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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 10 Mar 2009

Vol. 677 No. 3

Written Answers.

The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 10, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 11 to 42, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 43 to 50, inclusive, answered orally.

Proposed Legislation.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

51 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Defence his proposals to amend the Defence (Amendment) Act 1990, in order to allow PDFORA to have a limited membership of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9767/09]

The position is that under the terms of the Defence (Amendment) Act, 1990 the Defence Forces Representative Associations are prohibited from being associated with or affiliated to any trade unions or any other body without the consent of the Minister. Accordingly, the Representative Associations, RACO and PDFORRA cannot be affiliated to ICTU at present. A similar arrangement applies to the Garda Siochana Representative Associations.

The basis for the prohibition is that it would be inappropriate to apply the provisions of the Industrial Relations Act 1990 to members of the Defence Forces. The taking of any form of industrial action is felt to be irreconcilable with military service. As has been done in the past, the Defence Forces may be called on to contribute to maintaining vital services in times of industrial action. The potential for serious difficulties could arise in these circumstances if the Associations were affiliated with ICTU.

A number of mechanisms have been put in place through the Defence Forces Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme to compensate for the prohibition on affiliation to ICTU. These provide the Representative Associations with structures and processes which enable them to make representations and negotiate on behalf of their members. In addition a framework exists which facilitates the Associations engaging with the official side in talks parallel to those taking place between the Social Partners at National level. This parallel process was operated in respect of the discussion at National level on the Framework for a Pact for Stabilisation, Social Solidarity and Economic Renewal over the recent past.

Overseas Missions.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

52 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the expected future strength and location of overseas troop deployments with regard to requests received to date, pending or expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9849/09]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

365 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he has received communication from the UN or EU in regard to participation in peace keeping or peace enforcement missions overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10185/09]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

366 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the degree to which it is intended or expected to deploy members of the Army, Navy and Air Corps on EU or UN sponsored missions in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10186/09]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

367 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the number of locations to which members of the Defence Forces or gardaí are deployed on overseas missions; the degree to which such missions are expected to continue; if increased participation is expected; the degree to which discussions have taken place with his EU or UN colleagues in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10187/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 52 and 365 to 367, inclusive, together.

Ireland has offered, through the UN Standby Arrangements System (UNSAS), to provide up to 850 military personnel for overseas service at any one time. This figure equates to some 10% of Ireland's standing Army (excluding Reserves) and demonstrates Ireland's commitment to the cause of international peace. This is the maximum sustainable commitment that Ireland can make to overseas peacekeeping operations.

Ireland is currently contributing 788 Defence Forces personnel to 14 different missions throughout the world. Full details of all personnel currently serving overseas are listed in the tabular statement. While personnel from all services are liable for and do serve overseas, as a matter of policy Air Corps and Naval assets are not deployed overseas.

The deployment of members of An Garda Siochána overseas is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

The main overseas missions, in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed, are the UN Mandated EU multi-national mission to Chad and the Central African Republic — EUFOR TCHAD/RCA — with 439 personnel, the NATO-led International Security presence (KFOR) in Kosovo with 234 personnel and the EU-led operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, ALTHEA, with 45 personnel. Other personnel are serving as monitors and observers with the United Nations, the European Union and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Staff are also deployed at the organisational headquarters of the UN, EU, OSCE and NATO.

Recently, the UN requested Ireland to consider putting the Irish troops, currently deployed with EUFOR TCHAD/RCA, under the command of the United Nations after 15 March 2009, when EUFOR's mandate expires. On 5 March 2009, Dáil Éireann approved the transfer of command of the Irish contingent currently serving in Chad with EUFOR TCHAD/RCA to the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad (MINURCAT). The Defence Forces contribution will be similar in size and nature to Ireland's existing contribution to EUFOR.

With regard to other future deployments, Ireland receives requests, from time to time, in relation to participation in various missions and these are considered on a case-by-case basis. When considering any particular request, the existence of realistic objectives and a clear mandate, which has the potential to contribute to a long-term solution, consideration of how the mission relates to the priorities of Irish foreign policy and the degree of risk involved are amongst the factors considered.

Apart from the UN request to transfer Irish personnel currently deployed with EUFOR TCHAD/CAR under the authority of MINURCAT, no other deployments are planned or envisaged at this time.

Number

1.

UN Missions

(i)

UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) HQ

8

(ii)

UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) — Israel, Syria and Lebanon

12

(iii)

MINURSO (United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara)

3

(iv)

UNMIK (United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo

4

(v)

MONUC (United Nations Mission in Democratic Republic of Congo)

3

(vi)

UNOCI (United Nations Mission in Ivory Coast)

2

(vii)

MINURCAT (United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad) (Core Planning Team — UN HQ New York)

9

TOTAL

41

UN Mandated Missions

(viii)

EUFOR (EU-led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina)

45

(ix)

EUFORTCHAD/RCA (EU-led Operation in CHAD and the Central African Republic) OHQ — Paris

17

EUFORTCHAD/RCA (EU-led Operation in CHAD and the Central African Republic) FHQ — Chad

13

EUFORTCHAD/RCA (EU-led Operation in CHAD and the Central African Republic) 99th Inf Battalion

409

(x)

KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo) HQ

16

KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo) 39th Inf Group

218

(xi)

ISAF (International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan)

7

TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH UN MISSIONS

766

2.

Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)

(i)

OSCE Mission to Bosnia & Herzegovina

2

(ii)

OSCE Mission in Belgrade — Serbia

1

(iii)

OSCE Mission in Skopje — Macedonia

1

(iv)

Staff Officer, Higher Level Planning Group, Vienna

1

TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING OSCE

5

3.

EU Military Staff

Brussels

8

4.

Military Representatives/Advisers/Staff

(i)

Military Adviser, Permanent Mission to UN, New York

1

(ii)

Military Adviser, Irish Delegation to OSCE, Vienna

1

(iii)

Military Representative to EU (Brussels)

4

(iv)

Liaison Office of Ireland, NATO/PfP (Brussels)

2

(v)

Military Representative to NATO/PfP Co-ordination Cell/Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), Mons. Belgium

1

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEFENCE FORCES PERSONNEL SERVING OVERSEAS

788

Departmental Expenditure.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

53 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Defence the way, in respect of the announcement of 3 February 2009, it is intended to achieve the general administrative reductions in regard to his Department; the amount expected to be saved in his Department’s budget as a result of this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9761/09]

The Revised Estimates Volume for 2009 has not yet been submitted for Government approval. Consequently, the final provision for my Department for 2009 has not been settled. I can confirm, however, that my Department will not be found wanting in meeting Government targets for savings in administrative costs.

Overseas Missions.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

54 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Defence the changes in the rules of engagement applied to Irish soldiers participating in peace support operations compared to previous types of operations participated in by the Irish Defence Forces; the training that is provided to members of the Permanent Defence Forces in preparation for participation in PSOs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9865/09]

Rules of Engagement (ROEs) for peace support missions are based on the United Nations Security Council Resolution for the mission, the Concept of Operations and the Operation Plan. Accordingly, each peace support mission has ROEs specific to that mission. In general, the nature of the ROEs will depend on whether the mission is a UN Chapter VI type mission (peacekeeping), or a UN Chapter VII type mission (peace enforcement).

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

Peacekeeping operations mounted under Chapter VI are of the traditional type such as when we were deployed in UNIFIL, where the UN acts as a monitoring, patrolling and observing force after peace has been established.

Under Chapter VII the UN Security Council is mandated to take whatever action "as may be necessary to maintain or restore international peace and security". Peacekeeping operations mounted under this Chapter are commonly known as peace enforcement operations where the consent of the parties is not required. In recent years in response to the requirement for a more robust mandate, there has been a significant increase in the deployment of peacekeeping troops under Chapter VII of the UN Charter. EUFOR TCHAD/RCA, UNMIL, KFOR, EUFOR/BiH and ISAF are recent examples.

The Defence Forces receive ongoing training to enable them to participate fully in UN, EU and other missions overseas. Troops selected for overseas service undergo a rigorous programme of training, designed to help them carry out their peacekeeping mission and to provide for their protection. Pre-deployment training is provided to members of the Permanent Defence Force and is updated on an ongoing basis in the light of any changes in the threat assessment or mission requirements. I am satisfied that Defence Forces personnel serving overseas will continue to receive the necessary training to enable them to carry out their duties in a professional manner.

Defence Forces Equipment.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

55 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence the operational costs of running Air Corps helicopters; and the details of their usage for ministerial transport in 2008 and to date in 2009. [9742/09]

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

354 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Defence the annual cost of the use of helicopters in the Ministerial air transport service for each year since 2005 to date in 2009; the numbers of times, broken down by year and by Minister that such helicopters have been used; the duration and estimated cost of each use; if Ministers are required to travel to Baldonnel, County Dublin to board the helicopter or if alternative arrangements are made for Ministers; and if there are guidelines on the use of helicopters by Ministers. [9912/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 55 and 354 together.

As part of the reply is in the form of a tabular statement, I propose to include that part in the Official Report.

The Air Corps helicopter fleet comprises two light utility EC135 helicopters and six utility AW139 helicopters. The Alouette helicopters were withdrawn from Air Corps service in September 2007.

The helicopters are operated by the Air Corps in a general purpose military operational and training role. Primary taskings include security, aid to the civil power, military exercises, infantry interoperability training and limited troop transport. They are also used to perform air ambulance, non-maritime Search and Rescue, aid to the civil authorities, community support and Ministerial and VIP air transport tasks.

Helicopters are used from time to time for ministerial air transport in situations where, for operational reasons, fixed wing aircraft may not be available, the point of destination may not be close to an airport and in circumstances where there is a requirement for greater flexibility than can be delivered by fixed wing aircraft. In 2008, Ministerial transport represented approximately 5% of total helicopter flying hours.

The tables, previously referred to, set out the details of all Ministerial use of Air Corps helicopters from 1st January 2005 to the 2nd March 2009 including the date of each trip, the helicopter type tasked, the Ministerial time on board, the route and the requesting Minister. Each trip was in the conduct of official engagements and had the prior approval of An Taoiseach. Operational matters such as points of collection and points of set down are settled directly between the office of the Minister in question and the Department of Defence or Air Corps.

The Department of Defence follows the normal practice in the aviation business of costing aircraft by reference to the cost per flying hour under either of two headings: 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 The total cost, i.e. the direct cost plus the costs associated with having the aircraft, i.e. depreciation and personnel costs.

The current rates per hour used to establish these costs in relation to helicopters are also set out in the tabular statements. The costs are an approximation to actual costs.

Air Corps Helicopters 2005

Date

Aircraft

Ministerial Time on Board (Minutes)

Route

Requesting Minister

18-Feb-05

Dauphin

85

Dublin – Nenagh – Dublin

Taoiseach

15-Apr-05

Dauphin

140

Baldonnel – Kerry – Phoenix Park

Health

22-Apr-05

Dauphin

95

Dublin – Druids Glen – Avondale House – Dublin

Taoiseach

28-Apr-05

Dauphin

110

Phoenix Park – Templemore – Phoenix Park

Justice

21-Jun-05

Dauphin

95

Baldonnel – Ennis – Cliffs of Moher – Ballinrobe – Baldonnel

Arts, Sports & Tourism

24-Jun-05

Dauphin

40

Waterford – Baldonnel

Health

27-Jun-05

Dauphin

50

Dublin – Druids Glen – Dublin

An Taoiseach

21-Jul-05

Dauphin

195

Baldonnel – Donegal – Baldonnel

Communications, Marine & Natural Resources

04-Aug-05

Dauphin

215

Baldonnel – Nenagh – Baldonnel

Communications, Marine & Natural Resources

02-Sep-05

Dauphin

75

Sligo Airport – Waterford

Transport

02-Sep-05

Dauphin

50

Dublin Airport – Roselare

An Taoiseach

08-Sep-05

Alouette

60

Dublin – Druids Glen – Dublin

An Taoiseach

27-Sep-05

Dauphin

20

Cork Airport – Castlemartyr – Cork Airport

An Taoiseach

18-Nov-05

Dauphin

50

Baldonnel – Roscrea – Baldonnel

Justice, Equality & Law Reform

16-Dec-05

Dauphin

80

Shannon – Phoenix Pk – Baldonnel

Defence

Air Corps Helicopters 2006

Date

Aircraft

Ministerial Time On Board (Minutes)

Route

Requesting Minister

26-Jan-06

EC 135

90

Phoenix Park – Templemore – Phoenix Park

Justice Equality & Law Reform

23-Feb-06

A111

110

Phoenix Park – Ballaghaderreen – Phoenix Park

Arts, Sports & Tourism

15-Mar-06

EC 135

80

Phoenix Park – Templemore – Phoenix Park

Justice Equality & Law Reform

6-Apr-06

EC 135

100

Dublin Airport – Armagh – Dublin Airport

Taoiseach / Justice, Equality & Law Reform

07-Apr-06

EC 135

50

Dublin Airport – Druids Glen – Dublin Airport

Taoiseach

25-Apr-06

EC 135

115

Phoenix Park – Shannon – Phoenix Park

Defence

05-May-06

EC 135

195

Finner Camp – Carrickfinn – Tory Island – Carrickfinn – Baldonnel

Education & Science /MOS Transport

18-May-06

EC 135

120

Baldonnel- Waterford- Baldonnel

Environment, Heritage & Local Government

08-Jun-06

EC 135

150

Baldonnel – Roscommon – Phoenix Park

Social & Family Affairs

21-Jun-06

EC 135

160

Baldonnel – Carrickfinn(Donegal) – Finner Camp – Cork – Baldonnel

Education & Science /MOS Transport

23-Jun-06

EC 135

65

Drumcondra – Kilkenny – Carlow – Drumcondra

Taoiseach

28-Jun-06

A111

160

Phoenix Park – Furbo – Inis Oirr – Furbo – Phoenix Park

Community, Rural, Gaeltacht

07-Jul-06

EC 135

45

Cork Airport – Clonakilty(DCMNR HQ) – Carrigtohill.

Taoiseach

11-Jul-06

A111

210

Galway (Ashford Castle) – Cleire Island – Sherkin Island – Heir Island – Dublin (Phoenix Park)

Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs

30-Jul-06

EC 135

120

Limerick (Sarsfield Barracks) – Phoenix Park – Limerick (Sarsfield Barracks)

Defence

31-Jul-06

EC 135

60

Drumcondra – Wicklow – Drumcondra

Taoiseach

15-Aug-06

EC 135

140

Trim – Kerry – Trim

Communications Marine & Natural Resources

06-Sep-06

EC 135

165

Phoenix Park – Haulbowline – Limerick – Phoenix Park

Defence

08-Sep-06

EC 135

30

Drumcondra – Druids Glen Wicklow

Taoiseach

29-Sep-06

EC 135

50

Drumcondra – Tullow

Taoiseach

02-Oct-06

A111

45

Drumcondra – Borrisokane

Taoiseach

08-Oct-06

A111

120

Drumcondra – Fermoy – Drumcondra

Taoiseach

16-Oct-06

EC 135

100

Drumcondra – Waterford

Taoiseach

27-Oct-06

EC 135

50

Drumcondra – Carnew

Taoiseach

09-Nov-06

EC 135

50

Drumcondra – Ballinamore

Taoiseach

10-Nov-06

EC 135

50

Castlerea – Dublin Airport

Taoiseach

11-Dec-06

A111

25

Portarlington – Kilkenny – Carlow

Justice Equality & Law Reform

15-Dec-06

EC 135

80

Phoenix Park – Templemore – Phoenix Park

Justice Equality & Law Reform

Helicopters 2007

Date

Aircraft

Ministerial Time On Board

Route

Requesting Minister

25-Jan-07

EC 135

110

Phoenix Park – Kilworth Cork – Phoenix Park

Tanaiste

02-Feb-07

A111

120

Phoenix Park – Templemore – Phoenix Park

Tanaiste

02-Feb-07

EC 135

35

St Patricks Drumcondra – Gortnahoe

Taoiseach

16-Feb-07

EC 135

45

St Patricks Drumcondra – GAA pitch, Roscommon

Taoiseach

1-Mar-07

EC 135

110

Baldonnel-Galway – Ballycroy, Co. Mayo

Environment Heritage & Local Government /Agriculture

30-Mar-07

EC 135

150

Baldonnel – Galway – Baldonnel

Environment Heritage & Local Government

5-Apr-07

EC 135

80

Phoenix Park – Cappoquin (Waterford) – Cork Airport

Arts, Sports and Tourism

19-Apr-07

EC 135

135

UCD – Manorhamilton – Ballybofey – Phoenix Park

Health

23-Apr-07

EC 135

70

St. Patricks Drumcondra – Mount Juliet – St. Patricks Drumcondra

Taoiseach

26-Apr-07

EC 135

100

Phoenix Park – Tipperary Town – Templemore – Phoenix Park

Tanaiste

27-Apr-07

EC 135

95

St. Patricks Drumcondra – Druids Glen – Bray – Dungarvan – New Ross

Taoiseach

16-May-07

EC 135

90

Baldonnel – Waterford – Baldonnel

Transport

03-Jul-07

AW 139

80

Phoenix Park – Cahir – Baldonnel

Agriculture

04-Jul-07

AW 139

90

St. Patricks Drumcondra – Bundoran – St Patricks

Taoiseach

09-Jul-07

AW 139

90

St. Patricks Drumcondra – Galway Airport – St Patricks

Taoiseach

17-Jul-07

AW 139

80

St Patricks Drumcondra – Armagh – St Patricks, Drumcondra

Taoiseach

06-Sep-07

EC 135

130

Baldonnel – Sarsfield Barracks – Haulbowline – Sarsfield Barracks

Defence

13-Sep-07

AW 139

140

Baldonnel – Dungloe – Tory Island – Dungloe – Ashford Castle

Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs

25-Sep-07

AW 139

60

Baldonnel – Tullamore – Baldonnel

Agriculture

27-Sep-07

AW 139

80

St Patricks, Drumcondra – Tullamore – Naas – Bray – Drumcondra

Taoiseach

02-Nov-07

AW 139

100

Baldonnel – Trim – Knock – Trim – Baldonnel

Transport

16-Nov-07

AW 139

80

St Patricks Drumcondra – Templemore – Nenagh – St Patricks Drumcondra

Taoiseach

17-Dec-07

AW 139

60

Carnmore, Galway -Cork

Health

17-Dec-07

AW 139

45

Phoenix Park – Fermoy, Cork

Justice

Defence Forces Strategy Statement.

Seán Barrett

Ceist:

56 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Defence when the drafting of his Department’s and the Defence Forces Strategy Statement 2008 to 2010 was completed; if the document was amended to take into account recent economic developments; if so, the changes that were made; if not, if he will assure Dáil Éireann that all of the commitments and provisions contained in the strategy statement 2008 to 2010 will be fulfilled and will not be negatively impacted on by reductions in expenditure due to the current economic and budgetary crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9861/09]

On foot of changes to the Government in May 2008, I approved a revised Strategy Statement for the period 2008 — 2010 in August 2008. The revised Statement updated the Strategy Statement for 2008 — 2010 that had been published in February 2008.

Clearly, the economic environment has deteriorated dramatically in the period since the Strategy Statement was published.

As with the public service generally, the Defence organisation is required to operate with reduced funding. The Strategy Statement sets out the intended direction for the Defence organisation over the period 2008 — 2010. The careful management of resources is ensuring that we are making progress and moving forward. The Strategy Statement will continue to provide the overarching direction for the Defence organisation and available resources will continue to be targeted on the effective delivery of the tasks assigned by Government.

The Defence organisation has a proven track record of effectively managing resources and the significant investment and modernisation over the past decade has ensured that the current organisation is strong and well positioned to face the challenges ahead.

Question No. 57 answered with Question No. 50.

Defence Forces Recruitment.

Bernard Allen

Ceist:

58 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Defence when he expects a decision to be made on whether there will be a cadet intake in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9857/09]

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

64 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Defence if a decision has been made regarding recruitment to the permanent Defence Forces in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9769/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 58 and 64 together.

In common with other areas of the public service a reduction of 3% in payroll costs has been applied to the Defence Forces. Recruitment was suspended in late 2008 pending consideration of the best means by which to achieve this reduction. My officials and the military authorities are keeping the situation under close review on an ongoing basis. The review and any subsequent recruitment in 2009 will prioritise the operational requirements of the Defence Forces. A decision on a Cadet intake for 2009 will be made shortly.

Overseas Missions.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

59 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Defence the latest information regarding the security situation in Chad and the potential threat to Irish troops, particularly in view of reports that large numbers of heavily armed personnel could cross the border from Sudan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9765/09]

Joe Costello

Ceist:

71 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Defence if there will be a change in the role of Irish troops serving in Chad as a result of the recent decision to transfer command of the operation from the EU to the UN; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9763/09]

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

77 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied with the level of back up support being provided to Irish troops in Chad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9520/09]

Joe Costello

Ceist:

79 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied with the preparations for the hand-over of the command of Irish troops in Chad from EUFOR to the UN on 15 March 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9764/09]

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

81 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Defence the steps which he is taking to secure adequate provision for personnel in Chad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9847/09]

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

86 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Defence if a strategic decision has been taken as to the length of time the Defence Forces will participate in the UN mission to Chad beyond the participation which begins on 15 March 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9771/09]

Joan Burton

Ceist:

89 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Defence if he will make a statement on his recent visit to Chad. [9762/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos 59, 71, 77, 79, 81, 86 and 89 together.

The mandate of the European Union military mission to Chad and the Central African Republic, EUFOR TCHAD/RCA, established under the authority of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1778 (2007), is due to expire on 15 March 2009.

Ireland is the second largest contributor to the mission with 439 Defence Forces personnel. The aim of the mission is to protect civilians in danger, particularly refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid, and protect UN personnel.

As the humanitarian and security situation in eastern Chad will clearly continue to warrant an international presence beyond March 2009, the Security Council unanimously adopted Security Council Resolution 1861 (2009) on 14 January 2009. This resolution authorised the deployment of a military component of the UN Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad (MINURCAT) to follow on from the EUFOR mission at the end of its mandate, which expires on 15 March 2009.

Following consideration of a request from the United Nations, on 5 March 2009, Dáil Éireann approved the transfer of command of the Irish contingent currently serving in Chad with EUFOR TCHAD/RCA to the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad (MINURCAT).

Ireland's commitment to MINURCAT will be for an initial period of 1 year. Subject to the renewal of the mandate, a satisfactory review of the mission and available resources, I would propose, subject to Government approval, to extend the Defence Forces participation on a year to year basis thereafter. I consider that Defence Forces involvement in MINURCAT should not exceed a maximum of two to three years in duration and I propose to advise the UN accordingly.

The Defence Forces contribution will be similar in size and nature to Ireland's existing contribution to EUFOR. The nature of the Irish Battalion duties with MINURCAT will be similar to its duties with EUFOR, which include, inter alia, short and long range patrolling, situational awareness and providing an overall security and deterrent presence within its area of operations.

The required logistical support and sustainment of Irish Troops currently deployed as part of the Eufor Mission to Chad/CAR is being delivered efficiently and in accordance with national standards. All required enablers are operating effectively to underpin the support/sustain part of the logistical operational process in Chad. The full spectrum of logistical support will be maintained at the required level of service going forward.

As the House will be aware, the International Criminal Court (ICC), issued a warrant on 4 March 2009 for the arrest of Omar Hassan Ahmad Al Bashir, President of Sudan, for war crimes and crimes against humanity. This is the first warrant of arrest ever issued for a sitting Head of State by the ICC. Since the issue of the arrest warrant, I understand that there are fears that the Sudanese reaction against the international community could include giving fresh support to Chadian rebel groups. Any such actions could have serious consequences for the large refugee population in eastern Chad, many of whom have fled from the conflict in Darfur.

The security situation in Chad and neighbouring Sudan is kept under constant review by the Defence Forces. Just prior to the indictment of President al-Bashir by the ICC a specific Threat Assessment review was conducted on the possible effects for the 99th Infantry battalion serving in Chad. It is assessed that the overall threat has not changed and remains at MEDIUM. The Defence Forces have constant contact with their EUFOR partners in the theatre of operations and with the Operational Headquarters in Paris and they all concur with the current Defence Forces assessment. Indication for any change to the security situation is being continuously monitored by both the Defence Forces and EUFOR's Operational Headquarters.

The detailed threat assessment and reconnaissance undertaken informs decisions regarding the configuration of the contingent and its armaments and protection. In the case of the current EUFOR mission, the Defence Forces have deployed a full range of force protection assets, including 18 MOWAG APCs and 4 Close Reconnaissance Vehicles and indirect fire capabilities (mortars). Together, these provide the necessary armoured protection, mobility, firepower and communications. This will also be the case when Irish personnel transfer to MINURCAT. The MOWAG APCs deployed were also deployed with the Defence Forces when they served with UNMIL in Liberia and UNIFIL in Lebanon, where they performed very effectively. The Defence Forces have also deployed a suite of robust tactical communications systems.

In relation to the security situation, there has been a noticeable decline in incidents of banditry in Irish-led Multinational Battalion South's area of operations during January 2009 compared to December 2008. A significant redeployment of Chadian forces in the general area, has added to the security in the area, and has assisted the reduction of banditry against the local population.

The UN follow-on force, which will take over from EUFOR on 15 March 2009, is expected to have a wider deployment in eastern Chad so as to further deter armed and criminal elements.

MINURCAT will act under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, which means that the force is authorised to take all necessary measures within its capabilities and its area of operations in eastern Chad to fulfil its mandate.

I visited Chad from 24 –26 February 2009 to see at first hand the work of the Irish Defence Forces Personnel serving with EUFOR. On arrival in N'Djamena, I travelled to Camp Europa (EUFOR's Rear HQ) where I was briefed by the Deputy Force Commander.

On 25 February 2009, I visited Camp Ciara, which is the headquarters of the Irish-led multinational battalion. After a series of briefings and lunch with the troops, I addressed them and congratulated them on the tremendous job they are doing under extremely difficult conditions and terrain. I conveyed to them the best wishes of the Government and the Irish people in the work they are undertaking. I also had the opportunity to visit a patrol base at Koukou Angarana and a refugee camp.

The Irish personnel are making a significant difference on the ground and are enhancing Ireland's international reputation as neutral, impartial and professional peacekeepers. I was very impressed by the motivation being shown by our troops in the performance of their duties in difficult circumstances, their energy and the good atmosphere in the camp generally.

The UN Follow-On Force is the first example of a Transfer of Authority (TOA) between the EU and the UN. Arrangements in this regard are progressing well. There is excellent cooperation between the UN and EUFOR and it is expected that there will be no security gap in the transition from EUFOR to MINURCAT. Negotiations with the Government of Chad in relation to the handover of EUFOR assets to the UN were very prolonged and detailed, but these had now been finalised.

Coiste an Asgard.

James Bannon

Ceist:

60 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Defence the names of the members of Coiste an Asgard; the qualification or experience each board member has in sail training; if he is satisfied that each of them have the necessary qualifications to make a judgment on whether the Asgard II should be salvaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9859/09]

The Minister for Defence is ex-officio a director of Coiste an Asgard. At present the other members of the board are:

Ms Joannes Berkery

Mr Brian Byrne

Mr James Gleeson

Mr Pat Hogan

Mr Gerard Kiely

Commodore Frank Lynch

Mr Paddy Madden

Mr Gerry McMahon

Mr Seamus McLoughlin

Ms Kalanne O'Leary

Mr Eoin O'Mahony

Mr Joe McPeake

Mr Noel Ryan

I am satisfied that all of the directors have relevant qualifications and experience to be effective members of the board. I should mention that no fees are paid to any of the directors, who give freely of their time and expertise to the sail training scheme.

Asgard II Replacement Vessel.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

61 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Defence the reason for his decision not to proceed with plans to salvage the Asgard II; if his attention has been drawn to the disappointment his decision has caused, particularly to persons who have received training on the vessel and others who hoped to do so in the future; if he will reconsider the decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9758/09]

As the Deputy will be aware, I have accepted the unanimous recommendation of the board of Coiste an Asgard not to proceed with the salvage of Asgard II. The main reason for that decision was that I considered that the risks were too great to commit to spending a sum in the region of €2 million at this time on a salvage effort where the outcome is uncertain. I also had to consider the cost of restoration, which cannot be accurately assessed until after the vessel is raised. Obviously, the greater the damage caused to the vessel, the higher the cost of restoration. The decision not to proceed with a salvage operation was taken after very thorough consideration of all relevant factors and I regret that I am not in a position to reconsider that decision.

However, as I have already stated, while I cannot commit public monies to a salvage operation, I will consider any realistic and funded proposals from private individuals or groups with regard to the future of Asgard II.

Naval Service Vessels.

Seán Barrett

Ceist:

62 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Defence the age of each of the vessels in the Irish naval fleet; the number that are scheduled for replacement; if replacement plans have been prepared; if planned replacements have been placed on hold in view of the financial difficulties facing the State; if he will assure Dáil Éireann that no necessary replacements will be delayed in cases in which a delay could endanger the safety of naval personnel because of the age of the vessels that are due for replacement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9862/09]

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

90 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Defence the progress that has been made in 2009 in regard to the acquisition by the Naval Service of modern new replacement vessels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9772/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 62 and 90 together.

In the 2000 White Paper on Defence, the Government decided that the Naval Service would be based on an 8-ship flotilla and committed to a modernisation and replacement strategy to maximise the operational capacity of those 8 vessels consistent with the roles assigned to the Naval Service. The White Paper specifically provides that "New vessels will be brought on stream to replace older ones as these fall due for replacement". Naval Service Vessels are replaced when they have come to the end of their useful life, which is normally around 30 years. The following are the ages of the eight ships in the current flotilla.

LE Emer

LE Aoife

LE Aisling

LE Eithne

LE Ciara

LE Orla

LE Roisin

LE Niamh

31 years

30 years

29 years

25 years

25 years

24 years

10 years

8 years

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

Following Government approval in July 2007, notice of a tender competition for the purchase of replacement vessels for the Naval Service was sent to the Official Journal of the European Union on 24 August 2007. The competition was for the purchase of two Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV's) with an option of a third and one Extended Patrol Vessel (EPV) with an option on a second. The options provide an effective value for money opportunity, at locked in prices, to provide replacements for Naval Service vessels, which will reach the end of their service life in the years immediately following the current replacement programme.

Following Stage 1 of the tender competition for the OPVs, Stage 2 of the competition commenced on the 12th September 2008 with the issue of an Invitation to Tender to the shipbuilders who had been short-listed as part of the Stage 1 process. This document included a very detailed ship specification. The detailed tender responses were returned to the Department by the shipbuilders on the 11 November last. Tender evaluation commenced immediately and is almost completed. Subject to Government approval on funding, it is intended to award a contract for the OPVs to the preferred bidder in the first half of 2009.

The decision to proceed with the final award of contract to purchase the vessels will be subject to Government approval and agreement on funding, the full requirement for which will not be known until the tender competition has concluded.

Subject to Government approval on funding, it is expected that the new vessels will be delivered for acceptance by the Naval Service on a phased basis between 2011 and 2013. It is expected that the delivery date for the first OPV will be 30 months after the date of signing of the contract whilst the specified delivery date for the second OPV will be 37 months after the date of signing of the contract. If the Department exercises its option of purchasing a third OPV, a mutually agreeable delivery date shall be negotiated. The timelines are indicative and shall not prejudice the right of the Department to adjust or alter the delivery schedule at the contract stage. At the evaluation stage, marks will be awarded on the basis of the indicative timeline provided by the tenderer.

In the current difficult economic environment, it will be important that we look to the efficiencies which all parts of the public sector can make so as to continue to deliver high quality public services within a more constrained financial resource envelope. However, it is also important that we continue to invest in public services so as we can maintain service levels into the future. Within the resources available to us, to maintain capacity, we need to continue the process of modernisation and reinvestment in the Defence Forces generally, into the future. The Naval Service Ships Programme is part of this process.

The acquisition of these modern new vessels will ensure that the Naval Service will be fully equipped to carry out its day to day roles in enforcing the states sovereign rights over our waters and our fisheries and meeting Ireland's obligations in the area of maritime safety and security and fisheries protection.

In relation to the larger EPV, the Department intends to undertake further analysis of the proposals received, following Stage 1, before the second stage is initiated. As with the OPVs, any decision to award a contract for the purchase of an EPV must be approved by the Government.

The NS will only send ships to sea in a seaworthy condition. There is a programme of continuous planned and preventative maintenance to ensure NS ships are kept in a sea worthy condition.

Air Corps Investigation.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

63 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Defence if he has received a report regarding the helicopter emergency which arose in Killarney, County Kerry on 2 March 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9774/09]

I am advised by General Officer Commanding Air Corps that a comprehensive investigation into the precautionary landing of an Air Corps AW139 helicopter on 2 March has been initiated. A full report into the incident will be provided to me following technical discussions with the helicopter manufacturer, and on foot of analysis and interpretation of the Flight Data Recorder held on board the helicopter in question.

Question No. 64 answered with Question No. 58.

Departmental Expenditure.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

65 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Defence the proportion of the costs required in providing protection for cash-in-transit protection that is paid for from the Defence budget; the proportion paid for by those offered the protection for the cash in transit; if in view of the Exchequer figures the proportion charged for the provision of this service is adequate and should be increased; if discussions have taken place regarding a possible increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9863/09]

From 1995 to 2004, an annual contribution of €2.86m was paid by the banks in respect of Army escorts. The contribution from the banks was designed to part-cover the total costs to the State of providing cash escorts.

On 11 May 2005, I signed a formal agreement with the Irish Bankers Federation, which provides that the banks pay the total actual costs incurred by the Defence Forces in the provision of cash escorts. Costs include pay, security duty allowance, subsistence allowance, transport costs and aerial surveillance. The agreement is for a 5-year period and is due for review in 2010.

The banks are charged for their proportion of the total escorts provided. This amounts to approx. 78% of the total number of cash escorts each year. The remainder relates to post office escorts and these are not subject to charge as they come under State expenditure.

Costs in respect of each 12-month period to the end-December are paid the following year on or before the 1st June. This time frame is required to allow for the compilation of returns from the brigades and allocation of costs following the year-end.

A total of €7,349,291 was received from the banks in June 2008 in respect of the year ended 31 December 2007.The amount due from the banks for the year ending 31 December 2008 is currently being compiled by my Department.

Naval Service Patrols.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

66 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which future enhancement of coastal air and sea surveillance will be upgraded with particular reference to the need to intensify the fight against crime, drug and people trafficking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9848/09]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

362 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he will increase the number of naval patrol vessels on coastal surveillance with a view to enhanced security to deter drug or gun trafficking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10182/09]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

363 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he will increase the number of air surveillance patrols in coastal areas in an effort to combat drug trafficking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10183/09]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

364 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which it is intended or required to upgrade or extend air and sea coastal surveillance with a view to combating drug based criminality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10184/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 66 and 362 to 364, inclusive, together.

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

The primary day-to-day tasking of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the European Union. However, as the need arises, Naval Service vessels are deployed to other duties such as aid to the civil power and drug interdiction operations.

The current Exclusive Fishery Limits extend to 200 miles offshore and cover an area of 132,000 nautical square miles. The Naval Service currently patrols the entire 200 mile limit and periodically patrols beyond these limits to protect specific fisheries. These patrols are carried out on a regular and frequent basis and are directed to all areas of Irish waters as necessary. The number of Patrol Vessels on patrol in Irish waters at any one time varies between three and eight. The Naval Service is committed to having at least three vessels on patrol within the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone at any one time. All vessels are multi-tasked in the sense that they also undertake general surveillance, security and other duties while on patrol.

Naval Service patrols are complemented by assistance provided by the Air Corps. The Air Corps Maritime Squadron carries out aerial surveillance of territorial waters using the two CASA maritime patrol aircraft.

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

Departmental Expenditure.

James Bannon

Ceist:

67 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Defence the funding scheduled to be provided for the riot control teams of the Defence Forces in 2009; if any revision of the budget in this area is intended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9860/09]

The primary responsibility for the maintenance and restoration of the public peace rests with An Garda Siochána. Among the assigned roles to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence is to aid the civil power (meaning in practice to assist, when requested, An Garda Siochána).

The Defence Forces Annual Training Plan provides for training in a broad spectrum of activities, including riot control and the policing of demonstrations in the Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) role. Funding for this training forms part of the overall funding for training which in turn is part of the Defence Vote.

In the light of current economic circumstances the allocation of all funding is subject to review.

Defence Forces Medical Staff.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

68 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence the number of medical staff within the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9521/09]

The number of medical staff within the Defence Forces is thirty-three (33) comprised of twenty-four (24) Medical Officers, one (1) Psychologist, four (4) Dentists, one (1) Periodontist and three (3) Pharmacists. In addition, there are twenty-two (22) members of the Army Nursing Service.

The number of medical personnel serving in Ireland is thirty (30). The number serving or assigned for service overseas is three (3) consisting of two (2) Doctors and one (1) Dentist assigned to Chad.

The key issue in the provision of medical services to the Defence Forces at this time is the acknowledged shortage of Medical Officers (Doctors) in the Medical Corps. The establishment for doctors is forty seven (47). The current strength of Medical Officers serving in the Defence Forces is twenty-four (24).

I am committed to providing a sustainable medical service to meet the needs of the Defence Forces both at home and abroad.

The challenges in the medical arena have been recognised for some time and a review of the provision of medical services, in association with the Representative Associations, is ongoing as part of the Modernisation Agenda for the Defence Forces.

In view of the complexity of the challenge facing the Defence Forces in this area, I decided to engage consultants to make recommendations on the best means of meeting the medical requirements of the Defence Forces. Officials in my Department are currently engaged with the Consultants in quality assuring the work done to date to ensure that the report meets the requirements of the contract.

On receipt of the report and following consideration of the recommendations, I intend to publish the report and engage with all of the key stakeholders on the way ahead. Notwithstanding the current situation, I can assure the House that Defence Forces personnel requiring medical treatment are getting the care they need.

European Defence Agency.

Lucinda Creighton

Ceist:

69 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Defence his views on the reports of a statement (details supplied) that Ireland should withdraw from the European Defence Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9842/09]

The European Defence Agency was established by a Joint Action of the Council during Ireland's Presidency of the Union in 2004. The Agency was established "to support member States and the Council in their efforts to improve European defence capabilities in the field of crisis management and to sustain the European Security and Defence Policy as it stands now and develops in the future".

Ireland has participated actively in the framework of the Agency since it was established, focussing the activity of the Agency on those issues which are important to Ireland and to the development of Defence Force capabilities in support of the Petersberg Tasks and in support of international peacekeeping and crisis management. In this regard, Ireland participates in the Joint Investment Programme on Force Protection which is a key issue in relation to any deployment of the Defence Forces on Peace Support Operations. Ireland also participates in the Code of Conduct on Defence Procurement and other initiatives designed to improve competition and efficiency in the acquisition of defence equipment and capabilities.

The work undertaken by the Agency in the area of capability development is a critical element in the ongoing development and modernisation of Defence Force capabilities and to the development of its interoperability with other forces engaged in international peacekeeping operations. Ireland benefits significantly from the strategic information and research conducted by the Agency, research which the Defence Forces could not access or develop on their own, given their size and the resources available.

Participation in the Agency imposes no obligations on Ireland in relation to increased expenditure of Defence or on the development or enhancement of Defence Force capabilities. All decisions regarding the nature and scale of resources invested in Defence and the nature of Defence capabilities are entirely a matter for each individual Member State of the Union. In addition, there is no obligation or commitment as a participating member State to participate in any particular project undertaken by the Agency. Any decision to participate in any particular project is a matter for each Member State to decide in accordance with its national decision making procedures.

The specific provision in the Lisbon Treaty pertaining to the Agency confirms the existing arrangements regarding the establishment and management of the Agency. The provisions in the Treaty, if implemented, will not alter the sovereign right of Ireland, as of each other Member State, to decide whether to participate in any particular activity or project. Moreover, all decisions in relation to expenditure on defence or the development of defence capabilities will continue to remain exclusively within the domain of the national decision making procedures of each member state.

The EDA is a key element within the overall institutional framework which guides and advances the development of European Security and Defence Policy. In my view, Ireland and, in particular, the Defence Forces, benefit from participation in the framework of the Agency. This participation gives Ireland a seat at the table on the Agency Steering Board, where important issues in the area of Defence capabilities and ESDP are decided. Participation in the Agency is fully in accordance with Ireland's policy of military neutrality and with the principles and values which guide Ireland's international security and defence policy. Through our participation we can influence and direct the evolution of the Agency and ensure that it develops in a manner which respects Ireland's principles and values in the area of defence and that ESDP continues to develop in support of international crisis management in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter.

Defence Forces Medical Requirements.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

70 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Defence if he has received the report of a firm (details supplied) containing recommendations on the best means of meeting the medical requirements of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9773/09]

The report was scheduled for completion before the end of 2008. I have been disappointed that the schedule I outlined in the House has not been met. My officials, the Defence Forces and PA Consulting are aware of my view that this report should be completed quickly. At the same time, a focus should also be kept on ensuring that the report provides the blueprint for the sustainable provision of the medical input required by the Defence Forces.

I have been assured that the report will be on my desk by the end of next month. On receipt of the report and following consideration of the recommendations, I intend to publish the report and engage with all of the key stakeholders on the way ahead.

Question No. 71 answered with Question No. 59.

Defence Forces Recruitment.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

72 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Defence the number of members recruited to the Reserve Defence Forces throughout 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9768/09]

The Military authorities have informed me that 1,037 members were recruited to the Reserve Defence Force in 2008. 25 have been recruited to date in 2009.

The Reserve Defence Force Review Implementation Plan outlined a range of measures to improve the capabilities of the Reserve over the period to end 2009. All of the elements of the Reserve Defence Force Review Implementation plan were identified as being important motivators for recruitment and retention of members of the Reserve and significant progress has been made to date in implementing the plan provisions.

The Government decision of 8 July 2008 set out a requirement for savings to be achieved across the public sector. In this context, the recruitment and awareness campaign planned for 2008 for the Reserve Defence Force was postponed. There are no plans to initiate a central recruitment and awareness campaign in the current year. The situation regarding recruitment is being kept under ongoing review in the light of the prevailing budgetary situation.

Asgard II Replacement Vessel.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

73 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Defence the proposed timetable for the acquisition of a replacement for the Asgard II; the funding allocated for this purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9759/09]

The Board of Coiste an Asgard has initiated planning for the procurement of a vessel similar in design to Asgard II but with a steel hull. A steel hulled vessel is less expensive to build and maintain than a wooden vessel.

It is not possible at this stage to give an estimated cost of building a new vessel other than to say that it would be substantial. It is only when tenders are received that we will know the cost. However, I am hopeful that the insured sum of €3.8m will go a long way towards funding a new ship.

Defence Forces Recruitment.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

74 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence if he has received the view of the Chief of Staff on the prospect of facilitating suitably qualified enlisted personnel to compete internally for technical and professional posts in the officer ranks in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9776/09]

This arises in the context of effective recruitment and of providing opportunities to enlisted personnel to obtain commissioned rank. I asked the Chief of Staff for his views on the prospect of facilitating suitably qualified enlisted personnel to compete internally for technical/professional posts in the officer ranks. An internal military board recently completed a review of recruitment to the Defence Forces. I understand that the review dealt with the question of facilitating suitably qualified enlisted personnel to compete internally for technical/professional vacancies in the officer ranks. I therefore expect to receive the views of the Chief of Staff on this issue shortly.

Civilianisation Programme.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

75 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Defence if it is intended to carry out a review of the deferment of action on civilianisation in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9778/09]

The White Paper on Defence (2000) covers the potential benefits of civilianisation and contracting out of certain military posts. It recognises that civilianisation could "..release personnel for operational duties for which they are specifically trained". It could release them "from essentially administrative and other tasks which can more appropriately be undertaken by civilians."

The Review of Implementation of the White Paper on Defence was published in April 2007. The Review emphasised that the primary objective of civilianisation centres on releasing soldiers for operational duties and increasing the operational capacity of the Defence Forces. The Review recommended further civil/military exploration of options for civilianisation.

Civilianisation is incorporated into the "Pay Agreement and Modernisation Agenda" agreed with the Defence Forces Representative Associations in the context of the Towards 2016 Partnership Agreement.

In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government 2007 — 2012, my Department has engaged with the Military Authorities to identify military posts that may be suitable for contracting out and civilianisation. As I have previously outlined, this work requires careful consideration of the costs and benefits arising from the civilianisation of any identified posts and assessing the feasibility of any such proposals, with particular reference to resource constraints.

In light of the Government decision requiring pay savings across all elements of the Defence organisation, further action on civilianisation has been deferred for the present. This matter will be kept under review and progressed when circumstances permit.

Departmental Expenditure.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

76 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Defence the way, in respect of the announcement of 3 February 2009, it is intended to effect the 8% reduction in professional fees in relation to services provided to or funded by his Department; the amount expected to be saved in his Department’s budget as a result of this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9760/09]

My Department will implement the 8% reduction in professional fees in line with the Government Decision of the 3rd of February, the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill 2009 and any other arrangements being introduced. The details of estimated cost savings are currently being considered by my Department.

Question No. 77 answered with Question No. 59.

Defence Forces Reserve.

Bernard Allen

Ceist:

78 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Defence when he expects to receive recommendations and a proposed plan of action with respect to the First Line Reserve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9858/09]

The Reserve Defence Force Review Implementation plan provides for a phased approach to enhancing the capabilities of the Reserve over the period to the end of 2009. The introduction of new RDF organisational structures, the development of new training syllabi, improved equipment and clothing have successfully been delivered as part of Phase 1 of the Implementation Plan.

Phase 2 of the Plan is currently being implemented and in line with the Implementation plan timeframe, proposals with respect to the First Line Reserve have been prepared by the Military Authorities.

My Department has been discussing the development of the FLR with the military authorities and further information has been sought in relation to the proposals.

I look forward to reviewing the recommendations and a proposed plan of action in due course.

The Implementation Group will develop the timeframe for the implementation of recommendations as soon as these have been agreed. The representative associations will be consulted prior to any implementation of recommendations.

Development of the First Line Reserve is also included in the Modernisation Agenda agreed with the Defence Forces Representative Associations in the context of Towards 2016 and will be advanced accordingly.

My primary objective is to ensure that the experience and knowledge of the former Permanent Defence Force personnel of the First Line Reserve is utilised for the maximum benefit of the Defence Forces.

Question No. 79 answered with Question No. 59.

Asgard II.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

80 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Defence if at any stage he was advised that Asgard II could be raised; the length of time involved in preparing surveys assessing the condition of the Asgard II underwater; if those surveys recorded a decline in the condition of Asgard II due to the length of time underwater; if provided with private finance, he would support a raising of Asgard II; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9866/09]

In so far as I am concerned, the question as to whether or not Asgard II could be raised is not an issue. The main factors that have to be considered are the likely cost of a salvage operation, the condition of the vessel after salvage and, if the vessel is capable of being restored, the cost of restoration. As the Deputy is aware, the board of An Coiste unanimously recommended to me that a salvage operation should not be undertaken, and I accepted that recommendation.

During the period from the sinking of the vessel on 11 September 2008 up to the end of November, the initial underwater survey was carried out and a preferred salvage contractor was identified as a result of a tender process conducted by the insurer of the vessel, Allianz Plc. That initial survey revealed that the vessel was lying upright in some 80m of water and appeared to be largely intact other than some visible damage to one of the hull planks. Apart from that, the survey did not reveal anything about the extent of damage to the vessel.

Following consideration of the outcome of the tender process, the board of An Coiste decided in early December that a further underwater survey should be carried out as soon as possible. However, it did not prove possible to arrange that survey until 28 January 2009. In the event, it was not possible to complete the survey due to adverse weather conditions. However, a sonar image of the vessel was obtained which appeared to show it to be still in an upright position.

As I have already indicated, I am open to considering any realistic and funded proposals from private individuals or groups as to the future of the vessel.

Question No. 81 answered with Question No. 59.

Ombudsman for the Defence Forces.

David Stanton

Ceist:

82 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence his views on the work of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9844/09]

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

85 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Defence if he has had a response to his recent letter to the Office of Public Works supporting the Ombudsman’s request in regard to a suitable office being provided for herself and her staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9770/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 85 together.

The Office of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces was established under the Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Act 2004. On the 19th September 2005, Ms. Paulyn Marrinan-Quinn SC was appointed by the President, upon the recommendation of the Government, as the first Ombudsman for the Defence Forces. She was re-appointed in September 2008 for a further period of three years.

The function of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces is to act as the ultimate point of appeal for, and administrative investigation into, complaints made by members (and former members) of the Defence Forces against another member (or former member) of the Defence Forces, or against a civil servant of the Department of Defence. The Ombudsman for the Defence Forces may investigate a complaint in respect of an action or decision, which may have adversely affected the complainant personally. The action or decision complained of must have occurred on or after the 1st December 2005.

To date, the office of the Ombudsman has sent me some eighty-three Final Reports (83) reports. I have either responded to, or am in the process of responding to the Ombudsman in respect of each of the Final Reports.

The Ombudsman's recommendations in these reports cover issues specific to the case in question including proposals for redress where the Ombudsman has found that a person has been wronged. The reports may also include systemic matters that the Ombudsman has identified in her investigation of the case. In arriving at my determination on each case I take careful account of all of the Ombudsman's recommendations. I also take into account the specific and unique requirements of the Defence Forces organisation. I refer recommendations of a systemic nature to the appropriate Branches of my Department and to the Defence Forces for consideration in their ongoing development of best practice human resource management.

The input of the Ombudsman has assisted the Defence Forces in the revision of a number of HR procedures including the selection processes for career courses and overseas service. The recommendations in the Ombudsman's reports to me have also informed the revision of selection processes for promotion, a new version of which is currently being progressed with the representative associations through the conciliation and arbitration scheme.

The Office of the Ombudsman is currently located in Hatch Street, Dublin 2. While the provision of accommodation for the Ombudsman is primarily a matter for the OPW, I am anxious to ensure that her Office is provided with adequate and appropriate facilities.

The Ombudsman has sought alternative accommodation and I have supported her request to the Office of Public Works. I am advised that, in July last, the OPW identified potentially suitable premises that were then inspected by officials from the Ombudsman's office. When the Ombudsman advised me that this particular premises was found not to meet the requirements of her office I wrote to the OPW, again supporting the Ombudsman's request. The Minister for State at the OPW has recently written to me advising that the OPW is continuing to review its Dublin property portfolio with a view to identifying premises that would meet the operational needs of the Ombudsman's Office. In the meantime, remedial work is planned on the current office. I am advised that this work will be carried out over weekends so as to minimize disruption to the work of the Ombudsman's office.

Passport Applications.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

83 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied); the procedures the Defence Forces have to deal with such cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9780/09]

Yes, I am aware of the case referred to by the Deputy, which was brought to the attention of my Department in 2003. I understand from my colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, that a passport application was received by the Passport Office in respect of the person in question on 25 November 2006.

However, the documents provided by the applicant's mother as evidence of entitlement to citizenship which purported to establish the identity of the applicant's father as a former member of the Permanent Defence Force now deceased, were insufficient to confirm that the individual named by the applicant's mother is the father of the applicant. The matter has been the subject of correspondence between the applicant's mother and the Department of Foreign Affairs. My colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, dealt comprehensively with this case in reply to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 145 and 146 on 5 March 2009.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has at all times sought to be of assistance to the applicant and her mother, within the constraints of its legal obligations, and will gladly issue a passport to the applicant if citizenship can be established.

All personnel prior to deployment on operational duty overseas are instructed and undergo training in the Code of Conduct for Military Personnel when on overseas service. Any breach of conduct is vigorously investigated by the Defence Forces and disciplinary action may follow.

Defence Forces Equipment.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

84 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence the number of helicopters owned by the Air Corps with details of their age and condition. [9741/09]

The Department of Defence owns and manages six Augusta Westland AW139 Helicopters and two Eurocopter EC135 P2 Helicopters. These helicopters are operated by the Air Corps for the Defence Forces.

The helicopters were delivered, from the manufacturer, to the Air Corps on the following dates:

Air Corps Tail No.

Manufacturer & Type

Delivery Date

270

Eurocopter/EC 135 P2

03/11/05

271

Eurocopter/EC 135 P2

03/11/05

274

AW 139

11/08/06

275

AW 139

11/08/06

276

AW 139

20/04/07

277

AW 139

29/05/07

278

AW 139

17/07/08

279

AW 139

15/11/08

These helicopters are maintained to manufacturer's specification and are maintained according to a planned maintenance schedule.

The Air Corps is currently in possession of eight decommissioned Alouette III Helicopters. These helicopters were retired after over 40 years service and are no longer operated by the Air Corps. One Alouette III Helicopter is being used as an instructional airframe in the Air Corps Apprentice School. Of the remaining seven, one is being sent to the Ulster Aviation Museum and the remaining six are the subject of a tender process for their disposal.

Question No. 85 answered with Question No. 82.
Question No. 86 answered with Question No. 59.

Defence Forces Deployment.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

87 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Defence the discussions he or the Defence Forces have had with PDFORRA regarding a role that members of the Defence Forces may be asked to play in the event of widespread industrial action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9766/09]

I can confirm that neither I nor my Department have had discussions with PDFORRA regarding a role that members of the Defence Forces may be asked to play in the event of industrial action. In this regard I would like to advise the Deputy that the deployment of military personnel is specifically excluded from the scope of representation in the Defence Forces, as enacted. The question of discussion or consultation with the Defence Forces Representative Associations on such issues does not therefore arise.

I would emphasise that the Defence Forces Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme provides the Representative Associations with structures and processes which enable them to make representations and negotiate on behalf of their members. In addition a framework exists which facilitates the Associations engaging with the official side in talks parallel to those taking place between the Social Partners at National level. I am satisfied that there are sufficient and robust measures in place that allow the Representative Associations to raise and discuss any issues that do come within the scope of representation.

Amongst the roles assigned to the Defence Forces by the Government are to aid the civil power and to aid the civil authority. As the Deputy is aware the Defence Forces have in the past either provided assistance or have been put on standby to assist in the maintenance of essential services.

The level of assistance that can be provided will be subject to the resources at the disposal of the Defence Forces at the time of any particular request.

The Chief of Staff has assured me that if called upon the Defence Forces will be in a position to respond to any request within available resources.

Defence Forces Equipment.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

88 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Defence when he expects the delivery of the first of the 60 new light tactical armoured vehicles, 16 of which are to be delivered in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9777/09]

A contract for the supply of twenty- seven (27) Light Tactical Armoured Vehicles to the Defence Forces was awarded to BAE Systems based in South Africa in December 2008. The contract followed from a detailed tender competition, which was initiated in May 2008, and which concluded in November 2008.

The tender competition has allowed for the option to acquire up to another twenty-seven vehicles over the next few years to meet any further requirements, depending on the threat faced by the Defence Forces in operational deployments.

The intention is that the LTAV will complement the Mowag Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) in the conduct of conventional and Peace Support Operations and will fill a gap that exists between soft-skinned vehicles and the Mowag APCs.

The contract for the supply of the 27 RG32M vehicles will run over a period of three years and has a value of €19.6m, inclusive of VAT. The cost of the programme will be covered over a number of years from the Defence budget, taking into account the current economic conditions. Deliveries of the vehicles will be sixteen in 2009 and eleven in 2010. It is expected the first vehicle to be delivered will be in the last quarter of 2009 with the remaining fifteen following before year end.

The acquisition of the Light Tactical Vehicles is a top priority for the Defence Forces, given the extensive nature of their roles on overseas Peace Support Missions, the threat from improvised explosive devices and the potential for hostile fire in certain threat environments. Force protection remains a key issue in overseas peace support operations and it is very important that vehicles such as these are available to our personnel.

The purchase of the vehicles is in line with the commitment given in the Programme for Government to continue investment in modern equipment for Defence Forces personnel and the obligations of the State to provide appropriate support and force protection assets to deployed personnel.

Question No. 89 answered with Question No. 59.
Question No. 90 answered with Question No. 62.

Army Barracks.

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

91 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Defence the steps which he is taking to make provision for additional personnel numbers in Custume Barracks, Athlone, County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9846/09]

Approximately 140 staff from Longford Barracks were recently transferred to Custume Barracks, Athlone as a result of the announcement of barrack closures in the budget and the subsequent closure of Longford Barracks.

The Military authorities have advised me that there are adequate facilities for all personnel assigned to the barracks. There are no immediate plans to move further personnel to the barracks.

National Security Committee.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

92 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Taoiseach the number of meetings of the National Security Committee in January and February 2008, the full year of 2008, and in January and February of 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9871/09]

Having regard to the confidential nature of the work of the National Security Committee, it would not be appropriate to disclose information regarding the number of meetings of the Committee.

The Committee is chaired by the Secretary General to the Government and comprises representatives at the highest level of the Departments of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Defence and Foreign Affairs and of the Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces. It is concerned with ensuring that I and the Government are advised of high level security issues and the responses to them, but not involving operational security matters.

The Committee meets as required and will continue to do so. In addition to their meetings, the members liaise on an ongoing basis to monitor developments which might have national security implications, in particular in the international arena.

Decentralisation Programme.

Lucinda Creighton

Ceist:

93 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Taoiseach if senior officials of his Department, including the Secretary General, will be located in a decentralised office or in Dublin. [9810/09]

There are no proposals to decentralise my Department or any of the bodies under its aegis.

Pension Provisions.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

94 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Taoiseach the amount paid by public servants in agencies under the remit of his Department in superannuation and pension contributions in 2007 and 2008. [9956/09]

The amount paid in superannuation and pension contributions in 2007 and 2008 by public servants in agencies under the remit of my Department is set out in the table below.

Year

Body

Superannuation and pension contributions paid

2007

National Economic & Social Development Office

7,728.34

2008

National Economic & Social Development Office

9,869.94

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

95 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Taoiseach the amount paid by public servants in his Department in superannuation and pension contributions in 2007 and 2008. [9971/09]

The amount paid by staff in my Department in superannuation and pension contributions in 2007 was €286,488.33 and in 2008 was €384,828.47.

Departmental Staff.

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

96 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Taoiseach the number of fully qualified chartered accountants and management accountants employed by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9986/09]

My Department does not currently have a professional accountant post, although such a professional qualified accountant has been employed in the past for the duration of major financial management projects such as implementation of the MIF Project.

My Department does not maintain detailed records of staff qualifications, however, at least one staff member is a fully qualified accountant.

Departmental Advertising.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

97 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Taoiseach the cost of public advertising funded by his Department in 2008; the breakdown between statutory and non-statutory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10068/09]

The following details the cost of public advertising funded by my Department, and bodies and offices under the aegis, broken down between statutory and non-statutory, in 2008:

Name

Statutory

Non-Statutory

Department

16,437

33,752

National Forum on Europe

Nil

825,349

NESDO

Nil

497,002

CSO

Nil

42,944

Law Reform Commission

Nil

31,640

Change Management Fund

Nil

43,318

Departmental Schemes.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

98 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Taoiseach the way in which the cycle to work scheme has been made available to staff in his Department and agencies under his remit; the location at which this scheme is not currently available; when it will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10804/09]

The purchasing of bicycles under the scheme must comply with the procurement regulations. The circular governing the administration of the scheme will issue shortly from the Department of Finance, once the appropriate tendering system is in place. My Department and the agencies under it will address the implementation of the scheme when the relevant circular has issued.

FÁS Training Programmes.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

99 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on a matter (details supplied). [9533/09]

This matter concerns a day-to-day issue for FÁS, who I understand will contact the person concerned in the near future.

Health and Safety Regulations.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

100 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will support a campaign (details supplied) in 2009 following recent reports that 70% of retail workers experience verbal abuse and 10% of shop workers were assaulted. [9516/09]

Workplace violence includes where people in the course of their work are aggressively verbally abused, threatened or physically assaulted.

Workplace violence is a potential hazard in all workplaces where there is interaction between people, clients, customers or employees, and it must be assessed accordingly. Every year, over 5% of all reported workplace accidents in Irish workplaces are due to violence.

The retail sector has recorded the third highest levels of such incidents out of the various sectors where such incidents have occurred.

Incidents of verbal abuse and physical assault cannot be tolerated and, where considered necessary, should be referred to the Gardaí for investigation.

The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 require employers to ensure the safety and health of employees. They also require employers at each workplace to carry out risk assessments and prepare a Safety Statement by finding out if there is a problem and how serious it is by identifying the hazards and assessing the risks to health and safety from violent acts and putting in place appropriate safeguards.

The Health and Safety Authority's Programme of Work for 2009 includes an inspection programme to examine the current approaches to health and safety management in the retail sector. It is planned to carry out 250 inspections with a focus on multiple outlet organisations. Inspectors will engage with senior managers in companies with multiple sites to ensure company-wide solutions.

As part of the 2009 Programme of Work, an information sheet/checklist will shortly be available on the Authority's website to assist retailers of small premises in identifying and addressing hazards. Violence has been included in this checklist.

In addition, a publication ‘Violence at Work' is currently available to download from the Authority's website at www.hsa.ie.

Employment Rights.

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

101 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position in relation to the proposal in the Employment Law Compliance Bill 2008 for a company (details supplied) to have policing powers in certain matters in the electrical contracting industry. [9556/09]

The company to which the Deputy refers is a private company, limited by guarantee and established under the aegis of the National Joint Industrial Council for the Electrical Contracting Industry by employer and worker representatives themselves. Its main objective is to advise Electrical Contractors of their responsibilities under the Registered Employment Agreement (REA) for the Electrical Industry and it also carries out inspections of Electrical Contractors in order to ensure compliance with the agreement.

Section 45 of the Employment Law Compliance Bill as published last year is intended to support and enhance monitoring and inspection activity in relation to compliance with the Registered Employment Agreement (REA) in the electrical contracting industry. This Section of the Bill gives legal effect to commitments entered into under the Social Partnership agreement, Towards 2016, to complement the work of NERA in relation to compliance with the REA in the electrical contracting sector. Specifically, it provides that the Director of NERA can enter into a Service Agreement with an "approved body" such as the company to which the Deputy refers, or indeed such other bodies as may be approved by the Director of NERA with the consent of the Minister. The Service Agreement would prescribe the operational arrangements to obtain between NERA and the approved body regarding the conduct by that body of inspection activity in relation to the electrical REA.

Job Protection.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

102 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on taking a company (details supplied) into public ownership as a commercial semi-State body if necessary to safeguard the 1,200 jobs that are currently under threat at the company and to protect the aircraft maintenance and engineering centre of excellence at Dublin Airport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9582/09]

The Government is anxious that as many jobs as possible are secured at Dublin Airport. We would like to see the SR Technics Group do what it can to facilitate this, such as helping to promote the capabilities and skills available at the Dublin facility, agreeing to an orderly wind down of the facility to give IDA Ireland an opportunity to promote the location to interested parties, and maintaining assets and equipment at the site for at least 6 months.

I have conveyed these points, and the widespread concern in Ireland that every effort be made to maintain the maximum number of jobs at the facility at Dublin Airport, to SR Technics at Group level.

There are a number of expressions of interest from different parties in acquiring at least elements of the business and both IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland are actively exploring options with interested parties. Time is needed to assess these proposals by IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland. Actual involvement by IDA Ireland or Enterprise Ireland in providing financial or other supports will be dependent on a company or companies submitting proposals for consideration and seeking approval for State support in the normal way.

It is not proposed to take the Irish operation into public ownership. The sector operates on the basis of a competitive market and the Dublin operation, whether publicly or privately owned, will have to compete on a level playing field with other companies in the same market.

Work Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

103 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number and duration of work permits issued to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9602/09]

I set out below the information requested by the Deputy.

Date Issued

Permit Dates

4/12/2002 (New permit)

7/12/2002 – 6/12/2003

5/7/2005 (New permit)

5/7/2005 – 4/12/2005

6/1/2006 (Renewal permit)

5/12/2005 – 4/12/2006

24/11/2006 (Renewal permit)

5/12/2006 – 4/12/2007

Redundancy Payments.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

104 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount her Department has taken out of the Social Insurance Fund to meet the cost of redundancies or insolvancies to date in 2009; her views on whether adequate provision has been made in 2009; the actions she will take in that regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9645/09]

The Social Insurance Fund (SIF) is overseen and managed by the Department of Social and Family Affairs but my Department administers the Redundancy and Insolvency Payments Schemes on its behalf. In that sense, responsibility for the provisioning of the SIF is a matter primarily for that Department.

The total amount paid out in Redundancy payments from 1 January –28 February 2009 amounted to €29,178,407. In respect of Insolvency payments for the same period, the amount was €2,130,623. Both figures are, at this stage, provisional.

Tax Code.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

105 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on representations made by a person (details supplied) in respect of international trade; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9687/09]

Following earlier contacts with the Revenue Commissioners Mr. Doherty made representations to my colleague Mr. Micheál Martin, TD, Minister for Foreign Affairs, whose office passed the enquiry to the Tánaiste for reply.

The matter concerns the application by the Revenue Commissioners of VAT rules. This is a matter for which the Tánaiste has no responsibility. Accordingly, a reply issued on Thursday 5th March to Mr. Doherty informing him that he should contact the Revenue Commissioners directly, to further pursue the matter with them. A copy of his representation was subsequently forwarded to the Revenue Commissioners for their attention.

It would not therefore be appropriate for either myself or the Tánaiste to express a view on the merits of Mr. Doherty's request.

Job Creation.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

106 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the companies which have visited or scheduled to visit a factory (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the job creation which might stem from these visits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9781/09]

IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Ireland and its regions. The marketing of individual areas for new or expansion FDI investments and jobs is a day-to-day operational matter for the Agency.

The IDA Ireland has informed me that it has had two separate enquiries in relation to the Advance Factory in Tipperary town to date in 2009. For reasons of client confidentiality and commercial sensitivity, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage.

Decentralisation Programme.

Lucinda Creighton

Ceist:

107 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if senior officials of her Department, including the Secretary General, will be located in a decentralised office or in Dublin. [9803/09]

My Department is required to relocate 250 posts to Carlow under the Government's Decentralisation Programme. This number accounts for less than a quarter of the total sanctioned posts in the Department.

The Secretary General and Assistant Secretaries in my Department will be located in Dublin.

The post of Director of the National Employment Rights Authority, which is at Assistant Secretary level, is based in Carlow. There are also three Principal Officer level posts based in Carlow, with another to be decentralised in the future.

The post of Controller of Patents, which is at Principal Officer level, is based in Kilkenny. The Patents Office decentralised to Kilkenny in 1998.

Community Employment Schemes.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

108 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a person who is being made redundant in March 2009 will be eligible to take up a FÁS scheme or community employment scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9824/09]

I am advised by FÁS that all unemployed persons are eligible to participate on FÁS mainline training courses.

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

CE is not designed to cater for short-term unemployed persons as they are not as far removed from the open labour market as the main client group for the programme. All CE places are filled on an ongoing basis, as the demand always exceeds the number of places available.

The criteria for participating on the Community Employment programme are based on age and length of time in receipt of various social welfare payments. In general, the Part-time Integration Option is for people of 25 or over who are receiving social welfare payments for 1 year or more, and people of 18 years or over in receipt of disability-related payments. The Part-time Job Option is for people who are 35 or over and in receipt of social welfare payments for 3 years or longer.

Certain groups such as travellers and refugees aged 18 or over are eligible for both options. If a person qualifies under the criteria but does not wish to take up the option themselves, there are certain conditions under which a spousal swap can take place.

Further information on the Community Employment Programme is available on the FÁS website www.fás.ie.

Work Permits.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

109 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of work permits issued to persons from non-EEA areas for each month since January 2007 up to and including February 2009; the proposals she has to make changes to the system of eligibility criteria, as recently indicated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9895/09]

The number of Employment Permits issued to persons from non-EEA areas for each month from January 2007 to February 2009 are outlined in the following table.

My Department is currently undertaking, in consultation with key stakeholders, a review of employment permit arrangements to ensure their ongoing relevance to the needs of the Irish labour market. Current proposals being considered relate, in the main, to the arrangements for new entrants to the labour market in 2009.

Employment Permits issued January 2007-February 2009

Year

Month

New

Renewals

Total

2007

10,117

13,414

23,531

Jan

996

1,206

2,215

Feb

284

332

616

Mar

581

619

1,200

Apr

603

515

1,118

May

823

861

1,684

Jun

898

1,163

2,061

Jul

1367

2,326

3,693

Aug

1,150

1,832

2,982

Sep

932

1,412

2,344

Oct

848

1,017

1,865

Nov

932

1,457

2,389

Dec

690

674

1,364

2008

8,471

5,082

13,553

Jan

1,079

1,095

2,174

Feb

785

821

1,606

Mar

621

501

1,122

Apr

757

443

1,200

May

704

385

1,089

Jun

760

324

1,084

Jul

963

266

1,229

Aug

700

294

994

Sep

558

263

821

Oct

569

250

819

Nov

571

244

815

Dec

404

196

600

2009

895

564

1,459

Jan

497

227

724

Feb

398

337

735

Employment Rights.

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

110 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) in Dublin 20 secured a determination from the Employment Appeals Tribunal that they are entitled to redundancy pay and holiday pay; if she will confirm that the redundancy payment section of her Department received an application for payment of the amount; when this amount will be paid; if she will confirm that the National Employment Rights Authority has been contacted in respect of holiday award; the steps that have been taken to pay this sum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9940/09]

No application for payment of a statutory redundancy lump sum has been received by my Department for the individual concerned. On receiving a favourable determination from the Employment Appeals Tribunal, an employee should provide the employer with a copy of the determination and a request for payment of the statutory redundancy due. If the employer refuses to pay, the employee should complete an RP50 form either online on the Department's website www.emtemp.ie or manually and submit the signed hard copy to the Redundancy Payments Section of my Department. Payment of the statutory lump sum will then be made directly to the employee.

The National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) has confirmed that it received a request from the person to whom the Deputy refers, seeking assistance in the enforcement of the determination of the Employment Appeals Tribunal for contraventions of certain provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997, relating to public holidays and annual leave.

NERA has been in contact with both the employer and the individual concerned and I am advised that an offer was made by the employer and, in that context, NERA does not propose to pursue the matter any further. If unsatisfied with the offer, the individual would have the option of pursuing legal proceedings against the employer.

Pension Provisions.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

111 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount paid by public servants in agencies under the remit of her Department in superannuation and pension contributions in 2007 and 2008. [9949/09]

The issue of superannuation and pension contributions paid by public servants in the Agencies is a day to day administration matter for the Agencies and Bodies concerned and is an area in which I have no function.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

112 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount paid by public servants in her Department in superannuation and pension contributions in 2007 and 2008. [9964/09]

The amount paid in superannuation and pension contributions by public servants in my Department in 2007 was €1,374,559.31. This figure includes €120,013.26 in contributions for additional service purchased by staff who would otherwise have less than the maximum reckonable service at retirement age.

The amount of contributions paid in 2008 was €1,585,462.46, including €138,203.76 in purchased service.

The figures provided comprise superannuation and pension contributions paid by staff of my Department and its Offices, as well as contributions paid by staff in the Competition Authority, the Irish Auditing & Accounting Supervisory Authority and the National Consumer Agency, for whom my Department provides payroll services.

Departmental Staff.

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

113 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of fully qualified chartered accountants and management accountants employed by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9979/09]

There are 8 Chartered Accountants and 2 Management Accountants employed in my Department. These staff are assigned to the business areas identified in the table below:

Chartered Accountant

Management Accountant

Business Area

3

1

Internal Audit Unit/ESF Financial Control Unit

1

Finance Unit

1

NERA

1

EU Affairs

2

Consumers, Competition & Commerce Division

1

ESF Policy & Operations

In addition, my Department employs 2 Chartered Certified Accountants based in the ODCE and 1 based in the ESF Financial Control Unit.

FÁS Training Programmes.

Frank Feighan

Ceist:

114 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will ensure that a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon who is in the final stages of their plumbing apprenticeship will be given a place in FÁS to complete a stage six plumbing course. [9996/09]

This is a day to day matter for FÁS and I understand that FÁS will be in touch with this individual in the near future to inform him when he can expect to be called for his Phase 6 training programme.

Insolvency Payments Scheme.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

115 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will amend the relevant rules covering the insolvency payment scheme to allow payments to be made to qualifying employees if a company ceases trading but does not enter formal insolvency proceedings, in the same manner that payments under the redundancy scheme have been made in the same circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10019/09]

Since the Insolvency Payments Scheme came into operation under the Protection of Employees (Employers' Insolvency) Act, 1984 the matter of covering cases involving companies that have ceased to trade has been examined in depth. Extension of the Scheme to cover such cases would involve many complex issues and processes extending into questions of insolvency, company and bankruptcy law, resulting in administrative and financial constraints. Any extension of the definition of an employer's insolvency could not be implemented solely for the purposes of payments due to employees under the 1984 Act. An employer could not be deemed to be insolvent for one limited purpose only without reference to wider implications.

Because of the inherent complications involved — including legal, financial and administrative constraints, I am not in a position to introduce amending legislation.

Industrial Development.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

116 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the efforts being made by her Department in conjunction with the Industrial Development Authority to secure tenants for a technology park in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10054/09]

IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Ireland and its regions. The marketing of individual areas for new or expansion FDI investments and jobs is a day-to-day operational matter for the Agency. While I may give general policy directives to the Agency, I am precluded under the Industrial Development Acts from giving directives regarding individual undertakings or issues of the nature raised here.

I am informed by IDA Ireland that it actively promotes Fermoy Business & Technology Park as part of a bid to secure valuable investment for the North Cork area. IDA strives to attract companies to North Cork across the full range of IDA targeted sectors, such as Pharmaceuticals, Medical Technologies, Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) and Internationally Traded Services via its network of overseas offices and project divisions.

Fermoy's attractiveness as a location for inward investment has been greatly enhanced by the opening of the bypass, which has improved accessibility to Cork city and its airport. IDA Ireland has approximately 6 hectares available on the Park. Works have been carried out to progress the development of the park. IDA has carried out master planning of the park, landscaped the entrance area and submitted and received planning permission for an advanced technology unit. This would thereby potentially facilitate a smooth planning application by a client interested in locating in the park. A site in the park has been acquired by an Enterprise Ireland client, whose intention it is to establish Headquarters in the park.

Departmental Advertising.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

117 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the cost of public advertising funded by her Department in 2008; the breakdown between statutory and non-statutory; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10061/09]

In the time available, it has not been possible to compile the information requested by the Deputy in relation to my Department and the Offices of my Department. However, this information is currently being compiled and I will be in touch with the Deputy shortly about the matter.

Employment Rights.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

118 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if contractors based in Northern Ireland whose employees are resident in Northern Ireland are bound by REA and ERO pay rates, terms and conditions when the work (details supplied) is undertaken here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10177/09]

Ireland's comprehensive body of employment rights legislation, including the terms and conditions set out in Registered Employment Agreements and Employment Regulation Orders, apply to all workers employed in the State.

For the avoidance of doubt, Section 20 of the Protection of Employee's (Part-Time) Work Act, 2001 provides that all employee protection legislation applies to a person, irrespective of his or her nationality or place of residence, who has entered into a contract of employment that provides for his or her being employed in the State or who works in the State under a contract of employment.

Section 20 of the 2001 Act also provides that all employee protection legislation on the Statute Book in Ireland applies to workers posted to work in Ireland in line with Directive 96/71/EC of the European Parliament and Council of 16 December 1996. A posted worker is defined in the Directive as " a worker who, for a limited period, carries out his work in the territory of a Member State other than the State in which he normally works."

Departmental Schemes.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

119 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the way in which the cycle to work scheme has been made available to staff in her Department and agencies under her remit; the location at which this scheme is not currently available; when it will be made available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10799/09]

My Department has not yet made any plans in respect of this matter and is awaiting instructions from the Department of Finance outlining details of the scheme and how it should be implemented in Government Departments.

Departmental Websites.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

120 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Finance his views on establishing a website on which members of the public can suggest ways to solve the problems in the economy and identify ways to reduce waste in Government Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9526/09]

My Department has an extensive website containing detailed information on all areas for which the Department is responsible, including taxation, public expenditure, public service remuneration and financial information. All citizens may make policy proposals to the Department. Such representations can be made through letters, emails, telephone calls and the internet. Also a specific email address has been set up for the Special Group on Public Sector Numbers and Expenditure Programmes. Members of the public may contact the Group at secretary@specialgroup.gov.ie. The set up and running costs of the suggested website would not be justified in the present economic environment as citizens already have a wide choice of routes by which to submit proposals directly to the Department, to other Departments and, of course, to their elected representatives.

Flood Relief.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

121 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Finance the agency that has the responsibility for the management of a river (details supplied) in County Offaly in event of flooding; the person who has responsibility for sluice gates along same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9994/09]

The river referred to forms part of the Brosna Catchment Drainage Scheme. Under the terms of the Arterial Drainage Act 1945, the Office of Public Works is responsible for maintaining the conveyance capacity of the channel to provide outfall for land drainage. Maintenance works are undertaken periodically, and in 2008, tree and debris removal was carried out by the OPW on the channel through the town of Clara.

In the event of flooding, Offaly County Council would be responsible for assisting the local community in the first instance. If requested, the OPW would provide assistance in relation to examining or carrying out flood mitigation works, subject to the availability of resources. The sluice gates at Clara Mills are owned and operated by the owner of the property.

Public Service Contracts.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

122 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance if he will direct the Office of Public Works to open the space that has been allocated for an essential child care facility run by a group (details supplied) in Dublin 17; the reason for the delay in opening this dedicated space for this child care facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9488/09]

A Contract was placed by the Commissioners of Public Works to carry out enabling works to the internal and external fabric of the building, together with provision of furniture and fittings required. The work commenced in late July 2008.

During the course of the works, and after investigations and excavations, a further programme of substantial works has been deemed necessary to address a serious problem with damp proofing of the section of the building at ground level. This programme of additional works has been costed and is currently under discussion.

Pension Provisions.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

123 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the estimated yield to the Exchequer if the reckonable salary for pension relief purposes was reduced to €100,000 and €80,000 respectively. [9489/09]

It is presumed the Deputy is referring to the current annual earnings cap of €150,000, which operates to limit the level of tax-relieved personal pension contributions in any one year. The annual earnings cap acts, in conjunction with age-related percentage limits of annual earnings, to put a ceiling on the annual amount of tax relief an individual taxpayer can obtain on pension contributions.

The full year yields to the Exchequer arising from reducing the earnings cap to the amounts mentioned in the question are estimated as follows:

Proposed Earnings Cap

Estimated Exchequer Yield

€m

100,000

85

80,000

150

A breakdown of the figures by reference to income levels is available only in respect of the tax relief for contributions to Retirement Annuity Contracts (RACs) and Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (PRSAs) to the extent that these contributions are included in the personal tax returns of tax payers.

With regard to occupational pensions, (that is, schemes set up by the employer), the figures in respect of employee contributions are available only in aggregate form. Information on such contributions is not captured in such a way as to make it possible to associate contributions with individual income levels. For that reason the estimated yields to the Exchequer provided in respect of these contributions are extremely tentative.

The estimates of yield are based on assuming that tax relief which would be affected by the changes mentioned in the question is currently allowed at the top income tax rate of 41% and at the maximum age-related percentage limit of earnings. The estimated figures provided could therefore be regarded as the maximum Exchequer yields in respect of those taxpayers.

Proposed Legislation.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

124 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance his plans to establish a central banking commission; if this will require new legislation; the progress made to date with a view to establishing such a commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9496/09]

I will shortly be bringing proposals to Government for the drafting of legislation to give effect to the Taoiseach's announcement. This initiative by the Government will underpin confidence in our financial system.

Departmental Representations.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

125 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the professional or public affairs advisers or consultants who made representations on behalf of groups (details supplied) to his Department or the Revenue Commissioners following the announcement in March 2006 of a proposed change to the existing practice whereby stamp duty reliefs were being applied to shares bought to cover CFD exposure. [9552/09]

Representations were received by this Department directly from the bodies referred to by the Deputy and no other representations were received from any professional or public affairs advisors or consultants on behalf of these groups.

I have also been informed by the Revenue Commissioners that they too did not receive representations from any professional or public affairs advisers or consultants on behalf of the bodies in question.

Public Private Partnerships.

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

126 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Finance if the accounting practice of public private partnerships takes account of the EuroStat decision of November 2004 that mandated that PPPs must be accrued as on balance sheet expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9553/09]

In February 2004, Eurostat published guidelines regarding the accounting treatment of PPP projects for the purpose of calculating the General Government Balance (GGB). In general, the position in this regard is that the assets of privately financed PPP projects will be off balance sheet in the National Accounts and therefore the construction costs will not affect the GGB upfront over the construction period, provided that the private sector partner carries the Construction risk and carries either the Demand or the Availability risk. The unitary payments which are made under the PPP contract will count as GGB expenditure in the years in which they are incurred over the life of the project.

Projects whose capital cost will impact on the GGB over the construction period include:

Design, Build, Operate, Finance (DBOF) projects where the public sector partner carries the majority of the risk in relation to a project. This includes cases where the public sector carries the construction risk or carries both the availability and demand risk.

Design, Build, Finance (DBF) projects where the contract is similar to a finance lease.

Design, Build, Operate (DBO) projects.

Conventional public procurement projects.

The CSO is responsible for determining how various PPP projects should be classified in accordance with Eurostat rules. I would like to point out to the Deputy that the "off balance sheet" status of a project is not the fundamental rationale for pursuing PPP projects. The main driver for PPPs is to achieve value for money for the Exchequer.

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

127 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Finance the value of all public private partnerships that are due to be completed under the current national development plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9554/09]

It is not possible to quantify the value of public private partnerships that might be completed under the National Development Plan as project completion is dependent on a number of factors including the pace of negotiations and priorities as determined over the life of the Plan. The most recently published Multi Annual Capital Envelope published with the 2009 Budget multi-annual capital investment framework for the period 2009 to 2013 provides targets for Public Private Partnership (PPP) investment of €8.64 billion in privately financed PPP investment funded by future Unitary Payments. In addition the target for PPP investment funded by user charges is €795 million.

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

128 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Finance if any delays have been encountered in getting lending to fund public private partnership projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9555/09]

I have been advised by the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) that the current global financial crisis is having an impact on the funding of all investments including Public Private Partnership (PPP) projects in all countries.

PPPs in Ireland, UK and other EU countries have experienced delays in getting banks to lend for long periods. However, it should be noted that a number of PPP deals, particularly smaller deals, are closing. The PPP model is still considered to be relatively robust and PPPs should remain an attractive class for investors. The NDFA has further advised that the momentum in PPPs, as well as other major investment mechanisms, should regain more traction as soon as the current credit crunch eases.

Tax Code.

Arthur Morgan

Ceist:

129 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Finance the cost to the Exchequer of lowering the 20% tax rate on those earning less than €25,000 to 18%. [9570/09]

If what the Deputy has in mind is the taxation at 18% of portions of the bands currently taxable at 20%, the full-year cost to the Exchequer, by reference to the income tax year 2009, is estimated by the Revenue Commissioners to be about €735 million. This cost is estimated on the basis that the thresholds for the proposed new tax bands would not alter the existing standard rate cut-off point applying to single and widowed persons, lone parents and married couples.

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

Arthur Morgan

Ceist:

130 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Finance the potential yield to the Exchequer of introducing a new tax band to facilitate a new tax rate of 30% on those earning between €36,400 and €40,000. [9571/09]

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 must advice the Deputy that this measure would result in a cost to the Exchequer rather than a yield as suggested.

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the estimated full year cost to the Exchequer, estimated by reference to 2009 incomes, of the introduction of this 30% rate band could be of the order of €280 million, depending on how the band was structured. Given the current band structures, there would be major issues to be worked out as to how such a new rate could be integrated in practice 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.

Arthur Morgan

Ceist:

131 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Finance the potential yield to the Exchequer of increasing the tax rate on those earning between €44,000 and €75,000 to 44% and to increase it to 48% for those earning in excess of €75,000. [9572/09]

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 €830 million. Given the current band structures, major issues would need to be resolved as to how in practice such new rates 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.

Banking Sector Regulation.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

132 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of his previous correspondence with the leaders of the main Opposition parties warning them of the potential consequences of loose talk relating to the banking sector, he has contacted a person (details supplied) with regard to their publicly stated view that certain banks will be nationalised within three months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9576/09]

The letter to which the Deputy refers was actually issued by the Taoiseach. I have not been in contact with the individual concerned in relation to the quoted views. It is open to any individual to express an opinion and the individual concerned was not speaking in the capacity indicated in the details supplied with the Deputy's question.

Transfer Applications.

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

133 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Finance, further to Parliamentary Question No. 92 of 19 February 2009, when the transfer of a person (details supplied) will be expedited. [9613/09]

The processing of the application from the person (details supplied) will take in the order of eight weeks subject to receipt of the necessary paperwork from the candidates parent Department. As the current indicative completion date for the Office of Public Works (OPW) Regional Office in Claremorris is late 2011, OPW will review the timeline in respect of transfer job offers in late 2009.

As always an applicant may contact OPW Decentralisation Unit (Telephone No: 01 — 6476000) with respect to their application status for transfer to OPW.

Motor Industry.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

134 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Finance if he has received a submission from a group (details supplied), the situation that prevails in the motor industry, and the threat to employment and businesses at this point in time; if he will bring forward proposals to try and stimulate same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9639/09]

I am conscious of the decline in new car sales in Ireland and internationally due to the contraction in economic activity. The conditions of the motor industry is the subject of ongoing discussions between my Department and the Society of the Irish Motor Industry.

Departmental Expenditure.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

135 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the amount that would be saved by imposing a cap on public sector pay at €150,000 and €200,000. [9648/09]

It is estimated that the imposition of a cap on all remuneration at €200,000 for those comprehended by the public service pay bill would yield savings in the region of €100m on a full year basis, while it is estimated that a cap on all remuneration at €150,000 would produce savings of the order of €200m on the an annual basis. The great bulk of these figures relate to the remuneration of hospital consultants. The final uptake of the various contract types among hospital consultants can only be estimated at this stage. The figures do not take into account the voluntary deductions made by some public servants and the pension-related deduction applying to all remuneration. Any such savings would, of course, be offset to an extent by consequential tax revenue forgone. There would also be savings on the pensions bill from the capping of remuneration as any reduction in pay would have a knock-on reduction on pensions.

Tax Yield.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

136 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the amount of revenue that would be raised by reducing the single person tax credit by €100 and the married couple tax credit by €200. [9649/09]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the full year yield to the Exchequer, estimated by reference to 2009 incomes, of reducing the single person tax credit by €100 and the married couple tax credit by €200 would be of the order of €200 million. The yield quoted is provisional and subject to revision.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

137 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the amount of revenue that would be raised by paying mortgage interest relief at the standard rate only. [9650/09]

In Budget 2009 the rate of mortgage interest relief was increased for first-time buyers from 20% to 25% in year 1 and 2 of their mortgage and to 22.5% in year 3 to 5 and maintained at 20% in year 6 and 7. The rate for non-first time buyers was reduced from 20% to 15%.

The aim of this measure was to refocus mortgage interest relief towards home owners who are in most need of assistance. This measure was broadly revenue neutral. A reversal of this measure would also be broadly revenue neutral.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

138 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the amount of revenue that would be raised by abolishing mortgage interest relief. [9651/09]

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

139 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the amount of revenue that would be raised by restricting mortgage interest relief to first time buyers only. [9652/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 138 and 139 together.

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the full year yield to the Exchequer of abolishing mortgage interest relief, estimated by reference to 2009, would be of the order of €560 million. The corresponding yield from restricting mortgage interest relief to first-time buyers is estimated at €140 million.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

140 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the amount of revenue that would be raised by abolishing mortgage interest relief in respect of rental properties. [9653/09]

2057I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that based on personal income tax returns filed by non-PAYE taxpayers for the year 2007, the estimated amount of tax foregone by allowing a deduction for interest on borrowings to be offset against rents assessable under Case V, Schedule D is of the order of €877 million. This estimate is based on assuming that tax relief was allowed at the top income tax rate of 41% and the figure provided could therefore be regarded as the maximum Exchequer cost in respect of those taxpayers.

The nominal yield of €877 million to the Exchequer from abolition of the relief may not be immediate depending on whether there is sufficient taxable rental income in the year of abolition to absorb it. Some increased taxable rental income arising from the abolition of interest relief may be offset by capital allowances and losses brought forward from prior years. The current downturn in the property market is also likely to have had a negative impact on rental activity since 2007 and a consequent negative impact on the nominal yield from abolition of the relief.

It should be noted that any corresponding data returned by PAYE taxpayers in the income tax return form 12 is not captured in the Revenue computer system. However, any PAYE taxpayer with non-PAYE income greater than €3,174 is required to complete an income tax return form 11. This return is the source of the figures provided in this reply. Company returns of rental income are net of interest on borrowings and the figures for interest are not separately distinguished in those returns.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

141 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the amount of revenue that would be raised by abolishing tax relief in respect of trade union subscriptions. [9654/09]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the most recent year for which the necessary detailed information is available regarding tax relief for trade union subscriptions is the income tax year 2005 in which the cost to the Exchequer is estimated at approximately €11.8 million. On this basis the full year yield to the Exchequer of abolishing tax relief for trade union subscriptions would be of the same order.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

142 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the amount of revenue that would be raised by abolishing the business expansion scheme. [9655/09]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the last full year for which the cost of the Business Expansion Scheme is available is 2008, when the cost was estimated at approximately €56 million. Therefore, based on the 2008 figure, the likely full year saving from the abolition of the BES would be about €56 million.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

143 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the amount of revenue that would be raised by allowing tax relief in respect of pension contributions at the standard rate only. [9656/09]

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

144 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the amount of revenue that would be raised by abolishing income tax relief in respect of pension contributions. [9657/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 143 and 144 together.

I assume that the Deputy is referring to individual pension contributions, the tax relief on which is allowed at the taxpayer's marginal tax rate, that is, at the standard or higher rate of income tax as appropriate in each case.

A breakdown of the cost of tax relief on employee contributions to occupational pension schemes is not available by income tax rate, as tax returns by employers to the Revenue Commissioners of employee contributions to such schemes are aggregated at employer level. An historical breakdown is available by tax rate of the tax relief claimed on contributions to personal pension plans — Retirement Annuity Contracts (RACs) and Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (PRSAs) — by the self-employed and others, to the extent that the contributions have been included in the personal tax returns of those taxpayers. The latest full historical data available in this regard is in respect of the tax year 2005.

There is, therefore, no statistical basis for providing definitive figures. However, by making certain assumptions about the available information, it is estimated that the full year yield to the Exchequer from confining tax relief to the standard rate of 20% in respect of individual contributions to occupational pension schemes, RACs and PRSAs would be about €500 million. The full year yield from abolishing the tax relief is estimated at over €1 billion.

As highlighted in the "Green Paper on Pensions", where tax relief arrangements are of such significance, as in this instance, the removal of the reliefs would represent a fundamental adjustment to the current balance of the tax system and would have very significant implications in terms, among other things, of the economic and behavioural impacts which would ensue. These impacts would be difficult to model in advance. For these reasons, the real informational content of these costings of tax reliefs is limited and should be treated with some caution.

Tax Code.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

145 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the income tax reliefs, not credits, that are available; the cost of same to the Exchequer in revenue foregone in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9658/09]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the deductions and reliefs which are allowable for tax at an individual's marginal rate of income tax and for which estimates of cost can be provided are set out below together with estimated costs for the year 2005, the most recent year for which the necessary detailed information is available except where otherwise stated.

Tax Relief Provision

2005 Cost

€m

Person Taking Care of Incapacitated Taxpayer

1.8

Health Expenses

134.0

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

3.2

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

22.2

Expenses Allowable to Employees under Schedule E

65.0

Donations to Approved Bodies

34.0

Donations to Sports Bodies.

0.2

Retirement Relief for certain Sports Persons.

0.3

Revenue Job Assist allowance

0.4

Allowance for seafarers

0.4

Investment in Corporate Trades (BES)

16.1

Investment in Seed Capital

1.3

Stock Relief

2.0

Relief for expenditure on significant buildings and gardens

3.3

Donation of Heritage items

5.8

Capital Allowances ( Income Tax only)

734.5

Rented Residential Relief — Section 23

239.7

Investment in Films

15.7

Employees’ Contributions to approved Superannuation Schemes

540.0 (2006)

Exemption of Employers’ contributions from employee BIK

510.0 (2006)

Retirement Annuity Contracts (RACs)

380.0 (2006)

Personal Retirement Savings Accounts

120.0 (2006)

Tax free lump sum payments

130.0 (2006)

Total

2,959.9

Tax Collection.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

146 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is due arrears in their taxable income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9664/09]

I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the tax overpaid will be refunded to the person within the next week. In addition, P21 balancing statements for 2007 and 2008 will issue to the taxpayer in the coming days.

Financial Services Regulation.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

147 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Finance his views on allowing the Financial Services or Insurance Ombudsman examine warranty type situations (details supplied) in view of the fact that they are not subject to an appeals system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9665/09]

I presume the Deputy is referring to Homebond, which provides structural defect cover for certain new homes in association with the Construction Industry Federation. The Financial Services Ombudsman deals with consumer complaints about financial service providers. The Homebond insurance scheme is regulated by the Financial Regulator. Consumers can contact the Financial Services Ombudsman if they have unresolved complaints about their dealings with all financial service providers. It is a free service to the complainant.

Tax Code.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

148 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties presented to small Irish companies who import goods from outside of the European Union and then re-export the same goods outside the European Union in not being able to reclaim the VAT and duty paid at the point of importation upon exportation if they are not registered for value added tax; if he will offer advice to such companies; if he will reform this system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9688/09]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that all goods imported into the European Union are subject to VAT at the same rate as similar goods sold within the Member State into which the goods are imported. In Ireland the VAT is charged by the Revenue Commissioners at the point of import. There is no provision for a refund of this VAT to persons who are not registered for VAT. However, there are provisions in place to deal with this difficulty. A VAT-registered business is entitled to a credit for all VAT incurred on purchases for business purposes, subject to certain statutory restrictions. Moreover, a VAT-registered business, which derives 75% or more of annual turnover from zero-rated intra-Community supplies of goods or from exports of goods to third countries, may apply to have most goods and services received by it, and intra-Community acquisitions and imports made by it, zero-rated for VAT purposes. This allows the goods and services to be received free of VAT by the business. If a business is engaged in the supply, including export, of taxable goods and its turnover exceeds or is likely to exceed €75,000 in any period of 12 months it is taxable and is obliged to register for VAT. A business whose turnover from the supply of taxable goods is below €75,000 may nonetheless elect to register for VAT. Finally, customs duty is normally payable on imports into Ireland from outside the EU. However there are a number of customs regimes (such as warehousing or inward processing) that provide for suspension of the customs duty where the goods are intended for subsequent re-export from the Community.

Flood Relief.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

149 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Finance if funding has been earmarked and is guaranteed for all future phases of the Munster Blackwater flood alleviation scheme in Mallow and Fermoy, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9723/09]

The flood alleviation schemes in Mallow and Fermoy are funded from the provision for such works in the National Development Plan, which is adequate to cover all future phases of the schemes. The ongoing availability of funds is of course subject to overall budgetary considerations.

Decentralisation Programme.

Lucinda Creighton

Ceist:

150 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Finance if senior officials of his Department, including the Secretary General, will be located in a decentralised office or in Dublin. [9805/09]

There are no plans at this stage for senior officials of my Department, above the level of Principal Officer, including the Secretary General, to be located in any decentralised office.

Tax Yield.

Lucinda Creighton

Ceist:

151 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Finance the amount of revenue that would be generated for the Exchequer by an increase of 1% in the higher rate of tax. [9812/09]

Lucinda Creighton

Ceist:

152 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Finance the amount of revenue that would be generated for the Exchequer by an increase of 2% in the higher rate of tax. [9813/09]

Lucinda Creighton

Ceist:

153 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Finance the amount of revenue that would be generated for the Exchequer by an increase of 3% in the higher rate of tax. [9814/09]

Lucinda Creighton

Ceist:

154 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Finance the amount of revenue that would be generated for the Exchequer by an increase of 4% in the higher rate of tax. [9815/09]

Lucinda Creighton

Ceist:

155 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Finance the amount of revenue that would be generated for the Exchequer by an increase of 5% in the higher rate of tax. [9816/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 151 to 155, inclusive, together.

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the full-year yield to the Exchequer, estimated by reference to 2009 incomes, of increasing the higher rate of income tax by one, two, three, four and five percentage points would be approximately €220 million, €440 million, €655 million, €875 million and €1,095 million respectively. These figures are provisional and subject to revision.

Lucinda Creighton

Ceist:

156 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Finance the amount of revenue that would be generated for the Exchequer by an increase of 1% in the lower rate of tax. [9817/09]

Lucinda Creighton

Ceist:

157 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Finance the amount of revenue that would be generated for the Exchequer by an increase of 2% in the lower rate of tax. [9818/09]

Lucinda Creighton

Ceist:

158 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Finance the amount of revenue that would be generated for the Exchequer by an increase of 3% in the lower rate of tax. [9819/09]

Lucinda Creighton

Ceist:

159 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Finance the amount of revenue that would be generated for the Exchequer by an increase of 4% in the lower rate of tax. [9820/09]

Lucinda Creighton

Ceist:

160 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Finance the amount of revenue that would be generated for the Exchequer by an increase of 5% in the lower rate of tax. [9821/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 156 to 160, inclusive, together.

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the full-year yield to the Exchequer, estimated by reference to 2009 incomes, of increasing the standard rate of income tax by one, two, three, four and five percentage points would be approximately €560 million, €1,120 million, €1,680 million, €2,240 million and €2,800 million respectively. These figures are provisional and subject to revision.

Rental Sector.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

161 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the amount of moneys in 2008 received by the Revenue Commissioners from tenants who had withheld rent from their overseas landlord in accordance with law; the number of completed R185 forms submitted to the Revenue Commissioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9838/09]

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

162 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the number of overseas landlords who rent out dwellings within the State to tenants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9839/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 161 and 162 together.

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they are not in a position to state definitively the number of overseas landlords who rent out dwellings within the State to tenants. Where the taxpayer, or tenant, indicates to the Revenue Commissioners that the landlord is non-resident, a reduction in tax credits is automatically created to collect the tax that has or should have been withheld by the tenant. The Revenue Commissioners are advised of the non-resident status of landlords in a number of ways — on the Form R185, on Form 12 (PAYE Tax Return), a Form 11 (Income Tax Return), a Rent 1 Tax Credit claim form, and through the "PAYE Anytime" on-line facility. The R185 form may be used to advise the Revenue Commissioners of tax deducted in a number of situations, for example on foot of a deed of covenant, an annual payment or a rent agreement. The Revenue Commissioners do not record the number of such forms submitted to them but they record the facts by way of a marker on the computer file.

In 2008, some 379 taxpayers notified the Revenue Commissioners through the various options that they had paid rent to a non-resident landlord. However, landlords resident outside the State may have rents managed by an Irish agent. In such cases, there is no reporting requirement on the tenant and Revenue have no information on the number of such cases. Finally, I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they are not in a position to provide an answer, within the timeframe for preparation of this reply, in relation to the amount of moneys received in 2008 from tenants who had withheld rent from their overseas landlords in accordance with law. Accordingly, they will communicate directly with the Deputy on this issue at a later date.

Flood Relief.

Charles Flanagan

Ceist:

163 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance the steps he proposes to take, in conjunction with the Office of Public Works, to alleviate the suffering and hardship caused to farmers in the Shannon Callows region of County Offaly, who have suffered loss and damage due to extensive flooding in this area for most of the year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9886/09]

Having visited the Shannon callows last year and met those affected by flooding in the area, I am conscious of the serious impact of the flooding on farming and on the environment in the area. Due to exceptionally heavy rainfall, the problem in 2008 was more severe than the normal summer flooding in the callows. The extremely flat gradient of the river, together with the environmentally protected status of the location, makes it difficult to devise a cost-effective solution. The Office of Public Works has cleared some vegetation in the area. Although it was not sufficient to prevent the flooding last year, it is generally acknowledged to have improved the situation. This work was carried out with the agreement of the National Parks and Wildlife Service and in consultation with other stakeholders. The OPW has agreed to remove silt from the Shannon cut to test the impact of this measure on the situation, as long as it would be possible to do so in a cost-effective and environmentally acceptable manner. The OPW has serious reservations about how effective this proposal would be. The National Parks and Wildlife Service raised a number of conditions in respect of this proposal, which would impact significantly on its timescale and cost. The OPW is continuing to seek an acceptable solution to these issues, in conjunction with the various stakeholders involved. The long-term management of the summer flooding of the callows will need to have regard to the availability of resources, in addition to environmental constraints. These issues will be considered in the course of the development of a flood risk management plan for the Shannon river basin, which will be prepared in accordance with the EU floods directive.

Garda Stations.

Niall Collins

Ceist:

164 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Finance the status of a proposed new garda station (details supplied) in County Limerick. [9891/09]

The commencement of projects under the Garda building programme will depend on the availability of resources and the priority accorded to the project by the Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. Kilfinane Garda station is not currently prioritised.

Tax Yield.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

165 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the proportion of income earned in each of 2006, 2007 and 2008 by each decile of the labour force from lowest income to highest income; the income tax, both the nominal amount and as a proportion of total income tax receipts paid by each decile of the labour force; the Gini coefficient of Ireland for each of 2006, 2007 and 2008, or an approximation thereof; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9914/09]

The Central Statistics Office compiles and publishes an annual survey, known as Survey on Income and Living Conditions in Ireland, which contains the information requested, concerning gross household income and income tax paid by income decile. Table 17 of the 2007 survey, entitled Key Indicators of Poverty and Social Inclusion in EU Member States, provides information in relation to the Gini coefficient and other indicators for Ireland in respect of the previous year, which was 2006. The corresponding table in the 2006 report is Table 10. These surveys are available on the CSO website at www.cso.ie/releasespublications/documents/eu_silc/2006/eusilc_2006.pdf, in respect of 2006, and www.cso.ie/releasespublications/documents/silc/2007/silc_2007.pdf, in respect of 2007. The data in respect of 2008 are not yet available. The total income tax take, as published in my Department’s annual finance accounts, which are available at www.finance.gov.ie, was €12,390 million in 2006; €13,572 million in 2007; and €13,177 million in 2008.

Tax Code.

Dinny McGinley

Ceist:

166 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Finance his views on removing the rate of VAT on defibrillators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9931/09]

In matters relating to the VAT rating of goods and services, I am constrained by the requirements of EU VAT law with which Irish VAT law must comply. In relation to the VAT rate that applies to defibrillators, the position is that under the VAT Directive, member states may retain the zero rates on goods and services that was in place on 1 January 1991, but cannot extend the zero rate to new goods and services. The zero VAT rate cannot therefore be applied to defibrillators which are subject to the standard rate. In addition, member states may only apply the reduced VAT rate to those goods and services which are listed under Annex III of the VAT directive. While Annex III does include the supply of medical equipment for the exclusive personal use of a disabled person, it does not include defibrillators for general use. The reduced rate cannot therefore be applied to the supply of defibrillators. Consequently, the only rate of VAT that can apply to the supply of defibrillators is the standard VAT rate.

Banking Sector Regulation.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

167 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Finance if he will investigate a situation whereby a customer of an Irish bank was not notified of changes to mortgage services at that bank (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9938/09]

If the customer of the regulated financial service provider (details as supplied) has complained in writing to the lender about failure to notify of changes to its mortgage services and has not had a satisfactory response, he should take his complaint to the Financial Services Ombudsman. The remit of the Financial Services Ombudsman, which is an independent statutory body, is to investigate, mediate and adjudicate unresolved complaints of customers about financial service providers. There is no charge for using the services of the ombudsman, which can be contacted at the following address: Financial Services Ombudsman's Bureau, 3rd Floor, Lincoln House, Lincoln Place, Dublin 2, or by phone to LoCall number 1890 88 20 90. Alternatively, the person in question may make an on-line complaint using the ombudsman's on-line complaints form, which may be found at www.financialombudsman.ie. Under the general provisions of the Financial Regulator consumer protection code, a regulated entity must ensure that in all its dealings with customers and within the context of its authorisation, it acts honestly, fairly and professionally in the best interests of its customers and the integrity of the market.

Pension Provisions.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

168 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the amount paid by public servants in agencies under the remit of his Department in superannuation and pension contributions in 2007 and 2008. [9951/09]

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

169 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the amount paid by public servants in his Department in superannuation and pension contributions in 2007 and 2008. [9966/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 168 and 169 together.

The amounts deducted in 2007 and 2008 through the payroll for my Department and a number of offices under the aegis of my Department in respect of the superannuation contributions of staff, including contributions to the various pension schemes, contributions to the spouses and children's schemes, and purchase of notional service, are as follows: the Commission for Public Service Appointments, €7,244 in 2007 and €10,065 in 2008; the Department of Finance, €947,908 in 2007 and €1,049,546 in 2008; the Office of the Ombudsman, €125,837 in 2007 and €147,144 in 2008; the Public Appointments Service, €168,548 in 2007 and 179,446 in 2008; and the State Laboratory, €113,985 in 2007 and €123,323 in 2008. In addition, I am advised by the following bodies that the relevant amounts are as follows: the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, €5,746,614 in 2007 and €6,106,592 in 2008; the Office of Public Works, €1,312,310 in 2007 and €1,307,342 in 2008; the Valuation Office, €223,839 in 2007 and €261,205 in 2008; and the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General, €307,257 in 2007 and €345,877 in 2008.

Departmental Staff.

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

170 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Finance the number of fully qualified chartered accountants and management accountants employed by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9981/09]

Twelve 12 officers with professional accountancy qualifications are employed in my Department. A further seven staff have degrees in accounting or accounting-related disciplines.

Tax Code.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

171 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the problems confronting motor dealers with second hand stock which because of VRT changes and market conditions have been written down substantially in value but still carry a VAT clawback based on the original costs; if he has proposals to change this anomaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10006/09]

In the case of second-hand cars a special scheme is in place in Ireland, following strong representations from the motor industry, rather than the margin scheme that is operated in most other member states. The special scheme allows motor dealers to claim credit for residual input VAT at the time of purchase which is considered to be included in the cost of acquiring a car from a customer. When the car is subsequently resold, the VAT is chargeable on the full sale price of the car or on the original purchase price paid by the dealer, whichever is the higher, because the dealer has already been granted a credit in relation to the residual input VAT incurred. The special scheme allows dealers the maximum benefit by allowing an immediate deduction of residual VAT at the point of purchase. The VAT credit already allowed on second-hand cars must, despite the industry's view, be seen for what it is — money advanced to dealers by the Exchequer which they are only repaying when they resell the cars.

Although with the changing economic circumstances dealers have found themselves selling traded-in second hand cars at a loss, which is increasingly giving rise to clawbacks of VAT situations for dealers, it is not possible to write off the VAT credit already allowed to the garages on second-hand cars. In this context, the Revenue Commissioners have granted concessionary treatment which allows dealers to postpone payment in respect of the clawbacks over the past number of months until 19 May 2009. I am not opposed to the introduction of a margin scheme for second-hand cars, but not on the basis proposed by the motor industry, which is that the outstanding VAT credit already provided to dealers in relation to their existing stock of second-hand cars would be written off in full.

Tax Collection.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

172 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Finance if an up to date tax credit certificate will be issued in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare due to an exceptional change in their circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10021/09]

I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that an amended tax credit certificate will not issue to the person for 2009 as a consequence of the exceptional change in circumstances. An amendment to the person's tax credits will be required for 2010.

Departmental Advertising.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

173 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance the cost of public advertising funded by his Department in 2008; the breakdown between statutory and non-statutory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10063/09]

The following table sets out the cost of public advertising paid for by my Department and by the offices under its aegis in 2008.

Advertising required by statute

Advertising not required by statute

Total

Commission for Public Service Appointments

20,585

17,819

38,404

Department of Finance

128,062

128,062

Office of Public Works

See note

See note

376,425

Office of the Appeals Commissioner

0

Office of the Commission for Public Service Appointments

0

Office of the Revenue Commissioners

200,273

1,918,960

2,119,233

Public Appointments Service

925,380

925,380

State Laboratory

10,000

10,000

Valuation Office

6,655

19,751

26,406

I am informed by the Office of Public Works that it has not been able, in the time available, to disaggregate advertising expenditure on the lines requested by the Deputy.

Tax Code.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

174 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the number of people who are exempt from tax because of the tax exemption limit applying to persons aged 65 years and over. [10076/09]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the total number of income earners aged 65 years and over who are entirely exempt from income tax in accordance with the exemption limits is estimated to be of the order of 27,200 for the 2009 income tax year. A further 13,600 of taxpayers are estimated to benefit from the marginal relief system. The figures are estimates from the Revenue Commissioners' tax-forecasting model using actual data for 2005, adjusted as necessary for income and employment growth for 2009. Therefore, they are provisional and likely to be revised.

Niall Collins

Ceist:

175 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10119/09]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the Schedule set out below identifies those sections of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (as amended) which provide for a full or partial exemption from income tax. In circumstances where the section ceases to have effect at a date in the next year this has been highlighted.

Due to the time restraints some minor legislative provisions have been overlooked in doing this research.

Description of income

Section of the Taxes Consolidated Act 1997

1.

Interest on Saving certificates

Section 42

2.

Interest on certain securities issued by Minister for Finance

Section 43

3.

Redemption of non-interest-bearing securities

Section 45

4.

Premiums on Investment Bonds (full or partial exemption on certain income)

Section 46

5.

Exemption of premiums on certain securities

Section 48

6.

Interest on certain securities exempted by Minister for Finance

Section 49

7.

Interest on securities issued outside the State by a local authority

Section 50

8.

Certain benefits in kind

Section 118, 118A, 120A, 121 (Pool cars), 121A

9.

Income which is the subject of a Revenue approved salary sacrifice agreement

Section 118B

10.

Certain benefits payable under the Social Welfare Acts

Section 126

11.

Age exemption and associated marginal relief (for persons aged over 65 years).

Section 188

12.

Payments in respect of Personal Injuries

Section 189

13.

Certain income from special trusts for permanently incapacitated individuals

Section 189A

14.

Certain payments made by the Haemophilia HIV Trust

Section 190

15.

Payments received under the Hepatitis C [and HIV] Compensation Acts

Section 191

16.

Payments in respect of Thalidomide children

Section 192

17.

Certain payments made under Employment Law

Section 192A

18.

Foster Care Payments

Section 192B

19.

Income from scholarships

Section 193

20.

Child benefit payments

Section 194

21.

Early Childcare supplement payments

Section 194A

22.

Certain earnings of writers, composers and artists (subject to certain limits)

Section 195

23.

Certain expenses payments to members of boards, councils and committees

Section 195A

24.

Certain expense payments payable to members of the Judiciary

Section 196

25.

Certain foreign service allowances payable to certain employees of the State and certain agencies

Section 196A, 196B

26.

Bonus or interest paid under national instalment savings schemes

Section 197

27.

Certain interest receipts

Section 198

28.

Interest on certain securities used in the payment of income tax

Section 199

29.

Certain foreign pensions

Section 200

30.

Certain payments made on termination of an office or employment (subject to certain limits)

Section 201

31.

Certain payments for agreed pay restructuring

Section 202

32.

Certain statutory redundancy payments

Section 203

33.

Certain military and other pensions, gratuities and allowances

Section 204

34.

Payments to Veterans of War of Independence

Section 205

35.

Income from investments under Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act

Section 206

36.

Rents of properties belonging to hospitals and other charities

Section 207, 209

37.

Lands owned and occupied, and trades carried on by charities

Section 208

38.

Income arising under “The Great Book of Ireland Trust”

Section 210

39.

Income payable to Friendly Societies

Section 211

40.

Certain payments made by Trade Unions to their members

Section 213

41.

Income arising to Local authorities, Vocational Education Committees, the Health Service Executive, and certain Agriculture Committees.

Section 214

42.

Certain profits of agricultural societies

Section 215

43.

Profits from lotteries

Section 216

44.

Income received under the Rent-a-room scheme (subject to a certain limit)

Section 216A

45.

Payments under Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí

Section 216B

46.

Income form certain Childcare services (subject to a certain limit)

Section 216C

47.

Certain income of Nítrigin Éireann Teoranta

Section 217

48.

Certain income of Housing Finance Agency plc.

Section 218

49.

Income arising to a body designated under the Irish Takeover Panel Act

Section 219

50.

Income of Investor Compensation Company Ltd

Section 219B

51.

Profits of certain bodies corporate (e.g. National Lottery; Pensions Board)

Section 220

52.

Certain payments to National Co-operative Farm Relief Services Ltd. And certain payments made to its members

Section 221

53.

Certain dividends from a non-resident subsidiary

Section 222

54.

Small Enterprise grants

Section 223

55.

Certain employment grants to medium and large industrial undertakings

Section 224

56.

Certain employments grants and recruitment subsidies

Section 225, 226

57.

Certain income arising to specified non-commercial state-sponsored bodies

Section 227

58.

Income arising to designated bodies under the Securitisation (Proceeds of Certain Mortgages) Act, 1995

Section 228

59.

Certain income of harbour authorities and port companies

Section 229

60.

Profits arising to National Treasury Management Agency

Section 230

61.

Profits arising to the National Pensions Reserve Fund Commission

Section 230A

62.

Profits arising to the National Development Finance Agency

Section 230AB

63.

Profits or gains from Stallion Fees (up to 31 July 2008)

Section 231

64.

Profits from occupation of certain woodlands

Section 232

65.

Stud greyhound service fees (up to 31 July 2008)

Section 233

66.

Certain income derived from patent royalties

Section 234

67.

Income arising to bodies established for promotion of athletic or amateur games or sports

Section 235

68.

Exemption from a benefit in kind charge in respect of the loan of certain art objects

Section 236

69.

interest and dividends on special term accounts (full or partial exemption on certain income)

Section 261A

70.

Dividends on special term share accounts (full or partial exemption on certain income)

Section 267C

71.

Exemption in respect of certain benefits received by employees under approved employee share schemes

Section 510, 519A, 519C, 519D

72.

Income from leasing of farm land (full or partial exemption on certain income)

Section 664

73.

Exemption in respect of certain retirement benefits to certain employees

Section 778

I am also informed by the Revenue Commissioners that regarding the number of taxpayers who have availed of the stallion fee and the greyhound stud fee exemption and the amounts claimed, the relevant information available is derived from income tax and corporation tax returns filed for the tax years 2005 to 2007, the latest year for which it is available, and is set out in the following table.

Exemption

Year

Number of Claimants

Amount Claimed

€m

Stallion Stud Fees

2005

185

51.8

Stallion Stud Fees

2006

185

90.7

Stallion Stud Fees

2007 (provisional)

191

48.3

Greyhound Stud Fees

2005

8

0.6

Greyhound Stud Fees

2006

6

0.4

Greyhound Stud Fees

2007 (provisional)

5

0.3

It should be noted that the stallion and greyhound stud fee exemptions ceased to apply in relation to any profits or gains arising on or after 1 August 2008.

Financial Services Regulation.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

176 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Finance the steps he will take to change the penalty system imposed by banks on people with household mortgages who wish to change from a fixed rate mortgage to the variable rate to avail of more attractive rates; if he has discussed this matter with the banks over the past few months; if he will impose a change in banks now nationalised or recapitalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10132/09]

I have no function in setting interest rates. My function is to provide an appropriate legislative framework for regulation of the financial services sector.

The choice of mortgage product ultimately rests with consumers in light of their assessment of the terms and conditions that their lending institution offers. The decision of borrowers is influenced by a range of factors such as their personal preferences and their own assessment of the relative merits of fixed and variable rate mortgages.

Generally mortgages are for long periods. To some consumers a fixed interest rate on a mortgage offers peace of mind in that the borrower benefits from certainty regarding the cost of their mortgage, does not need to be concerned with changes in mortgage interest rates and accordingly he or she can budget more confidently.

Where a bank offers a fixed rate over a certain period it incurs additional costs in obtaining fixed or other funding in respect of the loan over the period. The additional costs will reflect both the market view in relation to future trends in interest rates for the period and the fact that longer term deposits generally attract higher interest rates than short term. In addition, if a borrower wishes to break a fixed interest rate contract prior to the end of the agreed term in order to change to a variable interest rate contract, it will generally result in funding costs for the lender concerned. The lender in turn will seek to recoup these costs from the borrower. These funding costs do not require the Financial Regulator's approval. However, the Financial Regulator's approval must be obtained for any additional administrative type charges imposed on borrowers for breaking fixed rate contracts.

I have not discussed this issue with any representatives of the banks and I have no plans to seek to impose this requirement on any credit institution.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

177 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Finance his views on the banks revaluing existing properties subject to household mortgages and resetting the mortgages to take account of the current value to ensure that thousands of families here will not face repossession proceedings due to defaulting on payments in view of the financial recession; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10133/09]

I have no function in relation to revaluing existing contractual commitments between lenders and borrowers. My function is to provide an appropriate legislative framework for regulation of the financial services sector.

Recent cuts in the main ECB rate have helped to reduce the monthly mortgage repayments for those on variable rate and tracker mortgages.

Successive budgets since 2006 have increased the level of mortgage interest relief available to first-time buyers to refocus this relief towards home owners who are in most need of assistance.

In terms of ensuring that people can continue to afford their mortgages the Government provides support for payment of mortgages under the Mortgage Interest Supplement Scheme. This scheme is administered by the Community Welfare Service of the Health Service Executive on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. It provides assistance where the mortgage relates to a person's principal private residence.

Furthermore, people in debt or in danger of getting into debt can avail of the services of the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS). This is a national, free, confidential and independent service. In 2009, almost €18 million has been provided to assist MABS with its workload.

Tax Code.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

178 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance if contractors based in Northern Ireland that are awarded building, electrical and civil engineering contracts here are liable for VAT in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland. [10176/09]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the place of supply of goods and services for VAT purposes is subject to the requirements of EU VAT law with which Irish VAT law must comply. Under the EU VAT Directive the supply of construction works or civil engineering works are treated as being made where the immovable goods or the associated lands are situated.

Thus, services such as those outlined by the Deputy are supplied where the land is situated, irrespective of the place of belonging of the supplier or the recipient of the supply. Accordingly, if contractors based in Northern Ireland are awarded building, electrical or civil engineering contracts in the State, then liability to VAT arises in the State in all cases.

Finally, I would add that under what is known as the reverse charge mechanism, where a sub-contractor, whether or nor established in the State, supplies construction services in the State to a principal contractor, it is the principal contractor who must account for the VAT due in respect of the supply of such services.

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 11th 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 came into force on the 27 February 2009. The new Code applies 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 shall make every reasonable effort to agree an alternative repayment schedule i.e. consideration should be given on a case-by-case basis to alternatives such as deferral of payments, extending the term of the mortgage, changing type of mortgage, or capitalising arrears and interest. In any case, lenders 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 where the customer continues to co-operate with the banks.

Pension Provisions.

Frank Feighan

Ceist:

179 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Finance if he will examine the application of pension levy in the same manner as income tax at a uniform level of salary over the whole year in order to avoid employees being hit with growing and graduated deductions as year progresses which leave them being hit with very high and disproportionate amounts in autumn and winter as the move to year end will throw their personal budgets out. [10212/09]

Regulations will be introduced under Section 3 of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009 for the purpose of the calculation, making, collection, disposal and recovery of the deductions. The deductions will be made on what is known as a "week-1 basis". This means that each payroll pension related deduction is calculated without reference to the previous pay period. The objective is to keep deductions similar throughout the year, assuming that remuneration remains at a similar level. Of course, if there were a big increase in one's remuneration in a particular payroll, there would also be a rise in the pension related deduction for the individual. At year-end the precise amount due is determined, and repayment or recoupment of the over- or under-payment will be carried out for each affected individual. In general, for persons earning more than €20,000 p.a., no end-of-year adjustment will be required.

Departmental Schemes.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

180 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance the way in which the cycle to work scheme has been made available to staff in his Department and agencies under his remit; the location at which this scheme is not currently available; when it will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10800/09]

The purchasing of bicycles under the cycle to work scheme must be in compliance with procurement regulations. My Department is currently in discussions with the Government Supplies Agency on how the proposed scheme might be put into operation and the correct procurement procedures put in place. A circular will issue once an appropriate tendering system is in place.

My Department and the agencies under the remit of my Department will address the implementation of the scheme when the relevant circular has issued.

Food Safety.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

181 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Department has commissioned or carried out tests to monitor bacterial levels in meat or poultry products sold in retail or catering outlets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9610/09]

Responsibility for the enforcement of food safety legislation rests with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI). The Food Safety Authority of Ireland oversees the regular monitoring of the bacteriological quality of the Irish food supply.  This includes the sampling and testing of meat and poultry products at the processing, retail and catering stages of the food chain. The sampling and testing involved is carried out by staff from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and tested at the Central Meat Control laboratory and at the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory, and by staff from the Health Services Executive where testing is carried out at the Official Food Microbiology Laboratories.

The results of the regular monitoring programme are available to the public on the FSAI's website.http://www.fsai.ie/publications/reports/Zoonoses_report_05.pdf

Inter-Country Adoptions.

Pádraic McCormack

Ceist:

182 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps she will take to renew the bilateral adoption agreement between Ireland and Vietnam when the current agreement expires in May 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9631/09]

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

186 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the bilateral agreement for adoptions from Vietnam; when this bilateral agreement will be agreed to; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10353/09]

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

188 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to the renewal of the bilateral adoption agreement between Ireland and Vietnam. [10640/09]

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

189 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children the discussions that have taken place with regard to the renewal of the bilateral adoption agreement between Ireland and Vietnam which agreement is due to cease on 1 May 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10750/09]

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

201 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Health and Children if progress has been made towards concluding a renewal of the bilateral adoption agreement with Vietnam; if a draft agreement has been issued to Vietnam; if the agreement will be in place before the expiration of the existing agreement on 30 April 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9685/09]

Joan Burton

Ceist:

228 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in respect of the bilateral agreement on adoptions from Vietnam; and if her attention has been drawn to the fact that people proposing to adopt a child from Vietnam, and advanced in the process, have been left in an uncertain situation and are anxious to get clarity on her proposals. [10032/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 182, 186, 188, 189, 201 and 228 together.

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 will 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. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that a draft bilateral agreement for intercountry adoption was delivered on 6 March, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, to the Vietnamese Authorities for their consideration.

I would like to again reiterate my personal commitment and the commitment of the Government to conclude an agreement with Vietnam and, in this regard, a letter accompanying the draft agreement advised the Vietnamese Government of our willingness to travel to discuss the draft at the earliest opportunity.

As the Deputy will be aware, it is important to recognise that Ireland has a long and positive relationship with the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and to also emphasise the need to respect the authority of that jurisdiction, having regard to the sensitive nature of discussions regarding intercountry adoption.

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.

Health Services.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

183 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the basis on which a person (details supplied) in County Cork was not granted domiciliary care allowance in respect of their son; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10016/09]

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.

Inter-Country Adoptions.

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

184 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the many prospective adoptive parents who have selected Russia as their preferred country for adoption and the 1 May 2009 expiry date of the bilateral adoption agreement with Russia, she will ensure that an interim agreement is in place pending any amendment required under the Hague Convention; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10288/09]

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

185 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support two matters in the Adoption Bill. [10315/09]

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

187 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress being made in securing a bilateral adoption agreement with Russia which meets the standards of the Hague Convention; and when such an agreement will be concluded. [10639/09]

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

211 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if the bilateral agreement between Ireland and Russia with regard to adoption of Russian children will be signed in advance of the expected passing of the Adoption Bill 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9791/09]

Michael Noonan

Ceist:

221 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position on finalising and signing the bilateral adoption agreement with Russia; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9935/09]

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

230 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to the bilateral adoption agreement between Russia and Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10050/09]

Alan Shatter

Ceist:

234 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children the position with regard to the putting in place of a new bilateral adoption agreement with Russia; the progress made to date; the steps being taken by the Government; and when it is anticipated such new agreement will be signed. [10108/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 184, 185, 187, 211, 221, 230 and 234 together.

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 23rd January, 2009.

A core principle of the Hague Convention is that intercountry adoption should be child centred, that is, in all stages of the process the child's interests must be paramount. Legislating for intercountry adoption is essential to give protection to children in the process of adoption. The Hague Convention has put in place the equivalent of a contract between states to regulate the standards that will apply in each jurisdiction. It is an additional safeguard for a receiving country like Ireland regarding the standards that are being applied in the sending country, over which we have no jurisdiction. As a receiving country it is especially important to have some confidence in the process of consent to the adoption, the status of the child as adoptable and a guarantee of no improper financial gain from the process.

I firmly believe that legislation and specifically the regime of the Hague Convention provides an assurance for individual children, their families, and the State, that appropriate procedures have been followed and that the adoption was affected in the best interests of the child. As such, it is our intention that intercountry adoptions will now meet the standards of the Hague Convention.

Under the proposed new legislative regime, prospective adoptive parents will be able to adopt from countries which have ratified the Hague Convention, and from those countries with which Ireland has a bilateral agreement based on Hague standards. As part of the preparations for the likely passage and entry into force of these new legislative arrangements, my Office has been liaising with the Department of Foreign Affairs to identify and negotiate with countries who continue to seek homes abroad for children in need of alternative care which cannot be provided domestically. We are working actively to assess the possibilities of entering into bilateral agreements with a small number of countries, including the Russian Federation.

As regards the Russian Federation, my Office is undertaking preparatory work to consider the contents of such an agreement, including anticipating the likely requirements of the Russian Federation.

While every effort will be made to conclude a bilateral agreement in advance of any of the proposed changes in Irish law taking effect, it must be acknowledged that these matters will be determined to a considerable degree by the Government of the Russian Federation.

However, at this point in time, it is my priority to endeavour to ensure that an international bi-lateral agreement with Vietnam is put in place as soon as possible, to maintain the continuity of arrangements between Ireland and Vietnam in relation to intercountry adoption.

In this regard, I am pleased to confirm that a draft bilateral agreement for intercountry adoption was, on March 6th, delivered through the Department of Foreign Affairs to the Vietnamese Authorities for their consideration.

Furthermore, in a letter accompanying the draft agreement, the Vietnamese Government has been advised of our willingness to travel to discuss the draft at the earliest opportunity.

Question No. 186 answered with Question No. 182.
Question No. 187 answered with Question No. 184.
Questions Nos. 188 and 189 answered with Question No. 182.

Health Services.

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

190 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive community occupational therapy. [9483/09]

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 Cards.

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

191 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 457 of 27 January 2009, when the requested information will be supplied; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9491/09]

My Department has asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to reply to the Deputy as a matter of urgency in relation to Parliamentary Question No. 457 of 27 January 2009.

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

192 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the helpline set up by the Health Service Executive to provide information in relation to the over 70’s medical card is not functioning; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9492/09]

The Health Service Executive's Info Line Callsave No. 1850 24 1850, which deals with the over 70s medical card queries, is fully operational and the Executive is not aware of any functioning problems with the line.

Health Service Staff.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

193 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children the staffing levels at nursing homes (details supplied) in relation to patient numbers in these nursing homes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9529/09]

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

Medical Cards.

Tom Sheahan

Ceist:

194 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will explain the decision to centralise the medical card application office from Tralee, County Kerry to Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9548/09]

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

Child Care Services.

James Bannon

Ceist:

195 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding matters (details supplied) concerning the community childcare subvention scheme on behalf of a group in County Longford; the timeframe for a review in view of the fact that services are not in a position to wait for a couple of months; if consideration is being given to a once yearly submission with a plus, minus system; if back-pay will be given to January 2009 in consideration of new children, rather than payment from the day the review has been dealt with; when a breakdown of allocations will be available in view of the fact that this is necessary for the efficient running of child care businesses, while contingency money can be used for new parents entitled to subvention, at 5% to 10%, and lack of consistent information being available through the members of the OMCYA; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9565/09]

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

Services participating in the CCSS receive annual funding on the basis of the number of qualifying parents recorded as using the service in a particular reference week, generally set in late September of each year. Services may apply mid-year to have their funding reviewed, where they believe they would benefit from additional funding as a result of having additional numbers of qualifying parents. In 2009, services have been advised that they should request a review by 13 March and that the reference week will be that ending on 3 April. Where a review results in an increased level of funding, this will be calculated with effect from 1 April.

As the funding is paid on the basis of the number of qualifying parents using a service at a particular point in time, the increase in funding will apply from that date and cannot be applied retrospectively. It is also noted that the facility for a mid-year review is optional and services with lesser numbers of qualifying parents are not required to seek a reduction in their grant level. I am satisfied that the arrangements in place are satisfactory and provide for much greater flexibility than was the case under the previous support scheme, the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme (EOCP), which allocated funding for period of 3 years.

I understand that services participating in the CCSS have been provided with detailed guidelines regarding the scheme, by the Childcare Directorate of my Office. If a service has not received details of its funding allocation in 2009, I would ask that they contact the Childcare Directorate of my Office who will be able to assist them in this regard.

Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

196 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive to Parliamentary Question No. 209 of 3 February 2009. [9578/09]

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

I understand a reply issued to the Deputy from the Scheme Administrator on 20 February 2009.

Health Services.

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

197 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children when a child (details supplied) in County Cork will be given an appointment for an assessment by the autism spectrum disorder team. [9581/09]

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.

Catherine Byrne

Ceist:

198 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of births recorded in the Coombe Women’s Hospital, Dublin, in 2008; the number which were C-sections; the age group and marital status of mothers who gave birth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9615/09]

In 2008 the number of births in the Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, Dublin was 8,521. My Department has asked the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly on the other specific issues raised by her.

Health Services.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

199 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a query regarding a person (details supplied). [9672/09]

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

Crime Prevention.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

200 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the role of the regional planning committees on domestic violence; the persons who sit on these committees; the persons who chair these committees; the number of times a year they meet; the role of same in view of the establishment of the national office for the prevention of domestic, sexual and gender based violence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9678/09]

Following the recommendations of the Report on the Task Force on Violence against Women in 1997, Regional Planning Committees (RPCs) were established in each of the eight former health board regions to draw together the services available to women in each of these regions in order to consolidate an approach to the treatment of victims of violence.

A wide range of groups consisting of public, community and voluntary sectors including Local Authorities, Probation and Welfare Services, Gardaí and GPs and key organisations such as Rape Crisis Centres, Refuges and support services sit on the RPCs. The appointment of a Chairperson is a matter decided by each committee. Therefore some committees have independent chairs while some are chaired by a member of the RPC. In accordance with the Task Force Report the RPCs meet at least four times a year but many of the committees meet much more frequently.

Cosc, the National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence, which comes under the remit of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, has been working with the Health Service Executive (HSE) since June 2007 to strengthen the functioning of the regional committees. An adjusted remit and structure for the regional committees was agreed with the HSE following consultation with the committees and Cosc. The HSE are now implementing these structures which will include representation for each committee on the National Steering Committee on Violence against Women (NSC). The adjusted remit of the new regional committees and their representation on the NSC is intended to strengthen the capacity for a flow of information between the national and regional level and to improve inter-regional coordination and regional inter-agency working.

Question No. 201 answered with Question No. 182.

Health Services.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

202 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 regarding the Leas Cross Nursing Home Report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9686/09]

The Final Report from the Commission of Investigation, established to investigate the management, operation and supervision of the former Leas Cross Nursing Home is due to be completed and submitted to my colleague the Minister for Health and Children by the end of this month.

Medical Cards.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

203 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will arrange to issue a medical card to persons (details supplied) in County Cork on the basis of medical evidence submitted with their application. [9691/09]

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

Health Service Staff.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

204 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of community dieticians operating within the Health Service Executive south catchment area; the number of those who operate on a part-time basis; the number operating on a full time basis; the breakdown of dieticians within each primary community and continuing care administrative area if the HSE will be appointing additional dieticians within the next 12 month period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9718/09]

Almost 130,000 people work full-time or part-time in our public health services. In recent years, the Governments 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.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

205 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if there is a policy instrument or document in place governing the roll out of additional community dieticians; if that target has been achieved within the Health Service Executive south area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9719/09]

The first National Nutrition Policy is currently being finalised by my Department and it will be published shortly. The Policy will provide strategic direction on nutrition for the next ten years.

The part of the Deputy's question regarding the number of community dieticians employed in the Health Service Executive south area relates to the management and delivery of health and personal services, which are the responsibility of the HSE under the Health Act 2004. 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.

Hospital Services.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

206 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of money allocated by Cork University Hospital for acute services at Mallow General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9720/09]

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

207 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people who presented to Mallow General Hospital, County Cork, in 2008 as both in-patients and out-patients; the average length of stay for in-patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9721/09]

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

As these are service matters, they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Medical Cards.

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

208 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons aged 18 and under who lost their medical card entitlement in 2007 and 2008; the grounds on which this entitlement was withdrawn; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9730/09]

Details of the number of medical card holders are provided to my Department each month by the Health Services Executive (HSE). The figures are provided on a net basis, showing the balance after new cards have been issued and other cards, as appropriate, have been deleted from the Executive's database, e.g. following a review of a person's circumstances. The information sought by the Deputy is not provided by the HSE to my Department as a matter of routine. My Department has therefore requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Youth Services.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

209 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the concerns expressed by a council (details supplied) in County Donegal at the termination of a youth project, she will make funding available to allow the project to continue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9737/09]

I understand that the youth project concerned is the Gweedore Youth Project, Co. Donegal. An application for funding was received by the Department of Education and Science, on behalf of this project in 2008 under the Special Projects for Youth Scheme. This was one of 85 new applications received under the Scheme in 2008. The Department of Education and Science was not in a position to approve funding for the project in 2008 owing to budgetary constraints and the high level of existing commitments in the sector.

As the Deputy will be aware, responsibility for Youth Affairs transferred to the Department of Health and Children with effect from 1 January 2009. In light of budgetary constraints in 2009 and in an effort to consolidate and preserve existing provision, the Youth Affairs Section of this Department will not be in a position to consider any new applications for admission to this Scheme in 2009.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Seán Barrett

Ceist:

210 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Health and Children when construction of the new National Rehabilitation Hospital facility in Dún Laoghaire, Dublin, will commence in view of the lengthy waiting lists for admission and the need for enhanced rehabilitative services at the sole rehabilitation facility for brain injury here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9748/09]

The Department of Health and Children and the Health Service Executive have been involved in ongoing discussions with the National Rehabilitation Hospital regarding its development proposals.

The project was included in the 2007 Capital Plan up to pre-tender stage. More recently, approval was granted in May 2008 by the Health Service Executive to the National Rehabilitation Hospital to progress the project to tender stage. I am advised that tenders from selected contractors have since been received by the hospital.

Clearly, development proposals such as this need to be considered within the context of an overall policy for the delivery of the relevant service. In the case of rehabilitation, there is an increasing demand, not just in Dublin but across the country, for new services and a growing requirement to enhance existing services.

Against that background, in July 2008, the Department of Health and Children and the Heath Service Executive established a Working Group to develop a policy for the provision of rehabilitation services. Its terms of reference include the development of an appropriate policy framework for rehabilitation and a preferred model of care for the provision of rehabilitation services.

The Deputy will appreciate the need to ensure that the proposed development at the National Rehabilitation Hospital is in keeping with any future policy direction determined by the Minister in the light of the work of this Group. The Group is due to report later this year. The Deputy will also appreciate that the pace at which this project can progress depends upon the overall capital budget for health and other competing health projects. The Health Service Executive's Capital Plan for 2009, which reflects its revised capital allocation, is currently being considered within the Department of Health and Children and will be submitted to the Minister in the near future.

The proposed development at the National Rehabilitation Hospital will be considered further in the light of the findings and recommendations of the Working Group on the Provision of Rehabilitation Services, available health capital funding and other competing investment priorities.

Question No. 211 answered with Question No. 184.

Decentralisation Programme.

Lucinda Creighton

Ceist:

212 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Health and Children if senior officials of her Department, including the Secretary General, will be located in a decentralised office or in Dublin. [9807/09]

As the Deputy will be aware my Department is not one of the Departments scheduled for decentralisation under the Government's Decentralisation Programme.

Children in Care.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

213 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on a matter (details supplied). [9827/09]

In relation to the safety and security of children in the care of the State, I would like to give the Deputy a brief overview of the legislative, regulatory, policy and good practice measures that are currently in place in the child welfare and protection services.

The Child Care Act, 1991 places a legal obligation on the Health Service Executive (HSE) to promote the welfare of children who are not receiving adequate care and protection. The HSE has, therefore, statutory responsibility for the provision of health and child welfare and protection services. In implementing the Act, the HSE provides a range of services including family support services, foster care services and residential care services. A child is taken into the care of the State only as a last resort where alternative care and welfare services cannot adequately meet the needs of the child and his/her family.

The Child Care Act, 1991 allows for a child at risk to be taken into care on a voluntary basis or pursuant to a court order. Provisions have also been included in the Act for emergency situations where there is an immediate and serious risk to the health or welfare of the child. Children who are taken into the care of the HSE can be placed in residential care, foster care or relative care in accordance with the Child Care Regulations, 1995. The regulations cover, inter alia, the operation and inspection of residential centres, care planning, supervision, visiting and review of all cases of children placed in care. Of approximately 5,000 children in care in Ireland about 4,500 are in foster care. Almost all of the remaining children are placed in residential units which are operated by, or on behalf of the HSE. These residential services range from mainstream residential homes and high support units to intensive care placements in special care units.

The HSE has recently established a taskforce to bring both standardisation and improvement to a whole range of child protection practices across the country and this taskforce is due to complete its work in May of this year. Care plans, the care planning process and establishing an assessment framework will be included in the work programme of this taskforce. This work is a key element of ensuring that children at risk in our society are afforded the protection they need when they need it.

The Social Services Inspectorate (SSI) was established in April 1999. The main function of the SSI is to improve standards in child welfare and protection services by advising the Department of Health and Children on the formulation of standards and then monitoring those quality standards across the sector. The SSI currently inspects children's residential homes and foster care services operated by the HSE in accordance with and against the Child Care Regulations, 1995 and a number of national standards. The SSI has played a key and important role in the setting of standards, inspecting and ensuring quality services in the area of children's welfare services. The role of the SSI is key in ensuring and monitoring the safety of children in the care of the State.

Where units are run on behalf of the HSE, they are currently subject to registration and inspection by the HSE. Regular meetings take place between the SSI Inspectors and the HSE Inspectors in order to work towards equity in the inspection process. The SSI also receives HSE inspection reports of the voluntary residential children's centres.

The establishment of the SSI on a statutory basis was provided for in the Health Act, 2007 which is currently being commenced. Section 6 and Section 40 of the Health Act, 2007 which provide for the establishment of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) and the Office of the Chief Inspector of Social Services were commenced on the 15th May 2007. The Act provides for a new system of inspection and registration for ‘designated centres' under the Act i.e. residential centres for children (both statutory and non-statutory), residential centres for people with disabilities and residential centres for older people, including private nursing homes.

HIQA has wide ranging functions under the Health Act 2007 including the setting of standards on safety and quality in relation to services provided by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and service providers providing services on behalf of the Executive. These include services provided in accordance with the Child Care Act 1991 and the Children Act 2001. HIQA also has responsibility for monitoring compliance with standards set. In addition, HIQA may undertake investigations as to the safety, quality and standards of services where there is a serious risk to the health or welfare of a person receiving those services and the risk may be the result of any act, failure to act or negligence on the part of the HSE or a service provider etc.

The legislation, regulations, standards, inspection and monitoring systems and other initiatives set out above aim to ensure that the children cared for by the State are safe, protected and secure and I can assure the Deputy that I will continue to work in consultation with HIQA and the HSE to ensure that these protections continue to be enhanced.

Health Services.

Arthur Morgan

Ceist:

214 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Health and Children if running costs are provided to rape crisis centres; if so, the amount that is provided in each case; if running costs will be provided to a rape crisis centre in the north east in particular; if not, the reason for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9904/09]

Arthur Morgan

Ceist:

215 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Health and Children when the review of rape crisis facilities throughout the State will be completed; if a report arising will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9905/09]

Dinny McGinley

Ceist:

220 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Health and Children if there are plans to finance a centre (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9932/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 214, 215 and 220 together.

As these are service matters, they have been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Ambulance Service.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

216 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress on improved ambulance services for the mid-west in the context of planned reconfiguration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9906/09]

The HSE reconfiguration plans for the HSE Mid West region are informed by the recently published Teamwork Report. The Report highlighted the need for changes to be made in the provision and organisation of acute hospital services across the region as it found services are too fragmented, carry increased risks for patients and staff and are not sustainable in their present form. The HSE has been engaged in a consultation process with key stakeholders as it formulates detailed plans in relation to emergency care, critical care and surgical services in the region.

The HSE has identified the enhancement of emergency ambulance services as an essential element of the new service delivery arrangements for the Mid West. Protocols are already in place to ensure that all trauma cases will be brought directly to the major tertiary centre rather than the local hospital. Appropriate protocols in relation to paediatric and obstetric emergencies are being finalised at present. Plans are underway to introduce a 24-hour Advanced Paramedic service in Clare and North Tipperary and to enhance the level of ambulance cover in these areas.

I am satisfied that the measures being taken by the HSE are necessary and appropriate in order to ensure the provision of safe and effective health services to the people of the Mid West region. My Department has asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the detailed operational issue that she has raised.

Departmental Expenditure.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

217 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has signed off on the major capital budget for health services in the mid-west for 2009; the way this differs from 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9907/09]

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

218 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has signed off on the minor capital expenditure budget for the mid-west health services for 2009; the amount of this budget; the way it differs from 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9908/09]

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

The Health Service Executive is currently finalising its Capital Plan for the period 2009-2013 which is required to be submitted to me for my approval with the agreement of the Minister for Finance. The details on individual projects will not be known until such time as the capital plan is approved.

Hospital Services.

Deirdre Clune

Ceist:

219 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children if she is a position to provide dental services under general anaesthetic for adults with special needs at the Cork University Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9915/09]

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

Question No. 220 answered with Question No. 214.
Question No. 221 answered with Question No. 184.

Pension Provisions.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

222 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount paid by public servants in agencies under the remit of her Department in superannuation and pension contributions in 2007 and 2008. [9953/09]

The total amount paid by public health sector employees under the remit of the Department of Health and Children in superannuation contribution for 2007 is €273,633,485. This figure is in respect of 140,808 employees. The figure for 2008 is not available yet.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

223 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount paid by public servants in her Department in superannuation and pension contributions in 2007 and 2008. [9968/09]

The annual amounts of pension and superannuation contributions by staff in my Department for the relevant years are as follows:

2007 — €707,410.80

2008 — €644,183.89.

Departmental Staff.

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

224 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of fully qualified chartered accountants and management accountants employed by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9983/09]

There is currently one person employed in my Department at the grade of Professional Accountant.

Hospital Services.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

225 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will expedite an orthopaedic outpatient appointment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10014/09]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. The National Treatment Purchase Fund arranges treatment for patients who have been on a surgical waiting list for more than three months. It is open to the person in question or anyone acting on their behalf to contact the Fund directly in relation to their case.

Health Services.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

226 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Cork will have access to an occupational therapist; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10015/09]

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.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

227 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for domiciliary care in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10022/09]

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.

Question No. 228 answered with Question No. 182.

Health Service Staff.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

229 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons employed in the estates department of the Health Service Executive and the number of such employees who were permanent staff and contract workers in respect of each of the past five years; the number of contract staff who have had their contracts extended during the past five years; the policy in regard to the use of full time and contract staff in the estates department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10046/09]

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

Question No. 230 answered with Question No. 184.

Departmental Advertising.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

231 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the cost of public advertising funded by her Department in 2008; the breakdown between statutory and non-statutory; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10065/09]

In 2008, my Department spent €152,666.91 on public advertising. Some €83,793.39 had a statutory basis of which €32,464.38 was for public recruitment. The non-statutory element totalled €68,873.52 and, of this, €63,794.25 related to public consultations.

Departmental Correspondence.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Ceist:

232 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding an accident victim; if the short-term treatment and accommodation needs of this person will be met in view of the extreme circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10071/09]

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.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Ceist:

233 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on correspondence (details supplied); if the surgical procedure which is required will be expedited in view of the circumstances outlined; if the position with regard to the National Treatment Purchase Fund can be explained as it applies in this case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10072/09]

The primary aim of the National Treatment Purchase Fund is to arrange treatment for public patients who have been waiting longest on public hospital in-patient waiting lists for surgery. In a small number of cases where very specialised surgery is required, it may not always be possible to arrange treatment through an alternative provider. I would hope that surgery can be provided through the public system as soon as possible in this case and I have asked the HSE to consider the matter and reply directly to the Deputy.

Question No. 234 answered with Question No. 184.

Medical Cards.

Alan Shatter

Ceist:

235 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children the situation of people over 70 years, granted a medical card prior to 1 January 2009, who made a declaration of income to the Health Service Executive on the basis of their income in 2008 being over the threshold specified in the Health Act 2008 and whose projected income in 2009 will be much reduced and will fall below the specified threshold as a result of collapsed share dividends; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10109/09]

Under the Health Act 2008, automatic entitlement to a medical card for persons aged 70 or over ceased on 31st December 2008, and with effect from 1st January 2009, the income thresholds for entitlement to a medical card for those aged 70 or over is €700 (gross) per week (€36,500 per year) for a single person and €1,400 (gross) per week (€73,000 per year) for a couple.

Any savings and similar investments up to €36,000 (single)/€72,000 (couple) will be disregarded when assessing means and only interest from savings or similar investments above these figures will be considered as income. The relevant portion of savings and similar investments will be assessed on the income calculated at a notional interest rate (currently 5%), based on the prevailing interest rates at the time of application. The Health Service Executive's (HSE) Central Application Unit will review the notional rate on a quarterly basis.

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

If a person's circumstances have changed since making a declaration to the HSE, the person should re-apply to the HSE for a medical card based on their new circumstances.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

236 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children the state of play of her plans to amalgamate the three children’s hospitals in Dublin city; if in view of the public finances a reappraisal of that proposal is warranted; the timeframe envisaged for delivery of a single paediatric hospital for Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10110/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

237 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin, Dublin, in the event of a proceeding with her proposed single paediatric hospital for Dublin; and if her attention has been drawn to the fact that despite her proposals building works continue on improvements at that hospital. [10111/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 236 and 237 together.

The development of the National Paediatric Hospital is a priority project for the Government. The project is proceeding as planned and is being overseen by the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board which was established in May, 2007. The HSE is working closely with the Board in progressing the project, which is scheduled for completion in 2014.

The new hospital will be based at the Mater Hospital and will include an associated Ambulatory and Urgent Care Centre at Tallaght.

Services at Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin, the National Children's Hospital Tallaght and Temple Street Children's University Hospital will transfer to the new National Paediatric Hospital. Pending completion of the project, the HSE will continue to finance the provision and development of services at each of the transferring hospitals.

Travel Expenses.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

238 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that assistance is given towards the cost of travelling for necessary medical treatment to hospital in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Meath on invalidity pension as the person cannot afford to pay the full amount; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10117/09]

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

Health Services.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

239 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the case in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [10123/09]

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

Frank Feighan

Ceist:

240 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide home help in respect of a person (details supplied). [10213/09]

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

Departmental Schemes.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

241 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children the way in which the cycle to work scheme has been made available to staff in her Department and agencies under her remit; the location at which this scheme is not currently available; when it will be made available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10802/09]

My Department is considering the detailed arrangements that will be required to implement the cycle to work scheme provided for under Section 7 of the Finance (No. 2) Act 2008.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

242 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the way in which the cycle to work scheme has been made available to staff in his Department and agencies under his remit; the location at which this scheme is not currently available; when it will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9580/09]

Insofar as my Department is concerned, my officials are currently finalising arrangements to put the Cycle to Work Scheme in place and it is envisaged that Departmental staff will be able to avail of this scheme later this month.

As the Cycle to Work is an optional scheme, the implementation of the scheme in the agencies under the remit of my Department is a matter for decision by those agencies.

Air Services.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

243 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the cost of subvention given for regional air services in each year since 2005 to date in 2009; the individual contracts awarded to airline companies to provide scheduled air services on public service obligation regional air routes; the level of subsidy per passenger which applies to each of these six air routes for each year since 2005 to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9583/09]

Under Council Regulation 2408/92, my Department provides compensation to contracted regional air carriers for the operation of air services under the Public Service Obligation (PSO) regime between Dublin and Galway, Kerry, Knock, Sligo, Donegal and City of Derry regional airports. The services for Sligo/Donegal and Knock/Derry are provided under combined contracts.

Information on PSO contracts and contracted amounts in respect of each contract year from 22nd July 2005 to 21st July 2009 is set out in the following table.

Contractual period

Jul 2005 – Jul 2008

Jul 2008 – Jul 2011

Service

Carrier

Jul 05 to Jul 06

Jul 06 to Jul 07

Jul 07 to Jul 08

Carrier

Jul 08 to Jul 09

Galway

Aer Arann

2,953,594

3,004,919

3,041,058

Aer Arann

3,271,344

Kerry

Aer Arann

3,013,556

3,003,493

3,008,433

Ryanair

1,750,000

Sligo/Donegal

Aer Arann

4,966,108

5,157,252

5,403,422

Aer Arann

5,378,689

Knock/Derry

Loganair

3,895,112

4,083,235

4,287,719

Aer Arann

3,837,595

14,828,370

15,248,899

15,740,632

14,237,628

The contracts are fixed price contracts for each route or route combination and are not based on the number of passengers travelling. However, as requested by the Deputy, an estimated level of subsidy per passenger in each case is given in the following table, based on contracted costs for each contract year and total passenger numbers for the calendar year in which the contract year begins.

Contractual period

Jul 2005 – Jul 2008

Jul 2008 – Jul 2011

Service

Jul 05 to Jul 06

Jul 06 to Jul 07

Jul 07 to Jul 08

Jul 08 to Jul 09

Galway

30.54

44.20

40.88

50.16

Kerry

33.40

32.91

30.65

15.90

Sligo/Donegal

65.91

68.82

66.86

72.08

Knock/Derry

89.35

94.76

102.24

111.91

Departmental Expenditure.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

244 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the amount of Exchequer funding given to Iarnród Éireann for each year since 2005 to date in 2009; the amount given as capital funding for new assets; the amount in public service obligation funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9584/09]

The Public Service Obligation and capital funding (including accessibility funding) paid to Iarnród Éireann in the years 2005-2009 is as follows:

Year

Public Service Obligation

Capital

€000

€000

2005

179.991

279.600

2006

188.716

257.400

2007

189.910

408.000

2008

191.152

538.300

2009*

44.323

61.500

*To date.

Taxi Regulations.

Tom Sheahan

Ceist:

245 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Transport if he will request the Taxi Regulator to cap the number of taxis licences here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9700/09]

Niall Collins

Ceist:

250 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport his plans to cap the number of taxi licences being issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9889/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 245 and 250 together.

The Deputy will be aware that the Commission for Taxi Regulation yesterday published an economic review into the small public service vehicles sector which recommends that a moratorium on the issue of small public service vehicle licences should not be considered. The Commission will now be consulting with the Advisory Council, the sector and the public at large about the implementation of the recommendations made.

Road Safety.

Damien English

Ceist:

246 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport if he or his Department have had discussions with the National Roads Authority, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and Meath County Council with regard to the provision of a pedestrian footpath and lighting along the N3 road (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9731/09]

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 the matters raised by the Deputy, is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Act, 1993, as amended by the Roads Act 2007, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

Neither I nor my officials have had any discussions regarding these matters with the bodies referred to by the Deputy.

Decentralisation Programme.

Lucinda Creighton

Ceist:

247 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Transport if senior officials of his Department, including the Secretary General, will be located in a decentralised office or in Dublin. [9811/09]

Under the Government's Decentralisation Plan, the Headquarters of my Department will remain in Dublin. Accordingly, senior officials in my Department will remain located in Dublin.

Marine Accidents.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

248 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Transport if records are maintained by the Irish Marine Search and Rescue outlining the individual times from the time the victims of drowning enter the water to the time the body floats and is recovered. [9832/09]

One of the responsibilities of the Irish Coast Guard of my Department is to provide a national marine search and rescue response service.

The Coast Guard Marine Rescue Co-ordination Centre or Marine Rescue Co-ordination Sub-Centre that receives the emergency call records details of all incidents reported and updates that record as the incident progresses. However our systems do not facilitate the extraction of the particular data mentioned by the Deputy.

There is a wide range of factors to be taken into account. These include the depth of the water, the amount of clothing, the weight of the victim, the level of consumption of food and alcohol, water temperature, the nature of the seabed and other factors. These are considered in managing a Coast Guard operation.

As a very general indication, Coast Guard units would regard searches between 9 and 14 days after an incident in shallow water over the summer as having some potential to result in recovery.

Road Network.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

249 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Transport when his Department received the National Roads Authority’s report on the eastern by-pass; when the city manager of Dublin City Council, the councillors of Dublin City Council and the general public will be allowed to see the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9837/09]

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 Eastern Bypass, is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Act 1993 in conjunction with the relevant local authorities.

The feasibility study on the Eastern Bypass, carried out by the NRA as part of their remit, was presented to my Department in November 2007. I understand that the Dublin Docklands Development Authority are currently conducting a public consultation process regarding plans for the future development of the Poolbeg area. The National Roads Authority will be making a submission on the potential impacts of the DDDA proposals on the Eastern Bypass. In the context of that submission, the NRA feasibility study on the Eastern Bypass will be placed in the public domain.

Question No. 250 answered with Question No. 245.

Road Safety.

Noel O'Flynn

Ceist:

251 Deputy Noel O’Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the laws that cover the use of quad motor cycles, three-wheel motor cycles and two-wheel motor cycles, if they are used off highway in open public spaces and green spaces; if they must have insurance cover as they are motor propelled vehicles; and if he will make a statement on their use and the dangers they pose to the public. [9936/09]

Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) this is a matter for the Road Safety Authority.

With regard to insurance cover, under the Road Traffic Acts all mechanically propelled vehicles used in public places must have third party liability motor insurance. The enforcement of this legislation is a matter for an Garda Síochána.

Pension Provisions.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

252 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport the amount paid by public servants in agencies under the remit of his Department in superannuation and pension contributions in 2007 and 2008. [9957/09]

The question of the amount paid by public servants in the agencies under the remit of my Department in superannuation and pension contributions is a day-to-day matter for the agencies concerned. I have no statutory function in the matter.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

253 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport the amount paid by public servants in his Department in superannuation and pension contributions in 2007 and 2008. [9972/09]

The amount of superannuation collected from employees in my Department in the years 2007-2008 is as follows:

2007 — €588,782

2008 — €800,258.

Departmental Staff.

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

254 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Transport the number of fully qualified chartered accountants and management accountants employed by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9987/09]

There is one fully qualified chartered accountant and one management accountant employed by my Department.

State Airports.

Niall Collins

Ceist:

255 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the roll-out of the US customs and border pre-clearance facility at Shannon Airport. [9992/09]

The provision of pre-clearance services at Irish Airports will require the enactment of legislation to give effect to the Inter-Governmental Agreement on Pre-Clearance entered into with the United States in November 2008.

That legislation is currently being drafted and with a view to putting it in place for pre-clearance to be operational in Shannon Airport this Summer.

Port State Control Inspections.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

256 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport if a Latvian registered ship docked in Cork port is being invigilated for alleged non-payment of crew members for up to seven months to the value of more than €80,000 in total; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10031/09]

Surveyors from my Department boarded the Cambodian flagged Latvian managed ship "M/V Defender" in Cork on the 4th of March to carry out a Port State Control Inspection.

The Surveyors noted several deficiencies including watch keeping arrangements, safety management and matters related to living and working conditions onboard, which warranted the detention of the ship. My Department does not have responsibility for the non-payment of wages on board foreign flagged ships which is a matter for the flag State, in this case Cambodia.

Departmental Advertising.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

257 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the cost of public advertising funded by his Department in 2008; the breakdown between statutory and non-statutory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10069/09]

The information requested by the Deputy is being compiled and will be forwarded as soon as possible.

Community Service Orders.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

258 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on suggestions (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9528/09]

I wish to advise the Deputy that under the Criminal Justice (Community Service) Act, 1983 the Courts may order the performance of unpaid work in the community by a person who is 16 years or over, who has been convicted of an offence for which the appropriate penalty would be an immediate custodial sentence and who has given his/her consent to the Court and this would appear to deal with the matter raised. In addition, I am at present preparing a Fines Bill which I intend to publish in the near future. The Bill will include a provision extending the power of the courts to make a community service order to the situation where a person defaults on payment of a fine.

A community service order requires an offender to perform unpaid work for between 40 and 240 hours, usually to be completed within 12 months. The aim of a community service order is to rehabilitate the offender and bring about meaningful reparation to the community for his or her crime. The Probation Service of my Department has responsibility for the supervision and management of these orders.

A Value for Money and Policy Review by an independent evaluator of the operation of the Community Service Scheme is being finalised. The outcome of the independent review will of course inform how we can utilise the Scheme to best effect thus ensuring value for money and a more meaningful contribution to the community.

Citizenship Application.

Charles Flanagan

Ceist:

259 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for Irish citizenship in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; the expected date of approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9530/09]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I have approved the application of the person in question and a certificate of naturalisation will issue once documents requested by the Citizenship Section of my Department have been received.

Asylum Applications.

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

260 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of a subsidiary protection application by a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [9586/09]

I refer the Deputy to his Parliamentary Question No. 304 of Tuesday, 4 November 2008, in this matter. The person concerned applied for asylum on 3 December 2004. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 31 May 2006, 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. Representations were submitted by the person concerned at that time.

The person concerned has also submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006) and this application is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome. In the event that the Subsidiary Protection application is refused, the case file of the person concerned, including all representations submitted, will then be considered under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. When this latter consideration has been completed, the case file of the person concerned is passed to me for decision.

Citizenship Application.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

261 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position on the application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6; if suitable accommodation will be offered in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9600/09]

The person concerned applied for asylum in the State on 31 January 2003. Her application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 14 October 2004, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned.

On 20 July 2007, the person concerned was advised of her entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006). No such application was submitted by, or on behalf of, the person concerned. The case of the person concerned now falls to be considered in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended). All representations submitted by or on behalf of the person concerned will be fully considered, under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, before the file is passed to me for decision.

In relation to the accommodation arrangements of the person concerned, the details supplied refer to the address at which she is currently residing. My Department is not the provider of that accommodation. If the person concerned is in receipt of State supports in respect of this accommodation arrangement, then it is a matter for her to address directly. If the person concerned wishes to apply for access to Direct Provision accommodation, she should write to the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) at P.O. Box 11487, setting out that request.

Visa Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

262 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason a stamp 4 has never issued in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if registration fees sought refer to work permit or stamp 2 or 4 regulations; the procedure to be followed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9601/09]

I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service that the person referred to by the Deputy is a Moldovan national and as such requires a visa to enter the State and requires a work permit in order to take up employment in the State. This person entered the State on 19/12/2002 to take up employment. She has resided legally here since that date by registering on a yearly basis with the Garda National Immigration Bureau. She did present for registration on 17/2/2009 at her local immigration office when her current permission to reside here expired. That office is currently awaiting her registration fee before the registration process can be completed. The Fee for immigration registration is €150. This fee for immigration registration certificates was introduced in the Immigration Act 2004 (Registration Certificate Fee) Regulations 2006, which came into effect on 27 May 2006. The introduction of such a fee had been flagged both in the Immigration Act 2004, and in the discussion document containing the outline policy proposals for an Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill.

Non-EEA nationals who register with an immigration registration officer receive a secure residence document in the form of a Certificate of Registration (registration card). The State must provide the administrative resources and computer systems necessary to deal with the issuing of these residence documents. The costs involved include the setting up and maintenance of a state-of-the-art computerised registration system operated by the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), the administrative work by registration officers in the form of checking of documentation and capture of registration details and the actual cost of the card itself which includes several security features, including a biometric chip. The current fee of €150 is in line with the amounts charged in other states.

The Regulations provide for the waiving of payment of the statutory fee for the following:

(a) non-nationals who, at the time of registration under section 9 of the Immigration Act, 2004, are

(i) under 18 years of age

(ii) married to Irish citizens, or

(iii) holders of a valid residence card issued under Regulation 7 of the European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 226 of 2006,.

(b) persons in respect of whom a declaration under section 17 of the Refugee Act, 1996, is for the time being, in force,

(c) persons who have been granted permission under section 18 of the Refugee Act, 1996 to enter and reside in the State, and

(d) programme refugees within the meaning of section 24 of the Refugee Act, 1996.

I do not have any discretionary powers to waive payment of the statutory fee in any circumstances. The person referred to by the Deputy does not seem to have applied for "long term residence". It is in that context only that they may also apply to be exempt from employment permit requirements, ie a stamp 4. 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 (ie: 60 months) on the basis of Work Permit/work authorisation/work visa conditions may apply to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service for a five year residency extension.

Catherine Byrne

Ceist:

263 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received an application for a visa in respect of a person (details supplied); when he expects this application to be processed; if he will expedite a decision in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9622/09]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the visa application referred to was approved on 5 March 2009.

Garda Complaints Procedures.

Arthur Morgan

Ceist:

264 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a report by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission under public interest provisions in section 102(4) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 will be complete; if the report will be published; if the report findings will be acted upon by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9635/09]

As the Deputy is aware, the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission is undertaking an investigation under Section 102(4) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 in respect of this matter. The date of completion of the report is a matter for the Ombudsman Commission which is independent in the exercise of its functions and is not subject to direction by myself or the Garda Commissioner in relation to the manner in which complaints are investigated.

Drug Seizures.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

265 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount seized by gardaí in conjunction with drug seizures in 2007 and 2008 respectively. [9636/09]

I am advised by the Garda authorities that information in respect of monies seized in conjunction with drug seizures is not recorded as a compulsory field on the Garda IT system. It is not therefore possible to provide the information requested without undertaking an extensive manual examination of each drug-related incident for the years 2007 and 2008. This process would necessitate the expenditure of a disproportionate amount of Garda time and resources in order to provide the information required.

Criminal Assets Bureau.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

266 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount secured for the Exchequer by the Criminal Assets Bureau in 2007 and 2008 respectively. [9637/09]

I am advised that €10,401,000 was secured by the Criminal Assets Bureau for the Exchequer during 2007. The figures for 2008 are currently being compiled and will be made available in the Criminal Assets Bureau Annual Report when it is published later this year.

Proposed Legislation.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

267 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the situation with regard to the new immigration Bill; if heads of a Bill have been agreed; when it is proposed to publish such legislation; and the situation vis-á-vis renewable visas for volunteer religious workers, fully supported financially and subject to normal checks and Garda clearance. [9668/09]

On the question of reviewing policy in relation to volunteers and religious workers I would refer the Deputy to my reply on this matter on 4 March 2009 (Question No 125). That review is being progressed having regard to current policies and legislation and also the legislative proposals contained in the Immigration Residence and Protection Bill. The Immigration Residence and Protection Bill 2008, which is currently awaiting Report Stage in the House, contains proposals for a legislative framework which will allow for the enhanced management of inward migration.

Garda Deployment.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

268 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support a matter (details supplied). [9670/09]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to is in the Raheny Garda Sub-District. Local Garda management is aware of difficulties being experienced by residents in the area as a result of anti-social behaviour. An Garda Síochána deal with such anti-social behaviour by utilising public order legislation and issuing local authority fines on the spot for public drinking. Any persons found engaging in such behaviour will continue to be dealt with appropriately, in accordance with the law. The area is regularly patrolled by uniform and plain clothes personnel, including the Community Policing Unit and the Garda Mountain Bike Unit, supplemented by the Divisional Crime Task Force and Traffic Corps personnel. 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.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

269 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support a matter (details supplied). [9671/09]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to is in Clontarf Sub-District. Local Garda management is aware of a number of incidents of the type referred to by the Deputy occurring in the area. These incidents are under active Garda investigation. The area referred to is regularly patrolled by uniform and plain clothes personnel, including the Community Policing Unit and the Garda Mountain Bike Unit, supplemented by the Divisional Crime Task Force and the Traffic Corps.

The Garda Policing Plan for 2009, which reflects the priorities set for the Force by me as Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, contains a series of measures aimed at reducing the impact of crime and criminal behaviour. One of the strategic goals identified in the Plan is to reduce significantly the incidence of offences against the elderly and to engage with older people by offering crime prevention and security advice.

The Neighbourhood Watch Handbook 2007-2011 contains crime prevention advice to help the elderly deal inter alia with doorstop callers. The handbook is distributed through Neighbourhood Watch and community Gardaí who have the lead role in combating crime against the elderly. 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.

Citizenship Applications.

Tom Sheahan

Ceist:

270 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will be granted naturalisation. [9701/09]

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 September 2008. The average processing time from application to decision is now at 23 months. The Citizenship Division is currently commencing further processing of applications received in mid 2007. More complicated cases can at times take more than the current average while an element of straight forward cases are now being dealt with in less than that time scale. There is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved as applications for naturalisation must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that the status of citizenship is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria.

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

271 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision or determination will be made in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork who is seeking the right to remain here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9746/09]

The person concerned, accompanied by her two children and a dependant minor niece, arrived in the State on 8 January 2006 and applied for asylum. Her children and niece were included in her asylum application. The person concerned gave birth to a child in the State in early 2006 and this child was also included in his mother's asylum application. Her application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 30 August 2006, that the Minister proposed to make Deportation Orders in respect of her and the children included in her application. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of Deportation Orders or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she and the children included in her application, should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. No representations were submitted at that time. The person concerned initiated Judicial Review Proceedings in the High Court, challenging the decision of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal in her case. The High Court refused the Judicial Review Leave Application with the consequence that the earlier decisions of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal and the Minister stood.

The person concerned also made an application for residency in the State on the basis of being the spouse of an EU National. However, following consideration of this application, under the provisions of the European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) Regulations, 2006, a decision was made to refuse the application. The person concerned was notified of this decision by letter dated 13 October 2008. Arising from the refusal of her residency application, the person concerned was notified, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. In addition, she was notified of her entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006). The person concerned did not submit an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations. Representations were, however, submitted on her behalf.

The case file of the person concerned now falls to be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended). All representations submitted by and on behalf of the person concerned will be fully considered, under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, before the file is passed to me for decision. The Deputy might wish to note that any decision reached in the context of the person concerned will apply equally to the dependants included in her application.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

272 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when naturalisation will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 14. [9787/09]

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 February 2008. Officials in that Section inform me that processing of the application has been completed and the file will be submitted to me for a decision in due course.

Decentralisation Programme.

Lucinda Creighton

Ceist:

273 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if senior officials of his Department, including the Secretary General, will be located in a decentralised office or in Dublin. [9808/09]

I am taking the term "senior officials" to refer to the Secretary General and officers in my Department at Assistant Secretary and equivalent level. The Department's headquarters will remain in Dublin, therefore the Secretary General will remain there. In relation to the rest of the Department and agencies staffed by it, there are currently two officers at Assistant Secretary level in decentralised locations. Upon completion of the decentralisation programme in respect of my Department and associated agencies, two further officers at Assistant Secretary level will be based in decentralised offices.

Proposed Legislation.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

274 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will advise on a matter (details supplied). [9826/09]

The details of proposals for the Civil Partnership Bill, published in June 2008, are available on the Department's website at www.justice.ie. The scope of the Bill extends to provision for a system of registration of same-sex partnerships and to establish a redress scheme for cohabitants at the end of the relationship on death or break-up.

Garda Deployment.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

275 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on a matter in respect of an area (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [9828/09]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the areas referred to are in the Raheny Garda Sub-District. Local Garda management is aware of difficulties being experienced by residents in these areas as a result of anti-social behaviour. One of the areas has been designated a public order hot-spot. There is one dedicated community Garda assigned to each of the areas referred to by the Deputy. Local Garda management also liaise closely with Dublin City Council personnel. An Garda Síochána deal with such anti-social behaviour by utilising public order legislation and issuing local authority fines on the spot for public drinking. Any persons found engaging in such behaviour will continue to be dealt with appropriately in accordance with the law. The area is subject to regular patrols by uniform and plain clothes personnel, including the Community Policing Unit and the Garda Mountain Bike Unit, supplemented by the Divisional Crime Task Force and Traffic Corps personnel. 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.

Pension Provisions.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

276 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount paid by public servants in agencies under the remit of his Department in superannuation and pension contributions in 2007 and 2008. [9954/09]

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

277 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount paid by public servants in his Department in superannuation and pension contributions in 2007 and 2008. [9969/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 276 and 277 together.

The amount of pension contributions paid by staff in the Justice sector was €43,235,010 in 2007 and €49,414,821 in 2008. I am awaiting figures for the Irish Human Rights Commission which I will forward to the Deputy as soon as they are available.

Departmental Staff.

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

278 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of fully qualified chartered accountants and management accountants employed by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9984/09]

There are thirteen fully qualified accountants employed in accountancy-related roles in my Department. These comprise nine chartered accountants, two management accountants and two certified public accountants. This does not include other officers of my Department who are in general administrative roles who are also qualified accountants. I should also mention that my Department provides comprehensive support, both financial and in terms of study programmes, for employees wishing to pursue third level qualifications, including accountancy.

Decentralisation Programme.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

279 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No 87 of 4 December 2008, the grade which is under subscribed; the timetable envisaged for completion of this decentralisation project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10002/09]

I would refer the Deputy to my reply to the same question put down by him on 11 February 2009.

Garda Operations.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

280 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on Operation Gem; the cost to date and the number of gardaí involved; the number of persons arrested and charged under this operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10030/09]

I am advised by the Garda authorities that Operation ‘Gem' is an initiative which was established to specifically target a number of people engaged in organised criminal activities particularly in the Dublin Area. To date this operation has resulted in proceedings being commenced against eighteen people for organised crime-related offences, has led to the recovery of a number of firearms and ammunition and the seizure of drugs, with an estimated street value of €15m. However, as this operation is ongoing it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.

Garda Strength.

Dinny McGinley

Ceist:

281 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of the number of criminal incidents around Lifford, County Donegal and other Border towns, the increased evidence of dissident activity in the region and the number of robberies and attempted robberies that have taken place, he will consider increasing Garda numbers in Border stations, particularly in Lifford Garda station, which is more exposed than others, due to the closure of the army barracks there; if he will increase Garda personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10047/09]

I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that Lifford Garda Station forms part of the Letterkenny Garda District. The personnel strength of the Letterkenny Garda District as at 31 January 2009, the latest date for which figures are readily available was 194. The personnel strength of Lifford Garda Station as at the same date was 13.

Local Garda management, through ongoing monitoring and analysis of crime trends, are aware of the issues being raised by the Deputy and the Divisional Officer has put the following measures in place to prevent, reduce and detect such incidents:

additional patrols by uniform and plain-clothes personnel of the area;

re-deployment of resources, to assist in the identification of suspected offenders for these offences;

the dissemination of crime prevention advice to the local community using local media, including radio and newspapers;

local senior Garda management regularly meet with community representatives to apprise them of ongoing efforts and initiatives to target criminality including appealing to the community to report any information / suspicious activity occurring in the area to An Garda Síochána.

Liaison has been established and is being maintained with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) to establish similar crime trends in that jurisdiction, which may assist in identifying suspects for these incidents. It is not the policy of An Garda Síochána to release specific details of ongoing plans or operations to combat dissident or criminal activities. However, the policing of border areas, as well as other areas of Donegal Division, is constantly monitored and reviewed in terms of policing requirements and resource allocation, having regard to the regularly updated threat assessment. An Garda Síochána, in co-operation with the PSNI, is engaging in high visibility policing along the border and additional patrols have been put in place.

Resource levels are monitored on an ongoing basis by local and senior Garda Management in the District and Division, in conjunction with crime trends and other demands made on An Garda Síochána, and are kept under review to ensure that optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public. The situation will be kept under review and the needs of the area referred to by the Deputy will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda stations throughout the country.

Departmental Advertising.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

282 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cost of public advertising funded by his Department in 2008; the breakdown between statutory and non-statutory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10066/09]

My Department, like all other Departments in the discharge of its remit, is required from time to time to engage in public information campaigns. Public policy areas which have been subject to campaigns of this nature include trafficking in human beings, domestic violence and anti-racism, to name just a few. The precise expenditure on these items in my Department for 2008 is not readily available. I have made arrangements for this to be compiled and I will forward it to the Deputy when it is completed.

Proposed Legislation.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

283 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to increase the legal age for consuming alcohol from 18 to 21 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10174/09]

The position is that the Government Alcohol Advisory Group considered the possibility of increasing the age for purchasing alcohol, at least for certain categories of alcohol, beyond the current threshold of 18 years. However the Advisory Group decided not to make such a recommendation because 18 is the age of majority and the point in time at which young people acquire many rights and take on new responsibilities such as voting, marriage and the capacity to enter into contracts. In light of the Advisory Group's conclusions in this matter, I have no current plans for changes in this area of the law.

Departmental Schemes.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

284 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the way in which the cycle to work scheme has been made available to staff in his Department and agencies under his remit; the location at which this scheme is not currently available; when it will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10803/09]

I refer the Deputy to my response to Parliamentary Question Number 152 of 19 February last. The position remains the same.

Foreign Conflicts.

Chris Andrews

Ceist:

285 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on claims that Israel is partaking in a campaign of house demolition and eviction of Palestinians from Jerusalem; and the steps he is prepared to take on this issue. [9561/09]

I share the widespread concerns about land ownership policies pursued by the Israeli authorities in occupied East Jerusalem and nearby areas of the West Bank, under which the issues of the eviction of Palestinians and the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements are intimately linked. Many Palestinians in East Jerusalem are unable to demonstrate legal title to their homes, because of the historical vicissitudes of the administration of the city. It is in practice almost impossible for them to regularise their position with the Israeli authorities or to obtain simple planning permission for new homes, businesses, extensions to existing homes etc. Unlike Israelis in similar circumstances, Palestinians found to be in breach of planning rules often find that their entire property is ordered to be demolished, and the inhabitants evicted, in some cases from homes they lived in long before Israel occupied the area.

In 2008, 89 houses were demolished in East Jerusalem, and some 404 persons evicted, half of them children. At present, the Israeli authorities have served eviction notices in respect of 88 houses in the Silwan area, which they intend to turn into an archaeological park, and other homes are threatened to make way for settler housing or related infrastructure. At the same time, illegal Israeli settlements continue to flourish with little or no official interference, and indeed benefit from the provision of substantial infrastructure to support them.

These linked policies leave Palestinians in East Jerusalem and its environs in a state of great insecurity. There is great concern, which I share, that the intended effect of these policies is to alter the demographic character of parts of occupied East Jerusalem, and to cut the area as a whole off from the rest of the West Bank. Such a policy is not only manifestly unjust and illegal under international law, but presents a serious and growing obstacle to the achievement of a final overall peace settlement between Israel and the Palestinian people.

Ireland has been among the EU Member States most active in ensuring that the EU conveys its serious concerns about settlement expansion to the Israeli Government at every opportunity. The EU has made it clear to Israel that settlement construction in the Occupied Territories, including East Jerusalem, is illegal under international law. Most recently, the Presidency made a demarche to the Israeli Foreign Ministry in this regard on 11 February last, and issued a public Declaration on the issue on behalf of the EU on 20 February. Ireland gives substantial financial support to Israeli and other NGOs which defend the rights of Palestinian residents threatened by eviction. This support is part of our comprehensive programme of assistance to the Palestinian people which amounted to some €8.6 million last year, Irish Aid also contributed €100,000 in 2008 in core funding to the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, which is very actively engaged on this issue.

Emigrant Support Services.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

286 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the representations he has made to the United States authorities regarding the plight of undocumented Irish citizens, in particular regarding the difficulty faced by those incarcerated for overstaying their visas before deportation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9693/09]

The Government attaches the highest importance to resolving the plight of our undocumented citizens in the United States and has actively engaged with senior US political figures on their behalf over recent years. As the Deputy will be aware, we have actively pursued a bilateral approach aimed at reforming our overall immigration arrangements with the United States and facilitating greater legal migration between the two countries. The approach has had three core objectives; a reciprocal Working Holiday Agreement; new bilateral arrangements to provide reciprocal long term working visas (known as E3s); and a solution for our undocumented.

The first of these objectives has already been delivered and the new J1 visas are now being issued to Irish citizens. The second objective, the provision of long term working visas similar to the E3 visas available to Australian citizens, has formed the basis for detailed discussions with senior Members of Congress over the past twelve months. We are also in ongoing contact with US lawmakers on the issue of wider immigration reform, including a solution for the undocumented Irish. Recently, I wrote to Senator Charles Schumer, congratulating him on his appointment as chair of the Senate's Sub Committee on Immigration, and reiterating the Government's commitment to addressing the plight of the undocumented. Senator Schumer has indicated that he wishes to be helpful, as have several other senior political figures, including Senator John McCain.

As the Deputy will appreciate, however, and as our contacts in Congress advise, immigration remains a politically sensitive issue in the US and making progress presents real challenges. The Taoiseach and I will use the particular opportunity afforded by the St. Patrick's Day celebrations in the US to engage the new Administration at the very highest level on this issue and to build on the progress we have already made in reforming our overall visa and immigration arrangements with the US.

On the particular issue of the detention of Irish citizens prior to their deportation for visa infringements, I am aware of the concerns that have been raised and can appreciate the anxiety and stress involved for those detained and for their families back home. I fully share the families' concern at the lengthy procedure which the US authorities use for the deportation of foreign citizens in such cases. Our Embassy and Consulates in the United States provide consular assistance to Irish nationals who have been detained and who are awaiting deportation. They seek to minimise the detention period by assuring the US authorities that documentation can be provided without delay to enable departure. They have also succeeded in expediting the deportation process in some cases involving particular medical or other humanitarian issues. Our Ambassador in Washington has raised with the US authorities the issue of the detention of Irish citizens prior to deportation and has requested that their particular circumstances be taken into account.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

287 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if recent discussions have taken place in regard to undocumented Irish citizens in the US; if progress is being made in regard to their status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9736/09]

The Government attaches the highest importance to resolving the plight of our undocumented citizens in the United States and has actively engaged with senior US political figures on their behalf over recent years.

As the Deputy will be aware, we have actively pursued a bilateral approach aimed at reforming our overall immigration arrangements with the United States and facilitating greater legal migration between the two countries. The approach has had three core objectives; a reciprocal Working Holiday Agreement; new bilateral arrangements to provide reciprocal long term working visas (known as E3s); and a solution for our undocumented.

The first of these objectives has already been delivered and the new J1 visas are now being issued to Irish citizens. The second objective, the provision of long term working visas similar to the E3 Visas available to Australian citizens, has formed the basis for detailed discussions with senior Members of Congress over the past twelve months.

We are also in ongoing contact with US lawmakers on the issue of wider immigration reform, including a solution for the undocumented Irish. Recently, I wrote to Senator Charles Schumer, congratulating him on his appointment as chair of the Senate's Sub Committee on Immigration, and reiterating the Government's commitment to addressing the plight of the undocumented. Senator Schumer has indicated that he wishes to be helpful, as have several other senior political figures, including Senator John McCain.

In working to find a solution for the undocumented, we are continuing to liaise closely with Irish community organisations in the United States, including the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform, with whom I met in Dublin in February and will meet again in New York next weekend. As the Deputy will appreciate, and as our key contacts in Congress continue to advise, immigration remains a politically sensitive issue in the US and making progress presents real challenges.

The Taoiseach and I will use the particular opportunity afforded by the St. Patrick's Day celebrations in the US to engage the new Administration at the very highest level on this issue and to build on the progress we have already made in reforming our overall visa and immigration arrangements with the US.

Decentralisation Process.

Lucinda Creighton

Ceist:

288 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if senior officials of his Department, including the Secretary General, will be located in a decentralised office or in Dublin. [9806/09]

The Development Cooperation Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs, which is the Headquarters of Irish Aid, has decentralised to Limerick. As part of this decentralisation, a number of senior officers have been assigned to Limerick, including one officer at Assistant Secretary level and eleven officers at Principal Officer level or equivalent. The office of the Secretary General of the Department will remain in Dublin.

Pension Provisions.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

289 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount paid by public servants in agencies under the remit of his Department in superannuation and pension contributions in 2007 and 2008. [9952/09]

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

290 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount paid by public servants in his Department in superannuation and pension contributions in 2007 and 2008. [9967/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 289 and 290 together.

Details of the amounts deducted from the salaries of staff in my Department in respect of superannuation contributions are provided in the following tabular format.

Year

Amount deducted from staff salaries

2007

1,707,550

2008

1,877,450

Some staff in my Department purchased notional service for superannuation purposes during the years in question. The amounts paid by those staff are detailed as follows.

Year

Amount paid by staff

2007

135,600

2008

280,500

There are no Government agencies under the remit of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Departmental Staff.

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

291 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of fully qualified chartered accountants and management accountants employed by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9982/09]

There are six qualified Professional Accountants employed at the Headquarters of my Department. Four of these accountants are assigned to the Finance Units which manage the budgetary allocations for Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs) and Vote 29 (Irish Aid). The remaining two are assigned to the Department's Evaluation and Audit Unit.

Human Rights Issues.

Ciarán Cuffe

Ceist:

292 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way Ireland voted on a United Nations measure aimed at combating the defamation of religions in November 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10040/09]

Ireland, in common with all of our European Union (EU) partners, voted against a resolution on "Combating Defamation of Religion" which was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 18 December 2008 by a vote of 86 in favour, 53 against with 42 abstentions. The resolution was tabled by Egypt on behalf of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference. The EU has repeatedly expressed its concerns regarding the general approach, conceptual framework and terminology of such resolutions.

We believe that the concept of defamation of religion is not consistent with the promotion and protection of human rights. It can be used to justify arbitrary limitations on, or the denial of, freedom of expression. Indeed, Ireland considers that freedom of expression is a key and inherent element in the manifestation of freedom of thought and conscience and as such is complementary to freedom of religion or belief.

However, we believe that a clear distinction should be made between the right freely to criticise religions or beliefs on the one hand, and discrimination based on religion or belief, or incitement to religious hatred, on the other. Ireland supported a resolution on the "Elimination of all forms of intolerance and of discrimination based on religion or belief", which was adopted by consensus by the UN General Assembly on 18 December 2008.

Departmental Advertising.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

293 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the cost of public advertising funded by his Department in 2008; the breakdown between statutory and non-statutory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10064/09]

Advertising undertaken by my Department in Ireland typically includes advisory notices on public opening hours over holiday periods, changes in passport application procedures and fees, job vacancy advertisements, phone book information, and public information notices relating to Ireland's official aid programme. The total cost of advertising incurred in 2008 was €589,000. Of this overall figure, €356,542 was incurred under statutory obligation. Much of this material is also placed on the Department's website but a certain level of advertising continues to be necessary in order to reach all of our customers, particularly in relation to important passport and consular services and to fulfil the statutory obligations for the advertisement of employment vacancies.

Departmental Schemes.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

294 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way in which the cycle to work scheme has been made available to staff in his Department and agencies under his remit; the location at which this scheme is not currently available; when it will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10801/09]

I am aware that Section 7 of the Finance (No. 2) Act 2008 provided for the introduction of an exemption from income tax in respect of a benefit-in-kind arising from a bicycle or associated safety equipment being provided to an employee by his or her employer for the purposes of commuting to work. My Department is at present studying the detailed arrangements that will be required to implement the scheme, along with the related resource implications.

Decentralisation Programme.

Lucinda Creighton

Ceist:

295 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if senior officials of his Department, including the Secretary General, will be located in a decentralised office or in Dublin. [9798/09]

When the decentralisation of the Department to Killarney is completed the Secretary General and Assistant Secretaries will still be required to spend a significant amount of time in Dublin, particularly when the Dáil is in session. They will also be spending time in the Department's headquarters in Killarney.

The division of time between the two locations will be arranged in a manner that is consistent with the need to continue to provide an efficient and effective service to the Department's stakeholders including meeting the needs of the Minister, the Minister of State and the Oireachtas.

Pension Provisions.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

296 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount paid by public servants in agencies under the remit of his department in superannuation and pension contributions in 2007 and 2008. [9944/09]

The amount paid by public servants in agencies under the aegis of the Department in superannuation and pension contributions is a matter for the agencies themselves.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

297 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount paid by public servants in his Department in superannuation and pension contributions in 2007 and 2008. [9959/09]

The amount paid by staff in the Department in pension contributions in 2007 and 2008 is as follows:

2007 — €223,119

2008 — €264,133.

Departmental Staff.

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

298 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of fully qualified chartered accountants and management accountants employed by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9974/09]

There is one qualified Accountant post in the Department. The postholder is a Chartered Accountant.

Institutes of Technology.

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

299 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his attention has been drawn to plans to abolish the faculty of tourism and food at Dublin Institute of Technology, Cathal Brugha Street; his views on the implications for tourism of the fragmentation of this vital body of knowledge; if he has received representations from the industry in respect of this proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10000/09]

I have no remit in regard to the management and organisation of the Institutes of Technology. The Institutes of Technology fall under the remit of the Minister for Education and Science.

It is my understanding that, in the context of its scheduled relocation to the Grangegorman campus, the Dublin Institute of Technology is considering some organisational restructuring. However, I have no reason to believe that the important tourism related craft training programmes provided by Dublin Institute of Technology will be discontinued. Neither I nor any of my officials have received any representations in relation to the matter.

Question No. 300 withdrawn.

Departmental Advertising.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

301 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the cost of public advertising funded by his Department in 2008; the breakdown between statutory and non-statutory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10056/09]

The requested information in respect of public advertising costs incurred in 2008 by the Department (including the National Archives of Ireland, which forms part of the Department) is as set out in tabular form following.

Total Cost of Advertising

Breakdown — Cost of Statutory Advertising

Breakdown — Cost of Non-Statutory Advertising

83,900

7,174

76,726

These figures do not include the minor expenses payable to the Office of Public Works for placing notices in Iris Oifigiúil.

The commissioning of advertising by the agencies under the aegis of the Department is a matter for the agencies themselves.

Security of the Elderly.

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

302 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when new applications will be invited for a grant scheme (details supplied). [9587/09]

My Department manages the Scheme of Community Support for Older People, which assists qualifying older people, by means of a community based grant scheme. Funding is provided towards the once-off cost of installing monitored alarm systems, door and window locks, door chains, security lighting, smoke alarms and in the case of qualifying older people living on our offshore islands, interior emergency lighting. The Scheme does not cover intruder alarms.

The Scheme is open to people aged 65 and over who have a genuine need for assistance and is administered by community and voluntary organisations throughout the country, with support provided by my Department.

Maximum individual grants provided under the Scheme are as follows:

€300 in respect of the once-off installation cost of socially monitored alarms;

€200 in respect of physical security equipment;

€200 in respect of security lighting;

€50 in respect of smoke alarms; and

€150 in respect of interior emergency lighting for qualifying older people living on our offshore islands.

Applications under the Scheme are accepted throughout the year and can be made through a local community and voluntary group. Information on such groups is available from my Department and a list of Groups approved under the Scheme in recent years is available on my Department's website — www.pobail.ie.

Catherine Byrne

Ceist:

303 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason funding was cut for an organisation (details supplied) in Dublin 22; if he is committed to supporting elderly people in the community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9616/09]

No application for funding under the Scheme of Community Support for Older People has been received from or on behalf of the group referred to by the Deputy. To date, all eligible beneficiaries have been funded under the Scheme.

Community Development.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

304 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the level of support that will be allocated in 2009 for the programmes of grants to community and voluntary organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9640/09]

Michael Ring

Ceist:

305 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his Department has decided to suspend the programmes of grants to community and voluntary organisations for 2009; if so, the reason this decision has been taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9641/09]

Michael Ring

Ceist:

306 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his Department has set aside provision for further rounds of the programmes of grants to community and voluntary organisations in 2009 other than the €1.6 million funding announced in February 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9642/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 304 to 306, inclusive, together.

I refer the Deputy to my reply to his question on 4 March 2009 concerning the suspension of this Programme. As matters stand there is currently provision for €5.30m in 2009 for the Programme of Grants for Locally based Community and Voluntary Organisations. The Programme has been heavily subscribed since it was launched last year and at the end of February, some 480 applications were received. Given this strong level of demand and in the interests of seeking to fund valid applications on hand at end February I have considered it prudent to suspend the programme. The matter will be kept under review in the light of emerging economic circumstances.

Northern Ireland Issues.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

307 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when the annual reports and accounts of the North-South language body in respect of the years 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9703/09]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 156 of 5 March 2009. As I indicated in that reply, the 2005 accounts for the North/South Language Body, An Foras Teanga, have been consolidated and it is hoped that these can be published later this year, subject to joint sign-off by the Comptrollers & Auditors General in both jurisdictions. This will pave the way for consolidation of the subsequent accounts in chronological order.

The current position is that draft annual reports and accounts for 2006 and 2007 have been furnished by both agencies of the North-South Language Body and draft 2008 annual reports and accounts are due for submission by end-March 2009.

I should also reiterate that at the most recent meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council in Language Sector Format on 16 January 2009, the Chief Executives of the two agencies assured both Minister Campbell and I that finalisation of all outstanding annual reports and accounts continues to be given the utmost priority. Both Minister Campbell and myself also acknowledged the inherent complexities in compiling, auditing and consolidating these annual reports and accounts and the efforts of both agencies to progress this work.

Irish Language.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

308 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if, in relation to the statutory instrument 391 of 2008, he will provide a full listing of all the institutions being obliged to implement the instrument; the estimate of the annual cost to the State inclusive of all the said institutions in implementing this instrument; the estimate across all these institutions of the amount of civil and public servants’ time which will be consumed annually in implementing this instrument; if he will quantify the public demand for such expenditure on Irish language or bilingual publications, stationery, signage, software, computers systems and messaging services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9783/09]

As the Deputy will be aware, the list of public bodies covered by the Statutory Instrument to which he refers — the Official Languages Act 2003 (Section 9) Regulations 2008 — is set out in the first schedule to the Official Language Act 2003, subject to the additions and deletions contained in the Official Languages Act 2003 (Public Bodies) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 150 of 2006). Before making this regulation it was debated twice in draft at the Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs at which there was cross party support for the proposal.

Contrary to the impression conveyed by the Deputy's Question, these Regulations have been drafted to allow a phased approach to ensuring compliance and to minimise costs. For example, the Regulations provide that existing stocks of stationery that do not comply with the requirements may nonetheless be used up over a period of years. It is not clear, therefore, that any additional costs should arise in that regard.

In relation to signage, the Regulations take immediate effect only in the case of new signage. Existing signs that are not in compliance may nonetheless remain in situ for varying periods of years, up to 1 January 2026. These provisions are intended to ensure that any costs arising in updating signage are minimal and — if any such costs indeed arise — they can be spread over a number of years.

I might also mention that the consultation process with other Departments and public bodies in relation to these Regulations commenced in 2004. This allowed a considerable lead-in time for public bodies to prepare themselves for the introduction of the Regulations well in advance of their commencement date. It also allowed a support service to public bodies to be put in place. For example, Foras na Gaeilge has developed a database of Irish and English versions of standard signage terms, which is available on-line at www.gaeilge.ie. This is particularly relevant to the needs of public bodies in meeting their obligations under the Regulations.

The Deputy will, of course, appreciate that the provision of public services, whether in English, in Irish, or bilingually, requires commitment of time and effort, as well as financial resources, by public bodies. I take it that the Deputy is not in any way suggesting that it is acceptable to allocate resources to provide such services in English, but not to meet the needs of Irish speakers or recognise their existence in our society. In replying to this Question, I am continuing to adhere to my policy, based on respect for Members of the House, to reply to Questions in the official language in which they are put down.

Community Development.

Joe Carey

Ceist:

309 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the qualifying criteria for the village grant scheme; the procedure for applying; the work which can be carried out; the budget set aside for the scheme; the length of time it is intended that the scheme will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9785/09]

I presume the Deputy is referring to the Village Renewal and Development measure of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013. As the Deputy may be aware, I have recently signed contracts with Local Action Groups to deliver the LEADER elements of the Programme. The total funding available under the programme is approximately €425m, some three times the amount available under the previous LEADER programming round. In accordance with the EU regulations governing the Programme, this funding is available for commitment to projects up to 31st December 2013.

In accordance with the bottom-up approach to rural development, Local Action Groups are the decision-making authorities in relation to approving actions falling within their business plans. The approval of grants by Groups is made in accordance with the provisions of the relevant EU Regulations and Programme Operating Rules. In this context, project promoters seeking grant assistance under the Programme should contact the relevant Local Action Group.

The Village Renewal and Development measure has an allocation of approximately €54m and the following activities are eligible for funding:

Environmental upgrading, e.g. parks, civic areas, river walks, &c.;

Access facilities to amenities;

Public utilities such as street lighting;

General small-scale surface upgrading and renovation of derelict buildings;

Farmers Markets, and

Other small-scale actions.

Decentralisation Programme.

Lucinda Creighton

Ceist:

310 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if senior officials of his Department, including the Secretary General, will be located in a decentralised office or in Dublin. [9800/09]

As part of the Decentralisation Programme announced by Government in Budget 2004, it is proposed to decentralise the headquarters of my Department to Charlestown (Knock Airport initially), Co. Mayo. This will involve the location of the Secretary General and senior officials in the decentralised offices. It is anticipated that, like all Departments with headquarters outside of Dublin, my Department will have access to office facilities close to the Houses of the Oireachtas, so that business can be conducted in Dublin, as required, such as when the Oireachtas is in session, etc.

Community Development.

Niall Collins

Ceist:

311 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the salary levels of the chief executive officers of the Leader companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9890/09]

The Local Action Groups selected to deliver the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme are private companies limited by guarantee. These Groups are contracted to deliver a number of programmes on behalf of my Department, however, my Department has no role to play in their management, staffing or salaries levels. These are matters primarily for the Boards of the respective Groups. For completeness I should mention that under the programme an upper limit of 20% of expenditure is permitted on administration.

My Department is of course concerned to have the programmes delivered in a cost effective manner.

Foras na Gaeilge.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

312 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an seasann an maoiniú atá ar fáil d’Fhoras na Gaeilge do 2009 a céad fhógraíodh sna Meastacháin agus i bpreaseisiúint óna Roinn an 14 Deireadh Fómhair 2008, an bhfuil an Roinn Cultúir, Ealaíon agus Fóillíochta ó thuaidh chun an maoiniú céanna a chur ar fáil de réir mar a haontaíodh; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [9899/09]

Bhí oll-sholáthar airgid don bhForas Teanga san áireamh sna meastacháin do mo Roinnse a fógraíodh mar chuid de Cháinaisnéis 2009 ar 14 Deireadh Fómhair 2008. Ar mhaithe le cruinneas, ní miste a shoiléiriú nár fograíodh buiséad aontaithe d'Fhoras na Gaeilge mar atá le tuiscint ón gCeist atá curtha ag an Teachta.

Is amhlaidh gur pléadh dréacht-bhuiséid agus pleananna gnó don dá áisíneacht de chuid an Fhorais Teanga ag cruinniú den Chomh-Aireacht Thuaidh/Theas in Inis Ceithleann ar 16 Eanáir seo caite. Ag an gcruinniú sin, aontaíodh, mar chuid den phlé sin, ar na príomh-thosaíochtaí Aireachta don dá áisíneacht, faoi réir chúinsí bhuiséid sa dá dhlínse. Táthar ag súil leis go n-aontófar na buiséid agus na phleananna gnó go foirmiúil ag an gcéad cruinniú Comh-Aireachta eile sa réimse teanga.

Ó thaobh mo Roinne féin de, beidh na soláthair airgeadais críochnaitheacha do 2009 san áireamh mar chuid den Imleabhar Meastachán Athbhreithnithe a fhoilseofar ar ball.

Pension Provisions.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

313 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount paid by public servants in agencies under the remit of his Department in superannuation and pension contributions in 2007 and 2008. [9946/09]

It has not been possible within the time available to compile the information sought.

I am arranging for this work to be compiled and the material provided directly to the Deputy as a matter of priority.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

314 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount paid by public servants in his Department in superannuation and pension contributions in 2007 and 2008. [9961/09]

Superannuation and pension contributions paid by public servants in my Department amounted to €299,088 in 2007 and €330,560 in 2008. These amounts were in respect of both pension payments and purchase of notional service.

Departmental Staff.

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

315 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of fully qualified chartered accountants and management accountants employed by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9976/09]

There is one fully qualified chartered management accountant employed in my Department as the Departmental Accountant.

Security of the Elderly.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

316 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if an alarm (details supplied) will be included under a scheme. [10051/09]

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that carbon monoxide monitors and similar devices are eligible for support under the Scheme of Community Support for Older People where they are supplied as part of a personal security device or smoke alarm system.

Harbours and Piers.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

317 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if funding has been supplied by his Department for a project (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10053/09]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No 317 of 9 Nollaig 2008. The position is that Kerry County Council has submitted a proposal to my Department for the provision of financial assistance for the development of the project in question. However, the Deputy will appreciate that, in view of the current economic climate, I am unable to commit funding towards this project at this particular time.

Departmental Advertising.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

318 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the cost of public advertising funded by his Department in 2008; the breakdown between statutory and non-statutory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10058/09]

It has not been possible within the time available to compile the information sought.

I am arranging for this work to be compiled and the material provided directly to the Deputy as a matter of priority.

Harbours and Piers.

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

319 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the money available for the development of Brandon Pier, County Kerry. [10118/09]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No 317 of 9 Nollaig 2008. The position is that Kerry County Council has submitted a proposal to my Department for the provision of financial assistance for the development of Cé Bhréanainn, County Kerry. However, the Deputy will appreciate that, in view of the current economic climate, I am unable to commit funding towards this project at this particular time.

Deontas do Thogra.

Dinny McGinley

Ceist:

320 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Dinny McGinley den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil iarratas faighte ina Roinn ar dheontas do thogra (sonraí tugtha), cén dáta ar fhrítheadh an t-iarratas ina Roinn, an bhfuil sé scrúdaithe ag a Roinn, an bhfuil deontas molta go fóill, méid an deontais atá molta, cén uair a íocfar an deontas; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [10136/09]

Dírím aird an Teachta ar an bhfreagra a thug me ar Cheist Uimh 122 uaidh den 21 Feabhra 2008. Comhairlítear dom go bhfuil an cás scrúdaithe ina iomláine ag m'oifigigh anois. Tuigfidh an Teachta, áfach, de bharr na gcúinsí eacnamaíochta reatha, nach bhfuil cinnteacht ann ag an am seo maidir leis an soláthar airgid a bheidh ar fáil do na scéimeanna éagsúla Gaeltachta atá á reachtáil ag mo Roinnse. Sa chomhthéacs sin, ní bheidh sé ar mo chumas cinneadh a dhéanamh í láthair na huaire.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

321 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9901/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

333 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9900/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 321 and 333 together.

Rent supplement is administered on behalf of the department by the Health Service Executive as part of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme.

Rent supplement is normally calculated to ensure that a person, after the payment of rent, has an income equal to the rate of SWA appropriate to their family circumstances less a minimum contribution of €18, which recipients are required to pay from their own resources. Many recipients pay more than €18 because recipients are also required to contribute any additional assessable means that they have over and above the appropriate basic supplementary welfare allowance rate towards their accommodation costs. Social welfare legislation provides that all income in cash is assessable for supplementary welfare allowance purposes with the exception of some specific disregards of income.

A person who claims a One-Parent Family Payment is required to seek maintenance from her/his spouse or the other parent of the child. These maintenance payments are assessed as means for the purpose of determining entitlement to a one-parent family payment. However, vouched housing costs of up to €95.23 per week (rent or mortgage) are disregarded in establishing the rate of one-parent family payment due.

Given that up to €95.23 per week of maintenance payments are disregarded in the means test for the one-parent family payment to allow for housing costs, this amount of €95.23 in maintenance payments is regarded as a contribution towards rent. The total amount of rent supplement payable is calculated taking account of the net amount of income, above the rate of supplementary welfare allowance appropriate to her family circumstances, that the claimant has available to contribute towards rent.

The Executive has advised that the person concerned was awarded rent supplement in May 2008. She was awarded maintenance of €150 per week by the Family Law Court in September 2008 but did not notify the Health Service Executive that she was receiving maintenance payments. The Executive became aware that maintenance payments were being made in February 2009.

The Executive has further advised that her entitlement to rent supplement has been recalculated following an assessment of her current weekly income from one-parent family payment of €188.80 and maintenance of €150. The combined income of €338.80 is €82.50 in excess of the appropriate rate of supplementary welfare allowance of €256.30. She is therefore required to contribute €82.50 towards her rent plus the minimum contribution of €18 a week, a total of €100.50. As a result, she is entitled to a reduced rate of rent supplement of €176.40 a week. The Executive has also advised that an overpayment of rent supplement of €1,455 has been assessed against the person concerned backdated to September 2008.

It is open to the person concerned to appeal against this decision to the Executive's designated Appeals Office.

Frank Fahey

Ceist:

322 Deputy Frank Fahey asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons that are in receipt of more than €800 per month rental subsidy in each county as administered by the Health Service Executive; the number of persons receiving rent subsidy in 2008; and the cost of same. [10175/09]

Rent supplement is administered on behalf of the department by the Health Service Executive as part of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. There are currently almost 80,000 households in receipt of rent supplement. The following tabular statement shows the number of households in receipt of rent supplement of more than €800 per month in each county.

Recipients of Rent Supplement by County where Rent Supplement is over €800 per month, 27 February 2009

County

Recipients

Carlow

3

Cavan

1

Clare

3

Cork

474

Donegal

Dublin

11,797

Galway

119

Kerry

20

Kildare

1,195

Kilkenny

9

Laois

5

Leitrim

Limerick

5

Longford

Louth

3

Mayo

21

Meath

53

Monaghan

Offaly

Roscommon

1

Sligo

Tipperary

1

Waterford

2

Westmeath

1

Wexford

4

Wicklow

630

Total

14,347

Mary Upton

Ceist:

323 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views on suggestions (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9527/09]

An unemployed person may qualify for Jobseekers Benefit or Jobseekers Allowance. Jobseekers Benefit is based on a person's social insurance record and Jobseekers Allowance is based on weekly means. A fundamental qualifying condition for the benefit is that a person must be available for full-time work.

However, a person who engages in voluntary work within the State may continue to be entitled to jobseekers benefit or allowance provided that, in engaging in the voluntary work, the customer continues to satisfy the statutory conditions of being available for and genuinely seeking work. Examples of voluntary work in which jobseekers may engage include helping the sick, elderly or persons with a disability;assisting youth clubs, church groups, sports groups, cultural organisations, local resident associations.

The groups involved may be nationally organised groups or local voluntary or community groups. The aim of the Voluntary Work Option is twofold, namely, to encourage voluntary organisations to involve jobseekers to the greatest extent possible in their existing activities by creating new opportunities for voluntary work and to inform jobseekers of their freedom to involve themselves in voluntary work and to encourage them to do so. In addition, the existing Community Employment Scheme, operated by FÁS, offers the opportunity to unemployed persons to participate in paid employment in the social economy.

Pension Provisions.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

324 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the exchange rate used to determine income for those in receipt of a British pension; and the person who determines the rate. [9534/09]

In assessing means derived from payments received from EU Member States (including U.K.) which do not form part of the EMU currencies, the Department uses the conversion mechanism provided for under Article 107 of Council Regulation (EEC) No. 574/72 on Social Security for Migrant Workers. The exchange rates for converting Sterling and other non-EMU currencies are published quarterly in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Under this mechanism the conversion rate used for means testing purposes is derived from the average of the daily exchange rates in the first month of a quarter. This rate is then used in all conversions during the course of the succeeding quarter. Alternatively the conversion rate applicable to the next succeeding quarter is used if it is more beneficial to the customer. When reviewing customers who are in receipt of British pensions the exchange rate used to convert Sterling is the rate applicable to the second quarter (i.e. the quarter in which the British pension increase occurred) or the third quarter if that is more beneficial. The exchange rate for Sterling to Euro currently being applied by the Department is £1= €1.27116.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

325 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when rent allowance payments and arrears will be awarded in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9599/09]

The Health Service Executive has advised that payment of rent supplement for the month of March 2009 and arrears due will issue on 30 March 2009.

Pádraic McCormack

Ceist:

326 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the status as regards the means test of a person applying for jobseeker’s allowance and living in the family home in view of the situation that these applicants are means tested and appear to be allowed only a portion of the jobseeker’s allowance due to the benefit of living at home which is forcing young people out of their home to secure independent accommodation to qualify for the full rate of jobseeker’s allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9632/09]

In assessing the means of a person under 25 years who is living with a parent or step-parent in the family home, account is taken of the value of the benefit and privilege enjoyed by that person by virtue of the fact that they have free board and lodgings. Board and lodging are taken into account because a person living at home with parents does not have the same expenses as a person who does not live with parents and who has to provide his/her own accommodation, meals etc.

The value of the free board and lodging is determined by reference to the parental income. Parents' income from all sources is taken into consideration for this purpose and certain Social Welfare and Health Service Executive payments. However, there are very significant disregards applied. Disregards are applied in respect of tax, PRSI, health insurance contributions, superannuation, PRSAs and union dues and rent or mortgage repayments. A further disregard of €600 a week is applied for a two parent family and €470.00 a week for a one parent family. An additional disregard of €30.00 applies for each child under age 18 who is not getting a Social Welfare/Health Service Executive payment in their own right and for any child over age 18 in full-time education. The balance of income is assessed at 34%. This means that, if a person under 25 is living at home with parents and there are no other siblings, the parents can have weekly income of €600 without it affecting the jobseeker's payment. The income may be higher if there are other non-earners in the family. I am satisfied that the current arrangements for assessing parental income in the case of a person under age 25 are fair and do not force young people to leave home.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

327 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the experience of job recruitment agencies, where offers of short-term contracts for up to six weeks work are being rejected by genuine people who are registered for unemployment benefit in view of the length of time it would take them to reapply for social welfare payments; her plans to address this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9669/09]

I appreciate that there are delays in processing claims in some areas and that this is causing difficulties for some people. However, the average processing time for jobseekers benefit claims processed in February was 3 weeks. This is the national average and there are differences from office to office. The Department is continuously reviewing its processes in order to deal with claims in a shorter period of time. Additional resources have been allocated to offices and we are in the process of setting up central units that will concentrate on clearing backlogs for offices with the highest amount of arrears.

I should also point out that a person who refuses an offer of employment unreasonably, even if it is just a short-term contract, runs the risk of being disqualified for receiving a jobseekers payment on the grounds that he or she is not genuinely seeking work. Where there is delay in dealing with a jobseekers claim, it is open to the claimant to apply for Supplementary Welfare Allowance as an interim measure.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

328 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason self-employed people must cease trading before they can sign on for jobseeker’s allowance in view of the fact that debts due to them would be uncollectable if they cease trading. [9704/09]

A self-employed person is not required to cease trading before they can qualify for jobseekers allowance. A self-employed person can apply for this scheme if their business ceases or if their income falls as a result of a downturn in demand for their services. Jobseekers allowance is a means-tested payment and any person who satisfies the means test and the other conditions of entitlement will qualify for a payment.

Legislation provides for the assessment of all income in cash and any non-cash benefits which the person or his or her spouse may reasonably expect to receive during the succeeding year. The means assessment guidelines state that where the income in the coming 12 months is not ascertainable otherwise, the income for the last 12 months should be taken as a guide, allowing for any factors which it is known will vary.

The means of a self-employed person are taken as any net profit that they will earn in the coming 12 months. While their income from the previous twelve months is used as an indication in estimating their likely future earnings, it is not simply assumed that the previous year's earnings will be received in the coming year. Instead, account is taken of the potential for significant upward or downward variations in income from one year to the next. For example, if a self-employed person lost a contract and was unlikely to find a substitute contract in the coming year, this would be factored into the assessment of future income. It is recognised that the present downturn in the economy is having a significant impact on many self-employed persons, particularly those in the construction industry, and the consequent reduction in their income and activity levels would be reflected in any assessment of their means.

If a self-employed person's situation changes after they have made an initial claim for Jobseeker's Allowance, they can apply to have their means reviewed in the light of their changed circumstances. In addition it is open to the individual if he or she is dissatisfied with the means assessed to appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.

Social Welfare Code.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

329 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if there are different rules for Irish and other EU recipients of jobseekers allowance and jobseekers benefit with regard to the length of time they can spend outside the country while still claiming benefit; if Irish recipients can still claim while spending time abroad seeking work; if the time so allowed differs from the time non-Irish recipients can spend in their home country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9792/09]

There is no difference in the rules that apply to Irish and other EU recipients regarding the transfer of jobseeker's benefit to another European country. However, jobseeker's allowance is not a transferable payment.

Under Article 69 of EU Regulation 1408/71 a person who has been in receipt of jobseeker's benefit in one of the European countries for at least 4 weeks, may transfer this benefit to one of the other European countries for a maximum of 13 weeks, (78 days) provided the person is seeking employment in that country.

The person registers as unemployed in the country to which s/he travels and is paid by the social security authorities in that country at the same rate as the person was receiving from the country from which s/he travelled. This money is subsequently recouped from the home country.

Decentralisation Programme.

Lucinda Creighton

Ceist:

330 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if senior officials of her Department, including the Secretary General, will be located in a decentralised office or in Dublin. [9809/09]

Under the decentralisation programme, the Department's headquarters, including the Secretary General and a number of senior officials of the Department, are designated to relocate to Drogheda. The Social Welfare Appeals Office and the Department's Information and Communications Technology Division are also designated to relocate to Drogheda. There are no plans to locate the Secretary General or other headquarters staff in Dublin when the decentralisation programme is completed.

Family Support Services.

David Stanton

Ceist:

331 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the national carers strategy document has been completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9841/09]

During 2008, an interdepartmental group, chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach, with secretariat support provided by my Department, undertook work, including a public consultation process, to develop a National Carers' Strategy. While a number of drafts were produced covering the areas outlined in the terms of reference, a final text was not completed by the working group. Faced with the current economic situation, it was not possible to set targets or time lines which could be achieved. In that context, rather than publishing a document which did not include any significant plans for the future, the Government decided not to publish a strategy at this time. I appreciate that it is disappointing for carers and the people for whom they care. I met with some of their representatives last week to inform them of this difficult decision taken by Government.

The Government is acutely aware of the sacrifices made by carers and has sought to make many improvements in services and supports for carers. Over the past decade, weekly payment rates to carers have greatly increased, qualifying conditions for carer's allowance have significantly eased, coverage of the scheme has been extended and new schemes such as carer's benefit, half-rate carer's allowance and the respite care grant have been introduced and extended.

In relation to income supports, in Budget 2009, I increased the rate of carer's allowance for those aged 66 or over by €7 to €239 per week and for those aged under 66 by €6.50 to €220.50 per week. These increases took effect from January 2009. Recipients of carer's allowance are also eligible for household benefits and free travel and the respite care grant. It is estimated that the combined expenditure on carer's allowance, carer's benefit, the respite care grant and half-rate carer's allowance will be €650 million in 2009. The Department of Social and Family Affairs is committed to continuing to work with the carer representative groups to deliver services in the most effective way and to support the carer groups in the valuable work they do in helping carers.

Social Insurance.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

332 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if tax exempt income such as long-term rent for farmers over 55 years to a non-connected person is subject to PRSI deduction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9896/09]

Rental income, net of any deduction due under Section 664 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, is subject to PRSI deduction. Section 664 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides that eligible individuals (individuals over 40 years of age or individuals who are permanently incapacitated by reason of mental or physical infirmity from carrying on a farming trade) can claim a deduction against the aggregate of the leasing income from the farm and any other rental income received.

The amount of the deduction depends on the duration of the lease. In respect of leases made on or after 1 January 2007, I understand that the amounts concerned are as follows: €12,000 where the lease is for a term of at least 5 years; €15,000 where the lease is for a term of at least 7 years; and €20,000 where the lease is for a term of at least 10 years. These deductions do not apply in the case of leases between family members or other close relatives.

Question No. 333 answered with Question No. 321.

Pension Provisions.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

334 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount paid by public servants in agencies under the remit of her Department in superannuation and pension contributions in 2007 and 2008. [9955/09]

The information sought is being obtained by the Department from the Agencies under its remit and will be made available to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

335 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount paid by public servants in her Department in superannuation and pension contributions in 2007 and 2008. [9970/09]

The table sets out the total superannuation and pension contributions made by staff in the department during 2007 and 2008.

Year

Total pension contributions

2007

3,115,621.69

2008

3,351,521.55

The figures include the contributions of a small amount of staff within the Office of the Pensions Ombudsman who are paid through the payroll of this Department.

Departmental Staff.

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

336 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of fully qualified chartered accountants and management accountants employed by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9985/09]

The Department currently employs 4 Professional Accountants, all of whom are fully qualified Chartered Accountants. There are other staff in the Department who have accountancy qualifications but are not employed in that capacity.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

337 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath, who participated in a confined competition for promotion to clerical officer, will be appointed to a clerical officer position particularly in view of the fact that they were placed number one on the panel for one office and number two on the panel for another office; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10008/09]

Currently, there are no Clerical Officer vacancies in the Department's offices in Tullamore and Mullingar. Furthermore, in accordance with central agreements, there is no provision for direct recruitment in Mullingar. In the event of a Clerical Officer vacancy arising in Mullingar, the post must be filled by reference to the Central Transfer List. In relation to Tullamore, there is provision for 50% direct recruitment at Clerical Officer level.

The person competed at a confined competition administered by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) and the PAS have confirmed that the person was placed 1st on the panel for Tullamore and 2nd for a sub-category of Other Locations. The PAS have further confirmed that Mullingar was not a location option for the competition.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

338 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will review an appeal for jobseeker’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10020/09]

The claim for jobseekers allowance, by the person concerned, was refused by a Deciding Officer of the Department on 26 September 2008 on the grounds that he was not free to take up full-time employment in the State.

An appeal was opened on 17 October 2008 and I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office, that in accordance with the statutory requirements, the Department was asked for the documentation in the case and the Deciding Officers comments on the grounds of appeal.

The relevant documentation was received and the case was considered by an Appeals Officer on 2 December 2008 who made a summary decision disallowing the appeal. Summary decisions may be made where the Appeals Officer is of the opinion that case is of such a nature that it can be properly determined on the basis of documentary evidence and without oral hearing.

However, following the submission of additional evidence, the Appeals Officer has decided to re-open the appeal by way of oral hearing. The person concerned has been advised that the hearing will be held on 12 March 2009. The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Departmental Properties.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

339 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the communications that have taken place between her Department and the Office of Public Works regarding the provision of additional accommodation for their Department; the specific locations under consideration for extra accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10045/09]

The Department is in regular communication with the Office of Public Works, including periodic meetings at senior management level, in the matter of the provision of additional accommodation. The main locations in which additional accommodation is required include Balbriggan, Ballina, Bantry, Castlebar, Cavan, Cork, Drogheda, Galway, Killarney, Loughrea, Mallow, Newbridge, and Swords. There has been a very significant increase in the number of people applying for a jobseeker's payment in the past year. From February 2008 to February 2009 the Live Register increased by about 165,000 people.

In order to minimise delays in claim processing 190 extra staff are being allocated across the local office network. Because many local offices are very close to capacity as regards accommodating further staff, a number of central decisions units are being set up around the country in locations where the Department has the accommodation capacity. Four such units are being set up in Sligo, Carrick-on-Shannon, Finglas, and Dublin city centre, and an additional 40 staff are being assigned to these units.

Departmental Advertising.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

340 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the cost of public advertising funded by her Department in 2008; the breakdown between statutory and non-statutory; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10067/09]

A total of €1.147 m was spent on public advertising in 2008. The cost of statutory advertising was €0.035m. This covered the recruitment of medical personnel, advertised on behalf of the Department by the Public Appointments Service, and advertisements in Iris Oifigiúil. The cost of non statutory advertising was €1.112m. This was spent under two broad categories:

Public notices costing €0.812m, covering consultation processes (Pensions Green Paper, Carer's Strategy), office openings and relocations, temporary posts and other routine advertising e.g. advising members of the public of industrial action and a stolen laptop.

Public awareness campaigns, costing €0.300m, on social welfare schemes and services e.g. Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance and Budget 2009.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

341 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, further to Parliamentary Question No. 139 of 4 March 2009, the numbers of Irish nationals refused under the habitual residence condition for each year from 2004 to date in 2009. [10104/09]

The information requested is set out in the following table. Figures for February 2009 are not yet available.

Period

Irish nationals refused under HRC

May to December 2004*

184

January to December 2005

501

January to December 2006

480

January to December 2007

373

January to December 2008

424

January 2009

21

*HRC provisions commenced May 2004.

Departmental Schemes.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

342 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way in which the cycle to work scheme has been made available to staff in her Department and agencies under her remit; the location at which this scheme is not currently available; when it will be made available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10805/09]

The Department is currently analysing the options for the implementation of the scheme referred to by the Deputy.

Pension Provisions.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

343 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Defence if it is the position that people who are retired from the Army and who are in receipt of disability pension as a result of injuries sustained therein will be subject to the pension levy being deducted from their pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9638/09]

Disability pensions payable to retired military personnel under the Army Pensions Acts are not comprehended by the definition of remuneration in section 1 of the recently-enacted Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009 and, accordingly, are not subject to the (pension-related) deduction provided for in section 2 of that Act.

Decentralisation Programme.

Lucinda Creighton

Ceist:

344 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Defence if senior officials of his Department, including the Secretary General, will be located in a decentralised office or in Dublin. [9801/09]

The Government decision on decentralisation provides for the transfer of my Department's Dublin-based civil service staff, together with a number of military personnel, to Newbridge, Co. Kildare, and for the decentralisation of the Defence Forces Headquarters (DFHQ) to the Curragh. All staff, including senior officials and the Secretary General, will transfer to Newbridge under the decentralisation programme.

Defence Forces Reviews.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

345 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence the value for money audits or reviews that have been carried out in the defence organisation in the past five years; if such audits or reviews have been carried out on branches or functions of the civil side of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9867/09]

The following reviews have been completed and published in the past five years:

1. A review of Maintenance of Aircraft in the Air Corps was published in July 2006.

2. A review of Clothing Procurement in the Defence Forces was published in September 2007.

The Government decision of June 2006 broadened the Expenditure Review Initiative to include other policy reviews. Reviews under this expanded initiative were re-titled Value for Money and Policy Reviews.

In this context, a Review of White Paper Implementation was published in April 2007. This Review reports on the results of work undertaken by both the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces.

Two additional reviews are nearing completion: a review of Naval Service Vessel Maintenance, and a review of Military Training Lands. Both of these reviews encompass work undertaken by civilian employees and the military training lands review encompasses elements of the work and associated costs of the Department's Property Management Branch.

Defence Forces Expenditure.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

346 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence the costs incurred in 2008 on civilian doctors, dentists, physiotherapists and pharmacy services, respectively, in respect of members of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9868/09]

The costs incurred in 2008 on civilian doctors, dentists, physiotherapists and pharmacists who provided services to the Defence Forces are listed below:

Amount paid

Doctors

1,670,124

Physiotherapists

452,096

Dentists

1,389,789

Pharmacy Services

492,919

I am committed to providing a sustainable medical service to meet the needs of the Defence Forces both at home and abroad. The challenges in the medical arena have been recognised for some time and a review of the provision of medical services, in association with the Representative Associations, is ongoing as part of the Modernisation Agenda for the Defence Forces.

In view of the complexity of the challenge facing the Defence Forces in this area, I decided to engage consultants to make recommendations on the best means of meeting the medical requirements of the Defence Forces. I have not yet received the final report from the Consultants (PA Consulting). Officials in my Department are currently engaged with the Consultants in quality assuring the work done to date to ensure that the report meets the requirements of the contract.

I eagerly await receipt of the report and following consideration of the recommendations, I intend to publish the report and engage with all of the key stakeholders on the way ahead. Notwithstanding the current situation, I can assure the Deputy that Defence Forces personnel requiring medical treatment are getting the care they need.

Departmental Staff.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

347 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence if the number of civil servants in his Department at principal officer and assistant principal officer grades has increased since 1 September 2008; if further increases in either of these grades is planned or proposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9869/09]

There has been no increase in the number of principal officers or assistant principal officers in my Department since 1 September 2008, nor are there any plans to increase the numbers in these grades.

Defence Forces Deployment.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

348 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence the number of occasions on which the Permanent Defence Forces have been used to fulfil functions or provide services in the absence of those services due to industrial disputes; the number of such occasions in the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and 2000s; the enactments that govern the use of the PDF in such events; if the Government has made preparatory plans for the use of the PDF in such contexts in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9870/09]

As set out in the White Paper on Defence the Defence Forces may be requested to assist the civil authorities in the maintenance of essential services. The level of information sought is not readily available and its compilation would involve a disproportionate amount of time and work.

I have set out below the most recent instances where the Defence Forces have either provided assistance or have been put on stand-by to assist in the maintenance of essential services during industrial disputes. These include:

2002 — Military assistance was provided to Dublin City Council during the Ballymun lift dispute.

2002 — Military assistance provided to Donegal County Council during threatened industrial action by Northern Ireland Fire Services.

2002 — on stand-by for a threatened national strike involving retained fire-fighters.

2002/2003 — assistance provided to Midland Health Board and South Eastern Health Board during ambulance disputes.

2004 — DF medical doctors provided assistance to the Irish Prison Service during a medical doctors strike.

2005 — on stand-by to provide assistance to the Irish Prison Services in the event of a strike by Prison Officers.

2007 — on stand-by for threatened fire strike by retained fire fighters in Ennis, Co Clare.

The level of support provided by the Defence Forces, in maintaining essential services, is demand led and is provided on an "as available" basis having regard to both current and contingent Defence Forces' operational commitments.

As a matter of course, the Defence Forces always plan for contingencies where they may be called on to maintain essential services or to respond in security-type situations and this will continue in 2009.

Departmental Expenditure.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

349 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence the expenditure from his Department’s budget spent in preparing for industrial disputes in essential services; the nature of the preparations engaged in; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9872/09]

The level of support provided by the Defence Forces in relation to industrial disputes is demand-led and is provided on an "as available" basis having regard to both current and contingent Defence Forces operation commitments.

There is no specific funding allocated for this role.

Emergency Planning.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

350 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence if it is intended that the Office of Emergency Planning will be exempt from budgetary cutbacks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9873/09]

While no area of my Department is exempt from budgetary cutbacks, I assure the House that the Office of Emergency Planning will continue to fully discharge the various roles and responsibilities assigned to it in an effective manner.

Ministerial Travel.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

351 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence the number of Defence Force personnel involved in the provision of the ministerial air transport service; the costs of that provision for the Defence Forces; the comparative cost with the provision of that service in 2008, 2003 and 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9874/09]

The Ministerial Air Transport Service is provided by the Air Corps to facilitate members of the Government in fulfilling their official engagements at home and abroad. The Service is primarily provided by the Gulfstream IV and Learjet 45 aircraft, which were specifically acquired for that purpose, and the Beech Super Kingair 200 turboprop aircraft, which is now used mainly in a training role and which is made available for Ministerial Air Transport use from time to time. The Learjet is also regularly tasked with air ambulance missions, as provided for in the Service Level Agreement between my Department and the Department of Health and Children.

I am advised by military authorities that the number of Defence Forces personnel directly involved in the provision of the Military Air Transport Service is as follows:

Aircraft

Pilots

Flight/Ground Attendants

Gulfstream IV

6

Learjet 45

6

Beechcraft

4

Total

14

10

A number of the Ministerial Air Transport staff are also assigned to various administrative appointments within the Air Corps which are not directly related to the provision of the Ministerial Air Transport Service.

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: 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 the total cost, i.e. the direct cost plus the costs associated with having the aircraft, i.e. depreciation and personnel costs

The current rates per hour used to establish these costs in relation to 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

Beechcraft

1,320

1,770

With regard to establishing the comparative costs of the Ministerial Air Transport Service, the table below sets out the number of Ministerial Air Transport missions and Ministerial time on board each aircraft in each of the years 1998, 2003 and 2008.

Aircraft

No. of Missions 1998

Ministerial Time On Board 1998

No. of Missions 2003

Ministerial Time On Board 2003

No. of Missions 2008

Ministerial Time On Board 2008

Gulfstream

191

553 hours

117

716 hours

72

358 hours

Learjet*

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

97

249 hours

Beechcraft

70

118 hours

41

128 hours

22

73 hours

Total

261

671 hours

158

844 hours

191

680 hours

*The Learjet entered operational service as part of the Ministerial Air Transport Service in January 2004.

Defence Forces Recruitment.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

352 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence if the freeze on recruitment will impact on the length of tours of duty, the frequency of tours of duty abroad, the number of members of the PDF available for overseas duty and all health and safety concerns regarding soldiers on overseas duty; if the chief of staff and others in the Defence Forces have been consulted as to the impact of the recruitment freeze on the ability of the Defence Forces to engage in overseas missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9875/09]

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

353 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence the average number of days in 2008 that a member of the Defence Forces involved in overseas duty spent on overseas duty; if he will provide an absolute assurance that recruitment restrictions will not impact on the length and frequency of service facing Defence Forces personnel on overseas service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9876/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 352 and 353 together.

In common with other areas of the public service a reduction of 3% in payroll costs has been applied to the Defence Forces. Recruitment was suspended in late 2008 pending consideration of the best means by which to achieve this reduction. My officials and the military authorities are keeping the situation under close review on an ongoing basis to ensure that the key commitments of the Defence Forces both at home and abroad are being met. The review and any subsequent recruitment in 2009 will prioritise the operational requirements of the Defence Forces.

I am advised that the freeze on recruitment will not have any immediate effect on the capacity of the Defence Forces to do their job abroad. However, that may change, although I cannot project too far into the future. I do not anticipate that the situation will have changed by this time next year.

The Defence Forces continued to serve on overseas missions throughout 2008. On average, there were 690 personnel involved in UN-led and UN mandated missions throughout last year. Troops on overseas missions serve a six or four month tour of duty. There are no plans to alter this rotation policy in the foreseeable future.

Question No. 354 answered with Question No. 55.

Pension Provisions.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

355 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Defence the amount paid by public servants in agencies under the remit of his Department in superannuation and pension contributions in 2007 and 2008. [9947/09]

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

356 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Defence the amount paid by public servants in his Department in superannuation and pension contributions in 2007 and 2008. [9962/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 355 and 356 together.

The amount paid by public servants in the agencies under the remit of my Department in superannuation and pension contributions in 2007 and 2008 is €8,440.69 and €13,334.57 respectively. Agencies under the aegis of my Department are Coiste an Asgard, the Civil Defence Board and the Army Pensions Board.

The amount paid by public servants in my Department in superannuation and pension contributions in 2007 and 2008 is €6,952,197.52 and €7,379,586.83 respectively.

Departmental Staff.

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

357 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Defence the number of fully qualified chartered accountants and management accountants employed by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9977/09]

My Department employs one professional accountant. The Defence Forces also employ one civilian professional accountant.

Defence Forces Reserve.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

358 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence if members of the Reserve Defence Force will serve overseas in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9880/09]

The White Paper on Defence sets out the blueprint for a new Reserve Defence Force. This blueprint outlines a new Reserve with a clearly defined role, an enhanced relationship with the PDF, better equipment and training and opportunities for reservists to serve on overseas peace support missions.

An Implementation Plan has been developed that will ensure the realisation of the White Paper vision. The Plan is being rolled out over the period to the end of 2009. The Agreed Programme for Government contains the commitment to fully execute the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) Implementation Plan by the end of 2009.

There has been significant progress to date in implementing the detailed recommendations of the Plan e.g. new organisation structure implemented, major improvements in clothing, equipment, training and resourcing. In addition, the Reserve is now organised along similar lines to the PDF. All of these changes are enhancing the capabilities of the Reserve as well as improving interoperability with the PDF.

These factors are significant enablers in facilitating future participation by suitably qualified RDF personnel in overseas missions and it is hoped that a small number of Reservists will be able to undertake overseas service in late 2009.

As specified in the Plan, any such participation by members of the Reserve on overseas service is likely to be in specialised areas such as medical, transport, engineering and communications and information services. This will also be subject to personnel having suitable qualifications, their personal availability and appropriate advance training. Any commitment to overseas service by members of the Reserve will be on a voluntary basis.

The military authorities have sought expressions of interest from suitably qualified Reservists who have undertaken integrated training and are at an advanced stage in identifying Reservists who may be eligible and willing to apply for a small number of specified overseas positions. A final decision regarding their deployment is dependent on the selected personnel completing an extensive training schedule to up-skill to the requisite military standards to enable them to serve overseas.

Work on the necessary regulatory changes has progressed, terms and conditions of service are being examined and the Representative Associations will be consulted in the near future.

I am pleased that such work is proceeding on schedule in line with plan provisions.

Departmental Advertising.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

359 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence the cost of public advertising funded by his Department in 2008; the breakdown between statutory and non-statutory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10059/09]

Expenditure on advertising by my Department in 2008 amounted to €684,000 all of which was non-statutory. Of this total, €562,000 was in respect of the public information and awareness campaign on emergency planning (April 2008). This was a once-off campaign and there are currently no plans to run a similar campaign. A further €90,000 was expended in relation to property transactions and warning notices to the public in respect of military training exercises.

A total of €467,000 was spent on advertising by the Defence Forces in 2008, of which approximately €3,500 was statutory. Advertising was carried out in print, broadcast and on-line media. All of the expenditure was in respect of recruitment advertising for the Defence Forces — General Service recruitment, Apprenticeships, and Cadetships.

Army Barracks.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

360 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which all military installations decommissioned in 1998 and 2008 have been disposed of; if not disposed of, their use and associated cost; if disposed of, the net receipts; if accounts have been closed in all cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10180/09]

A Government decision, on 15 July 1998, approved a programme of closure and disposal of six barracks considered surplus to military requirements. The barracks in question were located at Ballincollig, Fermoy, Naas, Castleblayney, Kildare, and Islandbridge, Dublin.

Five of these properties have been disposed of with net receipts as follows: Murphy Barracks, Ballincollig €44.5 million, Fitzgerald Camp, Fermoy €973,889, Devoy Barracks, Naas €9.3 million, Castleblayney Barracks €761,843, and Clancy Barracks, Islandbridge €25.4 million.

The Government decided on 1 July 2003 that Magee Barracks, Kildare would be among the State lands released to Kildare County Council for inclusion in the Sustaining Progress Affordable Housing Initiative. My Department is currently finalising contracts with the Chief State Solicitor's Office. There is no financial consideration in relation to the transfer of this property.

The Government decision of 14 October 2008 approved a programme for consolidation of Defence Forces formations and the closure of a further four barracks at Monaghan, Longford, Rockhill and Lifford in Donegal. It is anticipated that these barracks, which closed in January 2009, will be disposed of, taking account of market conditions, so as to maximise the return to the Defence Forces and generate funding for reinvestment in Defence Forces equipment and infrastructure in accordance with Government policy.

Defence Forces Reserve.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

361 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the strength of the Army, Navy and Air Corps Reserve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10181/09]

The Reserve Defence Force (RDF) is comprised of the Army Reserve and the Naval Service Reserve. As at 31 January 2009, the number serving in the Army Reserve was 7,284 and the number serving in the Naval Service Reserve was 291.

The White Paper on Defence outlines the blueprint for the RDF. An Implementation Plan has been developed to realise the White Paper vision and is being rolled out over the period to the end of 2009. The RDF has already seen significant improvements in terms of organisation, clothing, equipment, training and resourcing. It is now structured along similar lines to the PDF.

These developments enhance the capabilities of the Reserve as well as improving interoperability with the PDF.

Questions Nos. 362 to 364, inclusive, answered with Question No. 66.
Questions Nos. 365 to 367, inclusive, answered with Question No. 52.

Overseas Missions.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

368 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if it is intended to continue participation with EUFOR in Bosnia; the extent to which discussions have taken place with EU and UN colleagues in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10188/09]

The EU operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina — Operation "Althea" — was established in December 2004, under the authority of UN Security Council Resolution 1575 of 22 November 2004, to replace the NATO-led Stabilisation Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina (SFOR). Ireland has participated in EUFOR since December 2004, having previously been a participant in SFOR since 1997.

The resolution authorised the establishment of a multinational stabilisation force (EUFOR), for an initial period of 12 months, as a legal successor to SFOR. On 20 November 2008, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1845 (2008) renewing EUFOR's mandate for a further period of 12 months.

The EU Defence Ministers General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) meeting held in Brussels in November 2008, which I attended, focused on the future of Operation ALTHEA. At this meeting, Defence Ministers discussed four possible options in relation to the future of the Operation. However, there was a particular focus on progressing the preferred option of Member States, the transition to a support and training operation — advisory role only and it was agreed that this option should be explored in more detail. This mission will involve some 200 personnel, mainly military specialists.

It is expected that the EUFOR mission will commence transition in March with the phased drawdown of EUFOR. This process should be completed by June, 2009. With the closure of EUFOR, the Defence Forces contingent will be withdrawn. Should the decision to transition be deferred for any reason, I will obviously have to look at the issue again in the context of the outlook for the mission and the resources available to Defence. There are no plans for the Defence Forces to participate in the follow-on mission.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

369 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if it is intended to increase the strength of the Army, Navy and Air Corps in view of the current or expected overseas deployments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10189/09]

The White Paper on Defence provides for an allocation of up to 850 Permanent Defence Force personnel to be deployed overseas at any one time. While this may be exceeded for short periods, deployments above this level are not sustainable on an ongoing basis within existing resources. Any commitments to EU or UN missions will be met within this context.

In common with other areas of the public service a reduction of 3% in payroll costs has been applied to the Defence Forces. Recruitment was suspended in late 2008 pending a review of the best means by which to achieve this reduction. My officials and the military authorities are keeping the situation under close review on an ongoing basis. The review and any subsequent recruitment in 2009 will prioritise the operational requirements of the Defence Forces.

Departmental Schemes.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

370 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Defence the way in which the cycle to work scheme has been made available to staff in his Department and agencies under his remit; the location at which this scheme is not currently available; when it will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10797/09]

My Department supports 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. My Department is considering the detailed arrangements that will be required to implement the scheme.

Waste Management.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

371 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department has 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 whose cost is estimated at many hundreds of millions of euro without his Department having sight of the contract before approval by Dublin City Council; if his Department is 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. [9712/09]

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

387 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Question No. 397 of 17 February 2009, and in view of the fact that he or his representatives on the Project Procurement Board for the Dublin Bay waste management incinerator have not had sight of the contract for the public private partnership, if he will confirm that he is unable to state the capital cost of the incinerator to the State and taxpayer and if there are satisfactory penalty clauses within the terms of the contract to safeguard the public interest; the action that will be taken if the operators or their agents fail to construct or manage the incinerator in accordance with the approved specifications and statutory planning and environmental conditions as have been decided by An Bord Pleanála and the Environmental Protection Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9708/09]

I propose to take Question Nos. 371 and 387 together.

As previously advised, 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, my Department has not had sight of, nor is it a party to, this contract. The project board had its final meeting on 14 May, 2007.

In line with national policy the Exchequer does not fund new heavy waste infrastructure, landfills or waste to energy (incineration) plants. These are to be provided as purely private sector commercial initiatives or by way of public private partnerships with local authorities and accordingly the capital costs of this project will not fall to be met by the Exchequer. My Department has not provided any guarantee to Dublin City Council in respect of this project.

Enforcement of statutory planning and environmental conditions is a matter for the appropriate regulatory authorities and the Minister has no function in this regard.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

372 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the procedure taken by the Government to impose buffer zones around wells supplying group water schemes under the EU nitrates regulation; and the name of local authorities which have introduced this. [9786/09]

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. Following consultation with interested parties, the European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2006 and 2007 were made to implement the Directive in Ireland.

Article 17 of the Regulations includes a prohibition on the application to land of fertiliser or soiled water within specified distances from water courses, including drinking water abstraction points. In the case of specific abstraction points, Article 17(5)(a) of the Regulations provides that a local authority may, following consultation with the EPA, 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. The Regulations apply in all local authority areas.

Genetically Modified Organisms.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

373 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when, in view of the fact that the EU has reversed its decision regarding genetically modified maize in Austria and Hungary, Ireland will implement a similar and more extensive ban on GM food cultivation. [10105/09]

The European Commission has, on a number of occasions, sought to reverse both the Austrian and Hungarian national bans on certain genetically modified maize. To date it has not been successful, although one of the Austrian bans was partially overturned in 2008 insofar as it related to the import and processing of the maize into food and feed.

The Commission's most recent proposals were considered at the Environment Council on 2 March 2009. Three proposals were considered in all, one relating to the Hungarian ban on GM maize MON810 and two relating to the Austrian bans on GM maize MON810 and T25. The Council adopted, by qualified majority, three decisions rejecting the Commission proposals.

I strongly supported both the Austrian and Hungarian national positions on each of the proposals at Council.

I am committed to the establishment of an all-Ireland GM free zone as set out in the Programme for Government. No GM food products are cultivated in Ireland.

Local Government Elections.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

374 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will clarify the position regarding civil and public servants standing for the local elections. [9514/09]

Sections 13 and 13A of the Local Government Act 2001 as amended set out the various disqualifications from election or co-option to, or membership of, a local authority.

Among those disqualified are: members of the Garda Síochána; wholetime members of the Defence Forces; civil servants who are not by terms of employment expressly permitted to be a member of a local authority; persons employed by a local authority who are not the holder of a class, description or grade of employment designated by order of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government under section 161 of the Act; and employees of the Health Service Executive who are at a grade or of a description of employment designated by order of the Minister for Health and Children.

As far as employees of local authorities are concerned, the employments designated under section 161 of the Act are those employments whose maximum remuneration, on the last date for receipt of nominations at a local election, does not exceed the maximum remuneration for the grade of Clerical Officer.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

375 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will end the ban on local election candidates using the term “Independent” on ballot papers in June 2009. [9515/09]

Electoral law sets out a procedure for the nomination of candidates including a provision enabling a candidate to include, on his or her nomination paper, and which subsequently appears on the ballot paper, a reference to the registered political party of which he or she is a candidate. Persons who are not members of a political party may enter on the nomination paper the expression "Non-Party" or may leave the space blank. These provisions are based on the premise that the expression "Non-Party" on the ballot paper indicates adequately that a person does not belong to a political party. There are no proposals for legislative change in this regard.

It may be noted that the Supreme Court judgment of 13 November 2006 in the cases of King/ Cooney/Riordan upheld the legislative provision for the description "Non-Party" on the ballot paper of candidates who are not members of registered political parties. The Court in its judgment observed, inter alia, that there is no reason to conclude that the description "Non-Party" on the ballot paper is misleading.

Local Authority Housing.

Joe Carey

Ceist:

376 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will approve the application for a group (details supplied) to provide four houses at Knockaderreen and Tullycrine, Kilrush, County Clare under the voluntary housing scheme; the timeframe in which he expects a decision to be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9524/09]

An application by Clare County Council for post tender approval for this project under the Capital Loan and Subsidy Scheme was received in my Department on 17 February 2009. This is being examined at present and a decision will be made as soon as possible.

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

377 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position on an application by a local authority (details supplied). [9557/09]

An application by Cork County Council for approval to proceed with a project at Fellowship House, Spur Hill, under the Capital Assistance Scheme was received in my Department on 24 February 2009. This is being examined at present and a decision will be made as soon as possible.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

378 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will launch the sections of the national insulation scheme which relate to local government housing and other social housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9573/09]

As part of a national programme for the "greening" of the social housing stock, some €50 million in exchequer funding has been set aside in 2009 to support a range of initiatives to improve the energy efficiency of the stock. This programme will include support for the first round of Towards Carbon Neutral demonstration projects as well as funding for insulation retrofitting projects that will inform future schemes. A number of projects are already being considered by my Department for funding under these two schemes.

As previously announced, funding will also be provided to assist local authorities in improving the energy rating of dwellings due to be re-let during the year, and to advance the overall energy efficiency in apartment complexes. The details of this element of the overall programme are being prepared by my Department and will be circulated to local authorities in due course.

Local Authority Regulations.

Phil Hogan

Ceist:

379 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the failure of local authorities to police the standards pertaining to street furniture, in particular with reference to EN124 and IS261; the action he will take to ensure those authorities are in compliance with directives from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9577/09]

I refer to the reply to Question No. 337 on 3 March 2009. The position is unchanged.

Architectural Heritage.

Bobby Aylward

Ceist:

380 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of the significant places of public worship grant to be administrated to the Heritage Council; when the details and criteria for applications will be available; and the overall value of this grant. [9623/09]

My Department made funding of €1.9 million available to the Heritage Council in 2008, under the built heritage capital programme, for the significant places of public worship scheme. The Council is responsible for the administration of this scheme which includes any call for applications, assessment of applications received and awarding of grants.

Allocations for the various programmes and schemes under the 2009 built heritage capital programme will be made in the context of the Department's overall financial and budgetary position.

Planning Issues.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

381 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the anomaly in the planning laws whereby a person (details supplied) in County Galway is unable to obtain retention planning for an in-fill site at their address due to a particular EU regulation not being transposed into Irish planning laws; if he will outline the position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9625/09]

It is understood that Galway County Council refused to grant planning permission in the case in question, as it considered that the proposed development, involving retention of some works, would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area and would be contrary to the objectives and policies set out in the County Development Plan.

In a judgment in July 2008, the European Court of Justice ruled that the retention permission system as it applies in Irish law with regard to projects that require or may require an environmental impact assessment (EIA) under the EIA Directives does not comply with the Directives and needs to be amended. The matter is being addressed in the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill.

In the meantime, in respect of applications for permission for the retention of unauthorised development where such development should have been subject to prior EIA, planning authorities have been advised to return the application as invalid, on the basis that there is no jurisdiction to grant retention planning permission in those circumstances. An Bord Pleanála has been advised to take similar action in relation to relevant planning appeals.

However, it is understood that the decision of the planning authority in this case did not turn on the outcome of the ECJ judgment.

Waste Management.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

382 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his view on litter fines on people who leave bags and boxes behind them at recycling bring centres when no bin is provided for their disposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9646/09]

It is a matter for each local authority to take the most appropriate enforcement and clean-up actions in relation to litter, taking account of local circumstances and priorities. Increased litter levels at bring banks have prompted many local authorities to install CCTV and to erect warning signs alerting people of the fines for littering in an attempt to combat the problem of illegal dumping at these facilities.

Private Rented Accommodation.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

383 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will introduce legislation to outlaw provisions from contracts which prevent downward reviews of rents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9647/09]

I understand the question to refer to contracts in respect of residential tenancies, as my Department has no function in relation to the general law governing the operation of contracts. Private residential tenancies, with limited exceptions, are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 and the main provisions in respect of rent and rent reviews are set out in Part III of that Act. Under section 19 of the Act, it is prohibited to set the rent under a tenancy at a rate above the market rent at either the beginning of the tenancy or at any subsequent rent review. Both tenants and landlords have the right to a review of rent, even where there is no provision to that effect in the tenancy agreement. Such a review may not take place more frequently than once in each period of 12 months nor in the first 12 months of the tenancy. I have no plans to introduce further legislation in this area at this time; however, I will keep the matter under review.

With regard to local authority housing, local authorities set rents for social housing tenants based on their Differential Rents Schemes. While it is a matter for each authority to determine an individual's rent, the principle of the scheme is that a household is charged a rent based on a proportion of their income. It would be very prohibitive if a tenant's rent could not be reviewed downwards, as a tenant's circumstances could change many times throughout the lifetime of their tenancy.

Building Regulations.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

384 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on allowing the Financial Services Ombudsman or the Insurance Ombudsman to examine warranty-type situations (details supplied) in view of the fact that these are not subject to an appeals system at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9666/09]

The Homebond Structural Guarantee Scheme is a private company and my Department has no function in the detailed operation of the scheme.

Social and Affordable Housing.

John Deasy

Ceist:

385 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the prices of affordable housing are currently reflecting the downturn in the housing market; if local authorities who negotiated the cost prior to the downturn are committed to that price; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9674/09]

The price of affordable housing units transferred to local authorities under Part V primarily reflects the costs negotiated, in accordance with the relevant legislation, between authorities and developers. These costs are based on the sum of the site costs, calculated at existing use value, actual construction costs as agreed between the local authority and the developer, plus reasonable profit on those costs.

Where authorities consider it appropriate, in the context of reduced open market prices and the continuing need to ensure value for money outcomes, they have the option to further reduce the sale price by further subsidisation, including the use of any Part V funds on hands. Local authorities are best positioned to make judgments in this regard based on local circumstances. Local authorities may also consider the scope to re-negotiate Part V agreements, having regard to the nature of contracts entered into by them with developers.

Housing Aid for the Elderly.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

386 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way money will be allocated to the Health Service Executive for the operation of the former special housing aid for the elderly scheme in 2009; the amount which will be allocated under same to counties Laois and Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9676/09]

The allocations to the Health Service Executive under the Special Housing Aid for the Elderly (SHAE) Scheme are determined by a Task Force, which operates under the aegis of my Department. While the scheme has been closed to new applications since 1 August 2008, having been replaced by the Housing Aid for Older People Scheme, the HSE is continuing to process applications on hands at that stage. Allocations under the SHAE in 2009, which will be finalised shortly, will be considered in the light of the number and value of remaining applications on hands. Funding is provided to the HSE on a regional basis and it is a matter for the HSE to apportion funding within regions.

Question No. 387 answered with Question No. 371.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

388 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if it is his intention that under the new scheme local authorities should have the option, at the end of a lease, to become the owners of the new properties which they will lease from developers; his views on whether such an option would be essential to achieve value for money; is it his intention that banks will be approached to provide lease options for repossessed properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9735/09]

The intention of the new leasing initiative is to widen the range of supply options available to authorities to meet housing need and to maximise the level of social housing that can be delivered from within available public resources. While, currently, the lease arrangements envisage that the properties would be returned to the owners at the end of the lease period, the introduction of further options, including providing for the possibility of purchase during, or at the end of, the lease period, will be kept under review. My Department has no plans to introduce a leasing option specifically in respect of repossessed properties.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

389 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide funding in 2009 for the overhaul of the Ring and Old Parish domestic water supplies in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9740/09]

The Ring Helvic Water Supply Scheme is approved for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007 — 2009 at an estimated cost of €3.57m. Waterford County Council's revised Preliminary Report for the scheme is being examined in my Department and is being dealt with as quickly as possible.

Decentralisation Programme.

Lucinda Creighton

Ceist:

390 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if senior officials of his Department, including the Secretary General, will be located at a decentralised office or in Dublin. [9804/09]

The decentralisation of my Department's Headquarters (HQ) to Wexford is proceeding as planned. The construction of the Headquarters is expected to be completed and the building handed over to my Department by end April, 2009. Following ICT and furniture fit-out, the transfer of staff into the building will take place on a phased basis thereafter. It is expected that the Department's new headquarters in Wexford will be operational from early summer 2009. Fourteen Principal Officers and their respective Business Units will be located in Wexford on a full-time basis from that date.

The other phases of the Department's decentralisation to the South East have been deferred pending Government review in 2011. Therefore, the majority of the Department's Business Units will remain in Dublin in the medium term. In this period the Department's Management Advisory Committee (Secretary General and Assistant Secretary) will work in Dublin and Wexford as business requirements determine. There will be a regular MAC presence in Wexford ensuring the ongoing business of the Department continues to be effectively managed.

Local Authority Housing.

Niall Collins

Ceist:

391 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the budget that is being made available to groups (details supplied) in Limerick for 2009; the amount of this being administered directly to Limerick County Council, Clare County Council and Limerick City Council for the purchase of housing stock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9888/09]

I refer to the reply to Question No. 235 of 5 February 2009. Limerick City Council, Limerick County Council, Clare County Council, and the Limerick Regeneration Agencies have received provisional notification of the allocation of some €28 million to support the regeneration of Limerick in 2009. This provisional allocation has yet to be finalised, however, and is subject to further consideration within the context of the overall national regeneration programme and the wider estimates process. It is expected that final allocations, including the breakdown between the authorities and the agencies, will be confirmed during April.

Local Government.

Niall Collins

Ceist:

392 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on a Limerick city boundary extension; if his attention has been drawn to the concern being expressed by Limerick County Council against any further extension of the city boundary; his views on whether the development of the Dublin region has been negatively impacted by the existence of Dublin City Council, Fingal County Council, South Dublin County Council and Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9892/09]

Issues in relation to boundaries and local governance generally (including in Limerick) will be addressed in the forthcoming White Paper on local government. With regard to the development of the Dublin region, I consider that Dublin would benefit from the political leadership of a directly elected mayor, as set out in the Programme for Government, to provide strengthened leadership, effective strategic planning and democratic and accountable decision-making. This issue will also be addressed in detail in the White Paper.

Voluntary Sector Funding.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

393 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the grant application for a group (details supplied) in respect of housing units will be awarded. [9902/09]

My Department is aware that Dublin City Council is currently in discussions with the voluntary body Cuain Mhuire Teoranta regarding an application for funding under the capital assistance scheme, for a housing project at 36 Lower Gardiner Street, Dublin 1. As yet my Department has not received an application for grant assistance for this project.

Election Management System.

Damien English

Ceist:

394 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there is a deadline for extensions to be made to town council electoral boundaries in order for them to be brought into effect in time for the local elections on 5 June 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9920/09]

Damien English

Ceist:

395 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he or his Department has received submissions or communications regarding the extension of the electoral boundary for Navan Town Council, County Meath; the name of the person or organisation and the nature of their submission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9921/09]

Damien English

Ceist:

396 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is in a position to sanction the extension of the electoral boundary for the administrative area of Navan Town Council, County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9922/09]

Damien English

Ceist:

397 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether Navan Town Council, County Meath, electoral area should be extended in line with the agreed administrative areas, in time to allow those living in this new area to vote for candidates who will represent them in this extended administrative area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9923/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 394 to 397, inclusive, together.

Navan Town Council recently submitted a formal boundary extension application to my Department which is currently being examined. While there is no statutory deadline by which decisions on boundary extensions must be made, the practicality of making boundary changes in proximity to the date of local elections is a matter which must be considered. Prior to receipt of Navan Town Council's application for a boundary alteration, I received a submission from the Town Council which requested that I meet with a delegation of Councillors. My Department has also corresponded with, and met with officials from, Meath County and Navan Town Councils in relation to the Town Council's application. I hope to make a decision on the application shortly.

Pension Provisions.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

398 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount paid by public servants in agencies under the remit of his Department in superannuation and pension contributions in 2007 and 2008. [9950/09]

The information requested in the question is a matter for each agency. My Department does not maintain the level of detailed information requested.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

399 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount paid by public servants in his Department in superannuation and pension contributions in 2007 and 2008. [9965/09]

Employees of my Department paid a total of €2,446,776.03 in 2007 and €2,279,255 in 2008 in pension contributions.

Departmental Staff.

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

400 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of fully qualified chartered accountants and management accountants employed by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9980/09]

There are currently 47 fully qualified chartered accountants and management accountants employed in my Department, of which 40 are part of the Local Government Audit Service.

Animal Welfare.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

401 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will introduce legislation banning all blood sports, including hare coursing and fox hunting. [10007/09]

My responsibilities under the Wildlife Acts and the Habitats Regulations relate to the conservation of populations of certain wild animals. As foxes are not a protected species under the Wildlife Acts I do not have a licensing or regulatory responsibility in relation to fox hunting.

Applications for hunting licences under the Wildlife Acts are processed by my Department. Each licence application is dealt with individually and any conservation impact on the particular species is taken into account in line with the provisions of the Acts.

Animal welfare and legal protection of animals from cruelty are the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. A draft Animal Health and Welfare Bill has been circulated by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for public consultation. This will, inter alia, update existing legislation to ensure that the welfare of animals is properly protected and that the penalties for offenders are increased significantly.

Social and Affordable Housing.

John Deasy

Ceist:

402 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the regulations governing the provision of structural guarantee bonds by local authorities which commission developers to construct houses that are made available for purchase under the affordable housing scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10043/09]

John Deasy

Ceist:

403 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if structural guarantee bonds have been provided by Waterford County Council in respect of houses that are being made available for purchase under the affordable housing scheme in a development (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10044/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 402 and 403 together.

All house building is governed by the Building Regulations, which apply standards for the construction of all new buildings, including affordable housing. Local authorities have been advised to take the necessary steps to monitor construction of affordable housing acquired under Part V agreements to ensure appropriate standards and that the requirements of the Building Regulations are being met. There are no specific regulations that require a local authority to have a developer obtain Structural Guarantee Bonds. However, it would be a matter for a local authority, in the interests of good practice and to assist with the sale of an affordable unit, to advise a developer to register the property with an appropriate structural guarantee scheme.

From enquiries made to Waterford County Council, the developer of the affordable units in question has been requested to obtain a structural guarantee bond, which the Council will, in turn, provide to the purchasers of the affordable units.

Departmental Advertising.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

404 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the cost of public advertising funded by his Department in 2008; the breakdown between statutory and non-statutory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10062/09]

My Department carries out a number of advertising campaigns relevant to its remit, in order to promote awareness and behaviour change or to provide information. Expenditure was spread across the whole media spectrum including Iris Oifigiúil, television, local radio, national and provincial papers, and other local publications. The following table sets out the breakdown of costs between statutory and non statutory for 2008:

Statutory

Non-Statutory

€145,533.06

€4,634,973.60

Social and Affordable Housing.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

405 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the documentation produced during the consultation he had with the County and City Managers Association, the social partners, the housing forum, and local elected representatives recently when discussing the schemes of letting priorities and other social housing reforms is available publicly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10073/09]

A copy of the document presented to the Housing Forum on allocation policy proposals, which formed the basis of a presentation to local elected representatives from the AMAI and the ACCC, will be forwarded to the Deputy shortly.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

406 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the costs paid by local authorities prior to design build and operate schemes being introduced for waste water treatment plants throughout the country and the costs now being paid by local authorities to private contractors under the DBO schemes; if he will publish the public sector cost comparator in relation to these plans in order that there can be public transparency and the public know they are achieving value for money results for the Irish taxpayer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10082/09]

Costs associated with the operation and maintenance of water services treatment plants have been increasing in recent years, reflecting both the increased capital investment in the sector over the past decade or so and the need to meet increased water quality standards. Details of income and expenditure by each Water Services Authority in respect of water services may be obtained from Local Authorities' Financial Outturns which are published on my Department's website.

Where local authorities propose to provide water services treatment plants by way of Public Private Partnership procurement — typically by way of a Design, Build and Operate (DBO) contract — they are required to prepare a Public Sector Benchmark (PSB) Report. The PSB consists of a comprehensive, detailed risk adjusted costing of the project elements over the whole life of the project on the basis of conventional procurement and enables a comparison to be made on a like for like basis between traditional and PPP procurement. PPP tenders are then evaluated by reference to the PSB to determine whether the PPP approach will deliver better value for money compared to traditional procurement. In all PSB reports to date, the PPP route has been shown to provide better value for money than conventional procurement, of up to 15%-20 % in the case of capital costs and 10-15% in the case of operating costs, depending on scale.

PSB Reports in individual cases can be obtained from the relevant procurement authorities once the tenders have been awarded.

Local Authority Housing.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

407 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when it is proposed to have the next housing action plan meeting between his Department and Dublin City Council; when the last one was held; and the agenda and outcomes of that meeting. [10106/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

412 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason for the delay in making a decision on applications (details supplied) for funding in view of the fact that some have been with his Department for more than two years; the number of housing units proposed; when a decision is expected in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10097/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 407 and 412 together.

My Department held a Housing Action Plan meeting with officials from Dublin City Council on 4 March. This was one of the present round of Housing Action Plan meetings held with all Housing Authorities.

The purpose of these meetings is to discuss the direction and content of authorities' proposed Social Housing Investment programmes and particularly to consider the prioritisation of projects and the reconfiguration of the programme as a whole, so that it can be sustained and consolidated in changing economic and budgetary circumstances.

On foot of information furnished in the course of this round of Action Plan meetings I will consider and finalise the 2009 Social Housing Investment Programme allocations and these should be announced in April.

Based on these allocations it will be a matter for housing authorities to finalise their plans for the composition, management and delivery of their programmes, taking into account existing commitments, identifying priority projects and proposals, and providing a time line for delivery and a sustainable funding plan for each project and their programme as a whole.

Further consideration by my Department of any of the projects concerned would be dependent on the priority assigned to it at that stage by Dublin City Council.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

408 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the local authority housing projects submitted for his approval by local authorities, other than Dublin City Council, awaiting decision; the date they were received in his Department; when a decision is expected; and the reason for the delay in making a decision. [10107/09]

As stated in the reply to Question No. 346 of 3 March, all decisions regarding capital projects will be taken after the current round of Housing Action Plan review meetings which are currently underway between my Department and local authorities. These meetings will be completed within the next two weeks.

The purpose of these meetings is to review the individual housing investment programmes of each local authority having regard to the availability of public capital funding and the nature and extent of housing need in each local authority area. Once this process has been completed and allocations made to local authorities it will be possible to determine what new projects can proceed in 2009.

Departmental Funding.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

409 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make funding available for the implementation of the representations as outlined in the Rathkeale area task force, County Limerick document; and if he will fund the activities of the committee which has been set up to implement the recommendations. [10114/09]

I understand that Limerick County Council's Rathkeale Local Area Plan supported the establishment of the Rathkeale Forum involving all agencies and groups with an interest in the development of the town and that the Forum will have a key role in the implementation and monitoring of the objectives and policies of the Local Area Plan.

No specific request for funding for the Forum has been received by my Department. However, any such request would have to be considered in the context of public service expenditure estimates.

EU Directives.

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

410 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will avail of the provisions in Annex III allowing a member state to exclude the spreading of sewage sludge from the scope of application of the directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10127/09]

The EU Environmental Liability Directive has been transposed into Irish law by the European Community (Environmental Liability) Regulations 2008, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas library.

While the Regulations transpose all of the Environmental Liability Directive, there are a number of discretionary provisions open to Member States to choose whether or not to adopt. It is my intention to provide for certain discretions, including that in relation to the spreading of sewage sludge from urban waste water treatment plants, treated to an approved standard, for agricultural purposes, in primary legislation later this year.

Local Authority Housing.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

411 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress of regeneration plans in respect of areas (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10090/09]

Dublin City Council continues to liaise closely with my Department on the progress relating to its housing-related public private partnership programme. At present, the City Council is reviewing the project at St. Teresa's Gardens in the context of the current market environment and the requirements of the community at that site, to determine the next steps in the procurement process. The project at Dolphin House is at the very early stages in the process, with initial consultations between the City Council and the community, and procurement has therefore not yet begun. The Council is closely engaged with the developer at the Cherry Orchard site to find a resolution to some planning difficulties that have arisen with the project.

Following the failure to reach agreement with the developer at St. Michael's Estate, O'Devaney Gardens, and Dominick Street last summer, the City Council has proactively examined its options to ensure the regeneration at these sites takes place. The Council established a multi-disciplinary Special Housing Taskforce to develop plans for the regeneration of these estates and presented its report to the Council in December 2008. The prioritisation of these projects is, however, a matter for the City Council in the context of its existing commitments and future plans. To date, my Department has received one project proposal, in respect of St. Michael's Estate, and this is currently being considered by the Department.

Question No. 412 answered with Question No. 407.

Fisheries Protection.

James Bannon

Ceist:

413 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding a person (details supplied) in County Longford who had their application turned down for an eel licence in 2009; the reaction from the EU to the national proposal to close the eel fishery for the foreseeable future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9564/09]

Under the Fisheries Acts, primary responsibility for the management, conservation, protection and development of the inland fisheries resource, including the issue of fishing licences is the responsibility of the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards. I have no function in the matter. I have been advised, however, by the Northern Regional Fisheries Board that the applicant identified by the Deputy, who applied for an eel fishing licence in 2009, has been informed that a decision on his application has been deferred until the May meeting of the Northern Regional Fisheries Board. Over the coming months, Ireland's draft Eel Management Plan, which was forwarded to the Commission on 9 January 2009, will be evaluated by the European Commission as to its adequacy in delivering the objectives of the EC Regulation. We await the outcome of that assessment.

I have previously advised this House that 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 a number of management measures, including cessation of the fishery, in order to address the critical status of stocks and to achieve the targets set in the EC regulation. In the circumstances, for the regional fisheries board to issue a fishing licence for a year in which no fishing may be permissible, would be inappropriate until the adjudication from the European Commission is obtained.

Energy Efficiency.

Kieran O'Donnell

Ceist:

414 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the home energy saving scheme as launched on 8 February 2009 will be in a position to accept applications from homeowners; when the list of approved contractors will be finalised; when building energy regulation assessments and other works will commence in homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9744/09]

Kieran O'Donnell

Ceist:

415 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the provision in the pilot programme of the home energy saving scheme to allow for double glazing in approved homes will be extended to the full scheme in place; if glazing contractors approved under the pilot scheme will be invited to apply for approval under the full scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9745/09]

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

434 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason the provision of grants towards windows and doors replacement in residential houses was not included in the new grant system recently announced for energy conservation and improvement, which grants seem to be restricted to attics and walls, whereas it is clear the provision of properly secured and sealed doors and windows would make a considerable contribution to energy conservation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10121/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 414, 415 and 434 together.

The Home Energy Saving Scheme provides grant assistance to homeowners for attic and wall insulation, efficient boilers and heating controls. Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) advised on the measures for inclusion in the scheme. SEI has built up a considerable expertise on residential energy efficiency matters as part of their statutory remit and in the course of their oversight of the pilot phase of the scheme in 2008. The measures selected currently are deemed to be those most likely to deliver significant energy savings to homeowners at the least cost.

There are other measures not currently included in the scheme that may also improve the energy performance of a home. My Department and SEI will be keeping the scheme under review and if there is a strong cost-benefit case for adding other measures to the scheme, it will be given every consideration. Homeowners will be able to formally apply under the Scheme from later this month. In the meantime, they 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. While a grant of €200 is available for this, it is not a requirement for participation in the scheme. To qualify for the grant, the house must be assessed by a registered Building Energy Rating (BER) assessor before and after works are carried out. SEI will pay the grant for the BER after eligible works are completed and the appropriate documentation is submitted. While they can proceed with the BER assessment now, homeowners should not undertake any works until they have received formal grant approval from SEI, as work underway or recently completed will not be considered for grant assistance. As of 6 March, 1,086 contractors had applied to SEI to register for the Scheme. The list of registered contractors will be continually updated by SEI as applications are received from contractors.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Niall Collins

Ceist:

416 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his policy on the use of electric vehicles; the support his Department and local authorities make available for initiatives promoting electric vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9887/09]

The Government has set a target of 10% of all vehicles to be powered by electricity by 2020, which will represent up to 250,000 cars on Irish roads over the next 12 years. This scale of deployment of electric vehicles will have a very positive impact in terms of reducing carbon emissions and Ireland's reliance on imported fossil fuels in the transport sector. Key initiatives to advance this policy objective have already been put in place. The Minister for Finance has provided a new tax incentive for businesses to purchase electric vehicles in the 2009 Finance Act. This enables businesses to write off 100% of the cost of purchase against tax under the Accelerated Capital Allowance Scheme. Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) is also developing a €1 million project on alternative transport technologies including electric vehicles.

I have established an inter-departmental agency taskforce to progress the framework for deployment of electric vehicles in Ireland. The first meeting of the taskforce, which is chaired by my Department, was held in October 2008 and it is meeting regularly. All relevant Departments, including the Department of Transport, are members of the taskforce. SEI, ESB, the IDA and Enterprise Ireland, and other stakeholders and agencies are also represented on the taskforce.

The task force is assessing the infrastructure options for the national roll-out of electric vehicles. The Government is sending out the message that Ireland is open for business in this area and we will also take account of global developments as the technologies mature. The taskforce will report its initial findings and advise on next steps in the next few months.

Fishing Licenses.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

417 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will include in the Control of Salmon Fishing Order 2009 a requirement whereby the regional fishery board or its successor has the authority to transfer a salmon fishing licence in special circumstances such as death or serious illness of the licence holder to an immediate family member who is the current nominee on the licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9695/09]

Salmon fishing licences are public licences issued on foot of applications received annually. The Control of Fishing for Salmon Order establishes the priority to be afforded by regional fisheries boards to applications for commercial licences. The current provisions of the Order were fully endorsed by the National Fisheries Management Executive and the National Salmon Commission following detailed consideration in 2005. The provisions in the existing Order, which allow a nominee to apply for a licence in his or her own right, are widely regarded as sufficient for the equitable management of the commercial fishery and do not require amendment. I can advise the Deputy that I am in the process of reviewing the existing Order in advance of the 2009 fishing season.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Tom Sheahan

Ceist:

418 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will include the oxyvent tank under the greener energy homes scheme. [9707/09]

The Government's Greener Homes Scheme, administered by Sustainable Energy Ireland, provides support to individuals wishing to install renewable energy heating technologies in their homes. This scheme, now in operation since early 2006, has underpinned the establishment of a strong supply industry for renewable energy products, services and fuels. The application of strict product standards, installer training and quality schemes, has ensured that consumers are protected and informed in relation to their technology choices. The Greener Homes Scheme specifically supports renewable heat products including solar panels, biomass and gasification boilers, biomass stoves and geothermal heat pumps. The oxyvent tank does not fit into this classification.

Telecommunications Services.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

419 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when broadband will be rolled out in Rossmore, Clonakilty, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9722/09]

Broadband services are available from competing service providers over multiple platforms, including DSL (telephone lines), cable, fixed wireless, satellite and mobile. I understand that broadband is available in the Rossmore area from wireless and satellite service providers. The following list, from my Department's website www.broadband.gov.ie, details the availability of broadband services in the Rossmore area.

Platform

Service Provider

Website

Wireless

AHC Networks

http://www.ahcnetworks.com

Rapid Broadband Limited

http://www.rapidbroadband.ie

Satellite

Avonline

http://www.avonlinebroadband.co.uk

Broadband Wherever

http://www.broadbandwherever.net

Cross CountryBroadband Ltd

http://www.crosscountrybroadband.com

Digiweb Satellite

http://broadband.digiweb.ie

e3 Broadband

http://www.e3broadband.ie

ehotspot

http://www.ehotspot.ie

Eircom Satellite

http://www.eircom.ie

Fastnet Broadband Satellite

http://www.fastnetbroadband.com

Media Satellite Ireland Ltd

http://www.mediasat.ie

National Broadband Ltd

http://nbb.ie

Orblink

http://www.orblink.ie

Pure Telecom Satellite

http://www.puretelecom.ie

Satellite Broadband Ireland

http://www.satellitebroadbandireland.ie

Fisheries Protection.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

420 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he plans to proceed with the removal of the existing weir on the river Blackwater in Fermoy, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9724/09]

I wish to advise the Deputy that there are no, nor have there ever been, any plans to remove the weir at Fermoy. It is proposed to alter the weir to facilitate the installation of a rock ramp fish pass, which will ensure the free passage of migratory fish species as required under the Fisheries Acts and the EU Habitats Directive. These works will not affect the amenity value of the weir.

The Department is in ongoing discussions with Fermoy Town Council, as owners of the weir, regarding the undertaking of the necessary works to meet their obligations under the Fisheries Acts.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

421 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that south Dublin, with its extensive geothermal resources, offers one of the most significant opportunities for the development of indigenous renewable energy in proximity to an urban population that exists here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9754/09]

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

422 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will make a statement on the matter in the case of south Dublin when a proven geothermal resource can form the basis for the creation of a new industry in the renewable energy sector, an industry that can deliver construction jobs immediately and encourage long-term employment in the area as access to renewable energy becomes a key site selection factor with the introduction of carbon levies in 2010 and the urgent concern regarding energy security, volatile fuel prices and environmental protection. [9755/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 421 and 422 together.

As the Deputy may be aware, the publication of the Geothermal Resource Map of Ireland by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) in July 2004 highlighted the potential of deep geothermal energy. The potential for a good geothermal energy resource in the South Dublin region was also identified in the study. The report recommended that support be given for a medium-depth pilot borehole, for example on the Blackrock–Rathcoole Fault in an area with many potential users. SEI funded a study, in conjunction with University College Dublin and Conodate, to examine the economic and technical potential of deep geothermal energy sources along the fault line running beneath the University's Belfield campus.

Following on these studies I understand that a private company, in conjunction with SEI, is developing proposals in relation to geothermal energy at Newcastle, County Dublin. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on these proposals at this stage.

Surface geothermal energy is currently viewed as a commercially viable heating option for consumers and Government support for this technology is being supported through the Greener Homes and REHeat grant schemes operated by SEI.

Deep geothermal energy projects tend to be larger in scale and are usually associated with the development of a local district heating system to supply customers. Given the limited rock temperature and porosity data available in urban regions at the relevant depths, developers will also face technical risks at the start of the project. Therefore in order to encourage investors to develop deep geothermal energy projects, a clear understanding of the regulatory and legal risks must be available together with appropriate measures to protect an investors project interests.

As I indicated in my reply to Question No. 393 of 24th February 2009, a Geothermal Working Group was established by the Department in 2008 to set out the options for the development of a proportionate and realistic regulatory regime for geothermal energy utilisation in Ireland. As part of this process, a public consultation was held between June and August 2008. Over 30 submissions were received, mainly from people and organisations closely associated with geothermal energy development in Ireland. The results of the consultation exercise are currently being analysed. I expect the Working Group to report to me shortly.

The Working Group will report on effective regulatory and other measures that could be taken to increase the contribution of geothermal energy to meeting Ireland's targets for use of alternative energy. The legal aspects of a regulatory framework are among the issues under examination. Complex legal issues arise and consideration of these will impact on the timing of the Working Group's report. I will decide on the need for legislation after I have considered that report.

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

423 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will give direction to local authorities that when an indigenous renewable resource exists, such as geothermal, development of the resource is prioritised in planning decisions and when formulating future development plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9756/09]

My Department engages regularly with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on planning issues affecting the renewable energy sector and Sustainable Energy Ireland has contributed to the review of planning guidelines for wind-farms. I have no statutory authority to give direction to local authorities to prioritise renewable resource development in planning decisions or development plans. I will convey the Deputy's request to my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Decentralisation Programme.

Lucinda Creighton

Ceist:

424 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if senior officials of his Department, including the Secretary General, will be located in a decentralised office or in Dublin. [9799/09]

55 staff in my Department have already decentralised to Cavan. These do not include management grades above the level of Principal Officer. As announced by the Minister for Finance in his statement of 14th October last, the Government has deferred decisions on the timing of the implementation of elements of the Decentralisation Programme including that of my Department, pending a review in 2011.

Broadcasting Services.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

425 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has directed RTÉ to proceed with broadcasting in Britain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9840/09]

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 has committed to rolling out an International television service on the UK Freesat network. 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. RTÉ had initially expected that this service would launch at the end of 2008.

In September 2008 my Department was informed by RTÉ that, due to the rapidly worsening economic conditions and falling advertising revenue, they would need to postpone the launch of the RTÉ International television service by a year. I understand this is one of a number of measures taken by RTÉ in the current economic climate. My Department has written to RTÉ expressing disappointment at the decision while acknowledging the current economic climate. RTÉ has highlighted that this decision may be reviewed if circumstances change significantly in the course of the year.

Pension Provisions.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

426 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount paid by public servants in agencies under the remit of his Department in superannuation and pension contributions in 2007 and 2008. [9945/09]

Matters relating to the superannuation and pension arrangements for public servants in the Agencies, are a day-to-day operational matter for the Agencies themselves. I have no function in that regard.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

427 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount paid by public servants in his Department in superannuation and pension contributions in 2007 and 2008. [9960/09]

The total amount paid by civil servants in the Department in superannuation and pension contributions in 2007 was €575,370. This includes contributions by staff that transferred from the former Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in October 2007. The total amount paid by staff in DCENR in 2008 was €463,643.

Departmental Staff.

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

428 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of fully qualified chartered accountants and management accountants employed by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9975/09]

There is currently one fully qualified chartered accountant, engaged in that capacity, employed in my Department. A number of other staff have third level and professional accountancy and finance qualifications but are not employed on a full time basis as accountants by the Department.

Proposed Legislation.

Niall Blaney

Ceist:

429 Deputy Niall Blaney asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the proposed Broadcasting Bill is expected to be through the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9991/09]

The timing of the passing of the Broadcasting Bill 2008 by the Houses of the Oireachtas is a matter to be determined by the Houses of the Oireachtas. I have no direct function in the matter.

Prospecting Licences.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

430 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the status of technical evaluation carried out on a site (details supplied); the estimated reserves, estimated to be in situ; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9999/09]

The operator of the two onshore licences (ON1/05 & ON2/05) covering the Lough Allen Basin, has undertaken technical studies in conjunction with contractors to define the prospectivity of the area with a view to advancing to a drilling programme. While the Department has received copies of these studies, under the licensing terms governing these licences, the studies are confidential and cannot be commented upon at this stage.

The Lough Allen Basin contains a number of low porosity and low permeability Carboniferous sandstones, some of which are gas-bearing. Despite the poor quality of the sandstone reservoirs, the area could contain significant volumes of gas in place.

For any meaningful reserve estimation, new drilling and test data would be required. The results of previous drilling in the area have at best been inconclusive. For instance, the Dowra -1 and Dowra -2 wells did yield small gas flow rates but these did not amount to commercial reserves.

Telecommunications Services.

Rory O'Hanlon

Ceist:

431 Deputy Rory O’Hanlon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when broadband will be made available in Broomfield, Castleblaney, County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10049/09]

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 are contained in the contract with 3. Services will begin to be rolled out in April 2009 and the entire NBS area must be covered by September 2010.

While Broomfield, Castleblaney, County Monaghan will be covered by the NBS, 3 is not in a position, at this juncture, to predict the progression of site rollout in advance of obtaining the necessary planning permissions. One month prior to the NBS being launched in any given area, 3 will implement a marketing campaign to announce the forthcoming service availability. The campaign will include, inter alia, local press and outdoor advertising.

Departmental Advertising.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

432 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the cost of public advertising funded by his Department in 2008; the breakdown between statutory and non-statutory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10057/09]

Details of the cost of public advertising funded by my Department in 2008, including the breakdown between statutory and non-statutory are contained in a table.

Reports produced by bodies operating under the aegis of my Department, are a day to day operational matter for those bodies and one in which I have no function.

Cost of Public Advertising in 2008

Details of same

Statutory or Non-Statutory Public Advertising

333,960.81

Advertising for Make IT Secure Campaign on computer security — Interreg III Cross Border Project — 75% EU funded

Non Statutory

3,893.14

Two advertisements in respect of a public consultation on the full liberalisation of the postal sector

Non-statutory

3133.50

One advert re. public consultation on Next Generation Broadband

Non-Statutory

377.00

7 Public Notices in Iris Oifigiúil

Statutory

7,831

Advertising of SIs and Bye-laws

Statutory

6,103

Advertising Eel Management Consultation

Non-statutory

35,154

Public notices in respect of minerals prospecting

Statutory

5,107.10

Silvermines Rehabilitation Project: tendering for phase 1 of works at Gortmore and advertisement for Project Manager

Statutory

3,963

Invitation for submissions on regulatory system for geothermal energy

Non-statutory

6,807.47

Award of four Petroleum Prospecting Licences

Statutory — Petroleum and Other Minerals Development Act, 1960

6,915.46

Public consultation process for the IOSEA3 (Strategic Environmental Assessment in the Rockall Basin)

Statutory — EU Directive 2001/42/EC (Assessment of the Effects of Certain Plans and Programmes on the Environment) transposed into Irish law by SI 435 of 2004

1,113.20

Published in: “Sherkin Comment” promoting GSI services/outreach activities. (Jan 2008) X 3-4 editions yearly

Non-statutory

1,113.20

As above (July 2008)

Non-statutory

24,200.00

Published in: “Science Spin” (Mar 2008) X 6 editions yearly

Non-statutory

12,100.00

Published in: “Science Spin” (Nov. 2008)

Non-statutory

1,764.24

Via “East Coast Radio” re. mine waste remediation/“Planning Avoca’s Future”

Non-statutory. Part of public consultation process

1,028.50

Published in: “Ireland at your leisure” promoting relevant GSI publications.

Non-statutory

2,732.18

GSI entry, published in all editions. of Standard Phone Directory (for 2009)

Non-statutory

10,028.66

Published in: “ES2K/Earth Science 2000” re. GSI promotions/outreach activities. X 2 editions yearly

Non-statutory

4,164.86

Adverts X 4 editions of “Irish Times” re. GSI publications (Nov/Dec 2008)

Non-statutory

284.22

Advert in “Wicklow People” (Mar 2008)

Non-statutory. Part of public consultation process

22,100.24

Brindley Advertising relating to Study on Transmission Line Infrastructure

Non-Statutory

31

Board Appointment (Iris Oifigiúil)

Statutory

40,873

Advertising for recruitment of CER Commissioner

Non-Statutory*

64

Advertising of commencement Order In Iris Oifigiúil

Statutory

64

Cost of placing notice in Iris Oifigiúil relating to Electricity Regulation Act 1999 (Public Service Obligations) (Amendment) Order 2008 SI/08/284 (English Version)

Statutory

53

Cost of placing notice in Iris Oifigiúil relating to Electricity Regulation Act 1999 (Public Service Obligations) (Amendment) Order 2008 SI/08/284 (Irish Version)

Statutory

1.1m

Promoting energy efficiency through Ireland’s energy efficiency awareness campaign — Power of One.

Non-statutory

752.33

Advert in the Independent Newspaper concerning a Public Consultation on the DECNR External Customer Service Charter

Statutory

3,228.46

Advertisement of the BenefIT eInclusion Grant Scheme placed in Irish Independent in October.

Non Statutory

20.00

Advert in Iris Oifigiúil regarding the appointment of an ordinary member to the Mining Board

Statutory

16.51

Advert in Iris Oifigiúil regarding the appointment of a member to the Board of Bord Na Móna

Statutory

53.00

Advert in Iris Oifigiúil displaying S/I/05/649 Merchant Shipping Regulations

Statutory

Total €1,639,030.08 (€1,575,784.21 — Non Statutory and €63,245.87 — Statutory)

*There is no legal obligation for the advertising for the recruitment of the CER Commissioners, the appointment of the Commissioners is a Statutory role of the Minister.

Telecommunications Services.

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

433 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the electoral divisions (details supplied) in County Laois will receive broadband under the national broadband scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10081/09]

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 are contained in the contract 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 electoral divisions detailed hereunder will be covered by the NBS, 3 is not in a position, at this juncture, to predict the progression of site rollout in advance of obtaining the necessary planning permissions. One month prior to the NBS being launched in any given area, 3 will implement a marketing campaign to announce the forthcoming service availability. This campaign will include, inter alia, local press and outdoor advertising.

County Laois — Electoral Divisions to be Covered under the National Broadband Scheme

Name

Ed Reference No.

Arderin Ed

107003

Ballybrophy Ed

107010

Ballylehane Ed

107013

Ballyroan Ed

107015

Blandsfort Ed

107017

Brisha Ed

107020

Caher Ed

107021

Cardtown Ed

107024

Castlecuffe Ed

107025

Clonmore Ed

107032

Coolrain Ed

107034

Cuffsborough Ed

107035

Cullahill Ed

107036

Donore Ed

107041

Dysartgallen Ed

107045

Emo Ed

107046

Errill Ed

107047

Garrymore Ed

107050

Grantstown Ed

107053

Kilcoke Ed

107055

Kildellig Ed

107057

Kyle Ed

107063

Kyle South Ed

107064

Lacka Ed

107065

Marymount Ed

107067

Moneenalassa Ed

107069

Nealstown Ed

107075

Rathaspick Ed

107082

Question No. 434 answered with Question No. 414.

Departmental Schemes.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

435 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the way in which the cycle to work scheme has been made available to staff in his Department and agencies under his remit; the location at which this scheme is not currently available; when it will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10796/09]

I would draw the Deputy's attention to my reply to Question No. 219 on 19th February 2009. The position has not changed since then.

The operation of the scheme in the agencies is a day to day operational matter for the agencies in question in which I have no function.

Grant Payments.

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

436 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a payment under the farm waste management scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9493/09]

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. I have also announced that a special ex-gratia payment not exceeding 3.5 per cent of the value of the deferred amount will be made to farmers whose Farm Waste Management grants have been partially deferred. This payment will be made in January 2011 along with the final instalment.

Payment of the first instalment of 40 per cent will be made very shortly by my Department to the person concerned.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

437 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be awarded a grant. [9509/09]

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. I have also announced that a special ex-gratia payment not exceeding 3.5 per cent of the value of the deferred amount will be made to farmers whose Farm Waste Management grants have been partially deferred. This payment will be made in January 2011 along with the final instalment.

Payment of the first instalment of 40 per cent will be made very shortly by my Department to the person concerned.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

438 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 391 of 3 February 2009, the date when he expects payments to issue to applicants of the farm waste management scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9532/09]

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 approved for payment has commenced and will continue as claims are approved over the next few months. I have also announced that a special ex-gratia payment not exceeding 3.5 per cent of the value of the deferred amount will be made to farmers whose Farm Waste Management grants have been partially deferred. This payment will be made in January 2011 along with the final instalment.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

439 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) will receive payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9558/09]

Payment will issue to the person named within the next ten days.

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

440 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a payment under the farm waste management scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9559/09]

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 approved for payment has commenced and will continue as claims are approved over the next few months. I have also announced that a special ex-gratia payment not exceeding 3.5 per cent of the value of the deferred amount will be made to farmers whose Farm Waste Management grants have been partially deferred. This payment will be made in January 2011 along with the final instalment.

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

441 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a payment under the farm waste management scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9560/09]

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 approved for payment has commenced and will continue as claims are approved over the next few months. I have also announced that a special ex-gratia payment not exceeding 3.5 per cent of the value of the deferred amount will be made to farmers whose Farm Waste Management grants have been partially deferred. This payment will be made in January 2011 along with the final instalment.

EU Directives.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

442 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a person (details supplied) will be exempted from nitrates regulations due to the size of their holding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9605/09]

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

The Regulations apply to all farm holdings regardless of their size. My Department has been in touch with farmers who appear to have exceeded the limits in the Regulations, advising them of the position and giving them an opportunity to reply. Each case will be considered on its merits. Farmers should contact their advisers or my Department if they have questions regarding the number of stock allowed on their holdings.

Veterinary Inspection Service.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

443 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of rejected AHC1 forms sent back to the PVPs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9608/09]

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

444 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if there are disciplinary consequences for an SVI who covers up false certification by sending back to a practitioner a rejected AHCS1 form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9609/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 443 and 444 together.

The purpose of AHCS1 forms is to permit testing practitioners to manually submit amendments to test reports that have already been submitted electronically. The acceptance of such forms is at the discretion of the Superintending Veterinary Inspector (SVI) in my Department's local District Veterinary Office (DVO). These forms can be rejected for a variety of reasons. In cases where the AHCS1 form has been rejected by the DVO, the original is kept on file and the testing practitioner is notified that the change requested has not been accepted. When such a rejected AHCS1 form relates to a testing practitioner wishing to add an animal to a test report, the current procedure is that he is notified by the DVO that a further individual test on the animal in question will be required.

My Department does not maintain a register of copies of AHCS1 forms that are returned to practitioners. I am not aware on any instances where an SVI has been involved in any irregular practice relating to AHCS1 forms or indeed test certification. The inference in the question that a Department official ‘covers up false certification' is a most serious charge and, if the Deputy has any evidence of such illegal practices, he should provide the specific information to my Department and the matter will be fully investigated.

Departmental Staff.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

445 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the staffing levels within his Department from 1975 to 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9611/09]

The following is a list of staff in my Department at end December on each year from 1974 to 2008, as sourced from the Books of Estimates for the relevant years.

Year (end of)

Numbers

1974

4,213

1975

4,283

1976

4,225

1977

4,284

1978

4,439

1979

4,560

1980

4,450

1981

4,399

1982

5,128

1983

4,929

1984

4,746

1985

4,556

1986

4,365

1987

4,196

1988

3,832

1989

3,716

1990

3,627

1991

3,723

1992

3,746

1993

3,904

1994

4,088

1995

4,004

1996

3,973

1997

4,095

1998

4,111

1999

4,248

2000

4,571

2001

4,546

2002

4,521

2003

4,578

2004

4,538

2005

4,441

2006

4,242

2007

4,300

2008

4,162

It should be noted that during the years in question, the make-up of the Department changed a number of times to take account of various transfer of functions as they occurred.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

446 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the breakdown of persons employed by his Department, by general administrative grade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9612/09]

The following is a breakdown of staff numbers by general administrative grade in my Department, as of 2 March 2009.

Grade

Whole Time Equivalent (WTE)

Secretary General

1.0

Assistant Secretary

11.0

Principal Officer

40.6

Assistant Principal

146.7

Administrative Officer

23.6

Higher Executive Officer

289.3

Executive Officer

498.8

Staff Officer

114.8

Clerical Officer

1,089.9

Grant Payments.

Thomas Byrne

Ceist:

447 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the status of applications made under the rural environmental protection scheme by persons (details supplied) in County Meath. [9624/09]

Both persons named have been approved for payment in respect of eleven months of 2008. The first part of the payment to the first person named issued on 20 February 2009. The first part of the payment to the second person named will issue within the next ten days. The balance of both payments will be made as soon as possible.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

448 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will receive payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9675/09]

A REPS 3 payment issued to the person named on 3 March 2009.

Fisheries Protection.

Andrew Doyle

Ceist:

449 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the appeals process open to a person (details supplied) regarding an authorisation decision in respect of cod fishing in the Irish Sea for 1 February 2009 which seems to have not considered circumstantial evidence in the final decision. [9681/09]

New rules restricting fishing vessels' days at sea in the Irish Sea and the waters to the northwest of Ireland and Scotland have been introduced as part of the EU's revised Cod Recovery Plan.

The plan has introduced a new system of effort management that sets effort ceilings (expressed in kilowatt-days) for groups of vessels or fleet segments. The management of these ceilings has been devolved to the national level. Member States have received annual allocations of fishing effort for the areas covered by the Plan, which include the Irish Sea (ICES area VIIa) and the waters to the northwest of Ireland and Scotland (ICES area VIa). The effort allocation levels were established by the EU Fisheries Council on the basis of an EU Commission proposal. They were calculated by averaging the fishing activity levels of each Member State in the areas during a reference period of 2004-2006 or 2005-2007 and then reducing that effort by 25%. This methodology means there is now limited fishing effort available for all Community vessels, including Irish vessels, fishing in the designated areas.

Under the plan, each Member State is required to introduce a licensing regime to manage its effort allocations. Any vessel longer than 10 metres overall must have an authorisation from its Member State in order to operate in one of the designated areas using the fishing gears covered by the plan. Member States can decide on the method of allocating their national pools of fishing effort, which are broken down by fishing gear type. Following consultations with representatives of the Irish fishing industry, a pilot system of authorisations and allocations of fishing effort was introduced for the period from 1 February to 30 April 2009.

The pilot scheme used the following approach to allocate fishing effort in areas VIa and VIIa to Irish vessels for the pilot management period of 1 February to 30 April 2009:

The track records of vessels operating in VIa and VIIa during the reference period of 2005-2008 were assessed to determine their eligibility to receive an authorisation to fish and an allocation of days-at-sea under the pilot scheme. Each vessel's "best year" of fishing days in the areas during the reference period was used to establish its track record.

Distribution bands were established for each of the specified gear types to facilitate the allocation of days-at-sea to vessels based on their track records with those gears. Each vessel's level of track record with a gear type fit into one of the distribution bands for that gear type. The vessel then was allocated the number days-at-sea for that gear which were associated with that distribution band.

The days-at-sea allocations for the first management period (1 February to 30 April 2009) were given on a pro-rata basis for each gear type based on Irish vessels' traditional fishing pattern with the gears in the area during that those months (e.g., if the months were traditionally very busy for a gear type, a higher portion of days-at-sea were allocated for that gear).

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

The individual referred to in the Deputy's question was issued with an authorisation and an allocation of kilowatt days for the current period in full accordance with the procedures outlined above.

Grant Payments.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

450 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason for the delay in issuing payment to a person (details supplied) in County Cork who has applied under the REP scheme four; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9697/09]

The person named is entitled to a REPS 4 payment in respect of eleven months of 2008, and 75% of his payment issued on 6 March 2009.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

451 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment will be made available to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick for REP scheme four; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9706/09]

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.

Dinny McGinley

Ceist:

452 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment of REP scheme four will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal. [9743/09]

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 Staff.

Seymour Crawford

Ceist:

453 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied that there are sufficient staff in each of the farm development offices serving counties Cavan, Louth and Monaghan to deal with farm waste management grants; when he expects that the applications will be finalised in each of these three offices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9795/09]

My Department keeps its staffing arrangements in local offices under constant review in order to ensure that payments continue to flow in a timely manner to farmers under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. It is also endeavouring to ensure that the appropriate inspections are completed within the shortest time possible and has introduced revised arrangements to expedite this process.

Grant Payments.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

454 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason for the delay in issuing payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork who has applied under REP scheme four; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9796/09]

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.

Decentralisation Programme.

Lucinda Creighton

Ceist:

455 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if senior officials of his Department, including the Secretary General, will be located in a decentralised office or in Dublin. [9797/09]

The Government decision in relation to the decentralisation of my Department is that the headquarters will move to Portlaoise. In 2004 the Department of Finance requested each Secretary General to discuss the question of decentralisation with their senior officers at Assistant Secretary level. Since then vacancies at this level in my Department are being filled by the Top Level Appointments Committee (TLAC) on the basis that the successful candidate will decentralise at the appropriate time.

I do not consider it appropriate to indicate the preferences of individual officers in the Department, but I can say that I am confident that there will be a sufficient cadre of people at this level to provide continuity of leadership and management experience as the decentralisation programme proceeds. This will include senior management being located in decentralised offices; already the Assistant Secretary with responsibility for Fisheries has moved to Clonakilty.

Legislative Programme.

Andrew Doyle

Ceist:

456 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will confirm that in the Government legislation programme, the proposed Bill 37 to consolidate and update existing legislation in the areas of animal health and welfare and to consolidate responsibility for the welfare of all animals, including non-farm animals, under his Department will include dogs. [9903/09]

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

Agricultural Training.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

457 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the situation regarding the future of agricultural colleges. [9910/09]

Under the Agriculture (Research, Training, and Advice) Act, 1988, Teagasc has delegated responsibility for the provision of education and training in agriculture. The future of agricultural colleges is therefore an operational matter for Teagasc itself which I understand is currently under consideration.

Ministerial responsibility to Dáil Eireann in relation to Teagasc is confined to matters of policy. The Minister does not interfere in the day-to-day operations of Teagasc.

Grant Payments.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

458 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the farm waste management grant will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9916/09]

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 approved for payment has commenced and will continue as claims are approved over the next few months. I have also announced that a special ex-gratia payment not exceeding 3.5 per cent of the value of the deferred amount will be made to farmers whose Farm Waste Management grants have been partially deferred. This payment will be made in January 2011 along with the final instalment.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

459 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the farm waste management grant will be awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9917/09]

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.

I have also announced that a special ex-gratia payment not exceeding 3.5 per cent of the value of the deferred amount will be made to farmers whose Farm Waste Management grants have been partially deferred. This payment will be made in January 2011 along with the final instalment. Payment of the first instalment of 40 per cent will be made very shortly by my Department to the person concerned.

Phil Hogan

Ceist:

460 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment will be made in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny under the farm waste management scheme and the farm improvement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9928/09]

The person concerned is an applicant under both the Farm Waste Management and the Farm Improvement Schemes. In the case of his application under the Farm Waste Management Scheme, the arrangements for payment of grants under that 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.

I have also announced that a special ex-gratia payment not exceeding 3.5 per cent of the value of the deferred amount will be made to farmers whose Farm Waste Management grants have been partially deferred. This payment will be made in January 2011 along with the final instalment. Payment of the first instalment of 40 per cent will be made very shortly by my Department to the person concerned. The grant due in respect of his application under the Farm Improvement Scheme will be made by my Department shortly.

Pension Provisions.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

461 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount paid by public servants in agencies under the remit of his Department in superannuation and pension contributions in 2007 and 2008. [9943/09]

Superannuation and pension contributions paid by public servants employed in bodies under the aegis of my Department is a matter for the bodies themselves as part of their day-to-day activities.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

462 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount paid by public servants in his Department in superannuation and pension contributions in 2007 and 2008. [9958/09]

The amounts paid by staff in my Department were €5,712,854 in 2007 and €6,661, 368 in 2008. These include contributions for the purchase of notional service and amounts due in order to reckon service transferred from previous public sector employment.

Departmental Staff.

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

463 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of fully qualified chartered accountants and management accountants employed by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9973/09]

The post of professional accountant in my Department is held by a member of staff who is a fully qualified accountant.

Foreshore Licences.

Ciarán Cuffe

Ceist:

464 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of foreshore lease applications under the Foreshore Act 1933 awaiting determination; the year in each case the application was made, the applicant’s name, county in which the lease is sought, and brief description of the development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9993/09]

The information requested by the Deputy is not immediately available and will require an extensive examination of the Department's files which has been commenced. When this has been completed, the information will be communicated to the Deputy without delay.

Grant Payments.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

465 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be granted REP scheme three. [10009/09]

Payment will issue to the person named within the next ten days.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

466 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. [10010/09]

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.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

467 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. [10011/09]

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 persons named and it is currently under further examination.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

468 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. [10012/09]

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.

Alternative Farm Enterprises.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

469 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement regarding the operation of the bio-energy establishment grant scheme and in particular his decision to allocate 900 hectares exclusively for willow; if he is satisfied that this allocation will be availed of in 2009; if not, if he will make arrangements immediately for the allocation of the balance of the 900 hectares to miscanthus growers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10035/09]

John Deasy

Ceist:

474 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of hectares in respect of which applications have been received for grant aid under the third round of the bioenergy scheme to grow each of the crops, willow and miscanthus; if there is a national upper limit to the total number of hectares of each of the crops which will be eligible for grant aid under BES; if over-subscription in respect of one of the crops will be accommodated from under-subscription of the other; if there has been a change in the practice in this respect in the current round compared to previous rounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10041/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 469 and 474 together.

The third Phase of the Bioenergy Scheme (2009) was launched in December 2008 to provide establishment grants to farmers to plant miscanthus and willow. As in previous years, the 2009 budget provision was split evenly between both crops. €2 million was made available to support the planting of 900 hectares of miscanthus and 900 hectares of willow. Overall, my Department received 271 applications to plant 1,850 hectares of miscanthus and 360 hectares of willow. My Department has issued ‘approvals' in respect of the 900 hectares of miscanthus and is preparing ‘approvals' for the 360 hectares of willow. The question of re-allocating unused funding from the allocation under the Bioenergy Scheme for willow planting to accommodate additional miscanthus planting in 2009 is currently being considered.

Grant Payments.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

470 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will clarify details regarding the ex-gratia payment to be made to farmers with the final instalment of their farm waste management scheme grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10036/09]

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 approved for payment has commenced and will continue as claims are approved over the next few months. I have also announced that a special ex-gratia payment not exceeding 3.5 per cent of the value of the deferred amount will be made to farmers whose Farm Waste Management grants have been partially deferred. This payment will be made in January 2011 along with the final instalment.

Farm Waste Management.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

471 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the outcome of his negotiations with the banks regarding interest paid by farmers on outstanding loans taken out to finance works under the farm waste management scheme; the concessions which he has secured from the banks regarding this issue; the individual banks involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10037/09]

The financial arrangements in respect of any loans taken out by farmers for the purposes of carrying out investments under the Farm Waste Management Scheme are entirely a matter between the individual farmers and financial institutions concerned.

However, I have announced that a special ex-gratia payment not exceeding 3.5 per cent of the value of the deferred payments under the Scheme will be made to farmers whose grants have been partially deferred. This payment will be made in January 2011 along with the final instalment.

Fishing Industry.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

472 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the role and function of his Department regarding the monitoring of gross tonnage and registered kilowatts in the fishing industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10038/09]

Council Regulation 2371/2002 on the conservation and sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources under the Common Fisheries Policy requires Member States to put in place measures to adjust the fishing capacity of their fleets in order to achieve a stable and enduring balance between such fishing capacity and their fishing opportunities. Commission Regulation 1438/2003 of 12 August 2003, laying down implementing rules on the Community Fleet Policy as defined in the Council Regulation, specifies the Reference Levels (effectively fleet capacity limits) expressed in terms of gross tonnes (GTs) and engine power (expressed in kilowatts — kW) for the total fishing capacity of fishing vessels flying the flag of each Member State.

Member States are required to ensure that these Reference Levels are not exceeded and to manage entries into the fleet and exits from the fleet in such a way that, from 1 January 2003, the entry of new capacity into the fleet without public aid is compensated by the previous withdrawal without public aid of at least the same amount of capacity. The Regulation also sets out provisions relating to the maintenance by Member States of fishing fleet registers as well as the Community fleet register, containing information supplied by Member States on vessel characteristics and activity.

In Ireland, the fleet reference level and entry/exit regime is managed at operational level by the Licensing Authority for Sea Fishing Boats, as part of the sea fishing boat licensing and registration process.

Under the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 2003, the functions of sea-fishing boat licensing were transferred from the Minister to the Licensing Authority for Sea-Fishing Boats, which operates on an independent basis subject to criteria set out in that Act and Ministerial Policy Directives. All applications for sea-fishing boat licences are considered by the Licensing Authority. The head of the Licensing Authority is the Registrar General of Fishing Boats who is a senior official in the Department.

The Registrar General of Fishing Boats has advised me that the Licensing Authority for Sea Fishing Boats requires documentary evidence of the Gross Tonnage, (GT) and Engine Power in Kilowatts, (KW) for each vessel as part of the sea-fishing boat licensing and registration process. The Marine Survey Office of the Department of Transport provide technical expertise in relation to aspects of licensing and registration of fishing vessels.

Grant Payments.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

473 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be granted their REP scheme three grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10039/09]

A REPS 3 payment issued to the person named on 9 March 2009.

Question No. 474 answered with Question No. 469.

Alternative Farm Enterprises.

John Deasy

Ceist:

475 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the status of the application for grant aid to grow miscanthus under the bioenergy scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; if the national quota for miscanthus has been exceeded; if the application will be accommodated under unused willow quota, as has been the previous practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10042/09]

My Department made €1m available in 2009 to grant aid the planting of 900 hectares of miscanthus. In total, 214 applications were received by the closing date of 31 January 2009 to plant 1,850 hectares of miscanthus. My Department has issued approvals in respect of the first 900 hectares of miscanthus submitted. The applicant concerned submitted an application to plant 6.04 hectares of miscanthus after the 900-hectare ceiling for miscanthus had been exceeded. The question of re-allocating unused funding from the allocation under the Bioenergy Scheme for willow planting to accommodate additional miscanthus planting in 2009 is currently being considered.

Departmental Advertising.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

476 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the cost of public advertising funded by his Department in 2008; the breakdown between statutory and non-statutory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10055/09]

The cost of publication of statutory notices (i.e. referring specifically to the making of Statutory Instruments) in 2008 was €79,283. The cost of publication of other notices mainly in relation to schemes operated by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in 2008 amounted to €1,024,017.

Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

P. J. Sheehan

Ceist:

477 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount of payments of REP scheme four for 2008 that have been paid in full and the amount of payments that remain to be paid to farmers; the expected cost of REP scheme four for 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10075/09]

REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007–13 and is subject to different EU Regulations from the preceding versions of REPS. The first 75 % 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.

To date just over €15 million has been paid or is in the process of being paid to 4,590 applicants, representing 75% of their 2008 REPS 4 payment. A further payment of 25% will be paid as soon as possible. While it is impossible to determine the total cost until all applications have been processed, it is expected that the total for REPS 4 payments for 2008 will be of the order of €53 million.

Food Industry.

Seymour Crawford

Ceist:

478 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of jobs provided in each of the counties Cavan and Monaghan through the food industry; if he is satisfied that this sector is getting sufficient support at the present time, taking account the recent fall in the value of sterling and the collapse in dairy prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10080/09]

The food and drinks sector exhibits a wide regional spread. This is seen prominently in data for the Border region (Cavan, Monaghan, Louth, Leitrim, Sligo and Donegal) where 111 food and beverages manufacturing units are situated (10 more than the Dublin region). As such, approximately 17% of food and drink units are located in the Border region. The most recent county breakdowns available from the CSO Census of Industrial Production (2005) show that there were 14 food and drink units in Cavan employing 1,460 people and 17 units in Monaghan employing 1,963 people.

My Department has supported farm and food enterprises along the food supply chain in accordance with the Agri-Vision 2015 strategy and Action Plan. This includes grant aid to support capital investment to improve competitiveness. Over €11 million in grant aid has been awarded under the Dairy Investment Fund to support capital investment in Cavan. In the period 2004 to 2006 almost €2.4 million in grant aid was awarded to egg packing and horticulture companies in Monaghan under my Department's Marketing and Processing Scheme. In December last a further €0.4 million was awarded to two small meat enterprises and a horticulture enterprise in Monaghan.

The rapid depreciation of sterling has presented a huge challenge for the food sector and highlights the importance of diversifying more of our exports. Bord Bia has accordingly developed promotional programmes and services to assist Irish food and drink companies to build business in Euro zone markets and Bord Bia research has prioritised target markets for prepared foods and identified opportunities for cheese and dairy ingredients. During 2009 Bord Bia will implement a comprehensive set of promotional programmes and services, which have been developed in consultation with industry bearing in mind the impact of the sterling differential on competitiveness. They include: Food Ingredients/Nutraceuticals (Europe), which will provide industry with detailed market requirements particularly for dairy ingredients. Participation in Trade Fairs in Paris, Madrid, Portugal and Amsterdam, mentoring on supplying Continental supermarket groups and provision of market insights. Private Label seminar (Scandinavia, Germany & Holland) with company specific mentoring and Private Label Manufacturers Association trade fair in Amsterdam. The establishment of a full-time Bord Bia presence in Shanghai is also significant.

As regards the dairy price situation, I have made clear to EU Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel my continued concern on the current state of the market and pressed for the immediate activation of market support measures to get the sector through this very difficult period. While the early introduction of Private Storage Aid for butter, the commitments regarding intervention for butter and skimmed milk powder and the reinstatement of export refunds in recent weeks have been helpful, I have emphasised that we need measures such as competitive refunds that lead to the permanent disposal of product and attractive intervention tendering arrangements as well as consideration of supports for the use of dairy products to help restore order to the sector. I will be discussing this matter further with the Commissioner later this week.

Harbours and Piers.

Tom Sheahan

Ceist:

479 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if funding granted under the Fishery Harbours and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme may be used in conjunction with funding from another Department to part finance works on public infrastructure (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10086/09]

The pier at Brandon is the property of Kerry County Council and responsibility for its repair and upkeep rests with the Local Authority in the first instance. Each year my Department invites proposals from all Local Authorities for inclusion in the annual Fishery Harbours and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme. No application was made by Kerry County Council in respect of the above mentioned location under the 2009 Programme.

However, any future application made by Kerry County Council will be considered based on available Exchequer funding and overall national priorities. The Department of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs administers the Coastal Development Scheme under the CLÁR programme. This programme runs in conjunction with my Department's Fishery Harbours and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme. Under the programme, projects approved under my Department's programme can be co-funded by Department of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs at a rate of either 37.5% or 12.5%, depending on the size of the project.

Qualifying projects up to a cost of €200,000 can be funded 37.5% by my Department and 37.5% by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs with the Local Authority contributing 25%. Qualifying projects costing in excess of €200,000 can potentially receive up to 75% of funding from my Department with the remaining 25% shared equally between the Local Authority and the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

Grant Payments.

Frank Feighan

Ceist:

480 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment will issue in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Roscommon. [10115/09]

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 approved for payment has commenced and will continue as claims are approved over the next few months. I have also announced that a special ex-gratia payment not exceeding 3.5 per cent of the value of the deferred amount will be made to farmers whose Farm Waste Management grants have been partially deferred. This payment will be made in January 2011 along with the final instalment.

Departmental Schemes.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

481 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the way in which the cycle to work scheme has been made available to staff in his Department and agencies under his remit; the location at which this scheme is not currently available; when it will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10794/09]

The provisions of Section 7 of the Finance (No.2) Act 2008 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 of Finance is preparing the detailed arrangements that will be required to implement the scheme. Upon receipt of these arrangements, the Department will start the process of putting the Scheme into operation. Details of implementation of the Scheme in respect of bodies under the aegis of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is a matter for the Bodies themselves as part of their day-to-day activities.

Special Educational Needs.

James Bannon

Ceist:

482 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be assured that their son, who has autism, has their future assured at their special needs school or if this child will be expected to bear the brunt of cutbacks. [9563/09]

James Bannon

Ceist:

495 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be assured that their son, who has autism, has their future assured at their special needs school or if this child will be expected to bear the brunt of cutbacks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9562/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 495 and 482 together.

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the criteria for allocating additional teaching and/or special needs assistant support for children with autism have not changed. Furthermore the rate of capitation funding payable in respect of special classes for autism attached to both mainstream primary schools and special schools was significantly increased from €880 per pupil to €986 per pupil.

The Deputy will be aware of the Government's commitment to ensuring that all children with special educational needs, including those with autism, can have access to an education appropriate to their needs preferably in school settings through the primary, special and post-primary school network. This facilitates access to individualised education programmes, fully qualified professional teachers, special needs assistants and the appropriate school curriculum.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

483 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has received an application for special needs assistance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; if this application will be expedited in view of their exceptional needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9486/09]

My officials are in contact with the child's parent concerning an application for home tuition funding. A decision on the application will be made as speedily as possible.

Schools Building Projects.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

484 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 518 of 29 October 2008, the status of a school building project (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9494/09]

As the Deputy is aware, my Department has received a major capital application from the school to which he refers. This project has a band rating of 2.1 under my Department's published prioritisation criteria for major capital projects. The building project is awaiting the appointment of a Design Team.

The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.

School Accommodation.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

485 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress being made with respect to the location and re-location of primary schools in the Tyrellstown area of Dublin 15; if a site has been acquired for the re-location of a school (details supplied); when construction will begin and be completed; if he has given further consideration to the recognition of a gaelscoil in Tyrellstown if temporary accommodation can be secured; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9495/09]

My Department is actively engaged in trying to secure a site in the area referred to by the Deputy and has issued instructions to the Chief State Solicitor's Office (CSSO) to this effect. The further progression of the acquisition of the site will be considered in the context of the capital budget available to the Department for school buildings generally. In light of the many competing demands on the capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the acquisition of the school site at this time.

With regard to the Gaelscoil, as the Deputy will be aware, on 14th September last, I announced a review of the procedures for recognising primary schools. In the interim period, it is not planned to recognise any new primary schools except in areas where increases in pupil numbers would require the provision of a new school. The application to establish a new Gaelscoil to serve Tyrellstown will be considered in this context.

Special Educational Needs.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

486 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes for children with mild disabilities which will be affected by the recent decision to remove funding for classes with fewer than nine pupils; and when this decision was made. [9498/09]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

487 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the consultations which took place with persons who initially assessed those children in classes for children with mild disabilities who will be obliged to move into mainstream education. [9499/09]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

488 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the policy basis for withdrawing funding for classes in respect of children with mild disabilities in classes of fewer than nine pupils. [9500/09]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

489 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the money that will be saved through the withdrawal of funding for classes in respect of children with mild disabilities of fewer than nine pupils. [9501/09]

Mary Upton

Ceist:

538 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will arrange for clustering of two schools for purposes of special classes for children with mild learning disabilities in respect of schools (details supplied) in Dublin 10; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9793/09]

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

542 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the case in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin. [9829/09]

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

567 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will reconsider his decision to suppress a special class at a school (details provided) in Dublin 22 in view of the fact that it is vital that the needs of pupils with special educational needs are catered for at this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10077/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 486 to 489, inclusive, 538, 542 and 567 together.

I wish to clarify for the Deputies that there will be no pupil with a special educational need who will be without access to a special needs teacher as a result of my Department's decision to apply the normal rules which govern the appointment and retention of teachers to special classes for pupils with a mild general learning disability.

The Deputies will be aware 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 case of 128 classes in 119 schools, the number of pupils dropped below this minimum. These schools therefore are no longer entitled to the teaching posts in these classes.

There are currently 534 pupils enrolled in these classes. 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. I will arrange for a list of the schools concerned to be sent to Deputy Ó Caoláin.

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.

I am open to listening to proposals from schools where they can demonstrate that it is educationally more beneficial for the pupils involved to be in a special class of their own rather than to be integrated with their peers and supported by the mainstream classroom teacher and the learning resource teacher.

School Accommodation.

Terence Flanagan

Ceist:

490 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of money spent on renting temporary accommodation in respect of schools in an area (details supplied) including prefabricated accommodation between 2006 and 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9503/09]

The information sought by the Deputy is not readily available prior to 2008, however, I can state that my Department grant-aided the rental of prefabricated units for schools in the Dublin area at a cost of €6.54m in 2008. Details of these schools are given in the tabular statement. The information is not recorded in my Department on a Constituency basis.

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. The overall policy goal is to ensure the highest standard of permanent accommodation for all schools. However, in the context of a rapidly increasing school population, the necessity to put additional accommodation in place in a short time frame, and competing pressure on the capital budget available to my Department, it is necessary to make use of temporary accommodation in order to meet accommodation needs in some circumstances.

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, Boosterstown, 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

Mandr 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., Ballbriggan, 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

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

Site Acquisitions.

Terence Flanagan

Ceist:

491 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science the outcome of his meeting with representatives of a group (details supplied) in County Dublin regarding obtaining a site for this new school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9504/09]

Based on current demographic trends the Department of Education and Science anticipates that there will be a need for a further post-primary school in Lucan in the medium term and has been in contact with South Dublin County Council regarding a potential site for future educational provision in the area.

Officials from the Department recently carried out a technical inspection of the various site options identified by South Dublin County Council and is currently considering these options. The Department will be in further contact with South Dublin County Council regarding the matter.

School Transport.

Andrew Doyle

Ceist:

492 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the doubling of school bus fees; and the number of students who avail of this service by county. [9505/09]

Niall Collins

Ceist:

548 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will introduce a waiver scheme for the increased school transport charges in respect of pupils whose parents and guardians are not in employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9893/09]

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

555 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on introducing a waiver scheme in respect of charges under the school transport scheme. [9933/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 492, 548 and 555 together.

The costs in school transport, a service delivered by Bus Éireann on behalf of my Department, have been increasing arising from a range of issues such as:

In ensuring a comfortable and safe transport service for over 135,000 children daily travelling to and from school (breakdown by county not readily available), measures to ensure the highest standards including the phasing out of the 3 for 2 seating arrangement on both primary and post-primary services, providing all children with an adult seat each;

The addition of a considerable number of vehicles to address capacity shortfalls arising from the decision to provide each child with an individual seat and the equipping of all dedicated school buses with safety belts;

Increased demands to meet the needs of special needs children;

Parental choice.

In order to minimise the overall impact of these charges on families:

the increases will apply to the 55,000 eligible post primary pupils and children availing of concessionary transport;

Primary school transport remains free of charge for over 54,500 children;

Parents will be offered the option to spread the amount due over two payments payable in July and December;

A maximum family payment of €650 will apply;

Charges continue to be waived in the case of eligible post-primary children where the family is in possession of a valid medical card.

The overall spend on school transport in 2009 is now estimated to be €194m — a reduction of €2m in the revised allocations as a result of efficiencies. This represents a significant increase of over €84m (over 77%) since 2004, up from €109.8m.

Taking into all the factors outlined, it is not envisaged that there will be a reduction in the annual charge system, the estimated expenditure or the level of charges. My Department has also commenced a Value for Money Review of the School Transport Scheme which is to be completed before the end of the year.

School Staffing.

Michael Noonan

Ceist:

493 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to an appeal lodged to the appeal board for management staffing by a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; if he will look favourably on the appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9519/09]

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

499 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will ensure that there will be no reduction in teaching staff at schools (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9588/09]

P. J. Sheehan

Ceist:

515 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he received correspondence from the board of management of a school (details supplied) in County Cork; if he will confirm that he has replied and that he will maintain the current staffing levels in such circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9644/09]

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

575 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Science if a teaching post at a school (details supplied) in County Cork is to be suppressed as and from September 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10122/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 493, 499, 515 and 575 together.

I have consistently said that 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 budget measures will impact on individual schools in different ways depending on whether enrolment is rising or declining and the degree to which any one school has more teachers than it is entitled to under the allocation processes. In terms of the position at individual school level the key factor for determining the level of resources provided by my Department is the pupil enrolment at 30 September 2008. The annual process of seeking this enrolment data from schools took place in the autumn and the data has since been received and processed in my Department enabling the commencement of the processes by which teaching resources are allocated to schools for the school year that begins next September.

My Department has written to the primary schools that are projected to have a net loss or gain in classroom teaching posts in September, 2009 including the schools referred to by the Deputies. As part of my efforts to ensure that relevant information is openly available to the public detailed information on the opening position for primary schools is now published on my Department's website. This provisional list sets out the details on individual schools that, taken collectively, are projected to gain 128 posts and to lose 382 posts — a net reduction of 254 posts. It is my intention to have this information updated and ultimately to set out the final position when the allocation processes are completed.

The above allocations are provisional at this stage and reflect the initial allocation position. The final position for any one school will depend on a number of other factors such as additional posts for schools that are developing rapidly and posts allocated as a result of the appeals processes. The operation of redeployment arrangements also impacts on the final position as a teacher can remain in his or her existing school where a suitable redeployment position does not exist. The final staffing position for all schools will therefore not be known until the autumn. At that stage the allocation process will be fully completed for mainstream classroom teachers and appeals to the Staffing Appeals Board including any appeals submitted by the schools referred to by the Deputies will have been considered.

It is open to any primary school Board of Management to submit an appeal under certain criteria to the independent Appeal Board which was established to adjudicate on appeals on mainstream staffing allocations in primary schools. Details of the criteria and application dates for appeal are contained in the staffing schedule, Circular 0002/2009, available on my Department's website.

The Appeal Board meets in May, July and October each year to consider cases submitted. Appeals must be submitted to Primary Allocations Section, Department of Education and Science, Athlone, on the standard application form, clearly stating the criterion under which the appeal is being made. The standard application form is available on my Department's website. Closing dates for receipt of staffing appeals in the current year are 29 April, 29 May and 9 October 2009. The Appeal Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.

School Curriculum.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

494 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason there are anomalies in the criteria for an Irish exemption between children progressing to secondary school from private schools and from mainstream schools (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9525/09]

As part of the primary school curriculum Irish is a compulsory subject. Department Circular 12/96 applies to primary schools funded by my Department and sets out the conditions under which exemption from the study of Irish may be granted to primary pupils. In relation to one criteria, an exemption can be granted for pupils with a specific or general learning difficulty on foot of a report furnished by a qualified psychologist.

The same criteria apply to granting of exemptions at post-primary level, under Departmental Circular M10/94. Under the terms of this Circular, delegated authority to grant exemptions from Irish, within the conditions laid down, is vested in the school management. Exemptions granted within the stated criteria to a student in a State funded primary school will be carried forward to their post-primary school.

As my Department has no function in relation to the funding of private primary schools any exemptions granted by private schools, while not automatically carried forward to post-primary schools, are reviewed by post-primary schools on a case by case basis. I understand that the school in question in relation to this case, is reviewing the student's details prior to their entry to the post-primary school next September.

Question No. 495 answered with Question No. 482.

Schools Building Projects.

James Bannon

Ceist:

496 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will expedite the building of a new school (details supplied) in County Longford, in view of the recent engineer’s report, which indicated that the 40 year old pre-fab structure in which this school is accommodated is in a serious condition and in danger of collapsing, which poses a huge threat to the health and safety of the pupils and teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9566/09]

The school to which the Deputy refers has applied to my Department for capital funding for a new school building. 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.

In the interim, it is open to the school authority to apply to my Department for funding to repair the existing school building if the Board of management deems this necessary. The school authority has been advised accordingly.

Arthur Morgan

Ceist:

497 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department has considered a site on Dominick Street, Dublin 1 for the development of a new school building (details supplied); the estimated cost for the building of such a site; if a cost benefit analysis will be carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9569/09]

I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department has made preliminary enquires with the local authority in relation to its plans for the Dominick Street area of Dublin.

As the local authority plans for the area have not, to date, advanced to any significant degree, the Department has not carried out a cost benefit analysis for the project in question. It is not, therefore, possible to provide an indication of what the cost might be if the school in question was to be re-located there. I should inform the Deputy, however, that my Department does not usually provide this information prior to tendering as this could jeopardise the tendering process.

School Transport.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

498 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children who are availing of a scheme (details supplied) in County Clare; the cost of this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9579/09]

The detailed information requested by the Deputy for County Clare is not readily available.

In the region of 135,000 pupils nationally avail of school transport services including over 8,000 pupils with special educational needs and approximately 9,000 pupils who are issued with tickets by Bus Éireann for travel on public service buses and rail services including DART services.

The allocation for school transport services in 2009 is €194 million — a reduction of €2 million in the revised allocations as a result of efficiencies.

Question No. 499 answered with Question No. 493.

Schools Building Projects.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

500 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science when a school (details supplied) in County Offaly, which has applied for the replacement of its old building and prefabricated buildings on site, will be considered under his Department’s multi-annual school building and modernisation programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9590/09]

The project to which the Deputy refers is at an advanced Stage of Architectural Planning.

The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

501 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application by a school (details supplied) in County Offaly under the school buildings programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9591/09]

The proposed extension and refurbishment project to which the Deputy refers is at an advanced Stage of Architectural Planning.

The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

502 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science the band a school (details supplied) in County Dublin is currently on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9592/09]

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

503 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of the fact that a school (details supplied) in County Dublin is at stage 2a in the development process, the school is in a position to move to the planning stage; if he will clarify that there are no major issues outstanding with his Department’s architect that would hinder same; if notification of status regarding suitability for planning will be sent to the principal and chair of the board of management of the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9593/09]

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

519 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of the request by his Department for a school (details supplied) to move from an eight classroom school to a 16 classroom school in order to cater for a rapidly increasing population in its hinterland, he will outline the timeframe for final construction of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9682/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 502, 503 and 519 together.

The building project for the school to which the Deputy refers is at an early stage of architectural planning. The school's architect met with officials from my Department's Planning and Building Unit in January and submitted additional information relating to the current stage of the project in late February. My Department will revert to the school when this information has been considered.

All applications for large scale capital funding, including the project in question, are assessed against published prioritisation criteria and assigned a band rating. This proposed project has been assigned a band 1 rating.

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 Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the further progression of the project at this time.

Planning Issues.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

504 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will clarify the process that schools applying for planning permission have to go through local authorities; if there are plans to speed this process up further; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9594/09]

The position generally regarding the planning process for school building projects is that schools must comply with the requirements of the Local Government Planning and Development Acts. However there has been some recent changes to the legislation which has provided certain exemptions for temporary schools. (These are prescribed in Statutory Instrument 235 of 2008).

Also in relation to the wider matters of school provision and the planning process, on 1 August 2008, together with Mr. John Gormley, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr. Michael Finneran, T.D., Minister of State with responsibility for Housing, Urban Renewal and Developing Areas, announced the publication of a Code of Practice on the Provision of Schools and the Planning System.

The Code of Practice which was agreed between the two Departments, in conjunction with the City and County Managers' Association, sets out the roles, responsibilities and specific actions to be taken in relation to forecasting future demand for school places and planning for schools provision through the development plan, local area plan and development management processes. The Code of Practice, which is issued as statutory guidelines under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, is part of a wider package of initiatives designed to facilitate the provision of schools and schools-related infrastructure within the planning system.

The Code of Practice will help to ensure best practice approaches are followed by planning authorities in facilitating the timely and cost-effective roll-out of school facilities by the Department of Education and Science. The Code of Practice builds on guidance provided in the Department's June 2007 Development Plan Guidelines and outlines the principles and scope for integrating schools provision with the development plan process and, in particular, in linking anticipated levels of demand for school places with housing strategies and the provision of large-scale residential developments.

One of the Code of Practice's core objectives is that the provision of any new schools should be driven by and emerge from an integrated approach between the planning functions of planning authorities and the Department of Education and Science, and that planning authorities will co-operate and co-ordinate with the Department of Education and Science in ensuring the timely delivery of schools.

My Department consults regularly with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, on planning matters so as to ensure the smoothing of any issues that might arise during the planning application stage. Ultimately any changes in the planning process and legislation are a matter for that Department.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

505 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science if, notwithstanding the energy saving benefits of proper insulation in schools and orientation of classrooms, his attention has been drawn to the potential to cut energy costs at schools and raise revenue at the same time through the installation of modern photovoltaic solar panels; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that the Joint Committee on Education and Science recently discussed this issue and that one of the main barriers identified was the inability to feed into the grid and get a return on this energy feed and that this barrier no longer exists and schools or his Department will be able to get paid for electricity produced outside of school hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9595/09]

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

506 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of the fact that schools now have the potential to produce their own electricity for much of the year through modern photovoltaic arrays, rotating or fixed, and get paid by the ESB for the spare capacity that exists during the summer months, he will amend policy regarding the installation of such panels in new school builds given the considerably shorter payback required; if he will expedite current pilot programmes in view of the need for such substantive money saving initiatives in the current economic climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9596/09]

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

507 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on a payback scheme for the retrofitting of photovoltaic panels at existing schools, or installation in a new build, whereby said schools can utilise the free electricity during school hours while his Department will recoup the capital cost through the selling of surplus electricity to the national grid generated outside of school hours, particularly during the summer months, passing the income in full onto the school once the investment has been paid off; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9597/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 505 to 507, inclusive, together.

My Department is at the forefront of design with respect to energy efficiency in school buildings and this performance has been recognised at both National and International level with sustainable energy awards for excellence in Design and Specification and, recently, by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Science during a presentation on energy efficiency in school buildings by officials from my Department.

The Department's Technical Guidance Documents, which set the benchmark for low energy design in schools, are clearly focused on energy efficiency and are based on solid energy research projects. All new schools must achieve a BER rating of A3.

It has been demonstrated that all Primary Schools designed and built in line with the above policy and the technical guidance documents can have an energy performance that is 2.3 times more efficient than International best practice and nearly five times more efficient than schools built in the late '80s.

My Department's policy is supported by a strong research programme with over thirty five research projects at various stages currently in hand.

A hybrid approach is taken with respect to low energy design in schools based on maximising natural resources and energy efficient technologies. New schools are positioned to maximise gain from the sun during the day for passive solar heating and natural daylight. Passive solar design saves 20% of early morning heating period and adequate natural daylight when combined with automated lighting systems in the classrooms can eliminate the need for electrical light for up to 80% of the schools teaching hours.

Energy efficient boilers and individual room temperature controls combined with a strong emphasis on air tight testing and high insulation levels minimise heat requirements. Water usage is minimised through automatic shut off taps and dual flush toilets, while local water blending valves are provided to prevent scalding and rain water recovery is provided.

One of the above projects is to evaluate and test the suitable application, performance and compatibility of Photovoltaic for electrical generation in schools with school electrical requirements in terms of demand characteristics, controls, reliability, maintenance and operation. This project now includes, as part of its review, the recent Government decision to allow micro-generators to sell into the national grid as announced on 26 February 2009.

As with the application of any new technology in schools, decisions on the national roll out and procurement options will only be taken after the technology is tested appropriately in the school environment.

Schools Building Projects.

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

508 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps taken to advance to completion the provision of a school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9606/09]

Simon Coveney

Ceist:

539 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress being made since his announcement on 6 February 2009 in respect of a school (details supplied); when the school will progress from stage 2A; the overall timescale for this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9794/09]

Deirdre Clune

Ceist:

547 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will be in a position to begin construction in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9884/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 508, 539 and 547 together.

The school to which the Deputies refer was included in my announcement on 12 February of 43 major building projects to proceed to tender and construction during 2009.

Officials from my Department will shortly be in contact with the school and its design team to invite them to attend a briefing session which will guide them on the next steps to be taken.

Psychological Service.

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

509 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of psychologists who have been appointed to the National Educational Psychological Service since June 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9626/09]

I can inform the Deputy that 30 psychologists have been appointed to the National Educational Psychological Service since 1st June 2008.

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

510 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of psychologists who have resigned from the National Educational Psychological Service each year, for the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9627/09]

I can inform the Deputy that the following are the number of psychologists who have resigned from NEPS in the past five years:

2005 — 6

2006 — 2

2007 — 2

2008 — 3

2009 — 0

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

511 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of psychologists available on the existing panel of qualified personnel created by the Public Appointments Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9628/09]

My Department has confirmed, with the Public Appointments Service, that there are currently 24 individuals on the recruitment panel established for the National Educational Psychological Service.

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

512 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the level of funding that has been set aside in 2009 for the recruitment of additional psychologists in the National Educational Psychological Service; the number of additional psychologists he envisages will be appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9629/09]

As the Deputy will be aware I was pleased to announce in the context of Budget 2009 an increase in the funding, in the order of €4.75m, available to the National Educational Psychological Service with which it is envisaged that up to 50 further psychologists can be appointed. I can confirm that this additional funding allocation has been made to NEPS allocation for the current year.

Recruitment of these psychologists has begun from the existing panel of 24 qualified personnel. It is intended that upon its depletion that a new panel will be established, based on a competition to be organised by the Public Appointments Service, to fulfil the required expansion target in this regard.

Third Level Charges.

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

513 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has requested that the Comptroller and Auditor General carry out a forensic audit of third level funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9630/09]

As the Deputy is aware, I recently announced the launch of a process to develop a new national strategy for higher education. The process, which is now underway, is being overseen by a high level steering group, chaired by economist Dr Colin Hunt and comprising national and international expertise including academic, business, community and student interests, as well as senior government officials. It is expected that the group will complete its work before the end of the year.

The process affords a timely opportunity to review the environment for higher education and the challenges and changes that are impacting on the sector. An examination of the overall operational, governance and resourcing framework are important elements of the strategy review. The government is investing unprecedented levels of public funding in higher education and it is appropriate to look at the effectiveness of use of current resources, identify any potential for rationalisation or change to maximise the use of those resources and identify how any additional resource requirements can be met having particular regard to the difficult budgetary and economic climate that is in prospect in the medium term. The Comptroller and Auditor General has signalled his intention to carry out a programme of work in the higher education area that will assist in informing the review of the effectiveness of use of current resources.

School Accommodation.

Dinny McGinley

Ceist:

514 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science if an application has been received from a school (details supplied) in County Donegal for additional or replacement accommodation; the details of the accommodation sought; when the application was made; if it is being processed at the moment; when a decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9633/09]

An application for replacement of prefabricated classrooms was received in July 2008 from the school referred to by the Deputy.

The application was approved and works have reached practical completion. The approved funding is currently being processed.

Question No. 515 answered with Question No. 493.

Grant Payments.

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

516 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the way the decision on a reduction in funding in respect of transition year grants will be implemented; the criteria which will be applied in order to decide when grants will be withdrawn; the amount of savings which will be made by this reduction in funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9663/09]

The transition year grant was abolished for all schools with effect from 1 January 2009. Savings of approximately €2.55 million are expected to accrue as a result of its abolition.

In framing the budget, a range of very difficult policy choices had to be faced by the Government across all areas of public expenditure, including in the field of education. While education remains a priority for the Government, it was necessary to curtail expenditure in some areas.

While certain grants were abolished, I would like to emphasise that the capitation grant for post-primary schools has been increased by 4.3%, representing an increase of €14 per pupil, to bring it to €345 per pupil since January 2009.

Voluntary secondary schools have also benefited from an increase in the school services support grant by €8 per pupil since January 2009. This means, for example, that a secondary school with an enrolment of 500 pupils will receive an additional €11,000 in funding in 2009.

School Staffing.

Frank Feighan

Ceist:

517 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will reverse the decision to cut by 23% the number of teachers being allocated to Roscommon Vocational Educational Committee for 2009. [9673/09]

The 2009 Budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. Decisions were made in order to control expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long term. In this respect my Department, while protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure, could not be entirely spared, and I acknowledge the impact of funding restrictions in a number of areas, including at school level. However, these are the inevitable result of the challenging economic environment and the need to manage Exchequer resources prudently. These decisions included the withdrawal of teaching posts which have been historically provided under previous disadvantage schemes to non-DEIS schools and the increasing of the pupil teacher ratio across all second-level schools from 18:1 to 19:1. In the case of fee-charging post-primary schools, there will be an additional one-point adjustment to 20:1.

Teacher allocations to all VEC schools are approved annually by my Department in accordance with established rules based on recognised pupil enrolment. In accordance with these rules each VEC is required to organise its subject options within the limit of its approved teacher allocation. The deployment of teaching staff, the range of subjects offered and ultimately the quality of teaching and learning are in the first instance a matter for the VECs.

In accordance with existing arrangements, where a school management authority is unable to meet its curricular commitments within its approved allocation, my Department considers applications for additional short term support i.e. curricular concessions.

This concession is available as a short-term support to enable essential curricular provision to continue.

The allocation processes also include appellate mechanisms under which VECs can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. The CEO of a VEC can submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeal Board which was established specifically to adjudicate on appeals on staffing allocations in post-primary schools. This Board operates independently of my Department.

Discrete allocations are also made to VEC schools to cater for pupils with Special Educational Needs and those with Language difficulties for example.

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.

State Examinations.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

518 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will reconsider the granting of a waiver to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly in respect of the leaving certificate; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the same person had a similar waiver for their junior certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9677/09]

The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations including organising the holding of examinations and determining procedures in places where examinations are conducted including the supervision of examinations.

I can inform the Deputy that the Commission operates a scheme of Reasonable Accommodations in the certificate Examinations. Applications for such accommodations are submitted by schools on behalf of their students.

In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to the Deputy.

Question No. 519 answered with Question No. 502.

School Staffing.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

520 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on correspondence (details supplied); the action he will take to address the concerns expressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9699/09]

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Ceist:

543 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on correspondence regarding the provision of language support in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9833/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 520 and 543 together.

My Department is aware of the correspondence referred to by the Deputies and has been in touch with the school concerned. I have consistently said that the 2009 Budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. These decisions were made to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. In this respect Education, while protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure, could not be totally spared. The various impacts at school level were included in the Budget day announcements. Even with the budget measures in place there will still be a significantly increased borrowing requirement in 2009.

In light of the Budget 2009 decision a new circular will be published shortly setting out how the new arrangements will operate for the allocation of language support teachers. The budget measures will mean that the level of language support will be reduced from a maximum of six extra teachers per school to a maximum of two teachers per school, as was the case before 2007. However, there will be some alleviation for the position of those schools where there is a significant concentration of newcomer pupils as a proportion of the overall enrolment. 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.

We still envisage having over 1,400 language support teaching posts in our primary and post-primary schools in September 2009 and up to about 500 other teachers in part-time posts. By any standards this is a very significant resource and the challenge will be to ensure that it is used to maximum effect.

School Accommodation.

Tom Sheahan

Ceist:

521 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount spent on renting prefabs (details supplied) in respect of schools in County Kerry. [9702/09]

Following a survey of over 900 schools across the country my Department has set up a database giving details regarding their use of prefabricated accommodation. 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. The overall policy goal is to ensure the highest standard of permanent accommodation for all schools. However, in the context of a rapidly increasing school population, the necessity to put additional accommodation in place in a short time frame, and competing pressure on the capital budget available to my Department, it is necessary to make use of temporary accommodation in order to meet accommodation needs in some circumstances.

Details of the schools in County Kerry renting prefabricated units are given in the following tabular statement. The information sought by the Deputy regarding the cost of these rentals prior to 2008 is not readily available. However, I can say that the total amount spent on rentals in Co. Kerry for 2008 was €459,347.

Roll No.

Name

Address

Start Date

03132I

Sliabh A’Mhadra NS

Slievadara, Ballyduff, Kerry

01/09/05

04062S

Listowel Convent PS

Listowel, Kerry

01/09/06

06227L

Scoil Mhaolcheadair

Baile na nGall, Tra Li, Kerry

24/10/05

07841L

Kilgobnet N S

Kilgobnet, Kilarney, Kerry

16/04/07

08320L

St Clare’s GNS

Kenmare Convent, Railway Rd., Kenmare, Kerry

30/08/07

10014Q

Coolick NS

Coolick, Kilcummin, Kerry

01/09/07

12701W

Scoil an Fhaill Mor

Cahirciveen, Kerry

16/07/07

13530D

Scoil Mhuire

Tralee, Kerry

01/09/07

13530D

Scoil Mhuire

Tralee, Kerry

01/09/07

13530D

Scoil Mhuire

Tralee, Kerry

01/09/07

13615L

Scoil Eoin

Ballonagh, Tralee, Kerry

01/09/05

15592M

Scoil Cheann Tra

Ceann Tra, Tralee, Kerry

31/08/06

15945T

Firies NS

Church Rd, Firies, Killarney, Kerry

01/09/05

16217O

Scoil Bhreac Chluain

Annascaul, Kerry

30/03/07

16898S

SN Breandan Naofa

Blennerville, Tralee, Kerry

01/09/06

17646T

O’Brennan NS

Kielduff, Tralee, Kerry

01/09/99

17646T

O’Brennan NS

Kielduff, Tralee, Kerry

01/09/05

17915U

Freastogail Mhuire Mixed NS

Killahan, Abbeydorney, Kerry

24/10/06

18247K

CBS Tralee

Tralee, Kerry

01/09/07

18247K

CBS Tralee

Tralee, Kerry

01/09/07

18247K

CBS Tralee

Tralee, Kerry

01/09/07

18247K

CBS Tralee

Tralee, Kerry

01/09/07

18247K

CBS Tralee

Tralee, Kerry

01/09/07

18247K

CBS Tralee

Tralee, Kerry

01/09/07

18247K

CBS Tralee

Tralee, Kerry

01/09/07

18247K

CBS Tralee

Tralee, Kerry

01/09/07

18702I

Spa NS

Fenit, Tralee, Kerry

01/09/06

18832V

Scoil Naoimh Iosef

Castlemaine, Kerry

01/12/07

19487M

Holy Cross Mercy NS

New Road, Killarney, Kerry

01/09/07

19448C

Scoil Realt na Mara

Ardea, Tuosist, Kerry

01/10/05

19512I

St Oliver’s NS

Ballycasheen, Killarney, Kerry

01/09/06

19512I

St Oliver’s NS

Ballycasheen, Killarney, Kerry

01/09/06

19512I

St Oliver’s NS

Ballycasheen, Killarney, Kerry

01/09/07

19512I

St Oliver’s NS

Ballycasheen, Killarney, Kerry

01/09/07

19512I

St Oliver’s NS

Ballycasheen, Killarney, Kerry

01/09/07

19512I

St Oliver’s NS

Ballycasheen, Killarney, Kerry

01/09/07

19512I

St Oliver’s NS

Ballycasheen, Killarney, Kerry

01/09/07

19547E

St Francis Spec School

Beaufort, Kerry

01/11/05

20013U

GS Lios Tuathail

Bothar na Leabhaelainne, Listowel, Kerry

01/09/04

FÁS Training Programmes.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

522 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 20 of 26 February 2009, if he will ensure at departmental level that FÁS will, at his intervention, in the first instance open up discussions with the institutes of technology and the vocational educational committees to ensure contracts for the provision of relevant courses for recently unemployed workers will be delivered through the existing public system of education, including adult education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9709/09]

As I indicated in my reply on 26 February 2009, FÁS in addition to their own delivery of courses, already contract with other bodies for provision of relevant courses. VECs and Institutes of Technology can bid for the provision of appropriate courses.

As the Deputy is aware, FÁS operates under the aegis of the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and her Department. The Department of Education and Science liaises with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with a view to improving the co-ordination of our efforts and facilitating better co-operation and collaboration at local and regional level among the relevant education and training providers.

In particular, the Department of Education and Science participates in the Upskilling Co-Ordination Group, which comprises representatives from this Department, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and key training providers including FÁS, Skillnets, Engineers Ireland, the County Enterprise Boards, the VECs, the Institutes of Technology and the Higher Education Authority.

The purpose of this group is to discuss any issues concerning the provision of training that arise amongst the State's key training providers. It aims to improve interagency cooperation, facilitate the exchange of information on operational and policy aspects and the avoidance of duplication. It also aims to ensure that the impact realised from the State's investment in education and training is maximized.

All of these organisations are working together at both national and local level to ensure that both the education and training sectors respond in an optimal way to the situation we are currently facing. I consider that the present arrangements are the best way to address the provision of relevant courses for recently unemployed workers.

Public Service Pension Levy.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

523 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to parliamentary Question No. 35 of 26 February 2009, the way his Department proposes to exempt school secretaries and school caretakers in post-primary and primary schools, who do not contribute to a pension scheme from the payment of the recently announced pension related levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9710/09]

As I stated in my reply to the Deputy on 26 February 2009, secretaries and caretakers in primary and post-primary schools who are not members of a public service pension scheme are not subject to the public service pension-related deduction.

There are some secretaries and caretakers who are members of a public service pension scheme, for example in community and comprehensive schools. In such cases, the schools have been advised by my Department of the arrangements they need to implement to give effect to the pension-related deduction.

School Accommodation.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

524 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps he proposes to take to facilitate and assist boards of management to renegotiate the rental cost of prefab accommodation with the contractors and providers of such accommodation having regard to the downturn in the economy and the correction in the private rental market across the commercial, residential and retail sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9711/09]

My Department provides grant aid towards the provision of temporary school accommodation to the management authorities of education providers where it is established that a need for such temporary accommodation exists. Generally, where schools require temporary accommodation, the Board of Management is responsible for acquiring such temporary accommodation and the rental contract is between the Board of Management and the supplying contractor.

A review of rental policy is ongoing which will, inter alia, cover an examination of the contract terms to incorporate buy out, buy back, rental costs and relocation options if local circumstances require it. The review will involve an investigation of all existing rental contracts between schools and suppliers with a view to identifying action to reduce overall rental costs for the Department.

In the meantime, schools proposing to rent temporary accommodation must seek competitive quotes from suppliers which should allow them to take advantage of changing market prices.

Schools Building Projects.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

525 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary and post-primary school building projects at stage one within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9716/09]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

526 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary and post-primary school building projects at stage two within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9717/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 525 and 526 together.

The stages of architectural planning referred to by the Deputy arise from my Department's design team procedures for the procurement of major capital projects. These are necessary to comply with Department of Finance guidelines which require that capital projects be fully designed prior to going to tender. They also ensure proper cost management of capital projects and facilitate compliance with statutory and public procurement requirements.

At present, there are five stages involved in the delivery of major school projects which reflects the Capital Works Management Framework developed by the Department of Finance.

The stages are as follows:

Stage 1 — Preliminary

Stage 2 — Design (which is divided into Stage 2a — Developed Sketch Scheme and

Stage 2b — Detailed Design)

Stage 3 — Tender Action, Evaluation and Award

Stage 4 — Construction

Stage 5 — Handover of Works and Final Account.

There are currently 46 major school building projects at stage 1. Of these, 29 are primary schools and 17 are post-primary schools.

There are currently 86 major school building projects at stage 2. Of these, 54 are primary schools and 32 are post-primary schools.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

527 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the omission of a school (details supplied) from the list of school building projects due to proceed in 2009; if his attention has been drawn to the health and safety report that showed up the critical nature of this school’s situation and that the school requires immediate funding to proceed with the building project; his views on the health and safety upgrades necessary for this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9725/09]

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 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 at this time.

I met with a deputation from the school last October when the school's situation was fully outlined. Individual school authorities are responsible in the first instance for health and safety issues relating to schools. Primary school authorities may use their annual minor works grant to deal with such issues. It is also open to the school to apply to the Planning and Building Unit of my Department for emergency works funding for capital works of an urgent nature.

School Accommodation.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

528 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps he has taken or will take in order to establish a condition and analysis survey of all of the 3,200 primary schools here; if he has started negotiations with the technical departments of the local authorities with a view to obtaining logistical and personnel assistance from such bodies; if he has opened up discussions with the vocational education committees with a view to seeking their logistical and personnel co-operation in order to minimise the cost of data collection and accelerate its acquisition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9727/09]

Arrangements are being made to conduct a survey of accommodation at primary and post-primary level and this will establish the position relating to the extent of all accommodation. The specifications for this inventory are being drafted and my Department will be in contact with the education partners in relation to this later this year.

Schools Building Projects.

Dinny McGinley

Ceist:

529 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science the primary schools which have gone to tender and construction from the list of 36 such schools that were named on his Department’s list issued on 25 April 2006; the schools which have not gone to tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9728/09]

To date, 17 of the schools referred to by the Deputy have gone to tender and construction. A further 10 schools have recently been approved to proceed to tender and construction. The remaining 9 schools are all at an advanced stage of architectural planning. Details in respect of the schools are included in the schedule set out below.

County

Roll No.

Name and Address of School

Project

Status

Carlow

17127S

St Josephs Ns, Hacketstown, Co Carlow

Extension

In Architectural Planning

Carlow

17501Q

S N Binn An Choire, Binn An Choire, Co Ceatharlach

Extension

In Architectural Planning

Carlow

18363M

S N Muire Gan Smal, Green Lane, Carlow

Extension

Proceeding to tender and construction

Cavan

06998Q

S N Tulach A Mhile, Corlough, Belturbet

New School

Proceeding to tender and construction

Clare

13418J

Ballyea Mixed N S, Sn Baile Aodha, Darragh

Extension

Gone to tender and construction

Cork

20204E

Kilworth N S, Co Cork, Co Cork

New School

Gone to tender and construction

Donegal

18219F

Sn Chonaill, Machaire Chlochair, Bun Beag

Extension

In Architectural Planning

Donegal

19333I

Dooish N S, Ballybofey, Co Donegal

Extension

Gone to tender and construction

Dublin

13447Q

Scoil Mhuire, Lucan, Co Dublin

Extension

In Architectural Planning

Dublin

16964F

Scoil Mhuire Ogh 1, Loreto College, Crumlin Rd

Extension

Proceeding to tender and construction

Dublin

18324C

Scoil Bride C, Palmerstown, Dublin 20

Extension

Proceeding to tender and construction

Dublin

18646B

Springdale N S, Springdale Ns, Lough Derg Rd

New School

Proceeding to tender and construction

Dublin

19015R

St Josephs G N S, Barry Avenue, Finglas West

Refurb

Gone to tender and construction

Dublin

20020R

Gaelscoil Thaobh Na Coille, Cill Tiarnain, B.A.C. 18

New School

Gone to tender and construction

Dublin

20048Q

Gaelscoil Lios Na Nog, Teach Fhiodh Cuilinn, 21a Bothar Oakley

Extension

Gone to tender and construction

Dublin

20194E

Adamstown Ns, Adamstown, Co Dublin

New School

Gone to tender and construction

Galway

12706J

Sn Sailearna, Indreabhan, Co Na Gaillimhe

Extension

In Architectural Planning

Kildare

00779U

Presentation Convent, Maynooth, Co Kildare

Extension

Gone to tender and construction

Kildare

08099P

St Laurences National School, Sallins, Co Kildare

Extension

Gone to tender and construction

Kildare

16345A

Scoil Bhríde, Nurney, Co. Kildare.

New School

Proceeding to tender and construction

Limerick

08926B

St Nicholas Church Of Ireland Schoo, Adare, Co Limerick

New School

Gone to tender and construction

Mayo

13667H

Sn Muine Chonallain, Beal An Atha,, Co Mayo

New School

In Architectural Planning

Mayo

15866A

Carrakennedy N S, Westport, Co Mayo

New School

Gone to tender and construction

Mayo

19387I

St Dympnas Spec School, Ballina, Co Mayo

New School

Gone to tender and construction

Mayo

19773N

St Nicholas Spec Sch, Ballina, Co Mayo

New School

Gone to tender and construction

Meath

00885T

Ratoath Junior N S, Ratoath, Co Meath

Extension

Proceeding to tender and construction

Meath

02905J

S N Naomh Padraig, Baile Bacuin, Enfield

Extension

In Architectural Planning

Meath

17964K

S N Mhuire Naofa, Rathfeigh, Tara

Refurb

Proceeding to tender and construction

Meath

19253K

Wilkinstown N S, Wilkinstown, Navan

Refurb

Proceeding to tender and construction

Monaghan

07751K

Monaghan Model School, Monaghan, Co. Monaghan

Extension

In Architectural Planning

Monaghan

18028V

Corr A Chrainn National School, Corr A Chrainn, Emyvale

Extension

Proceeding to tender and construction

Offaly

11203B

St Kierans N S, Clareen, Birr

Extension

Gone to tender and construction

Offaly

18690E

Scoil Bhride, An Cruachan, An Tulach Mor

Extension

Gone to tender and construction

Tipperary

15970S

Ballytarsna N S, Cashel, Co Tipperary

New School

Gone to tender and construction

Westmeath

16838A

Baile Ui Gheibhinn N S, Gainstown, Mullingar

Extension

Gone to tender and construction

Westmeath

17932U

Odhran Naofa N S, Sonna, Slanemore

Extension

In Architectural Planning

Legal Proceedings.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

530 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if he is seeking costs against a person (details supplied) in the Supreme Court; if he will pursue the costs if the Supreme Court rules in favour of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9747/09]

I wish to advise the Deputy that, in relation to cases taken against my Department by persons who were abused whilst pupils in day schools, the State's position is that it should not have been sued because the Minister for Education & Science has no direct involvement in the daily running of a school. The manager of a school is directly responsible for the day-to-day operation and governance of a school. This position has been clearly conveyed to all such parties engaging in legal proceedings against my Department.

In relation to the case raised by the Deputy, the matter is being handled by the State Claims Agency on behalf of the State. Judgement has been reserved on the issue of costs which was heard on Monday 23rd February. It was necessary to have such a hearing as the person in question was seeking her costs against the State. The State had to make a case for its costs given that the State was not found liable by either the High Court or the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court was told by counsel for the State that, while an award of costs against the Plaintiff was being sought, the matter of enforcement would be treated with great sensitivity. Our desire is to find a fair balance between the need to protect the taxpayer against costs incurred in defending cases where the Courts have decided that the State has no liability and to treat people humanely at the same time. As I have already publicly stated, there is no question of the State seeking to take this person's house.

However, any person who pursues a legal action against another party should be appropriately advised and fully aware in advance that failure to win the action will most likely result in full costs being awarded against them. My Department cannot sustain a position whereby persons can take cases against the State on the basis that, win or lose, they would get their costs. This is not a financially sustainable position and would be grossly unfair to the taxpayers of this country.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

531 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science if, notwithstanding the energy saving benefits of proper insulation in schools and orientation of classrooms, his attention has been drawn to the potential to cut energy costs at schools and raise much needed revenue at the same time through the on-site installation of modern noise-minimised wind turbines in view of the fact that this would produce large amounts of electricity particularly during the winter months and schools would then be able to sell back energy produced after school hours and during holiday periods to the grid; if he will amend his policy regarding the installation of such turbines in new school builds given the considerably shorter payback required; if he will expedite pilot programmes in view of the need for such substantive money saving initiatives in the current economic climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9749/09]

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

532 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on a payback scheme for the retrofitting of wind turbines at existing schools, or installation in a new build, whereby said schools can utilise the free electricity during school hours while his Department will recoup the capital cost through the selling of surplus electricity to the national grid generated outside of school hours, particularly during the summer months, passing the income in full onto the school once the investment has been paid off; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9750/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 531 and 532 together.

My Department has a strong record in developing low energy educational buildings. For the past eight years my Department has been using a process called the DART approach to develop sustainable and energy efficiency in educational buildings. This acronym focuses on four key areas, namely; Design, Awareness, Research, and Technology.

The performance of my Department in the area of low energy design has been recognised at both National and International level with sustainable energy awards for excellence in Design and Specification and by the Taoiseach's Public Service Excellence Awards in 2008.

Rather than develop a unique focus on energy design the Department have taken a more holistic approach and have developed our technical guidance on energy efficiency in school designs as an integral part of the suite of technical guidance documents. These guidelines encourage the design team to take a complete design team approach from project conception. There is particular emphasis on elimination of over design, improved thermal envelope design and improved passive solar design, natural ventilation and day lighting along with advanced heating and lighting controls.

It has been demonstrated that all Primary Schools designed and built in line with the above policy and the technical guidance documents can have an energy performance that is 2.3 times more efficient than International best practice.

The application of wind energy schemes in schools has been explored by my Department and the results indicate that given the scale of application to match demand and capacity in a meaningful way schools are better placed to connect to one of the main wind energy electrical suppliers to maximise the potential of green electricity. This is kept under review given improvements in technology and the market place, with this in mind and given the Government's policy decision to allow micro-generators to sell into the national grid as announced on 26 February 2009, my Department are currently reviewing the above.

It must be remembered that a sustainable solution involves the matching of a sustainable resource with the end users needs and not just the application of the resource.

As with the application of any new technology in schools, decisions on the national roll out and procurement options will only be taken after the technology is tested appropriately in the school environment.

Official Engagements.

Joe Carey

Ceist:

533 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will meet a delegation from a school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9752/09]

I have received a request to meet a delegation from the school referred to by the Deputy. That request is currently receiving consideration and officials from my office will be in contact with the school in due course.

School Accommodation.

Joe Carey

Ceist:

534 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science when the promised educational needs assessment for east Clare will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9753/09]

The Forward Planning Section of my Department is in the process of identifying the areas where significant additional accommodation will be needed at primary and post-primary level for 2009 and onwards.

Factors under consideration include population growth, demographic trends, current and projected enrolments, recent and planned housing developments and the capacity of existing schools to meet demand for places. Having considered these factors decisions will be taken on the means by which emerging needs will be met within an area.

As this process is being carried out for every area in the country on a prioritised basis in terms of need for 2009, 2010 etc. I am not in a position, at this point in time, to say when an examination of the East Clare area will be completed. My Department does not intend publishing the results of the examination as the work being carried out is routine forward planning which is carried out in my Department on a daily basis. The schools affected by the outcomes will, however, be contacted by my Department at the appropriate time.

Special Educational Needs.

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

535 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason resource teaching hours were withdrawn from a person (details supplied); if these hours will be restored in view of the fact that reports have been lodged with his Department by an occupational therapist and education psychologist stating that the child needs the assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9757/09]

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 educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie

I have arranged for the details supplied to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.

Special Educational Needs.

Joe Carey

Ceist:

536 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 252 of 19 February 2009, if he will use his discretion and provide the necessary resources to a school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9782/09]

There will be no pupil with a special educational need who will be without access to a special needs teacher as a result of the decision to apply the normal rules which govern the appointment and retention of teachers of special classes for pupils with a mild general learning disability.

In this case, it is of concern that school authorities enrolled pupils with a severe/profound general learning disability in a special class established for pupils with a mild general learning disability. If this is the position, the school authorities should approach their local Special Education Needs Organiser (SENO) with a view to discussing the available options.

As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through the SENOs, is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs supports.

School Curriculum.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

537 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on recent correspondence received from a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9788/09]

In accordance with existing arrangements, where a school management authority is unable to meet its curricular commitments within its approved allocation, my Department considers applications for additional short term support i.e. curricular concessions. This concession is available as a short term support to enable essential curricular provision to continue.

The allocation processes also include appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. The Principal of a school can submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeal Board which was established specifically to adjudicate on appeals on staffing allocations in post-primary schools. This Board operates independently of my Department.

Question No. 538 answered with Question No. 486.
Question No. 539 answered with Question No. 508.

Decentralisation Programme.

Lucinda Creighton

Ceist:

540 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Education and Science if senior officials of his Department, including the Secretary General, will be located in a decentralised office or in Dublin. [9802/09]

I can inform the Deputy that my Department is due to decentralise in full to Mullingar. Post decentralisation, the Department's presence in Dublin will consist of support staff for the Ministers' and senior officials when they are required to be in Dublin, members of the Inspectorate and NEPS assigned to work with Dublin schools along with a small element of administrative support and the Dublin City/ Fingal and Dublin South County Regional Offices.

Special Educational Needs.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

541 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the case in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7. [9825/09]

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 teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special educational needs. The responsibility also includes identifying appropriate educational placements for individual children with special educational needs.

I understand that the pupil in question recently transferred from a mainstream primary school to a special school. My Department encourages parents and school authorities to engage locally regarding pupils' education. It is open to the parent concerned to raise any queries she may have relating to her child's special educational needs directly with the school authorities or with the local SENO. The parent may contact the SENO using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie. or by telephoning the NCSE at 046 9486400.

Question No. 542 answered with Question No. 486.
Question No. 543 answered with Question No. 520.

School Ownership.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

544 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary schools here that are owned by religious teaching orders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9834/09]

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

545 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary schools that are owned by the Catholic bishop or the relevant property trust in each of the 26 Roman Catholic dioceses here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9835/09]

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

546 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 2 of 26 February 2009, if he will identify by name, role number, location and Roman Catholic diocese, each primary school in the ownership of a religious teaching order or a Roman Catholic bishop that is subject to the requirements, as described by him on 26 February 2009, as being under lease arrangement whereby the owner must apply for and be granted leave to sell the property with the agreement of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9836/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 544 to 546, inclusive, together.

There are in excess of 3,200 primary schools in the country, most of which are not owned by the State. As the Deputy will be aware, I recently forwarded to him a list of those primary school properties which are owned by the State. The balance of such properties are owned by diocesan trustees of various religions or by religious orders.

The interest of the State in primary school buildings constructed on sites not in the ownership of the State is protected by way of long-term legal agreements. These legal agreements generally take the form of a charge registered as a burden on the relevant legal folio and must be surrendered to my Department should the owner of the site wish to dispose of the property. In relation to the surrender of interest on charged property, my Department examines all requests for release of my Department's interest to determine whether the property is required for future educational use.

Information relating to school site ownership and property details would have been received by my Department over a long number of years and the legal documents relating to the interest of the State in buildings constructed on sites not in the ownership of the State are generally held on individual files as distinct from a central database. Accordingly, the information requested by the Deputy is not readily available in a format that is readily retrievable.

Question No. 547 answered with Question No. 508.
Question No. 548 answered with Question No. 492.

Special Educational Needs.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

549 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will take steps to ensure that in view of correspondence enclosed, special needs assistance is provided in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath and that they will continue to enjoy the benefit of the special needs assistant that they currently have, in view of the fact that they are making progress and that same will not be interrupted by the recent announcement by his Department in relation to cutbacks of the number of SNAs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9894/09]

I wish to clarify, for the Deputy's information, that my Department has not made any announcement in relation to cutbacks in the number of SNAs. There has been no change in the criteria governing the appointment of SNAs.

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 (SNAs) to schools to support children with special needs. SNAs are recruited specifically to assist in the care of pupils with disabilities in an educational context. Applications for an SNA may be considered where a pupil has a significant medical need for such assistance, a significant impairment of physical or sensory function or where their behaviour is such that they are a danger to themselves or to other pupils. A pupil's level of care may diminish over time as the child matures. Pupils may move to a different school or on to post-primary school. In such situations, the NCSE will review and adjust the SNA support required in the school. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.

Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie. I have arranged for the details supplied to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.

Schools Building Projects.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

550 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science when it is planned to complete construction of a primary school at Kilfinane, County Limerick. [9897/09]

In January I announced 10 major school building projects which are to re-tender and to proceed to construction in 2009. The school referred to by the Deputy was part of this announcement. The project is to be re-tendered under the new form of contracts for public capital projects to get better value for money.

The school authorities have been advised to start the re-tendering process so that construction work can get under way as quickly as possible. Officials from my Department recently met with the school authorities and their design team for a briefing session which provided guidance as to the next steps to be taken. My Department, through the school authorities, will continue to monitor the progress of the project with a view to its commencing construction at the earliest possible date and will provide the necessary advice and guidance to the school and its design team in this regard.

School Accommodation.

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

551 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount his Department spent on a consultants’ report (details supplied); the terms of reference of this project; when the report will be published; the specific actions that have followed this report within the building unit of his Department; when the report was commissioned; when it was completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9924/09]

The Consultants in question were appointed following a competitive tendering process to carry out an independent review of my Department's rental policy. An overall fee for the review has been set but no payment has been made to-date. The Consultants accepted the commission by letter dated 8th October 2008.

Officials from my Department met with the consultants in November 2008 and again in January of this year. The report will be completed later this year.

The review is ongoing and will, inter alia, cover an examination of the contract terms with providers to incorporate buy out, buy back, rental costs and relocation options if local circumstances require it. The review will involve an investigation of all existing rental contracts between schools and suppliers with a view to identifying action to reduce overall rental costs for the Department.

In the meantime, schools proposing to rent temporary accommodation must seek competitive quotes from suppliers which should allow them to take advantage of changing market prices.

Departmental Expenditure.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

552 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount that has been spent on renting rooms or sports facilities for primary schools in south Tipperary every year since 1998; the amount that has been spent annually on the upkeep of these rented properties; and the amount spent on school buildings in south Tipperary as a whole that this represents. [9925/09]

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

553 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount that has been spent on renting prefabs for secondary schools in south Tipperary every year since 1998; the amount that has been spent annually on the upkeep of these prefabs; and the amount spent on school buildings in south Tipperary as a whole that this represents. [9926/09]

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

554 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount that has been spent on renting prefabs for primary schools in south Tipperary every year since 1998; the amount that has been spent annually on the upkeep of these prefabs; and the amount spent on school buildings in south Tipperary as a whole that this represents. [9927/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 552 to 554, inclusive, together.

The information sought by the Deputy in relation to the years 1998 to 2007 is not readily available; however, I can say that the total amount spent on renting temporary classrooms for primary schools in Co. Tipperary for 2008 was €655,909.86. There were no rental costs in 2008 in relation to post-primary schools. The Deputy will appreciate that this information is not recorded in my Department on a Constituency basis.

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. The overall policy goal is to ensure the highest standard of permanent accommodation for all schools. However, in the context of a rapidly increasing school population, the necessity to put additional accommodation in place in a short time frame, and competing pressure on the capital budget available to my Department, it is necessary to make use of temporary accommodation in order to meet accommodation needs in some circumstances.

Question No. 555 answered with Question No. 492.

Pension Provisions.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

556 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount paid by public servants in agencies under the remit of his Department in superannuation and pension contributions in 2007 and 2008. [9948/09]

My Department is currently compiling the information and it will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

557 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount paid by public servants in his Department in superannuation and pension contributions in 2007 and 2008. [9963/09]

The information requested is not readily available at this point in time.

However, I will arrange for the information to be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Departmental Staff.

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

558 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of fully qualified chartered accountants and management accountants employed by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9978/09]

There are currently three fully qualified accountants employed by my Department, two chartered accountants and one chartered management accountant. Specialist accounting support is provided to assist the Department in areas such as the Finance Unit, financial returns from schools and third level institutions and adhering to Government Accounting Procedures.

Schools Refurbishment.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

559 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of the extension and refurbishment programme in respect of a school (details supplied) following the deputation from the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9998/09]

The school to which the Deputy refers has applied to my Department for large scale capital funding for a building project. I met with a deputation from the school in December when they outlined proposals to overcome the difficulties which had arisen in obtaining planning permission for the extension and refurbishment of the existing school. My Department will consider how best to address these difficulties in consultation with the school and its design team. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction 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 at this time.

Institutes of Technology.

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

560 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to plans to abolish the faculty of tourism and food at Dublin Institute of Technology, Cathal Brugha Street; his views on the fragmentation of this vital body of knowledge; if he has received representations in respect of this proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10001/09]

Dublin Institute of Technology is an autonomous statutory body established under the Institutes of Technology Acts 1992 to 2006. Under the terms of these Acts, the governance and day-to-day management of the Institute, including its organisational structures, are matters for which the Governing Body and the management authorities of the Institute are responsible. I understand that over the last academic year wide-ranging consultation has taken place within the Institute regarding proposals aimed at improving organisational effectiveness in all areas of provision. I am informed that the proposals under consideration by the Institute emphasise the importance of responding to economic and societal needs, and in particular to supporting industry sectors where DIT has particular strengths such as tourism and food. It is my understanding that there are no proposals to discontinue programmes in tourism and food. Neither I nor any of my officials have received any representations in relation to the matter.

School Accommodation.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

561 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans in place to provide education, both primary and secondary, to the growing population of children in the general area of Sandyford, Stepaside and Ballyogan of south Dublin. [10004/09]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

562 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science if there are plans to establish a secondary school to serve the children in the growing area of Stepaside and Kilternan, Dublin. [10005/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 561 and 562 together.

Forward Planning Section of the Department is in the process of identifying the areas where significant additional accommodation will be required at primary and post-primary level for 2009 and onwards.

Factors under consideration include population growth, demographic trends, current and projected enrolments, recent and planned housing developments and capacity of existing schools to meet demand for places. Having considered these factors decisions will be taken on the means by which emerging needs will be met within an area.

Educational accommodation requirements in the Sandyford, Stepaside, Ballyogan and Kilternan areas, and any subsequent issues which may arise, will be considered in this context.

Schools Building Projects.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

563 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to an application for a new school building (details supplied) in County Mayo; the position regarding this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10013/09]

I wish to inform the Deputy that an application for a new school has been received from the school authority to which he refers. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, will be considered in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.

Departmental Schemes.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

564 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Science if the cycle to work bike scheme that was announced under budget 2009 is in operation for teachers through his Department; the way teachers can access this scheme; the incentives in place in each Department to encourage cycling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10028/09]

Teachers in primary, voluntary secondary and community/comprehensive schools are employed by the school managerial authorities and paid by my Department. Vocational Education Committees employ and pay the teachers in their schools.

My Department plans to discuss the details of the cycle to work scheme announced under Budget 2009 with the managerial authorities of schools and the teacher unions in the near future.

The Government policy document "smarter Travel — A sustainable Transport future" 2009-2020" provides the framework for future developments in regard to the encouragement of cycling.

The Green Schools Travel Programme coordinated by An Taisce, funded since 2007 by the Department of Transport, aims to reduce car based school runs and promote sustainable modes of transport to and from school. Green School Travel Education and Development officers work with school communities throughout the country to achieve behavioural change on the school runs. One of the programme objectives is to ensure the topic of school-related travel is linked with the curriculum. In 2008, this programme reached 75,000 children and by 2010 the aim is to reach 265,000.

Departmental Advertising.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

565 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the cost of public advertising funded by his Department in 2008; the breakdown between statutory and non-statutory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10060/09]

During 2008 the cumulative value of advertising placed by my Department was €340,000.

A significant amount of the advertising placed related to teacher education services. Advertisements were placed to fill vacancies for secondment to educational support services such as the education centre network as well as curriculum and subject areas support services at both primary and post primary level.

My Department advertises for a wide range of educational related schemes and programmes. In general the advertising encompasses, for example, expenditure on the following categories: staff appointments in the education sector, invitations to attend local hearings, invitations to forward submissions on education related schemes/projects and invitations to tender for school building projects.

A detailed breakdown of the type of advertising placed between statutory and non-statutory categories is not readily available in my Department.

If the Deputy has a particular advertising campaign in mind I would be happy to have my officials obtain the relevant details and communicate them to the Deputy.

Special Educational Needs.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

566 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if there have been changes in the way in which special education needs organisers assess children’s need for support; if the funding available for support for children with special needs in mainstream primary schools has been curtailed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10074/09]

I wish to advise the Deputy that there has been no change in the criteria governing the allocation of teaching and/or care resources to pupils with special educational needs.

The Deputy will be aware of my commitment to ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs, can have access to an education appropriate to their needs preferably in school settings through the primary and post-primary school network. There are now over 19,000 staff in our schools working solely with children with special needs. This includes over 10,000 Special Needs Assistants — compared with just 300 in 1997. There are also over 8,000 resource and learning support teachers — compared with about 2,000 in 1998. More than 1,100 other teachers support children in our special schools, while hundreds more work in special classes.

As well as this significant increase in the numbers of additional teachers and SNAs directly providing appropriate education and care supports for children with special educational needs, much investment has taken place in the provision of transport, specialist school accommodation, home tuition, assistive technology and equipment.

Additional teaching and SNA supports are allocated as necessary by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) in line with my Department's policy to support children with special educational needs.

The Deputy will also be aware that additional funding has been allocated to my Department in 2009 to provide for an expansion of the National Educational Psychological service so that all schools in the country will be covered by the service. The additional funding available to NEPS, which represents a 33% increase over the 2008 allocation, will facilitate the recruitment of up to 50 further psychologists. It is envisaged that this will bring the number of NEPS psychologists by the end of 2009 above the proposed 200 incorporated in the Programme for Government.

This investment will significantly enhance the capacity of our educational psychologists to directly support schools in the development and delivery of appropriate interventions for children with special educational needs.

Additional funding is also being provided to the National Council for Special Education in 2009 to increase the Council's capacity in the move towards the full implementation of EPSEN. The additional funding will enable the Council to continue to improve, plan and co-ordinate the delivery of services for children with special needs.

I have also provided for further investment in teacher training in this area. This will ensure that teachers are provided with opportunities to access continuing professional development so that the learning and teaching needs of all pupils with Special Educational Needs continue to be met.

The Deputy will be aware of the decision taken at the time of the Budget that the remedial/resource grant would no longer be payable as a separate grant but the available funding was included as part of the enhanced levels of capitation funding to schools. This approach will give schools more flexibility and discretion on how to target funding to the school's own priorities based on its knowledge of the needs of the students it serves.

I wish to assure the Deputy that the provision of appropriate educational intervention and supports for children with special educational needs continues to be a key Government priority.

Question No. 567 answered with Question No. 486.

Home-School Liaison Scheme.

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

568 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on allocating an extra home school liaison position to serve primary level schools in an area (details supplied) in County Mayo to the two secondary schools who are losing their existing home school liaison service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10098/09]

The two post primary schools to which the Deputy refers are 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 to 2010.

Following the introduction of DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunities in Schools), a commitment was given, as a concessionary measure, to Non DEIS schools in receipt of resources under pre-existing schemes, including the Home School Community Liaison (HSCL) service, that they would retain a level of support in line with their size and disadvantage levels for the duration of the DEIS Initiative.

Given the current volatile and challenging economic climate, difficult choices had to be made in order to contain public sector spending. One of these decisions is the withdrawal of the HSCL services from all Non DEIS schools with effect from September 2009. The two post primary schools mentioned by the Deputy will lose their HSCL services at the end of the current 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.

It has been necessary to re-cluster some DEIS schools that previously shared HSCL posts with non DEIS schools. The two primary schools, which were clustered with the post primary schools now losing HSCL services, will receive additional HSCL services as they have been re-clustered with another primary school in the town. The three schools will have the services of 2 HSCL coordinators for the 2009/10 school year.

Disadvantaged Status.

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

569 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Science the name on a county basis of each secondary school that qualifies for DEIS status; the percentage of voluntary secondary schools in each county qualifying for DEIS; the percentage of vocational education committee schools in each county qualifying for DEIS; and if he will make a statement on the differences and trends contained within. [10099/09]

For the information of the Deputy a list of the Post Primary schools that qualified for DEIS is hereby given.

Roll No.

Name

Address

County

70420R

Carlow Vocational School

Kilkenny Road, Carlow

Carlow

70430U

Vocational School Muine Beag

Muine Bheag, Carlow

Carlow

70360C

St. Mogue’s College

Bawnboy, Co Cavan

Cavan

70380I

Cavan Vocational School

Cootehill Rd., Cavan

Cavan

70830N

Ennis Community College

Ennis, Co Clare

Clare

91448K

Kilrush Community School

Kilrush, Co Clare

Clare

62530F

North Monastery Secondary School

Our Lady’s Mount, North Monastery Road, Cork

Cork

62540I

Deerpark C.B.S.

St Patrick’s Road, Cork

Cork

70910L

St. Brogan’s College

Kilbrogan, Bandon, Co Cork

Cork

70970G

Cobh Community College

Carrignafoy, Cobh, Co Cork

Cork

70990M

Coláiste an Chraoibhin

Duntaheen Road, Fermoy, Co Cork

Cork

71020G

Davis College

Annabella, Mallow, Co Cork

Cork

71030J

McEgan College

Macroom, Co Cork

Cork

71040M

St Fanahan’s College

Mitchelstown, Co Cork

Cork

71050P

St Colman’s Community College

Youghal Road, Midleton, Co Cork

Cork

71080B

Mannix College

Charleville, Co Cork

Cork

71090E

Rossa College

Skibbereen, Co Cork

Cork

71123Q

Terence Mac Swiney Community College

Hollyhill, Knocknaheeny, Cork

Cork

76067L

Colaiste Pobail Naomh Mhuire

Cill na Mullach, Co Cork

Cork

91397T

Bishopstown Community School

Bishopstown, Co Cork

Cork

91400F

Mayfield Community School

Old Youghal Road, Cork

Cork

62621I

North Presentation

Farranree, Cork City

Cork City

62650P

Ursuline Secondary School

Blackrock, Cork City

Cork City

62730N

St Patricks College

Gardiner’s Hill, Cork City

Cork City

71110H

Nagle Community College

Mahon, Cork City

Cork City

62770C

Scoil Mhuire

St. Oran’s Road, Buncrana, Co Donegal

Donegal

71140Q

Crana College

Crana Road, Buncrana, Co Donegal

Donegal

71200I

Letterkenny Vocational School

Windyhall, Letterkenny, Co Donegal

Donegal

71220O

Mulroy College

Milford, Co Donegal

Donegal

71230R

Deele College

Raphoe, Co Donegal

Donegal

71240U

Vocational School

Main Street, Stranorlar, Co Donegal

Donegal

71242B

Gairm Scoil Chú Uladh

Béal an Átha Móir, Co Dhun na nGall

Donegal

71244F

Gairmscoil Mhic Diarmada

An Leadhbgarbh, Co Dhun na nGall

Donegal

76084L

Moville Community College

Carrownaff, Moville, Co Donegal

Donegal

81011L

The Royal and Prior School

Raphoe, Co Donegal

Donegal

91406R

Carndonagh Community School

Carndonagh, Co Donegal

Donegal

91407T

Rosses Community School

Dungloe, Co Donegal

Donegal

60440R

O’Connell School

North Richmond Street, Dublin 1

Dublin 01

60853T

Mount Carmel Secondary School

Kings Inn Street, Dublin 1

Dublin 01

76077O

Larkin Community College

1 Champions Avenue, Dublin 1

Dublin 01

60490J

C.B.S. Westland Row

Westland Row, Dublin 2

Dublin 02

60390F

St Josephs C.B.S.

Merville Ave, Fairview, Dublin 3

Dublin 03

70250S

Marino College

14-20 Marino Mart, Fairview, Dublin 3

Dublin 03

60500J

Marian College

Ballsbridge, Dublin 4

Dublin 04

70200D

Technical Institute

Cambridge Road, Ringsend, Dublin 4

Dublin 04

60471F

St. David’s C.B.S.

Malahide Road, Artane, Dublin 5

Dublin 05

60550B

Chanel College

Coolock, Dublin 5

Dublin 05

60871V

Mercy College Coolock

St Brendans Drive, Coolock, Dublin 5

Dublin 05

60430O

St Pauls C.B.S.

Christian Brothers, North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7

Dublin 07

60843Q

St Josephs Secondary School

Stanhope St., Dublin 7

Dublin 07

70150O

Coláiste Éanna

Kilkieran Road, Cabra, Dublin 7

Dublin 07

60410I

C.B.S. James Street

James’s Street, Dublin 8

Dublin 08

60470D

Christian Brothers

Synge St., Dublin 8

Dublin 08

60792C

Presentation College

Warrenmount, Dublin 8

Dublin 08

60872A

Mercy Secondary School

Goldenbridge, Inchicore, Dublin 8

Dublin 08

60400F

St Vincents C.B.S.

Glasnevin, Dublin 9

Dublin 09

70310K

Plunkett College

Swords Road, Whitehall, Dublin 9

Dublin 09

70321P

Margaret Aylward Community College

The Thatch Road, Whitehall, Dublin 9

Dublin 09

81017A

Trinity Comprehensive School

Ballymun Road, Ballymun, Dublin 9

Dublin 09

91344V

Rosmini Community School

Grace Park Road, Drumcondra, Dublin 9

Dublin 09

60510M

St Johns College De La Salle

Le Fanu Rd., Ballyfermot, Dublin 10

Dublin 10

60720A

Saint Dominic’s Secondary School

Ballyfermot, Dublin 10

Dublin 10

60732H

Caritas College

Drumfinn Road, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10

Dublin 10

70240P

Kylemore College

Kylemore Road, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10

Dublin 10

60511O

Beneavin De La Salle College

Beneavin Road, Finglas, Dublin 11

Dublin 11

60571J

Patrician College

Deanstown Ave., Finglas West, Dublin 11

Dublin 11

60581M

St Kevins CBS

Ballygall Road East, Finglas, Dublin 11

Dublin 11

60741I

St Michaels Secondary School

Wellmount Road, Finglas, Dublin 11

Dublin 11

60852R

Mater Christi

Cappagh, Finglas, Dublin 11

Dublin 11

70180A

Coláiste Eoin

Cappagh Road, Fingals, Dublin 11

Dublin 11

60800V

Loreto College

Crumlin Road, Dublin 12

Dublin 12

60841M

Rosary College

Armagh Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12

Dublin 12

60990G

Meanscoil Chroimghlinne

314/318 Crumlin Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12

Dublin 12

60991I

Our Lady Of Mercy Secondary School

Mourne Road, Drimnagh, Dublin 12

Dublin 12

70130I

Greenhills College

Limekiln Avenue, Greenhills, Dublin 12

Dublin 12

70160R

St. Kevins College

Clogher Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12

Dublin 12

70020B

Grange Community College

Grange Road, Donaghmede, Dublin 13

Dublin 13

91318U

The Donahies Community School

Streamville Road, Dublin 13

Dublin 13

70081V

Riversdale Community College

Blanchardstown Rd North, Dublin 15

Dublin 15

91316Q

Blakestown Community School

Blanchardstown, Dublin 15

Dublin 15

91305L

Ballinteer Community School

Ballinteer, Dublin 16

Dublin 16

91343T

St. Tiernan’s Community School

Parkvale, Balally, Dublin 16

Dublin 16

70330Q

Coláiste Dhúlaigh

Barryscourt Road, Coolock, Dublin 17

Dublin 17

60262T

St Laurence College

Loughlinstown, Dublin 18

Dublin 18

91302F

Phobailscoil Iosolde

Palmerstown, Dublin 20

Dublin 20

70040H

Deansrath Community College

New Nangor Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22

Dublin 22

70041J

Collinstown Park Community College

Neilstown Rd., Clondalkin, Dublin 22

Dublin 22

70042L

St. Kevin’s Community College

Fonthill Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22

Dublin 22

70141N

Jobstown Community College

Jobstown, Tallaght, Dublin 24

Dublin 24

91335U

Tallaght Community School

Balrothery, Tallaght, Dublin 24

Dublin 24

91337B

Killinarden Community School

Killinarden, Tallaght, Dublin 24

Dublin 24

91338D

St Aidan’s Community School

Brookfield, Tallaght, Dublin 24

Dublin 24

60343T

St Joseph’s Secondary School

Convent Lane, Rush, Co Dublin

Dublin County

70010V

Balbriggan Community College

Pine Ridge, Balbriggan, Co Dublin

Dublin County

70120F

St Finians Community College

Swords, Co Dublin

Dublin County

91310E

Cabinteely Community School

Cabinteely, Co Dublin

Dublin County

91330K

Holy Child Community School

Pearse St., Sallynoggin, Co Dublin

Dublin County

62981P

Colaiste Einde

Threadneedle Rd., Galway

Galway

63000E

Presentation Secondary School

Presentation Rd., Galway

Galway

63060W

Scoil Áine

Mainistir Na Coille Moire, Kylemore, Co Galway

Galway

63140U

St Patrick’s College

Dublin Road, Tuam, Co Galway

Galway

71250A

Colaiste Cholmcille

Indreabhán, Co na Gaillimhe

Galway

71380N

Gairmscoil na bPiarsach

Ros Muc, Co na Gaillimhe

Galway

71390Q

Tuam Vocational School

Tuam, Co Galway

Galway

71400Q

Galway Community College

Wellpark, Galway

Galway

81012N

Scoil Chuimsitheach Chiaráin

An Cheathrú Rua, Co na Gaillimhe

Galway

91411K

Scoil Phobail Mhic Dara

Carna, Co na Gaillimhe

Galway

91412M

Scoil Phobail

Clifden, Co Galway

Galway

70450D

Killarney Community College

New Road, Killarney, Co Kerry

Kerry

70460G

Community College

Killorglin, Co Kerry

Kerry

70500P

Listowel Community College

Listowel, Co Kerry

Kerry

70540E

Causeway Comprehensive School

Causeway, Co Kerry

Kerry

70550H

Tralee Community College

Clash, Tralee, Co Kerry

Kerry

61700W

St Joseph’s Acadamy

Kildare Town, Co Kildare

Kildare

61702D

St Pauls Secondary School

Monasterevin, Co Kildare

Kildare

70650L

Athy Community College

Athy, Co Kildare

Kildare

70660O

Curragh Post-Primary School

McSwiney Road, Curragh, Co Kildare

Kildare

70680U

St Conleth’s Vocational School

Station Road, Newbridge, Co Kildare

Kildare

70690A

Vocational School /

Kildare College of Further Studies, Kildare Town

Kildare

70710D

St Patrick’s Community College

Limerick Road, Naas, Co Kildare

Kildare

70720G

St Farnan’s Post Primary School

Prosperous, Naas, Co Kildare

Kildare

70730J

Ardscoil Rath Iomgháin

Rathangan, Co Kildare

Kildare

70590T

Duiske College

Graignamanagh, Co Kilkenny

Kilkenny

70600T

Coláiste Mhuire

Johnstown, Co Kilkenny

Kilkenny

70610W

City Vocational School

New Street, Kilkenny

Kilkenny

70620C

Coláiste Cois Siúire

Mooncoin, Co Kilkenny

Kilkenny

70640I

Grennan College

Ladywell St., Thomastown, Co Kilkenny

Kilkenny

71490U

St. Aengus Post-Primary

Limerick Road, Mountrath, Co Laois

Laois

71510A

Portlaoise Vocational School

Railway Street, Portlaoise, Co Laois

Laois

64200R

Colaiste Mhichil

Sexton Street, Limerick

Limerick

64250J

Presentation Secondary School

Sexton Street, Limerick

Limerick

64280S

Salesian Secondary School

Fernbank, Limerick

Limerick

64290V

Ardscoil Mhuire

Corbally, Limerick

Limerick

71790J

Desmond College

Gortboy, Newcastle West, Co Limerick

Limerick

71810M

Coláiste Pobail Mhichíl

Cappamore, Limerick

Limerick

71840V

Colaiste Chiarain

Croom, Co Limerick

Limerick

71870H

Abbeyfeale Vocational School

Abbeyfeale, Co Limerick

Limerick

71920T

St Nessan’s Community College

Moylish Park, Limerick

Limerick

76070A

Coláiste Ióasef

Kilmallock, Co Limerick

Limerick

91446G

St Endas Community School

Kilmallock Rd., Limerick

Limerick

71690F

Ballymahon Vocational School

Ballymahon, Co Longford

Longford

71710I

Ardscoil Phadraig

Granard, Co Longford

Longford

71720L

Lanesboro Community College

Lanesboro, Co Longford

Longford

71730O

Templemichael College

Templemichael, Longford

Longford

71750U

Bush Post Primary School

Riverstown, Co Louth

Louth

71761C

St Oliver’s Community College

Rathmullen, Co Louth

Louth

71770D

Ó Fiaich College

Dublin Road, Dundalk, Co Louth

Louth

71780G

Scoil Ui Mhuiri

Barn Road, Dunleer, Co Louth

Louth

91441T

Ardee Community School

Ardee, Co Louth

Louth

64690O

Scoil Muire Agus Padraig

Swinford, Co Mayo

Mayo

72020L

Moyne College

Ballina, Co Mayo

Mayo

72050U

St. Brendan’s College

Belmullet, Co Mayo

Mayo

72070D

McHale College

Achill, Westport, Co Mayo

Mayo

72100J

St. Tiernan’s College

Crossmolina, Co Mayo

Mayo

72140V

Colaiste Chomain

Rossport, Co Mayo

Mayo

72160E

Vocational School

Westport, Co Mayo

Mayo

76060U

Davitt College

Springfield, Castlebar, Co Mayo

Mayo

71970L

St. Fintinas Post Primary School

Longwood, Enfield, Co Meath

Meath

71980O

O’Carolan College

Nobber, Co Meath

Meath

72010I

Beaufort College

Trim Rd., Navan, Co Meath

Meath

91508C

Boyne Community College

Trim, Co Meath

Meath

72171J

Largy College

Clones, Co Monaghan

Monaghan

72180K

Inver College

Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan

Monaghan

72190N

Castleblayney College

Dublin Road, Castleblayney, Co Monaghan

Monaghan

72210Q

Beech Hill College

Monaghan, Co Monaghan

Monaghan

72530L

Ard Scoil Chiarain Naofa

Frederick St., Clara, Co Offaly

Offaly

72540O

Oaklands Community College

Sr. Senan Avenue, Edenderry, Co Offaly

Offaly

72560U

Tullamore College

Riverside, Tullamore, Co Offaly

Offaly

72290R

Roscommon Vocational School

Lisnamult, Roscommon Town

Roscommon

72300R

Corran College

Ballymote, Co Sligo

Sligo

72320A

Coláiste Iascaigh

Easkey, Co Sligo

Sligo

72340G

Gurteen Vocational School

Gurteen, Co Sligo

Sligo

72360M

Ballinode College

Ballinode, Co Sligo

Sligo

65350S

Patrician Presentation

Rocklow Rd., Fethard, Co Tipperary

Tipperary

72400V

Vocational School

Carrick-On-Suir, Co Tipperary

Tipperary

72420E

Clonmel Vocational School

Clonmel, Co Tipperary

Tipperary

72430H

Scoil Ruain

Killenaule, Co Tipperary

Tipperary

72450N

St Joseph’s College

Newport, Co Tipperary

Tipperary

72480W

St. Alibe’s School

Rosanna Road, Tipperary Town, Co Tipperary

Tipperary

72490C

Vocational School

Castlemeadows, Thurles, Co Tipperary

Tipperary

64930I

C.B.S. Mount Sion

Barrack Street, Waterford

Waterford

64970U

Presentation Secondary School

Waterford

Waterford

72220T

Coláiste Chathail Naofa

Youghal Rd., Dungarvan, Waterford

Waterford

72241E

St Paul’s Community College

Browne’s Road, Waterford

Waterford

76066J

Meánscoil San Nioclás

Rinn O gCuanach, Co Port Lairge

Waterford

63191O

St Aloysius College

The Park, Athlone, Co Westmeath

Westmeath

71420W

Castlepollard Community College

Castlepollard, Co Westmeath

Westmeath

71430C

Columba College

Killucan, Co Westmeath

Westmeath

71450I

Mullingar Community College

Millmount Road, Mullingar, Co Westmeath

Westmeath

71600B

Coláiste Abbain

Adamstown, Co Wexford

Wexford

71610E

Bridgetown Vocational College

Bridgetown, Co Wexford

Wexford

71620H

Vocational College Bunclody

Bunclody, Co Wexford

Wexford

71630K

Vocational School

Enniscorthy, Co Wexford

Wexford

71650Q

Kilmuckridge Vocational College

Kilmuckridge, Co Wexford

Wexford

71660T

New Ross Vocational College

New Ross, Co Wexford

Wexford

71680C

Wexford Vocational College

Westgate, Co Wexford

Wexford

91431Q

Ramsgrange Community School

Ramsgrange, Co Wexford

Wexford

70740M

Arklow Community College

Coolgreaney Rd., Arklow, Co Wicklow

Wicklow

70770V

St Thomas’ Community College

Novara Avenue, Bray, Co Wicklow

Wicklow

70800E

St Kevin’s Community College

Dunlavin, Co Wicklow

Wicklow

70810H

Avondale Community College

Rathdrum, Co Wicklow

Wicklow

70820K

Abbey Community College

Wicklow Town, Co Wicklow

Wicklow

91376L

St. Killian’s Community School

Ballywaltrim, Co Wicklow

Wicklow

Nationally, the breakdown per sector of schools that qualified for DEIS is as follows:

Secondary — 12.89%

Community and Comprehensive — 28.57%

Vocational — 50.2%

A more detailed breakdown on a county basis is not readily available and will be sent separately to the Deputy.

DEIS provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and an integrated School Support Programme (SSP). It is designed to ensure that schools serving the most disadvantaged communities benefit from the maximum level of support available. As a result of the identification and review processes, 203 second level schools have been included in the SSP under DEIS. The plan is being rolled out on a phased basis from 2006 to 2010.

The process of identifying schools for participation in DEIS was managed by the Educational Research Centre (ERC) on behalf of my Department and was supported by quality assurance work co-ordinated through the Department's regional offices and the Inspectorate.

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 processes and procedures were properly followed in the case of schools applying for a review. In advance of the DEIS action plan, the findings of research carried out by the Educational Research Centre (ERC) showed strong evidence for the proposition that the disadvantage associated with poverty and social exclusion assumes a multiplier effect when large numbers of pupils in a school are from a similar disadvantaged background. Schools identified for inclusion in DEIS were adjudged by the independent identification process to warrant inclusion based on their level of disadvantage.

The national figures provided in the table above show that 50.2% of VECs, 28.57% of Community & Comprehensive and 12.89% of Secondary Schools are included in the DEIS programme. The next identification process is scheduled to be held at the end of the current DEIS programme which runs until 2010. There will not be an opportunity before this for existing schools to be included in the current DEIS programme of supports.

The Department has commissioned the ERC to conduct an independent evaluation of DEIS over the period of the action plan to 2010. This evaluation will aim to monitor the effectiveness of the programme and assess its impact on students, families, schools, and communities at primary and post-primary levels. The thrust of the evaluation is systemic in the sense that it is designed to inform policy making on the role that initiatives like DEIS can play in improving educational attainment, promoting social inclusion and identifying models of good practice in the application of resources and supports.

The next identification process for disadvantaged schools is due to take place in 2010. A Steering group has already been established and has commenced work in examining the socio-economic and other variables that collectively best predict achievement. Wider consultation with education stakeholders and other partners will form an important part of the identification process.

Educational Disadvantage.

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

570 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Science the provisions being made towards tackling rural disadvantage within his Department at primary and secondary level. [10100/09]

DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), the action plan for educational inclusion, provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and an integrated School Support Programme (SSP). DEIS brings together and builds upon a number of existing interventions in schools with concentrated levels of disadvantage.

There are currently 876 schools in DEIS, 673 primary (of which 333 are rural) and 203 post primary. The indicators used in the primary schools identification process took account of the differences between urban and rural disadvantage. The following supports are available to rural primary schools in DEIS: additional non-pay/capitation allocation based on level of disadvantage; financial allocation under the School Books Grant Scheme; access to the School Meals Programme; access to teacher/co-ordinator serving a cluster of primary schools and whose functions include the development of home, school and community linkages; supporting implementation of literacy and numeracy measures, planning supports etc.; financial support as an alternative to teacher/co-ordinator support where a school cannot be clustered; and access to planning supports.

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

571 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has had discussions with the Minister for Social and Family Affairs in relation to funding disadvantaged pupils requiring support for the purchase of school books in the 2009/2010 school year; and to make a statement on the progress of those talks. [10101/09]

I have not had any discussions with the Minister for Social and Family Affairs on this issue.

As a result of changes in Budget 2009, the book grant is now available only to schools within the DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) scheme. By limiting the school book grant to schools within the DEIS scheme, savings of €7.5m will be achieved.

DEIS is the action plan for educational inclusion and focuses on addressing the educational needs of children and young people from disadvantaged communities. Approximately €7 million was made available in 2008 to DEIS schools at primary and post-primary level for the school book grant scheme; this fund of €7 million will be made available for distribution to schools in the DEIS programme in 2009.

My Department continues to urge schools to implement book rental schemes as a measure to minimise the cost of school books to all parents. This was the recommendation of a consultancy report, submitted to my Department in 1993, which dealt with the factors which contribute to the cost of school text books. The report, copies of which were sent to all schools, contains a number of useful suggestions, including a Code of Good Practice for successful operation of book rental schemes. My Department fully endorses the report's recommendations.

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

572 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on a whole-school evaluation for schools (details supplied) in County Mayo and in particular his views on the home school liaison position. [10102/09]

Whole-school evaluations (WSE) were conducted in the schools referred to by the Deputy during 2008 and the evaluation reports have been published and can be accessed by the public on my Department's website www.education.ie. While the effectiveness of Home School Community Liaison that have operated in the schools has been acknowledged in the published WSE reports, the two post primary schools are 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 to 2010.

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 post primary schools in question appealed their non inclusion in DEIS. Both their appeals were unsuccessful.

Following the introduction of DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunities in Schools), a commitment was given, as a concessionary measure, to Non DEIS schools in receipt of resources under pre-existing schemes, including the Home School Community Liaison (HSCL) service, that they would retain a level of support in line with their size and disadvantage levels for the duration of the DEIS Initiative.

Given the current volatile and challenging economic climate, difficult choices had to be made in order to contain public sector spending. One of these decisions is the withdrawal of the HSCL services from all Non DEIS schools with effect from September 2009. The two post primary schools mentioned by the Deputy will lose their HSCL services at the end of the current 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.

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

573 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Science the work that is being done in his Department in advance of the review of DEIS in 2010; if consideration has been given to the selection process that will be involved; and if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of those involved in the previous process. [10103/09]

As the Deputy is aware, the next identification process for disadvantaged schools is due to take place at the end of the current DEIS programme which is 2010. A Steering group has already been established within my Department and work has commenced work in examining the socio-economic and other variables that collectively best predict achievement. The Group will be taking into account concerns raised in relation to the previous identification process and will consider the most effective and efficient methods of data collection.

It is intended that a wider consultation process will be entered into with relevant stakeholders later in 2009.

School Accommodation.

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

574 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if, of the projected €48 million which his Department will spend in 2009 renting prefabs in respect of temporary accommodation throughout the primary and post primary school system, he will estimate the number of prefabs which are rented directly by his Department, that is prefabs for which his Department pays rent, and the amount when the rent is paid directly by the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10113/09]

My Department provides grant aid towards the provision of temporary school accommodation to the management authorities of education providers where it is established that a need for such temporary accommodation exists. Generally, where schools require temporary accommodation, the Board of Management is responsible for acquiring such temporary accommodation and the rental contract is between the Board of Management and the supplying contractor. In between 1% and 2% of cases my Department may rent directly from providers, this generally arises in relation to developing areas where a new school is being established.

A review of rental policy is ongoing which will, inter alia, cover an examination of the contract terms to incorporate buy out, buy back, rental costs and relocation options if local circumstances require it. The review will involve an investigation of all existing rental contracts between schools and suppliers with a view to identifying action to reduce overall rental costs for the Department.

In the meantime, schools proposing to rent temporary accommodation must seek competitive quotes from suppliers which should allow them to take advantage of changing market prices.

Question No. 575 answered with Question No. 493.

Anti-Social Behaviour.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

576 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will make funding available for emergency measures at a school (details supplied) in County Cork to prevent anti-social behaviour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10124/09]

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

Education Schemes.

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

577 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the way he proposes to expect to meet the demand for further education and PLC places, in view of the cap imposed by him, and the likelihood that teachers will adhere to letters of agreement, vis-à-vis class size agreements entered into between teachers organisations and his Department some years ago, which effectively agree to a ratio of not more than 24:1 for practical classes and 30:1 for theory classes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10125/09]

The number of approved PLC places is set at its current level of 30,188 in recognition of the need to plan and control numbers and to carefully manage expenditure within the context of overall educational policy and provision.

In terms of meeting the demand for further education, my Department, in conjunction with the Departments of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Social and Family Affairs and Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, is working as a matter of urgency to identify innovative and creative ways to maximise provision and enhance effectiveness. My Department is also working closely with all the stakeholders and providers in the further and adult education sector in order to address the retraining and upskilling needs of the workforce.

As part of our efforts in this regard my Department and representatives of the Irish Vocational Education Association and Institutes of Technology Ireland participate in the Upskilling Co-Ordination Group chaired by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. My Department is also liaising with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with a view to improving the co-ordination of our efforts and facilitating better co-operation and collaboration at local and regional level among the relevant education and training providers.

The increase in unemployment brings with it many challenges, including that of retraining and upskilling. In order to address these challenges in this difficult financial situation we must continue to target and prioritise our resources to maximum effect across the education sector. I am confident that by working closely with other Departments and agencies we can maximise the impact of our collective endeavours in meeting the challenges presented by the current economic situation.

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

578 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason he refused to enter into an agreement between the further education sector and his Department in July 2008, on the basis of the establishment of the formal recognition of the further education sector, and effectively recognising that FE students are not second level students, and consequently need specific recognition within education policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10126/09]

In December 2006, my Department began negotiations with management and unions in relation to Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) provision in the further education sector, as envisaged under the Social Partnership Agreement "Towards 2016". "Towards 2016" also acknowledged that the level of resources for the PLC sector would be determined in the light of resources generally and the implications for other areas of education.

A draft agreement, concluded with management and the TUI, provides a basis for the future development of the PLC sector. Implementation will have to be considered in the context of current and future budgetary provisions for my Department and will have to take account of the present and prospective economic and budgetary context and related financial constraints.

School Accommodation.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

579 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the accommodation problem at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare in view of the fact that it will not be possible to accommodate all junior infants from the catchment area in September 2009; and if he will sanction the provision of additional accommodation. [10138/09]

I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department is in receipt of an application for large scale capital funding from the school to which he refers.

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.

It is open to the school authorities to apply to my Department in the meantime for the provision of temporary accommodation to meet its immediate accommodation needs if this is necessary.

Schools Building Projects.

John Perry

Ceist:

580 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will ensure that a school (details supplied) in County Sligo will be provided with €50,000 funding to complete essential works on construction of a resource room in view of the fact that the work was commissioned by the contractor for €175,000 but the school only received €120,000 funding; if he will reverse the decision to cut the teaching numbers at the school by one in view of the fact that this will result in class sizes of 34 and more students, and the detrimental impact that this will have on the pupils educational needs and school resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10178/09]

The school referred to by the Deputy was approved funding of €120,000 for the provision of an additional classroom. The management sought an increased grant toward the provision of additional accommodation over and above that approved.

The school were advised that in the context of the funding available and the number of applications for that funding, their application was not successful. An appeal from the school management is under consideration and a decision will be conveyed in due course.

I have consistently said that 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 budget measures will impact on individual schools in different ways depending on whether enrolment is rising or declining and the degree to which any one school has more teachers than it is entitled to under the allocation processes.

In terms of the position at individual school level the key factor for determining the level of resources provided by my Department is the pupil enrolment at 30 September 2008. The annual process of seeking this enrolment data from schools took place in the autumn and the data has since been received and processed in my Department enabling the commencement of the processes by which teaching resources are allocated to schools for the school year that begins next September.

My Department has written to the primary schools that are projected to have a net loss or gain in classroom teaching posts in September, 2009. As part of my efforts to ensure that relevant information is openly available to the public detailed information on the opening position for primary schools is now published on my Department's website. This provisional list sets out the details on individual schools that, taken collectively, are projected to gain 128 posts and to lose 382 posts — a net reduction of 254 posts. It is my intention to have this information updated and ultimately to set out the final position when the allocation processes are completed.

The above allocations are provisional at this stage and reflect the initial allocation position. The final position for any one school will depend on a number of other factors such as additional posts for schools that are developing rapidly and posts allocated as a result of the appeals processes. The operation of redeployment arrangements also impacts on the final position as a teacher can remain in his or her existing school where a suitable redeployment position does not exist. The final staffing position for all schools will therefore not be known until the autumn. At that stage the allocation process will be fully completed for mainstream classroom teachers and any appeals to the Staffing Appeals Board will have been considered.

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