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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 23 Nov 2010

Vol. 722 No. 4

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 9, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 10 to 29, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 30 to 37, inclusive, answered orally.

Social Welfare Code

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

38 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will introduce an exemption for applicants for carers benefits payments from the habitual residence condition and instead apply that condition only to the person being cared for (details supplied) and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43770/10]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

69 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will review the habitual residency clause with particular reference to carers who return here to care for relatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43828/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 38 and 69 together.

The requirement to be habitually resident in Ireland was introduced as a qualifying condition for certain social assistance schemes and child benefit with effect from 1st May 2004. A person who does not satisfy the habitual residence condition is not eligible for specified social welfare payments, regardless of citizenship, nationality, immigration status or any other factor. The purpose of this condition is to safeguard the social welfare system from abuse by restricting access for people who are not economically active and who have little or no established connection with Ireland.

Fewer than 1.5% of applications for carers allowance are refused on habitual residence grounds.

Given the continuing rise in applications for carer's allowance there could be significant cost implications in any change to the qualifying criteria. A proposal along the lines of that suggested by Deputy Ó Caoláin, to transfer the habitual residency requirement from the carer to the person being cared for, has previously been examined in the Department. While such a change could be of benefit to the small number of applicants who are refused on the grounds of HRC, it would have significant administrative, financial and legal implications. For example, it would be necessary to establish the means of a person whose centre of interest, spouse/partner, family and property are abroad, which could be difficult if not impossible. It would transfer the burden of proving habitual residency onto the person being cared for which could lead to situations in which carers might not be eligible for carers allowance if the person for whom they care has recently arrived in Ireland; this might include elderly persons returning to be cared for by their adult children.

In the light of these potential problems, I have no plans to change the current arrangements.

Departmental Responsibilities

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

39 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will provide details on the proposed integration of the public employment functions of FÁS and the benefit function of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43814/10]

As the Deputy will be aware, the Taoiseach announced on 23rd March 2010 that the Department of Social and Family Affairs would be reconfigured as the Department of Social Protection with the transfer to it of a number of functions including the employment and community services programmes of FÁS and the transfer from it of functions relating to social inclusion and family supports. The training services of FÁS will remain under the remit of my colleague the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills. The purpose of this reorganisation is to provide a more effective and streamlined service to the unemployed by integrating the income support provided through the social welfare system with supports for activation and re-entry to employment.

The Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2010 provided the legislative basis for transferring policy and financial responsibility for the employment and community services programmes of FÁS from the Minister for Education and Skills. It is intended to commence the relevant provisions of the Act with effect from 1 January 2011. From that date FÁS will continue to provide these services but will do so under the direction of my Department. The recently published Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) (No. 2) Bill 2010 provides for the transfer of the relevant staff and related resources from FÁS to my Department. It is intended to commence these provisions during the course of 2011 once the necessary practical arrangements have been put in place.

A major programme of change is currently being developed by my Department, in close consultation with senior management in FÁS and the Department of Education and Skills, with the objective of developing a new service vision and model for the integrated Department. The aim is to create a Department which is focused on case management rather than transaction management, activation rather than just income support and is structured around the customer rather than the schemes it delivers. The intention being to ensure that the people can obtain the services they require, and are entitled to, in a seamless, effective and efficient way.

FÁS and my Department are already working closely together and considerable progress has already been made on a number of measures to enhance the delivery of services to people on the Live Register.

Social Welfare Code

Jack Wall

Ceist:

40 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection his views on the recent research by the Vincentian Partnership which showed that the income supports available to lone pensioners, families with teenagers and single men all living in rural areas are inadequate to provide to meet their minimum essential budget. [43867/10]

I understand that the Deputy is referring to the research report of the Vincentian Partnership for Social Justice, titled "Minimum Essential Budgets for Six Household Types in Rural Areas”. This was published last October and the launch was attended by an official from my Department. The report presents some very useful information and the updated findings will certainly be studied with interest by the Department. However this is just one of a number of research models.

I fully understand that a wide range of groups — such as the unemployed, people with disabilities, carers and pensioners — depend on the welfare budget for vital support.

Last year we reduced welfare payments made to people under 66. This was necessary in order to contribute to the overall stabilisation of the public finances. In doing so, we avoided making any change to the rate of payment to state pensioners. Including these reductions, the lowest rate of payment is still 45.4% (€61.20) higher than in 2004 while during the same period inflation has only increased by 11%. State Pension (Contributory) and State Pension (Non Contributory) also increased by 37.7% and 42.2% respectively during this period.

Consumer prices are back at April 2007 levels and we have managed to maintain payment rates higher than the rates paid in 2007, i.e. the lowest rate of social welfare is currently €10.20 higher than the rate in 2007 and the rates of State Pension (Contributory) and State Pension (Non Contributory) are also higher at €21 and €19, respectively.

Despite the social welfare changes made in the last Budget, the expenditure of my Department will still increase in 2010. Nearly €21 billion will be spent on social welfare this year or €526 million more than in 2009.

The economic turmoil has resulted in a deterioration in the public finances with a large gap between the income the State earns and our level of day-to-day public spending commitments. My priority will be to ensure that the Government strategy to stabilise the financial position is advanced and to protect those most in need in a manner which is sustainable in the years ahead and in this context the social welfare expenditure for 2011 will be considered for the forthcoming Budget, having regard both to needs and to the resources available to meet those needs.

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

41 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason he did not introduce measures to compensate low income families for the impact of the carbon tax which took effect on 1 May 2010 in advance of the winter as promised in budget 2010 and if he will provide the date new concrete actions to address fuel poverty will be announced and implemented. [43775/10]

Mary Upton

Ceist:

62 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Social Protection the action he proposes to take to offset the extra expense the carbon levy has imposed on low income households. [43864/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 41 and 62 together.

The Department of Social Protection already assists low income households with heating costs through their basic payments, through the fuel allowance scheme and through the household benefits package of electricity and gas allowances. These schemes have been improved significantly in recent years. Social welfare rates have increased at a significantly greater rate than price inflation in recent years. Social Welfare rates have increased by between 77% and 88% since 2001 while overall inflation has increased by over 20.2% in the same period.

The fuel allowance is paid for 32 weeks each year from end September to early May following an extension of the duration of the payment period by 2 weeks in Budget 2009. In the 2010/2011 heating season it is estimated that over 350,000 recipients will benefit from the allowance at a cost of over €239 million.

There are also 380,000 households, mainly older persons and persons with disabilities, in receipt of the household benefits package which provides up to 2,400 electricity units per annum (or the gas equivalent) over the year. It is estimated that 140,000 of these households are receiving both the fuel allowance and the electricity/gas allowance under the household benefits package to assist with heating and other energy requirements. The electricity and gas allowances under the household benefit package cost €184 million in 2009, with €225.8 million provided in 2010. In addition, I have recently announced that the electricity allowance has been increased with effect from 1 October 2010 to cover the cost of the Public Service Obligation levy on domestic electricity, which will increase the annual cost of the scheme by €12.6 million.

The Government is also committed to protecting vulnerable households from the impact of fuel poverty through investment in programmes to improve the energy efficiency of the housing stock and energy efficiency awareness initiatives such as the Keep Well and Warm booklet and accompanying associated website. Some 150,000 copies of the booklet have been distributed to date in the last couple of years. The Warmer Homes Scheme administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), under the aegis of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, is the primary mechanism for alleviating the key underlying cause of energy poverty — that of thermal inefficiency of houses. Over 19,000 low-income houses were retrofitted in 2009 with a target of a further 22,500 in 2010.

In his Carbon Budget Statement, the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government, outlined details of €130 million in funding for insulation, €76 million of which will be used to assist low income families.

The significant income support measures already in place and the Government's commitment to schemes such as the warmer homes scheme and the local authority insulation scheme are concrete actions currently being taken to address fuel poverty.

The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has overarching responsibility for the energy portfolio and has convened an Inter- Departmental/Agency Group on Affordable Energy to coordinate and drive Government policy in this area. They were tasked with devising an Energy Affordability Strategy. This strategy will set out existing and future approaches to addressing energy affordability.

Any increase in expenditure on the fuel allowance scheme must be considered in the context of current financial constraints.

Pension Provisions

Deirdre Clune

Ceist:

42 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Social Protection if he has reviewed the reasons for the low take up of personal pensions among women here; the social consequences for women of this below average take out of personal pensions; the steps he will take to increase the number of women who take out personal pensions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43869/10]

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

52 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection his views on the sovereign annuity proposal made to him by the Irish Association of Pension and the Society of Actuaries. [43848/10]

Joan Burton

Ceist:

71 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Social Protection the way he plans to reform pension policy in the short-term. [43868/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 42, 52 and 71 together.

The National Pensions Framework seeks to increase pensions coverage for all employees. The Government's Green Paper on Pensions, published in 2007, acknowledges that occupational pension income for women is substantially lower than for men. This is undoubtedly due to a number of reasons, such as the level of female participation in the labour force in the past. However, pension coverage for women has increased significantly from 40% in 1994 to 50% in 2008. In recent years, women have been one of the target groups in the National Pensions Awareness Campaign. As the Deputy is aware, Government proposals for an auto-enrolment scheme for employees currently without access to a pension scheme will dramatically increase pension coverage rates for both men and women.

A number of measures contained in the Government's National Pensions Framework are currently being developed for introduction in the short term. Firstly, proposals to streamline the retirement options for defined contribution (DC) scheme members are currently being finalised by the Implementation Groups with a view to being brought to Government shortly.

Secondly, I recently announced the fast-tracking of a proposal in the National Pensions Framework for the development of a new defined benefit model with fixed contribution rates for both employers and employees and flexible benefits, but with a level of ‘core' benefit which would have to be guaranteed. Work on this initiative is also progressing with a view to necessary legislation being introduced by mid-2011.

The proposal for a sovereign annuity scheme is being given careful consideration in both my Department and the Department of Finance. It must be stressed that the issue is by no means straight-forward and the benefits and risks involved for all stakeholders will be fully assessed before any decision is made.

Social Welfare Code

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

43 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to review the habitual residency condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43566/10]

Arthur Morgan

Ceist:

53 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Social Protection his views on a statement by the European Commission on 15 November that an EU citizen with a recognised disability who decides to move to another country should be able to enjoy the same benefits as in his home country. [43774/10]

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

75 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to update guidelines regarding the habitual residency rule to ensure a consistent approach by all deciding officers and his further plans to amend the habitual residency rule to provide greater weight to the length of previous residency by the applicant. [43855/10]

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

77 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason applicants for social welfare payments who are originally from Northern Ireland are now being excluded from payment in some instances even though they and their families are full-time residents here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43767/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 43, 53, 75 and 77 together.

The requirement to be habitually resident in Ireland was introduced as a qualifying condition for certain social assistance schemes and child benefit with effect from 1st May 2004.

The purpose of the habitual residence condition is to safeguard the social welfare system from abuse by restricting access for people who are not economically active and who have little or no established connection with Ireland.

A person who does not satisfy the habitual residence condition is not eligible for specified social welfare payments, regardless of citizenship, nationality, immigration status or any other factor. The social welfare schemes concerned are jobseeker's allowance, one parent family payment, disability allowance, carer's allowance, widow/er's (non-contributory) pension, guardian's payment (non-contributory), State pension (non-contributory), blind pension, supplementary welfare allowance (except urgent or exceptional needs payments), domiciliary care allowance and child benefit.

I am not aware of the European Commission statement as mentioned by Deputy Morgan, but I would point out that under EU law it is permissible to apply a residence test to certain non-contributory payments, such as disability allowance. On 29th October, Commissioner Andor stated in the European Parliament that the Irish practice in relation to habitual residence is in line with the relevant EU Regulations. However, if the Deputy wishes to provide details of the case he has in mind, I will be happy to follow up on it.

The Department's guidelines are currently being reviewed with the intention of making these clearer and more user-friendly for deciding officers and customers alike. It is planned to have the new guidelines available by the end of the year.

Social Welfare Appeals

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

44 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to consolidate the appeals process for supplementary claims from a two-step appeals process to one. [43839/10]

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme is administered by the Community Welfare Division of the Health Service Executive (HSE) on behalf of the Department. Under the current arrangement where a person is not satisfied with a decision in relation to their entitlement to supplementary welfare allowance, they can appeal this decision to an Appeals Officer in the HSE. In addition, the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 provides for a further appeal to be considered by the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO). It is assumed that this is the two-step appeals process to which the Deputy refers. The appeals process in the case of the schemes administered by the Department differs in so far as there is only one right of appeal and that is to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. However, the Department process also involves a review of the case by a deciding officer before it is forwarded to the SWAO.

When the Community Welfare Service is transferred to my Department, the HSE Appeals Office will no longer have a role in relation to the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. Instead it is proposed that appealable decisions will be dealt with by the Social Welfare Appeals Office in the same way as for other schemes administered by my Department.

The legislative provisions relating to the supplementary welfare allowance appeals process were provided for in the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2007. These provisions are subject to a Commencement Order.

Social Welfare Benefits

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

45 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to reform rent supplement so that the payment is made directly to the landlord instead of the tenant. [43834/10]

The purpose of rent supplement is to provide short-term support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation, whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. The scheme is intended as a temporary income support payment and is not designed to be a medium to long term housing support or a permanent solution to a person's housing needs. Rent supplement has responded to the increased demand for income support to support accommodation costs. There are currently 96,400 people in receipt of rent supplement, an increase of 62% since the end of December 2007.

Current legislation already provides for the making of a rent supplement payment to another person (e.g. a relative, a landlord or landlord's agent) on behalf of the recipient, at the tenant's request and is subject to the consent of the Health Service Executive (HSE). Approximately 20% of rent supplement payments are currently paid to a person other than the tenant.

Under the legislative provisions governing rent supplement, the Department's relationship is with the tenant; the tenant makes the application for rent supplement and payment is made to the tenant. Rent supplement is specifically for the benefit of tenants to assist them with their accommodation needs. To remove the right of the tenant to receive this payment by making it payable only to the landlord would require legislative amendment and I have no plans at present to make this change.

Under the current arrangements, even with direct payment, landlords still have to collect the tenant contribution towards their rent (a minimum of €104 per month). The amount of rent supplement payable depends on the tenant's income; in some cases tenants pay only the minimum contribution while for others the tenant makes an additional contribution to their rent based on their financial circumstances. For example, where a person is in part-time income and receives just 10% of his or her rent directly from the State, the landlord would receive the 10% directly whilst still having to collect the 90% from the tenant.

The efficiency of the scheme would be significantly affected if this arrangement were to be changed, for example Community Welfare Officer's (CWOs) would potentially have a formal relationship with some 96,400 additional clients, the landlords. This would involve greater complexity and significant resources to deal with a new set of third parties. In particular, it would also result in CWOs being drawn into disputes between landlords and tenants.

There may also be financial and control implications in cases where a tenant moves address and neither the landlord nor tenant inform the Department. Similarly, where a tenant is no longer eligible for rent supplement and the Department ceases paying the landlord, the Department may find itself involved in eviction proceedings.

Where a landlord has a grievance in relation to the non-payment of rent by a tenant, s/he may apply to the Private Residential Tenancies Board to have the dispute resolved through the board's dispute resolution process. It is also open to the landlord to bring to the attention of the HSE any instance where a tenant is receiving rent supplement but is not paying their rent. Where a CWO becomes aware that a person receiving rent supplement is not using that supplement for the purpose for which it was intended the matter is investigated.

Since 2004 local authorities have specific responsibility for meeting the longer-term housing needs of people receiving rent supplement for 18 months or more. Local authorities are now meeting the housing needs of these individuals through a range of approaches, including the traditional range of social housing options, the voluntary housing sector and, in particular the rental accommodation scheme (RAS). In such cases the local authority has a direct contractual relationship with the landlord in RAS tenancies and as part of that contract the local authority pays rent directly to the landlord.

The current arrangements provide tenants with flexibility in terms of location housing quality and the freedom to move to a different location whilst allowing recipients time to seek alternative long-term housing solutions provided by their local authority. The tailoring of additional payments, such as rent supplement, to meet the specific needs of individuals and making the payment direct to the tenant is regarded as an effective way of helping individuals realise their potential and take individual responsibility.

Social Welfare Code

Mary Upton

Ceist:

46 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Social Protection if he is committed to maintaining the current value of child benefits in 2011. [43865/10]

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

55 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to reform child income support payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43794/10]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

56 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the number of children sighted begging in Dublin has increased by 9%; the steps he will take in response to this rise in child begging and if he will exempt child benefit from cuts. [43773/10]

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

70 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the way he plans reforming family income supplement to ensure that more low income families qualify. [43846/10]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

255 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if his attention has been drawn to the fact that child benefit is very often the only mechanism by which mortgages continue to be paid in every household now affected by the economic downturn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44064/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 46, 55, 56, 70 and 255 together.

Social welfare expenditure for 2011, including expenditure on child income support payments, is currently being considered in the context of the preparation of the Departmental estimates for that year. Any plans to change the child benefit and family income supplement payments are a matter to be decided in a budgetary context and announced on Budget day.

The Department is currently finalising a value-for-money review in the area of child income support payments with a view to publication in the near future. The primary Departmental programmes covered by the review are child benefit, qualified child increases to the main adult payments and family income supplement but the review also looked at other payments. In line with the overall approach of the expenditure review process, conclusions reached in the review, while not necessarily representing Government policy in this area, can be expected to play a role in informing future policy development particularly directed at securing more coherent, effective and efficient spending of public money on families with children.

Clearly child benefit, qualified child increases and family income supplement provide an important income support to families with children. However, their primary objective is not to provide support with mortgages.

The Department has a scheme that provides short-term income support to eligible people who are unable to meet their mortgage interest repayments in respect of a house which is their sole place of residence.

The mortgage interest supplement assists with the interest portion of the mortgage repayments only. In order to qualify for mortgage interest supplement, a person must satisfy a number of statutory qualifying conditions including that the person is not engaged in full-time employment, more than 30 hours per week. This means that persons who have suffered unemployment or had their working hours severely reduced can avail of this support.

The issue of children begging is a much broader one than income support and includes child protection issues, which are matters for my colleagues the Minister for Justice and Law Reform and the Minister for Health and Children.

Social Welfare Benefits

Seán Barrett

Ceist:

47 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection if he has conducted a cost-benefit analysis prior to cutting the dental treatment benefit scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43821/10]

The current budgetary position necessitated the changes made to social welfare benefits, including the dental treatment benefit scheme, in Budget 2010. From January 2010 the treatments available have been limited to a free dental examination. Current trends in 2010 indicate that around 280,000 people will receive the free dental examination. These have been retained in order to encourage people to continue attending for checkups and help address the concerns expressed about the general dental health of the public.

In addition to this, some 210,000 customers who had applied for approval to commence treatment prior to the end of 2009, either directly to the Department or through their practitioners, will receive the full range of treatments as available under the schemes prior to 1st January 2010.

There is also strong evidence that increased competition in the market is having an effect on price. Shortly after the announcement of the changes to the scheme, for example, one major dental chain announced a price cut of 30%, and the Irish Dental Association (IDA) subsequently announced that its members would either freeze or reduce their prices. Indeed I understand that recently the IDA estimated that around 50% of dentists have reduced their prices during 2010. Developments such as these are to be welcomed as they will make treatment more affordable for consumers.

Tax refunds are available from the Revenue Commissioners for certain kinds of more expensive dental treatments.

While a full-scale cost-benefit analysis was not possible, decisions were taken with the public health in mind. Tax refunds, enhanced competition, and the retention of free examinations all mean that routine dental care should remain affordable and widely available in Ireland.

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

48 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Social Protection the action he is taking to address the delays on disability allowance claims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43841/10]

To be eligible for disability allowance, a claimant must (inter alia) satisfy a medical examination, a means test and be habitually resident in the state. The processing time for individual disability allowance claims may vary in accordance with their relative complexity in terms of the three main criteria listed above. Certain claims have to be referred to social welfare inspectors for means investigation and this can add to the overall processing times. In addition, factors outside the department's control can have an impact, for example, the supply of relevant information by the customer, employers or other third parties.

The volume of disability allowance claims has increased in recent years as the scheme rules changed to, for example, extend eligibility to persons in residential care and to persons aged 16-18 whose family were previously in receipt of domiciliary care allowance. The general growth in the population and the relatively beneficial terms available to disability allowance applicants, compared to other EU countries, have also had an impact on this growth. Going forward, my Department is addressing the challenge posed by this increased level of activity by deploying new computerised processing systems.

In the meantime, measures taken to reduce delays in claim processing include an increase in the number of claims being desk assessed thus reducing the number of cases being referred for investigation by social welfare inspectors. Since August 2009 all claims are now being desk assessed by medical assessors to determine medical suitability, ongoing review of existing processes and procedures and the approval of overtime working.

In the meantime, people who have urgent income support needs can apply for the means tested supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) from their local community welfare officer.

The department is committed to delivering the best possible service to its customers. Operational processes and procedures and the organisation of work are continually reviewed in all areas of the department, including disability allowance section, to ensure that claims are processed and decided in the most efficient and expeditious way possible, having regard to the eligibility conditions that apply to each scheme.

Employment Support Services

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

49 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Social Protection the action he is taking to increase the number of interviews and consultations for jobseekers during the course of their unemployment. [43831/10]

The number of interviews or consultations that a jobseeker will attend over the course of his or her claim will vary from person to person. Customers claiming jobseeker's allowance may have to be interviewed by an inspector at the beginning of their claim and at any subsequent review of their means. Once a customer is three months on the Live Register, he or she will be selected for interview by FÁS under the National Employment Action Plan (NEAP) and may also be interviewed or elect to consult with the job facilitator at any stage during their claim. The Department refers a number of people that have been through the NEAP process to facilitators on a monthly basis. For entitlement to a jobseeker scheme, the customer must be available for and genuinely seeking work. As part of the normal control process, a future review date is entered on the payment system for all jobseeker customers. Additional review dates are entered, as necessary, throughout the life of the claim. At each date the claim is reviewed and, where necessary, the customer is interviewed to ensure that he or she continues to satisfy the conditions of the scheme.

The current system of interviews and consultations provides the Department with opportunities to assess a customer's commitment to seek work and his/her availability for work. In addition, it provides customers with opportunities to discuss the employment and education opportunities available to them at various points in their claim. The current arrangements are kept under review.

Social Welfare Benefits

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

50 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to abolish the 30-hour rule in respect of mortgage interest supplement. [43842/10]

There are approximately 17,800 persons currently in receipt of mortgage interest supplement (MIS). This represents a 120% increase since the end of 2008 when there were 8,100 recipients.

The Department's review of the administrative, policy and legal aspects of the mortgage interest supplement scheme was published in July 2010 in conjunction with the interim report of the Mortgage Arrears and Personal Debt Review Group. The main purpose of the Department's review was to examine how the scheme could continue to meet its primary objective of catering for those who require short-term assistance. The review group included representatives from my Department, the Community Welfare Service, the Departments of Finance and Environment, Heritage and Local Government, together with a representative from the Office of the Financial Regulator. The Review is available on the Department's website.

The MIS review makes a number of recommendations centred on the delivery of significant customer service improvement by ensuring that State support for those unable to deal with mortgage arrears is better targeted, consistent and easily understood. Allied with the focus on customer service improvement are recommendations that seek to ensure that lending institutions, borrowers and the Exchequer share responsibilities and commitments in a balanced way.

The key proposals of the Department's mortgage interest supplement review are as follows:

1. Mortgage interest supplement will become a time bound payment.

2. To remove the ‘30 hour rule' — this will allow couples / single people who, due to the economic downturn, have suffered a significant loss of income and now find themselves in a distressed mortgage and require MIS support. Under current rules, due to these people working a full working week they would not be entitled to MIS.

3. The rule excluding mortgage interest supplement where a property is offered for sale is unduly restrictive in the current market and should be suspended and re-introduced when the housing market recovers.

4. Mortgage interest supplement should not be provided where repayments of the capital element of the loan are being made to the lender. This will insure the borrower is not placed under additional financial stress.

5. The applicant should be afforded a six month period of forbearance with the lender before the State intervenes in providing mortgage interest supplement.

6. Mortgage interest supplement should not be payable in respect of any housing loans of other State agencies or housing authorities.

7. Successful applicants must be assisted to ensure that their long term housing support needs, if any, are met prior to the cessation of mortgage interest supplement payment.

My Department is currently developing an implementation plan that will set out a framework for the future of the mortgage interest supplement scheme. This plan will incorporate the recommendations and findings from my Department's mortgage interest supplement review and from the two reports from the Mortgage Arrears and Personal Debt Review Group whose final report was published on the 17th November 2010.

EU Directives

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

51 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection his views on the European Parliament’s recommendation to extend EU maternity leave to 20 weeks on full pay and to introduce two weeks of paid paternity leave and if he will take steps to move Ireland in this direction. [43771/10]

The European Parliament proposal to extend maternity leave to 20 weeks and to introduce paternity leave of 2 weeks, both at full pay, will be discussed by the Council of Ministers in December 2010. In this regard, the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs, who has primary responsibility in this area is liaising with my department. Ireland has been generally supportive of EU initiatives to enhance the minimum level of protection for pregnant workers and is committed to supporting gender equality and ensuring there is a high participation by women in the labour force. Current national provisions extend well beyond the current minimum requirements at EU level of 14 weeks for maternity leave. Maternity leave of 26 weeks is provided for, during which maternity benefit may be paid at the rate of between €225 and €270 per week. A further 16 weeks unpaid maternity leave may also be taken.

Question No. 52 answered with Question No. 42.
Question No. 53 answered with Question No. 43.

Social Insurance

Joan Burton

Ceist:

54 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Social Protection the potential 2011 and full year revenue gain from raising the PRSI ceiling to €100,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41648/10]

The most recent estimates indicate that raising the PRSI employee ceiling to €100,000 could result in an additional €52 million in contribution income in a full year.

Questions Nos. 55 and 56 answered with Question No. 46

Social Welfare Fraud

John Perry

Ceist:

57 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost to the State of social welfare fraud on an annual basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43802/10]

A key objective of my Department's control strategy is to ensure that the right person is paid the right amount of money at the right time. The emphasis is to minimise risks of fraud and eliminate incorrect payments. A four-pronged control strategy has been adopted by my Department, namely prevention of fraud and error at the initial claim stage, early detection through effective review of claims in payment, measures to deter fraud, and the pursuit and recovery of overpayments. The increase in the levels of people unemployed arising from the economic turmoil, poses challenges for the prevention and effective management of fraud and control. My Department's response to these challenges has been to introduce new measures, which are evidence based, to target control activity at high risk categories of claimants.

Overpayments raised by my Department are categorised as ‘Fraud', ‘Non-Fraud' or ‘Estate' cases. ‘Estate' cases arise where undisclosed means by customers (usually pensioners) come to light after their deaths. ‘Non Fraud' cases are primarily due to customer or third party error, with some due to departmental error. ‘Fraud' cases arise mainly on foot of false declarations by customers concerning their employment, income and family status.

The overpayments reported in the year 2009 are as follows:

Fraud

Customer/ Third Party Error

Departmental Error

Estate

Total

Total 2009 overpayments

€20,200,506.13

€30,831,055.10

3,856,763.78

€10,622,808.64

€65,511,133.65

Overpayments arise in relation to past events where a deciding officer has sufficient evidence that a person has been paid an amount in excess of their entitlement for a given period, either through payment at a rate above that which they should receive or where they are paid beyond the relevant date. As such, overpayments reported in 2009 will not exclusively represent suspected fraudulent activities of that year.

I am committed to ensuring that social welfare payments are available to those who are entitled to them. In this regard, the control programme of my Department is carefully monitored and the various measures are refined to ensure that they remain effective. Fraud detection measures have increased and improved significantly over the last number of years and will be continuously reviewed to prioritise resources towards achieving results.

Pension Provisions

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

58 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Social Protection if he is committed to maintaining the value of the State pension at current levels in 2011. [43862/10]

Joe Costello

Ceist:

64 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to address the poverty experienced by lone pensioners. [43833/10]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

260 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if he intends to make adequate financial provision within his Department to meet the full extent of requirements arising from the economic situation. [44069/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 58, 64 and 260 together.

Social welfare expenditure for 2011 will be considered in the context of the forthcoming Budget, having regard both to needs and to the resources available to meet those needs. In an uncertain economic environment, my priority will be to ensure that the Government strategy to stabilise the financial position is advanced and to protect those most in need in a manner which is sustainable in the years ahead.

Public Services Card

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

59 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social Protection when the roll out of identity cards for social welfare recipients will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43565/10]

Michael Ring

Ceist:

228 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection when the roll out of the identify card for social welfare recipients will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43942/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 59 and 228 together.

The Department has developed, in conjunction with a number of other Government Departments, the specifications for a Public Services Card (PSC) under the Standard Authentication Framework Environment, or SAFE, programme. The specification provides for identification features, including a photograph. The aim is to develop a card that acts as a key for access to public services in general, identifying and authenticating individuals as appropriate and where required.

Legislative provisions in relation to the introduction of the Public Services Card have been included in Section 263 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (as amended by Section 32 of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2007). The recently published Social Welfare Bill provides for a number of amendments to this legislation including the addition of place of birth and nationality to the data set to be encoded on the chip.

Over the past few years significant progress had been made on the implementation of the project including the selection of a preferred bidder to provide a managed service for card production and related bureau services. Technical specifications were finalised and the necessary organisational change was designed.

However, in view of the uncertain economic climate, the project was suspended until formal sanction to proceed was received from the Department of Finance at the end of last year. A contract was agreed with the managed service provider from early January.

The remaining elements of the project commenced at that time. Significant work has been undertaken since then including decisions regarding the final design of the card and the development of a secure site for the personalisation of the cards. It is also necessary to develop a technical infrastructure within the Department to support the management and administration of the cards. Some of this development is being undertaken internally while procurement for the remainder is underway.

At the moment it is expected that the card production capability will be ready in December. Following implementation of the necessary registration infrastructure, including staff training, card issue for customers of the Department will commence early in 2011.

The overall timeframe for completion of initial deployment of a Public Services Card is dependent on the rate at which it will be possible to securely register all of those to whom it will be issued. Initial registration will be carried out in the Department. Other options that may exist for external registration are being explored.

The Public Services Card will replace cards currently in use, such as the Social Services Card and the Free Travel card, with highly secure cards.

Features such as photographs and signatures and electronic card authentication are expected to minimise the rate of fraud and error arising from incorrectly identified and authenticated individuals.

A further benefit of the Public Services Card will be the efficiencies that can be achieved by all agencies and customers using the card. The time spent on establishing identity and authentication will be reduced on both sides, leading to significant potential savings nationally.

Social Welfare Benefits

Liz McManus

Ceist:

60 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to abolish the 30-hour rule in respect of rent supplement. [43844/10]

The purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term income support, to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. In recent years, a significant number of people have come to rely on rent supplement for extended periods, including people on local authority housing waiting lists. One of the measures introduced to address the issue of long-term rent supplementation is the rental accommodation scheme (RAS) which gives local authorities specific responsibility for meeting the long-term housing needs of people receiving rent supplement for eighteen months or more.

Rent supplement is not payable where a person or their spouse or partner is in full-time employment, that is for 30 hours or more a week. However, provision was made in 2007 whereby a person on rent supplement, who is accepted as eligible for accommodation under RAS, may return to full-time work, subject to a means test, without losing entitlement to their rent supplement payment.

The 30-hour per week limit has been in place since 1977 when the SWA scheme came into operation. The use of 30 hours as the part-time limit for SWA is designed to be as advantageous as possible to individuals returning to the employment market without including those in full-time employment, thus reflecting the scheme's original purpose of a short-term income support payment. Support for those in full-time employment and who require long term housing support is provided by local authority housing initiatives which include RAS and other social housing placement schemes. I have no plans to remove the 30 hour rule for the rent supplement scheme.

Social Welfare Code

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

61 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection his policy in relation to the ending of the ban on cohabitation for persons in receipt of one parent family payment and the replacement of this payment with a parental allowance. [43857/10]

The One-Parent Family Payment, by its nature, is not payable where the lone parent is co-habiting with the other parent of the child or with someone else as husband and wife. The Government discussion paper, "Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents", which was published in 2006, proposed that the category of lone parenthood would be abolished. Instead, a parental allowance would be made to all parents (living alone or with a partner) with young children on a low income, thus ending the co-habitation rule. It will not be possible for my Department to progress this aspect of the proposal due, in part, to the current economic climate.

These proposals have, however, informed deliberations regarding the One-Parent Family Payment scheme.

The current duration of the One-Parent Family Payment, which is payable until the youngest child in a lone parent family reaches the age of 18 years — or 22 years if in full-time education — is not in the best interests of the recipient, their children or society.

Social welfare supports for lone parents should be designed to:

prevent long-term dependence on social welfare supports and facilitate financial independence;

recognise parental choice with regard to the care of young children but with the expectation that parents will not remain outside of the labour force indefinitely, and

include an expectation of participation in education, training and employment, with supports provided in this regard.

To meet these social policy objectives, my Department has introduced changes to the One-Parent Family Payment in the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2010. For new customers, from April 2011, the One-Parent Family Payment will be paid until the youngest child in the family reaches the age of 14 years. For existing recipients of the payment, there will be a six-year phasing-out period to enable them to access education and training and to prepare them for their return to the labour market. Special provisions will be made for families with children for whom the Domiciliary Care Allowance is paid and for the recently bereaved (both married and co-habiting).

These changes will bring Ireland's support for lone parents more in line with international provisions, where there is a general movement away from long-term and passive income support.

Question No. 62 answered with Question 41.

Social Welfare Benefits

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

63 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 86 of 2 November 2010, his views on the acceptability of basing a decision on the adequacy or otherwise of the back to school clothing and footwear allowance in 2010 on a report published in 2004. [43768/10]

The back to school clothing and footwear allowance scheme provides a one-off payment to eligible families to assist with the extra costs when children start school each autumn. The allowance is not intended to meet the full cost of school clothing and footwear but only to provide assistance towards these costs. A person may qualify for payment of an allowance if they are in receipt of a social welfare payment (including family income supplement), or Health Service Executive payment, are participating in an approved employment scheme or attending a recognised education and training course and have household income at or below certain set levels. The purpose of the household income limit is to ensure that the allowance is directed at those with the greatest need.

In my reply to the previous parliamentary question I outlined that my Department established a Working Group to undertake a review of the back to school clothing and footwear allowance scheme as part of its Expenditure Review Programme. The Working Group published its report in August 2004. That review concluded that payment rates did not warrant adjustment at that time.

The most recent Consumer Price Index figures show that clothing and footwear costs have:

Fallen by 7.4% in the last 12 months

Fallen by 27.6% since December 2006

Fallen by 38.1% since December 2001

Despite these reductions significant improvement have been made to the back to school clothing and footwear allowance scheme over the last number of years:

Since 2006 the rates of payment have increased from €80 to €200 for children aged 2-11 and for children aged 12-22 they have increased from €115 to €305. In addition, the allowance was increased by €215 to €520 per annum payable for eligible 18 year olds, as a compensatory measure where child benefit is no longer payable.

In Budget 2009, there was an increase of €50 in the income thresholds for entitlement to back to school clothing and footwear allowance. This has brought the income limits for the allowance for couples with one child to €563.60 and €410.10 for those parenting alone. In addition the limit is increased by €29.80 for each additional child. The Government has provided €82 million for the scheme this year — an increase of €59 million since 2006

Given these significant improvements to the scheme in recent years it is very clear that the adequacy of the payment is not decided on the basis of a report published in 2004.

Question No. 64 answered with Question No. 58.

Social Insurance

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

65 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the social insurance fund; the estimated deficit at the end of the year and the steps proposed to deal with same. [43766/10]

Traditionally, social insurance spending has been funded on a tripartite basis — with contributions coming from the Exchequer, employers and employees. Legally, the Exchequer is the residual financier of the fund and Exchequer contributions were the norm for over forty years — for example, in 1967, the State contribution was 38% of SIF expenditure and almost 29% in 1985. However, no Exchequer contribution was required between 1996 and 2009 as the fund was in surplus on foot of contributions from employers and workers. The following table summarises the financial position in relation to the social insurance fund:

Summary of fund position and make-up of exchequer subvention

2010 Estimated Outturn

€000

Income

6,632,878

Expenditure on schemes & administration

9,493,205

Current year operating deficit

2,860,327

Surplus carried forward from previous year

891,543

Exchequer subvention required

1,968,784

Issues relating to the financing of the social insurance fund are for consideration by Government in a budgetary context.

Employment Support Services

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

66 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Social Protection the action he is taking to promote all welfare to work schemes among both employers and employees. [43853/10]

Jack Wall

Ceist:

74 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps he is taking to improve the information services available to employees and employers on the benefits of jobseekers moving from the welfare to work. [43866/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 66 and 74 together.

The Department operates a network of some 125 local and branch offices throughout the country. Each local office has officers who are dedicated to providing information and are available to explain supports and services to people. Information officers provide a range of information to customers on their entitlements including, in broad terms, the effect that taking up work may have on their social welfare payments.

There is also a network of 67 facilitators at local level in the Department. Facilitators work with social welfare recipients to identify appropriate training or development programmes which will enhance the skills that the individual has and ultimately improve their employment chances, as well as help them to continue to develop personally. They work in close co-operation with other agencies and service providers including FÁS, VEC, other education and training providers and the local and community and voluntary sector. In addition they provide advice and support to customers who wish to access the back to education scheme, the back to work scheme, and the short term enterprise allowance scheme of the Department.

The National Employment Action Plan (NEAP) is the main activation measure for jobseekers and provides for a systematic engagement of the employment services with unemployed people. It provides a stimulus to job search and affords an opportunity to explore, under professional guidance, the full range of employment and training services offered by FÁS. In the period January to end of August 2010 (the latest period for which data are available to this Department), a total of 60,797 persons were referred to FÁS — this is an increase of 9% (4,914) over the same period in 2009. 46,146 (76%) were interviewed by FÁS and 9,489(16%) were placed in jobs, training or education.

The locally-based service in operation in the Department's network of local and branch offices is supported by a central Information Unit which operates a LoCall information line (1890 66 22 44) which customers may call for information and guidance on their entitlements.

The Department produces a comprehensive range of information leaflets and booklets and these are available in a wide range of outlets, including Social Welfare Offices, Citizens Information Centres and Post Offices. Leaflets can also be requested through the Department's website.

The Department's website, www.welfare.ie, contains full information on its range of schemes and services, including jobseekers supports, and has a ‘Frequently Asked Questions' section dedicated to Jobseekers; this section of the site is available in English, Irish and Polish and provides answers to some of the most common queries the Department receives on topics such as taxation of benefits and on options available regarding training, employment, self-employment and voluntary work.

The employer job (PRSI) incentive scheme, which was launched on June 21st this year, is prominently advertised on the website's home page. The Department also operates a PRSI mailing list via its website, and almost four thousand subscribers, primarily employers and tax practitioners, receive emails on PRSI changes each year.

Jobseeker customers can now close their claim online and customers doing so are provided with a link to a dedicated page, listing the supports that may be available to them on return to the workforce, such as Family Income Supplement, Money Advice and Budgeting Service, etc.

Funding is also provided annually to the Irish National Organisation for the Unemployed (INOU) to produce their booklet "Working for Work", which contains full information on jobseekers payments, the training and development options available to jobseekers as well as advice on job searching, tax and other social services provided by other Departments and agencies. INOU provides free copies of the "Working for Work" booklet to people in receipt of social welfare payments.

The Citizens Information Board, which comes under the aegis of the Department, is the national information agency with responsibility for supporting the provision of independent information and advice on the broad range of social services including social welfare services. Information is provided through Citizen Information Centres and other offices throughout the country, through the Citizens Information Phone Service (1890 777 121) which operates from 9am to 9pm Monday to Friday and on their website at www.citizensinformation.ie. The Citizens Information Board recently launched a new website dedicated to people recently made unemployed, called www.losingyourjob.ie. This site provides a single point of information for anyone looking for assistance with unemployment or reduced hours.

The Department will continue to increase and improve the channels through which it delivers information services to all its customers.

Social Welfare Benefits

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

67 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social Protection the action he is taking to reduce waiting times for processing claims across all schemes. [43851/10]

Deirdre Clune

Ceist:

68 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps he will take to reduce the ongoing delays in the processing of applications for social welfare entitlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43870/10]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

256 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps he will take to address hardship caused by delays in processing applications for various social welfare payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44065/10]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

261 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason he has allowed backlogs in his Department continue to cause hardship to many vulnerable persons in the Country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44070/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 67, 68, 256 and 261 together.

The Department is committed to delivering the best possible service to its customers. To this end, operational processes and procedures and the organisation of work are reviewed in all areas of the Department. These reviews are supported by modern technology, the potential of which is continuously harnessed. Claims are processed in the most efficient and expeditious way possible, having regard to the eligibility conditions that apply to each scheme.

Processing times vary across schemes because of both the volume of applications and the differing qualification criteria. For example, means assessments are required for all of the social assistance schemes; medical examinations are required for some of the illness related schemes and customers must also satisfy the habitual residence conditions. In the case of the insurance-based schemes, it may be necessary to ascertain details of foreign insurance records.

The main impact on service delivery has arisen due to the increase in the Live Register which increased from 240,200 at September 2008 to 419,800 at September 2009 and 442,400 at September 2010. In response, all aspects of the work associated with the processing of claims has been examined and streamlined wherever possible. In this context, the Department has introduced a range of process improvement initiatives regarding claims for jobseeker's allowance and jobseeker's benefit. One of the most significant initiatives, aimed at reducing queuing times and waiting times, involves the customer attending their local office by appointment at which time the claim is taken and decided.

In addition, a range of other process improvements have been introduced which include:

A more streamlined procedure for claimants moving to jobseeker's allowance when their jobseekers benefit expires;

A streamlined process for people who had a claim in the previous two years;

Application forms for the jobseeker schemes are now available on the Department's website. This means that anyone who wants to make a claim can print the form at home and bring it to the local office completed. This helps reduce queuing times;

More straightforward procedures for providing evidence of identity and address have been introduced;

The Department has also simplified processing methods for some customers who work casually, part-time or on systematic short-time work.

Since May 2008, 766 staff have been assigned to my Department, mainly through the transfer and redeployment of staff from other Government Departments. The staff assigned have filled additional posts and critical vacancies in local offices, support units, scheme areas and the Department's inspectorate. Some of these posts were sourced through a staff levy imposed on other Government Departments in April 2009.

A number of initiatives have also been put in place to enhance the capacity of the Social Welfare Appeals Office to deal with the current caseload and inflows. In that regard:

3 additional Appeals Officers were assigned to the Office since January 2009,

A number of additional staff were assigned to the administration area of the Office,

The organisation of the Appeals Officer's work has been changed so as to increase productivity,

A project to improve the business processes in the office was undertaken which has resulted in a number of improvements being implemented, and

Significant enhancements have been made to the office's IT and phone systems.

Eight experienced retired Appeals Officers have been re-employed on a part-time basis since July 2010.

In conclusion, I wish to assure Deputies that service delivery remains a key priority in my Department and that processes are kept under continuous review to ensure that services are delivered promptly to customers. Staffing needs are also kept under constant review to ensure that the best use is made of all available resources.

Question No. 69 answered with Question No. 38.
Question No. 70 answered with Question No. 46.
Question No. 71 answered with Question No. 42.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

72 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection if research was conducted on the impact of the removal of the Christmas bonus payment on families and on local retail after the removal of the bonus and if so the nature and findings of the research. [43769/10]

No research was conducted on the impact of the removal of the Christmas bonus payment at family level or local retail level. In the current economic and financial crisis the Government's main priority must be to restore stability to the public finances. The measures necessary to achieve this will impact on everybody's living standards. The Supplementary Budget of April 2009 provided for the discontinuance of the Christmas Bonus. No provision has been made for the payment of a Christmas Bonus in the 2010 Estimate.

The cost of paying a 100% Christmas Bonus in 2010 would be in the region of €226 million.

Social welfare expenditure for 2011 will be considered in the context of the forthcoming Budget having regard to both the needs and to the resources available to meet those needs. In an uncertain economic environment, the priority will be to ensure that the Government strategy to stabilise the financial position is advanced and to protect those most in need in a manner which is sustainable in the years ahead.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

73 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to allow far greater access to postgraduate study under the back to education allowance. [43858/10]

With effect from 19th July 2010, changes have been introduced to the back to education allowance scheme (BTEA) to increase flexibility in terms of accessing the scheme. The period for which a person is required to be on a qualifying social welfare payment before accessing BTEA was reduced from 12 months to 9 months (a 2 year qualifying period continues to apply to participants coming from Illness Benefit). People who are awarded statutory redundancy may access the scheme immediately, provided an entitlement to a relevant social welfare payment is established prior to commencing an approved course of study. In addition, a person in certain circumstances can avail of BTEA to resume studies in a second or subsequent year of a third level course whereas prior to July, a person could only apply for BTEA if s/he was commencing year one of a course.

The back to education scheme covers courses of education from second level to higher diploma level in any discipline [level 8 in the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)] and to a Graduate Diploma in Education (Primary and Secondary Teaching; level 9 in NFQ) which add significantly to a person's employability. BTEA will not usually be approved if a person holds a qualification equivalent or higher than the qualification for which the application has been received. Other postgraduate qualifications (level 9 or level 10) are not included.

However, a small number of cases have arisen where a college has granted an exemption from the requirement to hold a primary degree and has admitted a person to a Master's course on the basis of relevant life experience. In the context of the ongoing monitoring of the operation of the scheme, it has been decided to extend entitlement to the Back to Education Allowance in these instances on an exceptional basis.

The focus of the Back to Education Allowance is to assist those who are most marginalised and distant from the labour market to acquire the necessary education to improve their chances of becoming independent of the social welfare system. People in possession of a third level qualification have already achieved a high level of academic attainment which should impact positively on their employment prospects. Furthermore, the scheme was never intended to be an alternative form of funding for people entering or re-entering the third level education system.

Question No. 74 answered with Question No. 66.
Question No. 75 answered with Question No. 43.

Proposed Legislation

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

76 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will provide the outcome of his discussions with insurance companies in respect of the suggestion of changing social welfare legislation to provide for the reimbursement to the Department by insurance companies of social welfare payments deducted from awards of special damages in respect of loss of earnings. [43861/10]

The Deputy will be aware that social welfare legislation does not currently provide for reimbursement to the Department by insurance companies in cases where adjustments may have been made to special damages awards on foot of social welfare payments received by plaintiffs. As I indicated in a recent reply on this issue, preliminary work has been undertaken by the Department in relation to this matter. The issues involved are complex, since there could, for instance, be negative impacts on economic competitiveness and negative downstream costs for employers and employees in terms of increased insurance premia in respect of employer liability, public liability and transport cover. Against that background, the introduction of any changes in this area would necessitate extensive consultations with a wide range of interested parties, including not only representatives of the insurance industry, but also the legal profession and employers representatives amongst others, in order to assess adequately all of the possible implications and to comply with formal Regulatory Impact Assessment requirements.

In view of these wider potential implications, it is my intention to consult with my Government colleagues with a view to securing agreement on the most appropriate course of action in relation to this matter.

Question No. 77 answered with Question No. 43

Rental Accommodation Scheme

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

78 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection the action he is taking to ensure a greater transfer of rent supplement claimants to the rental accommodation scheme. [43856/10]

The purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. The overall aim is to provide short term assistance, and not to act as an alternative to the other social housing schemes operated by the Exchequer. There are currently over 96,400 tenants benefiting from a rent supplement payment — an increase of 62% since the end of 2007. Over 44,500 have been in payment for 18 months or more.

The rental accommodation scheme (RAS), which was introduced in 2004, gives local authorities specific responsibility for meeting the longer term housing needs of people receiving rent supplement for 18 months or more. Details of these cases are notified regularly by the Department to the local authorities. Local authorities meet the housing needs of these individuals through a range of approaches including: the traditional social housing, the voluntary housing sector and, in particular, the RAS.

Latest figures from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government show that a total of 30,008 transfers from rent supplement to local authorities have occurred since 2005: 16,696 rent supplement recipients to RAS and a further 13,312 recipients to other social housing options.

It is accepted that progress in relation to RAS was initially slower than expected. However the pace of delivery has improved significantly. In total, 14,000 recipients were transferred to RAS and social housing in 2008 and 2009; achieving targets set for RAS transfers for these years. The target established for 2010 is for a further 8,000 rent supplement tenants to be provided with a housing solution by local authorities.

In consultation with the Department, the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government has approved a number of pilot programmes in different local authorities to increase the flow of transfers. These include allowing applicants for RAS to seek out their own properties which, subject to compliance with the normal conditions and the agreement of the landlord, may then be taken into the leasing programme. Approved housing bodies under the leasing initiative have also been advised that they can source applicants for social housing support from long-term rent supplement tenancies also.

The Department continues to work closely with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and is represented on a number of RAS implementation groups. The purpose of these Groups is to ensure that the RAS meets its objective of catering for those on long term rent supplementation while enabling rent supplement to return to its original role of a short-term income support.

Social Welfare Benefits

Arthur Morgan

Ceist:

79 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Social Protection his views on whether it is acceptable to cut jobseeker’s payments. [43772/10]

Budget 2010 provided for a reduction in the rates of payments for jobseekers and other welfare recipients of working age. These reductions were made as part of the overall objective to reduce public expenditure and restore stability to the public finances. In the Supplementary Budget in 2009 and in Budget 2010, changes were also introduced in the level of weekly payments for new recipients of jobseeker's allowance aged under 25. The new reduced rates were introduced in order to incentivise younger jobseekers to avail of education and training opportunities and try to prevent their becoming welfare dependent from a young age.

Affected persons who participate in a FÁS or similar training/education course get the full rate of the relevant payment (e.g. FÁS training allowance, Community Employment rate, Back to Education Allowance), instead of a reduced Jobseekers' Allowance and this provides a major incentive for such participation.

Recipients of jobseekers' payments are obliged to advise my Department of any employment or self-employment they engage in as such participation in the workforce may affect their continuing entitlement to a jobseekers' payment or the level of payment. Failure to report any employment or self-employment is a serious matter and my Department has a range of control measures in place to prevent and detect such abuses of the welfare system.

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

80 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to reform the withdrawal rate for rent and mortgage interest supplement. [43854/10]

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme provides for a weekly or monthly supplement to be paid in respect of rent or mortgage interest to any person in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs. The supplementary welfare allowance scheme is administered by the community welfare service of the Health Service Executive on behalf of the Department. The purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source.

Similarly, mortgage interest supplement provides short-term income support to eligible people who are unable to meet their mortgage interest repayments in respect of a house which is their sole place of residence. The supplement assists with the interest portion of the mortgage repayments only.

Significant improvements to the means test for rent supplement and mortgage interest supplement were implemented in 2007. The assessment of means for these schemes now provides for a gradual withdrawal of payment as hours of employment or earnings increase. Those availing of part-time employment and/or training opportunities can continue to receive a rent or mortgage interest supplement subject to their satisfying the standard means assessment rules. Since June 2007, where a person has additional income in excess of the standard weekly rate of supplementary welfare allowance, the first €75 of such additional income together with 25% of any additional income above €75 is disregarded for means assessment purposes. This ensures that those returning to work or participating in training schemes are better off as a result of taking up such an opportunity.

Social Insurance

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

81 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Social Protection the way the PRSI employers incentive scheme has been promoted; the number of employers and employees covered under the scheme so far and the number of applications currently outstanding and his plans to extend the scheme into 2011. [43863/10]

The Employer Job (PRSI) Incentive Scheme has been promoted through a number of channels. Information on the scheme is available on the Department's website www.welfare.ie and also on the FÁS website. The main information web page on this scheme on the Department's website was viewed 10,790 times between 21 June and 12 November 2010. There have also been a number of press releases in relation to the scheme.

In addition, information regarding the scheme was circulated through a number of agencies including Forfás, the Small firms Association and IBEC. Information was also disseminated to the 3,754 people who have subscribed (free of charge) to the Department of Social Protection's PRSI mailing list. This mailing list primarily comprises employers and tax practitioners. Up to 19 November 2010, applications were received from 849 employers in respect of 1,567 employees. 616 employers have been awarded exemptions in respect of 1,028 employees. 274 employers have had claims in respect of 391 employees rejected.

An additional 103 employers have applied for exemptions in respect of 148 employees. Employers have been contacted to provide information or clarifications in relation to 102 of these employees which will allow their claims to be progressed to a decision. There are further applications in respect of the remaining 46 employees on hands.

The scheme is open to employers who create new and additional jobs in 2010. Successful applicants are exempted from liability to pay their share of PRSI for certain employees for 12 months from the date they are approved for the scheme. Extension of the scheme into 2011 is a matter for the Government to consider in a budgetary context.

Social Welfare Benefits

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

82 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which he will commit himself to the protection of those victims of the economic downturn who now find themselves unemployed with mortgage arrears, increased costs, an uncertain future and family budget concerns for 2011; if he will set out specific targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43829/10]

My Department provides a number of supports to assist people who find themselves unemployed, which range from primary payments, such as jobseeker's benefit and assistance, to additional supports such as mortgage interest supplement, exceptional needs payments and back to school allowance. The mortgage interest supplement scheme provides short term income support to eligible people who are unable to meet their mortgage interest repayments in respect of a house which is their sole place of residence. The supplement assists with the portion of the mortgage repayments only.

Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme an exceptional needs payment may be made to help meet an essential, once off cost which the applicant is unable to meet out of his/her own resources.

The purpose of the back to school allowance is to help towards the cost of children's school uniforms and footwear at the beginning of the school year. The scheme is administered by the Health Service Executive and operates from the beginning of June to the end of September each year.

Social welfare expenditure for 2011 will be considered in the context of the forthcoming Budget, having regard both to needs and to the resources available to meet those needs. In an uncertain economic environment, my priority will be to ensure that the Government strategy to stabilise the financial position is advanced and to protect those most in need in a manner which is sustainable in the years ahead.

Departmental Expenditure

Lucinda Creighton

Ceist:

83 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Taoiseach the savings he has made as a result of the recommendations contained in the report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43397/10]

As a result of the report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure separate programme funding for the work of the Ireland Newfoundland Partnership and the Active Citizenship Office ceased in 2009. The separate Offices in these areas have been discontinued which has given rise to savings on my Department's Vote of approximately €308,000 per annum. The National Forum on Europe was closed in 2009 which also gave rise to savings of €515,000.

In addition there has been significant savings in the National Economic and Social Development Office. On 1st April 2010, an Order was made under Section 34 of the National Economic and Social Development Office Act 2006, which dissolved the National Economic and Social Forum (NESF) and the National Centre for Partnership and Performance (NCPP). As a result of this rationalisation, the budget for NESDO in 2010 was reduced by 34% from €5.059 million to €3.332 million, with potential for further significant administrative savings once the restructuring is implemented.

The CSO are implementing the recommendations of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure and are fully achieving the Special Group's savings targets. The restructuring savings are being achieved by a range of initiatives including a new organisation structure, consolidation of facilities management and re-engineering of business surveys.

The report recommends reducing the Census 2011 costs. Savings will arise primarily in 2011 and will be achieved by a range of actions including reduction in administration, advertising and field collection costs. These planned savings on the Census cost will be incorporated into the CSO 2011 estimates.

The McCarthy Group recommended that the Law Reform Commission, which is funded through the Vote of the Attorney General, be discontinued and that work on the Legislation Directory and on Statute Law Restatements currently undertaken by the Commission be transferred to the Office of the Attorney General, along with staff and relevant funds.

An alternative proposal from the Attorney General was subsequently accepted to the effect that the Commission's annual budget would be reduced by 33% and this recommendation has now been implemented.

The report recommended that the Chief State Solicitor's Office should seek further reductions in expert witness fees and professional fees. The Office and the Department of Finance responded to these recommendations in framing the 2010 Estimate for the Office, which shows a €1.8m reduction over the 2009 Estimate.

In common with all Departments and Offices, there has already been a reduction in staff numbers arising from Government policies introduced. In my Department the number of whole time equivalent staff employed has reduced by 10% since the end of 2008.

In summary, I can assure the House that my Department will make significant savings on expenditure in 2010, and that this process will be managed so as to minimise the disruption to the very valuable public services they provide.

Departmental Reports

Lucinda Creighton

Ceist:

84 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Taoiseach the number of external reports and reviews commissioned by State agencies and boards under his remit in 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; if he will name each report and review; the spending on external reports and reviews in each of those years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43564/10]

The information requested in relation to the National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO), which is the only agency under the remit of my Department is set out in the Table beneath.

Year

Name of Report/Review

Cost

2009

The Euro Report

6,000

2009

The Challenge of Community Participation in the Delivery of Public Services

24,150

2009

The National Workplace Surveys

191,287

2009

The National Workplace Surveys

320,648

Departmental Expenditure

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

85 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Taoiseach the amount of money that has been paid annually since 2002 to registered charities; if he will specify which charities, on the subject of institutional and religious abuse and the way the Government has monitored the spend of these funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44527/10]

Since 2002 to date, my Department has not paid money to any registered charities.

Community Employment Schemes

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

86 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if he will protect special status drugs rehabilitation FÁS community employment projects, considering the effect proposed changes would have on participants. [43998/10]

FÁS continues to deliver the 1,000 ring fenced drugs rehabilitation places through dedicated places on special drugs rehabilitation CE projects. Within the current very difficult budgetary constraints, the number of places on CE has been increased to 23,300 in 2010. In delivering these places, FÁS will continue to operate flexibility in the management of this allocation in order to maximise progression to the labour market, while at the same time facilitating the support of community services.

The aim of CE remains as an active labour market programme with the emphasis on progression into employment and/or further education and training. The programme is managed within this context, with consideration to the availability of resources and the needs of participants and the community.

Higher Education Grants

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

87 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills in view of the job losses in construction and related professions, if she will consider amending the higher education grants system to ensure that architecture graduates, for example, who wish to pursue further educational opportunities in order to qualify for employment in other areas will not be denied access to educational supports by virtue of having previously studied at the same level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43554/10]

Under the terms of my Department's student grant and free fees schemes, students who are entering approved courses for the first time are eligible for grants and free tuition fees where they satisfy the prescribed conditions of the individual schemes, including those relating to progression.

In general, students who previously pursued a course of study are not eligible for grant assistance or free tuition fees in respect of a second period of study at the same level, irrespective of whether or not a grant or tuition fees were paid previously. Subject to the conditions of the individual schemes, free tuition and grants are available where students are progressing to a course at a higher level.

The main objective of this policy is to assist as many students as possible in obtaining one undergraduate degree and in progressing, where appropriate, to a postgraduate course of study.

Given the level of demand on the student grant schemes budget from first time students and students that are progressing with their studies to a higher level, there are no plans at present to change the terms and conditions of the schemes.

However, State support is available for students pursing a second course at the same level. In this regard, Section 473A of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997 provides for tax relief, at the standard rate of tax, for tuition fees paid in respect of approved full/part-time courses in both private and publicly funded third level colleges and universities in the State and any other EU Member State. This relief also extends to approved post-graduate courses in non- EU member states. Further details and conditions in relation to this tax relief are available from the Revenue Commissioners.

Schools Refurbishment

Dan Neville

Ceist:

88 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 104 of 5 October 2010, if she has made a decision on applications for funding made on behalf of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick. [43556/10]

As the Deputy will be aware from my response of 5 October 2010, the school to which he refers wrote to my Department seeking a devolved grant to provide additional accommodation at the school.

In response, the Department has made a proposal to the school to alleviate some of the immediate issues faced by the school. My Department will consider the matter further on receipt of a response from the school.

Grant Payments

Dan Neville

Ceist:

89 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 85 of 30 September 2010, if she will provide an update on same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43557/10]

The money due to the person referred to by the Deputy was paid to them on the 14th October 2010.

School Accommodation

Dan Neville

Ceist:

90 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 309 of 29 September 2010, if she will provide the findings of the technical assessment in relation to a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43573/10]

Officials from my Department met with the Trustees of the school to which the Deputy refers at the end of June 2010 to discuss the future viability of the school. At that meeting, it was agreed that a technical assessment of the school buildings would be carried out. This assessment has taken place and a report has been prepared. My Department has considered the report and a letter has recently issued to the Trustees in this regard.

Higher Education Grants

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

91 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will review the grounds on which a person (details supplied) in County Cork was refused a mature student grant; if any flexibility is allowed as regards the three year total break from education in order to qualify for this grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43577/10]

The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the relevant grant awarding authority i.e. the applicant's local authority or VEC.

Where a grant application is refused, the reason for the refusal is given by the grant awarding authority.

An applicant may appeal the decision to the relevant local authority or VEC.

Where the grant awarding authority decides to reject the appeal, the applicant may appeal this decision to my Department by submitting an appeal form outlining clearly the grounds for the appeal.

No appeal has been received by my Department to date from the candidate referred to by the Deputy.

Special Educational Needs

Seán Power

Ceist:

92 Deputy Seán Power asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if a special needs assistant will be appointed as a matter of urgency to a person (details supplied) in view of the principal’s concern for their security; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43585/10]

As the Deputy may be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) for allocating resource teachers and Special Needs Assistants to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.

I have arranged for the details supplied to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.

All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.

Schools Building Projects

Niall Collins

Ceist:

93 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if the MacQuarie Partnership will be discharging the creditors of a company (details supplied) for the amounts owed to them for products supplied to the two school building projects in Athboy and Kildare; if not, will another company (details supplied) be discharging the amounts owed to the creditors, as they have now undertaken to complete the building of these schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43603/10]

Athboy Community School and Kildare Town Community School are included in the 2nd bundle of primary/post-primary schools being provided under my Department's PPP programme. The other schools in the bundle are Bantry Community College and Gaelscoil Bantry, Co. Cork, Abbeyfeale Community College, Co. Limerick and Wicklow Town Community College. Following an international tender process, the Macquarie Partnerships for Ireland (MPFI) consortium was awarded the contract for the design, construction and maintenance of the schools. MPFI in turn appointed a joint-venture comprising of the two companies referred to by the Deputy as their Design and Construction partner.

Under the terms of the contract, it is for MPFI to manage any issues which arise within the consortium and its related sub-contractors and, in doing so, to use the normal procedures and practices in accordance with the law as would be the case in any other normal commercial transaction.

As the Deputy is aware one of the companies in question is now in liquidation and the appropriate course of action is for, sub-contractors to raise any claims they may have with MPFI or with the liquidator appointed.

In the circumstances, I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that my Department is not in a position to interfere in relation to the matters you have raised but I can assure you the NDFA is working very closely with MPFI to ensure that it performs all of its obligations appropriately.

School Evaluations

Mary Upton

Ceist:

94 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of whole school inspections carried out in 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; the schools where these were carried out; the number carried out in each school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43612/10]

The number of whole-school evaluations completed in 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010 is as follows:

2008 — 245 Primary Whole-School Evaluations;

2008 — 60 Post-Primary Whole-School Evaluations;

2009 — 253 Primary Whole-School Evaluations;

2009 — 57 Post-Primary Whole-School Evaluations;

2010 — 181 Primary Whole-School Evaluations up to 31 October 2010;

2010 — 45 Post-Primary Whole-School Evaluations up to 31 October 2010.

A list of schools where whole-school evaluations were carried out in each of the categories above is currently being compiled and will be incorporated in a reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Schools Building Projects

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

95 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills when she will approve an extension to the school building for a primary school (details supplied) in County Cork. [43625/10]

I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers has made an application to my Department for Major Capital funding for a new school building. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a Band 2 rating.

Information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works, including the project referred to by the Deputy, is available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.

The priority attaching to individual projects is determined by published prioritisation criteria, which were formulated following consultation with the Education Partners. There are four band ratings under these criteria, each of which describes the extent of accommodation required and the urgency attaching to it. Band 1 is the highest priority rating and Band 4 is the lowest. Documents explaining the band rating system are also available on my Department's website.

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

School Curriculum

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

96 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide an outline of the leaving certificate applied programme; when it was established; the number of students partaking in it over the past five years; the number of schools that offer the programme; the sections of the student population it is intended to cater for; the usefulness it has for students who come from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43685/10]

The Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) was introduced to schools in 1995 and now caters for approximately 7% of the overall student cohort. Participation in recent years is as follows:

Year

No. of Schools offering LCA

LCA Enrolment (2 year cohort)

2009/10

290

6,883

2008/9

293

7,097

2007/8

296

7,436

2006/7

293

7,498

2005/6

290

7,414

The LCA is a two-year programme designed for those students who do not wish to proceed directly to higher education or for those whose needs, aptitudes and learning styles are not fully catered for by the other two Leaving Certificate programmes. The programme offers integrated general education, vocational preparation and training and work experience. It does not provide for direct entry to higher education, but students can enter Post Leaving Certificate courses and progress from there to higher education.

An ESRI report "Engaging Young People? — Student experiences of the Leaving Certificate Applied Programme", was published in April 2010. It highlights that the LCA is targeted at students in the lower socio-economic groups who struggle with schoolwork, have had negative educational experiences in junior cycle, experience behavioural problems, wish to enter the labour market on leaving school, or have special needs. The study shows that the programme can act as a safety net for those at risk of early school leaving. Students are positive about the interactive teaching style in the programme, the practical focus, small class sizes, work experience, completion of tasks for assessment throughout the cycle and the provision for accumulation of credits. The programme also has higher rates of entry to Post Leaving Certificate programmes than is the case for other leavers, and higher rates of entry into employment. However, 18% of LCA leavers in 2005 were unemployed, compared with 11% of other Leaving Certificate leavers.

The study raises questions as to whether the process of tracking students into a differentiated curriculum in senior cycle which attracts a distinct social profile acts as a safety net and an effective progression route, or whether it reinforces inequity, and limits opportunity. The study recommends that the ring-fenced nature of LCA should be re-examined and students should be allowed to take subjects within the established Leaving Certificate as well as LCA options. The report was commissioned by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, and the issues raised are being examined as part of the ongoing review of senior cycle.

It must be borne in mind that the Leaving Certificate Applied is designed to address the needs of students who would not be progressing directly to higher education, and for whom the flexibility offered by LCA programmes is more suited to their needs than the established Leaving certificate programmes. I am convinced that LCA offers an integrated and coherent programme of learning which effectively reaches its target group, and has succeeded in providing a positive and motivating experience for many students who might otherwise be at risk of disengagement from school, or early school leaving.

Computerisation Programme

John Cregan

Ceist:

97 Deputy John Cregan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will confirm the criteria to be applied to the recent announcement of grant aid to schools for IT equipment, that is, does the IT equipment have to be new or can it be reconditioned and if each school purchases its own equipment. [43707/10]

As the Deputy may be aware over €92m has been provided to primary and post primary schools in ICT grants in the past 12 months as part of this Government's commitment to ICT in education. Schools are requested to prioritise the purchase of computers for use by teachers and digital projectors. Once schools have the recommended baseline in place they may purchase a wide range of ICT equipment such as visualisers and interactive whiteboards.

Schools are required to carry out purchases in line with public procurement rules. In this regard existing ICT Purchasing Frameworks must be engaged with and taken advantage of, for the purchase of PCs, notebooks, laser printers, and digital projectors. These Frameworks simplify the process of purchasing ICT equipment for schools. If, having reviewed the market and considered comparative technical specifications, warranties and associated supports schools have satisfied themselves that better value for money may be achieved from non-Framework vendors in a given case, then schools may seek concurrent quotes from both Framework and non-Framework vendors ensuring that identical specification options, and warranties are presented to all vendors at the time of request for written quotations.

In relation to reconditioned equipment, schools should be aware that refurbished computers must be of a certain minimum specification and carry a suitable technical support warranty to ensure that they function effectively in schools over a significant period of time. Reliability and confidence in a computer's functionality are essential given the time constraints in the classroom. The National Centre for Technology in Education which advises my Department on ICT Policy for schools is of the view that the minimum PC specification should incorporate a relatively fast processor, a minimum of 2GB of memory, 40GB disk drive and, most importantly, a 3 year on-site warranty on both parts and labour to ensure that any computer component failures are addressed. Feedback from schools to the National Centre for Technology in Education indicates that lower grade refurbished PCs can cause an undue technical support burden on schools and a higher than expected total cost of ownership. Where the refurbished PC meets the recommended specification, and where the schools makes an informed choice my Department supports the use of quality refurbished computers in schools.

Grant Payments

John Cregan

Ceist:

98 Deputy John Cregan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if a person (details supplied) in County Limerick can qualify for payment of an honours degree allowance due to the fact that they received their qualification from the association of chartered certified accountants and the ACCA has been recognised as an official awarding body by the Irish educational regulatory authorities, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council. [43746/10]

In my response to Parliamentary Question No. 40116/10 I set out the criteria for payment of the honours degree allowance. As I informed the Deputy in that answer, my Department also accepts full membership of certain professional bodies for the purpose of granting certain qualification allowances.

The person referred to by the Deputy does not hold a primary honours degree or full membership of a professional accounting body. Therefore she is not entitled to payment of an honours degree allowance.

School Transport

John McGuinness

Ceist:

99 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the reason school transport was refused in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny and if she will expedite a response. [43761/10]

Under the terms of the Primary School Transport scheme pupils are eligible for free transport if they reside 3.2 kilometres or more from, and are attending, their nearest national school or school of amalgamation.

In the case of amalgamations, pupils residing in a closed school area may be deemed eligible for free school transport to the school of amalgamation only.

Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department, has advised that the pupil referred to by the Deputy, in the details supplied, resides in a closed school area and is not attending the school of amalgamation and, therefore, is not eligible for free school transport.

Pupils may avail of transport to a school other than the amalgamated school on a concessionary fare-paying basis. Such an arrangement is subject to spare seats being available on the service, the agreement of the school of amalgamation being obtained and no additional State costs being incurred by way of re-routing the service.

The parents/guardians of the pupil should continue to liaise with their local Bus Éireann office regarding the availability of seats.

FÁS Training Courses

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

100 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of candidates who were asked to repeat examinations on FÁS courses in 2010; the number who subsequently attended for such repeats; the number who subsequently failed and the total number of certificates issued for such repeat exams. [43878/10]

The information requested by the Deputy is being researched. I will respond to him substantively as soon as possible.

School Transport

Michael Ring

Ceist:

101 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the outcome of her inquiries in relation to the school transport situation for persons (details supplied) in County Mayo. [43888/10]

Under the terms of my Department's Primary School Transport Scheme, pupils who reside 3.2 kilometres or more from, and are attending their nearest suitable national school, as determined by my Department, are eligible for free school transport.

The safety and welfare of pupils travelling on school transport services are of paramount importance to my Department and Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport services on behalf of my Department.

Bus Éireann is responsible for matters such as the planning of bus routes, the timetabling of services and the designation of pick up and set down points in such a way as to ensure that, as far as possible, pupils have a reasonable level of service consistent with school transport policy while at the same time, ensuring that school transport vehicles are fully utilised in an efficient and cost effective manner. Parents/Guardians have a responsibility to ensure that their children are brought safely to and collected safely from designated pick up and set down points.

There is no provision within the scheme to facilitate pupils with pick up or set down points on existing bus routes other than those designated by Bus Éireann.

Schools Building Projects

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

102 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide funding towards the cost of building a proposed new school (details supplied) in County Galway; if her attention has been drawn to the overcrowding in the classrooms and the fact that rainwater has now begun to flow in through the ceiling in the classrooms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43903/10]

I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers has applied to my Department for major capital funding.

In accordance with the published criteria for large scale building projects, the application has been assessed and assigned a band 1.1 rating. Information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works, including this project, is available on the Department's website at www.education.ie.

The Deputy will be aware that in 2005 the school was selected as one which was suitable for delivery of a building project under the Permanent Accommodation Scheme and the school authority was offered funding of €300,000 to build an extension. The school authority accepted this offer and proceeded with the planning of this project while, at the same time, appealing the amount allocated to the project under the scheme.

Subsequently, having considered their options, the school authority notified the Department that they had decided to withdraw from the scheme as they deemed the existing site of 1.2 acres to be insufficient to cater for the extension. They requested that they be considered for inclusion in the main programme for delivery by the traditional method, in line with the project's priority band rating and the Patron offered adjacent parish land.

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

In the meantime, I am pleased to inform the Deputy that my Department approved funding in the amount of €51,179.94 towards sewerage works and €5,500 towards roof repairs in 2007 and 2010 respectively. In addition, my Department recently approved funding towards the provision of a resource room for special needs purposes and the school authority has been advised accordingly.

Mary O'Rourke

Ceist:

103 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills when the necessary permission will issue to a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath. [43911/10]

I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers has very recently made an application to my Department for major capital funding for an extension. The application will be assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a Band rating which will be published on my Department's website at www.education.ie and notified to the school authority.

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

104 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a new school (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43931/10]

I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers has made an application to my Department for large scale capital funding. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a Band 2 rating.

Information in respect of the current school building programme, along with all assessed applications for major capital works, including the project referred to by the Deputy, is available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.

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.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

105 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application for funding for a new school (details supplied); when the contracts will be agreed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43933/10]

As the Deputy will be aware my Department has made an offer to purchase lands in the ownership of Tipperary SR County Council subject to planning. To this end, my Department sought and received the consent of the local authority to commence a planning application in respect of the said lands. Once planning is secured, this acquisition will be concluded and the proposed building project will be considered in the context of the capital budget available to my Department for school buildings generally.

Schools Refurbishment

Dinny McGinley

Ceist:

106 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if an application has been received for extension and refurbishment for a school (details supplied) in County Donegal; when the application was made; the details of accommodation required; the position regarding the application; when it is likely that the development will be approved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43938/10]

I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers has applied to my Department for large scale capital funding for an extension/refurbishment. This application was made in 2003 and sought a GP Room, toilets and ancillary accommodation.

In accordance with the published criteria for large scale building projects, the project for this school has been assigned a Band 3 rating. Information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works, including this project, is available on the Department's website at www.education.ie.

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.

My Department has recently been in contact with the school authority regarding its concerns regarding permanent accommodation and its major capital works application. The school authority has been advised to complete and submit an RTA Form to my Department identifying the need for the provision of permanent mainstream teaching accommodation. This application will then be assessed and an outcome notified directly to the school authority.

Schools Building Projects

M. J. Nolan

Ceist:

107 Deputy M. J. Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills when funding will be made available for building works for a school (details supplied) in County Carlow. [43954/10]

I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department is in receipt of an application from the school to which he refers for large scale capital funding. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a Band 2 rating. Information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works are also available on the Department's website at www.education.ie.

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 the Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in view of the level of 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.

Labour Market Activation Fund

Mary Upton

Ceist:

108 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide a breakdown of the number of organisations in the greater Dublin area that submitted tenders for the labour market activation scheme; the number and names of organisations that have received funding; the numbers of places provided in the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43955/10]

Eighty three organisations in the greater Dublin area submitted tenders for funding from the Labour Market Activation Fund. It should be noted that some of these organisations submitted more than one tender.

The following table sets out the names of the successful programme providers including the number of participant places that each organisation undertook to provide. To assist the Deputy the organisations highlighted in blue are in the greater Dublin area.

Tender Name

Name of Project

Participant Nos.

Focus Ireland

Three programmes — Food Industry; Warehousing, Social sector — FETAC level 5 — Dublin Inner City

45

Institute of Technology, Tralee

Eight programmes levels 6-8 — Co. Kerry and South-West Region

160

Career Decisions Ireland

Diploma in Career Coaching and Guidance, HETAC level 7 — Limerick, Athlone, Galway, Dublin

100

University of Limerick, Kemmy Business School

Five programmes — levels 6-8, Mid-West Region

100

Co. Meath VEC

Science IT Smart Skills — level 5, Co. Meath

100

National Adult Literacy Agency

Write On 4 Work — level 3 recognition for prior learning — Nationwide

500

Digital Skills Academy

Multi-region WebActivate Programme, level 6 — Cork, Galway, Limerick, Dublin

200

National Council for Exercise and Fitness (University of Limerick)

Certificate Health and Fitness, Mid-West Region

50

City of Dublin VEC

Progression Pathways Programme Level 3 & 4

725

Co Galway & Mayo VECs

Programmes on Tourism, Energy, Media, and Aquaculture, Levels 3 & 4 — Counties Mayo, Galway

320

Innovo Training & Development

The Enterprise Evolution Programme — Level 8

80

Co. Dublin VEC

Labour Market Activation Programme — levels 3 to 5, Greater Dublin Area

750

Shannon Consortium, Ennis

Foundation Certificate — level 5, Ennis

30

Shannon Consortium, Limerick

Foundation Certificate — level 5, Limerick City

50

JMD Consulting

Ecotourism Training — levels 3-5 and professional body certification — Carlow, Wicklow, Kildare, Wexford

60

Carlow IT

Bachelor of Engineering in Mech Engineering, Carlow, levels 7 and 8

24

First Step Microfinance

10 regional training networks — level 6 — Nationwide

200

Innopharma Labs

Upskilling people for the pharmaceutical industry — level 7+ — Dublin

100

Meath Partnership

Eco-Tourism 7 E-business Training Programme — level 5 and National Certificate in Tourism — Co. Meath

40

Letterkenny Institute of Technology

Higher Diploma in Computing — Level 8, Letterkenny, Killybegs

20

Tipperary Institute

Eight programmes levels 6-8 — Clonmel & Thurles, Co. Tipperary

80

Career Decisions Ireland

Career 2 Fit Career Guidance Programme — level 3 credit — Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Donegal, Louth

1,000

ICBE — Irish Centre for Business Excellence

10 × 4-month training programmes — levels 5 and 6

300

Limerick Institute of Technology

Four BSc courses levels 7 and 8 — Limerick City and Mid-West Region

55

Meath Partnership

Wood Energy and Biomass Training programme, level 5, Co. Meath

60

TBG Learning

Job Fit, level 3+, — Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Castlebar, Dundalk, Waterford, Athlone

1,440

Organisation

Name of Programme

Target Numbers

Alaymont Ltd., Dun Laoghaire

Three Programmes: Passive House Construction; Insulation Installer; Green Construction

357

An Tochar Adult Education Centre, Co. Kerry

Certificate in Hotel and Catering -

20

Carlow Institute of Technology

Higher Diploma in Business (Management)

60

Carlow Institute of Technology

Special Purpose Award Cert in Good Manufacturing Practice — Pharmaceutical

20

City of Galway VEC

Core Skills — FETAC Levels 3-5

45

Co Clare VEC

Courses from FETAC Level 3-5 aimed at Enterprise; Self Employment; Customer Service; Caring/Healthcare; Tourism/Food; Marine Tourism; Green Economy/ Ecology and Environment Protection and Renewable Energies Sectors

104

Co Offaly VEC

Working Together to Get Offaly Working — FETAC level 3 and 4 foundation courses and FETAC level 5 courses in Science;, Information Technology; Business; Healthcare Support; Childcare; and Renewable Energies

140

Co. Donegal VEC

FETAC level 5 Certificate in Renewable Technology

15

Co. Meath VEC

Smart Skills — FETAC level 3

600

Comhchoiste Ghaeltacht Uibh Rathaigh, Co. Kerry

Courses in Healthcare Support and Business Administration — FETAC level 5

40

Cultivate/NICER Training, Dublin

Sustainability and the Green Economy — NFQ levels 4-6

1,570

Digi Media, Dublin

Suite of digital media skills courses — levels 4 and 5

100

Institute of Technology Tallaght

BSc in Pharmaceutical Technology — HETAC level 7

20

Dublin City University and DCU Ryan Academy

Business Innovation Programme — Level 8 Diploma Award

120

Dublin Institute of Technology

Provision A-24 programmes; Provision B — HC courses

910

Dun Laoghaire VEC

Green Technology and Practice — FETAC level 5

60

Dun Laoghaire VEC

Introduction to PC Maintenance with Warehouse Operations — FETAC level 4

15

Dundalk Institute of Technology, Louth

Higher Diploma in Science in Computing — HETAC level 8

40

Dundalk Institute of Technology, Louth

3 Programmes leading to Certificates/Diploma in Business — levels 6-8

90

Financial Services Ireland/IBEC, Dublin

International Financial Services Sector Transition programme — credits at NFQ level 7

100

Fledglings Education & Training, Jobstown, Dublin 24

Early Years Educator and Parent Support Worker Skills — FETAC level 5

20

Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown

Digital Media Programme — FETAC level 4

40

Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown

Certificate in CAD and Manufacturing — HETAC level 8

16

Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown

Higher Certificate Sustainable Electrical Technology — HETAC level 6

32

Joe Hayes, Ballinasloe

Upskilling in de-boning and trimming techniques — NFQ levels 5/6 National Certificate in Butchery Skills

50

Letterkenny Institute of Technology

Certificate in Wind Energy Technology — NFQ level 6

18

Meath Partnership

Artisan Food Skills Development — FETAC level 4

80

Network Solutions

Training programme to produce productive Air Blown Fibre Optic cable installation and repair technicians

50

TBSP, Rostrevor, Co. Down

Career Development with Certificate in Logistics

125

Tolka Area Partnership, Finglas, Dublin

Young Peoples Skills Foundation Initiative — FETAC level 4

40

Waterford Area Partnership Ltd

Make it Your Business Enterprise Programme — FETAC level 5

60

Waterford City VEC

General Education/Technical skills

20

National College of Ireland, Dublin

Foundation Programme in Business Studies, Entrepreneurship Programme, Cert in Web Technologies and Higher Diploma in Web Technologies — NFQ levels 5-8

450

Schools Building Projects

Darragh O'Brien

Ceist:

109 Deputy Darragh O’Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the progress of the new school building project for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 13; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43980/10]

I can confirm that the project to which the Deputy refers is currently at an early stage of architectural planning. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

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

Telecommunications Services

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

110 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of the 75 second level schools, mentioned in Building Ireland’s Smart Economy, published by the Government in December 2008 that have been equipped with 100Mb per second broadband to date; the name, address and roll number of all 75 schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44006/10]

78 Schools have been installed with a 100Mbit/s connection broadband connection. The schools are as follows:

School No.

School

60010P

Loreto Secondary School Co. Dublin

60122D

Coláiste Bríde Dublin 22

60263V

St. Joseph’s College Co. Dublin

61140K

St Leos College, Dublin Road Carlow

61560J

St Kierans College Secondary School, College Rd Kilkenny

61730I

Colaiste Naomh Mhuire Kildare

61820J

Loreto Secondary School Wicklow

62830R

St Eunans College Donegal

62840U

Letterkenny Donegal

63040Q

Presentation College Secondary School Headford Galway

63100I

Calasanctius College Galway

63210P

Our Ladys Bower Secondary School Co Westmeath

63610I

Good Counsel College Co Wexford

63710M

Mercy Secondary School, Ballymahon Co Longford

63900R

St Vincents Co Louth

64250J

Presentation Secondary School Limerick

64990D

St Angela’s School Waterford

65630B

Killina Presenation Secondary School Co. Offaly

68067P

St Nathy’s College Co Roscommon

70041J

Collinstown Park Community College Co. Dublin

70260V

St Macdara’s Community College Dublin

70420R

Carlow Vocational School Co. Carlow

71103K

Colaiste Choilm Co. Cork

71120K

Cork College of Commerce Co. Cork

71244F

Gairmscoil Mhic Diarmada Co. Donegal

71300M

Gairmscoil Einne Galway

71370K

Colaiste Ghobnait Galway

71410T

Athlone Community College Westmeath

71630K

Enniscorthy Vocational College Wexford

71770D

O Fiaich College Co Louth

71840V

Colaiste Chiarain Limerick

71950F

St Peter’s College, Dunboyne Co Meath

72210Q

Beech Hill College Monaghan

72241E

St Pauls Community College Waterford

76060U

Davitt College Mayo

76062B

Castleknock Community College Dublin

76073G

Castletroy College Limerick

76079S

Colaiste Phobail Cholmcille Donegal

76087R

Cavan Institute Cavan

81002K

Mount Temple Comprehensive School Dublin

81014R

Crescent College Comprehensive S.J. Limerick

91338D

St Aidans Community School Dublin

91344V

Pobalscoil Rosmini Dublin

91388S

Carrigaline Community School Cork

91406R

Carndonagh Community School Donegal

91492N

Gorey Community School Co Wexford

91494R

St Louis community School Mayo

91496V

Carrick Community School Leitrim

91497A

Cashel Community School

91498C

Gort Community School Galway

91500J

Loreto Community School Donegal

91501L

Moate Community School Westmeath

91510M

St Colmcilles Community School Knocklyon, Dublin 16

60261R

St. Benildus College Co. Dublin

60731F

St. Dominic’s College Co. Dublin

60792C

Presentation Secondary School Warrenmount Dublin

60902G

St Pauls Secondary School Greenhills Dublin

61661P

Salesian College, Celbridge Kildare

61920N

St Flannans College Clare

62692I

Christ King Secondary School Cork

62861F

St Columbas College Donegal

62960H

St Joseph’s Patrician College Galway

63841E

St Marys Diocesan School Drogheda, Co Louth

65170Q

Summerhill College Sligo Sligo

68068R

Colaiste Iosagain Laois

68070E

Mercy Secondary School Kerry

70342A

Ballyfermot College of FE Dublin

70700A

Maynooth Post Primary School Co. Kildare

71761C

St. Olivers CC Louth

71960I

Dunshaughlin Community College Co. Meath

72230W

St Declans Community College Co. Waterford

81017A

Trinity Comprehensive School Dublin

91315O

Coolmine Community School Dublin

91325R

Malahide Community School Dublin

91332O

St Marks Community School Dublin

91339F

Hartstown Community School Dublin

91408V

Pobalscoil Chloich Cheannfhasha Donegal

91447I

St. Caimin’s Community School Clare

The schools were selected by a working group made up of representatives from: the Department of Education and Skills; the Department of Communications Energy and Natural Resources; the National centre for Technology in Education; and HEAnet.

A two stage selection process was used for the selection of schools:

Stage 1: Examined all schools against sub criteria that were independent of the schools.

Stage 2: Examined schools qualified from stage 1 against sub criteria that were school dependent.

STAGE 1

4 sub criteria were identified under Stage 1 of the selection process as set out below:

Geographical Location;

Technical Mix;

Social Inclusion and

Adequate mix of schools

Geographical Location:

The working group sought to ensure that an appropriate percentage of schools invited to participate in the project was achieved between both Dublin and provincial locations. It was also felt that an urban/rural mix could be achieved by ensuring that an adequate number of places were available to the provincial locations. Additionally, it was felt that all counties should be represented in the pilot project. Whilst geographical location was used as the starting point in deciding the selection of schools for progress to stage 2, the working group examined each location with the other criteria in mind. Accordingly, in order to achieve excellent VFM with regard to both backhaul and infrastructure investment, the working group decided to locate a significant number of the provincial locations in places where HEAnet has a major point of presence (PoP) and a contractual agreement to access the PoP.

The working group decided that the following regions should be included for participation in the pilot project:

Dublin;

Cork;

Limerick;

Athlone;

Galway;

Letterkenny;

Waterford;

Dundalk;

Tipperary.

The remaining places were reserved for locations outside these areas that satisfied specific requirements of the pilot project.

Technology Mix:

The working group wanted to ensure that all technologies that can deliver a 100Mbit/s connection would be tested during the demonstration project. It was decided that areas within a 30km radius of HEAnet PoPs would satisfy this requirement. Accordingly, all schools located within this radius for each of the eight PoPs were identified.

In the Dublin area, it was anticipated that a variety of access technologies could connect the selected schools. As such, the working group were of the opinion that the telecommunications market in Dublin was sufficiently developed to allow a mix of bandwidth technologies to be proposed without the need for further intervention by the working group. The working group decided that the schools in Dublin should, where possible, include five schools from each of the local authorities.

Social Inclusion:

The working group wanted to ensure that specific communities could be included in the project from a social inclusion perspective. This criterion ensures that island, rural and DEIS schools were included in the project.

Adequate Mix of Schools:

While prioritising schools with a significant student population under the criteria set out above, the working group endeavoured to ensure that an adequate mix of schools were also chosen to be invited to participate in the demonstration project. Consequently, a number of schools were selected with reference to the following selection criteria:

Schools with a large cohort of students with special educational needs;

Post Leaving Certificate Schools;

Gaelscoileanna/Gaeltacht Schools;

ICT Adoption;

Gender mix;

Rural/urban mix;

Schools type;

Size of school.

STAGE 2

Stage 2 of the selection process sought to ensure that the schools shortlisted from Stage 1 had the commitment, infrastructure and support to realize the potential of 100Mbit/s bandwidth. Shortlisted schools were invited to apply for inclusion in the project outlining how participation in the project would support their e-learning plan, and what would be required of them in being involved in the project. The working group felt a range of schools with differing levels of ICT usage and infrastructure would be desirable in the project. Schools had to agree to the project commitments to qualify for the project.

3 sub criteria were identified under stage 2 of the selection process as set out:

Current structures and Infrastructure;

Usage of internet for learning and teaching, including any projects; and

Commitment to the project requirements over the next 2 years.

Current Structures and Infrastructure:

The working group wanted to ensure that all schools qualified from Stage 1 would be examined with regard to their ability to utilise the proposed connection as quickly as possible. It was proposed to focus on the schools individual e-learning team and plan, current ICT infrastructure (specifically devices) and teachers ICT proficiency.

Usage of internet for learning and teaching, including any projects:

The working group wanted to ensure that the schools invited to participate in the project had a digital agenda with regard to ICT within the learning and teaching environment.

From a project feasibility point of view, all schools identified as suitable for participation in the pilot were subject to examination with regard to cost effectiveness and the ability to deliver the required infrastructure within budgetary constraints.

Schools Building Projects

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

111 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will establish a new primary school (details supplied) in County Kildare on the basis that there is a strong demand for multi-denominational education within the area and a large increase in the school-going population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44007/10]

A review of the procedures for the establishment of new primary schools is currently being carried out under the Commission on School Accommodation. In the interim it is not proposed to recognise any new primary schools, except in areas where the increases in pupil numbers cannot be catered for in existing schools and which require the provision of new schools. The Commission is due to report to me shortly at which time I will have to consider the policy matters and necessary arrangements and revised procedures that will need to be put in place.

The Forward Planning Section of my Department has carried out a study of the country to identify the areas where, due to demographic changes, there may be a requirement for significant additional school provision at both primary and post-primary levels over the coming years. This study has been conducted using data from the Central Statistics Office, the General Register Office and the Department of Social Protection and with reference to recent schools' enrolment data.

The most recent projections used by my Department would see the projected enrolments at primary level increase from the current total enrolment of circa 505,600 pupils to an expected enrolment circa 563,300 pupils by the year 2016. It is within this context that the Forward Planning Section of my Department will continue to analyse demographic trends to determine the level of additional provision which will be required into the future. Overall requirements in the area referred to by the Deputy will be considered in this context.

The progression of all large scale building projects arising from Forward Planning Section's analysis will be considered in the context of my Department's School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Darragh O'Brien

Ceist:

112 Deputy Darragh O’Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application for a permanent extension to a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; when a design team will be appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44028/10]

I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department is in receipt of an application from the school to which he refers for large scale capital funding for an extension which has been assigned a band rating of 1.1.

Information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works is available on the Department's website at www.education.ie.

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 the Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in view of the level of 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.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Ceist:

113 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she has received an application from an organisation (details supplied) for the establishment of a primary school in Athy, County Kildare; if population projections for the area indicate that an additional primary school is required; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44039/10]

In July 2008 Notifications of Intention to apply for recognition for a new primary school in Athy, County Kildare was received by my Department from the patron body referred to by the Deputy.

A review of the procedures for the establishment of new primary schools is currently being carried out under the Commission on School Accommodation. In the interim it is not proposed to recognise any new primary schools, except in areas where the increases in pupil numbers cannot be catered for in existing schools and which require the provision of new schools. The Commission is due to report to me shortly at which time I will have to consider the policy matters and necessary arrangements and revised procedures that will need to be put in place.

The Forward Planning Section of my Department has carried out a study of the country to identify the areas where, due to demographic changes, there may be a requirement for significant additional school provision at both primary and post-primary levels over the coming years. This study has been conducted using data from the Central Statistics Office, the General Register Office and the Department of Social Protection and with reference to recent schools' enrolment data.

The most recent projections used by my Department would see the projected enrolments at primary level increase from the current total enrolment of circa 505,600 pupils to an expected enrolment circa 563,300 pupils by the year 2016. It is within this context that the Forward Planning Section of my Department will continue to analyse demographic trends to determine the level of additional provision which will be required into the future. Overall requirements in the Athy area will be considered in this context. The progression of all large scale building projects arising from Forward Planning Section's analysis will be considered in the context of my Department's School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

114 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills when a decision will be made on the submission for a devolved grant for a school (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44056/10]

I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers has recently made an application to my Department for major capital funding for an extension. The application will be assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a Band rating which will be published on my Department's website at www.education.ie and notified to the school authority.

Teacher Qualifications

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

115 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills when a decision will be made on the sanctioning of the postgraduate course in primary teaching at colleges (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44074/10]

The 18 month post graduate course for primary teaching will commence in early 2011 in the following Colleges of Education for the purpose of enabling persons holding degrees (level 8) to qualify as primary teachers.

St. Patrick's College of Education, Drumcondra, Dublin 9.

Mary Immaculate College, South Circular Road, Limerick.

Colaiste Mhuire, Marino Institute of Education, Griffith Avenue, Dublin 9.

Froebel College of Education, Sion Hill, Blackrock , Co. Dublin.

Persons who successfully complete this course may be registered by the Teaching Council as qualified for service in the country's primary schools. The closing date for receipt of completed application forms by the four Colleges is 10th December 2010. Further information regarding the courses is available on my Department's website or directly from the Colleges.

Departmental Expenditure

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

116 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the amount of money that has been paid annually since 2002 to registered charities; if she will specify which charities, on the subject of institutional and religious abuse and the way the Government has monitored the spend of these funds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44522/10]

I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department funds or has funded the following registered charities to provide services to former residents of institutions both in Ireland and the UK:

Barnardos (Origins Tracing Service);

SOCA UK ( Information & Referral Service) which ceased to be funded at the end of 2009;

Coventry Irish Society ( Midlands Irish Survivors' Outreach Service);

London Irish Centre ( London Irish Survivors' Outreach Service);

Irish Community Care, Manchester (Manchester Irish Survivors' Outreach Service);

Haringey Irish Cultural & Community Centre (Haringey Irish Survivors' Outreach Service);

Cara Irish Housing Association, Sheffield (Sheffield Irish Survivors' Outreach Service) ceased to be funded at the end of 2008.

Federation of Irish Societies.

The total amount paid to these particular charities each year from 2002 is as follows:

Year

2002

780,896

2003

1,256,288

2004

1,198,955

2005

1,199,764

2006

1,359,738

2007

1,240,780

2008

1,138,294

2009

857,978.59

Expenditure up to the end of October 2010 is €773,472.38. However, figures have not yet been finalised in respect of 2010 at this point in time. All of the bodies referred to above, with the exception of SOCA UK whose expenditure was monitored by way of the production of receipts, provided my Department with annual audited accounts.

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

117 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance if he will indicate when a company (details supplied) will be paid for work that it completed on building projects commissioned by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43591/10]

Work has been completed at the new Garda Station and Department of Social Protection buildings in Buncrana since late 2009 and the Main Contractor for the development, M/s Michael McNamara Ltd (in Liquidation), has recently completed its final obligations on this project in respect of residual contract matters, rectification of defects, etc.

The Main Contractor has, as is normal, recently applied for the final payment due to them and this will be discharged by the OPW shortly. As the firm is now in Liquidation, this payment will be sent to the Liquidator, who will deal with the Company's creditors in the normal way. The OPW is bound, under the Contract, to discharge these monies to M/s McNamara Ltd. and may not make any payments to third parties.

Tax Code

Catherine Byrne

Ceist:

118 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Finance his plans to proceed with standardising tax relief on private pensions at 33%, as set out previously in the National Pensions Framework; if there is a timeframe for implementing this policy; the way this policy will impact pensioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43755/10]

Income tax relief on employee and individual pension contributions is currently allowed at the taxpayer's marginal income tax rate, that is, at the standard or higher rate of income tax as appropriate in each case.

The National Pensions Framework published in March 2010 sets out a policy approach for the longer-term development of the pension system in Ireland. In that regard, the Framework includes proposals for, among other things, a new supplementary pension scheme based on "auto-enrolment" for those without private pension arrangements where part of the State contribution would be the equivalent of 33% tax relief. In addition, the same level of State contribution or 33% tax relief is proposed to replace marginal income tax relief for existing contributors to pension savings.

The Government made clear in the Framework that the introduction of the new auto-enrolment scheme (targeted for 2014) would depend on prevailing economic conditions. Further details on the Government's position in this general area will be set out in the Four Year Plan to be published tomorrow.

Pension Provisions

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

119 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide the reasoning behind the proposed pension scheme for new teachers and public servants in regard to career average, later retirement and CPI linkage in view of the fact that under the proposed new scheme the value of many teachers contributions will exceed the value of benefits; his views on the Trident Report commissioned by the teacher unions; the reason there was very little consultation with the unions on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43759/10]

As I announced in Budget 2010, the Government is committed to the introduction of a new single public service pension scheme for new joiners. The new scheme is aimed at securing considerable long-term Exchequer savings, while continuing to offer fair and reasonable pensions to retired public servants. Its principal features will include career-average benefit accrual, inflation-indexation of benefits and an increased pension age. The Government considers these features to be important and appropriate. Extensive consultations on the proposed new scheme with Government Departments and with the staff side have in fact taken place over the past 18 months. Draft legislation to introduce the new scheme is currently in preparation, and it is planned that the scheme will be operational in 2011.

My Department is aware of the report by Trident Consulting entitled "Future Pension Provision" which was commissioned by the three teachers unions, ASTI, INTO and the TUI. In addition, my Department is aware of the views of these unions concerning the Government's planned introduction of a single pension scheme for all new-entrant public servants. The Trident Report was made available to officials of my Department and was the subject of a specific meeting between my officials and the teachers unions.

I do not accept that single scheme members will make contributions in excess of the value of their benefits. In this context I would note that the pension-related deduction is not a pension contribution, this is set out in section 7(2) of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009.

I welcome the Trident Report as a contribution to the debate on pension provision. However the Report's recommended approaches to pension provision differs in fundamental respects with the Government's policy and I cannot accept the Report as a policy basis for pension provision for new-entrant teachers at this time.

Flood Relief

Michael Creed

Ceist:

120 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Finance if he has access to funding from Europe to be administered by local authorities for citizens whose private property including their homes were damaged in recent flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43976/10]

My Department made an application to the EU Commission for funding under the EU Solidarity Fund. A regional application was made as the estimate of the extent of the damage does not meet the Solidarity Fund's threshold of 0.6% of GNI or 935.5m euro for a national disaster. Some 111.5m euro of the 276.9m euro costs to the State were eligible for assistance under the EU Solidarity Fund criteria or 21.4% of total direct costs. This included damage to roads, infrastructure, the provision of temporary accommodation and the costs incurred by the rescue services.

The Commission informed the Department on 14th September 2010 that it is proposing financial aid amounting to 13.02m euro in response to Ireland's application to the EU Solidarity Fund. This amount will now have to be confirmed by the European Parliament and the European Council by way of an amending budget procedure. The funds received will be used to recoup in part the significant expenditure incurred by the State in responding to the emergency. As soon as the budget appropriations become available, consultation will begin with the relevant Departments and local authorities to determine how the money will be recouped to them.

As part of the expenditure incurred by the State, the Government funded the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme which is operated by the Department of Social Protection. The scheme was administered by the Community Welfare Service of the Health Service Executive on behalf of the Department of Social Protection. The scheme, which is means tested, provided emergency financial assistance to households who were not in a position to meet costs for essential needs in the period immediately following flooding. The scheme covered emergency income support payments to those in need and damage to a person's home and its basic essential contents, such as: carpets, flooring, furniture, household appliances and bedding and structural damage where appropriate.

Departmental Properties

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

121 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will address a particular matter concerning an Office of Public Works property (details supplied) in County Cork. [43600/10]

The property in question is currently the subject of litigation between the Commissioners and the occupant. Accordingly, it is not considered appropriate to comment any further at this stage.

Tax Code

Michael Moynihan

Ceist:

122 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Finance if he will clarify the capital gains tax treatment of the proceeds from the sale of shares which are an integral part of a farm (details supplied). [43606/10]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that section 598 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 grants relief from Capital Gains Tax on the disposal by an individual of all or part of his or her farming assets. The relief also applies to the disposal by an individual of all or part of the shares of a company, which is both a farming company and the individual's family company. Finally, the relief is also available for certain assets owned by the individual but used by the individual's farming company.

Full relief is available where the proceeds from the disposal do not exceed €750,000. If the proceeds exceed €750,000, marginal relief may apply. In order to qualify for the relief, the individual must be at least 55 years of age and must have owned and used the assets for a period of ten years prior to the disposal or, in certain circumstances, prior to the letting of land for farming purposes. Where the disposal is of shares in a farming company, the company must have been a farming company and the individual's family company during a period of not less than ten years ending on the date of disposal. Moreover, in such cases, the individual must have been a working director of the company for a period of not less than ten years during which he/she must have been a full-time working director for not less than five years.

The relief is confined to assets used for the purpose of farming. For this reason, shares or securities or other assets held as investments are explicitly excluded from the scope of the relief. As the shares in question are not assets used for the purposes of farming, they are, accordingly, excluded from the relief and any gain on their disposal is liable to Capital Gains Tax.

Departmental Staff

Terence Flanagan

Ceist:

123 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance if he will deal with a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43666/10]

There are no proposals for additional voluntary redundancy plans before Government.

Tax Collection

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

124 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will support a matter (details supplied). [43683/10]

The Revenue Commissioners are charged with responsibility for collection and recovery of a wide range of taxes and duties including VAT. Revenue expects businesses, notwithstanding the difficult economic and financial circumstances in which they are operating, to organise their financial affairs so as to ensure that tax debts are paid as they fall due. Apart from the critical importance of timely compliance to the Exchequer, unfair competitive advantage achieved through persistent late or non-payment of tax undermines compliant businesses. I fully support what Revenue are doing in that regard.

Revenue has encouraged early engagement with them by businesses experiencing particular challenges in being compliant with a view to facilitating the putting in place of an agreed approach to the management of those challenges. Revenue's objective is to confirm the basic viability of such businesses and to secure timely compliance and payment of any tax debt in the shortest possible timeframe.

Arising from amendments in the Finance Acts, Revenue introduced a scheme in 2006 and 2007 for smaller PAYE/PRSI and VAT registered customers that reduced the frequency of tax returns and payments required of such businesses. Smaller businesses benefit from the less frequent filing and payment facility under the scheme through improved cash flow and reduced costs of administration. I am satisfied that the overall approach to small businesses in relation to their obligations to pay VAT as reflected in the measures outlined, are of importance and considerable help in the current difficult trading environment.

With regard to small businesses paying rates, I have been informed by my Colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr. John Gormley T.D., that local authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes in accordance with the details entered in the valuation lists prepared by the independent Commissioner of Valuation under the Valuation Act 2001. The levying and collection of rates are matters for each individual local authority. However, the Minister has urged local authorities to exercise restraint in setting the Annual Rate on Valuation (ARV) in this and previous years and they have responded positively in this regard. Across the 88 local authorities, the average change of ARV from 2009 to 2010 shows a decrease of 0.62%. As part of a range of measures to aid economic recovery, the Minister is clear on the need for continued reductions in commercial rates over the coming years.

Corporate Accountability

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

125 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Finance his views on the overt, and covert, actions of unaccountable but publicly registered finance companies whose actions have led to the undermining of the sovereignty of member countries of the EU in financial matters and given that some of these companies have paid large fines to the federal system in the United States, if the control of such companies is being discussed at diplomatic level. [43133/10]

I understand that the Deputy's question relates to large, globally active, investment firms. It would not be appropriate for me to comment directly on the Deputy's concerns as set out in his question in the absence of more specific information on the issues to which it might relate.

However, I would like to advise the Deputy of a number of important initiatives that have taken place at EU and international level to strengthen the regulatory and supervisory framework for international financial firms and in particular in relation to the regulation of hedge funds and proposed restrictions on short-selling in light of some of the lessons learned from the international financial crisis. The Deputy may be aware that the G20 agreed on a range of measures to tackle the financial crisis. Among those measures was a commitment to better regulate the activities of hedge funds. At EU-level, the European Commission's proposal for a Directive on Alternative Investment Fund Managers (the AIFMD) has recently been agreed by the European Parliament and the Council. This Directive sets down rules with which the managers of hedge funds, as well as private equity and other alternative funds, must comply.

As well as increasing the level of transparency of fund managers towards investors, the AIFMD will also require greater transparency with supervisors. This will ensure that supervisors will be in a much better position to monitor and respond to any possible financial stability risks which might be generated by hedge funds. Similar steps have been taken in the United States where the Dodd-Frank Act imposed substantive regulatory and reporting requirements on hedge fund managers. The AIFMD will also provide greater safeguards for employees of firms which are acquired by private equity funds. The timely disclosure of, for instance, the financing of the acquisition as well as strategic plans for the acquired firm, will be required. Specific rules to limit the effects of "asset stripping" will also apply.

Another significant proposal which is also being considered at EU level is in relation to restrictions on "short selling". On 15 September last, the European Commission adopted a formal proposal for a Regulation on short selling and certain aspects of Credit Default Swaps. This proposal is currently being discussed by the relevant working parties in the Council and the European Parliament.

Many Member States had already introduced measures aimed at banning or restricting short-selling. The Commission have identified that a much more consistent approach is required to minimise divergences between Member States in their treatment of this issue. The Commission's draft Regulation is their response to address this issue. In Ireland, the Central Bank maintains a ban on the short-selling of shares in financial institutions.

While national competent authorities will have powers to implement bans or restrictions in emergency situations, the proposal envisages a strong role for the soon-to-be-established European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) in co-ordinating situations where bans are being contemplated. Full details of the comprehensive EU programme of financial sector reforms are set out in the European Commission's Communication on Financial Services 2010-11 which is available at http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/finances/index_en.htm

Tax Code

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

126 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding discussions in the General Assembly of the UN on a transaction tax; the discussion at UN level and such bilateral discussions at diplomatic level which have taken place on this topic. [43145/10]

Consideration of how to ensure that the financial sector contributes to the cost of dealing with crises is under way in various fora internationally, including the EU and the UN. The European Council in June agreed that EU Member States should introduce systems of levies and taxes on financial institutions to ensure fair burden-sharing and to set incentives to contain systemic risk. The Council called for careful assessment of the main features and issues of level playing field and cumulative impacts and invited the Council and the Commission to take this work forward and report back in October.

The IMF report to the G20 in June analysed various options including a financial transaction tax and proposed two possible contributions from the financial sector: a Bank Levy, or "Financial Stability Contribution" levy (FSC), to pay for the fiscal cost of government support of the sector; and a tax on financial transactions which involved two options, a Financial Transactions Tax (FTT), charged on financial transactions undertaken by financial institutions covering dealings by those institutions in stock, bonds and derivative transactions in exchanges as well as instruments traded "over the counter" rather than in a recognised exchange, but not transactions undertaken by individuals and businesses, or a Financial Activities Tax (FAT), a broader tax levied on the profits and remuneration of financial institutions, which is sometimes described as a form of VAT on financial institutions by targeting the ‘added value' of the services they provide (there is no VAT on financial services in the EU).

In a May 2010 Communication, the European Commission supported the establishment of ex ante resolution funds, funded by a levy on the banks to facilitate the managed failure of ailing banks in an orderly manner and suggests that a resolution fund should form part of the toolbox of measures available to Member States in an EU crisis management framework. An objective of the Commission’s proposal, in conjunction with its wider proposals on a crisis management system, is to mitigate the burden on the taxpayer arising from financial crises. In its Conclusions of 14 June 2010, the European Union Foreign Affairs Council decided that the EU should “seriously consider proposals for innovative financing mechanisms with significant revenue generation potential, with a view to ensuring predictable financing for sustainable development, especially towards the poorest and most vulnerable countries”. To that end, a Taskforce on Innovative Financing for Development has been established at the EU level, with Ireland’s participation. The Taskforce is playing a role in assessing innovative financing mechanisms, contributing with concrete and feasible proposals, and co-ordinating the work on innovative financing within the EU.

This is a complex area and careful consideration is being given at EU and UN level to the issues involved. Ireland is of course participating in those deliberations. At UN level, much of the international discussion on innovative financing is being conducted through the Leading Group on Innovative Financing for Development, a group of interested countries and international organisations and NGOs. The next meeting of the Leading Group is to be hosted by Japan, the current Chair, in December. Ireland is not a member of the group, but will attend as an observer. The Leading Group held a session on the sidelines of UN High Level Plenary Meeting on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in September this year. This highlighted possible new instruments under study for innovative development financing. One of these is the possible introduction of a tax on currency transactions.

The Final Declaration adopted by the UN High Level Plenary Meeting refers to the role of innovative financing to achieve the MDGs, and noted that voluntary mechanisms should be effective and should aim to mobilise resources that are stable and predictable, supplementing and not substituting for traditional sources of finance for development. Following negotiations in the Second Committee of the United Nations General Assembly, it is likely that the General Assembly will adopt a Resolution on the issue of innovative financing in the coming weeks. The Resolution is expected to request that the Secretary General of the UN prepare a report to examine the contribution and potential of innovative mechanisms of financing for development to achieving international development goals.

Departmental Expenditure

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

127 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Finance the amount of money that has been paid annually since 2002 to registered charities; if he will specify which charities, on the subject of institutional and religious abuse and the way the Government has monitored the spend of these funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43709/10]

The Scheme of Payments to the Promoters of Certain Charitable Lotteries is paid from the Vote for my Department. The total amount of funding paid to charities under the Scheme was €7.618m in each of the years 2002, 2003 and 2004, €7.730m in 2005 and €8.618m in the years 2005 to 2009 inclusive.

Details of the amounts paid to each of the charities under this Scheme in each of the years 2002 to 2008 appears under the Appropriation Account for Vote 6 (Office of the Minister for Finance), in the Comptroller and Auditor General's website, for each of those years. Similar information in relation to payments under the Scheme for 2009 can be found on my Department's website.

Under the terms of the Scheme, applicants for funding are required to provide an auditor's letter confirming that any funding received under the Scheme in the preceding year has been spent on the charitable activities of the organisation. Monies received under the Scheme must be shown separately in the audited accounts of the charity. The following payments were made to registered charities since 2002 from the Vote for the Office of Public Works: A contribution of €1,000 to the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games Ltd. (organisers of the Games) in January 2003; and the Office of Public Works set up various humanitarian aid schemes for victims of flooding in the years 2002-2004. These schemes were administered by the Irish Red Cross with funding provided by the Office of Public Works. Details of the funding provided are as follows:

Year

€m

2002

13.5

2003

0.3

2004

3.0

Insurance Industry

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

128 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Finance in relation to persons in the same area using the same insurance company for home insurance, including flood coverage, the reason, following a flooding incident one family’s policy is renewed and the other family’s policy is not renewed; the independent source or agency available to investigate and adjudicate on this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43710/10]

The decision about whether to renew cover in any insurance situation is a commercial matter for insurance companies, which is considered on a case by case basis, as this allows the insurance company to properly assess the risk they are accepting. In my role as Minister for Finance I have no function or influence in this matter. In this regard, it should also be noted that there can be different levels of risk within the same area depending on where a house is located and this may be a factor in deciding whether a policy is renewed or not. Other factors which may influence such a decision include the design of the house and the number and nature of claims previously made.

The persons in question have the option of referring this matter to the Financial Services Ombudsman at www.financialombudsman.ie for investigation and adjudication.

Pension Provisions

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

129 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance the savings that will be made if the proposed pension scheme for new teachers and public servants in regard to career average, later retirement and CPI linkage is introduced. [43714/10]

The savings likely to arise from the proposed new single pension scheme will depend on the final details of that scheme. These are under active consideration in my Department in the context of the preparation of the necessary legislation to give effect to the new measure and have not yet been decided by Government. While I am not in a position to give the detailed figures requested by the Deputy, I can confirm that the new scheme will reduce the gross pension cost as a percentage of pensionable remuneration. In this connection I would direct the Deputy to the Comptroller & Auditor General's recent Special Report on Public Service Pensions (published October 2009), as updated by the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General on the Accounts of the Public Services 2009 (published September 2010). These Reports contain indicative cost figures based on certain assumptions. I would add that the cost benefits to be delivered by the new scheme will vary depending on levels of future recruitment to the public service, service periods, pay and other factors over the next half century.

Proposed Legislation

John McGuinness

Ceist:

130 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance if the Construction Contracts Bill will be enacted before Christmas 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43762/10]

Senator Quinn's Private Members Construction Contracts Bill 2010 is currently before the Seanad and is expected to proceed to Committee Stage shortly. The Government appreciates that this is an important piece of legislation and is working closely with the Senator in relation to it. It will then have to proceed to the Dáil in the New Year.

Tax Code

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

131 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his plans to provide new tax and other incentives aimed at making cultural and educational philanthropy more attractive and to assist job creation. [43875/10]

Section 848A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (TCA) already provides for a generous scheme of tax relief for donations of money or designated securities to eligible charities and other approved bodies. Schedule 26A, Part 1, of the TCA, sets out the approved bodies for which donations relief is available. The majority of educational establishments in the State are eligible. The precise arrangements for allowing tax relief on such donations varies, depending on whether the donor is a PAYE taxpayer, a person who is subject to self-assessment or a company. Section 1003 of the TCA already provides tax relief in respect of the donation of important national heritage items to the Irish national collections. The relief consists of a tax credit equal to 80% of the value of the heritage item(s) donated, which can be credited against particular tax liabilities incurred by the donor.

All tax reliefs and incentives are reviewed regularly as part of the annual Budget and Finance Bill process.

Departmental Reports

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

132 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance if he has received the report of the group set up to review the role and future of the semi-State companies in the Irish economy; when that report will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43887/10]

I presume that the Deputy is referring to the Review Group on State Assets and Liabilities which I established in July 2010 under the Chairmanship of Mr. Colm McCarthy. I have not yet received the Group's report, which is due to be submitted by the end of the year. Publication of the report will then be a matter for Government.

Departmental Statistics

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

133 Deputy Trevor Sargent asked the Minister for Finance the number of PAYE employees delineated in €10,000 income brackets and distinguished as between public sector workers and all workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43932/10]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the latest relevant sector-based information available on employees taxed under the PAYE system is derived from income tax returns filed for the income tax year 2008 and represents about 96 per cent of all returns expected at the time the data were compiled for analytical purposes. The figures include PAYE taxpayers who are required to return an income tax return Form 11 where non-PAYE income is greater than €3,174.

Income Tax Year 2008

Range of Gross income

Public Sector Employees* Total Number

All PAYE Employees* Total Number

€0 – €10,000

49,640

396,826

€10,001 – €20,000

61,023

381,454

€20,001 – €30,000

68,447

394,632

€30,001 – €40,000

70,191

292,472

€40,001 – €50,000

60,831

201,946

€50,001 – €60,000

38,797

133,637

€60,001 – €70,000

25,092

92,652

€70,001 – €80,000

17,338

66,884

€80,001 – €90,000

12,178

46,777

€90,001 – €100,000

8,058

32,356

€100,001 – €110,000

5,679

23,386

€110,001 – €120,000

4,059

16,788

€120,001 – €130,000

2,755

12,185

€130,001 – €140,000

2,011

9,019

€140,001 – €150,000

1,410

6,827

€150,001 – €160,000

919

5,199

€160,001 – €170,000

604

3,978

€170,001 – €180,000

493

3,260

€180,001 – €190,000

356

2,546

€190,001 – €200,000

247

2,067

€200,001 – €210,000

196

1,682

€210,001 – €220,000

156

1,389

Over €220,000

1,347

11,725

Totals

431,827

2,139,687

*Includes employees who have income from non-PAYE sources but whose main source of income is from paid employment.

Notes:

The sector identifier used on the tax records is based on the 4-digit NACE code (Rev. 1), which is an internationally recognised economic activity code system. The information provided in relation to public sector employees is based on activities which are classified in the NACE code system as Public Administration and Defence; Compulsory Social Security, Education and Health and Social work but excluding the categories of Driving School Activities, Dental Practice Activities and Veterinary Activities as being more appropriate to the private sector. A married couple, which has elected or has been deemed to have elected for joint assessment is counted as one tax unit.

Tax Code

Joan Burton

Ceist:

134 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if he will set out the value added tax status of fourth schedule goods; the revenue that could be raised on a 2011 and full year basis by imposing the lower VAT rate or the standard rate on them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43936/10]

It is assumed that the Deputy is referring to intra-Community supplies of services, known as Fourth Schedule Services under the old Fourth Schedule to the VAT Act 1972. The Fourth Schedule listed a number of services that were to be taxed in the Member State where they were received. The Fourth Schedule was discontinued from 1 January 2010 as part of the introduction of the EU wide changes to the Place of Supply rules for intra-community services, which provided that the majority of services, and not just those listed in the Fourth Schedule, are taxable where received. In general the supply of goods and services by a VAT-registered trader in one EU Member State to a VAT-registered trader in another EU Member State qualifies as an intra-Community supply. In the case of goods, a VAT-registered trader in another EU Member State may zero-rate the supply to a customer in the State if the customer is registered for VAT in the State. In the case of services, the place of taxation is the place where the recipient is established (generally registered for VAT) in the case of business-to-business supplies. In both cases, the customer registered for VAT in the State accounts for VAT on the acquired goods and received services at the appropriate Irish VAT rate. Where the VAT registered customer uses the goods and services for the purposes of his taxable supplies a simultaneous input credit may be taken thus cancelling the VAT liability.

With regard to the intra-Community supply of services to persons not registered for VAT the place of taxation is the State where the supplier is established. I would point out that the Place of Supply rules provide for some changes in the coming years but these are not relevant to the Deputy's question.

With regard to the revenue generated by altering the VAT rates applied to received services from suppliers established in other EU Member States, it should be noted that the majority of these services are already charged to VAT at the standard rate and as such it would negatively affect Exchequer yield were a reduced rate to be applied to them. In any case, where the received services are used by a VAT-registered person for business purposes the VAT is reclaimed and as such any VAT rate changes would have no Exchequer impact.

I would point out that the Place of Supply rules have EU-wide application and as a consequence it is not open to Ireland to unilaterally amend the rules.

Liquor Licensing Laws

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

135 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of pubs that have had their licences renewed by the licensing office of the Revenue Commissioners, year-on-year since 2005. [43951/10]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the information in respect of publicans' licences issued for 2005 through to 2009 is as set out in the table. The figures for the calendar year 2010 are available only up until 18 November; the final figures for 2010 will not be available until the end of the year.

Licences Retailers

Numbers Issued

2005

2006

2007

2008*

2009*

2010

Full

9,225

9,541

9,402

9,990

9,067

7,548

Six-Day

7

7

7

2

13

10

Six Day and Early Closing

5

7

9

8

2

2

Total Publicans

9,237

9,555

9,418

10,000

9,082

7,560

*In 2008 the Revenue Commissioners introduced more streamlined procedures and improved IT systems for excise licensing. This allowed for more timely and efficient processing of licence applications and subsequent issuing of excise licences. Because of this improved efficiency measure, direct year on year comparison for 2008 through to 2010 is not possible. In particular, due to the new procedures a significant number of licences which previously would not have been issued until 2009 were issued in 2008.

There were 303 licences which expired on 30 September 2009 in respect of which renewals have not been applied for or granted. These are subject to review by the Revenue Commissioners in order to establish the actual trading position and the appropriate compliance actions to be taken. A further 118 applications are subject to general administrative proceedings in the Courts e.g. transfer, revivals, consideration of objections and new licence applications.

Tax Code

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

136 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will reduce the VAT on all energy upgrades and repairs in private homes to 5% in order to generate employment. [43956/10]

EU VAT law, with which Irish VAT law must comply, does not permit reductions in VAT, for environmental or other reasons, that would create a distortion of competition between similar goods or services. The EU Commission undertook a study of the possibility of using reduced VAT rates as a tool to support the climate change agenda. While Ireland expressed support for such a study, the EU Council of Finance Ministers decided in 2009 not to allow reduced VAT rates as a tool for achieving environmental policy objectives. In general it was considered that if assistance was required, providing it through direct expenditure measures was the better approach to adopt. In this context, the VAT reduction proposed by the Deputy would have to apply to repairs, maintenance and improvements in all situations and not just those related to energy efficiency. Reducing the VAT rate on the repair, maintenance and improvement of private housing in general to 5% would alone cost some €270m in a full year. This would have significant implications for Exchequer revenues which are difficult to justify in the current economic climate.

Furthermore, introducing a VAT rate of 5% on energy upgrading would entail the introduction of a second reduced rate of VAT. This would render a VAT system that is complex, even more so, increasing the number of VAT rates in Ireland to five. Were a new reduced rate of 5% to be introduced, there would be calls for all goods and services that currently apply at the 13.5% rate to be charged at the new lower rate. For example if only half the goods and services currently subject to the reduced rate of 13.5% were to be moved to a 5% rate the cost to the Exchequer would be around €1.1bn in a full year.

Financial Services Regulation

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

137 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance the value of outstanding loans lent by Irish based legal moneylenders as notified to the Financial Regulator in 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43971/10]

I have been advised by the Central Bank that the information requested by the Deputy is not available as there is no legal requirement on licensed moneylenders to prepare or to submit audited accounts to the Bank. The ‘end of year' for financial accounts purposes varies from moneylender to moneylender. I should point out that there is a requirement on the Central Bank to publish a register of licensed moneylenders.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

138 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance the levies paid by moneylenders to the Financial Regulator in 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43972/10]

The Central Bank of Ireland has advised me that in 2008 and 2009, 162,000 euros and 244,000 euros respectively were collected from moneylenders as part of the industry funding levy. The process of collection of the 2010 industry funding levy has only recently commenced. The total amount expected to be collected is 309,000 euros.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

139 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance the number of Irish-based moneylenders registered with the Financial Regulator in 2008, 2009 and 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43973/10]

The Central Bank of Ireland has advised me that the number of licences granted each year from 2008 to 29 October 2010 is as follows:

No. of licensed moneylenders

Year

No.

2008

52

2009

52

2010

48 (as at 29 October 2010)

The Deputy might wish to note that moneylending licences must be renewed annually and that the number of valid licences at a particular time does not vary significantly. This is because the number of new licensees is generally offset by the number who cease operating as moneylenders.

Departmental Transport

Simon Coveney

Ceist:

140 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Finance the full cost to the Office of Public Works of providing a bus to carry OPW staff from Dublin Castle to the new OPW office in Trim since April 2010 to date; all costs associated with the four times daily trips to Trim; the number of buses used daily; the number of passengers carried; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43987/10]

In the absence, until recently, of a public transport service from Dublin to Trim at a time that would allow staff to attend for work at the normal time of starting work in the morning, transport was provided by OPW for this purpose, for those who required it, using an OPW owned transport vehicle, and OPW employed drivers. The vehicle was also used for delivering post and other materials between Dublin and Trim, and for conveying staff from one location to the other for the purpose of business meetings. Now that a public transport service is in place for the times required for normal attendance hours, since 12 November 2010, the OPW vehicle is no longer used for this purpose.

A single vehicle was used with a maximum capacity of 16 persons. While it was in operation, the average usage was 12 to 14 persons per trip. The additional marginal total cost, over and above drivers salary, which is a cost that would have been incurred in any event, for the relevant period of April 2010 to November 2010, amounted to €13,000 approximately. This amount covers fuel costs and supplemental drivers time but not insurance as the State carries its own insurance in such circumstances.

Departmental Reports

Terence Flanagan

Ceist:

141 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance when he will implement the recommendations contained in the final report produced by the mortgage arrears and personal debt group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44046/10]

Lucinda Creighton

Ceist:

145 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline the new measures to protect homeowners on mortgage arrears contained in the final report of the mortgage arrears and personal debt expert group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44080/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 141 and 145 together.

The Deputies will be aware that the Final Report by the Mortgage Arrears and Personal Debt Group (Group) was submitted to me on Tuesday 16th November and brought before Government on the same day.

The Final Report includes both a list of the recommendations in the Group's Interim Report and also additional recommendations arising from the findings of the Group in the second phase of its work following the publication of the Interim Report.

The Central Bank will publish a revised Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears shortly, which will give effect to many of these measures. Work on other recommendations is in hand. The new measures referred to by the Deputy in her question are summarised below under the headings ‘Interim Report Main Recommendations' and ‘Final Report Main Recommendations' for completeness. A complete list of all the recommendations is included in Chapter 2 of the Final Report available at (www.finance.gov.ie ).

Interim Report Main Recommendations

All lenders will be required to put in place a Mortgage Arrears Resolution Process. This will ensure consistent treatment of borrowers in difficulty

There will be much greater emphasis on communication with borrowers at all stages

There will be standardised documentation and a consistent approach to borrowers in difficulty

There will continue to be a strong emphasis on forbearance to give borrowers the opportunity and time to resolve their difficulties

The Department of Social Protection should introduce an alternative and more equitable approach to achieving the MIS objectives an maintaining its sustainability in light of changes in the economic climate and the mortgage market.

Final Report Main Recommendations

A Deferred Interest Scheme should be introduced for borrowers who can pay at least 66% of the interest. This would give borrowers up to 5 years to get back on their feet.

Where a mortgage is unsustainable, assessment for social housing should be done before repossession takes place.

A mechanism should be put in place to allow repossessed borrowers to remain in their homes for a time, allowing the housing authority time to source appropriate accommodation.

New bankruptcy legislation should be introduced.

A statutory non-judicial debt settlement system should be established

The time limit for discharge of debt should vary in line with the total value of debt.

Tax Code

Terence Flanagan

Ceist:

142 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance if homeowners who trade down their home in order to reduce their debt as recommended in the mortgage arrears and personal debt group’s final report will be subject to the current rates of stamp duty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44047/10]

Stamp Duty, like all other sources of Government revenue, is a matter for review during the annual budgetary process and the Deputy is aware it is not customary to comment on possible changes in advance of the Budget. The current legislation on stamp duty provides no special relief for trade downs.

Insurance Industry

Noel Grealish

Ceist:

143 Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Finance if, with reference to the flooding in November 2009 and the situation where householders are no longer able to secure house insurance or flood cover, serious flooding were to occur again, the proposals he has in place for an insurance scheme to indemnify these householders; if he will provide a timeframe for the introduction of this Government backed scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44054/10]

As highlighted in the Deputy's question, an indemnification scheme is one option that has been suggested for households who are unable to obtain flood cover. A key factor in any decision on this matter will be the impact on future expenditure, particularly in the current economic climate. As the Deputy will be aware the Government is considering the options open to it in order to try and address the non-availability of flood cover on a cost effective basis for the Exchequer. The costs associated with indemnification are however potentially quite high and are difficult to quantify for any particular year. However, over a period of time it is possible to say that the costs would be significant on the basis that there have been six major floods costing the insurance industry approximately 516m euro in flood claims over the 10 year period 2000-2009. These costs would be in addition to the normal infrastructure costs which arise from flooding such as repair of roads, bridges etc.

Furthermore, there exists a very real possibility that the potential costs of the scheme would increase over time because once indemnification was introduced, industry would have a strong incentive to discontinue the provision of flood cover in medium and high risk areas. This would be a serious and retrograde step in seeking to maximise the availability of insurance coverage in the marketplace. Therefore such a proposal has the potential to weaken the existing private insurance regime, thus making it more difficult to withdraw an indemnity, even if introduced on a short-term basis.

Flood Relief

Noel Grealish

Ceist:

144 Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Finance if in view of the economic situation, money allocated by the Office of Public Works for flood alleviation works in the Claregalway, Caherlea, Lisheenavalla and Carnmore areas has been ring-fenced and will be available when works are to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44055/10]

The Commissioners of Public Works are in the process of procuring both Engineering and Environmental Consultants to complete the design process for a flood relief scheme on the Clare River in the environs of Claregalway and Caherlea/Lisheenavalla. A study of the Carnmore area has recently been completed and the flood relief measures proposed in this report will be considered for inclusion in the overall programme of works to be undertaken in Claregalway area. Funding for the detailed design of the scheme and the commencement of construction works is currently included in the OPW's financial programme for 2011.

The OPW has also agreed to carry out some interim flood relief measures in advance of the main scheme. These consist of:

1. The construction of a flood eye beside Claregalway Bridge.

2. The subsequent replacement of Crusheeny Bridge.

However a number of archaeological issues have arisen near the Claregalway Bridge site. The Commissioners of Public Works advise that they are hopeful that these issues will be resolved in the near future thereby allowing the interim works to commence shortly thereafter.

Question No. 145 answered with Question No. 141.

Children in Care

Dinny McGinley

Ceist:

146 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans that exist for a domestic property at a location (details supplied) in County Kilkenny that is thought to be under consideration for use as a residential home by her Department; if there are plans for a residential home at this location under the auspices of her Department or the Department in conjunction with the Health Service Executive or any other interested body; the section of the community that would benefit from such a home that is addiction services recipients, ex-offenders; the number of residents anticipated at any one time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43680/10]

Dinny McGinley

Ceist:

165 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans that exist for a domestic property at a location (details supplied) in County Kilkenny that is thought to be under consideration for use as a residential home by the Health Service Executive, south east specifically; if there are plans for a residential home at this location under the auspices of the HSE or any other interested body in conjunction with the HSE; the section of the community that would benefit from such a home that is senior citizens, adolescents, children, addiction services recipients and ex-offenders; the number of residents anticipated at any one time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43679/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 146 and 165 together.

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

Mental Health Services

John O'Donoghue

Ceist:

147 Deputy John O’Donoghue asked the Minister for Health and Children the funding that can be made available in order to carry out urgent repairs to a home (details supplied) in County Kerry which is home to 12 patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44233/10]

John O'Donoghue

Ceist:

171 Deputy John O’Donoghue asked the Minister for Health and Children if funding will be made available to carry out essential repairs to bathrooms and accommodation for 12 patients at a premises (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43715/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 147 and 171 together.

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

Hospital Services

Dan Neville

Ceist:

148 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason Louth County Hospital was closed. [43544/10]

Louth County Hospital has not been closed, and there are no plans to do so. The Deputy will be aware that the HSE has reorganised services in the Louth/Meath Hospital Group, and this Hospital continues to play an important and expanding role in the provision of health services in the North East region, with a particular focus on diagnostic and day services.

A minor injuries unit and additional ambulance services have been put in place in Dundalk to support this plan. Gynaecology, medical and surgical day services, stroke rehabilitation, radiology and step down services remain in the hospital. In addition, an elderly day assessment service has transferred to Louth County Hospital. Project teams have also been established to progress with development of plans for both the orthopaedic rehabilitation and medical palliative inpatient beds in the hospital.

The development of the above services demonstrates the Government's commitment to the future of Louth County Hospital. Patient safety is central to the delivery of health services. People must have confidence in the care they receive and have the best possible outcomes. All decisions regarding the operation of health services will be taken with patient safety as the priority.

Services for People with Disabilities

Jack Wall

Ceist:

149 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will have a full needs assessment carried out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43549/10]

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.

Nursing Home Subventions

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

150 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person is resident in a private nursing home under fair deal and the cost of their stay is less than their pension, the position regarding the remainder of their pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43559/10]

The Financial Assessment for the Nursing Homes Support Scheme takes all of a person's income and assets into account. The person's contribution to care is then worked out based on 80% of the person's assessable income, which includes their pension, and 5% of the value of their assets per annum. The person retains the remaining 20% of their assessable income. The first €36,000 of the person's assets, or €72,000 in the case of a couple, is not included at all in the assessment. It should also be noted that a person will never pay more than the cost of their care.

Finally, if 80% of a person's pension per week exceeds the weekly cost of care, they will not qualify for State support under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme.

Hospital Services

James Bannon

Ceist:

151 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Longford is not being given an appointment to see a specialist in the Mater Hospital until September 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43567/10]

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

Health Service Funding

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

152 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the future funding arrangements and the designated officer appointed by the Health Service Executive to liaise with a body (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43608/10]

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

153 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the Health Service Executive grants to a body were not listed on that body’s set of audited accounts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43609/10]

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

154 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive sanctioned a payment in 2009 to deal with the accounts of a body (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43610/10]

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

155 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that two newly appointed members to a body (details supplied) in County Cork have resigned and their reasoning for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43611/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 152 to 155, inclusive, together.

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

Medical Aids and Appliances

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

156 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [43614/10]

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

Hospitals Building Programme

Pat Breen

Ceist:

157 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children if a contractor has been selected for the development works project at the Mid Western Regional Hospital in Ennis, County Clare; the cost of this project; when the project will commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43626/10]

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

Health Services

Pat Breen

Ceist:

158 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress to date on the reconfiguration of acute services in the mid west region; if she will outline the next phase of the project; if any; the services involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43627/10]

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

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

159 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the approved dental treatments now available to medical card holders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43628/10]

Treatments available to medical card holders under the Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) are prioritised in accordance with clinical necessity. Under the Scheme, emergency care is provided, with a focus on the relief of pain and sepsis. The remaining care provision is subject to prior approval by a clinician in the HSE, who will prioritise for:

High risk and exceptional patients;

Those requiring emergency care, and

Patients who are considered to have greater clinical urgency and/or necessity in receiving care.

The HSE monitors the DTSS from a clinical and budgetary perspective and engages with dental professionals to ensure clarity and consistency in its delivery.

Medical Cards

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

160 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children when a decision will issue on a medical card appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43643/10]

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

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

161 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children when a decision will be made on an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43651/10]

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

Ambulance Service

James Reilly

Ceist:

162 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the excellent service provided to the residents of Swords and north Fingal by the Dublin fire brigade ambulance which operates full time from Swords fire station and which had 4,500 emergency 999 calls out last year; if she will reassure this Deputy that this excellent and critical service will continue in Swords and that funding for the Dublin fire brigade ambulance in Swords will be provided and continue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43656/10]

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

Services for People with Disabilities

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

163 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied). [43659/10]

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

172 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied). [43722/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 163 and 172 together.

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

Mental Health Services

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

164 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children her views regarding funding for mental health (details supplied) in the upcoming budget; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43662/10]

The Government will be considering the 2011 Estimates for the health service over the coming weeks in the context of its strategy for economic recovery and its target to reduce the general government deficit to 3% of GDP by 2014. Notwithstanding the difficult financial environment, the Government is determined to do everything possible to protect services, to respond to priority demographic and other needs and to support ongoing reform of the public health services within the resources available for health. To achieve this, staff at all levels will have to work together to deliver services in a more flexible way. It is essential that the impact on frontline services of any cuts is minimised while ensuring that the needs of service users remains the highest priority.

The HSE is working within limited financial resources. The appropriate management of the public finances means that the health sector, which represents over 27% of public expenditure, must operate within the approved budget set out at the start of the year. Under Section 31(1) of the Health Act, 2004, the HSE is required to prepare an annual National Service Plan. The Plan, which must indicate the type and volume of health and personal social services to be provided by the HSE, is submitted to the Minister for Health and Children for approval. The appropriate management of the health services also means that the mental health services must be funded in an equitable and sustainable manner.

The estimated cost of the implementation of ‘A Vision for Change’ is €150m over 7 to 10 years. Development funding totalling €54 million has been allocated to the HSE since the launch of the Report in 2006. In addition, almost €1 million was allocated this year under the Dormant Accounts Fund for a programme of suicide prevention measures to help communities to develop integrated local action plans for suicide prevention. To further the implementation of ‘A Vision for Change’, the 2010 Employment Control Framework for the health service provided an exemption from the moratorium on recruitment and allowed 100 psychiatric posts to be filled by nurses or therapists.

There are substantial resources already invested in mental health. The reconfiguring and remodelling of these resources will be the main focus for the immediate future. While implementation of ‘A Vision for Change’ has been somewhat slower than originally anticipated it is important to say that in many parts of the country, services are pressing ahead with the implementation of the policy. Significant progress has been achieved including: shorter episodes of inpatient care, improved child and adolescent mental health services, fewer involuntary admissions and the involvement of service users in all aspects of mental health policy, service planning and delivery. Acute admissions to St Brendan’s Hospital have ceased. Plans for the transfer of acute inpatient admissions from St Ita’s Hospital to a new purpose built unit on the Beaumont Hospital Campus are proceeding. New Community Nursing Units in Ballinasloe and Mullingar have been developed.

The number of child and adolescent inpatient beds will increase from 30 to 52 before the end of 2010. This together with the Mental Health Commission code of practice relating to the admission of children under the Mental Health Act 2001 will greatly reduce the need to admit children to adult units.

Question No. 165 answered with Question No. 146.

Health Services

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

166 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a matter (details supplied). [43694/10]

The Health Service Executive published a National Review of GP Out-of-Hours Services in March 2010. The HSE is in discussion with North-Doc Medical Services Limited, which supplies the GPs for the D-Doc service, with a view to implementing certain changes to the service from 1 January 2011. Both the HSE and North-Doc Medical Services Limited are committed to continuing this valuable service for the people of North Dublin city and county.

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

167 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of Health Service Executive methadone and stabilisation clinics, including the Drug Treatment Centre Board in each local and regional drug taskforce area; the number of residents in those areas attending for treatment at each centre; the number of applicants for treatment at each centre; the number of applicants from such areas attending for treatment at each centre; the number for applicants from such areas attending for treatment at centres in other local and regional drugs taskforce areas indicating which centres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43703/10]

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

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

168 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the situation where elderly persons are being released from hospitals by agreeing to attend day care centres when those day care centres are experiencing cuts in funding and as such are unable to provide adequate services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43704/10]

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

Medical Cards

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

169 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the fact that the current system regarding medical cards is proving very problematic for vulnerable senior citizens in terms of form filling, access to one-to-one contact with personnel, and particular special circumstances not being taken into account, and if she will address these issues. [43705/10]

Under the Health Act 2008, a much simplified system of assessment for eligibility was introduced in respect of persons aged 70 or over, based on the significantly higher gross income thresholds rather than the standard net income limits. The gross income thresholds are €700 per week for a single person aged over 70 and €1,400 for a couple.

Where a person aged 70 or over does not qualify for a medical card by virtue of their gross income being over the specified thresholds, the HSE will assess if the person qualifies for a medical card or GP visit card under the existing net income thresholds.

Notwithstanding the above, the HSE may issue a medical card on a discretionary basis, if the applicant would otherwise be caused undue hardship in providing general medical and surgical services for himself/herself and any dependants. To assist the HSE in making such a determination, it is necessary for the applicant to provide information about medical issues and expenses.

In January 2009, the Health Service Executive's (HSE) Primary Care Reimbursement Services (PCRS) took over the processing of all medical card applications for persons aged 70 or over. Under the centralisation plan, the HSE's Local Health Offices continue to have access to the national system and provide the public with assistance and information locally in relation to medical card eligibility and making an application, and the current status of their application or review.

To date, the central office at PCRS has processed 232,461 Medical Card applications and reviews. 186,512 Medical Cards were issued, 2,034 applications were unsuccessful, 14,141 applications were incomplete and further information is awaited and 7,534 applications are currently being processed.

Hospital Accommodation

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

170 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of respite beds for elderly vulnerable senior citizens in Dublin’s north inner city. [43713/10]

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

Question No. 171 answered with Question No. 147.
Question No. 172 answered with Question No. 163.

Foreign Adoptions

Charles Flanagan

Ceist:

173 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will clarify, post-ratification of the Hague Convention, the person who will be responsible for the formation of working agreements required by Hague signatory countries; if there is any communication between her office or the Adoption Authority of Ireland with Vietnam; when the responsible party plan to begin such work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43723/10]

The Adoption Authority will be responsible for the formation of working agreements, where necessary, with Hague signatory countries. The OMCYA, with the assistance of the Irish Embassy in Vietnam, has ongoing contact with the Vietnamese authorities in relation to outstanding issues, following the decision of the Government to cease adoptions from Vietnam subsequent to the publication of the International Social Services and Molisa Reports.

Health Services

Michael Creed

Ceist:

174 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will request the Health Service Executive to publish a national programme for neurological care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43726/10]

The Director of the Office of Quality and Clinical Care in the HSE, met the Irish Consultant Neurologists' Association earlier this year to discuss how best to move neurology services in Ireland forward. Following these discussions it was agreed to set up national programmes on stroke management, epilepsy and access for neurology outpatients. These programmes were established in the summer and are currently in the planning phase of the process. The setting up of these programmes shows both the importance that the HSE gives to neurological care, and its commitment to improving access to neurological services. Specifically, plans for epilepsy and stroke will include developing protocols of care and delivering expert care closer to people's homes as well as in the expert centres and will have a focus on patient advocacy. Additional revenue funding of almost €8m has been allocated to the HSE between 2006 and 2009 for the overall development of services in the area of neurosciences.

Ambulance Service

Michael Creed

Ceist:

175 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children the outcome of the reorganisation and rationalisation of the ambulance service in Cork and the specific implications for ambulance cover in all of the existing ambulance centres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43728/10]

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

Long-Term Illness Scheme

Ned O'Keeffe

Ceist:

176 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will consider including a specific illness in the long-term illness card scheme (details supplied). [43733/10]

There are no plans to extend the list of eligible conditions covered by the Long Term Illness Scheme. Under the Drugs Payment Scheme no individual or family pays more than €120 per calendar month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme is easy to use and significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines. In addition, people who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be entitled to a medical card. In the assessment process, the Health Service Executive can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family. Those who are not eligible for a medical card may still be able to avail of a GP visit card, which covers the cost of general practice consultations.

Medical Aids and Appliances

Ned O'Keeffe

Ceist:

177 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will arrange for a specific item to be provided to a person (details supplied) as a matter of urgency. [43739/10]

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

Accident and Emergency Services

Liz McManus

Ceist:

178 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the continued provision of a 24-hour accident and emergency service at St. Columcille’s Hospital, County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43743/10]

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

Health Services

Beverley Flynn

Ceist:

179 Deputy Beverley Flynn asked the Minister for Health and Children in respect of the home help service in County Mayo, Health Service Executive west; the number of home help hours allocated to each public health nurse area at the start of 2010; the numbers allocated following the recent review; if HSE west notified her of any change in the stated commitment of maintaining the same number of home help hours in 2010 at the level of 2009; the number of home help hours contracted out by HSE west in County Mayo to private providers in 2009 and 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43744/10]

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

National Carers Strategy

Charlie O'Connor

Ceist:

180 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has had direct or indirect input into the unpublished national carers strategy; the nature of that input if applicable; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43750/10]

During 2008, an interdepartmental group, chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach, with secretariat support provided by the Department of Social Protection, undertook work, including a public consultation process, to develop a National Carers' Strategy. My Department was represented and participated appropriately on that group. However, as the Deputy is aware, because of the prevailing economic situation, it was not possible to set targets or time limits which could be achieved. In that context, rather than publishing a document which did not include any significant plans for the future, the Government decided not to publish a strategy. This position remains unchanged.

Hospital Services

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Ceist:

181 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will request the Health Service Executive to expedite a surgical procedure in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43754/10]

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

Health Service Staff

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

182 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Health and Children if an occupational therapist will be appointed to replace a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43764/10]

With regard to the provision of occupational therapy services, as this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Hospital Services

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

183 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [43872/10]

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

Health Services

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

184 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a matter (details supplied). [43873/10]

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

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

185 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied). [43874/10]

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

Children in Care

Seán Power

Ceist:

186 Deputy Seán Power asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 96 of 14 October 2010, when a reply will issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43893/10]

My Department has been advised by the Health Service Executive (HSE) that a reply will issue to the Deputy on or before the 26th November 2010.

Hospital Charges

Shane McEntee

Ceist:

187 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the doctor attached to a Garda station is obliged to see to the person held in custody only; and the reason a person accompanied to the station by the gardaí as the victim of an assault is later brought to accident and emergency and charged a hospital fee, when the fee would have been waived if the person had been brought by ambulance. [43904/10]

Under the Health (Out-Patient Charges) Regulations 1994, a charge is made for services provided at designated accident and emergency or casualty departments. The charge applies to everyone with the exception of those who have a letter of referral from a registered medical practitioner and certain other categories of persons, such as persons with full eligibility, women receiving services in respect of motherhood, children up to the age of six weeks and children suffering from prescribed long term diseases.

My colleague, the Minister for Justice and Law Reform has confirmed that in all circumstances where a person requires medical attention, be they a person in custody, an injured party or a member of the public who has become unwell and whom a member of An Garda Síochána encounters in the course of their duty, the primary concern of An Garda Síochána is the well-being of the person concerned having regard to the duty, as provided for in section 7 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, to protect life. The decision as to whether the circumstances require an ambulance to be summoned is dealt with on a case-by-case basis, in the best interest of the person. In relation to persons in custody, however, the Garda Síochána have a clearly defined particular legal responsibility. The Criminal Justice Act, 1984 (Treatment of Persons in Custody in Garda Síochána Stations) Regulations 1987 as amended, prescribe the standards for the treatment of persons detained. In relation to the attendance of a doctor at a Garda Station the regulations provide inter alia that if a person in custody appears to the member in charge to need medical attention, then he or she shall summon a doctor or cause one to be summoned.

Health Service Allowances

Michael Creed

Ceist:

188 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 698 of 29 September 2010, if a person (details supplied) in County Cork is entitled to an increased rate of mobility allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43977/10]

The Deputy's previous question in relation to the person named was referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for a direct reply to the Deputy. The HSE has informed the Department that a reply will issue as soon as possible. I have forwarded the Deputy's further question to the HSE for their attention.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

189 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons on waiting lists for elective surgery in the north-east region; the average waiting time for elective surgery in the respective hospitals in the region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44032/10]

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

Health Service Staff

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

190 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the filling of four vacant dental surgery posts in County Meath; the current waiting time for dental treatment in County Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44033/10]

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

Services for People with Disabilities

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Ceist:

191 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on issues raised on a document (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44038/10]

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

199 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support an organisation (details supplied) as a matter of priority in 2011. [44175/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 191 and 199 together.

I met with the Jack and Jill Foundation on Tuesday 12th October last. The Health Service Executive was also represented at the meeting. We discussed a range of issues including the funding and provision of services. I will continue to engage with the Jack and Jill Foundation.

Both the Minister and I and the Health Service Executive recognise the valuable contribution that the many agencies and charities make in the provision of health and personal social services to people with a disability.

Reflecting the current economic situation the health sector must manage service levels within available resources. The HSE together with the ‘non-statutory organisations' who provide services on behalf of the HSE, will continue to review how these services are provided in order to protect the delivery of front line services as much as possible. In the current environment, this is a challenge for all, including the HSE and non statutory charity organisations. The HSE will continue to work closely with all agencies and bodies in the sector, including Jack and Jill, to provide whatever assistance it can from within its resources, in the context of the annual Service Level Agreement arrangements.

The very difficult financial position facing the country will obviously require very careful management across all areas of expenditure, including the disability sector. Notwithstanding this difficult financial environment, the Government is determined to do everything possible to protect patient services, to respond to priority demographic and other needs, and to support ongoing reform of the public heath services within the resources available for health.

Departmental Reports

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Ceist:

192 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that the national rehabilitation strategy is published and implemented as part of the Health Service Executive Service Plan for 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44043/10]

As the Deputy may be aware, the Department of Health and Children and the Health Service Executive (HSE) established a Working Group to develop a national policy and strategy for the provision of neuro-rehabilitation services. Its terms of reference include the development of an appropriate policy framework for neuro-rehabilitation and a preferred model of care for the provision of neuro-rehabilitation services.

The Group has now completed its work. Discussions are on-going between the Department of Health and Children and the HSE to agree an implementation plan. It is hoped to formally publish the report in the coming months.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) National Service Plan for 2011 is currently in development within the HSE.

Medical Cards

Michael Ring

Ceist:

193 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved for a medical card. [44049/10]

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

Health Services

Michael Ring

Ceist:

194 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of home help hours lost in County Mayo from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2009. [44075/10]

Michael Ring

Ceist:

195 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive West, Mayo, are adhering to the national guidelines in relation to home help hours. [44076/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 194 and 195 together.

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

Departmental Bodies

Lucinda Creighton

Ceist:

196 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 289 of 2 November 2010 regarding the number of high level groups operating in her Department, when a reply will issue. [44081/10]

The information requested by the Deputy is currently being finalised within my Department and will be forwarded to her very shortly.

Lucinda Creighton

Ceist:

197 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of times she has sought advice from the Childrens Act Advisory Board on policy issues relating to the co-ordinated delivery of services under the Children Act 2001, in the years 2007, 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; if she will outline all publications of the board in each of those years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44084/10]

The Children Acts Advisory Board was established in 2007. The Board has advised the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (OMCYA) on best practice and co-ordination in the special residential care sector, on both a formal and informal basis.

Since 2007, the OMCYA has been kept updated on the work of the Board, through the following means:

Annual Reports and Newsletters;

Evidence to Practice Seminars and Network Events;

Research Reports & Launch Seminars;

Conferences;

Children's Services Awards;

Guidance Reports;

Meetings.

Over this period, the Board researched and reported on a number of key issues, including:

Guardian ad Litem guidance;

Inter-Agency working;

Therapeutic Interventions;

Physical Restraint;

Social Care Guidelines;

Initiatives such as ‘Different Response Model' and Restorative Practices and how these might be applied in Ireland;

Progress against the objectives of the Children Acts;

Criteria for the Appropriate Use of Special Care units;

Garda Case Management Project.

The full list of publications of the Children's Acts Advisory Board is outlined on its website at www.caab.ie.

Lucinda Creighton

Ceist:

198 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of times the Health Research Board has met in each of the years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010. [44085/10]

The Health Research Board met on the following number of occasions in the years 2006-2010:

Year

Number of meetings

2006

14

2007

9

2008

18

2009

21

2010 (up to 19 November 2010)

14

Question No. 199 answered with Question No. 191.

Departmental Expenditure

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

200 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of money that has been paid annually since 2002 to registered charities; if she will specify which charities, on the subject of institutional and religious abuse and the way the Government has monitored the spend of these funds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44525/10]

The table below outlines funding provided by the Department of Health and Children, whether directly or indirectly (e.g, through the former health boards), over the period 2002-2005, broken down by group:

Support Groups

2002

2003

2004

* 2005

Association for the Healing of Institutional Abuse (AHIA) [Previously known as the Aislinn Centre]

64,602.00

78,700.00

123,731.56

54,610.00

Alliance for Healing of Institutional Abuse

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Coventry Irish Society(Formerly ICARG)

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Federation of Irish Societies

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Immigrant Counselling and Psychotherapy (ICAP)

597,097.64

641,921.15

592,321.37

468,666.52

Le Cheile Eile

Nil

4,000.00

Nil

Nil

One in Four

208,000.00

404,000.00

383,238.00

383,238.00

Right of Place

5,304.63

171,924.60

202,908.80

297,354.00

SOCA UK

Nil

Nil

65,000.00

65,000.00

*Payments of support groups were transferred over to the Health Service Executive during 2005.

In addition to the above, National Lottery funding has been paid as follows:

National Lottery Grants

Year

Amount

One in Four

2003

100,000.00

2005

100,000.00

Right of Place

2003

50,000.00

Payments were sanctioned by the Department and made by the then North Eastern Health Board (now the Health Service Executive) from a Central Development Fund. Since 2005, the full responsibility for such funding has transferred to the HSE, and my Department has asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy in this regard.

Coast Guard Service

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

201 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding a planned building project (details supplied) in County Cork. [43624/10]

The Office of Public Works are in the process of evaluating tenders received for the building of the Station House. The Irish Coast Guard is awaiting a decision on these tenders.

EU Directives

Simon Coveney

Ceist:

202 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Transport if he has reviewed the use of the Eurovignette Directive in other EU countries; the revenue that could be generated from the introduction of the Eurovignette; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43740/10]

Directive 1999/62/EC, as amended, provides an EU wide framework for the application of tolls and road use charges in the Member States. Statutory Instrument number 87 of 2009, on the charging of heavy goods vehicles for the use of certain infrastructures, transposes this Directive, alternatively known as the Eurovignette Directive, into national law. The Eurovignette Directive has already been implemented in Ireland. There are a number of toll schemes in operation in the State for the purposes of charging for the road infrastructure being used. The review of the use of the Eurovignette Directive is a matter for the European Commission.

Question No. 203 postponed.

Departmental Bodies

Lucinda Creighton

Ceist:

204 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Transport the role and action of the Railway Safety Advisory Council in the aftermath of the Malahide viaduct collapse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44086/10]

The function of the Railway Safety Advisory Council, as set out in the Railway Safety Act 2005, is to consider issues relevant to railway safety and to make recommendations, as appropriate, to the Commission or to the Minister.

Residency Permits

Phil Hogan

Ceist:

205 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if he will review an application for a residence card in respect of a person (details supplied) in view of the fact that they are living here for over five years and that their spouse has studied here for the past few years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43584/10]

I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person concerned made an application for a residence card as the non-EU family member of an EU citizen on 30 April, 2010. The person referred to by the Deputy was informed of the decision to refuse his application and the basis for this decision by letter dated 1 November, 2010.

The person concerned was advised that, if they felt the Deciding Officer had erred in fact and/or law, then they were entitled to request a review of the decision. The details of how they could seek such a review were set out in the letter. I should advise that to date my Department has received no such request from the applicant.

I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual Immigration cases may be made direct to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.

Court Procedures

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

206 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if he will support a matter (details supplied). [43684/10]

The matters raised by the Deputy were the subject of a High Court civil action.

The Deputy will appreciate that the Courts are, subject only to the Constitution and the law, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions and, therefore, it is not open to me as Minister to comment or intervene in any way in relation to how a particular case was conducted or the outcome of any such proceedings. These are matters entirely for the presiding Judge and it would be inappropriate for me to comment or intervene in such matters.

Firearms Licences

John Cregan

Ceist:

207 Deputy John Cregan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if a person (details supplied) in County Limerick who is acknowledged as an official FÁS pistol training instructor will have their .9mm pistol licence renewed. [43708/10]

The licensing of firearms is an operational matter for An Garda Síochána. Each application is judged on its own merits and the decision on whether, or not, to grant a firearm certificate rests solely with the issuing person. The decision of the issuing person cannot be fettered in any way and I have no role in the matter.

Television Licence

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

208 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if he will review the system for non-payment of TV licences and other fines, in view of the costs to the State and instead investigate a system of phased deductions from income or social welfare payments and or community service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43719/10]

The Fines Act 2010 provides for an innovative, balanced and more humane approach to the determination and collection of fines.

The Act will be commenced on a phased basis and the capacity to pay provisions will be among the first features of the legislation to be commenced in January, 2011. Section 14 places an obligation on the court to take account of the defendant's financial circumstances before a fine is imposed.

The remaining sections of the Act will be commenced as soon as the necessary arrangements have been put in place by the Courts Service to fully facilitate its operation.

The legislation does not make provision for attachment of earnings or social welfare payments. However, section 15 of the Act will allow a person on whom a fine has been imposed to make an application to the court to pay by instalments. A fine can be paid over a period of 12 months and exceptionally, over a two year period. I would like to see how these arrangements operate in practice before considering the possibility of adding attachment measures to the legislation.

The Act also provides for alternatives to imprisonment in the event of default on payment of a fine. In these circumstances, a recovery order — made at the time the court imposed the fine — can be activated and a receiver will be entitled to recover the fine, or to seize and sell property belonging to the person and recover the fine from the proceeds.

If the receiver fails to collect the fine or its value in seized goods, section 18 of the Act will make it possible for the court to impose a community service order on the defaulter rather than sending him or her to prison. Imprisonment on default of payment of a fine will be a last resort.

Protection from Defamation

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

209 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if he is satisfied that existing libel laws here adequately protect the good name of citizens in view of material posted online on chat rooms and blogging sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43877/10]

Policy in the law on defamation is contained in the Defamation Act 2009 as recently approved by both Houses of the Oireachtas. Under the Act, the tort of defamation consists of the publication, by any means, of a defamatory statement concerning a person to one or more than one person; and a statement includes electronic communication that is in the form of data, text or images.

Community Development

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

210 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if he is funding a youth centre (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43881/10]

I can inform the Deputy that my Department is not funding the youth centre in question.

Citizenship Applications

James Bannon

Ceist:

211 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the reason it would take two years, as outlined on his Department’s website to process an application for Irish citizenship in respect of an English person who has been married to an Irish citizen for twenty eight years; the justification for a fee of €950, payable on acceptance and if the delay is due to staff shortages and if so the reason it is not possible to transfer underemployed staff from other areas to expedite these applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44026/10]

In the absence of details relating to a specific case, the Deputy will appreciate that I am unable to provide a definitive response. However, I can advise of the position generally. At the outset, I should point out that the legislation governing naturalisation does not provide an inherent right to any applicant to a grant of naturalisation on foot of their application. Citizenship in this context is a privilege, not an entitlement.

A Certificate of Naturalisation is an exceptional and important document that facilitates a non-national becoming a citizen of Ireland. The making of an application for a certificate of naturalisation is an individual's choice. Applications must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria. The length of time taken to process each application should not be classified as a delay, as the length of time taken for any application to be decided is purely a function of the time taken to carry out necessary checks. The average processing time from application to decision for the generality of valid applications for a certificate of naturalisation is currently 26 months and this has been maintained despite the substantial increases in the volume of applications received in recent years. This has been possible as a result of the allocation of additional resources to the Division and further refinement of procedures. These procedures have been developed and refined over a number of years and continue to be kept under review by my Department to ensure that the integrity of the naturalisation process is maintained.

Certificates of naturalisation are issued on payment of the prescribed fee at the time of certification as set out in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. Certification fees for Citizenship were last changed in 2008.

Garda Deployment

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Ceist:

212 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the number of gardaí stationed in County Kildare who have retired in the past 12 months; the rank of these members of the force who have retired; if they have all been replaced; the stations where staff levels are reduced due to retirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44040/10]

I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of each Garda station in the Kildare Garda Division as at 30 September 2009 and 30 September 2010 is set out in the table below.

Station

30/09/09

30/09/10

Athy

28

28

Ballytore

2

2

Castledermot

3

3

Kildare

33

34

Monasterevin

4

4

Newbridge

45

45

Rathangan

4

4

Carbury

5

4

Celbridge

18

20

Kilcock

8

8

Leixlip

36

35

Maynooth

14

16

Ballymore Eustace

1

1

Clane

7

11

Kilcullen

3

2

Kill

3

4

Naas

108

102

Roberstown

4

5

Total

326

328

I am further informed that the number of Gardaí, by rank, who have retired in the Kildare Garda Division over the past 12 months is set out hereunder:

Rank

No.

Superintendent

1

Inspector

0

Sergeant

5

Garda

3

Total

9

Responsibility for the allocation of resources, including personnel, within the Force rests with the Garda Commissioner, in consultation with his senior management team. Resource levels are constantly monitored, in conjunction with crime trends and other demands made on An Garda Síochána. The situation is kept under continuing review to ensure optimum use is made of these resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.

Garda Investigations

Charles Flanagan

Ceist:

213 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if he will seek a report from the Garda Commissioner on the matter of media reports to the effect that the Garda investigation into Anglo-Irish Banks is being hampered by an inability on the part of investigating officers to access computer records by reason of not having proper access to password codes and if it is beyond the capacity of the Garda technical operators and experts to access the necessary devices in the course of a serious criminal investigation. [44045/10]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the investigation, which is being carried out jointly with the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement, referred to by the Deputy is ongoing, with a view to presenting cases to the Director of Public Prosecutions, and in the circumstances it would not be appropriate for me to comment on its operational aspects.

However, I have been assured by the Garda Commissioner that An Garda Síochána has no higher priority than completing it and that An Garda Síochána possesses sufficient technical expertise in relation to the various aspects of this ongoing investigation.

Immigration Procedures

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

214 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the report by the Human Rights Commission entitled Report on an Enquiry into the Treatment of a Visitor Refused Leave to Land in the State; the actions that have been taken in respect of the recommendations in the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44176/10]

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

215 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the report by the Human Rights Commission entitled Report of an Enquiry into the Treatment of a Visitor Refused Leave to Land in the State; his views on the claim in the report that Irish immigration officers have been operating in Northern Ireland; if this is correct, the powers under which these immigration officers are working; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44177/10]

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

As the Deputy is aware, the report concerns a refusal of leave to land case which occurred in January, 2003. Since then there have been a number of developments in relation to the general immigration policy and practice which also have relevance to the findings set out in this report.

Moreover, my Department along with other Departments and agencies, co-operated fully with the Irish Human Rights Commission in the conduct of the Enquiry.

In particular, I would draw the attention of the Deputy to the Immigration Residence and Protection Bill, 2010 which sets out a legislative framework for the management of inward migration to Ireland. It sets out in a single code, comprehensive statutory provisions for visas, entry to the State, residence permits and protection as well as streamlined provisions for the removal of foreign nationals unlawfully in the State in place of the current deportation process. The Bill provides for a review mechanism in the case of a decision to refuse to grant a visa and for certain categories of residence permission. I can assure the Deputy that the Human Rights obligations of the State have been fully taken into account in the drafting of the Bill's provisions. The Bill is currently at Dáil Committee Stage. The Bill will be supplemented by detailed guidelines in secondary legislation relating to a range of immigration issues which will provide clear direction for staff and migrants.

Furthermore, the visa application and tracking service AVATS which includes an on-line application facility has been rolled out to all visa processing sites in Irish Embassies, Consulates and Visa Offices since July, 2009. The new process provides travellers with a more convenient means of attaining the required documentation for travel to Ireland, whilst at the same time simplifying the process.

As regards the Deputy's question in respect of Immigration Officers operating outside this jurisdiction, I would refer him to my reply to Dáil Question No. 952 of 29 September, 2010. In my reply to that question, I stated that in the event of a member of An Garda Síochána who is an immigration officer travelling outside the State for the purpose of interacting with the law enforcement authorities operating in Northern Ireland or any other jurisdiction, he/she is not in a position to utilise the immigration powers conferred on them by the Minister for Justice and Law Reform as those powers relate only to the control of non-nationals entering, residing in or leaving this State.

Asylum Applications

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

216 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the decision by the UK Border Agency to suspend using language analysis testing on asylum seekers that had been supplied from a Swedish firm; if the Office of the Refugee Applications Commission continues to use the services of this firm; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44178/10]

As the Deputy will be aware, the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner uses the services of the firm in question and I am advised that it has no plans to cease so using it.

EU Directives

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

217 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if he has made a recent assessment of the merits of opting into the European directive on the right to information in criminal proceedings; if so, the way it is proposed to introduce the directive into Irish law and the timetable involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44179/10]

Dáil Éireann, on 19 October 2010, and Seanad Éireann, on 20 October 2010, approved, in accordance with Article 29.4.7 of Bunreacht na hÉireann, the exercise by the State of the option provided by Article 3.1 of Protocol 21 annexed to the Treaty of Lisbon to notify the President of the Council of the European Union that it wishes to take part in the adoption and application of the Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the right to information in criminal proceedings. The President of the Council was notified accordingly on 21 October 2010.

Discussions on the draft Directive are ongoing in the preparatory bodies of the Council. As this is a measure in which the European Parliament is a co-legislator, it would be neither appropriate nor possible for me to say when agreement on the measure will be reached.

A decision on how the Directive will be transposed into Irish law can only be made when the final text is available. However, I can say that preliminary indications are that new primary legislation is unlikely to be required.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

218 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if he has made a recent assessment of the merits of opting into the proposed EU human trafficking directive; if so, the way it is proposed to introduce the directive into Irish law and the timetable involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44180/10]

I sought and obtained the approval of both Houses of the Oireachtas earlier this year to opt into the measure referred to by the Deputy. This approval was sought on the basis that it is, in my view, important to address this issue, given its trans-border nature, with as coherent and common an approach as possible. A number of the provisions of this proposed Directive are already provided for in Irish law under the Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act, 2008 or are provided for on an administrative basis. The manner in which outstanding issues will be implemented will be determined in consultation with the Attorney General after the proposed measure is agreed including the timescale for adoption.

Asylum Applications

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

219 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if he will supply in tabular form the number of subsidiary protection applications received from persons other than unsuccessful refugee applicants for each of the past six years; the number of such applicants who were successful for each of the past six years; if section 5 of the Immigration Act 2004 applies or does not apply to such persons whose applications are being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44181/10]

I wish to inform the Deputy that in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006) a person must have been refused a declaration as a refugee in order to be eligible to apply for Subsidiary Protection. One application has been received from a person who is not a failed refugee. This application is currently the subject of legal proceedings.

Departmental Expenditure

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

220 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the amount of money that has been paid annually since 2002 to registered charities; if he will specify which charities, on the subject of institutional and religious abuse and the way the Government has monitored the spend of these funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44526/10]

I assume that the Deputy's question relates solely to institutional and religious abuse and on that basis I wish to inform the Deputy that funding was provided by my Department to enable One in Four to provide support to victims of abuse, including victims dealing with the Commission of Investigation into the Dublin Archdiocese and the Diocese of Cloyne. One in Four subsequently reported on how the funding was used and the breakdown is as follows:

Year

2006

34,000

2007

45,000

2008

60,000

2009

60,000

Passport Applications

Seán Barrett

Ceist:

221 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide passport applicants approaching 65 years of age with the option of purchasing a short-term passport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44372/10]

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

226 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to issue passports for periods shorter than the 10-year minimum to facilitate citizens in their 60s who will not be liable to any charge when they reach retirement age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44008/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 221 and 226 together.

Citizens over the age of 65 are currently entitled to a passport free of charge. Introducing an arrangement whereby adults of any age would be eligible to apply for a passport for a period of less than 10 years would increase the total demand for passports and thereby require the recruitment of additional staff, something which cannot be accommodated in the context of the public finances. In addition, because the logic behind such a suggestion is that such persons would pay a fee lower than that due for a 10 year passport, the significant gap between the fee paid and the cost of producing the passport would have to be met by the taxpayer. For these reasons, I have no plans to introduce passports of less than 10 years' validity for adult applicants, regardless of age.

Diplomatic Representation

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

222 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding a matter (details supplied). [43890/10]

As the incident to which the Deputy refers is the subject of legal proceedings in another jurisdiction, I will not comment on any elements which are sub judice, but will limit my reply to the role of my Department in providing consular assistance to the person concerned. In regard to this case, the relevant Irish Embassy dealt with an Irish citizen who requested consular assistance on behalf of the person mentioned. As with every Irish citizen who contacts an Irish Embassy, my Department sought to deal with the matter professionally and sympathetically. However, as the person concerned is a citizen of a third country, travelling on a third country passport, our Embassy involved did not have standing to intervene with the local authorities or police on behalf of this person. The Embassy, nonetheless, endeavoured to provide all appropriate assistance to the Irish citizen acting on this person’s behalf, and contacted the Embassy of the country of the passport which he used to enter the host country to alert them to the situation.

The question has since arisen as to whether the person concerned is eligible for Irish citizenship by virtue of naturalisation. Citizenship legislation and policy is a matter for the Department of Justice and Law Reform in accordance with the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended. My Department is not aware of the position of the person involved regarding any application he may have made for Irish citizenship.

All Irish citizens are entitled to hold an Irish passport, and to seek consular assistance from our Missions abroad by virtue of this. In general terms, when a person travels outside their country of citizenship, where consular assistance is required, it is provided by their country of citizenship. Where a person holds more than one passport, established international consular practice generally holds that the passport used to enter the host nation will dictate the State through which consular assistance can be sought.

Under international law there is no express obligation on countries to legally recognise dual-citizenship and this can have serious implications in the provision of consular assistance. Irish citizens with dual-citizenship travelling on the passport of their other citizenship and requiring consular assistance in the host nation are expected to approach the consular post representing the country of their other citizenship, i.e. the country of the passport used to enter the host country.

Although my Department remains ready and willing to assist all Irish citizens, regardless of any other citizenship held, in the host country, the degree to which Irish Missions can intervene in cases of dual citizenship may be limited where the individual has chosen not to travel on their Irish passport. The authorities in a number of countries will only recognise the citizenship of the passport used on entry. This is particularly the case when the individual has been arrested or charged with the commission of an offence.

I can assure the Deputy that my Department remains at the service of all Irish citizens to provide any consular assistance possible to them in situations of distress overseas.

Human Rights Issues

Joe Costello

Ceist:

223 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to allegations of ill treatment of a prisoner (details supplied); if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that the prisoner is on hunger strike since 7 November 2010; and if he will take steps to ensure that the Scottish authorities are informed of Ireland’s concern about the allegations. [43935/10]

On 9 November my Department was contacted by a family member of the person referred to by the Deputy, who alleged that the person concerned had been attacked by prison officers in Barlinnie Remand Prison in Glasgow. On my instruction, our Consulate-General in Edinburgh was in immediate and direct contact with the relevant Scottish authorities at the prison to raise concerns about his treatment and to confirm our interest in his well-being. They have also contacted the person concerned to offer consular assistance, including, if he wishes, a prison visit.

The Consulate-General has today been informed by the prison authorities that the person concerned has ended his hunger strike and is receiving appropriate medical treatment. Officials of my Department will remain in contact with the prison authorities and will ensure that consular assistance continues to be provided to both the person concerned and his family.

Passport Service

Seán Barrett

Ceist:

224 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the revenue generated from the passport office through the issue of passports annually since 2006; if he will provide the annual cost of the passport service since 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43959/10]

Seán Barrett

Ceist:

225 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the receipts, current expenditure and capital expenditure of the passport service annually since 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44005/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 224 and 225 together.

An annual revenue/cost statement for Passport Service for the period 2006-2009 is set out below. Figures for 2010 will not be available until the Department's Appropriation Account has been signed after the end of the financial year.

The statement shows that whereas the number of passports issued fell by 6.75% over the period, passport fee income has remained relatively stable, reflecting increases in passport charges in 2009. The average cost of producing a passport varied slightly over the period reflecting the one off costs associated with the introduction of the enhanced security features of the ePassport.

I must emphasise that the annualised fee for a standard Irish passport compares favourably with many other jurisdictions. At €8 per year the Irish passport fee compares with approximately €9 per year for a British passport, €9 per year for a French passport, €8 per year for a Danish passport, €10 per year for a United States passport and €15 per year for an Australian passport.

Passport Service — Revenue/Cost Statement 2006-2009

2006

2007

2008

2009

Total Revenue

€30,856,000

€30,544,000

€29,720,000

€31,687,000

Current Expenditure

€34,759,000

€42,606,000

€37,723,000

€36,245,000

Capital Expenditure

€4,089,000

€153,000

€435,000

€467,000

Total Costs*

€38,848,000

€42,759,000

€38,158,000

€36,712,000

Surplus/Deficit

-€7,992,000

-€12,215,000

-€8,438,000

-€5,025,000

No. Passports Issued

614,215

606,937

576,617

572,783

Revenue Per Issue

€50.24

€50.32

€51.54

€55.32

Cost Per Issue

€63.25

€70.45

€66.18

€64.09

The cost figures do not include the cost of a range of shared services provided to the Passport Service e.g. financial management and human resource management services provided by the Department, and legal services provided by the Office of the Attorney General.

Question No. 226 answered with Question No. 221.

Departmental Expenditure

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

227 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount of money that has been paid annually since 2002 to registered charities; if he will specify which charities, on the subject of institutional and religious abuse and the way the Government has monitored the spend of these funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44524/10]

The Department of Foreign Affairs is responsible for two Votes — Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs) and Vote 29 (International Cooperation). Within Vote 28 there are two main programmes that provide funding to organisations: the Emigrant Support Programme and Reconciliation and Anti Sectarianism Funds. While some of organisations funded under these programmes have been granted charitable status by the Revenue Commissioners, it is not possible in the time available to identify which organisations hold this status. In addition, in some instances funding is provided to organisations outside of the State where definitions of charitable status may differ.

Since 2004, total funding of some €80million has been granted through the Emigrant Support Programme to not-for-profit organisations which provide welfare, information and advisory services to Irish citizens living abroad, particularly those who are most vulnerable and marginalised, including the elderly. Whilst the Emigrant Support Programme does not provide direct support to services for victims of institutional and religious abuse, a number of organisations which receive funding for other elements of their activities through the Programme do provide such services.

Since 1999, the Reconciliation and Anti-Sectarianism Funds have, between them, disbursed over €24 million to over 900 projects to assist organisations involved in reconciliation work and efforts to create better understanding between people on the island of Ireland and between Ireland and Britain, and to assist local initiatives aimed at tackling sectarianism. No awards have been made under these funds towards direct support for the victims of institutional and religious abuse.

My Department has maintained a significant programme of overseas development aid for many years. In the current year, the Government has allocated €536 million for this programme from Vote 29. Funding is implemented through Partner Country Governments, Irish and International Non-Governmental and Missionary Organisations, United Nations Agencies and other International Development Organisations. Funding is provided for development programmes in areas of Health, Education, Hunger Eradication and Humanitarian Assistance in some of the world's poorest countries.

While upward of 25% of this funding is channelled to, and through, Irish and International Non-Governmental Organisations, Missionary Organisations and other Civil Society organisations in support of their development programmes, no awards have been made towards direct support for the victims of institutional and religious abuse.

Details of all expenditure under this programme are available in the Irish Aid Annual Report at www.irishaid.gov.ie .

Question No. 228 answered with Question No. 59.

Social Welfare Appeals

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

229 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Social Protection if a date has been set for an oral appeal hearing in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork regarding disability allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43552/10]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in this case. The person concerned will be informed when arrangements have been made. In order to be fair to all appellants, oral hearings are arranged in strict chronological order.

There was a 46% increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office in 2009 when compared to 2008, which in itself was 27% greater than the numbers received in 2007. There was an increase of a further 44% in the number of appeals received in the first eight months of 2010. These increases have caused delays in the processing of appeals.

A number of initiatives have been put in place to enhance the capacity of the office to deal with the current caseload and inflows. In that regard:

3 additional Appeals Officers were assigned to the Office in 2009,

A number of additional staff were assigned to the administration area of the Office,

The organisation of the Appeals Officer's work has been changed so as to increase productivity,

A project to improve the business processes in the office was undertaken which has resulted in a number of improvements being implemented, and

Significant enhancements have been made to the office's IT and phone systems.

In addition, it was decided to use experienced retired staff strictly on a short term basis to supplement the current resources and the services of eight retired officers have now been secured on a part-time basis and have been operating since July.

I am assured by the Chief Appeals Officer that she is keeping current processes under continuous review with a view to achieving a more effective throughput of appeals, while ensuring that any progress does not conflict with due process in terms of the rights of appellants and adherence to the requirements of natural justice.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Departmental Schemes

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

230 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Social Protection in view of the job losses in construction and related professions, if he will consider amending the back to education allowance scheme to ensure that architecture graduates, for example, who wish to pursue further educational opportunities in order to qualify for employment in other areas will not be denied access to the benefits of the scheme by virtue of having previously studied at the same level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43555/10]

The back to education allowance (BTEA) scheme is a second chance education opportunities scheme designed to remove the barriers to participation in second and third level education by enabling eligible people on social welfare to continue to receive a payment while pursuing an approved full-time education course that leads to a higher qualification than that already held.

With effect from 19th July 2010, changes have been made to the qualifying conditions of the back to education scheme to reflect the present economic situation.

The period for which a person is required to be on a qualifying social welfare payment before accessing BTEA was reduced from 12 months to 9 months (a 2 year qualifying period continues to apply to participants coming from Illness Benefit). People who are awarded statutory redundancy may access the scheme immediately, provided an entitlement to a relevant social welfare payment is established prior to commencing an approved course of study.

In addition, a person can avail of BTEA to resume studies in a second or subsequent year of a third level course whereas, prior to July, a person could only apply for BTEA if s/he was commencing year one of a course. This also applies to people who are granted an exemption from a period of their third level course. A person who completed earlier year(s) of his/her third level course on a part-time basis but is now getting a jobseeker's payment, may apply for BTEA to continue the course on a full-time basis.

The focus of the back to education allowance is on providing assistance to the highest possible number of those in greatest need in terms of meeting the requirements of the labour market and to improve their chances of becoming independent of the social welfare system. It is not considered that existing graduates should have an entitlement to BTEA to pursue a course at a similar qualification level.

State support for education purposes is grounded on a student progressing from one qualification level to a higher one. There would also be a displacement effect in that courses could be offered to students who are not progressing at the cost of students progressing from a lower education level. Furthermore, the scheme was never intended to be an alternative form of funding for people entering or re-entering the third level education system.

However, if a person wishes to pursue a part time education course they may be able to do so while still obtaining their jobseekers payment. They must apply at their local social welfare office and be able to show that the course does not reduce their availability for work. In the case of jobseekers benefit, participation on a course does not grant any extension to the normal period for which jobseekers benefit is paid.

The scheme will continue to be monitored in order to ensure that it continues to meet its objectives.

Social Welfare Benefits

James Bannon

Ceist:

231 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will ensure that the national fuel scheme Ireland application form, NFS1, contains clear details of where the completed form should be sent, as currently it is vague and non-user friendly in this regard, particularly for elderly persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43568/10]

The NFS1 application form is used by customers to apply for the national fuel scheme. This scheme is intended to help households that depend on long-term social welfare or Health Service Executive payments and are unable to pay for their own heating.

The application form directs customers to send the completed form to the section of the Department that pays them. Customers in receipt of social welfare payments must return the completed form to either the Department's Sligo or Longford headquarters offices or to their local Social Welfare Office, depending on which office deals with their primary payment. Customers in receipt of HSE payments should return the form to their local Community Welfare Officer.

In addition, the National Fuel Scheme information booklet, SW17, contains full details of the schemes dealt with by the Sligo and Longford offices; this booklet is available on the Department's website www.welfare.ie and can also be requested by telephone or online through the website. The NFS1 form also advises customers who require advice or assistance to contact their local Social Welfare office or Citizens Information Centre.

I have noted the Deputy's comments and will have the form reviewed; any necessary changes will be made. In the meantime, I am satisfied that supporting information and assistance is available to customers completing the application form.

Social Welfare Appeals

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

232 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Social Protection if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the disability benefit appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford which was submitted in early May 2010 has not yet been determined; that this appellant is currently in receipt of jobseeker’s benefit which will run out shortly; if he will ensure that their appeal is dealt with expeditiously; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43572/10]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in this case. The person concerned will be informed when arrangements have been made. In order to be fair to all appellants, oral hearings are arranged in strict chronological order.

There was a 46% increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office in 2009 when compared to 2008, which in itself was 27% greater than the numbers received in 2007. There was an increase of a further 44% in the number of appeals received in the first eight months of 2010. These increases have caused delays in the processing of appeals.

A number of initiatives have been put in place to enhance the capacity of the office to deal with the current caseload and inflows. In that regard:

3 additional Appeals Officers were assigned to the Office in 2009,

A number of additional staff were assigned to the administration area of the Office,

The organisation of the Appeals Officer's work has been changed so as to increase productivity,

A project to improve the business processes in the office was undertaken which has resulted in a number of improvements being implemented, and

Significant enhancements have been made to the office's IT and phone systems.

In addition, it was decided to use experienced retired staff strictly on a short term basis to supplement the current resources and the services of eight retired officers have now been secured on a part-time basis and have been operating since July.

I am assured by the Chief Appeals Officer that she is keeping current processes under continuous review with a view to achieving a more effective throughput of appeals, while ensuring that any progress does not conflict with due process in terms of the rights of appellants and adherence to the requirements of natural justice.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Departmental Schemes

Dan Neville

Ceist:

233 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will review the back to education allowance scheme and include those who are studying for a Masters to be considered under the back to education allowance scheme providing they satisfy the other conditions of the scheme having been on social welfare prior to doing their Masters; if he will consider this especially since up to 2003 the Masters programmes had been eligible for BTEA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43580/10]

With effect from 19th July 2010, changes have been introduced to back to education allowance (BTEA) to increase flexibility in terms of accessing the scheme.

The period for which a person is required to be on a qualifying social welfare payment before accessing BTEA was reduced from 12 months to 9 months (a 2 year qualifying period continues to apply to participants coming from Illness Benefit). People who are awarded statutory redundancy may access the scheme immediately, provided an entitlement to a relevant social welfare payment is established prior to commencing an approved course of study.

In addition, a person in certain circumstances can avail of BTEA to resume studies in a second or subsequent year of a third level course whereas prior to July, a person could only apply for BTEA if s/he was commencing year one of a course. This also applies to people who are granted an exemption from a period of their third level course. A person who completed earlier year(s) of his/her third level course on a part-time basis but is now getting a jobseeker's payment, may apply for BTEA to continue the course on a full-time basis.

The back to education scheme covers courses of education from second level to higher diploma level in any discipline [level 8 in the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)] and to a Graduate Diploma in Education (Primary and Secondary Teaching; level 9 in NFQ) which add significantly to a person's employability. BTEA will not usually be approved if a person holds a qualification equivalent or higher than the qualification for which the application has been received. Other postgraduate qualifications (level 9 or level 10) including a Masters qualification are not included.

However, a small number of cases have arisen where a college has granted an exemption from the requirement to hold a primary degree and has admitted a person to a Master's course on the basis of relevant life experience. In the context of the ongoing monitoring of the operation of the scheme, it has been decided to extend entitlement to the back to education allowance in these instances on an exceptional basis.

The focus of the back to education allowance is to assist those who are most marginalised and distant from the labour market to acquire the necessary education to improve their chances of becoming independent of the social welfare system. People in possession of a third level qualification have already achieved a high level of academic attainment which should impact positively on their employment prospects. Furthermore, the scheme was never intended to be an alternative form of funding for people entering or re-entering the third level education system.

The Government has devoted significant resources to the back to education allowance. This year the budget for the scheme is €169.76m. The number of participants on the back to education scheme in the 2009/2010 academic year was 20,808 which represented a 79% increase on the previous year. As of 12th November 2010, in the region of 24,500 participants were approved for the back to education allowance.

Social Welfare Benefits

Jack Wall

Ceist:

234 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare has had her rent supplement reduced from €342.00 per month to €42.99 per month; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43586/10]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that the person concerned is in receipt of her full entitlement to rent supplement based on her income from one-parent family payment, jobseekers benefit and maintenance.

EU Directives

Deirdre Clune

Ceist:

235 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Social Protection the implications of the European directive on changes to the provision of pay during maternity leave; the implications for Irish employers and employees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43602/10]

The European Parliament proposal to extend maternity leave to 20 weeks and to introduce paternity leave of 2 weeks, both at full pay, falls to be discussed by the Council of Ministers in December 2010. Primary responsibility for this matter rests with the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs and my Department is liaising with them on an ongoing basis.

Ireland has been generally supportive of EU initiatives to enhance the minimum level of protection for pregnant workers and is committed to supporting gender equality and ensuring there is a high participation by women in the labour force. In this context current national provisions extend well beyond the current minimum requirements at EU level of 14 weeks for maternity leave. Maternity leave of 26 weeks is provided for, during which maternity benefit may be paid at the rate of between €225 and €270 per week. A further 16 weeks unpaid maternity leave may also be taken.

Social Welfare Appeals

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

236 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a rent allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43638/10]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that the person concerned was refused rent supplement as her housing needs are being met by the local authority. The person concerned appealed the decision to the HSE Appeals Office and this decision was upheld by the HSE Appeals Office. The Social Welfare Appeals Office has received an appeal from the person concerned and will hold an oral hearing on 2 December.

Social Welfare Benefits

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

237 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will review the criteria for granting waivers and discounts for TV licences in view of the growing numbers of persons in receipt of social welfare, particularly those who have returned to education and are finding it hard to make ends meet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43718/10]

The cost of the free television licence scheme, administered under the household benefit package, was €55.7 million in 2009 and the projected cost for 2010 is €59 million. The number in receipt of the television allowance in October 2010 was 391,000.

Those who participate in the back to education allowance scheme may retain their secondary benefits, which includes the free television licence.

I have no plans to review the eligibility criteria for the free television licence scheme. Any changes to the current arrangements could only be considered in a budgetary context and in the light of available resources.

Departmental Funding

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

238 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will confirm that he will continue to fund an organisation (details supplied) in Dublin 17; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43742/10]

The Department has invested significant funding to the organisation concerned over the years in support of the services it provides within the Dublin North-Central and Dublin North-East areas. In 2010, funding of some €386,000 has been approved. The funding is provided under the scheme of grants for the development and promotion of information and welfare rights. Applications for grants are made by way of completing and submitting an application form annually.

In considering previous applications the Department has advised the organisation to secure funding from more appropriate revenue sources in the public and private sectors. While acknowledging that progress has been made by the organisation in developing additional revenue streams through its own the Department remains the primary funder. With regard to continued funding by the Department of Social Protection, applications for funding in 2011 will be considered early next year, giving due consideration to the financial resources available. Officials will meet the organisation to discuss this further at that time. In this regard the Department will contact the organisation shortly.

National Carers Strategy

Charlie O'Connor

Ceist:

239 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Social Protection the nature of the input which he, his predecessors or his Department have had into the unpublished national carers strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43751/10]

During 2008, an interdepartmental group, chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach, undertook work to develop a National Carers' Strategy. The group met at official level with the secretariat provided by this Department. The Departments of Finance, Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Health and Children, the Health Service Executive (HSE) and FÁS were also represented on the group. The group met on six occasions during 2008 and the expertise of other Departments and Agencies was drawn on as particular issues were being considered. Discussions were also held with colleagues in Northern Ireland. A wide ranging consultation process was also undertaken which included a meeting with the social partners; two meetings with carer representative groups; and a public consultation process. While each of the themes set out in the terms of reference was examined in terms of the current position, because of the prevailing economic situation, it was not possible to agree future targets or time limits which could be achieved. In that context, rather than publishing a document which did not include any significant plans for the future, the Government decided not to publish a strategy. This position remains unchanged.

Social Welfare Benefits

Michael Ring

Ceist:

240 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and granted jobseeker’s allowance. [43758/10]

The person concerned has been awarded jobseeker's allowance at the weekly rate of €92.10 from 24 September 2010.

Community Development

Michael Ring

Ceist:

241 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection in relation to community service projects in County Mayo if he will list the community service projects that have received funding and when will the remainder of the community service projects receive funding or when they will be contacted regarding the renewal of their contracts. [43760/10]

The contracts with all 445 service providers funded by the Community Services Programme will expire at the end of December 2010. Subject to satisfactory performance, provision of resources and continued eligibility of activities, revised contracts for up to three years from the 1st January 2011 are being offered to the service providers as the Department completes the contract renewal process. My intention is to complete the process of offering new contracts over the next few weeks.

In 2010, 33 companies in the community sector in County Mayo provided services with the support of the Programme. Some €3.5m has been allocated and my Department estimates that when part-time positions are taken into account, around 200 people are employed with the support of the Programme in the county. Details of the companies providing services are set out in the table below.

Ref.

Name of service provider

Address

Approved Grant Levels in 2010

Manager

FTE*

Contract Value

CS002

Abbey Wreaths Ltd

Unit 5 Horan Business Park, Ardnaree, Ballina

1

136,682

CS021

Ballina Heritage Costume Company Ltd

Kevin Barry Street, Ballina

1

155,715

CS022

Ballina Sports Centre

Cathedral Road, Ballina

1

7

165,231

CS026

Ballintubber Abbey Trust Ltd

Ballintubber, Claremorris

1

4

108,132

S0435

Ballycastle Community Hall

Main Street, Ballycastle

0

2

38,066

C0086

Ballyheane Community Sports Club Ltd

Ballyheane, Castlebar

0

2

46,196**

C0006

Cairde Le Cheile Community Services

Halla Pobal Gaoth Saile, Gaoth Saile, Beal na Atha

1

4

108,132

CS058

Carrowmore-Lacken Development Association

Creevagh Social Centre, Carrowmore-Lacken, Ballina

1

107,616**

CS059

Castlebar Care for the Aged Social Economy Ltd

Parish Centre, Chapel Street, Castlebar

1

9

203,297

C0009

Castlebar Social Services Council Ltd

Castle Street, Castle Streeet, Castlebar

1

3

89,099

CS069

CLAR ICH

Ballyhaunis Road, Claremorris

1

117,649

C0100

Claremorris Community Radio

Town Hall, Claremorris

1

3

89,099

FR014/03

Claremorris Social & Family Centre Ltd

D’Alton Street, Claremorris

0

2

38,066

C0104

Community Radio Castlebar

Mosiac Centre, Harlequin Plaza, Stephen Garvey Rd, Castlebar

1

3

89,099

C0014

Crossmolina Community Services

Enterprise Centre, Crossmolina,

1

98,616

CS099

Custom House Studios Ltd

Unit 1, No 15 Westport Industrial Park, Newport Road, Westport

1

3

89,099

CS106

Dolmen Clubhouse Ltd

Coolgara, Teeling Street, Ballina

1

3

89,099

CS107

Dolmen Rainbow Cleaners

8 Moyvalley Business Park, Ballina

1

6

146,198

C0022

Foxford Sports & Leisure Centre Ltd.

Turlough, Foxford

1

6

158,198**

C0031

Ionad Ealaiona Iorrais Teo

Priomh Sraíd, Beal an Mhuirthead, Beal an Atha

1

3

89,099

CS155

Killala Community Centre & Sports Complex

Killala Community Centre, Killala

1

126,649**

CS160

Killala Social Economy Plan Ltd

Killala Community Centre, Killala

1

3

95,099**

C0079

Kilmovee Community Housing Ltd

Kilmovee Community Centre, Kilmovee , Ballaghderreen

0

2

46,196**

C0032

Knockmore/ Rathduff Recreation & Resource Centre

Knockmore, Ballina,

1

5

127,165

S0227/02

Lacken Sports & Recreation Association

Enterprise Centre, Banagher, Carrowmore Lacken, Ballina

0

2

46,196**

C0038

Lohan Park Group Home

Brickens, Claremorris

1

4

108,132

CS188

Mayo Celtic Holidays Ltd

Enterprise House, Aiden Street, Kiltimagh

1

2

70,066

CS121

Mayo North Family Heritage Centre Ltd

Mayo North Family History Centre, Castlehill, Ballina

1

136,682

CS197

Moy Valley Resources

Moy Valley Resources, Bunree, Greenhills, Ballina

1

4

120,132**

C0130/01

Sean Duffy Community Centre

Ardnaree, Ballina

0

2

38,066

C0060

Seirbhísí Cúram Cill Chomáin Teo

Ros Dumhnach, Ros Dumhach, Béal an Átha

1

6

146,198

CS129

The Fr Patrick Peyton CSC Memorial Co Ltd

Attymass, Ballina,

1

174,748

CS007

Turasóireacht Acla Teoranta

Cashel, Achill

1

4

108,132

TOTALS

27

135

3,505,849

*FTE = Full time equivalent positions (39 hours per week).

**The allocation shown includes an operational element.

Social Welfare Appeals

Darragh O'Brien

Ceist:

242 Deputy Darragh O’Brien asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on the progress with the appeal for domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43879/10]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of summary decision on 18 November 2010. The person concerned has been notified of the decision. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

243 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection the average waiting time for appeals in respect of child benefit applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43884/10]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Officer that the average time to process a Child Benefit appeal is at present 51.7 weeks. These processing times are calculated from the registration date of the appeal to the date of its finalisation and include all activities during this period including time spent in the Department for comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal put forward by the appellant and any further investigation. This part of the process took on average 35.8 weeks.

A considerable period of time is added to the process when an oral hearing is required because of the logistics involved in this process. During 2009, 59% of all appeal cases were dealt with by way of oral hearing but, due to some of the initiatives outlined below, this has been reduced to 31% in 2010 to date. In order to be fair to all appellants, the vetting of appeals and the arranging of oral hearings are dealt with in chronological order.

Since January 2009, 3 additional Appeals Officers have been assigned to the Office, as well as 4 additional staff to the administration area. In addition, it was decided to use experienced retired Appeals Officers strictly on a short term basis to supplement the current resources and eight of these officers have been operating on a part-time basis since July. In addition to the provision of more staff, more emphasis is now being placed on dealing with appeals on a summary basis so as to increase productivity, a project to improve the business processes in the office was undertaken which has resulted in a number of improvements being implemented and significant enhancements have been made to the office's IT and phone systems.

As a result of all of these initiatives, a total of 22,995 appeals have been finalised until the end of October in comparison to 14,278 in the same period in 2009. I am assured by the Chief Appeals Officer that she is keeping current processes under continuous review with a view to achieving a more effective throughput of appeals, while ensuring that any progress does not conflict with due process in terms of the rights of appellants and adherence to the requirements of natural justice.

Social Insurance

Seán Barrett

Ceist:

244 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason he continues to apply PRSI to income received by those in retirement from approved retirement funds and the reason these persons are treated differently to those who receive similar income from annuities. [43907/10]

Approved retirement funds or ARFs are funds managed by a qualifying fund manager into which an individual may invest the proceeds of their pension fund when they retire. The income and gains of such funds are exempt from tax within the fund. Any amounts withdrawn from an ARF are referred to as a distribution. A distribution is treated as income from an employment. It is subject to income tax and the fund manager must operate the PAYE system on it.

Under social welfare legislation any payments received by way of pension are not regarded as reckonable emoluments for the purposes of self-employed Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI). However, unlike annuity products, ARFs are not pensions but are treated as assets. As such distributions from ARFs fall within the charge to self-employed PRSI.

There has been no recent change in legislation pertaining to this area but my Department did recently clarify to qualifying fund managers that, as the legislation stands, they are required to apply the appropriate PRSI when making distributions. In this regard, it may be noted that only distributions made before pension age will attract the charge to PRSI, as social insurance only applies to individuals between the ages of 16 and 66.

My Department, working with the Department of Finance, the Revenue Commissioners and the Pensions Board, is currently engaged in a review of ARFs and the interaction between PRSI and pensions in the context of the National Pensions Framework. This review will have particular regard to the necessity to achieve the correct balance between ensuring that the social insurance fund is supported by contributors and providing incentives for people to save for retirement.

Social Welfare Appeals

Michael Ring

Ceist:

245 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection when an appeal will be heard in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [43918/10]

Payment of illness benefit, to the person concerned, was disallowed by a Deciding Officer following an examination by a Medical Assessor of the Department who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. An appeal was opened on 14 September 2010 and the Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, in accordance with statutory requirements, the Department was asked for the documentation in the case and the Deciding Officer's comments on the grounds of the appeal. In that context, an examination by another Medical Assessor will be carried out. The person concerned will be notified when arrangements for the examination have been completed. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

246 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Social Protection if an application for one parent family allowance which has been refused will now be reviewed by an appeals officer. [43946/10]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 12 October 2010. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Social Welfare Services on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration. As part of this consideration the Appeals Officer will decide whether the case can be decided on a summary basis or whether to list it for oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

247 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of appeals received by the social welfare appeals office in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 to date; the number of staff, or full-time equivalents, assigned to processing these appeals for each of these years; the average length of the appeals process for persons in each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43966/10]

The following table sets out the numbers received, the number of staff and the average times for appeals for 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010.

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that these processing times are calculated from the registration date of the appeal to the date of its finalisation and include all activities during this period including time spent in the Department for comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal put forward by the appellant and any further investigation, examination or assessment by the Department's Inspectors and Medical Assessors that is deemed necessary.

A considerable period of time is added to the process when an oral hearing is required because of the logistics involved in this process. During 2009, 59% of all appeal cases were dealt with by way of oral hearing but, due to some of the initiatives outlined below, this has been reduced to 31% in 2010 to date. In order to be fair to all appellants, the vetting of appeals and the arranging of oral hearings are dealt with in chronological order.

Since January 2009, 3 additional Appeals Officers have been assigned to the Office, as well as 4 additional staff to the administration area. In addition, it was decided to use experienced retired Appeals Officers strictly on a short term basis to supplement the current resources and eight of these officers have been operating on a part-time basis since July.

In addition to the provision of more staff, more emphasis is now being placed on dealing with appeals on a summary basis so as to increase productivity, a project to improve the business processes in the office was undertaken which has resulted in a number of improvements being implemented and significant enhancements have been made to the office's IT and phone systems. As a result of all of these initiatives, a total of 22,995 appeals have been finalised until the end of October in comparison to 14,278 in the same period in 2009.

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, the appeal from the person concerned has been referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing on 8 December 2010. The person concerned has been notified of the arrangements. I am assured by the Chief Appeals Officer that she is keeping current processes under continuous review with a view to achieving a more effective throughput of appeals, while ensuring that any progress does not conflict with due process in terms of the rights of appellants and adherence to the requirements of natural justice.

Year

Received

No. of Staff

Average Time

2006

13,800

54.55

21 weeks

2007

14,070

53.80

22 weeks

2008

17,833

54.50

22 weeks

2009

25,963

56.50

24 weeks

2010 to 31 Oct

27,751

60.40

28 weeks

Social Welfare Benefits

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

248 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will support a matter (details supplied). [43983/10]

For the purposes of EU Regulations, Irish Child Benefit is classified as a family benefit and there are specific rules governing the payment of these benefits. EU Nationals who come to work in Ireland but whose families reside in another EU Member State may have an entitlement to family benefits in Ireland under EU Regulations. As a Member State of the European Union, Ireland is bound to apply these Regulations in accordance with the objective of the EC Treaty of the free movement of persons. Before payment of Child Benefit is made for non-resident children it is necessary to contact the authorities in the country of residence of the children to confirm details and establish what, if any, family benefits are payable in the home country as this will determine entitlement to Irish payments.

Control checks are carried out by my Department every three months to ensure that claimants are still resident or are still employed in Ireland. Applicants for the One-Parent Family Payment are required to make efforts to seek adequate maintenance from their former spouses, or, in the case of unmarried applicants, from the other parent of their child, and must satisfy my Department that they have made reasonable attempts to obtain such maintenance. Similarly, under the "Liability to Maintain the Family" provisions of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act, 2005, absent parents have a responsibility to support their children, and this is pursued by my Department in instances where the absent parent is not making sufficient effort to provide adequate support.

In every case where a One-Parent Family Payment is awarded, the Maintenance Recovery Unit of my Department seeks to trace the other parent, referred to as the "liable relative", in order to ascertain whether he or she is in a financial position to contribute towards the cost of the One-Parent Family Payment. Liable relatives who earn more than €18,000 per annum are assessed with maintenance liability. Certain categories of liable relatives are not pursued due to personal circumstances or because they have low incomes.

All liable relatives assessed with maintenance liability are notified by the Maintenance Recovery Unit and are then issued with a Determination Order that sets out the precise amount of contribution that they must make. Liable relatives are obliged under law to pay these contributions and could face legal action from my Department if they are found to be reneging on their regular payments.

With regard to the statement on unemployment assistance, Jobseeker's Benefit is a short-term insurance-based payment that is designed to provide income support to insured workers during periods of involuntary unemployment. As such, it is not subject to a means-test and can be paid for a period of up to twelve months. After a person exhausts their entitlement to Jobseeker's Benefit, they may qualify for the Jobseeker's Allowance, which is a means-tested payment.

Social Welfare Appeals

Tom Sheahan

Ceist:

249 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) will receive their carer’s allowance. [43999/10]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in this case. The person concerned will be informed when arrangements have been made.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Community Development

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

250 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of farmers who have received income support from the rural social scheme in County Meath in the years 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; the funding levels for the rural social scheme in County Meath in the above mentioned years in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44031/10]

Currently there is provision for 2,600 Participants and 130 Supervisors on the Rural Social Scheme (RSS). All available places (both Participant and Supervisor) have been allocated and quotas have been assigned to each of the Implementing Bodies who manage the Scheme on my Department's behalf throughout the country. The RSS is managed in Meath by Meath Community Rural & Social Development Partnership Ltd who have been allocated a total of 16 RSS Participant places and 1 Supervisor place.

The funding provided in respect of the RSS from 2008 to end October 2010 is set out in the Table below.

Year

Participant Quota

Payroll for Participants and Supervisor

Administration Grant

Animation Funding

Materials funding

Capital Funding

2008

16

305,921

10,000

3,000

7,685

5,000

2009

16

323,686

10,000

Nil

7,180

Nil

2010

16

264,745

9,920

Nil

4,160

Nil

Pension Provisions

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

251 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the basis for his recent announcement that many pensioners in Ireland were very wealthy in view of the fact that many persons who retired in the past ten years, on the advice of banking and investment agencies, invested their savings in what turned out to be unsafe and unsecured ventures resulting in massive losses; if he acknowledges the sense of hurt, dismay and betrayal caused by his insensitive and unfounded remarks and the offence he has caused to a generation that contributed hugely to the State during their lifetime, and more recently contributed to their sons and daughters who were forced to buy houses at inflated prices, which are now affected by negative equity, and who are now threatened with reductions in their pension to which they contributed heavily over their working lives; if he will now apologise for the offence he has caused, particularly in the wake of the earlier Government’s commitment now reversed to award free medical cards to over 70s; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44060/10]

The current Government policy in relation to pensions is laid out in the National Pensions Framework which was launched in March of this year. The Government is committed to seeking to maintain the State Pension at 35% of average earnings. The framework includes a number of changes to the State pension in order to make it more transparent, simple and equitable for those who reach pension age.

The Deputy will be aware that significant progress has been made in recent years in securing the position of older people in Irish society. Between 1994 and 2008 social welfare pensions increased by 148% while the consumer price index for this period increased by 51%. In real terms, increases in the State pension (contributory) have brought the personal rate of pension to a maximum weekly rate up to €230.30 per week with additional benefits provided such as the household benefits and free travel. These pension increases exceeded increases in prices over the period so that significant improvements were made in real terms in pension rates.

In Budget 2010, the Government avoided any cuts in the State pension. Weekly rates of payments to pensioners (those 66 and over) were not reduced and neither were other supports such as the household benefits package which includes the free TV licence, electricity/gas allowance and telephone allowance. The living alone and over 80 allowances were also retained at existing levels. In 2010 more than €4.5 billion has been made available to support over 400,000 pensioners.

The Government has already made difficult decisions and the next steps towards recovery will require further such decisions. Social welfare expenditure for 2011, including expenditure on State pensions, will be considered in the context of the forthcoming Budget, having regard both to needs and to the resources available to meet those needs. In an uncertain economic environment, my priority will be to ensure that the Government strategy to stabilise the financial position is advanced and to protect those most in need in a manner which is sustainable in the years ahead.

The issue of medical cards raised by the Deputy is a matter for my colleague, Mary Harney T.D., Minister for Health.

Social Welfare Code

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

252 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to reform or abolish the discriminatory habitual residency clause, the application of which is causing severe hardship to many persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44061/10]

The requirement to be habitually resident in Ireland was introduced as a qualifying condition for certain social assistance schemes and child benefit with effect from 1st May 2004. A person who does not satisfy the habitual residence condition is not eligible for specified social welfare payments, regardless of citizenship, nationality, immigration status or any other factor.

The purpose of the habitual residence condition is to safeguard the social welfare system from abuse by restricting access for people who are not economically active and who have little or no established connection with Ireland.

I am not aware of any country that makes its assistance schemes freely available to all persons without some condition as to nationality or residence. Determination of a person's habitual residence is made in accordance with Section 246 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005, as amended. The factors set out in this legislation have been derived from European Court of Justice case law which examined the concept of habitual residence in the context of social welfare benefits. That case law also confirms that including a habitual residence condition for social assistance payments where persons have had little or no link to the employment market is not in conflict with the freedom of movement rights within the EU.

The habitual residence condition does not apply to exceptional needs or urgent needs payments under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. These payments may therefore be used to meet the immediate needs of any person who is in need.

Social Welfare Benefits

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

253 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to maintain and extend the carer’s allowance in lieu of institutional care thereby saving the State considerably. [44062/10]

In considering any changes to social welfare schemes, full consideration is given to the impact of any proposals on the recipients involved.

Government policy is to support older people to live in dignity and independence in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. In the case of persons being cared for at home, the care they receive is usually a balance of support from family and professional help. The Department of Social Protection provides income supports for family carers while the Department of Health and Children provides professional support.

The Government is acutely aware and appreciative of the contribution made by carers. It was for that reason, that when resources were available, we invested heavily in improving social welfare rates and services for carers.

Following this year's Budget, the carer's allowance rate for carers over 66 years of age has not changed and remains at €239. The rate of carer's allowance for someone under 66 is €212.

Since the introduction of the carer's allowance in 1990 payments to carers have been increased and expanded. Carer's allowance was increased in 2007, 2008 and 2009 by 12.1%, 6.5% and 3.3%, respectively. As a result, even with the reduction announced in the last Budget for carers under 66, the weekly rate of payment for the carers allowance is still almost 20% higher this year than in 2006 and more than 147% higher than in 1997.

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 and household benefits package.

These levels surpass the ‘Towards 2016' commitment to ensure 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.

The professional support provided for people at home is delivered through a range of community services such as home-help, home care packages, meals-on-wheels, and day/respite care. Such supports have the added objectives of reducing inappropriate admissions by older people to acute hospital or long-term residential care.

The importance attached to these services is highlighted by the fact that over €200m additional funding has been provided in recent years for these services. The HSE has responsibility for the delivery of home care services, in line with its National Service Plan 2010. This commits the Executive to provide 12 million home-help hours nationally this year to over 54,000 people. The target for 2010 for home-help hours is unchanged over the 2009 figure. In addition to the mainstream home-help provision, the current plan is designed to deliver home care packages to around 9,600 people at any one time, or to some 13,000 clients over the course of the year, and to cater for the provision of around 21,300 day/respite care places.

In the period 2006 to 2008, over €425m was provided to the HSE under the National Disability Strategy Multi-Annual Investment Programme for the provision of additional specialist health and personal social services for people with a disability. In 2009, the HSE provided 3.2 million hours of personal assistant/home care services to people with a disability.

In Budget 2010 additional funding of €19.5m was provided to the Executive to respond to demographic growth in demand for emergency residential placements, additional day places, and personal assistant/home support hours. The current HSE Service Plan commits the Executive to providing the same level of service as in 2009, in other words, 3.2 million hours, and an additional 140,000 hours of personal assistant/home care services for people with a disability.

The Government will continue to support carers and the people they care for within the resources available.

Social Welfare Appeals

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

254 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps he proposes to take to eliminate the backlog of appeals for various payments operated by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44063/10]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

257 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the action he will take to address the ever increasing number of appeals now piling up in his Department and seriously affecting many households throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44066/10]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

258 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the monetary value of all social welfare claims now on appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44067/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 254, 257 and 258 together.

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, as of 15 November 2010, there were 20,344 cases being processed through various stages of the appeals system. It is not possible to give the monetary value involved in these cases.

There has been a significant increase in the numbers of appeals being made to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. Currently it is anticipated that some 33,000 appeals will be received for 2010, which is compared to roughly 15,000 a year in the years up to and including 2007. The scale of the increase has resulted in significant delays in the processing of appeals.

Overall, the average time taken to process a summary decision is 28 weeks, while the average time to process an oral hearing is 44.5 weeks. These processing times are calculated from the registration date of the appeal to the date of its finalisation and include all activities during this period including time spent in the Department for comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal put forward by the appellant and any further investigation, examination or assessment by the Department's Inspectors and Medical Assessors that is deemed necessary.

A considerable period of time is added to the process when an oral hearing is required because of the logistics involved in this process. During 2009, 59% of all appeal cases were dealt with by way of oral hearing but, due to some of the initiatives outlined below, this has been reduced to 31% in 2010 to date. In order to be fair to all appellants, the vetting of appeals and the arranging of oral hearings are dealt with in chronological order.

Since January 2009, 3 additional Appeals Officers have been assigned to the Office, as well as 4 additional staff to the administration area. In addition, it was decided to use experienced retired Appeals Officers strictly on a short term basis to supplement the current resources and eight of these officers have been operating on a part-time basis since July. In addition to the provision of more staff, more emphasis is now being placed on dealing with appeals on a summary basis so as to increase productivity, a project to improve the business processes in the office was undertaken which has resulted in a number of improvements being implemented and significant enhancements have been made to the office's IT and phone systems.

As a result of all of these initiatives, a total of 22,995 appeals have been finalised until the end of October in comparison to 14,278 in the same period in 2009.

I am assured by the Chief Appeals Officer that she is keeping current processes under continuous review with a view to achieving a more effective throughput of appeals, while ensuring that any progress does not conflict with due process in terms of the rights of appellants and adherence to the requirements of natural justice.

Question No. 255 answered with Question No. 46.
Question No. 256 answered with Question No. 67.
Questions Nos. 257 and 258 answered with Question No. 254.

Departmental Staff

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

259 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the way he intends to relocate or redeploy staff and resources within his Department to meet the increasing demands caused by the economic downturn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44068/10]

The staffing needs in my Department are kept under constant review to ensure that best use is made of all available resources. Since May 2008, some 450 additional posts have been assigned to the Department to deal with the significant increase in claims for the schemes operated by the Department. In addition, a significant number of staff within the Department have been redeployed to critical front-line positions.

It is also recognised that the provision of additional staff in itself is not the only appropriate way to deal with the rising claim load. Since early 2008 all aspects of the work associated with the processing of claims has been examined and streamlined wherever possible without, of course, compromising our scheme controls. In this context, the Department has introduced a range of process improvement initiatives regarding claims for Jobseeker's Allowance and Jobseeker's Benefit. One of the most significant initiatives, aimed at reducing queuing times and waiting times, involves the customer attending the office by appointment at which time the claim is taken and decided.

In addition, a range of other process improvements have been introduced which include:

A more streamlined procedure for claimants moving to jobseeker's allowance when their jobseekers benefit expires;

A streamlined process for people who had a claim in the previous two years;

Application forms for the jobseeker schemes are now available on the Department's website. This means that anyone who wants to make a claim can print the form at home and bring it to the local office completed. This helps reduce queuing times;

More straightforward procedures for providing evidence of identity and address have been introduced;

The Department has also simplified processing methods for some customers who work casually, part-time or on systematic short-time work.

Question No. 260 answered with Question No. 58.
Question No. 261 answered with Question No. 67.

International Agreements

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

262 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if he has reviewed any bilateral social welfare agreements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44071/10]

Ireland has social security agreements with Austria, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the USA. Most of the agreements came into effect between 1989 and 1999. The Agreement with the Republic of Korea came into effect on 1 January 2009. Ireland also has a bilateral understanding with Quebec since 1 October 1994. In the cases of Austria and Switzerland the agreements have limited application, as the EU Regulations now apply to these countries. An agreement with Japan was signed on 29 October 2009 and will come into effect from 1 December 2010.

The agreements with UK and Australia are the only agreements which have been revised. The current agreement with the UK, which came into effect on 1 October 2007, provided for the repeal of previous agreements which had been superseded by EU Regulations. Provision was made to extend social security protection for migrant workers moving between Ireland and the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands which are outside the EU. The agreement with Australia was revised mainly to accommodate changes in Australian legislation. The process also facilitated technical updates on the Irish side (changes of scheme names etc.), but no substantive change was required.

Revisions to the agreement with New Zealand are currently being negotiated. The New Zealand authorities are examining the impact on Bilateral agreements of changes to their national legislation. The changes being considered on the Irish side are similar to the technical updating made in the revision of the agreement with Australia.

These agreements are working well and meeting their intended purposes. Revision of the substantive provisions on the Irish side are not considered necessary at present.

Social Welfare Benefits

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

263 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when unemployment benefit or unemployment assistance will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44087/10]

The person concerned claimed jobseeker's allowance from 30 August 2010. His claim has been awarded and payment will be issued to him this week.

Swimming Pool Projects

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

264 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport her plans to support the local authority swimming pool programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43964/10]

Under the current round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme, 46 pools have been opened throughout the country and eleven other projects are at various stages of the Programme. The total expenditure of €142.7 million under the programme from 2000 to the end of 2009 leveraged a total investment of some €400m in swimming pools throughout the country.

No decision has been taken on the timing of a new round of the Programme.

Departmental Expenditure

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

265 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the amount of money that has been paid annually since 2002 to registered charities; on the subject of institutional and religious abuse, if she will specify which charities and detail how the Government has monitored the spending of these funds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44528/10]

Excluding grants to any tourism, culture or sport organisations which may have some form of charitable status, the Department has not paid any money to registered charities since its establishment in June 2002.

Grant Payments

Pat Breen

Ceist:

266 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a person (details supplied) can be facilitated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43661/10]

I have been advised by the Heritage Council, that in addition to the details supplied with the question, the person involved did not complete the required application form for the grant and accordingly was not included in the assessment process for funding in 2011. Any such future application is a matter for the Heritage Council directly.

Litter Pollution

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Ceist:

267 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the extent to which An Garda Síochána is required to actively co-operate with local authority litter wardens across the country in the implementation of litter laws; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44042/10]

Under the Litter Pollution Acts, primary responsibility for implementing responses to litter lies with local authorities, who are required to take all practicable measures for the prevention, control and disposal of litter in their functional areas. Both litter wardens and members of An Garda Síochána have powers of enforcement in respect of littering offences. Furthermore, under section 23 (5) of the Litter Pollution Acts, a litter warden may request the assistance of a member of An Garda Síochána where it is considered that such assistance is required to prevent the obstruction of the warden in exercising his/her functions, and the member of An Garda Síochána concerned is required to comply with such a request.

Planning Issues

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

268 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will support a matter (details supplied). [43541/10]

Under planning legislation, the decision as to whether to grant a planning application, with or without conditions, is a matter for the relevant planning authority in the first instance or for An Bord Pleanála on appeal. In making decisions on planning applications, planning authorities and the board must consider the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, having regard to the provisions of the development plan, any submissions or observations received, and relevant ministerial or Government policies, including any guidelines issued by the Department.

Planning authorities and the board are required to give the reasons for their decisions on planning applications and, in the case of board decisions, the reasons for the decision will be given in the board order, the direction and the inspector's report. The board's order is given to the planning applicant in every case and is placed on the board's website, with the direction and inspector's report, within three working days of the decision. In the case of a refusal of permission, the applicant can consider whether, in the light of the reasons for the decision, it would be possible to make a revised planning application which addresses the concerns of the board to the original proposal. It is open to the applicant, under section 247 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, to seek a pre–application consultation with the planning authority in relation to a further planning application.

Under section 30 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, I am specifically precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to any particular case with which a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála is or may be concerned.

Water and Sewerage Schemes

Michael Creed

Ceist:

269 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he made an allocation in 2005 towards the cost of upgrading a water and sewerage scheme in County Cork (details supplied); if these funds were drawn down by the local authority and, if not, why not; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43593/10]

The Crookstown Water and Sewerage Scheme was included for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 under the Serviced Land Initiative measure. This initiative was discontinued in 2009 in light of developments in the economy at large, and in the housing market in particular. While all existing scheme approvals under the initiative, for which contracts had not been signed or letters of intent had not issued, were withdrawn, authorities were given the opportunity to make a case for the continuation of a scheme where it was necessary for the proper development of an area.

As a result of submissions made in this regard by Cork County Council, Crookstown Sewerage Scheme is included in the Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012 as two contracts to start with a combined estimated cost of €2.4 million, with €1 million in respect of the network and €1.4 million for a waste water treatment plant upgrade. A copy of the programme is available in the Oireachtas library. Further progression of this scheme is a matter for Cork County Council.

The Council has indicated to my Department that an upgrade of the Crookstown water supply scheme is not required. In this regard, Crookstown currently provides water for Cloughduv, and the Cloughduv water supply scheme, which is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012, is scheduled to come on stream in March 2011. This will result in the supply in Crookstown being sufficient to serve the town of Crookstown and its environs.

Local Government Charges

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

270 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the payment for 2011 is due in respect of the non-principal private residence charge; if payment notices will be issued in 2011 to those who paid the charge in 2010; if he will be placing further requirements upon local authorities and other agencies to approach the administration of this charge in a standard method; the reason persons wait a number of months before receiving notices for overdue payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43615/10]

The Government in the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 broadened the revenue base of local authorities through the introduction of the charge on non-principal private residences. The charge is set at €200 and is being levied and collected by local authorities. There is a single liability date in each calendar year and the Act provides, at section 3(2), that this is 31 March in 2010 and subsequent years.

The Act places the onus on the owner to assess his or her liability in the first instance and there is no obligation on local authorities to issue invoices or demands. Any such obligation would increase the administrative and resource requirements of implementing the charge and would make its collection less cost-effective. As the charge is set at an essentially modest rate of €200 per annum, it is essential that administrative costs be kept to a minimum.

However, I understand that anybody who paid the charge in 2009 and provided an e-mail address has been sent an e-mail reminder in respect of possible liability in 2010. In addition, a number of local authorities have separately sent reminders to property owners registered with the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB). As the Act places collection of the charge under the care and management of the relevant local authority, any contact made by a local authority with those who may be potentially liable for the charge is a matter for that individual local authority.

Planning Issues

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

271 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a person has recourse, through legislation, in a matter (details supplied). [43623/10]

Planning legislation places no specific restrictions on the height of hedges or trees nor does it make any particular provision for recognition of a right to light or remedy from any other nuisance which may be caused by trees in an urban residential area.

Complaints relating to matters such as trees or shrubs overhanging a property are normally addressed, where necessary, under civil law between the parties concerned.

Social and Affordable Housing

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

272 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will review the rent increase in the shared ownership scheme in view of the current economic climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43640/10]

Under Shared Ownership the rent charged on the equity stake held by the local authority is related to their borrowing costs from the Housing Finance Agency for the purchase of that equity. Borrowings drawn down are at prevailing interest rates. It is important to note that any difference between the rent and prevailing interest rate is reflected in the capital outstanding on the property. In other words, if the rent charged in any period is greater than the prevailing interest due on the local authority's share, the purchaser stands to gain because the purchase price of the outstanding equity will be reduced accordingly. In addition further support is available through rent subsidy. This is available to households purchasing under the Shared Ownership Scheme who have a gross household income of up to €28,000 per annum in the preceding tax year. The level of subsidy ranges between €2,550 for incomes up to €13,000 and €1,050 for incomes up to €28,000.

The terms of the shared ownership scheme are kept under review by my Department.

National Monuments

Michael Creed

Ceist:

273 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to legal opinions that say it is constitutionally unjust to criminally prosecute landowners who damage recorded national monuments on their lands if they have not been individually notified of these sites on their lands as he has with special areas of conservation and special protection areas and his plans to rectify this situation. [43671/10]

I assume that the Question refers to opinion submitted to my Department by a non-governmental environmental organisation in relation to monuments listed in the Record of Monuments and Places established under section 12(1) of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act, 1994.

Section 12(3) of the 1994 Act provides that the owner or occupier of a monument or place listed in the Record of Monuments and Places must provide two months notice of any work at or in relation to the monument or place and cannot commence the work within that time without the consent of the Minister. Offence and penalty provisions are also set out in the Act and associated Regulations made under section 12(2) prescribe where maps and lists of monuments are to be exhibited and the arrangements for providing information to the public in that respect.

Any issues in relation to the constitutionality of these provisions would be a matter for determination by the Courts.

Archaeological Sites

Michael Creed

Ceist:

274 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way he intends to meet the requirements of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention to provide an effective protective regime for all archaeological sites. [43672/10]

Michael Creed

Ceist:

275 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Ireland has no national standards for archaeological excavation or a system for policing such standards and his plans to rectify this situation. [43673/10]

Michael Creed

Ceist:

276 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether Ireland is complying with the requirements of the Valletta Convention and the archaeological licences issued by his Department to publish reports on archaeological excavations undertaken; if there is an accumulation and unsustainable backlog of unpublished excavation reports including post-excavation analysis and interpretation which has resulted in an inadequate return on the substantial expenditures involved. [43674/10]

Michael Creed

Ceist:

277 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide details of the arrangements by which archaeological consultancies continue to be awarded contracts when previous contracts have failed to meet the terms of condition 9 of the relevant archaeological licence requiring reports on the archaeological excavations of publication standard including a full account, suitably illustrated, of all archaeological features, finds and stratigraphy along with a discussion and specialist reports within one year of completion. [43675/10]

Michael Creed

Ceist:

280 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will assure this Deputy that the State itself has not failed to meet international standards of care in excavation and recording of changes to monuments in their control and care. [43678/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 274 to 277, inclusive, and 280 together.

The UNESCO World Heritage Convention requires that all properties inscribed on the World Heritage List are safeguarded through regulatory measures at national and local levels that assure their survival and protect them against development and change that might negatively impact on their outstanding universal value, or their integrity and/or authenticity. Ireland's two World Heritage properties, Brú na Bóinne and Skellig Michael, are national monuments as defined in the National Monuments Act 1930, as amended, and benefit from the protection regime provided by that code.

The Brú na Bóinne World Heritage Site Management Plan published in 2002 and the Skellig Michael World Heritage Site Management Plan 2008–18 were produced by my Department in conjunction with the Office of Public Works, following an extensive consultation process. The aim of these plans is to assist in the protection and conservation of the World Heritage Sites. My Department has commenced preliminary work on a new management plan for Brú na Bóinne. Also in co-operation with the Office of Public Works, my Department manages and funds a substantial targeted programme of conservation and maintenance of other monuments in state ownership or guardiandship. All related works are undertaken in accordance with international best practice.

More generally, the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2004 provide the overall statutory framework for the protection of all archaeological elements of the built heritage, including national monuments. Section 26 of the 1930 Act is a key element of that regime and provides the legal framework relating to the control of excavation for archaeological purposes. The provisions of section 26 accord with article 3 of the European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage, also known as the Valetta Convention, which Ireland ratified in 1997.

In addition to the statutory provisions governing regulation and oversight of this area, a range of guidance documentation relating to archaeological excavation has been published by my Department, including Framework and Principles for the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage which sets out overall policy on the protection of the archaeological heritage and Policy and Guidelines on Archaeological Excavation which deals specifically with excavation, including licensing issues, excavation strategies, the conduct of excavations and reporting. A detailed guidance document on report writing is also available.

While I have no general oversight role in relation to the award of contracts to archaeological consultants, I am responsible for excavation licensing under the 1930 Act. Such licences are issued subject to a standard set of conditions relating to the proper conduct of the excavation, including a requirement for the excavator to furnish reports on the results of the excavation. My Department's policy and practice is to seek to ensure that licence conditions are complied with, including conditions relating to the submission and publication of such reports. I am aware that, although there have been delays in the production of some reports, there has been a substantial improvement in the extent of arrears in recent years. My Department will continue to liaise with licence holders to ensure that outstanding reports are submitted as quickly as possible.

Although the existing provisions for regulation of archaeological activity have generally been effective, the Government has approved the General Scheme of a Monuments Bill following a major review of archaeological policy and practice overseen by an Expert Advisory Committee. The Bill will provide for a new and comprehensive licensing system which will provide the Minister with the power to require a joint application where it is clear that the applicant is acting on behalf of another person: this should help to improve levels of compliance with licence conditions.

Moreover, applications will be considered taking account of a range of statutory factors, including the previous record of the applicant in complying with the conditions of any earlier licences. A statutory basis will also be established for the assessment of the competence of a licence applicant, together with a formal appeals mechanism where applications are refused. Finally, it is intended that comprehensive provisions will be set out in the Bill in relation to the conditions that may be attached to the grant of a licence, including detailed requirements relating to reports, and offence provisions in cases of non-compliance.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

278 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government with respect to the construction of the M50, if any archaeological report including a full account, suitably illustrated, of all archaeological features, finds and stratigraphy along with a discussion and specialist reports standard has been produced for this work and if not the contracts that have since been awarded to the company involved. [43676/10]

Information in relation to the cost of the excavations in this case is not available in my Department.

I understand that work is underway on the completion of the final archaeological report on the excavations, including the specialist analysis and conservation of the recovered artefacts, and that the report will be submitted to my Department as soon as possible.

I have no general oversight role in relation to the award of contracts to archaeological consultants.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

279 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to meet the requirements of the judgment of the European Court of Justice in 2008 (C-66/06) requiring assessment for any proposed works in the countryside impacting on sensitive landscape and cultural sites below the thresholds for environmental impact assessment, given that landowners have never been notified of the existence of sensitive archaeological sites on their lands. [43677/10]

My Department is preparing a comprehensive response to the European Court of Justice judgment on case C-66/06 and will be formally communicating its response to the European Commission very shortly.

There are extensive provisions already in place under the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2004 dealing with the specific issue raised in the Question. For example, section 5 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1987 requires individual notification of landowners in respect of any entries in the Register of Historic Monuments (RHM) on their lands. In addition, regulations made under section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1994 prescribe where maps and lists of monuments compiled under the Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) are to be exhibited and the arrangements for providing information to the public in that respect. The standard application form to seek planning permission requires applicants to state whether the application relates to development which affects or is close to a monument or place recorded under section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1994 and advises applicants as to the availability of the Record of Monuments and Places.

Question No. 280 answered with Question No. 274.

Local Authority Housing

Deirdre Clune

Ceist:

281 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if persons who are not married and do not have any children are entitled to apply for social housing and thus to be provided with a housing needs assessment form in order to progress an application for rent allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43698/10]

It is open to any person or household to apply to any housing authority for an assessment of their housing need. It is a matter solely for the housing authority concerned to determine whether an applicant for social housing support is eligible for and in need of that support in accordance with the provisions of section 9 of the Housing Act 1988 and having regard to the particular circumstances of the case.

Current regulations governing rent supplement provide that, with the exception of certain categories of household, an assessment of housing need is required as part of the process of determining eligibility for rent supplement. Details on the carrying out of assessments of housing need for rent supplement purposes are set out in Circular N09/09 issued by my Department in July 2009. A copy of the circular has been sent to the Deputy for information.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

282 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Question No. 640 of 23 March 2010, if he will clarify the priority attached to this application by Cork County Council when submitted on 18 March 2009; if the council needs to resubmit this application for consideration for grant aid in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43729/10]

In February 2010 I approved funding of over €157m for a range of housing projects under my Department's Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) for people with specific categories of need. Approvals were largely based on the prioritisation afforded to individual proposals by local authorities. The project in question was placed eighth on the list of proposals submitted by Cork County Council. It is intended to issue a call for proposals in the course of 2011 for new projects to be included in the ongoing CAS work programme. It will be a matter for Cork County Council to submit a prioritised list of projects for inclusion in the programme having regard to the merit of the proposals received and the extent to which proposals will meet local housing needs.

Water Services

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

283 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the construction of a water reservoir at a location (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43735/10]

The construction of a water reservoir at Ardmanagh East, Schull is proposed to be undertaken as part of Phase 2 of the Schull Water Supply Scheme which is included in my Department's Water Service investment Programme 2010-2012, as a scheme to advance through planning in the lifetime of the Programme, and the progression of the planning is currently a matter for Cork County Council. A copy of the Programme is available in the Oireachtas library.

Water and Sewerage Schemes

M. J. Nolan

Ceist:

284 Deputy M. J. Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding an application from Carlow County Council for funding for a sewerage scheme for Ballinabranna. [43945/10]

No application for funding for this scheme has been submitted to my Department by Carlow County Council.

Planning Issues

John Cregan

Ceist:

285 Deputy John Cregan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the applications to local authorities for permission to extend planning applications, particularly for once-off houses, will be dealt with as per the criteria under which they were originally granted or if they will be decided upon as per present criteria. [43992/10]

Under section 42 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, any person applying for an extension of the duration of his or her planning permission will be granted such an extension, provided that substantial works have been carried out within the original permission duration (subject only to the condition that an application complying with the relevant Regulations was made before the expiration of the initial period).

The Planning and Development (Amendment) Act, 2010 amends Section 42 of the 2000 Act and provides additional grounds for extension of the duration of planning permission. The amended section 42 provides that planning permission may be extended where substantial works have not been undertaken, or where the development has not commenced, in cases where a planning authority is satisfied that there were considerations of a commercial, economic or technical nature beyond the control of the applicant which substantially militated against either the commencement of development or the carrying out of substantial works pursuant to the planning permission. This latter provision is subject to the following qualifications—

that the planning authority is satisfied that there have been no significant changes in the development objectives in the development plan or in regional development objectives in the regional planning guidelines for the area of the planning authority since the date of the permission such that the development would no longer be consistent with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area,

that the planning authority is satisfied that the development would not be inconsistent with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area having regard to any guidelines issued by the Minister under section 28 of the Act, notwithstanding that they were so issued after the date of the grant of permission in relation to which an application is made under this section, and

that the planning authority is satisfied where the development has not commenced, that an environmental impact assessment, or an appropriate assessment, or both of those assessments, if required, was or were carried out before the permission was granted.

Water Services

Jack Wall

Ceist:

286 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views regarding a submission (details supplied); his plans regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43994/10]

The Water Framework Directive establishes a legal framework for water management, for protection and restoration of waters, and for ensuring the long-term sustainable use of water. The Directive's river basin planning process involves an integrated planning approach with regard to land, water and ecosystem management, involving economic considerations and requiring a high level of public participation. The first River Basin Management Plans were finalised for each of our seven river basin districts in July 2010.

My Department is finalising proposals to give effect to the commitment in the renewed Programme for Government to introduce charges for water services in a way that is fair, significantly reduces waste and is easily applied. The installation of water meters in households connected to public supplies will encourage householders to conserve water and will complement the investment on water conservation measures in the Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012 which I announced earlier this year. The new investment programme includes an increased focus on water conservation. Levels of unaccounted for water need to be addressed as a matter of urgency. The full integration of water conservation measures into the investment programme will ensure that network rehabilitation and conservation measures are addressed in the planning of water supply schemes.

Some €1 billion or 27% of total Exchequer spending on major public water and waste water schemes over the period 2000 to 2009 has been related to water infrastructure. As a result, there has been an increase in water treatment capacity equivalent to the needs of a population of over 1 million and an increase in water supply storage capacity equivalent to the needs of a population of over 1.6 million in the period 2000-2009. A further €900 million in Exchequer resources has been spent under the Rural Water Programme, the majority of which has funded improvements in water infrastructure in the group water sector.

Library Projects

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

287 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the eLibraries website (details supplied), which provides access to library catalogues from all local authorities in the State, labels County Cavan as County Monaghan on its map and vice versa and if he will ensure this error is corrected promptly. [44048/10]

The eLibraries website was set up some years ago as part of the Government's Information Society Action Plan, New Connections. The services provided by the website are now provided by the www.borrowbooks.ie website under the auspices of An Chomhairle Leabharlanna (ACL). The ACL website provides internet access to all local authority library catalogues and allows members to request inter-library loans from any library in the country. In view of the foregoing, my Department, in conjunction with the Local Government Management Agency, is reviewing the need for the eLibraries website. In the meantime, I will ensure that the reference in question is corrected.

Departmental Funding

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

288 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of money that has been paid annually since 2002 to registered charities; on the subject of institutional and religious abuse, if he will specify which charities and the way the Government has monitored the spend of these funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44523/10]

My Department does not provide grant assistance to registered charities dealing with the issue of institutional and religious abuse. Approved housing bodies which operate and manage accommodation financed by my Department's voluntary and co-operative funding schemes may have charitable status but this information is not collected by my Department.

Capital funding amounting to €1.385 million has been provided to an approved housing body, the ‘Right of Place Building Project Ltd', which represents survivors of institutional abuse, for the provision of accommodation for homeless persons, some of whom may be victims of abuse. This amount is broken down as follows.

Year

Amount

2001

367,820

2002

301,620

2003

594,512

2006

121,495

Total

1,385,447

The detailed administration of the relevant scheme is a matter for the local authority concerned, in this case Cork City Council.

Energy Conservation

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

289 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary did not receive payment under the home energy saving scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43582/10]

The Home Energy Saving (HES) scheme, which is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), on behalf of my Department, provides grant assistance for a range of energy efficiency measures, including roof insulation, internal and external wall insulation, boilers and heating controls. Since the inception of the scheme in 2008, the scheme has provided energy efficiency upgrades to almost 55,000 homes.

It is an explicit condition of the scheme that grant approval must be in place prior to any purchase of materials or works being undertaken. Applicants accept this and all other conditions of the scheme at the time of applying for the grant. In the case in question, I am advised that the works were completed on 6th September 2010, prior to the date of offer, which was issued on the 17th September 2010.

Grant Payments

Phil Hogan

Ceist:

290 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount allocated to the greener homes scheme, the home energy savings scheme and the warmer homes scheme for each year since their introduction; the total amount paid out for each year since their introduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43690/10]

The following table below provides the breakdown for 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 to date of the total allocation and expenditure under the Home Energy Savings Scheme, Warmer Homes and Green Homes programmes administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland.

Programme

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010 (to date)

Programme Totals (08 to date)

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

Home Energy Saving scheme (HESS)

Total Allocation

5.0

47.000

47.005

98.005

Total Spend (€)

1.4

17.000

40.529

58.929

Warmer Homes Scheme (WHS)

Total Allocation

1.70

2.5

5.0

15.000

29.751

53.951

Total Spend (€)

1.97

2.5

5.6

14.500

22.613

47.183

Greener Homes Scheme (GHS)

Total Allocation

4.80

29.0

28.0

15.345

6.000

83.145

Total Spend (€)

4.50

27.7

22.5

12.000

5.352

72.052

Television Licence Fee

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

291 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to change the amount charged for the television licence fee or his plans to set up an easy-pay method in view of the growing numbers of persons in financial difficulties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43717/10]

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) was established on 1st October 2009. The Authority is a content regulator for commercial, community and public service broadcasters.

Section 124 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 allows for the Authority to recommend in a report to the Minister an annual licence fee modification. This recommendation is to be based on a review on the extent to which RTÉ has fulfilled its commitments in respect of its public service objects stated in its annual statement of performance commitments for that financial year and the adequacy or otherwise of public funding to enable the corporation to meet its public service objects.

A review of RTÉ's 2009 public service commitments has been carried out by the BAI, the findings of which will be discussed at the next meeting of the Authority's Board on 13 December. It is expected that the Authority will be forwarding a report on this matter to my Department following this meeting.

In relation to easy-pay methods, An Post's ‘Easypay Direct Debit Plan' allows people to spread their payments for their TV licence over the year — with options for biannual, quarterly or monthly payments. The monthly option which costs €13.33 per month has grown with over 2,000 new people signing up for this option last month. To avail of the Direct Debit Scheme a person must complete a mandate form which they can request from their local TV Licence records office or can download from www.tvlicence.ie. A bank account is required for this option.

Telecommunications Services

Liz McManus

Ceist:

292 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide the percentage of households who have broadband in Donegal south west; the areas of County Donegal that are part of the national broadband scheme; the areas of County Donegal that are to come under the rural broadband scheme; if his attention has been drawn to the fact of the average speed of broadband in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43745/10]

The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband services, is a matter for private sector service providers operating in a liberalised market regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). Broadband services are provided by private service providers over various platforms including DSL (i.e. over telephone lines), fixed wireless, mobile, cable, fibre and satellite. ComReg's website www.callcosts.ie provides detailed information on the various private sector telecommunications products and services available on a county by county basis, including County Donegal.

While my Department does not hold information on broadband penetration and speeds by region, ComReg publishes quarterly statistical reports on national developments in the fixed-line, mobile and broadband communications markets.

These reports demonstrate the significant progress in broadband roll-out over recent years. At the end of June 2010 Ireland had in the region of 1.48 million broadband subscriptions and narrowband connections had reduced to less than 5% of all Internet connections. 85.8% of SMEs are now using broadband speeds between 2mbps and 10mbp and of the homes with broadband access, 77.8% of them are also using broadband speeds between 2mbps and 10mbps. The year-on-year growth in subscriptions over the preceding 12-month period from June 2009 was over 16.5%.

A list of the 52 Electoral Divisions (EDs) covered by the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) in County Donegal is provided below. The provision of broadband services under the NBS advanced incrementally over a 22 month period and services are now available throughout the entire NBS area. My Department and its external consultants actively monitor coverage within the NBS areas. In summary, broadband services in the NBS EDs in County Donegal are available to 98.55% of premises by means of mobile wireless broadband coverage, with coverage to the balance of 1.45% of premises being provided by way of satellite.

It continues to be a priority of the Government that there will be broadband coverage across the entire country. However, despite Government and private investment in broadband, I am aware that there continues to be a small percentage of premises throughout the country that will not be capable of receiving broadband services. This is primarily due to technical and other reasons (suitability of a telephone line, distance from an enabled exchange, no line of sight etc.).

The European Commission has set aside a portion of the European Economic Recovery Programme (EERP) funding for rural broadband initiatives. Using this funding, which will be augmented by an Exchequer contribution, I intend to formally launch a Rural Broadband Scheme before the end of this year. This scheme will aim to provide a basic broadband service to individual un-served rural premises outside of the NBS areas.

There will be a competitive process to engage a service provider who will offer a broadband service to qualified applicants under the scheme. While the exact details have yet to be finalised, I expect that the service offered under this scheme would at least match the service offered under the NBS. This process will be technology neutral — it will be a matter for the bidders to decide which technical approach they propose in their bids.

Information in relation to acceptance of applications and the process of qualification under the scheme will be made available in due course when the scheme is launched.

National Broadband Scheme

Electoral Divisions (ED) Covered by the NBS in County Donegal

ED Name

ED Reference No.

ALTNAPASTE ED

57001

ARAN ED

57003

ARDMALIN ED

57005

ARDS ED

57006

BALLINTRA ED

57007

BALLINTRA ED

57008

BALLYSHANNON URBAN ED

57012

BINBANE ED

57014

CARROWKEEL ED

57025

CARTHAGE ED

57026

CAVANGARDEN ED

57031

CHURCH-HILL ED

57032

CLIFF ED

57033

CLOGHAN ED

57034

CLOGHER ED

57036

CREENASMEAR ED

57043

CREESLOUGH ED

57044

CROVEHY ED

57046

DOE CASTLE ED

57052

DUNAFF ED

57056

DUNLEWY

57060

EANYMORE ED

57061

FANAD NORTH ED

57064

FANAD WEST ED

57065

FEDDYGLASS ED

57066

FINTOWN ED

57068

GARTAN ED

57069

GLEN ED

57070

GLENALLA ED

57071

GLENLEHEEN ED

57076

GORTAHORK ED

57081

GRAFFY ED

57083

GROUSEHALL ED

57086

INISHKEEL ED

57090

KILGOLY ED

57094

KILLYMASNY ED

57099

LAGHY ED

57104

LETTERMACAWARD ED

57108

LOUGH EASK ED

57110

MAAS ED

57112

MALIN ED

57116

MALINBEG ED

57117

MEENACLADY ED

57119

MEENCARGAGH ED

57120

PETTIGOE ED

57126

SEACOR ED

57134

ST JOHNSTOWN ED

57135

TAWNAWULLY ED

57139

TEMPLECARN ED

57140

TEMPLEDOUGLAS ED

57141

TERMON ED

57142

TULLYNAUGHT ED

57146

Departmental Funding

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

293 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount of money that has been paid annually since 2002 to registered charities; if he will specify which charities, on the subject of institutional and religious abuse, and the way the Government has monitored the spend of these funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44519/10]

The data requested by the Deputy is being assembled in my Department and a complete schedule of material is being prepared. I have directed that this be completed as soon as possible and forwarded to the Deputy thereafter.

Grant Payments

Michael Creed

Ceist:

294 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be paid their REP scheme 4 grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43546/10]

The EU Regulations governing REPS 4 and other area-based schemes provide that payments issue in two instalments. The first instalment of 75% may be paid once all administrative checks on all applications, as well as cross-checks against areas declared on Single Payment Scheme applications, have been completed. This process is under way and while my objective is to make all payments as soon as possible, the checks are likely to take several more weeks to complete. The balancing payment of 25% can issue once all on-the-spot inspections for the year have taken place. The programme of inspections is well advanced at this stage.

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

295 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive his financial approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43576/10]

Financial approval for afforestation grant aid issued to the person in question on 16 November 2010.

Michael Moynihan

Ceist:

296 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reasons for the delay in issuing payment for the single payment scheme to a person (details supplied) in County Cork and when he expects payment to issue. [43604/10]

An application under 2010 Single Payment/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 13 April 2010. Advance payments under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme issued on 21 September and the Single Payment Scheme on 18 October, in both cases on the basis of the land cleared at that stage. Parcels listed on the application of the person named required re-digitisation; immediately this process is complete, provided no errors are identified, the application will be further processed, with a view to the further payments due issuing shortly thereafter.

Michael Moynihan

Ceist:

297 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reasons for the delay in issuing payment for the single payment scheme to a person (details supplied) in County Cork and when he expects payment to issue. [43605/10]

An application under 2010 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 14 April 2010. Advance payments under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme issued on 21 September and under the Single Payment Scheme on 18 October 2010, both on the basis of the land cleared at that stage. Parcels listed on the application of the person named required re-digitisation; immediately this process is complete, provided no errors are identified, the application will be further processed, with a view to the further payments due issuing shortly thereafter.

Bobby Aylward

Ceist:

298 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when single farm payment, REP scheme payment and disadvantaged area payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [43607/10]

An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the persons named on the 13 May 2010.

This application was selected for and was the subject of a Ground Eligibility and Full Cross Compliance Inspection. The inspection process is complete and the results are now being processed.

Under EU regulations governing the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme and the Single Payments Scheme all Ground Eligibility Inspections must be completed before any payment can issue to any applicant under either scheme, including those not selected for a Ground Eligibility Inspection.

In the vast majority of cases that were inspected amendments have had to be made to the maps in order that the Land Parcel Identification System that is used for making payments to farmers is kept up-to-date. Processing of these changes is continuing with priority being given to applications that were the subject of a Ground Eligibility Inspection.

Applications were also received requesting the transfer of 55.82 Single Payment entitlements and 90.69 Single Payment entitlements from the sole names of the persons named into the joint names of the persons named by way of Milk Production Partnership. Both applications have been successfully processed.

The EU Regulations governing REPS 4 and other area-based schemes provide that payments issue in two instalments. The first instalment of 75% may be paid once all administrative checks on all applications, as well as cross-checks against areas declared on Single Payment Scheme applications, have been completed. The SPS application concerned has not yet been finalised and when this is done the REPS cross check will be carried out and the REPS application can then be fully processed.

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

299 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to address a matter (details supplied). [43620/10]

The Young Farmers' Installation Scheme was suspended for new applications on 14 October 2008. 941 applications for grant-aid were received by my Department under the Scheme prior to its suspension and these applications are being processed to payment stage as the claims are approved. An allocation of €4.5 million has been provided in this year's Estimates to meet the financial commitment involved in processing applications under the Scheme and the preceding installation aid schemes. I have no plans at present to reopen the Scheme to new applicants.

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

300 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding a funding stream (details supplied). [43621/10]

The Young Farmers' Installation Scheme was suspended for new applications on 14 October 2008. An allocation of €4.5 million has been provided in this year's Estimates to meet the financial commitment involved in processing applications received under the Scheme prior to its suspension and the preceding installation aid schemes. Expenditure under the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme is still eligible for co-funding by the EU.

Food Labelling

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

301 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the percentage of Irish products on the shelves in the multiples, not including imports packaged here and sold as Irish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43641/10]

My colleague, the Minister for Health & Children has overall responsibility for food labelling legislation. Under the EU general labelling Directive 2000/13/EC as operated by her Department the place of origin of foodstuffs circulating within the EU is required to be declared only if its absence might mislead the consumer to a material degree. As products, including food products, which are traded within the Community are not generally required to indicate origin on their packaging, figures as requested by the Deputy are not available on an official basis.

Foodstuffs trade freely within the Single Market and over 80% of Irish agriculturalproduction is exported to EU and world destinations. The value of this trade in 2009 was over €7 billion and the vision and actions set out in Food Harvest 2020 aim to increase this to €12 billion by 2020.

Grant Payments

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

302 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when financial approval will be given to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo for the planting of forestry on their land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43645/10]

Financial approval for afforestation grant aid issued to the person in question on 16th November 2010.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

303 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their single payment scheme and disadvantaged area scheme payments from 2005 onwards and if any progress has been made on this file. [43648/10]

My Department has completed its review of the situation of the person named in the light of the Court ruling determining that he was entitled to a 1/38 share of the commonage in question. A decision has been made to carry out a re-calculation of the payments made to the applicant for each year since 2006. When the processing work is completed in respect of the re-calculations, payments in respect of each year will issue as quickly as possible.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

304 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding an appeal for the suckler welfare scheme in respect of a person (details supplied); when a decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43649/10]

The person named registered 36 animals under the 2009 Suckler Welfare Scheme. Under the Terms and Conditions of the Welfare Scheme, it is necessary in the case of herds with more than 10 animals that calves be weaned in at least two separate groups with each group being removed at a minimum interval of 5 days.

As the person named submitted a weaning date of 8 October 2009 for all the animals, the correct procedures as outlined have not been followed. To this end, a letter issued to the person named advising him of the non-payment of his animals. An appeal was received in June 2010 but offered no new information to warrant a reversal of the original decision. A letter has now issued to the applicant advising him of the review decision and informing him of his right to appeal this decision to the Agriculture Appeals Office.

Farm Retirement Scheme

Bobby Aylward

Ceist:

305 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when arrears of early retirement scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [43654/10]

An initial application for the Early Retirement scheme from the person named was received in my Department on 16 October 2008. This application was not accepted for processing as it was received after the date the scheme was suspended for new applications, i.e. 14 October 2008. My Department's decision to reject this application was upheld by the Agriculture Appeals Office.

The scheme was reopened for applications for the period from 23 September to 30 October 2009. The person named resubmitted an application on 2 October 2009. This application was accepted and subsequently approved. The first payment issued on 31 January 2010 with arrears backdated from the date of receipt of the valid application.

Grant Payments

Michael Creed

Ceist:

306 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has not yet received their disadvantaged area and single farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43657/10]

An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 26 April 2010. A number of parcels listed on the application of the person named required re-digitisation; while this process is now complete it was found that the reference areas on a number of parcels had been over-claimed. These errors were raised with the person named and as a result of the reply received from the applicant the area established for one of the over-claimed parcels is being reviewed. Once this is complete and provided there are no further errors, the application will be further processed with a view to the payments due issuing as soon as possible thereafter.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

307 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason payments have not been made under a single farm payment scheme to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43667/10]

An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 15th May 2008.

This application was selected for and was the subject of a ground eligibility and cross compliance inspection. During the course of the ground inspection carried out on 04/12/2008 and 11/12/2008 discrepancies were found with parcel numbers P12610011 and N10521009 resulting in these parcels being rejected. Parcel P12610011 was not stock proof and was not defined by a permanent boundary on 04/12/2008 and N10521009 was not stock proof on 11/12/2008. As there is an over declaration of over 20% no payment will be made under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Area Compensatory Allowance Scheme for the year in question.

Furthermore evidence was found of intermixing of stock between the herd of the person named and that of his wife. The applicants were informed that their herd numbers must be amalgamated and that they must nominate one herd under which all payments are to be processed. The person named was informed of these findings on the 6th January 2009 and of his right to seek a review of this decision within 21 days and of his right to appeal the outcome of any such review to the Independent Agriculture Appeals Office.

At review stage it was decided by the District Inspector to uphold the penalty decision. At present this file is with the Independent Agriculture Appeals Unit.

The Independent Agriculture Appeals Office scheduled an oral hearing for the 6th September 2010 but the hearing was cancelled by the person named on the 3rd September as his planner was not available for the hearing date. The Appeals Office has since been in contact with the person named to rearrange a date for this hearing.

The 2009 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme application was received on 15th May 2009. A stop has been placed on the 2009 application pending the outcome of the appeal on the 2008 application.

The 2010 Single Payment Scheme/ Disadvantaged Areas Scheme application was received on the 11th May 2010 and was selected for a Ground Eligibility and Animal Identification inspection.

The inspection process is complete and the results are now being processed.

Under EU regulations governing the Disadvantaged Areas and the Single Payment Scheme all Grounds Eligibility Inspection must be completed before any payment can issue to any applicant under either scheme, including those not selected for a Ground Eligibility Inspection.

In the vast majority of cases that were inspected amendments have had to be made to the maps in order that the Land Parcel Identification System that is used for making payments to farmers is kept up-to-date. Processing of these changes is continuing with priority being given to applications that were the subject of a Ground Eligibility Inspection.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

308 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment of single farm payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43668/10]

An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 17 May 2010.

This application was selected for a ground eligibility and full cross compliance inspection. The inspection process is complete and the results are now being processed. During the course of the ground eligibility inspection the following parcels H12901017, H13602045, H13615065 and H14910089 were found not to be eligible due to inadequate deductions for OPW backdrain, scrub and a derelict outbuilding. The claimed area for Single payment of 75.04ha is reduced to 73.58. As the total area found is sufficient to support the number of entitlements held no penalties will be applied. During the course of the cross-compliance inspection breaches were discovered with regards to Statutory Management Requirement relating to Good Agriculture and Environmental Condition — a designated landscape feature hedge was removed from parcel H1291017. This resulted in a cross compliance penalty of 1% being applied to 2010 Single Payment.

A formal decision issued to the person named on 26 October 2010 that advised him of his right to seek a review of the decision within 21 days to the District Inspector and of his right to appeal the outcome of any such review to the Independent Agriculture Appeals Office.

Under EU regulations governing the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme and the Single Payments Scheme all Ground Eligibility Inspections must be completed before any payment can issue to any applicant under either scheme, including those not selected for a Ground Eligibility Inspection.

In the vast majority of cases that were inspected amendments have had to be made to the maps in order that the Land Parcel Identification System that is used for making payments to farmers is kept up-to-date. Processing of these changes is continuing with priority being given to applications that were the subject of a Ground Eligibility Inspection.

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

309 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their area aid payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43682/10]

There is no record in my Department of a 2010 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme application having been received from the person named. An official from my Department has been in touch with the herd-owner, who said he would submit a copy of his application together with proof of postage. The application will be processed on receipt of this documentation.

Ned O'Keeffe

Ceist:

310 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding an application (details supplied). [43693/10]

The person concerned is an applicant under the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme. Under the terms of the Scheme, payment of the grant is made once it has been established that the requirements of the Scheme have been met, including the conditions in relation to property, education and income. The outcome of my Department's examination of the application will be made known to the applicant as soon as possible.

Forestry Sector

Michael Ring

Ceist:

311 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo did not get financial approval for the planting of forestry. [43696/10]

Financial approval for afforestation grant aid issued to the person in question on 16th November 2010.

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

312 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the full extent of deforestation in the past five years to date; if he is committed to preserving our forests which are under threat of being privatised; the full amount of forest trees sold to date to the private sector by Coillte since 1989; if it is proposed to sell 10% or has that been sold already; the amount of lands with and without forest trees that have been subject to compulsory purchase order by the State from Coillte since 1989; the amount of land originally purchased by the State for afforestation using CPO powers of the 1956 Forestry Act, used to buy commonage in the uplands, that has been subsequently sold by Coillte for purposes outside the remit of 1956 Act; the amount of land that was transferred to Coillte from the Land Commission when it was dissolved on the same day Coillte was established by the 1988 Forestry Act. [43701/10]

I understand that the estimated deforested area for the past five years, i.e. from 2005-2009, is 2,063.64 hectares. This estimate is based on felling licences issued and may be subject to amendment once the National Forestry Inventory is completed.

In relation to the preservation of our forests in the context of privatisation, I am not aware of any proposals in this regard. The Deputy will, however, be aware that a review of State Assets and Liabilities is currently being undertaken.

Coillte advise that it has sold approximately 15,500 hectares since it was established in 1989, the vast bulk of which was either un-plantable or poor quality, low yield class, forestry. I am also advised that approximately 3,500 hectares of this was sold to State Bodies.

In accordance with Section 39 of the Forestry Act, 1988, under which Coillte was established, the bulk of the State's forestry estate was vested in Coillte upon its establishment. At this stage, it is difficult to differentiate and collate details of the lands acquired under the Forestry Act, 1956 and track their use and ownership over the intervening 54 years.

I wish to advise the Deputy that the Irish Land Commission was dissolved on 31 March 1999 in accordance with the Irish Land Commission (Dissolution) Act, 1992, while Coillte was established a number of years earlier, on 1 January 1989. No land was directly transferred from the Land Commission to Coillte. I understand that the Land Commission had allotted suitable tracts of land to the Department responsible for forestry with the bulk of such lands subsequently vested in Coillte upon its establishment, in accordance with the Forestry Act 1988 and Section 39 thereof.

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

313 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the fact that a person (details supplied) has a chairmanship in a private forestry firm which is interested in buying Coillte; the current financial state of Coillte; the position regarding the complaint by the Irish Forestry Contractors Association regarding Coillte; if he is satisfied that Coillte has disposed of its stockpiles of lindane and other chemicals as they are no longer permitted under EU environmental rules; if he is satisfied that the €9 million received from the EU and paid back by his Department has been used in the way in which it was intended and if he has confidence in the international forestry fund. [43702/10]

I am not aware of any proposals to purchase Coillte. In relation to the financial state of Coillte, the company recorded a profit of €4.2 million in 2009 despite operating in a difficult trading environment. The company has recorded retained profits of €256m and eliminated the need for Exchequer funding for operational purposes. It has also funded a major programme of capital investment and increased the value of the forest and land asset through expansion of the estate, improved productivity and output and developing new added value businesses. The company advises that it is adequately financed and expects to record a profit for 2010.

I note that the Irish Forestry Contractors Association met with the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on 14 April 2010 at which they outlined a number of issues of concern in relation to Coillte following which that Committee then met with Coillte to inquire into those concerns.

Coillte Teoranta was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act, 1988 and day-to-day operational matters, such as the use of pesticides, are the responsibility of the company. The company has advised that it currently has some out of date chemical pesticides in its bundled chemical stores and that it is in the process of having the material disposed of by a licensed waste management firm. Coillte further advise that it only uses pesticides permitted to be used by both FSC and the National Authority, the Pesticide Control Service (of this Department) and that the company has not used lindane for over 10 years.

In relation to the ‘nine million euro' to which the Deputy refers, I am taking this to refer to the premium payments previously received by Coillte, of which the EU element amounted to €6.3 million. Forestry premiums are a means by which landowners are compensated for the loss in income earning potential from the afforestation of their land. It should be noted that Coillte engaged in a significant land acquisition programme and afforestation in the period in question. The use of the premiums by Coillte, as in the case of other recipients, was a day-to-day operational matter for the company. As a commercial semi-state company, Coillte must publish an Annual Report and Accounts each year, which includes the Group's audited profit and loss account, the Group and Company Balance Sheet, cash flow statement and other financial data as required under company legislation.

While I am aware of the International Forestry Fund, I have no particular views in this regard.

Grant Payments

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

314 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 238 of 3 November 2010, the position regarding the matter; if this will be paid as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43716/10]

An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 21 April 2010.

This application was selected for a ground eligibility and animal identification inspection. During the course of the ground eligibility inspection deductions were made to parcel Z22302093. The claimed area of 38.14ha is reduced to 37.91ha. As the total area found is sufficient to support the number of entitlements held, no penalties will be applied. During the course of the cross-compliance inspection breaches were discovered with regards to Identification/Registration of animals under Statutory Management Requirements 7 and 8. This resulted in a cross compliance penalty of 5% being applied to his 2010 Direct Payments.

A formal decision issued to the person named on 27 October 2010 that advised him of his right to seek a review of the decision within 21 days to the District Inspector and of his right to appeal the outcome of any such review to the Independent Agriculture Appeals Office. The inspection process is complete and the results are now being processed. The 50% advance under the Single Payment Scheme will issue within one week with the balancing payment due on 1 December 2010. Payment under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme will issue within one week.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

315 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not received their area based payment or single farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43737/10]

An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 15 April 2010. No land was declared on the application and the person named has no Single Farm entitlements.

An official of my Department will contact the person named with a view to assisting her with any outstanding queries she may have in relation to the application.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

316 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the single farm payment and disadvantaged area payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43880/10]

An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 13 May 2010. This application was selected for and was the subject of a Ground Eligibility and Full Cross Compliance Inspection.

The inspection process is complete and the results are now being processed.

Under EU regulations governing the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme and the Single Payment Scheme all Ground Eligibility Inspections must be completed before any payment can issue to any applicant under either scheme, including those not selected for a Ground Eligibility Inspection. In the vast majority of cases that were inspected amendments have had to be made to the maps in order that the Land Parcel Identification System that is used for making payments to farmers is kept up-to-date. Processing of these changes is continuing with priority being given to applications that were the subject of a Ground Eligibility Inspection.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

317 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) has not been facilitated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43882/10]

An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 27 April 2010. Following initial processing of the application, the person named was found to have dual-claimed a number of land parcels with other scheme applicants. In keeping with standard procedure, all parties concerned were written to; in response, by letter dated 28 September, the person named indicated that he did not have the right to claim the land parcels in question. Following re-calculation of the area in question, the person named was found not eligible for the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, as the over declaration exceeded 20%, as per the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme.

As the applicant's determined land after the deduction for the dual-claims is greater than the number of payment entitlements he holds under the Single Payment Scheme, the dual claims deductions will not impact on his payments under that Scheme.

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

318 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their correct payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43883/10]

An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 13 May 2010. Initial payments issued under both schemes were based on the land parcels that were cleared at the time, as a number of other land parcels declared by the person named required digitisation. This process has now been completed. As a result of which, the balancing payment under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme has issued to the person named, while the balancing payments under the Single Payment Scheme are scheduled to commence issuing as and from 1 December 2010.

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

319 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their area aid payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43885/10]

An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 13 April 2010. The 50% advance payment under the Single Payment Scheme, which issued on 18 October and the 75% advance payment under the Disadvantaged Area Scheme, which issued on 21 September, were calculated on the basis of those land parcels cleared for payment at that stage, as a number of other land parcels declared by the person named required digitisation. This process has recently been completed, following which the balancing payment under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme issued to the person named. The balancing payments under the Single Payment Scheme are scheduled to commence issuing as and from 1 December 2010.

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

320 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their REP scheme 4 payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43886/10]

The EU Regulations governing REPS 4 and other area-based schemes provide that payments issue in two instalments. The first instalment of 75% may be paid once all administrative checks on all applications, as well as cross-checks against areas declared on Single Payment Scheme applications, have been completed. The SPS application concerned has not yet been finalized and when this is done the REPS Cross Check will be carried out and the REPS application can then be fully processed.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

321 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will expedite payment of the REP scheme to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43909/10]

Payment will issue to the person named within 10 days.

Departmental Staff

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

322 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the purpose and role of the section in his Department entitled “Sugar” in the current edition of the State directory; the number employed and the costs associated with this particular section; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43917/10]

Issues relating to sugar are dealt with by the Crops Policy Section of the Crops Policy, Production and Safety Division in my Department.

The Section has responsibility for the administration of EU and national controls in the wider crops sector. The role also includes promoting and defending national interests with respect to the EU market management policies for arable crops, olive oil and tobacco. Sugar is included in these crops. Officials from this Section represent Ireland at various EU meetings, including Council Working Groups and the Management Committee for the Common Organisation of Agricultural Markets.

This Section was the main focus of Department work in the implementation of the EU sugar regime and in the operation of the compensation arrangements, once Greencore took the decision to close and avail of the EU scheme. While the bulk of the work is complete, work is on-going to fulfil the EU conditions attached.

There are a total of four Officials assigned to the Section. Other than salaries there are very limited costs associated with attending meetings.

Grant Payments

Bobby Aylward

Ceist:

323 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when single farm payment and disadvantaged area payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [43923/10]

An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 20 April 2010. During the validation of the application, an over-claim was identified in respect of one land parcel. This matter has now been resolved following correspondence between the person named and my Department. A number of parcels listed on the application of the person named required re-digitising. This process is now complete and the application is being further processed with a view to any payments due issuing shortly.

Bobby Aylward

Ceist:

324 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason reduced payments under the single farm payment scheme and disadvantaged area scheme issued to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43924/10]

An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 10 May 2010. The 50% advance payment under the Single Payment Scheme, which issued on 18 October and the 75% advance payment under the Disadvantaged Area Scheme, which issued on 21 September, were on the basis of those parcels cleared for payment at that stage. A number of parcels listed on the application of the person named required re-digitisation. This process is now complete and the application is being further processed, with a view to the further payments due issuing shortly.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

325 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not received part of their area based payment or their single farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43929/10]

An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 14 May 2010.

On processing the application over claims were identified on a number of parcels listed and the person named was written to in this regard on 10 September 2010. The application is now fully processed and advance payment due in respect of the Single Payment Scheme will issue shortly to the person named.

On-farm Investment Schemes

Andrew Doyle

Ceist:

326 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the way in which farmers with lands in designated areas, who have applied for sheep handling and fencing scheme, may proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43950/10]

The Sheep Fencing and Mobile Handling Equipment Scheme opened for applications on 1 November 2010. As in the case of all on-farm investment schemes, farmers may only proceed with the investment works concerned following the receipt of written approval from my Department. Selection criteria will be applicable in order to determine those grant applications which will proceed to the approval stage.

Where an application for grant-aid under the Scheme involves the erection of fencing in certain designated areas as specified in the terms and conditions of the Scheme, such application must be accompanied by full planning permission.

Rural Environment Protection Scheme

Andrew Doyle

Ceist:

327 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to provide continued support for farmers who destocked as part of the commonage framework as they exit the REP scheme, in view of the fact that the REP scheme was the method of compensation for these farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43957/10]

Commonage farmers in REPS 4 and those who have joined the Agri-Environment Options Scheme will receive financial support for farming at sustainable stocking levels for the duration of their contracts. Those commonage farmers currently in REPS 3 will also receive support to the end of their contract period. Participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme for new entrants, including those coming to the end of their existing contract periods, will be dependant on the budgetary situation which will be determined in the annual Estimates process.

Commonage Division

Andrew Doyle

Ceist:

328 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will advise when the commonage framework plan review is to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43958/10]

The planning process for commonage framework plans, which was a joint exercise by my Department and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government began in the late 1990s and the plans were put in place in 2002. A review of certain commonages was carried out in 2008. This review process is under on-going review by both Departments. In the meantime, all existing plans continue to apply.

Agri-Environment Options Scheme

Andrew Doyle

Ceist:

329 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will confirm that 1 September will be the commencement date for all agri-environment options schemes including those applications that have not been fully processed. [43960/10]

Some 6,000 letters of approval for participation in the scheme have now issued to applicants under the Agri-Environment Options Scheme, with a start date of Ist September, 2010. Comprehensive administrative and validation checks must be carried out on all applications to ensure eligibility and compliance with the terms and conditions of the scheme before letters of approvals can issue, particularly in the case of those applications which required the submission of a Sustainable Management Plan. This represents the majority of 3,419 applicants who have not yet received a start date. I expect the administrative and validation process to be completed and all outstanding cases to be notified of the outcome of their application before the end of November, with successful applicants receiving a start date of 1st November, 2010.

Grant Payments

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

330 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will address an issue that has arisen in respect of an application (details supplied) for the single farm payment which is affecting processing payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43961/10]

An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 17 May 2010.

My Department refused to accept the second page of the amendment form on the grounds that it was not received before the closing date. A formal decision issued to the person named on 28 October 2010. She was advised her of her right to appeal that decision to the Independent Agriculture Appeals Office.

To date no such appeal has been made.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

331 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not received a single farm payment or area-based payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43981/10]

An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 17 May 2010.

This application was selected for a ground eligibility and animal identification inspection. During the course of the ground eligibility inspection deductions were made to the following parcels G27805028, G27805026, G27805021 and G27805022. The claimed area 16.11ha is reduced to 15.70ha. When tolerances are added this area was increased to 15.73 ha. As the difference is less than 3% of the area found, payment will based on the area found of 15.73ha, entitlements available are 16.26.

A formal decision issued to the person named on 14 October 2010 that advised him of his right to seek a review of the decision with 21 days to the District Inspector and of his right to appeal the outcome of any such review to the Independent Agriculture Appeals Office.

The inspection process is completed and the application has now been fully processed. The 50% advance under the Single Payment Scheme issued on 11 November 2010 with the balancing payment due on 1 December 2010. Payment under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme issued on 12 November 2010.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

332 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not received a single farm payment or area-based payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43984/10]

An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 14 May 2010. Payments could not issue as a number of parcels listed on the application required digitisation and following completion of the digitisation a number of the parcels were identified as being over claimed and the person named has been written to by my Department in this regard.

A member of staff from my Department has been in contact with the person named informing him of what needs to be done to resolve this issue.

Tom Sheahan

Ceist:

333 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will receive a farm waste management grant on the additional expenditure to plaster unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43996/10]

I have asked that the case concerned be reviewed by an officer from my Department and the outcome of that review will be made known to the person concerned as soon as possible.

Tom Sheahan

Ceist:

334 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will receive the remainder of the disadvantaged area payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43997/10]

An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 21 April 2010. While it was necessary to resolve an issue relating to one of the parcels declared by the person named, this was recently resolved, which allowed the full payment under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme to issue to the person named on 10 November 2010.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

335 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when single farm payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44000/10]

An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 13 May 2010. A number of parcels listed on the application required re-digitisation and as a result one of the parcels was identified as being over claimed by the applicant. My Department wrote to the person named in this regard and following a request from the person named for a review, which was carried out by my Department. The outcome of the review was that the parcel was still found to be over claimed. Payment will now issue in the coming days on the basis of the reduced eligible area.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

336 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when single farm payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44001/10]

An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 11 May 2010. This application was selected for and was the subject of a Ground Eligibility and Full Cross Compliance Inspection.

The inspection process is complete and the results are now being processed.

Under EU regulations governing the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme and the Single Payments Scheme all Ground Eligibility Inspections must be completed before any payment can issue to any applicant under either scheme, including those not selected for a Ground Eligibility Inspection.

In the vast majority of cases that were inspected amendments have had to be made to the maps in order that the Land Parcel Identification System that is used for making payments to farmers is kept up-to-date. Processing of these changes is continuing with priority being given to applications that were the subject of a Ground Eligibility Inspection.

Bobby Aylward

Ceist:

337 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his attention has been drawn to the fact that moneys overpaid to persons, through no fault of their own, particularly in respect of forest premiums, are being recouped in full from their direct payments; if he will put in place arrangements whereby such payment would be deducted over a period of at least three years as farming families cannot survive in the current economic climate on the payments issued once deduction is made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44010/10]

In cases where the conditions of the Afforestation Grant and Premium schemes (including FEPS) have not been complied with, in order to protect public funds the Department will commence recovery of the amounts paid to the applicant. The applicant is notified in writing and given 30 days for repayment. Any amounts outstanding after this time will be deducted from the next scheme payment. In cases of financial hardship the applicant may contact the Forestry Division of my Department to request repayment over an extended period.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

338 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will expedite an application for single farm payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44044/10]

An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on the 10 May 2010. The advance payment, which issued on 18 October, was on the basis of the area cleared at that stage, as a number of the parcels listed on the application required re-digitisation. The balancing payments under the Scheme are scheduled to commence issuing as and from 1 December and, as the digitising process is now complete, the full balancing payment due to the person named will issue at that stage.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

339 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he will take to expedite payments of the single farm payment to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44079/10]

An application under 2010 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 7 April 2010. Advance payments under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme issued on 21 September and under the Single Payment Scheme on 18 October 2010, both on the basis of the land cleared at that stage. Parcels listed on the application of the person named required re-digitisation; while this process is now complete it was found that the reference area on a parcel had been over-claimed. This error has been raised with the person named and on receipt of a satisfactory reply the application will be further processed, with a view to issuing payments at an early date.

Departmental Funding

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

340 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount of money that has been paid annually since 2002 to registered charities; if he will specify which charities, on the subject of institutional and religious abuse and the way the Government has monitored the spend of these funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44518/10]

While my Department does provide money to a number of registered charities none of them is in the category referred to by the Deputy.

Proposed Legislation

Phil Hogan

Ceist:

341 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation his plans to amend the Industrial Relations Act 1990 to clarify the definition of worker in that legislation in order to allow recourse of setting categories of workers in the public service to deal with industrial relations issues in an efficient and quick manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43561/10]

Access to the employment dispute settling bodies under the Industrial Relations Acts is governed by the definition of "worker" in Section 23 of the Industrial Relations Act 1990. Workers not included within this definition are normally covered by separate schemes of Conciliation and Arbitration.

Workers in some parts of the public service, e.g. Local Authorities, Health Service Executive, are already covered by the definition of "worker" and, accordingly, have access to the State's industrial relations machinery.

Section 23(1)(e) of the 1990 Act excludes, inter alia, "an officer of a vocational education committee" from this definition of "worker". Arising from an agreement between management and union sides to abolish the existing Conciliation and Arbitration machinery for vocational educational committee officers and to bring them within the scope of the Industrial Relations Acts, it is now proposed to amend the definition of "worker" to include such officers, with the exception of teachers, within the definition of "worker" in the Act. An amendment to this effect is included in the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Bill 2009, which is currently awaiting Committee Stage in the Dáil.

The question of an amendment to the Industrial Relations Acts to provide for the inclusion of persons employed in the civil service in the definition of "worker" may arise in future in the context of ongoing discussions between civil service management and unions in relation to possible changes in arrangements under the Civil Service Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme. These discussions would be a matter in the first instance for the Minister for Finance.

Redundancy Payments

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

342 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation when a claim for redundancy payment from the social insurance fund made by a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be decided; when payment will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43570/10]

My Department administers the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) in relation to redundancy matters on behalf of the Department of Social Protection. There are two types of payment made from the SIF — rebates to those employers who have paid statutory redundancy to eligible employees, and statutory lump sums to employees whose employers are insolvent and/or in receivership/liquidation

I can confirm that my Department received a statutory redundancy lump sum claim in respect of the individual concerned on 24 May, 2010. This claim awaits processing.

In respect of lump sum payments paid directly to employees in instances where employers are unable to pay the statutory redundancy entitlements claims dating from April 2010 are currently being processed. Of course in some instances, where the necessary supporting documentation for lump sum claims is not provided to my Department, or where queries arise, processing of claims can be further delayed until the required documentation is provided and/or outstanding queries are resolved.

My Department continues to make every effort to reduce processing times. Measures already taken in the Department to alleviate the pressures on the Payments area include:

Almost doubling the number of staff working solely on redundancy payment claims through reassignment to a current level of 52 full time equivalents;

Prioritisation of the Department's overtime budget towards staff in the Section to tackle the backlog outside normal hours;

Establishment of a special call handling facility in NERA to deal with the huge volume of telephone calls from people and businesses concerned about their payments;

Better quality information relating to current processing times on the Department's website;

Engagement with the Revenue Commissioners to facilitate the offset of redundancy rebate payments by employers against existing outstanding tax liabilities which those employers owe to the Revenue Commissioners.

The backlog and waiting times remain at unacceptable levels. However, improvements are evident. In 2009, my Department processed 50,664 claims, up 70% on the previous year. Furthermore, the level of new claims processed in the first ten months of 2010 was 63,484 — up over 66% on the corresponding 10-month period in 2009 (38,149) and surpassing the total amount of claims processed for the full year 2009. The backlog of claims is decreasing — reducing from its highest level in November 2009 of 43,608 to a current level of 28,300.

Responsibility for the payment functions arising under the Redundancy and Insolvency payment schemes is due to be transferred to the Department of Social Protection with effect from 1 January 2011. In transferring the functions between Departments, it is the intention that this will operate seamlessly and without any adverse impact on the service levels being experienced by individuals or the business community awaiting payment of redundancy claims.

Phil Hogan

Ceist:

343 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the reason for a delay in the payment of redundancy to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43571/10]

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that my Department has recently authorised this redundancy lump sum claim on behalf of the individual concerned. Payment of the redundancy amount due is expected to issue within the next few weeks.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

344 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if a person (details supplied) in County Limerick has an entitlement to redundancy under statutory redundancy as they cannot make contact with their former employer who has closed the business and if he will expedite a response on the basis that the former employer cannot be contacted. [43597/10]

Under the Redundancy Payments Scheme, all eligible employees are entitled to a statutory redundancy lump sum payment on being made redundant. The entitlement to statutory redundancy is an employment right, and is available to any employee over the age of 16 who is a class A contributor in insurable employment with the employer for a period of two years prior to the date of termination of employment. Eligible employees are entitled to two weeks pay for every year of service, plus a bonus week, subject to a maximum ceiling of €600 on gross weekly pay.

A redundancy situation arises in general where an employee's job no longer exists and he/she is not replaced. It is up to the employer concerned in the first instance to determine whether or not in fact a redundancy situation obtains and to submit to my Department an application form (RP50) completed and signed as appropriate by the employer and employee. This form can be downloaded from the Department's website at www.entemp.ie Disputes in relation to statutory redundancy entitlement can be referred to the Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT) for adjudication.

If it is the case that the individual considers that an entitlement to statutory redundancy exists and has sought and been refused statutory redundancy or if the employer refuses or neglects to complete the necessary documentation to allow a claim to be lodged with my Department, the individual concerned may seek a determination on his right and entitlement to redundancy by applying directly to the Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT). The Tribunal offices are located at Davitt House, Adelaide Road, Dublin 2. Please note that an employee must make application for redundancy payment or seek a determination from the EAT within twelve months of ceasing employment, although the EAT has the power to extend the deadline from 52 weeks to 104 weeks. The 52 week deadline applies both to the making of a claim to the employer and to the making of a claim to the EAT in a situation where the employer disputes payment of redundancy.

A claim can be made to the EAT by submitting a form T1-A directly to the Tribunal. These forms can be obtained from the EAT website http://www.eatribunal.ie.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

345 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive their redundancy payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43730/10]

My Department administers the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) in relation to redundancy matters on behalf of the Department of Social Protection. There are two types of payment made from the SIF — rebates to those employers who have paid statutory redundancy to eligible employees, and statutory lump sums to employees whose employers are insolvent and/or in receivership/liquidation.

I wish to advise the Deputy that on the basis of valid claims entered in the Redundancy Payments System in my Department, there is no record of a redundancy claim having been received in respect of the individual in question.

It is my Department's practice not to enter incomplete claims on the system as these claims cannot be processed until the necessary documentation is submitted. Forms are returned to allow missing details and/or supporting documentation to be submitted. Submission of correctly completed Redundancy claim forms (RP50s) with all of the required documentation greatly facilitates the processing of claims.

Under Redundancy legislation the onus, in the first instance, is on the employer to pay to the employee their redundancy entitlements. The employer is then entitled, by virtue of pay related social contributions to the Social Insurance Fund, to recover 60% of the amount paid to the employee.

In circumstances where the employer is unable to pay the redundancy entitlements, a claim can be lodged with the Department and the documentation required in support of lump sum claims is evidence of the employer's inability to pay the redundancy entitlements to the employees. This involves requesting a statement from the company's Accountant or Solicitor attesting to the inadequacy of assets to make the redundancy payments and the latest set of financial accounts for the company.

The employer is also asked to admit liability for the 40% liability attaching to the company arising from the redundancy payments.

If this information is provided to the Department, the employees are paid their redundancy entitlement from the Social Insurance Fund. Upon payment, the Department pursues the company for the 40% share that the company would ordinarily have been expected to pay to the employees.

If the necessary supporting documentation required from the employer is not provided to my Department, the employee will be advised by my Department to take a case to the Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT) against the employer to seek a determination establishing the employee's right and entitlement to redundancy. Once such a determination is available, the Department is then in a position to make the payment to the employee concerned. Should the outstanding documentation be provided by the employer during the period while the case is pending a hearing before the EAT, this would allow the claim to be processed by my Department in the usual way.

Industrial Development

John Deasy

Ceist:

346 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of businesses in Dungarvan, County Waterford that applied for capital grants from the Industrial Development Agency in each of the past three years and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43895/10]

John Deasy

Ceist:

348 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of businesses in Dungarvan, County Waterford that applied for employment grants from the Industrial Development Agency in each of the past three years and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43897/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 346 and 348 together.

I am informed by IDA Ireland that there has been no payments of Capital grants in Dungarvan in the past three years and to date in 2010. A grant can be approved in any one year, however, it is up to the individual company when they choose to drawn down the grant. It is important also to note that grants paid in a particular year do not necessarily refer to approvals in the same year.

I am also informed by IDA Ireland that one Employment Grant has been paid in Dungarvan in the past three years and to date in 2010, amounting to €216,000. As with Capital Grants, grants paid in a particular year do not necessarily refer to approvals in the same year.

John Deasy

Ceist:

347 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of businesses in Waterford city that applied for capital grants from the Industrial Development Agency in each of the past three years and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43896/10]

John Deasy

Ceist:

349 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of businesses in Waterford city that applied for employment grants from the Industrial Development Agency in each of the past three years and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43898/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 347 and 349 together.

When IDA approves grant assistance to a client company, it enters into a legal agreement with that company. That agreement sets out, inter alia, conditions governing grant payment including the milestones which have to be reached before grant payments can be drawn down. A grant can be approved in any one year, however it is up to the individual company to choose when to draw down the grant. Grants paid in any one year do not necessarily refer to the approvals in that year.

I am informed by the IDA that in the period from the beginning of 2007 to date in 2010, a total of €5,000,000 in capital grants was paid to one IDA supported company in Waterford City. Employment grants totalling €6,707,398 were paid to 10 companies in Waterford city in the same period.

Question No. 348 answered with Question No. 346.
Question No. 349 answered with Question No. 347.

John Deasy

Ceist:

350 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of businesses nationally that applied for capital grants from the Industrial Development Agency in each of the past three years and to date in 2010; the number of those businesses that were given capital grants by the IDA in that period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43899/10]

John Deasy

Ceist:

351 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of businesses nationally that applied for employment grants from the Industrial Development Agency in each of the past three years and to date in 2010; the number of those businesses that were given employment grants by the IDA in that period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43900/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 350 and 351 together.

When IDA approves grant assistance to a client company, it enters into a legal agreement with that company. That agreement sets out, inter alia, conditions governing grant payment including the milestones which have to be reached before grant payments can be drawn down. A grant can be approved in any one year, however it is up to the individual company to choose when to draw down the grant. Grants paid in any one year do not necessarily refer to the approvals in that year.

I am informed by IDA that in the period from the beginning of 2007 to date in 2010, capital grant payments totaling €21,172,424 were made to 14 IDA supported companies throughout the country. In the same period employment grants totaling €68,516,597 were paid by IDA to 133 companies.

Enterprise Support Services

John Deasy

Ceist:

352 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of businesses in County Waterford that applied for funding from Enterprise Ireland in each of the past three years and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43901/10]

The number of businesses in County Waterford that applied for funding from Enterprise Ireland (EI) for each of the past 3 years and to date in 2010 are set out in the following tabular statement.

The number of applications in 2009 in Co Waterford is considerably higher than in other years due to the Employment Subsidy Scheme (Temporary) which was introduced in 2009 to help employees maintain their jobs while at the same time assisting employers to retain their productive capacity.

Year

No. of Businesses in Co. Waterford applying for EI funding

2007

50

2008

60

2009

149

2010 to date

26

John Deasy

Ceist:

353 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of businesses nationally that applied for funding from Enterprise Ireland in each of the past three years and to date in 2010; the number of those businesses that were given funding by Enterprise Ireland in that period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43902/10]

The number of businesses nationally that applied for funding and received funding from Enterprise Ireland in each of the past three years and to date in 2010 are set out in the following tabular statement.

The number of applications in 2009 is considerably higher than in other years due to the Employment Subsidy Scheme (Temporary) which was introduced in 2009 to help employees maintain their jobs while at the same time assisting employers to retain their productive capacity.

Year

No. of Companies Applying for Funding

No. of Companies Approved for funding

2007

1,263

1,184

2008

1,371

1,296

2009

4,327

2,757

2010 to date

1,013

758

Redundancy Payments

Michael Ring

Ceist:

354 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their redundancy payment. [43916/10]

My Department administers the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) in relation to redundancy matters on behalf of the Department of Social Protection. There are two types of payment made from the SIF — rebates to those employers who have paid statutory redundancy to eligible employees, and statutory lump sums to employees whose employers are insolvent and/or in receivership/liquidation.

I can confirm that my Department received a statutory redundancy lump sum claim in respect of the individual concerned on 27 September, 2010. This claim awaits processing.

In respect of lump sum payments paid directly to employees in instances where employers are unable to pay the statutory redundancy entitlements claims dating from April 2010 are currently being processed. Of course in some instances, where the necessary supporting documentation for lump sum claims is not provided to my Department, or where queries arise, processing of claims can be further delayed until the required documentation is provided and/or outstanding queries are resolved.

My Department continues to make every effort to reduce processing times. Measures already taken in the Department to alleviate the pressures on the Payments area include:

Almost doubling the number of staff working solely on redundancy payment claims through reassignment to a current level of 52 full time equivalents;

Prioritisation of the Department's overtime budget towards staff in the Section to tackle the backlog outside normal hours;

Establishment of a special call handling facility in NERA to deal with the huge volume of telephone calls from people and businesses concerned about their payments;

Better quality information relating to current processing times on the Department's website;

Engagement with the Revenue Commissioners to facilitate the offset of redundancy rebate payments by employers against existing outstanding tax liabilities which those employers owe to the Revenue Commissioners.

The backlog and waiting times remain at unacceptable levels. However, improvements are evident. In 2009, my Department processed 50,664 claims, up 70% on the previous year. Furthermore, the level of new claims processed in the first ten months of 2010 was 63,484 — up over 66% on the corresponding 10-month period in 2009 (38,149) and surpassing the total amount of claims processed for the full year 2009 which came to 50,644. The backlog of claims is decreasing — reducing from its highest level in November 2009 of 43,608 to a current level of 28,300.

Responsibility for the payment functions arising under the Redundancy and Insolvency payment schemes is due to be transferred to the Department of Social Protection with effect from 1 January 2011. In transferring the functions between Departments, it is the intention that this will operate seamlessly and without any adverse impact on the service levels being experienced by individuals or the business community awaiting payment of redundancy claims.

Departmental Staff

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

355 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the age profile of those employed in his Department (details supplied) in tabular form. [43979/10]

The age profile of staff in my Department is as follows:

Under 30

30 – 40

40 – 50

50 – 60

Over 60

120

278

312

291

68

These figures include staff on career breaks and on various forms of unpaid leave.

Job Creation

Michael Noonan

Ceist:

356 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of jobs created by the Industrial Development Agency in Limerick city and county in each of the years from 2000 to date in 2010 inclusive; if he will give comparative figures for Cork city and county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43993/10]

The Forfás Annual Employment Survey reports on job gains and losses in companies that are supported by the industrial development agencies. Data is compiled on an annualized basis and is aggregated at county level. Figures for 2010 are not yet available.

Details of the number of new jobs created in IDA supported companies in counties Limerick and Cork in each of the years 2000 to 2009 are set out in the following tabular statement.

Table showing the number of new jobs created in IDA supported companies in Counties Limerick and Cork in each of the years 2000 to 2009 inclusive

Year

County Limerick

County Cork

2000

1,374

3,547

2001

393

2,316

2002

439

1,693

2003

140

1,235

2004

491

1,356

2005

373

1,281

2006

789

2,053

2007

288

1,752

2008

286

2,108

2009

169

1,082

Industrial Development

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

357 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the targets he has set for the trade performance of the indigenous sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44004/10]

Enterprise Ireland's core strategy is to grow exports by driving innovation and scale in established companies and by supporting entrepreneurship and the establishment of high potential start-ups by domestic and overseas entrepreneurs. Enterprise Ireland's strategy, Transforming Irish Industry, sets out the following targets for exports in the 2008-2010 period:

New export sales of €4 billion

Increase the number of clients achieving annual global sales of €5 million to 635

Increase the number of clients achieving annual global sales of €20 million to 225

In September, the Taoiseach launched the five-year integrated Government plan for trade, tourism and investment aimed at generating 300,000 jobs. The new plan, "Trading and Investing in a Smart Economy", is the first integrated strategy to promote overseas trade, tourism and investment. Amongst other targets, the plan aims to create over 150,000 direct new jobs in manufacturing, tourism and internationally traded services, with another 150,000 spin-off jobs, and to increase the value of Irish exports by indigenous agency-assisted firms by one third.

Departmental Expenditure

Lucinda Creighton

Ceist:

358 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the amount of allocated capital spending to his Department that has been drawn down to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44082/10]

The Capital Allocation for 2010 for my Department's Vote is €480.679 million and I anticipate that this allocation will be spent in full.

Capital funding allocated to my Department's Vote is expended through various agencies under the remit of my Department, including IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, Science Foundation Ireland, FAS, Shannon Development, Inter Trade Ireland, the National Standards Authority of Ireland and the 35 City and County Enterprise Boards.

The funding is used by the agencies to operate programmes that provide a range of grants, supports and financial facilities to clients. Capital funding also covers the maintenance and development of the agencies' buildings and upgrading of equipment.

EU Directives

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

359 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on the draft EU directive recently passed by the European Parliament, which provides for fully paid maternity leave of 20 weeks. [43420/10]

In 2008 the European Commission published proposals to amend the 1992 Maternity Leave Directive by extending the period of maternity leave from 14 to 18 weeks. The Commission did not propose any change to the payment regime during this proposed period of maternity leave. The period in question is below the current Irish provision of 26 weeks and, accordingly, the Commission proposal did not impact on the Irish situation. Discussions have taken place on the Commission proposal at a Council of Ministers technical working group and, while some amendments were made to the original proposal, these still did not impact upon Ireland's position.

Commission proposals such as this are subject to the co-decision procedure whereby both the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament must agree the new proposed Directive. Following its first reading of the Commission proposal, the European Parliament proposed an extension of the period of maternity leave to 20 weeks, which was still below the Irish provision. However, the Parliament has also proposed that this period of leave would be fully paid, which would have a significant cost for most Member States, where the maternity leave regime is shorter and/or not fully remunerated at present. This latter aspect of the Parliament's proposal would impact on Ireland's Exchequer bill and/or employer costs.

Under the rules of procedure agreed between the Parliament and the European Commission, the Commission must now carefully examine the amendments to its legislative proposal adopted by Parliament. The Commission is continuing a consultation process with Member States at official and political levels in relation to the Parliament's proposals in this regard.

UN Conventions

Seán Barrett

Ceist:

360 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs when he will be signing the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43538/10]

Ireland was in the first group of countries to sign, subject to ratification, the UN Convention of the Rights of People with Disabilities when it opened for signature on 30 March 2007.

It is the Government's intention to ratify the Convention as quickly as possible, taking into account the need to ensure that all necessary legislative and administrative requirements under the Convention are being met. Ireland does not tend to become party to treaties until it is first in a position to comply with the obligations imposed by the treaty in question, including by amending domestic law as necessary.

The ongoing implementation of our National Disability Strategy in many respects comprehends many of the provisions of the Convention. In addition, the Inter-Departmental Committee on the UNCRPD monitors the remaining legislative and administrative actions required to enable the State to ratify the Convention. The Committee has developed a programme on which work is progressing to address the matters that need to be aligned with the UNCRPD. One of the key requirements in this regard is mental capacity legislation, which is the responsibility of the Department of Justice and Law Reform. As indicated in the Government's Legislation Programme, it is intended that the Mental Capacity Bill will be published in the current Dáil session. The passage of this Bill will add substantially to the overall progress on implementation of the requirements towards ratification of the Convention.

Departmental Agencies

James Bannon

Ceist:

361 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will appoint an ombudsman for persons with disabilities to ensure that those in need of assistance will be able to avail of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43630/10]

The Government has no plans to appoint an ombudsman for persons with disabilities at this time. It is considered that existing mechanisms for investigation of complaints in relation to the provision of public service to people with disabilities are operating effectively. The ombudsmans have ample existing powers to review cases of dissatisfaction brought forward by individual clients of disability services. The National Disability Authority also has an important role in the provision of independent expert advice to the Government, in enhancing access to services including any complaints processes already in place. In addition, the Equality Tribunal is a forum where complaints under equality legislation in respect of both the public and private sectors may be lodged and the Equality Authority is available for advice and possible legal assistance in relation to such complaints.

Grant Payments

Michael Ring

Ceist:

362 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the total grant aid paid out in County Mayo for the past five years and the persons or groups to whom it was paid. [43550/10]

The table below sets out the total amount of grant aid paid in County Mayo by my Department for each of the past five years. As the details requested by the Deputy in relation to the recipients of such grant aid are voluminous, I am arranging to have this information forwarded directly to the Deputy.

Year

Total grant aid paid in Co Mayo

2006

15,088,501

2007

14,801,031

2008

11,631,663

2009

8,565,770

2010 to date

6,588,526

Total

56,675,491

Departmental Funding

Dan Neville

Ceist:

363 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will maintain the level of funding for national organisations in the community and voluntary sector in 2011. [43599/10]

A total of 64 organisations are supported under my Department's Funding Scheme to Support National Organisations in the Community and Voluntary Sector and funding in the order of €16.6m has been provided over the three year period 2008-2010.

Contracts under this scheme are due to expire on 31 December 2010. An evaluation of the scheme, which included a consultation exercise with the organisations involved in the scheme, has been completed. On foot of the review, I anticipate that my Department will be in contact shortly with all organisations involved in the current scheme regarding arrangements for 2011 and subsequent years.

As the Deputy will be aware, all Departments are currently involved in a detailed budgetary estimates process for 2011. At this stage, it is not possible to indicate precise levels of funding for specific schemes. However, the Deputy can be assured that I will endeavour to support frontline services to the greatest extent feasible and to make the best possible use of the resources available to me.

National Carers Strategy

Charlie O'Connor

Ceist:

364 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs if he, his predecessors, his Department or his Minister of State have had direct or indirect input into the unpublished national carers strategy; the nature of that input if applicable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43752/10]

As the Deputy will be aware, responsibility for the National Carer's Strategy rests with my colleague, the Minister for Social Protection.

While my Department was not directly involved, it would have been consulted and supplied information in relation to Dormant Accounts funding for training for carers and grants to Community and Voluntary organisations.

In addition, the former Combat Poverty Agency, now part of my Department, made a submission and also attended meetings as part of the consultation process.

Departmental Expenditure

Beverley Flynn

Ceist:

365 Deputy Beverley Flynn asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the funding provided for a project in County Mayo (details supplied) under CLÁR and Leader funding and the conditions attached to the granting of funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43989/10]

The project referred to by the Deputy was in receipt of co-funding in 2007 through my Department's LEADER and CLÁR Programmes. The funding amounted to €35,000 from the LEADER Programme and an additional €35,000 from the CLÁR Programme.

I understand that on the application for funding which was submitted to the Western Rural Development Company, which was contracted by my Department to deliver the LEADER Programme at that time, it was stated that a charge for use of the facility would apply.

Departmental Funding

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

366 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of money that has been paid annually since 2002 to registered charities; if he will specify which charities, on the subject of institutional and religious abuse, and the way the Government has monitored the spend of these funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44520/10]

As the Deputy is aware, my Department administers and delivers a wide range of programmes and measures, descriptions of which are available on its website at www.pobail.ie.

My Department's gross allocation for this range of programmes and measures in 2010 is €440.864m. The table below provides a breakdown of this funding for each of my Department's programme areas:

Allocations for 2010

Programme Area

Further Revised Estimate Allocations 2010

€m

Developing Communities

131.785

Tackling Drugs Misuse

36.182

Rural Development

85.49

Gaeltacht and Islands Development

62.943

Promotion and Maintenance of the Irish Language

8.012

North-South Co-Operation

52.229

Equality

11.063

Disability

6.401

Other Services

27.218

Administration

19.541

Total

440.864

In view of the wide range of my Department's schemes and programmes, and the very large volumes of applications received thereunder on an ongoing basis, I am not satisfied that the work involved in compiling and collating the breakdown of expenditure sought by the Deputy would be feasible or justified. However, if the Deputy has specific queries relating to a particular charity or charities, I would be glad to seek to provide him with relevant information in that regard.

Departmental Properties

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

367 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Defence if he will consider allowing Garda authorised shooting clubs the use of military rifle ranges on payment of a rental fee and provision of adequate insurance cover which would indemnify him for the clubs’ use of these facilities as happens in the UK and Northern Ireland. [43578/10]

The use of any Military facility by a private organisation or club is conditional on a fee being paid, adequate insurance cover being in place, affiliation to the national governing body of the particular activity and non-interference with the Military use of the facility. An application for use of a particular facility should be sent to the Property Management Branch of the Department who will consider the request in conjunction with the Military authorities.

Departmental Staff

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Ceist:

368 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the work of the Army library and information centre at the Curragh camp; his plans to appoint civilian personnel to run this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44041/10]

The Library and Education Research Centre, based at the Military College, Defence Forces Training Centre, Curragh Camp, Co. Kildare provides an important service for military personnel. There are no plans to appoint civilian personnel to run this service.

Departmental Expenditure

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

369 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence the amount of money that has been paid annually since 2002 to registered charities; if he will specify which charities, on the subject of institutional and religious abuse, and the way the Government has monitored the spend of these funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44521/10]

The table below outlines the annual amounts paid by the Department to registered charities since 2002:

Year

Organisation/Body

Organisation of National ex-Servicemen and Women (ONE)

Irish United Nations Veteran Association (IUNVA)

The Irish Red Cross Society

2002

Nil

Nil

809,000

2003

25,000

Nil

821,000

2004

Nil

Nil

866,000

2005

Nil

Nil

880,000

2006

50,000

Nil

910,000

2007

Nil

Nil

931,000

2008

40,000

10,000

951,000

2009

40,000

10,000

951,000

2010

40,000

10,000

951,000

Both the Organisation of National ex-Servicemen and Women (O.N.E.) and Irish United Nations Veteran Association (IUNVA) are registered as charitable organisations (CHY 13868 and CHY 10066 respectively). A condition of the grants/subventions to ONE and IUNVA is the annual submission of audited accounts to the Department.

The Irish Red Cross Society (CHY 3950) is an independent statute based charitable organisation with full power to manage its own affairs. The grant paid in quarterly amounts to the Irish Red Cross Society includes the Government's annual contribution (currently €130,000) to the International Committee of the Red Cross. The balance is used towards the administration and running costs of the Irish office. The Minister for Defence does not get involved in the day-to-day running of its affairs. The Geneva Convention places an obligation on Governments to protect the independence of National Red Cross Organisations.

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