Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 9 Dec 2010

Vol. 724 No. 3

Written Answers

The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised].
Question No. 1 postponed.
Questions Nos. 2 and 3 outstanding.

Schools Building Projects

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

4 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the building of a school (details supplied); if a date has been set for the next stage; if money has been set aside for this project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46684/10]

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

7 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the application for a new school building by a school (details supplied) in County Cork. [46718/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 4 and 7 together.

My Department has reached agreement, in principle, subject to contract with Cork County Council and is in on-going liaison with the Local Authority in relation to the proposed acquisition of a site. Due to the commercial sensitivities relating to site acquisitions, I am not in a position to comment further at this time. Once this acquisition is concluded, the proposed building project will be considered in the context of the capital budget available to my Department for school buildings generally.

Questions Nos. 5 and 6 outstanding.
Question No. 7 answered with Question No. 4.
Questions Nos. 8 to 25, inclusive, outstanding.

State Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

26 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Finance if he has received an annual report for each of the past three years from the chairman of all State bodies under the auspices of his Department; if the pay of chief executives and employees of such bodies is fully in accordance with Government policy; if he will list any such bodies where this requirement under the code of practice for the governance of State bodies has not been met or no report has been received; if he will provide full details of such issues in such reports and if these reports will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46711/10]

The information requested by the Deputy in respect of Bodies under the aegis of the Department of Finance is as follows:

Special EU Programmes Body

I have received the 2007 and 2008 annual reports for the Special EU Programmes Body, and these have been laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas; the 2009 Annual Report has been agreed, is being printed and will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas shortly.

As the Special EU Programmes Body is a North South Body established following the Good Friday Agreement, the pay of the Chief Executive and employees complies with the Government Policy in the jurisdiction in which the staff member is employed — Northern Ireland-based staff are paid in accordance with Northern Ireland Executive policy and Irish-based staff are paid in accordance with Irish Government Policy.

Central Bank of Irealnd

The Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland (CBFSAI) submitted an annual report in each of the past three years as required by the Central Bank Act 1942. Each of these reports was laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas.

The Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland was replaced by the Central Bank of Ireland in accordance with the Central Bank Reform Act 2010 in October of thisyear.

The terms and conditions of employment of staff of the Central Bank of Ireland are matters solely for the Central Bank Commission and the Governor. The code of practice for the governance of state bodies does not apply to the Central Bank but I understand that it applies its own, similar, code of governance.

The Irish Financial Services Appeals Tribunal

The Irish Financial Services Appeals Tribunal has delivered an annual report for the past three years. Each of these reports was laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas before being published on their website www.ifsat.ie. The Irish Financial Services Appeals Tribunal has no Chief Executive and no employees.

Financial Services Ombudsman

I have received Annual Reports in respect of the Financial Services Ombudsman for the past three years. Each of these reports was laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas. The remuneration of the Financial Services Ombudsman and the Deputy Financial Services Ombudsman is set by the Financial Services Ombudsman Council and does not take effect until approved by the Minister. The Financial Services Ombudsman Council confirms that the relevant requirements under the Code of Practice for Governance of State Bodies have been met and also that remuneration and allowances for employees have regard to Government policy as required to be met under Section 57BN(3) of the Central Bank Act (as amended).

An Post National Lottery

The Annual Report of the National Lottery has been received by me for each of the past three years and laid before the Houses of the Oireactas. The Annual Report 2007 was laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas in March 2008, the Annual Report 2008 in April 2009 and the Annual Report 2009 in May 2010.

As set out in the Company's Annual Report, the National Lottery is in compliance with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, including the requirements set out at Section B of the Code relating to the Remuneration of the Chief Executive and staff.

National Treasury Management Agency (includes National Pension Reserve Fund Commission, State Caims Agency, National Developenment Finance Agency and National Asset Management Agency)

The National Treasury Management Agency has forwarded its annual report to me for each of the last three years.

While the National Treasury Management Agency is guided by Government pay policy, it is not governed by public sector pay agreements. As provided for in the National Treasury Management Agency Act 1990 the remuneration of the National Treasury Management Agency Chief Executive is determined by the Minister for Finance after consultation with the ational Treasury Management Agency Advisory Committee.

All staff of the National Treasury Management Agency have individual contracts of employment which are negotiated on an individual contract basis by the Agency.

The Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies has not previously been applied to the National Treasury Management Agency and associated bodies whose legal structure does not follow the general semi-state model in all respects. During the course of this year, the National Treasury Management Agency, the National Development Finance Agency and the National Pensions Reserve Fund Commission have considered how the Code may be adapted to fit their specific legal structures and have written to my Department setting out how they propose to implement the Code.

National Development Finance Agency

The National Development Finance Agency has submitted annual reports as required in each of the past 3 years. The reports have been laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas.

Credit Review Office

As this body only came into operation in 2010 no annual report has been produced to date. The pay of the Chief Executive and employees is in line with Government Policy. Two quarterly reports have been produced one of which has been laid before the Dáil to date.

The Standards in Public Office Commission

The Standards in Public Office Commission is required by statute to furnish its annual report to the Minister for Finance. The Standards Commission is an independent public body; it is not a "State body under the auspices" of the Department of Finance. The Chairman of the Standards Commission furnished its most recent annual report — the annual report 2009 — to me in June 2010. A copy of the annual report was laid before each House of the Oireachtas in July 2010. The Chairman of the Commission furnished its annual report 2008 to me in June 2009 and its annual report 2007 to me in June 2008. These annual reports were laid before each House of the Oireachtas shortly thereafter.

Anglo Irish Bank

Accounts have been received by my Department for all relevant periods since nationalisation. Pay of Chief Executive Officer is in accordance with the Covered Institutions Oversight Committee (CIROC) guidelines and approved by me. The pay of employees is a matter for the Board of the Bank. Anglo Irish Bank is subject to the Code of Practice for the governance of State Bodies, and is in compliance with the provisions of that Code.

National Recovery Plan

Brendan Kenneally

Ceist:

27 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for Finance the number of measures in the national recovery plan that will have a specific effect of County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46750/10]

The National Recovery Plan 2011-2014 provides a blueprint for a return to sustainable growth in our economy by setting out the measures that will be taken to restore order to our public finances, identifying the areas of economic activity which will provide growth and employment in the recovery and detailing the reforms the Government will implement to accelerate growth in those key sectors. The measures included in the Plan are of national application and are not broken down on a county by county basis.

Tax Code

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

28 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Finance when a VAT refund will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46791/10]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the VAT repayment claim in question is the subject of ongoing examination. The Revenue Commissioners requested details from the taxpayer's agents on 10 November 2010 in connection with the claim, and these have not yet been provided. On receipt of these details, the Revenue Commissioners will be in a position to determine if they are satisfied regarding the claim, or whether additional enquiries are required.

Departmental Groups

Noel Ahern

Ceist:

29 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the recent report from mortgage review group; if some or all of the recommendations have been accepted by the Government; if legislation primary or secondary is required to implement; if the position of each financial institution is known; if there is an ongoing process to sign up remaining financial institutions to the various recommendations; if the status of an institution (details supplied) is known in relation to accepting the 60% minimum of interest only mortgage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46800/10]

The Deputy will be aware that the Mortgage Arrears and Personal Debt Expert Group (Group) have now completed their work having submitted an Interim Report to me on 5th July 2010 and their Final Report on 16th November 2010. Both Reports were brought before Government. As I said at the time of its publication all of the recommendations included in the Group's Interim Report were accepted by Government at the Cabinet meeting of 6th July 2010. These recommendations were also repeated in the Group's Final Report along with additional recommendations based on the findings of the Group in the second phase of its work. The contents of the Final Report were noted by Government at a meeting on 16th November 2010.

On the question of primary and secondary legislation to support the implementation of the Group's recommendations the Deputy should note that there will be a need for legislative support which will involve my own Department, the Departments of Social Protection (DSP), Environment, Heritage and Local Government (DEHLG), Justice and Law Reform (DJLR), as well amendments to the statutory Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears by the Financial Regulator.

In the case of my own Department the need for legislative change arising from the Group's report will be examined in the context of the preparation of the second Central Bank Bill.

In order to implement those recommendations in relation to the mortgage interest supplement scheme (MIS) changes to both primary and secondary legislation will be required. The Department of Social Protection is currently developing an implementation plan that will set out a framework for the future of the scheme.

New regulations and guidance are currently being developed by DEHLG in the context of the social housing reform programme to provide that housing authorities could disregard the household's current accommodation for the purposes of determining eligibility for social housing support (the relevant provision in the 2009 Housing Act provides that ownership of accommodation is one of the criteria which determines eligibility). I am informed that work is ongoing on the development of a new needs assessment process which will allow an earlier trigger point for the social housing needs assessment process to take place where a case has been determined to be unsustainable in the long term, following exploration of all other options. It has already been indicated by the Minister for Justice and Law Reform to the House on several occasions that he intends to give early attention to the Final Report on Personal Debt Management and Debt Enforcement of the Law Reform Commission which is expected before the end of the year. That Report is expected to contain recommendations on comprehensive reform of the system of personal insolvency law in Ireland. In the interim, the Minister, in the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2010, which is before the House, has provided for:

(i) a reduction in the application period to the Court for discharge from bankruptcy from 12 to 6 years, and

(ii) automatic discharge from bankruptcy where the adjudication order has existed for 20 years.

The commitment in the Renewed Programme for Government of October 2009 indicates that debt enforcement will be reformed in light of the deliberations of the Law Reform Commission.

Many of the recommendations included in the Group's Interim Report are being underpinned by amendments to the statutory Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears (CCMA) approved by me and published by the Central Bank on 6th December 2010. Lenders are required to comply with the Code as a matter of law. The Central Bank will also be writing to lenders to issue directions under Section 149 of the Consumer Credit Act 1995 which will mean they cannot impose arrears charges or penalty interest on borrowers who are co-operating with the Mortgage Arrears Resolution Process. Lenders representing the majority of the market have already indicated their willingness to implement the group's proposals for a deferred interest scheme, DIS, or a variation of it and the remaining participants will be requested to do so. The Deputy will be aware from recent media reports that AIB, Bank of Ireland, EBS Building Society and Irish Life and Permanent are reported to have signed up to the DIS. The DIS is to apply to those homeowners unable to pay the full interest on their mortgages but able to pay at least 66%. While the DIS is voluntary for all lenders, those who have signed up in support of the scheme will be monitored by the Financial Regulator to ensure compliance.

Recommendations which are not required to be supported by legislation or are not being underpinned by the revised CCMA are not obligatory on the lender. However as the recommendations are intended to be of benefit to the lender as well as the borrower it is assumed that lenders will cooperate and implement the Groups proposals or variations of them. The Group has proposed in the context of the DIS which is voluntary that the scheme should be reviewed within 18 months of its commencement in order to inform whether alternative policy actions are required this review will also include the level of take up by all lenders.

Tax Collection

Noel Ahern

Ceist:

30 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details of approximately the monthly take over the past 12 months from residential stamp duty; if any analysis of the category of buying has been done and if he has or will re-examine stamp duty scheme, to change rates and status of purchases and to amend the system to concentrate exemptions and support towards those under pressure which traditionally were first time buyers but now might be those in negative equity apartments but wishing to trade up to family home status. [46804/10]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the information requested by the Deputy in relation to receipts from Stamp Duty on residential property is set out in the following table which reflects the position up to and including November 2010.

Month and Year

Net Receipts

€ million

December 2009

14.6

January 2010*

February 2010*

March 2010*

21.8 for 3 months*

April 2010

8.3

May 2010

8.4

June 2010

9.0

July 2010

10.0

August 2010

10.0

September 2010

11.0

October 2010

9.8

November 2010

10.3

*Due to the changeover to a new system, a separate breakdown is not available for the months January, February and March 2010. The total combined figure for the 3 months is provided instead.

There has been no analysis of the category of buying carried out. However, as the Deputy is aware, I announced in Budget 2011 a major reform of the charge to Stamp Duty on residential property transactions, which applies to all instruments executed on or after 8 December 2010. These changes have simplified the system by lowering the rates applicable and abolishing a number of exemptions and reliefs.

The changes in rates are as follows:

Stamp Duty rates on transfers of residential property up to 8 December 2010

Aggregate Consideration

Rate of Duty

First €125,000

0%

Next €875,000 (up to €1m)

7%

Excess over €1,000,000

9%

New Stamp Duty rates on transfers of residential property from 8 December 2010

Aggregate Consideration

Rate of Duty

First €1,000,000

1%

Excess over €1,000,000

2%

In order to broaden the tax base, a number of reliefs and exemptions have been abolished as follows:

First Time Buyer's Relief;

Relief from Stamp Duty on new houses under 125 sq metres;

Reduced Stamp Duty on new houses over 125 sq metres

Consanguinity relief in respect of residential property transfers;

Exemption for residential property valued under €127,000; and

Site to child relief.

There is also a transitional measure in place for circumstances where the effect of these changes is to increase the Stamp Duty payable on the transaction. The new rates will not apply where a binding contract is in place before 8 December 2010 and the instrument is executed before 1 July 2011.

Tax Code

Noel Ahern

Ceist:

31 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the recent withdrawal from Eircom company of €40 million by the employees share ownership plan; if this was allowed tax free; if this loophole can now be closed off as the circumstances and purpose of original legislative provision for such withdrawals has since passed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46806/10]

For reasons of taxpayer confidentiality the Revenue Commissioners do not comment on or provide information on individual cases in relation to either businesses or personal taxpayers. However, by way of general information, the following is the position. The legislation governing an Employee Share Ownership Trust (ESOT) is contained in Section 519 of, and Schedule 12 to, the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. A company must apply to the Revenue Commissioners if they wish to operate such an ESOT. The Revenue Commissioners will only approve the ESOT where all the necessary conditions specified in the legislation are complied with.

All the ESOTs approved by the Revenue Commissioners to date work in conjunction with an Approved Profit Sharing Scheme (APSS) under which eligible employees may receive shares free of income tax. The legislation governing approved profit sharing schemes is contained in Chapter 1 of Part 17 of, and Schedule 11 to, the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. As in the case of an ESOT, the Revenue Commissioners will only approve an APSS where all the necessary conditions specified in the legislation are complied with.

Where the trustees of an approved ESOT transfer shares to the trustees of an APSS for distribution to eligible employees, the employees may receive shares free of income tax to the value of up to €12,700 per annum. To receive the shares free of income tax they must have been held for a period of not less than 3 years. The time the shares are held in the ESOT is included for the purpose of this three-year period.

In certain limited circumstances, and on a one off basis only, shares to the value of €38,100 may be received free of income tax. The same three-year retention period is required.

In its recent report, the Commission on Taxation reviewed the tax treatment of ESOT's and APSS's. The Commission recommended the retention of the tax relief for these schemes in view of the role they play in enhancing employees' interests in the competitiveness and performance of their employer, supporting economic activity and the modernisation and privatisation of State-controlled businesses.

Notwithstanding the above recommendation, the Commission on Taxation indicated that the benefit realised from APSS should be subject to PRSI, Income Levy and Health Levy charges. Provision for the introduction of these charges was made in the National Recovery Plan and in Budget 2011.

Tax Collection

Noel Ahern

Ceist:

32 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Finance in respect of each of the past ten years, the tax take for each year from stamp duty; if he will provide for each year the amount of stamp duty which arose from residential property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46811/10]

The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the tax take from stamp duty is as set out in the table which reflects the position up to and including November 2010.

Tax Revenue

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

End Nov 2010

€ m

€ m

€ m

€ m

€ m

€ m

€ m

€ m

€ m

€ m

All Stamp Duties*

1,227

1,167

1,688

2,088

2,725

3,717

3,186

1,651

930

855

Stamp Duty on Residential Property

265

349

528

752

945

1,311

1,018

445

150

98

*Figures for all stamp duties are Exchequer receipts.

Proposed Legislation

Joe Carey

Ceist:

33 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Finance his plans to revisit section 35 of the Credit Institutions (Financial) Support Bill in relation to additional conditions in light of the non-compliance of persons towards the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46818/10]

As the existing conditions regarding non-compliance with the terms and conditions of the Government Guarantee, as set down at Section 35 of the Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Scheme 2008 (SI 411 of 2008), are wide ranging, I have no plans to revisit the issue.

State Bodies

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

34 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of employees in Anglo Irish Bank earning in excess of €100,000; the number earning between €150,000 and €200,000; the number earning in excess of €200,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46822/10]

Anglo Irish Bank is run on an arms length basis and I have formally delegated responsibility for managing the State's day-to-day relationship with the bank to the NTMA. Accordingly, the normal ongoing business of the bank, which includes the pay and conditions of bank staff, is a matter for the Board of Anglo. It would therefore not be appropriate for me to place confidential and commercially sensitive information in the public domain. However for the Deputy's information the salaries of all senior executives in Anglo Irish Bank fall within the guidelines recommended by Covered Institution Remuneration Oversight Committee (CIROC).

Tax Policy

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

35 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the nature of the understanding that was reached with the EU and International Monetary Fund in respect of the future of the policy of maintaining the 12.5% corporation tax here; if the commitment of the EU and IMF to support this policy is time limited or open ended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46846/10]

I do not know what "understanding" the Deputy is referring to in the question. This Government has made the policy position regarding the current and future direction of the single 12.5% corporation tax rate abundantly clear, most recently in the National Recovery Plan 2011-2014 and in the Budget Statement on 7 December 2010.

In the National Recovery Plan, the Government repeated its commitment to retaining the 12.5% corporation tax rate and made the point that this commitment is protected, in an EU context, by the principle of unanimity in taxation matters.

In my Budget Statement this week, I welcomed the recent comments of support by European Finance Ministers who understand the importance of this issue to Ireland. I also reiterated the point, once again, that there will be no change to Ireland's corporation tax rate.

I do not believe there is anything more that I can usefully say on this matter.

Hospital Procedures

Noel Ahern

Ceist:

36 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding hip and similar bone related procedures normally carried out in Beaumont Hospital; if she will confirm that no such operations have taken place for some weeks now; the reason for same; when the replacement equipment will be provided and the reason for the delay of the provision of same; if the lack of equipment is as a result of a financial, managerial or indeed equipment failure and if she will give a target date for matters to be back to normal. [46698/10]

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

State Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

37 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has received an annual report for each of the past three years from the chairman of all State bodies under the auspices of her Department; if the pay of chief executives and employees of such bodies is fully in accordance with Government policy; if she will list any such bodies where this requirement under the code of practice for the governance of State bodies has not been met or no report has been received; if she will provide full details of such issues in such reports and if these reports will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46713/10]

The contracts of the chief executives of my Department's State Agencies, which include remuneration levels, are approved by my Department in association with the Department of Finance. Those employed in grades below that of chief executive are remunerated on approved public sector pay scales relevant to the grades employed in accordance with Government policy. In relation to annual reports, the information sought is currently being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Health Service Allowances

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

38 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the rates of mobility allowance that will apply in 2011. [46754/10]

The Mobility Allowance will be €208.50 per month in 2011. The reduced rate of Mobility Allowance for people also in receipt of the Disabled Drivers/Disabled Passengers Tax Concession Scheme will be €104.25 per month.

Medical Cards

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

39 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the medical card income guidelines that will apply in 2011. [46755/10]

The assessment guidelines used by the Health Service Executive (HSE) in respect of applications for medical cards and GP visit cards are subject to review by the Executive and my Department from time to time, having regard to the need to ensure that persons intended to benefit under these arrangements can do so. Such reviews have regard to factors such as changes in income levels generally, the nature of typical household outgoings and also changes which may be made to the various social welfare schemes.

Since the beginning of 2005 substantial changes have been made to the way in which people's eligibility for a medical card is assessed and these apply equally to the assessment process for a GP visit card. In 2005 the income guidelines were increased incrementally by a cumulative 29%. Other significant changes which I have introduced are that applications are now considered on the basis of income net of tax and PRSI and that allowance is made for reasonable expenses incurred in respect of mortgage/rent, childcare and travel to work. In June 2006 I agreed with the Executive a further adjustment to the assessment guidelines for GP visit cards and these are now 50% higher than those in respect of medical cards.

I have provided a table for the Deputy which gives details of Medical Card and GP Visit Card income guidelines as at 9th December, 2010.

Table showing allowed weekly income, after tax/PRSI, before mortgage/rent, childcare and travel to work expenses are allowed for:

Medical Card (with effect from October 2005)

GP Visit Card (with effect from June 2006)

Single Person Living Alone

Aged up to 65 years

184.00

276.00

Aged between 66-69 years

201.50

302.00

Single Person Living with Family

Aged up to 65 years

164.00

246.00

Aged between 66-69 years

173.50

260.00

Married couple/Single Parent Families with dependent children

Aged up to 65 years

266.50

400.00

With 1 Child

304.50

457.00

With 2 Children

342.50

514.00

With 3 Children

383.50

575.00

With 4 Children

424.50

637.00

Child Care Services

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

40 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the rates for foster payments that will apply in 2011. [46756/10]

In recognition of the fact that foster care is an essential and integral component of child care services, it has been agreed to maintain the rates at the existing levels in 2011.

The rates of foster care payments that apply are €325 per week per child under twelve years of age and €352 per week per child of twelve years of age and over.

Parliamentary Questions

Frank Feighan

Ceist:

41 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 73 of 5 October 2010, if she will ensure that a response will issue without further delay. [46759/10]

I have been advised by the Health Service Executive that a reply to Parliamentary Question No. 73 of 5 October 2010 issued to the Deputy on the 8th of November 2010.

Medical Cards

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

42 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin regarding a medical card. [46766/10]

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

Health Service Expenditure

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

43 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the compensation payments made by the Health Service Executive in Cork city and county for the years 2006 to 2009, inclusive, in respect of all claims against the health service in that area, and the steps the HSE is taking to address the level of claims. [46767/10]

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

Health Service Staff

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

44 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if the voluntary early retirement scheme has been extended to other grades in the Health Service Executive specifically care assistants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46776/10]

On 1 November 2010 I announced that the Government had decided to approve a voluntary early retirement scheme and a voluntary redundancy scheme for certain categories of staff in the public health service.

The purpose of the schemes was to achieve a permanent reduction in the numbers employed in the public health sector from 2011 onwards and to facilitate health service reform.

The VER and VR schemes were open to management and administrative staff and general support staff (e.g. chefs) but priority was given to management and administrative grades. The exact grades covered by the two schemes were set out in detail in the relevant Circular (Circular 7/2010). The schemes were not targeted at those providing front-line services.

Parliamentary Questions

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

45 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 201, 202, 203, 206 and 207 of 30 September 2010, the reason the Health Service Executive has not issued responses. [46779/10]

My Department has been informed by the HSE that a reply has issued to the Deputy on 26th November in respect of one of the questions which he again raises. The Executive has been asked to expedite replies to the remaining questions as they refer to matters of service.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

46 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 191 of 5 October 2010, the reason the Health Service Executive has not issued a response. [46780/10]

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

Medical Cards

Jack Wall

Ceist:

47 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the renewal of a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46833/10]

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

Nursing Homes Support Scheme

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

48 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the way her Department recoups its share of the family home under the fair deal scheme; in the event of delays in achieving a sale, if interest accrues on the outstanding amount and if so at what interest rate. [46834/10]

When the Nursing Home Loan falls due for repayment, the HSE writes to the person responsible for the repayment and notifies them of the amount due. In doing this, the HSE will apply the Consumer Price Index to the loan to take account of the time value of money (i.e. inflation or deflation) since the loan was made.

Money owed under the Nursing Home Loan must be repaid to the Revenue Commissioners and goes into the Central Fund. If the repayment arises because of the death of the person in care, the loan must be repaid within 12 months of the date of death. Otherwise interest will apply from the date of death. If the loan is repayable because of the sale or transfer of the asset during the lifetime of the person in care, it must be repaid within 6 months of the date of sale or transfer. Otherwise interest will apply back to the date of sale or transfer. The rate of interest applied where an individual does not make the repayment within the relevant deadline is prescribed by the Minister for Health and Children following consultation with the Revenue Commissioners and with the consent of the Minister for Finance. The Nursing Homes Support Scheme (Collection and Recovery of Repayable Amounts) Regulations 2009 set the rate of interest at 0.0219% per day.

Hospitals Building Programme

Frank Feighan

Ceist:

49 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the provision of new hospital facilities in Ballinamore (details supplied). [46838/10]

The HSE has advised that they replied to the Deputy on the 28th September 2010 in relation to this matter.

General Practitioner Services

James Reilly

Ceist:

50 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the measures she will take to implement the new policy of allowing all suitably qualified general practitioners offer services to general medical services patients; the date on which she intends to implement the policy; when all suitably qualified GP’s will be entitled to offer their services to GMS patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46839/10]

The Government has decided that all restrictions on appropriately trained general practitioners (GPs) who wish to hold General Medical Service contracts are to be abolished.

My Department is working with the HSE with a view to giving effect to these commitments by March 1st 2011.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

51 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of applications received to date from persons in Cork city and county under the new nursing home support scheme; the number of these applications that have been fully processed with the decision issued to the applicant; the amount of money expected to be spent on the scheme in Cork city and county in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46848/10]

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

Child Care Services

Charles Flanagan

Ceist:

52 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children the total number of separated children in the care of the Health Service Executive as of 1 December 2010; if she will provide figures in respect of the number of these children who were in hostel accommodation, supported lodging or foster care in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46850/10]

Charles Flanagan

Ceist:

53 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of foster care placements of separated children that have broken down in the past five months; the reasons such placements have broken down; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46851/10]

Charles Flanagan

Ceist:

54 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children if the plan to close the remaining separated children hostels by 31 December 2010 is still on track; if the social work separated children’s team currently based in Baggot Street Hospital will be redeployed or disbanded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46852/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 52 to 54, inclusive, together.

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

State Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

55 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he has received an annual report for each of the past three years from the chairman of all State bodies under the auspices of his Department; if the pay of chief executives and employees of such bodies is fully in accordance with Government policy; if he will list any such bodies where this requirement under the code of practice for the governance of State bodies has not been met or no report has been received; if he will provide full details of such issues in such reports and if these reports will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46717/10]

It is the responsibility of the Boards of the relevant bodies under the aegis of my Department to agree terms and conditions (including remuneration) of their respective Chief Executives. However, these are subject to the agreement of the Minister for Finance in conjunction with the Minister for Transport. The Minister for Finance indicated in his Budget speech that the Government believes there should be a maximum salary rate of €250,000 in the public sector including the State Agencies. While there are issues about the contractual position of incumbent post holders, the position of the State as a shareholder or statutory stakeholder in these companies can be used to enforce the objective of the maximum salary within a reasonable timeframe. It is worth stating also that the Chief Executive Officers of the non-commercial bodies have already been subject to the salary reductions provided for in the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No.2) Act 2009.

Emergency Planning

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

56 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport the quantities of road salt and grit that were recorded in storage and available for use in the State on each day from 22 to 28 November 2010; the locations at which quantities of this salt and grit were held and the relevant amounts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46744/10]

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

57 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport the quantities of road salt and grit that were recorded in storage and available for use in the State on each day from 28 November to 5 December 2010; the locations at which quantities of this salt and grit were held and the relevant amounts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46745/10]

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

58 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport the quantities of road salt and grit that are in storage and available in the State as of 6 December 2010; the locations at which quantities of this salt and grit are held and the relevant amounts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46746/10]

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

59 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport as of 6 December 2010 the volumes of road salt and grit that have been ordered from sources; the agencies that have ordered this salt and grit; the organisations from which the salt and grit has been ordered; when it will arrive in the State; where it will be stored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46747/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 56 to 59, inclusive, together.

As part of its role on the Government Emergency Task Force, my Department reviewed the transport-related response to the severe weather events last winter and is working with the Task Force and other Government Departments with putting in place additional measures in response to such events. In relation to transport issues, my Department and its agencies are engaged in the implementation of these actions.

Arising from the review the National Roads Authority (NRA) were tasked with ensuring adequate salt supplies are available in future to maintain the prioritised road network. To achieve this, the NRA advertised a framework contract in August 2010 for the supply of de-icing salt for the coming winter. The contract is for the supply of 80,000 tonnes with an initial call of 50,000 tonnes to be imported and distributed by mid December and a further 30,000 tonnes in January 2011. This supply is in addition to the 20,000 tonnes of salt stock already available. Additional supplies are being purchased to meet requirements under the framework contract. The existence of the Framework Contract does not preclude local authorities from purchasing salt directly from other/traditional sources.

The NRA is also investing €6million this year in additional dry storage facilities for de-icing salt and a further €2.5million for grit spreaders/snow blades etc. for local authorities.

The day to day management of salt supplies is a matter for the NRA which I understand is working closely with the local authorities, on a daily basis, to prudently manage the distribution of salt for use on the prioritised routes. The NRA is co-ordinating the supply of salt stocks to local authorities on a needs basis and stocks in the different authorities will vary from day to day.

Aviation Regulation

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

60 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Transport the reason for not implementing the six recommendations made two years ago by the Commission for Aviation Regulation to change the existing legislation covering the travel industry here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46788/10]

As the Deputy will be aware in 2008, I requested the Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR) to undertake a review of the regulation of the travel trade. My Department considered the recommendations arising from this review and concluded that the implementation of the majority of the recommendations would require amendments to legislation. Since the review by the CAR, the European Commission launched a review of the Package Travel Directive in November 2009, which will have implications for the regulatory framework of the travel trade industry. The European Commission has indicated that it intends to publish a proposal for revising the current legislation at the beginning of 2011.

Given this development, there would not appear to be any merit in undertaking fundamental reform of the regulatory regime at this time without a clearer understanding of what the European Commission is proposing in this area.

Regional Airports

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

61 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Transport if the report on the public service obligations for regional airports was considered by him; when a decision will be made on the renewal of the PSO for Kerry Airport after the present PSO lapses next July; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46789/10]

The Deputy will be aware of the Value for Money (VFM) Review of Exchequer Expenditure on the regional airports programme was recently completed. The review was carried out to assist me in evaluating the appropriate scale of a regional airports programme in future years bearing in mind aviation policy objectives, the updated EU legislation, the improved surface links under the NDP and Transport 21 and the need to address the difficulties with our public finances. The Review is being considered by Government and it is intended that it will be published shortly. It would be inappropriate for me to comment on any likely PSO scheme beyond 2011, including the Kerry PSO service, in advance of the Government decision in the matter.

Road Safety

Brendan Kenneally

Ceist:

62 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the way the new mobile safety cameras located in Waterford have been performing; the number of driving offences they have been responsible for catching; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46825/10]

I have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the matter referred to by the Deputy. I will contact the Deputy again when the report is to hand.

State Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

63 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if he has received an annual report for each of the past three years from the chairman of all State bodies under the auspices of his Department; if the pay of chief executives and employees of such bodies is fully in accordance with Government policy; if he will list any such bodies where this requirement under the code of practice for the governance of State bodies has not been met or no report has been received; if he will provide full details of such issues in such reports and if these reports will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46714/10]

The following statutory State bodies under the remit of my Department are comprehended by the Deputy's Question:

the Courts Service

the Legal Aid Board

the Private Security Authority

the Property Registration Authority.

I can further inform the Deputy that the pay of all the employees of the bodies concerned is fully in accordance with Government policy and as set out by the Department of Finance.

The Deputy should note that the 2007 and 2008 reports for the each of the four bodies have been laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas as have the 2009 annual reports for the Courts Service and the Property Registration Authority. The 2009 annual reports for the Legal Aid Board and the Private Security Authority will be laid before the Houses in due course.

Crime Levels

John Deasy

Ceist:

64 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the number of burglaries recorded in County Waterford in each of the past five years and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46733/10]

John Deasy

Ceist:

65 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the number of robberies recorded in County Waterford in each of the past five years and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46734/10]

John Deasy

Ceist:

66 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the number of domestic violence cases recorded in County Waterford in each of the past five years and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46735/10]

John Deasy

Ceist:

67 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the number of persons prosecuted for driving without insurance in County Waterford in each of the past five years and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46736/10]

John Deasy

Ceist:

68 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the number of persons prosecuted for driving without motor tax in County Waterford in each of the past five years and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46737/10]

John Deasy

Ceist:

69 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the number of assault cases recorded in County Waterford in each of the past five years and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46738/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 64 to 69, inclusive, together.

The Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. I have requested the CSO to provide statistics directly to the Deputy.

Garda Operations

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

70 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the number of drug seizures in Cork city and county for each of the years 2007, 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010 and the quantity, type and value of drug seizures involved [46771/10]

In the time available it has not been possible to compile the statistics which the Deputy has requested. I will communicate further with him when the information sought is to hand.

Closed Circuit Television Systems

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

71 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if he will support a matter (details supplied). [46814/10]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the location referred to is within Raheny Garda Sub-District. Local Garda management is aware of one incident of burglary in the location referred to by the Deputy, the investigation of which is ongoing. No further incidents have been recorded in the area during 2010.

I am further informed that the Garda authorities are not aware of any commitment to install Garda CCTV in the area referred to. A member of the local Community Policing Unit is specifically assigned to the area referred to and attends residents' meetings to help address their concerns. The area is subject to regular patrols by uniform and plain-clothes personnel, including the Community Policing and Mountain Bike Units and the District Detective and Drug Units, supplemented as required by the Divisional Crime Task Force and Traffic Corps personnel.

Local Garda management closely monitors and keeps under review patrols and other operational strategies in place, in conjunction with crime trends and policing needs of the communities in the area, to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public. The situation is kept under review.

Current policing plans in the area are designed to address issues of crime and public order offences. Community policing is a central feature and core value of Garda policing policy, and current policing strategies are predicated on the prevention of crime, public order offences and anti-social behaviour.

Garda Vetting of Personnel

Frank Feighan

Ceist:

72 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the reason a response has not issued to representations sent to his office in early October on behalf of an organisation (details supplied) whereby persons offered work placements on community employment schemes are not permitted by FÁS to take up their placements until Garda vetting has been completed which can take up to ten months. [46854/10]

A response has issued to the Deputy's representation on behalf of the organisation to which he refers.

The Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) provides employment vetting for a large number of organisations in Ireland registered with the Garda for this purpose and which employ persons in a full-time, part-time, voluntary or training capacity to positions where they would have substantial, unsupervised access to children and/or vulnerable adults. FÁS is among the organisations registered with the Garda for vetting purposes and uses the services of the vetting unit in accordance with its requirements for placements in relevant positions.

The processing time for vetting applications fluctuates in line with periods of increased demand. Furthermore, additional time may be required to process an individual vetting application in cases where clarification is required as to the details provided or where other enquiries need to be made, for example, when the person in question has lived and worked abroad. There will always be a reasonably significant time period required to process a vetting application. Registered organisations have been advised to take account of this in their recruitment and selection process. However, the Garda make every effort to reduce this to the minimum possible consistent with carrying out the necessary checks. I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the current average processing time for vetting applications received at the GCVU is approximately 12 weeks.

Foreign Investigations

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

73 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is satisfied with the progress of the investigation undertaken into the death of an Irish citizen (details supplied) in Botswana; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46687/10]

As the Deputy will recall from our recent correspondence, our Embassy in Maputo and our Honorary Consul in Botswana have been closely following the case mentioned by him. Our Honorary Consul was informed last August by the Director of the Department of Justice, Defence and Security that a thorough review of the case had begun. The Deputy will also recall that the Director indicated that when the review was completed that the Commissioner of Police intended presenting a report on the case to the Office of the President and to the Justice Department in Botswana.

I am now informed that in recent weeks the Botswana Police completed their review of the case. I am also informed that the formal presentation of the report to the Office of the President of Botswana is expected to take place within a reasonably short timeframe.

I understand that in turn, the Office of the President will provide a formal response with the findings of the case review to our Honorary Consul, for onward transmission to the family through my Department's Consular Assistance Section. This will, of course, be forwarded to the family as soon as received.

Departmental Functions

Seán Barrett

Ceist:

74 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the criteria for the signature, seal or stamp required by the consular section of his Department for the authentication or apostilling of documents for use abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46691/10]

The Consular Section of my Department can authenticate or apostille documents executed in Ireland that are to be used in other countries. Authenticating or apostilling a document simply means confirming that a signature, seal or stamp appearing on the document is genuine. Authenticating or apostilling does not mean that the content of a document is accurate or that the Department of Foreign Affairs approves of the content. The Consular Section can authenticate or apostille documents of Irish origin provided that they bear an original signature, seal or stamp from an Irish practising public official or organisation. An Irish document is one that originates or has been executed in Ireland. Irish solicitors, Notaries Public or Commissioners for Oaths signing a document must state clearly what exactly it is they are certifying in relation to the document. They must sign their own name and not use a company signature.

The types of documents which the Consular Section can authenticate or apostille include original certificates issued by the General Register Office, company documents issued by the Companies Registration Office, documents signed by the Chambers of Commerce in Ireland. Court documents, Powers of Attorney, and other Notarial Acts can be authenticated or apostilled provided they bear an original signature, seal or stamp from a practising Irish solicitor or Notary Public in Ireland. Educational Certificates can be authenticated or apostilled provided they fall within the National Framework of Qualifications established by the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland or are recognised by the Department of Education and Skills. Medical reports signed by a doctor who is registered with the Medical Council of Ireland can be authenticated or apostilled.

Photocopies of certain types of documents can be authenticated or apostilled provided they have been certified by a practising Irish Solicitor or Notary Public in Ireland. In such cases, applicants must confirm with the authority to whom they are presenting the document that a certified copy will be acceptable to them.

A fee of €20 is charged for each apostille or authentication. There is a standard fee of €50 for a series of apostilles or authentications in relation to inter-country adoptions.

Human Rights Issues

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

75 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied); his views on same and if he will indicate the assistance he has offered in this matter. [46694/10]

I refer the Deputy to my previous written answers number 205 of 20 October 2010, numbers 72 and 73 of 28 October 2010 and number 222 of 11 November 2010 to Deputy Michael Creed which outline the assistance we have provided to the father, to date, through our Honorary Consul in Phuket and our Embassy in Kuala Lumpur. Our consular services continue to pursue this matter with vigour. Last week, the Commander of the Phuket Police agreed to meet with our Honorary Consul in Phuket in her Office to discuss the case. The Commander undertook to step up the search for the mother and the child through all his contacts in the police force. During that meeting, the Commander rang an inspector in the area of Thailand where the child in question is believed to be held by his mother who agreed to intensify investigation of the matter. Following the meeting, the Commander together with our Honorary Consul visited the father of the child at his home and discussed the case with him for an hour.

Since then, the Thai Police have increased their efforts to locate the child and its mother. Detectives have followed up with the father at his home and at the Phuket Police Station in the last week. The Honorary Consul has been told that detectives from Phuket intend to travel to Bangkok to pursue contacts there that might lead to the child and its mother.

While the investigation into the whereabouts of the child and its mother remain primarily a matter for the Thai authorities, our Honorary Consul in Phuket and our Embassy in Kuala Lumpur will continue to maintain ongoing contact with the Thai authorities and the child's father in relation to this case and to ensure that the father receives all possible consular assistance.

State Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

76 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has received an annual report for each of the past three years from the chairman of all State bodies under the auspices of his Department; if the pay of chief executives and employees of such bodies is fully in accordance with Government policy; if he will list any such bodies where this requirement under the code of practice for the governance of State bodies has not been met or no report has been received; if he will provide full details of such issues in such reports and if these reports will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46712/10]

There are no State Agencies operating under the auspices of my Department. The Board of the Ireland-United States Commission for Educational Exchange (the Fulbright Commission) does operate under the aegis of my Department. However, it is financed jointly by the Irish and US Governments and enjoys autonomy of management and administration, including relating to the remuneration of its staff, in accordance with the Educational Exchange (Ireland and the United States of America) Act, 1991. Copies of the accounts together with copies of the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon are laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas on an annual basis.

There are also three advisory committees under the auspices of my Department: the Development Education Advisory Committee (DEAC); the Government Emigrant Services Advisory Committee; and the Irish Aid Expert Advisory Group. Their administrations are all serviced by my Department and do not involve the direct employment of any staff.

Social Welfare Code

Noel Ahern

Ceist:

77 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person evicted from a local authority house can be considered for rent allowance; the way this can be achieved since they are banned from applying for local authority housing; if arrangements can be made since they are in private rented housing for seven months at their own expense; and if they can receive rent allowance. [46794/10]

Social Welfare legislation provides the Health Service Executive (HSE) with the authority to refuse, suspend or terminate payment of a rent supplement in the case of a person who has been required to deliver up possession of a dwelling provided by a housing authority or an approved body where the reasons for that requirement include anti-social behaviour or the interests of good estate management.

It is a matter for the HSE to make this decision in relation to individual cases.

Departmental Staff

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Ceist:

78 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will respond to points raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46686/10]

On 1st November, there were 967 staff in my Department participating in the work sharing scheme, 926 of whom are female and 41 are male. This is 18.5% of the Department's staff.

All applications for participation in the scheme are considered in the context of the operating requirements of individual business units and of the Department as a whole. While all reasonable efforts are made to facilitate requests from staff to participate in the work sharing scheme, it is not always possible to approve such requests as regard has to be had to the Department's obligations to provide an acceptable level of service to its customers.

The operation of the work sharing scheme does not assist the Department in complying with its employment control framework or associated funding, nor does it make it more difficult to do so. The operation of the scheme is entirely neutral with regard to those matters. For example, two people working half-time count the same under the employment control framework as one full-time person.

In circumstances where an individual Department is in excess of its agreed total staffing and is seeking to reduce numbers, granting work-sharing applications without replacing the hours of work lost would of course contribute to achieving a reduction. My Department is not in that position. The number of staff employed in my Department has increased in recent years, mainly through redeployment from other Departments. This was done in response to the greatly increased workloads arising as a result of the economic downturn and the total number of staff currently employed by my Department is at its employment control framework total.

I wish to assure the Deputy that my Department fully implements civil service policies on gender equality and work/life balance and it has appropriate monitoring and training arrangements in place in that regard. There is absolutely no question of gender being taken into account when staff apply to change their work attendance pattern. The fact that the vast majority of people availing of work sharing are female is simply because the vast majority of applications are from female members of staff, reflecting the life choices made by the Department's staff, both male and female. In that regard, I would point out that 69% of the Department's staff are female. My Department does not regard this statistical outcome as a matter that requires some initiative to redress.

Social Welfare Benefits

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

79 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Social Protection the reasons rent allowance has been reduced from €34.80 to €7.70 in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46693/10]

In the time frame available, I regret that my Department is not in a position to reply to this question. My Department will be in contact with the Deputy over the coming days and will reply in full to the question raised.

State Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

80 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Social Protection if he has received an annual report for each of the past three years from the chairman of all State bodies under the auspices of his Department; if the pay of chief executives and employees of such bodies is fully in accordance with Government policy; if he will list any such bodies where this requirement under the code of practice for the governance of State bodies has not been met or no report has been received; if he will provide full details of such issues in such reports and if these reports will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46715/10]

The three statutory bodies operating under the aegis of the Department are the Social Welfare Tribunal, the Citizens Information Board and the Pensions Board. In addition the Pensions Ombudsman comes under the remit of the Department.

The Social Welfare Tribunal

The Social Welfare Tribunal consists of a Chairman and four ordinary members. The members are not in receipt of an annual salary, they are paid appearance fees for attending hearings or meetings. They would also qualify for travel and subsistence expenses if necessary. The Social Welfare Tribunal is a statutory body set up in 1982 to deal with cases where entitlement to Jobseeker's Benefit or Allowance is refused due to involvement in a trade dispute. The Chairman of the Social Welfare Tribunal is not required to furnish an annual report.

Citizens Information Board

In line with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, the Citizens Information Board's Annual Report is subject to audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General. An Annual Report in respect of 2007 and 2008 has been received and was laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas. A draft Annual Report for 2009 was received earlier in the year. I understand submission of the audited Annual Report for 2009 is imminent and will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas in due course. Pending receipt of the 2009 Annual Report, I am satisfied the Citizens Information Board is complying fully with Government Policy and in discharging its statutory duties in line with the Comhairle Act 2000 and the Citizens Information Act 2007.

The Pension Board

The Chairman of the Pensions Board has submitted an annual report for each of the past three years to the Minister and all reports have been laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas. The pay of the Chief Executive and employees is in accordance with Government policy and the Pensions Board has complied with the requirements of the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies.

Office of the Pension Ombudsman

The Office of the Pensions Ombudsman has submitted, within the time specified, an Annual Report to the Minister since 2004 and all reports up until the 2008 Annual Report have been laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas. It is planned to bring the 2009 Annual Report to Government as soon as possible. The pay of the Pensions Ombudsman and his staff are fully in accordance with Government policy. The Office of the Pensions Ombudsman has complied with the requirements of the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies.

Social Welfare Benefits

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

81 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of rent supplement claimants for longer than 18 months in receipt of a jobseeker’s payment and living in Dublin; the number that are single, single with children, a couple without children and a couple with children. [46743/10]

There are currently 4,889 people in receipt of rent supplement for 18 months or more living in Dublin and in receipt of either jobseeker's allowance or jobseeker's benefit. A breakdown of rent supplement recipients by family size is not available.

Question No. 82 withdrawn.

Pension Provisions

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

83 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the full entitlement to retirement or old age pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46793/10]

As I informed the Deputy in reply to questions on 10th December 2009 and 12th October 2010, and in previous correspondence, the person concerned has reached pension age and has been sent a claim form. On receipt of the completed claim form, her entitlement to pension will be fully examined and she will be notified of the outcome without delay.

Question No. 84 withdrawn.

Social Welfare Code

Noel Ahern

Ceist:

85 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the way family income supplement payments are treated with rent allowance applications; if same can be outlined and if such treatment is consistent with other benefits. [46810/10]

Rent supplement is administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare service of the Health Service Executive as part of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme.

Rent supplement is normally calculated to ensure that a person, after the payment of rent, has an income equal to the rate of supplementary welfare allowance appropriate to their family circumstances less a minimum contribution of €24, which recipients are required to pay from their own resources. Many recipients pay more than €24 because they are also required, subject to certain income disregards, to contribute any additional assessable means that they have, over and above the appropriate basic supplementary welfare allowance rate, towards their accommodation costs.

Social welfare legislation provides that all income in cash is assessable for supplementary welfare allowance purposes. This includes income from most social welfare payments including family income supplement. Some specific disregards of income are provided for in the legislation in respect of the means test for pensioners, carers, recipients of child benefit, guardian's payment, respite care grant and those engaged in rehabilitative employment.

The income assessment for rent supplement provides for a gradual withdrawal of payment as hours of employment or earnings increase. 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. For the purposes of the assessment, any income from family income supplement which is in excess of the standard supplementary welfare allowance rate can be subject to the additional income disregard. This ensures that those engaging in part-time work or participating in training schemes are better off as a result of taking up such an opportunity.

Social Welfare Benefits

Bernard Allen

Ceist:

86 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding jobseeker’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [46847/10]

According to the Departments records the person in question claimed jobseeker's benefit from 23 October 2008 to 24 October 2009 when his benefit exhausted. He then made an application for and was paid jobseeker's allowance from 26 October 2009 to 1 July 2010.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that the person concerned is currently in receipt of basic supplementary welfare allowance at the rate of € 32.00 per week which is the maximum amount payable based on his household circumstances.

Department records show that the person in question claimed illness benefit on the 2nd July 2010. However, this claim was refused as he did not have sufficient contributions paid or credited in the relevant tax year.

From January 2011, the person concerned will qualify for a payment of illness benefit, at the minimum graduated weekly rate. The person in question should continue to submit medical certificates to the Department in order to preserve his entitlement.

There is no record of the person concerned informing the Department that he was incapable of work and that he wished to claim illness benefit prior to his claim on 2 July 2010.

State Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

87 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport if she has received an annual report for each of the past three years from the chairman of all State bodies under the auspices of her Department; if the pay of chief executives and employees of such bodies is fully in accordance with Government policy; if she will list any such bodies where this requirement under the code of practice for the governance of State bodies has not been met or no report has been received; if she will provide full details of such issues in such reports and if these reports will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46716/10]

The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the annual reports of the State bodies under the aegis of my Department in respect of the years 2007, 2008 and 2009 is set out in the table:

Body

Annual Report year 2007

Annual Report year 2008

Annual Report year 2009

Fáilte Ireland

Received and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas

Received and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas

Received and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas

National Sports Campus Development Authority

Received and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas

Received and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas

The Annual Report will be submitted to the Department following finalisation of the Accounts by the C&AG.

Irish Sports Council

Received and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas

Received and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas

The Accounts are currently being audited by the C&AG

National Gallery of Ireland

Received and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas

Received and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas

Received in Department

Irish Film Board

Received and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas

Received and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas

The Accounts are currently being audited by the C&AG

The Arts Council

Received and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas

Received and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas

Awaiting sign off by the C&AG

Crawford Art Gallery, Cork

Not applicable — managed by City of Cork VEC at this time.

Received and awaiting translation prior to laying before the Houses of the Oireachtas

The Accounts are currently being audited by the C&AG

National Library of Ireland

Received and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas

Received and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas

The Accounts are currently being audited by the C&AG

National Museum of Ireland

Received and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas

Received and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas

Received in the Department

National Concert Hall

Received and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas

Received and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas

Received and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas

Irish Museum of Modern Art

Received and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas

Received and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas

Received in the Department

I am satisfied that the pay of the chief executives and employees of the above bodies is fully in accordance with Government policy.

Tourism Ireland is a North/South body and is not covered by the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies. As a North/South body, the pay and conditions of the Chief Executive and employees of Tourism Ireland are not determined by the Government of Ireland alone, but are determined by the North South Ministerial Council and Finance Departments North and South.

Community Development

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

88 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will respond to the concerns of Waterford City community forum (details supplied) regarding future funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46689/10]

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

90 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the alternative structures he plans to put in place to ensure that the skills and knowledge of the support workers are not completely lost due to the proposed cut to support funding for the community and voluntary fora; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46702/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 88 and 90 together.

Further to the reply to Question No. 135 of 2 December 2010, the issue of the funding of the Community & Voluntary Fora from my Department's Vote has been addressed in the Estimates for 2011. As a result, a total of €587,000 is being provided next year by my Department to support the Fora in each county/city council area. This funding is in addition to the continued payment of expenses by local authorities to Fora representatives on County/City Development Boards, Strategic Policy Committees and Joint Policing Committees.

Departmental Bodies

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

89 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the agencies, groups, quangos and committees funded or part-funded by his Department; if he will instance their cost, remit, role, the number of staff in each and the number of board members and their remuneration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46701/10]

The following table sets out the relevant information in respect of agencies and bodies funded or part funded by my Department.

The boards of An Bord Pleanála and the Environmental Protection Agency are

executive in nature and the members are full-time salaried positions.

In accordance with Department of Finance guidelines, Civil Servants appointed as non-executive members of State Bodies under the aegis of my Department do not receive fees or remuneration for such membership.

Agency/Body

Role/Remit

2010 Allocation

Staff (WTE* at 31/09/2010)

No. of Board Members

Remuneration of members (Salary comparator/Annual Fee/Per Diem Fee)

Affordable Homes Partnership

To co-ordinate and promote the delivery of affordable housing. Since 2009, the agency has moved towards support on all housing matters to local authorities and the Dept of Environment, in line with the creation of the new Housing Agency.

€2,127,000

15.0

Chairperson 1

€11,970

Members 10

€7,695

An Bord Pleanála

An Bord Pleanála was established in 1977 under the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1976 and is responsible for the determination of appeals and certain other matters under the Planning and Development Acts, 2000 to 2010 and determination of applications for strategic infrastructure development including major road and railway cases. It is also responsible for dealing with proposals for the compulsory acquisition of land by local authorities and others under various enactments. The Board also has functions to determine appeals under Water and Air Pollution Acts and the Building Control Act.

€13,029,000

161.5

Chairperson 1

€206,616.30

Deputy Chairperson 1

€138,655.04

Ordinary members 6

€121,208.16 (Non Personal Pension Contribution Rate) €127,588.36 (Personal Pension Contribution Rate)

Building Regulations Advisory Body

The remit of BRAB comes from the Building Control Act 1990: (2) The Building Regulations Advisory Body— (a) shall advise the Minister on matters relating to building regulations, and (b) may provide such advisory services for or on behalf of the Minister.

€20,000

Nil

Chairperson 1

€8,978

Members 23

Nil

Comhar Sustainable Development Council

Comhar SDC is the forum for national consultation on all issues relating to sustainable development. Its role is to work in partnership to encourage sustainable development in Ireland and to advise Government on policies which support and promote sustainable development.

€592,200**

Nil

Chairperson 1

€31,799

Members 25

Nil

Agency/Body

Role/Remit

2010 Allocation

Staff(WTE* at 31/09/2010)

No. ofBoardMembers

Remuneration of members(Salary comparator/Annual Fee/Per Diem Fee)

Designated Areas Appeals Advisory Board

The Designated Areas Appeals Advisory Board was established, on a non-statutory basis to make recommendations to the Minister in cases where landowners object to the inclusion / exclusion of their land in/from proposed Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), Special Protection Areas (SPA) or Natural Heritage Areas (NHA).

€200,000

Nil

Chairperson 1

€208 per meeting plus €208 per preparation day

Members 4

€166.50 per meeting

Environmental Protection Agency

The EPA is an independent public body established under the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992. The Agency also derives its mandate from the Waste Management Act, 1996, and the Protection of the Environment Act, 2003. The Agency has responsibilities for a wide range of licensing, enforcement, monitoring and assessment activities associated with environmental protection.

€43,715,000***

328.8

Director General 1

€173,647.35 (Non PPC) €182,786.55 (PPC)

Directors 4

€121,208 – €138,655 (Non PPC) €127,588 – €145,952 (PPC)

The Heritage Council

The Heritage Council is a statutory independent body under The Heritage Act 1995 and seeks to protect and enhance the richness, quality and diversity of our national heritage for everyone. It works with its partners, particularly at local level, to increase awareness of Ireland’s national heritage and to highlight its importance to public policy and everyday life.

€8,482,000

15

Chairperson 1

€8,978

Members 10

€5,985

Irish Water Safety

The Irish Water Safety Association was established in November, 1999 by an Order made under the Local Government Services (Corporate Bodies Act), 1971. The Association was re-established as a corporate body under its new title “Irish Water Safety” (IWS) in July 2006.

€539,000

5

Chairperson 1

€8,500

Members 12

Nil

Agency/Body

Role/Remit

2010 Allocation

Staff (WTE* at 31/09/2010)

No. of Board Members

Remuneration of members (Salary comparator/Annual Fee/Per Diem Fee)

Limerick Northside Regeneration Agency

The Limerick Regeneration Agencies were established in June 2007 to build confidence and trust within the community in Limerick and to deliver a comprehensive regeneration programme for the social, economic, and physical regeneration of the areas of Moyross, Southill, Ballinacurra Weston and St. Mary’s Park. The Agencies are specifically charged with delivering a co-ordinated public sector response to the regeneration.

€4,125,000

7

Chairperson 1

€8,500

Members 16

€5,985

Limerick Southside Regeneration Agency

€4,125,000

9

Chairperson 1

€8,500

Members 16

€5,985

National Traveller Consultative Committee

The NTACC advises the Minister in relation to any general matter concerning accommodation for Travellers; any matter referred to it by the Minister; the most appropriate measures for improving, at local level, consultation with, and participation of, Travellers in the provision and management of accommodation; general matters concerning the preparation, adequacy, implementation and co-ordination of Traveller accommodation programmes.

€17,100

Nil

Chairperson 1

€8,978

Members 11

N/a

Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland

The RPII is the statutory authority with responsibility for all regulatory, monitoring and advisory matters pertaining to ionising radiation.

€3,685,000

46.6

Chairperson 1

€11,970

Members 11

€7,695

*WTE
**Environment Fund
***Vote and Environment Fund.
Question No. 90 answered with Question No. 88.

State Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

91 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received an annual report for each of the past three years from the chairmen of all State bodies under the auspices of his Department; if the pay of chief executives and employees of such bodies is fully in accordance with Government policy; if he will list any such bodies where this requirement under the code of practice for the governance of State bodies has not been met or no report has been received; if he will provide full details of such issues in such reports and if these reports will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46710/10]

The agencies operating under my Department's aegis are in the main non-commercial, undertaking quasi-judicial/ regulatory, advisory and developmental functions.

In some instances, due to the form and function of the body, there is no requirement for an annual report or accounts to be provided to my Department or the Government. Otherwise, preparation of its annual report is a matter for the body concerned. My Department, following the presentation of a report, submits it to Government and/or arranges for the laying of the report before the Houses of the Oireachtas.

I have received an Annual Report from all bodies under my aegis required to submit such a report for 2007 and 2008 and have received a majority of reports for 2009. The 2009 Reports from the Environmental Protection Agency the Fire Services Council, the Limerick Regeneration Agencies and the National Building Agency are currently in preparation.

In accordance with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, the Chairperson of each State body is required to furnish to the Minister, in conjunction with their annual report and accounts, confirmation that the Code of Practice has been adopted and is being compiled with; such confirmation has been received in reports to date. However, while the pay of the Chief Executive of the DDDA for the first half of 2009 did not comply with Government policy, this matter has been resolved and the Authority is now in compliance. In relation to DDDA employees, a small number are paid amounts in excess of the requirements of Government policy due to contract terms previously agreed; this matter will be pursued with the DDDA.

Water Quality

Brendan Kenneally

Ceist:

92 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the contamination of the Mount Melleray water supply in Waterford; if he has received any correspondence from Coillte on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46753/10]

The European Communities (Drinking Water) (No. 2) Regulations 2007 prescribe the quality standards to be applied in relation to supplies of drinking water, including requirements relating to sampling and analysis of water to ensure that it meets those standards. The Regulations designate the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the supervisory authority for local authority drinking water supplies. The Regulations also stipulate that where a supply of water intended for human consumption constitutes a potential danger to human health, the local authority must ensure that the supply of such water is prohibited, or its use is restricted, and that consumers are informed promptly and given the necessary advice. The EPA must also be notified of such instances.

Neither I nor my Department has received any correspondence on this matter. However, my Department has consulted with Waterford County Council which has confirmed that the source for the supply in question was flooded following heavy rainfall which caused the water to become discoloured. The Council advised that it immediately imposed a boil water notice on the supply and it consulted with the EPA. The Council has confirmed that there was no contamination of the water supply and the boil notice is precautionary. A new groundwater source has been identified and tested by the authority and this is currently being developed with a view to replacing the original supply.

Local Authority Housing

Noel Ahern

Ceist:

93 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the entitlement to housing by a person evicted from local authority housing on anti-social grounds; if the two year ban from consideration for local authority housing is a national rule or set by individual local authorities; [46794/10]

Social Welfare legislation provides the Health Service Executive (HSE) with the authority to refuse, suspend or terminate payment of a rent supplement in the case of a person who has been required to deliver up possession of a dwelling provided by a housing authority or an approved body where the reasons for that requirement include anti-social behaviour or the interests of good estate management. It is a matter for the HSE to make this decision in relation to individual cases.

Water Charges

Noel Ahern

Ceist:

94 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the installation of domestic water meters; the timescale for installation of meters; if the contract or contracts have been awarded or when same will be advertised; the way plumbers indicate or register their interest in being involved; if the Department is involved in training courses or has given their support to private training courses for non-plumbers and the reason this is deemed necessary with so many unemployed plumbers. [46799/10]

I refer to the reply to Question No. 279 of 7 December 2010, in regard to the installation of domestic water meters. My Department is not involved in, nor does it support, any private training courses for non-plumbers. However, together with the local authorities, FAS, and the National Federation of Group Water Schemes, my Department supports the Water Services Training Group which, through its five regional training centres, aims to provide training on the delivery of water services to a broad range of staff within the local authorities and in the private sector. Details of the training courses offered by the Group are available on its website www.wsntg.ie .

Water and Sewerage Schemes

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

95 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made on the construction of a new treatment plant for Oughterard; if the revised design review report, submitted to his Department on 22 October 2010, has been passed by him; if he will confirm that if he has passed the report the council can then proceed to contract document stage. [46840/10]

I refer to the reply to Question No. 352 of 9 November 2010 which outlines the position in this matter.

Energy Prices

Charlie O'Connor

Ceist:

96 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the action he is taking to deal with the concerns being expressed in respect of energy prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46690/10]

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) collects and publishes energy statistics to support policy analysis and development in line with national needs and international obligations. On 1st December 2010 SEAI published a review of Electricity and Gas Prices in Ireland from January 2010–June 2010, which highlights the continued fall in electricity and gas prices over the last year as Ireland strengthens its competitive position. Both householders and businesses have benefited from falling energy costs. Householders experienced a large fall in electricity prices of 12% bringing prices in line with the EU average. Domestic gas prices also fell by 23%.

It is important that all customers who are concerned about energy costs should shop around and take advantage of the value and choice available in the competitive electricity market. To date an estimated 28% of households have switched their electricity supplier, taking advantage of the significant discounts currently available.

In recognition that the current economic climate is placing additional pressures on energy consumers and that customers rights needs to be enhanced, the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) has recently announced its decision that the cost of disconnections for electricity and gas be shared equally between the supplier and the customer in the case of non-payment of account. This is an interim measure commencing December 22nd and will remain in place for 12 months. CER will also begin a review on the disconnections charges levied by networks companies. The Code of Practice for Disconnections has been revised to include additional supplier measures to assist domestic customers in managing their bills and reducing disconnection rates. I also welcome the recent decision by ESB, Bord Gáis and Airtricity, to suspend disconnections during the current bad weather spell.

CER is also currently running a Smart Metering pilot scheme, which aims to establish how the potential benefits of smart metering can be best applied to prepayment meters for both electricity and gas. The trial, along with a cost-benefit analysis, is due to be completed in early 2011.

I am also working closely with the Ministers for Social Protection and Environment, Heritage and Local Government, to deliver a fully cohesive Government response to the challenges of addressing energy affordability in Ireland. I expect the Affordable Energy Strategy to be submitted to me shortly with a view to bringing it to Government in the coming weeks.

This strategy will be the framework for building upon the many measures already in place to protect vulnerable households at risk from the effects of energy poverty. These measures include social welfare supports such as the Fuel Allowance and the Household Benefits package, advice on energy efficiency.

State Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

97 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has received an annual report for each of the past three years from the chairman of all State bodies under the auspices of his Department; if the pay of chief executives and employees of such bodies is fully in accordance with Government policy; if he will list any such bodies where this requirement under the code of practice for the governance of State bodies has not been met or no report has been received; if he will provide full details of such issues in such reports and if these reports will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46705/10]

The State Boards, agencies, regulators or other bodies under the remit of my Department are as follows:

An Post;

Bord Gáis Éireann;

Bord na Móna;

Broadcasting Authority of Ireland;

Commission for Communications Regulation;

Commission for Energy Regulation;

Digital Hub Development Agency;

EirGrid;

Electricity Supply Board (ESB);

Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission;

Inland Fisheries Ireland;

Irish National Petroleum Corporation;

Mining Board;

National Oil Reserves Agency;

Ordnance Survey Ireland;

Radio Telefís Éireann;

Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland;

Teilifís na Gaeilge (TG4).

My Department has received an annual report from these bodies for each of the past three years, with the exception of, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI), Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) and the Mining Board.

BAI was established on 1st October 2009, under the Broadcasting Act 2009, and replaced the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland and the Broadcasting Complaints Commission. I expect to receive the 2009 annual report in the coming days. IFI was established under the Inland Fisheries Act 2010 and involved merging the Central Fisheries Boards and the seven regional from 1 July 2010. The Department received an Annual Report from the Central Fisheries Board for the past three years. The Mining Board is an appeals body to adjudicate on decisions of the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources concerning the grant/denial, of a mining licence. The body does not produce an annual report.

As I indicated in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 83 of 8th December 2010, it is a matter for each board to determine the remuneration of its staff, in line with Government policy. The Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies applies to all of the above bodies. It is a matter for each body to comply with the requirements of the code, including remuneration, and to report annually to me on compliance with those requirements, subject to the provisions of the relevant legislation governing each body.

Telecommunications Services

John Deasy

Ceist:

98 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the percentage of households in Waterford city and county with broadband services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46739/10]

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 Waterford.

While my Department does not hold information on broadband penetration 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. The year-on-year growth in subscriptions over the preceding 12-month period from June 2009 was over 16.5%.

Broadband services are now available throughout the entire National Broadband Scheme (NBS) area. A list of the Electoral Divisions (EDs) covered in County Waterford is provided below. In summary, broadband services in the NBS EDs in the county are available to 97.99% of premises by means of mobile wireless broadband coverage, with coverage to the balance of 2.01% of premises being provided by way of satellite. 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, subject to Government approval, to formally announce the launch of 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 (NBS)

Electoral Divisions (ED) Covered by the NBS in County Waterford

ED Name

Reference No

BALLYDUFF ED

227004

BALLYDURN ED

227005

BALLYNAMULT ED

227013

BALLYSAGGART MORE ED

227014

BOHADOON ED

227015

CARRIGCASTLE ED

227019

CASTLERICHARD ED

227021

CLASHMORE ED

227022

COLLIGAN ED

227025

COMERAGH ED

227026

COUMARAGLIN ED

227027

FEWS ED

227038

FOX'S CASTLE ED

227039

GARDENMORRIS ED

227040

GEORGESTOWN

227041

GLEN ED

227042

GRAIGNAGOWER ED

227045

GURTEEN ED

227048

KILBARRYMEADEN ED

227052

KILCOCKAN ED

227053

KILWATERMOY EAST ED

227062

KNOCKAUNBRANDAUN ED

227065

KNOCKMAHON ED

227066

MOCOLLOP ED

227068

MODELLIGO ED

227070

MOUNTKENNEDY ED

227072

RATHGORMUCK ED

227078

ROSS ED

227082

SESKINAN ED

227083

TEMPLEMICHAEL ED

227087

TINNASAGGART ED

227088

Warmer Homes Scheme

Brendan Kenneally

Ceist:

99 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of homes in County Waterford that have benefited under the warmer homes scheme in 2010; his plans to extend the scheme in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46751/10]

The Warmer Homes Scheme (WHS), which is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) on behalf of my Department, provides energy efficiency improvements to homes in, or at risk of, fuel poverty and is primarily delivered by 28 community based organisations (CBOs). The CBOs work in partnership with their local network of poverty and community support organisations including public health nurses, MABS and the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul to identify and address vulnerable homes. Through this devolved model, each CBO is responsible for managing the applications in their own operational areas. Private contractors are also engaged to supplement CBO coverage and capacity in order to address the increasing demand for the scheme. Through these mechanisms the WHS has, to date in 2010, been delivered to 22,949 homes including 1,010 homes in County Waterford.

There is no pre-set amount of funding allocated to individual counties under the WHS, as it is a national scheme with a funding envelope which varies on a county by county basis annually. Activity levels in 2011 will be subject to the allocation for the scheme in 2011 and I have yet to decide on this which will be funded from the overall 2011 allocation for energy efficiency schemes of some €69.25m.

A dedicated WHS hot line — 1800 250 204 — has been in operation for some time and all queries, from scheme applicants and public representatives, on delivery dates for individual households and/or funding agreements are dealt with immediately. In addition, the WHS programme manager, Mr Michael Martin of the SEAI is available to deal with queries on 042 939 1548.

Energy Prices

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

100 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he is satisfied that the price of bottled gas for the consumer is appropriate; that any reductions in the cost of producing gas are equally passed on to bottled gas customers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46831/10]

Domestic gas cylinders contain liquid petroleum gas (LPG), which is a by-product of oil. The Irish oil industry is fully privatised, liberalised and deregulated. Accordingly, there is no price control on petroleum products in Ireland and my Department does not have a role with regard to prices charged in respect of LPG.

While the regulation of Bord Gáis Éireann natural gas tariffs is the responsibility of the Commission for Energy Regulation, which is statutorily independent in the performance of its functions, the Commission has no function in regard to the setting of the retail price of LPG.

Harbours and Piers

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

101 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if budget 2011 will allocate funding for the continuation of a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46748/10]

Greencastle harbour is owned by Donegal County Council and responsibility for the maintenance and development of the harbour rests with that local authority in the first instance.

My Department has, however, in recent years, project managed works on phase one of the Greencastle Harbour development project on behalf of Donegal County Council as well as providing funding.

Any application received from Donegal County Council for funding, under the 2011 Fishery Harbours and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme, to continue phase one of the Greencastle development project will be considered in the context of available exchequer funding and competing national priorities.

Water Quality

Brendan Kenneally

Ceist:

102 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has received any assurances from Coillte concerning its work in Mount Melleray in County Waterford; if he is confident that the Coillte works did not contribute to the contamination of the local water supply in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46692/10]

Coillte Teoranta was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act, 1988 and day-to-day operational matters, such as harvesting and associated work, is the responsibility of the company.

I understand from Coillte that, in this case, discolouration of water occurred after extremely heavy rainfall and before any extraction work took place in the area feeding the reservoir and that therefore, in their view, the discolouration was not a result of forestry operations. The company also advise that all the extraction routes and felling methods used were agreed with Waterford County Council in advance of harvesting and were planned to prevent any run off in the direction of the reservoir.

State Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

103 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has received an annual report for each of the past three years from the chairman of all State bodies under the auspices of his Department; if the pay of chief executives and employees of such bodies is fully in accordance with Government policy; if he will list any such bodies where this requirement under the code of practice for the governance of State bodies has not been met or no report has been received; if he will provide full details of such issues in such reports and if these reports will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46704/10]

All of the State Bodies have submitted Annual Reports and Accounts for the past three years and, with the exception of seven reports for 2009, have been laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas.

My Department monitors the pay of CEOs of the State Bodies under its aegis to ensure compliance with Government guidelines. In addition Statements of Assurance are submitted by the Chairmen of these bodies to confirm that all aspects of Government policy are adhered to.

Live Exports

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

104 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he is taking to protect live exports in view of new EU requirements on 30-day testing and 30-day on-farm residence pre-movement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46720/10]

There are no new EU requirements on live exports. The position is that Member States are legally obliged under Council Directive 64/432 on intra-community trade to certify, among other things, that bovines and pigs being exported for breeding or production have been on a single holding during the 30 day period prior to export or, if such animals are younger than 30 days, that they have been on the holding of their origin since birth. The EU Commission has taken the view that the arrangements in place in Ireland are not in line with this Directive. My Department is satisfied that the arrangements provide the necessary safeguards but has decided, nevertheless, to consult with the farming organisations and live exporters on how best to comply with the Commission's interpretation of the Directive, while at the same time minimising any disruption to the live export trade.

Grant Payments

John Deasy

Ceist:

105 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of farmers in County Waterford in receipt of single farm payment in each of the past five years and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46721/10]

The payments made to farmers in Waterford under the Single payment Scheme since 2005 were as follows:

County

Year

Numbers Paid

Amount Paid

Waterford

2010

2,356

35,184,761.30

Waterford

2009

2,421

40,592,836.60

Waterford

2008

2,436

40,763,082.60

Waterford

2007

2,450

40,442,978.60

Waterford

2006

2,463

40,943,297.30

Waterford

2005

2,504

38,241,653.40

Payments to farmers for the period 2005 to 2009 have been fully completed unless there are issues of inheritance or other similar transfers in isolated cases. I can confirm that advance payments under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme commenced issuing on 18 October and that the balancing payments under that Scheme began issuing on 1 December, in line with the very ambitious payments targets I set for my Department. I am confident that, by year-end, payments to farmers nationally will have exceeded €1.1 billion under the Single Payment Scheme.

I can confirm that every effort is being made to clear remaining cases for payment at the earliest possible date and, to this end, regular payment runs continue to be made.

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme

John Deasy

Ceist:

106 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of farmers in County Waterford in receipt of disadvantaged farm aid in each of the past five years and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46722/10]

The payments made to farmers in Waterford under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme since 2005 were as follows:

County

Year

Numbers Paid

Amount Paid

Waterford

2010

1,336

2,876,623.22

Waterford

2009

1,433

3,243,237.68

Waterford

2008

1,470

3,842,174.06

Waterford

2007

1,477

3,871,046.76

Waterford

2006

1,421

3,793,091.85

Waterford

2005

1,424

3,054,660.95

Payments to farmers for the period 2005 to 2009 have been fully completed unless there are issues of inheritance or other similar transfers in isolated cases. The 2010 payments under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, which commenced on 22 September continue to be made to farmers as there application is fully processed and clear of errors. I am confident that, by year-end, payments to farmers nationally will be well in excess of €200 million under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme.

I can confirm that every effort is being made to clear remaining cases for payment at the earliest possible date and, to this end, regular payment runs continue to be made.

Departmental Schemes

John Deasy

Ceist:

107 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of farmers in County Waterford who applied for inclusion in the agri-environment options scheme in each of the past five years and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46723/10]

The Agri-Environment Options Scheme was launched on 30th March 2010. A total of 191 applications were received from farmers in County Waterford before the closing date of 17th May.

EU Directives

John Deasy

Ceist:

108 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of farmers in County Waterford prosecuted and fined under the nitrates directive in each of the past five years and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46724/10]

Ireland's first National Action Programme under the Nitrates Directive was transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2006, S.I. No. 378 of 2006. These Regulations were revised by the European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2009, S.I. No. 101 of 2009.

Prosecutions for offences under these Regulations may be taken by a local authority or by the Environmental Protection Agency.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, therefore, does not undertake prosecutions under these Regulations.

Farm Waste Management

John Deasy

Ceist:

109 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of farmers in County Waterford in receipt of grant aid under the farm waste management scheme in each of the past five years and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46725/10]

The Farm Waste Management Scheme was introduced under the aegis of the 2000-2006 National Development Plan and therefore closed for new applications at the end of 2006. The numbers of payments (including instalment payments) made in County Waterford each year since 2005 under the Scheme are set out in the following table:

Year

Payments

2005

70

2006

67

2007

116

2008

225

2009

478

2010 (end-Nov)

362

Total

1,318

Grant Payments

John Deasy

Ceist:

110 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of farmers in County Waterford in receipt of payments under the suckler cow welfare scheme in each of the past five years and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46726/10]

The Suckler Cow Welfare Scheme was established in 2008 and payments have issued in respect of 2008 and 2009 born animals where the required measures were completed.

Under the 2008 Scheme 656 farmers in County Waterford have been paid to date a total of €1,550,419, in respect of 19,772 animals. Under the 2009 Scheme, 510 applicants have been paid to date a total of €552,105 in respect of 14,183 animals. The rate payable under the 2008 Scheme was €80 per head, whereas, under the 2009 Scheme and subsequent years the rate is set at €40 per head. Payments continue to issue in respect of both 2008 and 2009 born calves as individual cases are cleared.

John Deasy

Ceist:

111 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of farmers in County Waterford in receipt of ewe sheep grassland payment in each of the past five years and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46727/10]

The Upland Sheep Payment was implemented in Ireland in 2009. Payments amounting to €95,790.13 were made to 197 farmers in Waterford. The Grassland Sheep Scheme replaced the Upland Sheep Payment in 2010. There was no specific direct aid scheme in place for sheep farmers prior to 2009 but sheep farmers benefited from payments under both the Single Payment Scheme and Disadvantaged Areas Scheme.

John Deasy

Ceist:

112 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of farmers in County Waterford in receipt of capital grant aid for fencing and handling facilities in each of the past five years and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46728/10]

The numbers of payments made in County Waterford each year since 2005 under the Farm Waste Management, Alternative Enterprises and Farm Improvement Schemes in respect of fencing and handling facilities are set out in the following table:

Year

Payments

2005

7

2006

9

2007

13

2008

5

2009

19

2010 (end-Nov)

8

Total

61

In addition, grant-aid has been made available since 1 November 2010 for fencing and mobile handling facilities in the sheep sector by virtue of the Sheep Fencing/Mobile Handling Equipment Scheme. However, no payments have been made, to date, under the Scheme.

Fishing Vessel Licences

John Deasy

Ceist:

113 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number and types of fishing licences issued in County Waterford in each of the past five years and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46729/10]

The following are the number of sea fishing boat licences issued in respect of vessels owned by persons with addresses in Co Waterford for the years 2005-2010:

Year

No. of Licences

2005

60

2006

72

2007

67

2008

72

2009

84

2010

95

The Deputy should be aware that the number of licences issued in a given year may differ from the number of vessels operational at any given time for a number of reasons — for example where a short term licence expires, or where a vessel is sold.

John Deasy

Ceist:

114 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the current size of the national fishing fleet and the number operating in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46730/10]

The national sea fishing fleet currently comprises 2,129 vessels.

82 vessels are currently licensed and registered to persons with addresses in Co.Waterford.

Grant Payments

John Deasy

Ceist:

115 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of fishermen and fishing-related enterprises in Waterford receiving grant aid in each of the past five years and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46731/10]

This is a matter for Bord Iascaigh Mhara, as the implementing agency for grant aid programmes for the fishing industry, funded through my Department.

I will ask BIM to respond directly to the Deputy.

Fisheries Protection

John Deasy

Ceist:

116 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of persons in Waterford fined for breach of fishing regulations in each of the past five years and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46732/10]

Operational aspects in relation to sea fisheries control operations are a matter for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA). I have asked the SFPA to respond directly to the Deputy.

Grant Payments

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

117 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding the single farm payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; if payment will issue before Christmas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46741/10]

An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 20 April 2010.

This application was selected for and was the subject of a Ground Eligibility and Full Cross Compliance Inspection.

The inspection process is completed and the application has now been fully processed. Payment under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme issued on 7 December 2010 and payment under the Single Payment Scheme issued on the 1 December.

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

118 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their single farm payments and disadvantage area aid payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46763/10]

An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 5 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.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

119 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not received their single farm payment; when payment will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46773/10]

An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 8 May 2010. An Advance payment under Single Payment Scheme issued to the person named on 18 October on the clear eligible area. However, some of the land parcels listed on the application required re-digitisation. This process is now complete and the balancing payments due in respect of the Single Payment Scheme issued on 1 and 8 December respectively.

Niall Collins

Ceist:

120 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a payment under the single farm payment scheme can be expedited in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46775/10]

An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 12 May 2010. Payments under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme commenced nationally on 18 October 2010.

The person named submitted an application with 10 land parcels, 5 of which required re-digitisation. Payments to the person named were made under the Single Payment Scheme in respect of the clear land parcels on 18 October 2010 and 1 December 2010. My Department has now completed the re-digitisation process and this application is currently being processed with a view to a final balancing payment issuing shortly, provided no further errors are identified.

Departmental Bodies

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

121 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if Bord Iascaigh Mhara have made applications to the Department of Finance or relevant Departments to extend employment contacts of two BIM contract employees of a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46784/10]

My Department in consultation with the Department of Finance have been examining an application from Bord Iascaigh Mhara to extend the contracts of two Dingle Ice Plant operators in the context of the Employment Control Framework.

Grant Payments

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

122 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when single farm payment will be made available in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46787/10]

A Single Payment Scheme application was received from the person named on 7 May 2010. The application submitted did not include a herd number, as the person named had not been assigned a herd number at that time. Following the allocation of a herd number the application was further processed. It was established that the land declared required digitising and this process is now complete.

The person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements under Category A of the 2010 National Reserve. Category A caters for farmers who inherit, or acquire a holding free of charge by deed of transfer from an EU Early Retirement Scheme (ERS) participant farmer who retired or died before 16 May 2005. The holding must have been leased out to a third party during the 2000-2002 reference period. In addition applicants are required to meet certain criteria in relation to on and off farm income limits.

The person named did not submit the necessary documentation in order to fully process his application and my Department wrote to him requesting the relevant documentation. While, a reply was received, all the relevant information was not submitted by the applicant. A further letter has issued to the person named requesting him to submit documentation indicating that he received the land free of charge. In addition, further clarification with regard to his off-farm income has been requested. Upon receipt of the required documentation his application will be further processed in order to determine his eligibility for an allocation from the National Reserve.

Question No. 123 withdrawn.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

124 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when single farm payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46812/10]

An application under the Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on the 20 April 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, discrepancies were found with some of the parcels applied on and deductions were made accordingly. The claimed area for the Single Payment Scheme of 357.25ha was reduced to 348.83ha. As the total area found is not sufficient to support the number of entitlements held, penalties will be applied as per the Terms and Conditions of the scheme. In this case the number of entitlements held by the person named is 396.83. As the difference between the area declared and the area found is more than 3%, under EU Regulations, the difference between the area found and the area claimed is doubled and deducted from the area found. As a result the area put forward for payment under the Single Payment Scheme is 337.51ha.

A formal decision issued to the person named on 28 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.

Payment under the Single Payment Scheme will issue within a week.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

125 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not received their REP scheme payment; when payment will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46816/10]

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 underway and my objective is to make all payments for 2010 as soon as possible. The balancing payment of 25% can issue once all on-the-spot inspections for the year have taken place and these will be completed shortly.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

126 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not been paid their single farm payment or their area based payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46823/10]

An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 15 March 2010. This application was selected for and was the subject of a Ground Eligibility and Animal Identification Inspection.

The inspection process is completed and the application has now been fully processed. Payment under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme and Single Payment Scheme issued on the 1 December.

Brendan Kenneally

Ceist:

127 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of Waterford farmers who received direct farm payments and the amount provided in total; the number of outstanding payments to Waterford farmers still to be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46827/10]

I can confirm that the balancing payments under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme began issuing on 1 December, in line with the very ambitious payments targets I set for my Department in early October. Payments under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme have been ongoing since they commenced on 22 September. I am confident that, by year-end, payments to farmers nationally will have exceeded €1.35 billion under the Single Payment Scheme (SPS) and the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme (DAS).

In relation to Waterford, the position under the Single Payment Scheme is that there were 2,420 eligible applicants. To date 1,805 applicants have been fully paid and 551 applicants partially paid. Total payments under the Scheme are in excess of €35.18 million. As regards the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, the position is that 1,336 applicants have been paid over €2.87 million and there are a further 142 applicants awaiting payment, many of whom are currently not eligible for payment as they do not meet the minimum stocking requirement of 0.15 livestock units per hectare.

I can confirm that every effort is being made to clear remaining cases for payment at the earliest possible date and, to this end, payment runs continue to be made on alternate days, between the two Schemes.

John Perry

Ceist:

128 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Sligo will receive their single farm payments and area aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46832/10]

An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 23 March 2010. This application was selected for and was the subject of 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 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.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

129 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will expedite payments of single farm payment and disadvantaged areas scheme payments in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46841/10]

An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 5 May 2010. This application consisted of 11 land parcels, eight of which require re-digitisation.

Payments under the Single Payment Scheme were made in respect of eligible land parcels on 18 October 2010 and 1 December 2010 respectively. An advance payment under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was made on 21 September 2010. My Department is currently completing the re-digitisation of the remaining eight land parcels. Immediately this process is complete, provided no further errors are identified, the application will be processed in full with a view to payments due issuing shortly thereafter.

State Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

130 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if he has received an annual report for each of the past three years from the chairman of all State bodies under the auspices of his Department; if the pay of chief executives and employees of such bodies is fully in accordance with Government policy; if he will list any such bodies where this requirement under the code of practice for the governance of State bodies has not been met or no report has been received; if he will provide full details of such issues in such reports and if these reports will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46709/10]

I am presuming that the Deputy is referring to the State Bodies that come under the remit of my Department, which, as it happens, are all non-commercial bodies. In this respect, the position with regard to the Annual Reports for the Agencies under the aegis of my Department is set out in the table:

Agency

Annual Report 2007

Annual Report 2008

Annual Report 2009

Rec’d (Y/N)

Laid (Y/N)

Rec’d (Y/N)

Laid (Y/N)

Rec’d (Y/N)

Laid (Y/N)

Enterprise Ireland

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Forfás

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

IDA Ireland

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI)

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No1

Shannon Development Company

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

InterTrade Ireland

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No2

Science Foundation Ireland (SFI)

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Competition Authority

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

National Consumer Agency

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Health and Safety Authority

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Personal Injuries Assessment Board

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Labour Relations Commission

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Notes:

1 It is expected that the NSAI Annual Report 2009 will be laid before the Oireachtas shortly once the Irish translation is completed.

2 The North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) noted the 2009 Annual Report and Accounts for InterTrade Ireland at the Trade and Business Development Sectoral meeting held on 12th November 2010. Upon receipt of the Annual Report in hard copy format, it will be brought to Government for approval to lay before both Houses of the Oireachtas shortly thereafter.

In relation to the 35 City and County Enterprise Boards (CEBs), the 2009 Annual Reports for 27 of the Boards are with the Comptroller and Auditor General for consideration before they can be published. The Annual Reports for the other 8 Boards for 2009 have been published and laid before the Oireachtas, as have all the Reports for all CEBs for 2008 and 2007.

In relation to the pay of the chief executives and employees of our Agencies, I can confirm that these comply with Government policy.

In relation to the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Agencies, the Annual Reports for 12 of the Agencies in the earlier table contain statements indicating compliance with provisions of the Code. However, for the remaining Agency, the Competition Authority, its statement of compliance is contained in the Authority's Financial Statements 2009, which were furnished to me on December 1st 2010, rather than in its Annual Report. The Authority, in compliance with the provisions of the Competition Act, 2002 publishes its annual report within two months from the end of its financial year, but cannot publish its annual audited accounts until they have been examined by the Comptroller and Auditor General later in the year.

Finally, the Deputy should note the separate reporting and remuneration arrangements that apply in relation to the North/South Body, InterTradeIreland (ITI). In this case the salary of the Chief Executive is approved by the respective Finance Departments, North and South, as well as by the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) Secretariat. The pay scales of the Chief Executive and the employees of the ITI are linked to Northern Ireland Civil Service payscales.

Work Permits

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

131 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if a company can legally pay arrears of pay to a person whose work permit has expired without falling foul of work permit rules; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46857/10]

Under the Employment Permits Act 2006 in order to work in Ireland, a third country migrant worker must have a correct and valid employment permit or have some other form of permission from the Minister for Justice and Law Reform to reside and work in Ireland.

A contract of employment between a third country migrant worker required to have a work permit and an employer, which is not covered by a valid work permit, is an illegal contract. In relation to illegal contracts, the Irish Courts have taken the view that it would be contrary to public policy to enforce such contracts. Accordingly, the National Employment Rights Authority does not seek to recover money due to people working under illegal contracts. Notwithstanding the stance taken with regard to previous cases, it would, of course, be open to an individual to seek legal advice with a view to a possible civil action, based on the facts of his/her particular case.

While outside of my Department's remit, I understand also that in such instances, PRSI or PAYE contributions paid in respect of payment of wages under a contract found to be illegal would be refunded as no benefits can accrue to persons in such circumstances.

Of course, in the event that the contract of employment is a legal contract then a third country national legally employed in the State has the same entitlements as other legally employed workers and may seek redress in the same manner, for example, by reference to a Rights Commissioner.

State Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

132 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has received an annual report for each of the past three years from the chairman of all State bodies under the auspices of his Department; if the pay of chief executives and employees of such bodies is fully in accordance with Government policy; if he will list any such bodies where this requirement under the code of practice for the governance of State bodies has not been met or no report has been received; if he will provide full details of such issues in such reports and if these reports will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46706/10]

The details requested by the Deputy in relation to the most recent annual reports submitted to my Department by the State bodies/agencies funded from my Department's Vote Group and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas are reflected in the following table. In a small number of cases, 2009 Annual Reports have been received and arrangements to lay them before the Oireachtas are in hand.

In relation to the pay of Chief Executives and employees of such bodies, the relevant Department of Finance circulars have been provided to the bodies, as has a copy of the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, which, inter alia, requires Chairpersons and Boards to implement Government policy in relation to pay in their bodies. There are particular complexities involved in compiling, auditing and consolidating the annual reports and accounts, and the efforts of both agencies to progress this work have been noted by the North South Ministerial Council on a number of occasions. The current position is that both agencies, in conjunction with the sponsor Departments North and South, are giving priority to bringing publication of the annual reports and accounts up to date.

With regard to Vote 24Charitable Donations and Bequests, I have been advised that the 2009 Annual Report from the Office of the Commissioners of Charitable Donations and Bequests will be submitted to my Department shortly.

State Body/Agency

Years covered by the most recent Annual Reports submitted

Years covered by the most recent Annual Report laid before Oireachtas

Equality Authority

2009

2009

2008

2008

2007

2007

Equality Tribunal

2009

2009

2008

2008

2007

2007

Human Rights Commission

2009

2009

2008

2008

2007

2007

National Disability Authority

2009

2009

2008

2008

2007

2007

Family Support Agency

2009

2008

2008

2007

2007

2006

Dormant Accounts Board

2009

2009

2008

2008

2007

2007

Western Development Commission

2009

2008

2008

2007

2007

2006

Údarás na Gaeltachta

2009

2009

2008

2008

2007

2007

An Coimisinéir Teanga

2009

2009

2008

2008

2007

2007

Waterways Ireland

2009

2008

2008

2007

2007

2006

An Foras Teanga (comprising Foras na Gaeilge and Ulster-Scots Agency)

Draft Annual Reports for 2007-09 submitted*

2006

2005

2004

Office of the Commissioners of Charitable Donations and Bequests

2008

2008

2007

2007

2006

2006

*Awaiting clearance of Annual Accounts 2007-09 by C&AGs.

National Drugs Strategy

Brendan Kenneally

Ceist:

133 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of calls to the dial to stop drug dealing hotline in Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46826/10]

The Dial to Stop Drug Dealing campaign ran in three phases — across 15 Local and Regional Drugs Task Force areas — in 2008 and 2009. The South East Regional Drugs Task Force (RDTF), which covers County Waterford, ran its campaign in March 2009.

I relaunched the campaign on 6 October last with a two week national promotional campaign, followed by local campaigns at Drugs Task Force level. The South East RDTF again opted to participate and its campaign ran in October and November 2010.

Calls received have been spread right across the country, including areas that have not run a campaign. Since the phone line opened in September 2008, a total number of 8,684 calls have been made to date to the phone line, with 2,485 reports generated to the Gardaí. Of these, 52 reports refer to Waterford from March 2009 to August 2010 and since the relaunch of the campaign, 7 reports have been received up to the end of November.

I believe very strongly in the notion that communities should be empowered and should feel enabled to make a stand in a way that they need never fear will impact negatively on them.

A full evaluation of the current phase of the Dial to Stop Drug Dealing campaign will be carried out on its completion at the end of the year.

State Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

134 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Defence if he has received an annual report for each of the past three years from the chairman of all State bodies under the auspices of his Department; if the pay of chief executives and employees of such bodies is fully in accordance with Government policy; if he will list any such bodies where this requirement under the code of practice for the governance of State bodies has not been met or no report has been received; if he will provide full details of such issues in such reports and if these reports will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46707/10]

The agencies associated with the Department are the Civil Defence Board, the Army Pensions Board and the Board of Coiste an Asgard. The Civil Defence Board annual reports for the years 2007 and 2008 have been laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas. The 2009 Report will be laid shortly, after the Comptroller & Auditor General has reviewed the Annual Accounts.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Civil Defence Board is a serving civil servant at principal officer grade. The arrangements that apply to the CEO and the staff of this agency in respect salary, pension and other expenses are the same as for all civil service staff.

The Army Pensions Board and the Board of Coiste an Asgard do not have a Chief Executive Officer.

Barr
Roinn