes and cuts for high earning executives irrespective of recommendations made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5646/09]

The Government believes that pay restraint is important in the overall context of the economy and the financial supports being provided by the taxpayer to the covered institutions under the Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Scheme 2008 (the Scheme).

Section 47 of the Scheme requires each covered institution to prepare a plan to structure the remuneration packages of directors and executives, including total salary, bonuses, pension payments and any other benefit, so as to take account of the objectives of the Scheme.

The Covered Institutions Remuneration Oversight Committee (CIROC) established by me under the terms of the Scheme will consider the remuneration plans of senior executives of the covered institutions. The relevant plans have been prepared and submitted by the covered institutions, and in line with timeframes set out in the Scheme, CIROC will report to me on or before 5 March 2009, making a recommendation where appropriate, on the compliance by the institution with the terms of the Scheme. The Scheme provides that if I consider, following the advice of CIROC, that the institution has not demonstrated how its remuneration policies for the year ahead will comply with Section 47, I may direct the covered institution to amend its remuneration plan so that compliance is achieved.

I announced on 11 February as part of the recapitalisation of AIB and Bank of Ireland that the total remuneration for each of their senior executives will be reduced by at least 33%. No performance bonuses will be paid for these senior executives and no salary increases will be made in relation to 2008 and 2009. The two banks have also accepted that, for non-executive directors, fees will be reduced by 25%. A covered institution may not enter into any contractual arrangement that provides for termination compensation or equivalent to be payable to any director or executive for the duration of the Scheme.

Semi-State Bodies.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

153 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Finance the powers he has in relation to freezing the pay of ESB workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5647/09]

As in the case of commercial State sponsored bodies I, as Minister for Finance, do not have statutory control in relation to the pay of ESB employees generally. My sole responsibility as regards pay in the ESB relates to the remuneration of the chief executive officer.

Pension Provisions.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

154 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will support a matter (details supplied). [5658/09]

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

172 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding matters in relation to the new levy (details supplied). [6075/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 154 and 172 together.

The Deputy asks if the Minister will support a matter, i.e. major concerns from public sector workers on the equity of pension levy.

The Government has brought forward several measures to restore stability to the public finances, to maximise economic activity and employment and to improve competitiveness. The new pension-related payment is graduated to reflect different income levels in the public service. As the Government has made clear, the deduction is being made to address the serious budgetary problems facing the country.

The Deputy asks if the new deduction decreases the overall allowable contribution rate made by the individual, if it is calculated on overtime, bonuses etc. which are traditionally non pensionable, if it is fully deductible for purposes of tax and PRSI relief, and if the deduction from Class A1 (PRSI) Civil/Public Sector employees post April 1995 is to be calculated from their integrated or gross salaries.

It is proposed that the legislation will provide that the deduction will not form part of an individual's age related pension contribution limits under the Tax Acts and that it will apply to all remuneration. Certain income that is not pensionable, for example, overtime earnings, will be subject to the deduction, which 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 PRSI class of the public servant does not affect the calculation of the deduction which will apply.

Tax Yield.

Arthur Morgan

Ceist:

155 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Finance the expected yield to the Exchequer if the tax band was raised to 48% for earners on €100,000 and above; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5667/09]

It is assumed that the threshold for the proposed new tax bands mentioned by the Deputy would not alter the existing standard rate band structure applying to single and widowed persons, to lone parents and married couples.

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the estimated full year yield to the Exchequer, estimated by reference to 2009 incomes, would be of the order of €435 million. Given the current band structures, major issues would need to be resolved as to how in practice such a new rate could be integrated into the current system and how this would affect the relative position of different types of income earners. This figure is provisional and subject to revision.

Public Service Contracts.

Arthur Morgan

Ceist:

156 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Finance the percentage of Irish companies hired in public procurement projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5668/09]

Full and precise data on the country of origin of companies winning public contracts is not available as this type of information is not published for all contracts. However, analysis of the available data on the national public procurement website, www.etenders.gov.ie, where about 95% of all advertised public contracts are published, indicates that: 83.5% of high-value contracts (i.e., those advertised on etenders and in the European Journal) were awarded to Irish companies; 91.8% of lower-value contracts (those advertised on etenders only) were awarded to Irish companies.

Tax Collection.

Arthur Morgan

Ceist:

157 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Finance the cost to the Exchequer arising from tax exemptions for private hospitals in 2005. [5669/09]

I assume that the Deputy is referring to the scheme of capital allowances for private hospitals, which was introduced in the Finance Act 2002. Based on the information that has been received and collated for the tax year 2005, there were 67 claims for €7.7 million capital allowances for the construction of private hospitals. This figure would correspond to a maximum Exchequer cost of the order of €3.2 million for these returns in terms of income tax foregone.

Arthur Morgan

Ceist:

158 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Finance the cost to the Exchequer arising from commercial property tax exemptions in 2005. [5670/09]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the relevant information available relates to the cost to the Exchequer of tax relief in respect of a range of property-based incentives derived from personal income tax returns filed by non-PAYE taxpayers and corporation tax returns filed by companies for 2005. The information on estimated costs is set out on an itemised basis in the following table:

Scheme

Tax Cost 2005

€m

Urban Renewal

137.3

Town Renewal

27.3

Seaside Resorts

7.3

Rural Renewal

24.7

Multi-storey car parks

26.2

Living over the shop

1.3

Enterprise Areas

3.2

Park and Ride

2.7

Holiday Cottages

6.1

Hotels

67.0

Nursing Homes

12.4

Housing for the Elderly/Infirm

0.9

Hostels

0.15

Guest houses

0.06

Convalescent Homes

0.2

Qualifying (Private) Hospitals

3.2

Qualifying sports injury clinics

0.0

Buildings used for Childcare Purposes

5.4

Student Accommodation

58.0

Total

383.4

Bobby Aylward

Ceist:

159 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Finance if he will liaise with the Revenue Commissioners regarding a cost imposed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will waive the charge immediately. [5688/09]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that in this case the person concerned had an agreed payment arrangement with the Sheriff's office. The person concerned was written to by the sheriff on 10 February advising how the matter of bailiffs costs will be resolved having regard to the terms of the agreed payment arrangements.

Garda Stations.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

160 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Finance the progress made regarding the provision of a building (details supplied) in County Mayo; the reason for the delay in the project commencing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5798/09]

The design and tender documentation for the proposed new Station at Ballyvary, Co. Mayo is currently being processed by the Office of Public Works. However, due to emerging financial constraints, this Station is not included on the current Garda priority list, and it will not go to works stage in 2009. Garda Management have indicated to OPW that while they can continue to provide policing facilities to Ballyvary from Castlebar Garda Station in the short term, they wish to avail of an opportunity to secure rented premises in Ballyvary itself, from where Gardaí could operate. At this stage, a suitable premises has been identified, rental terms settled, and a small programme of adaptation works agreed with the landlord. Garda Management have approved funding for these works, and detailed working plans and specifications are currently being drawn up by OPW. Once the relevant works have been carried out, it is intended that Gardaí will use these temporary premises pending the erection of the new permanent Station.

Smarter Travel Policy.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

161 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Finance his Department’s workplace travel plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5851/09]

My Department is aware of the Government's Smarter Travel Policy, launched by the Minister for Transport on 5 February, which recognises the valuable role that workplace travel planning can play in making commuting travel patterns more sustainable. My Department promotes the travel pass scheme, of which approximately one third of the Dublin based staff avail, and will shortly introduce the recently announced bicycle purchase scheme for staff. Other initiatives to promote sustainable commuting will be considered and introduced where feasible.

Financial Services Regulation.

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

162 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his views on the National Treasury Management Agency establishing an investment product as a vehicle for credit unions to invest surplus deposits in the State for a certain rate of return. [5861/09]

I would like to draw the Deputy's attention to the fact that Irish Government bonds, for which the National Treasury Management Agency is responsible, allow organisations such as credit unions to invest in fixed-term, fixed-rate instruments which are part of the National Debt.

Financial Institutions Support Scheme.

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

163 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Finance if he will propose a moratorium on repossessions to enable persons who are in arrears to renegotiate their mortgages; if it is his intention that following recapitalisation banks should reschedule excessive mortgages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5884/09]

The Deputy will be aware that in keeping with the Government's announcement (11 February 2009) on recapitalisation, that a commitment was given to the publication of a Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears as part of the arrangements. The Code was published by the Financial Regulator on 13th February and applies only to mortgage lending activities to consumers in respect of their principal residence in the State. It is mandatory for all regulated entities operating in the State. Under the Code of Conduct, a lender may not seek repossession until every reasonable effort has been made to agree an alternative repayment schedule with the borrower. The Code will ensure that mortgage lenders can only commence legal action for repossession at least six months from the time arrears first arise.

The two recapitalised banks, AIB and Bank of Ireland, have each committed that they will not commence court proceedings for repossession of a principal private residence until after 12 months of arrears appearing, where the customer continues to cooperate reasonably and honestly with the bank. The recapitalised banks have, in addition, assured the Government that in the normal course of events they will make every effort to avoid repossessions, as has been evidenced by the low level of repossessions by them to date.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

164 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Finance if he will give special consideration to people who have become recently unemployed and people who face difficulties as a result of inflated mortgages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5885/09]

Measures are already in place to support those who have recently become unemployed and who may experience difficulties in meeting their mortgage payments. For example FÁS has a specific policy in place to deal with redundancies and/or company closures. It offers a tailored approach as early as possible to the workers affected with a view to assisting them to access alternative employment and/or access to relevant skills training. This applies to workers in all sectors.

In terms of support for payment of mortgages, the Mortgage Interest Supplement, administered by the Community Welfare Service of the Health Service Executive on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs, provides assistance where the mortgage relates to a person's sole place of residence. People in debt or in danger of getting into debt can also avail of the services of the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS). This is a national, free, confidential and independent service.

It is a particular priority of the Government to ensure as much as possible that difficulties in relation to mortgage arrears do not result in legal proceedings for home repossession. Home repossession should be, and generally is, the last resort for the lender and the preferred method of dealing with arrears cases should be early intervention.

The finalised recapitalisation scheme announced on 11 February 2009 includes a new code of conduct for Mortgage Arrears, based on the Irish Banking Federation Code of Practice on Mortgage Arrears which has been issued by the Financial Regulator and will come into force on 27 February 2009. The new Code will apply to mortgage lending activities to consumers in respect of their principal private residence in the State and is mandatory for all mortgage lenders registered with the Financial Regulator. Under the mortgage arrears code where a borrower is in difficulty the lender will make every reasonable effort to agree an alternative repayment schedule and will not commence legal action for repossession until after six months from the time arrears first arise.

In addition as part of their recapitalisation scheme, the two banks concerned, A.I.B. and Bank of Ireland, will not commence court proceedings for repossession of a principal private residence until after 12 months of arrears appearing. This is subject to the customer continuing to co-operate with their bank.

Pension Provisions.

Arthur Morgan

Ceist:

165 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Finance the number of civil servants paying pension contributions for 2008 and the amount collected; the number of civil servants in receipt of pensions for 2008 and the amount paid out; the number of public servants paying pension contributions for 2008 and the amount collected; the number of public servants in receipt of pensions for 2008 and the amount collected; the number of civil servants included in these categories on co-ordinated pension contributions for 2008; the number of public servants included in these categories on co-ordinated pension contributions for 2008; the amount of pension levy estimated for collection in 2009 for civil servants and for other public servants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5902/09]

The Minister for Finance has statutory responsibility for civil service pensions. Statutory responsibility for public service pension schemes outside the civil service rests in the first instance with the relevant Ministers in other Departments, as appropriate. The total amount of pension contributions paid by civil servants in 2008 was €46.42m including contributions to the Main Scheme and the Spouses and Children's Scheme. The number of civil servants in 2008 is estimated at 38,572 in whole time equivalent terms. The gross cost of civil service pensions in 2008 was €333.65m and the associated number of pensioners was 15,924. The number of civil servants making pension contributions in 2008 on a coordinated basis is estimated at around 25,000. The proposed new pension deduction is expected to yield €1.16 billion in 2009 for civil servants and other public servants.

Public Service Contracts.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

166 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he is satisfied that the prohibition of price only tenders for public contracts by his Department does not result in unnecessary restriction of competition to a limited circle of familiar contestants, the obstruction of new entrants who will not have a track record and the excessive cost of initial submissions; and his views on these concerns from experience with the price and quality system. [5903/09]

I assume the Deputy is referring to the use by contracting authorities of the most economical advantageous criteria rather than simply price in evaluating tenders for public contracts. In relation to tendering procedures it is important to note that, in line with EU procurement law, there are two stages: (i) a suitability assessment (pre-qualification) stage and (ii) the tender competition and evaluation stage.

In the suitability assessment stage a contracting authority invites expressions of interest and examines responses to determine which applicants are competent to go forward to the next stage of the competition. The level of evidence required from tenderers is a matter for each contracting authority to decide. This stage is open to everybody and is based on standardised documentation for short-listing participants for the tender competition and evaluation stage.

At tender competition and evaluation stage the most economical advantageous criteria are used to ensure that quality factors, in addition to price, are taken into consideration in order to decide which tender represents best value for money. At all stages of the competition, the contracting authority must ensure that the selection criteria observe the principals of proportionality, transparency and non discrimination as provided for in EU law.

Pension Provisions.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

167 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance his views on changing pension legislation to allow a business person to use the funds within their pension trust to invest within their company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5913/09]

The sole purpose of an approved retirement scheme is to provide relevant benefits on retirement to the member or members of the scheme. It is to this end that the beneficial tax treatment of contributions to and investment growth in approved pension schemes exists. Moreover, it is the responsibility of pension scheme trustees to ensure that there are sufficient assets in the scheme to pay unexpected benefits, such as on death or ill health early retirement of members.

For these reasons, tax legislation seeks to ensure that the investment transactions of pension schemes are conducted on a commercial "arm's length" basis. It does this by effectively rendering transactions, which are not arm's length, tax inefficient by deeming the amount or value of the pension scheme assets used in such transactions to be a pension payment and, therefore, subject to tax. The Deputy's proposal would run counter to the arm's length principle and I do not propose to change the legislation in the manner put forward.

Tax Yield.

Arthur Morgan

Ceist:

168 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Finance the breakdown of the estimated €1 billion saving to the Exchequer referred to in the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 170 of 4 February 2009; if relief for these deductions and reliefs was confined to the standard rate of income tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6012/09]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a breakdown of the savings to the Exchequer, estimated to be of the order of €1 billion, from confining to the standard rate of income tax those deductions and reliefs which are allowable for tax at an individual's marginal rate is set out as follows for the year 2005, the most recent year for which the necessary detailed information is available except where otherwise stated. As I stated in my previous reply, this estimate does not take into account any possible behavioural change on the part of taxpayers as a consequence of such a change or the economic effect of such a change. This applies in particular to the BES, Film Relief, Pensions Contribution Relief and Capital Allowances regime. The standard rating of employee pension reliefs would also have an impact on workers' take home pay.

Tax Relief Provision

2005 Cost

Saving to Exchequer if tax relief was confined to the standard rate of income tax

€m

€m

Person Taking Care of Incapacitated Taxpayer

1.8

0.8

Health Expenses

134.0

55.0

Contributions Under Permanent Health Benefit Schemes, after Deduction of Tax on Benefits Received

3.2

1.4

Interest paid relating to borrowings for purposes such as acquiring an interest in a company or partnership or to pay death duties.

22.2

10.0

Expenses Allowable to Employees under Schedule E

65.0

25.0

Donations to Approved Bodies

34.0

15.7

Donations to Sports Bodies.

0.2

0.1

Retirement Relief for certain Sports Persons.

0.3

0.2

Revenue Job Assist allowance

0.4

0.07

Allowance for seafarers

0.4

0.1

Investment in Corporate Trades (BES)

16.1

8.5

Investment in Seed Capital

1.3

0.6

Stock Relief

2.0

0.7

Relief for expenditure on significant buildings and gardens

3.3

1.2

Donation of Heritage items

5.8

1.9

Capital Allowances (Income Tax only)

734.5

305.0

Rented Residential Relief — Section 23

239.7

125.6

Investment in Films

15.7

8.2

Employees’ Contributions to Approved Superannuation Schemes*

540.0 (2006)

255.0

Retirement Annuity Premiums*

380.0 (2006)

196.0

Personal Retirement Savings Accounts*

120.0 (2006)

56.0

Total

2,319.9

1,067.07

*Estimate of cost revised for 2006 as part of the work on the Green Paper on Pensions.

Departmental Agencies.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

169 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the membership of State agencies under his Department; if any board members have served more than two terms; if there are cases where a chief executive subsequently became chairman; if one or more members of the audit committee in each case has specific financial expertise; and if the companies disclose necessary action to remedy significant failings in internal controls. [6019/09]

The table below sets out the information requested by the Deputy in relation to State Agencies under the aegis of my Department. There were no instances of Chief Executive Officers or equivalent becoming chairpersons of the Board. In the case of the Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland two members of the Board have served more than two terms and similarly with the National Lottery Company two members of the Board have served more than two terms. Five members of the Financial Services Ombudsman Council have served more than two terms.

Name of Agency

Name of Board Members

Do members of the audit committee have specific financial expertise?

Do the Agencies disclose necessary action to remedy significant failings in internal controls?

Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland (Central Bank)

John Hurley (Governor) Tony Grimes (Director General) David Begg Gerard Danaher Jim Farrell Dermot O’Brien Brian Hillery David Doyle John Dunne Alan Gray Mary O’Dea Deirdre Purcell

Yes.

See Note 1 Below

Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority (Financial Regulator)

Jim Farrell (Chairman) Alan Ashe Gerard Danaher John Dunne Alan Gray Tony Grimes Mary O’Dea (acting Chief Executive & Consumer Director) Deirdre Purcell Dermot Quigley

Yes

See Note 2 Below

Financial Services Ombudsman Council

Dermott Jewell, Chairman Paddy Leydon Frank Wynn Caitriona Ni Carra Paddy Lyons Tony Kerr Michael Connolly

Yes

Obliged to bring such actions to the attention of the Financial Services Ombudsman

National Treasury ManagementAgency Advisory Committee

Gerold Brandt Don Roth David Doyle Shane O’Neill David Byrne John F Daly Hugh Cooney

Yes

The Agency operates in accordance with the Framework Code of Best Practice set out in the Code of Practice on the Governance of State Bodies.

State Claims Agency Policy Committee

Margaret Lane Ann Marie Hayes Noel Whelan Deirdre Hanlon Brendan Phelan

Yes

The Agency operates in accordance with the Framework Code of Best Practice set out in the Code of Practice on the Governance of State Bodies.

National Pensions Reserve Fund Commission

Brian Hillery Brid Horan Don Roth John Canning Maurice Keane Michael J Somers Paul Carty

Yes

The Agency operates in accordance with the Framework Code of Best Practice set out in the Code of Practice on the Governance of State Bodies.

National Development Finance Agency Board

Brian Murphy Ann Fitzgerald Fred Barry Liam Berney Michael J Somers (ex officio as CEO of NTMA) Peter McManamon Stewart Harrington Tony Jones

Yes

The Agency operates in accordance with the Framework Code of Best Practice set out in the Code of Practice on the Governance of State Bodies.

National Lottery Company

Mr Donal Connell Mr James Hyland Mr Dermot Griffin Ms Niamh McGowan Mr Michéal O’Muircheartaigh Ms Barbara Patton Mr Oliver Wilkinson

Yes

It is the Company’s policy to disclose significant failings in internal controls and the actions taken to remedy them. To date, there has been no significant failings in internal controls requiring disclosure

Disclosure of necessary action to remedy any significant failings in internal controls:

Note 1: (CBFSAI) There are several channels through which the CBFSAI could disclose necessary action to remedy significant failings in internal controls:

1. the Bank prepares a report of its activities during the year and presents the report to the Minister for Finance which is subsequently laid before each House of the Oireachtas and published;

2. the Governor meets with the Minister from time to time to keep him informed regarding the Bank's performance of its statutory duties; and

3. subject to the requirements of the Maastricht Treaty and the confidentiality provisions imposed by law, the Governor appears before Joint Committees of the Oireachtas on request.

Note 2: (Financial Regulator) There are several channels through which the Financial Regulator could disclose necessary action to remedy significant failings in internal controls:

1. the Financial Regulator prepares a report of its activities during the year and presents the report to the Minister for Finance which is subsequently laid before each House of the Oireachtas and published. This report includes a Statement on the System of Internal Financial Controls;

2. the Chairman and Chief Executive meet with the Minister for Finance to keep him informed regarding the Financial Regulator's performance of its statutory duties; and

3. subject to the confidentiality provisions imposed by law, the Chairman, Chief Executive, Consumer Director and Registrar of Credit Unions are required to appear before Joint Committees of the Oireachtas on request.

Financial Services Regulation.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

170 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Finance if staff appointed in 2003 to the office of the Financial Regulator had a qualification in banking regulation, worked for a regulation agency similar to the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority or worked for a regulated financial institution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6053/09]

When the Financial Regulator was established in 2003, it was staffed by a combination of the following:

1. Existing staff from Central Bank who had been working in the area of supervision/regulation transferred to the Financial Regulator.

2. 52 staff from Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment (DETE) and the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs (ODCA) were seconded for a period of 24 months. At the end of this period 16 of the seconded staff were appointed on a permanent basis and the others returned to the DETE/ODCA.

3. A large recruitment drive to fill positions at junior and middle management grades was undertaken in May 2003. The recruitment advertisement specified the criteria for all middle management positions were a third level qualification and significant relevant experience in a banking, insurance or financial environment. The more junior positions were filled in the main by graduates from a business background with more limited work experience.

The Financial Regulator has a very comprehensive academic and professional training programme for staff whereby specific skills are developed and upgraded on an ongoing basis.

Parking Facilities.

Tom Sheahan

Ceist:

171 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Finance if he will acquire land to provide a public car and bus park adjacent to the Gallarus oratory in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6060/09]

The Office of Public Works has no plans to acquire lands to provide a public car and bus park adjacent to the Gallarus Oratory, in Co. Kerry. A privately owned car park and visitor centre already exists adjacent to the Oratory and certain visitor facilities are provided there.

Question No. 172 answered with Question No. 154.

Fiscal Policy.

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

173 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance the plans in place to free up working capital for small businesses to survive in the short-term; if he will facilitate small businesses employing four employees with three to four months work ahead of them by providing access to €50,000 in the short-term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6094/09]

As part of the recapitalisation package announced last week, Allied Irish Banks and Bank of Ireland have reconfirmed their December commitment to increase lending capacity to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by 10% and to provide an additional 30% capacity for lending to first time buyers in 2009. The banks have committed to public campaigns to actively promote their lending to these sectors. If the mortgage lending is not taken up, then the extra capacity will be available to SMEs. Compliance with this commitment will be monitored by the Financial Regulator. AIB and Bank of Ireland have also committed to public campaigns to actively promote small business lending at competitive rates with increased transparency on the criteria to be met. The banks will make quarterly reports to the Financial Regulator, with the first report to end March 2009 to be submitted by end April 2009.

The recapitalised banks have also agreed to engage in a ‘clearing group' chaired by a Government representative and including representation from business interests and State agencies. The purpose of this group will be to identify specific patterns of events or cases where the flow of credit to viable businesses appears to be blocked and to seek to identify credit supply solutions. There will also be an independent review of credit availability funded by the banks but managed jointly by the banks, Government and business representatives.

In addition, a Code of Conduct for Business Lending to Small and Medium Enterprises was published by the Financial Regulator on the 13th of February. This code will apply to all regulated banks and building societies and will facilitate access to credit, promote fairness and transparency and ensure that banks will assist borrowers in meeting their obligations, or otherwise deal with an arrears situation in an orderly and appropriate manner. The business lending code includes a requirement for banks to offer their business customers annual review meetings, to inform customers of the basis for decisions made and to have written procedures for the proper handling of complaints. Where a customer gets into difficulty the banks will give the customer reasonable time and seek to agree an approach to resolve problems and to provide appropriate advice. This is a statutory code and banks will be required to demonstrate compliance.

Tax Collection.

Seamus Kirk

Ceist:

174 Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Finance his views on a proposal to establish an ombudsman office for revenue affairs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6118/09]

The Deputy's question is related to the calls made on occasion for the establishment of an independent individual or entity whose proposed role would include acting as an advocate for taxpayers who feel unfairly treated by the system. The statutory remit of the Ombudsman already incorporates the roles proposed for a taxpayer advocate, namely, acting for taxpayers and investigating actions which are contrary to fair or sound administration.

Since the inception of the Office of the Ombudsman, significant numbers of taxpayers have exercised their right to make complaints to that office. Furthermore, the Ombudsman has carried out a number of special investigations on her own initiative under the Ombudsman Act 1980, such as into the operation of schemes for disabled drivers and the repayment of tax to certain widows. When calls were previously made for the establishment of a taxpayer advocate, the then Ombudsman drew attention to the duplication of role and responsibilities that such a development would involve.

Apart from the statutory role and responsibility of the Ombudsman, other avenues are also open for taxpayers to make their complaints and to seek satisfaction for perceived unfair treatment. They can lodge a customer service complaint about the standard of service received in their personal contact with the Revenue Commissioners by telephone, correspondence, fax, e-mail or in person to a Revenue public office. They can request a review by Revenue of any aspect of the way in which their tax affairs have been handled. Such reviews are undertaken by a senior Revenue official who was not involved in the original decision or, at the taxpayer's request, jointly by an external reviewer and a senior official. Taxpayers who are dissatisfied with specific treatments by Revenue can also make an appeal under statutory provisions which grant access to the appeal commissioners. The appeal commissioners are completely independent of the Revenue Commissioners.

The fact that few people are enthusiastic about paying taxes is all the more reason for effective channels of complaint and appeal by taxpayers against poor service or unfairness. However, given the comprehensive and accessible system already in place for complaints or appeals by any taxpayer who feels unfairly treated by the tax system, it is not obvious to me that there is a case for putting in place the additional layer of a tax advocate's office.

Financial Institutions Support Scheme.

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

175 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6126/09]

The Financial Regulator published its Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears on 13th February in keeping with the Government's announcement on recapitalisation arrangements. This code applies only to mortgage lending activities to consumers in respect of their principal residence in the State, by all regulated entities operating in the State. Under the Code, where a borrower is in difficulty, the lender will make every reasonable effort to agree an alternative repayment schedule and will not commence legal action for repossession until at least six months from when the arrears first arise.

The two recapitalised banks, AIB and Bank of Ireland, have each committed that they will not commence court proceedings for repossession of a principal private residence until after 12 months of arrears appearing, where the customer continues to cooperate reasonably and honestly with the bank. The recapitalised banks have, in addition, assured the Government that in the normal course of events they will make every effort to avoid repossessions, as has been evidenced by the low level of repossessions by them to date.

Flood Relief.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

176 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding flood relief plans in respect of a town (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6136/09]

The Office of Public Works, in conjunction with Wexford County Council and Enniscorthy Town Council, has developed outline flood relief proposals for Enniscorthy Town. I formally launched the statutory public exhibition of the proposed scheme in Enniscorthy this morning. The proposals will be on Public Exhibition, as required under the Arterial Drainage Acts, from today, Tuesday, 17 February, until Wednesday, 18 March at the Wexford County Council Offices in Enniscorthy, where the general public will be invited to view the proposed scheme and make any observations they see fit.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

177 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding flood relief plans in respect of towns (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6137/09]

In relation to Newcastle West, a preliminary study was carried out of the potential vulnerable areas. A flood model is being developed to identify the areas that do not have protection up to the 100-year flood level. This process involves confirming the river cross section by means of a site survey and this has now been completed. Work is planned to commence in May 2009 to construct flood defence walls in the Rathinagh area, so as to provide protection up to the 100-year flood level.

As part of the OPW's ongoing maintenance programme, tree felling will shortly be completed in the Demesne area. OPW has recently purchased an alarm to provide an audible warning during extreme flood events such as that occurred in July last year, and it will be installed as soon as possible and operated by the Local Authority. In relation to Clonmel, work on Phase 1 of the Scheme is in progress, and is well advanced. It was to be completed this year. Detailed design of the remaining elements of the scheme is in progress, and it is hoped that work on the ground can commence early in 2010.

Public Sector Pay.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

178 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Finance his views on freezing or reversing the recent pay increase awarded to persons at principal officer level and above in view of the depth of feeling among public servants that the higher paid are benefiting disproportionately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6148/09]

No increase has been awarded to persons at Principal Officer level or above. I presume that the Deputy is referring to the very limited number of increases recommended by the last Benchmarking Body to, among others, Principal Officers. Those increases have not been paid.

Ministerial Travel.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

179 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance the cost of foreign travel, accommodation and related ministerial and official costs associated with St. Patrick’s Day 2008; and the plans related to St. Patrick’s Day 2009 and the projected cost. [6159/09]

The total cost of my predecessor's visit to Malaysia and Vietnam for St. Patrick's Day, 2008, including foreign travel, accommodation and related Ministerial and official costs, amounted to €27,245.11. No formal arrangements have been put in place for St. Patrick's Day 2009.

Pension Provisions.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

180 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that non-consultant hospital doctors are due to suffer from a double pay cut from the Health Service Executive and the application of the new pension levy; his views on whether this is fair; if it is his intention that the new pension levy be applied even when a person has suffered a pay cut on their basic pay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6325/09]

The pension related deduction will apply to all public servants including those working in the health sector. As the Government has made clear, the deduction is being made to address the serious budgetary problems facing the country.

Tax Code.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

181 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the categories of people who are exempt from the income tax levy other than the fact that they are below the income threshold; and the reason for same. [6326/09]

The following categories of individuals are exempt from the income levy:

an individual with a gross income of less than €18,304 per annum,

an individual who is entitled to a full medical card and

an individual who is aged over 65 years with an income less than €20,000 for 2009.

In addition, a married couple, where either one or both spouses is aged 65 years or over and whose joint income is less than €40,000, will be entitled after the end of the year to a refund of any income levy that they might have paid. In addition to the exemption from the income levy of certain categories of individuals, certain income sources are also excluded from the scope of the income levy. These include:

social welfare payments and similar type payments made by other Government Departments,

statutory redundancy payments and other redundancy related payments that are relieved from income tax,

payments exempt from income tax on social or other grounds such as payments from the Haemophilia Trust, payments made to thalidomide sufferers, foster care payments and other similar type payments.

A full list of such exempt income is available in Appendix A and B of the document "Frequently Asked Questions on the income levy" which is posted on the Revenue website. These categories of individuals and income sources have been exempted from the income levy on social and equity grounds, mainly with a view to protecting the most vulnerable in our society.

Public Sector Pay.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

182 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the number of public servants in receipt of salaries in the various bands from €10,000 per annum and at intervals of €5,000 above that. [6328/09]

Information is not readily available in the precise format sought by the Deputy. However, the following table provides estimates of the numbers of public servants in various salary bands of €5,000. The recently announced public service pension related deduction will apply to all earnings, not just salary, and will also include employees of the local authorities who are not included within the public service pay and pensions bill and are not included in the following figures. The numbers at different salary bands vary from time to time depending on matters such as incremental salary movement, retirements etc. Furthermore, in the case of some groups additional earnings may arise from overtime, allowances and premium payments.

Salary Range

Est. Nos in range

up to 25,000

22,000

25,000-30,000

33,000

30,000-35,000

38,000

35,000-40,000

36,000

40,000-45,000

33,000

45,000-50,000

36,000

50,000-55,000

30,000

55,000-60,000

27,000

60,000-65,000

9,000

65,000-70,000

5,000

70,000-75,000

3,000

75,000-80,000

6,000

80,000-85,000

4,000

85,000-90,000

3,000

90,000-95,000

3,000

95,000-100,000

3,000

greater than 100,000

9,000

Total

300,000

Pension Provisions.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

183 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the basis for his estimation that the pension levy would raise €1.4 billion; and the details of the calculations involved. [6329/09]

I have estimated that the pension related deduction will realise €1.35bn in a full year; the remainder of the €1.4bn will be found through a reduction in travelling and subsistence rates and other adjustments. The public service pay and pensions bill, excluding pensions and PRSI, is approximately €16.7bn. The proposed deduction will average 7.5%, yielding some €1.25bn. It is estimated that the application of the deduction in the local authority area — which is outside of the public service pay and pensions bill — will yield a further €100m.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

184 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the reason he has not provided details of the cost of the tax relief on self-administered pension schemes in view of the fact that details of all such schemes must be supplied to the Revenue Commissioners on their establishment and at regular intervals thereafter; and if he will request the Revenue Commissioners to provide details of the value of the 6,500 schemes which are currently in existence, the total contributed by employers and the cost of the tax relief on these schemes for each of the past three years. [6330/09]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the current requirements that apply to small self-administered pensions schemes as regards documentation to be supplied to Revenue are as follows:

1. A detailed approval application is submitted to which approval is given following satisfactory examination and clarification of the application.

2. Annual accounts are submitted.

3. An actuarial review is submitted every 3 years. The information provided in this documentation is used for the purpose of managing and reviewing the pension schemes in question on a case by case basis.

The data provided are not at present electronically captured in such a way as to provide a dedicated basis for compiling the statistical information requested by the Deputy. To obtain this information it would be necessary to manually extract data from the documentation submitted and would also require checking the tax position of each individual employer and employee, thereby necessitating manual examination of 19,500 sets of accounts for the last 3 years, 6,500 actuarial reviews, 6,500 employer tax records and at least 6,500 employee tax records. The specific information requested could not, therefore, be obtained without conducting a protracted examination of the Revenue Commissioners' records.

Tax Collection.

Lucinda Creighton

Ceist:

185 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Finance the amount collected in VRT, stamp duty, income tax, VAT and corporation tax in January 2009; the comparable figures for January 2006, January 2007 and January 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6310/09]

The figures the Deputy requests are detailed in the following tables. Tax revenue receipts are published on the Department's website as part of the monthly Exchequer Statements.

Jan 2006

Jan 2007

Jan 2008

Jan 2009

€m

€m

€m

€m

Stamp Duty

291

347

180

50

Income Tax

1,116

1,107

1,208

1,165

VAT

2,036

2,332

2,335

1,970

Corporation Tax

131

208

197

121

Vehicle Registration Tax in a component of Excise Duties and receipts are not separately detailed within Exchequer Statements. The Revenue Commissioners have provided VRT receipts for the January period from 2006 to 2009 and these figures are supplied below. The VRT figures provided are on a Revenue Net Receipts basis, which differ from Exchequer receipts due to timing and accounting issues. The Deputy should note that the VRT figures for 2009 are provisional at this stage and are liable to some slight revision.

Jan 2006

Jan 2007

Jan 2008

Jan 2009

VRT

€54m

€68m

€215m

€32m*

*Provisional.

The end-January Exchequer Returns showed tax receipts, at €3,735 million, down 19% year-on-year. However, it must be taken into account that tax receipts in January 2008 were relatively strong. In this regard, tax receipts for January 2009 represent approximately 10% of the total forecast receipts for the year and this is in line with the percentage received in previous years.

Financial Services Regulation.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

186 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance when his attention was first drawn to, or when the possibility was first flagged to him, whether formally or informally, that the Financial Regulator had concerns about issues of governance at Anglo Irish Bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6315/09]

I presume the Deputy is referring to the issue of loans to directors at Anglo Irish Bank. In December 2008, I enquired about the level of director's loans at Anglo compared to other financial institutions. The Financial Regulator informed me at that time of the movement of the former Chairman's loans to the Irish Nationwide Building Society prior to Anglo Irish Bank's year end and the practice in this regard over the previous 7 years. My Department was aware as a result of the PWC report of the movement of funds both to and from the Irish Life and Permanent group, again at the end of the accounting year end. This was referred, as a prudential issue in the first instance, to the Financial Regulator to be investigated. All of these issues are currently subject of investigations by both the Financial Regulator and the Office of Director of Corporate Enforcement.

Financial Services.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

187 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if he values the continued presence of mutual societies as an important element of the landscape of credit institutions; if the maintenance of such a presence is a tenet of current policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6361/09]

While the regulation of financial institutions, including building societies, is a matter for the Financial Regulator, policy responsibility for building societies currently rests with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. I might mention, however, that arrangements for the transfer of the policy responsibility for building societies legislation to my Department are currently under development and I hope to be able to bring forward the necessary enabling legislation later this year. The significance of the role of building societies has changed significantly over recent decades. During the 1980s almost two-thirds of mortgages were provided by building societies, with their proportion of total mortgages reaching a peak of over 70% in the early 1990s. However, they now account for approximately 20% of the mortgage market and the number of building societies now stands at just three — of which two are mutuals. The Government is facilitative as regards mutual building societies in providing a legislative framework under which they can be established and operate, and the legislation certainly supports any building society which wishes to retain its mutual status. Ultimately, of course, it is a matter for the membership of a building society to decide whether or not it should retain its mutual status.

Financial Services Regulation.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

188 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the date and circumstances on which he first became aware, whether formally or informally, of anomalies at a group (details supplied) now a matter of public record to a very limited extent, with respect to the inappropriate use of funds by the chairman to fulfil financial obligations relating to speculation on the stock market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6323/09]

Investigation of this issue was a matter for the Financial Regulator, who has as the Deputy is aware, imposed by settlement a penalty on both the company concerned and its Chairman. As the Financial Regulator has not disclosed the details of its investigation it would not be appropriate for me to comment. I was not, and would not expect to be, involved in the conduct of such an investigation. However, where matters are likely to give rise to a financial stability issue these can be brought to my attention as part of the arrangements between my Department, the Central Bank and the Financial Regulator for this purpose.

National Development Plan.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

189 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which he is proposing to re-design or re-allocate resources from the capital expenditure programme or the national development plan to ensure that capital expenditure is channelled towards employment intensive projects first; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6369/09]

The Government decision of 3rd February last re-allocated €150m from within the revised 2009 capital allocation of €7.931 billion to labour intensive activities in the areas of school building and energy efficiency/home insulation measures. This is part of the Government's endeavours to respond to the employment difficulties at present by investing in labour intensive areas which will promote and sustain domestic employment and achieve other policy objectives. As the deputy is aware, NDP capital investment supports employment directly as well as addressing issues that will help in sustaining employment, such as the development of key economic infrastructure including major transport projects, water services, school building, STI capital etc. The extent to which further re-allocation is possible is subject to review. The precise details of individual Vote allocations are currently being finalised in consultation with Departments and will be included in the upcoming Revised Estimates Volume 2009.

Health Service Allowances.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

190 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of an application for domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5575/09]

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Medical Consent.

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

191 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on correspondence (details supplied) if legal guardians are to act jointly in relation to consenting to medical treatment for minors as per the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964 or if consent is only needed from one person with parental responsibility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5600/09]

The issue of medical consent required for the treatment of children is not governed by any specific piece of legislation. What is required in a given situation falls to be determined on the basis of the facts of an individual case. In medical emergencies, for example, urgent treatment may be provided to a child in the absence of express consents where it is necessary to save the life of the child. The age of the child is also relevant with this issue being provided for in the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997 for children over 16 years.

I have contacted the Health Service Executive in this regard and I understand that the Executive has developed guidelines entitled "Procedure for obtaining consent for non emergency treatment/services from parents of children and young people under the age of 18 years". These guidelines give the necessary clarity in relation to this matter and I shall arrange for a copy to be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible. I understand from the HSE that these guidelines will be available on the HSE website in the near future. If the Deputy is aware of any particular case where the issue of medical consent needs to be clarified then the individual concerned should contact his/her Local Health Office in this regard.

Health Services.

Arthur Morgan

Ceist:

192 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Louth cannot have current funding for their day place in Drogheda transferred to Health Service Executive Galway, in view of the fact that HSE Galway cannot fund a day place for this person from its current budget; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5551/09]

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Health Service Staff.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

193 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to fill therapy grades within Roscommon primary community continuing care and Leitrim PCCC; the posts which are vacant in each PCCC area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5554/09]

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

Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Health Service Allowances.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

194 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5559/09]

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Hospital Staff.

John Deasy

Ceist:

195 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive has finalised the procedure in the setting up of a tendering process for the appointment of nursing agencies within its hospital network as was promised in 2008; the reason for the delay; when this procedure will be put in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5561/09]

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

Hospital Services.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

196 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason post operative care here would be denied in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork who travelled abroad to have surgery to avoid the long waiting period for the same surgery here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5573/09]

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

197 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will expedite an appointment for a cochlear implant at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5574/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 196 and 197 together.

Under the provisions of Regulation (EC) 1408/71, persons who are covered by the public healthcare system of one member state are entitled, under certain circumstances, to receive healthcare in the public system of another member state. Article 22 (1) (c) of the Regulation governs the referral of patients for public health services to another member state (E112 arrangements). Under this provision, the HSE may, where certain criteria are met, authorise a person to go to another member state for treatment in the public health system there. In such cases, a Form E112 is issued by the HSE, which involves a commitment by the Executive to pay for the cost of treatment. It is a matter for the HSE to assess each application for an E112 Form and determine whether authorisation for treatment abroad should be granted.

In the case raised by the Deputy, therefore, it is open to the parents of the child concerned to make application to the Treatment Abroad Section of the HSE if they wish to seek treatment for her in another EU member state in accordance with these entitlements. In the event that treatment is arranged in this way, the necessary follow-up care would be available in the Irish public health system.

Health Insurance Levy.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

198 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on the effectiveness of her health insurance levy and the effectiveness of the tax credit regime for controlling the growth in health insurance costs to older people, who have experienced increases of more than 25% in the cost of their health insurance. [5579/09]

There is a serious risk that market segmentation would occur in a community rated market in the absence of measures under which insurers would receive compensation for the higher claims costs of older people. As set out in the analysis provided by the Health Insurance Authority, there was a significant risk that this would accelerate following the July Supreme Court decision in the absence of steps to support community rating.

The Government remains convinced that a community rated health insurance market sustained by a risk equalisation scheme is in the best interest of health insurance customers. The Government has asked the Department of Health and Children and the Health Insurance Authority to begin work on designing a new scheme. However this will take some time before it comes into effect. The Government therefore decided that some interim measures must be put into place in order to support community rating. It is anticipated that this interim solution will remain in place for the next three years.

In addition to enhancing the position of older persons in the market, the measures should not, in themselves, lead to an overall increase in private health insurance premiums paid by all consumers as the new levy on health insurance companies will yield approximately the same amount as the enhanced tax relief for those aged over 50. I would still like to make it clear that the levy is not being imposed on the individual policy holder but on the insurance companies. It is a commercial decision for each company whether they pass on any or all of the levy to their customers.

Since I last answered questions on this matter the insurers have announced price increases for customers taking out or renewing policies from 1 January 2009. Quinn Healthcare was due to implement increases at that stage and VHI had not increased its premiums as was usual practice in September 2008, following the Supreme Court judgement. Hibernian AVIVA Health has more recently announced an increase in prices. It is a matter for the individual companies to determine their increases. I believe that if insurance policies were fully risk-rated in the absence of the planned interim tax relief measures, the price increases would be substantially higher.

There are several underlying cost pressures in the health insurance market, including medical inflation, the ageing of the insured population, increased numbers of procedures, and the economic pricing of private and semi-private beds in public hospitals.

As to the effectiveness of this measure, older people are benefiting by the fact that the price of their policies did not rise massively based on their age and risk factors, as they would have if the market had been segmented. The package of measures announced keeps private health insurance affordable for older people. In addition, the introduction this year of lifetime community rating regulations will encourage younger people to continue to take out health insurance. The combined effect of all of these measures is overwhelmingly positive for the health insurance industry and its two and a quarter million customers.

Health Services.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

199 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [5601/09]

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

Medical Cards.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

200 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3 has not received their medical card despite supplying the information on numerous occasions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5624/09]

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

Health Services.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

201 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the cleaning programme for the health centres in Roscommon primary community and continuing care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5636/09]

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

227 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children when all primary care professionals will take up accommodation at a health centre (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5795/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 201 and 227 together.

As the Deputy's questions relate to service matters they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Hospitals Building Programme.

James Reilly

Ceist:

202 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the cost to date of the new national children’s hospital; the estimated cost of this hospital; if she will provide a progress report on the project; the estimated date of completion; the way this project will be funded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5637/09]

The development of the National Paediatric Hospital is a priority project for the Government. The Health Service Executive Capital Plan 2009-2013 includes provision for the development of the new hospital and an associated Ambulatory and Urgent Care Centre at Tallaght.

The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board was established in May, 2007. Its primary function is to plan, design, furnish and equip the new national paediatric hospital. The HSE is working closely with the Board in progressing the project.

A detailed Design Brief for the new hospital is being prepared and is due for completion shortly. The Design Brief will be converted into an exemplar design, outlining the exact dimensions and specifications for the new hospital, to allow the project proceed to tender for construction. A more accurate estimate of costs will be available at that point.

My Department has asked the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to revert directly to the Deputy on the other issues raised by him.

Hospital Staff.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

203 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive has issued instructions in written or verbal form to management of Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, requesting that term time leave not be granted in 2008 and 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5651/09]

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

204 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive has communicated in any way with senior management or the human resources department of Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, to the effect that cover for term time leave will not be provided or that such cover will be restricted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5652/09]

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

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

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

205 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Health and Children the policy for the provision of term time leave for parents of children with special needs within the health sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5653/09]

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

206 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of health service employees who applied for and received term time leave in 2006, 2007 and 2008 in all Dublin hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5654/09]

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

207 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Health and Children the average salary paid to a person who is given term time leave within the sector versus the costs for hiring replacement cover; the savings made to the Exchequer for the duration of each term time leave; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5655/09]

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

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

Medical Aids and Appliances.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

208 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on extending the health cover for hearing aids to include digital hearing aids, which are essential for many deaf people; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5661/09]

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

Inter-Country Adoptions.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

209 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children when the bilateral agreement between Ireland and Vietnam to facilitate inter-country adoption will be signed and finalised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5676/09]

The Adoption Bill 2009, which will give force of law to the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption, was published on Friday 23rd January. Under the new legislation, prospective adoptive parents will be able to adopt from countries which have also ratified the Hague Convention, and countries with which Ireland has a bilateral agreement which meets Hague standards.

While it is true to say that our current Agreement with Vietnam is based on Hague principles, as part of the preparations for our new legislation we need to ensure that our Agreement reflects the Hague Convention as comprehensively as possible. A new Agreement allows the opportunity to elaborate and strengthen some existing provisions to meet the standards which it is anticipated will be set in draft legislation. There have been considerable developments in intercountry adoption in Vietnam since the Agreement was signed 5 years ago. This progress also needs to be reflected in any new Agreement.

In December 2008, the Irish Government issued a formal request to the Vietnamese Authorities stating that we wish to enter into discussions immediately for the purpose of negotiating a new Agreement to follow on from the existing Agreement which will expire on 1 May 2009. The Vietnamese Authorities have responded positively to Ireland's request.

Ireland offered to provide the Vietnamese Authorities with the text of a draft agreement as a basis for negotiations. An initial draft was prepared by my officials and was submitted to colleagues in the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Attorney General's Office for their consideration in December 2008.

At present, the text of the draft is being finalised following the receipt of legal advices. Once the text of the draft has been agreed between the OMCYA, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Attorney General's Office it will be forwarded to the Vietnamese Authorities for their consideration. It is anticipated that we will be in a position to forward this draft to Vietnam very shortly.

The work to prepare for and advise the Government on this issue and the implementation of Government's decisions is being given the highest priority. These are complex matters which require careful consideration. At all times, the Minister and the Government, and officials advising them, are guided by the need to respect and protect the best interests and rights of the child.

Product Labelling.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

210 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children when legislation will be put in place for labelling on bottles, that is, warning about alcohol and pregnancy, in view of the fact that alcohol is not only a toxin, it is a teratogen, a carcinogen and a mutagen; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5677/09]

My Department is developing proposals on the labelling of all alcohol containers advising of the risks of consuming alcohol during pregnancy. The labelling of foodstuffs, including alcohol products, is subject to European regulation and scrutiny so the proposals will have to take this into account.

Cancer Screening Programme.

Charles Flanagan

Ceist:

211 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that patients involved in the breast cancer scare at Portlaoise Hospital who were subsequently referred to Tallaght Hospital for treatment, have been told that services in Tallaght Hospital are to be withdrawn and that no alternative is in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5697/09]

Under the National Cancer Control Programme, there are four managed cancer control networks and eight cancer centres, into which services are being transferred progressively. Symptomatic breast disease services are the first to be transferred to the eight centres.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has designated St. James's Hospital and St. Vincent's University Hospital as the two cancer centres in the Managed Cancer Control Network for the HSE Dublin Mid-Leinster region. The designation of cancer centres aims to ensure that patients receive the highest quality care while at the same time allowing local access to services, where appropriate.

In relation to Tallaght Hospital, the general catchment area incorporates both St Vincent's University Hospital and St James's Hospital, and the transfer of services from Tallaght will take place in a coordinated way to these two designated centres. The resources to be transferred from Tallaght and the incorporation of these resources into the specialist cancer services at the receiving hospitals will take place in accordance with patient need and choice and in line with where GPs will refer to in the future.

With regard to patients currently receiving their care at the Symptomatic Breast Care Centre in Tallaght Hospital, the clinical team working with these patients in Tallaght Hospital will continue to work with them in the designated cancer centre to which the patient transfers.

Treatment services for cancer patients, including medical oncology, and follow-up clinical and review appointments, will continue to be offered as close as possible to the patient's home. Therefore, hospitals such as Tallaght will continue to provide this function, in co-operation with the designated cancer centres, as part of a network of care in the region.

Health Services.

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

212 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children if she would reinstate the home care package hours in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork in view of the letter from their consultant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5698/09]

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

Private Health Insurance.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

213 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children the percentage increase in annual subscription for each of the health plans provided by the VHI in each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5727/09]

The total average percentage increase in VHI premia for adults over the past five years is set out in the tables below.

TOTAL INCREASE

BASE PLANS

PLAN A

PLAN B

B XS

PLAN C

PLAN D

PLAN E

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

SEPT 2004

3.80

3.80

3.80

3.80

3.80

3.80

3.80

SEPT 2005

12.61

12.50

12.50

10.50

12.50

16.00

16.00

SEPT 2006

12.50

10.65

12.36

12.35

12.44

14.73

14.74

SEPT 2007

8.50

9.50

8.50

9.40

10.30

13.60

11.90

JAN 2009

23.00

22.70

24.60

26.90

26.50

30.10

29.70

OPTION PLANS

PLAN A

PLAN B

PLAN C

%

%

%

SEPT 2004

2.50

2.50

2.50

SEPT 2005

12.00

12.00

9.00

SEPT 2006

10.49

12.29

11.93

SEPT 2007

7.50

8.50

8.30

JAN 2009

21.70

24.90

25.70

VHI also have a number of plans which were not available five years ago; these are outlined in the table below.

LIFESTAGE PLANS

First Plan Select

First Plan

First Plan 2

First Plan +

First Plan + 2

Family Plan

Family Plan 2

Family Plan +

Family Plan + 2

Forward Plan

Forward Plan 2

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

SEPT 2004

SEPT 2005

11.29

11.52

11.32

11.54

11.87

SEPT 2006

12.33

12.35

12.83

12.70

12.41

SEPT 2007

4.00

4.00

4.00

4.00

4.00

4.00

4.00

4.00

8.00

7.80

JAN 2009

20.40

19.00

19.00

18.60

18.60

18.20

18.20

17.90

17.90

25.60

28.70

It is noted that VHI did not increase the cost of their plans in September 2008. The statutory position is that I have no role in the pricing of health insurance plans by VHI. It is a matter for the VHI Board to determine the levels of the increases which they introduce having regard to business considerations, the increasing cost pressures it faces and the need to accrue reserves. There are several underlying cost pressures in private health insurance, such as medical inflation, the ageing of the insured population, increased numbers of procedures, and the move to full economic pricing of public hospital beds.

Hostel Inspections.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

214 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will publish the Health Service Executive, Health Information and Quality Authority and social services inspectorate reports on hostels for unaccompanied migrant children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5731/09]

Hostels for unaccompanied migrant children are inspected by the Registration and Inspection Service of the Health Service Executive. As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Health Service Staff.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

215 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of staff within the Health Service Executive dealing with the home care package programme; if there has been a reduction in this number since November 2007, either as field officers or office staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5738/09]

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

Health Services.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

216 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the funding provided by her Department to the Health Service Executive to fund the home care programme for each of the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5739/09]

The Home Care Package Initiative was introduced in 2006, following a pilot programme in 2005. Home Care Packages form a key component of the Government's commitment to provide a range of quality services to enable older people to live at home and in their communities for as long as possible. There has been a total of €120 million new service development funding provided to the HSE for this specific initiative since 2006, broken down as follows:

Year

€m

2006

55

2007

55

2008

10

Jack Wall

Ceist:

217 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children if there is a waiting list for the home care package scheme; if so, the number on the list for the Kildare west Wicklow area of the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5740/09]

Jack Wall

Ceist:

218 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of home care assistants employed within the Kildare west Wicklow areas of the Health Service Executive for each of the past three years; the number of patients attended by the attendants in each year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5741/09]

Jack Wall

Ceist:

221 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of home care package grants issued to applicants in the Kildare west Wicklow area by the Health Service Executive since November 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5756/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 217, 218 and 221 together.

As these are a service matter they has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

219 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children if she or the Health Service Executive have plans to re-introduce the suspended pre-school payment scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5746/09]

As the Deputy will be aware operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Services Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested that the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to investigate the matter and issue a reply directly to the Deputy.

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

220 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5754/09]

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

Question No. 221 answered with Question No. 217.

Hospital Services.

Tom Sheahan

Ceist:

222 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the new Dingle Community Hospital, Dingle, County Kerry; if the hospital and all of its day services will be fully operational in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5761/09]

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

Health Services.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

223 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will review the circumstances of a case (details supplied) with a view to resolving the custody issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5769/09]

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

National Children’s Strategy.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

224 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to implement the commitment to unaccompanied migrant children in the national children’s strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5772/09]

The National Children's Strategy, 2000 states that "Unaccompanied children seeking refugee status will be treated in accordance with best international practice, including the provision of a designated social worker and Guardian-Ad-Litem." In line with international best practice, the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child General Comment No. 6 on the Treatment of Unaccompanied and Separated Children outside their country of origin (2005) states that countries should appoint a guardian or advisor to the child as soon as the child is identified. The guardian should be consulted and informed regarding all actions to be taken in relation to the child.

Under the Child Care Act, 1991 it is the role of a social worker assigned to any young person to act in their best interests. As such, it is the view of my Office and the Health Service Executive that the social worker assigned to a young person and who accompanies that young person through the asylum process represents the best interests of that young person.

Currently, the appointment of Guardians Ad Litem, under the Child Care Act, 1991, is restricted to children involved in public law court proceedings only. The appointment of a Guardians Ad Litem outside of the court proceedings may impinge on the Health Service Executive's ability to provide an appropriate and expedient solution for the young person in question. In light of the existing role of the social worker in representing and advocating for the best interests of the child, it is the view of my Office that the appointment of a Guardians Ad Litem outside of court proceedings could lead to a duplication of this role and would not represent the best use of available resources for this client group.

The main priority for my Office and the Health Service Executive in relation to separated children seeking asylum is the provision of services to these young people that adequately meet their needs. In meeting their needs my Office and the Health Service Executive must ensure that the residential, foster care and other services meet with the many standards which have been developed in recent years. The HSE have devised a National Operational Policy for separated children. The policy includes the principle that all children in the care of the HSE should receive the same standard of care whether they be separated children seeking asylum or indigenous children in care. The policy also reflects the principle of good practice that younger children under 12 should be placed in foster care. In line with this the Executive is currently progressing plans to move to a more comprehensive model of care for these children. It is recognised that each child should be accommodated in a service that meets all relevant standards as well as providing the necessary security and grounding in the community that is appropriate for their needs. It is understood that the Health Service Executive are developing proposals that will see an end to these children being accommodated in hostels with the provision of care for separated children seeking asylum being provided on a national basis with each child cared for in a registered care placement or equivalent.

Health Services.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

225 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 138 of 10 December 2008, if she will furnish the up to date figures; the number in each year since 1999 to date in 2009 that were reported to the Garda and posted on the website; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5773/09]

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

Departmental Expenditure.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

226 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive has ever initiated an internal programme to ask staff their opinions on the way money could be saved within the health services; if there are plans to do so; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5791/09]

Clearly, the current fiscal position demands the most careful control of public expenditure and I am strongly of the view that account needs to be taken of all opportunities for efficiencies. Within my Department, there is considerable focus on identifying opportunities to save money and this has been included in the annual business planning process which involves all staff. Within the wider health service, I am very conscious of the need to make savings where possible without impacting on service levels and I have consistently communicated this need to the HSE and other health agencies. As part of a multi-annual approach to value for money announced by me in the context of the Budget, a range of value for money measures has been outlined in the HSE Service Plan 2009.

Operational responsibility for the management of value for money and internal staff programmes are matters for the Health Service Executive. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy on the specific matter raised.

Question No. 227 answered with Question No. 201.

General Medical Services Scheme.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

228 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children when a general practitioner will be appointed on a full-time permanent basis to the GMS list of a doctor (details supplied) in County Roscommon; the number of temporary appointments made since the last permanent appointee left the position; the date when this person left the post; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5796/09]

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

Smarter Travel Policy.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

229 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children her Department’s work place travel plans; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5853/09]

My Department does not have a formal Workplace Travel Plan. However, the Department's policies in a number of areas impact on workplace travel, as follows; Parking is provided for bicycles used by staff to come to work, and showers are available for those cycling to work; The Travel Pass Scheme, which facilitates and encourages the use of public transport is available to those who wish to avail of it; Various atypical working arrangements which facilitate staff travel outside of peak traffic hours are available to Departmental staff; The use of private cars for work-related travel is kept to a minimum. The use of public transport, and sharing arrangements where car travel is essential, are encouraged.

Health Services.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

230 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans in place to maintain beds in a public nursing home (details supplied) in County Carlow; if she will ensure it is kept open to serve the needs of people who need long-term care in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5859/09]

The Health Service Executive has operational responsibility for the delivery of health and social services, including those at facilities such as Bethany House.

Bethany House is a Welfare Home which opened in the 1970's. It is currently operating as a 30 bed unit, of which 28 beds are residential and 2 are respite. At present there are 25 long stay residents, with one long stay admission to the facility in the last six months.

The HSE commissioned a review of elderly services within the Carlow/Kilkenny region in 2006, which included Bethany House. The review was conducted in 2007. The report was received by the HSE in early 2008. Following consultation with the General Hospital Manager and Director of Nursing a decision was made on Tuesday 13th Jan 2009 by the Local Health Manager to relocate residents from Bethany House to alternative accommodation. This decision was put forward to the Assistant National Director of Primary Care and Continuing Services HSE South, who approved same as part of 2009 HSE South Service Plan.

On the 15th January last the Executive announced the Service Plan for the Local Health Offices and Hospitals in the Southern area at the Regional Health Forum. The Plan identified a Programme to address infrastructural deficits to meet new national standards for residential care facilities for older people. These standards provide the basis for the very best quality of care to be provided, monitored and enforced in all nursing homes. They will be an objective and transparent way for both care providers and inspectors to implement and enforce standards of care for nursing home residents and they will apply to both the public and private sector. The Executive is working on a phased programme of refurbishment and replacement of existing public homes, where necessary to meet the proposed standards.

The Executive advised the Forum that the 30 bed Bethany House Welfare Home is no longer able to provide appropriate services due to the increasing levels of dependencies of its patients.

The independent review highlighted the lack of facilities to provide appropriate care and the home's inability to support high dependency patients. This inadequacy increases demands in terms of maintenance, standards and health and safety issues including infection control.

The HSE decided it was necessary to discontinue admitting patients to the home and to arrange for the current residents to be accommodated in facilities more appropriate to their needs.

All 25 residents, will be relocated to better and safer facilities that are purpose built to cater for their health and well-being. The Executive will consult with each resident, their families or representatives, to explain what options are available with a view to agreeing their preferences for relocation.

The safety and well-being of older people living in nursing homes is of critical concern. Quality care and patient safety comes first and all patients should receive the same high standard of quality-assured care. Bethany house will continue to be used as a health care facility and preliminary discussions have commenced with the Alzheimer's Society with a view to day care services being provided from the facility.

Health Service Allowances.

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

231 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position on an application for domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [5863/09]

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

232 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position on the provision of DCD services in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [5864/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 231 and 232 together.

As the Deputy's questions relate to service matters I have arranged for the questions to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

General Medical Services Scheme.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

233 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the process for allowing a doctor to treat medical card and general practitioner visit card patients at their practice. [5871/09]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has responsibility for the selection and recruitment of general practitioners to provide services under the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme.

At present there are two options for entry into the GMS for fully qualified vocationally trained General Practitioners. These are:

Vacancies arising from the retirement, resignation or death of an existing GMS doctor or where posts are created in response to an identified need for an additional doctor in an area;

Recruitment as an assistant with a view to partnership, where an existing GMS contract holder requests approval from the HSE for the creation of a post of assistant with a view to partnership within that practice.

Recruitment to any vacancies as outlined above or as an assistant with a view to partnership is by way of an open competition.

Under the terms of an Agreement between my Department and the Irish Medical Organisation, the HSE is required, when filling a vacant GP patient panel or creating a new patient panel, to take account of the potential viability of such a panel under a range of headings including:

The number of GMS patients on the list;

The age/sex profile of the patients on the list;

The geographic area in which the practice is situated;

The number and age profile of the GMS doctors in the area, and their list sizes;

The private practice profile of the area in question, including the ratio of private to public patients in the area;

The population size in the area and surrounding areas;

The factors advanced by the applicant doctor in support of his/her application;

The particular public health needs of the area in question.

When the GP Visit card was introduced in 2005, a once off arrangement was put in place for doctors to enter the GMS Scheme with a limited contract to allow them to treat this cohort of patients only. The entry criteria were that doctors must be vocationally trained and be in practice on 1st July 2005 and have been in practice for a period of one whole year prior to that date. This right of entry is limited for a period of five years to the acceptance of GP Visit Card patients. These doctors will be entitled to a full GMS contract after the five year period. In the case of doctors who on or before 1st July 2005 had entered into a partnership with an existing practitioner, the five year period is reduced to two years.

Hospital Services.

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

234 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children when the transfer of the symptomatic breast cancer unit from South Infirmary-Victoria University Hospital to Cork University Hospital will occur; the funds being allocated to facilitate this transfer; her views on whether such funds would be better directed towards the cervical cancer vaccination programme in view of the fact that an established centre of excellence in breast cancer treatment exists at South Infirmary-Victoria University Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5882/09]

Under the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP), there are four managed cancer control networks and eight cancer centres, into which services are being transferred progressively. In the HSE South, the designated cancer centres are Cork University Hospital, and Waterford Regional Hospital. Symptomatic breast disease services are the first to be transferred to the eight centres.

The transfer of symptomatic breast disease services from South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital to Cork University Hospital Cancer Centre (CUHCC) is underway and will be completed as quickly as possible. The transfer of breast services is being undertaken in conjunction with the development of other cancer services in CUHCC. The NCCP has been working with both senior general management and clinical staff to ensure that appropriate facilities are in place for this purpose. The NCCP has approved a €5m capital grant to develop diagnostic facilities in CUH that will incorporate comprehensive outpatient and treatment facilities, radiology and support services, for symptomatic breast care and also for rapid access diagnostic clinics for lung and prostate cancers. Because the capital development is complex and includes services other than breast cancer the timeframe for the development has extended to Autumn 2009. The Director of the NCCP has always emphasised that services will not move until CUHCC has the facilities and resources to manage the transferring patients safely and in accordance with the National Quality Assurance Standards for Symptomatic Breast Disease Services.

I want to emphasise that the decision to reorganise services is about achieving optimum outcomes. In order to achieve the very best outcomes we need to concentrate the totality of cancer work in just eight centres. That necessarily means that some centres which are well organised and have a significant case load will nonetheless need to transfer that work to larger centres at other locations.

In relation to cervical cancer, all of the clinical advice available to me indicates that the national roll-out of a cervical screening programme should be my first priority. The National Cervical Screening Programme, CervicalCheck, is being implemented with effect from September of last year. The full year cost of this programme is in excess of €40m. I am fully committed to keeping the introduction of a HPV vaccination programme under active review.

Accident and Emergency Services.

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

235 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children if it is intended that the accident and emergency units at South Infirmary-Victoria University Hospital and Mercy University Hospital, Cork are to be closed or downgraded to minor injury units; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5883/09]

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

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

236 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on correspondence (details supplied); the reason the accident and emergency department of Cork University Hospital can not accept payment by credit card, thereby eliminating unnecessary mailing and billing costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5890/09]

I understand that a number of hospitals have the facility to accept credit card payments in their Emergency Departments. The HSE is exploring the use of 24 hour banking services to facilitate ease of payment for all hospitals. I would support the introduction of improved payment methods for patients and the reduction of associated costs.

My Department has asked the HSE to respond more fully to the Deputy with regard to the issue raised.

Nursing Home Subventions.

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

237 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 210 of 3 February 2009 and the delay in implementing the fair deal scheme, further consideration will be given to the granting of enhanced subvention to a person (details supplied) in County Cork who is paying €120 per day in a nursing home; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5891/09]

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

Hospital Services.

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

238 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children when the Wrixon review will be published; the reason for its delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5892/09]

The HSE has indicated to me that this report will be published in the coming weeks. The HSE commissioned the report from Horwath Consulting Ireland, in association with Teamwork Management Services, to examine the arrangements for the provision of acute hospital services in the South with a view to identifying the best configuration of such services in the region. The Government is committed to ensuring the delivery of the best quality health services possible, in an effective and efficient way. Ensuring patient safety is of paramount importance, so that people can have confidence in the services and that the best possible patient outcomes can be achieved.

There is significant international and national evidence that acute complex health care, particularly for emergency medicine, complex surgical services and critical care should be provided in hospitals which are suitably staffed and equipped and which undertake sufficient volumes of such activity, in order to maximise clinical outcomes and ensure safe services. At the same time, there is a significant range of less complex care which can continue to be provided safely in smaller hospitals. Reorganisation of services must of course occur in consultation with the key stakeholders and on an incremental basis. I believe that it is important to work with health professionals and other interested parties to secure an increasing set of improvements over time. This approach will, I am confident, produce the best outcome for patients.

Health Services.

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

239 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children if there are plans in place to develop an acute brain injury rehabilitation facility in the Munster area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5893/09]

Plans have been prepared in some areas for regional rehabilitation facilities. The development of a regional network of rehabilitation facilities and services will be considered in the context of a national policy/ strategy for the provision of rehabilitation services. A Working Group, established by my Department and the HSE, is currently developing this. The Group consists of key stakeholders and experts in the field of rehabilitation and is chaired by James O'Grady, Policy Advisor to the Office for Disability and Mental Health. It is expected to report in mid 2009.

My Department has asked the HSE to provide the Deputy with information on any specific plans it has regarding rehabilitation facilities in the Munster area.

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

240 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children if there are plans in place to provide a comprehensive stroke treatment service in the Cork and Kerry region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5894/09]

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

Hospital Services.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

241 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has received correspondence relating to the cover for anaesthetists at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda, County Louth; the nature of the correspondence; and the subsequent action taken by the Health Service Executive. [5905/09]

I have received direct correspondence, and copies of correspondence to the Health Service Executive (HSE), from consultants, including anaesthetists, at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda regarding acute hospital services at Drogheda. The issues raised, including the issue of anaesthetic cover in the Louth/Meath area, have been the subject of detailed discussions between officials of my Department and the HSE in order to ensure that any action necessary is taken to guarantee the provision of safe services to patients.

My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy on the specific issue raised.

Health Services.

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

242 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will assist in securing a place at a day care centre for a person (details supplied) in County Cork commencing in September 2009. [5907/09]

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Hospital Services.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

243 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a shuttle bus service was withdrawn from service at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda, County Louth; when the service will be restored; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5908/09]

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

Health Services.

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

244 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the level of funding to be provided by the Health Service Executive in 2009 to a service provider (details supplied) in County Cork for a specific service; and if she will confirm the funding provided in 2007 and 2008 for this service. [5912/09]

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply

Housing Aid for the Elderly.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

245 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children if, further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 528 and 1115 of 27 January 2009, the Health Service Executive is processing all remaining applications under the former housing aid for the elderly scheme or if a decision on all remaining applications will be jointly made by the Health Service Executive and local authorities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6026/09]

The Special Housing Aid for the Elderly previously operated by the Health Service Executive is no longer operational. The scheme was replaced by the Housing Aid for Older People (HAOP) Scheme in August 2008. The new scheme is being administered by the Local Authorities.

Pending finalisation of the hand-over, a decision on all remaining applications from the original scheme, will be made jointly by the HSE and Local Authorities.

Medical Consent.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

246 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children if legal guardians must give joint consent to medical treatment for a child as appears to be the interpretation of section 6(1) of the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964 or if the Health Service Executive is correct in stating that consent is required from only one person with parental responsibility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6030/09]

The issue of medical consent required for the treatment of children is not governed by any specific piece of legislation. What is required in a given situation falls to be determined on the basis of the facts of an individual case. In medical emergencies, for example, urgent treatment may be provided to a child in the absence of express consents where it is necessary to save the life of the child. The age of the child is also relevant with this issue being provided for in the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997 for children over 16 years.

I have contacted the Health Service Executive in this regard and I understand that the Executive has developed guidelines entitled "Procedure for obtaining consent for non emergency treatment/services from parents of children and young people under the age of 18 years". These guidelines give the necessary clarity in relation to this matter and I shall arrange for a copy to be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible. I understand from the HSE that these guidelines will be available on the HSE website in the near future. If the Deputy is aware of any particular case where the issue of medical consent needs to be clarified then the individual concerned should contact his/her Local Health Office in this regard.

Health Services.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

247 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [6061/09]

My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Health Service Executive to arrange to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy on the issue raised.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

248 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support persons (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [6062/09]

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

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

249 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that a person (details supplied) in County Cork receives speech and language therapy going forward in view of the fact that the service he was availing of has been shut down; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6069/09]

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

250 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a speech and language service operating in County Cork has been shut down, affecting 197 children; the locations to which the families of these children will go to continue availing of speech and language therapy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6070/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 249 and 250 together.

As the Deputy's questions relate to service matters I have arranged for these questions to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct replies.

Cancer Screening Programme.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

251 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 has not been given an appointment date by BreastCheck; the average length of waiting time for women over 50 years in the Dublin area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6091/09]

The matters raised by the Deputy are the responsibility of the National Cancer Screening Service. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Chief Executive Officer of the Service to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the matters raised.

Health Services.

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

252 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for three additional home care hours in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6140/09]

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

Food Safety Authority.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

253 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 251 of 29 October 2008 and following on from the 2006 report, the number of prosecutions initiated by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland or the official agency in conjunction with the FSAI; the number of legal actions which are currently before the courts; the number which were successful; the corresponding figures for breaches identified as part of the routine inspection of food businesses in each year 2006 to 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6144/09]

My Department have been in contact with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) which is currently collating the information requested from the official agencies. I have asked the FSAI to identify and to forward directly to the Deputy the details requested.

Health Services.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

254 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. of 295 of 21 October 2008, the position and the plans within the 2009 budget to address the waiting times; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6145/09]

The Department understands that the HSE replied to the Deputy in respect of Parliamentary Question No. 295 of 21 October, 2008, on the 17th November 2008. As the Deputy's current question also relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Hospital Accommodation.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

255 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 223 of 2 December 2008, the position regarding the construction of this project. [6147/09]

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 & 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.

Ministerial Travel.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

256 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the cost in relation to foreign travel, accommodation and related ministerial and official costs associated with St. Patrick’s Day 2008; and the plans for St. Patrick’s Day 2009 and the projected cost. [6161/09]

The total paid by my Department in respect of the St. Patrick's Day Ministerial programme for 2008, including the cost of officials and advisors who accompanied me and the Ministers of State at my Department, are detailed below.

I attended the St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Prague, Czech Republic. The total cost of the visit, including the cost of one official, a special advisor and the deputy Government Press Secretary, who accompanied me, was €4,859.

The then Minister for Children, Deputy Brendan Smith, represented the Government at the St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Munich, Germany. The total cost of the visit, including the cost of one official who accompanied him, was €4,259. The then Minister of State at my Department, Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher, represented the Government at the St. Patrick's Day celebrations in San Francisco, USA. The total cost of the visit, including the cost of one official who accompanied him, was €25,926. The then Minister of State at my Department, Dr. Jimmy Devins, represented the Government at the St. Patrick's Day celebrations in New Zealand. The total cost of the visit, including the cost of one official who accompanied him, was €28,471. The Minister of State at my Department, Deputy Máire Hoctor, represented the Government at the St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Philadelphia, USA. The total cost of the visit, including the cost of one official who accompanied her, was €15,854.

The St. Patrick's Day Ministerial programme for 2009 is not yet finalised and projected costs cannot be determined at this stage.

Health Services.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

257 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in addressing the financial problems faced by a service (details supplied) in County Limerick which have threatened the loss of service to 100 clients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6166/09]

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Complaints Procedures.

Damien English

Ceist:

258 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the number and nature of complaints made against mental health units and intellectual disability services here for the years 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the details of all reports and documents regarding investigation of such complaints against mental health units and intellectual disability services; the number of these complaints that have been fully investigated, had an investigation commenced but not finalised and had no investigation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6171/09]

My Department receives correspondence on a broad range of issues including complaints. These are referred as appropriate to the Health Service Executive or to the Mental Health Commission. The Health Act 2004 (Complaints) Regulations 2006 (SI 652 of 2006) made under Part 9 of the Health Act 2004, provide for the making of complaints by persons to the HSE and service providers and require the establishment and operation of procedures and arrangements to achieve a fair and reasonable resolution of such complaints. In addition, under the Mental Health Act 2001, the Mental Health Commission may inquire into approved centres, the care and treatment provided to a particular patient etc. The Mental Health Act (Approved Centres) Regulations 2006 require all approved centres to have written operational policies and procedures relating to the making, handling and investigation of complaints. The complaints procedure must be made known to each resident.

Medical Cards.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

259 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6199/09]

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

Health Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

260 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when an increase in home help hours will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6200/09]

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

David Stanton

Ceist:

261 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children if it is the policy of her Department and the Health Service Executive to issue vouchers to public patients to pay for private therapies if public therapist services are not available; if this system is in operation in each HSE area; the circumstances under which vouchers are issued; the number of vouchers issued and cost of same in each HSE area in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6311/09]

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

Hospital Staff.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

262 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that non-consultant hospital doctors are due to suffer from a double pay cut from the Health Service Executive and the application of the new pension levy; her views on whether this is fair; the strategic approach to pay for such doctors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6324/09]

The pay and conditions of employment for Non-consultant Hospital Doctors (NCHDs) are negotiated nationally with their representative union, the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO).

I am aware that in the context of the current economic difficulties, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has been in discussions with the health service group of unions, including the IMO, with a view to achieving payroll savings for the purpose of meeting service plan commitments and to maximise employment. The Executive has advised that it undertook a critical examination of payroll costs, and that following this review a number of proposals specific to NCHDs were formally put to the IMO for discussion and agreement. I understand that the IMO is currently balloting its NCHD membership for industrial action in response to the HSE's proposals. In the absence of any meaningful engagement with the IMO, or alternative proposals from it for realising the savings required, the HSE has notified the IMO of its intention to proceed with the implementation of its proposals with effect from 18 February 2009.

Under the provisions of the European Working Time Directive (EWTD) the working hours of NCHDs will be limited to a maximum average 48 hour week with effect from 1 August 2009. The HSE is legally required to ensure that arrangements are in place to give effect to the legislative provisions of the Directive. Over the past number of years, discussions have taken place with the IMO, under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission, for the purpose of agreeing revised contractual arrangements for NCHDs having regard to the legal imperatives of the EWTD. Unfortunately these discussions have not resulted in an agreed resolution.

As the deadline for achieving compliance with the requirements of the European Working Time Directive approaches, my considered view is that the early finalisation of new contractual arrangements for NCHDs is essential. I would therefore urge the IMO to engage in urgent and intensive discussions with the HSE aimed at resolving all issues in dispute.

Health Services.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

263 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a matter (details supplied). [6341/09]

On 9 October 2008, my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney, published the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Bill 2008 — "A Fair Deal". The legislation was introduced at Second Stage in the Dáil on 13th November 2008. The Minister intends to progress the legislation through the Houses of the Oireachtas with a view to implementing the scheme in 2009. Unfortunately it is not possible to give a specific timeframe at present.

Applications for the scheme will be made to the Health Service Executive (HSE). The HSE is preparing application forms for the scheme at present but will not be in a position to finalise these until the Legislation is passed into law.

Complementary Therapies.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

264 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to implement the recommendations of the 2003 working group report on the regulation of massage therapists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6343/09]

In November 2002, the then Minister for Health and Children announced the establishment of a National Working Group on the Regulation of Complementary Therapists to advise on future measures for strengthening the regulatory environment for complementary therapists, including massage therapy. The Working Group had its first meeting in May 2003 and comprised representatives of the main therapy groups as selected by the various groups for those therapies, a consumer representative, representatives from my Department and the Department of Education and Science and Ministerial nominees.

The Report of the National Working Group on the Regulation of Complementary Therapists in 2006 made recommendations on strengthening the regulatory environment for complementary therapists. My primary concern while carefully considering the Report of the National Working Group was to consider the most effective way to regulate this sector, and to allow people freedom of choice while still protecting their safety. In this regard, my Department continues to support greater voluntary self-regulation for all complementary therapists. To support the development of robust voluntary self-regulation, the Report of the National Working Group outlined guidance for professional associations and provided examples of codes of ethics and good practice, including grievance and disciplinary procedures. In addition, my Department has facilitated the provision of work days. The purpose of these days was for different therapies to come together to undertake a process of harmonisation and development with regard to common basic standards of practice, education and training. In addition, these facilitated work days provided a forum for greater cohesion within each therapy. Work days were organised in 2007 for a number of the higher risk therapies as categorised in the Report of the National Working Group on the Regulation of Complementary Therapists.

At the same time as the launch of the Report in May 2006, an Information Guide for the Public was also launched. It offers guidance for members of the public when choosing to see a complementary therapist, to enable consumers to make better informed choices. The certification of complementary therapy training courses was also recommended in the Report of the National Working Group on the Regulation of Complementary Therapists. In this regard, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC) is developing standards for complementary therapy education courses.

While complementary therapists are not subject to professional statutory regulation, they remain subject to a range of legislation and regulation, similarly to other practitioners including consumer legislation, competition, contract and criminal law. It is hoped that progress in the development of appropriate forums between complementary and conventional medicines can be achieved over time and that mechanisms for robust voluntary self-regulation will continue to be pursued.

Harbours and Piers.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

265 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding relocation of the docks in Galway. [5737/09]

Galway Harbour Company has been developing a plan to build a new port for a number of years, which would involve relocating from the existing docks. My Department has liaised closely with the company throughout this period.

The company has not as yet submitted a planning application for the project. However, I understand that the evolving plans are currently on public display in the harbour office.

The Department of Finance Capital Appraisal Guidelines apply to such projects and the business case will be carefully examined before any commitments are made.

State Airports.

Seán Barrett

Ceist:

266 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Transport if there are proposals to dispose of airports in public ownership with a view to raising revenue on behalf of the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5589/09]

I have no proposals to dispose of any of the three State Airports.

Question No. 267 answered with Question No. 58.

Private Transport Services.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

268 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Transport the reason an application for a licence by a company (details supplied) to operate a coach service between Galway and Dublin via the new motorways and onwards to Dublin Airport via the port tunnel has not been adjudicated upon since it was lodged in June 2006; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that if this licence is not granted 30 jobs will be lost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5760/09]

The Road Transport Act 1932 provides the legislative basis for entry to the public transport market by private bus operators. In accordance with this legislation, private operators are licensed to operate coach and bus services within the State. Bus services provided by Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus are not subject to the provisions of the 1932 Act. However, both Companies are required by Ministerial direction under the Transport Act 1958 to notify my Department of proposed new services or proposed changes to existing services and require my consent where a service competes with an existing authorised service by another operator.

The company in question applied for a bus passenger licence in 2006 for an express service connecting Galway City and Dublin Airport/City. The Dublin to Galway corridor features the operation of a range of bus services provided by a number of interests, including a company that has an association with the company referred to by the Deputy. A process of rationalisation of licences held by that company was completed in December 2008 with the grant of a single licence to replace three prior existing licences.

Applications for licences under the 1932 Act and submissions from Bus Éireann are generally considered on a first come first served basis. Prior to the receipt of the application in question, my Department was already in receipt of a submission from Bus Éireann for a proposal to operate additional services on this route. While certain of the services proposed by Bus Éireann have been noted, my Department has been engaged on an ongoing basis with that company in relation to the remaining services to which their submission relates. It is envisaged that a final determination will be made in relation to those services within the next two weeks. The position in relation to the application from the company to which the question relates was discussed at a meeting held between its representatives and officials of my Department on 16th February 2009. Significant progress was made at that meeting which will facilitate the determination of that application immediately following the finalisation of the prior submission from Bus Éireann.

Smarter Travel Policy.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

269 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport his Department’s work place travel plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5857/09]

My Department instituted its first Workplace Travel Plan in September 2007. Among the measures contained in that Plan were a dedicated website to facilitate staff in lift sharing; provision of bicycles in each office location in Dublin to service inter-office travelling needs and to facilitate those who might wish to sample commuting by bicycle; the establishment of bicycle users and walkers groups; provision of information to staff on timetabling of public transport services; awareness raising in relation to walking distances to the Department's offices from suburban areas; and promotion of the annual travel pass scheme.

In delivering the Plan, an undertaking was given to regular review. Such a review has been undertaken recently and it is envisaged that my Department's second workplace travel plan will be launched shortly.

At this stage, some 75% of my Department's staff travel to work either on foot, by bicycle or by public transport.

Rail Network.

Arthur Morgan

Ceist:

270 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Transport if the second phase of the Dublin to Navan rail line — that is, Pace to Navan — will be included in the forthcoming national development plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5895/09]

The second phase of the re-opening of the rail line to Navan is included in the current National Development Plan 2007-2013. Iarnród Éireann completed a scoping study for phase 2 in December 2007 in which they examined nine routes and concluded that the project was economically viable. Iarnród Éireann is currently undertaking a feasibility study on the two alternative routes identified in the scoping study and will prepare a business case for the preferred route in due course.

The start and completion dates of Transport 21 projects in planning, such as Navan phase 2 will in each case be determined by the outcome of public consultation, the statutory planning approval process, the public procurement process and the availability of financial resources determined by the funding allocation available during the current difficult economic climate.

Ministerial Travel.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

271 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport the cost in relation to foreign travel, accommodation and related ministerial and official costs associated with St. Patrick’s Day 2008; and the plans related to St. Patrick’s Day 2009 and the projected cost. [6165/09]

In 2008, I represented the Government in Australia. My Press Advisor and Private Secretary travelled with me. Details of the cost:

Hotel costs: €6,625.53

Flight costs: €25,639.79

Car hire: €3,982.99

VIP Service: €181.49

Subsistence: €1,700

Gifts: €135

There are no details available for this year.

The following is the itinerary for Minister for Transport Deputy Noel Dempsey on his visit to Australia for St. Patrick's Day 2008.

Programme

Tuesday 11 March — Canberra

06.25 Arrive Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport & transfer to domestic terminal

08.10 Depart for Canberra

09.05 Arrive Canberra International Airport Met on arrival by Ambassador Mairtin Ó Fainin & Aidan Cronin, First Secretary

12.20 Arrive at Parliament House

12.30 Official Lunch with committee members of Australia-Ireland Parliamentary Friendship Group

14.00 Attend Question Time

16.00 Meeting with Federal Minister for Transport Mr. Anthony Albanese

18.00 Ambassador's St. Patrick's Day Reception — Minister addresses & conveys St. Patrick's Day greetings to assembled guests

Wednesday 12 March — Canberra/Melbourne

07.45 Depart hotel for airport

09.45 Arrive Melbourne

10.30 Meeting with Computershare Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Tom Honan

12.30 Tourism Ireland business lunch — Minister addresses guests

18.00 Reception hosted by Ambassador Ó Fainin — Minister addresses guests

Thursday 13 March — Melbourne

09.00 Meeting with Victorian Minister for Police & Emergency Services, Mr. Bob Cameron MLA

10.15 Depart for the Australian Irish Welfare Bureau, 440a High Street, Northcote

10.45 Morning coffee with staff & volunteers and members of Melbourne Irish-Australian community — Minister conveys Irish greetings

11.45 Depart for Enterprise Ireland business lunch

12.15 Enterprise Ireland business lunch — Minister gives address & extends Irish Government greetings and message

15.00 Meeting with Victorian Minister for Public Transport, Ms. Lynne Kosky MLA

19.00 St. Patrick's Dinner at The Hotel Windsor, 103 Spring St. — Minister addresses guests & conveys Irish Government greetings & message

Friday 14 March — Melbourne/Sydney/Brisbane

06.30 Irish Australian Chamber of Commerce St. Patrick's Day Breakfast — Minister addresses invited guests

08.30 Depart Crown Palladium for airport

00.00 Depart Melbourne for Sydney

11.20 Arrive at Sydney domestic airport

11.30 Depart airport for Sydney Convention Centre, Darling Harbour

12.30 Lansdowne Club Lunch, Sydney Convention Centre — Minister addresses guests

14.30 Depart Convention Centre for domestic airport

16.05 Depart Sydney for Brisbane

16.35 Minister and party arrive in Brisbane

18.15 Pre-dinner Reception — Minister is guest of honour

18.45 St. Patrick's Dinner — Minister addresses guests & delivers Irish Government greetings & message

Saturday 15 March — Sydney

10.00 Review Brisbane St. Patrick's Day Parade

14.00 Depart for Sydney

17.45 Arrive Sydney airport

Sunday 16 March

09.00 Represents the Government in St. Patrick's Church

10.30 Pre-parade reception hosted by Consul General — Minister addresses guests

12.00 Review parade — Minister is guest of honour

13.00 Attends family day celebrations in Hyde Park — and meet with various Irish Communities

Monday 17 March — St. Patrick's Day

09.00 Meeting with Rob Gilmore, GHD (IDA Client)

10.00 Presentation by Albert Montocchio, G.M of Transtank/Steelbro (IDA client)

11.00 Interview with the Irish Echo

12.00 Tourism Ireland Business lunch — Minister speaks & conveys Irish Government greetings & message

15.00 Attends Briefing by Paul Hayes, General Manager, Camera Enforcement Branch, NSW Road & Traffic Authority

18.20 Consul General's St. Patrick's Day reception for the Irish community and business people — Minister addresses guests

Tuesday 18 March

10.00 Meeting with Memorial Committee and presentation of Famine Memorial award at Hyde Park Barracks

12.30 Depart Sydney for Adelaide

Wednesday 19 March

Informal Meeting with Members of the Irish Club in Adelaide Meeting with Mr Pat Conlon, Minister for Transport, South Australia

19.30 Depart Adelaide.

Road Safety.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

272 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he proposes to take steps to enhance safety on the motorways with particular reference to procedures to be followed such as early warning in the event of accidents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6172/09]

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme element of Transport 21. The implementation of individual national road projects, including safety and related matters, is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Act, 1993 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned, and where appropriate the Garda and emergency services.

Rail Network.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

273 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if consideration has been given to the possibility of reintroducing a direct rail service to Naas, County Kildare by way of a spur extension from Sallins; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6176/09]

Transport 21 sets out the investments to take place in extending the rail network to enhance the range of railway services available to commuters in the period up to 2015. While there will be significant developments on the Kildare line, a rail link to Naas does not form part of the investment programme. The Dublin Transport Office is currently preparing a new transportation strategy for the Greater Dublin Area. The Deputy may wish to avail of the extensive consultation process on that strategy to suggest the project for consideration.

State Airports.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

274 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied that airport handling costs at all airports here are competitive and in keeping with the needs of the economic climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6187/09]

Airport charges at Dublin airport are subject to independent regulation by the Commission for Aviation Regulation with a view to ensuring that charges are maintained at competitive levels. While other airports are not subject to regulation, in setting charges all airports have to take account of the highly competitive nature of the aviation market in order to attract and retain airlines.

Question No. 275 answered with Question No. 94.

Public Transport.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

276 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his priorities in terms of the development of the bus and rail services for the future within the constraints of prevailing economic circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6189/09]

As I have stated previously the provision of increased capacity is my key consideration in determining public transport investment priorities in the period ahead. In that context, Metro North and the DART Underground are particularly important rail investments as they form a core part of the planned integrated public transport network for the Greater Dublin Area envisaged by Transport 21.

In relation to the bus network, the recent Deloitte report concluded, in the case of Dublin Bus in particular, that the current fleet size is adequate to serve current demand. My priority in relation to the bus network is, therefore, working with the bus companies and the local authorities to maximise the efficient and effective utilisation of the existing fleet. In this context, Dublin Bus will focus in the period ahead on a reorganisation of their network in accordance with the recommendations contained in the Deloitte report. My Department is also engaged with local authorities on the provision of bus priority measures such as the bus gate at College Green and green routes in the provincial cities in order to maximise the potential of the network.

Economic Competitiveness.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

277 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if air and sea transport costs to Europe and the US are sufficiently available and competitively priced to meet domestic and commercial needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6190/09]

As an island nation, Ireland is particularly reliant on our shipping and air services for the maintenance and creation of business, trade and tourism links with Europe and the rest of the world.

Air

The market for air services in the European Community was fully liberalised in 1992 and the EU-US market was liberalised more recently under the EU-US ‘Open Skies' agreement which came into effect last year.

Within this competitive market structure, there are no restrictions on the routes that can be operated and airlines can freely set fares for the services provided. The opening up of the market has completely transformed air travel in Europe and has brought enormous benefits to the European economy and particularly to the Irish economy.

The benefits of liberalisation are clear to see both in the context of the European market and the Ireland-US market. The number of routes available into and out of Ireland to and from other points in Europe has increased dramatically and fares have fallen significantly in the period since the market was opened up in 1992. With regard to the Ireland-US market, the benefits of the EU-US Open Skies agreement are already evident with a number of new routes being operated between Ireland and the US (e.g. Aer Lingus has commenced new services to San Francisco, Washington Dulles and Orlando).

Sea

Ireland has one of the most extensive short sea networks in Europe with multiple operators and various alternate modes of shipping available. Over the past decade, there has been an 80% increase in the number services between Ireland and the UK and European markets.

Shipping operates in a highly liberalised global market environment, which has enhanced competition on the key Irish routes. The ongoing development of our shipping network has provided the Irish market with more competition, choice and frequency in accessing the global market place.

Irish companies seeking to access the US markets have regular daily sailings from around the island of Ireland that connect with the main deep-sea intercontinental services. 6 of the top 10 largest global shipping groups have established sales and operational offices in Ireland.

Public Transport.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

278 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the degree to which he proposes to facilitate competition between the public and the private sectors in the area of bus passenger transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6191/09]

In accordance with the Agreed Programme for Government commitment, the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 was enacted in July 2008 and provides for the establishment of the Dublin Transport Authority, the DTA.

For the first time, we have the law in place to ensure that a single body will be in charge of surface transport in the Greater Dublin Area. The DTA Act 2008 gives the new Dublin Transport Authority the power to procure public passenger transport services through the making of public transport services contracts.

Under section 48 of the Act, the DTA may enter into contracts following open tendering in respect of public bus passenger services, as well as metro and light rail services. It also provides that public bus and rail services can be secured by means of direct award contracts. Section 52 provides that direct award contracts will only apply to the continued provision of the services currently being provided by Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann. Accordingly, the future growth in the market for subvented public bus services in the Greater Dublin Area will be pursued by way of open tendering in accordance with the new EU Regulation No. 1370/2007 on public passenger transport services by rail and by road, which will become mandatory from December this year. All contracts will be framed against the background of EU law and will set strict standards of operational performance and customer service and will contain penalties for non-performance.

The Government has recently approved the General Scheme of the Public Transport Regulation Bill which contains proposals for a new bus licensing regime which will replace the Road Transport Act 1932, which applies to the licensing of private bus operators, and the provisions of the Transport Act 1958 that relate to the provision of bus services by the State bus companies. In accordance with the Programme for Government commitment, the proposed licensing regime will provide a level playing field for all bus market participants, both public and private. It is envisaged that the new licensing structure will apply in respect of all commercial bus services, including those provided by Dublin Bus and Bus Eireann and will encompass provisions relating to the subvented bus market outside the Greater Dublin Area that are consistent with the new EU PSO Regulation.

In the light of the recent Government approval of the General Scheme of the Public Transport Regulation Bill, the Bill will now be drafted and published as soon as possible.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

279 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which revised costings have been determined in respect of the road and rail development proposals contained in the national development plan or Transport 21; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6193/09]

A significant number of roads and rail projects are under construction at the present time and the costs involved are set on the award and signing of the associated contracts. The costs of future projects will be determined by the bids received as part of the procurement processes. The implementing State agencies have indicated to my Department that there is a general downward trend in the cost of land purchases and procurement tenders in recent times.

Air Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

280 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the number of EU capitals or major cities with which direct air flights are established and those with which Dublin, Cork, Belfast or other provincial airports have such access; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6194/09]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

281 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he is satisfiedthat the business and commercial sectors have adequate, regular, reliable and cost-effective direct air transport links with other EU capitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6195/09]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

282 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he expects the public and private sector to compete in the area of air passenger transport; his proposals to reduce the costs to the consumer in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6196/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 280 to 282, inclusive, together.

As the Deputy will be aware, the market for air services in the Community was fully liberalised in 1992. All European carriers, whether publicly owned or privately owned are free to compete on an equal basis within the European market.

The opening up of the market has completely transformed air travel in Europe and has brought enormous benefits to the European economy and particularly to the Irish economy. As we are an island nation, we are particularly reliant on air services for the maintenance and creation of business and tourism links with Europe and the rest of the world. To that end, within the European Union, Ireland has consistently supported market liberalisation measures and has also sought to influence the wider international framework for aviation to ensure that it continues to promote competition and innovation in the market-place.

The benefits of liberalisation are clear to see both in the context of the European market and the EU-US market which was liberalised more recently. The number of routes available into and out of Ireland to both European and US destinations has increased dramatically and fares have fallen significantly in the period since the market was opened up. Details of the destinations served from each of the main airports in the State, both State and regional airports, can generally be found on the airports websites.

UN Conventions.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

283 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when Ireland will ratify the UN convention on persons with a disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5678/09]

It is the Government's intention to ratify the UN Convention as quickly as possible, taking into account the need to ensure that all necessary requirements under the Convention are being met.

The Inter-Departmental Committee established by my Department to advise on and monitor the legislative and administrative actions required to enable the State to ratify the Convention has developed a work programme that is being actively addressed by Government Departments. The Disability Act, 2005, underpinned by the National Disability Strategy, meets a considerable portion of the Convention's requirements. However, insofar as my Department is concerned the Mental Capacity Bill, which is in the course of being drafted by Parliamentary Counsel, forms an important part of what is required in addition to facilitate ratification of the Convention. Work on what is involved by way of implementation of the various other provisions in the Convention, which are extensive, continues in the relevant Departments.

The Government's decision on the matter of ratification of the Convention will be made in due course, as it must, on the basis of being fully satisfied that all the requirements are met in each Department.

Legal Aid Service.

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

284 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will put in place a system of free legal aid for persons facing repossession; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5885/09]

I wish to inform the Deputy that the all applications for legal aid are considered on an individual basis and decisions taken on whether or not to grant legal aid by reference to the general merits criteria set out in the Civil Legal Aid Act 1995, including the prospects of successfully defending the proceedings and the likely cost of providing legal representation as against the likely benefits to the applicant from being granted legal aid.

The Legal Aid Board have confirmed that all applications for legal aid are dealt with in accordance with the provisions of the Civil Legal Aid Act 1995. Section 28 (9) (a) of the Civil Legal Aid Act 1995 provides that, "(ii) disputes concerning rights and interests in or over land" are designated matters and therefore outside the scope of legal aid.

Notwithstanding this general exclusion, the Act provides that legal aid may be granted in respect of certain such disputes, primarily involving family law matters. However, if an application for legal aid is made as a result of a lack of resources to meet mortgage repayments and there are no issues regarding the validity of the mortgage, it is considered unlikely that legal aid would be granted to defend proceedings of this nature.(Section 28 (9) (a) of the Civil Legal Aid Act 1995 refers).

For the sake of completeness, I refer the Deputy to my answer to Question No. 292 of 29th October, 2008 in relation to recovery of a civil debt.

Citizenship Applications.

Phil Hogan

Ceist:

285 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made in respect of an application for naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5570/09]

Phil Hogan

Ceist:

286 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made in respect of an application for naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5572/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 285 and 286 together.

I refer the Deputy to my detailed Reply to his recent Parliamentary Question, No. 623 of Tuesday, 27 January 2009, in this matter. The position in the State of the person concerned is as set out in that Reply.

Visa Applications.

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

287 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an Australian citizen who is in a relationship for two years with an Irish citizen and who has been employed here since March 2008, can be considered for an interdependent partner visa to enable them to continue living and working here; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that such visas may be obtained in Australia after a relationship of 12 months’ duration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5597/09]

I have been informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that Australian nationals proposing to enter the State are not visa required. In this case where an Australian citizen is legally resident in Ireland and is in a relationship for two years with an Irish national it is open to that person to apply to the General Immigration Division of my Department for permission to remain based on the de-facto relationship. I cannot comment on procedures or arrangements in other countries.

Garda Deployment.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

288 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support a matter (details supplied). [5607/09]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that as of 31 December 2008, the latest date for which figures are readily available, the personnel strength of Clontarf Garda Station which polices the area referred to by the Deputy, was 81 with 6 members specifically assigned to Community Policing.

Current policing policy in the area is predicated on the prevention of crime, including crimes of violence against persons and property, the prevention of public order offences and the maintenance of an environment conducive to the improvement of the quality of life of the residents. This strategy is, and will continue to be, central to the delivery of the policing service in this area.

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 the area referred to by the Deputy will be fully considered within the overall context of policing requirements throughout the country.

Citizenship Applications.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

289 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the documents his Department are waiting for in respect of an application for naturalisation by a person (details supplied). [5614/09]

An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in August 2006.

Officials in that Section inform me that further documentation requested from the applicant has been received. Processing of the application has commenced and the file will be submitted to me for a decision in due course.

Crime Levels.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

290 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support a matter (details supplied). [5659/09]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to is in the Clontarf Sub-District.

I am further informed that local Garda management is aware of anti-social behaviour in the location concerned, which has been designated as a public order hot-spot. The area is subject to regular patrols by uniform and plain clothes units, including the Community Policing, Garda Mountain Bike and District Detective and Drug Units. Patrols are supplemented by the Divisional Task Force and Traffic Corps personnel. A member of the Community Policing Unit is allocated to the area and regularly meets local residents. Neighbourhood Watch meetings are held, and issues raised receive ongoing Garda attention.

Current policing policy in the area is predicated on the prevention of crime, including crimes of violence against persons and property, the prevention of public order offences and the maintenance of an environment conducive to the improvement of the quality of life of the residents. This strategy is, and will continue to be, central to the delivery of the policing service in this area.

Residency Permits.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

291 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position with regard to an application for long-term residency in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford. [5679/09]

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

The dependants of the aforementioned, who have been legally resident in the State for over five years may also apply for long term residency. This particular long term permission does not grant an exemption from employment permit requirements to any such dependants. Time spent in the State on student conditions cannot be counted towards long term residency.

While applications for long term residency are under consideration, the person concerned should ensure that their permission to remain in the State is kept up to date. An application for long term residency from the first person referred to by the Deputy was received in January 2008. I understand that applications received in March 2007 are currently being dealt with. As soon as a decision is made on the case, the person concerned will be informed.

Prison Staff.

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

292 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has plans to start recruitment for the post of prison officer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5700/09]

A recruitment campaign was advertised in October 2008, which meets the immediate recruitment needs of the Irish Prison Service, and it is very unlikely that there will be a recruitment campaign this year.

Deportation Orders.

Mary O'Rourke

Ceist:

293 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Longford. [5709/09]

The person concerned arrived in the State on 9 December 2003 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner, and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 17 January 2005, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State i.e. why he should not be deported.

His case was examined 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. On 11 March 2005, one of my predecessors refused permission to remain temporarily in the State and instead signed a Deportation Order in respect of him. However, late representations seeking temporary leave to remain in the State were lodged on 14 March 2005 by the legal representative of the person concerned. Following consideration of the information submitted, the Deportation Order was affirmed and the legal representative of the person concerned was notified of this decision by letter dated 9 May 2005.

Notice of the affirmed order was served by registered post requiring the person concerned to present himself at the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 on Thursday 19 May 2005 in order to make travel arrangements for his removal from the State. The person concerned failed to present as required and was classified as evading his deportation. Should he come to the notice of the Gardaí, he would be liable to arrest and detention. He should, therefore, present himself to the GNIB without any further delay.

I am satisfied that the applications made by the person concerned for asylum and for temporary leave to remain in the State, together with all refoulement issues, were fairly and comprehensively examined and, as such, the decision to deport him is justified. The effect of the Deportation Order is that the person concerned must leave the State and remain thereafter out of the State. The enforcement of the Deportation Order remains an operational matter for the GNIB.

Departmental Expenditure.

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

294 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to Parliamentary Question No. 199 of 4 February 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5714/09]

The information requested by the Deputy is being compiled and will be forwarded to him shortly.

Citizenship Applications.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

295 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will respond to correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5725/09]

An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in March 2006. Officials in that Section inform me that the application is at an advanced stage of processing and the file will be forwarded to me for a decision in due course. I understand that the person concerned is married to an Irish national and every effort is made to ensure those applications are dealt with as quickly as possible.

Human Rights Issues.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

296 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of cases which have been taken to the European Court of Human Rights since Ireland transposed the European Convention of Human Rights into law in 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5726/09]

The full information sought by the Deputy is not held in my Department. The matter is one that is the responsibility of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Garda Deployment.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

297 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding changes in a Garda district (details supplied); if he will re-examine the practicalities of such a decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5763/09]

The Garda Síochána's 2008 Policing Plan contains the Garda Commissioner's proposals to realign Garda Divisional boundaries to make them coterminous with local authority boundaries to facilitate both local Garda and local authority management in the administration of Joint Policing Committees as provided for under Section 22(1) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005. Accordingly, the area referred to by the Deputy was made part of the Birr Garda District. However, the matter has been re-considered by the Commissioner who has now decided that the area should be re-aligned to the Roscrea sub-district. This re-alignment is scheduled to take place on 1 March 2009.

Prisoner Releases.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

298 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the circumstances under which remission of sentence is granted to male and female prisoners; if he proposes to change the period of remission from a quarter to one third; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5768/09]

The majority of prisoners, both male and female, are eligible to earn remission of 25% of their sentence by good conduct. The position is that provided the conduct of the prisoner is not found in disciplinary proceedings to warrant loss of remission, the prisoner will be deemed to have earned 25% remission. Where a sanction of loss of remission is imposed, the period forfeited may be restored through subsequent good conduct. The use of remission in this way is tried and tested and has proved to be an important tool in the good management of our prisons.

Certain categories of prisoner are excluded from standard remission of sentence under the Prison Rules and these are as follows:

Life sentence prisoners

Persons convicted of debtor offences

Persons convicted of contempt of court

Persons being held on remand warrants

Persons serving a sentence of less than one month.

Section 59(2) of the Prison Rules, 2007 already allows for the discretionary granting of additional remission, up to one third as opposed to the standard rate of one quarter, where a prisoner has shown further good conduct through his engagement in authorised structured activity and where as a result, the prisoner is less likely to re-offend and will be better able to reintegrate into the community.

I can advise the Deputy that this additional concession will only be awarded in exceptional cases and where I am satisfied beyond any doubt that the prisoner concerned has demonstrated that she/he meets the requirements as set out in the Prison Rules. While there have been a number of applications for extra remission to date only one prisoner has been granted this concession.

Visa Applications.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

299 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will grant a visa to a person (details supplied) to visit Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5770/09]

The visa application referred to by the Deputy was received in the Visa Office, Abuja on the 28 January 2009. Following consideration by a Visa Officer it was refused on 30 January 2009 for a number of reasons:

1. The evidence of finances submitted was deemed insufficient;

2. There was insufficient documentation submitted in support of the application;

3. There was no clear link to the reference shown;

4. It was the opinion of the Visa Officer that the applicant may not observe the conditions of the visa if granted;

5. The proposed visit was not short term in nature in that it exceeded ninety days.

The decision of the Visa Officer may be appealed within two months of the date of decision, in this case before 30 March 2009. Any appeal must be submitted to the Visa Office, Abuja for consideration. Guidelines on making an appeal can be found on the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service — www.inis.gov.ie

Smarter Travel Policy.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

300 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his Department’s workplace travel plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5854/09]

I can inform the Deputy that my Department is aware of and fully supports the Government's Smarter Travel Policy which was recently launched by the Minister for Transport on the 5th February last. The policy recognises the valuable role that workplace travel planning can play in making commuting travel patterns more sustainable.

Citizenship Applications.

Phil Hogan

Ceist:

301 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on an application for naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5887/09]

Officials in the Citizenship Division of my Department inform me that there is no record of an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question.

Residency Permits.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

302 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position of an application for long-term residence by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5897/09]

The position in relation to granting long term residency is as follows: persons who have been legally resident in the State for over five years on the basis of work permit/work authorisation/work visa conditions may apply to the Immigration Division of my Department for a five year residency extension. In that context they may also apply to be exempt from employment permit requirements. The dependants of the aforementioned, who have been legally resident in the State for over five years may also apply for long term residency. This particular long term permission does not grant an exemption from employment permit requirements to any such dependants.

Time spent in the State on student conditions cannot be counted towards long term residency. While applications for long term residency are under consideration, the person concerned should ensure that their permission to remain in the State is kept up to date. An application for long term residency from the first person referred to by the Deputy was received in December 2007. I understand that applications received in March 2007 are currently being dealt with. As soon as a decision is made on the case, the person concerned will be informed.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

303 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position of an application for long-term residence by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5898/09]

The position in relation to granting long term residency is as follows: persons who have been legally resident in the State for over five years on the basis of work permit/work authorisation/work visa conditions may apply to the Immigration Division of my Department for a five year residency extension. In that context they may also apply to be exempt from employment permit requirements. The dependants of the aforementioned, who have been legally resident in the State for over five years may also apply for long term residency. This particular long term permission does not grant an exemption from employment permit requirements to any such dependants.

Time spent in the State on student conditions cannot be counted towards long term residency. While applications for long term residency are under consideration, the person concerned should ensure that their permission to remain in the State is kept up to date. An application for long term residency from the first person referred to by the Deputy was received in December 2007. I understand that applications received in March 2007 are currently being dealt with. As soon as a decision is made on the case, the person concerned will be informed.

Pension Provisions.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

304 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if it is correct that 350 gardaí are applying for early retirement following the proposed pension levy. [6063/09]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that between the 4th February 2009 and the 11th February 2009, a total of seventeen (17) applications to retire were received from members of An Garda Síochána.

Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

305 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the criteria for appointment to membership of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6090/09]

Section 65 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the membership of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission. The Ombudsman Commission consists of three members, with at least one of the three members to be a woman and at least one of them to be a man. One of the members is appointed as chairperson. Appointments to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission are made by the President on the nomination of the Government and following the passage of resolutions recommending the appointments by both Houses of the Oireachtas. In considering the nomination of a person to be a member of the Ombudsman Commission, the Government must satisfy themselves that the person has the appropriate experience, qualifications, training or expertise necessary to be a member of the Commission.

Residency Permits.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

306 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will take steps to have the issues raised in correspondence of 3 November 2008 to his office (details supplied) dealt with, particularly in view of the hardship being imposed as a result of the decisions made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6123/09]

I have been informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person referred to by the Deputy was informed in writing on the 13th November 2008 that permission to remain in the State in respect of him and his wife was extended until the 2nd May 2010. Prior to the expiry of this permission it is open to the person concerned to write to the General Immigration Division of my Department and their case will be considered. I am also aware of the correspondence referred to by the Deputy and am informed that my officials are considering the issues raised. A reply is being prepared and will be issued shortly.

Closed Circuit Television Systems.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

307 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to Parliamentary Question No. 292 of 9 December, 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6146/09]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the installation of CCTV in Athlone is well under way. It is anticipated that the CCTV work will be completed by the end of March 2009.

Ministerial Travel.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

308 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cost in relation to foreign travel, accommodation and related ministerial and official costs associated with St. Patrick’s Day 2008; and the plans related to St. Patrick’s Day 2009 and the projected cost. [6162/09]

In 2008, my predecessor, Brian Lenihan, T.D., travelled to Boston to represent the Government at St. Patrick's Day celebrations held there. In addition to traditional aspects of the programme the Minister also took part in a number of industrial promotion events in Massachusetts and held meetings with law enforcement leaders there. He also gave an address at the Kennedy School of Government on the theme of "Law, Order and Community in the New Ireland". The travel, accommodation and related costs of the visit, including the cost of accompanying persons, was €37,052. The Minister for Integration, Conor Lenihan, T.D. represented the Government at St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Toronto. The travel, accommodation and related costs of the visit, including the cost of accompanying persons, was €27,211.

The 2009 St. Patrick's Day Ministerial Programme has yet to be finalised and, accordingly, it is not possible to provide projected costs at this stage. The Deputy can be assured that the cost of any overseas St. Patrick's Day visits made this year will be kept to an absolute minimum.

Asylum Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

309 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to the residency application or refugee status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6197/09]

There is currently no application pending in my Department for residency in the case of the person whose details were supplied. If an application for asylum has been made by the person concerned the Deputy will of course be aware that it is not the practice to comment in detail on individual asylum applications where a final decision has not been made.

Liquor Licensing Laws.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

310 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to concerns regarding the ongoing problem of off-licences delivering to homes or to the vicinity of a home in which minors seem to be able to gain easy access to alcohol; and the steps he will take to address the issue. [6337/09]

It is already an offence under section 31(2) of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1988 (as amended) for a licence holder to sell or deliver, or permit any other person to sell or deliver, intoxicating liquor for consumption by a person under the age of 18 years in any place except with the explicit consent of the person's parent or guardian in a private residence in which he or she is present either as of right or with permission. During discussions leading up to enactment of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008, I undertook to examine the need for any additional statutory provisions to prohibit third parties from purchasing and then delivering intoxicating liquor, including such deliveries to persons under the age of 18 years. I intend to address this matter in the forthcoming Sale of Alcohol Bill.

I should add that new statutory provisions in the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008 enable the Gardaí to confiscate intoxicating liquor found in the possession of minors in public places. It also enables the Gardaí to confiscate intoxicating liquor in the possession of persons over the age of 18 years of age in order to prevent public disorder or damage to property. I am confident that these provisions have strengthened the capacity of the Gardaí to deal with problems arising from the consumption of intoxicating liquor in public places.

Foreign Conflicts.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

311 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the issues raised by a person in a letter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5562/09]

There is no doubt that the conflict in Gaza was appalling, both for the people of the territory and for the wider peace process. The stark facts of the conflict make grim reading: 1300 people killed, nearly 6000 wounded, and thousands of buildings destroyed. Estimates indicate that the rebuilding process could cost $2 billion and take up to five years.

From the start of the conflict in Gaza on 27 December 2008, I made clear that I regarded the Israeli offensive, or Operation Cast Lead as it was known, as completely disproportionate in its scale and ferocity and I repeatedly condemned Israeli actions. At the same time, I condemned the unjustifiable and deplorable rocket attacks on southern Israel by Hamas and other Palestinian militants.

The priority in Gaza remains the consolidation of the existing fragile ceasefire arrangements through full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1860. Beyond that, the international community must work to restore momentum and credibility to the Middle East peace process. For a renewed political process to be credible, it must not only address the core issues of the conflict but must also aim to improve the daily lives of the people most affected. For a start, the parties must be encouraged to implement their obligations under the Quartet Roadmap. This must involve an end to all violence in and from the Occupied Territories, the lifting of checkpoints, the easing of restrictions on movement for Palestinians, and the end of the confiscation of Palestinian land.

In relation to settlement construction, I have repeatedly stated that the illegal construction and expansion of Jewish settlements in the West Bank has a direct, negative impact on the peace process. It prejudges the outcome of final status negotiations and threatens the viability of an agreed two-State solution. If Israel is genuine about wanting peace with the Palestinians, they must take the difficult decision of implementing a complete freeze on all settlement construction in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including East Jerusalem. I have made this point directly to members of the Israeli government whom I have met, including Foreign Minister Livni last July and Education Minister Yuli Tamir whom I met in Dublin on 20 January. The EU has made the same point to the Israeli Government on many occasions, most recently in a demarche to the Israeli Foreign Ministry on 11 February 2009.

The Government has consistently been opposed to proposals for trade, diplomatic, cultural, academic, sporting or other boycotts against Israel. More than ever, we need to encourage and support Israeli and Palestinian political leaders in their efforts to negotiate a settlement based on a two-State solution. A policy of boycotts or exclusion would clearly not contribute to that process.

Regarding the question of the EU's relations with Israel, I have repeatedly stated that Ireland will continue to take a cautious approach to any further upgrading of this relationship. Indeed, at the General Affairs and External Relations Council in Brussels on 23 January, I made clear that what happened in Gaza means that there cannot be a "business as usual" approach to proceeding with an upgrade at this time. I have also consistently made the point that Israel's relationship with the EU must be seen in the context of developments in the peace process, particularly with progress towards a two-State solution.

As for the purchase of military products from Israel, my colleague, the Minister for Defence, has informed me that the procurement of equipment for the Defence Forces is purely on the basis of the most effective equipment available to meet the specification, competitively tendered. In recent years the Defence Forces have purchased defensive equipment, such as helmets, from Israeli companies, on the basis of effectiveness and best value.

Smarter Travel Policy.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

312 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his Department’s workplace travel plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5852/09]

My Department has not, to date, adopted a specific workplace travel plan. However, it is supportive of the Government's Smarter Travel Policy, launched by the Minister for Transport on 5 February, which recognises the valuable role that workplace travel planning can play in making commuting travel patterns more sustainable.

There are a number of initiatives being undertaken by my Department which contribute to more sustainable travel to work. The Department of Foreign Affairs promotes the use of public transport for travel to work by supporting the Civil Service Tax Saver Commuter Ticket Scheme. The new bicycle scheme, which provides the facility to purchase a bicycle and related equipment up to €1,000 on a tax free basis, will be fully implemented by my Department. There are a number of secure locations provided for Departmental staff to leave their bicycles and I understand that a significant number of them either cycle or walk to work. In addition, there are a number of family friendly work/life balance initiatives which are currently in place in my Department. Many of these initiatives result in a reduction in the number of people travelling to work.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has developed a policy, in line with the broad Civil Service wide initiative, to promote the wider use of e-working. The initial pilot programme in my Department, commenced in 2005, was successful and has been extended to 2010. At present, eleven officers have an element of e-working in their jobs.

Foreign Conflicts.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

313 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will call on the UN Security Council to launch an immediate, independent and properly resourced inquiry into the recent conflict in Gaza. [6064/09]

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

314 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he is taking to ensure that an independent and impartial investigation takes place of abuses of international rights and humanitarian law in the recent Israeli-Palestian conflict in the Gaza Strip. [6099/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 313 and 314 together.

The recent conflict in Gaza witnessed a number of appalling incidents and alleged violations of international humanitarian law by both parties. I have called on several occasions — including at the General Affairs and External Relations Council meeting in Brussels on 26 January — for these incidents to be fully investigated and, where evidence of violations of international humanitarian law is adduced, for those responsible be held to account.

I note that the Israeli Government is investigating the very serious allegations against its Defence Forces. At a minimum, these investigations require the involvement of independent international experts if they are to have any credibility. No investigation needs to be conducted to prove that Hamas, in its indiscriminate shelling of southern Israel, has violated international law.

It remains desirable that there should also be an international investigation into some of the most serious incidents of the Gaza conflict, as this represents the most effective way to ensure impartiality and transparency. To this end, I very much welcome the decision of UN Secretary General Ban to appoint a Panel of Investigators to examine certain incidents that occurred in Gaza during the recent conflict, and to report back to the Security Council. Although the Terms of Reference for this Panel are not as yet available, it would appear that the investigators will focus on the three separate attacks on UN facilities (the shelling of areas adjacent to two UN schools on 6 January and of UNRWA HQ on 15 January) and, in this context, the killing and injuring of civilians.

Ministerial Travel.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

315 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the cost in respect of foreign travel, accommodation and related ministerial and official costs associated with St. Patrick’s Day 2008; and the plans related to St. Patrick’s Day 2009 and the projected cost. [6160/09]

Much careful consideration is given to determining the Ministerial programmes for St. Patrick's Day to ensure that Ireland's economic, trade, social and cultural interests are effectively represented and promoted. The cost of each of the individual Ministerial programmes is, however, a matter for individual Departments. I am not, therefore, in a position to provide the Deputy with costs for 2008 other than those incurred by my own Department. These costs are detailed below.

The then Minister for Foreign Affairs attended the St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Argentina in 2008. The total cost of the visit, including the cost for the two officials and press advisor who accompanied him, was €44,150. The Minister of State for European Affairs, Dick Roche, travelled to China over the St. Patrick's Day period in 2008. The total cost of this visit, including the costs for the official who accompanied him, was €22,260. The then Minister of State for Overseas Development represented the Government at the Scottish St. Patrick's Day celebrations in 2008. The total cost of the visit, including the cost for the official who accompanied him, was €3,730.

The St. Patrick's Day Ministerial programme for 2009 is not yet finalised and projected costs cannot be determined at this stage. The cost of the individual programmes and accompanying delegations will, in all cases, be kept to a reasonable minimum. In view of the current difficult economic climate, the potential provided by these visits to promote trade and business opportunities will be maximised and will be a key component of the 2009 programmes.

Smarter Travel Policy.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

316 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his Department’s workplace travel plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5844/09]

The Department is aware of, and supports the Government's Smarter Travel Policy, launched by the Minister for Transport on 5 February, which recognises the valuable role that workplace travel planning can play in making commuting travel patterns more sustainable. In that context, the Department has been operating the Civil Service travel pass scheme since 2002. Furthermore, I am aware of the provisions of Section 7 of the Finance (No. 2) Act 2008 which introduced an exemption from an income tax charge under section 118 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 in respect of a benefit in the form of a bicycle or associated safety equipment provided to a director or employee by his or her employer, where the bicycle/associated safety equipment is used by the employee or director mainly for qualifying journeys. The Department proposes to implement the Cycle to Work Scheme in 2009 following the receipt of guidelines from the Department of Finance on how to administer the Scheme in Government Departments.

Departmental Agencies.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

317 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the membership of State agencies under his Department; if any board members have served more than two terms; if there are cases where a chief executive subsequently became chairman; if one or more members of the audit committee in each case has specific financial expertise; and if the companies disclose necessary action to remedy significant failings in internal controls. [6016/09]

In respect of the State agencies under the aegis of the Department, the requested information is as set out in the following table. As the Deputy may be aware, in a number of cases I am not responsible for appointing all the members of the boards named below.

State Agency

Membership of Board

Any Current Board Member Served More Than Two Terms?

Any Chief Executive Become Chairperson of Board?

Any Member of Audit Committee (or Equivalent) Have Financial Expertise?

Does Agency Have Procedure to Disclose Necessary Action to Remedy Significant Failings in Internal Control?

Arts Council

Pat Moylan (Chair) Maurice Foley Aibhlín McCrann Philip King John Crumlish Orlaith McBride Colm Tóibín Fiona Kearney Alan Stanford Sheelagh O’Neill Caroline Senior Louise Donlon Paul Johnson

No.

No.

Yes.

Yes.

Bord na gCon

Dick O’Sullivan (Chair) Tony McKenna Frank O’Connell Danny Reilly Teresa Wall Tim Gilbert Billy O’Dwyer

Yes — Danny Reilly.

No.

Yes. In addition, an external advisor forms part of the Audit Committee.

Yes.

Chester Beatty Library

Thomas P. Hardiman (Chair) Aongus Ó hAonghusa Mark Cochrane Dermot Desmond Joan Duff Sean Freyne Elizabeth Maguire Kate Coleman Moriarty Roger Stalley Louise O’Mahony

Yes, as follows: Thomas Hardiman Mark Cochrane Joan Duff Dermot Desmond Roger Stalley Sean Freyne

No.

Yes.

Yes.

State Agency

Membership of Board

Any Current Board Member Served More Than Two Terms?

Any Chief Executive Become Chairperson of Board?

Any Member of Audit Committee (or Equivalent) Have Financial Expertise?

Does Agency Have Procedure to Disclose Necessary Action to Remedy Significant Failings in Internal Control?

Crawford Art Gallery Cork

John Bowen (Chair) Ann Harpur Neil Prenderville Michael F. Downes Mary O’Donovan Máirín Quill Barbara Patton Frank Hayes Jim Corr Tim Brosnan Joe Gavin Vera Kelly Sheila Maguire Noel O’Keeffe

No.

No.

Yes.

Yes.

Fáilte Ireland

Redmond O’Donoghue (Chair) Noel McGinley Brian Hughes Pádraig Ó Céidigh Patrick O’Donoghue Páidí Ó Sé John McDonnell Richard Bourke Eithne Scott-Lennon Catherine Reilly Dominic Dillane Brian Dowling Maureen Cairnduff

No. This is prohibited by legislation.

No.

Yes.

Yes.

State Agency

Membership of Board

Any Current Board Member Served More Than Two Terms?

Any Chief Executive Become Chairperson of Board?

Any Member of Audit Committee (or Equivalent) Have Financial Expertise?

Does Agency Have Procedure to Disclose Necessary Action to Remedy Significant Failings in Internal Control?

Horse Racing Ireland

Denis Brosnan (Chair) Dermot Cantillon Michael Doyle Francis Hyland John McStay Noel Meade Michael Murphy James Nicholson Mary O’Connor Nicholas Wachman Noel Cloake John Power Bernard Caldwell William Flood

No.

No.

Yes.

Yes.

Irish Film Board

James Morris (Chair) Tristan Orpen-Lynch Kirsten Sheridan Lesley McKimm Kevin Moriarty Barry Grace

No.

No.

Yes.

Yes.

Irish Manuscripts Commission

James McGuire (Chair) Nicholas Canny Francis J. Byrne David Craig Deirdre McMahon Michael Kennedy Máire Mac Conghail James Kelly Aongus Ó hAonghusa David Edwards David Dickson Chris Flynn Jane Ohlmeyer John McCafferty Thomas O’Connor Ruan O’Donnell Maurice Bric

No.

No.

Yes.

Yes.

State Agency

Membership of Board

Any Current Board Member Served More Than Two Terms?

Any Chief Executive Become Chairperson of Board?

Any Member of Audit Committee (or Equivalent) Have Financial Expertise?

Does Agency Have Procedure to Disclose Necessary Action to Remedy Significant Failings in Internal Control?

Irish Museum of Modern Art

Eoin McGonigal (Chair) Frank X. Buckley Valerie Connor Brendan Flynn Áine O’Driscoll Brian Ranalow Patricia Tsouros Rosemary Ashe Kevin Kelly Chris Flynn Emer O’Kelly Conor Bowman Anne O’Donoghue Eamon Delaney

No.

No.

Yes.

Yes.

Irish Sports Council

Ossie Kilkenny (Chair) Maurice Ahern Mary Davis Tony McCarthy Peter McLoone Tracy Piggott Colm Brennan Michael Spain Brian Mullins

No.This isprohibited by legislation.

No.

Yes.

Yes.

National Concert Hall

David Byrne (Chair) Cathal Goan Rachel Holstead Ite O’Donovan Karan Thompson Dorothea Dowling Paddy Moloney Mark Ryan Niall Ó Donnchú David Byers Dermot Egan Sean Braiden Carmel Ryan Fionnuala Hunt Patricia Slavin

Yes — Dermot Egan.

No.

Yes.

Yes.

State Agency

Membership of Board

Any Current Board Member Served More Than Two Terms?

Any Chief Executive Become Chairperson of Board?

Any Member of Audit Committee (or Equivalent) Have Financial Expertise?

Does Agency Have Procedure to Disclose Necessary Action to Remedy Significant Failings in Internal Control?

National Gallery of Ireland

Lochlann Quinn (Chair) Bernard McNamara Abdul Bulbulia Patrick Fottrell Desmond Fitzgerald Loretta Brennan Glucksman John Mulcahy Andrzej Wejchert Martin Gale Sean Benton Nicholas Canny Stephen McKenna Anthony Scott Fonsie Mealy Olive Braiden Paul O’Brien

No.

No.

Yes.

Yes.

National Library of Ireland

Gerard Danaher (Chair) Patrick F. Clyne Bob Collins Ida Delamer Breda Kelly Gerard Long Susan McGrath Máire Mac Conghail Niall MacMonagle Brendan O’Donoghue Noreen Whelan David Harvey

No.

No.

Yes.

Yes.

State Agency

Membership of Board

Any Current Board Member Served More Than Two Terms?

Any Chief Executive Become Chairperson of Board?

Any Member of Audit Committee (or Equivalent) Have Financial Expertise?

Does Agency Have Procedure to Disclose Necessary Action to Remedy Significant Failings in Internal Control?

National Museum of Ireland

John O’Mahony (Chair) Gerard Collins Brian Coyle Dervilla Donnelly Niamh Fitzpatrick Susan McGrath David Hanna Bernardine Hurley Eamonn Langford Proinnsias Ó Cillín Fergus McKenna O’Hagan Nollaig Ó Muraíle John Sheehan Ruth Whelan Eamonn McEneaney Nessa O’Connor

No.

No.

Yes.

Yes.

National Sports Campus Development Authority

Dan Flinter (Chair) William Attley Sean Benton Mary Davis Seán Donnelly Bernadette Cronin Arthur O’Brien Pat Hickey Tom Kiernan Caroline Murphy Miriam O’Callaghan Christy O’ Connell John Treacy

No.

No.

Yes.

Yes.

Tourism Ireland

Hugh Friel (Chair) Ciara Boyle Bill McGinnis David Lyle Ann Riordan John Power Shaun Quinn Brian Ambrose Moira McNamara Mandy Martin Robert Manson

No.

No.

Yes.

Yes.

Sports Capital Programme.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

318 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when a grant under the sports capital programme approved in 2007 in respect of a club (details supplied) will be awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6104/09]

A grant of €140,000 was provisionally allocated to the club in question under the 2007 Sports Capital Programme. The letter notifying the club of the provisional allocation issued on 24 April 2007. The grant allocation was subject to the terms and conditions of the Programme, which included the execution of a deed of covenant and charge.

A deed of covenant and charge provides, inter alia, for a refund of the grant in the event of the facility not continuing to be used for the purpose for which the grant was allocated. The Department's legal adviser, the Chief State Solicitor's Office — CSSO — deals with the grantee's solicitor in executing this deed. I understand that the CSSO wrote to the club's solicitors on 21 January 2009 requesting outstanding documentation. The current position is that a response to the letter of 21 January has recently been received by the CSSO and is currently being examined.

Ministerial Travel.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

319 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the cost in relation to foreign travel, accommodation and related ministerial and official costs associated with St. Patrick’s Day 2008; and the plans related to St. Patrick’s Day 2009 and the projected cost. [6152/09]

My predecessor, the late Minister Seamus Brennan TD did not travel abroad for St. Patrick's Day 2008 and as such there were no associated costs. The St. Patrick's Day Ministerial programme for 2009 is not yet finalised and projected costs cannot be determined at this stage. The cost of the individual programmes and accompanying delegations will, in all cases, be kept to a reasonable minimum. In view of the current difficult economic climate, the potential provided by these visits to promote trade and business opportunities will be maximised and will be a key component of the 2009 programmes.

Community Development.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

320 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when a decision will be made on a school outdoors playing facilities enhancement scheme on behalf of a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [5613/09]

A decision in relation to the school's application for CLÁR funding under the primary school outdoor play facilities enhancement scheme will be made as soon as possible and the Deputy informed of the outcome.

National Drugs Strategy.

David Stanton

Ceist:

321 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on the programme dial to stop drug dealing; if he will ensure that sufficient funding is in place to enable such programmes to continue and to be rolled out across this State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5617/09]

As the Deputy will be aware, the Dial-to-Stop Drug Dealing Campaign was officially launched on 30 September 2008. The first phase was ran across five Local and Regional Drugs Task Forces areas with funding being provided by my Department (€100,000) and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform (€50,000). As highlighted during the launch, the confidential number used in the campaign is open for all to use regardless of the area they come from.

Overall, I believe that the campaign to date has proved to be successful. In this context, I understand that there have been well over 1,000 calls to the phone-line that have generated in excess of 300 information reports to the Gardaí. An Garda Síochána has confirmed that, to date, the information gathered has proved useful to their enquiries and has yielded a number of seizures and arrests. In all areas where the campaign is being rolled out, the local Gardaí are following strong lines of enquiry resulting from the information arising from the free phone number. The next phases of the campaign will be funded from the Dormant Accounts Fund and an indicative allocation of €300,000 has been approved for the campaign in 2009. I expect to have Government approval shortly on the specific Local and Regional Drugs Task Force proposals involved.

With regard to any future funding, as the Dormant Accounts funding is once- off in nature, the €300,000 referred to above is the total that will be allocated. As the allocation for funding for drugs initiatives in my Department in 2009 is fully committed, I regret that there is no scope, at present, for further campaigns. Notwithstanding this, the Deputy should note that all of the Local and Regional Drugs Task Forces were consulted to assess their interest in rolling out a local campaign. While several opted not to run one, I am satisfied that, with the available funding, the majority of the Task Forces will be engaged in the process. In this context, I would again point out that the campaign confidential number is open for all to use regardless of the area they come from.

Smarter Travel Policy.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

322 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his Department’s workplace travel plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5846/09]

My Department has not adopted a Workplace Travel Plan. However, my Department is supportive of the Government's Smarter Travel Policy, launched by my colleague, the Minister for Transport, on 5 February last, which recognises the valuable role that workplace travel planning can play in making commuting travel patterns more sustainable.

Road Network.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

323 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if a road (details supplied) in County Mayo will be resurfaced under schemes run by his Department. [5868/09]

I understand that there is no application for grant assistance within my Department for the road referred to by the Deputy.

In order for the road to be evaluated under my Department's Scéim na mBóithre Áise, an application needs to be made and I have arranged that the appropriate form be sent to the Deputy's office. The question of allocating funds for Gaeltacht roads in 2009 will fall to be considered in the context of the amount of funding available and outstanding commitments.

Harbours and Piers.

Tom Sheahan

Ceist:

324 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if funding is in place to build a pier on An Bhlascaoid Mhór and to upgrade the pier at Dún Chaoin, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6056/09]

As I previously informed the House, a decision was made in 2005 in relation to the committal of funding in principle for works to piers on An Blascaod Mór and at Dún Chaoin, contingent on the completion of arrangements for the purchase of the island by the State. Subject to this, it was intended that my Department, in partnership with Kerry County Council, would be responsible for the development of the two piers. However, as the Deputy is aware, it was not possible to proceed with the development at the time as a result of issues that arose in regard to planning.

Now that the island has been acquired by the State, I anticipate that further discussions will take place between my Department, Kerry County Council and the Office of Public Works regarding the proposed development works. The Deputy will appreciate that the provision of funding for the project will have to be evaluated in the context of existing commitments and future priorities, having regard to the financial resources available to my Department.

Community Services Programme.

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

325 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if there will be a roll over for the CSP for 2010; and when that will be confirmed. [6081/09]

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

326 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if the assessment criteria for CSP will be changed for the application process. [6082/09]

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

327 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if reapplications for CSP will be assessed on the basis of financial stability. [6083/09]

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

329 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will guarantee current CSP funding until 2013. [6085/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 325 to 327, inclusive, and 329 together.

The Community Services Programme (CSP) supports a range of community business and social enterprises to deliver a diverse range of local services and employment opportunities. The Programme has a particular focus on employing people who are currently without work or have limited employment opportunities, and delivering services through community and voluntary organisations where gaps exist.

Groups supported by this Programme are required to provide good quality employment opportunities and pay the going rate for the work undertaken. Each group is required to have the ability to earn the required balance of funding from service delivery to ensure its current and future operations are sustainable through service charges, fees and trading income. These requirements are reflected in the application criteria and the on-going monitoring of the programme.

The budget for the Programme for 2009 is €50.85m. Our projections and targets indicate that by the end of the year, between 440 and 450 groups will be operational under the CSP and that approx. 2,600 people will be employed in the delivery of services to their communities.

Funding for 2010 and future years for the Programme will fall for consideration in the context of the annual Estimates process for my Department.

Finally, the Deputy should note that I do not propose to make a call for new proposals under the CSP in 2009.

Community Development.

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

328 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the duration of the contract that Pobal has with his Department. [6084/09]

Pobal is a not-for-profit company with charitable status that manages programmes on behalf of the Government and the EU. In addition to my Department, POBAL manages programmes on behalf of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, the Office of the Minister for Children, the Department of Transport, the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Higher Education Authority.

General arrangements in respect of all Programmes delivered by Pobal on behalf of public bodies are set out in a framework agreement. This is not time bound but is subject to review as necessary and is underpinned by service level agreements with Pobal, on an individual programme basis, which are also subject to review as necessary. Budgets are reviewed annually at a minimum.

Question No. 329 answered with Question No. 325.

Ministerial Travel.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

330 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the cost in terms of foreign travel, accommodation and related ministerial and official costs associated with St. Patrick’s Day 2008; and the plans related to St. Patrick’s Day 2009 and the projected cost. [6154/09]

The Deputy will appreciate that much careful consideration is given to determining the Ministerial programmes for St Patrick's Day to ensure that Ireland's economic, trade, social and cultural interests are effectively represented and promoted. In 2008 I visited Mumbai and Delhi on behalf of the Government.

In relation to the costs associated with the St Patrick's Day programme in 2008, the costs incurred by me in relation to flights, accommodation and related expenses amounted to €5,449, with an additional cost of €1,656 incurred in respect of flights for my wife who accompanied me. The costs in respect of two accompanying officials amounted to €8,390.

The St Patrick's Day Ministerial programme for 2009 is not yet finalised and projected costs cannot be determined at this stage. The cost of the individual programmes and accompanying delegations will, in all cases, be kept to a reasonable minimum. As always, but particularly in view of the current difficult economic climate, the potential provided by these visits to promote trade and business opportunities will be maximised and will be a key component of the 2009 programme.

National Drugs Strategy.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

331 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason for the delay in publishing the new national drugs strategy; and when he expects this to happen. [6334/09]

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

333 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will include the problem of alcohol abuse under the remit of the local drugs task forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6336/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 331 and 333 together.

Work on the development of the new National Drugs Strategy to cover the period 2009 — 2016 has been ongoing in my Department throughout 2008 and is continuing as a priority in 2009.

The Steering Group, established to develop proposals and to make recommendations to me on the new Strategy, is chaired by my Department and is meeting regularly — in fact almost weekly for past number of weeks — as they work towards finalising their proposals.

As the Deputy will be aware, an extensive consultation process was undertaken last year on the new Strategy. The outcomes of these discussions are being used by the Steering Group as the basis for much of their deliberations. I can report that significant progress has been made on a number of areas and I expect to receive proposals and recommendations from the Steering Group by the end of March.

With regard to the question of alcohol, the Steering Group is conscious of the need to target alcohol in the context of developing a broader prevention strategy to tackle substance misuse, particularly in relation to under 18 year olds. They are also aware of the potential synergies in areas such as treatment and rehabilitation, especially given the growing evidence of poly-substance use. Consequently, the Group, in its deliberations will consider the degree to which problem alcohol use should be brought under the remit of the new Strategy and what role, if any, the Local/Regional Drugs Task Forces should play in this regard.

Once the Group's proposals on the new Strategy are received, I will carefully consider the recommendations before submitting the matter for Government consideration. I anticipate that this will happen in April, with publication of the Strategy to follow shortly thereafter.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

332 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reporting system in place for the drugs strategy from the local drugs task forces to An Taoiseach. [6335/09]

The Local and Regional Drugs Task Forces report to the National Drugs Strategy Team (NDST), which is a cross-Departmental body which operates under the aegis of my Department. In addition, a member of the Team acts as liaison person on each of the Task Forces.

The NDST reports to my Department and to the Inter-departmental Group on Drugs (IDG), which I chair. The IDG reports, through my Department, to the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion, which is chaired by the Taoiseach.

As the Deputy may be aware, structures and reporting arrangements are among the broad range of issues being considered by the Steering Group currently developing proposals on the new National Drugs strategy 2009 — 2016.

For completeness, I might mention that an Expenditure Review of the Local Drugs Task Forces, completed in late 2006, found that:

the LDTF programme has been effective and highly relevant to the implementation of the National Drugs Strategy;

extensive measures have been implemented to address the drug problem at a local level; and

there are indications of high cost benefit ratios of projects such as those delivered through the LDTF programme.

The Review also identified some areas for improvement and substantial progress has been made in that regard.

More recently, an evaluation of nearly 300 interim funded Local Drugs Task Force projects has been carried out and its findings are being progressed.

Question No. 333 answered with Question No. 331.

Community Development.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

334 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will support a centre (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [6340/09]

My Department has received no application for funding from this group. My Department provides support for Community and Voluntary Organisations under a number of it's Programmes, details of which are available on the website at www.pobail.ie.

Pension Provisions.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

335 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the proportion of the population at large, at current calculations, who will reach retirement age with no pension whatsoever; if she will break this down by private and public sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5645/09]

According to the Central Statistics Office, it is estimated that supplementary pension coverage for workers in general was 54% in the first quarter of 2008 and, for the key target group, those aged 30 years and over, stood at 61%.

Almost all Irish public sector workers are members of occupational pension schemes. When public sector workers are removed from the coverage figures above, it can be estimated that approximately 45% of workers in the private sector have supplementary pension coverage.

It should be noted that all of these figures relate to current employees and it cannot be presumed that those without supplementary pension coverage at present will not take out a pension in the future. In addition, these employees will be entitled to a state pension (contributory), provided that they have sufficient social insurance contributions. Those without sufficient means may be entitled to a state pension (non-contributory).

Exploring ways in which supplementary pension cover could be improved was a major focus of the Government's Green Paper on Pensions. A framework to address the pensions agenda over the longer-term will be published in the near future.

Our objective must be to ensure that we have in place a pensions system which will deliver an adequate retirement income to all and which can, at the same time, withstand the cost pressures which will arise in the future as the composition of our population changes and the balance between those at work and those who are retired shifts dramatically.

Death Certificates.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

336 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a death certificate will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6198/09]

The administration of the Civil Registration Service is statutorily a matter for the Registrar General. I have had enquiries made with the Registrar General and he has informed me that the position is as follows:

When a person dies, it is the duty of a relative of the deceased to act as qualified informant. This means that the relative must give to a registrar of births, deaths and marriages the information necessary to register the death, including a medical certificate of the cause of death, which is obtainable from the medical practitioner who attended the deceased, and sign the register of deaths.

In certain circumstances, a death is referred to the Coroner. There is a legal responsibility on doctors, registrars, undertakers, Gardaí, hospitals and nursing homes to inform the Coroner where a death occurs suddenly or unexpectedly, or from a cause unknown, unclear or unnatural, or where the deceased was not seen or treated by a registered medical practitioner within one month prior to death.

In such cases, the Coroner may request a post-mortem examination. If the post-mortem shows that a death was due to natural causes, the Coroner may issue a certificate to the Registrar, who can then proceed to register the death and issue a death certificate. If the post-mortem shows that a death was due to unnatural causes, the Coroner may cause an inquest to be held. In such cases, the registrar must await the outcome of the inquest and the issue by the Coroner of a coroner's certificate before the death can be registered.

In the case of the person concerned, the death has been referred to the relevant Coroner and it is a matter for the Coroner to decide what course of action to take. When the deliberations of the Coroner have been concluded a certificate is issued by him/her to the Registrar and the Registrar must then register that death. A death certificate in respect of the death may then issue.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Noel O'Flynn

Ceist:

337 Deputy Noel O’Flynn asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of PPS numbers issued by her Department to non-EU nationals in 2008 and in January 2009; the countries the applicants reside in; the reason for issuing the PPS numbers; the number of PPS numbers in total issued to non-EU nationals; the number which are active in the State and the country of origin of the holder of the PPS number; the number of people here who are non-EU nationals receiving unemployment benefit and other benefits; the cost of the benefits in each category; the number of non-Irish citizens, but who are EU citizens receiving unemployment benefits and other benefits and the cost to the State in 2008; the policy in respect of paying these benefits; if she is proposing to introduce new rules to require people to sign on more frequently; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that EU nationals claim benefits here and return to their own countries to work and sign on here, once a month to claim benefits; the enforcement methods and checks in place to detect fraudulent claims by EU nationals claiming benefits here, but no longer residing in the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5063/09]

A total of 441,168 PPS numbers were issued to non-EU nationals from mid-June 2000 to end of January 2009 of which 37,195 issued in 2008 and 2,533 were issued in January 2009. The majority of applications for a PPS numbers are from people living in the State. A small number of PPS numbers are issued to people residing outside the State. These numbers are issued mainly, to people applying for a pension based on their Irish insurance contributions and for testate cases.

Applicants for PPS numbers are required to specify the reason the number is required but statistics of the various reasons are not maintained. PPS numbers are issued for a variety of reasons including to take up employment, to access social welfare and other Government services, to open a bank account, and to apply for driver theory testing and driver licences. Due to the extent of use of the PPS number in the State, it is not be possible to establish the numbers that are active at any given time.

Under the provisions of the Social Welfare Acts nationality in itself is not a determining factor in deciding entitlement to schemes and services. Social Welfare payments are made on a contingency basis, for example, a person must be unemployed to qualify for jobseeker's payment or have reached age 66 to qualify for state pension. When a person makes a claim, their circumstances are examined by a deciding officer to determine whether they satisfy the qualifying conditions for the particular scheme. To qualify for a jobseekers payment, a person must be legally resident in the State; must not place any restrictions on taking up employment and must satisfy the conditionality attached to the scheme.

In addition, with effect from 1 May 2004, the requirement to be habitually resident in Ireland was introduced as a qualifying condition for all applicants for social assistance schemes and child benefit. The restriction is not based on citizenship, nationality, or immigration status. In order to determine if an applicant is habitually resident in Ireland the following factors are taken into account;

length and continuity of residence in Ireland or in any other particular country

length and purpose of any absence from Ireland

nature and pattern of employment

applicant's main centre of interest and

future intentions of the applicant.

In the case of EU nationals, any application for one of the Department's schemes is first examined under domestic legislation and where necessary, EU legislation is invoked under EU Council Regulations 1408/71 and 574/72. These Regulations co-ordinate social security systems and are designed to ensure that people are not disadvantaged by moving within the EU to take up work. This is achieved primarily by setting out rules to determine to which State the person will pay a social insurance contribution and which State will pay benefit in the event of the usual contingencies arising from sickness, unemployment, old-age etc. For example, under these regulations Irish and EU people are entitled to transfer their jobseekers benefit to another EU county for a maximum period of 78 days.

With the exception of the jobseeker payments the Department does not maintain statistics on the nationality of recipients. Similarly, the Department does not maintain statistics on the cost of social welfare payments made to non-Irish nationals.

Details in respect of the number of non-Irish jobseeker recipients on the live register at the end of December 2008 and the end of January 2009 are as follows:

December 2008

January 2009

Groupings

Jobseekers Allowance

Jobseekers Benefit

Jobseekers Allowance

Jobseekers Benefit

Non-EU Nationals

6,096

2,919

6,507

3,543

EU Nationals

18,828

26,612

22,152

32,132

With regard to the question of control, the prevention of fraud and abuse of the social welfare system is an integral part of the day to day work of the Department and systematic risk analysis is a key element of the Control Strategy.

In late 2007, the Department identified a number of cases where non-Irish nationals were living in their native country and returning to Ireland on a monthly basis to sign for jobseekers payments. Arising from this, the Department undertook a number of small scale residency checks on non-Irish nationals in receipt of jobseekers payment. Between October 2007 and February 2008 some 766 cases were investigated, of which 76 yielded savings of almost €760,000. In response to the findings of these initial checks, it was considered that a more targeted control approach to residency was required. From 26 February 2008, nationwide residency checks were introduced for non-Irish nationals on a jobseekers payment. This measure involved a home visit within 6 weeks of the first signing day and again between 6 to 8 months and at 12 months. The frequency of the visits was varied so as not to establish a predictable pattern. Throughout 2008 some 3,665 such residency checks were carried out, 403 of which yielded savings totalling of almost €3.3m.

In view of the level of high risk identified, the Department decided in July 2008 not to make payment by electronic fund transfer to bank accounts available to all new jobseeker applicants, for the first six months of their claim. Instead, they are required to collect their payment weekly at a post office. Each weekly payment at a post office is available only for a limited period and if not collected within a matter of a few days it reverts to the Department. In such situations, the person is required to attend at the local social welfare office to have their payment reinstated.

The Department has no plans at present to alter signing arrangements for recipients of jobseeker payments. It should be noted however, that certain recipients are required to sign more frequently where the circumstances so warrant.

In addition to jobseekers checks, EU nationals employed in Ireland and in receipt of child benefit for non resident children under EU regulations are contacted on a 3 monthly basis to confirm they are still employed in the state or in receipt of a qualifying social welfare benefit. If their employment or benefit has stopped or no reply is received to the letter within 21 days, further child benefit payments are automatically suspended.

Controls are exercised at both the initial claim stage and at subsequent stages during the claim life cycle. Claims are reviewed on a regular and targeted basis. During 2008, some 564,000 reviews of entitlements were carried out by staff in this Department. The records of some 3,200 employers were inspected to ensure compliance with the Department's regulations and in particular to prevent and detect abuses of the system. The Department also undertook inspections on employers in conjunction with officials from the Revenue Commissioners and more recently with officials from the National Employment Rights Authority.

The Department is committed to ensuring that social welfare payments are available to those who are entitled to them and to ensure that abuse of the system is prevented and is dealt with effectively when detected. In this regard, the control programme is carefully monitored and the various measures are continuously refined to ensure that they remain effective.

Social Welfare Code.

Arthur Morgan

Ceist:

338 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the Government’s policy on SSIAs and social welfare matters (details supplied) has been changed; if so, when such change took effect; if any change in policy did occur when the change was announced by her or the Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5550/09]

The policy in relation to SSIAs and social welfare payments has not been changed in recent times.

In assessing means for social assistance purposes, account is taken of any cash income the person may have, together with the value of capital and property (except the family home).

Capital may include the following:

Stocks and shares of every description, which are assessed according to their current market value.

Savings certificates / bonds / national instalment savings, which are also assessed according to their current market value.

Money invested in a bank, building society etc.

Capital amounts held in Special Savings Investment Accounts when such accounts existed were treated in the same manner as other capital. Following the closing of such accounts in 2007, capital formerly held in these accounts continues to be assessed for means tested purposes in the same manner as before. Accordingly, there has been no change in these arrangements.

In 2004, the then Minister reviewed the arrangements for the assessment of capital, particularly in so far as they relate to SSIAs. In Budget 2005, it was announced that the amount of capital disregarded for means test purposes for all social welfare schemes (except supplementary welfare allowance) would be increased, with effect from June 2005, from €12,697.38 to €20,000, an increase of over €7,300. This change was introduced in the Social Welfare and Pensions Act, 2005 which was published on February 14 2005 and applies to all capital regardless of where it is or was held, be it in a SSIA, a Credit Union, with An Post or any other account with a bank or other financial institution.

Currently, for the purposes of most social assistance schemes the first €20,000 of capital continues to be disregarded. The first €50,000 is disregarded in the case of disability allowance while the first €5,000 is disregarded in the case of supplementary allowance.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

339 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will provide a date for an oral hearing for a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5599/09]

The claim for disability allowance, by the person concerned, was refused by a Deciding Officer of the Department on 25 August 2008 on the grounds that he did not satisfy the statutory means assessment for eligibility to this allowance.

An appeal was opened on 24 September 2008 and I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the case was considered by an Appeals Officer on 24 October 2008 who made a summary decision disallowing the appeal.

Summary decisions may be made where the Appeals Officer is of the opinion that a case is of such a nature that it can be properly determined on the basis of documentary evidence and without oral hearing. However, following correspondence from the person concerned, the Appeals Officer has decided to re-open the appeal by way of oral hearing, a date for which has yet to be set.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Catherine Byrne

Ceist:

340 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people in receipt of the social welfare rent supplement nationwide and in Dublin city; the cost to her Department for the rent supplement scheme for 2007 and 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5631/09]

Rent supplement is administered on behalf of the department by the Health Service Executive as part of the supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme.

Expenditure on rent supplement was €392m in 2007 and €441m in 2008. The following tabular statement shows the number of recipients of rent supplement by county and Dublin postal codes at the end of 2008.

Recipients of Rent Supplement at by County and Dublin Postal Codes, end 2008

County

Recipients

Carlow

1,161

Cavan

874

Clare

1,441

Cork

8,538

Donegal

3,282

Co Dublin

4,427

Dublin 1

1,126

Dublin 2

215

Dublin 3

890

Dublin 4

342

Dublin 5

533

Dublin 6

1,198

Dublin 6W

328

Dublin 7

2,150

Dublin 8

1,907

Dublin 9

941

Dublin 10

275

Dublin 11

1,183

Dublin 12

685

Dublin 13

516

Dublin 14

256

Dublin 15

2,940

Dublin 16

366

Dublin 17

258

Dublin 18

231

Dublin 20

173

Dublin 22

1,332

Dublin 24

1,847

Dublin Total

24,119

Galway

3,733

Kerry

2,252

Kildare

3,275

Kilkenny

1,092

Laois

706

Leitrim

456

Limerick

2,942

Longford

706

Louth

1,887

Mayo

2,585

Meath

1,453

Monaghan

509

Offaly

833

Roscommon

1,042

Sligo

733

Tipperary

2,082

Waterford

2,126

Westmeath

1,275

Wexford

2,870

Wicklow

2,066

Total

74,038

Family Support Services.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

341 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will support persons (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [5632/09]

Mary Upton

Ceist:

355 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way the counselling service she announced recently will be delivered; the groups or organisations responsible for delivery of the service; if existing counselling services will be offered the opportunity of applying for funding in order to deliver the service; when she expects the service to be available to persons who feel in need of counselling; the way they can apply for the service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6042/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 341 and 355 together.

The Family Support Agency provides funding through a Scheme of Grants to voluntary and community organisations providing marriage and relationship counselling, marriage preparation courses, child counselling in relation to parental separation and bereavement counselling and support on the death of a family member. The focus of the scheme is on the development of support services in the community for families to enhance stability in family life and to assist families and their members deal with difficult circumstances, which they may experience.

Over €11m was made available under the Scheme for 2008 and 600 organisations received funding. The budget for the Counselling Grants Scheme in 2009 is €11.89m. A press release was issued to the national press in November 2008 inviting applications for funding. A letter issued directly to organisations who had previously received funding, notifying them of the scheme for 2009. It was also advertised on the website of the Family Support Agency. There have been almost 590 applications.

As part of the overall budget of €11.89m to support counselling services, funding of over €7.8m for 29 major organisations (including Accord and MRCS) who have been identified for multi-annual funding was recently announced. The balance of applications for funding are currently being processed and there will be a further announcement on funding for these in the coming months.

It is open to individuals who feel in need of counselling support to approach their local service provider. A guide to local organisations providing counselling and support can be found on the Family Support Agency's website at http://www.fsa.ie/supportdirectory/sfdir_06.pdf

The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) is the main Government funded service which provides assistance to people who are over-indebted and need help and advice in coping with debt problems. The service is available at 65 locations nationwide, through the Telephone Helpline 1890 283 438 and the MABS website www.mabs.ie.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

342 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she has a directive or guideline in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5638/09]

The Family Income Supplement (FIS) is designed to provide support for people with families who are on low earnings. This preserves the incentive for them to remain in employment in circumstances where they might only be marginally better off than if they were claiming other social welfare payments.

In terms of the amount of work required to qualify for FIS, the customer must be in paid employment, as an employee under a contract of service for which PRSI is payable, of at least 38 hours every fortnight or 19 hours per week. This condition must be satisfied on an ongoing basis. If the customer works less than 38 hours every fortnight, he/she cannot qualify for FIS.

Once the person concerned works the required number of hours as an employee and has means within the prescribed limit for their family circumstances they can qualify for FIS. The primary legislation governing FIS is contained in the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (Part 6, Section 227 to Section 233, as amended). The regulations governing FIS are contained in S.I. No. 142, of the Social Welfare (Consolidated Claims, Payments and Control) Regulations 2007 (Part 6, Article 172 to 177, as amended).

This legislation can be viewed via the Department's website at www.welfare.ie

Social Welfare Code.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

343 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the conditions which apply in respect of rent allowance in the case where a person resides with a brother or sister; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5666/09]

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes rent supplement, is administered on behalf of the department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive (HSE).

The purpose of the scheme is to provide short-term income support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source.

A person is not excluded from rent supplement where the accommodation is owned by a family member, provided a bona fide tenancy exists, the person has a housing need and the rent payable is within prescribed limits. Each application for rent supplement is decided by a community welfare officer on the basis of its own merits and in accordance with the relevant legislative provisions governing the scheme.

The department does not have any function in relation to decisions on individual claims.

Social Welfare Fraud.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

344 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress made in preventing welfare fraud by non-Irish nationals who have returned to their home country but continue to claim jobseeker payments. [5684/09]

In late 2007, the Department identified a number of cases where non-Irish nationals were living in their native country and returning to Ireland on a monthly basis to sign for jobseekers payments.

Arising from this, the Department undertook a number of small scale residency checks on non-Irish nationals in receipt of jobseekers payment. Between October 2007 and February 2008 some 766 cases were investigated, of which 76 yielded savings of almost €760,000. In response to the findings of these initial checks, it was considered that a more targeted control approach to residency was required. From 26 February 2008, nationwide residency checks were introduced for non-Irish nationals on a jobseekers payment. This measure involved a home visit within 6 weeks of the first signing day and again between 6 to 8 months and at 12 months. The frequency of the visits was varied so as not to establish a predictable pattern. Throughout 2008 some 3,665 such residency checks were carried out, 403 of which yielded savings totalling of almost €3.3m.

In view of the level of risk identified, the Department decided in July 2008 not to make the EFT (Electronic Fund Transfer) payment method available to new claimants for jobseekers payments for the first six months of their claim. Instead, they are paid weekly by means of Electronic Information Transfer (EIT) at a Post Office of their choice. This means that they must attend at the Post Office weekly to collect their payment. In general, the payment expires if not collected within a week and they would have to call to the local office to have the payment reinstated. Where two consecutive payments are not collected, the claim is automatically suspended. In addition, they must attend at their local social welfare office on a monthly basis to sign-on and to confirm that they are continuing to comply with the conditions of the scheme to be available for and genuinely seeking employment.

The Department is committed to ensuring that social welfare payments are only available to those who are entitled to them. In this regard the control programme of the Department is carefully monitored and measures are continuously refined to ensure that they remain effective.

Departmental Bodies.

Lucinda Creighton

Ceist:

345 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the basis on which it was decided that the current chairperson of the Pensions Board was the best candidate for the role; her views on whether this decision should be re-examined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5695/09]

The current Chairperson of the Pensions Board was appointed by one of my predecessors, the late Seamus Brennan, in January 2006, in exercise of the powers conferred on him by paragraph 2 (as amended by section 50 of the Pensions (Amendment) Act, 2002 (No.18 of 2002)) of the First Schedule to the Pensions Act, 1990 (No. 25 of 1990), as he was considered to be a most suitable person for the position.

Pension Provisions.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

346 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will confirm that the introduction of the pension payment scheme by the Minister for Finance will apply as a deduction from income when calculating the eligibility of a family for family income supplement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5734/09]

The Family Income Supplement (FIS) provides income support for employees on low earnings with families. This preserves the incentive to remain in employment in circumstances where the employee might only be marginally better off than if he or she were claiming other social welfare payments.

FIS is calculated on the basis of 60% of the difference between the income limit for the family size and the net income of the person(s) raising the child(ren). The combined income of a couple (married or unmarried) is taken into account. Net income for FIS purposes comprises total family income less tax, employee PRSI, health contribution, income levy, and superannuation contributions.

The issue of how the proposed deduction from the remuneration of public servants will be treated for FIS purposes will be addressed in the context of forthcoming legislation to be presented by the Minister for Finance.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

347 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the changes she will make to the mortgage interest supplement scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5790/09]

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme provides for a weekly or monthly supplement to be paid in respect of mortgage interest. The purpose of the mortgage interest supplement is to provide short term support to eligible people who are unable to meet their mortgage interest repayments in respect of a house which is their sole place of residence. The supplement assists with the interest portion of the mortgage repayments only.

There are currently over 8,500 people in receipt of mortgage interest supplement, an increase of 4,400 (108%) over the number in payment at end 2007.

New provisions relating to mortgage interest supplement were included in the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2008. These provisions were inserted to clarify the legal basis for the regulations governing the payment of mortgage interest supplement.

The current mortgage interest supplement scheme provides a short-term "safety net" within the overall social welfare scheme to ensure that people do not suffer hardship due to loss of employment. However, in view of the current economic environment, the Department has commenced a review of the administration of the mortgage interest supplement scheme. The main purpose of the review is to consider how, in the current economic environment, the mortgage interest supplement scheme can best meet its objective of catering for those who require assistance on a short-term basis, where they are unable to meet mortgage interest repayments on their sole place of residence. Legislative and operational issues arising in the existing mortgage interest scheme will also be examined and any necessary amendments made to the regulations.

Family Support Services.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

348 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views, in view of the increasing strain on counselling services for families in County Wicklow, on extending the recently announced grant scheme for counselling services to a centre (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5793/09]

The Family Support Agency provides funding through a Scheme of Grants to voluntary and community organisations providing marriage and relationship counselling, marriage preparation courses, child counselling in relation to parental separation and bereavement counselling and support on the death of a family member. The focus of the scheme is on the development of support services in the community for families to enhance stability in family life and to assist families and their m embers deal with difficult circumstances, which they may experience.

Over €11m was made available under the Scheme for 2008 and 600 organisations received funding. The budget for the Counselling Grants Scheme in 2009 is €11.89m. A press release was issued to the national press in November 2008, while a letter issued directly to organisations that had previously received funding. It was also advertised on the website of the Family Support Agency.

There have been almost 590 applications. Last year 24 groups in Wicklow received funding totalling almost €125,000. No application for funding has been received from the organisation referred to by the Deputy.

As part of the overall budget of €11.89m to support counselling services, funding of over €7.8m for 29 major organisations (including Accord and MRCS) who have been identified for multi-annual funding was recently announced. The balance of applications for funding are currently being processed and there will be a further announcement on funding for these in the coming months.

It is open to individuals who feel in need of counselling support to approach their local service provider. A guide to local organisations providing counselling and support can be found on the Family Support Agency's website at http://www.fsa.ie/supportdirectory/sfdir_06.pdf

Smarter Travel Policy.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

349 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her Department’s work place travel plans; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5855/09]

The Department operates a travel pass scheme encouraging staff members to use public transport in lieu of car transport thus helping to reduce the level of carbon emissions. Official travel by staff members is continually monitored to ensure that such travel is kept to the minimum commensurate with the need for them to effectively perform their functions. Where feasible, staff members use public transport when travelling on official business.

In addition, the Department is currently analysing the options for the implementation of the recent Budget measure for the introduction of a tax exempt scheme for the provision of bicycles by employers to employees which is designed to encourage people to cycle to work.

In recent years all the Department's new buildings are provided with bicycle parks as part of their standard fit-out.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

350 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of claims which have been dealt with by community welfare officers in each area over the past three years; the extra resources made available to the service to cope with the extra demands due to the economic downturn and the delay in processing jobseeker claims; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5881/09]

The Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) and Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA) schemes are administered by the Community Welfare division of the Health Service Executive (HSE) on behalf of the Department Social and Family Affairs. The operational arrangements for the processing of applications and the payment to qualifying individuals, is a matter for the respective community welfare division areas. The number of claims processed by the community welfare division over the past three years is shown in the following tabular statement. This information has been produced from the Department's IT system and includes Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) and Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA) claims in payment and terminated. It does not include applications for medical cards processed on behalf of the HSE nor does it include any claims where no entitlement was established.

The issue of increased demand on existing resources is a matter for the HSE. The department is committed to working closely with the HSE in ensuring effective delivery of the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme and associated income support payments. It is open to the HSE at anytime to approach the department to review its allocation for staff and funding associated with delivery of these services.

However, the question of any increase in expenditure for staffing within the Community Welfare Service above that currently provided would have to be considered in the context of overall Government policy on public service manpower levels.

Extra staff have been assigned to the Department's social welfare local offices and process improvement initiatives are being implemented with a view to reducing processing times for jobseekers claims. These measures should help to relieve some of the pressure on the Community Welfare Service.

Workloads by CWS Area 2006-2008

2006 Workload

2007 Workload

2008 Workload

Dublin Mid Leinster

310,923

328,974

399,489

Dublin North East

391,566

411,011

475,171

South

340,936

346,271

418,542

West

308,970

330,375

396,446

Total

1,352,395

1,416,631

1,689,648

Note: These figures include claims registered, in payment and terminated on the Department's IT systems.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

351 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the various wage subsidy schemes in operation by her Department; the basis on which funding will be accessed under these schemes; the number of employees who benefit from each such scheme at present, and for each month in 2007 and 2008; the amount spent on each such scheme in 2007 and 2008 on a total basis, and per employee supported basis; the amount budgeted for same in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5888/09]

The Department of Social and Family Affairs does not operate a wage subsidy scheme for employers but it provides a range of employment supports available to persons in receipt of welfare payments. These are designed to assist and facilitate people on social welfare payments to return to the active labour force.

The BTWA scheme is designed to assist the long-term unemployed, lone parents, people with disabilities and other social welfare recipients to return to work. There are two strands to the scheme; the back to work enterprise allowance (BTWEA) for the self-employed people and the back to work allowance (BTWA) for employees. Participants who become employees receive a tapered percentage of their social welfare payment over a three year period and self employed people receive it for a four year period. Participants may also retain entitlement to certain other secondary benefits. These allowances provide a monetary incentive for people who are dependant long-term on social welfare payments to make the return to work financially attractive and viable.

To qualify for the back to work allowance an application must be submitted in advance and the person must be in receipt of a qualifying payment for a specific length of time immediately prior to commencing employment.

The qualifying payments and main conditions are as follows:

jobseeker's allowance/benefit for two years and aged over 23 years. Applicants must also establish an entitlement to jobseeker's allowance.

one-parent family payment, disability allowance, blind person's pension, carer's allowance, farm assist, invalidity pension, unemployability supplement, pre-retirement allowance, widows/widowers non contributory pension, deserted wife's benefit/allowance, and prisoners wife's allowance for at least 15 months (12 months if aged 50 or over).

illness benefit for at least 3 years

At the end of December 2008 there were 8,160 approx. recipients of back to work allowance; 4,600 in receipt of the self employed strand and some 3,560 in receipt of the employee strand. The estimated final spend for 2008 is €70.8 million and the budget estimate for 2009 is €80.3 million.

Employers who take on new employees who receive the back to work allowance are eligible for an exemption from the employers' share of the PRSI contribution for a maximum of two years.

The department also operates an in-work payment to low paid workers through the family income supplement (FIS) scheme. The scheme is designed to provide support for people, with families, who are on low earnings. This preserves the incentive for them to remain in employment in circumstances where they might be only marginally better off than if they were claiming other social welfare payments. At the end of December 2008 there were 27,798 people in receipt of FIS. Final expenditure on FIS for 2008 is expected to be €177.34 million based on an average claimload of 22,520. The budget for 2009 is €211.63 million based on an estimated average claimload of 31,000.

One of the qualifying conditions for receipt of FIS is that the customer must be in paid employment of at least 38 hours every fortnight or 19 hours per week. This condition must be satisfied on an ongoing basis. If the customer works less than 38 hours every fortnight, he/she cannot qualify for FIS. Application forms are available on-line at www.welfare.ie or through local Social Welfare Offices or through the Department's local leaflet request line.

The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment funds and operates a wage subsidy scheme through FÁS. It provides financial incentives to employers, outside the public sector, to employ disabled people who work more than 20 hours per week.

Child Support.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

352 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason no early child care supplement payments were made in January 2009. [6024/09]

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

356 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the cost to the State in 2008 of the early child care supplement; and the cost to the State of payments made in respect of non-resident children. [6100/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 352 and 356 together.

The Early Childcare Supplement [ECS] is administered by the Department of Social and Family Affairs on behalf of the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. The total expenditure on the ECS in 2008 was €477.2m. The expenditure on ECS in 2008 for non-resident children was approximately €4.5m.

Up to the end of 2008, ECS was paid quarterly at a rate of €275 per quarter. The last payment for 2008 was made on the 8th December, in respect of the months, October, November and December. As announced in budget 2009, the ECS is now paid monthly, in arrears, at a rate of €92 per month. The payment due for January 2009 was paid, in arrears, on the 9th February.

Pension Provisions.

Ned O'Keeffe

Ceist:

353 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views on the anomaly which exists for people who entered insurable employment prior to marriage and who did not become employed again until recent years where the number of PRSI contributions paid is divided into the number of years since first entering insurable employment and which leaves them entitled to a reduced pension, even though they may have only worked for a few years prior to marriage (details supplied). [6033/09]

In order to qualify for a state pension contributory a person must satisfy a number of qualifying conditions which include commencing insurable employment at least 10 years before pension age, payment of a minimum of 260 qualifying contributions and achieving a yearly average of at least 10 qualifying contributions, paid or credited, over their working life. To determine the yearly average a person's contribution record is averaged from 1953, or from the year of starting insurable employment, if later, to the end of the tax year before reaching pension age. The person concerned achieved a yearly average of 17, which is sufficient to entitle her to 75% of the state pension (contributory) at the current personal rate of €172.70 per week, with effect from 21 August 2008. In order to qualify for the maximum rate a yearly average of 48 contributions is required.

It is accepted that the average contributions test can have an impact on pension entitlements, particularly where a person has a significant gap in their overall record. The Green Paper on pensions considered a number of issues related to the qualifying conditions for a social welfare contributory pension including the contributions test. A framework for future pensions policy is being developed and the issue of contributions will be addressed in that context. It is expected that the framework will be finalised shortly.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

354 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved for jobseeker’s benefit. [6038/09]

The person concerned applied for a jobseeker's benefit payment on 22 December 2008. His social insurance contribution records for years 2006 and 2007 are incomplete and are currently being investigated. On completion of enquiries a decision will be made as soon as possible and he will be notified of the outcome. In the meantime, his Local Office has contacted him regarding a possible entitlement to jobseeker's allowance.

Under Social Welfare legislation decisions in relation to claims and insurability of employment must be made by Deciding Officers and Appeals Officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.

Question No. 355 answered with Question No. 341.
Question No. 356 answered with Question No. 352.

Social Insurance.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

357 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding an Irish citizen married to a United States citizen in the United States and returning to Ireland, whereby the spouse wishes to apply for a PPS number; the reason a person such as the spouse is not being provided with a PPS number; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6124/09]

The PPS Number is a unique identifier for access to services provided by Government Departments and other public bodies. PPS Numbers are issued following a controlled allocation procedure to ensure that a person receives only one number and that the number is allocated on foot of information that is accurate and verified. Proof and evidence of identity is a vital element of the registration procedure and must be established before a PPS Number is allocated. The means by which a person may prove their identity varies according to the person's nationality.

There are, however, no nationality conditions attached to obtaining a PPS Number. Resident applicants, irrespective of their nationality, who have not previously been allocated a PPS Number should complete an Application Form (REG1), available only in our network of local offices and submit the appropriate proof of identity documents. Non-resident applicants, unable to attend one of our local offices, may make an application to the Client Identity Services Division of the Department.

If the Deputy wishes to forward details of the case in question, including the individual's personal details and the office where the application was made, the case will be examined to establish the reasons for the refusal.

Social Welfare Offices.

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

358 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when the extra appointments due to be made to the social welfare office in Ballina will be in place. [6134/09]

The Department recently undertook a review of the staffing levels in Local Offices due to the continued increased number of claims for jobseeker's payments. One additional post, at Clerical Officer level, is to be assigned to Ballina Local Office. Arrangements are in train to assign one Clerical Officer to the Ballina office.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

359 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of non-EU citizens claiming jobseeker’s benefit and jobseeker’s allowance; the number on jobseeker’s benefit for more than 12 months and 18 months, respectively; the number who have signed on for jobseeker’s benefit since its restriction to a 12-month payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6143/09]

Non-EU nationals living in Ireland are entitled to work here provided they have the appropriate visa. Where a person employed on a work permit loses his/her job they may qualify for a jobseeker's payment for the unexpired period of the work permit. In all cases, non-EU nationals who qualify for a jobseeker's payment must satisfy all the conditions of the schemes. In this respect, they are treated no differently to EU nationals.

At the end of January 2009 there were 6,507 jobseeker's benefit and 3,543 jobseeker's allowance claimants on the Live Register from non-EU countries. Of the 6,507 jobseeker's benefit claimants, 2,412 made their claim on or after the 15th October 2008 when the changes to the jobseeker's benefit scheme announced in Budget 2009 were introduced. 84 non-EU claimants have been in receipt of jobseeker's benefit for longer than 12 months. The maximum length of a Jobseeker's claim is 15 months where the claim was made prior to 15th October 2008.

Ministerial Travel.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

360 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the cost of foreign travel, accommodation and related ministerial and official expenses associated with St. Patrick’s Day 2008; and the plans relating to St. Patrick’s Day 2009 and their projected cost. [6163/09]

Much careful consideration is given to determining the Ministerial programmes for St. Patrick's Day to ensure that Ireland's economic, trade, social and cultural interests are effectively represented and promoted. In 2008, the then Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Martin Cullen attended the St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Atlanta, United States of America. The total cost of the visit, including the cost for the two officials who accompanied him, was €21,133.

The St. Patrick's Day Ministerial programme for 2009 is not yet finalised and projected costs cannot be determined at this stage. The cost of the individual programmes and accompanying delegations will, in all cases, be kept to a reasonable minimum. In view of the current difficult economic climate, the potential provided by these visits to promote trade and business opportunities will be maximised and will be a key component of the 2009 programmes.

Naval Service Vessels.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

361 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence if he received recommendations from the board of Coiste an Asgard regarding the recovery of the Asgard II; when he will make a decision on whether to salvage the vessel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5660/09]

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

368 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence when he will make a decision on the future of the Asgard II; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6170/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 361 and 368 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, I was asked to defer my final determination in this matter pending the receipt and consideration of some material from a third party. That material has been received and is being examined. I will be announcing my decision in the coming days regarding the question of whether or not to proceed with the salvage of Asgard II.

Ministerial Transport.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

362 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Defence the number of times the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government availed of the Government jet or other State-owned aircraft since becoming Minister in 2007; the date and cost of each trip taken; the destination of each trip; the reason for the trip; the persons who accompanied him on these trips; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5750/09]

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

363 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Defence the number of times a person (details supplied) has availed of the Government jet or other State-owned aircraft; the reason for, the cost, the destination and the date of each trip taken since they came to office in 2007; the persons who accompanied them on each trip; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5751/09]

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

364 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Defence the number of times the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources availed of the Government jet or other State-owned Government aircraft since becoming Minister in 2007; the date and cost of each trip taken; the destination of each trip; the reason for travelling; the persons who accompanied him on these trips; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5752/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 362 to 364, inclusive, together.

The Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr. John Gormley T.D., and Minister of State Trevor Sargent T.D., have not availed of the Ministerial Air Transport Service since being appointed in June 2007.

The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Eamon Ryan T.D. has availed of the Ministerial Air Transport Service twice since June 2007: The Minister and one official from his Department travelled Baldonnel — Edinburgh — Baldonnel on the Learjet 45 on 25-26 September 2008. Minister Ryan's time on board for this mission totalled 1 hour 20 minutes. The Minister and three officials from his Department travelled from Brussels to Baldonnel on the Gulfstream IV on 8 December 2008. Minister Ryan's time on board for this mission totalled 1 hour 30 minutes. On both occasions the flights were shared with other Ministers and officials. My Department does not hold records with regard to the purpose of each trip.

With regard to cost, my Department follows the normal practice in the aviation business of costing aircraft by reference to the cost per flying hour under either of two headings:

(a) The direct cost, i.e. the costs which are additional to those associated with having the aircraft and which only arise when the aircraft is flown including maintenance, fuel and support services; and

(b) The total cost, i.e. the direct cost plus the costs associated with having the aircraft, i.e. depreciation and personnel costs.

The costs associated with Air Corps aircraft used in provision of Ministerial Air Transport Service are as follows:

Aircraft

Average Direct Cost Per Hour

Average Total Cost Per Hour

Gulfstream

4,050

7,890

Learjet

1,270

2,950

Smarter Travel Policy.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

365 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Defence his Department’s work place travel plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5847/09]

As a measure to incentivise the use of public transport, the Travel Pass Scheme was introduced in the Civil Service on 1 January 2002. To date a number of civil servants in my Department have availed of this Scheme. It is the general policy in my Department that, when travelling on official duties, officials should, as far as possible, use public transport when available.

My Department supports the Government's Smarter Travel Policy, launched by the Minister for Transport on 5 February, which recognises the valuable role that workplace travel planning can play in making commuting travel patterns more sustainable.

Defence Forces Reserve.

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

366 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Defence the cost to the State of the FCA in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6092/09]

Subhead D of the Defence Vote includes payments for Reserve Defence Force (RDF) training, gratuities, allowances and also includes grants paid into unit funds. The outturn on the Subhead for 2007 was €8,839,000. As the RDF is an integral part of the Defence Forces a range of other costs are spread across a number of Subheads. These costs are being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in the near future.

Ministerial Travel.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

367 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence the cost in relation to foreign travel, accommodation and related Ministerial and official costs associated with St. Patrick’s Day 2008; and the plans related to St. Patrick’s Day 2009 and the projected cost. [6155/09]

In response to the Deputy I wish to state that I did not travel abroad for St. Patrick's Day in 2008. The then Minister of State for Defence and Government Chief Whip, Mr. Tom Kitt, T.D., travelled abroad on St. Patrick's Day in 2008 to represent Ireland in Vienna in his capacity as Government Chief Whip. The Department of the Taoiseach covered the necessary travel and subsistence costs. Minister Kitt was accompanied by his Private Secretary at a cost of €618 to the Department of Defence.

While the St. Patrick's Day Ministerial programme for 2009 is not yet finalised, I have no plans to travel abroad for St. Patrick's Day this year. If the Minister of State for Defence and Government Chief Whip, Mr. Pat Carey, T.D., participates it will be in his capacity as Government Chief Whip and Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach.

In view of the current difficult economic climate, the potential provided by these visits to promote trade and business opportunities will be maximised and will be a key component of the 2009 programmes.

Question No. 368 answered with Question No. 361.

Election Management System.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

369 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the measures of political reform that will be introduced to demonstrate that politicians are willing to play their part in tackling the economic crisis, particularly in relation to unvouched expenses and political donations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5649/09]

In so far as matters within the responsibility of my Department are concerned, I will shortly publish a Bill to introduce spending limits, which will be in force for the local elections that are to take place on 5 June 2009. The purpose of introducing spending limits is to create as level a playing field as possible to ensure that candidates of modest means are not put at a disadvantage in contesting an election. It will also bring local elections in line with other electoral codes where spending limits already apply. The Programme for Government contains a commitment to establish an independent Electoral Commission which will, inter alia, examine the issue of financing of the political system. I have recently published, for consultation, a scoping study on the establishment of an Electoral Commission.

National Monuments.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

370 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the cost of the State legal representation in the matter of High Court and Supreme Court cases taken in relation to an application for a licence to dive and survey the wreck of RMS Luisitania; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6121/09]

I refer to the reply to Question Nos. 439 and 458 of 10 February 2009. Information on the cost of the State's legal representation in these cases is a matter for the Chief State Solicitor's Office, and is not available in my Department.

Water Pollution.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

371 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the legislation under which he introduced exclusion zones for farming around wells; the consultation which took place in advance of this measure; if his attention has been drawn to the problems this is causing to some farmers who will lose a considerable amount of their workable land as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6167/09]

The EU Nitrates Directive aims to protect all waters against pollution from agricultural sources. Particular care is required for the protection of public health in the case of waters which serve as the source of drinking water. The European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2006 and 2007 implement the Directive in Ireland and provide statutory support for good agricultural practice to protect waters against pollution from agricultural sources. The Regulations were made following full consultation with interested parties.

The Regulations do not provide for exclusion zones for farming around wells. However, Article 17(2) of the Regulations includes a prohibition on the application to land of organic fertiliser or soiled water within specified distances from any borehole, spring or well used for the abstraction of drinking water. The specified distance for larger water supply schemes (serving 500 or more persons) is 200 metres and for smaller supplies is 100 metres or 25 metres, depending on the size of the supply. Article 17(3) of the Regulations provides that where farmyard manure is held in a field prior to landspreading, it shall not be placed within 250 metres of any borehole, spring or well supplying drinking water to 50 or more persons. In the case of smaller supplies the specified distance is 50 metres.

These prohibitions are necessary for the protection of sources of drinking water generally. However, in the case of specific abstraction points, Article 17(5)(a) of the Regulations provides that a local authority may, following consultation with the Environmental Protection Agency, specify an alternative distance following prior investigations and where the authority is satisfied that it is appropriate for the protection of waters being abstracted at that point.

Election Management System.

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

372 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has made a policy decision in relation to the use of posters on behalf of candidates in the forthcoming local and European elections; if so, the policy; if he has made a decision in relation to the amount of spend by candidates and political parties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5552/09]

I have recently informed the Government that on foot of the public consultation in autumn 2008 on election postering, I intend to initiate pilot schemes in a number of local authority areas during the upcoming local and European elections. These pilot schemes will investigate how four options identified through the consultation process would work in practice. The pilot schemes will test:

The use of biodegradable and/or colour coded plastic ties;

The display of posters in designated areas only;

Restricting the total number of posters per candidate;

Restricting the number of posters per candidate to 2 (back to back) per pole.

Details on participating local authorities will shortly be finalised and the specific detail of the pilot schemes will be agreed on an individual basis with each of the local authorities involved. It is my intention to ask all candidates, local and European, in each of the participating areas to participate in the scheme so that it is as comprehensive and representative as possible.

I am also reviewing the litter legislation to ensure there is absolutely no doubt that posters cannot be erected before an election has been called, and I will bring forward an amendment if necessary.

In relation to spending limits, I recently announced that all candidates standing in the local elections to be held on 5 June 2009 will be subject to limits on election expenditure. For the 34 County and City Councils, a sliding scale with four separate spending limits, based on the population within each individual electoral area, will apply. A top limit of €15,000 will apply in the most populated areas, with limits of €13,000, €11,500 and €9,750 to apply to candidates in other county and city council electoral areas, depending on their population. A standard spending limit will apply to all 80 of the borough and town councils. Candidates standing for election to these local authorities will be subject to a spending limit of €7,500 in all cases. I will shortly publish a Bill to give effect to these spending limits, which will be in force for the local elections.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

373 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the plans he has to introduce a grant scheme to upgrade septic tanks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5555/09]

The Programme for Government included a commitment in regard to a scheme of support for the replacement and upgrade of septic tanks older than fifteen years with newer systems. Having regard to current budgetary constraints, it is not possible to make provision for such a scheme in 2009, and the timeframe for pursuing this commitment will remain under ongoing review.

EU Directives.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

374 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of the review at EU level of the Nitrates Directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5556/09]

I am not aware that the Nitrates Directive is currently subject to review by the European Commission. However, the Commission will present an implementation report for the period 2004-07 to the Council and the European Parliament during 2010.

Planning Issues.

Frank Feighan

Ceist:

375 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the grants in relation to naming of estates with Irish names that are paid by Government; and the checks that are put in place to ensure that correct spellings are used. [5557/09]

My Department does not provide grants in relation to the naming of residential estates, nor am I aware of any such grants paid by other Departments. Under Section 34 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, planning authorities may attach conditions to planning permissions in relation to appropriate naming and numbering of, and the provision of appropriate signage for, proposed developments. I have no function in this matter.

Building Regulations.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

376 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there are grants available for persons hoping to carry out building energy ratings assessor training programmes; the reason the registration fee for assessors is so high which may be prohibitive for some persons who wish to carry out this type of work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5588/09]

The European Communities (Energy Performance of Buildings) Regulations 2006 — 2008, which transposed the EU Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings into Irish Law, require a building of any class which is offered for sale or letting since 1 January 2009 to have a Building Energy Rating (BER) Certificate, unless otherwise exempted by the Regulations. Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) is designated as the issuing authority under the Regulations and is responsible for the general administration of the BER system.

BER Certificates can only be produced by fully trained, qualified and registered BER Assessors. In order to qualify as a BER Assessor, a person must have a qualification equivalent to National Certificate Level 6 in construction studies and undergo a short duration BER training course with an SEI-approved training provider. Persons who successfully complete the training course, which includes an end of course examination, may then register with SEI as a BER Assessor.

I am not aware of any grant schemes along the lines referred to in the Question. However, I am advised by SEI that some of the 20 BER training providers listed on SEI's website may have entered into funding arrangements with FÁS, the State training and employment agency.

The fee for registration with SEI as a BER Assessor is €1,000 for the first year, with an annual renewal fee of €100 thereafter. In the case of companies, the registration fee is reduced to €500 in respect of the registration of a second and subsequent BER Assessor. All registration fees are used solely for the purposes of the development, maintenance and operation of the BER scheme, which is expected to be self-financing, and for this reason the fees are considered necessary and appropriate.

Housing Projects.

Terence Flanagan

Ceist:

377 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount he will spend on the capital assistance scheme and the capital loan and subsidy scheme in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5596/09]

Housing authorities have been provided with provisional allocations for my Department's Capital Assistance and Capital Loan & Subsidy Schemes for 2009. However, these provisional allocations may be subject to further possible amendment, and it is the intention to issue final allocations for 2009 in April, following completion of a series of Housing Action Plan meetings with local authorities which is due to start in early March.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

378 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of an application in respect of funding for a housing project (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5598/09]

An application for funding under the Capital Assistance Scheme for a project at this location was received from Cork County Council by my Department in late 2004. Since then, my Department has engaged with the Council with a view to resolving certain technical and procurement issues attaching to the application. In December 2008 further information was requested from the Council and a response is awaited.

Planning Issues.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

379 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the measures he is taking to ensure that the wildlife habitats in Toomes, County Louth are not being destroyed by the building of the proposed 450 megawatt turbine plant nearby; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5615/09]

Full planning permission was granted on 30 May 2008 for the building of a Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) power plant in Toomes, Co. Louth. Conditions relating to habitats were attached to planning permission.

The site at Toomes mostly comprises abandoned pasture but includes areas of wet grassland, wet woodland and birch woodland, which are of ecological interest although the site is not designated for protection under Irish or European law.

My Department advised the proposers of the project on how to minimise the impact on the habitats within the site. As a result, the plans were amended to retain woodland habitat and to allow a vegetated corridor along the perimeters to the site.

As part of pre-planning discussions, the proposers also agreed to purchase an extra 1.7Ha of wet grassland and wet woodland habitat immediately to the east of the development to compensate for loss of habitat within the footprint of the development. Environmental consultants have recently prepared a management plan for this compensatory habitat.

Consultants have also carried out badger and bat surveys of the site. No badger sets were found and although a minimal amount of bat activity was recorded, no bat roosts were observed. Consultants have recently received a licence from my Department to relocate frog spawn from the proposed development site to within the compensatory habitat.

Election Management System.

David Stanton

Ceist:

380 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 218 of 5 February 2009, the local authority areas that are being asked to pilot the measures regarding the control of postering for elections and referenda in 2009. [5618/09]

Details on participating local authorities have yet to be finalised. My Department is liaising with the County & City Managers Association in this regard, and details of participating local authorities and the specific pilot schemes they intend to introduce will be made available when finalised.

Waste Management.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

381 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of food waste that is disposed of to landfill on an annual basis with a breakdown of same per county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5682/09]

National waste statistics for all waste streams are independently produced and published by the EPA. National Waste Reports have been published in respect of the years 1995, 1998, 2001, 2004 and 2006 with interim reports published for 2002, 2003, 2005 and 2007 respectively. These reports are available on the Agency's website: www.epa.ie.

While there is no specific information available to my Department on the volumes of food waste consigned to landfill, the National Waste Reports provide data in relation to the organic fraction of the municipal waste stream. Organic waste, in broad terms, is taken to mean food and garden waste arising in the domestic and commercial sectors.

The recent National Waste Report 2007, published in January 2009, estimated that a total of 839,806 tonnes, or 91.4%, of organic waste was landfilled in 2007. Improving our recovery rates for organic waste represents a considerable challenge and one that must be addressed as a matter of urgency if Ireland is to achieve its prescribed diversion targets for biodegradable municipal waste under Directive 99/31/EC on the landfill of waste (the Landfill Directive).

Meeting these targets will entail doubling the existing levels of diversion of biodegradable municipal waste, which includes organic waste, from landfill by 2010 with exponential increases in diversion in the subsequent target years of 2013 and 2016 respectively.

Following extensive consultations, a National Strategy on Biodegradable Waste was published in April 2006 which sets out measures aimed at the separate collection, recovery and recycling of biodegradable municipal waste with a view to achieving the progressive diversion of biodegradable municipal waste from landfill in accordance with our international obligations. The Strategy envisages that 80% of biodegradable municipal waste will be diverted from landfill by 2016, with the separate collection and subsequent biological treatment of organic waste to generate compost having a critical role to play in minimising the use of landfill into the future. The Programme for Government contains a commitment to implementation of the National Strategy.

In 2008, a circular issued to all local authorities to drive forward the roll out of brown bins for domestic householders and to promote the use of home composting. I have also signalled my intention to introduce primary legislation to allow for significant increases in the landfill levy to act as a further deterrent to landfill and a regulatory impact analysis for this purpose has now been completed. In addition, my Department is working with industry towards the development of a statutory instrument to require the source segregation and appropriate treatment of food waste arising in the commercial sector. This, I believe, has the potential to divert significant amounts of food waste from landfill towards more sustainable and environmentally beneficial practices.

I am confident that all of the above measures will contribute significantly to the achievement of the targets for the diversion of biodegradable municipal waste from landfill and in an overall reduction in our use of landfill.

Waste Disposal.

Simon Coveney

Ceist:

382 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to a licence issued for the waste held (details supplied) as required under the European Directives on waste. [5689/09]

Simon Coveney

Ceist:

383 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he has taken on foot of the decision of 17 June 2003 which gave a mandate requiring his Department to co-ordinate all legal actions in relation to a site (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5690/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 382 and 383 together.

Irish Steel was sold to Ispat Mexicana S.A. de C.V. in 1996 and renamed Irish Ispat. After a difficult trading period, Irish Ispat Limited went into liquidation in June 2001. In 2002, the liquidator initiated proceedings under section 290 of the Companies Acts to disclaim the lease. In early 2003 the liquidator exercised a break clause in the lease to allow him vacate the lands held under the lease. He was constrained by injunction to remain on site for a further period in order properly and legally to dispose of certain waste materials.

The Ministers for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Defence and Communications, Marine and Natural Resources issued related proceedings against the liquidator and the company in voluntary liquidation seeking clean-up orders under section 58 of the Waste Management Act, 1996. Those orders sought to oblige the company to discontinue engaging in the holding, recovery or disposal of waste on the lands comprised in the lease, to carry out remediation works to mitigate or remedy any effects of the holding, recovery or disposal of waste and to put in place an effective ongoing monitoring and inspection system, following remediation.

As noted above the liquidator was able to disclaim the lease due to a break clause which came into effect and therefore the only remaining part of the liquidator's application was his request to disclaim the Integrated Pollution Control (IPC) Licence. The judgement on 29 July 2004 found as a matter of fact that the IPC licence was granted after the company had ceased production of steel and that the conditions of the licence could not be applied retrospectively.

My Department has continued to exercise responsibility for the care and maintenance of the site, with Cork County Council acting as the Department's agent in that regard. This has necessarily included elements of site clearance to avoid negative environmental impact and for reasons of health and safety. It has also involved an extensive site investigation to determine the extent of environmental damage and to guide further Government consideration of the future development/use of the site. I will shortly bring a Memorandum to Government with proposals in that regard.

Waste Management.

Simon Coveney

Ceist:

384 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if all local authorities have completed the register of contaminated sites; if any have not done so; and the action he is proposing to ensure compliance. [5691/09]

A policy direction issued from my Department on 3 May 2005 in regard to local authorities, in the course of reviewing their statutory waste management plans, complying with the requirements of section 22 of the Waste Management Acts by preparing an inventory and risk assessment of all non-licensed closed landfills where disposal or recovery activities have taken place. To assist local authorities in this process, the EPA has developed a dedicated web site. However the web site is not, nor is intended to be, a register of contaminated sites.

Under the Waste Management (Certification of Historic Unlicensed Waste Disposal and Recovery Activity) Regulations 2008 local authorities are obliged to identify and register by 30 June 2009 all closed unlicensed landfills which were operated by them during the period 15 July 1977 to 27 March 1997, i.e. in the period between the adoption of relevant EU requirements and their having full effect in Ireland through the waste licensing system now the statutory responsibility of the EPA. The Agency are to prescribe the particulars to be entered in the register and the form and manner in which such information is to be entered and maintained, and will shortly do so.

Local authorities are also required, under section 26(2) of the Acts, to identify and assess sites at which waste disposal activities were carried out that to a significant extent involved hazardous waste. The EPA in 2007 published a Code of Practice for Environmental Risk Assessment for Unregulated Waste Disposal Sites. The code provides the framework for local authorities to establish any environmental risk posed by such sites.

Natural Heritage Areas.

Simon Coveney

Ceist:

385 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his Department’s policy on compensation for existing activities in Natura 2000 sites that are found to have adverse impacts on protected species or habitats, specifically detailing the policy and compensation paid to date and any payments anticipated for, but not limited to, turf cutting, fish farming, and forestry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5692/09]

Provision is made in Regulation 20 of the EC (Natural Habitats) Regulations, 1997, for the payment of compensation to landowners and/or users of land who suffer an actual financial loss as a result of Natura 2000 designations and I envisage that compensation will continue to be payable on that basis.

To date, my Department has paid some €24 million in compensation to landowners and/or turbary rights holders in bogs designated as Natura 2000 sites or Natural Heritage Areas. These monies include costs of acquisition of freehold and turbary rights within raised bog Special Areas of Conservation. Further monies are available to farmers who operate within Natura 2000 sites under my Department's Farm Plan Scheme.

Simon Coveney

Ceist:

386 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide a status report on the protected habitats and the protected species at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5693/09]

Simon Coveney

Ceist:

387 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the expenditure to date and the estimate of the funds required to ensure the conservation status of the protected species and habitats as a result of the placing of a tanking solution at a site (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter [5694/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 386 and 387 together.

During the planning stage of this project my Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) raised concerns that placing the road in a cutting could potentially have adverse impacts on Pollardstown Fen, which is a Special Area of Conservation. This view was accepted by the National Roads Authority and Kildare County Council, and it was decided that potential impacts could be reduced by constructing a tank around the road.

Monitoring since construction of the bypass has shown that impacts have been confined to a small but significant area of the Fen and the major feature of concern has been a reduction in the population of the protected species Vertigo geyeri. While some habitats (Alkaline fen, Tufa springs) have been affected to some extent, the impacts involved are not considered to be significant, and may have been caused by the combined effects of climatic conditions during the monitoring period, and the construction of the bypass. The final monitoring report on the Kildare bypass is expected this year and may provide further clarification on these issues and whether there will be any permanent impact on water levels in the Fen.

Information regarding the cost of the tanking solution and of the monitoring and remedial work undertaken to date by the National Roads Authority and Kildare County Council is not available to my Department. My Department is currently developing a management plan for Pollardstown Fen Special Area of Conservation which will take account of the impact of this project, and address the ongoing work required to ensure that favourable conservation status of the site is achieved and maintained.

Local Authority Housing.

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

388 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he plans to make provision in the voluntary housing schemes for the purchase of individual houses by tenants; and the matters that were agreed under the housing policy framework, Building Sustainable Communities, to pilot a tenant purchase scheme for some new voluntary homes under the scheme. [5696/09]

The provision of accommodation by approved voluntary and co-operative housing bodies is an integral part of my Department's overall response to delivering on social housing need. Local authorities and approved housing bodies are working in close co-operation to deliver an expanded range of social housing options and a wide range of accommodation types to meet the needs of low-income families and persons with special housing needs.

There is no provision at present in the voluntary housing schemes sector for the purchase of individual houses by tenants. However, the Government's housing policy statement, Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities, indicated that consideration would be given in consultation with the voluntary and co-operative sector, to piloting a tenant purchase scheme for some new voluntary homes based on the incremental purchase model. The Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, which is expected to commence Second Stage very shortly, includes provisions for the introduction of an incremental purchase scheme. The issues arising in relation to the introduction of such a scheme for the voluntary housing sector are being considered in consultation with the Irish Council for Social Housing.

Environmental Policy.

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

389 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the size and scale of projects under Irish law that require an environmental impact assessment; the size and scale of developments that require an environmental impact assessment under EU directives; the scale of projects that require EIAs in other EU countries; if the scale of projects that require EIAs here is in line with other EU countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5701/09]

Council Directive 85/337/EEC on the assessment of the effect of certain public and private projects on the environment (as amended in 1997 and 2003) specifies projects which, by virtue of their nature, size or location are likely to have significant effects on the environment and should be subject to an environmental impact assessment (EIA).

Article 4(1) of the Directive requires projects listed in Annex I of the Directive to be subject to EIA, while Article 4(2) provides that for projects listed in Annex II of the Directive, Member States may determine, either through case by case examination or by setting thresholds or criteria, or both, whether such projects are to be subject to EIA.

The provisions of the EIA Directive are transposed into Irish legislation by the Planning and Development Act 2000 and the Planning and Development Regulations 2001. Schedule 5 of the 2001 Regulations specifies relevant development for the purposes of Part X of the Act, which deals with EIA. In accordance with the Directive, certain thresholds have been set below which development need not necessarily be subject to EIA. However, where a planning application for sub-threshold development is submitted to a planning authority, that authority may, where it considers that the development would be likely to have significant effects on the environment, require the submission of an environmental impact statement (EIS). Similarly, in the case of an appeal relating to a planning application for sub-threshold development, An Bord Pleanála may, where it considers that the development would be likely to have significant effects on the environment, require the submission of an EIS.

My Department does not have detailed information on the position regarding EIA requirements in the other 26 EU Member States.

Ministerial Appointments.

Ciarán Cuffe

Ceist:

390 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the appointments he has made to public bodies since the Government was formed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5704/09]

A number of different statutory processes are involved in appointments to State bodies and boards. In some cases statutory selection procedures must be followed or nominations must be sought from independent nominating panels before appointments are made by the Government or by me, as Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. In other cases only particular public office holders may be appointed to certain boards. In a number of situations, only some appointments to the body concerned are made by me, or appointments are made with the consent of the Minister for Finance, or following consultation with the Minister for Finance or Minister for Education and Science, as appropriate.

In the context of the above, the information requested in relation to appointments made by me since the Government was formed is set out in the following table:

Name of State Body/Board

Number of Appointments Made

Affordable Homes Partnership

2

An Bord Pleanála

1

Building Regulations Advisory Body

7

An Chomhairle Leabharlanna

13

Dublin Docklands Development Council

2

Fire Services Council

1

Heritage Council

5

Housing Finance Agency

1

Irish Water Safety

1

Limerick Northside Regeneration Agency

17

Limerick Southside Regeneration Agency

17

Local Government Computer Services Board

2

Local Government Management Services Board

2

National Building Agency

1

Private Residential Tenancies Board

5

Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland

5

Rent Tribunal

7

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

391 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the Burncourt and Fethard regional water schemes in South Tipperary will be separated to allow for the Burncourt scheme to go for tender in view of the significant delay that the Fethard scheme will have in order to secure its abstraction orders. [5736/09]

These schemes are included for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009.

In December 2008, I approved South Tipperary County Council's Design Review Report, which proposed to procure new water treatment plants for both Burncourt and Fethard as a single Design Built Operate contract and to provide the other elements of the schemes by traditional procurement. No further proposals in relation to either scheme have been received by my Department from the Council.

Ministerial Staff.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

392 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of people employed in his constituency offices; the pay scale of each employee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5753/09]

The information requested is set out in the following table.

Grade

Number of staff

Personal Assistant-Higher Executive Officer

1

Personal Secretary-Executive Officer

0.5 × 2

Executive Officer

2

Clerical Officer

2.5

The salary scales for all administrative grades are available on the Department of Finance website (www.finance.gov.ie).

Fire Stations.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

393 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position of an application for funding by North Tipperary County Council for a fire service facility in Cloughjordan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5762/09]

The provision of funding for a fire station at Cloughjordan will be considered under future programmes having regard to the overall availability of resources, the spread of existing facilities and competing demands of fire authorities for available funds under the fire services capital programme. In autumn 2008, the fire authority indicated that improvement to the fire station at Templemore was their first priority, Cloughjordan was second priority and the construction of a workshop at Nenagh was third priority.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

394 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the concerns existing in Bray, County Wicklow, relating to the fire service, he will confirm that he has satisfied himself that the level of provisions in Bray is satisfactory for the needs of the town and surrounding areas; when the three reports into the deaths of the two firefighters in Bray will be released; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5794/09]

The provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs, the provision of a premises and the making of such other provisions as it considers necessary or desirable, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under section 10 of the Fire Services Act 1981. My Department's role is one of supporting and assisting local authorities in delivering fire services through the setting of general policy and the provision of capital funding.

I have not been informed by an Garda Síochána or the Health and Safety Authority when their reports will be completed or if they will be published. I have asked Wicklow County Council to make the findings of its investigation, when completed, available to my Department.

Smarter Travel Policy.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

395 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his Department’s work place travel plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5850/09]

As part of my Department's participation in the Dublin Transportation Office's One Small Step campaign, a Workplace Travel Plan was launched in October 2008. The aim of the Plan is to: encourage greater staff use of sustainable transport options when travelling to and from work; and ensure that, where practicable, staff opt for sustainable transport options when conducting business on behalf of the Department.

In introducing the plan, the Department is committed to: reviewing the travel patterns of staff, particularly in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA); encouraging a change of attitudes and behaviours, where possible, around travel options to and from work; reducing the reliance on the car as a means of transport to and from work, particularly in the GDA, and promoting, where possible, the healthier, sustainable options of walking or cycling for all or part of the journey; reducing the carbon footprint of the Department by reducing carbon emissions from staff car usage in the context of their work; promoting the use of public transport to cut down on emissions and traffic.

In the context of official travel, it is Departmental policy that public transport should be used wherever possible where it is deemed necessary to travel for business purposes. Staff should only use their cars to travel to and from meetings in the following circumstances: where no suitable public transport (e.g., train or bus) is available; where public transport is available only at equal or greater expense; where the use of public transport would result in the loss of official time which it is necessary to avoid.

Local Authority Housing.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

396 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to establish a scheme in which local authorities would enter into long-term leasing arrangements with developers to address housing waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5858/09]

I recently announced new arrangements for the delivery of social housing whereby housing authorities may enter into long-term leases of private dwellings as a means of meeting housing need. My Department has outlined the details of these new arrangements in a circular which I have requested be sent to the Deputy.

The purpose of the new arrangements is to provide a wider range of supply options to authorities to meet housing need. In addition, while taking advantage of the greater availability of private stock for rental, the use of leasing will allow for more efficient and effective use of available public resources and will maximize the levels of social housing that can be achieved.

The main features of the new arrangements are as follows: housing authorities will enter into leasing arrangements with property owners for periods of between 10 — 20 years; the leases will be for unfurnished dwellings; the lease type will be full ‘repair and insure' lease with the housing authority responsible for insurance, maintenance and upkeep; the accommodation leased will be used to house persons on the local authority's waiting list and tenants will be local authority tenants or in some cases tenants of voluntary bodies; leased properties must comply with Government housing policy of promoting sustainable communities and must have regard to the concentration of social housing within the proposed area.

Waste Management.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

397 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department and the Department of Finance have agreed to permit Dublin City Council to enter into a contract with a third party to design, build and operate a 650,000 tonne incinerator located on the Poolbeg Peninsula, the cost of which is estimated at many hundreds of million euro without either his Department or the Department of Finance having sight of the contract before approval by Dublin City Council; if his Department or the Department of Finance are acting as the ultimate guarantor of payment on behalf of Dublin City Council to the contractor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5866/09]

The facility in question is provided for in the Dublin regional waste management plan for which the four Dublin local authorities have statutory responsibility under the Waste Management Acts. Section 60(3) of the Waste Management Act, 1996 precludes the Minister from exercising any power or control in relation to the performance in particular circumstances by a local authority of a function conferred on it under the Act.

In view of the project's status as a prospective public private partnership, my Department was involved in certifying that the procurement was conducted in accordance with public policy on the procurement of infrastructure in this way. The Department by letter dated 14 September 2005 advised Dublin City Council, which acts as lead authority for the project, that having considered the submissions received in respect of the procurement process there was no objection to Dublin City Council proceeding to enter into contractual arrangements with the selected private partner. My Department and the National Development Finance Agency had representation on the project board established to manage the procurement process. The project board did not have a role in regard to the contractual arrangements subsequently entered into by Dublin City Council. Accordingly, neither my Department nor the Department of Finance have had sight of, or are a party to this contract.

Local Authority Housing.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

398 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the names and location of housing estates that were taken in charge each year from 2004 to 2008 by Meath County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5886/09]

My Department does not collect information on the names and locations of housing estates taken in charge by planning authorities.

Housing Schemes.

Michael Noonan

Ceist:

399 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has allocated a sum of €12.6 million for the purchase of property (details supplied) in County Limerick for the development of a wet house; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6014/09]

My Department's involvement with the voluntary and co-operative housing schemes relates primarily to the provision of funds for individual projects. The administration of the schemes, including the detailed appraisal of new applications, the management of the planning and procurement stages of projects and the certification that projects comply with the terms and conditions of the funding schemes, are the responsibility of the relevant local authority. The Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) provides funding to approved housing bodies of up to 100% of the cost of accommodation for the elderly, the homeless and persons with special housing needs, including those with an intellectual or physical disability.

My Department recently approved the application by Limerick City Council for CAS funding in the amount of €12.6 million for the provision, by Arlington Novas, of up to 63 units of accommodation at Clyde House, Limerick.

Housing Aid for the Elderly.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

400 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 528 and 1115 of 27 January 2009, if the Health Service Executive is processing all remaining applications under the former housing aid for the elderly scheme or if a decision on all remaining applications will be jointly made by the Health Service Executive and local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6027/09]

Following the cessation of the Special Housing Aid for the Elderly Scheme from 1 August 2008, it was agreed between my Department and the Health Service Executive, that all applications on hand at that date will be processed by the Health Service Executive under the provisions of the Special Housing Aid for the Elderly Scheme. I expect to make an allocation to the Health Service Executive shortly in the respect of the processing of these claims.

Dublin Docklands Development Authority.

Phil Hogan

Ceist:

401 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the concerns relating to the operations of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority arsing from the decision to engage with a private developer to purchase the Irish Glass Bottle site at Poolbeg including the conflict of interest of the DDDA board relating to this decision; and the action he will take to investigate these matters. [6031/09]

I am aware of concerns, expressed most recently at the meeting of the Joint Committee on the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on 10 February 2009, regarding the involvement of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority in the purchase of the site concerned, and related conflicts of interest on the part of members of the Board of the Authority.

The Authority was established in 1997 with the general duty to secure the social, economic and physical regeneration of the Dublin Docklands Area. To this end, it has engaged in extensive business transactions involving the purchase, management, development and sale of lands in the area. The Authority considered it necessary to become involved in the purchase of the Irish Glass Bottle (IGB) site because of its key location on the Poolbeg Peninsula and its significant development potential. The value of the site has been affected by the recent downturn in property values, but the Authority is satisfied that, as a long term investment, it will bring substantial benefits in terms of high quality physical development and community gain.

My Department has been advised by the Dublin Docklands Development Authority that, in accordance with the Authority's Code of Conduct, certain members of the Executive Board of the Authority declared conflicts of interest regarding funding arrangements for the purchase of the IGB site, and did not participate in the relevant decision making process.

Local Authority Housing.

Christy O'Sullivan

Ceist:

402 Deputy Christy O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a home choice loan is available to those who have been approved affordable sites from a local authority and hope to build their family home, and for those people hoping to buy affordable housing from a local authority. [6037/09]

Christy O'Sullivan

Ceist:

404 Deputy Christy O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there is evidence that a clause, whereby a local authority has a first claim on an affordable site bought by a family hoping to build their family home, is proving an impediment for those people when they seek a home choice loan. [6044/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 402 and 404 together.

The Home Choice Loan scheme is available to first time buyers of new houses or self-builds, subject to a maximum loan of €285,000 or maximum LTV of 92% (whichever is the lesser). A minimum income requirement of €40,000 for single applicants and €50,000 for joint applicants applies.

The low cost sites scheme is targeted at lower income households such as households approved for social housing by a local authority, local authority tenants or tenant purchasers, or certain tenants of voluntary housing associations. Such households may be eligible for normal local authority house purchase loans, the income eligibility limits for which are €40,000 for a single income household and €100,000 for a dual income household.

Under article 3(2) of the Housing (Home Choice Loan) Regulations 2008 the Home Choice Loan scheme is not available to prospective purchasers of affordable housing, households availing of the Shared Ownership Scheme or households wishing to purchase under the Tenant Purchase Scheme.

Register of Electors.

David Stanton

Ceist:

403 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on allowing the people who may be on holidays during upcoming polling days for local and European elections to avail of a postal vote which would be allowed on production of proof that the person had a holiday booked and was therefore unable to be present at their local polling station during polling day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6039/09]

In order to be able to vote at elections and referenda in this jurisdiction, a person's name must be entered in the register of electors for a constituency in the State in which the person ordinarily resides.

Postal voting is provided for in electoral law in respect of certain categories of person who are entered in the register of electors. The Electoral Act 1992 provides for postal voting by wholetime members of the Defence Forces, members of the Gardaí, and Irish diplomats serving abroad and their spouses. Subsequent legislation enacted by the Oireachtas has extended postal voting to other categories: electors living at home who are unable to vote because of a physical illness or a physical disability (the Electoral (Amendment) Act 1996); electors whose occupation, service or employment makes it likely that they will be unable to vote in person at their local polling station on polling day — in these cases, the law provides for completion of the necessary voting documentation at a Garda station (the Electoral Act 1997); full-time students registered at their home who are living elsewhere while attending an educational institution in the State (the Electoral Act 1997); certain election staff employed at the poll outside the constituency where they reside (the Electoral (Amendment) Act 2001); and electors who because of the circumstances of their detention in prison pursuant to an order of a court are likely to be unable to go in person on polling day to vote (the Electoral (Amendment) Act 2006).

While electoral law is subject to ongoing review, there are no proposals to alter the existing arrangements along the lines referred to in the Question.

Question No. 404 answered with Question No. 402.

Offshore Islands.

Tom Sheahan

Ceist:

405 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if funds are in place to acquire all lands and for the conservation of the village ruins on An Bhlascaoid Mhór; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6057/09]

Tom Sheahan

Ceist:

406 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the process in place for the conservation of the village ruins and island buildings on An Bhlascaoid Mhór; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6058/09]

Tom Sheahan

Ceist:

407 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress he has made in acquiring all lands on An Bhlascaoid Mhór; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6059/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 405 to 407, inclusive, together.

I made funding available to the Office of Public Works (OPW) for the purchase of the majority land holding on the Great Blasket Island. This purchase has now been completed.

The OPW will be responsible for the management, conservation and promotion of the property and will carry out initial protection/conservation works to structures which form part of the abandoned village. A detailed management plan, agreed with local stakeholders, will guide the future management of the Island. The possibility of acquiring further land holdings on the Island will be kept under review in light of the overall financial and budgetary position.

Property Management Companies.

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

408 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to confer greater responsibility and autonomy on residents in respect of management fees; the nature of these plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6095/09]

My Department has no function in relation to the running of property management companies in general, or the issue of management charges in particular. Property management companies, comprising the owners of dwellings, are generally constituted under the Companies Acts and are required to operate in compliance with company law, which comes under the area of responsibility of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Management charges are primarily a matter for individual management companies and my Department does not have a role in this or other aspects of company governance.

The Government has recently approved, the drafting of the general scheme of the Multi-Unit Developments Bill 2009, this will address a range of matters arising from the Law Reform Commission's report of June 2008, other than planning issues which I will deal with in the forthcoming Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill.

Planning Issues.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

409 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the date he signed off on the draft guidelines for planning authorities on the planning system and flood risk management; the date he announced these guidelines to the media and the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6106/09]

I refer to the reply to Question No. 245 of 11 February 2009.

I approved and issued draft Guidelines for Planning Authorities on the Planning System and Flood Risk Management for public consultation on 23 September 2008.

Local Authority Funding.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

410 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department has provided an allocation to a local authority (details supplied) in County Westmeath for the replacement or renovation of a local facility and amenity; if this sum is provided by way of grant or loan to the authority; the conditions attached to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6139/09]

No allocation had been provided by my Department in respect of this project.

Ministerial Travel.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

411 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the cost in relation to foreign travel, accommodation and related Ministerial and official costs associated with St. Patrick’s Day 2008; and the plans related to St. Patrick’s Day 2009 and the projected cost. [6158/09]

I attended the St. Patrick's Day celebrations in London in 2008. The total cost of the visit for the official travelling party was €8,995.

Minister of State Batt O'Keeffe represented the Government at the Chicago St. Patrick's Day celebrations in 2008. The total cost of the visit for the official travelling party was €25,498.

All arrangements and costs associated with Minister of State Tony Killeen's visit to Mexico for St. Patrick's Day 2008 were undertaken by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.

The St. Patrick's Day Ministerial programme for 2009 is not yet finalised and projected costs cannot be determined at this stage.

Departmental Schemes.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

412 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the mechanism available to applicants to access application forms for the proposed new insulation grant programme; if there are impediments or guidelines that prohibit recipients of other grants from local authorities previously from receiving the new grants; if there is an age limit on persons who can receive such a grant; when the scheme will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5732/09]

Arthur Morgan

Ceist:

413 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when details of the national insulation programme will be announced; when the scheme will be up and running; if contractors will be required to register with his Department in advance of grants being awarded; the way such a process will be implemented; the way the scheme will be verified; the persons by whom it will be verified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6052/09]

Michael Creed

Ceist:

421 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will make a statement regarding the recently announced grants for home insulation; the amount of funds available for this scheme in 2009; and the locations where applicants should apply for these grants. [5719/09]

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

429 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the grant schemes available for home insulation and particularly for older houses and for older people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5909/09]

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

437 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the type of grants available to individuals to assist them in installing heat conservation measures and for insulated doors, windows and so on in their dwelling houses; the amount of the grants available and the eligibility criteria attached thereto; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6142/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 412, 413, 421, 429 and 437 together.

On the 8th of February last, together with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, I launched the National Insulation Programme for Economic Recovery. The Programme entails a three pronged approach to addressing the legacy of older housing with poor energy efficiency standards.

The Home Energy Saving (HES) Scheme is the largest element of the Programme with a budget of €50 million in 2009. This scheme has the potential to support the upgrade of in excess of 27,500 homes in 2009. Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) estimates that demand for this scheme could ultimately exceed 100,000 homes.

Homeowners can expect to save up to €700 per year on their energy bills if they install the full suite of measures available under the scheme. The scheme offers grants of up to 40% of the typical cost of energy efficiency upgrade measures, varying depending on the measure concerned. A list of eligible measures and fixed grant rates is set out in the following table.

Measure

Fixed grant rate

Roof Insulation

250

Cavity Wall Insulation

400

Internal Wall Insulation

2,500

External Wall Insulation

4,000

High Efficiency Boiler with Heating Controls Upgrade

700

Heating Controls Upgrade Only

500

Building Energy Rating Assessment

200

The HES Scheme has been launched now in order to allow installers who wish to participate in the scheme, to register with SEI. Registered contractors will be required to sign up to a code of conduct and comply with a range of terms and conditions to ensure the quality of work carried out under the scheme. They will also have to carry a specified level of insurance and be fully tax compliant. SEI will be implementing a quality assurance and inspection programme to ensure compliance with these requirements. Contractors wishing to register with the scheme may contact SEI at 1850 927000 or at hescontractor@sei.ie.

The scheme is open to anybody owning a house that was built prior to 2006. Homeowners and landlords will be able to apply under the scheme from next month. In the meantime, homeowners can register their interest with SEI on 1850 927000 or at hes@sei.ie. Homeowners may arrange to have a building energy rating carried out immediately, if they wish, but this is not a requirement for participation in the scheme. However, homeowners should not take any action on the other measures until they have received grant approval from SEI.

Where a homeowner previously received a grant from a local authority or any other source to upgrade the energy efficiency of the home, they can still be eligible for a grant under the HES Scheme, provided further significant eligible works are necessary. They cannot receive a grant towards efficiency measures already installed, whether previously grant-aided or not.

The National Insulation Programme for Economic Recovery will greatly assist those on low incomes or in social housing. The second element of the Programme, the Warmer Homes Scheme (WHS), is designed to assist private households on low incomes, such as those in receipt of Fuel Allowance, Invalidity or Disability Benefit. The scheme for the installation of a range of energy efficiency measures, including cavity wall insulation, attic insulation, a boiler lagging jacket, draught proofing measures and Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs). Advice is also provided to householders on minimising energy use. The WHS provides these measures free or at a nominal cost to the householder.

I have made available some €20 million to the WHS in 2009. This greatly increased level of funding is expected to support energy efficiency interventions in up to 15,000 low income homes in this year alone. There are 20 community based organisations (CBOs) currently delivering the WHS, and this represents just over two-thirds of the country. Under our initiative to extend the scheme nationwide in 2009, SEI plans to commence the introduction of new CBOs to the scheme from the end of March 2009.

A number of improvements to the WHS are gradually being introduced this quarter, including a new free-phone service designed to assist eligible homeowners in identifying their nearest provider. If outside of current coverage, their details will be recorded and notified as soon as the service becomes available in their area. In addition, a new website will be launched to allow homeowners, neighbours or relatives find out more information about the WHS and other grant schemes available in their area.

Further information on the WHS is available by calling 1800-250204, by emailing warmerhomes@sei.ie or at www.sei.ie/Grants/WarmerHomesScheme.

The third element of the National Insulation Programme for Economic Recovery will involve providing similar energy efficiency upgrade measures in social housing. The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government will be making further announcements on this element of the programme in due course.

The National Insulation Programme has the potential to contribute to the creation of 4,000 direct and indirect jobs thus contributing to the Government's priority objective of maintaining and creating employment as part of economic renewal.

Fisheries Protection.

Pádraic McCormack

Ceist:

414 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will review the recent decision to ban eel fishing which is a tradition for many families, is part of Ireland’s culture and heritage and will result in further job losses; his views on whether the scientific report on which the decision was made is based on limited data, that no other significant fishing country is proposing an outright ban and Ireland accounts for about 0.5% and 2% of the total European catch; if eel fishermen will be compensated for the loss of their livelihoods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6119/09]

Michael Ring

Ceist:

415 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason a hardship fund was provided for some fishermen and not for others (details supplied). [5565/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 414 and 415 together.

In compliance with European Council Regulation No.1100/2007 establishing measures for the recovery of the stock of European eel, a draft Eel Management Plan was submitted to the EU Commission for approval. Given the critical status of the eel stock, as demonstrated in the assessment contained in the draft Eel Management Plan, a number of management measures have been identified as necessary to reach the targets set in the Regulation, including closure of the commercial and recreational fishery from 2009.

I have been advised by the Marine Institute that eel data used in the determination of historical and current silver eel escapement, as required under the Regulation, included time series of juvenile recruitment, adjusted declared fisheries catches, estimates of turbine mortalities, silver eel escapement and sizes, ages and growth rates of brown and silver eel.

Models were used to assess current Irish escapement compared to historical. I am advised that these models employed a system of transferring from data rich situations to data poor situations by using regression modelling, a process similar to that used in salmon stock advice. The draft plan provides for undertaking an array of scientific surveys over the coming years to improve information on the fishery and the status of stocks. Under the Regulation, all aspects of the Plan must be reviewed in 2012. This review will consider, inter alia, whether the eel fishery and market could be reopened in light of the data gathered in the interim and the performance of stocks.

I am not aware of the content of as yet largely unpublished plans submitted by other Member States in response to their obligations under the EC regulation. Over the coming months, these, along with Ireland's draft plan, have to be evaluated by the European Commission as to their adequacy in delivering the objectives of the Eel Regulation. Clearly the status of stocks in other Member States will differ from that of Ireland's, depending on local conditions and therefore their plans may make different recommendations. All must however, clearly demonstrate how they would achieve the targets necessary for recovery of the European eel stocks. Scientific advice by the International Council for Exploration of the Sea (ICES) recommends that all exploitation and other anthropogenic impacts on production and escapement of eels should be reduced to as close to zero as possible until stock recovery is achieved. Ireland's draft Eel Management Plan relies upon the most up-to-date information available in its response to this advice.

The latest available international catch data from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) (for 2005), indicate that Ireland's reported yield was 2.6% of the total. The latest a corrected estimate from ICES indicates that Ireland was responsible for 4% of the EU catch.

There is no property right attaching to public eel licences and consequently the issue of compensation is not relevant or appropriate, given that the proposed closure of the fishery is being applied for conservation reasons under the Fisheries Acts. While I have no funds at my disposal for a hardship fund for commercial eel fishermen, the Central Fisheries Board is actively investigating alternative opportunities to assist eel fishermen in diversification efforts. Some eel fishermen will also have the opportunity to tender for the trap and transport operations to be managed by the ESB under the Plan.

Postal Network.

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

416 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if An Post has completed its review of its network; if it has presented its findings and recommendations to him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5628/09]

The review of the post office network is a matter for An Post and I understand that the company has yet to complete this work. It is Government policy that An Post remains a strong and viable company, in a position to compete in a liberalised market, provide a high quality, nationwide postal service and maintain a nationwide, customer-focused network of post offices.

Semi-State Bodies.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

417 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the powers he possesses in relation to the hiring and firing of senior executives and management staff at the ESB; the powers he has in relation to freezing the pay of ESB workers in the current economic crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5650/09]

I have no powers in relation to the appointment and dismissal of senior executives and management staff at the ESB, nor do I have any powers in relation to determining the pay of ESB workers. The appointment and dismissal of the Chief Executive is a matter for the Board but the remuneration and allowances are subject to my approval and the consent of the Minister for Finance in accordance with section 7 of the Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Act, 1988.

Offshore Exploration.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

418 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will make a statement on a matter (details supplied). [5657/09]

Exploration for petroleum is an expensive and high risk activity usually carried out by the private sector under licence from States. The stability of the regulatory regime is an important factor in attracting exploration investment. The terms applicable to successful exploration are made known in advance and have varied from time to time. Variations, which can be upwards or downwards, normally apply only to licences granted after the variation is announced. There is intense competition for exploration investment and the terms on offer have to take this fact into account. When a commercial discovery is declared, it is demised to the exploration company under a Petroleum Lease, which incorporates the conditions under which the exploration took place.

The Petroleum Lease between the State and the developers of the Corrib Gas Field was negotiated in line with the Department's "Licensing Terms for Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration and Development" and was entered into in 2001. It sets down the obligations of the parties to the lease in a range of matters and can only be amended by agreement of all parties. The lease is a confidential legal agreement and is not available to the public.

The Petroleum Lease for the Corrib Gas field has not been subject to legal proceedings and as to whether the lease could be contested legally would be a matter for the Courts should such an occasion arise. Tax treatment of profits from the gas field is governed by the Finance Acts.

Ministerial Appointments.

Ciarán Cuffe

Ceist:

419 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the appointments he has made to public bodies since the Government was formed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5705/09]

In the time available it has not been possible to compile a full list of appointments made by me during the term of the current Government. My Department is compiling the data sought by the Deputy in this regard, and I shall forward it to him as soon as possible.

Departmental Expenditure.

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

420 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position in relation to Parliamentary Question No. 241 of 4 February 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5715/09]

I refer to my response to Parliamentary Question No. 241 of 4 February 2009 where the Deputy was advised that it was not possible to assemble the information requested in the time available. My Department is still in the process of identifying and assembling the information and I will revert to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Question No. 421 answered with Question No. 412.

Telecommunications Services.

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

422 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position in relation to the provision of broadband for an area (details supplied); the names of the service providers which provide broadband in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5730/09]

I understand that the Kilmacanogue general area is served by the service providers mentioned by the Deputy and listed in the following table. I cannot provide information as to service provision for the specific road in the area. I suggest the Deputy contacts the service providers directly in this regard.

Platform

Service Provider

Website

Phone

DSL

BT

http://www.btireland.ie

1800 923 923

Digiweb DSL

http://dsl.digiweb.ie

1800 28 58 28

Eircom DSL

http://www.eircom.ie

1800 242 633

Imagine Broadband

http://www.imagine.ie

1890 92 92 92

Irish Broadband

http://www.irishbroadband.ie

1890 56 44 56

Perlico

http://www.perlico.com

1890 25 21 48

Mobile

3 Ireland

http://www.three.ie/broadband/index.htm

1800 330 333

O2 Ireland

http://www.o2.ie/broadband

1800 886 086

Satellite

Applied Solutions

http://www.ADSLnow.ie

1890 924 854

Avonline

http://www.avonlinebroadband.co.uk

0044 800 073 1102

Broadband Wherever

http://www.broadbandwherever.net

0044 800 068 3358

Cross Country Broadband Ltd

http://www.crosscountrybroadband.com

053 925 5428

Digiweb Satellite

http://broadband.digiweb.ie

042 939 3300

e3 Broadband

http://www.e3broadband.ie

1850 303 333

ehotspot

http://www.ehotspot.ie

0044 1262 409 109

Eircom

http://www.eircom.ie

1800 242 633

Fastnet Broadband Satellite

http://www.fastnetbroadband.com

01 2303 746

Media Satellite Ireland Ltd

http://www.mediasat.ie

1850 202 144

National Broadband Ltd

http://nbb.ie

045 982 130

Orblink

http://www.orblink.ie

01 860 1995

Pure Telecom Satellite

http://www.puretelecom.ie

01 289 5555

Satellite Broadband Ireland. Ltd

http://www.satellitebroadbandireland .ie

044 937 2514

Energy Prices.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

423 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps he has taken to reduce the cost of electricity here; the timescale in place that will see a reduction in price; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5749/09]

The regulation of ESB customer supply electricity tariffs is the statutory responsibility of the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) under the Electricity Regulation Act 1999.

I welcome the fact that the CER announced on 1 December 2008 that there would be no further increase in the price of gas from January 2009 and that there would be a small average decrease from that month of just less than 1% in the price of electricity supplied by ESB Customer Supply. This decision is reflective of recent easing in international fossil fuel prices, which follows a period of exponential increases in global oil, gas and coal prices. I also welcome the substantial rebate being provided by ESB to all electricity customers, irrespective of supplier, which has helped to stabilise electricity prices for 2009.

The CER is required to examine the costs underlying the regulated tariffs to ensure they are cost reflective. However, I believe that we can lower energy costs to consumers in a non-distortionary fashion, through an expedited review of tariffs. To achieve this, I have asked the energy regulator to undertake an immediate review of options to bring forward a reduction in electricity prices. I expect this review to be completed by the end of this month. As I have previously stated, if current trends in energy prices particularly gas, continue, I would expect a double-digit cut in electricity and gas prices to become a reality later this year.

I would stress that the large commercial sector, which covers approximately 35% of the electricity market by volume, is not subject to price regulation. In this sector there is competition among the various independent suppliers. I understand that depending on the contracts in place in this sector, the benefits of reductions in the cost of gas can be passed on quickly to customers and that many of these large commercial customers are already benefitting from substantial reductions in electricity prices.

Encouraging a competitive energy supply is a key policy objective for the Government. Rising energy costs are a major concern for all sectors of the economy and for consumers. It is a major concern for the European Union and globally. In this context, I welcome Sustainable Energy Ireland's report on Understanding Electricity and Gas Prices in Ireland, published in September 2008, which provides a valuable insight into the drivers of higher energy costs in our market. In particular, it underlines the imperative to reduce Ireland's dependence on imported fossil fuels and our exposure to volatile international market prices for these commodities.

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

Broadcasting Licences.

Simon Coveney

Ceist:

424 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding community radio stations, whose licences expire before the Broadcasting Bill is introduced; if there is an option to extend their current licence until the Bill is passed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5835/09]

The Broadcasting Commission of Ireland has statutory responsibility under Part III of the Radio and Television Act 1988, as amended, for the award or renewal of sound broadcasting contracts to community radio stations. As such I have no role in relation to contract award decisions.

The Broadcasting Bill 2008, which is currently before the Houses of the Oireachtas, assigns responsibility for the award of community sound broadcasting contracts to the proposed Broadcasting Authority of Ireland. Section 178(8) of the Bill provides for the continuance of any sound broadcasting contracts entered into by the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland on the establishment of the BAI.

Smarter Travel Policy.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

425 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his Department’s work place travel plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5845/09]

My Department supports the Government's Smarter Travel Policy, launched by the Minister for Transport in February and which recognises the valuable role that workplace travel planning can play in making commuting travel patterns more sustainable.

To encourage use of public transport, my Department operates a Travel Pass Scheme open to all members of staff, which facilitates the processing and issuing of annual passes by relevant public transport operators and direct salary deduction to cover costs. This year, 58 staff members are availing of the scheme.

Secure bicycle storage and shower facilities are also provided at the Dublin offices to facilitate staff cycling and walking to work. My Department will also be implementing the Budget 2009 announcement on the provision of bicycles and equipment via employers to employees who agree to use the bicycles to cycle to work.

Also, in 2008, my Department implemented a scheme whereby a number of bicycles have been provided, with the appropriate safety equipment, for official use on business travel within Dublin city. I am very pleased to report that the uptake on the use of these bicycles has been encouraging and is reducing dependency on taxis, particularly for city centre travel.

My Department also provides a number of car parking spaces in both Cavan and Dublin to facilitate those staff who drive to work. Those spaces located in Dublin will be subject to taxation provisions announced in Budget 2009.

Bio-fuels Emissions.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

426 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on fears over the long-term health risks of bio-fuels; if his attention has been drawn to the fears that the emissions from bio-fuels could result in a build up of chemicals in the immediate atmosphere causing increased photochemical smog and increasing the occurrence risk of respiratory diseases such as asthma; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5865/09]

I am aware of a range of international studies that have investigated the possibility of adverse health implications from the use of bio-fuels. Only very limited evidence has emerged to support the theory that bio-fuel emissions pose a long term risk to public health.

My Department is in regular contact with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, which has responsibility for air quality and emissions, and both Departments will continue to monitor research in this area.

Broadcasting Services.

James Bannon

Ceist:

427 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to rectify the omission which has resulted in the Irish in England being the only national grouping without the benefit of access to a country of origin television channel, despite numerous promises to restore a previous facility which was discontinued some years ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5899/09]

Up to 2001 a private subscription channel, Tara Television provided a means for the Irish community in parts of Britain to access some of RTE's programming. This was not an RTÉ service but a private company in which RTÉ contributed its programming as a means of investment in this commercial venture. Unfortunately Tara Television did not manage to attract sufficient subscribers and ceased to broadcast in 2001.

Subsequently the Report on the Task Force on Emigration recommended the public service remits of RTÉ and TG4 be amended to allow for the provision and public funding of broadcasting services to Irish communities in England.

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

Section 14 of the 2007 Act amends section 28(8) of the 2001 Act to allow RTÉ to use public funds drawn from television licence fee income for the purposes of providing the new television service. Section 14 also amends subsection (10) of section 28 to require the RTÉ Authority to report to the Minister on its use of public funding for such a purpose.

RTÉ fulfils its obligation under section 3 of the Broadcasting (Amendment) Act 2007 in a variety of ways and using a variety of broadcast platforms.

In relation to television RTÉ has focussed on internet access to certain programming and is considering an i-player service in the future.

RTÉ has also been planning to launch a television service on the UK Freesat platform. This international television service is expected to show Irish TV programming for which they own the copyright. RTÉ has indicated that it has contracted with Freesat for space on the platform. However, they have advised me that as a result of the rapidly worsening economic conditions and falling advertising revenue, they will need to postpone the launch of this service.

Telecommunications Services.

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

428 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason Eircom has decided to and has been allowed to remove telephone boxes from small towns and villages in rural Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5901/09]

The regulation of telecommunications operators, including the regulation of Universal Service Obligations is the responsibility of the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), in accordance with the requirements of the Communications Regulation Act 2002 and regulations, which transpose the EU Regulatory Framework for Electronic Communications.

In accordance with Regulation 7 of the European Communities (Electronic Communications Networks and Services) (Universal Service and Users' Rights) Regulations, S.I. No. 308 of 2003, eircom is designated as the Universal Service Provider. Under Regulation 5 of these Regulations, eircom is obliged to ensure that public payphones are provided to meet the reasonable needs of end-users in terms of geographical coverage, the number of telephones and the quality of services.

In 2006, ComReg published an Information Notice — "Universal Service Obligation — Removal/Relocation of Public Pay Telephones" (No. 06/14) outlining the criteria and procedures for the removal/relocation of public payphones. In accordance with this notice, eircom is obliged to notify ComReg and the relevant local authorities of its intentions to remove specific payphones. Eircom must also post a notice on the relevant public payphone for a minimum period of 6 weeks to clearly inform users of the intention to remove the payphone, proposed date of cessation of service, location of alternative public payphones, eircom's contact details and the timeframe to allow for the making of comments in relation to the removal of individual phoneboxes. Eircom is obliged to take full account of all comments received and reconsider the proposals, if appropriate.

I understand from ComReg, that eircom has signalled that their intention to remove 2,151 payphones is based on the fact that there has been a steady decline in their usage over the past number of years. The rationalisation is based on the fact there is little or sometimes no traffic being generated on the line and they have become financially unviable. eircom is currently engaged in a period of consultation with the general public and interested parties regarding the removal of the payphones. This consultation period runs until 16th March 2009.

Question No. 429 answered with Question No. 412.

Energy Resources.

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

430 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the target set nationally to obtain energy from natural resources; the percentage of the energy needs here which will be obtained from renewable energy sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6010/09]

The accelerated development of renewable energy resources is a key priority for the Government. The displacement of fossil fuels and the integration of renewable energy into the national energy mix is a key imperative for future energy security and sustainability, and the reduction of emissions.

The Government has set ambitious targets to increase the contribution of renewable energy as follows:

the electricity sector to 40% by 2020

12% of the heat sector by 2020 and

10% of the transport sector by 2020.

These targets are fully reflected in the overall renewable energy target set for Ireland's under the new EU Renewable Energy Directive.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

431 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the incentives available for persons installing solar energy solutions on private homes or commercial buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6011/09]

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

433 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if it is intended to provide a legislative framework to encourage or require the installation of photo voltaic/thermal panels on private homes or business premises; if in the future new constructions will be required to incorporate renewable energy solutions; the incentives available to encourage the use of renewable energy solutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6054/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 431 and 433 together.

The initiation of a pilot trial by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) of micro and small-scale generation technologies is designed to investigate and test technical, market and regulatory issues associated with the deployment of micro-generation technologies including installation, network connection and operation, and generation. Grant aid for up to 50 pilot installations, will be provided as part of the programme.

A call for expression of interest is currently open for the Low Carbon Housing Programme administered by SEI. In addition to having a minimum requirement of a Building Energy Rating of A2 or higher the targets also include provision for onsite generation.

The Revised Building Regulations brought into force in July 2008 now include a compulsory renewable energy component for all new houses. This will not only ensure that renewables are integrated into the housing stock but will also encourage individuals to consider a range of renewable options when purchasing a new home. This is further underpinned by the introduction of the Building Energy Rating which provides information to house purchasers on energy performance and to which renewables energy systems will contribute.

The Greener Homes Scheme, administered by SEI, provides grant support to individuals wishing to install renewable energy heating technologies in their homes. This scheme, in operation since early 2006, has already established a very strong supply industry for renewable energy products, services and fuels while the application of strict product standards and installer training and quality schemes has ensured that consumers are informed in relation to their choices.

The Renewable Heat (ReHeat) and CHP Programmes, also provide assistance for the deployment of renewable heating systems in industrial, commercial, public and community premises.

Departmental Agencies.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

432 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the membership of State agencies under his Department; if any board members have served more than two terms; if there are cases where a chief executive subsequently became chairman; if one or more members of the audit committee in each case has specific financial expertise; and if the companies disclose necessary action to remedy significant failings in internal controls. [6017/09]

I am assembling the information required by the Deputy and will revert to him as soon as possible.

I can, however, inform the Deputy that in one case (the Electricity Supply Board) the Chief Executive subsequently became Chairman in 1991.

The make-up, qualifications and actions of audit committees within the agencies is a day-to-day operational matter for the agencies themselves.

Question No. 433 answered with Question No. 431.

Telecommunications Services.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

434 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when villages (details supplied) in County Cork will receive broadband under the national broadband scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6071/09]

Broadband services are available from competing service providers over multiple platforms, including DSL (telephone lines), cable, fixed wireless, and mobile. Ballynoe, Castlemartyr, Killeagh, Rathcormack, Ballycotton and Shanagarry, County Cork, are currently served by at least one service provider and do not fall within the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) coverage area. The following table is a list of the service providers for the stated areas.

My Department has entered into a contract with "3", a Hutchison Whampoa company, for the delivery of the NBS. 3 will be required to provide services to all residences and businesses that are within the NBS area and who seek a service.

3 are currently planning the construction and rollout of the required infrastructure for the purposes of the provision of the service. Challenging roll out targets have been agreed with 3. Services will begin to be rolled out in April 2009 and the entire NBS area must be covered by September 2010.

The general areas of Conna and Ballymacoda, County Cork, will be covered by the NBS. Details of the areas to be covered by 3 under the NBS are available at www.three.ie/nbs.

Area/Platform

Service Provider

Website

Phone

Ballynoe

Mobile

O2 Ireland

http://www.o2.ie/broadband

1800 886 086

Wireless

C Tek

1570 600 636

Satellite

Applied Solutions

http://www.ADSLnow.ie

1890 924 854

Avonline

http://www.avonlinebroadband.co.uk

0044 800 073 1102

Broadband Wherever

http://www.broadbandwherever.net

0044 800 068 3358

Cross Country Broadband Ltd

http://www.crosscountrybroadband.com

053 925 5428

Digiweb Satellite

http://broadband.digiweb.ie

042 939 3300

e3 Broadband

http://www.e3broadband.ie

1850 303 333

ehotspot

http://www.ehotspot.ie

0044 1262 409 109

Eircom

http://www.eircom.ie

1800 242 633

Fastnet Broadband Satellite

http://www.fastnetbroadband.com

01 2303 746

Media Satellite Ireland Ltd

http://www.mediasat.ie

1850 202 144

National Broadband Ltd

http://nbb.ie

045 982 130

Orblink

http://www.orblink.ie

01 860 1995

Pure Telecom Satellite

http://www.puretelecom.ie

01 289 5555

Satellite Broadband Ireland. Ltd

http://www.satellitebroadbandireland .ie

044 937 2514

Castlemartyr

Mobile

3 Ireland

http://www.three.ie/broadband/index.htm

1800 330 333

Wireless

AirWave InterNet

http://www.airwaveinternet.net

021 4882 277

Satellite

Applied Solutions

http://www.ADSLnow.ie

1890 924 854

Avonline

http://www.avonlinebroadband.co.uk

0044 800 073 1102

Broadband Wherever

http://www.broadbandwherever.net

0044 800 068 3358

Cross Country Broadband Ltd

http://www.crosscountrybroadband.com

053 925 5428

Digiweb Satellite

http://broadband.digiweb.ie

042 939 3300

e3 Broadband

http://www.e3broadband.ie

1850 303 333

ehotspot

http://www.ehotspot.ie

0044 1262 409 109

Eircom

http://www.eircom.ie

1800 242 633

Fastnet Broadband Satellite

http://www.fastnetbroadband.com

01 2303 746

Media Satellite Ireland Ltd

http://www.mediasat.ie

1850 202 144

National Broadband Ltd

http://nbb.ie

045 982 130

Orblink

http://www.orblink.ie

01 860 1995

Pure Telecom Satellite

http://www.puretelecom.ie

01 289 5555

Satellite Broadband Ireland. Ltd

http://www.satellitebroadbandireland .ie

044 937 2514

Killeagh

DSL

BT

http://www.btireland.ie

1800 923 923

Digiweb DSL

http://dsl.digiweb.ie

1800 28 58 28

Eircom DSL

http://www.eircom.ie

1800 242 633

Imagine Broadband

http://www.imagine.ie

1890 92 92 92

Irish Broadband

http://www.irishbroadband.ie

1890 56 44 56

Perlico

http://www.perlico.com

1890 25 21 48

Mobile

3 Ireland

http://www.three.ie/broadband/index.htm

1800 330 333

Wireless

AirWave InterNet

http://www.airwaveinternet.net

021 4882 277

Satellite

Applied Solutions

http://www.ADSLnow.ie

1890 924 854

Avonline

http://www.avonlinebroadband.co.uk

0044 800 073 1102

Broadband Wherever

http://www.broadbandwherever.net

0044 800 068 3358

Cross Country Broadband Ltd

http://www.crosscountrybroadband.com

053 925 5428

Digiweb Satellite

http://broadband.digiweb.ie

042 939 3300

e3 Broadband

http://www.e3broadband.ie

1850 303 333

ehotspot

http://www.ehotspot.ie

0044 1262 409 109

Eircom

http://www.eircom.ie

1800 242 633

Fastnet Broadband Satellite

http://www.fastnetbroadband.com

01 2303 746

Media Satellite Ireland Ltd

http://www.mediasat.ie

1850 202 144

National Broadband Ltd

http://nbb.ie

045 982 130

Orblink

http://www.orblink.ie

01 860 1995

Pure Telecom Satellite

http://www.puretelecom.ie

01 289 5555

Satellite Broadband Ireland. Ltd

http://www.satellitebroadbandireland .ie

044 937 2514

Rathcormack

DSL

BT

http://www.btireland.ie

1800 923 923

Digiweb DSL

http://dsl.digiweb.ie

1800 28 58 28

Eircom DSL

http://www.eircom.ie

1800 242 633

Imagine Broadband

http://www.imagine.ie

1890 92 92 92

Irish Broadband

http://www.irishbroadband.ie

1890 56 44 56

Perlico

http://www.perlico.com

1890 25 21 48

Mobile

3 Ireland

http://www.three.ie/broadband/index.htm

1800 330 333

O2 Ireland

http://www.o2.ie/broadband

1800 886 086

Wireless

C Tek

1570 600 636

Satellite

Applied Solutions

http://www.ADSLnow.ie

1890 924 854

Avonline

http://www.avonlinebroadband.co.uk

0044 800 073 1102

Broadband Wherever

http://www.broadbandwherever.net

0044 800 068 3358

Cross Country Broadband Ltd

http://www.crosscountrybroadband.com

053 925 5428

Digiweb Satellite

http://broadband.digiweb.ie

042 939 3300

e3 Broadband

http://www.e3broadband.ie

1850 303 333

ehotspot

http://www.ehotspot.ie

0044 1262 409 109

Eircom

http://www.eircom.ie

1800 242 633

Fastnet Broadband Satellite

http://www.fastnetbroadband.com

01 2303 746

Media Satellite Ireland Ltd

http://www.mediasat.ie

1850 202 144

National Broadband Ltd

http://nbb.ie

045 982 130

Orblink

http://www.orblink.ie

01 860 1995

Pure Telecom Satellite

http://www.puretelecom.ie

01 289 5555

Satellite Broadband Ireland. Ltd

http://www.satellitebroadbandireland .ie

044 937 2514

Ballycotton

Mobile

O2 Ireland

http://www.o2.ie/broadband

1800 886 086

Satellite

Applied Solutions

http://www.ADSLnow.ie

1890 924 854

Avonline

http://www.avonlinebroadband.co.uk

0044 800 073 1102

Broadband Wherever

http://www.broadbandwherever.net

0044 800 068 3358

Cross Country Broadband Ltd

http://www.crosscountrybroadband.com

053 925 5428

Digiweb Satellite

http://broadband.digiweb.ie

042 939 3300

e3 Broadband

http://www.e3broadband.ie

1850 303 333

ehotspot

http://www.ehotspot.ie

0044 1262 409 109

Eircom

http://www.eircom.ie

1800 242 633

Fastnet Broadband Satellite

http://www.fastnetbroadband.com

01 2303 746

Media Satellite Ireland Ltd

http://www.mediasat.ie

1850 202 144

National Broadband Ltd

http://nbb.ie

045 982 130

Orblink

http://www.orblink.ie

01 860 1995

Pure Telecom Satellite

http://www.puretelecom.ie

01 289 5555

Satellite Broadband Ireland. Ltd

http://www.satellitebroadbandireland .ie

044 937 2514

Shanagarry

Mobile

O2 Ireland

http://www.o2.ie/broadband

1800 886 086

Satellite

Applied Solutions

http://www.ADSLnow.ie

1890 924 854

Avonline

http://www.avonlinebroadband.co.uk

0044 800 073 1102

Broadband Wherever

http://www.broadbandwherever.net

0044 800 068 3358

Cross Country Broadband Ltd

http://www.crosscountrybroadband.com

053 925 5428

Digiweb Satellite

http://broadband.digiweb.ie

042 939 3300

e3 Broadband

http://www.e3broadband.ie

1850 303 333

ehotspot

http://www.ehotspot.ie

0044 1262 409 109

Eircom

http://www.eircom.ie

1800 242 633

Fastnet Broadband Satellite

http://www.fastnetbroadband.com

01 2303 746

Media Satellite Ireland Ltd

http://www.mediasat.ie

1850 202 144

National Broadband Ltd

http://nbb.ie

045 982 130

Orblink

http://www.orblink.ie

01 860 1995

Pure Telecom Satellite

http://www.puretelecom.ie

01 289 5555

Satellite Broadband Ireland. Ltd

http://www.satellitebroadbandireland .ie

044 937 2514

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

435 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if roll-out of broadband under the national broadband scheme has commenced in view of the fact that a contractor has been appointed to deliver the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6072/09]

My Department has entered into a contract with "3", a Hutchison Whampoa company, for the delivery of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS). 3 will be required to provide services to all residences and businesses that are within the NBS area and who seek a service. 3 is currently planning the construction and rollout of the required infrastructure for the purposes of the provision of the service. Challenging roll out targets have been agreed with 3. Services will begin to be rolled out in April 2009 and the entire NBS area must be covered by September 2010.

Details of the areas to be covered by 3 under the NBS are available at www.three.ie/nbs.

Energy Prices.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

436 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps he will take to ensure that the consumer receives the benefit of competition and competitive prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6080/09]

The Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006 provides for the assignment of responsibility in relation to gas safety matters, to the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER). Statutory Instrument No 68 of 2008 made on 11 March 2008 provided, inter alia, for the commencement of those provisions of the Act concerning the regulation of the activities of gas installers with respect to safety and related matters.

As part of the new gas safety regime, the CER has recently appointed the Register of Gas Installers of Ireland (RGII). The RGII is responsible for registering gas installers and regulating their activities with respect to safety. It is expected that this new regulatory system will be fully operational by mid year. At that time, gas works may only be carried out by registered installers, in accordance with safety requirements specified by the CER.

I understand that Bord Gáis Networks currently maintains a Register of Gas Installers as a transitional measure towards the new mandatory regime. That register consists of gas installers and service agents, who have completed the required gas installation safety training and provide the necessary insurance cover to carry out gas installations to the required industry standard. The register includes a list of dedicated engineers who service domestic gas boilers. The charge for this service has increased from €99 (not €90 as stated by the Deputy) to €105 over the past year.

Gas service agents operate in a fully competitive market and customers are not obliged to have domestic boilers serviced by engineers from the register. The CER has no function in regard to charges imposed by gas service agents.

Question No. 437 answered with Question No. 412.

Ministerial Travel.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

438 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the cost in relation to foreign travel, accommodation and related Ministerial and official costs associated with St. Patrick’s Day 2008; and the plans related to St. Patrick’s Day 2009 and the projected cost. [6153/09]

I wish to advise the Deputy that the total cost associated with my travel to Paris for St. Patrick's Day 2008 was €1,833. My trip to Paris was for a period of two days. The breakdown of this cost is outlined in the following table. I was not accompanied by officials from my Department. My plans for St. Patrick's Day this year are not yet finalised.

Description

Costs

Flights

518

Hotel

730

Subsistence

243

Bike Hire

4

Gifts

338

Total

1,833

Telecommunications Services.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

439 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the roll-out of broadband will take place at Kilmeady telephone exchange, County Limerick. [6338/09]

My Department has entered into a contract with "3", a Hutchison Whampoa company, for the delivery of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS). 3 is currently planning the construction and rollout of the required infrastructure for the purposes of the provision of the service. Challenging roll out targets have been agreed with 3. Services will begin to be rolled out in April 2009 and the entire NBS area must be covered by September 2010.

While the DSL enablement of exchanges for broadband purposes is a matter for the private sector owners of the relevant exchanges, the general area of Kilmeedy will be covered by the NBS.

Harbours and Piers.

Tom Sheahan

Ceist:

440 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make funding available to upgrade and improve the pier at Renard, Cahirciveen, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6055/09]

The pier at Renard is the property of Kerry County Council and responsibility for its repair and upkeep rests with the Local Authority in the first instance.

My Department has however received an application from Kerry County Council for funding under my Department's 2009 Fishery Harbours and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme for improvements at the pier.

This application together with all other applications for funding under the 2009 Fishery Harbours and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme will be given consideration subject to available exchequer funding and overall national priorities.

Grant Payments.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

441 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be granted the farm waste management grant. [5563/09]

The arrangements for payment of grants under the Farm Waste Management Scheme on a phased basis have been confirmed with 40 per cent being paid this year as claims are approved. A further 40 per cent will be paid in early January 2010 and the remaining 20 per cent in January 2011. Payment of the initial 40 per cent to farmers will be made as expeditiously as possible.

Sugar Beet Sector.

Ned O'Keeffe

Ceist:

442 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment of the sugar beet entitlements will issue to persons (details supplied) in County Cork. [5583/09]

An official of my Department has been in direct contact with the persons named and has given them details of the payments already made to them under the various provisions of the EU Sugar Reform package. Subject to one further payment, which will issue shortly, the applicants will then have received their full entitlements under the EU Sugar Reform Package.

Farm Waste Management.

Bobby Aylward

Ceist:

443 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will arrange early inspection under the farm waste management scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [5604/09]

The person concerned is an applicant for grant-aid under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. An inspection will be carried out in this case as soon as possible.

Grant Payments.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

444 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be granted REP scheme four. [5609/09]

REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007-13 and is subject to EU Regulations which require the completion of detailed administrative checks on all applications. Payments are currently issuing to REPS 4 applicants whose applications required no correction following the administrative checks. Further payments will be made as applications are cleared.

Seymour Crawford

Ceist:

445 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan will be issued their REP scheme four payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5664/09]

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.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

446 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a farm waste management grant will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5665/09]

The arrangements for payment of grants under the Farm Waste Management Scheme on a phased basis have been confirmed with 40 per cent being paid this year as claims are approved. A further 40 per cent will be paid in early January 2010 and the remaining 20 per cent in January 2011. Payment of the initial 40 per cent to farmers will be made as expeditiously as possible.

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

447 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their payment under REP scheme four; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5671/09]

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.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

448 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason for the delay in payment of a REP scheme payment, which was due to be awarded in 2008 to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will confirm that arrangements have been made for payment. [5702/09]

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.

Horticulture Sector.

Andrew Doyle

Ceist:

449 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the action he will take to ensure the continuing existence of a horticultural producer group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5707/09]

The enterprise to which the Deputy refers is currently trading reduced volumes and its staff is on protective notice because its contracts with one of the major multiples have been wound down. These are commercial decisions made by private organisations and not something in which I would be entitled to intervene. I understand that the enterprise in question intends to continue in business. The enterprise has received substantial support from my Department under the NDP schemes. Part of the enterprise is recognised as a producer organisation and has also received EU aid for its operational programmes. If the enterprise continues in business, both these avenues are open to it for future assistance.

Bovine Diseases.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

450 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if an individual herd owner has right of appeal in respect of test findings under the tuberculosis bovine animal testing system; the circumstances under legislation whereby reactor animals can be retested; the number of occasions and the circumstances in which this has happened in the past; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5724/09]

Article 6 of the Bovine Tuberculosis (Attestation of the State and General Provisions) Order 1989 S.I. No. 308 of 1989, as amended, provides that the test to be used for the detection of bovine TB shall be the intradermal tuberculin comparative test using PPD or HCSM bovine and avian tuberculins or a test specified in an authorisation in writing by the Minister. In infected herds, a supplementary test — the gamma interferon assay which has been authorised by me as an approved test- may be used by the Veterinary Inspector to identify additional animals which may be infected by tuberculosis and, in such cases, animals positive to this test will also, ordinarily, be removed as reactors.

Article 8 of the Bovine Tuberculosis (Attestation of the State and General Provisions) Order 1989, (S.I. No. 308 of 1989), as amended, provides that, where an animal has given a positive result to a test, it shall not be tested again with tuberculin. The Order does allow for retesting of reactor animals for experimental purposes but such experimental testing e.g. for new test development and/or potency checking of tuberculins, does not change the status of the reactor animals nor delay their removal from the farm.

The results of tuberculin tests carried out by approved veterinary practitioners are interpreted by Veterinary Inspectors in my Department's local District Veterinary Offices. Having taken into consideration test results, epidemiological factors, clinical symptoms and any other information available, the veterinary inspector will deem an animal to be a positive reactor where he or she believes or suspects it is affected with or is capable of infecting other animals with bovine tuberculosis and it will be removed from the herd and slaughtered. There is no provision for appeal by the herd owner as the decision to remove a reactor is based on veterinary opinion that the animal is infected.

However, on occasion a farmer, a veterinary practitioner or a veterinary inspector may raise queries about the result of a test in a herd and whether or not a particular treatment of an animal or animals may have affected the test result. In such cases, the circumstances will be investigated by the Veterinary inspectorate and taken into consideration when arriving at a decision as to whether the animal should be deemed to be a reactor.

Grant Payments.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

451 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will issue payment for the farm waste management grant to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [5743/09]

The arrangements for payment of grants under the Farm Waste Management Scheme on a phased basis have been confirmed with 40 per cent being paid this year as claims are approved. A further 40 per cent will be paid in early January 2010 and the remaining 20 per cent in January 2011. Payment of the initial 40 per cent to farmers will be made as expeditiously as possible.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

452 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the case of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick will be reviewed. [5744/09]

An application under the Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on the 15th May 2008. This application was selected for and was the subject of ground eligibility and full cross compliance inspection.

During the course of the cross-compliance inspection breaches, were found in the areas of Animal Identification & Registration, Food Hygiene and Animal Welfare. This resulted in an overall cross compliance penalty of 25% being applied to the 2008 Single Payment in accordance with the terms and conditions of the scheme.

A formal decision issued to the person named on 18th November 2008 that advised him of his right to seek a review of the decision within 21 days to the District Inspector and of his right to appeal the outcome of any such review to the Independent Agriculture Appeals Office. To date no review has been sought.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

453 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a REP scheme payment will issue to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5757/09]

The first 75% of his payment issued to the person named on 2nd February 2009. The balance will follow in due course.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

454 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will receive their slatted house grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5758/09]

The arrangements for payment of grants under the Farm Waste Management Scheme on a phased basis have been confirmed with 40 per cent being paid this year as claims are approved. A further 40 per cent will be paid in early January 2010 and the remaining 20 per cent in January 2011. Payment of the initial 40 per cent to farmers will be made as expeditiously as possible.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

455 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a slatted house grant will issue to persons (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5759/09]

The arrangements for payment of grants under the Farm Waste Management Scheme on a phased basis have been confirmed with 40 per cent being paid this year as claims are approved. A further 40 per cent will be paid in early January 2010 and the remaining 20 per cent in January 2011. Payment of the initial 40 per cent to farmers will be made as expeditiously as possible.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

456 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on releasing to farmers currently awaiting payment under the farm waste management scheme, original invoices submitted as part of their applications to facilitate those who are entitled to claim back VAT; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5789/09]

In respect of grant applications made under the Farm Waste Management Scheme, I have made arrangements in my Department's local offices for the return, on request, to farmers of original invoices as soon as possible to facilitate any such farmers who require those invoices to claim VAT refunds from the Office of the Revenue Commissioners.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

457 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be awarded payment under the farm waste management scheme. [5797/09]

The arrangements for payment of grants under the Farm Waste Management Scheme on a phased basis have been confirmed with 40 per cent being paid this year as claims are approved. A further 40 per cent will be paid in early January 2010 and the remaining 20 per cent in January 2011. Payment of the initial 40 per cent to farmers will be made as expeditiously as possible.

Smarter Travel Policy.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

458 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his Department’s workplace travel plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5843/09]

My Department is aware of, and supports, the Government's Smarter Travel Policy, launched by the Minister for Transport on 5 February, which recognises the valuable role that workplace travel planning can play in making commuting travel patterns more sustainable. In particular, my Department supports greater flexibility in work patterns and eWorking.

Grant Payments.

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

459 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position in relation to a grant application from a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [5860/09]

Under EU state aid rules the final year for awards under my Department's Capital Investment Scheme for the Marketing and Processing of certain agricultural products was 2008.

Following calls for proposals all aid applications went through a competitive assessment and evaluation process in which their strengths were assessed and ranked in line with the objectives of the Scheme. In the case of the horticulture sector 32 eligible applications were assessed and ranked in 2008 and the available funding was allocated to the 13 highest ranked projects. The project referred to was not one of these 13.

There is no indication that any of the awards granted will not be drawn down and in any event, it is not open to my Department to transfer an award from another proposal.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

460 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will receive payment; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5876/09]

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.

Departmental Agencies.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

461 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the membership of State agencies under his Department; if any board members have served more than two terms; if there are cases where a chief executive subsequently became chairman; if one or more members of the audit committee in each case has specific financial expertise; and if the companies disclose necessary action to remedy significant failings in internal controls. [6015/09]

Eleven Bodies come under the aegis of my Department. The table sets out the current membership of each of these Bodies together with details of those members who have served for two terms or more.

Body

Current Membership

Members — More than two terms

Teagasc

Dr Noel Cawley (Chair), Prof Patrick Fottrell, Margaret Sweeney, James J. Brett, Martin Heraghty, Derek Deane, Padraig Gibbons, Frank O’Mahony, Stephen Flynn, Joe Fitzgerald

Prof Patrick Fottrell

Bord Bia

Dan Browne (Chair), Jackie Cahill, Ray Carolan, Noel Cawley, Vincent Cleary, Paul Cusack, Kieran Dunne, Frank Hayes, Joe Hyland, Katherine O’Leary, Brid Rogers,

Noel Cawley

Irish National Stud Company

Lady O’Reilly (Chair), Trevor Stewart, Mick Leavy, Dermot Weld, Patricia O’Kelly, John Osborne, Jim Beecher

Lady O’Reilly, Dermot Weld, Patricia O’Kelly, Jim Beecher

National Milk Agency

Denis Murphy (Chair), Eamonn Bray, Gerome Crowley, Donal Kelleher, Padraig Mulligan, Donal Murphy, George Kearns, John O’Callaghan, Tony O’Driscoll, Frank Tobin, Walter Maloney, John Foster, Richard Donohue, Michael Kilcoyne

Eamonn Bray, Donal Kelleher, Padraig Mulligan, George Kearns, John O’Callaghan, Walter Maloney, John Foster, Richard Donohue, Michael Kilcoyne

Coillte Teoranta

Brendan McKenna (Chair) David Gunning, Eugene Griffin, Dr Yvonne Scannell, Breffni Byrne, Alma Kelly, Frank Toal, Grainne Hannon, Philip Lynch

None

COFORD

Michael Lynn (Chair), Pat Hennessy, John Joe O’Boyle, Michael Glennon, Willie Fitzgerald, John McCarthy, Donal Whelan, Tim Crowley, Pierce Buckley, Nuala Ní Fhlatharta, Dympna Furlong, Diarmuid McAree

None

Veterinary Council of Ireland

Barbara Bent, Meta Osborne, Lindy Vaughan, Deirdre Champion, Cliodhna Foley-Nolan, Grace Mulcahy, Melanie O’Donoghue, Seamus Quinn, PJ Rogan, John O’Rourke, William Cashman, Donal Connolly, Sean O’Laoide, Timothy F O’Leary, Patrick J Talty, Thomas Hanley, Joseph P Cassidy, Finbar Mulligan; Fergus Gallagher

Meta Osborne, Lindy Vaughan, PJ Rogan, John O’Rourke, Donal Connolly, Timothy O’Leary, Patrick Talty, Thomas Hanley

Bord Iascaigh Mhara

Rose McHugh (Chair), Seamus Dooley, Enda Bonner, Robert Molloy, Ivan S. Coulter, Michael Dempsey

None

Marine Institute

Jim Fennell (Chair), Terry Fleming, Dairine McFadden, Eleanor O’Higgins, Bernie Hannigan, Michael Walsh, Richie Flynn

None

Sea Fisheries Protection Authority

Peter Whelan (Chair), Andrew Kinneen, Michael O’Mahony

None

Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board

Mark O’Connell (Chair), Mario Minehane, Sean Murphy, Lorcán Ó’Cinnéide, Karin Dubsky, Damian McDonald, Deirdre MacGabhann

Mario Minehane, Sean Murphy, Lorcán Ó Cinnéide

In respect of Chief Executive Officers subsequently serving as Chairperson's of that Board, only one instance can be found. Brendan Kelly who resigned from Bord Iascaigh Mhara in April 1981 served in the duel role of Chief Executive Officer and Chairperson of the Board.

Under the Code of Practice for State Bodies, each Chairperson in addition to the provision of an annual report and accounts, is obliged to provide the Minister with a comprehensive report covering that Body's activities. This report includes affirmation that all appropriate procedures for financial reporting, internal audit, procurement and asset disposals are being carried out and were necessary, an explanation for failure to comply with these requirements and stating any corrective action taken or contemplated.

Grant Payments.

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

462 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when will a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their payment under the farm improvement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6034/09]

The person concerned is an applicant under the Farm Improvement Scheme. Payment of grant-aid will issue shortly from my Department.

Bobby Aylward

Ceist:

463 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason for the delay of REP scheme four to a person (details supplied) in County Louth. [6050/09]

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.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

464 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment will be made available to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6088/09]

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.

Aquaculture Licences.

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

465 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the options available to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal who wishes to sell their two salmon licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6093/09]

The assignment of an aquaculture licence by the licensee to a third party requires the consent of the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Also, a proposed significant change in the shareholding or control of a limited company holding an aquaculture licence requires the consent of the Minister.

Grant Payments.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

466 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when single farm payments will be made in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6105/09]

An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 10th May 2008.

This application was selected for and was the subject of ground eligibility inspection.

During the course of the ground inspection, discrepancies were found with parcel number H20905018 resulting in this parcel being rejected. As there is an over declaration of over 20% no payment will be made under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme for the year in question.

The person named was informed of these findings on the 2nd November 2008 and of his right to seek a review of this decision within 21 days.

At present this file is under review with the relevant District Inspector and the person named will be duly notified of the outcome. The person named will also have the right to appeal the outcome of this review should he continue to be dissatisfied, to the Independent Agriculture Appeals Unit.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

467 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a slatted house grant will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6108/09]

The arrangements for payment of grants under the Farm Waste Management Scheme on a phased basis have been confirmed with 40 per cent being paid this year as claims are approved. A further 40 per cent will be paid in early January 2010 and the remaining 20 per cent in January 2011. Payment of the initial 40 per cent to farmers will be made as expeditiously as possible.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

468 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will receive the cow welfare scheme payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6116/09]

To date, payments totalling €691.42 in respect of 9 animals have issued to the person named. Two animals are ineligible for payment as the Dams were less than 22 months of age at the time of calving. The remaining 9 animals applied for showed errors on the Animal Events System. The Suckler Herd Section of my Department has written to the person named, and officials will be in contact shortly with a view to resolving the matter.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

469 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a returned cheque in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not been reissued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6117/09]

A payment to the representatives of the person named will issue within the next 10 days.

Poultry Industry.

Catherine Byrne

Ceist:

470 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if there are restrictions in place regarding the keeping of poultry in private residential gardens in Dublin city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6128/09]

Apart from requirements to comply with relevant welfare legislation and to register as a flockowner under the Diseases of Animals Act 1966 (Registration of Poultry Premises) Order 2005, there are no restrictions in place regarding the keeping of poultry in private residential gardens in Dublin City under legislation operated by my Department.

The Deputy may wish to contact the relevant Local Authority to ascertain the position regarding any restrictions applicable under Local Authority legislation.

Fishing Vessel Decommissioning Scheme.

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

471 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount paid out under the recent fishing boat decommissioning scheme with a breakdown on a county basis; the number of boats that were decommissioned under this scheme; if persons who availed of this scheme were prohibited from re-investing in new fishing boats; if provision was made in the scheme to assist in the re-training of those made redundant as a result of this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6135/09]

A total of 46 vessels have been approved for decommissioning under the recent fishing boat decommissioning scheme at a total cost of €36.6 million. Together these vessels represent a total capacity decommissioned of 6,913 Gross tonnes and 19,356 kilo watts. The number of decommissioning grants and the total grant aid per county is a matter for Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), which is responsible for administering the Decommissioning Scheme.

Persons who availed of this decommissioning scheme were not prohibited from re-investing in new or second-hand fishing boats. To attempt otherwise would not be practicable. However, for the person who decommissioned their vessel and capacity to re-invest would require that they purchase existing capacity on the fleet register equivalent to the size of the vessel they are introducing to the fleet. In this way the net reduction in fleet capacity aimed for through decommissioning is not affected by any individuals decision to re-invest

In relation to the re-training of those made redundant as a result of this scheme, it is worth noting that all fishing vessel crewmembers are eligible to apply for BIM's training programmes, including those serving on vessels that have been decommissioned. Some fishermen from decommissioned vessels have or are presently upgrading their qualifications with BIM and there are also opportunities to retrain for the aquaculture sector, for which many of the skills learned in the fishing industry are relevant. FÁS also provides training for fishing vessel crewmembers who wish to leave the fishing industry for a new career opportunity.

Ministerial Travel.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

472 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the cost in regard to foreign travel, accommodation and related ministerial and official costs associated with St. Patrick’s Day 2008; and the plans related to St. Patrick’s Day 2009 and the projected cost. [6151/09]

Please see the following details of costs associated with St Patrick's Day 2008:

Name

Destination

Amount

Minister Coughlan

Dubai

3,332.57

Spouse

Dubai

3,332.57

Private Secretary

Dubai

3,332.57

Official Expenses

Gifts

55.71

Hospitality

210.52

Executive Lounge, Dublin Airport

300.00

I am scheduled to travel to Germany for St Patrick's Day 2009 however projected costs for this trip are not yet available.

Grant Payments.

Dinny McGinley

Ceist:

473 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding an application for the waste management grant by a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and when payment will issue. [6342/09]

The arrangements for payment of grants under the Farm Waste Management Scheme on a phased basis have been confirmed with 40 per cent being paid this year as claims are approved. A further 40 per cent will be paid in early January 2010 and the remaining 20 per cent in January 2011. Payment of the initial 40 per cent to farmers will be made as expeditiously as possible.

Commercial Product Testing.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

474 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the legislation which is in place to prevent the use of school pupils in the testing of commercial products; the plans there are to review the legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5553/09]

As the Deputy will be aware, under Section 15 of the Education Act 1998, the Board of Management is the body charged with the direct governance of a school and is therefore responsible for making decisions as to the types of activities in which the school gets involved. So the decision as to whether to accept sponsorship, partake in promotions or engage with research is one for the Board of Management to take. And naturally, the Board of Management should only engage in activities that are in the best interests of their students.

My Department has provided guidance to schools about commercialism and the need for schools to strike a balance between the benefit to be gained from positive links with businesses while at the same time protecting children and their parents from inappropriate marketing etc. In this regard it is important that pressure is not placed on parents or pupils to buy particular products.

In relation to the testing of commercial products, I do not think it is necessary for commercial organisations to engage in testing of products within schools. There are plenty of opportunities to test products outside of the school environment where parents are present to decide what they do and do not want their children to participate in. However, as I previously outlined, it is a matter for each Board of Management to make this decision having regard to the best interests of their pupils.

If parents have a difficulty with any such activities in their school, they should raise the matter with the Board of Management of the school.

The issue of pupils being involved in the testing of commercial products can be dealt with at local school level and should not require further legislation.

Educational Disadvantage.

Pádraic McCormack

Ceist:

475 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department will review the application in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Galway for funding under the DEIS scheme which is due to cease later in 2009 and for full recognition from DEIS as this school has participated in various schemes under the disadvantaged areas scheme over the years and is dependent on support from DEIS to continue its various courses which benefit both students and parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5566/09]

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 applied for a review at that time but regrettably the school was unsuccessful in qualifying for inclusion in DEIS.

This school retained resources, including financial and a shared Rural Co-ordinator post under pre-existing schemes and programmes for addressing educational disadvantage. When DEIS was introduced, a commitment was given as a concessionary measure to this, and a number of other schools in similar circumstances, that they would retain a level of support 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.

School Accommodation.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

476 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science the schools and the number of classroom units within each school in County Clare that are availing of accommodation under the temporary accommodation scheme; the average rental cost of each unit per annum in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5567/09]

Details held by this Department of the schools in Co. Clare renting prefabricated units are given in the following tabular statement. As the Deputy will see from the details provided, there are 26 schools renting a total of 70 prefab units. The average annual rental cost per prefab unit in Co. Clare is €11,210. As the Deputy will appreciate the cost per unit will vary depending on the size, type and age of each unit.

The Deputy will be aware that 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. 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 timeframe.

Co. Clare — Temporary Prefab Accommodation

Roll No.

Name

Address

Type

04919H

St John's NS

Cratloe, Clare

Pre-fab

04919H

St John's NS

Cratloe, Clare

Pre-fab

08241P

Scropul NS

Mullagh, Ennis, Clare

Pre-fab

13418J

Ballyea NS

Ennis, Ennis, Clare

Pre-fab

13625O

Kilnamona NS

Kilnamona, Ennis, Clare

Pre-fab

13870E

Kilkishen NS

Ennis, Ennis, Clare

Pre-fab

14111L

Cross NS

Kilrush, Kilrush, Clare

Pre-fab

14757N

Scoil na Mainstreach

Quin, Clare

Pre-fab

14830U

Barefield NS

Ennis, Clare

Pre-fab

14830U

Barefield NS

Ennis, Clare

Pre-fab

14830U

Barefield NS

Ennis, Clare

Pre-fab

15042A

Ennis NS

Ennis, Clare

Pre-fab

15042A

Ennis NS

Ennis, Clare

Pre-fab

15301V

Kildysart NS

Ennis road, Ennis, Clare

Pre-fab

15301V

Kildysart NS

Ennis road, Ennis, Clare

Pre-fab

16186G

Inch NS

Ennis, Ennis, Clare

Pre-fab

16677C

CBS Bunscoil Inis Senior School

Ennis, Clare

Pre-fab

16677C

CBS Bunscoil Inis Senior School

Ennis, Clare

Pre-fab

16677C

CBS Bunscoil Inis Senior School

Ennis, Clare

Pre-fab

16908S

Sixmilebridge NS

Sixmilebridge, Clare

Pre-fab

16908S

Sixmilebridge NS

Sixmilebridge, Clare

Pre-fab

16908S

Sixmilebridge NS

Sixmilebridge, Clare

Pre-fab

16908S

Sixmilebridge NS

Sixmilebridge, Clare

Pre-fab

16946D

Parteen NS

Parteen, Clare

Pre-fab

16946D

Parteen NS

Parteen, Clare

Pre-fab

17583V

Knockanean NS

Knockanean, Clare

Pre-fab

17583V

Knockanean NS

Knockanean, Clare

Pre-fab

17583V

Knockanean NS

Knockanean, Clare

Pre-fab

17583V

Knockanean NS

Knockanean, Clare

Pre-fab

17583V

Knockanean NS

Knockanean, Clare

Pre-fab

18190H

St Cronan's NS

Carron, Ennis, Clare

Pre-fab

18526O

Ballycar NS

Newmarket-on-Fergus, Clare

Pre-fab

18639E

Ballynacally NS

Ennis, Ennis, Clare

Pre-fab

19247S

St. Conaire's NS

Shannon, Clare

Pre-fab

19247S

St. Conaire's NS

Shannon, Clare

Pre-fab

19247S

St. Conaire's NS

Shannon, Clare

Pre-fab

19559L

Scoil Chriost Rí

Cloughleigh Road, Ennis, Clare

Pre-fab

19559L

Scoil Chriost Rí

Cloughleigh Road, Ennis, Clare

Pre-fab

19559L

Scoil Chriost Rí

Cloughleigh Road, Ennis, Clare

Pre-fab

19559L

Scoil Chriost Rí

Cloughleigh Road, Ennis, Clare

Pre-fab

19559L

Scoil Chriost Rí

Cloughleigh Road, Ennis, Clare

Pre-fab

19559L

Scoil Chriost Rí

Cloughleigh Road, Ennis, Clare

Pre-fab

19559L

Scoil Chriost Rí

Cloughleigh Road, Ennis, Clare

Pre-fab

19559L

Scoil Chriost Rí

Cloughleigh Road, Ennis, Clare

Pre-fab

19559L

Scoil Chriost Rí

Cloughleigh Road, Ennis, Clare

Pre-fab

19849U

GS Donncha Rua

Bóthar Linne, Sionna, Clare

Pre-fab

19849U

GS Donncha Rua

Bóthar Linne, Sionna, Clare

Pre-fab

19849U

GS Donncha Rua

Bóthar Linne, Sionna, Clare

Pre-fab

19849U

GS Donncha Rua

Bóthar Linne, Sionna, Clare

Pre-fab

20041C

St. Senan's Conv

Kilrush, Clare

Pre-fab

20041C

St. Senan's Conv

Kilrush, Clare

Pre-fab

20041C

St. Senan's Conv

Kilrush, Clare

Pre-fab

20075T

St. Mochulla's NS

Tulla, Clare

Pre-fab

20086B

Ennis Educate Together NS

Gort Road, Ennis, Clare

Pre-fab

20086B

Ennis Educate Together NS

Gort Road, Ennis, Clare

Pre-fab

20086B

Ennis Educate Together NS

Gort Road, Ennis, Clare

Pre-fab

20086B

Ennis Educate Together NS

Gort Road, Ennis, Clare

Pre-fab

20086B

Ennis Educate Together NS

Gort Road, Ennis, Clare

Pre-fab

20086B

Ennis Educate Together NS

Gort Road, Ennis, Clare

Pre-fab

20086B

Ennis Educate Together NS

Gort Road, Ennis, Clare

Pre-fab

20086B

Ennis Educate Together NS

Gort Road, Ennis, Clare

Pre-fab

20086B

Ennis Educate Together NS

Gort Road, Ennis, Clare

Pre-fab

20245S

Scoil Mhainchin, Ennistymon NS

Ennistymon, Clare

Pre-fab

20245S

Scoil Mhainchin, Ennistymon NS

Ennistymon, Clare

Pre-fab

20245S

Scoil Mhainchin, Ennistymon NS

Ennistymon, Clare

Pre-fab

20245S

Scoil Mhainchin, Ennistymon NS

Ennistymon, Clare

Pre-fab

20313J

Mol an Oige NS

Ennistymon, Clare

Pre-fab

20313J

Mol an Oige NS

Ennistymon, Clare

Pre-fab

20313J

Mol an Oige NS

Ennistymon, Clare

Pre-fab

20313J

Mol an Oige NS

Ennistymon, Clare

Pre-fab

Higher Education Grants.

Phil Hogan

Ceist:

477 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will review a decision to refuse a grant in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5571/09]

The decision on eligibility for student maintenance grants is a matter for the relevant assessing authority, either the local authority or VEC, as appropriate. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department, except in exceptional circumstances.

If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a maintenance grant, or that the rate of maintenance grant awarded is not the correct one, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to the relevant local authority or VEC.

Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by the relevant local authority or VEC and remains of the view that the body has not interpreted the schemes correctly in his/her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to my Department. My Department has received no appeal from the candidate referred to by the Deputy.

School Accommodation.

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

478 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science the schools and the number of classroom units within each school in the Dublin South constituency area that are availing of accommodation under the temporary accommodation scheme; the average rental cost of each unit per annum in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5580/09]

My Department holds data on temporary accommodation on a county basis rather than a constituency basis. Details held by this Department of the schools in Dublin City and County renting prefabricated units are given in the following tabular statement. As the Deputy will see from the details provided, there are 103 schools renting a total of 279 prefab units. The average annual rental cost per prefab unit in Dublin City and County area is €14,893. As the Deputy will appreciate the cost per unit will vary depending on the size, type and age of each unit.

The Deputy will be aware that 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. 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 timeframe.

Rental of Prefabricated Accommodation — Dublin

Roll No.

Name

Address

Type

00697S

St. Brigid's Mixed NS

Castleknock, Dublin

Pre-fab

00697S

St. Brigid's Mixed NS

Castleknock, Dublin

Pre-fab

00697S

St. Brigid's Mixed NS

Castleknock, Dublin

Pre-fab

00714P

Lucan BNS

Lucan, Dublin

Pre-fab

00752A

Central Model Senior Mixed NS

Marlborough St, Dublin

Pre-fab

01170G

Naul National School

Naul, Dublin

Pre-fab

01170G

Naul National School

Naul, Dublin

Pre-fab

01170G

Naul National School

Naul, Dublin

Pre-fab

01795A

Central Model Infants School

Marlborough St, Dublin

Pre-fab

03359N

Ballyroan Boys NS

Ballyroan Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin

Pre-fab

06200O

St Mary's BNS

Grotto Place, Booterstown, Dublin

Pre-fab

09492W

Balscadden School

Balscadden, Balbriggan, Dublin

Pre-fab

09492W

Balscadden School

Balscadden, Balbriggan, Dublin

Pre-fab

09750S

St Joseph's BNS

Terenure Road, Terenure, Dublin

Pre-fab

09932B

Stanhope St Convent

Manor St, Dublin

Pre-fab

12014D

St Andrew's NS

Chapel Hill, Lucan, Dublin

Pre-fab

12014D

St Andrew's NS

Chapel Hill, Lucan, Dublin

Pre-fab

14180H

Holmpatrick NS

Convent Lane, Skerries, Dublin

Pre-fab

15315J

St George's NS

Hampton St, Balbriggan, Dublin

Pre-fab

15569R

Scoil Moibhi

Skerries, Skerries, Dublin

Pre-fab

15618E

Sandford Parish NS

Sandford Close, Ranelagh, Dublin

Pre-fab

15618E

Sandford Parish NS

Sandford Close, Ranelagh, Dublin

Pre-fab

16461C

St Finian's NS

Newcastle Lyons, Dublin

Pre-fab

16461C

St Finian's NS

Newcastle Lyons, Dublin

Pre-fab

16461C

St Finian's NS

Newcastle Lyons, Dublin

Pre-fab

16461C

St Finian's NS

Newcastle Lyons, Dublin

Pre-fab

16461C

St Finian's NS

Newcastle Lyons, Dublin

Pre-fab

16577V

St Brigid's GNS

Old Finglas Rd, Glasnevin, Dublin

Pre-fab

16577V

St Brigid's GNS

Old Finglas Rd, Glasnevin, Dublin

Pre-fab

16577V

St. Brigid's GNS

Old Finglas Rd, Glasnevin, Dublin

Pre-fab

16860Q

Corpus Christi NS

Home Farm Rd, Drumcondra, Dublin

Pre-fab

16970A

St Molagas NS

Balbriggan, Dublin

Pre-fab

16970A

St Molagas NS

Balbriggan, Dublin

Pre-fab

16970A

St Molagas NS

Balbriggan, Dublin

Pre-fab

16970A

St Molagas NS

Balbriggan, Dublin

Pre-fab

16970A

St Molagas NS

Balbriggan, Dublin

Pre-fab

16970A

St Molagas NS

Balbriggan, Dublin

Pre-fab

16970A

St Molagas NS

Balbriggan, Dublin

Pre-fab

16970A

St Molagas NS

Balbriggan, Dublin

Pre-fab

16970A

St Molagas NS

Balbriggan, Dublin

Pre-fab

16972E

SS Peter & Paul JNS

Chapel Street, Balbriggan, Dublin

Pre-fab

16972E

SS Peter & Paul JNS

Chapel Street, Balbriggan, Dublin

Pre-fab

16972E

SS Peter & Paul JNS

Chapel Street, Balbriggan, Dublin

Pre-fab

17055T

Scoil Naomh Mhuire

Saggart, Dublin

Pre-fab

17055T

Scoil Naomh Mhuire

Saggart, Dublin

Pre-fab

17055T

Scoil Naomh Mhuire

Saggart, Dublin

Pre-fab

17055T

Scoil Naomh Mhuire

Saggart, Dublin

Pre-fab

17083B

Scoil Mhuire gan Smal

Dublin 8, Dublin

Pre-fab

17472M

Hedgestown NS

Hedgestown, Lusk, Dublin

Pre-fab

17559B

St. Mary's NS

Garristown, Dublin

Pre-fab

17569E

St Oliver Plunkett NS

Balrothery, Balbriggan, Dublin

Pre-fab

17569E

St Oliver Plunkett NS

Balrothery, Balbriggan, Dublin

Pre-fab

17683C

Scoil Mhuire Ogl 2

Crumlin Rd, Dublin

Pre-fab

17683C

Scoil Mhuire Ogl 2

Crumlin Rd, Dublin

Pre-fab

17683C

Scoil Mhuire Ogl 2

Crumlin Rd, Dublin

Pre-fab

17820J

Rolestown NS

Rolestown, Swords, Dublin

Pre-fab

17912O

St John Boscos SBS

Navan Rd, Dublin

Pre-fab

17912O

St John Boscos SBS

Navan Rd, Dublin

Pre-fab

17912O

St John Boscos SBS

Navan Rd, Dublin

Pre-fab

17914S

St Oliver Plunkett

Grove Rd, Malahide, Dublin

Pre-fab

17914S

St Oliver Plunkett

Grove Rd, Malahide, Dublin

Pre-fab

17914S

St Oliver Plunkett

Grove Rd, Malahide, Dublin

Pre-fab

17914S

St Oliver Plunkett

Grove Rd, Malahide, Dublin

Pre-fab

17914S

St Oliver Plunkett

Grove Rd, Malahide, Dublin

Pre-fab

17914S

St Oliver Plunkett

Grove Rd, Malahide, Dublin

Pre-fab

17914S

St Oliver Plunkett

Grove Rd, Malahide, Dublin

Pre-fab

17914S

St Oliver Plunkett

Grove Rd, Malahide, Dublin

Pre-fab

17914S

St Oliver Plunkett

Grove Rd, Malahide, Dublin

Pre-fab

17914S

St Oliver Plunkett

Grove Rd, Malahide, Dublin

Pre-fab

17914S

St Oliver Plunkett

Grove Rd, Malahide, Dublin

Pre-fab

17914S

St Oliver Plunkett

Grove Rd, Malahide, Dublin

Pre-fab

17928G

SN N Sailbheastar NFA

Malahide, Dublin

Pre-fab

17928G

SN N Sailbheastar NFA

Malahide, Dublin

Pre-fab

17928G

SN N Sailbheastar NFA

Malahide, Dublin

Pre-fab

17928G

SN N Sailbheastar NFA

Malahide, Dublin

Pre-fab

17928G

SN N Sailbheastar NFA

Malahide, Dublin

Pre-fab

17928G

SN N Sailbheastar NFA

Malahide, Dublin

Pre-fab

17944E

St Mary's School for deaf girls

Dominician Convent, Cabra, Dublin

Pre-fab

17944E

St Mary's School for deaf girls

Dominician Convent, Cabra, Dublin

Pre-fab

17953F

Edmondstown NS

Edmondstown, Rathfarnham, Dublin

Pre-fab

17961E

Lusk NS

Chapel Rd, Lusk, Dublin

Pre-fab

17961E

Lusk NS

Chapel Rd, Lusk, Dublin

Pre-fab

17961E

Lusk NS

Chapel Rd, Lusk, Dublin

Pre-fab

17961E

Lusk NS

Chapel Rd, Lusk, Dublin

Pre-fab

17961E

Lusk NS

Chapel Rd, Lusk, Dublin

Pre-fab

17961E

Lusk NS

Chapel Rd, Lusk, Dublin

Pre-fab

17961E

Lusk NS

Chapel Rd, Lusk, Dublin

Pre-fab

17961E

Lusk NS

Chapel Rd, Lusk, Dublin

Pre-fab

17961E

Lusk NS

Chapel Rd, Lusk, Dublin

Pre-fab

17961E

Lusk NS

Chapel Rd, Lusk, Dublin

Pre-fab

17961E

Lusk NS

Chapel Rd, Lusk, Dublin

Pre-fab

17961E

Lusk NS

Chapel Rd, Lusk, Dublin

Pre-fab

17977T

Scoil Aine

All Saints Drive, Raheny, Dublin

Pre-fab

17978V

Naiscoil Ide

All Saints Drive, Raheny, Dublin

Pre-fab

17978V

Naiscoil Ide

All Saints Drive, Raheny, Dublin

Pre-fab

18046A

Scoil Bhríde BNS

Church Ave, Blanchardstown, Dublin

Pre-fab

18046A

Scoil Bhríde BNS

Church Ave, Blanchardstown, Dublin

Pre-fab

18046A

Scoil Bhride BNS

Church Ave, Blanchardstown, Dublin

Pre-fab

18047C

Scoil Bhride GNS

Blanchardstown, Dublin

Pre-fab

18047C

Scoil Bhride GNS

Blanchardstown, Dublin

Pre-fab

18047C

Scoil Bhride GNS

Blanchardstown, Dublin

Pre-fab

18210K

St Michaels House Special School

College St, Baldoyle, Dublin

Pre-fab

18210K

St Michaels House Special School

College St, Baldoyle, Dublin

Pre-fab

18210K

St Michaels House Special School

College St, Baldoyle, Dublin

Pre-fab

18210K

St Michaels House Special School

College St, Baldoyle, Dublin

Pre-fab

18324C

St Brigid's GNS

Turret Rd, Palmerstown, Dublin

Pre-fab

18386B

Marist NS

Crumlin, Dublin

Pre-fab

18386B

Marist NS

Crumlin, Dublin

Pre-fab

18411U

St Marys NS

Bancroft Ave, Tallaght, Dublin

Pre-fab

18411U

St Marys NS

Bancroft Ave, Tallaght, Dublin

Pre-fab

18412W

Scoil Phadraic C

Donabate, Dublin

Pre-fab

18623M

Castleknock NS

Main St, Castleknock, Dublin

Pre-fab

18632N

SN Eoin Bosco

Navan Rd, Dublin

Pre-fab

18671A

St Michaels House

16/17 Grosvenor Rd, Rathgar, Dublin

Pre-fab

18763F

St Michaels Special NS

Ballymun Rd, Dublin

Pre-fab

18778S

St. Mochta's NS

Porterstown Road, Clonsilla, Dublin

Pre-fab

18778S

St. Mochta's NS

Porterstown Road, Clonsilla, Dublin

Pre-fab

18778S

St. Mochta's NS

Porterstown Road, Clonsilla, Dublin

Pre-fab

18778S

St. Mochta's NS

Porterstown Road, Clonsilla, Dublin

Pre-fab

18778S

St. Mochta's NS

Porterstown Road, Clonsilla, Dublin

Pre-fab

18815V

Our Lady of Lourdes

Rochestown Ave, Dun Laughaire, Dublin

Pre-fab

18817C

Scoil Bhride

Ranelagh, Dublin

Pre-fab

18976W

St Colmcilles BNS

Chapel Lane, Swords, Dublin

Pre-fab

18976W

St Colmcilles BNS

Chapel Lane, Swords, Dublin

Pre-fab

18977B

St Colmcilles GNS

Chapel Lane, Swords, Dublin

Pre-fab

18977B

St Colmcilles GNS

Chapel Lane, Swords, Dublin

Pre-fab

18977B

St Colmcilles GNS

Chapel Lane, Swords, Dublin

Pre-fab

19066L

Loreto Primary

Dalkey, Dublin

Pre-fab

19220S

Scoil Ide

New Rd, Clondalkin, Dublin

Pre-fab

19221U

Scoil Aine

New Rd, Clondalkin, Dublin

Pre-fab

19221U

Scoil Aine

New Rd, Clondalkin, Dublin

Pre-fab

19221U

Scoil Aine

New Rd, Clondalkin, Dublin

Pre-fab

19259W

St. Patricks GNS

Foxrock, Dublin

Pre-fab

19319O

St Olafs NS

Balally Drive, Dundrum, Dublin

Pre-fab

19319O

St Olafs NS

Balally Drive, Dundrum, Dublin

Pre-fab

19319O

St Olafs NS

Balally Drive, Dundrum, Dublin

Pre-fab

19355S

Ballyowen Meadows

Beechpark, Stillorgan, Dublin

Pre-fab

19355S

Ballyowen Meadows

Beechpark, Stillorgan, Dublin

Pre-fab

19355S

Ballyowen Meadows

Beechpark, Stillorgan, Dublin

Pre-fab

19355S

Ballyowen Meadows

Beechpark, Stillorgan, Dublin

Pre-fab

19355S

Ballyowen Meadows

Beechpark, Stillorgan, Dublin

Pre-fab

19355S

Ballyowen Meadows

Beechpark, Stillorgan, Dublin

Pre-fab

19355S

Ballyowen Meadows

Beechpark, Stillorgan, Dublin

Pre-fab

19355S

Ballyowen Meadows

Beechpark, Stillorgan, Dublin

Pre-fab

19374W

Our Lady's Grove NS

Goatstown Rd, Goatstown, Dublin

Pre-fab

19374W

Our Lady's Grove NS

Goatstown Rd, Goatstown, Dublin

Pre-fab

19374W

Our Lady's Grove NS

Goatstown Rd, Goatstown, Dublin

Pre-fab

19390U

St. Marks SNS

Tallaght, Dublin

Pre-fab

19435Q

St Francis Xavier JNS

Roselawn Rd, Castleknock, Dublin

Pre-fab

19435Q

St Francis Xavier JNS

Roselawn Rd, Castleknock, Dublin

Pre-fab

19435Q

St Francis Xavier JNS

Roselawn Rd, Castleknock, Dublin

Pre-fab

19470S

St Francis Xavier JNS

Coolmine, Castleknock, Dublin

Pre-fab

19472W

St Marks JNS

Springfield, Tallaght, Dublin

Pre-fab

19472W

St Marks JNS

Springfield, Tallaght, Dublin

Pre-fab

19472W

St Marks JNS

Springfield, Tallaght, Dublin

Pre-fab

19472W

St Marks JNS

Springfield, Tallaght, Dublin

Pre-fab

19472W

St Marks JNS

Springfield, Tallaght, Dublin

Pre-fab

19474D

St Colmcilles JNS

1 Drone Ave, Knocklyon, Dublin

Pre-fab

19496N

St Fiachras JNS

Montrose Park, Beaumount, Dublin

Pre-fab

19515O

St. Teresa's NS

Balbriggan Rd, Balbriggan, Dublin

Pre-fab

19515O

St. Teresa's NS

Balbriggan Rd, Balbriggan, Dublin

Pre-fab

19515O

St. Teresa's NS

Balbriggan Rd, Balbriggan, Dublin

Pre-fab

19515O

St. Teresa's NS

Balbriggan Rd, Balbriggan, Dublin

Pre-fab

19535U

St Cronan's SNS

Brackenstown, Swords, Dublin

Pre-fab

19535U

St Cronan's SNS

Brackenstown, Swords, Dublin

Pre-fab

19535U

St Cronan's SNS

Brackenstown, Swords, Dublin

Pre-fab

19535U

St Cronan's SNS

Brackenstown, Swords, Dublin

Pre-fab

19535U

St Cronan's SNS

Brackenstown, Swords, Dublin

Pre-fab

19535U

St Cronan's SNS

Brackenstown, Swords, Dublin

Pre-fab

19545A

St Patricks JNS

Corduff, Blanchardstown, Dublin

Pre-fab

19574H

Divine Word NS

Marley Grange, Rathfarnham, Dublin

Pre-fab

19574H

Divine Word NS

Marley Grange, Rathfarnham, Dublin

Pre-fab

19601H

St Philip the Apostle JNS

Mountview, Clonsilla, Dublin

Pre-fab

19601H

St Philip the Apostle JNS

Mountview, Clonsilla, Dublin

Pre-fab

19605P

Scoil Mhuire JNS

Blakestown, Dublin

Pre-fab

19624T

St Catherine's NS

Kenure, Rush, Dublin

Pre-fab

19624T

St Catherine's NS

Kenure, Rush, Dublin

Pre-fab

19624T

St Catherine's NS

Kenure, Rush, Dublin

Pre-fab

19625V

Scoil Realt na Mara

Balbriggan Rd, Skerries, Dublin

Pre-fab

19625V

Scoil Realt na Mara

Balbriggan Rd, Skerries, Dublin

Pre-fab

19625V

Scoil Realt na Mara

Balbriggan Rd, Skerries, Dublin

Pre-fab

19628E

St Fiachras SNS

Montrose Park, Beaumount, Dublin

Pre-fab

19636D

St Patricks SNS

Corduff, Blanchardstown, Dublin

Pre-fab

19636D

St Patricks SNS

Corduff, Blanchardstown, Dublin

Pre-fab

19636D

St Patricks SNS

Corduff, Blanchardstown, Dublin

Pre-fab

19636D

St Patricks SNS

Corduff, Blanchardstown, Dublin

Pre-fab

19636D

St Patricks SNS

Corduff, Blanchardstown, Dublin

Pre-fab

19643A

St Philips SNS

Clonsilla, Dublin

Pre-fab

19643A

St Philips SNS

Clonsilla, Dublin

Pre-fab

19643A

St Philips SNS

Clonsilla, Dublin

Pre-fab

19652B

Sacred Heart NS

Tallaght, Dublin

Pre-fab

19660A

Rush NS

Rush, Dublin

Pre-fab

19660A

Rush NS

Rush, Dublin

Pre-fab

19660A

Rush NS

Rush, Dublin

Pre-fab

19660A

Rush NS

Rush, Dublin

Pre-fab

19676P

Scoil Aine Naofa

Esker, Lucan, Dublin

Pre-fab

19676P

Scoil Aine Naofa

Esker, Lucan, Dublin

Pre-fab

19782O

St Brigids JNS

Brookfield, Tallaght, Dublin

Pre-fab

19782O

St Brigids JNS

Brookfield, Tallaght, Dublin

Pre-fab

19782O

St Brigids JNS

Brookfield, Tallaght, Dublin

Pre-fab

19782O

St Brigids JNS

Brookfield, Tallaght, Dublin

Pre-fab

19782O

St Brigids JNS

Brookfield, Tallaght, Dublin

Pre-fab

19817H

Scoil Mhuire

Woodview, Lucan, Dublin

Pre-fab

19817H

Scoil Mhuire

Woodview, Lucan, Dublin

Pre-fab

19817H

Scoil Mhuire

Woodview, Lucan, Dublin

Pre-fab

19834H

St Aidans NS

Brookfield, Dublin

Pre-fab

19834H

St Aidans NS

Brookfield, Dublin

Pre-fab

19834H

St Aidans NS

Brookfield, Dublin

Pre-fab

19834H

St Aidans NS

Brookfield, Dublin

Pre-fab

19865S

Archbishop Ryan JNS

Balgaddy, Lucan, Dublin

Pre-fab

19877C

Holy Family SNS

River Valley, Swords, Dublin

Pre-fab

19877C

Holy Family SNS

River Valley, Swords, Dublin

Pre-fab

19878E

Holy Rosary PS

Old Court Avenue, Firhouse, Dublin

Pre-fab

19878E

Holy Rosary PS

Old Court Avenue, Firhouse, Dublin

Pre-fab

19878E

Holy Rosary PS

Old Court Avenue, Firhouse, Dublin

Pre-fab

19878E

Holy Rosary PS

Old Court Avenue, Firhouse, Dublin

Pre-fab

19878E

Holy Rosary PS

Old Court Avenue, Firhouse, Dublin

Pre-fab

19878E

Holy Rosary PS

Old Court Avenue, Firhouse, Dublin

Pre-fab

19878E

Holy Rosary PS

Old Court Avenue, Firhouse, Dublin

Pre-fab

19898K

Scoil an Duinninigh

Draighnean, Feltrim,Swords, Dublin

Pre-fab

19907I

Gaelscoil Mologa

Clareville Road, Dublin

Pre-fab

19949B

Muslim NS

19 Roebuck Rd, Clonskeagh, Dublin

Pre-fab

19949B

Muslim NS

19 Roebuck Rd, Clonskeagh, Dublin

Pre-fab

19949B

Muslim NS

19 Roebuck Rd, Clonskeagh, Dublin

Pre-fab

20012S

Griffith Barracks Multi D School

The Old Guard House, South Circular Rd, Dublin

Pre-fab

20015B

Gaelscoil Bhaile Munna

Bothar Choltrai, Baile Munna, Dublin

Pre-fab

20015B

Gaelscoil Bhaile Munna

Bothar Choltrai, Baile Munna, Dublin

Pre-fab

20015B

Gaelscoil Bhaile Munna

Bothar Choltrai, Baile Munna, Dublin

Pre-fab

20020R

Gaelscoil Thaobh na Coille

Cill Tiarnain, Dublin

Pre-fab

20020R

Gaelscoil Thaobh na Coille

Cill Tiarnain, Dublin

Pre-fab

20020R

Gaelscoil Thaobh na Coille

Cill Tiarnain, Dublin

Pre-fab

20020R

Gaelscoil Thaobh na Coille

Cill Tiarnain, Dublin

Pre-fab

20035H

St. Gabriels NS

Cowper St, Dublin

Pre-fab

20043G

Gaelscoil Chnoc liamhna

Sean Bhothar Chnoc Liamhna, Cnoc Liamhna, Dublin

Pre-fab

20047O

Gaelscoil Bharra

Ascal an Fhasaigh, Cabra, Dublin

Pre-fab

20047O

Gaelscoil Bharra

Ascal an Fhasaigh, Cabra, Dublin

Pre-fab

20056P

Gaelscoil Phadraig

Ascaill Shileann, Baile Breac, Dublin

Pre-fab

20056P

Gaelscoil Phadraig

Ascaill Shileann, Baile Breac, Dublin

Pre-fab

20056P

Gaelscoil Phadraig

Ascaill Shileann, Baile Breac, Dublin

Pre-fab

20056P

Gaelscoil Phadraig

Ascaill Shileann, Baile Breac, Dublin

Pre-fab

20056P

Gaelscoil Phadraig

Ascaill Shileann, Baile Breac, Dublin

Pre-fab

20056P

Gaelscoil Phadraig

Ascaill Shileann, Baile Breac, Dublin

Pre-fab

20056P

Gaelscoil Phadraig

Ascaill Shileann, Baile Breac, Dublin

Pre-fab

20139T

Inchicore NS

Sarsfield Road, Inchicore, Dublin

Pre-fab

20139T

Inchicore NS

Sarsfield Road, Inchicore, Dublin

Pre-fab

20161M

Donabate/Portrane Educate Tog NS

Portrane Rd, Donabate, Dublin

Pre-fab

20161M

Donabate/Portrane Educate Tog NS

Portrane Rd, Donabate, Dublin

Pre-fab

20161M

Donabate/Portrane Educate Tog NS

Portrane Rd, Donabate, Dublin

Pre-fab

20161M

Donabate/Portrane Educate Tog NS

Portrane Rd, Donabate, Dublin

Pre-fab

20161M

Donabate/Portrane Educate Tog NS

Portrane Rd, Donabate, Dublin

Pre-fab

20161M

Donabate/Portrane Educate Tog NS

Portrane Rd, Donabate, Dublin

Pre-fab

20161M

Donabate/Portrane Educate Tog NS

Portrane Rd, Donabate, Dublin

Pre-fab

20161M

Donabate/Portrane Educate Tog NS

Portrane Rd, Donabate, Dublin

Pre-fab

20161M

Donabate/Portrane Educate Tog NS

Portrane Rd, Donabate, Dublin

Pre-fab

20168D

Glasnevin Educate Together NS

Church Ave, Glasnevin, Dublin

Pre-fab

20190T

Holy Trinity NS

Glencairn Drive, The Gallops, Leopardstown, Dublin

Pre-fab

20190T

Holy Trinity NS

Glencairn Drive, The Gallops, Leopardstown, Dublin

Pre-fab

20190T

Holy Trinity NS

Glencairn Drive, The Gallops, Leopardstown, Dublin

Pre-fab

20190T

Holy Trinity NS

Glencairn Drive, The Gallops, Leopardstown, Dublin

Pre-fab

20190T

Holy Trinity NS

Glencairn Drive, The Gallops, Leopardstown, Dublin

Pre-fab

20202A

Balbriggan Educate Together

Moylaragh, Balbriggan, Dublin

Pre-fab

20202A

Balbriggan Educate Together

Moylaragh, Balbriggan, Dublin

Pre-fab

20202A

Balbriggan Educate Together

Moylaragh, Balbriggan, Dublin

Pre-fab

20202A

Balbriggan Educate Together

Moylaragh, Balbriggan, Dublin

Pre-fab

20202A

Balbriggan Educate Together

Moylaragh, Balbriggan, Dublin

Pre-fab

20202A

Balbriggan Educate Together

Moylaragh, Balbriggan, Dublin

Pre-fab

20202A

Balbriggan Educate Together

Moylaragh, Balbriggan, Dublin

Pre-fab

20202A

Balbriggan Educate Together

Moylaragh, Balbriggan, Dublin

Pre-fab

20202A

Balbriggan Educate Together

Moylaragh, Balbriggan, Dublin

Pre-fab

20202A

Balbriggan Educate Together

Moylaragh, Balbriggan, Dublin

Pre-fab

20202A

Balbriggan Educate Together

Moylaragh, Balbriggan, Dublin

Pre-fab

20202A

Balbriggan Educate Together

Moylaragh, Balbriggan, Dublin

Pre-fab

20202A

Balbriggan Educate Together

Moylaragh, Balbriggan, Dublin

Pre-fab

20202A

Balbriggan Educate Together

Moylaragh, Balbriggan, Dublin

Pre-fab

20334R

Gaelscoil Ros Eo

Rush, Dublin

Pre-fab

60092U

Clonkeen College

Clonkeen Rd, Blackrock, Dublin

Pre-fab

60092U

Clonkeen College

Clonkeen Rd, Blackrock, Dublin

Pre-fab

60092U

Clonkeen College

Clonkeen Rd, Blackrock, Dublin

Pre-fab

70010V

Balbriggan Community College

Chapel Street, Balbriggan, Dublin

Pre-fab

Special Educational Needs.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

479 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [5602/09]

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

481 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will support a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [5606/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 479 and 481 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. I have arranged for the details supplied by the Deputy to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.

All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.

Schools Building Projects.

Terence Flanagan

Ceist:

480 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will proceed with an extension to a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5603/09]

My Department has approved the Stage 1 submission (i.e. Site Suitability, Site Report and Initial Sketch Scheme) for the school to which the Deputy refers and gave authorisation to progress to the next stage of architectural planning, which is Stage 2A (Developed Sketch Scheme).

The progression of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to tender and construction, including this project, will be considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Question No. 481 answered with Question No. 479.

School Accommodation.

Deirdre Clune

Ceist:

482 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Education and Science the schools and the number of classroom units within each school in the Cork South Central constituency area that are availing of accommodation under the temporary accommodation scheme; the average rental cost of each unit per annum in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5612/09]

My Department holds data on temporary accommodation on a county basis rather than a constituency basis.

Details held by this Department of the schools in Cork City and County renting prefabricated units are given in the following tabular statement. As the Deputy will see from the details provided, there are 116 schools renting a total of 282 prefab units. The average annual rental cost per prefab unit in Cork City and County area is €14,022. As the Deputy will appreciate the cost per unit will vary depending on the size, type and age of each unit.

The Deputy will be aware that 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. 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 timeframe.

Prefab Rental — Primary & Post-Primary — Cork

Roll No.

Name

Address

Type

00512D

St. Brigid's Presentation Convent Primary

Midleton, Cork

Pre-fab

00512D

St. Brigid's Presentation Convent Primary

Midleton, Cork

Pre-fab

00512D

St. Brigid's Presentation Convent Primary

Midleton, Cork

Pre-fab

00512D

St. Brigid's Presentation Convent Primary

Midleton, Cork

Pre-fab

00512D

St. Brigid's Presentation Convent Primary

Midleton, Cork

Pre-fab

00512D

St. Brigid's Presentation Convent Primary

Midleton, Cork

Pre-fab

00512D

St. Brigid's Presentation Convent Primary

Midleton, Cork

Pre-fab

01272O

Glandore NS

Glandore, Cork

Pre-fab

02114B

Ballygiblin NS

Mitchelstown, Cork

Pre-fab

02114B

Ballygiblin NS

Mitchelstown, Cork

Pre-fab

02452V

St Colman's NS

Cloyne, Cork

Pre-fab

02452V

St Colman's NS

Cloyne, Cork

Pre-fab

04118T

Bishop Ahern NS

Leamlara, Cork

Pre-fab

05477G

Scoil Naomh Seosamh

Laragh, Bandon, Cork

Pre-fab

05477G

Scoil Naomh Seosamh

Laragh, Bandon, Cork

Pre-fab

06342L

Vicarstown Mixed NS

Vicarstown, Cork

Pre-fab

07242M

Cloghroe NS

Cloghroe, Cork

Pre-fab

07242M

Cloghroe NS

Cloghroe, Cork

Pre-fab

07242M

Cloghroe NS

Cloghroe, Cork

Pre-fab

07242M

Cloghroe NS

Cloghroe, Cork

Pre-fab

10047I

Macroom Convent NS (St Joseph's)

Macroom, Cork

Pre-fab

10047I

Macroom Convent NS (St Joseph's)

Macroom, Cork

Pre-fab

10047I

Macroom Convent NS (St Joseph's)

Macroom, Cork

Pre-fab

10047I

Macroom Convent NS (St Joseph's)

Macroom, Cork

Pre-fab

10047I

Macroom Convent NS (St Joseph's)

Macroom, Cork

Pre-fab

10047I

Macroom Convent NS (St Joseph's)

Macroom, Cork

Pre-fab

10523O

Fermoy Adair NS

Fermoy, Cork

Pre-fab

11496T

Shandrum NS

Newtownshandrum, Charleville, Cork

Pre-fab

11992I

Whitegate Mixed NS

Whitegate, Midleton, Cork

Pre-fab

11992I

Whitegate Mixed NS

Whitegate, Midleton, Cork

Pre-fab

11992I

Whitegate Mixed NS

Whitegate, Midleton, Cork

Pre-fab

11992I

Whitegate Mixed NS

Whitegate, Midleton, Cork

Pre-fab

12004A

Mallon No1 NS

Shortcastle St, Mallow, Cork

Pre-fab

12015F

Liscarroll NS

Liscarroll, Mallow, Cork

Pre-fab

12041G

St. John the Baptist, Midleton NS

Dungourney Road, Midleton, Cork

Pre-fab

12041G

St. John the Baptist, Midleton NS

Dungourney Road, Midleton, Cork

Pre-fab

12395S

Rusheen NS

Rusheen, Coachford, Cork

Pre-fab

12446J

Glenahulla NS

Mitchelstown, Cork

Pre-fab

12447L

Baltydaniel NS

Newtwopothouse, Mallow, Cork

Pre-fab

12456M

Scoil Malaga

Timoleague, Cork

Pre-fab

12473M

Scoil Mhuire na nGrós (Greenmount Monastery NS)

Green Street, Cork

Pre-fab

12473M

Scoil Mhuire na nGrós (Greenmount Monastery NS)

Green Street, Cork

Pre-fab

12473M

Scoil Mhuire na nGrós (Greenmount Monastery NS)

Green Street, Cork

Pre-fab

12473M

Scoil Mhuire na nGrós (Greenmount Monastery NS)

Green Street, Cork

Pre-fab

12473M

Scoil Mhuire na nGrós (Greenmount Monastery NS)

Green Street, Cork

Pre-fab

12505W

Kilbarry NS

Kilbarry, Macroom, Cork

Pre-fab

13031I

St Joseph's Convent NS

Smith's Rd, Rathluirc, Cork

Pre-fab

13031I

St Joseph's Convent NS

Smith's Rd, Rathluirc, Cork

Pre-fab

13234W

Cloughduv NS

Cloughduv, Crookstown, Cork

Pre-fab

13234W

Cloughduv NS

Cloughduv, Crookstown, Cork

Pre-fab

13375R

Scoil Bhríde

Cros Mhathúna, Bandon, Cork

Pre-fab

13375R

Scoil Bhríde

Cros Mhathúna, Bandon, Cork

Pre-fab

13450F

Rushbrooke NS

Rushbrooke, Cobh, Cork

Pre-fab

13450F

Rushbrooke NS

Rushbrooke, Cobh, Cork

Pre-fab

13450F

Rushbrooke NS

Rushbrooke, Cobh, Cork

Pre-fab

13450F

Rushbrooke NS

Rushbrooke, Cobh, Cork

Pre-fab

13450F

Rushbrooke NS

Rushbrooke, Cobh, Cork

Pre-fab

13483U

SN Atha na Líonta

Mourneabbey, Mallow, Cork

Pre-fab

13483U

SN Atha na Líonta

Mourneabbey, Mallow, Cork

Pre-fab

13512B

Scoil Mhuire Lourdes

Carrigaline, Cork

Pre-fab

13728B

Castletownshend NS

Castletownshend, Skibbereen, Cork

Pre-fab

13728B

Castletownshend NS

Castletownshend, Skibbereen, Cork

Pre-fab

13728B

Castletownshend NS

Castletownshend, Skibbereen, Cork

Pre-fab

13779S

Dromahane NS

Dromahane, Mallow, Cork

Pre-fab

13779S

Dromahane NS

Dromahane, Mallow, Cork

Pre-fab

13889C

Shanbally NS

Shanbally, Ringaskiddy, Cork

Pre-fab

13889C

Shanbally NS

Shanbally, Ringaskiddy, Cork

Pre-fab

13889C

Shanbally NS

Shanbally, Ringaskiddy, Cork

Pre-fab

13889C

Shanbally NS

Shanbally, Ringaskiddy, Cork

Pre-fab

13889C

Shanbally NS

Shanbally, Ringaskiddy, Cork

Pre-fab

13889C

Shanbally NS

Shanbally, Ringaskiddy, Cork

Pre-fab

13889C

Shanbally NS

Shanbally, Ringaskiddy, Cork

Pre-fab

13976U

St Matthias National School

Ballydehob, Cork

Pre-fab

14052V

St Colmans BNS

Percival St, Kanturk, Cork

Pre-fab

14784Q

Scoil Phadraig Naofa

Dunmanway, Cork

Pre-fab

14839P

Clondrohid NS

Macroom, Cork

Pre-fab

15165Q

Ballintotas NS

Ballintotas, Castlemartyr, Cork

Pre-fab

15165Q

Ballintotas NS

Ballintotas, Castlemartyr, Cork

Pre-fab

15380U

Dromagh NS

Dromagh, Mallow, Cork

Pre-fab

15484J

SN an Chroí Naofa

Glounthaune, Cork

Pre-fab

15484J

SN an Chroí Naofa

Glounthaune, Cork

Pre-fab

15484J

SN an Chroí Naofa

Glounthaune, Cork

Pre-fab

15484J

SN an Chroí Naofa

Glounthaune, Cork

Pre-fab

15484J

SN an Chroí Naofa

Glounthaune, Cork

Pre-fab

15563F

Lisheen NS

Church Cross, Skibereen, Cork

Pre-fab

15563F

Lisheen NS

Church Cross, Skibereen, Cork

Pre-fab

15594Q

Grange NS

Grange, Fermoy, Cork

Pre-fab

15594Q

Grange NS

Grange, Fermoy, Cork

Pre-fab

15594Q

Grange NS

Grange, Fermoy, Cork

Pre-fab

15597W

St Colman's BNS

Macroom, Cork

Pre-fab

15597W

St Colman's BNS

Macroom, Cork

Pre-fab

15646J

Coomhala NS

Bantry, Cork

Pre-fab

15701O

Bartlemy NS

Fermoy, Cork

Pre-fab

15781P

Ballintemple NS

Crab Lane, Ballintemple, Cork

Pre-fab

15792U

SN Naomh Micheál

Upper Glanmire, White's Cross, Cork

Pre-fab

16087E

Kealkil NS

Bantry, Cork

Pre-fab

16087E

Kealkil NS

Bantry, Cork

Pre-fab

16271U

Watergrasshill NS

Watergrasshill, Cork

Pre-fab

16271U

Watergrasshill NS

Watergrasshill, Cork

Pre-fab

16271U

Watergrasshill NS

Watergrasshill, Cork

Pre-fab

16339F

St Joseph's NS

The Mardyke, Cork

Pre-fab

16339F

St Joseph's NS

The Mardyke, Cork

Pre-fab

16684W

Bunscoil na mBraithre Criostai

Middleton, Cork

Pre-fab

16746S

Ballygarvan NS

Ballygarvan, Cork

Pre-fab

16746S

Ballygarvan NS

Ballygarvan, Cork

Pre-fab

16746S

Ballygarvan NS

Ballygarvan, Cork

Pre-fab

16746S

Ballygarvan NS

Ballygarvan, Cork

Pre-fab

16746S

Ballygarvan NS

Ballygarvan, Cork

Pre-fab

16746S

Ballygarvan NS

Ballygarvan, Cork

Pre-fab

16940O

Dunderrow NS

Dunderrow, Kinsale, Cork

Pre-fab

16940O

Dunderrow NS

Dunderrow, Kinsale, Cork

Pre-fab

16945B

Lisgriffin NS

Lisgriffin, Buttevant, Cork

Pre-fab

17011W

St Mochomóg's NS

Cappabue, Kealkill, Bantry, Cork

Pre-fab

17103E

Scoil Chlochair Mhuire

Carrigtwohill, Cork

Pre-fab

17103E

Scoil Chlochair Mhuire

Carrigtwohill, Cork

Pre-fab

17112F

Ballyhea NS

Ballyhea, Charleville, Cork

Pre-fab

17112F

Ballyhea NS

Ballyhea, Charleville, Cork

Pre-fab

17152R

Knockskeagh NS

Clonakilty, Cork

Pre-fab

17168J

SN Inis Eoghain

Innishannon, Cork

Pre-fab

17251T

Oven's NS

Ovens, Cork

Pre-fab

17281F

Togher NS

Dunmanway, Cork

Pre-fab

17297U

St Fergal's NS

Killeagh, Cork

Pre-fab

17297U

St Fergal's NS

Killeagh, Cork

Pre-fab

17360B

SN Mhuire

Rathpeacon, Mallow Rd, Cork

Pre-fab

17360B

SN Mhuire

Rathpeacon, Mallow Rd, Cork

Pre-fab

17533G

Rahan NS

Mallow, Cork

Pre-fab

17533G

Rahan NS

Mallow, Cork

Pre-fab

17533G

Rahan NS

Mallow, Cork

Pre-fab

17533G

Rahan NS

Mallow, Cork

Pre-fab

17600S

Scartleigh NS

Saleen, Midleton, Cork

Pre-fab

17600S

Scartleigh NS

Saleen, Midleton, Cork

Pre-fab

17600S

Scartleigh NS

Saleen, Midleton, Cork

Pre-fab

17600S

Scartleigh NS

Saleen, Midleton, Cork

Pre-fab

17609N

Scoil Bhríde

Rathcormac, Cork

Pre-fab

17609N

Scoil Bhríde

Rathcormac, Cork

Pre-fab

17609N

Scoil Bhríde

Rathcormac, Cork

Pre-fab

17609N

Scoil Bhríde

Rathcormac, Cork

Pre-fab

17609N

Scoil Bhríde

Rathcormac, Cork

Pre-fab

17609n

Scoil Bhríde

Rathcormac, Cork

Pre-fab

17609N

Scoil Bhríde

Rathcormac, Cork

Pre-fab

17609N

Scoil Bhríde

Rathcormac, Cork

Pre-fab

17639W

CBS PS

Mitchelstown, Cork

Pre-fab

17639W

CBS PS

Mitchelstown, Cork

Pre-fab

17639W

CBS PS

Mitchelstown, Cork

Pre-fab

17667E

Whitechurch NS

Whitechurch, Cork

Pre-fab

17667E

Whitechurch NS

Whitechurch, Cork

Pre-fab

17765E

Reenascreena NS

Reenascreena, Rosscarbery, Cork

Pre-fab

17765E

Reenascreena NS

Reenascreena, Rosscarbery, Cork

Pre-fab

17823P

Glantane NS

Glantane, Mallow, Cork

Pre-fab

17921P

Moing na Míol

Clashbee, Mallow, Cork

Pre-fab

17921P

Moing na Míol

Clashbee, Mallow, Cork

Pre-fab

17972J

Killmurry NS

Ballymichael, Lissarda, Cork

Pre-fab

17993R

Scoil Mhuire Gan Smál (B) (Glasheen BNS)

School Avenue, Glasheen, Cork

Pre-fab

17993R

Scoil Mhuire Gan Smál (B) (Glasheen BNS)

School Avenue, Glasheen, Cork

Pre-fab

17993R

Scoil Mhuire Gan Smál (B) (Glasheen BNS)

School Avenue, Glasheen, Cork

Pre-fab

18000W

Scoil Mhuire Naofa

Carrigtwohill, Cork

Pre-fab

18000W

Scoil Mhuire Naofa

Carrigtwohill, Cork

Pre-fab

18000W

Scoil Mhuire Naofa

Carrigtwohill, Cork

Pre-fab

18100D

Lissagriffin NS

Gouleen, Skibbereen, Cork

Pre-fab

18128C

Scoil Mhuire NS

Kiskeam, Mallow, Cork

Pre-fab

18217B

Scoil Padre Pio

Churchfield, Cork

Pre-fab

18217B

Scoil Padre Pio

Churchfield, Cork

Pre-fab

18246I

Ballymoney NS

Ballineen, Cork

Pre-fab

18279A

Carrigaline No. 3 NS

Waterpark, Carrigaline, Cork

Pre-fab

18279A

Carrigaline No. 3 NS

Waterpark, Carrigaline, Cork

Pre-fab

18377A

St Joseph's NS

Oliver Plunkett Hill, Fermoy, Cork

Pre-fab

18428O

Bailenóra NS

Bailenóra, Tobar an Iarla, Cork

Pre-fab

18428O

Bailenóra NS

Bailenóra, Tobar an Iarla, Cork

Pre-fab

18428O

Bailenóra NS

Bailenóra, Tobar an Iarla, Cork

Pre-fab

18468D

St Mary's NS

Castledonovan, Drimoleague, Cork

Pre-fab

18483W

School of the Divine Child

Lavanagh Centre, Ballintemple, Cork

Pre-fab

18483W

School of the Divine Child

Lavanagh Centre, Ballintemple, Cork

Pre-fab

18497K

Scoil Inse Ratha

Little Island, Cork

Pre-fab

18497K

Scoil Inse Ratha

Little Island, Cork

Pre-fab

18535P

St John's GNS

Ballea Rd, Carrigaline, Cork

Pre-fab

18535P

St John's GNS

Ballea Rd, Carrigaline, Cork

Pre-fab

18535P

St John's GNS

Ballea Rd, Carrigaline, Cork

Pre-fab

18535P

St John's GNS

Ballea Rd, Carrigaline, Cork

Pre-fab

18535P

St John's GNS

Ballea Rd, Carrigaline, Cork

Pre-fab

18535P

St John's GNS

Ballea Rd, Carrigaline, Cork

Pre-fab

18713N

SN Fionán Reanna

Belgooly, Cork

Pre-fab

18829J

SN Chobh Chionn tSaile

Kinsale, Cork

Pre-fab

18829J

SN Chobh Chionn tSaile

Kinsale, Cork

Pre-fab

18829J

SN Chobh Chionn tSaile

Kinsale, Cork

Pre-fab

18829J

SN Chobh Chionn tSaile

Kinsale, Cork

Pre-fab

18829J

SN Chobh Chionn tSaile

Kinsale, Cork

Pre-fab

19256Q

Scoil Ghobnatan

Mallow, Cork

Pre-fab

19351K

Cill Chriodain

Kilcredan, Ladysbridge, Cork

Pre-fab

19351K

Cill Chriodain

Kilcredan, Ladysbridge, Cork

Pre-fab

19351K

Cill Chriodain

Kilcredan, Ladysbridge, Cork

Pre-fab

19351K

Cill Chriodain

Kilcredan, Ladysbridge, Cork

Pre-fab

19381T

Rathmore NS

Baltimore, Skibereen, Cork

Pre-fab

19404F

Scoil Mhuire SN

Ballyhooly, Cork

Pre-fab

19404F

Scoil Mhuire SN

Ballyhooly, Cork

Pre-fab

19415K

Scoil an Athar Tadhg

Carraig na bhFear, Cork

Pre-fab

19415K

Scoil an Athar Tadhg

Carraig na bhFear, Cork

Pre-fab

19415K

Scoil an Athar Tadhg

Carraig na bhFear, Cork

Pre-fab

19557H

Caheragh NS

Caheragh, Drimoleague, Cork

Pre-fab

19637F

Scoil Fhionnbarra

Béal Athan Ghaorthaidh, Cork

Pre-fab

19637F

Scoil Fhionnbarra

Béal Athan Ghaorthaidh, Cork

Pre-fab

19760E

Scoil Triest

Lota, Glanmire, Cork

Pre-fab

19760E

Scoil Triest

Lota, Glanmire, Cork

Pre-fab

19760E

Scoil Triest

Lota, Glanmire, Cork

Pre-fab

19761G

St Peter's NS

Dungourney, Cork

Pre-fab

19801P

Drimoleague Junior School

Drimoleague, Cork

Pre-fab

19801P

Drimoleague Junior School

Drimoleague, Cork

Pre-fab

19839R

GS Ui Riordain

Cul Rua, Baile an Chollaigh, Cork

Pre-fab

19839R

GS Ui Riordain

Cul Rua, Baile an Chollaigh, Cork

Pre-fab

19839R

GS Uí Ríordáin

Cúl Rua, Baile an Chollaigh, Cork

Pre-fab

19881Q

GS Charraig Uí Leighin

Carraig Uí Leighin, Cork

Pre-fab

19881Q

GS Charraig Uí Leighin

Carraig Uí Leighin, Cork

Pre-fab

19881Q

GS Charraig Uí Leighin

Carraig Uí Leighin, Cork

Pre-fab

19881Q

GS Charraig Uí Leighin

Carraig Uí Leighin, Cork

Pre-fab

19881Q

GS Charraig Uí Leighin

Carraig Uí Leighin, Cork

Pre-fab

19881Q

GS Charraig Uí Leighin

Carraig Uí Leighin, Cork

Pre-fab

19906G

Cork School Project NS

Grattan St, Cork

Pre-fab

19978I

Maulatrahane Central NS

Leas, Skibereen, Cork

Pre-fab

19993E

GS an Ghoirt Alainn

Aibhinne Murmont, Gort Alainn, Cork

Pre-fab

20006A

GS Chloch na gCoillte

Scartagh, Cloch na gCoillte, Cork

Pre-fab

20006A

GS Chloch na gCoillte

Scartagh, Cloch na gCoillte, Cork

Pre-fab

20006A

GS Chloch na gCoillte

Scartagh, Cloch na gCoillte, Cork

Pre-fab

20006A

GS Chloch na gCoillte

Scartagh, Cloch na gCoillte, Cork

Pre-fab

20006A

GS Chloch na gCoillte

Scartagh, Cloch na gCoillte, Cork

Pre-fab

20006A

GS Chloch na gCoillte

Scartagh, Cloch na gCoillte, Cork

Pre-fab

20006A

GS Chloch na gCoillte

Scartagh, Cloch na gCoillte, Cork

Pre-fab

20006A

GS Chloch na gCoillte

Scartagh, Cloch na gCoillte, Cork

Pre-fab

20006A

GS Chloch na gCoillte

Scartagh, Cloch na gCoillte, Cork

Pre-fab

20006A

GS Chloch na gCoillte

Scartagh, Cloch na gCoillte, Cork

Pre-fab

20006A

GS Chloch na gCoillte

Scartagh, Cloch na gCoillte, Cork

Pre-fab

20006A

GS Chloch na gCoillte

Scartagh, Cloch na gCoillte, Cork

Pre-fab

20006A

GS Chloch na gCoillte

Scartagh, Cloch na gCoillte, Cork

Pre-fab

20006A

GS Chloch na gCoillte

Scartagh, Cloch na gCoillte, Cork

Pre-fab

20006A

GS Chloch na gCoillte

Scartagh, Cloch na gCoillte, Cork

Pre-fab

20006A

GS Chloch na gCoillte

Scartagh, Cloch na gCoillte, Cork

Pre-fab

20025E

GS Droichead na Banndan

Palún CLG, Droichead na Banndan, Cork

Pre-fab

20025E

GS Droichead na Banndan

Palún CLG, Droichead na Banndan, Cork

Pre-fab

20025E

GS Droichead na Banndan

Palún CLG, Droichead na Banndan, Cork

Pre-fab

20025E

GS Droichead na Banndan

Palún CLG, Droichead na Banndan, Cork

Pre-fab

20049S

Ringaskiddy Lower Harbour NS

Loughbeg, Ringaskiddy, Cork

Pre-fab

20049S

Ringaskiddy Lower Harbour NS

Loughbeg, Ringaskiddy, Cork

Pre-fab

20049S

Ringaskiddy Lower Harbour NS

Loughbeg, Ringaskiddy, Cork

Pre-fab

20088F

Scoil Mhuire NS

Meenvane, Schull, Cork

Pre-fab

20088F

Scoil Mhuire NS

Meenvane, Schull, Cork

Pre-fab

20088F

Scoil Mhuire NS

Meenvane, Schull, Cork

Pre-fab

20088F

Scoil Mhuire NS

Meenvane, Schull, Cork

Pre-fab

20088F

Scoil Mhuire NS

Meenvane, Schull, Cork

Pre-fab

20105C

Star of the Sea

Passsage West, Cork

Pre-fab

20105C

Star of the Sea

Passsage West, Cork

Pre-fab

20105C

Star of the Sea

Passsage West, Cork

Pre-fab

20106E

Scoil Niocláis

Frankfield Grange, Cork, Cork

Pre-fab

20106E

Scoil Niocláis

Frankfield Grange, Cork, Cork

Pre-fab

20106E

Scoil Niocláis

Frankfield Grange, Cork, Cork

Pre-fab

20106E

Scoil Niocláis

Frankfield Grange, Cork, Cork

Pre-fab

20106E

Scoil Niocláis

Frankfield Grange, Cork, Cork

Pre-fab

20106E

Scoil Niocláis

Frankfield Grange, Cork, Cork

Pre-fab

20106E

Scoil Niocláis

Frankfield Grange, Cork, Cork

Pre-fab

20107G

Gaelscoil Mhainistir na Corann

Ionad an Phobail, Mainistir na Corann, Cork

Pre-fab

20107G

Gaelscoil Mhainistir na Corann

Ionad an Phobail, Mainistir na Corann, Cork

Pre-fab

20107G

Gaelscoil Mhainistir na Corann

Ionad an Phobail, Mainistir na Corann, Cork

Pre-fab

20107G

Gaelscoil Mhainistir na Corann

Ionad an Phobail, Mainistir na Corann, Cork

Pre-fab

20107G

Gaelscoil Mhainistir na Corann

Ionad an Phobail, Mainistir na Corann, Cork

Pre-fab

20107G

Gaelscoil Mhainistir na Corann

Ionad an Phobail, Mainistir na Corann, Cork

Pre-fab

20222G

Scoil Chuil-Aodha/Barr dInse

Ciul-Aosha, Maghcromtha, Cork

Pre-fab

20265B

Gaelscoil Chionn tSaile

Cappagh, Cionn tSaile, Kinsale, Cork

Pre-fab

20265B

Gaelscoil Chionn tSaile

Cappagh, Cionn tSaile, Kinsale, Cork

Pre-fab

20335T

Rochestown NS

Rochestown, Cork

Pre-fab

20335T

Rochestown NS

Rochestown, Cork

Pre-fab

20335T

Rochestown NS

Rochestown, Cork

Pre-fab

20336V

Midleton Educate Together NS

Midleton, Cork

Pre-fab

20336V

Midleton Educate Together NS

Midleton, Cork

Pre-fab

62170B

Sacred Heart Sec School

Clonakilty, Cork

Pre-fab

62421A

Presentation Sec School

Mitchelstown, Cork

Pre-fab

62421A

Presentation Sec School

Mitchelstown, Cork

Pre-fab

62421A

Presentation Sec School

Mitchelstown, Cork

Pre-fab

62421A

Presentation Sec School

Mitchelstown, Cork

Pre-fab

62460K

St Francis College

Rochestown, Cork

Pre-fab

62460K

St Francis College

Rochestown, Cork

Pre-fab

62460K

St Francis College

Rochestown, Cork

Pre-fab

62460K

St Francis College

Rochestown, Cork

Pre-fab

62730N

St Patricks College

Gardiners Hill, Cork

Pre-fab

70930R

St Goban's College

Bantry, Cork

Pre-fab

91499E

Kinsale Community School

Kinsale, Cork

Pre-fab

Schools Building Projects.

David Stanton

Ceist:

483 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science further to an adjournment debate matter on 6 November 2008 in relation to a school (details supplied) in County Cork, the progress that has been made in providing additional accommodation; if the appeal of his Department’s decision in the matter has been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5619/09]

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

485 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will expedite an application by a school (details supplied) in County Cork for works under the capital works programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5625/09]

David Stanton

Ceist:

504 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has received a request to receive a deputation from a school (details supplied) in County Cork; if and when he will be in a position to meet such a deputation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5872/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 483, 485 and 504 together.

The school to which the Deputies refer has applied to my Department for an extension project. As the Deputies will be aware, last week, I announced details of 43 major building projects to proceed to tender and construction and 25 high priority projects to commence architectural planning.

The project to which the Deputies refer was not included in this announcement for the commencement of architectural planning. Therefore, it is unlikely that it will be progressed in 2009.

The progression of all large scale building projects, including the project in question, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.

My Department will be responding shortly to a recent proposal from the school which includes a request for a meeting with officials.

Special Educational Needs.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

484 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science his proposals for a new residential development for blind and visually impaired children at a centre (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [5623/09]

I take it that the Deputy is referring to the proposed Centre of Excellence for Visually Impaired at St. Joseph's School, Drumcondra, Dublin 9.

The Deputy may be aware that a decision was taken in 2003 that the Centre as originally proposed should not proceed having regard to the low and declining pupil numbers in the school for the visually impaired and the development costs involved, estimated to be in excess of €30m. A scaled-down version of a National Centre was subsequently proposed, to be staffed by a range of professionals to provide expert in-house assessment such as speech and language therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, mobility therapy and ophthalmology as well as counselling, pre-school and outreach support services. The school is already resourced through the normal supports available to schools generally.

You will also be aware that in the context of inclusive education, the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act, 2004 provides that a child (defined as a person who is not more than 18 years) with special educational needs must be educated in an inclusive setting unless such an arrangement is inconsistent with the best interests of the child or with the effective provision of education for those children with whom the child is to be educated.

In the past, children who were blind or had a visual impairment were unable to attend their local schools and had to travel distances to avail of specialised intervention. Today many of these children attend their local schools with additional special educational supports, where necessary. My Department, through the NCSE, funds additional teaching and special needs assistant support for these pupils where such additional supports are necessary. In addition, funding is provided for specialist equipment and/or assistive technology. My Department also funds the National Braille Production Centre which translates text books into Braille, Large Print and other formats. Current policy and best practice in regard to health service delivery for blind/visually impaired pupils is that they remain, and are supported, in their local communities.

I met with representatives from St. Joseph's recently and a further meeting is being arranged to discuss the matter. My Department is willing to work with St. Joseph's in the context of identifying any upgrading work required to the school that is consistent with the premises' use for educational purposes. Any refurbishments will be considered in a prioritised manner. Along with all other areas of expenditure, the timing of these refurbishments is dependent on the resources available to the Government.

The responsibility for funding residential facilities rests with the health sector and the Deputy may wish to raise the matter directly with my colleague the Minister for Health and Children or Health Service Executive.

Question No. 485 answered with Question No. 483.

School Accommodation.

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

486 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science the schools and the number of classroom units within each school in County Leitrim that are availing of accommodation under the temporary accommodation scheme; the average rental cost of each unit per annum in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5633/09]

Details held by this Department of the schools in Co Leitrim renting prefabricated units are given in the following tabular statement. As the Deputy will see from the details provided, there are 3 schools renting a total of 9 prefab units. The average annual rental cost per prefab unit in Co Leitrim is €17,967. As the Deputy will appreciate the cost per unit will vary depending on the size, type and age of each unit.

The Deputy will be aware that 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. 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 timeframe.

Rented Prefabricated Accommodation — Leitrim

Roll No.

Name

Address

Type

17233R

St Clare's NS

Station Road, Manorhamilton, Leitrim

Pre-fab

17233R

St Clare's NS

Station Road, Manorhamilton, Leitrim

Pre-fab

19423J

St. Patrick's NS

Drumshambo, Leitrim

Pre-fab

19423J

St Patrick's NS

Drumshambo, Leitrim

Pre-fab

20212D

Gaelscoil Liatroma

Attifinlay, Cora Droma Ruisc, Leitrim

Pre-fab

20212D

Gaelscoil Liatroma

Attifinlay, Cora Droma Ruisc, Leitrim

Pre-fab

20212D

Gaelscoil Liatroma

Attifinlay, Cora Droma Ruisc, Leitrim

Pre-fab

20212D

Gaelscoil Liatroma

Attifinlay, Cora Droma Ruisc, Leitrim

Pre-fab

20212D

Gaelscoil Liatroma

Attifinlay, Cora Droma Ruisc, Leitrim

Pre-fab

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

487 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science the schools and the number of classroom units within each school in County Sligo that are availing of accommodation under the temporary accommodation scheme; and the average rental cost of each unit per annum in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5634/09]

Details of the schools in Co. Sligo renting temporary accommodation are given in the following tabular statement. The average annual rental cost per unit in 2007 was €10,815. From the information provided the Deputy will see that there were a total of 25 prefabricated units rented in 2007 by 11 schools. As the Deputy will appreciate the cost per unit will vary depending on the size, type and age of each unit. The Deputy will be aware that 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. 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 timeframe.

Rental of Prefabricated Accommodation — Sligo

Roll No.

Name

Address

Type

04487E

Achonry NS

Achonry, Tubbercurry, Sligo

Pre-fab

13242V

Castlerock NS

Castlerock, Adare, Sligo

Pre-fab

14636B

Scoil Naomh Eanna

Carraroe, Sligo

Pre-fab

15571E

Kilglass NS

Kilglass, Enniscrone, Sligo

Pre-fab

16492N

Rathlee NS

Rathlee, Easkey, Sligo

Pre-fab

18334F

Knockminna

Ballymote, Sligo

Pre-fab

18575E

Scoil Naomh Molaise

Grange, Sligo

Pre-fab

18575E

Scoil Naomh Molaise

Grange, Sligo

Pre-fab

18575E

Scoil Naomh Molaise

Grange, Sligo

Pre-fab

18575E

Scoil Naomh Molaise

Grange, Sligo

Pre-fab

18979F

Scoil Ursula

Strandhill Rd., Sligo

Pre-fab

18979F

Scoil Ursula

Strandhill Rd., Sligo

Pre-fab

18979F

Scoil Ursula

Strandhill Rd., Sligo

Pre-fab

19495L

Carbury

The Mall, Sligo

Pre-fab

19495L

Carbury

The Mall, Sligo

Pre-fab

19495L

Carbury

The Mall, Sligo

Pre-fab

19495L

Carbury

The Mall, Sligo

Pre-fab

19495L

Carbury

The Mall, Sligo

Pre-fab

19688W

Dromore West Central NS

Dromore West, Sligo

Pre-fab

20044I

Gaelscoil Chnoc Na Re

Baile Ui Dhugain, Sligo

Pre-fab

20044I

Gaelscoil Chnoc Na Re

Baile Ui Dhugain, Sligo

Pre-fab

20044I

Gaelscoil Chnoc Na Re

Baile Ui Dhugain, Sligo

Pre-fab

20044I

Gaelscoil Chnoc Na Re

Baile Ui Dhugain, Sligo

Pre-fab

20044I

Gaelscoil Chnoc Na Re

Baile Ui Dhugain, Sligo

Pre-fab

20044I

Gaelscoil Chnoc Na Re

Baile Ui Dhugain, Sligo

Pre-fab

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

488 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science the schools and the number of classroom units within each school in County Roscommon that are availing of accommodation under the temporary accommodation scheme; the average rental cost of each unit per annum in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5635/09]

Details held by this Department of the schools in Co Roscommon renting prefabricated units are given in the following tabular statement. As the Deputy will see from the details provided, there are 13 schools renting a total of 20 prefab units. The average annual rental cost per prefab unit in Co Roscommon is €8,276. As the Deputy will appreciate the cost per unit will vary depending on the size, type and age of each unit. The Deputy will be aware that 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. 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 timeframe.

Rental of Prefabricated Accommodation — Roscommon

Roll No.

Name

Address

Type

01607T

Cornafulla NS

Cornafulla, Athlone, Roscommon

Pre-fab

01607T

Cornafulla NS

Cornafulla, Athlone, Roscommon

Pre-fab

14056G

Mount Talbot NS

Mount Talbot, Roscommon

Pre-fab

14056G

Mount Talbot NS

Mount Talbot, Roscommon

Pre-fab

14056G

Mount Talbot NS

Mount Talbot, Roscommon

Pre-fab

14356S

Lisaniskey NS

Ballydooley PO, Donamon, Roscommon

Pre-fab

14356S

Lisaniskey NS

Ballydooley PO, Donamon, Roscommon

Pre-fab

15083O

Scoil Mhuire

Convent Rd., Roscommon

Pre-fab

15083O

Scoil Mhuire

Convent Rd., Roscommon

Pre-fab

15083O

Scoil Mhuire

Convent Rd., Roscommon

Pre-fab

15531P

Newtown NS

Creagh, Ballinasloe, Roscommon

Pre-fab

15531P

Newtown NS

Creagh, Ballinasloe, Roscommon

Pre-fab

15557K

Cloonfad NS

Cloonfad, Ballyhaunis, Roscommon

Pre-fab

16034G

Tulsk NS

Tulsk, Castlerea, Roscommon

Pre-fab

16127N

Gorthaganny NS

Carrowbehy, Castlerea, Roscommon

Pre-fab

17255E

Scoil na Mainistreach (Abbey NS)

Circular Rd, Roscommon

Pre-fab

17266J

St Mary’s NS

Ballinagare, Castlerea, Roscommon

Pre-fab

17748E

SN Padraig Naofa

Dungar, An Caisleain Riabhach, Roscommon

Pre-fab

17748E

SN Padraig Naofa

Dungar, An Caisleain Riabhach, Roscommon

Pre-fab

18729F

Ballintleva NS

Curraghboy, Roscommon

Pre-fab

65100S

Scoil Mhuire

Strokestown, Roscommon

Pre-fab

Schools Building Projects.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

489 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will support a matter in respect of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [5656/09]

The proposed building project for the school to which the Deputy refers is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. As the Deputy will be aware, last week, I announced details of 43 major building projects to proceed to tender and construction and 25 high priority projects to commence architectural planning. The project to which the Deputy refers was not included in this announcement. Therefore, it is unlikely that it will be progressed in 2009. The progression of all large scale building projects, including the project in question, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multiannual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time. I am pleased to inform the Deputy, however, that the Department has taken a decision in principle to replace a number of prefabs at the school and this matter is being progressed.

Pension Provisions.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

490 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science if an allowance will be made available to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5663/09]

The person in question is in receipt of a pension from my Department under the National School Teachers Spouses' and Children's Pension Scheme, as the spouse of a deceased teacher. Pension is not payable in respect of the person's granddaughter notwithstanding that the person is the child's guardian. Eligibility for children's pension under the scheme of which the deceased was a member is restricted to the children born of the member's marriage, children adopted by the member while in service and to step-children of the member where such children were dependent on the member while living. The provisions of the superannuation scheme are of general application and it is not open to me to depart from them in individual cases.

School Accommodation.

Michael D'Arcy

Ceist:

491 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Education and Science the schools and the number of classroom units within each school in the Waterford constituency area that are availing of accommodation under the temporary accommodation scheme; the average rental cost of each unit per annum in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5674/09]

Details of the schools in Waterford renting temporary accommodation are given in the following tabular statement. As the Deputy will see from the details provided, there are 19 schools renting a total of 96 prefab units. The average annual rental cost per prefab unit in Waterford is €12,960. As the Deputy will appreciate the cost per unit will vary depending on the size, type and age of each unit. The Deputy will be aware that 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. 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 timeframe.

Rental of Prefabricated Accommodation — Waterford

Roll No.

Name

Address

15046I

St Stephens

25 Patrick Street, Waterford

15046I

St Stephens

26 Patrick Street, Waterford

15318P

Glenbeg NS

Glenbeg, Dungarvan, Waterford

15318P

Glenbeg NS

Glenbeg, Dungarvan, Waterford

17159I

Garranbane NS

Dungarvan, Waterford

17525H

Light of Christ School

Dunmore East, Waterford

17535K

S.N. Fionnabhair (Fenor NS)

Fenor, Waterford

17535K

S.N. Fionnabhair (Fenor NS)

Fenor, Waterford

17535K

S.N. Fionnabhair (Fenor NS)

Fenor, Waterford

18094L

Scoil Mhuire

Abbeyside, Dungarvan, Waterford

18094L

Scoil Mhuire

Abbeyside, Dungarvan, Waterford

18167M

St Annes National School

Seafield, Kilmacthomas, Waterford

18235D

St Marys BNS

Ferrybank, Waterford

18235D

St Marys BNS

Ferrybank, Waterford

18235D

St Marys BNS

Ferrybank, Waterford

18380M

Faithlegg NS

Faithlegg, Waterford

19108B

St Martins Special School

Ballytrunkle Road, Waterford

19108B

St Martins Special School

Ballytrunkle Road, Waterford

19629G

Holy Cross School

Ballycarnane, Tramore, Waterford

19629G

Holy Cross School

Ballycarnane, Tramore, Waterford

19629G

Holy Cross School

Ballycarnane, Tramore, Waterford

19629G

Holy Cross School

Ballycarnane, Tramore, Waterford

19629G

Holy Cross School

Ballycarnane, Tramore, Waterford

19629G

Holy Cross School

Ballycarnane, Tramore, Waterford

19629G

Holy Cross School

Ballycarnane, Tramore, Waterford

19629G

Holy Cross School

Ballycarnane, Tramore, Waterford

19629G

Holy Cross School

Ballycarnane, Tramore, Waterford

19629G

Holy Cross School

Ballycarnane, Tramore, Waterford

19629G

Holy Cross School

Ballycarnane, Tramore, Waterford

19629G

Holy Cross School

Ballycarnane, Tramore, Waterford

19629G

Holy Cross School

Ballycarnane, Tramore, Waterford

19629G

Holy Cross School

Ballycarnane, Tramore, Waterford

19629G

Holy Cross School

Ballycarnane, Tramore, Waterford

19629G

Holy Cross School

Ballycarnane, Tramore, Waterford

19629G

Holy Cross School

Ballycarnane, Tramore, Waterford

19726E

St James National School

Church Lane, Stradbally, Waterford

19885B

Gaelscoil Philib Barun

Cruabhaile Uachtarach, Tra Mhor, Waterford

19885B

Gaelscoil Philib Barun

Cruabhaile Uachtarach, Tra Mhor, Waterford

19885B

Gaelscoil Philib Barun

Cruabhaile Uachtarach, Tra Mhor, Waterford

19970P

Portlaw NS

Portlaw, Waterford

20076V

Bunscoil Bhothar na Naomh

Lismore, Waterford

20143K

Waterpark National School

Park Road, Waterford

20170N

Bunscoil Chill Mhic Thomaisin

Kilmacthomas, Waterford

64970U

Presentation Secondary School

Cannon Street, Waterford

64970U

Presentation Secondary School

Cannon Street, Waterford

64970U

Presentation Secondary School

Cannon Street, Waterford

64970U

Presentation Secondary School

Cannon Street, Waterford

68078U

Gaelcholáiste Phort Láirge

Bothar Kilbarry, Waterford

68078U

Gaelcholáiste Phort Láirge

Bothar Kilbarry, Waterford

68078U

Gaelcholáiste Phort Láirge

Bothar Kilbarry, Waterford

68078U

Gaelcholáiste Phort Láirge

Bothar Kilbarry, Waterford

68078U

Gaelcholáiste Phort Láirge

Bothar Kilbarry, Waterford

68078U

Gaelcholáiste Phort Láirge

Bothar Kilbarry, Waterford

School Staffing.

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

492 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the way, in the absence of a redevelopment scheme at second level, he will proceed with removing the 200 teachers at post-primary level from the system as proposed by him in budget 2009. [5675/09]

As part of the modernisation agenda for teachers under the Social Partnership Agreement Towards 2016 it was agreed to address the issue of redeployment of surplus teachers. Discussions on the arrangements that would apply in the case of second level schools commenced under the auspices of the Teachers Conciliation Council in March 2007. It was initially agreed that the discussions would take place in a sequenced manner and that the first issue to be discussed was the arrangements that would apply in the case of school closures. Those arrangements were agreed and have been implemented with effect from the end of the 2006/2007 school year. Discussions have now focused on agreeing arrangements that will apply in the case of teachers that become surplus in situations other than school closure such as changing enrolments or changed course or subject provision at individual school level.

Vocational Education Committees.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

493 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has made an order under section 10 of the Vocational Education (Amendment) Act 2001 to grant vocational education committees the authority to operate two primary schools (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5680/09]

Draft legislation to put in place a legal framework which will facilitate the involvement of Vocational Education Committees (VECs) in the provision of primary education is currently in preparation in my Department. No order has been made under Section 10 of the Vocational Education (Amendment) Act 2001. Having considered the matter it has been decided that it is proper that the role and responsibility of VECs in relation to the patronage of primary schools should be set forth in primary legislation and brought before the Oireachtas in due course. As the Deputy will be aware, VECs currently operate in the area of further and continuing education. If their remit is to be expanded to encompass primary education it is desirable that this should be done by primary legislation setting out the nature and extent of their duties and voted upon by the Houses of the Oireachtas.

School Accommodation.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

494 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the schools and the number of classroom units within each national and second level school in the Cork South West constituency area that are availing of accommodation under the temporary accommodation scheme; the average rental cost of each unit per annum in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5703/09]

My Department holds data on temporary accommodation on a county basis rather than a constituency basis. Details held by this Department of the schools in Cork City and County renting prefabricated units are given in the following tabular statement. As the Deputy will see from the details provided, there are 116 schools renting a total of 282 prefab units. The average annual rental cost per prefab unit in Cork City and County area is €14,022. As the Deputy will appreciate the cost per unit will vary depending on the size, type and age of each unit. The Deputy will be aware that 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. 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 timeframe.

Prefab Rental — Primary & Post-Primary — Cork

Roll No.

Name

Address

Type

00512D

St. Brigid's Presentation Convent Primary

Midleton, Cork

Pre-fab

00512D

St. Brigid's Presentation Convent Primary

Midleton, Cork

Pre-fab

00512D

St. Brigid's Presentation Convent Primary

Midleton, Cork

Pre-fab

00512D

St. Brigid's Presentation Convent Primary

Midleton, Cork

Pre-fab

00512D

St. Brigid's Presentation Convent Primary

Midleton, Cork

Pre-fab

00512D

St. Brigid's Presentation Convent Primary

Midleton, Cork

Pre-fab

00512D

St. Brigid's Presentation Convent Primary

Midleton, Cork

Pre-fab

01272O

Glandore NS

Glandore, Cork

Pre-fab

02114B

Ballygiblin NS

Mitchelstown, Cork

Pre-fab

02114B

Ballygiblin NS

Mitchelstown, Cork

Pre-fab

02452V

St Colman's NS

Cloyne, Cork

Pre-fab

02452V

St Colman's NS

Cloyne, Cork

Pre-fab

04118T

Bishop Ahern NS

Leamlara, Cork

Pre-fab

05477G

Scoil Naomh Seosamh

Laragh, Bandon, Cork

Pre-fab

05477G

Scoil Naomh Seosamh

Laragh, Bandon, Cork

Pre-fab

06342L

Vicarstown Mixed NS

Vicarstown, Cork

Pre-fab

07242M

Cloghroe NS

Cloghroe, Cork

Pre-fab

07242M

Cloghroe NS

Cloghroe, Cork

Pre-fab

07242M

Cloghroe NS

Cloghroe, Cork

Pre-fab

07242M

Cloghroe NS

Cloghroe, Cork

Pre-fab

10047I

Macroom Convent NS (St Joseph's)

Macroom, Cork

Pre-fab

10047I

Macroom Convent NS (St Joseph's)

Macroom, Cork

Pre-fab

10047I

Macroom Convent NS (St Joseph's)

Macroom, Cork

Pre-fab

10047I

Macroom Convent NS (St Joseph's)

Macroom, Cork

Pre-fab

10047I

Macroom Convent NS (St Joseph's)

Macroom, Cork

Pre-fab

10047I

Macroom Convent NS (St Joseph's)

Macroom, Cork

Pre-fab

10523O

Fermoy Adair NS

Fermoy, Cork

Pre-fab

11496T

Shandrum NS

Newtownshandrum, Charleville, Cork

Pre-fab

11992I

Whitegate Mixed NS

Whitegate, Midleton, Cork

Pre-fab

11992I

Whitegate Mixed NS

Whitegate, Midleton, Cork

Pre-fab

11992I

Whitegate Mixed NS

Whitegate, Midleton, Cork

Pre-fab

11992I

Whitegate Mixed NS

Whitegate, Midleton, Cork

Pre-fab

12004A

Mallon No1 NS

Shortcastle St, Mallow, Cork

Pre-fab

12015F

Liscarroll NS

Liscarroll, Mallow, Cork

Pre-fab

12041G

St. John the Baptist, Midleton NS

Dungourney Road, Midleton, Cork

Pre-fab

12041G

St. John the Baptist, Midleton NS

Dungourney Road, Midleton, Cork

Pre-fab

12395S

Rusheen NS

Rusheen, Coachford, Cork

Pre-fab

12446J

Glenahulla NS

Mitchelstown, Cork

Pre-fab

12447L

Baltydaniel NS

Newtwopothouse, Mallow, Cork

Pre-fab

12456M

Scoil Malaga

Timoleague, Cork

Pre-fab

12473M

Scoil Mhuire na nGrós (Greenmount Monastery NS)

Green Street, Cork

Pre-fab

12473M

Scoil Mhuire na nGrós (Greenmount Monastery NS)

Green Street, Cork

Pre-fab

12473M

Scoil Mhuire na nGrós (Greenmount Monastery NS)

Green Street, Cork

Pre-fab

12473M

Scoil Mhuire na nGrós (Greenmount Monastery NS)

Green Street, Cork

Pre-fab

12473M

Scoil Mhuire na nGrós (Greenmount Monastery NS)

Green Street, Cork

Pre-fab

12505W

Kilbarry NS

Kilbarry, Macroom, Cork

Pre-fab

13031I

St Joseph's Convent NS

Smith's Rd, Rathluirc, Cork

Pre-fab

13031I

St Joseph's Convent NS

Smith's Rd, Rathluirc, Cork

Pre-fab

13234W

Cloughduv NS

Cloughduv, Crookstown, Cork

Pre-fab

13234W

Cloughduv NS

Cloughduv, Crookstown, Cork

Pre-fab

13375R

Scoil Bhríde

Cros Mhathúna, Bandon, Cork

Pre-fab

13375R

Scoil Bhríde

Cros Mhathúna, Bandon, Cork

Pre-fab

13450F

Rushbrooke NS

Rushbrooke, Cobh, Cork

Pre-fab

13450F

Rushbrooke NS

Rushbrooke, Cobh, Cork

Pre-fab

13450F

Rushbrooke NS

Rushbrooke, Cobh, Cork

Pre-fab

13450F

Rushbrooke NS

Rushbrooke, Cobh, Cork

Pre-fab

13450F

Rushbrooke NS

Rushbrooke, Cobh, Cork

Pre-fab

13483U

SN Atha na Líonta

Mourneabbey, Mallow, Cork

Pre-fab

13483U

SN Atha na Líonta

Mourneabbey, Mallow, Cork

Pre-fab

13512B

Scoil Mhuire Lourdes

Carrigaline, Cork

Pre-fab

13728B

Castletownshend NS

Castletownshend, Skibbereen, Cork

Pre-fab

13728B

Castletownshend NS

Castletownshend, Skibbereen, Cork

Pre-fab

13728B

Castletownshend NS

Castletownshend, Skibbereen, Cork

Pre-fab

13779S

Dromahane NS

Dromahane, Mallow, Cork

Pre-fab

13779S

Dromahane NS

Dromahane, Mallow, Cork

Pre-fab

13889C

Shanbally NS

Shanbally, Ringaskiddy, Cork

Pre-fab

13889C

Shanbally NS

Shanbally, Ringaskiddy, Cork

Pre-fab

13889C

Shanbally NS

Shanbally, Ringaskiddy, Cork

Pre-fab

13889C

Shanbally NS

Shanbally, Ringaskiddy, Cork

Pre-fab

13889C

Shanbally NS

Shanbally, Ringaskiddy, Cork

Pre-fab

13889C

Shanbally NS

Shanbally, Ringaskiddy, Cork

Pre-fab

13889C

Shanbally NS

Shanbally, Ringaskiddy, Cork

Pre-fab

13976U

St Matthias National School

Ballydehob, Cork

Pre-fab

14052V

St Colmans BNS

Percival St, Kanturk, Cork

Pre-fab

14784Q

Scoil Phadraig Naofa

Dunmanway, Cork

Pre-fab

14839P

Clondrohid NS

Macroom, Cork

Pre-fab

15165Q

Ballintotas NS

Ballintotas, Castlemartyr, Cork

Pre-fab

15165Q

Ballintotas NS

Ballintotas, Castlemartyr, Cork

Pre-fab

15380U

Dromagh NS

Dromagh, Mallow, Cork

Pre-fab

15484J

SN an Chroí Naofa

Glounthaune, Cork

Pre-fab

15484J

SN an Chroí Naofa

Glounthaune, Cork

Pre-fab

15484J

SN an Chroí Naofa

Glounthaune, Cork

Pre-fab

15484J

SN an Chroí Naofa

Glounthaune, Cork

Pre-fab

15484J

SN an Chroí Naofa

Glounthaune, Cork

Pre-fab

15563F

Lisheen NS

Church Cross, Skibereen, Cork

Pre-fab

15563F

Lisheen NS

Church Cross, Skibereen, Cork

Pre-fab

15594Q

Grange NS

Grange, Fermoy, Cork

Pre-fab

15594Q

Grange NS

Grange, Fermoy, Cork

Pre-fab

15594Q

Grange NS

Grange, Fermoy, Cork

Pre-fab

15597W

St Colman's BNS

Macroom, Cork

Pre-fab

15597W

St Colman's BNS

Macroom, Cork

Pre-fab

15646J

Coomhala NS

Bantry, Cork

Pre-fab

15701O

Bartlemy NS

Fermoy, Cork

Pre-fab

15781P

Ballintemple NS

Crab Lane, Ballintemple, Cork

Pre-fab

15792U

SN Naomh Micheál

Upper Glanmire, White's Cross, Cork

Pre-fab

16087E

Kealkil NS

Bantry, Cork

Pre-fab

16087E

Kealkil NS

Bantry, Cork

Pre-fab

16271U

Watergrasshill NS

Watergrasshill, Cork

Pre-fab

16271U

Watergrasshill NS

Watergrasshill, Cork

Pre-fab

16271U

Watergrasshill NS

Watergrasshill, Cork

Pre-fab

16339F

St Joseph's NS

The Mardyke, Cork

Pre-fab

16339F

St Joseph's NS

The Mardyke, Cork

Pre-fab

16684W

Bunscoil na mBraithre Criostai

Middleton, Cork

Pre-fab

16746S

Ballygarvan NS

Ballygarvan, Cork

Pre-fab

16746S

Ballygarvan NS

Ballygarvan, Cork

Pre-fab

16746S

Ballygarvan NS

Ballygarvan, Cork

Pre-fab

16746S

Ballygarvan NS

Ballygarvan, Cork

Pre-fab

16746S

Ballygarvan NS

Ballygarvan, Cork

Pre-fab

16746S

Ballygarvan NS

Ballygarvan, Cork

Pre-fab

16940O

Dunderrow NS

Dunderrow, Kinsale, Cork

Pre-fab

16940O

Dunderrow NS

Dunderrow, Kinsale, Cork

Pre-fab

16945B

Lisgriffin NS

Lisgriffin, Buttevant, Cork

Pre-fab

17011W

St Mochomóg's NS

Cappabue, Kealkill, Bantry, Cork

Pre-fab

17103E

Scoil Chlochair Mhuire

Carrigtwohill, Cork

Pre-fab

17103E

Scoil Chlochair Mhuire

Carrigtwohill, Cork

Pre-fab

17112F

Ballyhea NS

Ballyhea, Charleville, Cork

Pre-fab

17112F

Ballyhea NS

Ballyhea, Charleville, Cork

Pre-fab

17152R

Knockskeagh NS

Clonakilty, Cork

Pre-fab

17168J

SN Inis Eoghain

Innishannon, Cork

Pre-fab

17251T

Oven's NS

Ovens, Cork

Pre-fab

17281F

Togher NS

Dunmanway, Cork

Pre-fab

17297U

St Fergal's NS

Killeagh, Cork

Pre-fab

17297U

St Fergal's NS

Killeagh, Cork

Pre-fab

17360B

SN Mhuire

Rathpeacon, Mallow Rd, Cork

Pre-fab

17360B

SN Mhuire

Rathpeacon, Mallow Rd, Cork

Pre-fab

17533G

Rahan NS

Mallow, Cork

Pre-fab

17533G

Rahan NS

Mallow, Cork

Pre-fab

17533G

Rahan NS

Mallow, Cork

Pre-fab

17533G

Rahan NS

Mallow, Cork

Pre-fab

17600S

Scartleigh NS

Saleen, Midleton, Cork

Pre-fab

17600S

Scartleigh NS

Saleen, Midleton, Cork

Pre-fab

17600S

Scartleigh NS

Saleen, Midleton, Cork

Pre-fab

17600S

Scartleigh NS

Saleen, Midleton, Cork

Pre-fab

17609N

Scoil Bhríde

Rathcormac, Cork

Pre-fab

17609N

Scoil Bhríde

Rathcormac, Cork

Pre-fab

17609N

Scoil Bhríde

Rathcormac, Cork

Pre-fab

17609N

Scoil Bhríde

Rathcormac, Cork

Pre-fab

17609N

Scoil Bhríde

Rathcormac, Cork

Pre-fab

17609n

Scoil Bhríde

Rathcormac, Cork

Pre-fab

17609N

Scoil Bhríde

Rathcormac, Cork

Pre-fab

17609N

Scoil Bhríde

Rathcormac, Cork

Pre-fab

17639W

CBS PS

Mitchelstown, Cork

Pre-fab

17639W

CBS PS

Mitchelstown, Cork

Pre-fab

17639W

CBS PS

Mitchelstown, Cork

Pre-fab

17667E

Whitechurch NS

Whitechurch, Cork

Pre-fab

17667E

Whitechurch NS

Whitechurch, Cork

Pre-fab

17765E

Reenascreena NS

Reenascreena, Rosscarbery, Cork

Pre-fab

17765E

Reenascreena NS

Reenascreena, Rosscarbery, Cork

Pre-fab

17823P

Glantane NS

Glantane, Mallow, Cork

Pre-fab

17921P

Moing na Míol

Clashbee, Mallow, Cork

Pre-fab

17921P

Moing na Míol

Clashbee, Mallow, Cork

Pre-fab

17972J

Killmurry NS

Ballymichael, Lissarda, Cork

Pre-fab

17993R

Scoil Mhuire Gan Smál (B) (Glasheen BNS)

School Avenue, Glasheen, Cork

Pre-fab

17993R

Scoil Mhuire Gan Smál (B) (Glasheen BNS)

School Avenue, Glasheen, Cork

Pre-fab

17993R

Scoil Mhuire Gan Smál (B) (Glasheen BNS)

School Avenue, Glasheen, Cork

Pre-fab

18000W

Scoil Mhuire Naofa

Carrigtwohill, Cork

Pre-fab

18000W

Scoil Mhuire Naofa

Carrigtwohill, Cork

Pre-fab

18000W

Scoil Mhuire Naofa

Carrigtwohill, Cork

Pre-fab

18100D

Lissagriffin NS

Gouleen, Skibbereen, Cork

Pre-fab

18128C

Scoil Mhuire NS

Kiskeam, Mallow, Cork

Pre-fab

18217B

Scoil Padre Pio

Churchfield, Cork

Pre-fab

18217B

Scoil Padre Pio

Churchfield, Cork

Pre-fab

18246I

Ballymoney NS

Ballineen, Cork

Pre-fab

18279A

Carrigaline No. 3 NS

Waterpark, Carrigaline, Cork

Pre-fab

18279A

Carrigaline No. 3 NS

Waterpark, Carrigaline, Cork

Pre-fab

18377A

St Joseph's NS

Oliver Plunkett Hill, Fermoy, Cork

Pre-fab

18428O

Bailenóra NS

Bailenóra, Tobar an Iarla, Cork

Pre-fab

18428O

Bailenóra NS

Bailenóra, Tobar an Iarla, Cork

Pre-fab

18428O

Bailenóra NS

Bailenóra, Tobar an Iarla, Cork

Pre-fab

18468D

St Mary's NS

Castledonovan, Drimoleague, Cork

Pre-fab

18483W

School of the Divine Child

Lavanagh Centre, Ballintemple, Cork

Pre-fab

18483W

School of the Divine Child

Lavanagh Centre, Ballintemple, Cork

Pre-fab

18497K

Scoil Inse Ratha

Little Island, Cork

Pre-fab

18497K

Scoil Inse Ratha

Little Island, Cork

Pre-fab

18535P

St John's GNS

Ballea Rd, Carrigaline, Cork

Pre-fab

18535P

St John's GNS

Ballea Rd, Carrigaline, Cork

Pre-fab

18535P

St John's GNS

Ballea Rd, Carrigaline, Cork

Pre-fab

18535P

St John's GNS

Ballea Rd, Carrigaline, Cork

Pre-fab

18535P

St John's GNS

Ballea Rd, Carrigaline, Cork

Pre-fab

18535P

St John's GNS

Ballea Rd, Carrigaline, Cork

Pre-fab

18713N

SN Fionán Reanna

Belgooly, Cork

Pre-fab

18829J

SN Chobh Chionn tSaile

Kinsale, Cork

Pre-fab

18829J

SN Chobh Chionn tSaile

Kinsale, Cork

Pre-fab

18829J

SN Chobh Chionn tSaile

Kinsale, Cork

Pre-fab

18829J

SN Chobh Chionn tSaile

Kinsale, Cork

Pre-fab

18829J

SN Chobh Chionn tSaile

Kinsale, Cork

Pre-fab

19256Q

Scoil Ghobnatan

Mallow, Cork

Pre-fab

19351K

Cill Chriodain

Kilcredan, Ladysbridge, Cork

Pre-fab

19351K

Cill Chriodain

Kilcredan, Ladysbridge, Cork

Pre-fab

19351K

Cill Chriodain

Kilcredan, Ladysbridge, Cork

Pre-fab

19351K

Cill Chriodain

Kilcredan, Ladysbridge, Cork

Pre-fab

19381T

Rathmore NS

Baltimore, Skibereen, Cork

Pre-fab

19404F

Scoil Mhuire SN

Ballyhooly, Cork

Pre-fab

19404F

Scoil Mhuire SN

Ballyhooly, Cork

Pre-fab

19415K

Scoil an Athar Tadhg

Carraig na bhFear, Cork

Pre-fab

19415K

Scoil an Athar Tadhg

Carraig na bhFear, Cork

Pre-fab

19415K

Scoil an Athar Tadhg

Carraig na bhFear, Cork

Pre-fab

19557H

Caheragh NS

Caheragh, Drimoleague, Cork

Pre-fab

19637F

Scoil Fhionnbarra

Béal Athan Ghaorthaidh, Cork

Pre-fab

19637F

Scoil Fhionnbarra

Béal Athan Ghaorthaidh, Cork

Pre-fab

19760E

Scoil Triest

Lota, Glanmire, Cork

Pre-fab

19760E

Scoil Triest

Lota, Glanmire, Cork

Pre-fab

19760E

Scoil Triest

Lota, Glanmire, Cork

Pre-fab

19761G

St Peter's NS

Dungourney, Cork

Pre-fab

19801P

Drimoleague Junior School

Drimoleague, Cork

Pre-fab

19801P

Drimoleague Junior School

Drimoleague, Cork

Pre-fab

19839R

GS Ui Riordain

Cul Rua, Baile an Chollaigh, Cork

Pre-fab

19839R

GS Ui Riordain

Cul Rua, Baile an Chollaigh, Cork

Pre-fab

19839R

GS Uí Ríordáin

Cúl Rua, Baile an Chollaigh, Cork

Pre-fab

19881Q

GS Charraig Uí Leighin

Carraig Uí Leighin, Cork

Pre-fab

19881Q

GS Charraig Uí Leighin

Carraig Uí Leighin, Cork

Pre-fab

19881Q

GS Charraig Uí Leighin

Carraig Uí Leighin, Cork

Pre-fab

19881Q

GS Charraig Uí Leighin

Carraig Uí Leighin, Cork

Pre-fab

19881Q

GS Charraig Uí Leighin

Carraig Uí Leighin, Cork

Pre-fab

19881Q

GS Charraig Uí Leighin

Carraig Uí Leighin, Cork

Pre-fab

19906G

Cork School Project NS

Grattan St, Cork

Pre-fab

19978I

Maulatrahane Central NS

Leas, Skibereen, Cork

Pre-fab

19993E

GS an Ghoirt Alainn

Aibhinne Murmont, Gort Alainn, Cork

Pre-fab

20006A

GS Chloch na gCoillte

Scartagh, Cloch na gCoillte, Cork

Pre-fab

20006A

GS Chloch na gCoillte

Scartagh, Cloch na gCoillte, Cork

Pre-fab

20006A

GS Chloch na gCoillte

Scartagh, Cloch na gCoillte, Cork

Pre-fab

20006A

GS Chloch na gCoillte

Scartagh, Cloch na gCoillte, Cork

Pre-fab

20006A

GS Chloch na gCoillte

Scartagh, Cloch na gCoillte, Cork

Pre-fab

20006A

GS Chloch na gCoillte

Scartagh, Cloch na gCoillte, Cork

Pre-fab

20006A

GS Chloch na gCoillte

Scartagh, Cloch na gCoillte, Cork

Pre-fab

20006A

GS Chloch na gCoillte

Scartagh, Cloch na gCoillte, Cork

Pre-fab

20006A

GS Chloch na gCoillte

Scartagh, Cloch na gCoillte, Cork

Pre-fab

20006A

GS Chloch na gCoillte

Scartagh, Cloch na gCoillte, Cork

Pre-fab

20006A

GS Chloch na gCoillte

Scartagh, Cloch na gCoillte, Cork

Pre-fab

20006A

GS Chloch na gCoillte

Scartagh, Cloch na gCoillte, Cork

Pre-fab

20006A

GS Chloch na gCoillte

Scartagh, Cloch na gCoillte, Cork

Pre-fab

20006A

GS Chloch na gCoillte

Scartagh, Cloch na gCoillte, Cork

Pre-fab

20006A

GS Chloch na gCoillte

Scartagh, Cloch na gCoillte, Cork

Pre-fab

20006A

GS Chloch na gCoillte

Scartagh, Cloch na gCoillte, Cork

Pre-fab

20025E

GS Droichead na Banndan

Palún CLG, Droichead na Banndan, Cork

Pre-fab

20025E

GS Droichead na Banndan

Palún CLG, Droichead na Banndan, Cork

Pre-fab

20025E

GS Droichead na Banndan

Palún CLG, Droichead na Banndan, Cork

Pre-fab

20025E

GS Droichead na Banndan

Palún CLG, Droichead na Banndan, Cork

Pre-fab

20049S

Ringaskiddy Lower Harbour NS

Loughbeg, Ringaskiddy, Cork

Pre-fab

20049S

Ringaskiddy Lower Harbour NS

Loughbeg, Ringaskiddy, Cork

Pre-fab

20049S

Ringaskiddy Lower Harbour NS

Loughbeg, Ringaskiddy, Cork

Pre-fab

20088F

Scoil Mhuire NS

Meenvane, Schull, Cork

Pre-fab

20088F

Scoil Mhuire NS

Meenvane, Schull, Cork

Pre-fab

20088F

Scoil Mhuire NS

Meenvane, Schull, Cork

Pre-fab

20088F

Scoil Mhuire NS

Meenvane, Schull, Cork

Pre-fab

20088F

Scoil Mhuire NS

Meenvane, Schull, Cork

Pre-fab

20105C

Star of the Sea

Passsage West, Cork

Pre-fab

20105C

Star of the Sea

Passsage West, Cork

Pre-fab

20105C

Star of the Sea

Passsage West, Cork

Pre-fab

20106E

Scoil Niocláis

Frankfield Grange, Cork, Cork

Pre-fab

20106E

Scoil Niocláis

Frankfield Grange, Cork, Cork

Pre-fab

20106E

Scoil Niocláis

Frankfield Grange, Cork, Cork

Pre-fab

20106E

Scoil Niocláis

Frankfield Grange, Cork, Cork

Pre-fab

20106E

Scoil Niocláis

Frankfield Grange, Cork, Cork

Pre-fab

20106E

Scoil Niocláis

Frankfield Grange, Cork, Cork

Pre-fab

20106E

Scoil Niocláis

Frankfield Grange, Cork, Cork

Pre-fab

20107G

Gaelscoil Mhainistir na Corann

Ionad an Phobail, Mainistir na Corann, Cork

Pre-fab

20107G

Gaelscoil Mhainistir na Corann

Ionad an Phobail, Mainistir na Corann, Cork

Pre-fab

20107G

Gaelscoil Mhainistir na Corann

Ionad an Phobail, Mainistir na Corann, Cork

Pre-fab

20107G

Gaelscoil Mhainistir na Corann

Ionad an Phobail, Mainistir na Corann, Cork

Pre-fab

20107G

Gaelscoil Mhainistir na Corann

Ionad an Phobail, Mainistir na Corann, Cork

Pre-fab

20107G

Gaelscoil Mhainistir na Corann

Ionad an Phobail, Mainistir na Corann, Cork

Pre-fab

20222G

Scoil Chuil-Aodha/Barr dInse

Ciul-Aosha, Maghcromtha, Cork

Pre-fab

20265B

Gaelscoil Chionn tSaile

Cappagh, Cionn tSaile, Kinsale, Cork

Pre-fab

20265B

Gaelscoil Chionn tSaile

Cappagh, Cionn tSaile, Kinsale, Cork

Pre-fab

20335T

Rochestown NS

Rochestown, Cork

Pre-fab

20335T

Rochestown NS

Rochestown, Cork

Pre-fab

20335T

Rochestown NS

Rochestown, Cork

Pre-fab

20336V

Midleton Educate Together NS

Midleton, Cork

Pre-fab

20336V

Midleton Educate Together NS

Midleton, Cork

Pre-fab

62170B

Sacred Heart Sec School

Clonakilty, Cork

Pre-fab

62421A

Presentation Sec School

Mitchelstown, Cork

Pre-fab

62421A

Presentation Sec School

Mitchelstown, Cork

Pre-fab

62421A

Presentation Sec School

Mitchelstown, Cork

Pre-fab

62421A

Presentation Sec School

Mitchelstown, Cork

Pre-fab

62460K

St Francis College

Rochestown, Cork

Pre-fab

62460K

St Francis College

Rochestown, Cork

Pre-fab

62460K

St Francis College

Rochestown, Cork

Pre-fab

62460K

St Francis College

Rochestown, Cork

Pre-fab

62730N

St Patricks College

Gardiners Hill, Cork

Pre-fab

70930R

St Goban's College

Bantry, Cork

Pre-fab

91499E

Kinsale Community School

Kinsale, Cork

Pre-fab

Departmental Expenditure.

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

495 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding Parliamentary Question No. 267 of 4 February 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5716/09]

The information requested by the Deputy follows:

Date

Press Conference/ Launch

Location

Cost

2007

26/01/2007

Press Briefing on Education Element of NDP

Gleneagles Hotel, Killarney

No Cost to Department

27/02/2007

Launch of New Internet Safety Initiatives

DES Marlborough Street

***

06/03/2007

Launch of Skills Strategy Report

Government Press Centre

***

13/03/2007

Launch of DES Evaluation of Relationships and Sexual Education

DES Marlborough Street

***

13/03/2007

Launch of New Internet Safety Initiatives

DES Marlborough Street

***

13/03/2007

Launch of Collaborative Project between ICEP and St Patricks College

Croke Park Conference Centre

No Cost to Department

28/03/2007

Launch of Codes of Professional Conduct for Teachers

Davenport Hotel, Dublin

No Cost to Department

24/04/2007

Launch of Streetwise: Road Safety Programme

Dublin School

No Cost to Department

03/07/2007

Discussions with Leaving Certificate Students regarding State Exam Timetabling

DES Marlborough Street

***

05/09/2007

Launch of the Annual Report of the Schools’s Business Partnership

DES Marlborough Street

***

07/11/2007

Launch of OECD International Conference ‘Improving School Leadership’

Guinness Storehouse, Dublin

No Cost to Department

26/11/2007

Launch of WebWheel Website

DES Marlborough Street

***

28/11/2007

Launch of Assessment in the Primary School Curriculum

Harold Cross School

Costs covered by NCCA

04/12/2007

Launch of the PISA Results for Ireland

DES Marlborough Street

***

06/12/2007

Post Budget Briefing of the Education Partners

DES Marlborough Street

***

06/12/2007

Post Budget Briefing of the Media

Government Press Centre

***

2008

18/01/2008

Launching Active School Awards

St.Clares NS Harolds Cross

No Cost to Department

29/01/2008

Launch of DVD Office of President

Holy Faith Sch Glasnevin

No Cost to Department

15/04/2008

Opening Austistic Disorders Conference Croke Park

Croke Park Conference Centre

€54,252.72 DES

29/04/2008

Launch of Transition Year Road Safety Programme

Government Press Centre

***

01/07/2008

Discussions with Leaving Cert Students Re Leaving Cert 2008

DES Marlborough Street

***

09/07/2008

Launching HEA National Access Plan

DES Marlborough Street

***

10/07/2008

Launch of ICT Strategy Review Group & ICT in Schools

DES Marlborough Street

€141.57 DES

23/09/2008

Launch of Annual Report of Schools Business Partnership

DES Marlborough Street

***

03/10/2008

Launch of Scoilnet Maps

Silversprings Hotel, Cork

No Cost to Department

03/10/2008

Launch of Looking at Geography

Cork

€733.10

10/10/2008

Launch of Project Maths

Scoil Mhuire, Kanturk

No Cost to Department

***Tea/Coffee costs may have been incurred.

Schools Building Projects.

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

496 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will make a capital allocation available for the building of a new school (details supplied) in County Cork; when the school authorities, including the board of management and principal will be informed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5728/09]

The project to which the Deputy refers involves the acquisition of additional land. The progression of the project, from site acquisition and initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multiannual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the further progression of the project at this time.

Computerisation Programme.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

497 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 295 of 28 January 2009, if he will confirm whether the Mayo Education Centre has the services of a communication technology advisor for 2009. [5729/09]

The position regarding the ICT Advisory Service operating from the regional Education Centres is that following the Value for Money Review of the ICT Support Service for Schools undertaken by my Department, the ICT Advisor posts have not been renewed. Accordingly, there is no ICT Advisor post attached to Mayo Education Centre. This decision reflects the view that each school must plan and execute its own policy for ICT integration across the curriculum and that the resources utilised by the ICT Advisory Service would be better employed focussing supports for ICT leadership and change within each school. The National Centre for Technology in Education is working closely with the support services supported by my Department and the role of the school's ICT co-ordinating teacher, with the support of the school principal, is being prioritised as central in the provision of ongoing ICT support and advice to teachers. The NCTE continues to provide advice and support to schools on the integration of ICT into teaching and learning and to provide a range of ICT continuing professional development courses for teachers, through the Education Centres.

Site Acquisitions.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

498 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 443 of 3 February 2009, if there is a delay in the transfer of the site of a school (details supplied) in County Galway; if so, the reason for same; and the steps he is taking to expedite the matter. [5747/09]

As the Deputy will be aware, my Department recently wrote to City of Galway VEC instructing them to proceed with negotiations regarding the acquisition of a site for the school in question. I am advised that the VEC are progressing the matter.

Schools Building Projects.

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

499 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will make available a capital allocation for the redevelopment of a school (details supplied) in County Cork; when the school authorities, including the board of management and principal will be informed; the length of time the construction period will last; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5755/09]

The School to which the Deputy refers applied for a large scale extension project. The long term accommodation needs of the school have been determined as an 8 classroom school. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multiannual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

500 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science his views, in view of his recent visit to the area, on whether the conditions at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 22 are suitable for children; if he will ensure the building of a proper school for these children will proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5766/09]

As the Deputy will be aware, it is my Department's intention to provide the school in question with a new building. In this regard, agreement has been reached to provide the new building on a V.E.C. owned site. As the Deputy will also be aware, last week, I announced details of 43 major building projects to proceed to tender and construction and 25 high priority projects to commence architectural planning. The project to which the Deputy refers was not included in this announcement for the commencement of architectural planning. Therefore, it is unlikely that it will be progressed in 2009. The progression of all large scale building projects, including the project in question, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multiannual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

501 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in building a permanent school for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 7; if he will replace the four worst prefabs in the meantime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5767/09]

The Office of Public Works (OPW) which acts on behalf of my Department in relation to site acquisitions generally had been requested to source a greenfield site for the school to which the Deputy refers. On foot of advertising, no proposals were received for a greenfield site in the area concerned. The OPW was then requested by my Department to look into the possibility of building a permanent school on the existing temporary site which is in the ownership of the local authority but leased to a sporting organisation. To pursue this proposal, meetings have taken place between my Department and the relevant local authority on the potential availability of the site and, last year, my Department wrote to the local authority with a proposal suggesting that a lease arrangement be put in place.

In January this year, officials from my Department again met with the local authority and representatives of the sporting organisation involved to further the Department's request. My Department has confirmed its intention, as sought by the local authority, to enter into negotiations in relation to the terms of a lease for the lands needed. With regard to the replacement of temporary accommodation as an interim measure, at the end of last year, the school authority was advised to complete the appropriate application form in this regard. Consideration will be given to this matter when the application is received.

Smarter Travel Policy.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

502 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science his Department’s work place travel plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5848/09]

My Department is aware of, and supports, the Government's Smarter Travel Policy, launched by the Minister for Transport on 5 February, which recognises the valuable role that workplace travel planning can play in making commuting travel patterns more sustainable.

The Deputy may be interested to know that my Department operates a Travel Pass Scheme which greatly enhances the benefits to employees of using public transport. In 2009, to date, 105 members of staff have availed of the Travel Pass Scheme.

Special Educational Needs.

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

503 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the resources being made available to a person (details supplied) in County Cork in second level education; and if these resources will be improved. [5862/09]

As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. I have arranged for the details supplied by the Deputy to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.

All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie

Question No. 504 answered with Question No. 483.

School Staffing.

Seán Ardagh

Ceist:

505 Deputy Seán Ardagh asked the Minister for Education and Science the effect the recent budgetary adjustments have had on the teaching levels at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 12; the action taken to minimise their effects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5877/09]

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 number of mainstream class teachers appropriate to a school for 2009/10 school year is determined by reference to the school's valid enrolment on 30 September, 2008. The schedule is a transparent and clear way of ensuring that schools are treated consistently and fairly and know where they stand.

The staffing schedule also makes provision for schools that are projecting significantly increased enrolments for September 2009 through the allocation of what are known as "developing posts". These classroom teaching posts are allocated to schools based on projected enrolments for September 2009 rather than on past enrolments for September 2008 which is the case for most schools. This allocation process for developing posts takes places during the Spring and Summer period when schools apply to the Department based on their projected enrolments for September 2009. The developing posts are allocated on a provisional basis initially and are confirmed following receipt from the school of actual enrolments in September 2009.

The staffing allocation to schools will also be impacted by any changes in the levels of support teachers such as for language support, special needs and social inclusion. The allocation process for some of these posts is currently underway. Language support posts are allocated during the Spring/Summer period on a provisional basis initially and are confirmed following receipt from the schools in September 2009 of actual enrolments of pupils requiring language support.

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.

At this time the priority for my Department within the resources available to it is to carry out those processes in a timely manner. Diverting resources in order to create a staffing profile for the individual school as requested by the Deputy could not be justified and would in fact impede the process.

I have already put it on record that I have no difficulty in setting out for this House or for the public generally what the final impact is on the overall changes in aggregate teacher numbers in schools for the 2009/10 school year. I will set out the final position when the allocation processes have been completed.

Clár Tógála Scoileanna.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

506 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta cén fáth nach bhfuil foirgneamh cuí ag Gaelscoil na Camóige, Cluain Dolcáin, Baile Átha Cliath, ar thug tú cuairt uirthi le déanaí, agus iad tar éis a bheith ag feitheamh le níos mó ná 15 bliain air. [5889/09]

Mar is eol, gan dabht, don Teachta, tá sé ar intinn ag mo Roinnse foirgneamh nua a chur ar fáil don scoil atá i gceist. I dtaca leis seo, táthar tar éis teacht ar chomhaontú go soláthrófar an foirgneamh nua ar shuíomh a bhaineann leis an CGO.

Mar is eol chomh maith don Teachta, gan dabht, d'fhógair mé sonraí an tseachtain seo caite faoi 43 thionscadal mór caipitil a bheidh ag dul ar aghaidh chun tairisceana agus tógála agus 25 tionscadal ardtosaíocht a bheidh ag dul ar aghaidh chun pleanála ailtireachta.

Ní raibh an tionscadal dá dtagraíonn an Teachta san áireamh sa bhfógra seo faoi thosú na pleanála ailtireachta. Dá bhrí sin, ní dócha go rachfar ar aghaidh leis i 2009.

Machnófar dul chun cinn gach uile tionscadal tógála ar scála mór, an tionscadal atá i gceist anseo san áireamh, ón gcéim dearaidh tosaigh go dtí céim na tógála, i gcomhthéacs Chlár Ilbhliantúil Tógála agus Athnuachana Scoile mo Roinne. I bhfianaise na n-éileamh iomaíocha atá á ndéanamh ar bhuiséad caipitil na Roinne faoi láthair, áfach, ní féidir fráma ama táscach a lua do chur ar aghaidh an tionscadail ag an am seo.

Schools Building Projects.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

507 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science the schools and the number of classroom units within each school in the Louth constituency area that are availing of accommodation under the temporary accommodation scheme; the average rental cost of each unit per annum in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5896/09]

Details of the schools in Co. Louth renting temporary accommodation are given in the attached tabular statement. The average annual rental cost per unit is €13,160. From the information provided the Deputy will see that there were a total of 77 prefabricated units rented by 31 schools.

The Deputy will be aware that 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. 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.

Rented Prefabricated Accommodation — Louth

Roll No.

Name

Address

01434O

St Colmcilles NS

Tullydonnell, Togher

01434O

St Colmcilles NS

Tullydonnell, Togher, Louth

01554B

Ballapousta NS

Smarmore, Drogheda, Louth

01554B

Ballapousta NS

Smarmore, Drogheda, Louth

01554B

Ballapousta NS

Smarmore, Drogheda, Louth

13670T

Dulargy NS

Revensdale, Dundalk, Louth

14069P

Dun Dealgan NS

Jocelyn Street, Dundalk, Louth

14207B

Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal

Kilsaran, Castlebrllingham, Louth

14252G

Callystown National School

Clogherhead, Louth

14252G

Callystown National School

Clogherhead, Louth

15259C

St Malachys Girls Sch

Anne St., Dundalk, Louth

15259C

St Malachys Girls Sch

Anne St., Dundalk, Louth

15260K

St Malachys infant sch

Anne St., Dundalk, Louth

15260K

St Malachys infant sch

Anne St., Dundalk, Louth

15260K

St Malachys infant sch

Anne St., Dundalk, Louth

16208N

Termonfeckin Mixed NS

Termonfeckin, Drogheda, Louth

17059E

Iosaif na mBraithre

Geata an Domhnaigh, Droich, Louth

17195M

CBS Primary Dundalk

Chapel St., Dundalk, Louth

17195M

CBS Primary Dundalk

Chapel St., Dundalk, Louth

17195M

CBS Primary Dundalk

Chapel St., Dundalk, Louth

17726R

Tullyallen NS

Tullyallen, Drogheda, Louth

17726R

Tullyallen NS

Tullyallen, Drogheda, Louth

17726R

Tullyallen NS

Tullyallen, Drogheda, Louth

17862C

Realt na Mara Sois

Mill Street, Dundalk, Louth

17949D

SN Padraig Naofa

Bothar Brugha, Drogheda, Louth

17965M

SN Bhride

Ardaghy, Omeath, Louth

18069M

St Josephs NS

Louth

18069M

St Josephs NS

Louth

18069M

St Josephs NS

Louth

18098T

Scoil N Bhride C

Bothar Brugha, Drogheda, Louth

18098T

Scoil N Bhride C

Bothar Brugha, Drogheda, Louth

18148I

Scoil Bhride Lann Leire

Ardee Rd., Dunleer, Louth

18148I

Scoil Bhride Lann Leire

Ardee Rd., Dunleer, Louth

18347O

SN San Nicolas

Nicholas Street, Dundalk, Louth

18504E

St Malachys Boys

Anne St., Dundalk, Louth

18504E

St Malachys Boys

Anne St., Dundalk, Louth

18635T

St Buite’s NS

Tenure, Dunleer, Louth

18635T

St Buite’s NS

Tenure, Dunleer, Louth

19215C

SN Ard Mhuire

Ballsgrove, Drogheda, Louth

19215C

SN Ard Mhuire

Ballsgrove, Drogheda, Louth

19215C

SN Ard Mhuire

Ballsgrove, Drogheda, Louth

19215C

SN Ard Mhuire

Ballsgrove, Drogheda, Louth

19215C

SN Ard Mhuire

Ballsgrove, Drogheda, Louth

19215C

SN Ard Mhuire

Ballsgrove, Drogheda, Louth

19223B

SN Padraig Naofa

Monasterboice, Drogheda, Louth

19223B

SN Padraig Naofa

Monasterboice, Drogheda, Louth

19479N

Rathmullen NS

Rathmullen, Drogheda, Louth

19479N

Rathmullen NS

Rathmullen, Drogheda, Louth

19479N

Rathmullen NS

Rathmullen, Drogheda, Louth

19479N

Rathmullen NS

Rathmullen, Drogheda, Louth

19479N

Rathmullen NS

Rathmullen, Drogheda, Louth

19479N

Rathmullen NS

Rathmullen, Drogheda, Louth

19673J

St Josephs NS

Avenue Rd., Dundalk, Louth

19678T

St Pauls Senior NS

Rathmullen, Drogheda, Louth

19678T

St Pauls Senior NS

Rathmullen, Drogheda, Louth

19678T

St Pauls Senior NS

Rathmullen, Drogheda, Louth

19892V

Gaelscoil Dhun Dealgan

Muirtheimhne Mor, Dun Dealgan, Louth

20146Q

Le Cheile Educate Together NS

Mornington Rd., Drogheda, Louth

20146Q

Le Cheile Educate Together NS

Mornington Rd., Drogheda, Louth

20146Q

Le Cheile Educate Together NS

Mornington Rd., Drogheda, Louth

20146Q

Le Cheile Educate Together NS

Mornington Rd., Drogheda, Louth

20146Q

Le Cheile Educate Together NS

Mornington Rd., Drogheda, Louth

20146Q

Le Cheile Educate Together NS

Mornington Rd., Drogheda, Louth

20146Q

Le Cheile Educate Together NS

Mornington Rd., Drogheda, Louth

20146Q

Le Cheile Educate Together NS

Mornington Rd., Drogheda, Louth

20146Q

Le Cheile Educate Together NS

Mornington Rd., Drogheda, Louth

20146Q

Le Cheile Educate Together NS

Mornington Rd., Drogheda, Louth

20146Q

Le Cheile Educate Together NS

Mornington Rd., Drogheda, Louth

20171P

Ardee Educate Together NS

Dundalk Rd., Ardee, Louth

20171P

Ardee Educate Together NS

Dundalk Rd., Ardee, Louth

20259G

St Francis NS

Blackrock, Louth

20259G

St Francis NS

Blackrock, Louth

63900R

St Vincents Secondary School

Seatown Place, Dundalk, Louth

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

508 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a proposed extension to a school (details supplied) in County Cork. [6025/09]

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

The progression of all large-scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the further progression of the project at this time.

Special Educational Needs.

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

509 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs teachers in County Mayo who will lose their jobs as result of his announcement in February 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6035/09]

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

510 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science the schools in County Mayo that will be affected by his announcement of the withdrawal of special needs teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6036/09]

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

511 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will withdraw the cuts for children with special needs; and the amount of money being saved by these cuts. [6065/09]

Catherine Byrne

Ceist:

520 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Science the schools in Dublin 8 which will be affected by the newly announced cuts to special needs classes; the cuts that will be imposed on each of these schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6129/09]

Catherine Byrne

Ceist:

521 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Science the schools in Dublin 10 which will be affected by the newly announced cuts to special needs classes; the cuts that will be imposed on each of these schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6130/09]

Catherine Byrne

Ceist:

522 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Science the schools in Dublin 12 which will be affected by the newly announced cuts to special needs classes; the cuts that will be imposed on each of these schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6131/09]

Catherine Byrne

Ceist:

523 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Science the schools in Dublin 20 which will be affected by the newly announced cuts to special needs classes; the cuts that will be imposed on each of these schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6132/09]

Catherine Byrne

Ceist:

524 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Science the schools in Dublin 6W which will be affected by the newly announced cuts to special needs classes; the cuts that will be imposed on each of these schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6133/09]

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

531 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the south Tipperary schools that will be impacted by the decision to cut special teacher support for children with mild general learning disabilities; the number of staff across south Tipperary which will be lost as a result of this decision; and the number of children this will impact on in south Tipperary. [6339/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 509 to 511, inclusive, 520 to 524, inclusive, and 531 together.

I wish to advise the deputies that all primary schools have been allocated additional teaching resources to enable them support pupils with high incidence special educational needs including mild general learning disability (MGLD). All primary schools were given these additional teaching resources under the General Allocation Model of learning support/resource teaching introduced in 2005. Schools can decide how best to use this allocation based on the needs of the pupils. Most pupils with a MGLD are included in ordinary classes with their peers and are supported by their class teacher. The curriculum is flexible so that teachers can cater for the needs of children of different abilities.

The Deputies will be aware that allocations to schools typically increase or decrease depending on pupil enrolment. In the case of classes for MGLD the normal pupil teacher ratio that applies is 11:1. My Department however allows for a small reduction in this number and permits schools to retain a teaching post where it has a minimum of 9 pupils in the class. In the schools in question, the number of pupils dropped below this minimum. These schools therefore are no longer entitled to the teaching posts in these classes.

In 2005 when the General Allocation Model was introduced, schools with additional teachers in classes for MGLD were allowed to retain the teachers for these classes. Effectively, these schools received a double allocation. The number of these special classes has decreased over the years and schools have integrated the children into age-appropriate mainstream classes.

All of the other primary schools in the country who do not have classes for children with MGLD cater for these pupils from within the General Allocation Model.

It is not possible to give a precise cost of the posts concerned due to the varying salary costs of the teachers in question. However, it is estimated to be in the region of €6.8m.

The schools in question as requested by the Deputies are as follows:

School

Address

Scoil Iosa,

Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo

Mater Dei Primary School,

Basin Lane, James St, Dublin 8

Goldenbridge Convent,

Goldenbridge, Inchicore , Dublin 8*

Presentation Primary School

Blackpitts, Dublin 8*

St. Catherine’s West NS,

Donore Ave, South Circular rd, Dublin 8

S N Muire Gan Smal B,

Inchicore, Dublin 8*

Sancta Maria C B S,

Synge St, Dublin 8

Scoil na mBrathar,

Francis St, Dublin 8

Scoil Seamus C B S,

James St, Dublin 8

St. Audoens NS,

Cook Street, Dublin 8

Scoil Treasa Naofa,

Petrie Road, Donroe Avenue, Dublin 8

SN Louise de Marillac C,

Drumfin Rd, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10

SN Louise de Marillac,

Ballyfermot, Dublin 10

SN Banrion na Naingeal 1,

Ballyfermot, Dublin 10*

Bainrion na N-Aingal 2,

Ballyfermot Upper, Dublin 10*

St. Gabriels NS,

Dominican Convent, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10

St. Michaels NS,

Dominican Convent, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10

St. Raphaels NS,

Dominican Convent, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10

Scoil Iosagain/Mhuire,

Mount La Salle, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10

Scoil Mhuire/Seosamh,

Mount La Salle, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10

Scoil Mhuire Ogh 1,

Loreto College, Crumlin Rd, Dublin 12

Murire na Dea Coirle G,

Mourne Rd, Drimnagh, Dublin 12

Muire na Dea Coirle INF,

Mourne Rd, Drimnagh, Dublin 12

Muire Og 2 Loreto Con,

Crumlin Rd, Dublin 12*

St Peters,

Limekiln Rd, Greenhills, Dublin 12

St Pauls G N S,

Greenhills, Kimmage West, Dublin 12

Lady of Good Counsel NS,

Mourne Rd, Drimnagh, Dublin 12

*Schools due an additional post because of their disadvantaged categorisation.

No schools in South Tipperary, Dublin 6W and Dublin 20 are affected by my Department's notification.

Schools Building Projects.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Ceist:

512 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to provide permanent accommodation in respect of a school (detail supplied) in County Kildare, currently housed in temporary accommodation; if a decision in respect of this school’s accommodation needs is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6076/09]

I am pleased to advise that the school to which the Deputy refers has been included in my recent announcement of building projects that will progress to construction in 2009.

Officials of my Department will be in contact with the school authorities to advise on the most appropriate preparation schedule applicable on this project.

Schools Recognition.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Ceist:

513 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Science the circumstances in which a school (details supplied) in County Kildare operating under temporary recognition from his Department may achieve full or permanent recognition; if full recognition of this school is imminent; if there are formal criteria within his Department outlining the number of students required to be enrolled in a school pending full recognition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6077/09]

My Department is guided by a Commission on School Accommodation (CSA) Report produced in 2004 on the "Criteria and Procedures for establishing and maintaining provision through the medium of Irish in second level schools". The report recommends that for an Irish Medium school to be recognised, it must have:

An initial first year projected enrolment of 30 pupils;

A projected average first year enrolment of 40 pupils over six years;

A projected total enrolment of 250-300, six years after opening;

Suitable accommodation; and

Compliance with Section 10 of the Education Act, 1998

The Department has received an application for permanent recognition from the school to which the Deputy refers. The application is currently being considered and a decision will be conveyed to the school authority in due course.

School Transport.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

514 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science if a request for a change in school transport will be considered by his Department in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6078/09]

My Department has consulted with Bus Éireann which operates the school transport service and has been advised that the existing service caters for the transport needs of the pupil referred to by the Deputy, in the details supplied.

If the parent wishes to submit a report on the background to this matter, my Department will be pleased to have it further investigated.

Schools Refurbishment.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

515 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will sanction the appropriate funding required by a school (details supplied) in County Limerick. [6087/09]

I am please to inform the Deputy that the application from the school in question for emergency works funding in respect of windows and roof has been approved. The school management has been informed of the position.

Human Rights Issues.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

516 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the UN General Assembly proclaimed the year commencing 10 December 2008 as the International Year of Human Rights Learning; his plans or initiatives to mark this occasion through supporting the development of human rights education here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6089/09]

I welcome the declaration by the United Nations of 2009 as the year of International Human Rights Learning. Human rights and active citizenship are issues which are fundamental principles which are at the heart of the curriculum at all levels.

In the primary curriculum, Human Rights is reflected in Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE), which plays an important role in developing an understanding of the democratic way of life and individual and group rights and responsibilities and provides opportunities for children to learn about, and actively participate in, the various communities to which they belong and to develop a sense of a shared commitment. Within the Secondary Curriculum, human rights are reflected in History Geography, Religious Education, Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE), and Civic, Social and Political Education (CSPE). CSPE is a Junior Certificate course in Active Citizenship, based on Human Rights and Social Responsibilities. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the United Nations Convention on the rights of the Child are key documents which underpin this course.

My Department, through the Second Level Support Service (SLSS) has put in place a support service for CSPE. During 2008, in association with Amnesty International and the City of Dublin VEC Curriculum Development Unit, the CSPE support service produced and distributed "Celebrating the Universal Declaration on Human Rights". The 2009 program of activities of the CSPE support service will include a focus on Human Rights Learning and will link with non-governmental organisations in a campaign focusing on displaced peoples. This campaign will also draw attention to other existing human rights resources.

Schools Building Projects.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

517 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application for an extension to a school (details supplied) in County Galway; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that planning permission has been granted, and that there are accommodation problems at this school; when the necessary funding will be available to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6114/09]

The project to which the Deputy refers is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.

Departmental Expenditure.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

518 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the impact which the Budget 2009 cuts will have on a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath; the steps he is taking to address this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6120/09]

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. My Department is currently finalising the position of individual schools and Vocational Education Committees (VECs) in relation to their staffing and grant allocations.

The preparatory work for this has commenced with the processing of enrolment data that has been received from schools. The staffing allocation processes includes appellate mechanisms under which schools and VECs can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. In addition to the mainstream classroom teachers my Department also allocates teaching resources to schools for special needs and language support. The final allocation to a school/VEC is also a function of the operation of the redeployment panels which provide for the retention of a teacher in an existing school if a new post is not available within the agreed terms of the scheme.

I have no difficulty in setting out for this House or for the public generally the overall changes on aggregate teacher numbers or on grant levels in schools/VECs for the 2009/10 school year. I will do this when the allocation processes have been completed. Furthermore the staffing schedule will be published and it is a transparent and clear way of ensuring that schools are treated consistently and fairly and know where they stand.

Special Educational Needs.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

519 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if there is assistance or help available from her Department or elsewhere to assist a person (details supplied); the locations at which help might be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6122/09]

In addition to the maintenance grant schemes, other supports are available for students who may be marginally over the income limits. The Student Assistance Fund is designed to assist students who, having commenced a third-level course, experience financial hardship that may render them unable to continue their third-level studies. Applications for funding should be made by the individual student to the Access/Disability Officer in their Institution. The fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis. In addition, the Millennium Partnership Fund has been in operation since 2000. It provides support to students from disadvantaged areas with a view to improving participation and retention in further or higher education. Students may contact their local Area Partnership Companies and Community Partnerships for assistance as they have the responsibility of managing the fund locally. These Funds are administered on behalf of my Department by the National Office for Equity of Access to Higher Education in the Higher Education Authority and are funded by the Government under the National Development Plan 2007-2013. My Department is currently working with the National Access Office and Pobal in relation to the re-orientation of the Millennium Partnership Fund to support the development of a whole-community approach to equity of access to higher education. In this regard, a consultation process with community partnerships and other stakeholders is currently under way.

Questions Nos. 520 to 524, inclusive, answered with Question No. 509.

Schools Building Projects.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

525 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if funding is allocated for the provision of a new school at a location (details supplied) in County Westmeath; the steps that have been taken to date to provide the new school to accommodate 32 teachers and a number of students; if discussions have taken place with the local authority to advance this school project; the reason there has been no progress made to date by all of the relevant parties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6138/09]

The Deputy will be aware that I recently announced 43 major building projects to proceed to tender and construction. The project to which the Deputy refers was not included in this announcement therefore, it is unlikely that this project will be progressed to construction in 2009. The progression of all large scale building projects, including the school to which the Deputy refers, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of my Department it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project for this school at this time.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

526 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science the stage at which projects at schools (details supplied) are at; if there is scope to move these projects further in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6149/09]

The proposed building project for the schools to which the Deputy refers is currently awaiting the appointment of a Design Team. As the Deputy will be aware, last week, I announced details of 43 major building projects to proceed to tender and construction and 25 high priority projects to commence architectural planning.

The projects to which the Deputy refers was not included in this announcement. Therefore, it is unlikely that they will be progressed in 2009. The progression of all large scale building projects, including the projects in question, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the projects at this time.

Ministerial Travel.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

527 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the cost in relation to foreign travel, accommodation and related Ministerial and official costs associated with St. Patrick’s Day 2008; and the plans related to St. Patrick’s Day 2009 and the projected cost. [6156/09]

My predecessor, Minister Hanafin, represented the Government in New York for the St. Patrick's Day period in 2008. The overall cost of the visit was €17,169.44. Minister of State Seán Haughey represented the Government in Poland for the St. Patrick's Day period in 2008. The overall cost of the visit was €3,210.04. The breakdown of costs associated with these official visits is set out in the table. The St. Patrick's Day Ministerial programme for 2009 is not yet finalised and so projected costs cannot be determined at this stage.

Breakdown of Ministerial and official costs associated with official travel for St. Patrick's Day 2008

Minister Hanafin: New York

Flight Costs

Accommodation Charges

Transport costs

Other Expenses subsistence, tours etc

VIP Services

Official Gifts

Minister Hanafin + 1

2,809.51 × 2

2,185.04

3,859.31

823.34

300

75.00

PSM

2,809.51

949.33

548.89

Totals

8,428.53

3,134.37

3,859.31

1,372.23

300

75.00

Minister Haughey: Poland

Flight Costs

Accommodation Charges

Transport costs

Other Expenses subsistence, tours etc

VIP Services

Official Gifts

Minister Haughey

410.41

665.67

1,457.68

286.87

156.75

134.95

PSM

410.41

503.97

269.05

Totals

820.82

1,169.64

1,457.68

555.92

156.75

134.95

School Attendance.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

528 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of prosecutions taken by the National Education Welfare Board in respect of school attendance for each of the years since its inception. [6331/09]

The Education (Welfare) Act, 2000 established the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) as the statutory body with responsibility for school attendance.

The general functions of the Board are to ensure that each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education. The Board's network of Educational Welfare Officers (EWOs) is the key means by which the Board delivers on its statutory remit to ensure that each child attends and benefits from education. EWOs deal with approximately 10,000 cases, involving children with reported school attendance difficulties, per annum. Officers work closely with the family, the school and other support services to address the particular issues for each child. The reasons for non attendance are many and complex and included are parents who fail to enrol their child in a school or to ensure that their child attends school regularly.

I have been advised by the NEWB that legal action for non attendance at school is taken when all other steps have failed and following consultation with the school and other services. Court action must ultimately be in the best interests of the child. A School Attendance Notice (SAN) is the first step in enforcing the law. When a school attendance notice is issued, the situation is monitored and the parent is given the opportunity to address the underlying issues. Occasionally, the involvement of other services with the family may be sufficient to bring about change. In exceptional cases, where there is no change and the child remains out of school, the Board will consider taking a prosecution. The first SANs for non attendance at school issued in 2005. A total of 775 SANs issued for the period 2005 to the end of 2008.

When a SAN issues the Board monitors the situation and gives the parent the opportunity to address the underlying causes of poor attendance. Occasionally the involvement of other services with the family may be sufficient to bring about a change. The first legal prosecutions for non attendance under the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000, were heard during 2006 in the District Courts. There were 34 summonses issued against parents in relation to 17 children in 2006 while a further 55 new summonses against parents in relation to 36 children were issued in 2007. In 2008 51 new summonses issued against parents in relation to 35 children. This brings the overall number of summonses issued against parents by the Board since its establishment to 140 in relation to 88 children. I am advised that 73 cases have been brought forward to 2009. This can occur for a variety of reasons including, case adjourned with leave to re-enter, probation act applied etc.

School Inspections.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

529 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps he will take to address the issues highlighted in the whole school evaluation of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [6332/09]

Responsibility for school improvement rests primarily with the staff and board of management of each school and with the school's trustees or patron. Evidence from the school responses submitted by school management in response to individual inspection reports and from other sources shows that in most cases, schools have the ability, either through their own resources or with the assistance of the relevant school support services, to address recommendations for change and improvement which are identified during inspections. The position in relation to the school referred to by the Deputy is that my Department is contacting the representatives of the Trustees in relation to the issues raised in the Whole School Evaluation. The purpose of these discussions will be to seek to identify how improvement may take place and the supports, such as those from the school support services, that may be made available to the school. Self-review by the school and further inspection visits may be used to monitor the progress of improvement.

School Attendance.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

530 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools nationally which are failing to provide up to date attendance data; and the action open to the National Education Welfare Board to deal with same. [6333/09]

The Education (Welfare) Act, 2000 established the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) as the national body with responsibility for school attendance. The general functions of the Board are to ensure that each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education. The Board's network of Educational Welfare Officers (EWOs) is the key means by which the Board delivers on its statutory remit to ensure that each child attends and benefits from education. EWOs deal with approximately 10,000 cases, involving children with reported school attendance difficulties, per annum. Officers work closely with the family, the school and other support services to address the particular issues for each child. In line with Government policy the Board prioritises its resources to support the most disadvantaged areas and schools participating in DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) the Action Plan for educational inclusion. EWOs provide an intensive service in these areas. Outside of these areas, priority is given to children who are out of school or who have significant difficulties with school attendance.

The National Educational Welfare Board's Analysis of School Attendance Data in Primary and Post-Primary Schools, 2003/04 to 2005/06, shows that the response rate from schools is improving. In primary schools, the response rate rose from 81% (in 2004/05) to 95% (in 2005/06) and in post primary schools from 76% (in 2004/05) to 88% (in 2005/06). I am advised by the Board that 270 schools failed to make Annual Attendance Returns for 2005/06 and this fell to just over 170 schools for the 2006/07 returns. Data in relation to the 2007/08 school year is being finalised. The Board have informed the Department that it continues to work with schools and provides guidelines for schools in meeting their obligations in relation to reporting.

The Board developed an online reporting system www.schoolreturn.ie in consultation with schools to simplify the process of reporting of non-attendance and submitting the annual attendance report as required under the Act. The continued increase in the number of schools making returns since the establishment of the Board is very encouraging and indicates the importance placed by schools on providing data to the Board.

Question No. 531 answered with Question No. 509.
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