Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 25 Mar 2009

Vol. 678 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 7, inclusive, answered orally.

Questions Nos. 8 to 35, inclusive resubmitted.

Questions Nos. 36 to 45, inclusive, answered orally.

Teachers’ Remuneration.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

46 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 28 of 26 February 2009, when the contract for his Department’s new payroll system was first drafted; the length of time it took to draft this contract; the cost of the contract to date; the estimated final cost for the contract when the payroll system becomes operational in September 2009; the projected savings in administrative overheads that the taxpayer can expect to make from the implementation of this new system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12234/09]

Mary Upton

Ceist:

68 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 28 of 26 February 2009, the reason the new payroll system in his Department is not due to begin operating until September 2009; the categories of teaching and non-teaching staff who will benefit from the use of the new payroll system; if this will include part-time, full-time and substitute teachers, caretakers, administration staff and secretarial staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12232/09]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 46 and 68 together.

My Department is responsible for the operation of the largest and probably the most complex payrolls in the country. There are approximately 84,000 personnel being paid on a fortnightly basis on these payrolls. These include teachers and special needs assistants employed in primary, secondary and Community/Comprehensive schools. The caretakers and clerical officers employed under the 1979 scheme and retired teaching and non-teaching staff are also paid. In the case of primary schools all full-time, fixed term and substitute teachers are now paid through my Department's payroll system. All categories of teachers employed in Secondary and Community schools including those referred to by the Deputy such as part-time and substitute are now paid on my Department's payrolls.

The integration of part-time and substitute staff into the payroll systems has resulted in reduced administration for schools. Tax, PRSI and other statutory deductions are now dealt with in my Department and schools are no longer responsible for payroll administration work such as revenue returns. The introduction of an on line claims system which enables schools to input claims for payment of the part-time and substitute teachers has also created efficiencies both in my Department and at school level.

The next stage in the development of the Department payrolls is to incorporate the part-time resource primary teachers that are currently paid by the management authorities of schools onto the system. My Department has not contracted for a new payroll system for incorporating those part-time resource teachers and the development work associated with this payroll is being undertaken by officials in my Department.

These teachers will be paid on the payroll from the 1st September this year and the arrears are due to be paid by November. It is projected that an additional 1,000 teachers will be added to the payroll systems. The records of service for these teachers are currently being recorded on the Department's personnel system.

There are no plans to expand the payroll systems to pay caretakers and clerical officers currently paid by the school management authorities.

The expansion of the payroll system in recent years has been undertaken as part of the normal work of my Payroll and Information Technology sections without additional staffing resources other than temporary staff for once-off data entry.

Special Educational Needs.

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

47 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will reverse his decision to suppress classes for children with mild learning disabilities in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 2 in view of the fact that this school is a DEIS one band school which is exempted from cutbacks in education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12245/09]

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

I would like to reassure the Deputy 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 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 (MGLD).

Teacher 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 permits schools to retain a teaching post where it has a minimum of 9 pupils in the class. In the case of the school referred to by the Deputy, the school confirmed that they have 8 pupils in the MGLD class, therefore the school no longer qualifies to retain the class.

These special classes which are to close pre-date the 2005 General Allocation Model of allocating additional teacher support to schools to enable them to meet the needs of pupils with MGLD as well as a number of other high incidence disabilities.

All primary schools were allocated additional teaching resources under the General Allocation Model to enable them support pupils with high incidence special educational needs including MGLD. In the case of the school referred to by the Deputy, the school has shared access to a learning support/resource teacher. When the General Allocation Model was introduced, schools with additional teachers in classes for MGLD were allowed to retain the teachers for these classes.

All of the other primary schools in the country which do not have classes for children with MGLD cater for these pupils from within the General Allocation Model. Pupils with a MGLD have, and will continue to have access to additional teaching resources to support their education.

The Deputy will be aware that 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.

In line with my focus on retaining resources in the most disadvantaged areas, it is important to note that following Budget 2009 DEIS supports in DEIS schools are not being affected.

The school referred to by the Deputy was identified for inclusion in Urban Band 1 of DEIS and for the duration of the programme it will benefit from the following measures:

(a) Allocation of an Administrative Principal;

(b) The services of a shared Home School Community Liaison Co-ordinator;

(c) Access to a range of supports under the School Completion Programme;

(d) Additional capitation based on level of disadvantage and grant aid for school books.

Indeed without counting the teacher to be removed in September there is still a total of 9 teaching staff, two on a shared basis, assigned to this school. There are also two Special Needs Assistants (wte). The enrolment as at September 2008 was 84 pupils.

The school has written to my Department making a case for the retention of the teacher and this is currently under consideration.

I would like to take the opportunity to emphasise that priority will continue to be given to making provision for pupils with special educational needs within available resources.

School Staffing.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

48 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the degree to which he and his Department officials have had discussions with the authorities of the various primary and post-primary schools throughout the country regarding the implementation of the 2009 Budgetary cuts with particular reference to the need to minimise the negative impact on pupil-teacher ratios and the quality, scale and standard of education available to all pupils including those with special needs is not affected to the extent of damaging the future prospects of the children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12012/09]

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

There has been ongoing engagement and discussion with the relevant education partners involving me and/or my senior officials concerning general education matters and specific budgetary matters, since the budget announcements last October.

To be clear there is no doubt that the budget measures concerning staffing will have an impact. There is simply no easy way to control or reduce public expenditure.

At the level of individual schools the changes in relation to the allocation of teaching posts will impact 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. Across the school system generally there will inevitably be an impact on class sizes and at post-primary level the changes will impact on the capacity of individual schools to offer as wide a range of subject choices as heretofore in future years. My Department will through the normal processing of examining applications for curricular concessions endeavour to ensure continuity of provision for those already preparing for the certificate examinations. The changes at second level are therefore more likely to impact on the range of subjects that schools will be able to offer to those starting the Junior or Leaving Certificate programmes next September.

Specifically in relation to special needs I would like to emphasise that the budget provided for a continuation of the allocation of resource teachers based on the recommendations of the National Council for Special Education.

I have been anxious to ensure that the measures are implemented in a transparent and fair manner. 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.

Initial allocation letters have also issued to Post Primary Schools and Vocational Educational Committees. All the above allocations, primary and post-primary 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 the allocation of support teachers, additional posts for schools that are developing rapidly and posts allocated as a result of the appeals processes.

The final staffing position for all schools will ultimately 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 Boards will have been considered. The appellate process is particularly relevant at post-primary level where any specific curricular needs of the school concerned are considered. Also at post-primary there is no effective system wide redeployment scheme at present and this can mean that schools may end up retain teachers, though over quota.

While teacher numbers are important numerous influential reports have highlighted the fact that teacher quality is the single most important factor — far and above anything else — in improving educational outcomes for children. Ensuring high quality teaching and learning is a challenge and dealing with factors that inhibit it represent a challenge for the Government, the Department, school management and indeed teacher unions. The teaching profession in Ireland is highly regarded and well paid by international standards. It continues to attract from the top quartile of students which is a key ingredient to the provision of quality education.

Third Level Fees.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

49 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department is considering a capital assets test for means test purposes with regard to the reintroduction of third level college fees; the reasons for the extended delay within his Department in finalising amendments for the Student Support Bill in view of the fact that it passed second stage nearly nine months ago; if the amendments will change, in any significant way, the thrust of the Bill or its detailed provisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12226/09]

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

As the Deputy is aware, I am currently finalising a review of policy options relating to the introduction of a form of student contribution for third level fees. There are many complex and competing considerations including costs, affordability and means testing arrangements that will fall to be taken into account by the Government in considering the available options. It is my intention to bring proposals in this regard to Government in the near future.

In relation to the Student Support Bill, the Deputy will be aware that a number of amendments are currently being considered arising from a review of the Bill following the Second Stage debate and further consultations since publication. A number of legal issues have arisen in the course of preparation of the legislation which require further advice and clarification. The amendments which are currently under consideration are consistent with the purpose of this legislation, which is to provide for the making of student grants to enable students to attend higher and further education courses and its principal objective, which is to create a more coherent system for the administration of these grants to facilitate consistency of application and improved client accessibility. It is not envisaged that these amendments will substantially alter the current thrust of the Bill.

In light of the long-term policy objectives and a broad range of representations since publication of the Bill, my Department is currently examining whether an enabling provision for part-time courses might be inserted into the legislation. While the Deputy will appreciate that the current financial situation will not make it possible to extend funding to part-time study at the moment, it is recognised that it would nonetheless be opportune to provide scope in the legislation for the limited inclusion of part-time courses at some point in the future, should resources permit. This is a complex task which involves detailed consideration and consultation, both from the legal and policy points of view. The Department has asked the Office of the Parliamentary Council to consider draft amendments to the relevant sections of the Bill for the possible inclusion of part-time study.

A number of the amendments to the Student Support Bill are at the final stages of preparation and my Department is currently working closely with the Office of the Attorney General to finalise any outstanding matters. I hope to be in a position to have these amendments finalised shortly with a view to progressing to Committee Stage before the summer recess.

Schools Recognition.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

50 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools recognised by his Department in 2008 at both primary and post-primary level; the number of schools expected to be recognised by his Department in 2009; if a moratorium has been put on school reconditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12259/09]

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

A total of 25 new primary schools and two new post-primary schools were recognised by my Department in 2008, and it is proposed to recognise a further two schools at post-primary level in 2009.

I should explain that a full review of the criteria and procedures for the recognition and establishment of new primary schools is currently being undertaken by the Commission on School Accommodation. It is expected that this will be completed and recommendations made to me by the Commission before the end of 2009. I am also giving consideration to a range of issues concerning the establishment of new schools at post-primary level. In the interim, it is not my intention to recognise new schools, except in areas where the increase in pupil numbers cannot be catered for by extending existing schools and where new schools are therefore warranted.

This means that new schools will not be established for reasons unrelated to demographic growth in areas where there is already sufficient school accommodation or where increases in pupil numbers can be catered for by extending existing school accommodation. While the review is ongoing, it is proposed that the Department will identify the areas where new schools are required based on detailed examination and analysis of the demographics of each area. These details will be circulated to all existing Patron Bodies and it will be open to those patrons to put themselves forward as patron for any such new school.

This review does not mean that there will be a complete cessation of the school building programme outside areas of rapid growth. In addition to the establishment of new schools in areas of rapid population growth, the normal building programme of modernising, replacing or extending existing schools will continue.

School Accommodation.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

51 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question 524 of 10 March 2009 the reason boards of management are responsible for acquiring temporary school accommodation and signing such contracts, but are barred by his Department from taking out mortgages in order to build permanent accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12265/09]

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

As indicated in my response to Parliamentary Question No. 524 on 10 March 2009, 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.

School authorities are not barred from taking out mortgages to build accommodation. However, any proposal by a school authority to raise finance for which the State is to act as guarantor and/or fund the repayments needs to be closely examined as to its appropriateness in terms of Public Procurement Procedures and Public Financial Procedures generally.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

52 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of pupils at primary and second level schools throughout the country accommodated in temporary or unfit buildings; the extent to which plans are afoot to replace such structures; when such plans are expected to reach fruition; the number of instances in each of the past three years to date in which accommodation needs have been met in the first instance by way of permanent accommodation; the reason some schools are forced to accommodate staff and pupils in largely unfit temporary accommodation for up to 20 years while others do not; the reason for this disparity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12013/09]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

230 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children accommodated in temporary structures at primary and post primary level here; the number of national schools, scoileanna gaeilge, Educate Together or other schools so affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12367/09]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 52 and 230 together.

The demand for additional accommodation in schools has risen significantly over the last number of years, with the appointment of 6,000 extra teachers in the primary sector alone since 2002. In considering the need to provide extra resource and other teachers to schools in recent years, the Government could have decided to make children wait until permanent accommodation could be provided. However, we prioritised putting the extra teachers into schools as soon as possible and, in some cases, this has involved the provision of high-quality prefabricated structures to accommodate them.

In general, my Department approves the purchase or rental of prefabricated classrooms based on need at the time of application. Local school managements then organise their class numbers, year on year, to achieve the optimum local efficiencies. My Department does not hold information on the numbers of pupils in individual schools who currently occupy temporary accommodation; this depends on the organisation of class groups by schools within available accommodation and may vary from year to year.

Separately, my Department has surveyed almost 900 primary schools across the country regarding their use of rented prefabricated accommodation and is finalising the compilation of this information. The information gathered has been used to produce a database of information on rented prefabricated accommodation which will be maintained on an ongoing basis and will be used to inform my Department's future decision-making in this area.

Following analysis of costs in my Department, it is now practice to purchase rather than rent temporary accommodation where the need for such accommodation is likely to exist for more than three years. This will reduce the incidence of long term rental of prefabs. A review of rental policy is ongoing which will, inter alia, recommend improvements in the terms of rental contracts, for example, to incorporate buy out, buy back, rental costs and relocation options to suit individual local circumstances. Furthermore, 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 achieve optimum value for money in the current market circumstances.

Student Councils.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

53 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science further to parliamentary Question No. 27 of 26 February 2009, the reason his Department only understands that student councils have been established in the majority of post primary schools and that the remaining schools are in the process of establishing councils and cannot say with certainty what the current situation is; the reason the name of each post primary school which has established a student council is not readily available; if his Department will conduct an audit of schools to ascertain this information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12236/09]

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

The Education Act, 1998 provides for the establishment of student councils, intending them to play an integral and important role in the post-primary school community. Student councils provide a representative structure through which students can debate issues of concern and undertake initiatives of benefit to the school and the wider community.

Section 27 of the Education Act, 1998 provides that students of post-primary schools may establish a student council. It also provides that the board of management shall encourage the establishment by students of a student council; and shall facilitate and give all reasonable assistance to students who wish to establish a student council and to student councils when they have been established. A board of management of a post-primary school is required to draw up rules for the establishment of a student council, including the election of members and the dissolution of a council, in accordance with the 2002 ministerial guidelines on the establishment and operation of student councils, ‘Student Councils: A Voice for Students'.

An Assistant National Co-ordinator with responsibility for student councils was appointed to the Second Level Support Service in 2007. This co-ordinator has designed and is delivering a programme of professional development to respond to the identified needs and to support teachers with establishing student councils in their schools. In addition, this co-ordinator can provide support to all of the students in a school prior to establishing its student council and to the students on the council, following their election.

As part of Whole School Inspection, the Inspectorate engages with the student council of the school and where there is no council they recommend that a council should be established. Information on the establishment of a student council is available on a school by school basis from the school's inspection reports.

Both the work of the Inspectorate and the National Co-ordinator provide valuable information to my Department in relation to the establishment of student councils across post primary schools. My Department understands that student councils have been established in the majority of post-primary schools and that the remaining schools are in the process of establishing councils. As there is no mandatory requirement on schools to establish student councils, I have no plans to conduct an audit in this area. I consider that the best use of resources at this time is to support the establishment and performance of student councils.

Third Level Fees.

Arthur Morgan

Ceist:

54 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the graduate tax that has recently been proposed. [12270/09]

Arthur Morgan

Ceist:

55 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has had consultations with his Australian counterpart with regard to their higher education contribution scheme in view of recent proposals to put in place a similar scheme here. [12269/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

78 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will include the Union of Students of Ireland in talks that take place on the proposal to reintroduce third level fees. [12271/09]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 54, 55 and 78 together.

As the Deputies are aware, I am currently finalising a review of policy options relating to the introduction of a form of student contribution. To assist in its examination of the available options, my Department's review group met with an Australian expert who was involved in the implementation of the Australian income contingent loan model. This was in the context of a general examination of various models in operation internationally. I welcome the views expressed in relation to the graduate tax proposal. The proposal is helpful in its recognition of the desirability of some form of contribution by students to the cost of their higher education. There are many complex and competing considerations including costs, affordability and value for money for the taxpayer which need to be taken into account in considering all of the available options. It is my intention to bring proposals to Government in the near future in relation to the available options.

Finally, I wish to advise the Deputies that I have met with the Union of Students of Ireland and we agreed to have further meetings on a regular basis. These meetings are intended to cover any issues of concern to the Union.

School Staffing.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

56 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the implications of the proposed staffing cuts for vocation education committee schools in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12014/09]

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

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.

Schools Building Projects.

Michael D'Arcy

Ceist:

57 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Education and Science the provision he has made in the case of direct funding school building projects for the payment to suppliers of equipment and materials to sub-contractors employed by the main contractors when such sub-contractors do not discharge their debts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12011/09]

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

Contracts for school building projects (and indeed all public works building contracts) comply with either the GDLA-1982 form of contract or the new Department of Finance form of contract for public capital projects. My Department has no authority to change the terms of these contracts.

In general all sub-contractors employed on school building projects are employed directly by the Main Contractor or indirectly by the Main Contractor through other sub-contractors. It is a matter for all sub-contractors to agree terms and conditions and a schedule of payments with their direct employer.

A school building project is a complex arrangement of contractual relationships between the client, the main contractor, specialist sub-contractors, domestic sub-contractors, suppliers of materials, suppliers of plant etc. Where my Department is the Client its relationship is with the Main Contractor and my Department (or indeed any client) cannot take responsibility for resolving disputes within the chain.

School Staffing.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

58 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science the schools that have been allowed keep more than two staff in English as an additional language programme, under the exceptional circumstances clause which he has promised will be used to exempt certain schools from this cutback; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12255/09]

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

74 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department is planning to issue a circular to schools on the status and administration of the English language as an additional language programme; the main points of the forthcoming circular; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12256/09]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 58 and 74 together.

In light of the Budget 2009 decision my Department has now published a circular for schools which sets out how the new arrangements will operate for the allocation of language support teachers from September 2009. The circular sets out a structured and transparent approach for the operation of the alleviation measures that were announced in the budget for schools that have a significant concentration of newcomer pupils. The alleviation measures mean that these schools can qualify for up to four language support posts with the possibility of additional post(s) also being approved through the independent staffing appeals mechanism.

Schools can now apply to my Department in the normal way for language support posts. These posts are approved on a provisional basis initially and will be confirmed in September 2009 following receipt from the schools of actual enrolments of pupils requiring language support. It is estimated that notwithstanding the budget measures there will be 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.

Schools Building Projects.

Seymour Crawford

Ceist:

59 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the restructuring of a school (details supplied) in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12274/09]

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

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

The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the further progression of the project at this time.

Third Level Education.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

60 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps he is taking to assist persons, who have recently been made unemployed, to re-enter third level education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12225/09]

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

All places in higher education institutions for the academic year 2009/2010 are open to unemployed persons and information on all third level education options are being made available to local FÁS offices who provide referral services for unemployed persons under the National Employment Action Plan. Unemployed persons who qualify for the Department of Social and Family Affairs Back to Education Allowance may also qualify for a student maintenance grant under my Department's student support scheme.

Officials of my Department are working very closely with officials in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Minister for Social and Family Affairs to ensure that appropriate responses are developed and put in place to meet the upskilling needs of those who are losing their jobs or facing uncertain employment prospects. In particular, opportunities for increased collaboration between FÁS, the Institutes of Technology and the VECs are being identified with a view to ensuring that the impact of the State's overall investment in education and training is maximised to support those who are being made unemployed. The Institutes of Technology are also working closely with FÁS to facilitate redundant apprentices in completing the education phases of their apprenticeship and in progressing to other higher education courses.

Colleges are taking steps to utilize all available capacity to address the needs of the unemployed, including the provision of preparatory courses for those who may be a long time out of the formal education system. From September 2009 provision will be expanded in course areas where employment opportunities are likely to develop and the scope for more flexible delivery of provision is being examined, including the possibility of alternate start dates, increased modularisation and accelerated programmes with a view to maximising the scope for unemployed persons to avail of third level education opportunities.

Early Childhood Education.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

61 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the practice of early immersion education. [12272/09]

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

This issue relates to the impact of providing an immersion model of education in Irish medium schools under which no English is taught for a significant part of the infant cycle.

There is a range of studies which highlight the effectiveness of immersion approaches to language learning. However, the precise models of immersion in use, whether this applied to the exclusion of other languages, the socio-economic profile of students, their home linguistic background, and the national context and level of societal use of the immersion language in the studies are not always clear and make comparisons difficult with the situation in Ireland. A review of literature in this area undertaken on behalf of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment in 2006 concluded that "existing international research is not adequate to decide the reading sequencing issue clearly in the context of Irish immersion, either in a general way or in particular schools."

Circular 0044/2007 requires that Irish medium schools should provide for a minimum provision in English of 2.5 hours per week for infant classes, no later than the start of the second term in Junior infants. The previous Minister fully discussed this issue with Irish language organisations and the National Parent's Council prior to issue of the Circular to schools.

Circular 0044/2007 is now the subject of a legal challenge in the High Court, therefore my Department is prohibited from taking steps pursuant to implementation of the Circular until the judicial review has been heard and a final verdict has been given.

Officials of my Department are engaging in discussions with Gaelscoileanna to explore the scope for resolving the issue. If this proves feasible it will be then be necessary to discuss the matter further with the other parties with an interest in the matter.

School Staffing.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

62 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the implications of the proposed staffing cuts for post primary schools attended by pupils from County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12015/09]

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

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, 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.

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. Across the school system generally there will of course be some impact on class sizes and the changes may impact on the capacity of individual second-level schools to offer as wide a range of subject choices as heretofore.

Teacher allocations to all second level schools are approved annually by my Department in accordance with established rules based on recognised pupil enrolment. In accordance with these rules each school management authority is required to organise its subject options within the limit of its approved teacher allocation. The deployment of teaching staff in the school, the range of subjects offered and ultimately the quality of teaching and learning are in the first instance a matter for the school management authorities.

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 these enrolment data from schools took place in the autumn and the data have 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.

Initial allocation letters have issued to Post Primary Schools and Vocational Educational Committees. The allocation is provisional at this stage and reflects the initial allocation position. The final position for any one school will depend on a number of other factors such as the allocation of support teachers, additional posts for schools that are developing rapidly and posts allocated as a result of the appeals processes.

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 Board of Management 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.

Discrete allocations are also made to post-primary schools to cater for pupils with Special Educational Needs and those with Language difficulties for example and these allocations can alter the ultimate position of the school in relation to any over quota position.

School Curriculum.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

63 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the walk tall and personal health programmes; if there are cut backs proposed to the programmes due to the economic situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8949/09]

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

The Substance Misuse Prevention Programme (Walk Tall) support service is available to all primary and special schools in all Local Drugs Task Force Areas and has been also offered to DEIS schools. Along with all other areas of expenditure, provision will be subject to ongoing review in the context of expenditure management.

The Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) support service was introduced to schools, at Junior Cycle from September 2000 and has been part of the curriculum since 2003. The SPHE receives funding from my Department, as well as the HSE. There are no plans to reduce my Departments budget contribution up to September 2009. As the Deputy is aware I have had to reduce the number of personnel in this and other support services, nevertheless from September 2009 the SPHE will be amalgamated with the Second Level Support Service (SLSS) in order to leverage the capacity which currently exists within the sector, thus ensuring that a wide range of support for all teachers will remain in place.

Student Councils.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

64 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 27 of 26 February 2009, if his attention has been drawn to the view that some student councils regard the whole school inspection process as factually inaccurate because in some cases student councils are asked by the principal or their teachers to be less than frank and open with the school inspectorate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12238/09]

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

A meeting with representatives of the students' council (or a representative group of students where no students' council exists in a school) is one of the techniques that inspectors use when evaluating the work of post-primary schools. Inspectors make every effort to conduct this meeting in a relaxed, informal manner so as to put students at ease and allow them to talk openly about their school. The evidence collected during these interviews complements evidence collected from a range of other sources including observations in the school, the examination of students' work and progress, examination results, attendance data, information from school documentation and interviews with staff and management. A further important source of evidence comes from the meetings that inspectors conduct with the parents of students, and I should note that no evidence has come to my Department's attention from these meetings with parents to suggest that their children have been asked by a principal or teachers to conceal their criticisms of a school.

The Deputy appears to be suggesting that in certain cases, principals and teachers have instructed students to give false or incomplete evidence to inspectors during the course of whole-school evaluations. I am very concerned at the allegations that the Deputy is making. I am not aware of any instance where this has occurred, but I would urge the Deputy to provide my Department with the names of the schools, principals and teachers to which she is referring in her question so that the matter may be pursued with the school authorities concerned.

Third Level Fees.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

65 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will announce his plans for third level funding reform. [12268/09]

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

As the Deputy is aware, the process to develop a new national strategy for higher education is now underway which 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. In 2008 some €2 billion was invested in our third level sector. In contributing to the achievement of national policy goals for social and economic development into the future, it can be anticipated that there will be continuing significant resource needs for the sector. It is appropriate to raise questions around how future additional resource needs can be met and in particular how our higher education institutions can be supported in their development ambitions through a widening of their non-Exchequer sources of income, including through a new form of student contribution.

I am currently finalising a review of policy options relating to the introduction of a form of student contribution. It is my intention to bring proposals in the near future to Government in relation to the available options.

Higher Education Grants.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

66 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he is having discussions with the vocational education committees and their representative organisations with a view to rationalising the administration of student grants as envisaged under the Student Support Bill 2008; his views on such rationalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12263/09]

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

The Student Support Bill, which was published in February 2008 provides the legislative framework for the reform of the administration of student grants and the amalgamation of the existing four student grant schemes into a single unified scheme which will be provided for by way of regulation.

The Bill is part of an overall programme of legislative and administrative reform, which will facilitate the introduction of significant service level improvements in the administration of student grants, providing for greater consistency of application, improved client accessibility and timely delivery of grants to those who need them most. It will include guaranteed timeframe for the assessment of grants, an independent appeals procedure and more efficient arrangements for handling applications and making payments. This new, significantly more customer-oriented system of administration will provide for a more simplified and accessible applications system, much greater speed and consistency in processing student grant applications, more transparency and accountability in the awarding of grants and regular, on-time EFT payments for students.

The passage of the Bill will facilitate progress on the two other significant pillars of this project, the development of a single unified grant scheme and the consolidation of the administration of student grants into the VEC sector.

The Department is working closely with the IVEA and other relevant stakeholders to develop the new administrative structures required to support more efficient and effective delivery of the new unified grants scheme.

Property Transfers.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

67 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 22 of 26 February 2009, the identity of the property that was transferred from his Department to the Health Service Executive which was subsequently sold by the HSE in 2005; the amount of money which was received by the HSE for that sale; if the HSE in turn paid moneys from that sale back to his Department; if so, the amount of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12242/09]

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

I wish to advise the Deputy in the first instance that the property in question was not transferred from my Department to the Health Service Executive but was transferred directly from the religious order in question to the HSE under the terms of the Indemnity Agreement.

I can tell you that the property in question is 28 The Woodlands, Celbridge, Co. Kildare. While my Department was not involved in the subsequent disposal of the property in question, I have been informed by the HSE that this property was sold by them and that the proceeds amounting to €280,000 was subsequently returned to the Exchequer.

Question No. 68 answered with Question No. 46.

Departmental Reports.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

69 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 23 of 26 February 2009, if the terms of reference have been finalised for the high level steering group on third level education (details supplied) and comprising national and international expertise; if there will be staff from his Department seconded to work with this steering group; the structured role, from an organisational point of view, the Higher Education Authority will have in advancing the work of this group; if he has set a precise timetable for the group to complete its work in view of the urgency that surrounds the third level sector from the point of view of funding and the imminent announcement regarding the position of additional third level fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12240/09]

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

As the Deputy is aware, in early February I announced the process to develop a new national strategy for higher education, which will examine how well Ireland's higher education system is performing, how it ranks internationally, how well existing resources are being used and how the system can be re-configured to best meet the many challenges it faces over the next decade having regard to the key role it has to play in contributing to Ireland's economic recovery. The process will have regard to existing policies and strategies already developed by Government which affect the sector, such as the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation and the National Skills Strategy.

The process is being led by a high level steering group comprising national and international expertise. The membership of the Steering Group which held its first meeting on 4 March 2009 is as follows:

Dr Colin Hunt, Economist,

Dr John Hegarty, Provost Trinity College Dublin

Marion Coy, President, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology

Professor John Casteen, President of the University of Virginia

Professor Jussi Valimaa, University of Jyvaskyla

Dick Lehane, former Senior Vice-President of Worldwide Manufacturing at the EMC Corporation

Paul Rellis, Managing Director, Microsoft Ireland

Peter Cassells, Chair of the National Centre for Partnership Performance

Shane Kelly, President of USI

Michael Kelly, Chairman of Higher Education Authority

Dr Mary Canning, Former World Bank Education Specialist and member of the Higher Education Authority

Brigid McManus, Secretary General, Department of Education and Science

Martin Shanagher, Assistant Secretary, Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment

Mary Doyle, Assistant Secretary, Department of An Taoiseach

Robert Watt, Assistant Secretary, Department of Finance

The Secretary to the Steering group is an official of the Higher Education Authority. Two staff members from the Department of Education and Science, as well as a staff member from Forfás have also been seconded to the Secretariat. It is expected that the Steering group will complete its work before the end of the year.

The terms of reference for the strategy are as follows:

1. To consider the role of Irish higher education in the context of higher education's role in modern societies and, in particular, in the modern knowledge society.

2. Describe and analyse the current environment of Irish higher education including: the current system in terms of its student numbers, funding, funding models, organisational arrangements and the roles of the different public and private entities involved in the higher education and research domain; the existing policy objectives; identification and assessment of external factors likely to influence change in the sector (e.g. demographics, student mobility) and; the international environment in which the Irish higher education system operates including the benchmarking of the system against relevant international comparators and higher education systems, processes and outcomes in other countries.

3. Having regard to the issues arising from 1 and 2 above, and from the process of consultation on those issues, to develop a vision and related set of national policy objectives for Irish higher education for the next 20 years with more focused targets for the sector for the next five years.

4. Having regard to the outcomes of 3 above, and taking into account best international practice, identify the operational framework of the higher education system including the number and roles of institutions within it which will enable it to deliver on these policy objectives; recommend any changes required in the system of oversight and accountability that will support achievement of objectives; determine the level of resources required to achieve the stated objectives, 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.

School Accommodation.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

70 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will survey the remaining schools with regard to their usage of prefabricated buildings. [12267/09]

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

The survey of over 900 schools was primarily carried out to consolidate information already available on individual files in order to set up a database of rented accommodation. It also obtained information on purchased prefabricated units in those schools.

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. It is not possible at this stage to indicate when the exercise will be completed.

Schools Building Projects.

Seán Barrett

Ceist:

71 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Science when work will commence on the extension in respect of a primary school (details supplied) in County Dublin which was sanctioned by his Department and the necessity for which has been stressed in the whole school evaluation by his Department’s inspectorate and published on his Department’s website; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12010/09]

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

The school to which the Deputy refers has applied to my Department for large scale capital funding for an extension and refurbishment project.

The project was announced for the appointment of a Design Team in April 2007. Unfortunately, the funding has not been available to date to enable this. The project will be considered for progression in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of the demand on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.

Higher Education Grants.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

72 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if provision will be made to change the existing scheme in relation to third level maintenance grants, which prevents students who already hold a qualification at a particular level from being eligible to receive a grant for another course at the same level, in order to accommodate people who have recently lost their jobs and wish to return to college in order to upskill and re enter the work force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12224/09]

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

Under the current terms of the third level student grant schemes, maintenance grants are not payable to candidates who already hold a qualification and are pursuing a second qualification at the same level. This restriction applies to every student who already holds a qualification at the same level, irrespective of where that qualification was obtained or whether or not funding was previously awarded.

The objective of the student grant schemes is to assist as many students as possible in obtaining one undergraduate degree and in progressing, where appropriate, to postgraduate studies. There are no plans at present to change the current arrangements. Any such proposal would have to be considered in the light of existing resources and other competing demands in the education sector.

School Patronage.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

73 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 21 of 26 February 2009, if he will request his Department’s inspectors to pay an individual visit to each of the 120 primary schools within the Diocese of Cloyne, which serve approximately 18,000 pupils, to ensure that the board of management of each school is complying with all necessary requirements to ensure that adequate child protection procedures are in place, in view of the failure of a person (details supplied) to satisfactorily report incidents of child sexual abuse by persons under their authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12243/09]

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

The primary statutory responsibility for child protection lies with the Health Services Executive. The role of my Department is to provide guidance and support to schools in implementing child protection policy and to refer any allegations received to the appropriate authorities for investigation.

I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has issued child protection guidelines and procedures to all schools. The guidelines are based on Children First — the Department of Health and Children's national guidelines for the protection and welfare of children. The Children First guidelines make very clear the reporting and investigation mechanisms to be followed in cases of suspected child abuse wherever they occur, and the lead role of the HSE. The guidelines for schools require each board of management to designate a senior member of staff, normally the principal, as the Designated Liaison Person (DLP) for the school. The DLP acts as a liaison person with the health authorities and other agencies on child protection issues and as a resource person to any staff member who has concerns in this regard.

The Department has provided and continues to provide in-service training for Designated Liaison Persons and Deputy Designated Liaison Persons to assist them in dealing with child protection issues. In addition, the Department facilitates training for boards of management, parent education and also provides training at Pre-Service level if requested to do so by the colleges of education.

The Deputy will be aware that as part of the Whole School Evaluation process in individual schools, my Department's Inspectorate routinely checks that Child Protection Policies are in place and that a Designated Liaison Person has been appointed. I have no plans to request the Inspectorate to visit each school in that diocese for the purpose suggested by the Deputy.

Question No. 74 answered with Question No. 58.

Schools Building Projects.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

75 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of new schools his Department estimates will need to be built over the years 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 in order to meet the increasing number of pupils entering the education system due to the significant growth in birth rates over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12262/09]

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

Forward Planning Section of my 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. The number of new schools required over the years 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 to meet any increase in pupil numbers will be considered in this regard.

School Staffing.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

76 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on reversing the decision to halve the numbers of teachers at a school (details supplied) in County Donegal from two to one in view of the fact that one teacher would not be able to teach eight classes at the same time, nor would they be able to assume the responsibilities of teaching children with special needs and that this school is in a unique situation given that it is an island gaelscoil in a disadvantaged area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12266/09]

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

The key factor for determining the level of mainstream teacher resources provided by my Department to primary schools for the 2008/10 school year is the pupil enrolment at 30 September 2008.

There were 11 pupils in the school referred to by the Deputy on 30 September, 2008 which under the appointment and retention procedures entitles the school to one Principal teacher. The school had 16 pupils on 30 September, 2007.

The staffing schedule for the 2009/2010 school year, Primary Circular 0002/2009, has been published on my Department's website at www.education.ie. The schedule is a transparent and clear way of ensuring that schools are treated consistently and fairly and know where they stand. If I were to change the staffing schedule to allow the schools that are due to lose a teacher to retain that teaching post I would be treating them differently from other schools with the exact same number on the rolls and I do not propose to do so. The system should not create anomalies or operate on the basis that one or more schools should be treated differently to others.

The allocation process includes appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedule. The final allocation to a school is also a function of the operation of the redeployment panels. 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 operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.

Schools Refurbishment.

Seymour Crawford

Ceist:

77 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the restructuring of a school (details supplied) in County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12273/09]

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

The proposed extension/refurbishment project at the school to which the Deputy refers is at an early stage of architectural planning.

The progression of all large-scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction, is dependent on the prioritisation of competing demands on the funding available under the Department's capital budget. The project will be considered in the context of the Department's multi-annual school building and modernisation programme. In the meantime, my Department has received an application for emergency works from the school. This application is being assessed and the school will be notified of the outcome in due course.

Question No. 78 answered with Question No. 54.

Home-School Liaison Scheme.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

79 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will ensure that the home-school community liaison services for schools throughout the country will not be reduced or withdrawn in view of the fact that the impact that rising unemployment may have on families and homes may mean that children could become at risk as a result of disruption to family finances caused by a reduction in household income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12250/09]

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

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. Accordingly, from September 2009, HSCL services will be withdrawn from schools which 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 opportunities in Schools), the Action Plan for Educational Inclusion.

The main focus of Social Inclusion measures will be to retain resources in the 873 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.

Further Education.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

80 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason his Department has imposed a lower cap on the number of students in a college (details supplied) in County Cork; his views on the need for an increased number of places in view of the rapid growth of unemployment; the measures he is taking to ensure re-training programmes are increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12253/09]

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

The overall number of approved PLC places is set at its current level of 30,188 because there is a continuing requirement to plan and control numbers and to manage expenditure within the context of overall educational policy and provision. Due to the difficult budgetary position, it was not possible to increase the number of places this year. Any possible future increase would have to take account of the present and prospective economic and budgetary context and related financial constraints.

Places are allocated to Vocational Education Committees (VECs) on an annual basis following an application process. It is then a matter for VECs to allocate those places to their colleges and institutions. Each application is examined by my Department on its merits, taking into account current and previous allocations, current and previous demand and uptake, the overall places available and the overall demand from VECs generally.

In the case of the VEC for the college referred to by the Deputy, there was a decline in the uptake of PLC places over the last number of years up to and including the 2007-2008 academic year and this was factored into the decision to reduce the allocation to the VEC for the 2008-2009 academic year.

Education Grants.

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

81 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has received a letter (details supplied) regarding the impact of the financial cuts imposed on the Protestant voluntary secondary schools in budget 2009; if he has responded to the concerns expressed by them in their letter of 2 March 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12246/09]

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

I wish to reassure the Deputy that I, along with my colleagues in Government, recognise the importance of ensuring that students from a Protestant background can attend a school that reflects their denominational ethos. The Deputy may be aware that I met with representatives of the Church of Ireland Board of Education, led by Archbishop John Neill, on 13 November last.

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

I also stated that I would be willing to respond positively to any proposals they might make on how the block grant could be better targeted to meet the needs of the Protestant community, having regard to its dispersed population, particularly in rural and border areas, and the need to sustain and support Protestant schools. I look forward to receiving those proposals in due course. I recently received correspondence from the Secondary Education Committee which has sought a meeting with my officials to progress the matter.

I also met representatives of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland on 10 March, the first time their members have sent a delegation to Leinster House. I briefed them on funding arrangements for Protestant schools and confirmed that I would be willing to meet them again if required.

With the introduction of the free education scheme in 1967, it was recognised that the level of funding was not sufficient to enable Protestant schools to join the scheme, particularly given that many of their students had to board. For that reason, separate arrangements were put in place to ensure that Protestant students would be able to attend schools under Protestant management. However, Protestant fee-charging schools were never considered part of the free education scheme.

The block grant, which is expected to be €6.5 million in this school year, covers capitation, tuition and boarding costs and is distributed through the Secondary Education Committee established by the churches concerned. Applications for assistance are made by parents to the Secondary Education Committee which, on the basis of a means test, distributes the funds to individual schools on the basis of pupil needs. This fund ensures that necessitous Protestant children can attend a school of their choice.

Immigrant Support Services.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

82 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his discussions with the US President Mr. Barrack Obama in Washington in March 2009; if he discussed the case for the undocumented Irish in the US; if a possible solution was discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12410/09]

The Taoiseach

I discussed the undocumented and immigration reform with President Obama and I believe that this is an issue that the new administration would like to see addressed.

I also met with the Friends of Ireland group led by Congressman Richie Neal and also with Senators Patrick Leahy and Chris Dodd and discussed the issue with them.

Pending agreement in the United States on comprehensive immigration reform we will continue to work with our friends on Capitol Hill on reciprocal bilateral visa arrangements.

Job Creation.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

83 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there are job opportunities becoming available in the Trim, County Meath area; if such vacancies are expected to arise in the next number of months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12608/09]

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

Two Industrial Development agencies under the aegis of my Department — IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland — together with the local County Enterprise Board (CEB) are responsible for industrial development in the area in question. The agencies and the CEB are making every effort to assist job creation in the area. Job opportunities can arise in a range of companies both within and outside of the remit of the State agencies. Accordingly, I am not in a position to comment on what might happen in a particular area in the future. Job seekers should of course keep in close contact with their local FÁS office which can provide information and supports in this regard.

Redundancy Payments.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

84 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the salary level against which redundancy compensation will be calculated in the event that an employer first imposes a cut in salaries across the board, and shortly afterwards announces a redundancy programme; and if redundancy will be calculated based on normal pay or the pay level after application of a cut. [12293/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Billy Kelleher)

A redundancy lump sum is calculated based on the normal weekly wage/salary of the employee on the date he or she is made redundant. Where a change in wage/salary has been imposed and not agreed, and an employee is subsequently made redundant, it is the normal weekly wage/salary that is used to calculate the redundancy lump sum and not the revised one imposed by the employer. Any dispute between employee and employer in relation to the calculation of statutory redundancy entitlement may be referred to the Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT) for adjudication.

National Skills Strategy.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

85 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the activities, membership and resources assigned to the interdepartmental steering committee on lifelong learning; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12404/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Seán Haughey)

The Interdepartmental Committee on the Implementation of the National Skills Strategy is chaired by Minister of State with responsibility for Lifelong Learning, Deputy Seán Haughey. The membership is comprised of the Secretaries General and other senior officials of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Department of Education and Science. The Department of Finance is also represented at senior official level.

At present the Committee is overseeing the drawing up of an Implementation Plan for the National Skills Strategy, which will be released later this year. The plan will present the methods through which the objectives contained in the National Skills Strategy will be pursued. The Committee is also responsible for overseeing the subsequent activation of this implementation plan.

Redundancy Payments.

Kieran O'Donnell

Ceist:

86 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the cost of redundancy rebate payments and payments from the insolvency fund in 2008; the cost of redundancy rebate payments and payments from the insolvency fund to date in 2009; the estimated amount to be paid in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12439/09]

Kieran O'Donnell

Ceist:

87 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason for the delays in processing redundancy rebates and insolvency fund payments; her Department targets for processing such claims; if she will provide a table showing the number of claims outstanding by category and the age profile of the claims in each category by the number of weeks waiting and the value of claims not yet paid for redundancy rebate payments and payments from the insolvency fund as of 13 March 2009. [12440/09]

Kieran O'Donnell

Ceist:

88 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the actions she has taken to allocate adequate resources to reduce the delays in processing redundancy rebates and insolvency fund payments; when the resources will be in place and the processing times reduced to her Department targets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12441/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Billy Kelleher)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 86 to 88, inclusive, together.

Table 1, which follows, shows the expenditure figures for the year 2008 and to end February 2009 for both redundancy rebate and insolvency payments. The figures for 2009 are provisional. The Redundancy Payments and Insolvency Sections of my Department draw down funds monthly as required from the Social Insurance Fund (SIF). No estimate of future requirements therefore, can be produced in respect of expenditure. The Redundancy payments aspect of the SIF is administered by my Department on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs.

Up until mid 2008, our customer service targets for processing correctly completed redundancy claims were, in order of priority: 4-6 weeks for statutory redundancy lump sum claims to employees whose employers failed to pay the statutory entitlement; 6 weeks where claims were correctly submitted online, hard copy printed down correctly signed and sent in by employer; 10+ weeks for manual claims sent in by employers. By and large these targets were met.

In mid-2008, there was a surge in the number of claims received in Redundancy Payments, such that by the end of the year there had been an increase of 59.9% over 2007. There has been no diminution in the number of claims received to date in 2009. There has, in fact, been a huge increase (18,000 to date — a figure only reached in July of last year) and in consequence an approximate waiting time in order of priority of 6-8+ weeks for statutory lump sum payments to employees whose employers had failed to pay the statutory entitlement; 16+ weeks for correctly submitted online claims, hard copy printed down correctly signed and sent in by employer; 20+ weeks for manual claims sent in by employers.

New insolvency claims received in February 2009 increased by 51% over the February 2008 figure. The cumulative figure for January to December 2008 at 12,028 is up 104% on the year 2007. This level of increase in insolvency has impacted on the claims processing times and on our customer service target claims processing of six to seven weeks. Processing has commenced on insolvency claims received in February.

In view of the unprecedented level of applications currently in the Redundancy Payments area for processing and the need to prioritise the deployment of resources to this activity, I regret that it is not possible to compile the statistical information which the Deputy has requested on age profile or value of claims not yet processed for redundancy rebate payments and insolvency payments from the Social Insurance Fund as at 13 March 2009.

I have re-allocated an additional nine persons to the Redundancy Payments Section since the start of the year and I have earmarked an additional 12 persons to be reassigned in the coming days and weeks. However, there is a limit to the amount of people that we can reassign internally because other areas of my Department are equally busy — for example on labour force activation issues and in the employment rights bodies (e.g. Employment Appeals Tribunal). Therefore, I am also in discussions with the Department of Finance to see what scope there is for the assignment of additional staff, possibly from other Departments, as happened in the case of the Department of Social and Family Affairs.

Every effort is being made to deal with an increasing backlog in an attempt to ensure that claimants get the best possible service at, what is for them, a very difficult time.

Table 1: Redundancy Rebate Payments

2008 Redundancy Rebate Payments	2009 *Redundancy Rebate Payments
€m	€m
151.2	19.4

*As at end of February 09.

Table 2: Insolvency Fund Payments

2008 Insolvency Fund	2009 *Insolvency Fund
€m	€m
10.1	2.1

*As at end of February 09.

Ministerial Appointments.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

89 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the name of the aviation expert who is advising her in relation to the future of a company (details supplied). [12476/09]

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

IDA Ireland is currently working with an aviation expert who will be available to work with IDA to give technical expertise in relation to any full proposal received by IDA, following the decision by SR Technics to cease its Dublin operations. Due to the confidentially of this issue IDA will not be releasing the name of the person appointed.

Departmental Agencies.

Noel Coonan

Ceist:

90 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number and location of offices the Industrial Development Authority operates in North Tipperary; if there are plans to increase the number of offices; the tasks the offices undertake; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12611/09]

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

IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Ireland and its regions.

The Agency does not have an office in North Tipperary. IDA Ireland has informed me that it markets North Tipperary, as part of an integrated Mid West region which comprises Limerick (City and County) and Clare, from its Mid West Regional Office located in the National Technology Park in Limerick, as well as through its network of overseas offices. The opening of a separate IDA office in North Tipperary is not envisaged.

The Limerick office, which is the public face of IDA in the Mid West, works closely with regional, national and international stakeholders in order to: (i) develop and grow the existing base of foreign direct investment companies in the region: (ii) maximize the quality and quantity of new overseas investment in the area.

Tax Code.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

91 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance his views on allowing bus owners (details supplied) avail of the VRT category C rate if they can prove that they are providing a service in their communities rather than the category A rate they are currently paying; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12414/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

The Deputy will be aware that a revised VRT system for Category A vehicles was announced in Budget 2008 and came into effect on 1 July 2008. I have no plans to change the criteria in relation to the VRT categories at this time.

Garda Stations.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

92 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide additional office accommodation for the Garda at a location (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12437/09]

Michael Creed

Ceist:

96 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Finance if the Office of Public Works has inspected a premises (details supplied) in County Cork for additional Garda accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12436/09]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 92 and 96 together.

The provision of accommodation for An Garda Síochána at Macroom has recently been re-prioritised by An Garda Síochána. OPW will quickly assess all the options, including the site referred to by the Deputy. Assuming that a suitable property is identified, OPW will progress this, subject to the availability of funding.

Financial Institutions Support Scheme.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

93 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the progress made to date in benchmarking the availability of credit from banks which are to receive State recapitalisation; if this procedure examines loans approved and loans declined and creates a fair set of criteria for judging whether the recapitalised banks are successfully restoring the flow of credit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12294/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

As part of the recapitalisation package announced on 11 February, Allied Irish Bank and Bank of Ireland reconfirmed their December commitment to increase lending capacity to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by 10% and to provide an additional 30% capacity for lending to first time buyers in 2009. If the mortgage lending is not taken up, then the extra capacity will be available to SMEs. AIB and Bank of Ireland have also committed to public campaigns to actively promote small business lending at competitive rates with increased transparency on the criteria to be met. Compliance with this commitment will be monitored by the Financial Regulator. The banks will make quarterly reports, with the first report to end March 2009 to be submitted by end April 2009. Both institutions have met with officials from my Department to give details of the steps they are taking to implement these measures.

An independent review of credit availability, funded by the banks but managed jointly by the banks, Government and business representatives is also under way and will be completed shortly. Amongst the issues covered by this review will be changes in bank lending, repayment terms and a comparison with customer experiences prior to the onset of the financial crisis. I am satisfied that this review, along with the quarterly reports from the recapitalised institutions, will give a clear picture regarding the flow of credit in the Irish economy.

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

Insurance Industry.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

94 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 at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12381/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

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 (FSO) deals with consumer complaints about financial service providers. The Homebond Insurance Scheme is regulated by the Financial Regulator and a consumer can contact the Financial Services Ombudsman regarding unresolved complaints about their individual dealings with all financial service providers. It is a free service to the complainant.

Banking Sector Remuneration.

Michael D'Arcy

Ceist:

95 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Finance the bonuses paid to senior executives and management at the six banks covered by the State guarantee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12391/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

The remuneration packages of the top executives in the six banks referred to in the Deputy's question are listed in the annual accounts for each institution.

The Deputy will be aware that I recently published the report by the Covered Institution Remuneration Oversight Committee (CIROC) which recommended reductions in prevailing base salary, bonus and pension levels for chief executives, chairpersons and ordinary board members that the Committee considered to be, in many cases, markedly excessive. The Committee report, that with the exception of the Irish Nationwide Building Society where the CEO was paid a pre-contracted incentive bonus of €1,000,000 in relation to 2008, no bonuses will be paid to chief executives or the senior executive management teams in relation to performance in 2008/2009. However, I have written to the Chairs of the covered institutions asking them to revise their remuneration plans in such a way as to respect a salary cap of €500,000 or the amount recommended by CIROC, whichever is the lesser.

The Deputy will note that in the report the Committee recommend that the remuneration of other executives should also be adjusted to take account of the revised salaries for chief executives.

Question No. 96 answered with Question No. 92.

Tax Yield.

Kieran O'Donnell

Ceist:

97 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Finance the amount collected in VRT in February 2009; the comparable figures for 2006, 2007 and 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12442/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the amount collected in VRT in February 2009 and the comparable figures for 2006, 2007 and 2008 are set out in the following table. The figures provided in relation to 2008 and 2009 are provisional at this juncture.

The fall in VRT yield in February 2008 compared to February 2007 arose mainly from a change in the method of accounting for VRT payments which resulted in some payments being accounted for earlier than had been the practice. This accounting change considerably increased the January 2008 VRT yield compared to previous years while reducing in particular the February yield.

The decline in yield in 2009 reflects inter alia the general slowdown in economic activity.

VRT

	2006	2007	2008 (Prov)	2009 (Prov)
	€m	€m	€m	€m
Feb	280.3	311.5	202.0	76.7

Financial Institutions Support Scheme.

Mary White

Ceist:

98 Deputy Mary Alexandra White asked the Minister for Finance if consideration has been given to seeking agreement from the institutions which have benefited from the bank guarantee that they will review the size of the breakage fees they are charging mortgage holders to free themselves from fixed rate mortgages in order to move to variable rates so as to benefit from the fall in interest rates. [12446/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

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 the mortgage, does not need to be concerned with changes in mortgage interest rates and accordingly, can budget more confidently. Anyone taking a fixed rate mortgage knows that they are ensuring certainty for their payments over the period.

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, where a customer changes from a fixed interest rate contract to a variable rate contract before the end of the term for which the interest rate was fixed, there is an associated cost to the lender. In circumstances that lenders were prohibited from passing on this cost to borrowers switching to variable rates, this cost could increase the price and reduce the availability of fixed rate mortgages.

The Deputy will appreciate that a balance must be achieved by Government between influencing private banks through the bank guarantee scheme and other financial support incentives while at the same time being seen to have a hands-off approach to the day to day running of these institutions which must operate on a strictly commercial basis. I have not discussed this issue with any representatives of the credit institutions covered by the bank guarantee scheme and I have no plans to seek to impose this requirement on any credit institution.

Pension Provisions.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

99 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Finance if he will tax or levy the Defence Forces gratuity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12448/09]

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

105 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will advise on a query (details supplied). [12618/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 99 and 105 together.

Under statutory pension schemes and pension schemes approved by the Revenue Commissioners there is no liability to income tax in respect of retirement gratuities or lump sums paid to members of such schemes on retirement. Provided the employees and individuals referred to in the questions are members of such a scheme and the lump sum payments comply with Revenue rules in this area, there is no liability to income tax on the retirement lump sum payments. In this regard, it should be noted that the tax arrangements for retirement lump sums apply in respect of pension schemes in both the public and private sectors.

The House will appreciate that I do not propose to comment on what may or may not be contained in the forthcoming supplementary budget. I have said in response to recent similar questions that I have no plans at this point in time to alter the tax treatment of retirement lump sum payments. This remains the position.

Arts Funding.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

100 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the arrangements with respect to the sponsorship of the RTE National Symphony Orchestra for the 2008-09 season; when these arrangements were concluded; the amount of money involved; if it is intended that this arrangement will be continued after the end of the 2008-09 season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12460/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

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

Tax Yield.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

101 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if he will clarify his recently reported comments regarding the increase in the headline VAT rate by 0.5% in budget 2009; the amount this increase was estimated to yield in 2009 at budget time; the amount this increase is estimated will yield in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12461/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

As the Deputy is aware, the 0.5% increase in the standard VAT rate from 21% to 21.5% was introduced in the 2009 Budget as part of a general package of revenue-raising measures to fund key public services. The UK Government, as part of a fiscal stimulus package, then reduced their standard VAT rate from 17.5% to 15% on a temporary basis with effect from 1 December 2008 to 31 December 2009.

It would appear that the timing of Ireland's VAT increase, given the subsequent temporary reduction in the UK rate, may have sent the wrong signal to consumers. However, given the current Exchequer deficit position, the Budget policy decision of increasing the VAT rate continues to be necessary in order to support the public finances. It is also evident that the very considerable weakening of sterling has had a far more significant impact on relative prices between this State and Northern Ireland than the changes in the standard VAT rates.

On Budget day, 14 October 2008, the 0.5% increase in the standard VAT rate was estimated to yield €208m in 2009. Reflecting the subsequent further weakening in economic activity, in line with the downward revision of the estimated yield from all taxation heads, the yield in 2009 from the 0.5% increase in the standard VAT rate is now estimated at €164m.

Tax Collection.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

102 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance when a P45 will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12506/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a form P45 is issued by the employer and not by Revenue. Revenue have written to the employer on 23rd March 2009 in relation to the matter.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

103 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Finance the way a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath, who received a balancing statement dated 13 August 2008, underpaid €77.41; the basis on which that calculation was made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12605/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the named person advised them on 13 August 2008 of his wife's Disability Benefit income (DSFA Illness Benefit) for the year 2007.

Following receipt of this information, his tax position for 2007 was reviewed to include this additional income and, on this basis, an underpayment of €770.41 (not €77.41 as quoted in this question) was calculated. A subsequent claim by the person for Medical Expenses reduced the net underpayment to €738.44.

The net underpayment of €738.44 will be collected by reducing this person's Tax Credits for the 2009 and 2010 tax years.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

104 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath, who became redundant in August 2008, is due further tax rebates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12609/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the person (details supplied) received a tax refund of €2,316.74 on 21 November 2008 following a review of his overall tax position for 2008.

A further refund of €193.38 for the above year issued to him on 9 February 2009 following receipt of a subsequent claim for health expenses.

Based on all available information there is no further refund of income tax due to this person for 2008.

Question No. 105 answered with Question No. 99.

National Lottery Funding.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

106 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance his priorities in 2009 in respect of the allocation of funding to appropriate and qualifying bodies, groups or agencies from the proceeds of the national lottery; if such allocations are expected to follow or deviate from the practices or procedures of previous years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8570/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

The Government decides on an annual basis the amount of funding which is to be allocated to subheads which are part-funded by the proceeds of the National Lottery. This occurs in the context of decisions on the Estimates for Public Services for the following year. The proceeds of the National Lottery are treated as an item of non-tax revenue and partly fund such expenditure. No deviation from this practice is envisaged in the context of finalising the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2009.

Banking Sector Regulation.

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

107 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Finance if, following the nationalisation of Anglo Irish Bank, his Department has requested that an audit be carried out to establish the assets the bank holds as regards housing developments, whether unoccupied or uncompleted, and land banks, with and without planning permission or outline planning permission for housing development, which are the result of loan defaults; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10160/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

Anglo Irish Bank is operating as a going concern, being run on arm's length commercial basis. Accordingly, matters relating to the normal commercial business of the bank, which includes the management of assets held by the bank, whether acquired on foot of loan defaults or otherwise, are a matter for the Board of Anglo.

The Government's focus to date has been on asset quality generally and the larger exposures in Anglo Irish Bank. To this end a number of reports have been commissioned by the Financial Regulator to review the loan books and the capital position of six of the covered institutions as at 30th September 2008. PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) carried out these reviews.

Furthermore, Due Diligence was carried out by Arthur Cox and Merrill Lynch between December and 14th January 2009. This work built on the work carried out by PWC and covered a detailed review of the top loans in the bank.

The summary version of the PwC report that I published on Friday 20th February 2009 provides a geographic and also a segmental breakdown of Anglo's development and investment loan books. This analysis indicates that investment in all stages of residential development account for circa 17% of Anglo's group total loan book.

As I have previously stated, I am not in a position to release the information contained in the relevant reports, other than what has been released to date, because of the commercially sensitive nature of the information.

Tax Code.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

108 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Finance his views on the proposal to tax text messages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10531/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

As the Deputy will be aware, it is not customary for the Minister for Finance to comment on possible tax and expenditure changes in advance of the Budget.

Sports Capital Programme.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

109 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Finance the amount of funding the sports capital scheme received from the national lottery in each of the past five years; the reason the scheme could not have been run on national lottery funding alone in the event that there is no money available from the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8512/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

The allocation provided for the sports capital programme in each of the past five years is as follows:

Year	€m
2004	63.597
2005	61.926
2006	62.724
2007	49.250
2008	56.000

The 2004 allocation was fully funded from the proceeds of the National Lottery. Since 2005, the total allocation for subheads which had formerly been funded entirely from the proceeds of the National Lottery has exceeded the funds available from the National Lottery. The total amount of funding is determined in the Estimates process, and is paid out of the general pool of revenue of which National Lottery proceeds form part.

Subheads that prior to 2005 were funded exclusively by National Lottery funds are now funded by a combination of National Lottery and Exchequer funding, the total amounts vary from subhead to subhead depending on the outcome of the Estimates process. It is not, therefore, possible to indicate the percentage of National Lottery funding which was included in the allocations provided since 2005 for subheads that are partly funded by the National Lottery including the sports capital programme.

Funds from the National Lottery as a percentage of the total allocation for all subheads which are part-funded by the proceeds of the National Lottery amounted to 64% in 2005, 56% in 2006, 52% in 2007 and 57% in 2008.

Health Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

110 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if the programme of school medical examinations is up to date in all respects; if children diagnosed have received adequate follow-up treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12354/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

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

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

111 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent to which it is intended to continue to provide financial support and assistance to ensure the continuation of the operation of the full range of facilities at a service (details supplied) in County Kildare; if her attention has been drawn to the commitments, the ongoing needs and the future requirements of children and adults in this category; her views on the need to make substantially increased provision in the future in view of the expected requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12376/09]

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

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.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

112 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if payments are made to general practitioners in respect of their patients who are medical card holders when the patient is admitted to long-term nursing home care; if so, the amount paid in each of the past three years for which figures are available and the rationale for making such payments; if payments are not made, the procedures in place to ensure that the Health Service Executive is notified when the patient is admitted to nursing home care and that the person is deleted from a GP’s panel; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12377/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has the operational and funding responsibility for the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme.

Medical card holders are entitled to retain their medical card when they move into a private nursing home. In such circumstances, the HSE must continue to make a General Practitioner (GP) service available to the patient free of charge and they retain the right to choose their own GP in the same way as if they were living in the community.

In respect of medical card holders, aged 70 years and over, who are resident in a private nursing home (approved by the HSE) for any continuous period of five weeks, the GP is currently paid a capitation rate equating to €973.99 per annum per card holder, plus a supplementary out-of-hours payment of €4.09. GPs do not generally receive a capitation fee for medical card patients in State run nursing homes.

In respect of medical card holders under 70 years of age who are resident in a private nursing home, the GP is paid an annual capitation rate in accordance with the agreed schedule of fees, depending on the cardholder's age, gender and distance from the GP's surgery.

The provisions of the agreement in the current GMS GP Capitation Contract in respect of medical card holders aged 70 or over take account of visits to private nursing homes being more likely to involve moderate to high dependency patients.

The other information sought by the Deputy is not provided by the HSE to my Department as a matter of routine. Accordingly, the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive has been requested to arrange to address these matters and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

113 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if, regarding the over 70 years medical card, she will respond to reports that only a small proportion of persons believed to be over the new income threshold surrendered their medical cards; if pensioners have been given an additional month on top of the original deadline to hand back cards; if she will explain this means for those who complied with the new rules; and if they will be refunded general practitioner and medical costs to cover this extra month. [12388/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

Under the Health Act 2008, automatic entitlement to a medical card for persons aged 70 and over ended on 31st December 2008. With effect from 1st January 2009 the income thresholds for entitlement to a medical card for those aged 70 and over are €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.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) wrote to all persons aged 70 years and over in January 2009. Persons who were in receipt of a medical card on a non means tested basis were requested, if over the income limits set out in the Act, to make a declaration to the Executive, on or before the 2nd March 2009. To date, 10,181 persons have returned their medical cards to the HSE and I understand that cards are still being returned.

Under the Health Act 2008, any person over the new income thresholds for the over 70s medical card is not entitled to use his / her card after March 2nd, 2009. There was no change to the deadline set out in the Act for persons to hand back their medical cards if their income exceeds the threshold. The HSE will be working with Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Office of the Revenue Commissioners on an ongoing basis to ensure that the scheme is not abused.

If a person aged 70 or over does not qualify for a medical card under the new over 70s scheme, by virtue of their gross income being over the income thresholds, the person may apply to the HSE for a medical card or GP visit card under the current medical card scheme, which allows for medical, nursing and other relevant expenses to be taken into account.

Persons who are in any way confused by the new scheme are encouraged to seek advice from their local health office which will continue to provide any necessary support, and which along with the HSE National Helpline (1850 24 1850), will handle enquiries from clients in respect of their medical card entitlements.

Health Services.

James Reilly

Ceist:

114 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason more than 2,000 children attending schools (details supplied) in County Cavan have no dental screening service or adequate dental surgery facilities which service is available in schools in other parts of the country; and the way she will address this dental service deficit. [12422/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

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

Health Service Staff.

James Reilly

Ceist:

115 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on a newspaper article (details supplied); her plans to address this situation; if she has communicated with the Medical Council on this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12423/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

Under the Medical Practitioners Act 2007, disciplinary matters affecting registered medical practitioners are entirely a matter for consideration by the Medical Council and I have no role or function in such matters.

When a medical practitioner has been erased in another jurisdiction, the Medical Council does not have the power to automatically erase that practitioner's name from the register without holding an inquiry carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Medical Practitioners Act 2007. This is a constitutional matter which has previously been ruled on by the Supreme Court.

The Medical Council has established a system of information exchange with the UK General Medical Council whereby the relevant information arising from the outcome of all disciplinary procedures affecting a registered medical practitioner's registration, in either jurisdiction, is exchanged, unless, in the case of the Medical Council, it is prevented from doing so by the High Court. The Council is notified of a decision when a medical practitioner has been erased from the register by the General Medical Council in the UK. The Council then considers the matter in accordance with the Medical Practitioners Act 2007. This exchange of information is undertaken in accordance with Article 56 of EU Directive 2005/36/EC, in which the competent authorities for such matters in each member state are required to exchange information regarding disciplinary action or criminal sanctions taken against individual practitioners.

Account was taken of the Supreme Court ruling in the preparation of the Medical Practitioners Act 2007. Section 66(3) of the Act provides that the Fitness to Practise Committee may receive evidence given orally before the committee, by affidavit or by means of a live video link, a video recording, a sound recording or any other mode of transmission. One intention of this provision was to make it easier for witnesses to give evidence in situations where they might be unable or unwilling to travel to the State for that purpose.

Nursing Home Subventions.

Kieran O'Donnell

Ceist:

116 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Health and Children when she expects the fair deal as outlined in the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Bill 2008 to come into operation for people on the ground; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12443/09]

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

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme Bill 2008 completed Committee Stage in the Dáil on 12th March 2009.

It is the Minister's intention to progress the legislation through the Houses of the Oireachtas with a view to implementing the scheme in the second half of 2009. Unfortunately it is not possible to give a more specific timeframe at present.

Health Service Staff.

James Reilly

Ceist:

117 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the Health Information and Quality Authority staffing structure and pay rates for persons due to be involved in the inspection and registration of nursing homes; the locations at which the HIQA inspection staff and offices will be located; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12447/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

The process of the registration and inspection of nursing homes by the Health Information and Quality Authority will commence from July 1st, 2009. This will, for the first time, introduce an independent system of inspection of both public and private nursing homes.

The staffing structure of the nursing home registration and inspection function within the Authority will be as follows:

Deputy Director (1 post): approved salary scale €106,076 – €126,507;

Regional Operations Managers (3 posts): approved salary scale €90,702 – €112,191;

Inspector Managers (19 posts): approved salary scale €73,392 – €91,594;

Inspectors (30 posts): approved salary scale €62,719 – €77,936.

The offices of the Authority are based in Cork (Mahon) and Dublin (Smithfield). In the interests of overall efficiency and effectiveness, some regionally deployed inspection staff will be facilitated to work from home depending on the geographical location of their work and the distance from Health Information and Quality Authority offices.

Dormant Accounts Fund.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

118 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the financial assistance she will provide to an organisation (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12450/09]

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

In relation to the funding of youth cafés, my Office has been allocated €750,000 from Dormant Accounts for the development of a structured programme of youth cafés in 2009. Final decisions on the operation of this programme are still under consideration.

The launch of the National Recreation Policy in September 2007 highlighted Government's commitment to the development of youth cafés.

As the Deputy will be aware there are already a number of youth cafés in operation around the country. Funding for these existing initiatives is often provided through the local City/County Council and the Health Service Executive. In addition the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs operates a number of relevant funding programmes aimed at supporting community development, locally based community and voluntary groups as well as programmes aimed specifically at supporting projects for disadvantaged youth.

At this stage, the focus of my Office is to bring greater coherence to the approach taken to date, retaining the strong inter-agency element and identifying appropriate models for the future development of youth cafés. Since September 2007 my Office has undertaken a small survey of some of the existing cafés looking at mission/objectives, management and organisation, service levels and the role of young people. Following that survey the National Children's Advisory Council (NCAC) was requested to advise on the development of a youth café model. Research was carried out by the National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG) and a draft report has been forwarded to me for my consideration. This work will ensure that funding is targeted and co-ordinated most effectively on a model or models of youth cafés which meet the needs of young people themselves. It will also ensure that any funding that may be available will augment without displacing existing inter-agency resources. The NUIG has also been requested to prepare a toolkit and guide to support groups setting up youth cafés. This will be a "how to" guide which will deal with issues such as guiding principles, practical operational matters and provide advice and tips on the day to day management and ongoing development of a café as well as setting up cafés. I intend to launch the NUI Galway Youth Café report and the toolkit and guide as part of advancing the youth café programme in the near future.

Hospital Accommodation.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

119 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children when it is proposed to submit the application for planning permission for the new 50-bed unit at St. Patrick’s Hospital, Waterford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12451/09]

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

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

Health Services.

James Reilly

Ceist:

120 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a child (details supplied) in County Dublin who has been assessed by the Health Service Executive orthodontic services as requiring treatment in a 5A category in December 2008 and was initially told the waiting list was 12 to 18 months has now been advised that the waiting list is three years; if regular check ups will be considered to assess whether earlier intervention may be necessary; her plans to address the lengthening waiting lists for these services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12473/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

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

Charles Flanagan

Ceist:

121 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount spent annually by the health promotion unit in her Department and the Health Service Executive on underage drinking awareness; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12499/09]

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

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

Hospital Accommodation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

122 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent to which all ward and bed space or other units at Peamount Hospital, Newtown, County Dublin are occupied; the nature of the occupancy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12513/09]

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

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

Hospital Services.

Noel Coonan

Ceist:

123 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans for the reconfiguration of hospital services in a hospital (details supplied) in County Tipperary taking into consideration the lack of funding for the project; if the extra paramedics, ambulances, hospital staff and other necessary infrastructure are in place for the proposed changeover of facilities; if not, when they will be put in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12612/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

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 have been developed and agreed. Plans are under way 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 issues raised.

Noel Coonan

Ceist:

124 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a CT scanner in a hospital (details supplied) in County Tipperary is not operating; when she plans to have the machine operating; the length of time the scanner has been lying idle; the cost of same to the Health Service Executive or hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12613/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

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

Park and Ride Facilities.

Ciarán Cuffe

Ceist:

125 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Transport the amount of funding available from his Department to fund park and ride projects in the greater Dublin area and elsewhere; the organisational arrangements surrounding same; the public transport providers involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12292/09]

Minister for Transport (Deputy Noel Dempsey)

Under Transport 21, funding is available for the development of park and ride facilities by Iarnród Éireann, by the RPA, and by Local Authorities in the GDA and the regional cities, either as stand-alone projects or as part of larger rail based investments.

Iarnród Éireann has begun a network-wide programme of expanding or developing new car parks, with the assistance of Exchequer funding.

Under Transport 21 car parks have opened/been extended at eight train stations, namely Leixlip Louisa Bridge, Mallow, Ennis, Tullamore, Arklow, Limerick, Hazelhatch and Gormanston, resulting in over 1,350 extra car parking spaces. New car parks are also due to open over the next eighteen months at Portmarnock, Newbridge, Rush and Lusk, Donabate, Laytown, Portarlington, Carlow, Wicklow, Gorey and Limerick Junction over the next year. To date Exchequer funding of €21 million has been allocated for the car park extension programme.

The Park and Ride sites associated with the proposed Luas and Metro lines in Transport 21 are determined by the RPA when individual Railway Order applications are submitted for the various lines. No specific figures are available for Luas sites as Park and Ride site costs are included in overall project budgets.

Funding is also available for bus-based Park and Ride facilities provided by local authorities. My Department expects to receive proposals for the development of Park and Ride from local authorities in the Greater Dublin Area in the coming weeks.

In the context of the current fiscal situation, my Department has been informed by the Department of Finance that no contractual commitment of any kind can now be entered into without Department of Finance approval. Sanction for funding for Park and Ride facilities will be considered in the context of any funding approval from the Department of Finance and the Exchequer allocation available to my Department, in these difficult economic circumstances, following the supplementary Budget in April 2009.

Driving Tests.

Mary White

Ceist:

126 Deputy Mary Alexandra White asked the Minister for Transport if he will continue with plans to open a driving testing centre on Main Street, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15. [12445/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Transport (Deputy Noel Ahern)

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.

Light Rail Project.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

127 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport the number of public servants, external consultants or other staff employed on a full or part-time basis on the metro north project; the amount of funding that has been allocated for the delivery of this project in 2009 and 2010 respectively; when the tendering process is scheduled to be completed; when the construction phase is scheduled to begin and to be completed; if this project is to be progressed on a public private partnership basis; if the cost of the project is thus expected to be spread over a period of 15 to 40 years; if it is envisaged that the PPP will be conducted on a design build finance operate basis, an operate and maintain basis or some other basis; the payment options being explored for this PPP; the approximate cost of this project and the approximate annual cost of this project over the period 2010 to 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12462/09]

Minister for Transport (Deputy Noel Dempsey)

The Metro North project is being procured by the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) as a PPP on the Design, Build, Finance and Maintain model with a separate Operator contract. In January last year, the Government approved the funding structure for the Metro North PPP, including an Exchequer provision for advance works ahead of the main PPP contract and a capital contribution during construction.

The first round of tenders for this PPP contract were submitted on 27th February 2009 and these tenders are now being evaluated by the RPA. As I have said previously, I am not in a position to give any information in relation to the budget for this project, or the nature or duration of the payment options, in advance of the completion of the PPP process. The publication of such commercially sensitive information prior to the completion of the competitive procurement process would prejudice the State's capacity to derive maximum value for money in respect of this project.

The start and completion dates of Transport 21 projects, which have not yet commenced, will be determined by the outcome of the statutory approval and procurement processes and the funding allocation available during the current difficult economic climate. The provision of increased capacity will be a key consideration in determining public transport investment priorities in the period ahead. In that context, Metro North and DART underground are particularly important rail investments as they form a core part of the planned integrated public transport network for the Greater Dublin Area envisaged by Transport 21.

The Exchequer capital amount currently allocated from my Department's Estimate for 2009 in respect of Metro North is €60m. The Oral Hearing before An Bórd Pleanála on the railway order application for Metro North is scheduled to commence on 1 April and the Board has revised its anticipated decision date on this application from March to September of this year. In these circumstances it is most unlikely that the enabling works which the RPA had planned to undertake (subject to securing an enforceable railway order) will commence in the current year. However, both the RPA and my Department will keep the matter under review including any necessary adjustments to the Exchequer allocation for the project in the current year.

The allocation for Metro North for next year will be decided in the context of the Estimates for 2010.

The allocation of staff or consultancy resources by agencies, such as the Railway Procurement Agency, is a matter for the agencies themselves and I do not have any function in the matter.

In my Department staff are allocated to projects on a divisional basis and are assigned to tasks on a flexible basis according to work priorities.

Booz and Co., Consultants are employed by my Department to assess the quality and robustness of project development and implementation of selected Transport 21 projects, including Metro North, with regard to compliance with the appraisal and procurement guidelines and to give advice on the financial, economic and technical aspects of the Transport 21 Capital Investment Programme.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

128 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport the number of public servants, external consultants or other staff employed on a full or part-time basis on the metro west project; the amount of funding that has been allocated for the delivery of this project in 2009 and 2010 respectively; when the tendering process is scheduled to be completed; when the construction phase is scheduled to begin and to be completed; if this project is to be progressed on a public private partnership basis; if the cost of the project is thus expected to be spread over a period of 15 to 40 years; if it is envisaged that the PPP will be conducted on a design build finance operate basis, and operate and maintain basis or some other basis; the payment options being explored by the PPP; the approximate cost of the project and the approximate annual cost of this project over the period 2010 to 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12463/09]

Minister for Transport (Deputy Noel Dempsey)

The Metro West project will be procured by the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) as a PPP on the Design, Build, Finance and Maintain model with a separate Operator contract.

As I have said previously, I am not in a position to give any information in relation to the budget for this project, or the nature or duration of the payment options, in advance of the completion of the PPP process. The publication of such commercially sensitive information prior to the completion of the competitive procurement process would prejudice the State's capacity to derive maximum value for money in respect of this project.

The start and completion dates of Transport 21 projects, which have not yet commenced, will be determined by the outcome of the statutory approval and procurement processes and the funding allocation available during the current difficult economic climate.

The Exchequer capital amount currently allocated from my Department's Estimate for 2009 in respect of Metro West is €10m. This provision is to facilitate progress on the planning and design of the project and preparations for an application to An Bórd Pleanála for a railway order.

The allocation for this project for next year will be decided in the context of the Estimates for 2010.

The allocation of staff or consultancy resources by agencies, such as the Railway Procurement Agency, is a matter for the agencies themselves and I do not have any function in the matter.

In my Department staff are allocated to projects on a divisional basis and are assigned to tasks on a flexible basis according to work priorities.

Booz and Co., Consultants are employed by my Department to assess the quality and robustness of project development and implementation of selected Transport 21 projects, including Metro North, with regard to compliance with the appraisal and procurement guidelines and to give advice on the financial, economic and technical aspects of the Transport 21 Capital Investment Programme.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

129 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport the number of public servants, external consultants or other staff currently employed on a full time or part-time basis on the DART underground project; the amount of funding that has been allocated for the delivery of this project in 2009 and 2010 respectively; when the tendering process is scheduled to be completed; when the construction phase is scheduled to begin and to be completed; if this project is to be progressed on a public private partnership basis; if the cost of the project is thus expected to be spread over a period of 15 to 40 years; if it is envisaged that the PPP will be conducted on a design build finance operate basis, an operate and maintain basis or some other basis; the payment options being explored for this PPP; the approximate cost of this project and the approximate annual cost of this project over the period 2010 to 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12464/09]

Minister for Transport (Deputy Noel Dempsey)

It is intended to procure the DART Underground mainly as a Public Private Partnership (PPP) on the Design, Build, Finance and Maintain model. Issues relating to the planning and design of the DART Underground come under the remit of the CIE Group. Irish Rail will operate the rail services. CIE anticipates that it will lodge an application for a Railway Order for the DART Underground with An Bórd Pleanála later this year. Subject to the outcome of this process, construction works are expected to commence in late 2010 with a completion date of end 2015.

As I have said previously, I am not in a position to give any information in relation to the budget for this project, or the nature or duration of the payment options, in advance of the completion of the PPP process. The publication of such commercially sensitive information prior to the completion of the competitive procurement process would prejudice the State's capacity to derive maximum value for money in respect of this project.

The start and completion dates of Transport 21 projects, which have not yet commenced, will be determined by the outcome of the statutory approval and procurement processes and the funding allocation available during the current difficult economic climate. The provision of increased capacity will be a key consideration in determining public transport investment priorities in the period ahead. In that context, the DART Underground and Metro North, are particularly important rail investments as they form a core part of the planned integrated public transport network for the Greater Dublin Area envisaged by Transport 21.

The Exchequer capital amount currently allocated from my Department's Estimate for 2009 in respect of the DART Underground is €23m. This provision is to facilitate progress on the planning and design of the project and preparations for an application to An Bórd Pleanála for a railway order. The allocation for next year for the DART Underground will be decided in the context of the Estimates for 2010.

The allocation of staff or consultancy resources by agencies, such as the Railway Procurement Agency, is a matter for the agencies themselves and I do not have any function in the matter.

In my Department staff are allocated to projects on a divisional basis and are assigned to tasks on a flexible basis according to work priorities.

Booz and Co., Consultants are employed by my Department to assess the quality and robustness of project development and implementation of selected Transport 21 projects, including Metro North, with regard to compliance with the appraisal and procurement guidelines and to give advice on the financial, economic and technical aspects of the Transport 21 Capital Investment Programme.

Pension Provisions.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

130 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the latest actuarial assessment of the common pension scheme for Aer Lingus, the Dublin Airport Authority and a company (details supplied). [12477/09]

Minister for Transport (Deputy Noel Dempsey)

The Irish Airlines (General Employees) Superannuation Scheme is a multi-employer scheme in which the Dublin Airport Authority, Aer Lingus and SR Technics participate.

Pension entitlements under this scheme are primarily matters for the Trustees, the members of the scheme and the companies participating in the scheme. The Scheme's actuary carries out an actuarial valuation generally every three years. I understand that at the date of the most recent valuation in March 2008, the scheme itself was not in deficit.

Departmental Agencies.

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

131 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he proposes to publish the Deloitte & Touche report on the Equality Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12389/09]

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

The position remains, as indicated in my reply to Questions Nos. 113, 88 and 51 of 25 February 2009, that the Value for Money review of the Equality Authority has not yet concluded. The decision on publication of the report will be taken in due course.

Visa Applications.

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

132 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of visa applications in respect of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12398/09]

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

I wish to advise that the visa application reference numbers supplied by the Deputy refer to three separate individuals who are not related wishing to join their parents in Ireland.

The visa applications referred to were received in the Visa Office, Beijing on 25 April 2008. All were applications to join Irish resident parents by their adult children. Following consideration by a Visa Officer they were refused on 30 December, 2008 as it is not the general policy to grant a visa to dependant family members over the age of 18 to permanently join persons granted residency/residing in the State.

The applicants lodged appeals on the 2 February 2009. The decisions of the Visa Officer were upheld by the Appeals Officer on 24 February 2009.

At first instance and on appeal the applicant's cases were fully examined. However, there were no compelling grounds shown as to why an exception to the general policy should be made.

Garda Operations.

Charlie O'Connor

Ceist:

133 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will seek from the Garda authorities confirmation of the number of warrants in respect of addresses in Dublin South-West currently held for execution in Garda stations serving the area in Dublin South-West; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12402/09]

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

I am informed by the Garda Authorities that on 23 March, 2009 there were 26,365 outstanding warrants where the address of the defendant is in the Garda Divisions of Dublin Metropolitan Region West and Dublin Metropolitan Region South. It should also be borne in mind that the vast majority of outstanding warrants relate to unpaid fines for minor infractions of the law and not convictions arising from violent crime.

Given the enormous transaction level in the District Courts, it is inevitable that, at any given time, there will be a significant number of warrants awaiting execution. I am assured by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána give priority to the execution of warrants against those whom they believe to be involved in serious crime.

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

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

Residency Permits.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

134 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in the application submitted to the general immigration division on behalf of a person (details supplied). [12403/09]

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

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

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

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

An application for long term residency from the person referred to by the Deputy was received in February 2008. I understand that applications received in June 2007 are currently being dealt with. As soon as a decision is made on the case, the person concerned will be notified.

Prison Service.

Charles Flanagan

Ceist:

135 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of mobile phones seized in each of the prisons here in 2008 and to date in 2009; the measures put in place in each prison to prevent mobile phone use by prisoners; the categories of visitor and staff in each prison permitted to enter the prison with mobile phones on their person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12413/09]

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

Details of mobile phone seizures for 2008 and recent figures for 2009 are set out in the following table.

Mobile Phone Seizures for 2008 and up to 20.03.09

Prison/Place of Detention	2008	2009 (to 20.03.09)
Arbour Hill	3	2
Castlerea	106	21
Cloverhill	128	10
Cork	64	8
Dóchas Centre	55	14
Limerick	292	87
Loughan House	58	9
Midlands	136	13
Mountjoy (Male)	580	137
Portlaoise	41	19
Shelton Abbey	72	27
St. Patrick’s	160	25
Training Unit	120	17
Wheatfield	232	42
Total	2,047	431

It is important to note that a large percentage of these seizures are not directly from prisoners but are instead retrieved at entry point or before they get to the prisoner population. This is a direct consequence of newly introduced security measures.

Mobile phones are viewed as highly valuable commodities which would assist in illegal activity and eliminating their supply is one of the major challenges facing prisons worldwide.

The Irish Prison Service is dealing with this problem through a multifaceted approach which incorporates measures to prevent the smuggling of mobile phones into prisons, search and find operations aimed at locating and removing phones from within the prisons and the installation of mobile phone blocking technology.

Airport style scanners and x-ray machines are now in operation at the entrances to all the relevant closed prisons. Cell and area searches for contraband such as mobile phones take place in all prisons on a daily basis. These include random, targeted and intelligence led searches. These searches have been particularly effective and local intelligence indicates that the availability of mobile phones has decreased across the prison system.

No visitors are permitted to enter prisons while in possession of a mobile phone. Only Governor grades are permitted to enter prisons with a mobile phone on their person.

The figures provided reflect the position following an audit and standardisation of procedures across the prisons estate for the recording of finds of this nature. Statistics pertaining to the discovery of sim cards, batteries and other mobile telephone components are not included.

Garda Operations.

Charles Flanagan

Ceist:

136 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the revenue generated by the Garda Síochána from on-the-spot fines in 2006, 2007 and 2008; the follow up for persons who do not pay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12488/09]

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

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the following table shows the revenue generated by An Garda Síochána from on the spot fines and fixed charge notices in 2006, 2007 and 2008:

Year	Revenue
	€
2006	13,560,398
2007	21,863,968
2008	21,733,652

Legislation providing for the issue of fixed charge notices provides that paying the fixed charge is a discretionary option for the recipient of the fixed charge notice. During the initial period of 28 days from the date of the notice, payment is accepted at the fixed charge. During the subsequent period of 28 days, payment is accepted at the fixed charge plus 50%. If no payment is made, the recipient is liable for prosecution for the offence alleged. The matter then proceeds to be dealt with by the courts.

Joint Policing Committees.

Charles Flanagan

Ceist:

137 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the costs involved in establishing a joint policing committee; the person to whom the costs are borne; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12489/09]

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

Joint Policing Committees are provided for in the Garda Síochána Act 2005. Their purpose is to provide a forum where An Garda Síochána and the local authority — the two organisations which make the most significant contribution to preventing and tackling crime in a specific area — can come together, with the participation of members of the Oireachtas and community and voluntary interests, on matters affecting the area.

On 24 September last I launched, with my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the roll out of the Committees from the initial pilot phase in 29 local authority areas to all 114 local authority areas.

An Garda Síochána and the relevant local authorities are now establishing the Committees in accordance with new Guidelines in local authority areas where there are not yet Committees. The necessary steps will take a certain amount of time, since there will be a process to select the Committee members from the local authority, the Oireachtas and the community and voluntary sector.

Each agency involved is generally expected to meet the expenses arising for itself in establishing and operating the Committees from within its own budget.

Garda Remuneration.

Charles Flanagan

Ceist:

138 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the costs associated with becoming a community garda; the salary of a community garda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12490/09]

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

I am informed by the Garda authorities that a Garda employed in a role of community Garda receives his or her normal salary. There is no specific allowance applicable to the role of a Community Garda.

Garda Reserve.

Charles Flanagan

Ceist:

139 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of garda reservists in each quarter for the past year; the costs of the Garda Reserve in 2007 and 2008; the amount spent on advertising and administration in 2007 and 2008 and projected for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12491/09]

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

No.	Date
264	31 March 2008
258	30 June 2008
253	30 September 2008
330	31 December 2008

Expenditure of €154,736 was incurred in 2007 in respect of public information campaigns for recruitment to the Garda Reserve. I am awaiting details of the relevant figure for 2008 and I will communicate with the Deputy in this matter. At this stage it is not possible to provide an estimate for the projected expenditure for 2009.

Administrative costs arising in connection with the Garda Reserve are met from the general provisions of the Garda Vote and separate figures for this expenditure are not available.

Garda Deployment.

Charles Flanagan

Ceist:

140 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he expects the Garda Inspectorate to publish the report on garda rostering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12492/09]

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

I understand that work on the Inspectorate's report on resource allocation, which will address Garda rostering, is at an advanced stage and I expect to receive it in the near future.

Charles Flanagan

Ceist:

141 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of staff in County Mayo who input data into the PULSE system; the number and rank of gardaí who input this data; the number of civilians who input this data; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12493/09]

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

I presume that the Deputy is referring to the Garda Information Service Centre in Castlebar. I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of that Centre as at 28 February 2009, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 209. This comprises of 1 Garda Inspector, 3 Garda Sergeants and 205 civilian staff.

Garda Remuneration.

Charles Flanagan

Ceist:

142 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the annual salary of a juvenile liaison officer; the associated costs of such a post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12494/09]

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

I am informed by the Garda authorities that Gardaí working in the area of Juvenile Liaison receive an allowance of €30.90 per week and a plain clothes allowance of €12.21 per week in addition to the normal Garda salary payable in respect of their rank and salary point.

Juvenile Liaison Service.

Charles Flanagan

Ceist:

143 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the annual cost since 2004 to date in 2009 of the juvenile liaison programme; the breakdown of these costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12495/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Barry Andrews)

My colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, has already responded to your Parliamentary Question today (No. 142) in relation to the salary and associated costs of a Garda Juvenile Liaison Officer. In these circumstances, I assume that, in referring to the "juvenile liaison programme",the deputy is seeking the other costs associated with the Garda Diversion Programme, for example the cost of Garda Youth Diversion Projects.

The Garda Diversion Programme operates in accordance with Part 4 of the Children Act 2001, as amended, and under the general superintendence and control of the Garda Commissioner. The aim of the Diversion Programme is to deal with young people who offend, by way of administering a formal or informal caution, thus diverting the offender away from the courts and minimising the likelihood of further offending. The programme embraces, whenever possible, the principles of restorative justice and, at all times, it pays the highest regard to the needs of the victims. The programme has proven to be highly successful in diverting young persons away from crime by offering guidance and support to the young people and their families.

The Irish Youth Justice Service fund a restorative justice project for the Garda Diversion Programme. This is used to pay for restorative justice training for JLOs, the publication of the annual report of the committee to monitor the effectiveness of the diversion programme and ancillary costs associated with restorative justice events. Funding for this project for the three years 2006 -2008 was €76,750, €150,000 and €108,000 respectively. The 2009 allocation has been provisionally set at €150,000. However, there has been no drawn down on this year's allocation to date.

Garda Youth Diversion Projects, which are funded by the Irish Youth Justice Service, work separately to but in tandem with the Diversion Programme. They are a crime prevention initiative designed to engage with young people aged 12-17 years of age who have been identified as being at risk of involvement in criminal or anti-social behaviour. Each project is managed by a multi-agency and community based committee, which is responsible for the strategic direction of the project. Garda Youth Diversion Projects were first introduced in 1991 and there are currently 100 Garda Youth Diversion Projects operating in various locations throughout the country.

The projects undertake a series of programmes and activities which are aimed at changing behaviours, attitudes and lifestyles of project participants to bring about positive change and learning outcomes. The programmes offer opportunities for education, employment training, sport, and other activities while providing a structured environment to add stability and support to a young person's life. This work is primarily carried out by a project coordinator/youth worker, who operates under the guidance of a project/management committee. These projects are managed by committees comprising representatives for An Garda Síochána, the management company or youth organisation and representatives from the Probation Service and other local agencies, community groups, schools, etc. The Garda Office for Children and Youth Affairs coordinates the administration of these projects.

Funding for the Garda Youth Diversion Projects for each year since 2004 is broken down as follows:

Year	No. of Projects	Funding
		€
2004	63	4,904,656
2005	63	5,182,798
2006	82	6,423,747
2007	100	7,270,141
2008	100	7,996,223
2009 to date	100	2,166,481

The total amount of funding provisionally allocated to the GYDPs in 2009 amounts to €8,666,000. In addition to the funding outlined above funding to the amount of €1,046,697.09 was provided in 2008 to the Garda Youth Diversion Projects under the European Social Fund in order to improve the employability of the project participants. This ESF-supported programme within the Garda Youth Diversion Projects has been provisionally allocated funding of €3,850,000 in 2009.

Garda Deployment.

Charles Flanagan

Ceist:

144 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress of the establishment of regional armed response teams; the approximate cost of such a team annually; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12496/09]

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

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the establishment of Regional Armed Response Units was commenced, on a pilot basis, in the Southern Region on 3rd September, 2008. Recruitment is progressing for the roll-out of Armed Response Units in the Eastern and Western Region at present.

I am further informed that the annual costs associated with running these units is not yet available as they are still at the establishment and roll-out stages.

Courts Service.

Charles Flanagan

Ceist:

145 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 649 and 329 of 27 January 2009, if he will provide details of the costings of the drugs court on an annual basis as per the previous request; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12497/09]

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

I can inform the Deputy that the requested information issued to him on the 24 March 2009.

Probation and Welfare Service.

Charles Flanagan

Ceist:

146 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the annual allocation to the Probation Service since 2003 to date in 2009; the extension of services that have occurred within the service since 2003; the reason for the cut in services in budget 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12498/09]

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

I can inform the Deputy that the annual allocation to the Probation Service since 2003 to 2008 is as follows:

Year	Budget Allocation
	€m
2003	40,614
2004	39,966
2005	44,939
2006	49,719
2007	59,323
2008	54,019*

*It should be noted that in January, 2008 €10.020m of the Probation Service budget was transferred to the Irish Youth Justice service following the transfer of responsibility for the monitoring of Juvenile Offending Initiatives which heretofore fell the Probation Service.

As the 2009 estimates have not yet been finalised information in respect of the 2009 figure is not yet available.

Extension of Services

I wish to advise the Deputy that in more recent years the Probation Service has been going through a process of change and restructuring. This has focused on the creation of a new senior management structure followed by an administrative review of the Service to inform strategic decisions on the allocation of resources on an nationwide basis. In addition, Strategy Statements and Strategic Work Plans for 2006/2007 and 2008/2009 were developed to underpin the re-focussing of the work of the Probation Service so that the clear focus of the work of the Service continues to be on how to best meet the needs of its core client group.

I am glad to tell the Deputy that following a Government decision of April, 2007 the Probation Service was in a position to recruit 71 additional staff — 53 persons at professional level and 18 at administrative levels, including a professional accountant. This allocation of significant additional resources has positioned the Service to work in a coordinated way with the other agencies of the criminal justice system with the aim of enhancing public safety

I should also mention two other significant developments within the Service:

‘high risk offender' specialist team to work with key agencies within the Criminal Justice System to ensure better public protection has been established; and

A Young Persons' Probation Division (YPP) with dedicated resources which cater solely, on a national basis, for offending children under 18 years has been established to work closely with the Irish Youth Justice Service.

Probation Service Funded Community Projects

As the Deputy will be aware my Department, through the Probation Service, provides funding on an annual basis to community projects.This year we plan to provide funding to over 50 community based projects. These funded projects deliver programmes and services in the area of addiction, accommodation, work preparation, vocational training, literacy, counselling etc. In recent years my Department and the Service have been working to ensure that the range of interventions delivered at project level are the most appropriate for the client group and to that end a funding agreement was introduced in 2007 which underpins the range of service(s) to be delivered upon in any one funding year.

I should also say that a Value for Money and Policy Review of Projects funded through the Probation Service was completed in 2008 and published on my Department's website. The Probation Service is in the process of implementing the recommendations of that review.

Community Service Scheme

The Deputy might also like to be aware of an ongoing Value for Money and Policy Review by an independent evaluator of the operation of the Community Service Scheme. This report is close to finalisation and will inform how the scheme can be utilised to its best effect.

Asylum Support Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

147 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if accommodation and medical assistance will be offered in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12514/09]

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

The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers in accordance with the Government policy of direct provision and dispersal.

The person referred to in the details supplied, who is a male, is currently being provided with accommodation by the RIA at Mount Trenchard accommodation centre, County Limerick. In relation to requests based on this person's medical condition, the matter was considered by the RIA and no grounds for a transfer to self-catering accommodation were found.

Notwithstanding this, the RIA has separately considered the broader issues of the case and is prepared to make an offer of alternative accommodation to this person within direct provision. A formal offer in relation to that will issue this week.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

148 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a stamp four will be updated in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12515/09]

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

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question 172 for answer on 12 March, 2009. I am informed that correspondence from the person concerned has not yet been received in my Department.

Any such correspondence, when received, will be assessed by the relevant officials, and the person in question will be contacted directly and notified of any decisions made regarding his status in the State.

Deportation Orders.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

149 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to residency status in the name of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12516/09]

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

I refer the Deputy to my detailed Reply to his Parliamentary Question, No. 229 of Thursday 15 May 2008, in this matter. The position in the State of the person concerned is as set out in that Reply.

Residency Permits.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

150 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an application for long-term residency by a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath will be dealt with; if same will be progressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12607/09]

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

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

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

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

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

Human Rights Issues.

Alan Shatter

Ceist:

151 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action taken to date by him at European level and in the United Nations with regard to the expulsion by Sudan of humanitarian non-governmental organisations; his views on whether what already is a humanitarian emergency is rapidly becoming a humanitarian disaster in which millions of lives are at stake; the position with regard to the people of Darfur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12444/09]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Deputy Micheál Martin)

The International Criminal Court (ICC) announced on 4 March that it would issue a warrant for the arrest of the Sudanese President, Omar al-Bashir, on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in connection with the Darfur conflict. Ireland and the EU have expressed our support for the work the ICC is doing. There has, however, been a strong political reaction in Sudan to the ICC warrant against President Bashir. The Government of Sudan immediately announced its intention to expel thirteen international humanitarian organisations from Darfur. The thirteen agencies concerned account for 40% of all aid in Sudan; between them, they provide food to 1 million people; safe water to a similar number; and basic health care to 1.5 million people.

The impact of the Government's actions is not yet fully apparent, since many NGOs had built up stocks of supplies in Darfur — including food, and fuel to keep water pumps going. These stocks are rapidly running down, and there is an urgent need to ensure that people do not suffer as a result. A joint UN/Sudan mission has been dispatched to Darfur to assess the humanitarian situation. However, it will not be possible in any reasonable time frame for the UN, the Government and local NGOs to replace the capacity and expertise provided by the expelled NGOs over an extended period of time.

As a result of the ongoing violence, we are continuing to see new displacements in Darfur and rising tensions in camps for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). Almost everywhere in Darfur, IDP settlements are currently overstretched. A further 263,000 refugees remain across the international border in Chad, though so far there has not been substantial new population movement. Irish troops, now deployed as part of the UN's MINURCAT mission, are providing wide-area security around the refugee settlements in Chad.

I strongly believe that the EU should make every effort to reverse the expulsions of NGOs from Sudan. On 9 March, the EU condemned the Sudanese Government's decision. EU Foreign Ministers discussed the issue at the I strongly believe that the EU should make every effort to reverse the expulsions of NGOs from Sudan. On 9 March, the EU condemned the Sudanese Government's decision. EU Foreign Ministers discussed the issue at the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 16 March, and called on the Government of Sudan to reconsider urgently the decision to expel these organisations and to ensure that the most vulnerable people in Sudan are guaranteed humanitarian assistance. The EU position is being emphasised to regional and international partners with potential influence on the Sudanese Government.

Ireland has been very active in working to alleviate the suffering of those affected by the conflict in Darfur. Since 2006, Irish Aid funding to Sudan has amounted to over €50 million. This funding has been provided to non-governmental organisations (NGOs), to UN agencies working in South Sudan and Darfur and to the UN administered Sudan Common Humanitarian Fund. Among the many well-respected international NGOs expelled from Sudan were some which had received Irish Aid funding. We will be reviewing with those organisations how best to proceed. My priority now is to safeguard the position of those Irish NGOs which are continuing to do very important work in Sudan.

Sports Funding.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

152 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will make a statement on a matter (details supplied). [12409/09]

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

The funding of the Gaelic players grant schemes is a matter for the Irish Sports Council (ISC) in the context of the distribution of its budget for 2009. In light of the current economic constraints and the reduction in the ISC's allocation of funding in the 2009 Estimates, I am having discussions with the Council on optimum funding options, in order to maintain its existing programmes while building on recent progress. The future funding of the Gaelic players schemes is being considered in that context.

Tourism Industry.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

153 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the decline in tourism from the US to Ireland; the implications of this decline for the mid-west region; his plans to supplement the tourism budget to address this decline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12411/09]

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

The downturn in the world economy has significantly affected tourism and travel globally and travel to Ireland has been no exception. The economic difficulties in the United States are clearly having a negative impact on the affordability of overseas travel for many American consumers and the situation has been exacerbated by currency fluctuations. While this resulted in a reduction in the number of visitors to Ireland in 2008 compared to 2007, it should be noted that over one million visitors from North America still came to Ireland in 2008.

While it is obviously very early days, I was pleased to note that the first monthly overseas visitor figures for 2009, which were published by the Central Statistics Office last week, show that visitors from the United States for the month of January showed a slight increase on the corresponding month of 2008.

Within the overall funding for front-line marketing of Ireland as a tourist destination overseas, the Government allocated €3m for the "Discover Ireland's Wonderful West" campaign in 2008. Funding for the campaign was again provided in 2009, in addition to separate funding of over €3 million for regional marketing overseas. The campaign focuses on ease of direct access from many gateway cities, the good value fares and inclusive packages available as well as showcasing a range of offers from local industry.

Tourism Ireland is continuing to work closely with Fáilte Ireland, Shannon Airport, Shannon Development, and the local tourism industry in the mid-west to vigorously promote the Shannon region through cooperative marketing campaigns. I understand that their campaign has generally been very well received to date.

I remain confident that the tourism sector has the capacity to manage the current challenges and I know that the tourism agencies are doing all they can to ensure that we see a return to growth in overseas visitor numbers as soon as possible.

Community Development.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

154 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the cost of each office to his Department in tabular form in respect of a company (details supplied). [12485/09]

Michael Ring

Ceist:

155 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of staff in each office, including the grade of staff, and the cost of those offices to his Department in tabular form in respect of a company (details supplied). [12486/09]

Michael Ring

Ceist:

156 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of offices in operation for a company (details supplied) and the location at which they are placed in the county in tabular form. [12487/09]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 154 to 156, inclusive, together.

The company in question is a private company, limited by guarantee, and is contracted to deliver a range of programmes and schemes on behalf of my Department and a number of other Departments and agencies.

It is essentially a matter for each such company to decide where it should locate, its office arrangements, and HR matters and I have no function in this respect. In the circumstances, it would not be appropriate for me to provide the details requested. In any event, as I understand it, the company in question has yet to make final decisions in respect of a number of these matters.

The contractual arrangements governing the programmes and schemes mentioned above entitle the company to certain administrative and other costs. However, but there are mechanisms in place within individual programmes to control such costs and to secure value for money service delivery.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

157 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the procedures in place to ensure that the fuel allowance is no longer paid when a person is admitted to long-term nursing home care. [12378/09]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Deputy Mary Hanafin)

Fuel Allowance is paid to eligible people from the date they apply for the allowance. The majority of people apply when they are applying for a primary social welfare payment and the primary payment and fuel allowance are put into payment at the same time.

The Department, when issuing award letters and other communications, advises the person that they must notify the Department of any changes in their circumstances, including a change of address. In general a person moving into long-term nursing or other institutional care notifies the Department of their change of address.

The Department, as part of its ongoing control strategy, undertakes periodic reviews in order to determine customers' continuing eligibility for pension. Letters issue to customers requesting them to confirm their ongoing entitlement to payment and to certify changes, if any, in their circumstances. Follow-up action is taken where no reply is received from the customer or where the letter is returned undelivered.

I am committed to ensuring that social welfare payments are available to those who are entitled to them. I am also determined to ensure that abuse of the system or errors in payment are prevented and are dealt with effectively when detected.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

158 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved jobseeker’s benefit. [12408/09]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Deputy Mary Hanafin)

The person concerned has been awarded jobseeker's benefit with effect from 22 December, 2008. His current weekly rate of payment is €203.90. This payment includes an increase in respect of a qualified adult. A payment of €1,631.20, which included all arrears due, issued to him on 23 February, 2009.

Under Social Welfare legislation decisions in relation to claims must be made by Deciding Officers and Appeals Officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.

Social Welfare Code.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

159 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the fact that some pensioners in receipt of the contributory State pension are in receipt of weekly payments of less than the amount of the non-contributory pension, as in the case of a person (details supplied) and for example those who have worked outside the Irish jurisdiction for a certain period of their working lives, even if they are in receipt of pension payments in respect of this period; if there are proposals to address this anomaly, particularly at an EU level; and the cost to the Exchequer on a full year basis of levelling these rates up to the non-contributory rate and the full contributory rate. [12415/09]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Deputy Mary Hanafin)

In order to qualify for the maximum rate of the state pension (contributory) a person must, amongst other qualifying conditions, achieve a yearly average of at least 48 contributions paid or credited on his/her social insurance record. Reduced pensions are paid to those with yearly averages as low as 10 contributions and arrangements are also in place for the payment of pro-rata pensions to those with mixed rate insurance records or contributions from other EU member states or countries with which Ireland has a reciprocal agreement.

The person concerned has a pension of €82.70 per week which comprises a pro-rata pension of €75.00 per week plus a living alone increase of €7.70 per week. This pension was calculated by taking the total number of contributions (Irish and UK) the person had paid over her working life and applying the average contributions test to arrive at the rate which would be paid if all contributions had been paid under the Irish social insurance system. The actual rate to be paid is determined by the proportion of Irish full rate contributions in the overall record. This is similar to the arrangement that applies when calculating pensions due under bilateral social security agreements or other pro-rata pensions. The formula used ensures that people receive a pension which reflects the proportion of Irish contributions contained in their overall contribution record.

I understand that the person concerned also receives a contributory pension from the UK and that she does not wish to apply for the means-tested state pension (non-contributory) which is available to people who do not qualify for the contributory pension or who are on reduced rate contributory pensions.

The cost of raising all reduced rate contributory pension payments to t he maximum state pension (non-contributory) rate is €547 million in a full year. To increase reduced rate payments up to the state pension (contributory) rate would cost €632 million in a full year.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

160 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views on correspondence (details supplied). [12449/09]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Deputy Mary Hanafin)

The Carer's Allowance scheme has been significantly improved in recent years and in Budget 2009, I continued this process. The rate of carer's allowance for those aged 66 or over increased 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, free travel and the respite care grant.

Since 1997 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. The means test for carer's allowance has been significantly eased over the years, and is now one of the most generous means tests in the social welfare system, most notably with regard to spouse's earnings. Since April 2008, the income disregard has been 332.50 per week for a single person and €665 per week for a couple. This means that a couple with two children can earn in the region of €37,200 and qualify for the maximum rate of Carer's Allowance as well as the associated free travel and household benefits. A couple with an income in the region of €60,400 can still qualify for a minimum payment, as well as the associated free travel, household benefits package. These levels surpass the Towards 2016 commitment to ensure that those on average industrial earnings continue to qualify for a full carer's allowance.

From June 2005, the annual respite care grant was extended to all carers who are providing full time care to a person who needs such care, regardless of their income. The rate of the respite care grant has also been increased to €1,700 per year in respect of each care recipient since June 2008.

In June 2006, the number of hours for which a person can engage in employment, self-employment, education or training and still be considered to be providing full time care for the purposes of carer's allowance, carer's benefit and the respite care grant was increased from 10 to 15 hours per week. It is estimated that combined expenditure on carer's allowance, carer's benefit, the respite care grant and half-rate carers will be €650 million in 2009.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

161 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the annual cost to the Exchequer of the early childhood supplement for each year since its inception to date in 2009; the projected cost, ceteris paribus, to the Exchequer of the ECS for the years 2009, 2010 and 2011; the number of families availing of the ECS, broken down by the numbers inside Ireland and outside Ireland; the number of children covered by the ECS, broken down by the numbers inside Ireland and outside Ireland; the number of applications for the ECS in hand, broken down by the numbers inside Ireland and outside Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12466/09]

Joan Burton

Ceist:

162 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the annual cost to the Exchequer of child benefit for each of the years since 2002 to date in 2009; the projected cost, ceteris paribus, to the Exchequer of child benefit for the years 2009, 2010, 2011; the number of families availing of child benefit broken down by the numbers inside Ireland and outside Ireland; the number of children covered by child benefit, broken down by the numbers inside Ireland and outside Ireland; the number of applications for child benefit in hand, broken down by the number inside Ireland and outside Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12467/09]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Deputy Mary Hanafin)

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

The Early Childcare Supplement is administered by the Department of Social and Family Affairs on behalf of the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs.

The cost of the Early Childcare supplement for each year since its inception in April 2006 was as follows:

Year	€ Million
2006	292
2007	417
2008	477

The projected cost in 2009 is €340 million; expenditure to date in 2009 is €74m (no payment was made in January 2009, as payment is now monthly in arrears). The projected costs for 2010 and 2011 cannot yet be estimated with any degree of accuracy given the reduction in immigration and the increased outflow of EU and other workers in the current economic situation.

The number of families availing of the ECS at March 2009 (children aged under 5.5 years) was 283,000 in respect of 379,513 children. Of these, approximately 2,850 families are currently paid under EU regulations for some 3,700 non-resident children.

The total number of Child Benefit claims on hand and not yet finalised is 3,500 for resident children and 6,500 for non-resident children, approximately 17,000 children in total. Of these approximately 30% are under 5 years of age.

The annual cost of the Child Benefit scheme since 2002 is as follows:

Year	€ Billion
2002	1.46
2003	1.66
2004	1.76
2005	1.89
2006	2.05
2007	2.23
2008	2.45

The projected cost of Child Benefit in 2009 is €2.53 Billion; expenditure to date in 2009 is some €617m.

The number of families in payment at end February 2009 was 599,626, in respect of 1,150,153 children. Of these, 6,200 were claims paid under EU regulations in respect of some 10,500 non resident children.

The projected costs for 2010 and 2011 cannot yet be estimated with any degree of accuracy given the reduction in immigration and the increased outflow of EU and other workers in the current economic situation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

163 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the maximum rent support payable in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if an increase will be offered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12511/09]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Deputy Mary Hanafin)

Rent supplement is administered on behalf of the department by the community welfare service of the Health Service Executive as part of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. The Executive has advised that the entitlement of the person concerned to rent supplement is as communicated to the Deputy on 12 March 2009.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

164 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the financial supports his Department will make available to the local authority to undertake remedial works in view of the increase in demands being placed on the recently opened sewerage scheme in Donegal Town and in view of the odours and leaks that have occurred as a result. [12399/09]

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

The procurement, operation and management of public waste water treatment and collection systems are the responsibility of the relevant local authority. Regulation 3(b) of the European Communities (Waste Water Treatment) (Prevention of Odours and Noise) Regulations, 2005, requires local authorities to ensure that their waste water treatment plants are operated and maintained so as to avoid nuisance through odours. Regulation 4, in turn, obliges the EPA to ensure compliance with this statutory requirement. Where an odour issue arises, it is a matter for the local authority to resolve any relevant issues with suppliers, contractors or service providers, as appropriate.

Departmental Schemes.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

165 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he or his Department has given authorisation to county councils to receive applications under the green energy scheme which he has announced; if he or his officials advised county councils as to the standard form of application; if a budget line has been made available to the county councils in respect of 2009 and 2010; the budget allocation to each local authority for 2009 and 2010 respectively. [12465/09]

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

As part of a national programme for the "greening" of the social housing stock, a range of energy efficiency initiatives are being advanced, including a programme of Towards Carbon Neutral demonstration projects, insulation retrofitting projects that will inform future schemes, and a programme to improve the energy rating of dwellings due to be re-let and to advance overall energy efficiency in local authority apartment complexes. The funding to be made available for these purposes will be finalised following the publication of the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2009.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

166 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when works will begin on the sewerage scheme for Hospital, County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12470/09]

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

The combined Dromcollogher, Hospital, Pallasgreen and Bruff Sewerage Scheme is included for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009. Further consideration is being given to Limerick County Council's Preliminary Report for the scheme following receipt of additional information from the Council in December 2008.

Fire Stations.

Noel Coonan

Ceist:

167 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when an application for funding in respect of a new fire station facility (details supplied) in County Tipperary will be provided by his Department; the timeframe for the provision of the funding; the reason for the delay in providing funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12614/09]

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

The provision of funding for a fire station at Cloughjordan will be considered under future fire services capital programmes having regard to the overall availability of resources, the spread of existing facilities and the totality of demands of fire authorities for available funds. In autumn 2008, the fire authority indicated that improvement to the fire station at Templemore was their first priority and Cloughjordan was the second priority.

Telecommunications Services.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

168 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the methods he will use to satisfy himself that the upload, download and latency standards described by himself and the national broadband scheme contractors (details supplied) are being met; the moneys committed by him in 2009 and separately in 2010 for this purpose; the competent independent assessment body which will be used to ascertain the actual performance on the NBS service; the date by which he will publish a report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12606/09]

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

Under the terms of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) contract, 3 Ireland has committed to defined service standards with respect to retail product speeds and contention ratio, customer interface, wholesale service, reporting and marketing. My Department, with the assistance of independent technical consultants, Analysis Mason Ltd, will actively monitor performance of the infrastructure, service availability, service delivery and customer experience as well as overall compliance with contractual obligations by 3 Ireland on a monthly basis throughout the contract term.

Monitoring activities will involve random testing to assess and monitor the availability and coverage of the services in the NBS coverage areas. Upgrades of the network and its capacity are automatically triggered at contractually agreed levels of traffic to ensure that the quality of the broadband service is maintained and enhanced over the period of the contract. 3 Ireland is obliged to address any issues arising and the NBS contract imposes a service credit regime on 3 Ireland with significant consequences in the event of proven failure to meet the contractually binding service standards.

The overall cost of technical, financial and commercial advisory services to support my Department in relation to the implementation and monitoring of the NBS contract over a 28 month period is expected to amount to €399,250 (exclusive of VAT), of which amounts of €175,000 and €80,000 are foreseen to be paid in 2009 and 2010 respectively. I do not propose to publish a report on performance by 3 Ireland under the NBS contract and no such report is provided for under the terms of the contract.

Noel Coonan

Ceist:

169 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason broadband is not available to persons (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when it will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12616/09]

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

Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. Broadband services are available from competing service providers over multiple platforms, including DSL (telephone lines), cable, fixed wireless, mobile and satellite. I understand that broadband is available in Templemore, County Tipperary, from DSL, mobile and satellite service providers.

Noel Coonan

Ceist:

170 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason broadband is not available to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when it will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12617/09]

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

Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. Broadband services are available from competing service providers over multiple platforms, including DSL (telephone lines), cable, fixed wireless, mobile and satellite. I understand that broadband is available in Borrisoleigh, County Tipperary from DSL, wireless and satellite service providers.

Grant Payments.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

171 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when REP scheme payment will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12295/09]

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

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.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

172 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not received their 2008 single farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12383/09]

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

The person named established Single Payment Entitlements to the value of €2214.32 based on premia payments made during the reference period 2000-2002 but did not activate these entitlements in 2005 as he did not submit a Single Payment application form in that year. EU Regulations governing the Single Payment Scheme provide that un-activated entitlements are reverted to the National Reserve in 2005.

The person named submitted a Single Payment application for the first time in 2008. He also submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements under Category B of the 2008 National Reserve. Category B caters for new entrants to farming who commenced farming after 31st December 2005 and who did not pursue any agricultural activity in his/her own name or at his/her own risk in the five years immediately preceding the commencement of the new agricultural activity. The person named did not qualify under the new entrant category of the National Reserve as Department records verify that he has been farming since 1998. As the person named does not hold Single Payment Entitlements he is not due payment under the 2008 Single Payment Scheme.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

173 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a REP scheme payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12385/09]

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

Payment issued to the person named on 9 March 2009.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

174 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a slatted house grant will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12386/09]

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

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.

Farm Waste Management.

Andrew Doyle

Ceist:

175 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the action being taken to ensure that farmers affected by the failure of his Department to honour its contract with farmers under the terms of the farm waste management scheme do not have to pay additional interest accruing from extending short-term loans to long-term loans; the commitment which has been made by the banks in relation to interest payments due on loans that have to be extended due to the delay in payment by his Department; and if corrective action is being taken in his Department to ensure that such a breach of trust does not happen again. [12412/09]

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

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.

I do not accept that there has been a breach of trust in relation to the payment of grants under the Farm Waste Management Scheme, which has been the most successful on-farm investment scheme since our accession to the EU.

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.

Departmental Staff.

Seymour Crawford

Ceist:

176 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 453 of 10 March 2009, when the district superintendent post will be filled to cover west Cavan, which is vacant since 10 November 2008 and is causing delays in payments for farm waste management and REP scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12417/09]

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

A Department officer has been appointed in an acting capacity to this post.

Proposed Legislation.

P. J. Sheehan

Ceist:

177 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 5 of 22 November 2007, No. 123 of 1 July 2008, No. 34 of 30 October 2008 and No. 104 of 3 December 2008, the reason for the delay in publishing the Forestry Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12424/09]

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

Following a very comprehensive review of the Forestry Act 1946 and an extensive consultation process on current and proposed forestry legislation, the Government has recently approved the General Scheme of the Forestry Bill. This has been forwarded to the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to the Government for drafting to commence. It is not possible at this stage to indicate a date for publication of the legislation in question.

Grant Payments.

P. J. Sheehan

Ceist:

178 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount that he expects his Department to owe to the farming sector in delayed payments by the end of 2009, the end of 2010, and end of 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12425/09]

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

As all payment claims received under the Farm Waste Management Scheme by my Department have not yet been processed to final payment stage, it is not possible at present to provide an estimate of the amounts involved in the phasing of payments to farmers under this Scheme.

P. J. Sheehan

Ceist:

179 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a premium of 3.5% to be paid to farmers in 2011 for the delayed payment of the farm waste management grants complies with the requirements of the Prompt Payments of Accounts Act, 1997 and the European Communities (Late Payment in Commercial Transactions) Regulation, 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12426/09]

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

The legal instruments referred to by the Deputy do not extend to the payment of grants to farmers under the Farm Waste Management Scheme.

Forestry Sector.

P. J. Sheehan

Ceist:

180 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the implications for the forestry industry and Coillte Teo of Budget 2009 and the further Budget on 7 April 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12427/09]

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

Almost €125 million was allocated to the forestry subhead in Budget 2009 which will allow for the operation of a number of forestry schemes in 2009. This substantial investment demonstrates the commitment of the Government to forestry in Ireland and recognises the importance of the forest industry in terms of its economic, environmental and social benefits. As regards Coillte Teoranta, it was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act 1988 and does not receive grant-in-aid from my Department. It is not possible to comment on potential implications of a Budget that will not be presented to the Dáil until 7 April 2009.

Common Fisheries Policy.

P. J. Sheehan

Ceist:

181 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he has taken to renegotiate Ireland’s fishery policy in the European Union; the progress made with Ireland’s European colleagues in these renegotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12428/09]

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

The Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) is the fisheries policy of the European Union which was first put in place in 1983 and has been subject to reviews every 10 years, the most recent was in 2002 and the next is formally scheduled for 2012. Work has already commenced in preparation for the review with the publication of a Commission Working Paper in September 2008 and the launch of a phase of analysis and consultation. The French Presidency also held an informal Fisheries meeting in September (on margins of the Fisheries Council) on the reform process. A public hearing of the Fisheries Committee of the European Parliament was held on the 10th February on the reform of the CFP, the highlight of which was a speech by Commissioner Borg. It is clear from that speech that absolutely everything within the current framework of the CFP is open for discussion. The Commission are now expected to publish a Green Paper on the review which will be up for debate at the April Agriculture and Fisheries Ministerial Council. This will be followed by public consultation later in the year and a legislative proposal next year with a view to adoption in early 2012. I am committed to working closely with the Federation of Irish Fishermen, other stakeholders and other like minded Member States to strengthen the current policy for the betterment of fisheries.

Fisheries Protection.

P. J. Sheehan

Ceist:

182 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to repeal the criminal sanctions against fishermen found to be in breach of regulations in the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act, 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12429/09]

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

Since 1959 Ireland has applied its criminal law in relation to fisheries matters and, since our membership of the European Community, Ireland has applied the criminal law in the enforcement of fisheries policy. Successive Governments have applied the criminal law. We do this to protect fish stocks and to seek to avoid financial penalties being imposed on the State and the Irish tax payer.

However, it should be noted that all sanctions for fisheries offences are purely financial in nature. The Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006 Act simply sets down the maximum financial fines that may be applied and it is a matter for a judge to determine the appropriate fine taking into account the specifics of each case. The Act also applies, for the first time, a scaled approach to maximum penalties for infringements by vessels whereby smaller vessels are liable to lower maximum fines.

The possibility of introducing administrative sanctions was comprehensively considered at the time of the passage of the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Bill through the Oireachtas. The position taken by the Minister at the time was based on the legal advice from the Attorney General.

In the case of most fisheries offences European Community regulations require that penalties must be deterrent and dissuasive and must involve depriving the wrongdoer of the benefit of his or her actions. The fines and forfeitures allowed for under the Act are, therefore, at a substantial level, and include, for example, the loss of the catch and fishing gear. The Attorney General advised that under the Irish legal system such penalties would be viewed as criminal in nature and therefore could only be administered by the courts by virtue of Articles 34, 37 and 38 of the Constitution. This position has been confirmed by the present Attorney-General. The European Commission recently introduced a draft new regulation intended to update and reform the EU Fisheries Control framework. This proposed regulation envisages facilitating a sanctions and penalty points system and allows for the application of administrative action or criminal proceedings in conformity with national law. In this regard there may be a possibility of introducing administrative sanctions and a penalty points system for Irish vessels under this proposal. Legal advice is being sought to determine if the current Commission proposal could accommodate their introduction here in Ireland. It is worth noting that the proposal from the Commission envisages penalties up to a maximum of €600,000 for repeated serious infringement and under the penalty point system the suspension of a fishing licence for prolonged periods, even the permanent withdrawal of a licence. These penalties are substantially higher than the level provided for in Irish legislation.

P. J. Sheehan

Ceist:

183 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has plans to amend the policy of the Sea Fishery Protection Authority and the Naval Service in targeting Irish vessels for inspection in view of the fact 63% of inspections in 2007 were carried out on Irish boats while 80% of the fish caught in Irish waters was by foreign vessels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12430/09]

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

The Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006 clearly provides that the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) is independent in the exercise of its functions and as such I have no remit as to its work programme or its strategic deployment of resources. Equally, I have no remit with regard to the operational activities of the Naval Service. Consequently, I have no official responsibility to the Dáil in relation to the operational activities of the SFPA or the Naval Service in respect of fisheries inspections.

Grant Payments.

P. J. Sheehan

Ceist:

184 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if all farmers who applied for farm improvement grants have been informed that their application is being processed or have been informed that their application is not being considered; the number of applications by regional office that are not being processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12431/09]

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

The 12,675 applications received by my Department under the Farm Improvement Scheme prior to its suspension for new applications on 31 October 2007 are being processed up to the level of funding provided for the Scheme in line with the 2006 Partnership agreement, Towards 2016.

Common Agricultural Policy.

P. J. Sheehan

Ceist:

185 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will report on the presentation by the Commission and exchange of views discussed at the Council of EU, Agriculture and Fisheries, meeting on 23 March 2009 on the Commission Progress Report A simplified CAP for Europe a success for all; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12432/09]

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

Commissioner Fischer Boel presented the report to Ministers. She gave an overview of the actions taken to date to achieve simplification of the CAP. She outlined the work that had been carried out on technical simplification, e.g. consolidation of texts and deletion of obsolete legislation and on simplification of agricultural policies such as recent CAP Health Check reforms involving further decoupling, abolition of set-aside and the 10-month retention of land rule, streamlining of cross-compliance and simplification of the rules on transfer of entitlements. She drew attention to the Commission rolling action plan for simplification which had commenced in 2005 with some 20 projects. This plan now comprised 50 projects, 43 of which had been completed. She quantified in financial terms the reduction in administrative burdens that had been achieved by the changes and went on to outline the new initiatives planned in continuation of the simplification process. These include continuation of the rolling action plan for simplification, the creation of a single legal act on cross-compliance, on-farm training schemes for Commission officials and implementation of the commitment made in the Health Check to continue the process of simplifying the Single Payment Scheme and cross-compliance.

The Presidency deferred discussion of the Commission communication to the next Council of Ministers meeting in April. I am fully committed to the simplification process and I welcome the Commission report. It provides a useful account of the simplification achieved to date and includes some worthwhile projects. Nevertheless, I believe that we should be far more ambitious and concentrate our future efforts on projects that result in real and practical simplification for farmers and national administrations. I have several ideas in mind including making real and substantive changes to controls under cross compliance with a view to placing greater reliance on self-regulation, risk analysis and sample controls and examining the scope for greater efficiencies in the inspection process. I will be making these points to the Commission and the Council when this matter is discussed at our April meeting.

European Council Meetings.

P. J. Sheehan

Ceist:

186 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will report on the exchange of views and discussions at the Council of EU, Agriculture and Fisheries, meeting on 23 of March 2009 on the situation on the milk market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12433/09]

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

At this week's meeting of the Council of Ministers there was a debate about the unprecedented situation in the dairy sector at present and the short term outlook for dairy markets. I informed my colleagues that in Ireland we are entering a period of abundant supplies and the levels at which refunds and intervention function will be critical to the speed at which the sector emerges from the current slump. While I was encouraged by recent developments in community support, I urged a short sharp utilisation of the market management measures to get the market back to equilibrium as quickly as possible. It is clear to me that the elements that will lead this recovery are competitive refunds that allow the sale of dairy products onto world markets in considerable quantities and, the continuation of intervention under the tendering mechanism provided that these arrangements remain relatively attractive.

The Commission was left in no doubt by me and by a number of other Member States of the importance of fully using all available supports to manage the market in the coming period.

Grant Payments.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

187 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be granted their tuberculosis reactor compensation grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12434/09]

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

Payment of compensation under the TB and Brucellosis On Farm Market Valuation Scheme in respect of an animal removed under the scheme been processed by the District Veterinary Office and will issue to the person concerned this week.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

188 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be granted their installation aid grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12435/09]

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

Grant-aid under the Installation Aid Scheme was paid by my Department to the person concerned on 12 March 2009.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

189 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has had a reduction in their single farm payment; if in view of the minimal over claim he will make arrangements for full payment of this grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12468/09]

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

An application under the Single Payment Scheme / Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 1st May 2008. This application was selected for a satellite eligibility inspection, which required a follow-up field visit. During this visit, discrepancies were found in relation to parcels D28306026, D28306048, D28306049 and D28306047. As a result of these discrepancies the claimed area of 35.88ha was reduced to 33.02ha. If the total area found is not sufficient to support the number of entitlements held, penalties will be applied as per the Terms and Conditions of the scheme. In this case the number of entitlements held by the person named is 36.85. As the difference between the area declared and the area found is more than 3%, under EU Regulations, the difference between the area found and the area claimed is doubled and deducted from the area found. As a result the area put forward for payment under the Single Payment Scheme was 27.30 hectares. The person named was informed of these findings on 24th March 2009 and of his right to seek a review of this decision within 21 days and of his right to appeal the out come of any such review.

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

190 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) will receive their REP scheme four payment. [12478/09]

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

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:

191 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of people who have yet to be paid in a scheme (details supplied) up until 20 March 2009 in tabular form. [12479/09]

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

Out of 12,292 applications received up to 31 December 2008, 6,194 have been paid and 6,098 are being processed. Information in respect of applications received since 1 January 2009 is not to hand as the closing date for these applications is 15 May.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

192 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason for the delay in payment of a scheme (details supplied). [12480/09]

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

REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007–13 and is subject to different EU Regulations from the preceding versions of REPS. Under REPS 4, all payments are to be made in just two instalments each year. The first payment, of 75%, could be made only when all administrative checks on all 2008 applications for REPS 4 and the Single Payment Scheme were completed. These included checks on areas and on the plan details. My Department's controls have to satisfy stringent EU regulatory and audit requirements.

The first payments for 2008 REPS 4 applications issued in the last week of January, 2009 to those whose applications required no correction following the administrative checks. Further payments continue to be made as applications are cleared. As processing of the remaining applications is continuing, it is not possible at this stage to say how many applications will be found to be ineligible or how many can be accepted at a reduced rate of payment for the first year, subject to later adjustment. Letters have begun to issue to farmers whose applications have already been examined and found to be in one or other of those categories and these letters will continue to go out in the coming weeks. My officials are in contact with Teagasc and the Agricultural Consultants' Association, which represents private planners, about the issues that are arising.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

193 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of people who have applied for a scheme (details supplied) and have been paid with a breakdown by county in tabular form. [12481/09]

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

Details of payments issued in each county are set out in the table. The information relating to the number of applications in each county is being collated and I will write to the Deputy as soon as possible.

County	Number paid to 24 March 2009
Carlow	54
Cavan	187
Clare	483
Cork	687
Donegal	725
Dublin	7
Galway	648
Kerry	237
Kildare	72
Kilkenny	137
Laois	210
Leitrim	54
Limerick	322
Longford	161
Louth	52
Mayo	345
Meath	106
Monaghan	207
Offaly	113
Roscommon	358
Sligo	204
Tipperary	391
Waterford	94
Westmeath	167
Wexford	145
Wicklow	28
Total	6,194

Michael Ring

Ceist:

194 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of people in the country who have applied for a scheme (details supplied) in tabular form. [12482/09]

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

Information relating to the number of applications in each county is being collated and I will write to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

195 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of people who have been paid in a scheme (details supplied) up until 20 March 2009 in tabular form. [12483/09]

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

The information sought is set out in the table below:

County	Number paid to 24 March 2009
Carlow	54
Cavan	187
Clare	483
Cork	687
Donegal	725
Dublin	7
Galway	648
Kerry	237
Kildare	72
Kilkenny	137
Laois	210
Leitrim	54
Limerick	322
Longford	161
Louth	52
Mayo	345
Meath	106
Monaghan	207
Offaly	113
Roscommon	358
Sligo	204
Tipperary	391
Waterford	94
Westmeath	167
Wexford	145
Wicklow	28
	6,194

Michael Ring

Ceist:

196 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their REP scheme payment. [12484/09]

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

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.

Circus Animals.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

197 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the details of animals exported into Ireland for use in circuses here in 2008, including the species, the number, their countries of origin and the circuses to which they were attached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12502/09]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

198 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the details of animals imported into Ireland for use in circuses here in 2008, including the species, the number, their countries of origin and the circuses to which they were attached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12503/09]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 197 and 198 together.

The information sought by the Deputy is set out in the table below. The names of the circuses involved have been withheld due to the commercial nature of the information sought.

Date	Number and Species	*Origin
15/01/2008	3 African Elephants	Germany (via France)
9/12/2008	2 Sea Lions	Spain

*The only information available to DAFF is the country from which the animals were imported into Ireland.

Departmental Personnel.

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

199 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason he has failed to provide this Deputy with information stating the number of retired officials and inspectors from his Department who have been appointed to various boards in which his Department can make such appointments and the number of appointments made in each year over the past five years; his views on whether it is acceptable that this is the third parliamentary question in which this Deputy has requested these figures without reply to date, over a three month period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12290/09]

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

I would like to apologise to the Deputy for the delay in issuing a final reply to him in relation to the parliamentary questions he tabled with regard to the appointment of retired officials and inspectors from my Department to various boards over the past five years.

As indicated in my initial response the information requested was not readily available and had to be collated by officials in my Department. This task was completed earlier this month but due to an administrative error the information, which is outlined below, did not issue to the Deputy until earlier this week.

Details for 2004

Total retired Officials & Inspectors appointed — 34

Middletown Centre for Autism (holding) Company — 1

Selection Boards for Designated Community Colleges and Community Schools — 32

Early Retirement Consultative Council/Early Retirement Advisory Committee — 1

Details for 2005

Total retired Officials & Inspectors appointed — 34

Middletown Centre for Autism (holding) Company — 1

Selection Boards for Designated Community Colleges and Community Schools — 32

Early Retirement Consultative Council/Early Retirement Advisory Committee — 1

Details for 2006

Total retired Officials & Inspectors appointed — 36

Middletown Centre for Autism (holding) Company — 1

Selection Boards for Designated Community Colleges and Community Schools — 34

Early Retirement Consultative Council/Early Retirement Advisory Committee — 1

Details for 2007

Total retired Officials & Inspectors appointed — 37

Middletown Centre for Autism (holding) Company — 1

Middletown Centre for Autism Ltd — 1

Selection Boards for Designated Community Colleges and Community Schools — 34

Early Retirement Consultative Council/Early Retirement Advisory Committee — 1

Details for 2008

Total retired Officials & Inspectors appointed — 38

Middletown Centre for Autism (holding) Company — 1

Middletown Centre for Autism Ltd — 1

School Transport Appeals Board (Re-appointed for 3 year term) — 1

Selection Boards for Designated Community Colleges and Community Schools — 34

Early Retirement Consultative Council/Early Retirement Advisory Committee — 1

Site Acquisitions.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

200 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science if a site has been identified for a post primary school to service the Stepaside/Kilternan area of County Dublin; when this site will acquired; when building will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12291/09]

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

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 Stepaside/Kilternan areas, and any subsequent issues which may arise, will be considered in this context. The Department has requested Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council to make reservation for two 12 acre sites for future post primary education in this area.

While my Department has no immediate plans to purchase these sites we will continue to monitor the demand for school places in the Stepaside/Kilternan area to ensure that any extra demand for post primary school places is met in a timely manner.

Schools Building Projects.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

201 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of the new facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12337/09]

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

County Kildare Vocational Education Committee as client/contracting authority for the project referred to by the Deputy, is currently re-locating the school and extending capacity to 1,000 pupils. The project is currently in construction and is due to reach completion later this year.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

202 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the application for major capital funding by the management authority of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if he expects to respond favourably to this request in the near future; the expected timeframe for implementation of funding for this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12338/09]

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

I can confirm that my Department is in receipt of an application for large scale capital funding from the school to which the Deputy refers. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of my Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

203 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in view of the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 257 of 21 May 2008 in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12339/09]

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

The Deputy will be aware that the school to which he refers was included in my announcement on 12 February of forty three major school building projects which are to progress to tender and construction this year. Representatives from the board of management and the school's design team attended a briefing in my Department's offices in Tullamore on the 19 March at which they were appraised of the next steps necessary to progress this project to tender and construction.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

204 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the date he received an application for major capital funding from a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; when same is expected to be granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12340/09]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

234 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the current or expected position regarding the provision of a new school and extra facilities required at Straffan, County Kildare; the developmental procedures concluded or pending; when it is expected that all procedures will be finalised with a view to conclusion of the project in readiness for the occupation; the projected date in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12372/09]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 204 and 234 together.

The school to which the Deputy refers applied to my Department for large scale capital funding in May 2006. 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.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

205 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when he expects to meet in full the application for major capital funding at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12341/09]

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

A major capital project delivering a new 8 classroom school was completed in 2006 for the school referred to by the Deputy. In 2007 the school in question received approval to build additional classrooms under the devolved Permanent Accommodation Scheme (PAS). The Board of Management submitted an appeal for substantial additional funding which was unsuccessful. The Board was advised to use the grant already sanctioned to deliver the maximum accommodation possible.

The purpose of the PAS is to devolve funding to individual school authorities to undertake building works which will address the school's long term accommodation needs. Under the terms of the Scheme, school authorities are empowered to manage these works with guidance from and minimal interaction with the Department. Devolving funding to school management authorities allows them to have control of their projects, assists in moving projects more quickly to tender and construction and can also deliver better value for money. The scheme is not intended to leave schools with significant fundraising needs; rather the terms of the Scheme require the schools to tailor the scope of capital works commissioned to the available funding. The decision on whether to continue participating in the scheme or to drop out, if the scope of build is more than the funding envelope permits, is a matter for each school authority.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

206 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the date he received an application for major capital funding from a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; when same is expected to be granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12342/09]

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

I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department received an application for large scale capital funding from the school to which he refers in October 2004. 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.

Schools Refurbishment.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

207 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when the upgrading and refurbishment works at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare are expected to be completed in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12343/09]

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

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that in February my Department approved a variation on the existing contract for an extension to the school referred to by the Deputy. This will bring the accommodation at the school up to a 24 classroom school. It is expected that this extension will reach completion by the end of the year.

Schools Building Projects.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

208 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to the application for permanent facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; his plans to progress same in the next six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12344/09]

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

A new 16 classroom school for the school referred to by the Deputy is currently under construction it is envisaged that it will be ready for occupation in September 2009.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

209 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 261 of 21 May 2008, if an assessment has been completed in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; his plans to progress this project in the next six months in view of the increased population in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12345/09]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

232 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the developments since his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 767 of 17 June 2008 in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; the degree to which the full accommodation requirement then identified still applies; when it is expected that the next stage of the development plan will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12369/09]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 209 and 232 together.

The project referred to by the Deputy was included in my announcement of 29 September last of projects which have been given the go ahead to proceed to tender and construction in 2009. For this project to go to construction it needs to be re-tendered under the new form of contracts for public capital projects. My Department has been in contact with the school authorities in this regard and expressions of interest has been requested from builders interested in tendering for the project.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

210 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the date he received an application for major capital funding from a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; when same is expected to be granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12346/09]

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

My Department received an application for large scale capital funding from the school to which the Deputy refers in February 2001. 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.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

211 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the date he received an application for major capital funding from a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; when same is expected to be granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12347/09]

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

My Department received an application for large scale capital funding from the school to which the Deputy refers in September 2006. 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.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

212 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the date he received an application for major capital funding from a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; when same is expected to be granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12348/09]

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

My Department received an application for large scale capital funding from the school to which the Deputy refers in October 2004. 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.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

213 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science his proposals for the future of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if extra improvements or facilities are expected in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12349/09]

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

As part of the 2007 Permanent Accommodation Scheme, a grant was allocated to the school in question to enable the Board of Management to provide 4 resource rooms. The Scheme allows Boards of Management to address their accommodation needs and building priorities with a guaranteed amount of funding and gives them control of the building project. It is my understanding that the project is at the tendering stage at the moment and should be on site in the near future.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

214 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the date he received an application for major capital funding from a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; when same is expected to be granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12350/09]

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

My Department received an application for large scale capital funding from the school to which the Deputy refers in March 2002. 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.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

215 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 259 of 21 May 2008, if an assessment has been completed in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; his plans to progress this project in the next six months in view of the increased population in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12351/09]

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

I am pleased to be able to inform the Deputy that the school to which he refers was included in my announcement in September of last year of 25 projects which are to progress to tender and construction. The project involves the construction of a 15 classroom extension, GP hall and ancillary accommodation for the school. The project is currently progressing through the advanced stages of architectural planning.

School Accommodation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

216 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which accommodation at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare is adequate to meet current and future requirements; his plans to provide extra facilities there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12352/09]

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

My Department has no record of an application from the school to which he refers for large scale capital funding. However, an application for temporary accommodation has been received. This application is being assessed and a decision will issue to the school authority in due course.

Schools Building Projects.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

217 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the date he received an application for major capital funding from a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; when same is expected to be granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12353/09]

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

The school to which the Deputy refers has not applied to my Department for large scale capital funding and it has indicated to my Department that it is not in need of such funding currently.

Special Educational Needs.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

218 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if it is intended to maintain or increase the number of special needs assistants and teachers here in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12355/09]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

220 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if the number of special needs assistants are expected to be maintained in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12357/09]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 218 and 220 together.

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 educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. There has been no change in the criteria governing the allocation of teaching and/or care resources to pupils with special educational needs.

There has been unprecedented investment in providing supports for pupils with special needs in recent years. There are now about 19,000 adults in our schools working solely with pupils with special needs. This includes over 10,000 SNAs — compared with just 300 in 1997. There are over 8,000 resource and learning support teachers in our schools compared with just 2,000 in 1998. Over 1,000 other teachers support pupils in our special schools.

The Deputy will also be aware that a Value for Money and Policy Review of the Special Needs Assistant scheme is currently being undertaken by my Department. The objectives of a Value for Money and Policy Review are to analyse Exchequer spending in a systematic manner and to provide a basis on which more informed policy decisions can be made. The review is ongoing and to support the overall process it will include engagement with parent representatives, schools, education partners and other representative groups. It is expected that the review will be completed by the end of 2009.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

219 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if adequate provision has been made to maintain home tuition adequately in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12356/09]

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

The Deputy will be aware that there has been unprecedented investment in providing supports for pupils with special needs in recent years. As well as the 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.

I want to take this opportunity to emphasise that priority will continue to be given to provision for children with special educational needs. Along with all other areas of expenditure, provision will be subject to ongoing review in the context of expenditure management.

Question No. 220 answered with Question No. 218.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

221 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps he proposes to take to alleviate classroom overcrowding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12358/09]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

223 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he expects to be in a position to offer advice and practical assistance to various primary and post-primary schools here which are expected to be affected by cuts introduced in Budget 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12360/09]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

224 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps he proposes to take to ensure a cessation in teacher losses at various schools here which are expected to result in a deterioration in the pupil-teacher ratio; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12361/09]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

226 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps he proposes to take to offset the negative impact of the budgetary cuts on pupil-teacher ratios in all schools here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12363/09]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

228 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the pupil-teacher ratio on a county basis in each of the past five years to date; the degree to which it is expected to change in the current climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12365/09]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 221, 223, 224, 226 and 228 together.

There has been ongoing engagement and discussion with the relevant education partners involving me and/or my senior officials concerning general education matters and specific budgetary matters, since the budget announcements last October.

To be clear there is no doubt that the budget measures concerning staffing will have an impact. There is simply no easy way to control or reduce public expenditure.

At the level of individual schools the changes in relation to the allocation of teaching posts will impact 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. Across the school system generally there will inevitably be an impact on class sizes and at post-primary level the changes will impact on the capacity of individual schools to offer as wide a range of subject choices as heretofore in future years. My Department will through the normal processing of examining applications for curricular concessions endeavour to ensure continuity of provision for those already preparing for the certificate examinations. The changes at second level are therefore more likely to impact on the range of subjects that schools will be able to offer to those starting the Junior or Leaving Certificate programmes next September.

I have been anxious to ensure that the measures are implemented in a transparent and fair manner. 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.

Initial allocation letters have also issued to Post Primary Schools and Vocational Educational Committees. All the above allocations, primary and post-primary 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 the allocation of support teachers, additional posts for schools that are developing rapidly and posts allocated as a result of the appeals processes.

The final staffing position for all schools will ultimately 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 Boards will have been considered. The appellate process is particularly relevant at post-primary level where any specific curricular needs of the school concerned are considered. Also at post-primary there is no effective system wide redeployment scheme at present and this can mean that schools may end up retain teachers, though over quota.

While teacher numbers are important numerous influential reports have highlighted the fact that teacher quality is the single most important factor — far and above anything else — in improving educational outcomes for children. Ensuring high quality teaching and learning is a challenge and dealing with factors that inhibit it represent a challenge for the Government, the Department, school management and indeed teacher unions. The teaching profession in Ireland is highly regarded and well paid by international standards. It continues to attract from the top quartile of students which is a key ingredient to the provision of quality education.

Pupil Teacher Ratios in respect of all schools is currently only available at national level and not disaggregated by county or any other variable.

Year
2003/04	18.0	13.2
2004/05	17.1	13.6
2005/06	17.1	13.4
2006/07	16.6	13.1
2007/08	16.0	12.62*

*Provisional.

Psychological Service.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

222 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which the budgetary cuts are expected to impact in respect of psychological assessment requirements at all schools here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12359/09]

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

I can inform the Deputy that all primary and post primary schools have access to psychological assessments either directly through psychologists employed by my Department's National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) or through a panel of private practitioners under the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA) which is administered by NEPS.

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.

Questions Nos. 223 and 224 answered with Question No. 221.

Special Educational Needs.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

225 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if it is intended to offer improvement in speech and language or other special needs teaching facilities in 2009 having particular regard to the future large scale impact reductions in this area are likely to have on children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12362/09]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

227 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that children with special needs are expected to be more seriously disadvantaged in the course of the budget 2009 cuts; if he put in place or will put in place particular measures to alleviate such problems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12364/09]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 225 and 227 together.

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.

The Deputy will also be aware that there has been unprecedented investment in providing supports for pupils with special needs in recent years. There are now about 19,000 adults in our schools working solely with pupils with special needs. This includes over 10,000 SNAs — compared with just 300 in 1997. There are over 8,000 resource and learning support teachers in our schools compared with just 2,000 in 1998. Over 1,000 other teachers support pupils in our special schools.

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 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.

I want to take this opportunity to emphasise that priority will continue to be given to provision for children with special educational needs. I intend to build on the progress that has been achieved in recent years which has seen a huge increase in resources for special needs. The NCSE will continue to support schools, parents, children and teachers. Along with all other areas of expenditure, provision is dependent on the resources available to the Government.

Question No. 226 answered with Question No. 221.

Question No. 227 answered with Question No. 225.

Question No. 228 answered with Question No. 221.

School Accommodation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

229 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the average length of time for children to be accommodated in prefabricated or temporary structures at all levels here; if particular steps are expected to be taken to reduce the time within which various schools have to await permanent accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12366/09]

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

The demand for additional accommodation in schools has risen significantly over the last number of years, with the appointment of 6,000 extra teachers in the primary sector alone since 2002. In considering the need to provide extra resource and other teachers to schools in recent years, the Government could have decided to make children wait until permanent accommodation could be provided. However, we prioritised putting the extra teachers into schools as soon as possible and, in some cases, this has involved the provision of high-quality prefabricated structures to accommodate them.

In general, my Department approves the purchase or rental of prefabricated classrooms based on need at the time of application. Local school management then organise their class numbers, year on year, to achieve the optimum local efficiencies. My Department does not hold information on the numbers of pupils in individual schools who currently occupy temporary accommodation; this depends on the organisation of class groups by schools within available accommodation and may vary from year to year.

Question No. 230 answered with Question No. 52.

Schools Building Projects.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

231 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the date he received an application for major capital funding in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; when same is expected to be granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12368/09]

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

My Department received an application for large scale capital funding from the school to which the Deputy refers in October 1999.

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.

Question No. 232 answered with Question No. 209.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

233 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regarding the provision of the new school facilities in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12370/09]

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

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that a new 16 classroom school building for the school referred to by the Deputy is currently under construction. It is envisaged that it will be ready for occupation in September 2009.

Question No. 234 answered with Question No. 204.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

235 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the current or expected position in regard to the provision of the new school and extra facilities required at Ardclough, County Kildare; the developmental procedures concluded or pending; when it is expected that all procedures will be finalised with a view to conclusion of the project in readiness for occupation; the projected date in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12373/09]

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

The Deputy will be aware that the school to which he refers was included in my announcement on 12 February of forty three major school building projects which are to progress to tender and construction this year. The project involves the construction of a new 16 classroom school.

Representatives from the board of management and the schools design team have been invited to attend a briefing in my Department's offices in Tullamore on 26 March at which they will be appraised of the next steps necessary to progress this project to tender and construction.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

236 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the current or expected position in regard to the provision of the new school and extra facilities required at Kill, County Kildare; the developmental procedures concluded or pending; when it is expected that all procedures will be finalised with a view to conclusion of the project in readiness for occupation; the projected date in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12374/09]

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

The project to which the Deputy refers is a new 32 classroom primary school plus ancillary accommodation. Following an initial pre-qualification process, ten contractors were invited to tender and seven valid tenders were returned by the closing date of 9 March 2009. The valid tenders are currently being examined and, while this process is ongoing, it is not appropriate to provide any further detail concerning the tenders. Subject to the necessary technical and financial approvals, it is expected that I will be in a position to place a contract in the near future.

Special Educational Needs.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

237 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which it is intended to continue to provide financial support and assistance to ensure the continuation of the operation of the full range of facilities at a service (details supplied) in County Kildare; if his attention has been drawn to the commitments, the ongoing needs and the future requirements of children and adults in this category; his views on the need to make increased provision in the future in view of the expected requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12375/09]

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

My Department's involvement in supporting the service referred to by the Deputy extends to the supports it provides in facilitating the operation of the special school for pupils with a moderate general learning disability that is located at the facility in question.

As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers, for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants (SNAs) to schools to support children with special needs.

The recent budgetary announcements do not affect the criteria used for the allocation of special needs teaching and care resources for children with special educational needs. The National Council for Special Education continues to operate within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.

There are now 19,000 adults in our schools working solely with children with special needs. This includes over 10,000 special needs assistants — compared with just 300 in 1997. 8,200 resource and learning support teachers — compared with about 2,000 in 1998. 1,100 other teachers in our special schools supporting children, while hundreds more work in special classes.

The Deputy will know that priority within the budgetary process has been given to pupils with special educational needs in allocating additional teaching, SNA and other resources.

Schools Building Projects.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

238 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on a funding proposal regarding a proposed extension to a school (details supplied) in County Galway; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that his Department is paying €34,560 per year in rent for prefabricated accommodation, and that the catchment area of the school contains a great number of low income families who are prepared to invest in their children’s education if his Department would give them financial assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12387/09]

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

The school's application for Major Capital Grant Aid has been assessed in accordance with the prioritisation criteria agreed by the education partners, and has been assigned a Band rating of 2.5.

The Department received correspondence from the school in early March 2009 in relation to their proposal to partially fund the proposed extension (50% of the costs estimated by the architect which the school has engaged independent of the Department) if the Department committed to funding the remaining 50%. The Department has not given sanction for the project at the school to commence early architectural planning. The Department will be responding formally to the schools proposal in due course.

Whilst the Department is cognisant of the effort invested by the school authority/community to address their accommodation needs, the part provision of funding by sources other than the Department cannot prejudice the priority as determined by band rating assigned to any particular project.

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.

Noel Coonan

Ceist:

239 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation regarding a refurbishment project in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when the project will proceed to the next stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12390/09]

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

The project to which the Deputy refers is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning. I am pleased to be able to inform the Deputy that my Department recently gave approval for this project to proceed to seek planning permission.

The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the further progression of the project at this time.

Charlie O'Connor

Ceist:

240 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will make an immediate investigation into the whole process involved in the building project in respect of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24, which has not been completed to the satisfaction of the board and the local school community; his views on the need for effective action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12401/09]

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

As the Deputy will be aware, in recent years the Department has introduced a number of devolved grant schemes. A key principle behind the devolution of these schemes is that responsibility for the management of the project is devolved to the school authority. The school authority can then make use of its local knowledge and presence on the ground to manage the project more effectively and ensure better value for money for the taxpayer.

The Department funds the work on receipt of the necessary certification from the school's architect that the work has been completed to a satisfactory standard. The contract for the works in such cases is between the school authorities and the builder. In the case of Scoil Ard Mhuire, the Department became aware of some difficulties with the project when it was nearing completion. Since then, officials from the Department have met the school management and have been in ongoing contact with the parties with the express aim of having the project completed satisfactorily in accordance with contract and at best value to the taxpayer. Department officials will continue to work with the school authority with a view to ensuring a satisfactory outcome to the current situation and the completion of the project.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

241 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will give permission for a school (details supplied) in County Limerick to move to more suitable premises which have been identified; if he will treat this decision as urgent in view of the lack of space in their current site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12471/09]

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

I can confirm that the school authority, to which the Deputy refers, has submitted a proposal to my Department to move from the current premises to an alternative premises.

The proposal is currently being considered by officials in my Department who will be in direct contact with the school authority on this matter in due course.

School Transport.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

242 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if a solution has been found to the school transport problem in relation to travel to a school (details supplied) in County Limerick which this Deputy outlined in a letter to the Minister of State with responsibility for school transport, dated 2 February 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12472/09]

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

My Department has been informed by the Transport Liaison Officer (TLO) for City of Limerick that the majority of children availing of school transport in the Limerick City catchment area travel on Bus Éireann schedule road passenger services. These services are a feature of the school transport scheme.

The TLO also informed my Department that the area referred to by the Deputy, in the details supplied, is well served by Bus Éireann scheduled services.

In that regard, the existing school transport arrangements to the school in question which includes both scheduled services and a dedicated school transport bus will be reviewed for the 2009/10 school year.

Schools Building Projects.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

243 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the re-tendering process undertaken to permit construction works at a school (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12474/09]

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

The school to which the Deputy refers is one of 10 projects announced in January to be re-tendered with a view to going on site as soon as possible.

For this project to go to construction it needs to be re-tendered under the new form of contracts for public capital projects.

My Department has been in contact with the school authority in this regard.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

244 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the re-tendering process undertaken to permit construction works at a school (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12475/09]

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

The school to which the Deputy refers is one of 10 projects announced in January to be re-tendered with a view to going on site as soon as possible.

For this project to go to construction it needs to be re-tendered under the new form of contracts for public capital projects. The prequalification advertisement has recently been published inviting expressions of interest.

My Department has been in contact with the school authority in this regard.

Drug and Alcohol Education.

Charles Flanagan

Ceist:

245 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount spent annually since 2006 to date in 2009 on alcohol and drug awareness sessions in schools; the number of schools that received these classes annually since 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12500/09]

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

The Government announced in 1995 measures to combat the use of drugs in response to a notable change that had emerged in the pattern of substance abuse in Ireland with evidence that some children at primary school age were misusing substances. To counteract this a number of initiatives were taken. These included a decision to develop a Substance Misuse Prevention Programme (SMPP) aimed at Primary Schools for a defined, initial period of three years. In January 1999 an expansion of the project was announced. A sum of almost €5m has been allocated in total to this programme since the project commenced.

Set out below are statistics on activity for SMPP since 2006. Social Personal and Health Education (SPHE) has been a mandatory subject on the Junior Cycle curriculum of post primary schools since September 2003. ‘Substance Use' is one of ten modules in the SPHE curriculum. The approach is student centred and the issue of drugs is addressed each year in an incremental way and in an age appropriate manner. It is not possible to decipher how much funding has been spent on this module of the SPHE curriculum but I can inform the Deputy that since 2006 my Department has provided funding of almost €4m in budget and personnel costs for the SPHE post primary support service.

To date in 2009, 517 teachers attended various SPHE cluster inservice events and 553 teachers/staff received school based SPHE training/support.

Number of Teachers who attended various SPHE cluster inservice training:

2008 — 1,976;

2007 — 1,914;

2006 — 2,247.

In addition, in these years a number of schools also received school based support.

From Sept 2008 to December in the current school year the support service has provided support to the following:

	Schools	Teachers	Parents
School Based Support	46	331	425
Evening Courses	3	70
“Getting it Right” conference	1	143
Focus Days	9	149
Principal Info Sessions	3	37
Pre Service to Post Grads	5	150
Total	67	880	425

Charles Flanagan

Ceist:

246 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science the annual cost of the trained tutors for the substance abuse prevention programme On My Own Two Feet since 2006 to date in 2009; the approximate cost to roll out this programme to every second level school here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12501/09]

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

Prior to September 2000 ‘On My Own Two Feet' was a stand alone Substance Abuse Prevention Programme, since then it has been subsumed as one of 10 modules in Social Personal and Health Education (SPHE).

It is not possible to separate how much funding has been spent on this module of the SPHE curriculum but I can inform the Deputy that since 2006 my Department has provided funding of almost €4m in budget and personnel costs for the SPHE post primary support service.

SPHE is part of the Junior Cycle programme and all schools are expected to have SPHE time-tabled in each of the three years. Schools have and continue to receive the On My Own Two Feet programme (available on CD) in the context of teacher training and engagement with the SPHE Support Service.

The 10 Regional Teams offer the Substance Abuse Prevention Module as part of their menu of inservice offered to all post primary schools in the autumn and spring terms.

SPHE Support Service (Post-primary) is a partnership between the Department of Education and Science, the Department of Health and Children, and the Health Service Executive.

Higher Education Grants.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

247 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when an education grant refund of €900 will be arranged for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12504/09]

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

The arrangements for the payment of maintenance grants and the student service charge under the Higher Education Grants Scheme are a matter for the local authorities, which are statutorily entrusted with the administration of the Scheme under the Local Authorities (Higher Education Grants) Act, 1968.

School Transport.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

248 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide assurance that the existing levels of school transport will continue without disruption; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12505/09]

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

The overall spend on school transport in 2009 is now estimated to be €194m — a reduction of €2m in the revised allocation as a result of efficiencies. This represents a significant increase of over €84m (over 77%) since 2004, up from €109.8m.

The Deputy will be aware that the operation of the school transport scheme is a matter for Bus Eireann and routes are planned in an efficient and cost effective way. It is expected that the level of funding available will be sufficient to enable both my Department and Bus Éireann to maintain the existing level of services. However, every area of Government expenditure is being kept under review in the light of the current fiscal challenges. The 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. The review is being carried out as part of the 2009-2011 round of Value for Money Reviews approved by Government, and when completed, will be published and submitted to the Oireachtas Select Committee on Education and Science.

Schools Building Projects.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

249 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position on foot of the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 256 of 21 May 2008 in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12696/09]

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

The Deputy will be aware that the school to which he refers was included in my announcement on 12th February of forty three major school building projects which are to progress to tender and construction this year. The project involves the construction of a new 16 classroom school.

I am pleased be able to inform the Deputy that planning permission was granted for the project by Kildare County Council earlier this month. In addition, representatives from the board of management and the schools design team attended a briefing in my Department's offices in Tullamore on the 19th March at which they were appraised of the next steps necessary to progress this project to tender and construction.