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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 21 Jul 2011

Vol. 739 No. 4

Written Answers

The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 9, inclusive, answered orally.
Question No. 10 answered with Question No. 7.

Arts Plan

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

11 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which he will put in place a co-ordinated and integrated plan to enable the arts to play a central role in the projection of the national image with consequent benefit to the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21817/11]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

405 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which he intends to use the arts as a vehicle to promote the national identity and image thereby contributing to economic revival; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22435/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 11 and 405 together.

One of this Government's top priorities from its first day in office has been the rebuilding of Ireland's international reputation. In doing this, we need to promote all of our key strengths as a country. Irish culture has a global reach, and the worldwide recognition of Ireland's great artists, writers and musicians of past and present is more important now than ever before in projecting Ireland's profile as a creative nation. It is also our most powerful connection to the 70 million members of the global Irish community.

To give effect to the Government's objectives to strengthen Ireland's global reputation and cultural profile, Culture Ireland, as part of my Department, promotes Irish arts in key territories worldwide, working very closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and its mission network, the Department of the Taoiseach, and with the other promotional agencies. This year in particular, Culture Ireland is spearheading Imagine Ireland, a special initiative to promote Irish arts in America, comprising more than 1,000 Irish artists in more than 400 events across more than 40 US States.

I am confident that these measures and initiatives will contribute substantively to sustainable economic recovery.

Question No. 12 answered with Question No. 9.

Cultural Centres

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

13 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans to advance the capital development plans for the National Gallery of Ireland, the National Concert Hall, the Abbey Theatre, the National Museum at Collins Barracks and other major cultural centres. [21810/11]

Robert Troy

Ceist:

18 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will continue to work with the Abbey Theatre to find a solution to the theatre’s need for a new premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21807/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 18 together.

As the Deputies may be aware, major building works are underway at the National Gallery of Ireland. The works are necessary to address the deterioration in the fabric of the historic Dargan and Milltown Wings of the Gallery, which are respectively 150 and 100 plus years old, and to upgrade plant and services to deliver a secure and stable environment for its priceless collections.

Regarding the public private partnership project for the National Concert Hall, it was decided in late 2010 not to proceed with the project as originally envisaged, given the current economic situation. A range of rehabilitation and refurbishment issues still remain, however, and will be examined in light of available resources.

Turning to the Abbey Theatre, following consideration of the matter by the Government, it has been decided not to proceed with the re-location of the Abbey Theatre to the GPO complex. I will, however, endeavour to ensure that the Abbey Theatre's accommodation in its current location is maintained to a suitable standard. The intervention made a number of years ago in the Abbey auditorium was an excellent one and ongoing investment there has addressed front-of-house, box-office, staging and mechanical issues.

With regard to the National Museum, the Asgard will be placed on display at the Collins Barracks and minor capital works to allow for public access to it will commence shortly.

Regarding the Irish Museum of Modern Art, capital works to address essential upgrades to the fire and electrical systems amongst other things will have to be carried out at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham in the near future and this will necessitate the temporary closure of parts of the Museum.

I am conscious that the severe economic downturn has had an impact on some of the capital development plans of the national cultural institutions. The institutions, while forming an intrinsic part of our heritage, also remain an important part of our cultural tourism offering and I will continue to support them to the greatest extent possible, within the available resources.

Sandra McLellan

Ceist:

14 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding the potential acquisition by the State of the Bank of Ireland building at College Green, Dublin 2; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21795/11]

As the Deputy will know from my responses to previous Questions on this matter, I have met the Chairman and Chief Executive of the Bank of Ireland Group in relation to the College Green Dublin building. Those contacts are continuing.

Heritage Sites

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

15 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of heritage sites throughout the country which are protected under various criteria on a county basis; the number of such sites that are not protected; the number and location of any such sites in respect of which protection or preservation orders are pending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21816/11]

The conservation principles of care and protection of the architectural heritage are set out in Part IV of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. Under the Act, planning authorities have a clear obligation to create a record of protected structures.

There are 2,908 monuments recorded in the Register of Historic Monuments and there are approximately 120,000 further monuments recorded in the Record of Monuments and Places and these are protected under the National Monuments Acts. Both the Record and the Register are maintained by my Department. There are 757 national monument sites in my ownership or guardianship — the number of individual monuments is greater as some of these sites contain a number of monuments. There are 490 national monuments protected by Preservation Orders. Currently, there are no monuments subject to temporary preservation orders and there are no preservation orders pending. While a breakdown by county is not readily available across this very large number of sites, a considerable amount of detail is contained on my Department's website at www.archaeology.ie.

Sites designated by my Department for their natural heritage interest include 423 Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), 153 Special Protection Areas (SPAs), 155 Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs), 7 Refuges for Fauna, 78 Nature Reserves and 6 National Parks. Detailed information on these sites, including information on the nature conservation associated with each, is available on a county basis on the National Parks and Wildlife Service website at www.npws.ie.

The number of heritage sites that are not currently protected is not easily defined. New research, surveys and inventories inform where and what protection is offered. Other factors include refinements to the extent of a site boundary, changes to its qualifying interests and the relationship of the individual elements of the site — they may enjoy protection as a group or individually.

Wildlife Protection

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

16 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the level of grant aid available to farmers to assist in the preservation of corncrakes in meadows will be increased to make it viable for farmers to protect these endangered birds, especially as there are so few cases involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21596/11]

My Department runs a number of schemes that provide payments to farmers for prescribed, targeted actions to benefit the Corncrake in areas where it breeds, notably the north Donegal coast, west Connacht and the Shannon Callows.

These include seasonal schemes to protect birds already arrived on farmland, as well as long term schemes incorporating habitat creation and management.

The Corncrake Grant Scheme pays landowners to delay mowing or grazing where nesting corncrakes have been located. The National Parks and Wildlife Service Farm Plan Scheme pays farmers based in the Shannon Callows to maintain meadows suitable for the breeding requirements of the corncrake. A new pilot scheme is being proposed on the Mullet Peninsula in Mayo and the North Coast of Donegal, designed to help maintain or restore the favourable conservation status of these Special Protection Areas (SPAs). Furthermore, the NPWS leases land under Conacre to facilitate longer term management where corncrakes have been present in recent years.

The current payments offer good value to the farmer and the schemes have a high rate of take up in the relevant areas.

Commemorative Events

David Stanton

Ceist:

17 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans to commemorate the tragedy of the Titanic, the centenary of which occurs in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18954/11]

I understand that the commemorative initiatives for this important centenary are being led by the Cobh local authority and the tourism agencies.

Question No. 18 answered with Question No. 13.

Arts Plan

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

19 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will consider the development of a St. Patrick’s fortnight as a two-week programme to celebrate and showcase Irish culture. [21809/11]

As the Deputy will be aware, St. Patrick's Festival is the primary cultural festival during the Spring. The Programme for Government proposed making Culture Night a twice yearly event. Discussions on the most appropriate way to build on the success of the Culture Night event are ongoing. As such there may be scope for the development of an audience-focused cultural initiative as part of these festivities.

The Deputy will appreciate that these discussions must have regard to the resources available to my Department and to the many competing demands on these resources.

It is likely that reduced resources will mean that my priorities will not permit such a wide ranging proposal as put forward by the Deputy.

Arts Funding

Dessie Ellis

Ceist:

20 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans to further develop all-Ireland co-operation in the area of touring arts; his views on the scope for greater efficiencies in delivering performances by visiting and touring groups on an all-island basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21799/11]

The Programme for Government contains a commitment that the Government will encourage the Arts Council to continue to dedicate resources to touring in order to protect the State's investment in regional arts infrastructure and to bring cultural tourism opportunities to towns and villages across the country. Under the section 24 of the Arts Act 2003, the Arts Council is independent in its decisions on funding, including the selection of initiatives and the level of funding. I intend, however, to convey the commitment on touring to the Arts Council in a manner which is appropriate to our respective statutory remits.

Inland Waterways

Heather Humphreys

Ceist:

21 Deputy Heather Humphreys asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if €35 million was ring-fenced for the restoration of the section of the Ulster Canal between Clones and Upper Lough Erne; if this funding was included in any budget between 2008 and 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21531/11]

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

408 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the proposals to progress the restoration of the Ulster Canal; if funding will be provided for this project in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22501/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 21 and 408 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, the North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) Plenary Meeting in July 2007 agreed to proceed with the restoration of the section of the Ulster Canal between Clones and Upper Lough Erne. The then Government agreed to cover the full capital costs of the project, which were estimated at that time to be of the order of €35m. However, Government Accounting procedures do not provide, in that sense, for the "ring-fencing" of funds for projects of this nature and I can confirm that this funding was not included in any budget between 2008 to 2010.

I am advised that it was always the intention that the Ulster Canal project would be funded from the Waterways Ireland annual allocations, as agreed through the annual estimates processes in this jurisdiction, as well as the deliberations of NSMC in relation to annual budgets. I am advised also that it was also a key consideration throughout the process that the Ulster Canal project would be supported by a significant level of projected income from the commercialisation of certain Waterways Ireland assets — a scenario that was affected negatively by the economic downturn.

Clearly, that downturn is of major significance and presents serious difficulties to my Department during this period when there is such pressure on the public finances. While I intend to explore all possible options that may assist in the advancement of this project, it must also be recognised that the Government is engaged at present in a Comprehensive Review of Expenditure, under which all spending is being examined rigorously. Notwithstanding that, I have asked my Department to keep in regular contact with Waterways Ireland with a view to advancing the project to the extent possible, within the current constraints. In this regard, you will be aware that Waterways Ireland is in the process of finalising documentation in order to proceed to the stage of submitting an application for planning permission — a significant milestone for the project.

Cultural Institutions

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Ceist:

22 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if there has been any progress in finding a new tenant for the Lighthouse Cinema in Smithfield, Dublin 7, in order that it can continue operating as an art house and cultural cinema centre. [21811/11]

On 15 April 2011, the High Court placed the Light House Cinema into involuntary liquidation and appointed a liquidator. On 27 April, Mr Neil Hughes of Hughes Blake was appointed receiver and manager by Bord Scannán na hÉireann/the Irish Film Board and The Arts Council, with the agreement of my Department.

The receiver sought expressions of interest in taking over the management and running of the Light House Cinema by placing advertisements in the national media. I understand that there were a number of enquiries from interested parties in response to the advertisements and that discussions are ongoing between those parties, the receiver and the landlord.

Under the circumstances, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage.

Question No. 23 answered with Question No. 7.

Straitéis 20 Bliain

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

24 D’fhiafraigh Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil sé in ann níos mó eolais a thabhairt don Teach mar gheall ar an tslí ina bhfuil siad chun an Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge a chur i bhfeidhm taobh amuigh den Ghaeltacht; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [21862/11]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

30 D’fhiafraigh Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cathain a fhoilseofar an plean forfheidhmithe maidir leis an Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010-2030 de chuid an Rialtais a chur i bhfeidhm; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [21793/11]

Tá rún agam Ceisteanna Uimh. 24 agus 30 a fhreagairt le chéile.

Ag cruinniú Rialtais ar an 31 Bealtaine 2011, tógadh cinntí gur mar seo a leanas a bheidh na struchtúir fhorfheidhmithe faoin Straitéis 20 Bliain:

Go bhfanfaidh an lár-fhreagracht maidir le gnóthaí Gaeilge laistigh agus lasmuigh den Ghaeltacht araon ar mo Roinn;

Go leanfaidh Foras na Gaeilge ag feidhmiú mar áisíneacht teanga thuaidh/theas;

Go mbeidh mo Roinn, i gcomhpháirtíocht le páirtnéirí ábhartha Stáit, freagrach as cur i bhfeidhm na Straitéise lasmuigh den Ghaeltacht agus go mbreathnófar ar na féidearthachtaí go bhféadfadh Foras na Gaeilge seachadadh a dhéanamh ar eilimintí áirithe den Straitéis ar bhonn comhaontaithe le mo Roinn; agus,

Go mbeidh Údarás na Gaeltachta freagrach as cur i bhfeidhm na Straitéise sa Ghaeltacht.

Feictear dom go bhfuil go leor dul chun cinn á dhéanamh ag mo Roinn maidir le cur i bhfeidhm na Straitéise 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge. Tá Aonad Straitéise bunaithe i mo Roinn atá freagrach as pleanáil agus feidhmiú na Straitéise a threorú. Tá plean forfheidhmithe bliana agus trí bliana do chur i bhfeidhm na Straitéise ag mo Roinn ullmhaithe ag an Aonad Straitéise. Tá an tAonad Straitéise ag dul i ndáil chomhairle leis na príomhpháirtithe leasmhara eile faoin Straitéis chun a gcuid pleananna forfheidhmithe siúd a lorg fosta. Feictear dom go mbeadh sé cuí agus cóir go bhfoilseofaí na pleananna forfheidhmithe seo in am tráth ar líne sa chaoi is go mbeadh rochtain éasca orthu.

Tá trí ghrúpa oibre ardleibhéil bunaithe ag an Aonad Straitéise chun dlús a chur le forfheidhmiú na Straitéise. I bhfianaise an tábhacht ar leith a bhaineann le réimse gnímh an oideachais faoin Straitéis, tá grúpa oibre ardleibhéil bunaithe idir oifigigh ó mo Roinn agus oifigigh ón Roinn Oideachais agus Scileanna. Bhí dhá chruinniú ag an ngrúpa oibre seo go dtí seo i mbliana agus tá tús áite á thabhairt do na tosaíochtaí maidir le cur i bhfeidhm na Straitéise i réimse gnímh an oideachais, ag tógáil san áireamh na laincisí ar acmhainní i láthair na huaire.

Tá grúpa oibre ardleibhéil eile bunaithe idir oifigigh ó mo Roinn, ó Fhoras na Gaeilge agus ó Údarás na Gaeltachta. Tá an grúpa seo dírithe ach go háirithe ar idirdhealú a dhéanamh idir feidhmeanna reachtúla na Roinne, an Fhorais agus an Údaráis sa chaoi is gur féidir a chinntiú go mbeidh an luach is fearr ar airgead ag an Státchiste agus nach mbeidh aon dúbláil soláthair ann mar thoradh ar chur i bhfeidhm na Straitéise ag na comhlachtaí poiblí seo. Bhí dhá chruinniú ag an ngrúpa oibre seo go dtí seo i mbliana chomh maith.

Ní miste a lua fosta go bhfuil grúpa oibre ardleibhéil eile bunaithe idir oifigigh ó mo Roinn, an Roinn Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe agus an Roinn Post, Fiontar agus Nuálaíochta chun plé a dhéanamh ar na bealaí is éifeachtaí chun infheistíocht fiontraíochta sa Ghaeltacht a chinntiú sa todhchaí.

Faoi láthair, is í an tosaíocht is mó tábhachta atá ag an Aonad Straitéise sa Roinn ná an obair atá ar siúl ar na cinn a dhréachtú don Bhille Gaeltachta faoi láthair. Táthar ag súil go bhfoilseofar an Bille seo níos moille i mbliana, ag brath ar chlár reachtaíochta an Rialtais. Déanfar forálacha faoin mBille Gaeltachta do na struchtúir fhorfheidhmithe faoin Straitéis, de réir mar is cuí, agus don sainmhíniú úr ar an nGaeltacht.

Mar aitheantas ar an mborradh atá tagtha faoin nGaeilge taobh amuigh den Ghaeltacht le roinnt blianta anuas, tá sé tábhachtach nach mbeidh an sainmhíniú úr ar an nGaeltacht teoranta do na ceantair sin amháin a bhfuil stádas reachtúil Gaeltachta acu faoi láthair. Chuige sin, tabharfar stádas reachtúil faoin mBille Gaeltachta do cheantair eile "Gaeltacht gréasáin" atá lasmuigh de na ceantair Ghaeltachta reachtúla atá ann faoi láthair. Is ceantair iad seo a mbeidh a bhformhór i bpobail uirbeacha agus a mbeidh toirt bhunúsach chriticiúil de thacaíocht phobail agus Stáit acu don Ghaeilge. Chomh maith leis seo, tabharfar stádas reachtúil faoin mBille do Bhailte Seirbhíse Gaeltachta — bailte atá taobh istigh nó taobh amuigh den Ghaeltacht, mar atá sí aitheanta faoi láthair, ina mbeidh raon leathan seirbhísí trí Ghaeilge ar fáil do cheantair Ghaeltachta atá suite cóngarach do na Bailte Seirbhíse Gaeltachta seo.

An Ghaeilge

Michael Colreavy

Ceist:

25 D’fhiafraigh Michael Colreavy den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta, i bhfianaise tuairim an Choimisinéara Teanga go bhfuil dhá chomhlacht poiblí — Feidhmeannacht na Seirbhíse Sláinte agus an tArd-Mhúsaem — ag sárú a ndualgas reachtúil teanga, cad iad na céimeanna a ghlacfaidh sé chun an fhadhb seo a réiteach. [21782/11]

Tá sé de chumhacht ag an gCoimisinéir Teanga faoi alt 26(5) d'Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003 tuarascáil a chur faoi bhráid Thithe an Oireachtais más rud é go bhfeictear dó go bhfuil comhlachtaí poiblí ag sárú a gcuid dualgais reachtúla teanga.

Ag eascairt as imscrúduithe atá déanta ag an gCoimisinéir Teanga faoi Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla, tá tuarascáil maidir le Feidhmeannacht na Seirbhíse Sláinte agus Ard-Mhúsaem na hÉireann curtha faoi bhráid Thithe an Oireachtais aige. Ar ndóigh, is ar Thithe an Oireachtais féin atá sé aon chéim bhreise a thógáil, má mheasann siad gur cuí dóibh a leithéid a dhéanamh.

Cé go bhfaigheann Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga maoiniú ó mo Roinnse dá buiséad riaracháin, is oifig reachtúil í atá neamhspleách i gcomhlíonadh a cuid feidhmeanna.

Departmental Agencies

Timmy Dooley

Ceist:

26 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his views on the recent report from the Western Development Commission which highlighted the potential for a doubling of the workforce employed in the arts and culture sectors over the next ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21812/11]

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

32 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his views on the Western Development Commission report published recently that highlighted the potential for a doubling of the workforce employed in the creative sector over the next ten years; his plans to ensure that potential is realised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21796/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 32 together.

I am aware that the report referred to by the Deputies was published in June by the Western Development Commission (WDC), as a follow-up to an earlier report, also published by the WDC, in 2009.

This latest report is an economic impact assessment that follows on from the original report, which contained a list of recommendations, and assesses the growth potential for the creative sector in Ireland's western region. The recommendations raised are a matter for a number of Government Departments and Agencies, and not just my Department. Clearly, the economic assessment will be of interest in the context of the allocation of scarce resources .

Social Welfare Code

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Ceist:

27 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his views on the potential application here of a welfare and support programme for artists similar to GUSO in France; if he has carried out any research or feasibility analysis into the possibility of using such a system, or elements of such a system here in view of the potential benefit to the arts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21798/11]

I am advised that the matter referred to by the Deputy relates to social welfare for artists and the collection of levies such as social insurance. I have no statutory responsibility in relation to such matters, which may be more appropriate to my colleague, the Minister for Social Protection.

Tourism Promotion

Brian Stanley

Ceist:

28 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the way he plans to promote greater co-operation between local authorities to promote the arts and develop cultural tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21800/11]

Arts officers are employed by each local authority throughout the State. The activities of these officials, as is the case of all local authority employees, fall, in the first instance, within the statutory remit of the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government. While being Minister with responsibility for the Arts, my statutory authority does not extend to local authority arts officers. I am, however, currently in the process of meeting Arts officers collectively in the context of integrated Arts and Culture promotional strategies at local level.

Mental Health Promotion

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

29 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht how he plans to encourage people to improve, maintain and protect their mental well-being through art; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21802/11]

The Deputy will appreciate that I have no statutory responsibility in relation to mental health, which is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Health.

Question No. 30 answered with Question No. 24.

Údarás na Gaeltachta

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

31 D’fhiafraigh Pearse Doherty den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén plean atá ag an Rialtas maidir le bord Údarás na Gaeltachta a ainmniú; an bhfuil an Rialtas ag dul i gcomhairle le pobal agus eagraíochtaí na Gaeltachta chun córas nua a chruthú; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [21789/11]

Ag cruinniú Rialtais ar 31 Bealtaine 2011, thóg an Rialtas roinnt cinntí sonracha polasaí maidir le struchtúr agus feidhmeanna Údarás na Gaeltachta. I measc na gcinntí seo, rinneadh cinneadh líon na gcomhaltaí ar bhord Údarás na Gaeltachta a laghdú go substaintiúil agus deireadh a chur leis an riachtanas toghcháin a ghairm do bhord an údaráis. Tá na cinntí polasaí seo ag teacht le haidhm an Rialtais go mbeadh boird Stáit ag feidhmiú go héifeachtach ar bhonn sruthlínithe. Tá sé i gceist na cinntí seo a chur i bhfeidhm trí fhorálacha sa Bhille Gaeltachta a bhfuiltear ag súil lena fhoilsiú níos moille i mbliana.

Sa chaoi is nach gcaillfear an ghné dhaonlathach mar thoradh ar na hathruithe ar bhord an Údaráis, tiocfar ar mheicníocht faoin mBille chun gur féidir le húdaráis áitiúla, a bhfuil limistéir Ghaeltachta faoina gcúram, líon áirithe comhaltaí a ainmniú ar bhord an údaráis. Déanfaidh an tAire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta na comhaltaí eile a ainmniú mar thoradh ar shaineolas ar leith a bheith acu i réimsí gnímh an údaráis.

Ar ndóigh, tabharfar deis don phobal tuairimí agus moltaí a chur in iúl maidir leis na hathruithe seo, tráth a fhoilseofar an Bille Gaeltachta.

Question No. 32 answered with Question No. 26.

Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla

Michael Colreavy

Ceist:

33 D’fhiafraigh Michael Colreavy den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an molfaidh sé beartas faoinar chóir Billí uile an Rialtais a thionscain go dátheangach chun a chinntiú go bhfoilseofaí Achtanna i gcomhthráth sa dá theanga oifigiúla dá bharr sin agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [21792/11]

Mar is eol don Teachta, is faoi Choimisiún Thithe an Oireachtais atá sé Billí agus Achtanna Oireachtais a fhoilsiú. Tá dualgas reachtúil ann faoi alt 7 d'Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003 Achtanna Oireachtais a chló agus a fhoilsiú go comhuaineach sa dá theanga oifigiúla. Níl aon dualgas reachtúil ann maidir le Billí a thionscain sa dá theanga oifigiúla.

Tá athbhreithniú le déanamh ag mo Roinnse ar Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla i gcomhréir leis an ngealltanas atá sonraithe i gclár an Rialtais. Tá na céimeanna tosaigh le dlús a chur leis an athbhreithniú sin á dtógáil faoi láthair, ar a n-áirítear téarmaí tagartha a dhréachtú, a thógfaidh san áireamh stádas na Gaeilge sa Bhunreacht, spriocanna an Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge agus na bealaí is éifeachtaí chun seirbhísí an Stáit a sholáthar don phobal trí mheán na Gaeilge.

Reáchtálfar próiseas comhairliúcháin phoiblí mar chuid den athbhreithniú seo. Táim cinnte go bhféadfaí a leithéid de mholadh maidir le Billí a thuaiscain sa dá theanga oifigiúla a thógáil san áireamh le linn an athbhreithnithe.

National Asset Management Agency

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

34 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding the commitment in the programme for Government to identify buildings in the National Asset Management Agency that could be used as suitable local arts and culture facilities; if such buildings have been identified in discussions with NAMA; the timeline for their coming on stream; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21801/11]

I refer the Deputy to my previous replies in the House on this matter, most recently to Question No. 148 of 1 June 2010. I have met NAMA in this regard and the matter is under ongoing review.

Tourism Promotion

Robert Troy

Ceist:

35 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he has had any discussions with the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport regarding the Gathering, an important initiative to encourage people of Irish heritage to visit the country in 2012; and if he is considering such an initiative for 2012. [21808/11]

The Gathering, in common with many festivals, has both an arts element and a tourism element. In 2011, the Gathering will receive funding from both Fáilte Ireland and the Arts Council for its respective elements. Under the Section 24 of the Arts Act, 2003, the Arts Council is independent in its decisions on funding including the selection of initiatives and the level of funding.

In relation to 2012, The Gathering, which is operated by the private sector, will be required to make it application to the Arts Council in the same way as any other organisation seeking Arts Council support.

Caiteachas Ranna

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

36 D’fhiafraigh Brendan Smith den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cé mhéad airgid atá ann d’Fhoras na Gaeilge, cé na dualgais a bheidh acu; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [21805/11]

Tagann dhá áisíneacht teanga faoin gComhlacht Forfheidhmithe Thuaidh/Theas, An Foras Teanga, a bunaíodh faoin Acht um Chomhaontú na Breataine-na hÉireann, 1999. Is iad Foras na Gaeilge agus Tha Boord o Ulstèr-Scotch, nó Gníomhaireacht na hUltaise, na háisíneachtaí teanga sin.

Tháinig Foras na Gaeilge i gcomharbacht ar Bhord na Gaeilge agus tá an phríomhfhreagracht air maidir le cur chun cinn na Gaeilge i ngach gné den saol ar fud oileán na hÉireann. Tá eolas maidir le gníomhaíochtaí Fhoras na Gaeilge le fáil ar an idirlíon ag an suíomh www.gaeilge.ie.

Is tríd an gComhairle Aireachta Thuaidh/Theas a aontaítear buiséid, pleananna gnó agus pleananna corparáideacha don Fhoras Teanga. Táthar ag súil go mbeidh an buiséad agus an plean gnó don bhliain 2011 agus an plean corparáideach don tréimhse 2011-2013 faofa san fhómhar ag an gComhairle Aireachta Thuaidh/Theas don Fhoras Teanga.

Mar eolas don Teachta ag an bpointe seo, is é €16.6m an soláthar iomlán i ndáil leis an bhForas Teanga atá i Vóta mo Roinne don bhliain 2011. Baineann €923,206 den tsuim seo le Gníomhaireacht na hUltaise agus baineann €15,636,641 den tsuim seo le Foras na Gaeilge. Áiríonn sé sin caiteachas ar ghníomhaíochtaí Fhoras na Gaeilge féin, ar Chlár na Leabhar Gaeilge agus ar Cholmcille, an tionscadal trípháirteach idir Poblacht na hÉireann, Tuaisceart Éireann agus Albain.

Forbairt na nOileán

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

37 D’fhiafraigh Brendan Smith den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cé na pleananna atá aige chun na hoileáin sa Ghaeltacht agus na hoileáin i gcoitinne a fhorbairt; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [21804/11]

Tá dul chun cinn maith déanta le blianta beaga anuas maidir le forbairt na n-oileán. Tá fóirdheontais curtha ar fáil trí mo Roinnse le haghaidh réimse leathan seirbhísí iompair go dtí na hoileáin a bhfuil buanchónaí orthu, lena n-airítear seirbhísí paisinéirí, lastais, bus agus aeir. Tá méadú tagtha ar líon na seirbhísí seo ón seacht seirbhís a bhí ann i 1997 go dtí os cionn fiche seirbhís i mbliana. Ina theannta sin, íocann mo Roinn deontais le haghaidh bainistiú na n-aerstráicí ar na hOileáin Árann.

Le linn na tréimhse ó 1997 go 2010, ceadaíodh beagnach €120m trí mo Roinnse chun feabhas a chur ar infreastruchtúr ar mhaithe le pobail na n-oileán. Mar thoradh ar an leibhéal infheistíochta seo, tá feabhas suntasach tagtha ar shaol na n-oileánach de bharr ardchaighdeán bonneagair ar na hoileáin agus áiseanna gaolmhara ar an mhórthír. Cé go n-aithním na constaicí mórá atá ann mar thoradh ar an gcúlú eacnamaíochta, táimse ag súil go mbeidh mo Roinnse in ann leanúint ar aghaidh, feadh a cumais, ag maoiniú seirbhísí riachtanacha rochtana chuig na hoileáin.

Ní miste a rá fosta go gcuirtear maoiniú ar fáil d'Údarás na Gaeltachta ar mhaithe le cruthú fostaíochta, deiseanna oiliúna, forbairt pobail agus teanga sa Ghaeltacht — na hoileáin Ghaeltachta san áireamh. Táim ag súil go n-imreoidh an tionscnamh fostaíochta a fógraíodh tamall ó shin ag an Rialtas tionchar dearfach ar chúrsaí fostaíochta ar na hoileáin chomh maith leis an mhórthír.

Scéimeanna Ranna

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Ceist:

38 D’fhiafraigh Pádraig Mac Lochlainn den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil scéim nua ag an Rialtas fós chun ionad scéim labhairt na Gaeilge a ghlacadh; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [21790/11]

Faoi mar a thug mé le fios i bhfreagra ar Cheist Dála ar 22 Meitheamh 2011, tá sé i gceist ag mo Roinnse córas nua tacaíochta a chur in áit scéim labhairt na Gaeilge, a thabharfaidh deis níos fearr do pháistí óga an Ghaeilge a shealbhú go nádúrtha cois teallaigh sula mbaintear an scoil amach.

Tá mo Roinn ag iarraidh a chinntiú go mbeidh an cur chuige úr a thiocfaidh i gcomharbacht ar scéim labhairt na Gaeilge ag teacht ar bhealach níos dlúithe le cuspóirí na straitéise 20 bliain don Ghaeilge.

Táthar ag scrúdú na bhféidearthachtaí éagsúla a bhaineann leis an gceist faoi láthair agus tá súil agam go mbeidh ar mo chumas cinneadh críochnúil a dhéanamh sar i bhfad.

Commemorative Events

Ceist:

39 Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding the National Famine Commemoration day; the date and venue for the commemoration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21597/11]

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that President McAleese has accepted an invitation to lead the official representation at this year's National Famine Commemoration. The National Famine Commemoration ceremony will take place on Saturday, 10 September 2011 in Clones, County Monaghan. The commemoration will comprise a programme in which the local communities in County Monaghan will be prominently involved followed by the formal State ceremonial event, which will include military honours and wreath laying ceremonies.

I should say that my Department is currently engaging with all the relevant stakeholders to make the necessary arrangements for this year's commemoration. The great support in the local communities in Monaghan for this event is very welcome and is evidence of the deep respect still held today for all those who perished, suffered and emigrated during the famine.

National Monuments

Mick Wallace

Ceist:

40 Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if there has been any further development regarding the application for ministerial consent to carry out works at the national monument of nos. 14-17 Moore Street since the Dáil Adjournment debate on national monuments of 23 June 2011; if he will give a date for the publication of the proposals received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21815/11]

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

41 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps he has taken to secure the future of 14-17 Moore Street, and to ensure that the area around Moore Street can be developed into a revolutionary quarter at the heart of Dublin City. [18710/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 41 together.

In January 2007, the then Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government placed a preservation order on nos. 14 to 17 Moore Street under the National Monuments Acts. The order was made on the grounds that No. 16 is a monument, the preservation of which is of national importance by reason of its historical significance as the site of the final council of war and final headquarters of the Provisional Government. The effect of the order is that works affecting these properties, including any excavation or ground disturbance within, around or in proximity to them, will require my consent under section 14 of the National Monuments Act 1930, as amended.

The proposed development of the Carlton Cinema site, of which nos. 14 to 17 Moore Street form part, and for which approval has been granted by An Bord Pleanála, envisages the retention of these buildings and the provision of a commemorative centre to the 1916 Rising in No. 16. An application by the developer for consent to these proposals under section 14 of the 1930 Act was submitted to my Department on 17 June 2011. The consent application is being examined and a decision will be made as quickly as possible.

Any wider plans for the development of the Moore Street area would be a matter for the relevant landowners and the development authority, Dublin City Council.

Údarás na Gaeltachta

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

42 D’fhiafraigh Martin Ferris den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cathain a bheidh an Rialtas ag earcú príomhfheidhmeannach nua le haghaidh Údarás na Gaeltachta; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [21788/11]

Tá mo Roinnse i gcomhairle leis an Roinn Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe maidir leis na socruithe cuí chun post an phríomhfheidhmeannaigh ar Údarás na Gaeltachta a líonadh. Tiocfaidh an folúntas aníos ag deireadh na bliana seo nuair a bheidh an phríomhfheidhmeannach gníomhach ag éirí as. Ach na socruithe a bheith aontaithe, cuirfear tús leis an bpróiseas earcaíochta tríd an tSeirbhís um Cheapacháin Phoiblí.

Diplomatic Representation

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

43 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the locations of the Irish embassies and Irish consulate offices worldwide; and the cost of operations for each office. [21888/11]

The Irish Diplomatic Network is made up of 76 overseas Missions, in addition to offices in Armagh and Belfast. The network consists of 58 embassies, 7 multilateral missions and 11 consulates general and other offices overseas. In addition to their country of primary accreditation, many Ambassadors are also accredited to additional countries on a non-resident basis. The annual costs as set out in the table below for 2010 are the administrative costs of operating each mission. The figures do not include the salaries of the Irish based staff as these are a charge on the overall salaries budget of the Department rather than on a specific mission.

In addition to the administrative costs of operating a mission, many embassies fund programmes in their respective countries, in particular the missions which fund Irish Aid activities. For example, in 2010, while the embassy in Mozambique had administrative costs of almost €1 million, it managed an aid programme of €37.5 million through the mission that year. The administrative costs of offices in Irish Aid Programme countries (highlighted in bold) are often high due to issues such as the additional security required in a developing country context.

Also, from time to time missions may incur significant capital expenditure in relation to their premises or for upgrading of essential infrastructure. These capital costs are not included in the annual administrative costs as detailed:

Mission

2010

ABU DHABI (opened 2009)

600,261

ABUJA

556,374

ADDIS ABABA

898,685

ANKARA

422,633

ATHENS

525,292

ATLANTA (opened 2010)

26,885

BEIJING

841,615

BERLIN

930,500

BERNE

450,170

BOSTON

392,032

BRASILIA

579,964

BRATISLAVA

354,215

BRUSSELS (EMBASSY and P.F.P.)

930,301

BRUSSELS (PR-EU)

4,194,314

BUCHAREST

457,869

BUDAPEST

444,950

BUENOS AIRES

454,202

CAIRO

460,651

CANBERRA

788,271

CARDIFF (closed 2009)

CHICAGO

342,853

COPENHAGEN

448,180

DAR ES SALAAM

720,238

DILI

148,716

EDINBURGH

236,941

FREETOWN

199,440

GENEVA

1,142,564

HANOI

607,332

HELSINKI

539,507

HOLY SEE

455,820

KAMPALA

1,140,515

KUALA LUMPUR

409,445

LILONGWE

445,750

LISBON

376,459

LJUBLJANA

451,370

LONDON

3,702,234

LUSAKA

1,097,048

LUXEMBOURG

724,074

MADRID

1,106,768

MAPUTO

983,406

MASERU

512,812

MEXICO

528,437

MOSCOW

1,064,758

NEW DELHI

967,485

NEW YORK — C.G.

1,915,099

NEW YORK- PMUN

2,081,792

NICOSIA

419,656

OSCE — VIENNA

504,823

OSLO

601,640

OTTAWA

590,775

PARIS (incl OECD)

1,817,710

PRAGUE

612,292

PRETORIA

1,111,600

RAMALLAH

354,106

RIGA

360,659

RIYADH

381,231

ROME

1,180,581

SAN FRANCISCO

428,014

SEOUL

833,161

SHANGHAI

667,532

SINGAPORE

833,820

SOFIA

367,670

STOCKHOLM

591,585

STRASBOURG

424,895

SYDNEY

587,275

TALLINN

415,288

TEHRAN

417,048

TEL AVIV

623,858

THE HAGUE

921,078

TOKYO

1,637,651

VALLETTA

372,090

VIENNA

662,725

VILNIUS

425,124

WARSAW

842,848

WASHINGTON DC

1,329,159

Departmental Properties

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

44 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the numbers and locations of his Department’s buildings that are currently in upwardly-only rent review contracts; and the rents for 2008, 2009, 2010 and the expected rents for 2011. [21889/11]

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

45 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the numbers and locations of buildings his Department leases that are in upwardly-only rent contracts; and the amounts of these rents for 2008, 2009, 2010 and the expected rents for 2011. [21890/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 44 and 45 together.

The rent contracts in relation to all properties in the State occupied by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade are negotiated by the Office of Public Works (OPW). In addition, 110 properties are rented by my Department outside the State for use primarily as offices and official residences. Rental agreements vary from country to country in accordance with local law and practice. Leases are usually for a fixed period and many include rent review clauses. Rent increases on renewal of leases are generally in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) of the particular country. Rent levels abroad are reviewed each year. In addition, in the current economic climate, all our Missions are routinely instructed to explore the scope for negotiated reductions, having regard to local market conditions.

Human Rights Issues

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

46 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding a case (details supplied) in the USA, in view of the fact that the Government needs to support it. [21936/11]

The Deputy is referring to five Cubans know as the "Miami five", who were convicted in the United States in 2001 on charges ranging from espionage to first degree murder. The convictions of these individuals were upheld on appeal in 2008. While I am aware of the ongoing campaign for the release of these individuals, the Government has no standing in this matter, which is a bilateral consular question between the United States and the Cuban authorities.

Northern Ireland Issues

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

47 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Northern Ireland. [21966/11]

I am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers. As I said in my response to Question No. 99 of 5 July 2011 tabled by Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív, I understand that the prisoner in question has initiated legal proceedings with a view to obtaining early release. As the matter is currently before the courts, it would not be appropriate for me to comment any further at this stage other than to confirm that my officials continue to monitor developments.

National Lottery Funding

Paudie Coffey

Ceist:

48 Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the amount of National Lottery funding his Department received in 2009 and 2010; and if he will provide a list of the money that was spent in tabular form. [21977/11]

My Department has received no funding from the National Lottery during the period in question.

Overseas Missions

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

49 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has satisfied himself with the presence of a group of Defence Forces personnel with EUTM Somalia in view of the recent report by Amnesty International on the presence of a secret CIA detention centre in Somalia. [21988/11]

Ireland's participation in EUTM Somalia is part of a larger effort to support, together with our EU partners, the creation of functioning, stable institutions in Somalia, without which there is little prospect of political progress in that country. The EU is also supporting the transitional federal institutions in an effort to encourage dialogue within Somalia as a whole, and to enable an inclusive settlement. The humanitarian problems which afflict Somalia are greatly magnified by the lack of government structures capable of meeting even the most basic needs of the Somali population. Recognising the need for the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia (TFG) to gain control of its territory, the United Nations, in Security Council Resolutions 1872 (2009) and 1910 (2010) called on the international community to provide technical assistance towards the training and equipping of the Somalia national security forces. The European Union established its training mission to Somalia (EUTM) in response to this call. The original mandate of the mission was to train 2,000 selected Somali recruits in two intakes over a 12 month period. This training, which was recently completed, took place in the Bihanga camp in Uganda. The EU is now examining options to extend this mission, including refocusing the mission on developing command and control structures for the Somali national security forces.

Following Government approval on 23 February 2010, a Defence Forces team of five personnel, comprising two officers and three non commissioned officers (NCOs), deployed to the mission in April 2010, as part of a joint Irish Defence Forces/Maltese armed forces training team. On 28 June 2011, the Government approved the continued provision of approximately 5 members of the Permanent Defence Force to serve with the mission for a further period of one year beyond August 2011, subject to an appropriate decision of the Council of the European Union authorising the extension of the mission.

I am satisfied that the provision of training to the Somali national security forces is supported by the United Nations and is specifically provided for in relevant Security Council Resolutions 1872 (2009) and 1910 (2010). The role of the mission is consistent with the provisions of both UN resolutions. The deployment of members of the Defence Forces in a training role to the EUTM Somalia is consistent with defence legislation.

Ireland recognises that there can be no purely military solution to the crisis in Somalia. We are strongly supportive of a comprehensive approach to tackling the problems of the region. An important element will be to restore political stability in Somalia, but it will also be necessary to improve livelihoods and economic opportunities, and to develop the rule of law. The EU is preparing a strategy to assist states in the Horn of Africa region to address these and other problems in a comprehensive way.

Human Rights Issues

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

50 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the request of the British Government to allow the injured Iranian refugees in Camp Ashraf to avail of medical treatment here and the request that the Iraqi Government provide this treatment. [21989/11]

I have already expressed on a number of occasions my deep concern at reports of the use of force against Camp Ashraf residents in Iraq resulting in loss of life and serious injuries. The primary responsibility for the protection and human rights of all persons resident on its territory, including Camp Ashraf residents, rests with the government of Iraq. Ireland fully recognises Iraqi sovereignty over the whole of its territory, including Camp Ashraf, but this sovereignty also carries with it responsibilities. I therefore fully agree that the Iraqi authorities should either offer medical treatment to those seriously injured in Camp Ashraf or facilitate their treatment in another jurisdiction. I understand that the British government has not offered medical treatment to date and any such decision is a matter for that government. I would like to reiterate that Ireland and the EU are determined to seek a long-term and peaceful solution to the predicament of the residents of Camp Ashraf. The EU Foreign Affairs Council discussed the situation at Camp Ashraf on 23 May, emphasising the need to respect human rights. I fully support the view widely held within the Council that we must work with the UN (including the UN High Commissioner for Refugees) and US in particular, to seek a lasting resolution to this situation.

HR Ashton has clearly set out the EU position, including a strong condemnation of the recent violence in Camp Ashraf, and has conveyed this position in writing and by telephone to Iraqi Foreign Minister Zebari. I particularly endorse HR Ashton's renewal of the EU's repeated call on the Iraqi government to refrain from the use of violence and to show full respect for the human rights of Camp Ashraf's residents. I also strongly support, and reiterate today, her call for a thorough and independent inquiry into the events of 8 April.

Along with our EU partners, Ireland will continue to support clear messages to the Iraqi authorities that while there are no easy remedies to the situation in Camp Ashraf, force or other violations of human rights are not the answer. In actively seeking a solution, Ireland and its EU partners will continue to work with international institutions and partners, while calling upon the Iraqi government to protect the human rights of the residents of Camp Ashraf (including ensuring the provision of all necessary medical treatment), to grant access to independent international observers, to show restraint, and to seek a peaceful and sustainable solution.

Diplomatic Representation

Kevin Humphreys

Ceist:

51 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide a sum in euro of the value of trade conducted between Ireland and the Holy See for 2010; if he will also provide the number of staff employed at the embassy in 2010; the operational cost for 2010; his views whether this cost and the amount of economic activity justify the continued operation of a full embassy at the Vatican in this time of austerity when Ireland needs to get the best value for money from the budget designed for operating embassies and trade missions abroad, especially in the context that our mission to the Holy See only serves that State and no other sovereign nation or international body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22006/11]

Kevin Humphreys

Ceist:

52 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will consider the sale of the building used as the embassy of Ireland to the Holy See as a cost-saving measure and, following that, request the Vatican to recognise our ambassador to the Italian Republic, who also serves as our ambassador to Malta, Libya and San Marino and also Ireland’s permanent representative to the Food and Agriculture Organisation, the World Food Programme and the International Fund for Agricultural Development as our representative to the Holy See; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22007/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 51 and 52 together.

Decisions relating to the size and scale of the Irish diplomatic network area matter for consideration by the Government. The Vatican is not a significant economic entity and the promotion of foreign trade has never been a reason for maintaining our Embassy to the Holy See. By comparison, our Embassy to the Italian Republic, also located in Rome, is highly active in the promotion and development of bilateral trade. In 2010, Italy was Ireland's tenth largest merchandise trading partner with merchandise trade valued at €3.5bn.

The main purpose of our Embassy to the Holy See is twofold. First, to maintain a permanent point of contact with the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, which continues to be the stated religious denomination of a substantial majority of Irish citizens and whose actions and policies have a direct impact and influence on Irish society.

Second, is to maintain ongoing relations with a significant global political entity which has diplomatic relations with 179 states. The Holy See has one of the largest diplomatic corps in the world, making the Vatican an important listening post and crossroads on a range of global social, political and international issues of interest to Ireland, including human rights, development, disarmament and conflict resolution.

The overall operating budget figures for the Embassy of the Holy See in 2010 was €455,820. This figure relates to local salary costs, travel, post and telecommunications, office machinery, office premises expenses and incidental expenses. In 2010, five staff were employed at the mission, comprising 3 locally employed staff and 2 diplomatic staff. It should be noted the Vatican does not accept the accreditation of an ambassador who is also the ambassador to the Italian Republic. Neither will it accept the accreditation of an embassy with the same address as the embassy to the Italian Republic. Regardless, therefore, as to whether or not Ireland maintains a dedicated Embassy to the Holy See situated in Rome, appointing our Ambassador to the Italian Republic to be, at the same time, our Embassy to the Holy See, is not an option.

The scale and presence of the Irish diplomatic network is currently being reviewed, along with all aspects of my Department's operations, as part of the Government's comprehensive review of expenditure. Given the current budgetary situation, and recognising the role that our diplomatic network is playing in Ireland's economic recovery, adjustments to our diplomatic network will continue to be strategically focused. In short, all our missions abroad must continue to deliver benefits for Ireland and must do so in a manner that represents good value for money.

Consideration of proposals to reduce our diplomatic network must balance any potential financial savings against the operational and reputational costs that would be incurred, including undermining our ability to influence the policies of the state in question and writing off investments made over years in the bilateral relationships with the countries in question. At a time when Ireland needs as much international support and cooperation as possible, it is important to get these decisions right.

Passport Applications

Michael Creed

Ceist:

53 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of applications made to him for travel documentation by Irish citizens for children born through surrogacy; the number of travel documents issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22088/11]

My Department is currently in contact with 19 families in relation to travel documents for children born through surrogacy. Of this number, eight requests relate to general information in respect of obtaining travel documents, at a future date, for children not yet born. Of the remaining families, seven have obtained an Irish travel document and,in four instances, families have obtained a travel document from another country. As I indicated in my reply to question number 20180 of 13 July last, a range of Irish laws relating to the areas of citizenship, guardianship, consent for the child to travel and other parental rights must be comprehensively addressed by applicants before any travel document may issue. It will not be possible to issue a passport (including an emergency passport) to a child born through surrogacy unless these questions of citizenship, guardianship and parental rights are comprehensively addressed. They may therefore wish to make appropriate provision for the child, on such matters as accommodation and medical care/insurance etc., to remain in the country of birth until such time as a travel document can issue. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade strongly advises Irish citizens arranging to have a child by surrogacy to engage the services of a lawyer to deal with all the complex issues involved.

Departmental Funding

Shane Ross

Ceist:

54 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the sum of any public funds and their purpose which have been awarded by his Department either directly or indirectly to the Irish Business and Employers’ Confederation in the past decade. [22265/11]

Funding of €50,000 was provided in 2009/10 to Equal Ireland through the Development Education Funding Scheme administered by Irish Aid. Equal Ireland is a non-profit charitable trust founded in 2001 by IBEC, FÁS and SIPTU. It provides training for disadvantaged adults who have not completed second level education. The funding promoted the integration of development education into Equal Ireland training programmes.

Appointments to State Boards

Anne Ferris

Ceist:

55 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps he is taking to ensure that State boards have at least 40% of each gender, as provided for in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22477/11]

There are no State boards under the aegis of my Department. There are four bodies operating under my Department to which I make appointments. These are: the Development Education Advisory Committee; the Irish Aid Expert Advisory Group; and the Emigrant Services Advisory Committee; the Ireland - United States Commission for Educational Exchange (the Fulbright Commission).

Information on appointments to the bodies including gender breakdown is included as follows. While the balance varies between bodies and over time, taken together, the current membership comprises 57% men and 43% women.

Body

Year

Male

Female

Total

The Board of the Ireland — United States Commission for Educational Exchange — (The Fulbright Commission)

2010

1

2

3

Development Education Advisory Committee

2010

4

6

10

Irish Aid Expert Advisory Group

2010

4

2

6

Emigrant Services Advisory Committee — note: two Officers of the Embassy in London also serve on the Committee.

2011

8

3

11

Departmental Equipment

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

56 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of computer servers that are owned or leased by his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department; and the capacity of each server. [22490/11]

My Department has 279 computer servers across its offices in Ireland and Missions abroad. Each of these servers is owned by the Department. Server capacity falls into the following ranges:

Up to 200 gigabytes — 98 servers.

Between 200 gigabytes and 1 terabyte — 160 servers.

Greater than 1 terabytes — 21 servers.

There are no State agencies under the aegis of my Department.

Human Rights Issues

Joe Costello

Ceist:

57 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his position on the treatment of an organisation (details supplied) in China; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22529/11]

The Government is concerned about the treatment of Falun Gong practitioners in China. Freedom of religious belief and expression is an issue which is discussed regularly with the Chinese authorities during both bilateral meetings and at European Union level. At these meetings, the Government re-iterates the great importance Ireland attaches to human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law and urges the Chinese authorities to ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights without further delay.

Human rights issues are a constant and important point of dialogue between the European Union and the Chinese Government and are dealt with through the framework of the EU-China Human Rights Dialogue. This broad-ranging dialogue has allowed the European Union to engage with China on issues such as freedom of expression, the death penalty, the independence of the judiciary, prison conditions, freedom of religion and minority rights. The last session of the dialogue took place on 16 June in Beijing at which concerns regarding the treatment of Falun Gong practitioners were again raised with the Chinese Government.

For its part, Ireland will continue to actively raise human rights issues and individual cases of concern with the Chinese authorities.

Departmental Expenditure

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

58 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has, in view of the change of name of Departments, procured a new logo for his Department, new signage and any other branding such as stationery and so on; if so, the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22557/11]

I have not procured a new logo for my Department. Extra costs arising from changes to stationary necessitated by the change in the Department's name have been kept to a minimum through use of computer-based templates rather than an external print order. The change in name will be reflected when the next normal renewal of stock takes place. With regard to replacement signage necessitated by the name change, this has cost €5,066 to date.

Departmental Bodies

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

59 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of quangos, agencies and authorities that were established by his Department in each of the years 1997 to January 2011; the number of staff employed by his Department in 1997; the number of staff employed by his Department in January 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22582/11]

No State Agencies currently operate under the aegis of my Department. The only semi-state body that operated under my Department during the period in question was the Agency for Personal Service Overseas (APSO), which was established in 1973 and was integrated into my Department on 1 January 2004.

The following bodies which operate, or operated, under the aegis of my Department, were established between 1997 and 2011:

the Irish Aid Expert Advisory Group — established 2010;

the Development Education Advisory Committee — established 2003;

the Audit Committee of the Department of Foreign Affairs — established 2003;

The Hunger Task Force — established 2007 (ceased to exist after reporting in September 2008);

the Advisory Board for Irish Aid (ABIA) — established 2002 (ceased to exist in October 2008).

These bodies employ no staff and their administration is serviced directly from my Department. With the exception of the Hunger Task Force, members of which received a payment, all other members of committees serve in a voluntary capacity.

The number of staff employed in 1997 was 981. In January 2011, the number of staff was 1181.55. These figures exclude the number of locally-engaged staff, which is currently approximately 300.

Increases in my Department's staffing complement over this 14-year period are largely attributable to the:

recruitment of additional staff for the Passport Service to enable it to cope with annual increases in the demand for passports;

expansion of the Irish Aid overseas development programme. The total budget administered by Irish Aid in 1997 was €114 million compared to €524 million in 2011.

I should also inform the Deputy that my Department is obliged to shed a total of 177 posts over the period March 2009 to end December 2014 under the Government's current Employment Control Framework.

Consultancy Contracts

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

60 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide a report of the number consultancy reports commissioned by his Department between 1997 and January 2011; the cost of commissioning each report; if he will provide information on the implementation of recommendations set out in each report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22599/11]

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is responsible for two Votes — Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs) and Vote 29 (International Cooperation). It is not possible to provide all the information requested in the timeframe provided. However, I would refer the Deputy to questions 22473/05 and 27606/08 which also address this issue. The following table sets out, for both Votes, the details of consultancy reports commissioned by my Department from 2007 to 2011 and the costs in each case. Given the volume of reports involved, it is not possible to give details on recommendations and their implementation. However, I would be happy to provide further information on any of the reports that are of particular interest to the Deputy.

My Department commissions outside expertise where the specialised knowledge and/or skills are not available within the Department and where the effective management and evaluation of programmes necessitates the presence of such skills. During the course of their engagements these consultants/experts may prepare reports and other documentation which are included in the following table.

In addition to the information provided in tabular format, the Advisory Board for Irish Aid (ABIA) commissioned research programmes as part of its remit to undertake policy relevant international research. In 2008, a three year framework agreement was signed with the Institute for International Integration Studies (IIIS) at Trinity College Dublin (TCD) to undertake three research projects around Policy Coherence for Development. The total cost of the three projects was € 301,889 and the Framework contract ran until 2010. No further research projects were commissioned in 2009 or later.

My Department is very conscious of the need the achieve value for money and is in full compliance with national and EU procurement regulations concerning tendering requirements.

VOTE 28 CONSULTANCIES 2007 — date

2007

Name

Description

CORNWELL CONSULTANTS

Development of technical specifications and tender documents for the support and maintenance contract for the Automated Passport System.

19,965

EUGENE DOWNES

Management of cultural events on state and official visits abroad

9,884

IPA

EU — technical advice and management of bilateral assistance programme for new EU Member States and EU candidate countries.

20,469

RITS

Technical advice on the maintenance and development of the Department’s ICT security infrastructure.

151,250

SYSNET LTD

ICT security issues —review for Automated Passport System

28,133

2008

Name

Description

A. AGNEW

Preparations for Archiving

692

CORNWELL CONSULTANTS

Technical services to assist delivery of Automated Passport and Visa systems

12,251

EDWARD DELANY & ASSOCIATES

Management Seminar

2,662

FARRELL GRANT SPARKS

Related to the Irish Aid Management Review

24,200

H. SWIFT

Preparations for Archiving

1,838

LONG ROAD PRODUCTIONSLTD

Management of cultural events on state and official visits abroad

12,584

PA CONSULTING GROUP

ICT consultancy services, for development of grant management system.

1,815

RITS

Technical advice on the maintenance and development of the Department’s ICT security infrastructure.

170,997

SYSNET LTD

Security review of the automatic passport system

1,150

MILLWARD BROWNE

Research Project to establish reasons underlying the result of the Referendum on the Lisbon Treaty

138,061

RICHARD SINNOTT, JOHAN A ELKINK, KEVIN O’ROURKE AND JAMES McBRIDE

Report on Attitudes and Behaviour in the Referendum on the Treaty of Lisbon

11,800

COMMUNICATIONS CLINIC

The preparation of a detailed Communication Action Plan to be used to direct spending under the Department’s Communicating Europe Initiative in 2009

48,000

2009

Name

Description

J O’REGAN

Audit of DFA Travel and Subsistence Budget

18,954

LONG ROAD PRODUCTIONSLTD

Management of cultural events on state and official visits abroad

12,709

RITS

Technical advice on the maintenance and development of the Department’s ICT security infrastructure

26,762

MILLWARD BROWNE

Fieldwork for survey to investigate opinions and attitudes to the European Union

30,253

RICHARD SINNOTT, JOHAN A ELKINK AND STEPHEN QUINLAN

Report on Attitudes and Behaviour in the Second Referendum on the Treaty of Lisbon

11,362

2010

Name

Description

RITS

Technical advice on the maintenance and development of the Department’s ICT security infrastructure

46,843

T. TAAFFE

Professional accounting fees

1,100

MACAULEYASSOCIATES NETWORK

Consultation with funded groups and stakeholders of the Reconciliation and Anti-Sectarianism Funds

7,118

VOTE 29 CONSULTANCIES 2007 — date

Year

Consultants (Vote 29)

Project Description

Cost € (contract value)

2007

Achilles

Provision of high level advice and support on procurement issues

19,000.00

2007

Achilles

Secondment of external expertise to provide specialist knowledge on Procurement issues

25,000.00

2007

Aidan Pender

Participation in Project Appraisal & Evaluation Group (PAEG) Meetings 2006-2008

13,000.00

2007

Aine Costigan

Provision of Technical Support on HIV/AIDS, April-Dec 2007

12,500.00

2007

Aisling Swaine

Technical Advice on the Appraisal, Development and Evaluation of Gender Equality Policy with special emphasis on empowerment of women and gender based violence

80,000.00

2007

Andre Barsony

Participation in Project Appraisal & Evaluation Group (PAEG) Meetings 2006-2008

13,000.00

2007

Ann Pesic

External appraisal and technical support to the Partnership Programme for Europe and Central Asia Funding Committee

25,000.00

2007

Anna Matveeva

External appraisal and technical support to the Partnership Programme for Europe and Central Asia Funding Committee

10,625.00

2007

Anne Anameela

Support to HIV/AIDS Advisers Meetings

2,820.47

2007

Anne Conroy

Implementation and Monitoring of Ireland’s Recovery Programme in Malawi — Jan-Mar 2007

10,000.00

2007

Anne Holmes

Technical Consultant to advise on lessons arising from Tsunami Follow Up

32,000.00

2007

Aodh O’Connor

Appraisal, approval and monitoring of applications to Civil Society Fund and Micro Projects Fund, March 2007 — March 2009.

40,000.00

2007

Art Fell

Participation in Project Appraisal & Evaluation Group (PAEG) Meetings 2006-2008

13,000.00

2007

Bannon & Bannon

Hunger Task Force — Communications

27,104.00

2007

Bernard McLoughlin

Participation in Project Appraisal & Evaluation Group (PAEG) Meetings 2006-2008

13,000.00

2007

Bernard Wood

Participation in Project Appraisal & Evaluation Group (PAEG) Meetings 2006-2008

18,000.00

2007

Bernie Crawford

External Member of Fellowships Selection Committee Meetings

3,500.00

2007

Brendan Tuohy

Consultancy in the area of science and technology in Mozambique (particularly information technology — ICT)

3,200.00

2007

Cathal Higgins

Technical Support to the Zambia/Ireland Teacher Education Initiative April-July 2007 Team Leader

20,570.00

2007

Cathy Gaynor

Technical Consultant for the Multi-Annual Programme Scheme, November 2006 to October 2008

31,500.00

2007

Ciaran McLogan HELM Corp.

Public Financial Management Training in Maseru for Irish Aid Staff from Zambia and Lesotho Programmes — June 2007

24,000.00

2007

Daire Higgins

Irish Aid Centre Public Relations and Client Outreach Consultant

38,500.00

2007

Deirdre Farrell

Provision of external expertise to Development Education Grants Committee

5,000.00

2007

Development Initiatives

Technical support to advance Irish Aid understanding of / approach to vulnerability reduction.

93,351.50

2007

Diarmuid McClean

Provision of Technical Support on Health and HIV/Aids in area of R&D for new drugs, vaccines and microbicides

105,000.00

2007

Dr. Geraldine McDonald

Appraisal, approval and monitoring of applications to Civil Society Fund and Micro Projects Fund, March 2007 — March 2009

40,000.00

2007

Dr. Nick Chisholm,

Support to the Government Hunger Task Force

29,250.00

2007

Dr. Margaret Fitzgerald

Health Consultant to assist in recruitment to the Rapid Response Corps

1,750.00

2007

Dr. Sean Drysdale

Provision of Public Health Specialist Support throughout IA Programme

81,857.00

2007

E O’Reilly

Management and Facilitation of Irish Aid funded Internship Programmes

6,050.00

2007

Eleanor O’Gorman

Consultant to provide technical support to Conflict Resolution Unit

54,450.00

2007

FGS Consulting Ltd

Value for Money and Policy Review Study in Irish Aids HIV / AIDS expenditure

163,350.00

2007

Fitzpatrick Associates

Consultancy to determine how the lessons of Ireland’s economic and social development can be formulated for delivery as part of Ireland’s cooperation programme in SE Asia.

56,625.00

2007

GDSI (O Broderick)

Management and Facilitation of Irish Aid funded Internship Programmes

6,050.00

2007

Helen O’Neill

Participation in Project Appraisal & Evaluation Group (PAEG) Meetings 2006-2008

13,000.00

2007

Hunter McGill

Participation in Project Appraisal & Evaluation Group (PAEG) Meetings 2006-2008

15,000.00

2007

James Polhemus

Provision of Technical Support to the Appraisal, Promotion, Development of Good Governance Policy and Programmes

40,000.00

2007

James Saunderson

Support to Rapid Response Register of experts as part of Rapid Response Initiative

31,000.00

2007

Jill Nesbitt

Support to Irish Aid Centre

32,500.00

2007

Jim Cannon

Appraisal, approval and monitoring of applications to Civil Society Fund and Micro Projects Fund

50,625.00

2007

Jim Kinsella

Participation in Project Appraisal & Evaluation Group (PAEG) Meetings 2006-2008

13,000.00

2007

Jim Sheehan

Consultant to engage in appraisal, approval and monitoring of applications to Civil Society Fund and Micro Projects Fund, March 2007 — March 2009

24,200.00

2007

Joanne Manchester

Provision of Technical Support on HIV/AIDS, April-Dec 2008

12,500.00

2007

John Shiels

External appraisal for the Partnership Programme for Europe and Central Asia Funding Committee

18,125.00

2007

Johnny O’Regan

Appraisal, approval and monitoring of applications to Civil Society Fund and Micro Projects Fund, March 2007-March 2009.

40,000.00

2007

K Rothwell

Management and Facilitation of Irish Aid funded Internship Programmes

45,980.00

2007

Kate Dyer

Support to the revision of Irish Aid’s Country Strategy Planning (CSP) Guidelines and Procedures

36,350.00

2007

Kevin Moore

Consultant to assist in development and implementation of Irish Aid Private Sector Policy and Programmes

20,000.00

2007

Liverpool Associates in Tropical Health (LATH)

Programme Planning Liberia and Sierra Leone

15,700.00

2007

Luis Bran

Local Consultant to provided technical support to Irish Aid Civil Society Programme in Central America Feb 07-Dec 08

24,000.00

2007

M Dwan

Appraisal, approval and monitoring of applications to Civil Society Fund and Micro Projects Fund, March 2007-March 2009.

24,200.00

2007

Margaret Fitzgerald

Participation in Project Appraisal & Evaluation Group (PAEG) Meetings 2006-2008

13,000.00

2007

Margaret Gaynor

Appraisal, approval and monitoring of applications to Civil Society Fund and Micro Projects Fund, March 2007-March 2009.

40,000.00

2007

Margaret Gaynor

Support Irish Aid in the Areas of Vulnerability and Infrastructure

30,400.00

2007

Marie Smith

Appraisal, approval and monitoring of applications to Civil Society Fund and Micro Projects Fund, March 2007-March 2009

24,200.00

2007

Martina Collins

Appraisal, approval and monitoring of applications to Civil Society Fund and Micro Projects Fund

50,625.00

2007

Mary Buckley

Facilitation of Rapid Response Initiative Recruitment Process — March 2007

3,000.00

2007

Mary Jennings

Technical Consultant for the Multi-Annual Programme Scheme, November 2006 to October 2008

31,500.00

2007

Mary McCann

Local Consultant to provided technical support to Irish Aid Civil Society Programme in Central America Feb 07-Dec 08

24,000.00

2007

Mary McKeown

Participation in Project Appraisal & Evaluation Group (PAEG) Meetings 2006-2008

6,500.00

2007

Mary McKeown

Appraisal, approval and monitoring of applications to Civil Society Fund and Micro Projects Fund, March 2007-March 2009

40,000.00

2007

Maura Leen

Consultant to advise Programme of Strategic Co-operation between Irish Aid and Higher Education and Research Institutes

5,000.00

2007

Maura Leen

Project Appraisal & Evaluation Group (PAEG) Meetings 2006-2008

6,500.00

2007

Messrs. Grosso Maldonado

Legal Advices regarding the establishment and operation of the Rapid Response Initiative

2,000.00

2007

Mgt Curtin

Appraisal, approval and monitoring of applications to Civil Society Fund and Micro Projects Fund, March 2007-March 2009

24,200.00

2007

Morina O’Neill

Support to Irish Aid Centre

32,500.00

2007

Mr. Alais Ole Morindat

Consultant to engage in International Community for the relief of Starvation and Suffering (ICROSS) Review April-May 2007

3,500.00

2007

Mr. David Farirai

Review of Irish Aid Support to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFÁS), South Africa

6,250.00

2007

Mr. John Shiels ARP

Consultant to carry out review of the Irish Aid Fellowship Training Programme

40,600.00

2007

Mr. Johnny O’Regan

Provision of Audit Management Support to the Evaluation and Audit Unit, 31 March 2007— 31 Mar 2008

58,080.00

2007

Ms Amber de Vries INTRAC

Review of the Irish Missionary Resource Service (IMRS)

49,000.00

2007

Ms Ann Nolan

Provision of Technical Support on HIV/AIDS, April 2007-31 July 2007.

36,000.00

2007

Ms Ann Nolan

Provision of Technical Support on HIV/AIDS, Sep 2007-31 Jan 2008.

45,000.00

2007

Ms Kate Dyer

Consultant to assist in launch of Irish Aid’s Tanzania Country Strategy Paper for the period 2007 to 2010

2,400.00

2007

Ms. Janet Hayes OPM

Technical and Research Support to the Irish Aid Hunger Task Force

36,000.00

2007

Muriel Visser

Technical support on HIV/AIDS and Education 31 May 2007-30 May 2008

24,000.00

2007

P Regan

Management and Facilitation of Irish Aid funded Internship Programmes

45,980.00

2007

Paul Callan Dalberg

Mapping of Irish Aid Approval Processes

40,000.00

2007

Platinum One

Conference Organiser at Irish Aid/ World Bank Institute Forum on Innovation — Dublin Castle

9,982.00

2007

Roberto Ed. Martinez

Maintenance of Irish Aid Spanish Language website in Central America

2,370.00

2007

Roger Briottet

International Jurist for observation of trial of opposition leadership, civil society and media representatives in Ethiopia

30,000.00

2007

Rosemary McCreery

Participation in Project Appraisal & Evaluation Group (PAEG) Meetings 2006-2008

13,000.00

2007

Rothwell Performance Consulting

Piloting of Organisational Assessment Guidelines.

45,980.00

2007

Rowan Oberman

Consultant to develop Irish Aid Centre Groups’ Programme

10,500.00

2007

Sean Courtney

Temporary Assignment as Programme Coordinator of Irish Aid Development assistance based in Northern Province Zambia

24,000.00

2007

Sherry Mclean

Draw down consultancy for the support of Regional HIV Programme in Africa.

15,000.00

2007

Simon Chiputa

Local Consultant Support to the Zambia/Ireland Teacher Education Initiative April-July 2007 Team Leader

2,000.00

2007

Siobhan Mullally

Independent/External Mid-term Evaluation of the Justice System Programme in Timor Leste August 2007

7,500.00

2007

Sorley McCaughey

Support to Governance and Local Development Advisers Meetings

2,722.50

2007

Terry Allsop

Technical Support to the Zambia/Ireland Teacher Education Initiative.

16,940.00

2007

Tom Crowley

Appraisal, approval and monitoring of applications to Civil Society Fund and Micro Projects Fund, March 2007-March 2009

40,000.00

2007

Una Murray

Appraisal, approval and monitoring of applications to Civil Society Fund and Micro Projects Fund, March 2007-March 2009

20,000.00

2007

Una Murray

Facilitating action planning on gender based violence with joint consortium gender based violence.

6,050.00

2008

Achilles

Provision of Specialist Procurement Assistance

25,000.00

2008

Achilles Procurement Services Ltd

Provision of technical expertise re Procurement Issues.

10,000.00

2008

Aine Costigan

Provision of Technical Support on HIV/AIDS, April-Dec 2008

12,500.00

2008

Aisling Swaine

Protection Consultant for Rapid Response Corps Interview board

1,200.00

2008

Aisling Swaine

Technical Advice on Development, Monitoring and Evaluation of Gender Equality Policy with special emphasis on empowerment of women and gender based violence

90,000.00

2008

ANJO Consulting Ltd

Management Agent for the Civil Society Support Programme in Ethiopia

20,000.00

2008

Ann Holmes

Technical Consultant(s) supporting the work of Emergency & Recovery Section

29,750.00

2008

Anna Matveeva

Support Partnership Programme for Europe and Central Asia

9,000.00

2008

Anne Gallagher

Facilitation of Economist Workshop on 3 & 4 March 2008

2,000.00

2008

Anne Gallagher

Facilitation Education Forum on Global Monitoring Report 2008 February 14th 2008

2,000.00

2008

Anne Holmes

Humanitarian Consultant for Rapid Response Corps Interview Board

1,200.00

2008

Anne Nolan

Provision of Technical Support on HIV/AIDS, with emphasis on policy and programme planning and implementation

103,455.00

2008

Aoife Helly

Review of Irish Aid website

5,000.00

2008

Bob Meggary

ICT Support Consultancy

5,000.00

2008

Brian Barrington

Conflict Resolution Unit Security Sector Reform Consultant

25,000.00

2008

Brian McCarthy

Support Partnership Programme for Europe and Central Asia

16,000.00

2008

C Gaynor/K Dyer

Consultancy To Support The Roll Out, Implementation And Institutionalisation Of Irish Aid’s Revised Country Strategy Paper (CSP’s) Guidelines And Procedures

290,000.00

2008

Cathy Gaynor & Mary Jennings

Support of Mainstreaming Strategy and Practices within Irish Aid

22,500.00

2008

Cruzeiro do Sul

Technical support for poverty analysis of Inhambane region in Mozambique by Civil Society Organizations

6,730.00

2008

D McClean

Consultant to provide technical support in area of HIV/AIDS with emphasis Policy and Programme planning and implementation

90,000.00

2008

Danny Rowan

Rapid Response Corps Interview Panel

162.50

2008

David Weakliam

Consultancy for Technical Support to Irish Aid in Health and HIV

14,000.00

2008

Debbie Thomas

Prepare Child Beneficiary Case Study Report for Global Forum on Children Affected by HIV and Aids

10,000.00

2008

Deirdre Farrell

Support to Development Education Grants Committee

10,000.00

2008

Deogratias Peter Mutalemwa

Senior Advisor to the Tanzanian Co Chair of Accra High Level Forum on mutual accountability

30,800.00

2008

Diarmuid McClean

Health Consultant for Rapid Response Corps Interview Board

500.00

2008

Ellen Pieterse

Consultant, Public information Officer

5,000.00

2008

European Forum for International Mediation and Dialogue

Conflict Resolution Unit Consultant

19,800.00

2008

Frank Murray

Consultant to support Management Review of Irish Aid

14,880.00

2008

Gerald Cawley

Consultant to advise and provide technical support on issues surrounding provision of Budget Support by Irish Aid

60,000.00

2008

Gernot Premper

Technical Support for Irish Aid’s Spanish language Website in Central America

10,080.00

2008

Grace Wells

Production of a Storybook on Irish Aid for Primary schoolchildren

7,000.00

2008

Gregory Smith

Consultancy for General Budget Support and Public Financial Management

98,800.00

2008

Helen O’Neill

Assessment of United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) as potential partner for Irish Aid

4,000.00

2008

Helen O’Neill

External Development Cooperation Expert, Irish Aid EU Accession States Mentoring Programme

4,950.00

2008

Highly Visual Company Ltd

Short Term Communication Consultancy Updating of Irish Aid Tanzania fact sheet

19,000.00

2008

HLSP Ltd

Drafting of publication for like-minded health group: SWAP+ Lessons and Opportunities

20,000.00

2008

INTRAC

Technical Consultant for Multi-Annual Programme Scheme

31,500.00

2008

ITAD

Preparation and Delivery of an Awareness Raising Seminar and Training Session on the Poverty Impact Assessment (PIA) Methodology

5,000.00

2008

Joanne Manchester

Provision of Technical Support on HIV/AIDS, April-Dec 2008

12,500.00

2008

John Geraghty

Facilitation of Joint Economist Workshop and Food and Livelihood Security Meetings 5-7 March 2008

3,500.00

2008

John Grindle

Development Specialist Interview Board

3,000.00

2008

Johnny O Regan

Provision of Audit Management Support to the Evaluation and Audit Unit, 31 Oct 2007-31 Dec 2008

35,000.00

2008

Kate Dyer

Consultant to assist in promotion of Management for Development Results Programme

5,000.00

2008

Kate Dyer

Conduct annual review workshop for Irish Aid’s Tanzania CSP for the period 2007-2010

6,000.00

2008

Kevin Moore

Private Sector Development Sector Assignment Consultancy

55,000.00

2008

Liam Wegimont

Development Education Grants Committee

2,000.00

2008

Margaret Fitzgerald

Provision of Technical Support on Health and HIV/AIDS, 01 July 2008-30 June 2009

30,000.00

2008

Mary Buckley

HR Recruitment Consultancy Emergency & Recovery (E&R) Section

5,000.00

2008

Mary McKeown

External Consultant for the Fellowship Selection Committee

20,000.00

2008

Mary McKeown

Provision of Audit Management Support to the Evaluation and Audit Unit, 31 Oct 2007-31 Dec 2008

35,000.00

2008

Michael Hegarty

Support Partnership Programme for Europe and Central Asia

14,000.00

2008

Mr. Jim O’LearyDepartment of Economics

Assessment of Value for Money Review of the Passport Service

7,260.00

2008

Ms Beni Oburu

Facilitator for Primary Schools Workshops — June 2008

4,000.00

2008

Naill Roche

Technical Consultant(s) supporting the work of Emergency & Recovery Section

29,750.00

2008

Neil Kennedy

Consultant to engage with Central Bank of Ireland Mission to Vietnam as part of Irish Development Experience Sharing (IDEAS) programme

20,000.00

2008

Nicholas Benequista

Publication Consultant

1,018.19

2008

ODI-Overseas Development Institute

Joint Public Financial Management Training for Irish Aid Staff

25,000.00

2008

Orla Duke

Technical support in the organisation of the 4th Global Partners Forum (GPF) on Children affected by HIV and AIDS and other HIV and AIDS-related events

29,500.00

2008

Patrick McMullin

Support on Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR)

45,000.00

2008

Paul Murphy

Education Consultant for Rapid Response Corps Interview board

900.00

2008

Paul Murphy

Provision of Technical Support for Education-for- all initiative

10,000.00

2008

Paul Isenman

Consultant to provide support Accra High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness

4,999.00

2008

Paul Murphy

Provision of Audit Management Support to the Evaluation and Audit Unit, 31 Oct 2007-31 Dec 2008

15,000.00

2008

Platinum One

Global Partners Forum on Children Affected by HIV/AIDS Dublin October 2008

25,000.00

2008

Premium Consulting Limited

Mainstreaming Gender and HIV/AIDS issues in the draft Ugandan Land policy

27,951.00

2008

RGB Consulting (Banon & Banon)

Hunger Task Force — Communications

27,104.00

2008

Roberto Ed. Martinez

Maintenance of Irish Aid Spanish Language website in Central America (January to December 2008) & Promotion of the Website

2,760.00

2008

Roberto Ed. Martinez

Maintenance of DCI Spanish Language website in Central America (January 08 to December 2009)

4,715.00

2008

Sarah Jones

Part-time Africa based Technical Consultant to the Civil Society Section Funding Schemes; Civil Society Fund

24,000.00

2008

Sherry McLean

Support implementation of the South African Country Strategy Plan, 2008-2012, with a particular focus on gender/governance

24,990.00

2008

Sherry McLean

Part-time Africa based Technical Consultant to the Civil Society Section Funding Schemes; Civil Society Fund

24,000.00

2008

Shireen Mahdi

Consultancy Support for Private Sector Tamnzania

25,200.00

2008

SHL Ireland Ltd.

Provision of technical expertise in the management and administration of technical recruitment

139,833.00

2008

Vincent McCarthy

Consultancy in the area of science and technology in Mozambique

9,000.00

2009

Aidan Mulkeen

Provision of Technical Support for Education programme

16,000.00

2009

Alan Fitzgibbon

Develop Irish Aid’s Uganda Private Sector Component 2010-2014

15,000.00

2009

Beni Karuga

Facilitator for Primary Schools Summer Programme May & June 2009

11,096.00

2009

Bernard McLoughlin

Participation in Project Appraisal and Evaluation Group (PAEG)

16,800.00

2009

Bernard Wood

Participation in Project Appraisal and Evaluation Group (PAEG)

19,872.00

2009

Cathy Gaynor

Technical Consultant for Assessment, Monitoring and Evaluation of Multi Annual Programme Scheme (MAPS) 11; 2009-2011

31,280.00

2009

CR2 Social Development

Participation in Project Appraisal and Evaluation Group (PAEG)

15,000.00

2009

Deirdre Farrell

External consultant for the Development Education Grants Committee Meetings

3,500.00

2009

Dr. Colm Regan

Consultancy steering group for Development Intercultural Education Programme in Irish Aid

21,450.00

2009

Dr. Diarmuid O’Donovan

Technical Support for Engagement with EMVI and representation at Global Forum on Health Research

4,950.00

2009

ESRI

Irish Development Experience Sharing (IDEAS) Programme Vietnam — Provision of Economic Analysis and Forecasting Services

58,113.00

2009

Fitzpatrick Associates

Irish Development Experience Sharing (IDEAS) Programme Vietnam — Provision of Management and Technical Support

35,950.00

2009

Gerald Cawley

Participation in Project Appraisal and Evaluation Group (PAEG)

10,800.00

2009

Helen O’Neill

Participation in Project Appraisal and Evaluation Group (PAEG)

13,200.00

2009

Hunter McGill

Provision of Technical Support for OECD/DAC Peer Review

5,000.00

2009

Hunter McGill

Participation in Project Appraisal and Evaluation Group (PAEG)

18,000.00

2009

INTRAC

Technical Consultant for Assessment, Monitoring and Evaluation of Multi Annual Programme Scheme (MAPS) 11; 2009-2011

16,250.00

2009

ITAD Ltd.

Presentation on Poverty Impact Assessment Seminar Paris

1,500.00

2009

James Saunderson

Recruitment Expert to sit on the Rapid Response Corps. Interview Board

3,000.00

2009

Jim Cannon

Technical Consultant to the Civil Society Funding Schemes: Civil Society Fund

1,366.88

2009

Jim Kinsella

Participation in Project Appraisal and Evaluation Group (PAEG)

14,400.00

2009

Johnny O’Regan

Technical Consultant for Assessment, Monitoring and Evaluation of Multi Annual Programme Scheme (MAPS) 11; 2009-2011

26,000.00

2009

Johnny O’Regan

Provision of Audit Related Services and Evaluation andAudit unit of Irish Aid DFA

15,600.00

2009

Kevin Farrell

Special Envoy for Hunger

37,500.00

2009

Kevin Moore

Technical Expertise in the area of Private Sector Development

42,000.00

2009

Lorraine Whitty

Consultant to provide Interim Administration for Simon Cumbers Media Fund

50,000.00

2009

Margaret Fitzgerald

Participation in Project Appraisal and Evaluation Group (PAEG)

13,200.00

2009

Mary Buckley

Recruitment Consultant to chair the Rapid Response Corps Interview Board

4,000.00

2009

Mary Jennings

Technical Consultant for Assessment, Monitoring and Evaluation of Multi Annual Programme Scheme (MAPS) 11; 2009- 2011

23,460.00

2009

Peter McEvoy

Technical Consultant for Assessment, Monitoring and Evaluation of Multi Annual Programme Scheme (MAPS) 11; 2009-2011

13,000.00

2009

Rowan Oberman

Production of Irish Aid Second Level Schools Resource Pack

4,000.00

2009

Ruth O’Doherty

External consultant for the Development Education Grants Committee Meetings

3,150.00

2009

Tara Shine

Technical Support for Environment policy and programmes

60,000.00

2009

Tara Shine

Environmental Consultant to provide a training workshop for members of the Rapid Response Corps

500.00

2010

Cathy Gaynor

Multi-Annual Programme Scheme II Evaluation

11,730

2010

Emma Warwick

Review of Irish Aid Emergency Response Fund

4,000

2010

IOD PARC

Evaluation of Irish Aid Multi-Annual Programme Scheme II 2007 to 2011

214,735

2010

John Coughlan

Senior Consultant to Review the Central America Programme

15,677

2010

Luis Bran

Junior Consultant to Review the Central America Programme

13,300

2010

Mokoro

Evaluation of Vietnam Country Strategy Paper

78,637

2010

Mokoro

Evaluation of Irish Aid Zambia Country Strategy Paper 2007-2010

74,850

2010

Paul Isenmann

Consultancy to support the work to advance Mutual Accountability

43,750

2010

SPN & MLC Consulting

Consultancy to Conduct an External Review of Council on Health Research for Development (COHRED)

40,000

2010

Tony Taffee

Consultancy to advise on the upgrade of the Irish Aid Financial Management System.

864

2010

Jim Kiely

Review of Irish Aid Collaboration with Irish Health Research Board

7,500

2010

Dr. Lawrence Mukuka

Evaluation of Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC)

5,000

2010

Mokoro

Evaluation of Mozambique Country Programme 2007-2010

91,910

2010

UCG (Nata Duvvury)

Drafting of Irelands National Action Plan on United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325.

13,000

2010

Mary Jennings

Evaluation of Multi-Annual Programme Scheme II

11,775

2010

Rosetti Nabbumba Nayenga

Development of Social Protection Policy Guidance Tool on Gender Analysis of Expanding Social Protection Programme 2010-14 (Uganda)

7,500

2010

John Coughlan

Review of Irish Aid-Ethiopia Partnership with Civil Society Organisations

25,000

2011

Kevin Moore

Support to the Governments of Zambia and South Africa to develop Special Economic Zones for the promotion of inward investment and employment

8,500

2011

Paul Sheane

Support to the Governments of Zambia and South Africa to develop Special Economic Zones for the promotion of inward investment and employment

4,000

2011

Stefanie Meredith

Review of Irish Aid Support for Product Development Partnerships in developing countries.

7,125

2011

Samia Saad

Review of Irish Aid Support for Product Development Partnerships in developing countries.

7,125

2011

Paud Murphy

Development Education Reviews — to examine the current funding support and engagement in each of the priority areas identified in the Development Education strategy (primary, post primary, third level, adult, community and youth work)

7,800

2011

80:20

Development Education Reviews — to examine the current funding support and engagement in each of the priority areas identified in the Development Education strategy (primary, post primary, third level, adult, community and youth work)

8,450

2011

Eilis Murray

Development Education Reviews — to examine the current funding support and engagement in each of the priority areas identified in the Development Education strategy (primary, post primary, third level, adult, community and youth work)

5,850

2011

ISOS

Development Education Reviews — to examine the current funding support and engagement in each of the priority areas identified in the Development Education strategy (primary, post primary, third level, adult, community and youth work)

31,010

2011

Bernard McLoughlin

Review of the Irish Aid Centre

6,000

2011

Cathal Higgins

Preparation of a report on the programme of education sector budget support towards school infrastructural development in Karamoja region and skills development in the oil sector (Uganda)

5,000

Pension Provisions

Brian Stanley

Ceist:

61 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to a rule regarding private pensions that would allow a person who has not yet reached 65 years and who has in excess of €20,000 in a pension fund can only draw down the first quarter which is tax free but may not draw down the remainder if the total remaining figure is in excess of €20,000 but may drawn down the remainder if it is less that this sum; his plans to change this rule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22083/11]

While the purpose of approved pension arrangements is to provide for an income in retirement, I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that, in some cases, the member's entitlements under an occupational pension scheme may be too small to justify the pension set up costs (e.g. purchase of an annuity). Revenue recognises the difficulty this can cause and will allow full commutation of the pension (that is, the payment of the pension in one sum) in certain circumstances. Firstly, full commutation of a pension is permitted by Revenue on what is referred to as "triviality" grounds where the aggregate benefits payable to an individual from the scheme in respect of the employment does not exceed the value of a pension of €330 per annum. The full amount of the pension commutation sum is subject to tax at a rate of 10%.

Full commutation of a pension is also allowed by Revenue where, following the payment of any tax-free lump sum, the total of all remaining funds from all sources available for pension benefits is less than €20,000. In a defined benefit scheme, the pension benefit is converted to a fund value using the scheme's commutation factor to determine if it is within the €20,000 limit. This treatment is subject to the agreement of both the scheme beneficiary and the trustees and the resulting payment is treated like any other pension payment for the purposes of tax and is taxed under normal tax rules. The above option applies to all pension scheme members including holders of Buy Out Bonds, as an alternative to annuity purchase.

In the case of Retirement Annuity Contracts (RACs) and Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (PRSAs), as an alternative to purchasing an annuity, the holders of such pension plans can, under the Approved Retirement Fund regime, exercise an option to take the remainder of their pension fund (after taking the 25% lump sum) as taxable cash (or invest in an ARF), subject to conditions. The conditions are that the holder is over 75 years of age or, failing that, that they have a guaranteed level of pension income (€18,000 per annum at present) actually in payment for life at the time the decision to effect the cash (or ARF) option is exercised. Where the specified income test is not met, then an Approved Minimum Retirement Fund (AMRF) must be chosen into which a "set aside" amount must be invested from the pension fund (€119,800 at present) or the remainder of the pension fund, after taking the tax-free lump sum, if less than the "set aside" amount. However, in line with the full commutation option available to occupational pension scheme members and Buy out Bond holders referred to earlier, if all remaining funds available to the RAC/PRSA holder from all sources for pension benefits is less than €20,000 and it is not possible to establish an AMRF, the full commutation option may be used.

These arrangements are allowed for under discretionary powers given to Revenue under section 772(4) of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 and are published in the Revenue Pensions Manual (Chapter 7). I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the €20,000 limit is reviewed from time to time and was last increased (from €15,000) in 2007.

EU Funding

Clare Daly

Ceist:

62 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Finance if his statement on 13 April 2011 that Ireland’s contribution to the proposed European Stability Mechanism will be €9.87 billion is still valid; they way this figure is calculated; and the further way the State proposes to raise this sum or whatever amount Ireland will be have to pay through this mechanism. [22097/11]

Clare Daly

Ceist:

63 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Finance if, according to the European Stability Mechanism Contribution Key, Ireland’s contribution to the ESM l subscribed capital will be 1.59 % of €700 billion subscribed capital, that is €11.13 billion made up of €1.28 billion in cash and the rest in the form of callable capital and guarantees, this is still valid; and the reason he has not sought an opt out from these commitments. [22098/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 62 and 63 together.

As the Deputy may be aware, agreement was reached at the European Council meeting on 24 June 2011 on the text of the European Stability Mechanism. On 11 July 2011, Euro Area Finance Ministers signed the Treaty at a eurogroup meeting subject to the completion of national parliamentary procedures.

Under the proposed European Stability Mechanism Treaty, the ESM will have a total subscribed capital of €700 billion. Of this amount, €80 billion will be in the form of paid-in capital by the euro area member states, paid in five equal annual instalments from July 2013. The balance of €620 billion will be callable capital. The contribution key for each member state is based on the ECB capital contribution key. For Ireland the key is 1.5922% of the total paid and committed capital.

Thus, Ireland's share of the €80 billion paid in capital will be just above €1.273 billion, to be paid in five equal instalments starting in July 2013. This will be paid from our annual budget. Ireland's share of the €620 billion callable capital will amount to €9.87164 billion.

Euro area member states' commitment to the ESM will be in the form of paid in and callable capital. There are no guarantees involved in the ESM. The ESM Treaty does not include provision for opting-out of these commitments.

The capital requirement for Ireland for the ESM will be provided for at the time it becomes operational and will be financed, as all expenditure is, through the various sources of funding that are available to the State. These include tax revenues, non-tax revenues, capital receipts and Exchequer borrowing, as necessary.

Strategic Investment Bank

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

64 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Finance the action he has taken to establish a strategic investment bank to finance large capital projects and which will act as a lender to small and medium enterprises. [21166/11]

Ciara Conway

Ceist:

97 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the establishment of a strategic investment bank as promised in the programme for Government; the work that has been done on this project to date; the way this project is progressing; when same will be up and running; the checks and balances that will be put in place to make sure the bank operates to the highest standards in fiscal policy and public accountability; the level of risk to the taxpayer and the economy associated with this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22233/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 64 and 97 together.

As I said in a reply to a question from Deputy Flanagan on 21 June and Deputy McGuinness on 5 July, ensuring that a strategic investment bank is operating in the domestic banking market, providing finance to large capital projects and acting as a conduit for venture capital as well as a lender to SMEs, is an objective in the programme for Government.

A comprehensive programme of bank recapitalisation and restructuring is currently underway following my statement on the future banking landscape in Ireland at the end of March last. The essential detailed assessment and planning work to meet this objective will be accelerated once the Government's key immediate objectives for the repair of the banking system have been completed. This assessment will include the bank's relationship with the two pillar banks and the timeline for its establishment.

The Deputies may wish to reflect on the usefulness of repeated questions on this topic in such a short period of time and when the prerequisites for change have not been completed.

Tax Code

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

65 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Finance if a cost benefit analysis to the economy of a VAT harmonisation across the island of Ireland has been completed; and if so, the details of same. [21884/11]

I wish to point out that there is currently a greater parity between the VAT rates in Ireland and the UK than previously. The UK standard VAT rate at 20% is only 1 percentage point lower than the Irish standard VAT rate of 21%. At 5% the UK reduced VAT rate is lower than our reduced rates of 9% and 13.5%. However, Ireland applies reduced rates of VAT to a much wider range of goods and services than the UK. VAT is charged on the supply of goods and services, and the rate applying is subject to the requirements of EU VAT law with which Irish VAT law must comply. The EU VAT Directive provides that member states operate a standard VAT rate of between 15% and 25% on the majority of goods and services. Member states can also operate up to two reduced rates of between 5% and 15% on a select number of goods and services as listed in Annex III to that directive. In addition, member states may retain historic VAT provisions that they had in place on 1 January 1991 with regard to applying a zero rate, or a rate of less than 5% (known as super-reduced rate), and also of applying a rate of between 12% and 15%, known as parked rates, on goods and services not listed in Annex III.

Both Ireland and the UK avail of a range of such derogations from the standard VAT rate. However, because of the historic nature of the parked and zero rates derogation, what goods or services they apply to are unique to each member state and could not be imitated by other jurisdictions. For example, the UK historically applies a zero VAT rate to the supply of caravans, which could only apply at the standard rate in Ireland. Similarly, there are many historic VAT derogations that Ireland applies that are not available to the UK or other member states. In this respect, full bilateral VAT harmonisation between Ireland and the UK would only be possible where both jurisdictions remove these derogrations and apply a unified standard VAT rate to those goods and services that they currently apply at the zero-rate or at a reduced rate.

In addition, as stated earlier, Ireland applies reduced rates to a much wider ranger of goods and services than the UK, many of which relate to Annex III services which are open to all member states to charge at a reduced rate. In this case it would be possible for the UK to apply a reduced rate to all the Annex III reduced rated goods and service in Ireland.

As is clear, not only is the overall VAT system complex but the system of VAT rates that apply to the supply of goods and services is equally complex. In this context the harmonisation of VAT between Ireland and the UK would require very substantial reform of VAT rates in both jurisdictions. Given the economic nature of making changes to the VAT rate on any single good or service, it is clear that in the short term VAT harmonisation between Ireland and the UK is unfeasible. In addition, as it is not possible for member states to charge VAT on a regional basis, any changes to VAT rates for the sake of cross-border harmonisation would have to apply on a UK wide basis.

Nevertheless, greater VAT harmonisation on an EU basis is one of the longer term goals of the EU. On 1 December 2010, the EU Commission published a Green Paper on the Future of VAT marking the launch of a public consultation on the future of the VAT system and essentially the delivery of a simpler and more efficient system tailored to support/promote activity in the single market. Among other issues, the Green Paper deals with the continued relevance of reduced VAT rates and existing derogations for member states. The paper also deals with the degree of harmonisation needed for the single market, the reduction of red-tape for business, enhanced fraud-proofing of the system, and modernising the administration of the VAT system by tax authorities.

Pension Provisions

Peter Mathews

Ceist:

66 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Finance the amount of money invested in private pension funds each year since 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21926/11]

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

77 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a total value of pension contributions relief AVCs, PRSAs and so on claimed by persons on their individual tax returns for the tax years 2006 to 2009. [22026/11]

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

78 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a total value of pension contributions claimed by companies on their corporation tax returns for the accounting periods ending in 2006 to 2010. [22027/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 66, 77 and 78 together.

I assume that the information being sought relates to the amounts of contributions to pensions and not on the associated costs to the Exchequer of tax forgone.

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the only relevant information they have in this area is in respect of the amounts of contributions to various pension arrangements for which income tax and corporation tax relief is claimed. These are contributions to retirement annuity contracts (RACs) and personal retirement savings accounts (PRSAs) by self-employed individuals and employees in non-pensionable employment and also contributions by employees and employers via payrolls to occupational pension schemes and PRSAs. Contributions by companies on behalf of their employees are included in the figures provided by employers and these figures are derived from the annual P35 returns made by employers to the Revenue Commissioners. The total aggregated amounts of all contributions for the years 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, the latest year available, are as follows:

Amounts Claimed

€ million

2005

3,131.5

2006

4,052

2007

4,257.5

2008

4,470

A breakdown of the main constituents of these aggregates is shown in the following tables:

Contributions to RACs and PRSAs

Year

€ million

2005

1,031.5

2006

1,270

2007

1,244

2008

1,145

The information on RACs and PRSAs is based on income tax returns on Revenue records at the time the data were compiled for analytical purposes, representing approximately between 85% and 95% of all returns expected, depending on when the data was extracted for each year. As is done for the purpose of compiling annual estimates of cost to the Exchequer, these basic figures are, in accordance with normal practice, grossed-up at aggregate level to adjust for the perceived level of incompleteness. The figures given in this reply are on that basis. Consequently the figures now being provided are higher than the figures given in replies to certain other questions to do with actual tax cost breakdowns where no adjustment for incompleteness was made.

Contributions by employees to occupational pension schemes

Year

€ million

2005

1,114

2006

1,423

2007

1,553.5

2008

1,722

Contributions by employers to occupational pension schemes and PRSAs on behalf of their employees

Year

€ million

2005

986

2006

1,359

2007

1,460

2008

1,603

Question No. 67 withdrawn.

Tax Reliefs

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

68 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if he will quantify the cost of income tax revenue foregone by granting relief of 75% to landlords for allowable mortgage interest relief as an expense against rental income for the tax year 2009 and at 100% for the tax years 2007 and 2008. [22016/11]

As the Deputy has noted the level at which interest repayments can be claimed against tax for residential rental properties was reduced from 100% to 75% in section 5 of the Finance Act 2009. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that based on personal income tax returns filed by non-PAYE taxpayers the amount of tax foregone by allowing a deduction for interest on borrowings to be offset against all rental income assessable under Case V, Schedule D is as set out in the following table:

Tax year

Interest Relief (Rental) €m

Rate

2007

877

100%

2008

1,150

100%

2009

730

75%

These estimates are based on assuming that tax relief was allowed at the top income tax rate of 41% and the figures provided could therefore be regarded as the maximum Exchequer cost in respect of those taxpayers.

The figures for 2009 are subject to adjustment in the event of late returns being filed or where returns already filed are subsequently amended.

It should be noted that any corresponding data returned by PAYE taxpayers in the income tax return form 12 is not captured in the Revenue computer system. However, any PAYE taxpayer with non-PAYE income greater than €3,174 is required to complete an income tax return form 11. This return is the source of the figures provided in this reply.

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

69 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if he will quantify the cost of corporation tax revenue foregone by granting relief to property holding companies for allowable mortgage interest relief as an expense against rental income for the tax years 2007 to 2009. [22017/11]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that as the rental income of companies is returned as net of interest on borrowings the figures for interest are not separately distinguished in corporate tax returns. There is, therefore, no basis on which an estimate of the cost of corporation tax revenue forgone could be provided.

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

70 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if he will quantify the total cost effect/income tax foregone by granting the home carers’ tax credit for the years 2007 to 2010. [22018/11]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the most recent years for which final information is available on the cost to the Exchequer of the home carer tax credit is for the income tax years 2007 and 2008. The relevant figures are as follows:

Tax Year

Estimated cost to the Exchequer €m

2007

69

2008

80

In addition, provisional estimates, on a preliminary basis, of the cost to the Exchequer of the home carer's tax credit for the income tax years 2009, and 2010 are as follows:

Tax Year

Estimated cost to the Exchequer €m

2009

75

2010

71

The figures for 2009 to 2010 are estimates from the Revenue tax forecasting model using actual data for the year 2008, adjusted as necessary, for income and employment growth for the years in question and are therefore provisional and subject to revision. The figures are rounded to the nearest million as appropriate.

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

71 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if he will quantify the value of income tax foregone or deferred for share options under the deferred payment scheme available under S.128A. [22019/11]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the detailed information requested by the deputy regarding share options under the deferred payment scheme is not readily available and could not be obtained without conducting a protracted examination of the Revenue Commissioners' records.

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

72 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if he will quantify the total value of share options exercised by persons here for the tax years 2007 to 2009 and the relevant taxable gains on same. [22020/11]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the gains associated with the tax payments made in 2007, 2008 and 2009, arising from the exercise of share options were €312 million, €239 million and €129 million respectively. Information on the total value of share options exercised is not readily available and could not be obtained without conducting a protracted examination of the Revenue Commissioners' records.

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

73 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if he will quantify the cost effect/income tax foregone by the rent-a-room relief scheme for the tax years 2007 to 2009. [22021/11]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the most recent year for which the necessary detailed statistical information is available, in relation to the rent-a-room scheme, is the income tax year 2008. The estimated cost of the scheme to the Exchequer for that year was €5.6 million. The cost of the scheme for the 2007 tax year was €4.7 million.

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

74 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if he will quantify the cost effect/income tax foregone by the interest relief claimed for acquiring an interest or share in certain companies or partnerships. [22022/11]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the most recent year for which final information is available on the cost to the Exchequer of income tax relief for interest relief claimed for acquiring an interest or share in certain companies or partnerships is the income tax year 2008. The cost to the Exchequer in that year is estimated at €48.5 million.

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

75 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the potential for tax revenue saved by placing an earnings cap of €100,000 on pension contributions with relief only granted at 20%. [22024/11]

I assume that the Deputy is referring to the current annual earnings cap of €115,000 which operates to limit the level of tax-relieved personal pension contributions in any one year. The annual earnings cap acts, in conjunction with age-related percentage limits of annual earnings, to put a ceiling on the annual amount of tax relief an individual taxpayer can obtain on pension contributions. A breakdown of the cost of tax relief on employee contributions to occupational pension schemes is not available by income tax rate, as tax returns by employers to the Revenue Commissioners of employee contributions to such schemes are aggregated at employer level. An historical breakdown is available by tax rate of the tax relief claimed on contributions to personal pension plans — retirement annuity contracts (RACs) and personal retirement savings accounts (PRSAs) — by the self-employed and others, to the extent that the contributions have been included in the personal tax returns of those taxpayers.

There is, therefore, no statistical basis for providing definitive figures. However, by making certain assumptions about the available information, the Revenue Commissioners inform me that the combined estimated full year yield to the Exchequer from reducing the current annual earnings cap of €115,000 to €100,000 and confining tax relief to the standard rate of 20% in respect of individual contributions to occupational pension schemes, RACs and PRSAs would be about €500 million.

The latest full historical data available in this regard is in respect of the tax year 2008.

Pension Provisions

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

76 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if he will quantify the total value of executive pension funds in place for proprietary directors; and if he will further quantify the value of contributions made to these funds for the tax years 2006 to 2009 on which relief from corporation tax and income tax would have been granted. [22025/11]

While there is no particular pension saving scheme or plan specifically designated for use by proprietary directors, many such individuals save for their retirement through what are called small self-administered pension schemes (SSAS). SSAS are typically single member pension schemes with the scheme member normally also being the owner/proprietary director of a business and the trustee of the scheme. The Revenue Commissioners have special rules in relation to the approval, operation and supervision of these schemes. Among other requirements, SSAS are required to submit annual accounts to Revenue which detail the pension contributions made to the scheme, the investment income and gains accrued and the end-year fund value.

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the scheme accounts data returned in respect of SSAS in the past are not capable of being electronically captured in a way that would make it possible to provide the information requested by the Deputy for the years in question. The resources necessary to obtain the data manually would be significant and would require the diversion of such resources from other important areas of work such as audit. I am further advised by the Commissioners that section 16 of Finance Act 2010 included an amendment to the administrative requirements on SSAS which oblige the administrators of such schemes to deliver annual scheme accounts for the years ending on or after 1 January 2011 by such electronic means as are required or approved by the Revenue Commissioners. This amendment will allow for more cost-effective and timely collection of data on SSAS in future years and Revenue are progressing the necessary administrative and technical changes required to facilitate electronic delivery at an early date. There is no requirement on occupational pension schemes, generally, (other than SSASs) or personal pension plan providers or owners to provide Revenue with details of the individual or employer contributions made to these pension funds for each individual scheme member or plan beneficiary. To the extent, therefore, that proprietary directors use pension saving arrangements other than or in addition to SSAS, it is not possible to separately isolate or identify those arrangements.

Questions Nos. 77 and 78 answered with Question No. 66.

Tax Reliefs

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

79 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the total value of income and number of taxpayers availing of the retirement relief for certain sports persons in respect of the tax years 2006 to 2009. [22028/11]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that information on the number of claimants availing of the tax relief for qualifying sportspersons, the amount of associated income and the estimated cost to the Exchequer is set out in the following table for the income tax years 2006 to 2008 inclusive.

Retirement relief for qualifying sportspersons

Year

Number of Claimants

Total value of Income €m

Estimated cost to the Exchequer €m

2006

32

0.6

0.2

2007

20

0.5

0.2

2008

17

0.5

0.2

Corresponding figures for 2009 are not yet available.

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

80 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the total value of property-based tax incentives on which reliefs were claimed for the tax years 2006 to 2009 by persons. [22029/11]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the relevant information available on the value of property based tax incentives on which tax reliefs were claimed for the tax years 2006 to 2009 by individuals is based on personal income tax returns filed by non-PAYE taxpayers. The total amount claimed for this period is as set out in the following table:

Value of property-based tax incentives claimed by individuals

2006

2007

2008

2009

Total

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

1,081

1,042

886

821

3,830

It should be noted that any corresponding data returned by PAYE taxpayers in the income tax return (Form 12) is not captured in the Revenue computer system. However, any PAYE taxpayer with non-PAYE income greater than €3,174 is required to complete an income tax return (Form 11).

The estimated relief claimed has assumed tax forgone at the 41% rate in the case of individuals.

The figures for 2009 are subject to adjustment in the event of late returns being filed or where returns already filed are subsequently amended.

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

81 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the total value of property-based tax incentives on which reliefs were claimed for the tax years 2006 to 2009 by companies. [22030/11]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the relevant information available on the value of property-based tax incentives on which tax reliefs were claimed for the tax years 2006 to 2009 by companies is based on corporation tax returns filed by companies. The total amount claimed for this period is as set out in the following table:

Value of property-based tax incentives claimed by companies

2006

2007

2008

2009

Total

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

82

68

72

42

264

The estimated relief claimed has assumed tax forgone at the 12.5% rate in the case of companies.

The figures for 2009 are subject to adjustment in the event of late returns being filed or where returns already filed are subsequently amended.

National Asset Management Agency

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

82 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Finance if any loans were transferred from the banks to the National Asset Management Agency at full value without a discount, especially in cases in which a loan was being fully paid back, the amount outstanding was relatively small in relation to the underlying value of the property, the payment record to date had been excellent, there was no expectation that the loan would not be repaid in full in view of the track record of payments to date, or there was a prospect of clearing the loan in the short term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22046/11]

I am advised by NAMA that certain loans have transferred to NAMA for consideration which represented 100% of the nominal loan balance, i.e. without a discount. The agency also advises that a small number of the loans transferred would have the features outlined by the Deputy, namely

1) where the amount outstanding was relatively small in relation to the value of the underlying property; or

2) where the repayment record on the loan had been excellent up to the point of acquisition by NAMA; or

3) where there is a reasonable expectation that the loan will be repaid in full; or

4) where there is a reasonable expectation that the loan can be cleared in the short term (and indeed there have been such loans).

However, NAMA also informs me that the discounts were primarily based on the underlying value of the property which was the security for the loan and that the performance status of the loan was not a major factor in the valuation methodology which was approved by the European Commission. The rationale for this was that, in the case of a loan portfolio which was largely distressed, the value of the underlying collateral was the best estimate for the ultimate realisable value of the loan.

Tax Collection

Damien English

Ceist:

83 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Finance if the Revenue Commissioners will agree to an alternative schedule for repayment on tax due by a company (details supplied) in County Meath; if the Revenue Commissioners will cease all court proceedings until a new schedule can be arranged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22053/11]

I am advised by Revenue that despite the fact that it has worked with the business concerned to reach a mutually acceptable approach to dealing with a very substantial tax debt, the business concerned has failed to meet a fundamental requirement of the approach agreed by not meeting the terms of an arrangement put in place only four months ago. On that basis Revenue is not assured as to the basic financial viability of the business and so has a petition before the High Court in the next week for the appointment of a liquidator. I am advised by Revenue that given its concerns and the fact that the debt is actually increasing, a revised repayment schedule would not be appropriate and it will be proceeding with its liquidation petition to the Court.

Banking Sector Regulation

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

84 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the rules on the amount of their available cash credit unions can lodge in any one financial institution; and if he plans to review this matter in view of the reduced number of financial institutions now here. [22054/11]

This is a regulatory matter. The Registrar of Credit Unions at the Central Bank of Ireland is responsible for the regulation of credit unions and is independent in the exercise of his duties. I, as Minister for Finance, have no function in decisions in this regard. I have consulted with the Registrar who advises as follows: From time to time, the Registrar of Credit Unions issues guidance to ensure compliance by credit unions with their legal and regulatory obligations. The "Guidance Note on Investments by Credit Unions" issued in October 2006 stated that investments by credit unions in a single institution should not exceed 25 percent of the total value of a credit union's investment portfolio. This guidance note was developed after extensive consultation with stakeholders in the sector including the credit union representative bodies. Further circular letters of clarification were issued to credit unions as required from time to time. Guidance notes issued by the Registrar of Credit Unions are available at http://www.centralbank.ie/regulation/industry-sectors/credit-unions/Pages/guidance.aspx

The Registrar wrote to credit unions on the 20 June 2011 informing them that, as the structural changes now taking place in the Irish banking sector may result in credit unions exceeding the limit set out in the Guidance Note as institutions merge or as deposits are transferred under the Credit Institutions (Stabilisation) Act 2010, credit unions will be allowed a period of 24 months in which to bring their investment portfolio back into compliance with the single institution exposure limit contained in the Guidance Note. The Registrar also noted that this is a transitional arrangement to facilitate credit unions managing the diversification of their investment portfolios over a reasonable period of time in a planned manner and that while it is in place current exposure levels above the 25 percent limit may not be increased.

Fiscal Policy

Damien English

Ceist:

85 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Finance his views on the Irish Revenue Commission report published in February 2011 entitled Economics of Tobacco which stated on page 29 that a tax increase on cigarettes would reduce revenue but only have a lesser impact on tobacco consumption by encouraging further substitution away from taxed cigarettes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22056/11]

The report referred to is an econometric analysis, carried out by the Revenue Commissioners, on the market for cigarettes in Ireland. It suggests, based on this analysis, that Ireland has moved beyond the optimum point regarding the effectiveness of taxation to reduce cigarette consumption. The research suggests that higher cigarette taxes in Ireland would no longer produce a win-win situation of public health benefits (lower rates of smoking) and benefits to the public finances (higher levels of tax revenue). More likely, it appears that in the Irish market for cigarettes as it currently stands, a tax increase could reduce revenue but only have a lesser impact on tobacco consumption by encouraging further substitution away from taxed cigarettes. The findings of the report which, given our already high levels of excise on cigarettes, at least questions the usefulness of further increases in excise rates as a means of reducing overall cigarette consumption will be considered, along with other relevant factors and issues, when the taxation of cigarettes is being examined in the context of the annual budget.

Banking Sector

Eoghan Murphy

Ceist:

86 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to any proposals to create a new Irish bank in order to increase competition within the banking sector. [22113/11]

Eoghan Murphy

Ceist:

90 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if any strategies are in places to encourage foreign banks to open here. [22117/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 86 and 90 together.

The Deputy will be aware of my Statement on Banking of 31 March 2011 where I set out Government policy in relation to the matters the Deputy has raised.

A fundamental element of Government Strategy has been to restore a functioning banking system and the Government has made particular commitments to recapitalising the banks and restructuring the banking sector as part of its Programme for Government. This radical restructuring of the banking system is designed to put our banking system on a firm footing which is essential to Ireland's economic recovery.

The recent positive review delivered by the Troika as well as the EBA stress test results for the two pillar banks reinforces that decision and puts us on the path to re-start stability and economic growth in core businesses based on a sound and well capitalised banking system with two pillar institutions.

While there are, at present, a number of foreign owned entities that operate within the Irish banking market and I would welcome further interest that foreign entities may have in entering the Irish market.

Fiscal Policy

Eoghan Murphy

Ceist:

87 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if it is his intention to balance the national budget; and the year he estimates that this will happen. [22114/11]

The Government is committed to restoring order to the public finances and as an intermediate step, reducing the General Government deficit to less than 3% of GDP by 2015. The Programme for Government states that further reductions in the deficit will be required thereafter. However, the current budgetary projections contained in the Stability Programme Update, published in April, are only available out to 2015. Based on these projections, the Budget will not be in balance by 2015 but importantly will no longer be in excessive deficit. It is also important to note that a primary surplus — that is an excess of revenues over expenditure excluding debt interest — of 1.7% of GDP is forecast to emerge in 2014.

Credit Availability

Eoghan Murphy

Ceist:

88 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Finance his plans to encourage banks to provide timely credit for small and medium enterprises. [22115/11]

Ciara Conway

Ceist:

96 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Finance the steps that are being taken to ensure that an adequate pool of credit is available to fund small and medium sized business in the real economy during the restructuring and downsizing programme; the methods businesses will be able to use to access this pool; the means by which the availability of this credit is measured; the way he will compel institutions to provide credit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22232/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 88 and 96 together.

The Deputies will be aware that the banking system restructuring plan creates capacity for the two Pillar Banks, Bank of Ireland and AIB, to provide lending in excess of €30 billion in the next three years. SME and new mortgage lending for these banks is expected to be in the range of €16-20bn over this period. In each bank, a team of senior managers will be dedicated to the task of ensuring lending continues to grow to support economic growth. This lending capacity is incorporated into the banks' deleveraging plans which allow for repayment of Central Bank funding through asset run-off and disposals over the period to 2013.

Both pillar banks provide my Department with monthly figures on balance sheet volumes, sanctioned facilities and geographic and industrial breakdowns of their SME lending. The Deputies may also be aware that under the terms of the government recapitalisation, both banks also produce a quarterly report which incorporates figures for sanctions and drawdowns by SMEs. The data contained in these reports will continue to be reviewed and analysed by my Department and the Credit Review Office to ensure that the banks are compliant with the terms of the Government recapitalisation as it relates to the provision of credit for SMEs.

I expect the pillar banks which have received considerable Government support to develop and offer a range of products to support SMEs and to ensure that lending targets are met.

Bank Deposits

Eoghan Murphy

Ceist:

89 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the strategies he has in place for increasing and maintaining deposits in Irish banks; and his views on a zero rate of DIRT for one year as a possible option. [22116/11]

As the Deputy will be aware, deposits in Irish banks were on a downward trajectory during 2009 and 2010 as fears grew about the health of their balance sheets and rating agencies downgraded their recommendations. The Government's first priority was therefore to ensure that they were adequately capitalised to not only restore depositor and investor confidence, but to ensure they were in a position to support the economy going forward in terms of new lending. The Central Bank completed an in depth analysis of the banks' balance sheets in Q1 of this year using external consultants and the €24 billion capital need identified as a result of this exercise is currently being provided for. The exercise has generally been judged a success by the market a result which was highlighted again last week when the EBA stress tests results were released.

As I understand it, the result of this further recapitalisation of the banks is that if depositors on the ground now have any concerns it tends to resolve around uncertainties at a European level rather than the health of the Irish banking system.

Of course recapitalisation of our banks takes place against a general restructuring effort which will shrink not only the number of players in the market but the size and shape of these institutions and this will also bear fruit in terms of providing a road map to stability.

At a broader level the government remains focused on stabilising and growing the domestic economy such that rising incomes will be reflected in increased deposits in the Irish banking system.

As regards the suggestion of a zero rate of DIRT for one year, if this proposal was introduced that yield would be lost to the Exchequer and the money would have to be found elsewhere, whether through increased taxation from other sources or reduced expenditure. To indicate the amount that may be involved, the 2010 yield from DIRT was €445 million. I do not feel charging DIRT on deposit interest is a significant deterrent to saving, especially since DIRT is a final liability tax (that is, no further income tax is due on interest subject to DIRT) and income subject to DIRT is not liable to the Universal Social Charge. Even if reducing the DIRT rate encouraged savings in Irish Banks, making the reduction for one year would not encourage the maintenance of deposits there. Also, under European law we would be required to charge the same rate of tax on deposit interest in banks throughout the EU.

I have no plans at this time to make the suggested change. However, any taxation changes will be determined in the context of the Budget and Finance Bill.

Question No. 90 answered with Question No. 86.

Tax Code

Eoghan Murphy

Ceist:

91 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if a reduction in stamp duty on commercial properties has been considered to bring Irish rates in line with the 1% rate charged in London. [22118/11]

The top rate of non-residential Stamp Duty was reduced from 9% to 6% in 2008. (The Deputy may be aware that residential Stamp Duty rates were reduced in December 2010 to 1% on consideration up to €1 million and 2% on the balance over 1 million.) The Stamp Duty Land Tax rate in the UK is not a straightforward 1% across the board. The charge can be up to 4% and the rate charged depends on a number of factors, including whether a property is freehold or leasehold, and whether the property is residential, non-residential or mixed-use. Also, the purchase of a new lease with a substantial annual rent may attract an additional Stamp Duty Land Tax charge. It is, therefore, a more complex tax than our Stamp Duty on transfers of non-residential property, where the primary factor that determines the rate is the consideration for the property.

Any potential taxation changes will be determined in the context of the Budget and Finance Bill and following the comprehensive spending review.

Banking Sector Remuneration

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

92 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance, further to Parliamentary Question No. 92 of 30 June 2011, if the report he has requested from Anglo Irish Bank has been supplied to him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22129/11]

A draft report has been received from Anglo Irish Bank on the matter as requested which is currently being examined within my Department.

Social Welfare Offices

Brendan Ryan

Ceist:

93 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Finance the timeline for the construction and completion of the local social welfare office in Balbriggan, County Dublin, thus avoiding the need for recipients to travel to the city centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22132/11]

A new temporary Department of Social Protection office at Mill Street, Balbriggan opened in July 2010. In addition to this office the provision of an additional integrated office for the Department of Social Protection's National Employment and Entitlements Service (NEES) in Balbriggan has been agreed as a priority project. OPW and the Department are endeavouring to finalise the brief of requirements for the NEES in Balbriggan with the intention of providing suitable accommodation as soon as possible. The timeline for provision of this accommodation will depend on the availability of suitable options in that location.

Brendan Ryan

Ceist:

94 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Finance the timeline for the construction and completion of the proposed full local social welfare office in Swords, County Dublin, thus avoiding the need for recipients to travel to the city centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22133/11]

A temporary Public Office was opened on North Street, Swords in June 2009 and a suitable long term accommodation solution has been identified in Swords for a new Local Office to meet the requirements of the Department of Social Protection. The main lease terms and conditions have been agreed and final letting and pre-letting agreements are being prepared for completion with the landlord in question. An exact programme for construction will be agreed with the developer on the signing of these contracts.

Departmental Staff

John Lyons

Ceist:

95 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Finance, further to Parliamentary Question No. 115 of 3 November 2010, the number of the three apprentices who were offered fixed term contracts that remain in the employment of the Office of Public Works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22150/11]

I am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that one of the three persons concerned remains in their employment on a fixed term basis.

Question No. 96 answered with Question No. 88.
Question No. 97 answered with Question No. 64.

Departmental Expenditure

Shane Ross

Ceist:

98 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Finance the sum of any public funds and their purpose which have been awarded by his Department either directly or indirectly to the Irish Business and Employers’ Confederation in the past decade. [22264/11]

My Department has not awarded any public funds to the Irish Business and Employers Confederation in the past decade.

Banks Restructuring

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

99 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding his negotiations with AIB about the broad parameters for AIB’s upcoming redundancy packages; if he is close to agreeing the maximum amount that AIB can agree to pay redundant workers; if he received a second set of proposals from AIB and has he given the bank his verdict on those; when he expects such an agreement to be reached; if he will confirm if he will sanction AIB paying the banking industry norm of six weeks per year of service; if he will offer any view on the maximum package that would be more appropriate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22275/11]

As I indicated in my reply to parliamentary question No. 57 of 5 July 2011 on the matter of redundancies in the banking sector, discussions with the affected covered institutions are on-going. The Deputy will appreciate that negotiations on these matters have great sensitivity attached to them and public disclosure of positions are not usually helpful in arriving at mutually acceptable conclusions that take in to account the interests and concerns of all parties.

Tax Code

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

100 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding his deliberations on the way the €600 million call on the Insurance Compensation Fund triggered by Quinn Insurance Limited sale will be funded; if he will confirm if Irish policyholders will pay all €600 million or if he will use relevant legislation to impose the levy on all insurance policies sold out of Ireland, in which case the cost to Irish policyholders would be €200 million; if he will confirm the extent of his engagement with Irish consumer groups, the Irish insurance industry and the international insurance industry on this topic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22276/11]

No decision has yet been made on how the Insurance Compensation Levy (ICF) levy will be applied in order to fund the deficit in Quinn Insurance Ltd. Much consideration however has been given to the matter and my Department has had extensive consultations with the domestic and international insurance industry, the Central Bank and the European Commission. I am also aware of the consumer perspective on this issue and am very conscious in these difficult times of not imposing additional unnecessary burdens on them. However, ultimately I have to ensure that whatever decision is made on this issue is credible, sustainable over time and stands up to legal scrutiny.

Bank Guarantee Scheme

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

101 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if the stress tests carried out on the four covered institutions are adequate in view of the fact that there are concerns that some of the adverse criteria have been exceeded, including commercial and domestic property values and the holding of Government bonds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22283/11]

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

102 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if he is concerned with the recent report (details supplied) which indicated that commercial property has declined in value by 7% in the first six months of 2011; his views on report findings that the abolition of upward-only rent reviews by Government would see a further 20% to 30% decline in commercial property values; the impact such a decline would have on the adequacy of the stress tests of the four covered institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22284/11]

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

104 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider postponing the recapitalising of the covered institutions in view of the concerns about the adequacy of the stress tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22286/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 101, 102 and 104 together.

I am aware that certain commentators and reports are suggesting that the Irish property market could experience further declines. However, I would remind the Deputy that the PCAR bank stress tests carried out by the Central Bank are among the most thorough and demanding such tests ever performed in Ireland and or indeed anywhere in the world. For transparency purposes the Central Bank has disclosed the full details of the base and stress scenario assumptions in its report. The potential impact on commercial rents by new legislation was not specifically modelled but the loss forecast involved taking a conservative view on rents actually being received and therefore the values derived from those rents was conservative.

In addition to the conservative economic assumptions built into the capital scenarios the Central Bank has gone further than its international peers — including the recent EBA stress test results — in setting its requirements by taking a three year, rather than two year outlook and also by requiring capital levels after any stress losses of 6%, rather than 5% of Risk Weighted Assets. The need to convince the market as to the strength of our banks has been the significant driver of these higher capital targets. They are founded on robust models, highly conservative assumptions and also include additional conservative buffer layers for any additional unknown factors.

The Government is fully supportive of the work carried out by the Central Bank and its independent advisors in establishing a capital base for our banks that will be one of the most stringent in the world. I see no reason therefore to question the adequacy of the stress tests, and there is no basis for deferring the recapitalisation of the institutions in question.

With regard to upward only rent reviews, the Minister for Justice and Equality recently informed the House that following an initial consultation process with the Attorney General, he had forwarded outline proposals to her for further examination and development. Those proposals have been the subject of preliminary discussion by Government, and will be considered further in the autumn when the work in relation to them should be at a more advanced stage.

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

103 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the date on which he intends to recapitalise the covered institutions; the amount of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22285/11]

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

113 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the anticipated final figure for the amount of additional capital, net of the various liability management exercises, which is to be invested in AIB / EBS, Bank of Ireland, and Irish Life & Permanent by the end of July following the stress tests published in March 2011; and the way this amount is to be funded. [22296/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 103 and 113 together.

The recapitalisation commitments made by the State to date and the additional capital requirements of the banks as prescribed by the Central Bank under the March 2011 PCAR/PLAR stress tests are set out in the following table:

Recapitalisation of Credit Institutions

Credit Institution

Cost of Share Acquisition

Cost of Preference Shares

Capital contributions

Capital Provided by the State to 31 December 2010

PCAR 2011 requirement

Contingent Capital

Mar 31st Total(1)

€bn

€bn

€bn

€bn

€bn

€bn

€bn

Anglo Irish Bank

4.0

25.3

29.3

0.0

Allied Irish Banks

3.7

3.5

7.2

11.9

1.4

13.3

Bank of Ireland

1.7

1.8 (2)

3.5

4.2

1.0

5.2

Irish Nationwide Building Society

0.1

5.3

5.4

0.0

EBS Building Society

0.6

0.3

0.9

1.3

0.2

1.5

Irish Life and Permanent

3.6

0.4

4.0

Total

10.1

5.3

30.8

46.3

21.0

3.0

24.0

(1) Before banks’ potential capital raising actions (LME’s/Asset Sales / Internally Generated Capital)

(2) Original investment of €3.5bn, of this €1.7bn converted to equity in May 2010

The Deputies will be aware that the Government has, however, instigated processes which have reduced and will further reduce the cost to the State by looking for significant contributions from subordinated debt holders, by the sale of assets to generate capital and, where possible, by seeking private sector investors. It is expected that the effect of these actions will be to reduce the amount of capital required by the State very significantly. In particular, a number of the financial institutions have recently engaged in liability management exercises in relation to subordinated debt. The results of the liability management exercises at the AIB, Bank of Ireland and Irish Life & Permanent will be announced in full to the markets on their conclusion but have already resulted in the generation of some €4.4bn in Core Tier 1 Capital, reducing accordingly the amount required to be contributed by the State to the €24bn PCAR capital requirement.

Only after the burden sharing measures have been completed, all sources of private capital have been exhausted and shareholders in the three institutions have been given the opportunity to vote, will the level of further capital required to be contributed by the State in order to complete the recapitalisation measures be finalised to the level of detail being requested by the Deputies. However, the State has committed to completing the recapitalisations as agreed under the Programme of Financial Support for Ireland to the extent possible by 31 July. State funding for the recapitalisation will come from funds currently held on deposit in the banks by the Exchequer and the National Pensions Reserve Fund.

Question No. 104 answered with Question No. 101.

Banks Recapitalisation

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

105 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if the proposed recapitalisation of the covered institutions in July will be the last taxpayer funded recapitalisation by him for the covered institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22287/11]

As I have said previously in my Statement on Banking in March, the PCAR bank stress tests carried out by the Central Bank are certainly among the most thorough and demanding such tests ever performed in Ireland and or indeed anywhere. The detailed results methodology and assumptions underlying these stress tests have been published, emphasising Ireland's firm commitment for this critical exercise to be fully open and transparent. In addition to the very conservative economic assumptions built into the capital scenarios the Central Bank has gone further than its international peers in setting its requirements by taking a three year rather than two year outlook and also by requiring capital levels after any stress losses of 6% rather than 5% of Risk Weighted Assets.

The bank stress testing exercise, the results of which were announced by the Central Bank of Ireland on 31 March 2011, included a detailed review of loan files on an appropriate sampling basis. As the Deputy will be aware, the Financial Measures Programme also announced on that date included an independent loan loss assessment exercise performed by BlackRock Solutions ("BlackRock"), the results of which informed the calculation of capital requirements for Allied Irish Banks, Bank of Ireland, EBS and Irish Life and Permanent under the PCAR.

BlackRock performed a comprehensive review of the loan portfolios of the PCAR banks, with the assistance of a number of accountancy firms, legal firms and credit experts. The Central Bank also appointed the Boston Consulting Group, an international consultancy firm, to provide oversight and challenge to BlackRock's work and to ensure consistency across institutions and portfolios. To perform the loan loss assessment, loss models were custom-built for the banks' portfolios as of 31 December 2010. A data integrity and verification exercise was performed to ensure robust outputs from the loan loss assessment models. The accountancy firms, hired by BlackRock, carried out four specific activities including a loan file sampling and testing.

BlackRock and its subcontractors conducted in-depth assessments of loan portfolios by reviewing loan files and, in some cases, work-out capacity. By examining and reviewing loan files, a more accurate assessment of the value of the underlying collateral was possible, enabling a refinement of loan loss assessment assumptions. The loan file reviews focused on large loans and impaired assets. The number of files sampled varied across portfolios and banks but was sufficiently large to allow BlackRock to elicit qualitative and quantitative findings that were subsequently incorporated into their loan loss assessments.

In specific terms I am satisfied on the basis of the results of the PCAR assessment carried out by the Central Bank, which have been endorsed by the external authorities, that the loan loss assumptions made reflects a high degree of conservatism and underpin the robustness and credibility of the exercise overall.

I am strengthened in this view by the results of the European Banking Authority (EBA) stress tests on Allied Irish Banks, Bank of Ireland and Irish Life and Permanent which were published on 15 July. The results of the tests show that the Irish banks meet the stress requirements and do not require additional capital beyond the requirement set in the Financial Measures Programme published in March 2011. The results of the EBA stress tests take account of the recapitalisation measures announced following the Prudential Capital Assessment Review (PCAR), which required the banks to raise an additional €24 billion to in order to achieve a core tier 1 ratio of 6% at the end of 2013 in a stressed scenario.

It should be noted that stress testing is used by banking supervisors to determine whether a bank is adequately capitalised to withstand adverse macro-economic events or unanticipated shocks. Our banks will be well capitalised by international standards following the recapitalisation measures but this position will not then remain frozen in time. Apart from anything else, both the global and domestic economies will continue to evolve and the Central Bank will perform future annual PCAR assessments to ascertain the position of the banks at that point in time. That does not necessarily mean that the banks will require any further capital. However; no eventuality, regardless of how remote, can be ruled out when predicting future events. I would nevertheless reiterate that based on the conservative assessments used in the PCAR/PLAR analysis of potential future scenarios for the banks, and indeed the Irish economy, I am entirely satisfied that the banks are currently well capitalised to serve the needs of the Irish economy following this round of measures.

EU-IMF Fund

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

106 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance when he expects to have the next formal opportunity to raise the issue of an interest rate reduction on Ireland’s EU-IMF loan facility with our European partners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22288/11]

A meeting of the Heads of State or Government of the Euro Area will be held today, 21 July 2011, in Brussels at the invitation of the President of the European Council, Mr. Herman Van Rompuy to discuss the financial stability of the Euro Area as a whole and the future financing of the Greek programme. The Taoiseach is attending this meeting. The meeting is expected to discuss further enhancement of the EFSF, including the issue of reducing the cost of the funding for all programme countries. The Taoiseach will take the opportunity to support any proposal for a reduction in EFSF pricing, as it is the Government’s strong position that the margin being charged on loans for all programme countries from both the EFSM and the EFSF is excessive. The outcome of today’s discussion will inform our approach on the pricing of all EU financial support, including our own programme.

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

107 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he is seeking to have the maturities of the loans under the EU-IMF programme extended, in line with the intended additional flexibility in the EFSF as announced recently by the Eurogroup; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22289/11]

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

134 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the elements of the planned enhanced flexibility in the EFSF that he intends to avail of; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22409/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 107 and 134 together.

The Amendment to the EFSF Framework Agreement was signed by Euro Area Finance Ministers on July 13th 2011, subject to the completion of the necessary national parliamentary procedures of each Euro Area Member State. This amended Agreement was the outcome of months of negotiation and Member States have been requested to ratify the amended Agreement by the end of 2011 at the latest.

The main changes to the EFSF Framework agreement are to raise the maximum guarantee commitments to €780 billion, increase the effective lending capacity of the EFSF to €440 billion and broaden the scope of the EFSF whereby the EFSF may, on exceptional basis intervene in the primary debt market. Other changes include changes to the margin, pricing structure and the new advance margin, all of which are aim to improve the functioning of the EFSF and to facilitate reductions to the cost of borrowing from the EFSF.

On the 11th July, Euro Area Ministers discussed the deepening threat of contagion within the Euro Area and reaffirmed their absolute commitment to safeguard financial stability in the Euro Area. The statement issued by Eurogroup after the meeting noted that "To this end, Ministers stand ready to adopt further measures that will improve the euro area's systemic capacity to resist contagion risk, including enhancing the flexibility and the scope of the EFSF, lengthening the maturities of the loans and lowering the interest rates, including through a collateral arrangement where appropriate. Proposals to this effect will be presented to Ministers shortly".

The interest rate applying to the funds Ireland borrows from the EFSF remains of concern to Ireland. The Government will continue to seek a reduction in our interest rate margin and to avail of any further enhanced flexibility to the EFSF that will lower the cost of borrowing to Ireland and facilitate Ireland's return to the market at the earliest opportunity.

In relation to the additional flexibility proposed for the EFSF, last week's statement noted that proposals are to be presented to Ministers. There proposals are being considered at today's meeting of Euro Area Heads of State and Government. Decisions on how to avail of any additional flexibility within the EFSF must await final agreement and implementation of such measures.

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

108 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he raised with the EU-ECB — IMF representatives, during their recent mission review of the programme of financial assistance, the issue of the use of any proceeds from the sale of non-strategic State assets; if they confirmed agreement to use any such proceeds for measures other than paying down the national debt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22290/11]

The purpose of the quarterly review mission which was conducted by the EU / ECB / IMF representatives from 6th July to 14th July 2011 was to evaluate performance against the targets set for the third quarter of the Programme of Financial Support for Ireland including fiscal developments, the macroeconomic outlook, progress on commitments in the restructuring of the financial sector and structural reform. The EU-IMF Programme commitment on state assets relates to the fourth quarter of this year, and includes a provision that Government will discuss its plans with the EU Commission, the ECB and the IMF. Progress on this commitment was considered during the recent review, and the Government's commitments on asset disposals in the Programme for Government formed part of that discussion. It is expected that there will be further discussion with the Troika on asset disposals, including a further update at the next quarterly review, before decisions on asset disposals are finalised.

Credit Availability

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

109 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of new residential mortgages approved by AIB; and the number drawn down to date in 2011 [22292/11]

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

110 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of new residential mortgages approved by Bank of Ireland; and the number drawn down to date in 2011 [22293/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 109 and 110 together.

The financial institutions named by the Deputy do not publish information pertaining to residential mortgage approvals as they deem this information to be commercially sensitive.

The most recent "IBF/PwC Mortgage Market Profile Quarterly Report on New Lending", which contains data relating to loans granted by IBF/IMC member institutions on an aggregate basis up to the end of Q1 2011, shows that there were 3,259 mortgage loans issued in this period with €577m in mortgages drawn down.

Fiscal Policy

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

111 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if Ireland is required to achieve a fiscal correction of a nominal amount of €3.6 billion in 2012 or achieve an 8.6% under the EU’s excessive deficit procedure rules; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22294/11]

The General Government deficit target for 2012, as set by the ECOFIN Council in December 2010 is 8.6% of GDP. The Government is fully aware of the importance of that target in the context of the 2012 Budget. The Government is committed to implementing an overall adjustment package of at least €3.6 billion in 2012. This is to ensure the deficit target for 2012 can be achieved. As we go through the second half of the year, we will have to study closely the emerging trends, both positive and negative, and formulate what the likely outlook for 2012 will be.

Economic Competitiveness

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

112 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the nominal amount of GDP and GNP expected to be achieved in 2011 based on all currently available economic data; the way this compares to the expectation when the budget for 2011 was announced [22295/11]

In Budget 2011, the Department of Finance forecast nominal GDP to be €161,200 million and for nominal GNP to be €127,900 million in 2011 (figures rounded to nearest €100m). These forecasts also underpinned the National Recovery Plan that was finalised in October 2010. The Department's latest forecasts were published in the Stability Programme Update (SPU) of April 2011 and thus had the benefit of six months more economic data.

These data pointed, in the main, to weaker than expected domestic activity that would not be compensated for by somewhat stronger external demand. While the possibility of such an outturn was identified in Budget 2011, the fact that these risks had started to materialise meant that they were taken into account in the SPU. As such the forecasts for GDP and GNP for this year were revised down in April's SPU to €156,075 million and €125,925 respectively (rounded to the nearest €25m).

Revised forecasts will be published in the pre-Budget Outlook in the autumn.

Question No. 113 answered with Question No. 103.

Budget Submissions

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

114 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details of the work which will be carried out by him on the preparation of budget 2012 from the date Dáil Éireann rises to its resumption in September, including details of the expected contact with other Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22297/11]

Preparatory work on Budget 2012 is ongoing. Work will continue over the coming weeks and months in the lead up to the 2012 Budget in assessing all of the emerging economic and budgetary data and the implications they might have for 2012 and beyond. I will be kept fully informed of developments by my Department. Work on the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure (CRE) is also ongoing. The CRE will be a critical building block in formulating Government's budgetary policy for 2012 and beyond. The results of the Comprehensive Review process will be brought before Government for consideration and decision in the Budget and Estimates process later this year.

As Minister for Finance, I will be working very closely with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform over the coming weeks and months in the preparation of Budget 2012 as the expenditure estimates are obviously a key factor in devising budgetary policy. In that regard, and as is usual every year, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform will be in contact with all line Departments. In addition, my Department is in routine contact with the Revenue Commissioners on a variety of matters which have a budgetary dimension, including those relating to tax policy and implementation and receipts from taxation. The Tax Strategy Group — an interdepartmental committee chaired by the Department of Finance, with membership comprising senior officials and advisors from other key Departments and the Revenue Commissioners — will also be meeting over the coming months in the lead up to Budget 2012.

My Department will publish a pre-Budget Outlook in October and it is intended that Budget 2012 will be presented to Dáil Éireann in early December, although the exact date has yet to be decided.

Tax Yield

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

115 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the amount by which he expects VAT and PRSI receipts to fall short of budget 2011 expectations for the period 1 July 2011 to 31 December 2011 as a result of the measures in the jobs initiative; the amount he expects to receive from the pension levy in the same period, and the overall impact on the Exchequer returns for 2011 [22298/11]

The Jobs Initiative is designed to be funded on a budgetary neutral basis over the 2011 — 2014 period. The introduction of a reduced 9% VAT rate is expected to cost €120 million this year and the PRSI measures enacted as part of the Jobs Initiative are expected to cost €95 million in 2011. It should be noted that PRSI receipts are not received directly by the Exchequer as part of tax revenues, but are instead used to fund social welfare-related expenditure. The abolition of the Air Travel Tax is expected to cost €15 million this year. Total additional current expenditure to specified areas in 2011 arising from the Jobs Initiative will amount to €29 million, €18 million of which will be funded by the reallocation of existing resources and €11 million from the introduction of the levy on pension funds. Total additional capital expenditure to specified areas arising from the Jobs Initiative will amount to €135 million in 2011 which will be funded by the reallocation of €106 million from within existing resources and €29 million from the pension levy. The temporary Pension Levy being introduced to fund the Jobs Initiative is projected to yield €470 million this year. Therefore, in overall terms, there is a small net gain to the Exchequer in 2011 from the measures introduced as part of the Jobs Initiative. Over the 2011 — 2014 period as a whole, the Jobs Initiative will be budgetary neutral. The Department of Finance has not revised it aggregate tax forecast for this year. However, it will continue to closely monitor the performance of tax receipts during the remainder of the year.

Financial Services Regulation

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

116 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he has plans to review the interest rates available through the various State savings products in view of the April and July 2011 ECB rate increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22299/11]

I am informed by the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA), which is responsible for managing the National Debt and borrowing on behalf of the Exchequer, that the rates on the State Savings products are kept under constant review. There is no proposal to change those rates at present. The Agency considers that the rates offered remain attractive and that the products offer investors a good choice of investment opportunity.

Bank Guarantee Scheme

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

117 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details, for each covered institution, of the number and identity of any directors who were a member of the board at the time of the original bank guarantee in September 2008 and continue to sit on the board at the present time [22300/11]

Subsequent to this month's AGM of AIB and consequent on the recent mergers involving EBS and INBS only ten pre-crisis directors will still be in post — a reduction of almost 90%. I do not propose to name the individuals here. For the information of the Deputy, of the above ten, four will be in office at Bank of Ireland, a further four at EBS Ltd — which will operate as a standalone, separately branded subsidiary of AIB with its own branch network — and the remaining two at Irish Life and Permanent. Six of these individuals hold executive positions with the remaining four occupying non-executive roles. Of the remaining institutions no pre-crisis directors are still in post.

The Deputy will be aware that as part of the Programme for Government we committed to restructuring bank boards and to replacing all directors who presided over the failed lending practices in the period to September 2008. He will also be aware that board and management renewal plans for the affected institutions are under consideration and that, as announced by the Central Bank of Ireland, all directors irrespective of date of appointment, who intend to be in office on 1 January 2012 will be subject to assessment against the new fitness and probity standards for such appointments which the CBI envisages being implemented by 1 September 2011.

National Asset Management Agency

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

118 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he believes the recent decision of the Supreme Court in the McKillen case will have any impact on the work of the National Asset Management Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22301/11]

NAMA advises me that the case has no impact on the management of loans totalling €72.3 billion which have already been acquired by the Agency. NAMA has informed Mr. McKillen of its intention not to acquire loans totalling €1.4 billion advanced by participating institutions to him and to debtor entities associated with him.

In relation to the residual loans of other debtors which have not yet been acquired, NAMA has written to the debtors concerned, in accordance with the right to fair procedure as ruled by the Supreme Court, and has sought their views on the eligibility of their loans and on the potential impact that NAMA acquisition of the loans may have on their interests. I understand that the NAMA Board will review submissions made by debtors and will then make decisions on whether to acquire the loans.

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

119 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide information on the total nominal value of loans acquired by the National Asset Management Agency to date in 2011; the price which has been paid; the total number of borrowers involved, including details of the number being managed by NAMA directly and the number managed by the NAMA units within the respective institutions; the overall discount applied to loans acquired from each institution; and if he will confirm if there are any further expected loan transfers to NAMA [22302/11]

In addition to loans totalling €71.2 billion which were acquired by NAMA in 2010, the Agency informs me that it acquired an additional €1.1 billion in loans in early March 2011. The loans acquired in 2011 were acquired from one institution at an acquisition price of €440m, which is a discount of 60%.

The tranche included loans from a total of 116 debtors, of whom 38 are directly managed by NAMA.

The Agency may also acquire up to an additional €2.4 billion following an engagement process currently underway with debtors whose loans have not yet been acquired. This engagement is in line with the right to fair procedures as ruled by the Supreme Court.

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

120 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of business plans which have been submitted to the National Asset Management Agency in 2011; and the number which have been agreed by the agency [22303/11]

NAMA informs me that to date, a total of 152 draft business plans have been received from the 179 major debtors whose debt will be directly managed by NAMA. In 74 of these cases, decisions have been made by NAMA and these have been communicated to the debtors. Another 78 debtor business plans are currently being reviewed. Debtor business plans are still awaited from the 27 other debtors whose affairs are also under the direct management of NAMA. Agreement has been reached in principle with 18 debtors and, in the case of another 27, enforcement proceedings are underway. In the case of the latter, receiver business plans, including plans for asset disposal, will be agreed between the receivers and NAMA.

In the case of debtors whose debt is being managed by participating institutions under delegated authority from NAMA, a fast-track business plan process is in place and those debtors are currently at various stages of engagement with the institutions about their business plans.

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

121 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details of the number of cases in which the National Asset Management Agency has become the owner of the land and or property due to the non-performing nature of the loans [22304/11]

I am informed by the National Asset Management Agency that it has not, to date, taken direct ownership of land and property. In cases where enforcement has been necessary, it has appointed, or approved the appointment of, receivers.

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

122 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details of the percentage of loans acquired which are being repaid in full in line with the original loan agreement; the number which it regards as completely non-performing and any impact the level of non-performing loans is having on the National Asset Management Agency business plan [22305/11]

The National Asset Management Agency has estimated that, as at end-March 2011, 23% of loans (by nominal balances) were performing. These are loans which are not in arrears by reference to contractual cash payments or where the arrears are outstanding for less than 30 days. 77% of loans were at various stages of non-performance or were subject to enforcement action. In the case of 60% of loans, payments were in arrears for 120 days or more. The NAMA Business Plan envisaged a significant restructuring of debtor loans. This process has begun and the Agency advises that it will lead to a substantial shift in the performance profile of the loan book as debtor performance will be measured by reference to restructured loans.

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

123 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if the National Asset Management Agency intends to introduce greater transparency to its operations by publicly providing details of assets it intends to sell on the open market [22306/11]

I am informed by the National Asset Management Agency that it will shortly be publishing, through its website, information provided to it by receivers and other insolvency professionals in relation to property which has been subject to enforcement in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain. This information will be updated on a regular basis.

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

124 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details of the amount the National Asset Management Agency has lent to borrowers since its inception [22307/11]

The National Asset Management Agency informs me that between 1 March 2010 and 30 June 2011, the Agency approved €900 million in new money advances to debtors. These funds are for purposes of working capital and development capital to enable viable projects to be brought to completion.

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

125 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of unfinished residential developments in which the National Asset Management Agency has come into the ownership of vacant properties. [22308/11]

I am informed that NAMA has not, to date, taken direct ownership of land and property. In cases where enforcement has been necessary, it has appointed, or approved the appointment of, receivers. While the Agency has not taken ownership of unfinished residential developments, it has recently announced that it will invest €3m to fund urgent construction and remedial work in a number of unfinished residential developments which are linked to loans acquired by it. The Deputy may also wish to note that the report of a Working Group set up by the Government to examine the issue and extent of unfinished estates in Ireland identified about 225 estates that were deemed to require immediate remedial attention. NAMA debtors have loans with an exposure to only 28 of thoseestates.

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

126 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the amount of professional fees broken down by type, which the National Asset Management Agency expects to incur between now and the end of 2011. [22309/11]

Between now and the end of 2011, NAMA expects to incur costs of €38 million as payment to 500 staff in participating institutions to carry out loan servicing on its behalf, in accordance with the provisions of Section 131 of the National Asset Management Agency Act 2009. The fee is applied on a cost recovery basis up to a limit of 10 basis points, and has been approved by the EU Commission under its State Aid rules and. It is expected that fees totalling €32 million will be paid for due diligence services, including legal, property valuation and loan valuation, in connection with the acquisition and valuation of NAMA's loan portfolio. It may be noted, however, that these costs are recovered from the participating institutions as a deduction on the acquisition price paid by NAMA.

Other expected costs of the order of €25 million include audit fees and fees payable to independent business reviewers to review debtor business plans.

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

127 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the outcome of the preliminary discussions held between the National Asset Management Agency, AIB and Bank of Ireland on the way the banks and the agency may be able to provide financial support to purchasers of residential properties linked to the agency or its debtors; if he will provide details of the agency’s plans to ensure that any prospective buyer is protected from the risk of negative equity in the future; and if he will provide an up to date statement on these plans. [22310/11]

Preliminary meetings have taken place between NAMA and a number of financial institutions in relation to a residential mortgage initiative which is currently under consideration. The proposed initiative is being subjected to extensive analysis and further detailed discussions are scheduled to take place with the institutions over coming weeks. I am informed that NAMA intends to submit to me a detailed proposal in late September.

EU-IMF Fund

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

128 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance following the recent successful mission review by the troika, when the next draw down of funds under the EU-IMF programme is due to take place; if he will confirm the source from which the draw down will come; the amount involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22381/11]

Ireland is due to draw down approximately €4.5 billion from EU/IMF sources during quarter 3 of 2011. Following the third review mission completed on 14th July 2011, the IMF and the European Commission Services will prepare staff reports for consideration by the IMF Executive Board on 29 August 2011, and Eurogroup/ECOFIN in September 2011. The disbursement of funds is conditional on approval by the EU and IMF following these reports.

The next planned disbursement from the IMF will be SDR 1.319 billion, equivalent to approximately €1.5 billion, and is scheduled to take place, subject to approval, after their Executive Board meeting on 29th August.

The next planned disbursement from EU sources is expected to be €2.5 billion. This disbursement is subject to the approval by Eurogroup/ECOFIN of the third quarterly review, expected to take place early September. It is anticipated that the disbursement will be between mid-September, and mid/end-October at the latest. The exact date depends primarily on market conditions.

Finally, the first disbursement of approximately €475 million under the bilateral loan agreement with the UK is also scheduled to take place following the third review, i.e. in the third quarter, but the details have yet to be finalised.

Tax Yield

John Lyons

Ceist:

129 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Finance the amount he estimates could be made from extending the current betting levy to remote and online betting including betting exchanges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22383/11]

The Finance Act 2011 contains legislation that, subject to a Ministerial Commencement Order, provides for the extension of betting duty to remote bookmakers and betting exchanges. The tax changes provided for in the Finance Act can only be implemented once the Betting (Amendment) Bill, which will provide for a regulatory and licensing regime, is enacted. The Betting (Amendment) Bill 2011 is currently at an advanced stage of drafting. It is expected that by including this high-growth area of the betting sector, particularly given the increasing prevalence of smart phones, the tax base from betting will be boosted significantly. In a full year it is expected that the tax yield could grow up to €20 million depending on the prevailing market conditions.

Just as important is the positive signal this measure will convey to international betting operations that have expressed an interest in or have already invested in Ireland. A location with an appropriate licensing framework coupled with relatively low taxes provides real investment and employment opportunities in this sector.

Tax Reliefs

John Lyons

Ceist:

130 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Finance if he will detail the property tax reliefs that exist; their current annual cost to the State in tax forgone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22394/11]

It is assumed that the Deputy is referring to the following two property-based tax incentive schemes that remain in the tax code: the scheme for Qualifying Specialist Palliative Care Units (subject to Commencement Order) and the Mid-Shannon Corridor Tourism Infrastructure Investment Scheme under which tax relief applies to qualifying expenditure incurred up to 31 May 2015. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that based on information regarding the cost of these schemes, which has been received and collated for the tax year 2009, the latest year for which data is available, the estimated annual cost to the Exchequer in terms of tax forgone is €0.2 million.

All other such property-based schemes have been terminated, subject to transitional arrangements for certain schemes where projects were already in the pipeline. However, due to their nature these "legacy" reliefs continue to impose ongoing costs on the Exchequer in terms of tax foregone.

I have initiated an economic impact assessment in relation to all the "legacy" property-based tax reliefs, and a public consultation is currently underway as the first stage in that process. The results of this assessment will be considered in the context of the forthcoming Budget.

Tax Code

John Lyons

Ceist:

131 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Finance the steps he intends to take to implement a minimum effective tax rate of 30% for very high earners, the additional revenue he believes this would generate for the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22396/11]

The existing restriction of reliefs, or horizontal measure is activated where individuals have an adjusted income of €125,000 and claim specified reliefs of €80,000 or more. Those subject to the full restriction, at adjusted incomes of €400,000 or greater, pay an effective income tax rate of 30% in addition to PRSI and Universal Social Charge. The list of specified reliefs that are subject to the restriction are set out in Schedule 25B of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. Broadly, the reliefs restricted are the various property based tax incentives and certain other reliefs such as the Business Expansion Scheme, film relief and donations relief. Also restricted are certain tax exemptions including artistic income and patent royalties. The normal deductible items available to the broad range of taxpayers such as medical expenses, trade union subscriptions, the personal tax credits and exemptions such as that for child benefit are not restricted. Similarly, normal business expenses and deductions for capital allowances on plant and machinery, as well as genuine business related trading losses are not restricted.

When the amended restriction was announced in Budget 2010, it was estimated that the changes would yield approximately €55 million in addition to the existing yield of €40 million.

It is worth pointing out that taxpayers who only claim personal tax credits, pay an effective rate of income tax of around 30% where their annual incomes exceed €125,000 approximately.

John Lyons

Ceist:

132 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Finance his plans to abolish tax shelters that primarily benefit very high earners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22397/11]

In the Programme for Government we have committed to reducing, capping or abolishing property tax reliefs and other tax shelters which benefit very high income earners. I would point out to the Deputy that the existing restriction of reliefs or horizontal measure is activated where individuals have an adjusted income of €125,000 and claim specified reliefs of €80,000 or more. Those subject to the full restriction, at adjusted incomes of €400,000 or greater, are required to pay an effective income tax rate of 30% in addition to PRSI and levies.

The list of specified reliefs that are subject to the restriction are set out in Schedule 25B of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. Broadly, the reliefs restricted are the various property-based tax incentives and certain other reliefs such as the Business Expansion Scheme, film relief and donations relief. Also restricted are certain tax exemptions including artistic income and patent royalties. The normal deductible items available to the broad range of taxpayers such as medical expenses, trade union subscriptions, the personal tax credits and exemptions such as that for child benefit are not restricted. Similarly, normal business expenses and deductions for capital allowances on plant and machinery, as well as genuine business related trading losses are not restricted.

Specifically in relation to property tax reliefs, an assessment process has been commenced to consider the possible impacts of reducing, capping or abolishing the "legacy" property-based tax reliefs. The impact assessment will consider the economic impact of curtailing the costs to the State of outstanding or ‘legacy' reliefs, which have so far not been fully claimed by investors.

Our objective in conducting the assessment, which includes a public consultation, is to gain a better understanding of the benefits that may accrue to the Exchequer in terms of additional tax yield as well as consequences for investor groups and the wider economy arising from possible changes to the treatment of these reliefs. The results of this assessment will inform the budgetary process.

Personal Debt

John Lyons

Ceist:

133 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Finance his plans to regulate money lenders and debt collectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22404/11]

The Deputy may wish to know that there is already a comprehensive regulatory licensing system in place for moneylenders. Moneylenders have to apply to the Central Bank annually to have their licenses renewed. Section 93 of the Consumer Credit Act 1995 (as amended) sets out the Central Bank's powers in relation to the grant or refusal of a moneylender's license. The appropriate moneylending application form (new or renewal) must be completed and returned to the Central Bank with a number of items, for review and consideration. In addition to the licensing system, the Central Bank has in place a Consumer Protection Code for Licensed Moneylenders (the Code). The Central Bank has power to impose sanctions on moneylenders for a contravention of the Code. The Code sets out the General Principles with which a moneylender must comply. For example, a moneylender must act honestly and professionally, with due skill, care and diligence in the best interest of consumers. The Code also places requirements on moneylenders in relation to the provision of information to the consumer, preservation of a consumer's rights, knowing the consumer, suitability, unsolicited contact (cold calling), disclosure, errors, handling complaints, consumer records, unsolicited credit facilities, arrears and guarantees, debt collection and the contents and presentation of advertisements.

On 18 February 2011, the Central Bank published the results of a themed inspection of licensed moneylenders. The inspection showed a high level of compliance amongst firms, with the requirements of the Code. Inspections were conducted in 11 of the 46 licensed moneylenders currently operating in Ireland. The inspections focused on whether consumers were being charged in accordance with the moneylenders' authorised APRs (Annual Percentage Rates) and costs of credit as set out in the moneylenders' licenses. It also examined whether firms had their licenses on display and if they indicated the high-cost nature of loans on loan documentation issued to consumers, as required by the Code. Overall the inspections found a high level of compliance with the requirements and that consumers were being charged in accordance with the moneylenders' authorised APRs and costs of credit. In addition, firms had their licenses on display and indicated the high-cost nature of loans on loan documentation issued to consumers.

I would expect that, in future, the Annual Regulatory Performance Statement of the Central Bank will refer to the regulation of moneylenders. This statement will be presented to each House of the Oireachtas. The Central Bank Reform Act 2010 provides that a Committee of the Oireachtas may request the Governor of the Central Bank or the Head of Financial Regulation to attend before it and provide information relating to the regulatory performance statement. This will allow deputies the opportunity to seek relevant information on regulatory matters, including the regulation of moneylenders.

The regulation of debt collectors is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality.

Question No. 134 answered with Question No. 107.

EU-IMF Fund

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

135 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details of the amount of Government bonds held by each of the Irish banks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22410/11]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to his question No. 61 on this topic which was taken on Thursday, 2 June 2011 and provided data on the sovereign exposures of the four domestic institutions subject to the Prudential Capital Assessment Review (PCAR) 2011 exercise. Detailed information on the sovereign exposure of the four institutions was published by the Central Bank in the Financial Measures Programme Report on 31 March 2011. The Central Bank also published the results of the European Banking Authority (EBA) stress tests on Allied Irish Bank (AIB), Bank of Ireland and Irish Life and Permanent (IL&P) on 15 July 2011 and they are available on the Bank's website. I am informed by the Central Bank that those results which, like the data given in my reply of 2 June 2011 in relation to the PCAR exercise, are based on the situation at 31 December 2010, include data for the debt holdings of the Irish banks but figures for holdings of Irish government bonds are not shown separately.

Appointments to State Boards

Anne Ferris

Ceist:

136 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Finance the steps he is taking to ensure that State boards have at least 40% of each gender, as provided for in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22438/11]

I intend to ensure that all boards, under the aegis of the Department of Finance, will have an appropriate gender balance.

Financial Services Ombudsman

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

137 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details of the number of complaints currently under consideration by the Financial Services Ombudsman; the number of new complaints received in each of the years 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011; and if he will provide a breakdown of the complaints received by headings and the typical length of time it is taking for a complaint to be disposed of. [22468/11]

The Financial Services Ombudsman's Bureau has advised me that the number of complaints currently under consideration by the Financial Services Ombudsman is 3,901.

The average length of time required to process a complaint through all stages and issue a finding is between 9 and 11 months.

The number of new complaints received in each of the years 2008 to 2010 and in the period to 19 July 2011 is as follows:

Year

Number of New Complaints

2008

5,947

2009

7,619

2010

7,230

2011 (to 19 July 2011)

4,132

The Bureau has three main sectors covering insurance, banking and investment products. Each sector has its own particular complaint heading type relative to the nature of the complaints, as follows:

Insurance

Claim Handling

Customer Care

Terms and Conditions

Fees & Charges

Mis-selling

Non-Disclosure

Policy Review

Pre-Existing Condition

Premium Rates

Refusals

Renewal/Lapse/ Cancellation of Policy

Repudiation of Claim/Settlement Amount

Subrogation/No claim bonus/ Pre-Accident Value of Motor vehicles

Surrender Values/Bonus Rates

Banking

Cheques

Credit Rating ICB

Customer Care

Direct Debit/Standing Orders

Disputed Balances & Transactions

Terms and Conditions

Fees & Charges

Interest Applied

Leasing Agreements

Maladministration

Mis-selling

Opening/ Closing Accounts

Overdrafts

Refusal

Repayment Terms

Type of Mortgage

Unauthorised Withdrawals

Investment Products

Maladministration & Customer Care

Mis-selling and Misrepresentation

Poor Performance of policy/Fees & Charges

Tax Code

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

138 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if there are discussions ongoing between officials in his Department and officials at European level regarding plans at European level to introduce a common consolidated corporate tax base; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22476/11]

On 16 March this year the European Commission, which has the right of initiation in terms of bringing forward legislative proposals, published its proposal for a Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base. This represented the beginning of a protracted process that will involve a detailed examination of the Proposal, line by line, by all Member States at Council. Since the Commission's proposal has been published, Department of Finance officials, along with officials from the Revenue Commissioners have been attending the Working Party on Tax Questions which is the forum for discussions on the proposal. To date, my officials have attended meetings on a monthly basis in relation to the proposal.

Both I and the Government have made it clear that Ireland, like all other Member States, intend to actively engage in that process because only in that way can we absolutely ensure that all of the arguments are brought to the table.

I want to assure the Deputy that it is clearly understood that our engagement is strictly on the basis that taxation is a matter of national competence and that the principle of unanimity in taxation is fully respected.

Departmental Equipment

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

139 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Finance the number of computer servers that are owned or leased by his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department; and the capacity of each server. [22489/11]

Sixty-seven servers are owned, and zero servers are leased by the Department of Finance. The "capacity" of each server ranges from 1Gb to 32Gb RAM; 32Gb to 8Tb Hard Disk Drive; and 1 to 2 CPUs. It is not possible for all State agencies to reply within the timeframe. However the following responses have been received from some agencies.

The Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB);

Total number of SEUPB, physical servers: 17. These servers are located in the Belfast, Monaghan and Omagh offices of the SEUPB.

Location/SERVER NO

Capacity (in Gigabytes)

BELFAST/SERVER 1

270

BELFAST/SERVER 2

270

BELFAST/SERVER 3

420

BELFAST/SERVER 4

680

BELFAST/SERVER 5

200

BELFAST/SERVER 6

140

BELFAST/SERVER 7

75

BELFAST/SERVER 8

135

BELFAST/SERVER 9

820

BELFAST/SERVER 10

820

BELFAST/SERVER 11

140

BELFAST/SERVER

140

OMAGH/SERVER 1

280

OMAGH/SERVER 2

280

OMAGH/SERVER 3

820 (DR FOR BELFAST)

MONAGHAN/SERVER 1

280

MONAGHAN/SERVER 2

280

To note — the SEUPB is currently in the process of rationalising its IT infrastructure which will reduce the number of physical servers the Body requires. This forms part of the SEUPB's Virtualisation Strategy which will allow it to create greater efficiencies in its IT delivery.

NTMA Group:

Server Name

Capacity (GB)

Server 001

2400

Server 002

2400

Server 003

2400

Server 004

2400

Server 005

2292

Server 006

2292

Server 007

1800

Server 008

1492

Server 009

1168

Server 010

1168

Server 011

1168

Server 012

1168

Server 013

1168

Server 014

1168

Server 015

1168

Server 016

1168

Server 017

1168

Server 018

876

Server 019

876

Server 020

876

Server 021

876

Server 022

876

Server 023

876

Server 024

876

Server 025

876

Server 026

876

Server 027

876

Server 028

876

Server 029

876

Server 030

876

Server 031

876

Server 032

876

Server 033

876

Server 034

730

Server 035

730

Server 036

730

Server 037

730

Server 038

657

Server 039

657

Server 040

584

Server 041

584

Server 042

584

Server 043

584

Server 044

584

State Banking Sector

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

140 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the remuneration package in place for the chief executive officer of Anglo Irish Bank. [22502/11]

As the Deputy will be aware, the covered institutions continue to be managed at arms length basis, not withstanding the large shareholding the State holds, in relation to operational matters subject to compliance with prevailing Government policy. This is important from the point of view of ensuring that their operations are managed, by their respective boards and management on a commercial basis in the best interests of, in the case of Anglo Irish Bank, the State. I am advised by the bank that the remuneration package applicable to the Group Chief Executive post consists of a base salary with additional benefits including monthly contribution to a defined contribution pension scheme, a car allowance, a temporary rent allowance, agreed travel expenses, agreed relocation related expenses and club subscriptions.

In relation to the issue of the base salary applying to the position in the Deputy's question, the prevailing Government policy revolves around the recommendations of the Covered Institutions Remuneration Oversight Committee (CIROC) set up by my predecessor. The base salary applicable to the post of Group Chief Executive of the bank is set at €500,000 in line with the CIROC recommendation as amended by Government in March 2009.

The bank further informs me that it does not operate a performance related bonus scheme for executives hence no annual performance bonus has been paid or awarded to the Group Chief Executive during the year ended 31 December 2010.

Further information in relation to the remuneration of the Group Chief Executive is published in Note 54 to the bank's Annual Report and Accounts 2010.

The Deputy will be aware that, as part of the remuneration review underway at the covered institutions, the institutions have been asked to consider measures that could be taken to realign staff expectations with regard to remuneration and benefits in the current economic environment and financial circumstances of the banks.

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

141 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if, following the merger of Anglo Irish Bank and Irish Nationwide, any senior executive in the newly merged institution will be having his or her remuneration package reduced; and if he will provide an organisation chart of the way the new institution will look from a corporate governance perspective. [22522/11]

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

150 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if, following the merger of AIB and EBS, any senior executive in the newly merged institution will be having his or her remuneration package reduced; and if he will provide an organisation chart of the way the new institution will look from a corporate governance perspective. [22618/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 141 and 150 together.

The Deputy will be aware that the merger of the respective institutions referred to in his questions was announced on 1 July 2011. The future organisational and operational structures of the combined entities are under detailed consideration. This will be finalised over time in a manner which creates the best possible fit to deliver on the Government's policy of restructuring the banking sector to achieve the objectives of returning the sector to long-term viability and profitability and breaking dependence on the State.

In relation to the issue of remuneration raised by the Deputy in his questions, he will be aware that, as part of the remuneration review underway at the covered institutions, the institutions have been asked to consider measures that could be taken to realign staff expectations with regard to remuneration and benefits in the current economic environment and financial circumstances of the banks.

Banking Sector Remuneration

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

142 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details, including the overall value involved and the number of current and former employee beneficiaries, of any of the following payments at AIB during 2011 guaranteed bonus, contractual bonus, cash long-term incentives, deferred bonus and retention payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22536/11]

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

143 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details, including the overall value involved and the number of current and former employee beneficiaries, of any of the following payments at Bank of Ireland during 2011: guaranteed bonus, contractual bonus, cash long term incentives, deferred bonus and retention payments;; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22539/11]

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

144 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details, including the overall value involved and the number of current and former employee beneficiaries, of any of the following payments at Anglo Irish Bank during 2011: guaranteed bonus, contractual bonus, cash long term incentives, deferred bonus and retention payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22540/11]

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

145 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details, including the overall value involved and the number of current and former employee beneficiaries, of any of the following payments at INBS during 2011: guaranteed bonus, contractual bonus, cash long term incentives, deferred bonus and retention payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22541/11]

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

146 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details, including the overall value involved and the number of current and former employee beneficiaries, of any of the following payments at EBS during 2011: guaranteed bonus, contractual bonus, cash long term incentives, deferred bonus and retention payments;; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22542/11]

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

147 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details, including the overall value involved and the number of current and former employee beneficiaries, of any of the following payments at ILP during 2011: guaranteed bonus, contractual bonus, cash long term incentives, deferred bonus and retention payments;; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22543/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 142 to 147, inclusive, together.

The Deputy will be aware that the institutions continue to be managed at arms length basis, not withstanding the large shareholding the Government holds. Accordingly, I do not compile the data sought by the Deputy at the level of detail he is seeking. This also applies to a whole series of questions put down for answer on the issue of remuneration matters at the covered institutions lately.

As I have said in response to these questions, my Department cannot compile data on a bespoke basis in relation to a large number of differently framed remuneration related questions at once, in the timeframe applicable to parliamentary replies and within the resources available, so I am seeking to find an approach that can properly respond to the clear public interest here.

As I have indicated in other replies yesterday on the same subject, far from wanting to restrict access to such information, I fully recognise that there is a real public interest in the levels of remuneration at the covered institutions. I have asked the institutions to compile data on remuneration practices and details with a view, as part of the remuneration review presently being conducted by the institutions at the request of my Department, to improving transparency on the issue. I will endeavour to have this completed in light of the above comments in the shortest timeframe possible with a view to putting the information into the public domain.

Consultancy Contracts

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

148 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a report of the number consultancy reports commissioned by his Department between 1997 and January 2011; the cost of commissioning each report; if he will provide information on the implementation of recommendations set out in each report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22598/11]

The information sought by the Deputy is as follows. It is not possible to provide all the information is a short time frame and more specific information will be provided to the Deputy in relation to the implementation of recommendations.

Company

Year

Cost

Description

McCann Fitzgerald

2008

€48,400

Advice on tender procedures and drafting of contracts for the provision of foreign travel

McCann Fitzgerald/ Raymond Burke Consulting

2003

€54,450

Advice on tender procedures and drafting of contracts for the provision of foreign travel

Deloitte & Touche

2001

€97,000

Annual Audit on the operation of travel policy by Government Departments and Office and Club Travel Ltd

Deloitte & Touche

2000

€97,154

Annual Audit on the operation of travel policy by Government Departments and Office and Club Travel Ltd

Deloitte & Touche

1999

€74,413

Annual Audit on the operation of travel policy by Government Departments and Office and Club Travel Ltd

KPMG / Raymond Burke Consulting

1998

€36,900

Advice on tender procedures and drafting of contracts for the provision of foreign travel

Name

Date Published

Duration

Cost

Report carried out by

Review of Arrangements for the Design of follow up Surveys of people participating in training courses under the Employment and Human Resources Operational Programme

Mar 2002

3 months

€40,207

Capita Consulting

Employment and Human Resources Development Operational Programme : Evaluation of Provision and Targeting of Measures

Jul 2002

8 months

€116,112

Fitzpatrick Associates

Evaluation of Public Transport Priority

Aug 2002

8 months

€96,674

Indecon

Evaluation of Investment in the Road Network

Aug 2002

8 months

€174,462

Fitzpatrick Associates

Evaluation of Eco —Auditing

Jan 2003

7 months

€72,067

Economic and Social Research Institute

Evaluation of the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006

April 2003

10 months

printed in-house

NDP/CSF Evaluation Unit

Mid-Term Evaluation of NDP/CSF

Oct 2003

6 months

€401,115

Economic and Social Research Institute

Evaluation of Social Inclusion Co-ordination Mechanism

October 2003

6 months

printed in-house

Internal

Review of Relevance of NDP/CSF Horizontal Principles to the OP Measures

April 2004

4 months

printed in-house

NDP/CSF Evaluation Unit

Evaluation of the In- Company Training Measures

July 2005

10 months

In house

NDP/CSF Evaluation Unit

Evaluation of water service investment in the NDP/CSF 2000 -2006

Aug 2005

9 months

€163,201

Fitzpatrick Associates

Update Evaluation of Community Support Framework

Nov 2005

4 months

€91,889

Fitzpatrick Associates

Expenditure Review InitiativeFirst Formal Report to the Minister for Finance by the Expenditure Review Central Steering Committee(for period June 2002 June 2004)

November 2004

9-10 months

printed in-house

The Expenditure Review Initiative Central Steering Committee, with assistance from the Expenditure Review Initiative Secretariat in the Department of Finance.

Value for Money and Policy Review initiative Guidance Manual

March 2007

€14,400 consultancy cost in respect of drafting certain aspects of the guidance manual.

Epsilon Consulting

National Treasury Management Agency

(Inclusive of State Claims Agency, National Development Finance Agency, National Pension Reserve Fund and National Asset Management Agency)

2008

Body

Name of Report or Review

Cost (ex VAT)

National Treasury Management Agency

PwC Review of Technical and Operational Procedures in relation to the Prize Bond Scheme

**

2009

Body

Name of Report or Review

Cost (ex VAT)

National Treasury Management Agency

London Economics Report on Derivation of Long-Term Economic Value Adjustment Factors

€94,080

2010

Body

Name of Report or Review

Cost (ex VAT)

National Treasury Management Agency

Accenture Review of NTMA Corporate Services

**

National Pension Reserve Fund Commission

2008

Body

Name of Report or Review

Cost (ex VAT)

National Pension Reserve Fund Commission

WM Review of Fund Investment Performance

**

2009

Body

Name of Report or Review

Cost (ex VAT)

National Pension Reserve Fund Commission

PwC Due Diligence Report on Bank of Ireland*

€650,000

National Pension Reserve Fund Commission

PwC Due Diligence Report on Allied Irish Banks plc*

€650,000

National Pension Reserve Fund Commission

Arthur Cox Due Diligence Report on Bank of Ireland*

€500,000

National Pension Reserve Fund Commission

Arthur Cox Due Diligence Report on Allied Irish Banks plc*

€900,000

2010

Body

Name of Report or Review

Cost (ex VAT)

National Treasury Management Agency

Aksia Review of Hedge Funds Investment Strategy.

**

*These reports were commissioned at the request of the Minister for Finance in the context of the State's preference share investment through the National Pensions Reserve Fund in Bank of Ireland and Allied Irish Banks plc.

**Commercial confidentiality provisions in the relevant contracts preclude the publication of the fees paid in respect of these individual reports. However, the total costs (ex VAT) in respect of the 9 reports referred to above are €3,131,330.

Special EU Programmes Body

The Cost in relation to the reports and reviews carried out by the Special EU Programmes Body listed below would have been jointly funded by the European Union, the Department of Finance and the Department of Finance and Personnel. The majority of the Reports and Reviews were commissioned for the INTERREG IVA and PEACE III European Structural Funds Programmes, The EU funds 75% of INTERREG IVA programme costs and 67.5% of the PEACE III Programme costs, with Ireland and the United Kingdom providing the remaining funding.

The Special EU Programmes Body is responsible for the management of the PEACE III and INTERREG IVA Programmes which value some €333m and €256m respectively. In line with public expenditure requirements and as agreed with Accountable Departments, all applicants seeking funding under the Programmes are subject to a robust and defined assessment process. All applications meeting the basic eligibility criteria and seeking funding of over £500,000 will automatically be subject to a full Economic Appraisal (EA). These appraisals make up the majority of external reports and reviews commissioned by the Special EU Programmes Body.

Please note that there are a number of instances where a contract has been awarded to a provider for completion of a block of Economic Appraisals. Detail on the individual Economic Appraisals contained within these contracts is not available within the required timeframes but can be provided upon request.

The information presented is based on the Special EU Programmes Body Consultant Register as at 16 November 2010 and costs outlined within Tables 1-3 are based on the total costs stipulated at the time of award of contract. Should a contract complete under budget, this will not be reflected within the Tables. The Special EU Programmes Body appraisals make up the majority of external reports and reviews commissioned by Special EU Programmes Body.

Please note that there are a number of instances where a contract has been awarded to a provider for completion of a block of Economic Appraisals. Detail on the individual Economic Appraisals contained within these contracts is not available within the required timeframes but can be provided upon request.

The information presented is based on the Special EU Programmes Body Consultant Register as at 16 November 2010 and costs outlined within Tables 1-3 are based on the total costs stipulated at the time of award of contract. Should a contract complete under budget, this will not be reflected within the Tables. The Special EU Programmes Body estimates that the number of contracts to which this applies is negligible. Should however, further costs be incurred on a contract, these will be described as Annex Bs within Tables 1-3.

Table 1: External Reports and Reviews Conducted by SEUPB in 2008

Name of Report or Review

Cost £

Cost €

East Border Region Multi-Annual Plan

8,166

North East Partnership Multi-Annual Plan

11,103

Centre for Sport & Interculturalism

8,812

Programme Branding Review

40,000

EA Annex B — East Border Arts Project (Original Annex A 95/04)

3,466

EA Annex B — Sharing a vision for our coastline (Original Annex A 39/06)

2,879

EA Annex B — Geographical Information Project (Original Annex A 45/06)

2,726

EPI Project

3,525

Destination North West

4,230

Cross Border Railway Cluster

3,290

NWEEC Waste Management

3,290

Impact Evaluation for the INTERREG IIIA Programme

25,554

Assessment & EA of the Multi Annual Plans submitted by COMET, ICBAN & NWRCBG

17,927

EA Annex B — Composting for the Mushroom Industry

5,950

Off Shore Electricity Transmission Grid Between Ireland, N. Ireland & Scotland

6,991

Economic Appraisal (EA) — Programme specification for the Creative Industries Sector

5,611

To undertake an independent assessment and review of the Project Kelvin.

5,875

Economic Appraisal to cover additional founds to the SYNERGY Project.

4,112

Addendum to the Economic Appraisal to cover additional funds to the Digital Media Works Project

2,937

To undertake an Economic Appraisal of the Sail West Project Under INTERREG IVA

6,756

To undertake an Economic Appraisal on PEACE III, Priority 2.1 project — Balloo Community Wetland Project — North Down Borough Council

5,874

To undertake an Economic Appraisal on PEACE III, Priority 2.1 project — Castlesaunderson — All Ireland Scouting/Jamboree Centre — Cavan County Council

8,166

Production of Common Chapter (North/South) Activity Report for 2006

18,682

EA- Annex B — North East Partnership Multi-Annual Plan

2,115

East Border Region Multi-Annual Plan

2,673

EA & project assessment of 4 local authority peace & reconciliation action plans

29,421

EA & project assessment of 5 local authority peace & reconciliation action plans

37,600

EA & project assessment of 5 local authority peace & reconciliation action plans

32,959

Economic Appraisal Transforming Conflict in Border Communities

9,635

Analysis study of Protestant working class areas and the development of a Peace III project proposal

20,327

EA on actions contained within EBR’s Collaboration Theme of their Multi Action Plan

21,358

EA on actions listed within ICBAN’s Collaboration Theme of their Multi Action Plan

15,030

EA on actions listed within North West Region Cross Border Group’s Collaboration of Multi Action Plan

12,500

Management of the successful dissolution of LSP companies seeking to close following P2 programme

53,239

EA Northern Ireland Prison Service application

4,600

EA of 9 PEACE III 1.1 projects

33,120

EA of 6 PEACE III 2.1 projects

22,080

Total €

785,897

Table 2: External Reports and Reviews Conducted by SEUPB in 2009

Name of Report or Review

Cost £

Cost €

Design and implementation of a functional records management policy & system

19,164

EA on the Resource I/Reg IVA Project

5,750

EA Achieving Sustainable Councils

5,750

EA Connexions

4,082

EA Blackwater River Catchment Project

5,750

EA on Workspace at Enniskillen Airport/Innovative Enterprise Prog/HAATCH Projects

14,950

EA Annex B EA PEACE III Priority 1.1 Children and Young People Building Relations(original 70/07)

1,028

EA Annex B Conflict Transformation from the bottom up(original 75/07)

2,937

EA on business incubation support for BelFÁSt/North Down/Sligo

6,325

EA on the innovation and growth programme for NEP which aims to build the success of previous Product Transfer programme

3,565

Establish a Rural Environmental Co-operative which will provide cross border catchment services to farmers and rural households in Lough Melvin

6,325

EA for proposed collaboration project from RNIB with NCBI and deafhear

6,613

EA Collaboration to fund a project aimed at building infrastructure to address current shortage of language service professionals working with the deaf

4,025

EA Collaboration between DHSSPS & DELHLG & NIFRS with six fire and rescue services in the border

4,313

EA Annex B — EA Success through Succession — (original annex A = 41/08)

3,140

EA Cooperation and Working Together — (original Annex A = 33/08)

5,493

EA On Diversity Across Border Projects

4,025

Ea Borderwise Cross Border Project

4,542

To undertake additional work required on the common Chapter Report

920

EA on two operations within marine tourism and angling development project

3,795

Annex B Create dvd to mark the closure of PEACE and INTERREG IIIA (original 87/08)

8,321

Development of SEUPB Website so it meets current best practice

52,499

EA Developing Governance in Transition/Vital Links/Int Childhood Network/FAIR/ The Most Project

14,850

Annex B EA BNcB

3,482

Business Plan for Peace III Priority 2.1 project Clones Erne East Sports Partnership

6,037

EA for an energy project

5,750

2 EA The Power of Possibility and Developing a Peace Building InFÁStructure

8,395

EA on PEACE II 1.1 Promoting Inter-Culturalism North/South

4,600

EA of the Construction Business project under the Enterprise Theme of ICBAN’s MAP

3,479

EA of The Green Business Project under the Enterprise theme of ICBANs MAP

4,594

EA on the Cultural Tourism Network project form the COMET MAP

4,477

EA of 3 projects in the NEP MAP under tourism theme Biker Trip/Causeway Coast/Gobbins

12,592

EA on 3 projects under the Tourism Theme of the North West Regions Multi Action Plan

9,487

EA of 4 projects in the ICBAN MAP= Border uplands/ECO Tourism/Crossborder angling/Events and Festival Management Support

16,503

Review PEACE III+INTERREG IVA programmes performance

74,115

EA Annex B Borderwise Cross Border Project

1,144

EA Annex B Connexions

1,064

EA Annex B on Loughs Agency, Marine Tourism & Angling Project in Foyle and Carlingford

3,770

EA Annex B on the ifactory application

1,880

EA for East Border Region Partnership application under tourism

12,075

Completion of Sports Dev Plan for PEACE III Clones Erne/East Sports Partnership

4,600

EA Annex B Consultant to address comments from DETI on BNCB proposal under INTERREG IVA

799

EA on 2 FAIR projects/CAPABLE project/BOBCAT project

6,635

EA of one Co-operation Ireland project — Effective Choices Helping Ourselves

3,450

EA on the continuation of WAVE key services

6,900

EA Annex B To update Tradelinks II application

1,552

EA Annex B EBR Wider Cross border Regional Work

1,573

EA Intertrade Ireland/East Border Region/North West Region Cross Border Group

4,600

EA Annex B on the Resource I/Reg IVA Project

1,088

5 EA relating to The Administration Costs of the Cross Border P/ship Groups receiving funding under INTERREG IVA

14,087

Propose a methodology to the Member States on the appropriate methods and rates to be applied to facilitate simplification of management administration and control of ERDF funded organisations

8,104

To review the contract and completed works for the Strabane-Lifford Waterways

3,237

3rd Annex B EA on the Tradelinks II application-worked not covered in original TOR

120

EA Annex B Sailwest

6,095

2 EA Moving away from violence project and International network of youth centred public service providers project

9,200

4 EA Group A Forward learning/Sligo Vo Educ Comm/Rural Dev Council/NW Play resource centre

14,778

4 EA Group B Cooperation Ireland/Irish congress of Trade unions/PSNI/BCC Growing a learning city

14,778

Perception Surveys

10,275

EA Annex B North West Regional Sports campus

548

EA 2nd Annex B North West Regional Sports campus

1,150

2 EA Spatial Planning Analysis and Info sharing and Urban-village renewal

7,100

To undertake a needs analysis study on West Tyrone Voice and to develop a project pipeline in order to submit an application

3,750

Undertake Greenbook EA Settlement Regeneration Programme

2,507

Due Diligence Report on North and West housing Ltd

5,623

12 Green book economic appraisals

61,922

12 Green book economic appraisals

53,820

12 Green book economic appraisals

63,705

12 Green book economic appraisals

41,193

10 Green book economic appraisals

67,850

Commercial appraisal assignment of a company in the property/aircraft maintenance sector Enniskillen airport

5,520

EA Annex B Conflict Transformation from the bottom up(original 75/07)1st annex b=08/09

1,762

12 Green book economic appraisals

61,922

Consultant to carry out the work and activities of working group one of the Peace Network

25,500

EA Annex B HAATCH/Enniskillen airport and the Innovative Enterprise Programme

2,555

Total €

1,040,280

Table 3: External Reports and Reviews Conducted by SEUPB in 2010

Name of Report or Review

Cost £

Cost €

Review of the proceeds of the sale of Castlesaunderson lands by scout foundation-jamboree centre project

587

Preparation of proposal for the member states on the application of flat rate costs calculated by standard scales of unit cost to health sector project

9,790

In depth analysis of Major Grant Project, Project Kelvin, to address queries from European Court of Auditors.

6,345

Evaluation of PEACE III, Priority 1.1 Project Positive relations

10,141

12 Economic Appraisals

54,990.

12 Economic Appraisals

56,400

12 Economic Appraisals

54,919

12 Economic Appraisals

45,825

12 Economic Appraisals

57,208

To undertake a review of Theme 1.2 of the PEACE III Programme

19,385

EA Annex B EBR Action for Bio Diversity

1,329

EA Annex B NWR Spatial Planning

4,698

EA Annex B EBR Energy and training and monitoring

1,117

EA Annex B NWR Urban and Rural Village renewal

835

EA Annex B NEP Causeway Connections

1,469

EA Annex B NEP Gobbins and Sliabh Liag

2,291

EA Annex B ICBAN Angling Project

1,469

EA Annex B ICBAN Eco Tourism Project

1,469

EA Annex B HATTCH, Enniskillen Airport. ICBAN’s enterprise application

4,821

To undertake a review of the impact of the activities under each local action plan Theme 1.1 PEACE

19,385

Addendum to EA Castlesaunderson all Ireland scouting jamboree project

1,762

Addendum to EA of Orange Community Network

1,410

Development and design of SEUPB intranet system

12,480

Forensic Audit of a lead Partner- suspected fraud

32,900

Report to ascertain the impact of the removal of project partner from the Irish Peace Centres project

4,641

Perception and awareness survey

11,039

EA on Two sub-projects within the Lough Agency Marine Tourism and Angling Development Projects

2,876

Attitudinal Survey within the PEACE III Programme

41,019

Addendum to economic appraisal for Women into Public Life.

1,243

The Rural Enabler

4,700

Total €

515,402

Anglo Irish Bank

Consultancy charges outside the normal course of business in 2009 and 2010 (cash out basis and to Sept 2010) were as follows:

Name of the Report or Review commissioned

€m

Restructuring Plans

18.8

Nama related charges

16.7

Legacy issues

9.3

Liability Management exercise

7.4

Redundancy & HR

1.5

ELG Scheme

0.1

CIFs Scheme

0.2

Nationalisation

1.6

Other*

1.5

*other includes special items primarily consists of consultants hired to assist with the restructuring plans and NAMA related valuation costs.

Central Bank of Ireland

In addition to the reports listed above a number of reports or reviews were carried out by external parties on behalf of the central bank of Ireland (including the Financial Regulator for pre — October 2010) in the period 2008 to date in 2010. Details of the reports are included in the following tables:

2008

Name of Report or Review

Total Cost

Financial Capability Study consultancy for 2008/09

Financial Capability Study consultancy for 2008/09

Loanbook analysis and assessment review

Review of trading controls

Consumer tracking research

Report on calculating a consumer rebate

Review of the Life Assurance Disclosure Regulations

Consumer Research for Review of the Intermediary Market

Total costs for 2008

€4,295 115

2009

Name of Report or Review

Total Cost

Review of Business Processes

Review of Directors Loans

Review of Banking System pre NAMA (at request of Department of Finance)

Total Costs 2009

€778,724

2010

Name of Report or Review

Total Cost

Strategic Review of the Credit UnionSector in Ireland (requested by the Minister for Finance)

Organisational effectiveness of financial sector regulators/Supervisors

Due Diligence Report (at request of Department of Finance)

Review of NAMA Asset Valuation Methodology

Total Costs to date 2010

€2,031,423

In addition the consultative consumer and industry panels commissioned reports in 2008 to date in 2010. the reports cost €114,836 in 2008, €4,860 in 2009 and €4,599in 2010.

Consultancy Reports — Valuation Office 1997 — January 2011

2000 — 2001

Deloitte Touche

Methodology for implemenation of the Valuation Act 2001

161,000.00

Recommendations were implemented following receipt of the report and were reviewed in 2008 on completion of one complete Revaluation area.

2001 — 2002

Cap Gemini

Financial System Tender Evaluation and Selection Support

67,500.00

The recommendation was accepted and implemented.

2004

Price Waterhouse Coopers

Expenditure Review of the Valuation Office

20,010.00

The recommendations in this report were, where practicable, implemented

2005

Epsilon Consulting

Review of Internal Financial Controls and Procedures

14,000.00

The operations manual on Internal Financial controls and procedures was rewritten following receipt of the report.

2008

David Rainey

Rainey Report on Revaluation

13,853.24

All practicable recommendations in this report have been implemented, including the setting up this year of a central market analysis Unit to assist the National Revaluation project.

2009

Occupational Health and Safety Services

Review of Safety Statement and audit of safety management system

1,176.12

All recommendations on Safety Management Systems, Improvements in Preventative arrangements and the formulation of the Office Safety Statement were implemented.

Year

Company

Unit

Purpose/Report

Cost

2001

Price Waterhouse Coopers

Cen PPP Unit

Review of existing PPP structures in the Irish public sector.

114,276

2003

Adam Smith Consortium (incl. PWC)

Cen PPP Unit

Research on pensions issues in PPPs.

12,100

2003

Deloitte and Touche

Cen PPP Unit

Research on Public Sector Benchmark and Value for Money Comparison.

143,990

2004

IPA

Cen PPP Unit (NDP Information Office)

Report on Cohesion Fund

14,250

2003

IPA

Cen PPP Unit (NDP Information Office)

Compilation of Publications on Cohesion Fund

14,250

2006

ESRI

Cen PPP Unit (NDP Information Office)

Ex-Ante Evaluation of Investment Priorities for the NDP (2007-2013)

356,941.60

2008

Baseline

Cen PPP Unit (NDP Information Office)

NDP Identity Guidelines

12,881

2008

Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector (Report No 43) — €190,561

Job evaluation of posts in the public sector for the Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector — €114,000

2009

Parallell Benchmarking Pensions Review — €32,805

Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector (Report No 44) — €268,959

Aine Griffin/Marie Ralph:

Year

Consultant

Purpose

Payments

Area

Additional

2005

Hay Management Group

204420 Review body on Higher Renueration in the Public Sector

14,000

Department of Finance

Amount contract for = €7,000 however €14,000 spent. €7,000 spent in year 2005

Eamann Phelan:

Maurice O'Connell, former Governor of the Central Bank and Financial Services Regulatory Authority, was asked to address, in October 2008, in the context of a review of the National Pensions Reserve Fund (NPRF), the following questions:

Whether existing arrangements for automatic payment into the NPRF should be modified, and

Whether the Minister for Finance, on behalf of Government, should be empowered to direct or influence the strategic investment policy of the Fund.

Mr O'Connell's conclusions were:

1. The performance of the NPRF since its establishment has been professional. In recent times it has suffered poor returns in exceptionally volatile conditions. This has been the experience generally of comparable investment institutions.

2. Where the national interest is concerned, it is appropriate that the Minister for Finance should be in a position to give directions on investment policy to the NPRF Commission, notwithstanding the requirement on the NPRF to secure the optimal financial return. This will require enabling legislation.

3. A top financial priority at this time is to contain the State's borrowing requirement which has exceeded earlier expectations by a wide margin. In this climate there is a case for suspending or adjusting payments to the Fund, especially as the cost of borrowing may well be higher than the Fund is likely to earn on its investments in the short term.

4. Any decision should also take account of the need to preserve the Fund, to the maximum extent possible, and the potential reactions from prospective international investors and credit rating agencies.

5. The options in relation to contributions to the Fund are to continue with existing arrangements or to adjust downwards or suspend payment in full on a temporary basis (preferably for the calendar year 2009 only). Valid arguments can be put forward in support of each option and the issues are finely balanced.

6. In view of the conflicting priorities and uncertainties that lie ahead, the more prudent approach at this time is to take a longer term perspective and maintain a contribution to the Fund, even at a lower level than is now required. Any change in existing arrangements will require enabling legislation.

7. The scope for non-cash payments, such as shareholdings, in making contributions to the Fund, should be explored further. In this context, it is for consideration also whether the legal prohibition on the Fund taking control or large stakes in individual companies should be amended.

8. The NPRF Commission should redouble their efforts at this time to find suitable investment opportunities in Ireland given the new economic realities.

Implementation of recommendations:

Not directly resulting from Mr O'Connell's report, under legislation enacted in 2009 and 2010, the Minister for Finance has power to direct the NPRF Commission to —

invest in credit institutions (used to recapitalise AIB and BoI)

buy Irish Government bonds

provide cash to the Exchequer for capital expenditure until 2013

ensure that it has cash or liquid assets available in the event of a direction.

In addition, the Minister for Finance has power, until 2013, to suspend or reduce the statutory annual Exchequer contribution of 1% of GNP to the Fund.

In relation to the investment of the Fund, the NPRF Commission has in the Fund's Discretionary Portfolio increased its commitment to Irish assets within the framework of its commercial investment mandate, including to Innovation Fund Ireland, water metering and infrastructure.

Cost of consultancy:

Nil.

Tax Code

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

149 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Finance his views on the statement (details supplied) that a household charge has to reflect a person’s ability to pay; the way he plans to calculate such a levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22616/11]

As the Deputy is aware, the EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support for Ireland under its fiscal consolidation measures commits to the introduction of a property tax for 2012 and to an increase in the property tax for 2013. Decisions have yet to be taken on the precise legal mechanism to be used to introduce a property tax; what form that tax will take; the extent of the tax and any exemptions or waivers therefrom; and whether it will be introduced in tax legislation such as the Finance Bill or through other legislation which may fall within the ambit of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government.

Question No. 150 answered with Question No. 141.

Financial Services Regulation

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

151 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide for safe regulations and incentives for the financial services industry here; the amount that these provisions will cost; the way they will prevent firms that set up domiciles here from being a potential cost to the Exchequer in future; and if the plans will allow for other centres of financial services development outside of the IFSC. [21145/11]

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

153 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Finance the action that he has taken to establish a task force on the future of the financial service sector; if so, the persons that will be part of this task force; if not, when he will establish this task force; and the persons he sees playing the role on this task force. [21150/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 151 and 153 together.

More than 32,000 people are directly employed in international financial services, in over 500 firms. Substantial indirect employment is also generated, and the sector contributes €2.1bn in corporate and payroll taxes to the Exchequer. Accounting for 10% of multi-national employment, international financial services represents an estimated 7.4% of GDP, and 5% of EU international financial services activity is carried out from Ireland.

The fundamental goal of public policy in relation to the IFSC is to develop the international financial services industry in Ireland, built upon sustainable, responsible and internationally respected foundations, to maximise not only the number of jobs, but also the quality of employment and the future sustainability and growth prospects of the industry. The Government believes that it is necessary to continue to adopt, articulate and implement a clear vision for the development of the IFSC to demonstrate Ireland's commitment to the promotion and growth of its international financial services industry.

As part of this, the Deputy will be aware that last week, An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny T.D., announced a new IFSC Strategy for the future of the international financial services industry in Ireland over the next 5 years. The Strategy, which will be implemented by the Clearing House Group of the Department of the Taoiseach, sets out the key drivers to support the achievement of the overall objective of 10,000 net new jobs. The foundations are a tax framework which is competitive and internationally respected and a regulatory regime which supports responsible business operations and ensures effective oversight and control. The Strategy recognises and fully supports the critical importance of a credible, responsible and proportionate regulatory system whose own capacity and reputation provides, in itself, a source of competitive advantage for this jurisdiction, attracting reputable, responsible and sustainable financial services activity.

As Minister for Finance, I welcome the IFSC Strategy and consider that it represents a comprehensive approach to maintaining and developing the international financial services sector in Ireland. In this context, I do not have any immediate plans to establish a separate task force on the future of the financial service sector. I will, however, keep the situation under review.

With regard to the provision for safe regulations and incentives for the financial services industry here, the Strategy recognises that it is essential to develop tax and regulatory structures within the parameters of EU and other international requirements. While the Strategy sets out a commitment to the development of the IFSC and a direction for policy development, any relevant implementing measures will be considered through the appropriate legislative or other processes, including, inter alia, consideration of relevant EU law implications, in particular around state aid rules. The Deputy will note that a comprehensive programme of regulatory reform in the financial sector is already underway at domestic, international and EU levels which will have significant implications for the regulation of the different IFSC sectors. My Department is engaging actively in this regulatory reform agenda in relevant international fora and it is a key objective of my Department to transpose all EU legislation in good time to ensure that both the Central Bank and industry are well placed to implement new regulatory requirements.

In addition to international regulatory reform, the Deputy will also be aware that domestic legislative changes have been introduced to merge the Central Bank and Financial Regulator and to enhance the powers of the unified organisation. Further enhancements to the Central Bank's powers will be introduced to the Oireachtas shortly in the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Bill. In addition, the Central Bank is engaged in a significant programme to increase its staff numbers and to enhance its supervisory capacities.

Credit Availability

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

152 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Finance the steps he will take to force the banking industry to provide fixed rate loans that are not excessively inflated with large banking premiums. [21144/11]

The Deputy will appreciate that I cannot do much to prevent the banking industry, which operates on a commercial basis and must compete for funding, from increasing the interest rates. However, as I have already stated in this House, the banks are engaging in cost cutting plans which are already underway. These cost reductions which will improve operating margins and permit the banks to better absorb any future raises in funding costs and I would expect this to be reflected in their interest rates.

Question No. 153 answered with Question No. 151.

Departmental Agencies

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

154 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance the money saved if all State agency board member payments in his Department were reduced by €10,000 where their current annual payments are in excess of €50,000. [22738/11]

I am not aware of any instance in which the annual fee payable to a State agency board member exceeds €50,000.

Special Educational Needs

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

155 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the amount of money that will be saved by cutting the services of special needs assistants. [21931/11]

I wish to inform the Deputy that there will be more Special Needs Assistant (SNA) posts this year than there were last year. There is therefore no estimated budget saving. 10,575 whole time equivalent (WTE) posts are being provided for SNA support for the coming school year. This is a significant number of posts and unlike other areas of the public sector vacancies are being filled up to this number. It is considered that with equitable and careful management and distribution of these resources that there should be sufficient posts to provide access to SNA support for all children who require such care support to attend school, in accordance with Departmental criteria.

I wish to advise the Deputy that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) for allocating resource teachers and SNAs to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. This now includes a requirement for the NCSE to have regard to an overall cap on the number of SNA posts.

The NCSE has issued a circular to all schools advising of the allocation process for the 2011/2012 school year. A key feature of the amended scheme will be to provide for an annual allocation of SNA support to eligible schools.

The NCSE asked schools to submit all applications for SNA support to them by 18th March, 2011 and are currently in the process of informing schools of their annual SNA allocation for the coming school year.

In order to manage this limited resource, 475 of these posts will be retained for allocation over the coming school year to address significant emergency cases; new entrants with special needs; or new assessments or injuries acquired during the school year.

The NCSE will advise schools early in the new school year of a review process to review allocation decisions to ensure that correct procedures were followed and that they comply with my Department's policy. The merits of individual allocation decisions will not be open to appeal under this mechanism.

It will be expected that schools, before requesting a review, will be in a position to demonstrate that they have made every effort to manage their allocation of SNA posts to best effect.

European Globalisation Adjustment Fund

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

156 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he plans to examine proposals issued by the European Commission on 10 June 2011 to continue the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, EGAF, until the end of 2013 (details attached) and on 29 June 2011 it issued further proposals for EU spending between 2014 to 2020; if so, if, in view of the fact that the current EGAF regulation limits spending to the two years from the date of application as opposed to the date of approval, he will consider these current regulations during this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22095/11]

The European Commission has issued proposals to extend the temporary crisis-related derogation that allows the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) to be used for workers made redundant as a result of the current financial and economic crisis in addition to those losing their job under the normal qualifying scenario, namely changes in global trade patterns. This derogation is currently due to expire on 30 December 2011. The Commission's proposal would extend it until 31 December 2013, which is also the end of the current implementation period provided for under EGF Regulation (EC) No. 1927/2006.

Ireland is supportive of the extension of the global financial and economic crisis derogation as it will allow for an increased number of scenarios which could trigger further applications for EGF support.

Generally, the implementation period for delivery of services to EGF eligible persons commences with the date of submission of the EGF application by the EU Member State. Regulation (EC) No. 546/2009 amending Regulation (EC) No. 1927/2006 provides for an implementation period of 24 months and also allows in certain cases for this period to commence 3 months after the date of submission of the EGF application. This provision is not up for review at this time. I do, however, understand that a review of the EGF with a possible proposal to continue it beyong 2013 is to begin in the near future. I can assure you that Ireland will participate actively in that review process and will seek to introduce whatever measures that will improve the operation of the EGF in practice.

Computerisation Programme

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

157 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of primary and post-primary schools that are broadband enabled; the percentage of primary and post-primary schools that are not broadband enabled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22180/11]

There are 739 post primary and 3336 primary schools connected to the Schools broadband network. In addition to this there are 78 post primary schools on the 100mb piloy project and 9 primary schools on the Hermes project.

4% of post primary and 3% of primary schools are not connected to the schools broadband network. I understand that many of the schools who have declined a connection from the Department have made their own internet connection arrangements. There is no obligation on schools to avail of a connection provided by the Department and schools are free to source their broadband from the market should they so chose. All of these schools are also free to avail of a connection provided by the Department anytime in the future.

However I would encourage schools to avail of an internet service under the Schools Broadband Programme, as under the Programme connectivity to the internet is routed through a National Broadband Network, which has been developed by HEAnet — the National Education and Research Network provider. HEAnet has established a Network Operations Centre to channel and control the broadband access to schools, and it provides centrally managed services for schools such as security, anti-spam/anti-virus and content filtering. Access to resources such as on-line versions of Britannica and World Book are also only available through the Schools Broadband Network.

School Curriculum

John Lyons

Ceist:

158 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Education and Skills in view of the recent disclosure about the usage by youths of synthetic drugs deriving from online delivery services; his plans to revise the outdated drugs awareness programmes in schools to reflect changing attitudes and culture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22403/11]

There is a commitment in the Programme for a National Government, 2011-2016, to "update the out-dated drugs awareness programmes in schools to reflect current attitudes and reality of recreational drug use amongst teens".

To meet this commitment, I have established a Working Group to examine the resource materials being used in the SPHE curriculum, especially those materials that are most relevant to substance use education. The Group has representatives from both the Department of Health and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs as well as from my own Department.

I am expecting the Group to complete a report for me by the end of 2011.

Employment Support Services

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

159 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated number of places on the Springboard scheme available in Counties Cavan and Monaghan. [22458/11]

Springboard provides 6,000 funded part time higher education places for the unemployed in public and private institutions throughout Ireland. The evaluation panel selecting the programmes used rigorous criteria of quality, industry and skills needs relevance, value for money as well as the need for a good geographical spread. While there are no instituions based in Cavan and Monaghan, delivering Sprinboard programmes there are a large number of places available in neighbouring counties including Sligo IT (241 places); Dundalk IT (179) and in IT Blanchardstown (305).

In addition many Springboard courses are delivered on-line enabling people to access them regardless of where they reside. These include:

150 places with the Open University and 70 places with Oscail

All 12 courses in IT Sligo (241 places) have a significant online/virtual learning element, attendance will be 2 days per semester with the remaining teaching being delivered online

115 of all courses include an element of online or distance learning.

Full details regarding all Springboard courses including course delivery methods can be found on www.bluebrick.ie.

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

160 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of the 60,000 apprenticeships, work placement, education opportunities and internship places promised in the programme for Government that have been accessed for young unemployed persons. [21153/11]

The Jobs Initiative contains details of over 20,000 additional training, education and work experience places for the unemployed. The majority of the places (15,900) will be delivered through the Department of Education and Skills through the following programmes. 6,000 places on FÁS Specific Skills Training Courses (FÁS) 3,000 places on the Back to Education Initiative (FE) 1,000 places on Post Leaving Certificate Courses (FE) 5,900 places on the Springboard Initiative (HE). 5,000 places will be made available through the National Internship Programme (JobBridge) which is being managed by the Department of Social Protection.Plans for activating the additional 6,000 Specific Sklls Training places allocated to FÁS are at an advanced stage however no trainees have yet commenced participation under this provision.

5,000 of the places will be in short, evening and blended Specific Skills training courses delivered by FÁS within existing resources.

€3.5 million will be provided for 1,000 places in longer FÁS Specific Skills Training courses. Exact delivery mechanisms of these 1,000 places have now been identified and scheduling has commenced.

It is anticipated that each of these additional places will have been activated by the end of 2011.

In relation to the additional 3,000 Back to Education Initiative (BTEI) and 1,000 Further Education Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) places which are to be prioritised for the unemployed, these additional places have been allocated and will be available from September.

5,900 additional places for higher education and training opportunities for the unemployed have been allocated under Springboard. Applications for all of the Springboard programmes opened on 25 May 2011 and institutions are still processing applications for courses, the majority of which will begin in September 2011. Comprehensive information on all of the programmes the application process can be accessed through the Bluebrick.ie website.

The National Internship Scheme (JobBridge), launched on 29 June, 2011, will provide up to 5,000 unemployed people with an internship opportunity ranging from 6 to 9 months in an organisation in the private, public or community and voluntary sectors.

It is three weeks since the launch and there are already over 700 opportunities available on the JobBridge website (offering just over 1,000 placements). 65 Interns have been selected of which 27 have currently been verified by the Department of Social Welfare and of these 8 have commenced their internship.

The Government will continue to explore new and existing programme to provide additional training, education and work experience places for the unemployed including young unemployed persons.

Irish Language

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

161 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the students attending a school (details supplied) in County Kerry will have the same language supports as those children attending post-primary schools in all the Munster Gaeltachtaí, in view of fact that the Aonad Lán-Ghaeilge at the school is the only all Irish post-primary provision available to the Gaeltacht students in the Iveragh Gaeltacht, despite the school being outside the Gaeltacht boundary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21530/11]

The students attending the Aonad Lán-Ghaeilge in the school referred to by the Deputy receive the same language supports as those children attending post primary schools in Gaeltacht areas.

An Ghaeilge

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Ceist:

162 D’fhiafraigh Seán Ó Fearghaíl den Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna an bhfuil plean aige faoi na hábhair múinteoirí a bhíonn ag freastal ar chúrsaí sa Ghaeltacht; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [21806/11]

Mar is eol duit, tá an rochtain ar ghairm na múinteoireachta i scoileanna aitheanta na hÉireann rialáilte. Is í an Chomhairle Mhúinteoireachta an tÚdarás sainithe atá inniúil an ghairm a rialáil agus caighdeáin a leagan síos d'oideachas múinteoirí. Tar éis phróisis fhada comhairlithe, d'fhoilsigh an Chomhairle le déanaí Policy on the Continuum of Teacher Education ó oideachas tosaigh múinteora go dtí Forbairt Leanúnach Ghairmiúil. Feictear don Chomhairle go bhfuil tábhacht eochrach ag baint le comhtháthú na n-eilimintí éagsúla d'oideachas múinteora.

Áiríonn an Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010-2030 líon áirithe bearta a bhaineann le oideachas múinteoirí, ina measc clár sainithe múinteoireachta teanga a thabhairt isteach, agus fadú ar an am teagaisc agus freastal ar chúrsaí Gaeltachta d'ábhair mhúinteora.

Bunaíodh meitheal oibre le déanaí faoi choimirce na Roinne Gnóthaí Pobail, Comhionannais agus Gaeltachta chun na céimeanna is gá chun an straitéis a chur i bhfeidhm thar an tréimhse 20 bliain a fháil amach agus a chomhaontú. Caithfear infhaighteacht na n-acmhainní a chur san áireamh sa phróiseas feidhmithe chomh maith.

Tá an Rialtas seo tiomanta do thacaíocht a thabhairt d'éirim na Straitéise 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010-2030 trí chéile agus cuirfidh sé i gcrích na haidhmeanna agus na spriocanna atá beartaithe áit gur féidir iad a bhaint amach.

Psychological Services

Noel Harrington

Ceist:

163 Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will ensure that a person (details supplied) in Bantry, County Cork who is transferring schools following the amalgamation of two schools will continue to receive the recommended resource hours and other aids proposed by the Health Service Executive and the National Educational Psychological Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21864/11]

The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) for allocating resource teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. This now includes a requirement for the NCSE to have regard to an overall cap on the number of SNA posts.

In considering applications for teaching and SNA supports for individual pupils, the Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) take account of the pupils' needs and consider the resources available to the school overall to identify whether additionality is needed or whether the school might reasonably be expected to meet the needs of the pupils from its existing level of resources.

The NCSE has issued a circular to all schools advising of the allocation process for the 2011/2012 school year. A key feature of the amended scheme will be to provide for an annual allocation of SNA support to eligible schools.

The NCSE asked schools to submit all applications for SNA support to them by 18th March, 2011 and are currently in the process of informing schools of their annual SNA allocation for the coming school year.

In relation to the allocation of Resource Teaching hours, an allocation of 90% of valid identified resource teaching allocations has been made by the NCSE to schools for the coming school year, in the first instance, to provide schools with the majority of their allocation, while also preserving enough capacity to deal with late applications and ensure that the Department of Education and Skills can remain within Employment Control Framework obligations.

Schools have been asked to forward as soon as possible any outstanding applications, or additional outstanding materials to support incomplete applications, to the NCSE for consideration, but in any event by no later than 16th September 2011.

Skill Shortages

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

164 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps being taken to develop skills and training to meet the needs of the IT sector. [21891/11]

There are a wide range of full and part time undergraduate and post graduate programmes available within the higher education system for students who wish to pursue careers in the IT indusrty and for professionls who wish to develop their skills. The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs plays a key role in advising on the future skills needs of enterprise. Its reports are disseminated to education and training providers and provide a valuable input to the development of curricula in education and training provision. EGFSN research and industry engagement also informed the development and selection of part-time higher education programmes for unemployed people being funded through Springboard. Under this initiative 2,000 places are available for unemployed people on programmes from certificate to masters degree level in areas relevant to the skills needs of the IT. My Department and the HEA, in collaboration with the Secretariat to the EGFSN are also working closely with ICT industry to develop further responses to specific high level skills needs that have been identified by the sector. A wide range of education and training programmes relevant to the IT sector are also provided by Further Education instituions and through FÁS and Skillnets.

Departmental Properties

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

165 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Skills the numbers and locations of buildings his Department leases that are in upwardly only rent contracts and the amounts that these rents have been for 2008, 2009, 2010 and the expected rents for 2011. [21892/11]

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

166 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Skills the numbers and locations of buildings his Department leases that are in upwardly only rent contracts and the amounts that these rents have been for 2008, 2009, 2010 and the expected rents for 2011. [21893/11]

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

172 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Skills the numbers and locations of his Department’s buildings that are currently in an upwardly only rent review contract; the cost of rents for 2008, 2009, 2010 and the expected rents for 2011. [21909/11]

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

173 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Skills the numbers and locations of buildings his Department leases that are in upwardly only rent contracts; the amount of rent for 2008, 2009, 2010 and the expected rent for 2011. [21910/11]

I propose to take Questions 165, 166, 172 and 173 together.

The provision of buildings and accommodation for the Department of Education and Skills, and the management of associated leases, is a matter for the Office of Public Works.

In relation to schools, my Department generally grant aids school authorities who use the funds to rent temporary school accommodation. The terms of the leases are a matter for individual boards of management.

Schools Building Projects

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

167 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of school building projects planned to enter the architectural and planning stages for each of the next four years. [21904/11]

Based on my Department's most recent statistics, it is expected that enrolments will increase nationally from a current enrolment at primary level of circa 509,652 pupils to circa 552,800 pupils by 2017 and at post-primary level from a current enrolment of circa 317,432 pupils to circa 342,300 pupils by 2017. My Department is currently examining all areas of the country to determine where additional provision will be required at both primary and post-primary level up to 2017. This analysis will inform the development of a multi-annual plan for capital investment in schools.

It is within this context that I recently announced that up to 40 new schools are to be established within the next six years, comprising of twenty new primary schools and twenty new post-primary schools. Of the 40 new schools, 17 will be in the Dublin area with a further twelve in the commuter belt of Wicklow, Kildare, Meath and Louth. Six new schools will be established in Cork, three in Galway and one each in Wexford and Cavan. In addition, it will be necessary to extend the capacity of many existing schools to meet the demand for increased pupil places.

The Deputy will be aware that in January 2011, the Minister made an announcement regarding projects to enter architectural planning and to proceed to tender and construction. The announcement provided details of the major projects which make up the School Building Work Programme for 2011. The listings which accompanied the announcement provided an overview of the programme as announced and also details in relation to the current status of each project on the programme. The details in relation to the current status of the projects are updated on a regular basis as projects progress through the stages of architectural planning, tender and construction on my Department's website. The current status of all projects on the school building programme may be viewed on my Department's website at www.education.ie and this will be updated regularly throughout the year.

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

168 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools currently at stage three tender stage; the number of these that will begin construction in the next three months; and the timetable for beginning construction on the remaining schools in stage three. [21905/11]

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

169 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools in the design stage; and the timetable for schools in the design stage to move into the construction stage. [21906/11]

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

170 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of school building projects in each stage of development from planning through to construction. [21907/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 168 to 170 inclusive together.

Information, including the current status of all projects on the 2011 School Buildings Works Programme, is available on my Departments website. The current status of projects on the programme is updated on a monthly basis as projects progress from one stage to the next. The website also provides information on all projects in architectural planning which are not currently on the 2011 School Buildings Works Programme and also those projects announced in January of this year to complete brief formulations and to progress into architectural planning.

In general, where no unforeseen issues arise, the tender phase on a major project takes 5-6 months to complete from the point of approval to issue the invitation to tender to the point of appointment of a building contractor. Information on the web-site in relation to those projects which complete tender stage is updated on a monthly basis.

Education Schemes

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

171 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress made on implementation of the Investing Effectively in Information and Communications Technology in Schools 2008 to 2013 report. [21908/11]

The Strategy Group Report, Investing Effectively in ICT in Schools, 2008-2013, proposes a comprehensive agenda for pursuing the integration of ICT into teaching and learning in our schools and provides an essential strategic framework which has been invaluable to my Department in enhancing and refining the ICT in Schools Programme. As the Deputy may be aware, following publication of the Strategy Group Report, a Joint Advisory Group was commissioned to advise on specific priorities for investment in this context, and published its report ("Smart Schools = Smart Economy") in November 2009, with a particular focus on investment priorities over the period 2010-2012.

My Department has actively pursued key recommendations made in these reports within available resources. While it would not be practical to outline every individual action taken in this response, I would draw the Deputy's attention in particular to the distribution of some €92m in ICT Infrastructure Grant funding across primary and post-primary schools since November 2009. This new scheme prioritises the equipping of all classrooms with digital projectors, teaching computers, wireless mice and wireless keyboards, with schools free to spend remaining grant funding on other ICT hardware and software purchases in line with local needs. Central national "Framework" contracts have been made available to schools to assist them in getting better value for money in their ICT procurements and to provide them with the benefit of three-year next-business-day on site warranties as standard. A national programme of "elearning" seminars has also been made available to all primary and post-primary principals, to assist them in planning for the integration of ICT into teaching and learning practice and in making best use of the recent infrastructural investment. As the Deputy will appreciate, my Department is not currently in a position to commit additional resources to ICT capital investment having regard to other priorities. I am fully aware of the importance of integrating ICT into teaching and learning and remain committed to investing in this area as resources permit.

Questions Nos. 172 and 173 answered with Question No. 165.

Adult Education

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

174 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [21933/11]

I have no role in the case in question. Matters in this area should be dealt with in accordance with FETAC's published guidelines. The guidelines are available on the FETAC website, www.fetac.ie.

Departmental Funding

Paudie Coffey

Ceist:

175 Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Education and Skills the proposals he has to provide funding for the further development of e-learning in schools and the provision of high quality broadband connectivity in schools, in view of the fact that the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has made a provision of €10 million in its 2011 Estimates to develop high speed broadband infrastructure for schools; his plans to develop a cross-departmental strategy to enhance and support this initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21957/11]

No decision has been made in relation to the next phase of providing 100Mbps to schools. Any decision to extend the programme will be made having regard to the current budgetary constraints and other priorities of my Department. A pedagogical review of the pilot project is currently being prepared, the outcome of which will also inform future plans in this area.

Schools Building Projects

Frank Feighan

Ceist:

176 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress that has been achieved in the building and completion of a school (details supplied) in County Leitrim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21959/11]

The new school to be provided in Co Leitrim, referred to by the Deputy, is one of eight schools which were approved for inclusion in the 3rd Bundle of schools to be procured via Public Private Partnership. This Bundle was handed over to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) in July 2010 to commence the tender procurement process.

This process is ongoing with tenders received this month. Subject to the successful completion of the procurement process, including securing the necessary Local Authority consents, it is anticipated that construction of the schools in this bundle will commence in the first quarter of 2012 and the accommodation is expected to be ready for occupation in September 2013.

School Accommodation

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

177 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will reconsider his decision to close a school (details supplied) in Donaghmede, Dublin 13 on 29 July 2011. [21967/11]

The Deputy's question refers to a proposal for an academy for children with autism which was submitted to my Department for consideration by Achieve ABA. The Deputy will be aware that my Department had no direct funding arrangements with the group in question.

Consideration of this proposal took account of my Department's policy in this regard, which is focused on ensuring that all children, including those with autism, can have access to an education appropriate to their needs, preferably in school settings through the primary and post primary school network. This facilitates access to individualised education programmes, fully qualified professional teachers who may draw from a range of autism-specific interventions, including ABA, special needs assistants, and the appropriate school curriculum with the option where possible of full/partial integration and interaction with other pupils. As each child with autism is unique it is important that children have access to a range of interventions so their broader needs can be met.

My Department's policy is to provide for children with special educational needs, including autism, to be included in mainstream schools unless such a placement would not be in their best interests or the interests of the children with whom they are to be educated. Some children may be supported in a special class attached to a mainstream school. These students have the option, where appropriate, of full/partial integration and interaction with other pupils. Other children may have such complex needs that they are best placed in a special school. Students with special educational needs have access to a range of support services including additional teaching and/or care supports. In special schools and special classes, students are supported through lower pupil teacher ratios. Special needs assistants may also be recruited specifically where pupils with disabilities and significant care needs are enrolled.

National Lottery Funding

Paudie Coffey

Ceist:

178 Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Education and Skills the amount of National Lottery funding that his Department received in 2009 and 2010; if he will provide a list of the money that was spent in tabular form. [21974/11]

The details of National Lottery Funding disbursed by my Department in 2009 and 2010 is provided in tabular form in the following spreadsheet.

The Revised Estimates Volume (REV) published by the Department of Finance provides summary details of programmes part-financed by the National Lottery and disbursed by relevant Government Departments and Offices. The REV provides these details at Vote subhead level and identifies the aggregate amount of National Lottery funding towards the programmes in question, together with the amount of Exchequer funding. For example the 2011 REV indicates that total funding of €410.685 million in 2010 was financed by €250 million from the National Lottery and the remaining €160.685 was funded by the Exchequer (ref REV Appendix 1, page 235).

2010 & 2009 National Lottery Funding from Vote 26 — Education & Skills

6.1 National Lottery Funding

Under subheads B.1 and B.14, a total of €1.06 million was grant aided in 2010 and €1.148m in 2009 to support adult education and cultural activities. The subheads in Vote 26 from which the funding was paid are noted below.

Recipients of Funding from National Lottery

Name of Recipients

2010

2009

€000

€000

Expenses of Adult Education Organisations (Subhead B.1.)

864

941

Cultural Activities (Subhead B.14.)

196

207

Total

1,060

1,148

Recipients of Grants from Subhead B.1 — Adult Education Organisations

Name of Recipients

Sum received

2010

2009

Aontas

440,000.00

477,000.00

National Adult Literacy Agency

302,000.00

333,000.00

Peoples College

99,000.00

108,000.00

Irish Countrywomen’s Association

23,000.00

23,000.00

Total

864,000.00

941,000.00

Recipients of Grants from Subhead B.14 — Cultural Activities

Name of Recipients

Sum received

2010

2009

Foras Éireann

11,000.00

11,400.00

National Youth Orchestra of Ireland

108,000.00

114,000.00

Feis Maitiu

38,500.00

41,000.00

Artane School of Music

38,500.00

41,000.00

Total

196,000.00

207,400.00

Special Educational Needs

John McGuinness

Ceist:

179 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the decision to discontinue the services of the two special needs assistants at a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if he will immediately reverse the decision in view of the fact that the loss of both positions will cause difficulty for the students most in need of the services at the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21984/11]

Firstly, I wish to clarify for the Deputy that Special Needs Assistant (SNA) allocations are not permanent, as the level of SNA support allocated to a school may be increased or decreased as pupils who qualify for SNA support enrol or leave a school. They are also decreased where a child's care needs may have diminished over time. I wish to clarify also that the recruitment and deployment of SNAs within schools are matters for the individual Principal/Board of Management. SNAs should be deployed by the school in a manner which best meets the care support requirements of the children enrolled in the school for whom SNA support has been allocated. It is a matter for schools to allocate support as required, and on the basis of individual need, which allows schools flexibility in how the SNA support is utilised.

The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) for allocating resource teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. This now includes a requirement for the NCSE to have regard to an overall cap on the number of SNA posts. The NCSE has issued a circular to all schools advising of the allocation process for the 2011/2012 school year. A key feature of the amended scheme will be to provide for an annual allocation of Special Needs Assistant support to eligible schools. The NCSE is currently in the process of informing schools of their annual SNA allocation for the coming school year.

School Patronage

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

180 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the work and timetable of the review of school patronage and diversity. [21994/11]

I announced my intention to establish a Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in the Primary Sector on 28th March, 2011. The Forum is a key objective of the Programme for a National Government 2011 — 2016. On 19th April, I officially launch the Forum and noted that the Advisory Group to oversee the work of the Forum would be chaired by Professor John Coolahan who would be assisted by Dr Caroline Hussey and Ms Fionnuala Kilfeather. At the launch, the Advisory Group sought written submissions on key themes. Over 200 submissions have been received. The Advisory Group will receive and distil the various views and perspectives, will engage in further consultation and will draw from research reports and relevant literature.

There was a three day open working session of the Forum on 22nd, 23rd and 24th June. This involved dialogue between the Advisory Group and thirteen main stakeholders plus the Department of Education and Skills. A recording of the three day session is available on my Department's website www.education.ie. It is planned to hold a plenary session of the Forum on 17th November where the interim considerations of the Advisory Group can be presented. Subsequent to this, the Advisory Group, which is independent of the Department of Education and Skills, will prepare a final report to be submitted to me by the end of the year.

School Curriculum

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

181 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the details of the likely impact in terms of subjects of his intention to reduce the number of junior certificate subjects. [21995/11]

As part of the National Literacy and Numeracy Strategy I announced plans to limit the number of subjects which can be taken in the Junior certificate examinations to a maximum of 8 to allow more time to be spent on the development of key skills such as literacy and numeracy, and to provide for greater depth of learning. While it is my intention to limit the number of examinable subjects a student will sit to eight, there will be no restriction on the number of subjects a student can study during the three years of the junior cycle.

Key objectives of the reform are to promote active learning and embed key skills, promote greater creativity and innovation, address curriculum overload and rote earning and strengthen literacy and numeracy. It is important too to put the focus on learning as opposed to examinations in what is no longer a high stakes environment. The purpose would not be to limit the range of subject choices in schools or the range of subjects available for examination purposes, but rather to make time and space for active learning, the development of key transferable skills and to reduce the focus on examinations at this stage of the cycle. Research undertaken by the ESRI on students as they transferred from primary level and progressed through the second level system indicates that junior cycle students were taking 10 to 15 subjects for examination purposes and were stressed, and that the examinations had a negative backwash effect on the quality of their learning. It is important that we address these issues.

Literacy Levels

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

182 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the research which he has commissioned on issues of literacy in schools and the wider community. [21996/11]

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

184 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has received any report on conflicting literacy measures for Irish pupils in international surveys; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21998/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 182 and 184 together.

Irish 15-year old students have participated in two recent international studies of achievement levels in literacy and numeracy. These were the OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2009 which tested students' reading literacy, mathematical literacy and scientific literacy using traditional pencil-and-paper tests and the OECD PISA 2009 Digital Literacy Assessment which assessed students' ability to read computer-based text. Details of the performance of Irish students in these studies are available in "PISA 2009: The Performance and Progress of 15-year-olds in Ireland — Summary Report" and "Digital Reading Literacy in the OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA 2009): Summary of Results for Ireland", both of which have been published by the Educational Research Centre, Drumcondra. The OECD PISA 2009 Digital Literacy Assessment showed that Irish students' ability to read computer-based text was significantly above the average of the 19 OECD countries that took the test. The above-average results of Irish students on the digital literacy tests contrasts with their average-level performance in the 2009 round of the traditional pencil-and-paper PISA literacy tests. These results suggest that the reading standards of Irish 15-year olds may be better than the results achieved on the traditional pencil-and-paper test in 2009 but not at the above-average levels scored by Irish students in 2000.

Three reports have been commissioned by my Department that examine in further detail the performance of Irish students in the PISA 2009 assessments. Two of these have been received and published: "Comparisons of Performance in Ireland PISA 2000 to PISA 2009: A Preliminary Report to the Department of Education and Skills" which was completed by the Educational Research Centre and "Independent Review of the 2009 PISA Results for Ireland" which was completed by Statistics Canada. Both reports are available on the website of my Department and the website of the Educational Research Centre. A third report has yet to be completed by Statistics Canada.

In order to provide international comparative data on the performance of Irish students at primary level, Ireland has joined the primary-school phases of the Progress on International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) and the Trends in International Maths and Science Study (TIMSS) under the auspices of the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). Testing was undertaken in the sample schools in Ireland in spring of this year and the outcomes of the study are expected to be published by the IEA in December 2012.

National data on the achievement of primary-school pupils in reading and mathematics is collected and published on behalf of my Department by the Educational Research Centre in the periodic National Assessments of Mathematics and English Reading. The most recent report, based on data collected in 2009 was published in 2010 and is available on the website of the Centre.

Departmental Expenditure

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

183 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the projected outturn of net spending by his Department; and the way this figure relates to the Estimates as available in January 2011. [21997/11]

The net allocation for my Department for 2011, as set out in the 2011 Revised Estimate, is €8.279 billion. In addition, provision for expenditure of some €362 million has been made under the National Training Fund in 2011. There are no savings or excesses being projected on the estimate at this stage. However, my Department will closely monitor the spending situation over the months ahead with a view to ensuring that Government expenditure is maintained within the limits available.

Question No. 184 answered with Question No. 182.

Research Funding

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

185 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has taken any decision concerning the future of research funding programmes operated under the Higher Education Authority. [21999/11]

This year my Department is providing some €41 million to support research activities across a range of programmes, including schemes managed by the two research councils, and the technological sector research initiative.

As the Deputy will be aware, my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform is undertaking a Comprehensive Expenditure Review across all areas of Government spending. This process, which will be completed by end September, will inform budgetary decisions. In this context, the Deputy will appreciate that I am not presently in a position to comment on specific areas of expenditure within my Department.

School Patronage

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

186 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has asked the review of school patronage and diversity to consider potential issues concerning educational attainment in the course of its work. [22000/11]

I announced my intention to establish a Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in the Primary Sector on 28th March, 2011. An Advisory Group, under the Chairmanship of Professor John Coolahan, is overseeing the work of the Forum.

The terms of reference of the Forum are very specific. They are to advise me on: 1. how it can best be ensured that the education system can provide a sufficiently diverse number and range of primary schools catering for all religions and none; 2. the practicalities of how transfer/divesting of patronage should operate for individual primary schools in communities where it is appropriate and necessary; 3. how such transfer/divesting can be advanced to ensure that demands for diversity of patronage (including from an Irish language perspective) can be identified and met on a widespread basis nationally.

In undertaking this work the Forum will, in particular, have regard for the following:

the expressed willingness of the Roman Catholic Church to consider divesting patronage of primary schools

the current financial constraints within which the State is operating, the need for continued restraint into the future and the requirement in this context to make maximum use of existing school infrastructure in catering for future demands. The Advisory Group which is independent of the Department will prepare a final report, based on the above terms of reference, and this will be submitted to me by the end of the year.

Special Educational Needs

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

187 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will ensure that the full allocation of special needs assistants is made in 2011 as provided for in this year’s financial allocation, that any changes brought about to the special needs assistants scheme following the recent value for money review are implemented in a way that ensures that those pupils that need an assistant are allocated an SNA. [22034/11]

I wish to confirm for the Deputy that 10,575 whole time equivalent (wte) Special Needs Assistant (SNA) posts are being provided for primary, post-primary and special schools for the coming school year in order to support the care needs of pupils with disabilities. This is a significant number of posts and unlike other areas of the public sector vacancies are being filled up to this number. For example, it represents an increase over the December 2010 position where 10,543 posts were sanctioned and in place.

The Deputy will be aware that my Department has published a Value for Money and Policy Analysis review of the Special Needs Assistant scheme. This review is available on my Departments website: www.education.ie. The Review has shown that the SNA Scheme has been successful in supporting schools in meeting the needs of students with disabilities who also have significant care needs. However, it is clear that the allocation process is generally not well understood within schools and by parents nor is the purpose of the Scheme fully understood. The review recommended that the SNA scheme should be restated to ensure an efficient allocation of SNA resources and to clarify the ‘care’ nature of the SNA role for parents, schools and professionals. The review did not recommend a change in the role of the SNA. The DES is currently establishing a working group which will consider and implement the recommendations of the SNA Value for Money report.

Higher Education Grants

John McGuinness

Ceist:

188 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the full grant will be awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [22038/11]

The decision on eligibility for a grant is a matter for a student's local grant awarding body — the relevant local authority or VEC. The Deputy will appreciate that in the absence of all of the relevant details that would be contained in an individual's application form, including those relating to distance from home to college, it would not be possible for me to say whether or not a student would qualify for a grant or what level of grant would be appropriate. However, for the 2011/12 academic year, the qualifying distance criterion for the non-adjacent rate of student grant is 45kms. The Deputy will be aware that this change was introduced by his Government under Budget 2011.

Students qualifying for a grant and living 45kms or less from their college will receive the adjacent rate of grant and their fees or student contribution will be paid on their behalf. Students on particularly low incomes will receive a top-up in the special rate of grant and €5m continues to be available through the access offices of third level institutions for students in exceptional financial need.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

189 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the application for a higher education grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny which has been cut by two thirds due to the fact that this person lives less than 46 km from the college; and if he will reverse the decision due to the safety factor involved. [22039/11]

The measurement of the distances in question is a matter for grant awarding bodies. It is not possible, therefore, for me to say what the distance calculation or route for an individual student will or should be. However, the shortest most direct route to college is measured. If there is a dispute, this matter should be taken up with the grant awarding authority.

Schools Building Projects

Michael Conaghan

Ceist:

190 Deputy Michael Conaghan asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 28 of 9 June 2011, the position regarding the liaison with the receiver in question; the next steps proposed; and if he expects the issue to be resolved before the new school year begins in September 2011. [22101/11]

My officials are liaising with the school authorities and other relevant stakeholders on the project to which the Deputy refers. A decision was taken in recent weeks that the Department will re-tender the project directly. It is anticipated that construction work will resume on the project in the coming months.

Higher Education Grants

Eoghan Murphy

Ceist:

191 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reasoning behind Dublin City Council changing the requirements for non-adjacent grants for independent mature students, resulting in a cut of €2000; and the reason this cut is not means tested in the case of a person (details supplied). [22122/11]

The changes to the student grants scheme to which the Deputy refers were introduced by the previous Fianna Fáil — Green Party Government under Budget 2011. These changes alter the qualifying distance criterion for the non-adjacent rate of grant from 24kms to 45kms and remove the automatic entitlement of mature students to the non-adjacent rate of grant. While these measures will result in changes to the rate of grant payable, none of the measures will result in a student losing a grant or becoming ineligible for a grant.

All student grants applications are means tested and qualifying students receive the rate of grant available under the scheme in accordance with their individual circumstances. Students on particularly low incomes will continue to receive a "top-up" in the special rate of maintenance grant and the Student Assistance Fund at some €5m continues to be made available through the access offices of third-level institutions to assist students in exceptional financial need.

Special Educational Needs

Brendan Ryan

Ceist:

192 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the special needs unit in a secondary school (details supplied) in Dublin North; if this unit will provide for children with Down’s syndrome; if not, the other provisions being made for such students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22128/11]

Firstly, I wish to explain to the Deputy that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs supports. This includes the allocation of resource teaching hours to schools as well as the establishment of special classes in various geographical areas as required and the discontinuation of such classes where the need no longer exists. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such supports.

I understand that the ‘special needs unit' referred to by the Deputy is a special class for pupils with Autism. I wish to clarify for the Deputy in respect of special classes that schools are required to observe Department policy in enrolling children to these classes. This includes having a professional assessment confirming that the child's attainment levels meet the Department's criteria and a recommendation for special class placement. As such, enrolment in the special class in question is confined to pupils with a diagnosis of Autism. Schools are eligible for resources for special classes when the pupils enrolled meet the Department's criteria and where there are enough eligible pupils to retain a class.

Second level schools which have enrolled pupils with special educational needs, including pupils with Down Syndrome with an assessed special educational need, are allocated additional resource teaching support on the basis of the pupil's special educational needs. The number of additional teaching hours sanctioned ranges from one-and-a-half hours to five hours per week, depending on the pupil's special educational needs.

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

193 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a school (details supplied) in September 2010, had 19 attending children with special needs and an allocation of 12 special needs assistants; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that in September 2011 this school will have 31 attending children with special needs and an allocation of 13 special needs assistants and that while there has been an increase of 1 SNA that at least two SNAs have had their hours cut; if he has satisfied himself that these children will be adequately catered for and receive the education to which they are entitled, with less time with a special needs assistant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22137/11]

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

194 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a school (details supplied) has at least two children with autism who are ready to transition to mainstream school but cannot due to the lack of required special needs assistants to enable them to do so; his plans to rectify this in order that these children may transition to mainstream according to their education plan; his further plans to immediately rectify this situation in general in order that other children ready to move to mainstream may do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22138/11]

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

195 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the only access to a special needs assistant for a child with special needs is wholly inadequate; if children with special needs attending a school (details supplied) will have one to one special needs assistants in the coming school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22139/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 193 to 195, inclusive, together.

First, I wish to clarify for the Deputy that Special Needs Assistant (SNA) allocations are not permanent, as the level of SNA support allocated to a school may be increased or decreased as pupils who qualify for SNA support enrol in or leave a school. They are also decreased where a child's care needs may have diminished over time.

I wish to clarify also that the recruitment and deployment of SNAs within schools are matters for the individual Principal/Board of Management. SNAs should be deployed by the school in a manner which best meets the care support requirements of the children enrolled in the school for whom SNA support has been allocated. It is a matter for schools to allocate support as required, and on the basis of individual need, which allows schools flexibility in how the SNA support is utilised.

The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) for allocating resource teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. This now includes a requirement for the NCSE to have regard to an overall cap on the number of SNA posts.

The NCSE has issued a circular to all schools advising of the allocation process for the 2011/2012 school year. A key feature of the amended scheme will be to provide for an annual allocation of Special Needs Assistant support to eligible schools. The NCSE is currently in the process of informing schools of their annual SNA allocation for the coming school year.

Higher Education Grants

John Lyons

Ceist:

196 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide assurances that students on particularly low incomes will continue to receive a top-up in the special rate of the higher education grant; that students from disadvantaged backgrounds will receive higher grants of €2,445 at the adjacent rate, or €6,100 at the non-adjacent rate; and if he will safeguard this payment for single parents. [22145/11]

There are no changes to the qualifying criteria for the top-up in the special rate of grant for students applying under the 2011 student grant scheme. Students, including single parents, satisfying the criteria will be eligible for the top-up payment. The conditions are: 1. Student must qualify for the ordinary rate of grant. 2. Total reckonable income must not exceed €22,703. 3. On the 31st December 2010, the reckonable income must include an eligible long-term payment prescribed under the scheme. The grant rates quoted by the Deputy are correct.

Departmental Expenditure

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

197 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education and Skills the cost for the rental of prefabricated buildings in primary schools for 2010; and the projected cost for 2011 in tabular form. [22198/11]

The amount spent on renting temporary accommodation at primary and post-primary level, including — but not limited to — prefabricated accommodation in 2010 was €29m. Approximately €24m of this related to prefab rental only. The allocation for 2011 for rental of temporary school accommodation is €29m.

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

198 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education and Skills the cost for the purchase of prefabricated buildings in primary schools for 2010; and the projected cost for 2011 in tabular format. [22199/11]

Since July 2008, it is my Department's policy to offer schools being approved for devolved grant aid for additional accommodation the option to use their capital grant aid to build a permanent classroom(s) rather than purchase a prefab. This has reduced the usage of prefabricated accommodation, with the majority of schools opting to build permanent classroom extensions instead of purchasing or renting prefabs. In 2010, €50.7m was approved by my Department under this scheme, of which €6.6m was used by 52 schools to purchase prefabricated buildings. In relation to 2011 it is not possible at this time to identify how many schools will opt to purchase prefabs however it is expected that the usage will be similar to 2010.

School Refurbishment

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Ceist:

199 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application by a school (details supplied) in County Donegal and the progress made by his Department facilitating same in view of the support it provides to families of disabled children in Donegal. [22223/11]

The brief for the project referred to by the Deputy is for an extension to the existing school and refurbishment of existing accommodation. The process of appointing a Design Team for the proposed building project is expected to commence shortly. Officials from my Department will be in contact with the school authorities to outline the tendering process for appointment of the design team. Upon appointment, the Design Team will then commence architectural planning of the project.

School Staffing

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Ceist:

200 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will appoint more teachers to a school (details supplied) in County Donegal as it has requested, in view of the support that it provides to families of disabled children in Donegal. [22224/11]

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Ceist:

201 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will take time to visit a school (details supplied) in County Donegal and witness at first hand the work it does in order to fully understand its real additional needs. [22225/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 200 and 201 together.

I wish to advise the Deputy that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible for determining the appropriate staffing levels in relation to the support of pupils with special educational needs in mainstream and special schools. The NCSE operates within my Department's policy in allocating this support.

My Department's Circular 0042/2011 provides details of the staffing arrangements which will apply for special schools for the coming school year. This Circular outlines that current teaching staff levels will be retained in Special Schools for the 2011/12 school year at existing levels, except in the case of schools with excess teaching posts who are losing such posts through retirement. The Circular also sets out that Special Schools, going forward, will be staffed based on their actual current pupil profiles and the disability category of each pupil, as opposed to primarily by school designation. It is intended that school staffing schedules will be reviewed and updated each year by the NCSE.

It is open to the school concerned to contact their local Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO) regarding their staffing allocation, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie. I regret I am not in a position to visit the school in the near future due to diary constraints. However, I wish to acknowledge the valuable contribution made by Special Schools to the continuum of provision being made for children with special educational needs.

Educational Disadvantage

Ciara Conway

Ceist:

202 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Education and Skills the work that has been completed on a targeted early childhood education programme for disadvantaged children, building on existing targeted preschool supports for families most in need of assistance such as a project (details supplied) in Dublin 11; the geographical areas that this scheme will benefit; the number of children that will be able to participate in this programme; the cost implications of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22240/11]

The commitment in the Programme for Government is that ‘As resources allow, this Government will invest in a targeted early childhood education programme for disadvantaged children, building on existing targeted pre-school supports for families most in need of assistance such as the youngballymun project.' I am aware of the excellent work the youngballymun project does in an area of severe socioeconomic disadvantage.

There are existing wholly State-funded intervention programmes for young children at risk of educational disadvantage. The Early Start programme aims to provide an educational programme for children aged 3-4 which would enhance their overall development and offset the effects of social disadvantage. The specific objectives of the programme are: To enhance the children's language cognitive and social / emotional development by engaging them in structured play activities which are characterised by high quality adult/child interaction. To assess the strengths and needs of each child in relation to language, cognition and social / emotional development and to plan and deliver a programme of learning to meet the identified needs in these key areas of learning. To devise strategies which actively engage parents in the education of their children.

The Early Start programme has been in existence since the mid 1990s and this programme along with the Rutland St pre-school programme were, until recently, the only wholly State funded educational programmes for pre-school children. In recent years, the State along with Atlantic Philanthropies have funded Prevention and Early Intervention Programmes in areas of disadvantage. These include YoungBallymun, Tallaght's Childhood Development Initiative and the Preparing for Life Programme in Darndale. The evidence accruing from these intervention programmes as to what works most effectively for young children at risk of educational disadvantage will inform any further targeted interventions.

Schools Building Projects

Robert Troy

Ceist:

203 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application for a new school by a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22251/11]

The process of appointing a Design Team, for the project referred to by the Deputy, commenced on 26th June last when an advertisement seeking design team consultants was published on the e-tenders website. When the appointment process has been completed, assuming no issues arise, the Design Team will commence architectural planning of the project.

Robert Troy

Ceist:

204 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application for a new school by a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath. [22252/11]

The provision of a new building for the school to which the Deputy refers necessitates the acquisition of a site. I wish to advise the Deputy that a suitable site has been identified for the proposed school and my Department is working with the local authority to acquire this site. When the site is acquired, a project for the school will be considered within the context of my Department's Multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. In light of current competing demands on the capital budget of my Department, and the position relating to the potential site, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.

Robert Troy

Ceist:

205 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application for relocation by a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22253/11]

I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers has submitted a proposal to my Department to relocate the school to alternative accommodation. My Department will convey a response to the school authority as soon as the proposal has been considered.

Robert Troy

Ceist:

206 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application for a new school by a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22254/11]

I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers has submitted a proposal to my Department to relocate the school to alternative accommodation. My Department will convey a response to the school authority as soon as the proposal has been considered.

Departmental Expenditure

Shane Ross

Ceist:

207 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Education and Skills the sum of any public funds, and their purpose, which has been awarded by his Department either directly or indirectly to the Irish Business and Employers’ Confederation in the past decade. [22262/11]

Information sought by the Deputy in relation to the period prior to 2004 is not readily available and would involve a very significant amount of administrative time to compile.

Since 2004 my Department has made payments of €48,169 to the ‘Irish Business and Employers Confederation', arising principally from the provision of staff training and academic programmes, as well as conference fees.

Payments of €400,000 were also made to the ‘Irish Business and Employers Confederation — Financial Services'. These payments were made during the years 2010/2011 and arose from the award of a contract to run the Financial Services Ireland Career Start programme. The Career Start Programme, which is funded by the Labour Market Activation Fund, is designed to provide employees with the skills, support and experience to enable them to enter the International Financial Services sector and to access sustainable employment.

Vocational Education Committees

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

208 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills his reasoning, including the details of the criteria used, for the revised mergers of vocational education committees as announced in June 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22311/11]

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

209 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills his reasons for proposing a merger of Cork city and Cork county vocational education committees even though on 12 October 2010 he confirmed that these VECs would remain separate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22312/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 208 and 209 together.

In July 2009, the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes recommended that the number of VECs could be reduced from 33 to 22 and aligned with the functional areas of the 22 Local Authorities, also recommended by the Group. In September 2009 the then Minister for Education and Science invited interested parties to make written submission in relation to a reduction in the number of VECs.

Arising from this process, the previous Government decided in October 2010 to reduce the overall number of VECs from 33 to 16 and agreed on the merger of particular counties.

At the core of the proposed restructuring is the need to address the current low scale and size of operations in particular VECs in order to position the sector for future development. In this regard, the previous Government decided on a reduction to 16 new entities.

On entering office, I invited the Irish Vocational Education Association (IVEA) to submit alternative rationalisation proposals following their expression of concerns regarding the configuration of the revised entities decided by the previous Government. The IVEA subsequently submitted a proposal that involved 20 new entities.

I am satisfied that having regard to cost and critical mass considerations, a reduction to 16 new entities is appropriate. Consequently, while the new configuration takes account of the IVEA submission to the greatest extent possible, it does not modify the reduction from 33 to 16 in the number of VECs decided by the previous Government.

In this new configuration, eleven of the new entities match the IVEA proposal. In addition, the IVEA proposals to merge City of Galway VEC with Co. Galway VEC, Co. Sligo VEC with Co. Leitrim VEC and City of Waterford VEC with Co. Waterford VEC have also been reflected, albeit with the inclusion an additional county in each case. Only three of the existing entities will continue, City of Dublin on the basis of overall scale; and Co. Donegal and Co. Kerry on the basis of their peripheral geographic location.

It was the previous Government that decided to maintain City of Cork and County Cork as separate entities. The recent Government decision to merge City of Cork and County Cork VECs aligns the position in Cork with that planned for Limerick, Waterford and Galway.

Higher Education Grants

John McGuinness

Ceist:

210 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a grant for a FETAC 5 nursing studies course at Ormonde College, Kilkenny, will be approved by Kilkenny Vocational Education Committee in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [22327/11]

The decision on eligibility for a grant is a matter for a student's local grant awarding body — the relevant Local Authority or VEC. The Deputy will appreciate that in the absence of all of the relevant details that would be contained in an individual's application form, including those relating to residence, means, nationality and previous academic attainment, it would not be possible for me to say whether or not a student would qualify for a grant. The student in question should, therefore, apply to her local grant awarding authority to have her eligibility for a grant assessed.

School Curriculum

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

211 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the proposals, if any, he has to review the leaving certificate engineering syllabus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22358/11]

Revised Leaving Certificate syllabi were submitted by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment in relation to the four Leaving Certificate technology subjects in 2004. Two of these subjects, Technology and Design and Graphic Communications were introduced in September 2007. The remaining two subjects, Leaving Certificate Engineering Technology and Architectural Technology are awaiting implementation.

Both subjects require significant investment in equipment and professional development for teachers, and the resources for this are not available at the current time. The major priority for the present government is to raise standards in literacy and numeracy. The Programme for Government contains a determination to make literacy a national cause and as a result, this policy goal will have to be prioritised over other curricular reforms. It is my intention to proceed with the Maths and Irish reforms which are under way, to strengthen literacy and numeracy, and reform junior cycle provision to allow for greater creativity and innovation, embedding key skills and addressing curriculum overload.

While I agree that it would be desirable to implement the revised Leaving Certificate Engineering Technology and Architectural Technology curricula, it is also essential to have sustained and cumulative reductions in public expenditure over the coming years. It is regrettable that when the public finances were in a much better position under the last government, in which the Deputy served, that significant reforms like this were never implemented.

Post-Leaving Certificate Courses

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

212 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if additional post-leaving certificate course places will be allocated to County Leitrim Vocational Education Committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22360/11]

County Leitrim Vocational Education Committee (VEC) has approval for an allocation of 92 Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) places and this allocation is being maintained for the 2011/2012 academic year.

FÁS Training Programmes

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

213 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has decided on the model of delivery to facilitate the provision of training opportunities after the integration of the training section of FÁS into his Department; if consideration will be given to the back-to-education model, which has proven to be a successful, cost-effective and flexible model; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22368/11]

As far as the training activities of FÁS are concerned, I am currently reviewing options regarding the provision of further education and training and the structures to support it.

Adult Education

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

214 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide clarification on the scope and definition of further education in the context of forthcoming legislation on the rationalisation of vocational education committees and training and skills; if further education will encompass adult literacy, community education and the back-to-education initiative, and Youthreach skills for work and workplace learning, particularly in view of the success to date in these particular areas due to the flexibility of part-time learning opportunities and the fact that the part-time structure model represents good value for money in terms of training and upskilling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22373/11]

I am currently reviewing options regarding the provision of further education and training and the structures to support it. In relation to the amalgamation of Vocational Education Committees (VECs), officials in my Department are working on the preparation of new legislation to bring the changes about and as a general principle I am anxious to ensure that the amalgamation process is done in a manner that is not disruptive in any way to the provision of existing services and provision by individual VECs.

Skills Development

John Lyons

Ceist:

215 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the recent reports of up to 2,000 vacancies in high-tech jobs here; his views on whether this skills deficit can be overcome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22393/11]

My Department is continually examining ways to increase the availability of, and to enhance the success of, the education and training provision for the unemployed.

My Department is funding in 2011 the provision of over 154,000 Training places through FÁS, Skillnets and the Labour Market Activation Fund and 172,000 places which the unemployed may access in the Further Education sector as well as 161,900 in the Higher Education sector.

The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs plays a key role in advising on the future skills needs of enterprise. Its reports are disseminated directly to education and training providers, third level institutions and provide a valuable input to the development and amendment of course curricula.

Expert Group on Future Skills Needs research and engagement between higher education providers and industry also informed the development and selection of the part time higher education programmes being funded through Springboard. Under this new initiative 6,000 places are being provided for unemployed people in areas where employment opportunities are expected to arise in the future, ranging from the food industry to ICT to green technology and international services.

My Department and the Higher Education Authority, in collaboration with the Secretariat to the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs are also working closely with the ICT industry to develop further responses to specific skills needs that have been identified by that sector.

In addition, the Labour Market Activation Fund provided a mix of programmes covering a broad spectrum of activities in potential high growth areas of the economy. This programme is being evaluated and this evaluation will inform Government policy and decisions on the focus of upskilling programmes in the context of relevant skills needs of the Labour Market.

Departmental Properties

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

216 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress made to date on the proposal to develop new educational facilities on the site of the former Army barracks in Monaghan town; when this project will proceed to construction stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22411/11]

As the Deputy may be aware, the delivery of the proposed educational facilities on the site of the former Army Barracks in Monaghan has been devolved to Co. Monaghan VEC. I understand that tenders have been received and are currently being evaluated by Co. Monaghan VEC.

Special Educational Needs

Jack Wall

Ceist:

217 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a matter (details supplied); if the request from the school has been processed; the position regarding the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22412/11]

Firstly, I wish to clarify for the Deputy that the existing level of Special Needs Assistant (SNA) support is being retained in special schools, other than those whose enrolments have declined significantly, in order to assist and protect the most vulnerable children in the education system.

I understand that the school in question will have an allocation of 28 SNAs from September 2011. I wish to clarify that SNAs should be deployed by the school in a manner which best meets the care support requirements of the children enrolled in the school for whom SNA support has been allocated. It is a matter for schools to allocate support as required, and on the basis of individual need, which allows schools flexibility in how the SNA support is utilised.

The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) for allocating resource teachers and SNAs to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. This now includes a requirement for the NCSE to have regard to an overall cap on the number of SNA posts.

My Department's Circular 0042/2011 provides details of the staffing arrangements which will apply for special schools for the coming school year. This Circular outlines that, other than for special schools which have declining enrolments, the existing levels of SNA support will be maintained in special schools for the coming school year, with a review to take place in the Autumn.

Site Acquisitions

Anne Ferris

Ceist:

218 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the acquisition of a site to facilitate the construction of a primary school (details supplied) in County Cork. [22439/11]

The Property Management Section of the Office of Public Works has, on behalf of my Department, recently identified site options in the area for the school referred to by the Deputy and these options are under consideration by my Department. The acquisition of a suitable site and the delivery of a new school building will be considered in the context of existing commitments and other competing demands on the Department's capital budget.

Schools Building Projects

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

219 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills, further to his announcement of 40 new schools on 27 June 2011, the next step in the process of developing a new second level school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22441/11]

I recently announced that 20 new primary and 20 new post-primary schools are to be established in the next six years across a number of locations, including the area referred to by the Deputy. I also announced the introduction of new arrangements for the recognition of both primary and post-primary schools that will provide an opportunity for all patrons to apply for patronage of these new schools. My Department will shortly inform patron bodies of details of the initial post-primary schools that are to be established and will invite applications for patronage of these schools.

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

220 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the provision of an extension for the existing special needs unit in a primary school (details supplied) in County Cork. [22443/11]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that my Department recently authorised this project to proceed to construction.

Schools Refurbishment

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

221 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding planned refurbishment work and a new building for a school (details supplied) in County Cork. [22445/11]

The building project at the school referred to by the Deputy is included in the School Building Works Programme for 2011 which was announced on 24th January 2011. Information, including current status, in relation to all projects on the 2011 Programme is available on my Departments website.

Although planning permission has been granted by the Local Authority, this is now subject to a number of third party appeals to An Bord Pleanála. Once the appeals have been determined by An Bord Pleanála the Department will be in contact with the school regarding the further progression of the project.

Schools Building Projects

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

222 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a planned extension to a primary school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will set out a timeline for the completion of the project. [22446/11]

The project to which the Deputy refers is at an advanced stage of the tender process. Subject to no issues arising, it is envisaged that the project will progress to construction in the coming months and will take circa 18 months to complete.

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

223 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding planned extension and refurbishment works at a second level school (details supplied) in County Cork. [22447/11]

I can confirm that in 2009, a proposed major capital project for the school referred to by the Deputy was announced to proceed through the architectural planning process. Since then, it has not been possible to progress this project due to on-going issues regarding access to the proposed site for the school building project. Officials from my Department are in on-going contact with the school authorities to resolve these issues so that the project may proceed to the next stage and the appointment of a Design Team.

In the meantime, my Department has approved temporary accommodation to meet the schools interim accommodation requirements and my Department is currently considering an application from the school for temporary accommodation. My Department will be in further contact with the school authorities in this regard.

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

224 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the application for a new school building by a national school (details supplied) in County Cork. [22448/11]

The school to which the Deputy refers has applied to my Department for large scale capital funding for an extension. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a Band 1 rating.

My Department has reached agreement, in principle, in relation to the proposed acquisition of a site for a permanent building for the school. Liaison with the Local Authority on the matter is ongoing and an outline planning application is currently being prepared. Due to the commercial sensitivities relating to site acquisitions, I am not in a position to comment further at this time on issues relating to the site.

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

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

School Transport

Robert Troy

Ceist:

225 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding school transport for a school (details supplied) in County Longford. [22449/11]

Bus Éireann, which operates the School Transport Scheme on behalf of my Department, has advised that the school transport service which currently operates into the school in question will remain in place for the 2011/12 school year.

Special Educational Needs

Jack Wall

Ceist:

226 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a matter (details supplied); the actions he proposes to address the concerns raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22453/11]

Firstly, I wish to reiterate this Government's commitment to the provision of resources for children with special educational needs.

The Programme for Government sets out that education will be a priority for this Government and that we will endeavour to protect and enhance the educational experience of children, young people and students.

Approximately 15% of the entire budget of my Department — some €1.3 billion — will be spent in support of children with Special Educational Needs this year. This provision is in line with expenditure in 2010 and shows that despite the current economic difficulties, funding for special education has not been cut. This Government is committed to the protection of front-line services for pupils with special educational needs.

A total of 10,575 whole time equivalent (wte) Special Needs Assistant (SNA) posts are being provided for primary, post-primary and special schools for the coming school year in order to support the care needs of pupils with disabilities. This is a significant number of posts and unlike other areas of the public sector vacancies are being filled up to this number. For example, it represents an increase over the December 2010 position where 10,543 posts were sanctioned and in place.

Approximately 9,950 learning support/resource teacher posts, including those provided under the General Allocation model, are also being provided in primary & post primary schools in order to provide additional teaching support to pupils with special educational needs. This represents an increase of approximately 350 whole time equivalent posts over last year's allocation.

Over 1,000 teachers are also being provided for in special schools providing teaching to pupils with various disabilities at much reduced pupil: teacher ratios e.g. autism PTR is 6:1; moderate general learning disability PTR is 8:1. Enhanced levels of school capitation are payable to most special schools and special classes and special School Transport arrangements for pupils with disabilities are provided at a cost of over €60m per year. Approximately €1.3m is also provided annually to schools for assistive technology support.

Early educational intervention is provided for children with autism from 2½ years of age. There are now 56 early intervention classes for children with autism attached to mainstream schools that are funded by the Department. Funding is also provided through the home tuition programme for children with autism aged from 2½ years to 5 who are unable to access an early intervention class. An extended school year is also currently available for pupils who have either a severe/profound general learning disability or who have autism.

In all, €1.3bn has been allocated in the 2011 budget to support pupils with special educational needs. This level of expenditure represents a significant commitment to special education provision at a time when savings are being required across a range of expenditure areas.

Departmental Bodies

Anne Ferris

Ceist:

227 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps he is taking to ensure that State boards have at least 40% of each gender, as provided for in the programme for Government. [22472/11]

This matter is currently being considered by my colleague Ms Kathleen Lynch TD who, as Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality, has responsibility for equality issues. Minister of State Lynch chairs a sub-committee of the National Women's Strategy Monitoring Committee on Women in Decision Making which is looking at ways to increase the role of women in all areas of decision making, including their representation on corporate and State boards. My Department is represented on this group and is assisting with its work which is expected to be completed later this year.

In the meantime I will aim to ensure that the target set in the Programme for Government is met in relation to all boards under the aegis of my Department.

Departmental Equipment

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

228 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of computer servers owned or leased by his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department; and the capacity of each server. [22487/11]

There are 97 Computer Servers owned by my Department. These servers are located in and provide services to our three main sites in Dublin, Athlone and Tullamore as well as our regional offices and the offices of the National Educational Psychological Service. These servers also host our eGovernment services.

My Department does not lease Computer Servers. The storage capacity of the servers range from a minimum of 80 Gigabytes to a maximum of 970 Gigabytes.

The information sought in relation to the bodies under the aegis of my Department is not readily available and would involve an inordinate amount of administrative time to compile. However, if the Deputy has any particular agency in mind I would be happy to have my officials obtain the relevant details and communicate them to the Deputy.

Schools Refurbishment

Patrick Deering

Ceist:

229 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Education and Skills the amount of money spent by his Department in the past three years refurbishing school buildings that are leased by his Department; and if he will provide a breakdown of the figures including names of schools involved. [22506/11]

I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department provides grant aid to school authorities for the rental of temporary accommodation and it is the responsibility of the school authority to source such accommodation. Where some level of refurbishment works are required to make the accommodation suitable for school use, the costs may be reflected in the rent charged by the landlord. If the Deputy wishes to clarify the situation in respect of an individual school, then I would be happy to provide him with the information.

Schools Building Projects

David Stanton

Ceist:

230 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress made on the development of a new primary school at Rathcormac, County Cork; the expected date for completion of the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22518/11]

The project for Rathcormac National School is included in the School Buildings Work Programme for 2011 which was announced on 24th January 2011.

Information, including current status, in relation to all projects on the 2011 Programme is available on my Department's web-site. The Design Team have submitted a revised Stage 2(b) (Detailed Design) for review by my Department. As soon as this review is complete, and assuming no further issues arise, my Department will be in contact with the Board of Management with regard to the further progression of the project.

Teaching Qualifications

David Stanton

Ceist:

231 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Skills, further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 15 and 50 of 7 July 2011, if his attention has been drawn to a situation whereby different persons who are graduates of Bachelor of Civil and Environmental Engineering (BE (Civil) Degree) from NUI Cork and who have successfully completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Education have been treated differently by the Teaching Council regarding the recognition of their qualifications and subsequent approval by the Teaching Council to teach mathematics and applied mathematics in second level schools (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22519/11]

I wish to restate that the Teaching Council is the body with statutory responsibility for the registration of teachers including the recognition of teaching qualifications and neither I nor my Department have a role in this process.

I have made enquiries with the Council regarding their procedures and I understand that the situation is as follows. The Teaching Council assesses applications for registration having regard to set criteria. For the purposes of post primary registration, the Council assesses the transcripts of each individual applicant undergraduate degree to determine if the subject criteria for a post-primary curricular subject have been met.

In assessing degrees in engineering for the purposes of meeting the criteria for Mathematics, the Council examines qualifications transcripts to determine that there is coverage of mathematical content to the order of 54 ECTS credits throughout the degree. The study of mathematics should typically include algebra, analysis, geometry and statistics/probability, all of which are essential in the teaching of Mathematics in Post-primary schools. In assessing degrees for Applied Mathematics, the 54 ECTS of Applied Mathematics should include a major element of Mechanics or Mathematical Physics in addition to less major study in algebra, analysis, geometry and statistics/probability.

The Council has found over recent years that the mathematical content studied by two students on the one programme in engineering can vary based on the modular options chosen by each student in his/her degree. This could result in one of the students meeting the criteria for mathematics where the other does not. In some cases where an applicant has an engineering degree and additional qualifications containing the study of mathematics, he/she may request that the Council assess the combination of two qualifications which may lead to the outcome that combination of the two qualifications meets the subject criteria. It is for these reasons that the Council may appear to recognise qualifications in engineering on a differing basis.

FÁS Training Programmes

Joe Costello

Ceist:

232 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Education and Skills when and the reason FÁS has ceased payment of the security licence fee as part of the FETAC security training course; and if she will reinstate the practice of covering this cost in order that successful participants can progress to the labour market. [22547/11]

I am informed that FÁS has examined this issue and it would appear that there are different approaches taken across the FÁS regions.

Some regions include the licence fee in the certification cost of the course and therefore there is no cost to the trainee. In other instances trainees are informed at the outset of the course that application for the licence must be done individually by the trainee.

It is important to point out that in instances where the individual trainee is responsible for the application they are eligible to apply for funding under the Technical Employment Support Grant.

I understand that it is the intention of FÁS to conduct a full review of policy in this area in order to establish a consistent approach across all FÁS regions.

Redundancy Payments

Noel Coonan

Ceist:

233 Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the situation regarding an application for partial redundancy in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; if a decision will be made on same and the reason for the decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22549/11]

An application for compensation for loss of hours (partial redundancy) was received on 28th June 2011 by my Department from the person referred to by the Deputy.

Under the terms of my Department's circular on redundancy arrangements for Special Needs Assistants, this person is not entitled to a partial redundancy payment as the time limit for submitting an application (52 weeks after the date of termination of the contract of employment) had expired. My Department wrote directly to the person referred to by the Deputy on 28th June 2011 (and again on 12th July following further correspondence) informing the person of the position.

Special Educational Needs

Dominic Hannigan

Ceist:

234 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath in view of the change in diagnosis this year and the increased number of school hours for the school year 2011/2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22569/11]

I wish to advise the Deputy that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) for allocating resource teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. This now includes a requirement for the NCSE to have regard to an overall cap on the number of SNA posts.

The responsibility for deciding on the quantum of educational resources to be allocated to pupils with special educational needs resides with the NCSE through the SENO. The consideration of professional reports is an integral part of determining the extent of supports to be provided for pupils with special educational needs. The NCSE has outlined the processes involved in the consideration of applications for special needs supports in its Circular 01/05 which is available on www.ncse.ie.

I wish to clarify for the Deputy that the recruitment and deployment of SNAs within schools are matters for the individual Principal/Board of Management. SNAs should be deployed by the school in a manner which best meets the care support requirements of the children enrolled in the school for whom SNA support has been allocated. It is a matter for schools to allocate support as required, and on the basis of individual need, which allows schools flexibility in how the SNA support is utilised.

The NCSE has issued a circular to all schools advising of the allocation process for the 2011/2012 school year. A key feature of the amended scheme will be to provide for an annual allocation of Special Needs Assistant support to eligible schools. The NCSE is currently in the process of informing schools of their annual SNA allocation for the coming school year.

Dominic Hannigan

Ceist:

235 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the allocated special needs assistant hours in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Meath will be increased by an hour to accommodate the person’s new school timetable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22570/11]

I wish to advise the Deputy that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) for allocating resource teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. This now includes a requirement for the NCSE to have regard to an overall cap on the number of SNA posts.

The NCSE has issued a circular to all schools advising of the allocation process for the 2011/2012 school year. A key feature of the amended scheme will be to provide for an annual allocation of Special Needs Assistant support to eligible schools.

The recruitment and deployment of SNAs within schools are matters for the individual Principal/Board of Management. SNAs should be deployed by the school in a manner which best meets the care support requirements of the children enrolled in the school for whom SNA support has been allocated. It is a matter for schools to allocate support as required, and on the basis of individual need, which allows schools flexibility in how the SNA support is utilised.

The NCSE is currently in the process of informing schools of their annual SNA allocation for the coming school year.

Dominic Hannigan

Ceist:

236 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the number of special needs assistant hours that have been allocated to a person (details supplied) in County Meath in view of the changed circumstances of the person’s school timetable and the need for one-on-one attention throughout the school day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22571/11]

I wish to advise the Deputy that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) for allocating resource teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. This now includes a requirement for the NCSE to have regard to an overall cap on the number of SNA posts.

The NCSE has issued a circular to all schools advising of the allocation process for the 2011/2012 school year. A key feature of the amended scheme will be to provide for an annual allocation of Special Needs Assistant support to eligible schools.

The recruitment and deployment of SNAs within schools are matters for the individual Principal/Board of Management. SNAs should be deployed by the school in a manner which best meets the care support requirements of the children enrolled in the school for whom SNA support has been allocated. It is a matter for schools to allocate support as required, and on the basis of individual need, which allows schools flexibility in how the SNA support is utilised.

The NCSE is currently in the process of informing schools of their annual SNA allocation for the coming school year. The NCSE will advise schools early in the new school year of a review process to review allocation decisions to ensure that correct procedures were followed and that they comply with my Department's policy. The merits of individual allocation decisions will not be open to appeal under this mechanism. It will be expected that schools, before requesting a review, will be in a position to demonstrate that they have made every effort to manage their allocation of SNA posts to best effect.

Dominic Hannigan

Ceist:

237 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the number of special needs assistant hours allocated to a person (details supplied) in County Meath in view of the high level of need and changed school timetable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22572/11]

I wish to advise the Deputy that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) for allocating resource teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. This now includes a requirement for the NCSE to have regard to an overall cap on the number of SNA posts.

The NCSE has issued a circular to all schools advising of the allocation process for the 2011/2012 school year. A key feature of the amended scheme will be to provide for an annual allocation of Special Needs Assistant support to eligible schools.

The recruitment and deployment of SNAs within schools are matters for the individual Principal/Board of Management. SNAs should be deployed by the school in a manner which best meets the care support requirements of the children enrolled in the school for whom SNA support has been allocated. It is a matter for schools to allocate support as required, and on the basis of individual need, which allows schools flexibility in how the SNA support is utilised.

The NCSE is currently in the process of informing schools of their annual SNA allocation for the coming school year.

The NCSE will advise schools early in the new school year of a review process to review allocation decisions to ensure that correct procedures were followed and that they comply with my Department's policy. The merits of individual allocation decisions will not be open to appeal under this mechanism. It will be expected that schools, before requesting a review, will be in a position to demonstrate that they have made every effort to manage their allocation of SNA posts to best effect.

Dominic Hannigan

Ceist:

238 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Education and Skills when the revised allocation of special needs assistant hours will be announced in August 2011; when parents will be notified of the revised hours for the new school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22573/11]

I wish to advise the Deputy that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) for allocating resource teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. This now includes a requirement for the NCSE to have regard to an overall cap on the number of SNA posts. The NCSE has issued a circular to all schools advising of the allocation process for the 2011/2012 school year. A key feature of the amended scheme will be to provide for an annual allocation of Special Needs Assistant support to eligible schools. The NCSE is currently in the process of informing schools of their annual SNA allocation for the coming school year. 10,575 whole time equivalent posts are being provided for the coming school year. To manage this limited resource, 475 of these posts will be retained for allocation over the coming school year to address significant emergency cases; new entrants with special needs; or new assessments or injuries acquired during the school year. The NCSE will advise schools early in the new school year of a review process to review allocation decisions to ensure that correct procedures were followed and that they comply with my Department's policy. The merits of individual allocation decisions will not be open to appeal under this mechanism. It will be expected that schools, before requesting a review, will be in a position to demonstrate that they have made every effort to manage their allocation of SNA posts to best effect.

Departmental Agencies

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

239 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of quangos, agencies and authorities that were established by his Department in each of the years 1997 to January 2011; the number of staff employed by his Department in 1997; the number of staff employed by his Department in January 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22579/11]

Set out below is the information requested by the Deputy with regard to new agencies created since 1997 to date:

An Chomhairle um Oideachais Gaeltachta agus Gaelscoilaíochta — COGG (established 1999);

Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse — CICA (established 1999);

Education Finance Board — EFB (established 2006);

Further Education & Training Awards Council — FETAC (established 2001);

Grangegorman Development Agency — GDA (established 2006);

Higher Education and Training Awards Council — HETAC (established 2001);

Irish Research Council for Science Engineering and Technology — IRCSET (established 2001);

Irish Research Council for the Humanities and Social Sciences — IRCHSS (established 1998);

National Centre for Technology in Education — NCTE (established 1998);

National Council for Special Education — NCSE (established 2003);

National Educational Welfare Board — NEWB (established 2002);

National Qualifications Authority of Ireland — NQAI (established 2001);

Residential Institution Redress Board — RIRB (established 2002);

Residential Institution Review Committee — RIRC (established 2002);

State Examinations Commission — SEC (established 2003);

The Teaching Council (established 2006);

The Centre for Early Childhood Development & Education — CECDE (established 2002).

The Deputy may wish to note that the NEWB is now under the aegis of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs while the CECDE ceased operations in 2008 while responsibility for Skillnets Ltd, which was established in 1999, transferred from the then Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to my Department in May 2010. In addition work is ongoing in my Department with regard to the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Bill which provides for the amalgamation of the NQAI, HETAC and FETAC, a commitment in the Programme for Government. The new body is to be known as the Qualifications and Quality Assurance Authority of Ireland (QQAAI).

In relation to the number of staff employed by my Department I can confirm that the figure as of 1st January 2011 was 1,270 compared to 885 in December 1997 — both Whole time Equivalent (WTE) figures. A significant factor in the increase in figures has been the expansion of the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS).

Consultancy Contracts

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

240 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide a report of the number of consultancy reports commissioned by his Department between 1997 and January 2011; the cost of commissioning each report; if he will provide information on the implementation of recommendations set out in each report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22596/11]

All of the details requested are not readily available within my Department and it would involve a very significant amount of administrative time to identify, retrieve from storage, and examine all relevant files in order to compile the information in question.

However, I am providing a listing for the years 2000 to 2010 as compiled in response to previous parliamentary questions. This listing includes expenditure on consultancies commissioned during that period indicating the costs involved. It also includes certain contracts which are not classified as consultancies. If the Deputy has an interest in any particular item listed I will ask my officials to endeavour to get further details if available.

List of Consultants, Experts and Advisors engaged by the Department of Education and Skills (formerly the Department of Education and Science) during the years 2000 to 2010 inclusive

Year 2000

Consultants, Experts, Advisers

Purpose

Total Cost

£

C. Sheffield

Employee Assistance Service Review

4,090

CRC, Trinity College

Evaluation of Early School Leavers Initiative

52,810.89

CRC, Trinity College

Preparation of National Youth Work Development Plan

54,300

Crowleys — DFK

ESF verification report

70,654.81

Deloitte & Touche

Organisational review

35,214

Dennehy Associates

PR Consultancy

19,360

Dermot Rochford

Review of the Pilot Employee Assistance Scheme

8,894

Dermot Rochford

Staffing resource and organisational needs of NQAI, HETAC and FETAC

14,336.08

Dermot Rochford

Staffing needs of admin office in Tourism College, Killybegs

4,089.90

Eileen Costello

Consultancy — Inventory System

1,625

ERC, St. Pat’s Drumcondra

Research on 8-15 Early School Leaver Initiative

111,117

Ernst & Young

Review of Work in the Building Unit DES

15,137

Eustace Patterson Ltd

Review of Gaisce

15,157

Farrell Grant Sparks

Report on Tralee IT under Section 20 of RTC Act 1992

32,017.18

Farrell Grant Sparks

PPP Project Launch

18,297.79

Farrell Grant Sparks/A & L Goodbody

Pilot PPP Education Projects (Five PPP Schools and Cork School of Music)

103,665.99

Inishowen Technology

School information and communication technology

15,695

Lesley Dee

Orchard Cope Foundation

5,075

Noel Lindsay

Saving & loan fund for adult & continuing education

2,000

NUI — Maynooth

Adult Education — Green & White Papers

35,000

Oliver Freaney & Co

3rd Level Finance accountancy

19,950

Philip Lee Solicitors

Consultancy —Vet School

2,934.25

Prospectus

Business Planning and Partnership in DES

17,949

Prospectus

Review of Special Education

26,645

Prospectus

Staff survey on internal communications

23,262

Seamus Ó hUallacháin

Interim Review of Institutes of Technology

1,100

Sean Cromien

Review of Department of Education operations & structures

16,500

Todd Architects

Masterplan — Portlaoise

59,508

Tony Bromwell

Review of Safety Procedures in Lisnagry, Co. Limerick

3,534

WRC Social & Economic Consults

Review of VTOS

11,654

WRC Social & Economic Consults

Women’s Education Initiative

20,100

WRC Social & Economic Consults

Improving Effectiveness of VTOS

29,140

2000 Total

850,812.89

Year 2001

Consultants, Experts, Advisers

Purpose

Total Cost

Anne Colgan

DES Task Force on Autism

10,000

Conor Galvin/Bryn Holmes

Research Consultancy on ICT Usage in Schools

5,079

Deloitte & Touche

Business Analysis & Development of the Financial Management Function

88,854

Deloitte & Touche

Specification and selection of FMS System

42,418

Deloitte & Touche/A & L Goodbody

Pilot PPP Education Projects (National Maritime College)

336,480

Dennehy Associates

PR Consultancy

126,339

Dermot Rochford

VEC staffing study

85,983

Dominic McCanny

Investigation for Personnel Unit (DES)

2,619

Educational Research Centre

Evaluation of the sole use of the answer questions in Apprentice Tests

47,990

Elizabeth Waters

Lifelong Learning Consultation

13,500

Eustace Patterson Ltd

Contribution to study of FIT

8,854

Farrell Grant Sparks

Financial advice re: European Investment Bank refinancing of PP Projects

63,000

Farrell Grant Sparks/A & L Goodbody

Report on the Strategic Development Site for education & health purposes

120,625

Farrell Grant Sparks/A & L Goodbody

Five PPP Schools & Cork School of Music

164,537

Gartner Group

Research Advisory Services

33,065

Institute of Leisure & Amenity (ILAM)

PE Halls

1,062

Jonathan Williams

Editing of reports

887

Jordan Akustik

Cork School of Music

7,103

Kevin Leonard

Management Consultancy NEPS Administration

5,326

McCann Fitzgerald

Seminar on Public Procurement

4,207

McIver Consulting

Review of PLC Sector

88,722

Michael Collins and Associates

Architectural advice

32,886

National Women’s Council

Technical support for education equality initiative

106,072

Niall Fitsimons & Co.

Site Report on St. Finbarr’s Farranferris

5,561

Price Waterhouse Coopers

Review of financial guidelines

11,995

Prospectus

Internal Customer Action Plan and Business Planning

7,618

Sean O Fiachra

OECD INES network C — developing a new governing structure for ERC

10,271

Tony Bromwell

Review of Safety Procedures in Lisnagry, Co. Limerick

2,442

WRC Social & Economic Consults

Women’s Education Initiative

10,802

WRC Social & Economic Consults

Independent assessment of the young people’s facilities and services fund

29,011

2001 Total

1,473,308

Year 2002

Consultants, Experts, Advisers

Purpose

Total Cost

A & L Goodbody

PPP Projects

3,841

AHEAD

Review of disability needs in further education

38,000

Aine Hyland

Preparation of Eurydice Dossier

3,174

Anne Tuffy

Report on European Schools

7,181

Cynthia Deane

Educational Disadvantage Forum

5,050

Deloitte & Touche/A & L Goodbody

Pilot PPP Education Project (National Maritime College)

98,500

Deloitte & Touche

Verification Programme for ESF-aided Programmes 2000-2001 VEC sector

21,455

Dennehy Associates

PR Consultancy

38,444

Dermot Rochford

Study of VEC staffing structure & job evaluation of librarian (St Catherines)

4,830

Dominic McCanny

Investigation for Personnel Unit DES

524

Eustace Patterson Ltd

Contribution to study of FIT

7,682

Helen Leonard

Survey to evaluate pay of library staff in St Catherine’s

3,807

Irish Project Supervisors Ltd

Report: Health & Safety Spec & Risk Assessment for window cleaning

3,810

John Coolahan

Preparation of Eurydice Dossier

8,583

John Coolahan

OECD Report on Teachers

6,300

Mazars Consulting

Corepay support

22,997

Mazars McIver

Assessment of staffing requirement of National Adult Learning Council

4,695

McIver Consulting

Review of PLC sector

48,164

National Women’s Council

Technical support for education equality initiative

87,000

Occupational Health Consultants

Asbestos lecture

752

Professor Iseult McCarthy

Art Teachers Diploma Review

7,504

Professor Thomas Mitchell

Work for the Irish Academy for the Performing Arts

3,900

Project Management Limited

Pilot Schools Inventory Project

1,092,749

Sean Glenane

OECD INES Project

2,933

University of Limerick (Frank McGourty)

Research on Laboratory Design & Equipment

104,055

Vivian Cassells

Report on European Schools

7,181

2002 Total

1,633,110

Year 2003

Consultants, Experts, Advisers

Purpose

Total Cost

Accenture

Advice & Assistance in the implementation of a Financial Mngt System

99,950

Ashby Food Safety Associates Ltd

Tendering process for light restaurant equipment

1,452

Bruce Shaw Safety Management

Health & Safety Revised Procedures

2,178

Cooney Carey

Study of schools’ transitional difficulties following phasing out of CE Schemes

37,401

Datanet Ltd

Feasibility Study on Providing Broadband Connectivity to Schools

78,795

Deloitte & Touche/A & L Goodbody

Pilot PPP Education Project (National Maritime College)

60,218

Dr. Jane Pillinger

Work on Equality/Diversity booklet

2,904

Dr. Joe Mc Hugh

Reports on Cork Northside centre for Higher Education

6,349

Dr. Maeve Martin

Desk study on Montessori teacher qualifications

6,300

Eoghan Boyle

Europe at School

833

Fitzpatrick Associates

Impact Assessment of EU Youth Programme

58,322

Giant Accountancy Services

Reading Recovery Study

850

Indecon Consultants

Interim evaluation of Socrates Programme

96,300

IPA

Providing quality service/Implementation of devolved control

13,705

Iseult Mc Carthy

Europe at School

819

JJ Dwyer & Associates

Review of Partnership in the Department

9,741

John Coolahan

Compilation of National Dossier for Eurydice

8,583

Josephine O Donnell

Provision of Career Guidance Services to the European Schools

760

Karen Bacon

Provision of Career Guidance Services to the European Schools

190

Mazars McIvor

Assessment of staffing requirement of National Adult Learning Council

42,253

Michael Collins and Associates

Architectural advice

28,060

OECD

Review of Higher Education in Ireland

100,000

Precision Marketing Information Ltd

Census of schools — set up and data capture costs

6,088

Precision Marketing Information Ltd

Reports from census

9,667

Price Waterhouse Cooper

Audit of enrolments and release time scheme in primary schools

57,000

Talbot Associates Ltd

Review of supply teacher scheme

114,300

Valarie Considine

Accountant in DES

650

2003 Total

843,667

Year 2004

Consultants, Experts, Advisers

Purpose

Total Cost

Advanced Organisation & Mngt Develop.

Colloquium on Higher Education

7,275

Ashby Food Safety Associates Ltd

Catering Services Audit

2,178

Butler Group

Evaluation of Project Proposal

22,136

Butler Group UK

Ptinum Subscription Service

11,677

C Moore & Associates Ltd

Advice re expenditure review initiative on school buildings

2,400

Cahill’s Sport Emporium

Preparation of speech material

900

Carr Communications

Facilitation at official function

1,900

Carr Communications

Advice, support & assistance for Your Education System (Y.E.S.) process

114,578

Clare Cunningham, Rockfinch Ltd

Council of Europe Report — Language Educ. Policy Country Profile

5,232

Cloncar Consulting International

Election of Teaching Council Members

7,250

Coady Partnership Architects

Department of Education & Science Furniture Review

49,542

Cynthia Deane — Options Consulting

Preparation of Strategy Statement for NEPS

10,011

Datanet Ltd

Assistance to Schools Broadband Steering Group

252,855

Dundalk Institute of Technology

Review of the operation of the 2004 Schools Building Programme

17,500

Expert Report OECD Study

Attracting, Developing and Retaining Effective Teachers

18,726

Farrell Grant Sparks/A & L Goodbody

Consultancy Services to achieve contractual and financial close to Cork School of Music PPP Project

114,950

Farrell Grant Sparks/A & L Goodbody

Value for money assessment for Cork School of Music revised output spec.

95,000

Gartner

Evaluation of Project Proposal

49,178

Gearoid O Riain

Contracted as External person by the Joint Working Group for the Traveller Education Strategy to assist in drafting the strategy

30,000

IPA

Providing quality service/ Implementation of devolved control

12,705

John Coolahan

Eurydice Dossier

5,152

John Coolahan

OECD Report

6,995

Mazars

Finance Unit support

7,461

McIver Consultants/Steering Committee

Re-expenditure of ICT Undergraduate Skills Programme

35,439

MRBI

Qualitative Depths

8,712

MRBI

Postal Survey

10,073

MRBI

Customer Service Survey

10,073

Polaris Human Resources

Review of Gender Mainstreaming in DES

11,090

Precision Marketing Information Ltd

Reports from Census

4,636

Softex

Consultancy on Qualitiy Customer Service (QCS) targets

2,420

Torlach O Connor

European Year of Education through Sport

5,000

Valarie Considine

Accountant in DES

48,425

2004 Total

981,470

Year 2005

Consultants, Experts, Advisers

Purpose

Total Cost

A & L Goodbody

Youth Information Provision Review

57,626

Advanced Organisation & Mngt Develop.

Colloquium on Higher Education

1,936

AMAS

Advice & Guidelines on writing for the web on a restricted website

19,979

Archives Consultancy Services Ltd

Record Management Workshops

4,840

Barrister-at-Law

Barrister to advise Department

63,305

Brid McGrath

Report on the development of a library service in NEPS

6,175

Caroline Hussey

Adjudication Panel of Courses

3,500

Clare Cunningham, Rockfinch Ltd

Council of Europe Report — Language Educ. Policy Country Profile

6,684

Cloncar Consulting International

Election of Teaching Council Members

14,212

Columb Collins

Adjudication Panel of Courses

5,261

Cynthia Deane — Options Consulting

Preparation of Strategy Statement for NEPS

12,219

Cynthia Deane — Options Consulting

Contracted by the statutory Educational Disadvantage Committee to assist in preparation of its final report

13,600

Datanet Ltd

Support & Advice to Schools Broadband Steering Group

107,769

Denis Healy

Adjudication Panel of Courses

7,383

Dr. Richard Boyle

External Quality Assessor — Expenditure review Initiative

2,904

Dundalk Institute of Technology

Review of Primary/Post Primary Schools Building Programme 2004

17,500

Farrell Grant Sparks/A & L Goodbody

Consultancy Service to achieve contractual and financial close to Cork School of Music PPP Project

447,700

Insight Statistical Consulting Ltd

Survey Analysis for Primary Inspectorate

6,050

Insight Statistical Consulting Ltd

Evaluation of the Impact of ICT on Teaching and Learning in First and Second Level Schools

19,212

John Coolahan

UNESCO 11EP Study Visit

310

John Hayden

Adjudication Panel of Courses

4,267

Knowledge Works

Technical Writers to produce Section 15 Reference Manuals

4,840

Laurence O Ciarain

NEPS/School Protocol in Grievance Cases

1,650

Mazars

Finance Unit Support

4,065

Michael Beirne BL

Local Inquiry under Section 105 of VEC Act 1930

20,033

McCann Fitzgerald Solicitors

Form of Building Contract for use on Design & Build projects

21,175

McIver Consultants

Funding Review of the Youth Sector

71,684

McIver Consultants

Market Research for report of Expenditure Review of ICT Undergraduate Skills Programme

35,439

MORI Ireland

Customer Survey on behalf of the DES Inspectorate

10,318

Theta Eta Advisors Ltd

DES Accounting Review

4,598

Torlach O’Connor

Future Objectives National Report

10,400

Torlach O’Connor

Local Inquiry under Section 105 of VEC Act 1930

23,209

Valarie Considine

Accountant in DES

105,300

2005 Total

1,135,142

Year 2006

Consultants, Experts, Advisers

Purpose

Total Cost

Ms Valarie Considine

Employment of an Accountant

106,698

QMP Publicis

Men as Teachers and Educators ad campaign

79,238

Indecon International Economic Consultants

Appraisal and Management of Capital Expenditure Proposals in the Public Sector

73,205

Mazars

Core Year End & Appropiations Accounts

7,980

Farrell Grant Sparks

Cork School of Music PPP project

96,800

Arthur Cox & Co

PPP Schools Programme First Bundle

74,632

Healy Kelly Turner & Townsend

PPP Schools Programme First Bundle

183,799

Columb Collins

Fees re: Adjudication Panel

5,480

Caroline Hussey

Fees re: Adjudication Panel

3,000

John Hayden

Fees re: Adjudication Panel

2,535

St. Patrick’s College Drumcondra

Review of Special Schools and Special Classes

13,565

John McBratney Senior Counsel

Recoupment of expenses to carry out an enquiry

73,526

Insight Statistical Consulting Limited

Evaluation of ICT Uses in Schools

61,450

Brid Mc Grath

Development of a Library Service in NEPS

2,008

Clare Mangan

Psychological Assessments in the area of autism

2,888

Victor McElfatrick

Care Inspections at Chidren Detention Schools

28,811

Marie-Louise Hughes

Report re: judicial review on Michael Arnold & Sean Murnane

1,000

Pat Ryan

Inquiry under the VEC Acts into performance of a teacher

19,871

McDowell Purcell Partnership Solicitors

Fees re: Legal Advice to Pat Ryan 10/5/06 — 12/7/06

1,770

Parthalan O Cealleachair

Fees, T & S re Appeals Committee

4,843

Jim Lyons

Fees, T & S re Appeals Committee

5,294

Elspeth Henderson

Fees, T & S re Appeals Committee

4,670

Dermot Morris

Fees, T & S re Appeals Committee

1,484

Theta Eta Advisors Ltd

Fee re Tom Higgins (external member of Dept’s Audit Ctte

3,000

A & L Goodbody

Funding Review of the Youth Sector

17,342

McIver Consultancy

Youth Information Provision Review

6,504

PricewaterhouseCooper

Examination of the application of state funding to MIE for the purpose of Teacher Education and related activities

84,700

2006 Total:

966,095

Year 2007

Consultants, Experts, Advisers

Purpose

Total Cost

System Dynamics Solutions Ltd

Work on Department’s File Registry System

13,310

Insight Statistical Consultancy

Analysis of Depart’s Guidance Questionnaire for Senior Cycle Students in Post primary Schools 06/07

4,971

Mary Immaculate College

Evaluation of the Regional Curriculum Support Service of the Primary Curriculum Support Programme

73,000

Eustace Patterson Ltd

Evaluation of new pilot project re supporting educational needs of students in Youthreach Programme

52,060

Phoenix Safety

Risk Assessment & Safety Statement for Marlborough Street complex 20th to 27th Sept 2007 5 days

4,804

Horwath Consulting Ireland Ltd

Development of a National English Language Policy & Framework for Legally-Resident adult Immigrants

80,526

Indecon

Final Evaluation of the Leonardo and Socrates Programme I

78,200

Core International

Upgrading the teacher payroll system

1,168

Certification Europe Ltd

Assessment of IT Unit against ISO 27001 — Information Security Management Standard

15,246

Deloitte & Touche

Review of the Service Delivery Capacity of the IT Unit

27,860

McDowell Purcell Partnership

Legal advice given to consultant carrying out inquiry in accordance with S.105 Vocational Education Act

2,541

Eco-Unesco

Research into current Education for Sustainable Development Activities in Ireland and Internationally

23,305

OLM Consultancy

Set up Design Safety Management System for Building Unit and advise on new Health & Safety Regulations

9,307

Sonas Consulting Ltd

Evaluate Traveller education worker employed under School Completion Programme

24,180

Road Plan Consulting Limited

Road Safety Audit on schools in Co’s Meath and Limerick

2,420

JM Consulting Ltd

Conduct premliminary assessment of submission by Waterford IT re university status

21,298

PricewaterhouseCoopers

The Middletown Centre for Autism (joint funded by DES & Dept.of Education NI)

37,500

Pat Ryan

Review of the Co-operation Hours Scheme with other institutions which the Dept currently operates

17,674

Conor Feeney

Work on Draft Statutory Instrument implementing Professional Qualifications Directive

2,500

Maire Uí Mhaicín

Academic review on the ESRU report An Ghaelige sa Bhunscoil

813

Dr. Nigel Quirke-Bolt

Reading/preparing written report on the ESRU report ICT in Schools; providing oral report to ESRU

1,050

Sean McCann

Review of thresholds re award of a higher level of qualification allowance in respect of certain teachers

7,007

Professor Iseult McCarthy

Review of thresholds re award of a higher level of qualification allowance in respect of certain teachers

16,306

2007 Total:

517,044

Year 2008

Consultants, Experts, Advisers

Purpose

Total Cost

Howarth Consulting

ESOL project — dev. of english language policy for immigrants

35,884

Bearing Point; Deloitte & Touche

Learner Database and Review of IT Unit

56,000

OLM

Development of a Design Safety Management System

3,630

John McGinty; Patrick Dowling; Pat Ryan

Review of Co-operation Hours Scheme

49,000

Prof. Iseult McCarthy and Sean McCann

Review Criteria for Award of Hons Degree Allownce-Specialist Teachers

17,950

Centre for Cross Border Studies

Report on southern postgrad. students attending NI HEIs

6,030

Eco Unesco

Strategy in relation to Education for Sustainable Development

23,305

Insight Statistical Consultancy

Analysis of Guidance Questionnaire for Senior Cycle Students

4,970

Arthur O’Hagan Solicitors

Fees for legal advice in relation to Inquiry under s. 105 VE Act 1930

5,657

Russel Brennan Keane

Audits of ERDF claims for EU Commission

11,525

Dr. Claire Hayes

Appeal Committee — section 15 of Education (Welfare) Act 2000

811

Pauline Gildea

Review of North/South educational exchanges & mechanisms

5,460

St. Patrick’s, Drumcondra

Evaluation of pilot Quality Standards Framework Initiative

29,290

Insight Statistical Consultancy

Analysis of qualifications of workers in childcare sector

26,499

Education Disadvantage Centre, St. Patrick’s Durmcondra

Review of Adult Ed. literacy assessment tools

15,000

ESRI Ireland

Dev. of a Geographical Information System for school planning

58,500

John McBratney Solicitors

Independent legal opinion on alleged abuse case

105,517

Integrated Risk Solutions

Development of a risk assessment tool for schools

26,233

Colgan & Associates

Research services re set up of Special Ed. Appeals Board

40,005

Roy McConkey

Evaluation of pilot project at St. Vincent’s, Navan Rd.

6,400

Gartner; Butler

IT research and advice

65,334

Norcontel (Ireland) Ltd

Evaluation of Schools Broadband Access Programme

74,363

ESRI Ireland

Mapping of schools using geocoordinates

5,372

Norcontel (Ireland) Ltd

Advice re evaluation & contract for schools broadband procurement

60,561

2008 Total:

733,296

Year 2009

Consultants, Experts, Advisers

Purpose

Total Cost

Norcontel

Schools Broadband Access Programme-Technical, Commercial and Financial Adviser for the Adviser for the Evaluation & Contract Phases of the Procurement of Broadband Internet Connectivity for Schools

33,959

FGS

Review of overhead/indirect costs re work carried out by Bus Eireann on behalf of DES for the administration of the school transport scheme

67,677

Centre for Cross Border Studies

2009 annual review re courses in Northern Ireland

2,430

Gillian Boyd

To evaluate the provision of a post-graduate Diploma in SEN (Autistic Spectrum Disorder) in St Angela’s College, Sligo

5,000

Russell Brendan Keane

European Regional development fund-Look Back Exercise

3,742

Gartner

Provision of ICT Research, advice, guidance & related services to the IT Unit

51,030

2009 Total:

163,838

Year 2010

Consultants, Experts, Advisers

Purpose

Total Cost

Centre for Cross Border Studies

2010 annual review of Post grad courses in Northern Ireland

2,420

Q Design & Print

Design a new student grant application form, guidance notes & schedules for the 2010/11 acedemic year

3,361

Gartner

Subscription for provision of ICT research, advice, guidance & related services to the IT Unit

37,026

Ina McGrath

Ergonomic workstation assessment & report

300

Indecon

Mid term review of the Lifelong Learning Programme & prepare a report for Department of Education & Skills for onward transmission to the European Commission

59,284

Deloitte

Declaration of Assurance 2009 Audit — to review procedures & workflows in the National Agencies for the Lifelong Learning Programme & to provide a basis for the yearly Declaration of Assurance from DOES to the EU Commission

16,299

Mazars

Review procedures & workflows in the National Agencies for the Lifelong Learning Programme & to provide a basis for the yearly Declaration of Assurance from the Department of Education & Skills to the EU Commission

4,795

Public Authority Pension Services

Expertise relating to the model public service pension scheme to assist in the establishment of a pension scheme for the NCTE

5,324

2010 Total:

128,809

Year 2011

Consultants, Experts, Advisers

Purpose

Total Cost

Sr. Eileen Randles

External Reviewer in an appeal against an inspection under section 13(9) of the Education Act 1998

920

Total to 31/01/2011:

920

Schools Building Projects

Michael McCarthy

Ceist:

241 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the proposed extension for a school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if his attention has been drawn to the €125,000 cost incurred over the past five years to rent prefabricated accommodation at the school. [22615/11]

My Department will be making contact with the school authority referred to by the Deputy. In the context of the matter referred to by the Deputy, it has been necessary for the school to rent temporary accommodation pending the provision of a permanent solution to its needs.

Departmental Expenditure

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

242 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education and Skills the money saved if all State agency board member payments in his Department were reduced by €10,000 where their current annual payment is in excess of €50,000. [22737/11]

The following is a summary of fees paid (2011 rates) to members of Boards of bodies under the aegis of my Department.

The Chairperson of FÁS receives €20,520, while ordinary members receive €11,790.

The Chairperson of the Grangegorman Development Agency receives €8,978, while ordinary members do not receive any payment.

The Chairperson of the Higher Education Authority receives €11,970 while ordinary members receive €7,695.

The Chairperson of the Skillnets Ltd receives €8,978 while ordinary members receive €5,985.

The Chairperson of the State Examinations Commission receives €11,970 while the other Commissioners receive €7,695.

As the Deputy will note, none of these payments exceeds €50,000. In addition, no fees are paid to board members in relation to any of the other bodies under the aegis of my Department except as outlined below.

In the case of both the Residential Institutions Redress Board (RIRB) and the Residential Institutions Review Committee (RIRC) ordinary members are paid a per diem rate which in both cases is currently €668 per day (pension abatement applies were appropriate). While it may be the case that fees for ordinary members of both of these bodies could exceed €50,000 p.a. the Deputy should note that the per diem rate paid in respect of both the RIRB and RIRC was the subject of an initial reduction of 8% from 1st March 2009 and a further reduction of 12% from 1st January 2011. The Chairperson of the RIRC is paid by the Department based on annual salary for a Supreme Court judge subject to abatement. The Chairperson of the RIRB is a current member of the Judiciary who is not paid by the Board.

In addition ordinary members of the Commission to Inquire Into Child Abuse (CICA) were salaried — however they are no longer on the payroll while the Chairperson is a member of the Judiciary who is not paid by the CICA.

Public Procurement

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

243 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress made to amend procurement procedures to promote local contractors’ tendering for government projects, promote the purchase of booking provided goods and services, and include social clauses to promote the employment of local labour. [21871/11]

The Programme for Government contains a commitment to introduce new legislation to protect small building subcontractors that have been denied payments from bigger companies. In addition, you may be aware that the Construction Contracts Bill 2010 was introduced by Senator Feargal Quinn and passed Committee and Remaining Stages in the Seanad on 8 March 2011. It is now before the Dáil. In this regard, my colleague, the Minister of State, Mr. Brian Hayes, recently met Senator Feargal Quinn with a view to continuing a collaborative approach in regard to advancing the Construction Contracts Bill 2010. The Senator's Bill is a welcome initiative and I understand that Minister Hayes has agreed to work closely with the Senator in bringing the matter forward.

I also understand that Minister Hayes and Senator Quinn held a meeting with relevant stakeholders and opposition spokespersons on 28th June. This consultation highlighted a number of matters relating to the Bill that require further consideration. In light of this, a Regulatory Impact Assessment of the Bill is now under way in my Department.

Following these steps, it will be possible to bring proposals to the Government about how we should progress this legislation. It is intended to have the legislation before the Dáil in the next session.

It is important that a solution to the problem of non-payment in the construction sector must not place an unnecessary regulatory or cost burden on the parties to the dispute, other parties involved in the project, or the State.

Pension Provisions

Peter Mathews

Ceist:

244 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will respond to concerns raised by a person on the issue of public service pensions (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21946/11]

The last Government decided, in the context of the serious national budgetary position, that retired public service pensioners should make a contribution to the overall required fiscal adjustment. This decision was taken having regard to the gap between the burden being borne by those currently in public service employment (where the pension related deduction (PRD) and pay reduction have impacted) and their retired counterparts.

The measure concerned, known as the Public Service Pension Reduction, was legislated for in the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2010, which was signed into law by the President on 22 December 2010. Section 2 of that Act provides that the public service pension of a pensioner will be reduced. This provision came into operation on 1 January 2011.

The reduction applies to all public service pensions above €12,000 payable to or in respect of persons retired from all parts of the public service including the civil service, local government, the Defence Forces, An Garda Síochána, non-commercial State Bodies and the health and education sectors.

The measure averages some 4% and is tapered and therefore makes a greater reduction from those with larger public service pensions. Former public servants in receipt of high pensions, including former members of the Government and the Oireachtas and other former office holders, including the Judiciary, will bear the highest reduction.

The reduction applies in a standard manner to public service pensions, whether those pensions are contributory or non-contributory, and whether or not the pensions have been boosted by purchase of added years and whether they are made to the public servant or former public servant or to a survivor. The amount of reduction in each case is determined by application of the following set of annual pension income bands and associated reduction rates:

First €12,000 — 0%;

Between €12,000 and €24,000 — 6%;

Between €24,000 and €60,000 — 9%;

Above €60,000 — 12%.

The reduction in public service pensions should be placed in the context of the general moderation in inflation, i.e. the CPI is now no more than about 1% above 2007 levels, whereas public service pensioners received general round increases linked to pay of 2% in June 2007, 2.5% from March 2008 and 2.5% in September 2008 — an increase of around 7%.

In all the circumstances, including in the context of the EU/IMF Programme of Support, of which the public service pension reduction is an element, the Government believes it is a painful but necessary measure which will help restore order to the public finances.

Departmental Expenditure

Kevin Humphreys

Ceist:

245 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the total amount paid so far to a company (details supplied) for its construction and operation of the National Convention Centre from public funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22010/11]

Kevin Humphreys

Ceist:

246 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount paid in 2010 and to date in 2011 to a company (details supplied) under the public private partnership contract terms for the operation of the National Convention Centre; the number of events held in the NCC since it opened; the average attendance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22011/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 245 and 246 together.

The Public Private Partnership Contract referred to provides for the cost of the National Convention Centre/Convention Centre Dublin (NCC/CCD) to be discharged by way of Unitary Charge payments payable over a twenty-five year period. Unitary Charge payments cover the design and construction of the Centre, together with its financing, maintenance and operation over the full twenty-five year Contract period. Payments commenced in September 2010 and totalled €15,403,018 in that year. To date, during 2011, seven Unitary Charge payments, totalling €27,853,791 have issued.

A total of 84,451 visitors have attended the 267 events which have taken place at the NCC/CCD since it opened in August 2010.

Oifig na nOibreacha Poiblí

Timmy Dooley

Ceist:

247 D’fhiafraigh Timmy Dooley den Aire Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe an mbeidh fáil ar threoraithe a bhfuil Gaeilge acu ag formhór na láithreán staire faoi stiúir Oifig na nOibreacha Poiblí (OOP) a bheidh ar oscailt agus saorchead isteach iontu ar an gcéad Chéadaoin den mhí, de réir fhógair (sonraí tugtha) ar an 6 Iúil 2011. [22070/11]

Faoi Scéim Teanga Oifig na nOibreacha Poiblí 2007-2010, déanann Seirbhísí Cuairteoirí seirbhís duine aonair as Gaeilge a sheachadadh ag Dún Aonghusa, Ionad an Bhlascaoid Mhóir agus Teach an Phiarsaigh.

Is trí mheán na Gaeilge a dhéantar na seirbhísí ag na láithreáin sin a sheachadadh go príomha agus tá na Treoraithe atá ag obair ag na láithreáin sin líofa sa Ghaeilge agus is féidir leo plé le haon riachtanais Ghaeilge a thiocfadh chun cinn. Is í an Ghaeilge an teanga oibre laethúil sna limistéir feidhme sin.

Seachas na trí láithreán liostaithe sin {Dún Aonghusa, Ionad an Bhlascaoid Mhóir agus Teach an Phiarsaigh}, ní chuireann Seirbhísí Cuairteoirí seirbhís treoraithe ar fáil as Gaeilge faoi láthair ag Láithreáin Oidhreachta eile atá faoi chúram Oifig na nOibreacha Poiblí.

In aon chás go bhfaightear iarratas sonrach, áfach, chun turas treoraithe a chur ar fáil trí mheán na Gaeilge ag aon cheann de láithreáin OOP nach bhfuil an Ghaeilge ina teanga oibre laethúil ann, beidh áthas ar OOP freastal ar an iarratas sonrach sin fad is a thugtar dóthain fógra.

Economic Competitiveness

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

248 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to address excessive pay in the public and private sectors and in the sheltered professions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22181/11]

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

249 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will establish a top pay commission to examine pay and compensation levels across the whole economy and to establish key pay relativities across the public and private sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22182/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 248 and 249 together.

I have no plans to establish a commission to examine levels of pay and establish key pay relativities in the private and public sectors of the economy. Apart from instances where statutory rates of pay apply, pay rates in the private sector are generally a matter for negotiation between individual employers and employees.

With regard to other sectors, the Government is committed to improving the competitiveness of the economy. In this regard the Government under the EU/IMF Programme is removing restrictions as follows. In the legal profession, establishing an independent regulator for the profession and implementing recommendations of the Legal Costs Working Group and outstanding Competition Authority recommendations to reduce legal costs; in medical services, eliminating restrictions on the number of general practitioners qualifying and removing restrictions on those wishing to treat public patients as well as restrictions on advertising; in the pharmacy profession, ensuring that the recent elimination of the 50% mark up paid for medicines under the State Drugs Payments Scheme is enforced. The implementation of these commitments are matters for the Minister for Justice and Equality and the Minister for Health respectively in the first instance.

My responsibilities in relation to pay extend to the public service where the Government has a direct role in the determination of pay rates as employer. Pay rates in the public service have already been reduced by up to 15% and a progressive pension related reduction applied through the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Acts of 2009. More recently, the Government accepted my proposals to introduce a general pay ceiling of €200,000 for future appointments to higher positions across the public service, a general pay ceiling of €250,000 for future appointments to CEO posts within Commercial State Companies and a voluntary waiver system of up to 15% for current post holders who have salaries in excess of the relevant pay ceiling.

Exchequer Savings

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

250 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the money saved if all ministerial pay was capped at €100,000 per annum. [22183/11]

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

251 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the money saved if all Minister of State pay was capped at €100,000 per annum. [22184/11]

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

256 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the money saved if all Deputies’ salaries were capped at €75,000 per annum. [22189/11]

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

257 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the money saved if all Senators salaries’ were capped at €60,000 per annum. [22190/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 250, 251, 256 and 257 together.

I refer to my reply to Question No. 226 of 19 July.

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

252 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the money saved if all Government special advisers pay was capped at €60,000, €80,000 and €100,000 per annum in a tabular format. [22185/11]

According to the Guidelines on Staffing of Ministerial Offices issued by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in March 2011 Special Advisors are to be placed on the Principal Officer (standard) scale. Appointments are generally required to be at the minimum of the scale.

The approval for Special Advisor posts is not fully finalised in all instances, though I expect it to be completed shortly. On that basis I will get back to the Deputy with the details of actual pay approved as she has requested as soon as possible.

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

253 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the money saved if the maximum salary of all public servants were capped at €100,000 per annum. [22186/11]

I refer to the reply by my colleague the Minister for Finance to Questions Nos. 39, 43 and 45 taken together on 5 July 2011.

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

254 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the money saved if the maximum salary of all chief executive officers of commercial semi-State bodies were capped at €100,000 per annum. [22187/11]

The estimated full year saving if the maximum salary of all Chief Executive Officers of commercial State companies were capped at €100,000 per annum is approximately €3 million.

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

255 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the money figure saved if the maximum salary of all State agency bodies senior management were capped at €100,000 per annum. [22188/11]

The Government supports a strong policy of pay restraint in the public service. The Deputy will be aware that the Government recently announced a general pay ceiling of €200,000 in the public service which included non-commercial State sponsored bodies/agencies.

I have no plans, nor am I currently examining the effect of, the introduction of a unilateral pay cap at €100,000 for senior management of non-commercial state agencies. Pay rates for this sector will be set in accordance with general Government pay policy for the general public service.

Questions Nos. 256 and 257 answered with Question No. 250.

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

258 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the money saved if all State agency board member payments were reduced by €10,000 where their current annual payment is in excess of €50,000. [22191/11]

I am not aware of any instance in which the annual fee payable to a State agency board member exceeds €50,000 euros.

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

259 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the money saved if all public representative expenses were reduced by 10%, 20%, 30%, in tabular format [22196/11]

The following tables set out the position on the various reduced public representative expenses rates.

Ministerial Motor Travel Rates

Under 6437 km

Current

10% reduction

20% reduction

30% reduction

0 — 1200cc

39.12 cent

35.21 cent

31.30 cent

27.38 cent

1201 — 1500cc

46.25 cent

41.63 cent

37.00 cent

32.38 cent

1501 — 2000 cc

59.07 cent

53.16 cent

47.26 cent

41.35 cent

over 2000 cc

70.89 cent

63.80 cent

56.71 cent

49.62 cent

Over 6437 km

Current

10% reduction

20% reduction

30% reduction

0 — 1200cc

21.22 cent

19.10 cent

16.98 cent

14.85 cent

1201 — 1500cc

23.62 cent

21.26 cent

23.62 cent

16.53 cent

1501 — 2000 cc

28.46 cent

25.61 cent

22.77 cent

19.92 cent

over 2000 cc

34.15 cent

30.74 cent

27.32 cent

23.91 cent

Ministerial Subsistence Rates [Ministers may also vouch the cost of accommodation]

Current

10% reduction

20% reduction

30% reduction

24 hour

€72.66

€65.39

€58.13

€50.86

10 hour

€33.61

€30.25

€26.89

€23.53

5 hour

€13.71

€12.34

€10.97

€9.60

Travel and accommodation allowance [not available to Ministers]

Deputy

Band

Current

10% reduction

20% reduction

30% reduction

Dublin

€12,000

€10,800

€9,600

€8,400

1

€28,106

€25,295

€22,485

€19,674

2

€30,350

€27,315

€24,280

€21,245

3

€31,850

€28,665

€25,480

€22,295

4

€32,966

€29,669

€26,373

€23,076

5

€33,350

€30,015

€26,680

€23,345

6

€33,722

€30,350

€26,978

€23,605

7

€34,094

€30,685

€27,275

€23,866

8

€34,850

€31,365

€27,880

€24,395

9

€35,594

€32,035

€28,475

€24,916

10

€36,350

€32,715

€29,080

€25,445

11

€37,106

€33,395

€29,685

€25,974

12

€37,850

€34,065

€30,280

€26,495

Senators

Band

Current

10% reduction

20% reduction

30% reduction

Dublin

€7,000

€6,300

€5,600

€4,900

1

€23,106

€20,795

€18,485

€16,174

2

€25,350

€22,815

€20,280

€17,745

3

€26,850

€24,165

€21,480

€18,795

4

€27,966

€25,169

€22,373

€19,576

5

€28,350

€25,515

€22,680

€19,845

6

€28,722

€25,850

€22,978

€20,105

7

€29,094

€26,185

€23,275

€20,366

8

€29,850

€26,865

€23,880

€20,895

9

€30,594

€27,535

€24,475

€21,416

10

€31,350

€28,215

€25,080

€21,945

11

€32,106

€28,895

€25,685

€22,474

12

€32,850

€29,565

€26,280

€22,995

Oireachtas Office Holders

Band

Current

10% reduction

20% reduction

30% reduction

Dublin

€8,400

€7,560

€6,720

€5,880

1

€24,457

€22,011

€19,566

€17,120

2

€27,150

€24,435

€21,720

€19,005

3

€28,950

€26,055

€23,160

€20,265

4

€30,289

€27,260

€24,231

€21,202

5

€30,750

€27,675

€24,600

€21,525

6

€31,196

€28,076

€24,957

€21,837

7

€31,643

€28,479

€25,314

€22,150

8

€32,550

€29,295

€26,040

€22,785

9

€33,443

€30,099

€26,754

€23,410

10

€34,350

€30,915

€27,480

€24,045

11

€35,257

€31,731

€28,206

€24,680

12

€36,150

€32,535

€28,920

€25,305

Public Representation Allowance [PRA]

PRA

Current

10% reduction

20% reduction

30% reduction

TD Min

€15,000

€13,500

€12,000

€10,500

TD Max

€27,500

€24,750

€22,000

€19,250

Senator Min

€9,250

€8,325

€7,400

€6,475

Senator Max

€15,000

€13,500

€12,000

€10,500

Minister Min

€12,000

€10,800

€9,600

€8,400

Minister Max

€20,000

€18,000

€16,000

€14,000

One off Constituency Office grant

Current

10% reduction

20% reduction

30% reduction

Amount

€8,000

€7,200

€6,400

€5,600

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

260 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the money saved if all senior civil servant expenses were reduced by 10%, 20%, 30% in tabular format. [22197/11]

My Department has responsibility for setting the actual rates for various expense allowances payable to civil servants including senior civil servants. The following tables set out the position on the various reduced rates payable to senior civil servants.

Motor Travel Rates

Under 6,437 km

Current

10% reduction

20% reduction

30% reduction

0 — 1200cc

39.12 cent

35.21 cent

31.30 cent

27.38 cent

1201 — 1500cc

46.25 cent

41.63 cent

37.00 cent

32.38 cent

over 1500 cc

59.07 cent

53.16 cent

47.26 cent

41.35 cent

Over 6,437 km

Current

10% reduction

20% reduction

30% reduction

0 — 1200cc

21.22 cent

19.10 cent

16.98 cent

14.85 cent

1201 — 1500cc

23.62 cent

21.26 cent

23.62 cent

16.53 cent

over 1500 cc

28.46 cent

25.61 cent

22.77 cent

19.92 cent

Reduced Mileage

Current

10% reduction

20% reduction

30% reduction

0 — 1200cc

14.64 cent

13.18 cent

11.71 cent

10.25 cent

1201 — 1500cc

16.64 cent

14.98 cent

13.31 cent

11.65 cent

over 1500 cc

19.49 cent

17.54 cent

15.59 cent

13.62 cent

Subsistence

Current

10% reduction

20% reduction

30% reduction

Overnight

€108.99

€98.09

€87.19

€76.29

10 hour

€33.61

€30.25

€26.89

€23.53

5 hour

€13.71

€12.34

€10.97

€9.60

Expenses incurred by Secretary Generals

Annual Certified amount

10% reduction

20% reduction

30% reduction

Secretary General

€750.00

€675.00

€600.00

€525.00

Second Secretary

€317.40

€285.66

€253.92

€222.18

Official Entertainment Allowances [Amounts below are the limits currently provided for Secretary

Generals and Assistant Secretaries]

Current rate

10% reduction

20% reduction

30% reduction

Dinner

€50.79

€45.71

€40.63

€35.55

Lunch

€38.09

€34.28

€30.47

€26.66

Official Entertainment for other grades

Current rate

10% reduction

20% reduction

30% reduction

Dinner

€44.44

€40.00

€35.55

€31.11

Lunch

€31.74

€28.57

€25.39

€22.22

When standing in for a Minister

Current rate

10% reduction

20% reduction

30% reduction

Reception

€12.70

€11.43

€10.16

€8.89

Departmental Staff

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

261 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of whole time equivalent temporary agency workers employed in the public sector in the first six months of 2011. [22218/11]

Information on the number of agency staff employed in the public sector is not reported to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. However, I should point out that the employment of agency staff would be subject to the terms of the public service moratorium on recruitment. Details of numbers of agency staff should be sought from individual Departments. In relation to my own Department no agency staff are employed.

Heritage Sites

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Ceist:

262 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on criticism of a professor (details supplied) on the way Departments neglect and under utilise the tourism potential of some of our most important heritage sites. [22230/11]

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Ceist:

263 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on the criticism of a professor (details supplied) on the way that Government Departments neglect and under utilise the tourism potential of some of our most important heritage sites and if it tallies with the experience of those who have campaigned for the enhancement of facilities at Grianán of Aileach stone fort in County Donegal with its history comparable in importance with the Hill of Tara. [22231/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 262 and 263 together.

Since taking up office as Minister with responsibility for the Office of Public Works I have been addressing, in a pro-active manner, the potential for the further development and enhancement of tourism using our national heritage sites and monuments. To date I have visited a large number of heritage sites and I will continue to travel around the country to visit other sites and to hold discussions with local groups and communities who are interested in the development of tourism using our national wealth of built heritage.

I have recently instructed my officials to produce proposals that will allow local organisations, working in partnership with the OPW, to help to transform tourism potential in their area by working in partnership with the OPW in the presentation of these sites. There will always be public liability, health and safety and industrial relations issues attached to decisions like this but we can address these and work towards providing solutions to these challenges in order to make progress. I have invited community groups to submit proposals on the future development and use of heritage sites and we will evaluate those proposals as I am looking to set up a number of pilot projects to work in partnership with the OPW in the presentation of heritage sites.

Referring specifically to the Monasterboice site: a conservation study was commissioned jointly by Louth County Council, the Office of Public Works and the National Monuments Service of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

The recommendations suggested by this study will be considered by a group consisting of Louth County Council, the National Monuments service of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and the Office of Public Works. We are now moving towards the implementation of these recommendations and the process of setting up an implementation group has already commenced. There is a need to view this site in a holistic manner, which includes signage with all the stakeholders included in the process.

In relation to the Grianán of Aileach stone fort; there has been a history of collapses to different sections of the wall at the fort dating back to at least the 1800s and the OPW workforce has undertaken re-instatement works on a number of occasions as a result.

There is an ongoing program of conservation and preservation at this site and right through the process of consolidating the monument, the OPW has ensured that the site remained open to all tourists. There is a joint access arrangement with Donegal County Council with regard to the car park at the site, which is under their care, and there has always been a good working arrangement between OPW, the Local Authority and also the local community.

Public Investment Projects

Ciara Conway

Ceist:

264 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress that has been made to the new development plan reflecting Ireland’s changed economic circumstances covering the seven-year period, 2012 to 2019; when such a document will be published; the key stakeholders in this plan; the way they will be engaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22234/11]

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

272 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the work completed to date in drafting a comprehensive study of Ireland’s public investment priorities. [21164/11]

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

275 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding the programme for the re-prioritising of capital funding for smaller projects. [21169/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 264, 272 and 275 together.

The Review of Capital Expenditure is currently underway and is running in parallel with the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure. It is intended that the review will be completed in the autumn. Programmes and projects that support economic recovery, or address urgent social needs will be at the core of the capital review. This review will inform how we our prioritise capital investment programmes in future years.

Departmental Expenditure

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

265 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide the details of the budget allocated to capital expenditure in tabular form; the amount spent in tabular form; the amount carried forward for each of the years 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22291/11]

Details of capital allocations, outturns and capital carryover are outlined in the following table as requested. It should be noted that, as 2008 and 2009 expenditure figures are from the appropriation accounts for the years in question, they incorporate expenditure on capital carryover from previous year. 2010 expenditure figures are provisional outturn figures to which expenditure on capital carryover from the previous year has been added. 2011 expenditure is based on quarter 1 (to end March) returns of expenditure

€ millions

Year

Allocation

Expenditure

Carryover to next year

2008 (Incorporating July expenditure reductions)

8,915

9,011

128

2009 (Supplementary Budget)

7,905

7,333

126

2010 (Revised Estimates)

6,430

6,381

14

2011 (Revised Estimates)

4,690

616

n/a

Proposed Legislation

John McGuinness

Ceist:

266 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has consulted all parties concerned regarding the Construction Contracts Bill 2010; his intentions relative to this Bill; the way he intends to proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22321/11]

The Programme for Government contains a commitment to introduce new legislation to protect small building subcontractors that have been denied payments from bigger companies. In addition, you may be aware that the Construction Contracts Bill 2010 was introduced by Senator Feargal Quinn and passed Committee and Remaining Stages in the Seanad on 8 March 2011. It is now before the Dáil.

In this regard, my colleague Minister of State Mr. Brian Hayes recently met with Senator Feargal Quinn with a view to continuing a collaborative approach in regard to advancing the Construction Contracts Bill 2010. The Senator's Bill is a welcome initiative and I understand that Minister Hayes has agreed to work closely with the Senator in bringing the matter forward.

I also understand that Minister Hayes and Senator Quinn held a meeting with relevant stakeholders and opposition spokespersons on 28th June. This consultation highlighted a number of matters relating to the Bill that require further consideration. In light of this, a Regulatory Impact Assessment of the Bill is now underway in my Department.

Following these steps, it will be possible to bring proposals to the Government about how we should progress this legislation. It is intended to have the legislation before the Dáil in the next session.

It is important that a solution to the problem of non-payment in the construction sector must not place an unnecessary regulatory or cost burden on the parties to the dispute, other parties involved in the project, or the State.

Heritage Sites

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

267 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of visitors annually attending at the 20 most popular heritage sites in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22437/11]

In 2010, the total number of visitors attending the 20 most popular Heritage Sites in the country was about 2 million. Some sites such as Glenveagh and Muckross House are under the auspices of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and from returns available to the Office of Public Works, these sites recorded 146,000 visitors in 2010.

Visitor Returns for 2010 show a small decrease {0.06%} when compared to the 2009 data. This, however, was an excellent performance given that tourist numbers in general were down.

In early 2010, the volcanic ash cloud affected all sites, with a greater impact on the larger sites where foreign Tour Groups were unable fly into the country and take up their bookings. The exceptionally bad weather at the beginning of the year also had an impact.

All sites were open on a seven-day week basis throughout the peak tourist season. However, due to resources constraints, it was necessary to shorten the season at some sites.

This year, the number of visitors to the Rock of Cashel has increased as a direct result of the recent very successful Royal visit to the site.

I introduced an initiative recently giving the individual visitor free admission on the first Wednesday of every month for the rest of the year to all OPW-managed fee-paying Heritage Sites. It is my hope that this will encourage a greater interest in our built heritage by a wider audience both tourist and all communities living in Ireland and that people will be motivated to return sometime in the future to learn more.

Public Service Contracts

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

268 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding a promised construction contracts Bill to address the situation regarding subcontractors that have not received moneys for construction works carried out; the contents of this Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22462/11]

Guidelines from my Department require that public bodies conduct the public procurement function in a way that facilitates and does not place barriers to participation of small and medium enterprises. As one measure to achieve this, the guidance advises that the sub-dividing of procurement requirements into "lots" should be considered by contracting authorities where it would be appropriate and practical and can be done without compromising efficiency and value for money.

As regards promoting employment of local labour, the award of public contracts is governed by EU Treaty principles and Directives on public procurement. The provisions of the EU Directives allow contracting authorities to attach social conditions to the performance of contracts, provided these are compatible with EU law. In this regard, EU law requires that such conditions must be made known to all interested parties and must not restrict participation by contractors from other Member States. Specifying such conditions is a matter for the contracting authority concerned, having regard to the foregoing considerations.

Departmental Staff

Michael McCarthy

Ceist:

269 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the expenses incurred by Office of Public Works staff members in each of the years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 in tabular form; the amount incurred each year by individuals employed in the office’s architectural service, flood risk management service, heritage service and national procurement service; the location and full title and position of the top five claimants in respect of expenses incurred in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22504/11]

The amount of expenses incurred by staff of the Office of Public Works in each of the years 2006 to 2010 inclusive; the amount incurred in each year by staff in the Office's Architectural Services, Flood Risk Management, Heritage Services, the National Procurement Service and the location and full title of the top five claimants in respect of expenses incurred in 2010 are set out in the following tables.

Expenses for OPW Staff from 01-01-06 to 31-12-10

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Total Expenses

€3,690,283

€3,903,187

€4,400,269

€3,444,121

€3,484,538

Breakdown for certain areas from 01-01-06 to 31-12-10

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Architectural Services

€265,966

€266,536

€332,568

€164,471

€156,276

Flood Risk Management

€1,454,624

€1,575,030

€1,786,187

€1,618,987

€1,671,016

Heritage Services

€726,125

€723,858

€795,100

€662,519

€662,567

National Procurement Service

€8,960

€44,085

Total

€2,446,715

€2,565,424

€2,913,855

€2,454,937

€2,533,944

List of Top Five Claimants for 2010

Location

Title

Amount

Architectural Services

Senior Architect

€17,988

Engineering Services

Service Manager

€16,077

Architectural Services

Senior Architect

€15,926

Heritage Services

District Works Manager

€15,901

Heritage Services

Foreman 1

€15,806

Garda Stations

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

270 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when a decision will be made in relation to the tenders that were advertised for a Garda station in Bunbeg, County Donegal. [22538/11]

The Office of Public Works advertised in the media seeking a site locally for a new Garda Station in Bunbeg and have received a number of replies.

Sites have been assessed for suitability and the OPW are now in a position to commence negotiations with the site owners.

The acquisition of a site at Bunbeg will depend on various factors, crucially the availability of funds which, as you can appreciate in the current difficult climate, are extremely limited.

Flood Prevention Measures

Jerry Buttimer

Ceist:

271 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform about the flood prevention measures that have been taken locally by Government agencies, in view of the fact that insurance companies are writing to residents in areas representing a higher than standard flood risk and asking them to confirm the flood prevention measures that have been taken locally by State agencies; if such measures have not been taken; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the insurance companies are requesting that residents carry out extensive works to their homes and to accept responsibility for the first €2,500 of any flood claim; and if any flood prevention measures have been undertaken downstream of the Inniscarra Dam on the River Lee in County Cork. [22550/11]

It is the position of the Office of Public Works that the flood defence works undertaken, or funded, by the OPW should always be taken into account in the provision and cost of flood insurance.

Under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works & Coastal Protection Scheme funding may be provided by the Office of Public Works to local authorities, to undertake minor flood mitigation measures to address localised flooding and coastal erosion problems within their administrative areas.

In the period 2010-2011 OPW has funded approximately €2.4m under the Minor Works scheme to both the City and County Councils in respect of the Cork city area. Some €900,000 of this funding has been provided to Cork City Council to commission works for the repair of the quay walls which were breached in the 2009 flood event.

The major flood relief study on the River Lee catchment is being finalised at present. Following completion of the study it is proposed to engage consultants to carry out detailed design of the lower Lee flood defence works and to examine possible changes in operational procedures for Inniscarra dam.

In the meantime, the OPW continues to review operational protocols with the ESB in respect of outflows controlled by them in the Lee river catchment. In this regard, following a request from the OPW, ESB put in place interim measures, prior to the implementation of the CFRAMS process, on a pilot basis for the winter period 2010-2011, to provide additional flood protection downstream of Inniscarra. This involved reducing the spill level in Inniscarra and Carrigadrohid by 0.5m.

I met, earlier this month, with representatives of the Irish Insurance Federation (IIF) to review the interchange of information sharing between the OPW and the insurance industry with a view to ensuring that the industry is fully cognisant of the substantial capital investment made by the State in flood prevention measures over many years, both in respect of major and minor works.

The OPW is in the process of supplying detailed mapping of areas nationally which have benefitted from capital flood works. In addition the IIF has agreed to take up membership of the national stakeholder group of the Catchment Flood Risk, Assessment and Management programme to be established later this year.

The IIF has reassured me that the vast majority of properties are covered by flood insurance at present.

To this end, my Office will continue its liaison with the Irish Insurance Federation in 2011 and will endeavour to assist in any practical way with keeping the IIF fully informed as to its various programmes of flood alleviation, which should be taken into account in informing applications for flood insurance.

Question No. 272 answered with Question No. 264.

Programme for Government

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

273 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when he will be in a position to sell the non-strategic State assets; and if the target is still €2 billion. [21168/11]

The Deputy's question refers to the commitment in the Programme for Government to sell non-strategic assets up to a value of €2 billion to fund investment in key networks of the economy. This will occur when market conditions are right and when adequate regulatory structures have been established to protect consumer interests. Following publication of the Report of the Review Group on State Assets and Liabilities in April, my Department sought the considered views of relevant Departments on the Review Group's recommendations. Having considered these views, I intend to bring proposals to Government shortly on the matter. Under the EU/IMF Programme, the Government has agreed to discuss its plans with the European Commission, the IMF and the ECB when it has finalised its response to the Review Group Report. This is to take place by the end of the year.

Job Creation

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

274 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the action he has taken to accelerate capital works that are shovel-ready and other labour-intensive projects, recognising that a public works programme can play an important role in any job creation strategy. [21152/11]

As the Deputy is aware, the Minister for Finance recently announced this Government's Jobs Initiative. The Initiative provided for a further €30 million for school works and associated works in 2011 over the existing allocation. Some €20 million of this is being reallocated by the Minister for Education and Skills from within his own Department's allocation. A further €10 million of Exchequer funding has been made available to the Department from the proceeds of the new pension levy also announced in the Initiative. This is to be allocated to immediately-ready projects to be delivered by schools. The Initiative also provided for an additional €60 million to be reallocated from within the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport's overall allocation to invest in our regional and local roads to carry out much-needed surface restoration and road reconstruction works. This important remedial work is overdue and the additional money invested will allow local authorities to bring forward important projects to 2011 that had previously been pushed back to 2012.

We are currently undertaking a major review across Government of our capital investment programme with a view to ensuring that allocations are prioritised towards those capital projects and programmes that will maximise economic benefits to the state, promote sustainable jobs growth in the medium term an address immediate and urgent social deficits.

Question No. 275 answered with Question No. 264.

Departmental Properties

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

276 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the numbers and locations of his Department’s buildings that are currently in upward-only rent review contracts; the cost of rents for 2008, 2009, 2010 and the expected rents for 2011. [21915/11]

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

277 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the numbers and locations of buildings his Department leases that are in upward-only rent contracts; the amount of rent for 2008, 2009, 2010 and the expected rent for 2011. [21916/11]

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

The Office of Public Works (OPW) has 462 leases, of which 159, with a total rental yearly value of €58,080,640 attract the upward only rent review clause. OPW are collating information and will write directly to the Deputy with regard to the expenditure values for the four years in question and the Department/Office occupancy details attaching to each of these leases.

The following table schedules these leases with County, Location, Building and Rent per annum.

County

Location

Building

Rent PA

CARLOW

CARLOW

Carlow Temp Decent Off (D/ETE)

369,436

CLARE

CRUSHEEN

Crusheen GS + MQ

25,000

CLARE

KILRUSH

Kilrush Decentral. Revenue Off.

85,050

CORK

BANTRY

Bantry SWO — 7 Main Street

24,000

CORK

BLARNEY

Blarney GS

26,750

CORK

CARRIGALINE

Carrigaline DSFA Office

103,940

CORK

CORK

Cork C&E Centre Park House

48,000

CORK

CORK

Cork C&E Centre Park House

43,940

CORK

CORK

Cork C&E Centre Park House

110,000

CORK

CORK

Cork Environment Office

76,774

CORK

CORK

Cork Gov Off Doughcloyne

42,158

CORK

CORK

Cork Gov Off Irish Life Bldg

61,448

CORK

CORK

Cork Gov Off Irish Life Bldg

69,915

CORK

CORK

Cork Marine Office

53,320

CORK

CORK

Cork Marine Office

58,500

CORK

CORK

Cork SWO — ESB Premises

120,000

CORK

FERMOY

Fermoy SWO — Connolly Street

15,300

DONEGAL

BALLYSHANNON

Ballyshannon Maritime Office

25,000

DONEGAL

DONEGAL

Donegal D.T.C.

23,260

DONEGAL

LETTERKENNY

Letterkenny Driving Test Centre

15,000

DUBLIN

BALBRIGGAN

Balbriggan Passport Office

553,670

DUBLIN

CABINTEELY

Cabinteely GS

34,000

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 01

Abbey Street Upper 26 — 30

672,176

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 01

Abbey Street Upper 26 — 30

1,206,097

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 01

Abbey Street Upper 26 — 30

994,570

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 01

Abbey Street Upper 26 — 30

211,542

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 01

Arran Quay (Arran Court)

165,337

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 01

Capel Street 89 -94

689,322

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 01

Gardiner Street Upper 77

201,190

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 01

Great Strand St Millennium Hse

265,675

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 01

Irish Life Centre Block 2

1,335,000

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 01

Irish Life Centre Block 5/7

1,110,000

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 01

Irish Life Centre Block D E & F

900,000

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 01

Kings Inn House SWO

558,200

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 01

Kings Inn House SWO

208,275

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 01

Parnell Sq 16

1,493,645

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 02

Adelaide Road 29-31

2,970,000

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 02

Bishops Square

1,120,000

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 02

Bishops Square

1,495,500

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 02

Bishops Square

1,525,000

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 02

Clare Street 12

112,500

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 02

Clonmel Street. [Clonmel Place]

804,500

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 02

Earlsfort Terrace Earl Ctr Blk

195,000

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 02

East Essex Street Dolphin House

655,000

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 02

Ely Place 7-8 Ely Court

711,323

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 02

Harcourt Road Dun Sceine

850,000

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 02

Harcourt Sq Garda Block 1

1,300,000

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 02

Harcourt Sq Garda Block 2

1,832,500

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 02

Harcourt Sq Garda Block 3

1,278,800

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 02

Harcourt Sq Garda Block 4

417,250

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 02

Harcourt St Harcourt Cntre Blk 2

228,500

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 02

Holles Street Holbrook House

174,000

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 02

Leeson Street Lower Ossory House

900,000

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 02

Lombard St East 8 — 11 Joyce Hse

560,000

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 02

Merrion Row 2 — 4

472,500

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 02

Molesworth Bldg Setanta Cntre

114,388

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 02

Molesworth Bldg Setanta Cntre

2,267,000

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 02

Mount St Lr 73-79 Ballaugh House

933,500

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 02

Mount St Upr 36

200,000

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 02

Nassau Building Setanta Centre

469,680

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 02

Revenue Castleview Georges st

1,827,522

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 02

St Stephens Gr 94

612,000

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 02

St Stephens Gr 94

408,000

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 02

Tara Street Apollo House

453,120

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 02

Tara Street Apollo House

560,750

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 04

Shelbourne Rd 21Shelbourne Hse

1,018,000

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 04

Waterloo Road St Martins House

570,000

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 05

Raheny DTC

60,000

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 06

Canal Road (Canal House)

370,000

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 07

Bow Street Gov Office

450,000

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 07

Navan Road Ashtowngate Block B

254,401

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 07

North Circular Road Park House

92,778

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 07

Nth King St 90 Georges Court

1,353,509

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 07

Nth King St 90 Georges Court

655,940

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 07

Ormond Quay Ormond House

282,750

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 07

Richmond Hospital Courts

525,000

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 07

Richmond Hospital Courts

31,743

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 07

Smithfield Off of Film Class

255,955

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 08

Conyngham Road Phoenix House

365,000

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 08

Garden Lane Prob/Welfare Off

55,980

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 08

Mountshannon Rd Fur Br Off Block

460,000

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 08

The Chancery Building

543,880

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 09

Airways Industrial Estate

290,000

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 10

Ballyfermot Prob & Wel Service

39,500

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 11

Finglas Driv Test Ctr+Rev Store

45,520

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 11

Finglas Finance Storage

72,500

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 11

Finglas Prob&Welfare Service

66,000

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 11

Jamestown Business Park Unit 38

231,000

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 11

Finglas Driving Test Yard

120,000

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 12

Park West Business Park Block 43

212,586

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 12

Park West Ind Est Unit 4

180,000

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 15

Blanchardstown Gov Off

638,678

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 18

Sandyford Furze Road

255,000

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 22

Clondalkin SWO Ninth Lock Rd

215,000

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 24

Tallaght PIAB

188,554

DUBLIN

DUBLIN 24

Tallaght Gda Vehicle Pound

1,000,000

DUBLIN

DUN LAOGHAIRE

Dun Laoghaire Prob&Welfare Serv

85,999

DUBLIN

MALAHIDE

Malahide SWO

15,872

DUBLIN

SWORDS

Swords Agricultural Inspectors

8,253

DUBLIN

SWORDS

Swords Business Campus Unit 4

634,853

DUBLIN

SWORDS

Swords Business Campus Unit 5/6A

231,444

DUBLIN

SWORDS

Swords Business Campus Unit 5/6C

173,227

DUBLIN

SWORDS

Swords Business Campus Unit 5/6D

181,491

GALWAY

GALWAY

Galway DAF Dockgate

922,250

GALWAY

GALWAY

Galway Gov Off Hynes Building

222,425

GALWAY

GALWAY

Galway Irish Water Safety

41,722

GALWAY

GALWAY

Galway Liosbaun Garda Unit 1B

25,988

GALWAY

GALWAY

Galway Prob & Wel Serv

31,144

GALWAY

GALWAY

Galway Prob & Wel Serv

42,335

GALWAY

LOUGHREA

Galway Millenium House

19,408

GALWAY

LOUGHREA

Loughrea Trans & RSA Temp Off

31,225

GALWAY

LOUGHREA

Loughrea Trans & RSA Temp Off

56,188

GALWAY

LOUGHREA

Loughrea Trans & RSA Temp Off

51,838

KERRY

KILLARNEY

Killarney D.T.C.

40,000

KERRY

LISTOWEL

Listowel Revenue Office

244,924

KERRY

TRALEE

Tralee Agric Warehouse

18,325

KILDARE

NAAS

Naas Agric Off — Poplar House

95,696

KILDARE

NAAS

Naas SWO — Rathasker Square

23,000

KILDARE

NAAS

Willow Hse Millennium Pk Block 6

119,163

LAOIS

PORTARLINGTON

Portarlington Decentral Office

73,500

LAOIS

PORTLAOISE

Portlaoise Agri Records

98,133

LAOIS

PORTLAOISE

Portlaoise Agric Warehouse

107,919

LAOIS

PORTLAOISE

Portlaoise DAF Appeals Office

84,051

LEITRIM

CARRICK ON SHANNON

Carrick-on-Shannon Dcnt SWO

800,000

LIMERICK

LIMERICK

Limerick Decent Off DFA

900,000

LIMERICK

LIMERICK

Limerick Gov Off Houston Hall

373,568

LIMERICK

NEWCASTLEWEST

Newcastlewest Prob/Wel Office

39,613

LOUTH

DROGHEDA

Drogheda Prob & Wel Serv

66,000

LOUTH

DROGHEDA

Drogheda SWO Singleton House

70,533

MAYO

BALLINA

Ballina Road Safety HQ Unit 3

121,250

MAYO

BALLINA

Ballina Road Safety HQ Unit 4

121,938

MAYO

CASTLEBAR

Castlebar Prob/Welfare Service

38,260

MAYO

SWINFORD

Swinford DSFA Office

18,840

MEATH

NAVAN

Navan Athlumney House

439,921

MEATH

NAVAN

Navan Gov Off Kilcairn

573,700

MEATH

NAVAN

Navan Revenue Abbey Mall

575,360

MEATH

NAVAN

Navan SWO

230,000

MONAGHAN

MONAGHAN

Monaghan Drainage Workshops

32,500

OFFALY

TULLAMORE

Tullamore SWO Castle Buildings

204,045

SLIGO

SLIGO

Lough Arrow Field Study Centre

33,430

SLIGO

SLIGO

Marino House

57,642

SLIGO

SLIGO

Marino House

57,640

SLIGO

SLIGO

Sligo Customs and Excise Store

24,000

SLIGO

SLIGO

Sligo Gov Off-Westward Town Cntr

42,260

SLIGO

SLIGO

Sligo Gov Off-Westward Town Cntr

53,250

TIPPERARY

BORRISOKANE

Borrisokane GS

14,000

TIPPERARY

NENAGH

Nenagh Justice Office

36,270

TIPPERARY

ROSCREA

Roscrea Civil Defence Office

178,825

TIPPERARY

ROSCREA

Roscrea Civil Defence Office

25,000

TIPPERARY

TIPPERARY

Tipperary Temp Decent Office

103,958

WATERFORD

WATERFORD

Waterford Agri Belview

13,220

WATERFORD

WATERFORD

Waterford RSA Test Centre

40,000

WATERFORD

WATERFORD

Waterford RSA Test Centre

156,000

WEXFORD

ENNISCORTHY

Enniscorthy SWO Portsmouth Hse

25,000

WEXFORD

ROSSLARE HARBOUR

Rosslare Harbour Government Off

79,206

WEXFORD

ROSSLARE HARBOUR

Rosslare Harbour Government Off

10,860

WICKLOW

ARKLOW

Arklow Prob & Welfare Serv

19,046

WICKLOW

BRAY

Block D Bray Civic Centre

471,541

WICKLOW

DUNLAVIN

Dunlavin GS + MQ

10,500

National Lottery Funding

Paudie Coffey

Ceist:

278 Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount of National Lottery funding his Department received in 2009 and 2010; if he will provide a list of the money that was spent in tabular form. [21983/11]

Funding from the National Lottery which was allocated to this Department was used for the Charitable Lotteries Scheme. Under this Scheme, funding is made available to supplement the income of certain private charitable lotteries whose products are competing directly with National Lottery products. The amount of funding provided from the National Lottery to this Department for this Scheme in 2009 and 2010 was as follows: 2009, €8.618m; 2010, €8.618m.

A list of the beneficiaries under the Charitable Lotteries Scheme for 2009 and 2010 is provided in the following table:

Charities

2009

2010

Rehab Lotteries

5,644,928.91

5,625,488.26

Gael Linn

564,034.40

596,977.78

Asthma Society of Ireland

543,565.91

523,412.56

Irish Cancer Society

358,849.12

340,105.12

Polio Fellowship

358,849.12

340,105.12

The Hanly Centre

196,021.81

209,332.33

FÁSI

156,163.01

162,837.97

Irish Lung Foundation Limited

145,088.24

144,661.75

Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children

127,748.48

126,506.95

West of Ireland Alzheimer Foundation

115,123.81

126,100.94

Drogheda Community Services Trust

101,390.74

104,594.82

Irish M.E. Trust

90,839.28

90,251.62

Longford Cathedral Circle

54,504.19

53,943.92

St Kierans Community Centre

48,490.80

66,716.09

Associated Charities Trust

34,294.10

32,531.51

Lyreacrompane Community Development Ltd

23,845.06

24,919.34

Sliabh-Ardagh Rural Development

18,126.45

17,269.71

Cappoquin Community Development Ltd

16,619.56

13,099.53

Mulranny Day Centre Housing Co Ltd

13,856.88

19,144.70

Irish Wheelchair Association

5,660.13

Total

8,618,000

8,618,000

Tax Code

Brian Stanley

Ceist:

279 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason public sector pension levies are deducted from the salaries of a range of workers who will not benefit form a public sector pension, including part-time tutors with the vocational education committees and those working in State sponsored agencies; if these workers will be reimbursed the deducted money on reaching pensionable age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22082/11]

The position is that public servants are in general liable to pay the pension-related deduction introduced in the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009. The criteria for being subject to the pension-related deduction are, essentially, that one is a public servant (defined in section 1 of the Act) and

a) is a member of a public service pension scheme (defined in section 1 of the Act) or

b) is entitled to a benefit under such a scheme or

c) receives a payment in lieu of membership in such a scheme.

A public servant not covered by the above criteria would not be subject to the deduction. The determination of liability in the case of an individual is a matter for the individual's employer in the first instance as it depends on the specific employment circumstances. In this regard, the question of whether the legislation and the deduction apply to staff in Vocational Educational Committees or State sponsored bodies is a matter for their employer and any clarification queries are a matter for the parent Department.

Fixed-term and non-permanent workers across many areas of the public service are paying the deduction. In this general connection, such service is generally pensionable and, even for relatively short periods in such posts, pensionable service is accrued. It may also be transferred in the future to any public service employment. If the service is not transferred, section 6 of the Act provides for a refund of the deduction in certain limited circumstances, essentially in those cases where, on leaving employment, the pension scheme member has not accrued sufficient service to build up a benefit in any public service pension scheme.

Departmental Expenditure

Shane Ross

Ceist:

280 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the sum of any public funds and their purpose which have been awarded by his Department either directly or indirectly to the Irish Business and Employers’ Confederation in the past decade. [22272/11]

My Department was established under the provisions of the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Act 2011 on 6 July 2011. No public funds have been awarded, by my Department, to the Irish Business and Employers Confederation since that date.

Garda Stations

Dara Murphy

Ceist:

281 Deputy Dara Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the funding amount to be provided in respect of Blarney Garda Station, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22346/11]

The refurbishment and extension of Blarney Garda Station has been identified as a priority within OPW's accommodation programme for An Garda Síochána. To ensure competitive tendering, it is not proposed to disclose the project budget prior to requesting tenders.

Dara Murphy

Ceist:

282 Deputy Dara Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the funding to be provided in respect of Glanmire Garda Station, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22357/11]

The fit-out of the premises being acquired for An Garda Síochána in Glanmire has been identified as a priority within OPW's accommodation programme for An Garda Síochána. To ensure competitive tendering, it is not proposed to disclose the project budget prior to requesting tenders.

Departmental Bodies

John Lyons

Ceist:

283 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to reduce the number of quangos; and the number he believes can be closed. [22389/11]

The Government is currently undertaking a Comprehensive Review of Expenditure under which all areas of public expenditure are being subject to scrutiny. The Government expect that this will go beyond simply abolishing agencies and also consider issues such as how existing agencies might be reformed, how functions might be reallocated among them, and how different bodies within and beyond individual Ministers' remit might be brought together on a repurposed, streamlined basis.

The question of rationalization and the reduction in the number of state agencies will be considered in the context of the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure and the overall budgetary and estimates process for 2012 and later years.

Appointments to State Boards

Anne Ferris

Ceist:

284 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the steps he is taking to ensure that State boards have at least 40% of each gender, as provided for in the Programme for Government. [22454/11]

I intend to ensure that all boards under the aegis of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform will have an appropriate gender balance.

Expenditure Reviews

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

285 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the input that the Oireachtas will have into the planned Government expenditure review; if the outcome of the review will be presented to Dáil Éireann for approval; and when same will be published. [22481/11]

As I am sure the Deputy is aware, work on the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure (CRE) is ongoing at the moment and involves all Ministers and Departments. The CRE will be a critical building block in formulating Government's budgetary policy for 2012 and beyond and the results of the Comprehensive Review process will be brought before Government for consideration and decision in the Budget and Estimates process later this year. The Oireachtas will have the opportunity to debate the Government's decisions arising from the CRE as part of the Budget debate, and in more detail in the 2012 Estimate debate at the relevant Select Committees.

More generally, while the detailed arrangements for the budgetary process in the autumn are still under consideration, I anticipate that the CRE exercise will have a significant bearing on the Pre-Budget Outlook (PBO) to be presented to Dáil Éireann in October.

In addition, the CRE will form a key input to the establishment of a Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) later this year. This Framework will form part of the Fiscal Responsibility Bill to be put before the House and the Oireachtas will input in this context.

Departmental Equipment

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

286 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of computer servers that are owned or leased by his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department; and the capacity of each server. [22497/11]

No servers are owned, or leased by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. It has not been possible for all State agencies to reply with the timeframe. However, the following response has been received.

Valuation Office

Number of Servers owned by Valuation Office: 19 — see list below.

Capacity: 12.8 TB (Terabytes).

Number of Servers Leased: NONE

Server

Hard Disk Capacity

Dell PowerEdge 1950

146 GB

Dell PowerEdge 1950

73 GB

Dell PowerEdge 1950

146 GB

Dell PowerEdge 2950

292 GB

HP Proliant DL 385

3.6 TB

HP Proliant DL 380

438 GB

HP Proliant DL 380

438 GB

Dell PowerEdge 1300

40 GB

HP Proliant DL 360

146 GB

Dell PowerEdge R610

292 GB

Dell PowerEdge R610

292 GB

HP Proliant DL 360

144 GB

Dell PowerEdge R710

4.1 TB

Dell PowerEdge 2950

1 TB

Dell PowerEdge 1950

600 GB

Dell PowerEdge 1950

600 GB

HP Proliant DL 385

1.3 TB

Val-scanner

146 GB

Total Capacity

12.8 TB

State Agencies

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

287 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if a request by the Industrial Development Agency for an exemption from the recruitment embargo for the purposes of appointing a new IDA north west regional manager; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22562/11]

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

288 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the date on which his Department received a request from the Industrial Development Agency for an exemption from the recruitment embargo for the purposes of appointing a new IDA north west regional manager; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22563/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 287 and 288 together.

IDA is an autonomous Agency set up by statute with a mandate to attract foreign direct investment in manufacturing and internationally-traded service industries into Ireland, and to support new and existing FDI operations so as to maximise the related industrial employment, output, exports, economy expenditures including wages, and corporation tax contributions.

As with all Departments and agencies, the total number of staff employed by IDA is not fixed varies from time to time depending on the resources available to Government and the requirements of the Agency. In recent times, the Government's financial position is of course particularly difficult, and a moratorium on the filling of vacancies arising in all Departments, Offices and agencies has been in operation since early 2009. At present, a comprehensive review of all Government expenditure is in train for completion later this year and to inform Government decisions on spending, including on staff numbers in Departments and agencies, in 2012 and later years.

Against this background, the Government is however determined to facilitate the delivery of the industrial employment and other targets in the current IDA Strategy. To achieve this, IDA is amongst those who have been approved, through consultation with my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, in recent times to fill mission-critical vacancies that would otherwise have remained vacant under the moratorium.

The allocation of IDA staff to the various locations throughout the country and worldwide is a day to day operational matter for the Agency and not one in which I have a function. I understand from the IDA that it's Letterkenny office is not closing. IDA has sought Department of Finance sanction for a new North West Regional Manager. In Letterkenny, IDA will maintain its office and staff employed there. IDA will continue to maintain two offices in the North West region.

Job Creation

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

289 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the targets set for job creation, by sector and on a county basis; and the timetable for meeting same. [21869/11]

Job creation is central to our economic recovery and the Programme for Government has job creation at its core. It is only by creating the right environment for businesses to expand that we will see new jobs coming on stream. In this context, the objective of the Jobs Initiative announced on 10 May is to put policies in place to improve the business environment in Ireland, drive competitiveness, continue to grow our exports, and restore confidence in the economy, both internationally and domestically. The Jobs Initiative will support the maintenance of existing jobs, as well facilitating the creation of new ones. The Initiative includes a range of measures, which will be taken across all Government Departments — including my own — to stimulate the economy and help get people back to work.

The Programme for Government recognises that economic recovery must be export-led. Trading and Investing in a Smart Economy is an integrated strategy that is global in scope and covers both existing and new high growth potential markets. It has set a number of ambitious targets to be achieved by end 2015 i.e. to create 150,000 new jobs (manufacturing, tourism and traded services). The jobs total figure of 150,000 direct new jobs, is from agency estimates based on their growth targets over the Strategy period to the end of 2015 i.e. 75,000 (IDA Ireland), 60,000 (Enterprise Ireland) and 15,000 in the tourism sector. The strategy also foresees the creation of a similar number of new indirect jobs.

Enterprise Ireland's focus is export led sales growth in its client companies leading to jobs growth. Regarding sector, the software and internationally traded services sectors, cleantech, information and communications technology, life sciences and food are targeted to deliver the majority of new jobs, both from existing companies and new high potential start-ups. Enterprise Ireland client companies are widely dispersed throughout Ireland and the agency are actively engaged in seeking to support those companies with the appetite for growth and the commitment to building their capability to achieve it.

Enterprise Ireland will support the achievement of its job creation targets through a number of key interventions such as:

support for start-ups, R&D and Innovation, and securing exports;

supporting the establishment and growth of High Potential Start-Ups;

supporting companies to target new opportunities in overseas markets;

continuing to be focused on supporting company investments;

continuing to invest in R&D both in terms of in-company investments; and

by supporting the commercialisation of Ireland's research.

FDI has been, and will continue to be, a key element in the export led recovery of the economy. IDA will focus on winning new investments in areas such as Global Services, High End Manufacturing and Research, Development and Innovation. IDA will also target new investments from sectors such as Life Sciences, Medical Devices, Information and Communications Technology, Financial Services, Content Industry, Consumer and Business Services, Diversified Industries and Engineering and Clean Technologies. Building on existing regional strengths to ensure Ireland's economic development and optimising regional spread of overseas investments is central to IDA core activities. Fifty per cent of these investments are to be based in locations outside of Dublin and Cork. A growing proportion of FDI will come from high-growth markets new to Ireland.

There is evidence that our policies are working. Yesterday's €50m investment by Analog Devices Limerick, together with today's announcements of new investments from Belgian, Dutch and US companies, in addition to the announcement by Allianz, and another expected announcement tomorrow from a world leading company will see over 560 new jobs created. IDA expect the strong flow of foreign direct investment to continue through 2011.

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

290 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the levels of employment vacancies available by sector and on a county basis. [21870/11]

My Department does not collate statistics in relation to the levels of employment vacancies available by sector and on a county basis.

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

291 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of assisted new business start-ups on a month by month and on a county basis over the past 12 months; the current levels of business failures on a month by month and on a county basis over the past 12 months; the average gross salary by industry sector of new jobs directly created as a result of Industrial Development Agency supported companies for the years 2007 to 2010. [21872/11]

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

296 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the average gross salary by industry sector of new jobs directly created as a result of Enterprise Ireland supported companies in the years 2007 to 2010. [21877/11]

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

297 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide on a county basis the Enterprise Ireland grants awarded in the years 2007 to 2010 based on the registered office or trading address of the relevant companies. [21878/11]

I propose take Questions Nos. 291, 296 and 297 together.

Due to the extensive amount of statistical information requested by the Deputy, my Department has been unable to collate the information sought within the timeframe given. I will endeavour to provide the information to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Industrial Development

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

292 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide an analysis of grants awarded by the Industrial Development Agency split between feasibility grants, employment grants and capital grants for the years 2007 to 2010. [21873/11]

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

293 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide on a county basis the Industrial Development Agency grants awarded in the years 2007 to 2010 based on the company’s location or trading address. [21874/11]

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

294 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the split of the Industrial Development Agency grant allocation of €85 million for 2011 between feasibility grants and employment grants. [21875/11]

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

295 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide the volume and value of grants which were redeemed and refunded to the Industrial Development Agency in the years 2007 to 2011 as a result of closures, reorganisations, restructuring or failure to comply with the terms of the grants. [21876/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 292 to 295, inclusive, together.

The figure mentioned by the deputy of €85 million refers to the Oireachtas allocation to the Agency to enable it to pay grants to companies who have already received approval of their business/investment plan by IDA Ireland. Grants paid for RD&I and Employment grants in 2010 are as follows:

RD&I (including Feasibility and RTI grants) — €79,737,895;

Employment (including Employment Subsidy grants) — €26,303,174.

The total amounts of IDA Grants Paid broken down by county are outlined in the tabular statement attached.

The volume and value of grants which were redeemed and refunded to IDA Ireland from 2007 to 2010 inclusive as a result of closures, re-organisations, restructuring or failure to comply with the terms of the grants is set out below:

2007 — 8 refunds totalling €10,693,000;

2008 — 15 refunds totalling €4,189,000;

2009 — 7 refunds totalling €14,734,000;

2010 — 16 Refunds totalling €12,881,000.

The total amounts paid by IDA in respect of Research, Development and Innovation Grants, Employment Grants and Capital Grants between 2007 and 2010 is as follows:

Research, Development and Innovation Grants — €233.16 million.

Employment Grants (including Employment Subsidy Grants) — €90.37 million; Capital Grants €25.84 million.

Total of Grants Paid — €349.37 million

These amounts are broken down in the following tabular statement.

Table of Research and Development, Employment and Capital Grants Paid by IDA Ireland from 2007 to 2010.

Grant Type

2007

2008

2009

2010

RD&I (including Feasibility and RTI grants)

44,862,498

47,256,182

61,309,463

79,737,895

Employment (including Employment Subsidy grants)

22,857,039

26,497,176

14,716,454

26,303,174

Capital

10,480,733

2,779,065

2,202,700

10,365,510

Table of IDA Ireland grants paid on a county by county basis from 2006 to 2010

County

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Total

Carlow

€0

€553,820

€480,305

€176,000

€0

€1,210,125

Cavan

€0

€0

€0

€143,000

€772,345

€915,345

Clare

€1,089,634

€321,151

€471,682

€790,882

€762,100

€3,435,449

Cork

€28,412,528

€10,354,690

€14,422,159

€16,585,908

€20,119,751

€89,895,036

Donegal

€142,514

€2,334,893

€281,200

€1,253,200

€2,353,385

€6,365,192

Dublin

€24,674,835

€31,603,168

€25,910,424

€29,101,843

€46,420,938

€157,711,208

Galway

€9,770,224

€8,597,316

€12,218,919

€10,206,304

€9,448,677

€50,241,440

Kerry

€53,683

€0

€42,949

€148,565

€216,450

€461,647

Kildare

€13,357,389

€669,301

€10,857,083

€9,691,781

€4,981,549

€39,557,103

Kilkenny

€0

€635,000

€0

€0

€0

€635,000

Laois

€11,250

€45,708

€0

€39,000

€274,324

€370,282

Leitrim

€0

€0

€0

€28,600

€566,500

€595,100

Limerick

€4,342,988

€2,046,383

€2,871,880

€5,594,812

€5,104,862

€19,960,925

Longford

€1,188,500

€669,000

€678,789

€143,000

€357,000

€3,036,289

Louth

€246,434

€348,127

€1,245,000

€282,000

€347,207

€2,468,768

Mayo

€1,999,975

€61,529

€816,847

€66,007

€4,693,343

€7,637,701

Meath

€45,062

€300,000

€691,066

€136,501

€524,671

€1,697,300

Monaghan

€0

€0

€0

€445,882

€260,000

€705,882

Offaly

€8,255

€33,510

€0

€257,092

€211,870

€510,727

Roscommon

€424,929

€111,687

€91,938

€77,568

€283,503

€989,625

Sligo

€2,034,000

€377,507

€555,017

€553,787

€925,555

€4,445,866

Tipperary

€2,617,599

€4,278,944

€2,727,287

€1,431,584

€17,755,098

€28,810,512

Waterford

€4,642,637

€7,264,669

€4,739,590

€854,934

€1,414,402

€18,916,232

Westmeath

€1,060,269

€1,002,499

€937,110

€1,872,257

€1,564,401

€6,436,536

Wexford

€298,679

€1,196,487

€0

€190,078

€569,253

€2,254,497

Wicklow

€296,606

€629,010

€232,593

€791,321

€513,000

€2,462,530

Questions Nos. 296 and 297 answered with Question No. 291.

Departmental Agencies

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

298 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the value of preference and ordinary shares held by Enterprise Ireland in companies which it supports. [21879/11]

The value of preference and ordinary shares held by Enterprise Ireland in companies which it supports amounted to €169.8m as at 31 December 2010.

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

299 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the volume and value of grants or preference share and equity investments which were redeemed and refunded to Enterprise Ireland in the years 2007 to 2011 as a result of disposals, closures, reorganisations, restructuring or failure to comply with the terms of the grants. [21880/11]

The volume and value of grants or preference share and equity investments which were redeemed and refunded to Enterprise Ireland in the years 2007 to 2011 as a result of disposals, closures, re-organisations, re-structuring or failure to comply with the terms of the grants are set out in the following table.

Number

Value

€’000

2007

233

23,598

2008

208

25,334

2009

245

13,679

2010

281

26,478

2011 to date

107

18,251

Total

1,074

107,340

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

300 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of staff directly employed in the Industrial Development Agency and Enterprise Ireland; and if this will increase or decrease in the coming years. [21881/11]

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

315 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will contact the Department of Finance to endorse a request from the Industrial Development Agency for an exemption from the recruitment embargo for the purposes of appointing a new IDA north west regional manager; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22564/11]

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

316 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will meet with the Industrial Development Agency to discuss the continuation of the Industrial Development Agency Letterkenny office in County Donegal as an office with direct responsibilities for working to attract new investment to the north west region and for managing the IDA north west regional operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22565/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 300, 315 and 316 together.

IDA and Enterprise Ireland are autonomous agencies set up by statute with a mandate to support the development of new and existing manufacturing and internationally-traded service industries in Ireland, so as to maximise the related industrial employment, output, exports, economy expenditures including wages and corporation tax contributions.

As with all Departments and agencies, the number of staff is not fixed and it varies from time to time depending on the resources available to Government and the requirements of the mission concerned. In recent times, the Government's financial position is of course particularly difficult, and a moratorium on the filling of vacancies arising in all Departments, Offices and agencies has been in operation since early 2009. At present, a comprehensive review of all Government expenditure is in train for completion later this year and to inform Government decisions on spending, including on staff numbers in Departments and agencies, in 2012 and later years. In this context, it is not possible to say if staff numbers in particular departments, offices or agencies will increase or decrease in future.

Against this background, the Government is however determined to facilitate the delivery of the industrial employment and other targets in the current strategies of IDA and Enterprise Ireland. To achieve this, both agencies are amongst those who have been approved, through consultation with my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, in recent times to fill mission-critical vacancies that would otherwise have remained vacant under the moratorium. I am satisfied that the currently approved staff numbers available to both agencies are sufficient to deliver on their strategies for the coming period.

Within these overall demanding constraints, the management and location of IDA staff is a day to day operational matter for the agency and not one in which I have a direct function. I understand from the IDA that its Letterkenny office is not closing. IDA has sought Department of Finance sanction for a new North West Regional Manager. In Letterkenny, IDA will maintain its office and staff employed there. IDA will continue to maintain two offices in the North West region.

Job Creation

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

301 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views on cost benefit to the economy of the establishment of a €300 million job retention fund to subsidise employees small and medium enterprises; and if so, the details of same. [21882/11]

Job creation and retention is central to our economic recovery and the Programme for Government has job creation at its core. The role of my Department is to ensure that we have the right policies to support enterprise and innovation so that quality employment opportunities can be grown and maintained. It is only by creating the right environment for businesses to expand that we will see new jobs coming on stream. On 10 May, the Government launched a €500m Jobs Initiative which has the objective of:

restoring confidence in the economy, both internationally and domestically, supporting the maintenance of existing jobs, and facilitating the creation of new ones, improving the business environment and assisting people to get back to work.

Many of these measures have already been brought into effect, including the reduction of VAT on restaurant and catering services, hotel and holiday accommodation and various entertainment services; the halving of the lower rate of employer's PRSI on earnings up to €356 per week; the launch of the National Internship scheme; and the focusing of the State's capital expenditure towards more employment-intensive projects in the areas of education, local and regional roads and sustainable transport projects.

The Jobs Initiative also made commitments to introduce a Loan Guarantee scheme and a Microfinance Start up Fund, to improve access to finance for businesses. My Department is currently working on developing these schemes and my colleague the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation expects to be in a position to announce details of the schemes within the next six months.

The Programme for Government also outlines a number of measures, which the Government will take to assist small and medium enterprises with a view to maximising their potential in the context of economic recovery. These measures will build on the existing enterprise supports available to small businesses through the City and County Enterprise Boards and Enterprise Ireland. All of the measures I have outlined — along with other commitments in the Programme for Government — will contribute to facilitating job creation and retention.

Departmental Agencies

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

302 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the locations of the Industrial Development Agency offices, Enterprise Ireland offices, Irish embassies and Irish consulate offices worldwide; and the cost of operations for each office. [21885/11]

The cost and location of embassies and consulates is a matter for the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. Enterprise Ireland has 30 offices outside of Ireland, located throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the United States and Canada, Latin America and Asia/ Pacific, details of which are set out in the attached tabular statement. The overall costs in relation to the running of the Enterprise Ireland overseas offices amounted to €19.2m in 2010. It is not possible in the time available to provide a breakdown of the operating costs for each office.

Enterprise Ireland monitors the overseas office network as part of the organisation's operational planning process to determine the appropriate mix and location for Enterprise Ireland offices to maximise the economic and commercial opportunities for Irish client companies. This review process has resulted in the rationalisation and closure of some Enterprise Ireland offices and the opening of new overseas offices to maximise the export opportunities for client companies in key markets.

IDA Ireland has 18 overseas offices located in Europe, the United States, Asia Pacific and South America, details of which are set out in the attached tabular statement. The overall costs in relation to the running of the IDA Ireland overseas offices amounted to €11,482,000 in 2010. It is not possible in the time available to provide a breakdown of the operating costs for each office.

In recent years IDA has increased its international presence through the expansion of existing offices in the US and the development of new offices/representatives in France, China, Russia and Brazil, as part of a significant redeployment of personnel to its overseas activities from elsewhere in IDA.

Enterprise Ireland's Overseas Offices

UK & Northern Europe

Amsterdam, Brussels, Glasgow, London, Paris and Stockholm

Central & Eastern Europe

Budapest, Düsseldorf, Moscow, Prague and Warsaw

Southern Europe, Middle East & Africa

Dubai, Madrid, Milan and Riyadh

USA & Canada

Boston, New York, Silicon Valley, Toronto

Latin America

Sao Paulo

Asia / Pacific

Beijing, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, New Delhi, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney and Tokyo

IDA's Overseas Offices

Europe

London, Frankfurt, Paris

USA

New York, Boston, Mountain View (California), Irvine (California), Atlanta and Chicago

Asia Pacific/Growth Markets

Russia, Brazil, Australia, Korea, Taiwan, Japan, China x 2 (Shanghai and Shenzen) and India

Departmental Properties

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

303 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number and locations of his Department’s buildings that are currently in an upward only rent review contract; the cost of rents for 2008, 2009, 2010 and expected rents for 2011. [21886/11]

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

304 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the numbers and locations of buildings his Department lease that are in upward only rent contracts; and the cost of rents for 2008, 2009, 2010 and expected rents for 2011. [21887/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 303 and 304 together.

My Department and the 8 Offices of my Department do not currently rent or lease any properties. All the properties occupied by the Department and its Offices are provided by the Office of Public Works (OPW) without any cost to the Department or the Offices concerned. In many of those cases, the properties are rented or leased by the OPW and the information requested by the Deputy, in relation to the number and locations of buildings that might be in an upward only rent review contracts and the cost of such rents, could only be supplied by the Office of Public Works.

National Lottery Funding

Paudie Coffey

Ceist:

305 Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the amount of National Lottery funding his Department received in 2009 and 2010; if he will provide a list of the money that was spent in tabular form. [21978/11]

My Department did not receive any funding from the National Lottery in 2009 or 2010 and does not expect to receive any such funding in 2011 either.

Departmental Programmes

Michael Conaghan

Ceist:

306 Deputy Michael Conaghan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will outline any outreach activities proposed for the Dublin area as part of Dublin City of Science 2012; the proposed educational activities tied to the event in Dublin schools; the benefits disadvantaged communities in Dublin will gain from the significant investment being made in this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22102/11]

Dublin City of Science 2012 is a highly prestigious event which was won in the face of stiff competition. Planning for this event is being coordinated by the Office of the Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government. Hosting City of Science will serve three functions. It will

provide a platform to showcase the best of Irish science and research across all disciplines;

boost the international standing of Ireland as a leading centre for scientific and research excellence and to provide a framework to demonstrate the world class research system that we have built over the last decade; and,

promote careers in science, technology engineering and maths among prospective students and their parents.

With regard to the third function, on 6 April last I announced a call for proposals for a year-long programme of events to engage the citizens of the island of Ireland in science. The intention is to devise a programme of events that will demonstrate the reach of science into almost every aspect of our lives — education, business, the arts, sports and our communities. Partnerships are being sought with organisations and individuals who wish to develop events that will encourage the public to engage with science.

The Office of the Chief Scientific Adviser has confirmed that, when this call closed at end June, over 320 proposals had been received from across the island. An initial overview of these proposals shows strong elements of creativity, diversity and concern to make science more accessible to the citizen. The proposals are currently being assessed and it is planned to produce a first outline of a programme of outreach activities in the Autumn.

Research Funding

Ciara Conway

Ceist:

307 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the supports that are being put in place or that are planned to support the indigenous digital gaming industry by reforming the research and development supports available to this industry; the funding that will be set aside from the Innovation Fund for Ireland for a seed capital scheme for Irish digital gaming start up; when an announcement will be made on this funding; the other initiatives that will be put in place to ensure that Ireland becomes an established digital gaming hub; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22235/11]

John Lyons

Ceist:

309 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation in view of the high potential for job growth in the online gaming industry here, his plans to aid the development of this sector including his plans to address reported skills shortages in key areas of games development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22385/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 307 and 309 together.

Digital gaming is one of a number of key sectors which I see as offering strong potential for growth and increased employment in Ireland. The global video games market was valued at US$55.5 billion in 2010 and is expected to grow to US$82.5 billion by 2015, making it the fastest growing segment of the wider entertainment and media sector. It is a rapidly moving marketplace and one where Ireland could become a significant player.

The Programme for Government includes a commitment to support the digital games industry and promote Ireland as a digital gaming hub. The sector directly employed 1,500 people in Ireland in 2010 in core games companies, representing a fourfold increase since 2004, with a further 1,000 employed people in online gambling. There is considerable potential for jobs growth in the core video games sector, with further potential for growth across related sectors and activities, such as eLearning, animation, etc.

I met recently with representatives from the Digital Gaming industry to discuss how we could further develop the sector. At present, Forfás is preparing a report for me on the potential of the industry. The report will identify key actions that need to be taken to optimise the development of Digital Gaming in Ireland. I expect to receive the report from Forfás before the end of this month and I will give it early consideration. I will seek the support of my Government colleagues, as necessary, to take appropriate actions required to further develop the sector on foot of the report.

The Programme for Government pointed to the R&D tax credit as a means of further enhancing Ireland's attractiveness to the digital game industry. Detailed consultations have been underway in recent months involving my Department, the enterprise agencies and representatives of the many active and growing games companies operating in Ireland. These discussions have included in-depth examination of those elements of the games development process that fall within the provisions of the R&D tax credit to ensure they are fully understood and availed of by the industry and also to determine where there might be room for enhancement.

Innovation Fund Ireland is part of a suite of policy initiatives to position Ireland as a Global Innovation Hub. The overall objective of the Innovation Fund is not just to increase the availability and diversity of smart capital for start-up and scaling firms, but also to transform the market by attracting top tier fund managers to Ireland and support the further development of the venture capital sector. The extent to which the Digital Games sector will attract financing will become clearer over time.

In the meantime, companies can compete for funding under Enterprise Ireland's new Internet and Games Competitive Start Fund. Enterprise Ireland set up the new Fund as a mechanism to get financial support into very early stage companies at the critical product-market fit stage of their projects.

In March, I announced the 10 companies that had been successful under the first call under the Fund. Each of the ten companies receives an equity investment of €50,000 for a 10% ordinary equity stake, along with the support of an experienced business mentor to guide them as they develop their business. Following the huge interest in this first call, Enterprise Ireland expanded its offer with a second fund (Competitive Start Fund) that is also open to software companies in the games, telecoms, software as a service (SaaS), cloud computing and enterprise software sectors.

With regard to skills shortages, over the past few months, my Department's officials have been working with the Secretariat to the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs, the Higher Education Authority and the Department of Education and Skills to more precisely clarify issues in relation to skills gaps in the ICT sector as a whole and how they might be addressed. Discussions have taken place with over 25 foreign-owned and indigenous companies to establish information on the scale and nature of issues involved and the reasons for reported difficulties.

The Minister for Education and Skills, Minister Quinn, has confirmed his commitment to work collaboratively with the sector on measures to increase the longer term supply of graduates, and to address the skills needs of the sector in the interim through an expansion of conversion and re-skilling courses.

Departmental Funding

Shane Ross

Ceist:

308 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the sum of any public funds and their purpose which have been awarded by his Department either directly or indirectly to the Irish Business and Employers Confederation in the past decade. [22266/11]

The information requested is as follows.

Year

Beneficiary

Purpose

2000-2003*

IBEC

Project Funded through National Framework Committee for Work Life Balance Policies

150,205.95

2006

IBEC

Project Funded through Workplace Innovation Fund to support innovation and change at enterprise level

107,183.00

2007

IBEC

Project Funded through Workplace Innovation Fund to support innovation and change at enterprise level

132,953.00

2008

IBEC

Project Funded through Workplace Innovation Fund to support innovation and change at enterprise level

329,298.00

2008

Small Firms Association

Project Funded through National Framework Committee for Work Life Balance Policies

3,722.40

*The Committee's activities were funded from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform Vote from 2000 to end 2003. The Committee was chaired and managed by my Department.

Question No. 309 answered with Question No. 307.

Departmental Programmes

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

310 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if, in conjunction with the Department of Health and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, he will initiate a campaign to raise public awareness of the dangers to children of looped cord window blinds. [22456/11]

In Ireland the National Consumer Agency (NCA) is responsible for product safety of non-food consumer products including window blinds. I am informed that the Department of Health and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs have no responsibility in relation to window blinds. The NCA has been actively working to promote consumer awareness of window blind cord safety over the past number of years. As part of this role the Agency has produced a brochure entitled ‘Consumer Guide to the Safety of Window Blinds'. This brochure was prepared in cooperation with the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) and includes consumer tips in relation to what to look out for when buying new blinds as well as advice on how to minimise risks posed by blinds already installed in homes.

At the request of the Agency, copies of the brochure were sent to over 4,000 primary and secondary schools around the country as well as to regional Health Promotion Officers for general distribution. Copies were also sent to manufacturers and retailers of window blinds. This leaflet is available on the NCA's website: www.nca.ie. The Agency is currently updating this brochure and expects to publish it later in 2011. In addition, the Agency has been advocating for further revision, at EU level, to the relevant standard to eliminate the risk associated with window blinds. It has also been urging Irish manufacturers, suppliers and retailers to address the issue.

In relation to window blinds, a new European standard has been in place since February 2009 which has been adopted as ‘Irish standard I.S. EN13120 — Internal blinds — Performance requirements including safety". As well as specifying the requirement for the fitting of internal blinds, this standard deals with the construction, transport, installation, operation and maintenance of window blinds.

Work commenced in 2010 to revise the European Standard EN 13120 in order to strengthen requirements in relation to risks of strangulation by young children. Ireland has actively participated in the working group responsible for this revision. More recently work has taken place to draw up a parallel support-standard relating specifically to the testing of such products. Both the revised standard EN 13120 and the new support-standard are expected to be published in 2012.

In order to take account of national concerns in this area it is proposed that a national standard, more comprehensive than the European standard, will be published late in 2011 on providing guidance for manufacturers and installers as well as consumers on safe window blind products. This standard will include other important guidance such as installation of corded window products and information on installation, including safety aspects, as well as training requirements for installers, manufacturers and sales representatives. To this end a committee has been established by the NSAI comprised of representatives of the manufacturing and installation sectors as well as the NCA. A draft standard will be available for public consultation in the forthcoming weeks.

Green Card Applications

Dominic Hannigan

Ceist:

311 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the reason a person’s (details supplied) application for a green card permit was denied when they have a job offer from an employer registered with both the Revenue Commissioners and the CRO and would be earning between €30,000 and €60,000, and the job offer is in the restricted professions as outlined by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22469/11]

My Department processes applications in respect of the different types of employment permits (Green Cards Permits, Work Permits, Spousal/Dependant Permits and Intra-company Transfer Permits). All applications are processed strictly in date of receipt order by permit type and in line with the Employment Permits Act 2006. This particular Green Card application was refused on 6 July 2011 on the grounds that it is current Government policy to issue new employment permits only in respect of:

highly skilled, highly paid positions or;

non-EEA nationals who are already legally resident in the State on valid employment permits or;

where there is an officially recognised scarcity of workers of a particular type or qualification.

Furthermore, from the information submitted with the application, it appeared that the proposed employee was currently resident in the State without immigration permission and an employment permit could not be considered in this case. In addition, the Green Card Scheme is designed for high level, strategic skill shortage occupations in certain economic sectors and the position on offer does not appear to fall within this Scheme. The applicant was notified of this decision in writing and of their right to appeal within 21 days from the date of the refusal decision. To-date no such appeal has been received in the Employment Permits Section.

I wish to advise the Deputy that all appeals must be submitted by the applicant in writing addressed to the Appeals Officer in the Employment Permits Section of my Department and address all of the reasons for the refusal of the application. If the applicant wishes to submit an appeal within this timeframe, the Appeals Officer will then review the decision made.

Departmental Equipment

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

312 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of computer servers that are owned or leased by his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department; and the capacity of each server. [22491/11]

The current number of servers in operation in my Department and its Offices is 210 with an average of 4 GB memory per server. The disk capacity of each server varies depending on the application involved and the data stored by users of each application and this can change depending on business requirements. The approximate total capacity of the servers is 80 terabytes. The ICT Unit in my Department have informed me that they are in the early planning stage for the formulation of a server consolidation and virtualization strategy. Server specifications for servers owned by the agencies under the aegis of this Department are day-to-day operational matters for the agencies involved and not ones in which I have any function. However, I am referring the specific question to each of the Agencies under my remit with a request to respond to you directly.

State Boards

Anne Ferris

Ceist:

313 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the steps he is taking to ensure that State boards have at least 40% of each gender, as provided for in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22520/11]

Appointments to the boards of bodies accountable to my Department are made in accordance with the legislation under which the body was established. The relevant legislative provisions vary from body to body. For example, in certain cases the legislation provides for the appointment of persons nominated by specified stakeholders, such as professional or representative bodies. This can sometimes have a limiting effect on the scope to address gender imbalances. In other cases there may be no such provisions.

Appointments are also made based on the expertise and experience of individuals, the balance of skills and attributes in terms of the overall composition of the board, the gender balance of the board and the availability and commitment of people to serve on the board. Achieving greater gender balance on State boards remains a key objective as part of the overall goal of getting the best people serving on our State boards.

To this end, I recently launched a public campaign inviting expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced persons for appointment to the boards of several agencies coming under the aegis of my Department. The purpose of the campaign was to broaden the pool of suitable candidates for consideration for appointment to boards. I also made it clear that in considering applications I would have due regard to Government policy on gender balance on State boards.

Departmental Expenditure

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

314 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he has, in view of the change of name of the Departments, procured a new logo for his Department, new signage and any other branding such as stationery and so on; if so, the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22558/11]

Arising from the change of name of my Department expenses were incurred in providing new signage and stationery but no new logo was procured. The cost incurred to date by the Department and the Offices of the Department is €10,113.

Questions Nos. 315 and 316 answered with Questions No. 300.

Job Creation

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

317 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the position regarding the 1999 task force on County Donegal unemployment; the further position regarding the 2002 interdepartmental report for County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22568/11]

The Taskforce referred to was established in 1998 in response to significant job losses in the County and the taskforce report ‘ An Action Plan to Establish Donegal as a Prime, Competitive and Attractive Location for Job Creation’ was produced in December 1998. In March 2000, the Donegal County Development Board (CDB) was established as part of the national programme for local government reform. Given the overall remit of the Donegal CDB to co-ordinate public service delivery and development at local level, it was widely accepted that the newly established CDB was the most appropriate vehicle through which to implement the recommendations of the Report.

On this basis An Stráiteis, Donegal CDB's 10 year strategy for the social cultural and economic development of the county incorporated the recommendations of the Taskforce Report. Progress reports on the work of the Donegal CDB are available on their website www.donegalcdb.ie. The backdrop to the establishment of the Interdepartmental Group by the Government, was the continuing concerns about job losses in Co. Donegal following the closure of industries such as Fruit of the Loom and Hospira.

The purpose in establishing the Interdepartmental Group was to secure agreement on a list of projects and actions, requiring priority implementation, that would increase the attractiveness of Donegal as a location for enterprise development. The focus of the Group was to identify the various local issues representing barriers to the establishment and operation of enterprises, to take stock of relevant projects and actions already planned or underway, and, finally to identify measures that could be taken by the relevant Departments and agencies to support the environment for enterprise development and to quantify the resources required. The primary focus of the Group was on actions requiring decisions at national rather than local level.

On 27 July 2006, the then Minister published the Report of the Interdepartmental Group on Donegal. The report identified the various infrastructure developments required to support enterprise development in the County. The report found that the County was facing significant challenges in many sectors, with obvious challenges in Traditional Manufacturing, an above average Unemployment Rate and a need to enhance the education and skills of the workforce. However, the report noted, not just that much progress had been made, but also that there were financial provisions available to complete major infrastructure projects, especially new roads, to equip Donegal further as an attractive location for enterprise development.

Since then, the State development agencies supporting enterprise development have worked together in Co. Donegal to provide a clear vision and focus for future economic development. Donegal became a targeted location for IDA with the County competing for a different type of business to the labour intensive manufacturing which Ireland so successfully won over the past four decades. To encourage overseas investment IDA developed a Business Park in Letterkenny with modern building solutions capable of competing with other locations nationally and also internationally. IDA also worked with the 3rd Level Sector in the region at Letterkenny Institute of Technology and the 3rd Level sector in Northern Ireland to offer the necessary courses aimed at target sectors.

Departmental Staff

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

318 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of quangos, agencies and authorities that were established by his Department in each of the years 1997 to January 2011; the number of staff employed by his Department in 1997; the number of staff employed by his Department in January 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22583/11]

There were eight agencies/authorities established by my Department between 1997 and January 2011, as detailed in the following table. You may wish to note in this regard that it is the Oireachtas that establishes Agencies and authorities and not the Department.

The number of staff serving in the Department and its Offices, which comprise of the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement, the Companies Registration Office, the Patents Office, the Labour Court, the Labour Relations Commission and the Employment Appeals Tribunal, in 1997 was 908. These numbers peaked at 1,087 in 2008 and stand at 864 at the end of January 2011.

Name of Board, Body, Authority, Agency or Office

Date Established

National Standards Authority of Ireland

14 April 1997

Enterprise Ireland

1998

InterTrade Ireland

13 December 1999

Science Foundation Ireland (SFI)

Established as Sub Board of Forfás in 2000. In 2003, SFI was established as separate legal entity under Industrial Development (Science Foundation Ireland) Act, 2003

Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA)

Interim Board established in April 2001, and formally established on 3 January 2006

Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE)

21 November 2001

Personal Injuries Assessment Board

13 April 2004

National Consumer Agency

Interim Board established on 06 June 2005 and formally established on 01 May 2007

Departmental Reports

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

319 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of consultancy reports commissioned by his Department between 1997 and January 2011; the cost of commissioning each report; if he will provide information on the implementation of recommendations set out in each report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22600/11]

In the time available since this Question was tabled my Department has not been able to collect the extensive volume of information requested by the Deputy. Once the available information is collated I will arrange for it to be forwarded to the Deputy.

Semi-State Bodies

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

320 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the savings to the semi-state sector in his Department in a full year if he were to cap the maximum salary available in semi-state bodies at €100,000. [22637/11]

The salary of individual employees in the Agencies under the remit of my Department is a day-to-day administrative matter for which I have no function. However, I am referring the specific question to each of the Agencies under my remit with a request to respond to you directly.

Social Welfare Code

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

321 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection if there is any data available to indicate the number of public sector workers currently in receipt of family income supplement; if he will provide an analysis of same by Department. [21914/11]

There are currently approximately 24,250 people in receipt of a weekly family income supplement (FIS) payment, of which 2,600 are public servants. The number of civil servants who are receiving FIS is included in the figure for public servants. A separate breakdown for civil/public servants by department is not currently available, due to the way in which data is captured on the department's computer data base for FIS applicants.

Peter Mathews

Ceist:

322 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Social Protection if it is possible for an Irish citizen who has emigrated to Canada to transfer his Irish company pension to his Canadian defined contribution registered retirement savings plan (details supplied); if not, if she plans to introduce legislation to permit this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21993/11]

The Pensions Act provides that where a person leaves employment, their accrued pension entitlement can be preserved in the pension scheme of their former employer or transferred to an overseas arrangement that provides for retirement benefits.

Such a transfer can be made provided that the trustees of the scheme or the Personal Retirement Savings Account provider as appropriate, have satisfied themselves that the benefits provided under the overseas arrangements are relevant benefits within the meaning of section 770(1) of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. Trustees and providers are required to obtain written confirmation to that effect from the trustees, administrators of the overseas arrangements to which the transfer is to be made.

The trustees of a pension scheme are required to provide full details of the rights and options available to a person on leaving the employment including the option to preserve pension benefits in the scheme or have a person's accrued pension rights transferred. A person can apply for a transfer payment within two years of termination of employment or longer if the scheme allows but before the preserved benefit becomes payable. Arrangements to make the transfer payment must be made by the scheme within three months of the application being received. Once the appropriate transfer payment is made, the trustees are discharged from any further obligation to provide benefits relating to the member's preserved benefit.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

323 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a back to school allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21865/11]

The administrative arrangements for the 2011 back to school clothing and footwear allowance scheme differ from those that applied in previous years. For this year, the majority of back to school clothing and footwear allowance entitlements were fully automated with no application form required from customers. Those customers who did not receive an automated payment are required to complete an application form that is available for download from www.welfare.ie or by texting “Form BTSCFA”, followed by their name and address to 51909.

Processing has begun on the manual applications already received and it will take 4-6 weeks to process applications. In all cases a letter will issue to applicants informing them of the decision and, where payment has been awarded, when and where they can collect the payment. In the case of refusal of the allowance the procedures for review of the decision will be outlined to customers. Due to the large volume of applications received, information regarding the receipt or progress of individual applications will not be available until such time as the applications have been examined and a decision taken.

Questions Nos. 324 to 327, inclusive, withdrawn.

Departmental Schemes

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

328 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection the take-up of the internship scheme, JobBridge, by sector and geographic location. [21899/11]

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

329 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection the levels of vacancies in the internship scheme, JobBridge, by sector and geographic location. [21900/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 328 and 329 together.

JobBridge, the national internship scheme was launched 3 weeks ago. To date, the JobBridge website is hosting over 1100 opportunities across a wide range of sectors. Some 110 interns have been selected by host organisations to commence an internship, of which 46 have been verified by my Department and, of these, 23 have commenced their internship. I have requested a report to be compiled on the opportunities advertised by sector and by geographic location and will forward this report to the Deputy as soon as it is available.

The national internship scheme is a key part of the Government's jobs initiative. It will provide up to 5,000 unemployed people with an internship opportunity ranging from 6 to 9 months in an organisation in the private, public or community and voluntary sectors. During this time participants will receive an allowance, which will consist of a €50 per week top up on their existing social welfare entitlements. The scheme will run for 2 years so applications will be accepted until June 2013.

Question No. 330 withdrawn.

Departmental Properties

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

331 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection the numbers and locations, of buildings his Department lease that are in upwardly only rent contracts and how much those rents have been for 2008, 2009, 2010 and expected rents for 2011. [21902/11]

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

332 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection the numbers and locations of buildings her Department lease that are in upwardly only rent contracts; the amount of rent for 2008, 2009, 2010 and the expected rent for 2011. [21903/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 331 and 332 together.

The Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility for the acquisition and maintenance of office accommodation for the Department of Social Protection.

I understand that the information requested by the Deputy in relation to any buildings associated with the Department that are in upwardly only rent contracts, is being compiled by the OPW on foot of a similar Question from the Deputy to the Minister for Public Expenditure, and will be provided as soon as possible.

Social Welfare Benefits

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

333 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [21920/11]

My Department will spend over €530 million in 2011 on the fuel scheme and the telephone, gas and electricity elements of the household benefits package which will benefit over 630,000 people. Difficult decisions have had to be made in light of commitments made by the previous Government. Unfortunately, I am not in a position to reconsider the changes to the fuel allowance and household benefits package which were announced last week.

Under the Department's supplementary welfare allowance scheme, a special heating supplement may be paid to assist people in certain circumstances who have special heating needs because of ill health or infirmity. In addition, exceptional needs payments (ENP) may be made to help meet an essential, once-off cost which an applicant is unable to meet out of his or her own resources.

From September 2011 the fuel allowance is to be standardised at €20 per week, the rate currently received by the majority of customers who receive no additional allowance for living in a smokeless area. The cost of the telephone allowance will be reduced following negotiations with Eircom which will ensure that customers receive €26.86 of value on their bills, at a cost to the State of €22.22 per month. The number of free units provided under the electricity and gas allowance will be reduced to the level at the start of 2007 (from 2,400 to 1,800). These three measures will generate savings of €17 million in 2011 and €65 million annually.

While of course we want to protect the basic social welfare payments which have very positive economic and social effects, regrettably there is an ongoing necessity to achieve savings due to our commitments with the IMF/EU/ECB troika. There will be an ongoing necessity to curtail overall expenditure in 2012 and in later years.

Energy poverty is a factor of income, energy prices and the thermal efficiency of the home. The most cost-effective means of protecting households from energy poverty is to reduce their consumption of energy through improving the thermal efficiency of the home. Sustainable Energy Ireland has administered an energy efficiency programme for privately owned low income households (Warmer Homes) since 2001. Over 65,000 such households have benefited to date, with a further 15,000 expected to receive energy efficiency upgrades this year. A similar upgrade programme is also in place for local authority houses.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

334 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if and when a review will take place for jobseeker’s allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21924/11]

The person concerned applied for jobseeker's allowance on 20 December 2010. His application was disallowed as his weekly means exceeded the scheduled limit. He was advised of his right to appeal but no appeal was lodged.

It is open to the person concerned, if there is a change in his circumstances, to re-apply for jobseeker's allowance and to have his means re-assessed.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

335 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for the back to school clothing and footwear allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21949/11]

The administrative arrangements for the 2011 back to school clothing and footwear allowance scheme differ from those that applied in previous years. For this year, the majority of back to school clothing and footwear allowance entitlements were fully automated with no application form required from customers. Those customers who did not receive an automated payment are required to complete an application form that is available for download from www.welfare.ie or by texting “Form BTSCFA”, followed by their name and address to 51909.

Processing has begun on the manual applications already received and it will take 4-6 weeks to process applications. In all cases a letter will issue to applicants informing them of the decision and, where payment has been awarded, when and where they can collect the payment. In the case of refusal of the allowance the procedures for review of the decision will be outlined to customers. Due to the large volume of applications received, information regarding the receipt or progress of individual applications will not be available until such time as the applications have been examined and a decision taken.

Social Welfare Appeals

Robert Troy

Ceist:

336 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite and approve payment of a jobseeker’s assistance claim in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if this person’s claim for child benefit will be approved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21956/11]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an oral hearing of the jobseeker's allowance appeal, of the person concerned, took place on 15 July 2011 and the Appeals Officer is now considering the appeal in the light of all the evidence submitted, including that adduced at the hearing. The person concerned will be notified of the Appeals Officer decision when the appeal has been determined. With regard to the child benefit claim of the person concerned, the Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence, disallowed the appeal by way of summary decision. The Appeals Officers decision issued 12 August 2010 and no subsequent child benefit appeal has been received by that office. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Noel Harrington

Ceist:

337 Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive a date for their oral hearing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21961/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the person concerned will receive a date for their oral hearing in the next two weeks.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

338 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21962/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 19 April 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Social Welfare Services on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Social Welfare Benefits

Noel Coonan

Ceist:

339 Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for back to school clothing and footwear 2010 in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary who appealed the decision on an application last year and is still awaiting a decision; the reason for the delay in same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21963/11]

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme is administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive (HSE). The HSE has advised that they have reviewed the decision to disallow her application for the 2010 back to school clothing and footwear allowance and that a payment of €705.00 has now been awarded. The payment will issue to the person concerned in the coming days.

Social Welfare Appeals

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

340 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will support a person (details supplied) regarding rent allowance. [21964/11]

Supplementary welfare allowance which includes rent supplement is administered on behalf of the Department by the Community Welfare Services division of the Health Service Executive (HSE).

The HSE has advised that the person concerned was refused a rent supplement on the grounds that she had vacated her local authority provided accommodation without satisfying the HSE that there was good cause for doing so. The HSE has acknowledged the receipt of appeal from the person concern and has advised that a decision will be made by its designated Appeals Officer in due course.

National Lottery Funding

Paudie Coffey

Ceist:

341 Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Social Protection the amount of national lottery funding her Department received in 2009 and 2010; if she will provide a list of the money that was spent in tabular form. [21981/11]

This Department did not receive any funding from the National Lottery in 2009 and 2010.

Social Welfare Benefits

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

342 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Social Protection when payment will be awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary in respect of the back to school clothing and footwear scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22004/11]

The administrative arrangements for the 2011 back to school clothing and footwear allowance scheme differ from those that applied in previous years. For this year, the majority of back to school clothing and footwear allowance entitlements were fully automated with no application form required from customers. Those customers who did not receive an automated payment are required to complete an application form that is available for download from www.welfare.ie or by texting “Form BTSCFA”, followed by their name and address to 51909.

Processing has begun on the manual applications already received and it will take 4-6 weeks to process applications. In all cases a letter will issue to applicants informing them of the decision and, where payment has been awarded, when and where they can collect the payment. In the case of refusal of the allowance the procedures for review of the decision will be outlined to customers.

Due to the large volume of applications received, information regarding the receipt or progress of individual applications will not be available until such time as the applications have been examined and a decision taken.

Social Welfare Appeals

Robert Troy

Ceist:

343 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection the procedure to be followed to undertake a full review of an application for supplementary welfare and rent allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22008/11]

The Health Service Executive has advised that there is no record of an application for assistance under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme from the person concerned.

Social Welfare Benefits

Robert Troy

Ceist:

344 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite and approve an application for the back to school clothing and footwear scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22009/11]

The administrative arrangements for the 2011 back to school clothing and footwear allowance scheme differ from those that applied in previous years. For this year, the majority of back to school clothing and footwear allowance entitlements were fully automated with no application form required from customers. Those customers who did not receive an automated payment are required to complete an application form that is available for download from www.welfare.ie or by texting “Form BTSCFA”, followed by their name and address to 51909.

Processing has begun on the manual applications already received and it will take 4-6 weeks to process applications. In all cases a letter will issue to applicants informing them of the decision and, where payment has been awarded, when and where they can collect the payment. In the case of refusal of the allowance the procedures for review of the decision will be outlined to customers.

Due to the large volume of applications received, information regarding the receipt or progress of individual applications will not be available until such time as the applications have been examined and a decision taken.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

345 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on an application under the back to school clothing and footwear scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22012/11]

The administrative arrangements for the 2011 back to school clothing and footwear allowance scheme differ from those that applied in previous years. For this year, the majority of back to school clothing and footwear allowance entitlements were fully automated with no application form required from customers. Those customers who did not receive an automated payment are required to complete an application form that is available for download from www.welfare.ie or by texting “Form BTSCFA”, followed by their name and address to 51909.

Processing has begun on the manual applications already received and it will take 4-6 weeks to process applications. In all cases a letter will issue to applicants informing them of the decision and, where payment has been awarded, when and where they can collect the payment. In the case of refusal of the allowance the procedures for review of the decision will be outlined to customers. Due to the large volume of applications received, information regarding the receipt or progress of individual applications will not be available until such time as the applications have been examined and a decision taken.

Redundancy Payments

Robert Troy

Ceist:

346 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite and approve an application for redundancy in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22015/11]

I can confirm that the notification of redundancy in respect of the individual in this question was received on 16 May, 2011 and awaits processing.

Social Welfare Appeals

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

347 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection if, in view of the independence of the social welfare appeals office in making decisions, a case will be re-examined in the appeal for a disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22069/11]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of summary decision. Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of the Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed by the Appeals Officer in the light of new evidence or new facts. Following the submission of additional evidence the Appeals Officer agreed to review the case. The person concerned will be contacted when the review of his appeal has been finalised. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Ceist:

348 Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a disability allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22077/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the disability allowance claim of the person concerned was disallowed following an assessment by a Medical Assessor who expressed the opinion that she was medically unsuitable for the allowance. An appeal was registered on 19 July 2011 and in accordance with the statutory procedures the relevant department papers and the comments of the Social Welfare services on the matter raised in the appeal have been sought. In that context, an assessment by another Medical Assessor will be carried out. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

349 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22079/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 21 December 2010. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 07 April 2011 and the appeal has been referred to an Appeals Officer who will shortly decide whether the case can be decided on a summary basis or whether to list it for oral hearing.End of Take Section WRS follows.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

350 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the entitlement of Irish passport holders not resident here but who wish to retire here to non-contributory pension payment; and if, in the circumstances of a case (details supplied), she will review her decision in view of the extraordinary humanitarian situation involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22087/11]

In order to qualify for State pension non-contributory (SPNC) an applicant must be residing in the State and satisfy the habitual residence conditions for receipt of prescribed payments from my Department. The couple in question came to Ireland on 1 June 2011 and applied for SPNC while residing with their daughter. The couple subsequently returned to their home country shortly thereafter.

As the couple were in the State for a very short period, their applications were disallowed as the residency condition for receipt of SPNC was not satisfied. On the basis of information provided to my Department by the couple, it would appear that the couple's main centre of interest is outside Ireland and therefore, the habitual residence condition is also not satisfied.

Social Welfare Benefits

Robert Troy

Ceist:

351 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite and approve an application for supplementary welfare allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22100/11]

The position remains as advised in Question No. 160 which I answered for the Deputy on 14 July 2011. The HSE advised that a decision will be made on this case shortly.

Social Welfare Code

Eoghan Murphy

Ceist:

352 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection if any steps are in place to review the personal public service system in view of the discrepancy between the quantity of personal public service numbers in circulation and population figures. [22125/11]

The two sets of figures referred to by the Deputy are not directly comparable, as one refers to the numbers issued since 1979 and the other refers to the current population. In that context, there is no discrepancy.

The Department of Social Protection is responsible for maintaining the national database of Personal Public Service (PPS) numbers which are stored on the Department's Central Records System (CRS). There are currently 7.4 million customer records on CRS each of which is identified by a unique PPS number. The PPS number in its current format was originally a tax reference number. With the introduction of Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) in 1979 an individual's Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax reference number became known as a Revenue and Social Insurance (RSI) number. The RSI number was re-named the Personal Public Service (PPS) number in 1998 to reflect its future use as a unique identifier across the wider public service.

CRS is a complete database of all the historical tax reference numbers which were used to pre-populate the database in 1979 and every PPS number which has been issued since then. In addition to those persons currently resident in the State who have been issued with a PPS Number, the figure of 7.4 million also includes any individual who, since 1979, required a PPS number and;

1) has died,

2) has been resident in the State and has subsequently left the jurisdiction, and

3) has not been resident in the State (e.g. an individual resident abroad who has benefited from an Irish Estate — the Revenue Commissioners have a requirement that all beneficiaries of Irish Estates should have a PPS number)

The Department is continuously monitoring customer records on its CRS in order to preserve and enhance the quality of the data including, where appropriate, consolidating duplicate PPS numbers as they emerge.

Pension Provisions

Ciara Conway

Ceist:

353 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the transitional pension; if same will come to an end in 2013; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22149/11]

The challenges facing the Irish pension system are significant. In particular, the task of financing increasing pension spending will fall to a diminishing share of the population. There are currently six workers for every pensioner and this ratio is expected to decrease to less than two to one by 2050.

Increasing State pension age is one of the ways in which we can sustain the pensions system and also maintain the value of the State pension at 35% of average earnings. Extending State retirement age will also encourage and support those who have private or occupational pensions to remain longer in the workforce. This will improve overall pension sustainability and reduce costs for the employer. People are living longer and healthier lives with average life expectancy set to rise even further in the future and people will still, therefore, be spending at least the same amount of time in retirement as they are today, even with a later State pension age.

Therefore, as provided for in recent legislation, State pension age will be increased gradually to 68 years. This will begin in 2014 with the standardisation of the State pension age at 66 and will be increased to 67 years in 2021 and to 68 in 2028.

These legislative changes also fulfil one of the requirements set out under the EU/IMF/ECB Memorandum of Understanding.

The National Pensions Framework, published in March 2010 sets out future pension reforms which aim to deliver security, equity, choice and clarity for the individual, the employer and the State. It also aims to increase pension coverage, particularly among low to middle income groups and includes proposals for an auto enrolment scheme to provide access to private pensions.

The Framework also recognises that many people want to have the option to work longer and proposes, for those who wish to postpone drawing down their State pension, to put in place arrangements to enable them to receive an actuarially increased benefit. In addition, for those with contribution shortfalls at pension age, arrangements will be put in place to allow them to receive additional benefits if they continue to make paid contributions for pensions purposes while remaining in work or self- employment.

The details and timeframes for these changes are set out in the National Pensions Framework, which was published on 3 March 2010. An implementation group chaired by my Department is developing the legislative, regulatory and administrative infrastructure required to put the necessary reforms into operation.

Social Welfare Appeals

Brendan Ryan

Ceist:

354 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite a domiciliary care allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; the reason the child in question's needs were deemed not substantial by her Department when at the same time the Health Service Executive and Department of Education and Skills agreed the child be granted a full-time special needs assistant and four hours resource teaching per week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22157/11]

An application for domiciliary care allowance was received on 4th May 2011. It was referred to one of the Department's Medical Assessors who found that the child was not medically eligible for domiciliary care allowance. A letter issued to the person concerned on 4th July 2011 advising her of the decision to refuse the allowance.

In the case of an application which is refused on medical grounds, the applicant may submit additional information and/or ask for the case to be reviewed or they may appeal the decision directly to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. The person concerned has recently submitted additional information in support of her application and has requested a review of the decision. The case, including the additional information provided, is currently being reviewed by another Medical Assessor.

Departmental Funding

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

355 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Social Protection if core funding for a centre (details supplied) in Dublin 17 will be provided in the social protection budget for 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22174/11]

Terence Flanagan

Ceist:

356 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Social Protection if there will be a permanent funding stream for a law centre (details supplied) in Dublin 17; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22219/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 355 and 356 together.

The Department has invested significant funding in the law centre concerned over the years in support of the services it provides to the Dublin 17 area.

The funding is provided under the scheme of grants for the development and promotion of information and welfare rights. In considering previous applications the Department has advised the organisation that in view of the range of activities carried out by the centre it should be appropriate for the centre to seek to secure future funding from more appropriate revenue sources in the public and private sectors.

In 2011, funding of some €350,000 has been allocated to the law centre.

Social Welfare Benefits

Brendan Ryan

Ceist:

357 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of domiciliary care allowance claims that have been approved and refused since the administration of the scheme was taken over by her Department in 2009; the number of these refusals that were for children with autism spectrum disorder, ASD; her plans to recognise ASD as a condition under the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22222/11]

The Department has had responsibility for processing domiciliary care allowance claims since 1st April 2009. The following table sets out the most up to date statistics available on all applications received for the scheme.

Applications received

Applications fully processed

Applications allowed

Applications refused

2009 (From 1st April)

3,389

2,823

1,220

1,603

2010

5,457

5,333

2,576

2,757

2011 (to 31st May)

2,457

2,227

1,029

1,198

In the period 1st April 2009 to 31st March 2011, a total of 920 applications were processed with a medical condition within the autism spectrum. Of these, 507 (55%) were deemed to satisfy the qualifying criteria, with 413 (45%) not satisfying the criteria.

Autism Spectrum Disorder is treated in the same manner as any other disability or condition under the scheme. Qualification for the scheme is not based on the disability of the child but on the level of additional care required. In order to qualify for domiciliary care allowance, a child must have a disability so severe that it requires him/her to need care and attention and/or supervision substantially in excess of another child of the same age and must be likely to require this level of care and attention for at least 12 months.

Departmental Agencies

Ciara Conway

Ceist:

358 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress that has been made to convert the Money Advice and Budgeting Service into a strengthened personal debt management agency with strong legal powers and a quasi-judicial status; when the body will become a reality; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22241/11]

The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) assists people who are over-indebted and need help and advice in coping with debt problems. There are 52 independent MABS companies operating the local MABS services from 65 locations throughout the country, with national support provided by the MABS NDL. In addition, the MABS National Telephone Helpline is available from 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday and the MABS website can be accessed 24 hours a day at www.mabs.ie . Some 90% of clients presenting to MABS are assisted through the telephone helpline, which provides assisted self-help to ensure clients take steps to assess and address their situation.

Responsibility for the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) transferred to the Citizens Information Board (CIB) in 2009 to provide strong management support to the local voluntary MABS companies. As part of the ongoing review of its services the Board have put a new organisational structure in place, since April 2011, which enables CIB regional managers to get a greater insight into the nature of supports required by MABS companies on the ground to deliver an effective service.

The CIB recently submitted a position paper setting out options for the future shape of MABS taking into consideration commitments in the Programme for Government and recommendations contained in the final reports of the Law Reform Commission on Personal Debt Management and Debt Enforcement, and the Expert Group on Mortgage Arrears and Personal Debt. This paper is currently under consideration.

In addition, The Citizens Information Board and the Department are also engaged with the Department of Justice and Equality concerning their plans for reform of personal insolvency law, and the role of MABS, in the context of the recommendations of the Law Reform Commission.

I am satisfied that MABS will continue to provide a high quality personal service to assist people in overcoming their indebtedness and managing their finances.

Shane Ross

Ceist:

359 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Social Protection the sum of any public funds and their purpose which have been awarded by her Department either directly or indirectly to the Irish Business and Employers Confederation in the past decade. [22269/11]

The amount of expenditure incurred by this Department in relation to payments to the Irish Business and Employers Confederation in the past decade is set out in the following table.

Year

Amount (€)

2000

200

2001

969

2002

Nil

2003

450

2004

70

2005

Nil

2006

Nil

2007

1,650

2008

375

2009

498

2010

Nil

2011 to date

Nil

Social Welfare Appeals

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

360 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on appeal for carer’s benefit will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry. [22278/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 20 July 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Social Welfare Services on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Social Welfare Benefits

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

361 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on an application will issue in respect of a person (details supplied), County Kerry. [22279/11]

An application for domiciliary care allowance was received on 24th June 2011. The application has been forwarded to one of the Department's Medical Assessors for a medical opinion. A decision will issue to the person concerned when the Medical Assessor's opinion is received.

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

362 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide a full list of all social welfare payment schemes and the number of claimants in receipt of each payment; the number of undecided applications for each payment current on file; the average time it takes to process payments for each scheme; the average time it takes to hear appeals for each scheme and the percentage of appeals granted per scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22282/11]

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

Table 1 gives the full list of recipients of weekly social welfare payments at the end of June by payment scheme.

Table 2 gives undecided applications and the average time to award applications for the main schemes within my Department in June 2011.

I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the overall average waiting time for an appeal dealt with by way of a summary decision in 2010 was 27.4 weeks, while the average time to process an oral hearing was 45.6 weeks. These processing times are calculated from the registration date of the appeal to the date of its finalisation and include all activities during this period including time spent in the Department for comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal put forward by the appellant and any further investigation, examination or assessment by the Department's Inspectors and Medical Assessors that is deemed necessary. A considerable period of time is added to the process when an oral hearing is required because of the logistics involved in this process.

Table 3 gives the average processing times for appeals, by scheme. Figures for the percentage of appeals granted per scheme are not readily available but overall figures for 2010 are attached in Table 4.

Table 1: Social Welfare Payment Schemes and number of recipients

Type of Payment

Recipients

State Pension (Contributory)

288,989

State Pension (Transition)

11,088

State Pension (Non-Contributory)

96,438

Pre-Retirement Allowance

5,410

Widow/er’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s Contributory Pension

115,041

Widow/er’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s Non-Contributory Pension

1,975

Deserted Wife’s Benefit

8,223

Deserted Wife’s Allowance

457

One Parent Family Payment

92,863

Maternity Benefit

22,651

Health and Safety Benefit

60

Adoptive Benefit

68

Guardian’s Payment (Contributory)

878

Guardian’s Payment (Non-Contributory)

431

Illness Benefit

77,046

Invalidity Pension

50,335

Injury Benefit

831

Interim Illness Benefit

274

Disablement Pension

13,767

Death Benefit (OIB Widows)

630

Disability Allowance*

101,605

Carer’s Benefit

1,707

Carer’s Allowance

51,115

Blind Pension

1,491

Jobseeker’s Benefit

108,409

Jobseeker’s Allowance

291,298

Back To Work Allowance Employee

480

Back To Work Enterprise Allowance:

— Self Employed First Year

5,466

— Self Employed Years 2 — 4

4,135

Back To Education Allowance

4,478

Part-Time Job Incentive Scheme

161

Family Income Supplement

24,236

Farm Assist

11,144

Supplementary Welfare Allowance

35,843

Rent Allowance

163

*Disability Allowance figure is for May 2011

Table 2: Number of undecided applications and the average time to award an application for the main schemes

Undecided Applications

Average Weeks to Award

Jobseeker’s Benefit

9,914

2

Jobseeker’s Allowance

26,595

4

One-Parent Family Payment

4,591

17

Illness Benefit

11,439

2

Family Income Supplement (new claims)

8,305

15

Family Income Supplement (renewals)

6,638

17

Carer’s Allowance

5,238

13

Disability Allowance

7,173

17

Invalidity Pension

5,507

Not Available

State Pension Contributory

3,103

5

State Pension Transition

2,270

5

Widow/er’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s Contributory Pension

477

2

State Pension Non-Contributory

*1,656

15

Widow/er’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s Non-Contributory Pension

132

9

Household Benefits

3,023

2

Free Travel

105

5

Domiciliary Care Allowance

889

9

Child Benefit Domestic (family)

2,674

2

Child Benefit EU

2,827

41

Maternity Benefit

3,544

Not applicable

*Due to a change in IT systems and reporting mechanisms data for State Pension Non-Contributory June 2011 is not readily available. This figure is based on an average year to date.

Table 3: Average processing times (in weeks) for appeals

Average time taken to process appeals by summary decision by scheme in 2010

Average time taken to process appeals following oral hearing by scheme in 2010

Adoptive Benefit

32.6

Blind Pension

19.8

39.4

Carers Allowance

26.9

47.3

Carers Benefit

21.6

44.2

Child Benefit

48.4

63.1

Disability Allowance

30.8

51.1

Illness Benefit

39.2

56.4

Domiciliary Care

26.8

49.1

Deserted Wives Benefit

33.9

29.0

Farm Assist

23.2

50.7

Bereavement Grant

25.1

Family Income Supplement

21.4

29.0

Homemakers

15.3

Invalidity Pension

40.9

59.7

Liable Relatives

35.9

One Parent Family Payment

30.2

49.4

Maternity Benefit

37.7

State Pension (Contributory)

29.6

49.2

State Pension (Non-Cont)

26.5

49.9

State Pension (Transition)

30.7

Occupational Injury Benefit

55.7

53.8

Occupational Injury Benefit (Med)

32.5

67.9

Disablement Pension

27.4

51.9

Death Benefit (Pension)

69.6

Incapacity Supplement

30.7

Guardian’s Payment (Con)

25.3

48.3

Guardian’s Payment (Non Con)

24.3

42.2

Pre-Retirement Allowance

Jobseeker’s Allow (Means)

22.2

46.9

Jobseeker’s Allowance

23.6

43.0

Jobseeker’s Benefit

22.6

36.0

JA/JB Fraud Control

Respite Care Grant

30.5

49.1

Insurability of Employment

31.3

67.4

Supplementary Welfare All

6.9

14.8

Treatment Benefits

21.9

57.8

Widow/er’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s Contributory Pension

35.2

53.6

Widow/er’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s Non-Contributory Pension

31.9

54.6

Widows Parent Grant

20.9

Table 4: Percentage of appeals granted per scheme

Outcomes of Appeals Disposed of During 2010

Appeals Determined by Appeals Officers

Revised Decisions by Deciding Officers

Allowed

Partially Allowed

Appeals Disallowed

Appeals Withdrawn

Total

7,282

4,124

623

12,752

3,385

28,166

Oral Hearing

2,094

389

3,031

Summary Decison

2,030

234

9,721

Social Welfare Appeals

John McGuinness

Ceist:

363 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if disability allowance has been approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [22316/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 11 April 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 15 June 2011 and the appeal will be referred to an Appeals Officer, in due course, who will decide whether the case can be decided on a summary basis or whether to list it for oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Social Welfare Benefits

John McGuinness

Ceist:

364 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if back to school allowance was approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow. [22320/11]

The administrative arrangements for the 2011 back to school clothing and footwear allowance scheme differ from those that applied in previous years. For this year, the majority of back to school clothing and footwear allowance entitlements were fully automated with no application form required from customers. Those customers who did not receive an automated payment are required to complete an application form that is available for download from www.welfare.ie or by texting “Form BTSCFA”, followed by their name and address to 51909.

Processing has begun on the manual applications already received and it will take 4-6 weeks to process applications. In all cases a letter will issue to applicants informing them of the decision and, where payment has been awarded, when and where they can collect the payment. In the case of refusal of the allowance the procedures for review of the decision will be outlined to customers.

Due to the large volume of applications received, information regarding the receipt or progress of individual applications will not be available until such time as the applications have been examined and a decision taken.

Social Welfare Appeals

John McGuinness

Ceist:

365 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if an appeal relative to an application for disability allowance will be expedited and approved in respect of a person (details supplied). [22324/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the disability allowance claim of the person concerned was disallowed following an assessment by a Medical Assessor who expressed the opinion that he was medically unsuitable for the allowance. An appeal was registered on 20 July 2011 and in accordance with the statutory procedures the relevant department papers and the comments of the Social Welfare services on the matter raised in the appeal have been sought. In that context, an assessment by another Medical Assessor will be carried out. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social and Family Affairs and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Social Welfare Benefits

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

366 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for child benefit payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [22344/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 7 February 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 14 July 2011 and the appeal will be referred in due course to an Appeals Officer, who will decide whether the case can be decided on a summary basis or whether to list it for oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Social Welfare Appeals

Jim Daly

Ceist:

367 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason an application for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) has not yet been completed, noting that a letter issued from the social welfare appeals office on the 31 May 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22345/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 7 February 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 14 July 2011 and the appeal will be referred in due course to an Appeals Officer, who will decide whether the case can be decided on a summary basis or whether to list it for oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Energy Conservation

John Lyons

Ceist:

368 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Social Protection the role officials in her Department have or could play in identifying homes that are most in need of retrofitting; her views that this could aid the prioritisation of homes for retrofitting of insulation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22395/11]

My Department has no function in relation to the retrofitting of homes. The responsibility for this function rests with my colleague the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.

Social Welfare Code

John Lyons

Ceist:

369 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to ensure that rent supplement is only paid to landlords who are tax compliant and registered with the Private Residential Tenancies Board; if she has figures of the estimated number of landlords in receipt of the payment who are not compliant or registered or both; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22405/11]

Under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004, landlords are legally obliged to register tenancies with the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB). However, not all tenancies are required to be registered with the PRTB as the relevant legislation, the Residential Tenancies Act, provides for certain exceptions.

Where registration is required, the landlord has up to one month after the commencement of the tenancy to register it with the PRTB at the standard fee and longer to register at a higher fee. It is therefore not practical for the Department to insist that a tenancy be registered before rent supplement can be paid to the tenant as the establishment of the tenancy will be dependent on rent supplement being awarded.

The Department works closely with the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) to help ensure that rent supplement tenancies comply with the statutory system of tenancy regulation and safeguards. The Department advises the PRTB of all new rent supplemented tenancies to assist them in implementing tenancy regulations and co-operates in any initiatives taken by the PRTB to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Residential Tenancies Act.

Over the years the Department has been working closely with the Revenue Commissioners to ensure that landlords who benefit from monies paid out under the rent supplement scheme comply with their obligations under the Taxes Acts. Section 7 of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2010 provides that from 1st January 2011, rent supplement should not be payable in respect of a tenancy where the landlord:

i. has not provided the HSE with a Tax Reference Number in a prescribed form, or

ii. has not advised the HSE in a prescribed form that she/he has no Tax Reference Number and has not notified the HSE the reasons why she/he has no Tax Reference Number

The Taxes Acts place an obligation on the Department to provide the Revenue Commissioners with payment details relating to rent supplement on an annual basis. Section 7 of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2010 will help ensure that those benefiting from the rent supplement scheme are tax compliant.

John Lyons

Ceist:

370 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Social Protection the assessments made of accommodation standards for recipients of rent supplement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22406/11]

Responsibility for setting and enforcing housing standards rests with the Local Authorities. However, accommodation occupied by rent supplement tenants should at least meet minimum housing standards. In consultation with the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government (DOEHLG), S.I. No. 572 of 2006 and Section 25 of Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2007 introduced the condition that allows the Health Service Executive (HSE) to decide that a rent supplement may not be payable where it has been notified by a housing authority regarding the non-compliance with standards. W here such a notification is received from a housing authority in respect of an existing tenant it is recommended that the HSE would discuss the situation with the tenant and take whatever action it decides is necessary in the best interests of the tenant. It is envisaged that new rent supplement claims in respect of properties that have been notified as being below standard, will not, in general, attract a rent supplement payment.

Social Welfare Appeals

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

371 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if and when disability allowance or invalidity pension will be awarded — currently on appeal — in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22424/11]

The person concerned applied for disability allowance on 14 July 2010. His claim was referred to one of the department's medical assessors who was of the opinion that the person was not medically suitable for disability allowance. The deciding officer accepted this opinion and his claim was refused and the person was notified in writing of this decision on 15 November 2010. The person subsequently appealed this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. Based on the evidence before him the appeals officer found that the person concerned was not substantially restricted in undertaking suitable employment by reason of a specified disability within the meaning of Social Welfare legislation and the appeal was not allowed. The applicant was notified of this decision in writing by the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 8 July 2011. An appeal officer's decision is final and conclusive in the absence of any fresh facts or evidence. No application has been received to date for an invalidity pension from the person concerned and an application will now be sent to him.

Redundancy Payments

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

372 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if and when redundancy payment will issue with full entitlement in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22425/11]

My Department has not received a notification of redundancy in respect of the individual concerned.

Social Welfare Benefits

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

373 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare qualifies for contributory old age State pension on foot of self-employment contributions under the 1998 Act; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22427/11]

To date, the Department has not received a claim for State pension (contributory) from the person concerned. He has been forwarded a claim form. On receipt of the completed claim form, his entitlement to pension will be fully examined and he will be notified of the outcome without delay.

Programme for Government

Robert Troy

Ceist:

374 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection when she proposes to establish a national employment and entitlement service as promised in the programme for Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22440/11]

My Department is establishing a new National Employment and Entitlements Service, as provided for in the Programme for Government, which will integrate employment and benefit payment services within the Department. As part of the process of establishing and developing this new service, the Department has commenced a major and comprehensive programme of change management entailing the integration of services previously, or currently, provided by other agencies — including both the Employment Services and Community Employment Programmes of FÁS and the Community Welfare Services (CWS) of the HSE.

With regard to the timeline for the development of the National Employment and Entitlements Service the assignment and integration of functions and the full transformation to a case management approach focussed on activation, will be a multi-annual programme of work. However, significant progress has already been made and many aspects of the new service will be delivered within the coming twelve months.

The administration of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme has already been transferred to the Department of Social Protection with the secondment of the Community Welfare Service from the Health Service Executive at the beginning of this year. The intention is to have the staff fully transferred into the Department by the end of September this year. This will enable the Department to integrate the payment of all benefits into one organisation simplifying customer processes.

Planning for the transfer and integration of the Employment Services and Community Employment Services of FÁS to the Department has already commenced and it is envisaged that the transfer of staff will commence later this year. Again this will enable the Department to simplify and integrate the delivery of employment support services to customers. Even in advance of integration, FÁS and the Department are already working on a number of pilot projects in relation to the development of case management, the identification of those who are most at risk of falling into long-term unemployment, and the provision of appropriately tailored responses to their needs. These pilot projects will be completed and evaluated in the coming months after which approaches will be developed for their rollout nationwide as part of the National Employment and Entitlements Service.

As part of such an approach, FÁS and the Department have worked closely together on the development the National Internship Scheme which was launched by the Taoiseach on the 30 June this year. It is expected that this scheme will provide 5,000 internships of up to nine months duration and participants will retain their social welfare entitlements and will receive a ‘top-up' of €50 per week. The scheme, which will be the first public manifestation of the National Employment and Entitlements Service, is already receiving strong support from the business community and potential participants.

Departmental Agencies

Anne Ferris

Ceist:

375 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps she is taking to ensure that the membership of State boards comprises at least 40% of each gender, as provided for in the programme for Government. [22465/11]

There are three State Boards for which the Minister for Social Protection has responsibility — the Citizens Information Board, Pensions Board and the Social Welfare Tribunal. In addition, while the Pensions Ombudsman comes within the remit of the Minister for Social Protection, this statutory body does not have a board. When filling vacancies to these State Boards every effort is made to comply with the requirement to have at least 40% of each gender represented on the Board. In this regard, the relevant legislative provisions governing the membership of the Citizens Information Board require that not less than 6 of the 15 members must be female, while not less than 6 must be male. 50% of the current Board members are female, with one vacancy due to be filled.

While members of both the Pensions Board and the Social Welfare Tribunal are appointed by the Minister for Social Protection, there is also a requirement that the members appointed must be representative of various interests involved. For instance, appointments to the Pensions Board are subject to the conditions set out in Section 9 and the First Schedule of the Pensions Act 1990. These conditions specify that all members of the Board are appointed by the Minister for Social Protection under the provisions of the Act and must comprise representatives of trade unions, employers, consumer interests, pensioner interests, the Government, the pensions industry, member trustees and professional groups involved with pension arrangements. The term of office for Board members is five years. Within this selection process due regard has been paid to date to ensure that the gender quota of 40% female representation on the Pensions Board is met.

The Social Welfare Tribunal deals with cases where entitlement to jobseeker's benefit or jobseeker's allowance is refused due to an involvement in a trade dispute and where claimants feel that they have been unreasonably deprived of employment because their employer has refused or failed to follow the negotiating machinery available for settling disputes. The Tribunal comprises a chairperson and four ordinary members who must be representative of employees and employers. Accordingly, two of the members are nominated by ICTU and the other two members are nominated by IBEC. When seeking nominations for the ordinary members of the Tribunal from both ICTU and IBEC every effort is made to ensure that the nominations adhere to the Government's gender balance policy. The current Tribunal, which was appointed in October 2009 for a 3 year term, has one female member (20%).

Given the nature of the work of the Tribunal, appointments to the position of chairperson have, in the past, been made on the recommendation of suitable candidates by the Labour Relations Commission. In the future it is intended that the position of chairperson will be advertised publicly and the most qualified and suitable candidate will be selected by competitive interview.

Departmental Equipment

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

376 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of computer servers that are owned or leased by her Department and each State agency under the aegis of her Department; and the capacity of each server. [22494/11]

For its IT operations, the Department utilises 344 servers with 774 processors and total memory of 4,271 Gigabytes. All storage is served from a Storage Area Network (SAN) and this has a total capacity of 600 Terabytes. The relevant information in relation to Agencies under the Department's aegis is not held in the Department. It is however, being compiled and will be furnished to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Social Welfare Appeals

David Stanton

Ceist:

377 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be reached on a disability allowance appeal for a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22508/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 22 March 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 08 June 2011 and the appeal will be referred to an Appeals Officer, in due course, who will decide whether the case can be decided on a summary basis or whether to list it for oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

David Stanton

Ceist:

378 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be reached on a rent supplement application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22509/11]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that the person concerned was refused rent supplement and that this decision was upheld by the HSE Appeals Office. The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised that they have received an appeal from the person concerned and that no decision has yet been made on this appeal. The person concerned will be notified of the outcome of their appeal in duecourse.

Michael McCarthy

Ceist:

379 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22534/11]

An application for domiciliary care allowance was received on 14th January 2011. It was referred to one of the Department's Medical Assessors who found the child not medically eligible for the allowance. A letter issued to the person concerned on 14th February 2011 advising her of the decision.

In the case of an application which is refused on medical grounds, the applicant may submit additional information and/or ask for the case to be reviewed or they may appeal the decision directly to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. The application was reviewed at the customer's request and the Medical Assessor considered that the child remained ineligible for the allowance. The person concerned has now submitted further information and an appeal has been registered by the Appeals Office. As part of the appeal process, this additional information will be assessed by another Medical Assessor and the case will then be forwarded to the Appeals Office for consideration.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

380 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review the community welfare officer’s decision to refuse assistance in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7. [22548/11]

The position is as stated in my reply to the Deputy on the 5th July 2011. Neither I nor my Department have any function in relation to deciding an individual's entitlement. The Health Service Executive Appeals Office has advised that there is no record of an appeal from the person concerned.

Departmental Staff

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

381 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of quangos, agencies and authorities that were established by her Department in each of the years 1997 to January 2011; the number of staff employed by her Department in 1997; the number of staff employed by her Department in January 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22586/11]

Three statutory agencies have been established by the Minister for Social Protection since 1997 — Comhairle (now known as the Citizens Information Board), the Family Support Agency and the Office of the Pensions Ombudsman. Comhairle, which was established on 12 June 2000 under the provisions of the Comhairle Act 2000, replaced the former National Social Services Board. Under the provisions of the Citizens Information Act 2007, the title of this agency was changed from Comhairle to the Citizens Information Board on 21 February 2007. The Family Support Agency was established on 6 May 2003 under the provisions of the Family Support Agency Act 2001. Responsibility for this Agency has now transferred to the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. The Office of the Pensions Ombudsman was established on 2 September, 2003 under the provisions of Part XI of the Pensions Act 1990 (inserted by the Pensions (Amendment) Act 2002).

The number of staff employed by my Department in 1997 was 4,267. The number of staff employed in January 2011 was 5,032 — this figure includes 160 temporary staff. The requirement for an increase in the number of staff employed is mainly due to the increased number of people on the live register, as a result of the downturn in the economy.

Departmental Reports

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

382 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of consultancy reports commissioned by her Department between 1997 and January 2011; the cost of commissioning each report; if she will provide information on the implementation of recommendations set out in each report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22603/11]

Due to the nature of the information requested by the Deputy, it is not possible to provide a full reply in the time permitted. My Department has now engaged in compiling the information sought by the Deputy and will revert to him at the earliest possible opportunity.

Employment Support Services

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

383 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue under the national internship scheme in respect of persons (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22614/11]

From the references supplied it has not been possible to answer the Deputy's question. Information in relation to the request made by the Deputy will be forwarded when the details of the persons involved are supplied to the Department.

Departmental Funding

Shane Ross

Ceist:

384 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Social Protection the amount of State funding, directly or indirectly, that has been paid to fund trade unions, related bodies or trader union interests or causes in the past decade; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22620/11]

The Department of Social Protection does not fund trade unions per se. However, the Department facilitates the deduction and remission of union subscriptions by staff in respect of their union memberships to the following unions —

Association of Higher Civil and Public Servants (AHCPS)

Association of Secretaries and Higher Grades

Public Service Executive Union (PSEU)

Civil Public and Services Union (CPSU)

SIPTU — Health Services Professionals Branch

Branch Managers Association

IMPACT

The Department also provides grants to support the provision of information on social welfare services. The Irish Congress of Trade Unions and the Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed received funding in the past decade as set out in the following tables.

Organisation Name: Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU)

Year

Amount (€)

2001

88,650

2002

104,800

2003

86,000

2004

80,000

2005

80,000

2006

115,404

2007

103,278

2008

80,000

These payments to ICTU were part of core funding towards the costs of Congress Network Information Services.

Organisation Name: Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed (INOU)

Year

Amount (€)

2000

20,000

2001

3,000

2002

146,205

2003

150,000

2004

150,000

2005

160,000

2006

189,952

2007

198,807

2008

233,388

2009

171,000

2010

181,500

2011

218,000

These payments to INOU were for funding for the Development and Promotion of Information and Welfare Rights to continue the delivery of its services and to produce a reference for unemployed people.

Employment Support Services

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

385 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans for those at risk of long-term unemployment; the priority treatment these persons can look forward to receiving; and if she will ensure that the engagement will be on a purely voluntary basis. [21155/11]

While the primary responsibility for job creation rests with the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and agencies under its remit, the Department of Social Protection has a role in supporting people from welfare to work and operates a range of employment support measures designed to encourage and support social welfare recipients of working age to reduce their dependency on welfare payments. Supports available include the back to education programmes and back to work schemes. In addition, a fully integrated nationwide range of services and supports is available to employers and jobseekers through FÁS Employment Services, responsibility for which has been transferred to this Department.

The National Employment Action Plan (NEAP) process is a key element in addressing the progression needs of those on the live register. It provides a stimulus to job search and affords an opportunity to explore and access, under professional guidance, a full range of employment and training services. Development of the NEAP is central to ongoing development in the labour market policy area and will be progressed within the framework of a new National Employment and Entitlements Service which, as provided for in the Programme for Government, is being established by the Department. The new service will integrate employment and benefit payment services, currently delivered by FÁS and the Department, respectively, within the Department and will be based on a case management approach with the objective of providing a more customised and personal service to customers.

In line with good international practice, this new service will focus primarily on activation. The objective is to encourage and enable customers to embark on developmental pathways appropriate to their needs; pathways to employment and /or training and/or personal development. The objective of the new service is to offer users a high level, personalised employment support and prioritise the provision of more intensive support for those on the live register who are identified as being most at risk of long-term unemployment. A key feature of the new service will be that customers will be expected to engage with these options in order to retain their entitlement to full benefit payments.

A number of pilot projects are ongoing in relation to the development of case management, the identification of those who are most at risk of falling into long-term unemployment, and the provision of appropriately tailored responses to their needs. These pilot projects will evaluated in the coming months after which approaches will be developed for their rollout nationwide as part of the national employment and entitlements service.

These developments are complimented by measures announced recently by the Government under the Jobs Initiative and include initiatives such as JobBridge, the National Internship Scheme, which will provide 5,000 internship opportunities of 6 or 9 months in organisations in the private, public or community and voluntary sectors. Participants will retain their social welfare entitlement s and will also receive a ‘top-up' of €50 per week. In addition, from July 2, the rate of employers PRSI on jobs paying up to €356 per week has been halved to 4.25%, up to end 2013.

All of the measures outlined will support people who are unemployed in acquiring the education and skills and work experience that will assist them in returning to employment while measures such as the PRSI reduction will encourage employers to new employment.

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

386 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection the structures that have been put in place to ensure that the Tús programme provides real training and leads to real employment for participants. [21154/11]

Tús is a community work placement initiative aimed at providing up to 5,000 short-term, quality work opportunities for those who are unemployed for more than a year. The initiative is being delivered through the network of local development companies and Údarás na Gaeltachta in Gaeltacht areas — referred to as Implementing Bodies. This initiative, with its clear focus on providing work placements, will improve the work readiness of people on the Live Register. As such, it does not have a training component outside of necessary task specific, health and safety and standard induction training requirements. Work placements are being identified in the not-for-profit, community and voluntary sectors across the country. Participants on Tús will have access to the range of other services in support of unemployed people that are already provided by the Implementing Bodies under other programmes.

State Agencies

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

387 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Social Protection the money saved if all State agency board member payments in her Department were reduced by €10,000 where their current annual payment is in excess of €50,000. [22741/11]

As the maximum annual remuneration paid to any member of a State Board for which the Minister for Social Protection has responsibility does not exceed €12,000, there would be no savings to the Minister for Social Protection arising from the proposed reduction in remuneration.

Cultural Institutions

Nicky McFadden

Ceist:

388 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when a decision will be expected on whether or not Athlone Town Council will be able to lay the foundations of the art gallery at Fr. Matthew Hall, Athlone, County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20732/11]

An application for consent under section 14 of the National Monuments Act 1930 (as amended) has been submitted to my Department in respect of works associated with Athlone Art Gallery. My Department's National Monuments Service is consulting the National Museum of Ireland, as required under the Act and a decision on the application will be made as quickly as possible.

Arts Council

Robert Troy

Ceist:

389 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he has had any further discussions with the Arts Council regarding their role in assuming responsibility for Opera Ireland. [22064/11]

The Arts Council now has full responsibility for the provision of opera in Ireland, including the matter of Opera Ireland.

Departmental Funding

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

390 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding emergency funding (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21951/11]

Limited funding of €650,000 is being provided by my Department through a "Structures at Risk Fund" in 2011, to assist with works to safeguard structures protected under the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2010. Details of the operation of the fund issued to each local authority in March 2011. The closing date for the receipt of applications under this scheme has passed. No application was submitted by the relevant local authority in respect of the property referred to by the Deputy for funding under the Structures at Risk Fund.

However, an application for funding for restoration works to this property has been made under the built heritage allocation from the Environment Fund. Applications for funding for built heritage projects under this fund are in the process of being assessed by my Department. It is envisaged that applicants will be notified of the decision in relation to allocations within the coming weeks. The Heritage Council, which is funded by my Department, administers a number of conservation grants schemes, including the Heritage Management Grants Scheme. The closing date for the receipt of applications for funding under this scheme in 2011 has now passed. My understanding is that no application was received in respect of the property for funding under this scheme. A project for repair works to the property may be eligible for funding under the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme Ireland (RDP) 2007-2013. There are 36 local action groups contracted on behalf of the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government to deliver the RDP throughout the country. Contact details for these groups can be found on the website of the National Rural Network at www.nrn.ie and the relevant local action group which I understand is Wicklow Rural Partnership Limited can be contacted by email www.wicklowpartnership.ie or telephone 0404 46977 for further guidance.

National Lottery Funding

Paudie Coffey

Ceist:

391 Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the amount of national lottery funding his Department received in 2009 and 2010; if he will provide a list of the money that was spent in tabular form [21970/11]

The allocation of the proceeds of the National Lottery is a matter for the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. The elements of my Department's Vote which are part-funded by proceeds of the National Lottery are as follows:

Subhead B.7 — Grant-in-Aid allocation provided to An Chomhairle Ealaíon (Arts Council)

Subhead C.1 — Grant for An Chomhairle Oidhreachta (Heritage Council)

Subhead D.2 — Irish Language Support Schemes.

My Department was established on 2 June 2011 and therefore it is not possible to provide comparative information for my Department, as sought by the Deputy for 2009 and 2010. However, information in relation to funding for the various subheads for 2009 and 2010 is outlined in the Estimates of the relevant Departments for those years, i.e., the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport, the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs.

Heritage Sites

Michael Conaghan

Ceist:

392 Deputy Michael Conaghan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the definition of heritage; if this includes Ireland’s rich industrial heritage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22106/11]

Michael Conaghan

Ceist:

393 Deputy Michael Conaghan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans to protect and promote the Inchicore railway yards, Dublin, one of the best surviving examples of this aspect of industrial heritage in the northern hemisphere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22107/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 392 and 393 together.

Under the provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000, each planning authority is required, for the purpose of protecting structures or parts of structures which are of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest, to include in its development plan a Record of Protected Structures and to include in that record every structure which is, in the opinion of the planning authority, of such interest within its functional area. This may be done at the time of the preparation of the development plan or, where appropriate, at any other time. The making of an addition to, or deletion from, a Record of Protected Structures is a reserved function of the planning authorities. I am advised that Dublin City Council, to date, has not included the Inchicore railway yards in the Record of Protected Structures for Dublin City. The Act also enables me, as Minister, to make recommendations to a planning authority concerning the inclusion of specific structures in its Record of Protected Structures and a planning authority must have regard to any such recommendations. These recommendations are based on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) surveys conducted by my Department. The aim of NIAH surveys is generally to include structures which are of international, national and regional importance.

The National Inventory of Architectural Heritage for Dublin City has yet to be undertaken. The advertisement inviting tenders to undertake the first NIAH survey of Dublin City is due to be published by my Department in the coming days. This initial survey will focus on Dublin 1 and it marks the beginning of by far the largest NIAH county survey to date.

Special Areas of Conservation

Robert Troy

Ceist:

394 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the bogs which fall under the special area of conservation in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22255/11]

The following table lists all candidate Special Area of Conservation bog sites in County Galway.

Site Code

Site Name

County

231

Barroughter Bog

Galway

248

Cloonmoylan Bog

Galway

285

Kilsallagh Bog

Galway

296

Lisnageeragh Bog and Ballinstack Turlough

Galway

297

Lough Corrib

Galway / Mayo

301

Lough Lurgeen Bog / Glenamaddy Turlough

Galway

326

Shankill West Bog

Galway

1242

Carrownagappul Bog

Galway

2110

Corliskea / Trien / Cloonfelliv Bog

Galway / Roscommon

2347

Camderry Bog

Galway

2350

Curraghlehanagh Bog

Galway

2352

Monivea Bog

Galway

2356

Ardgraigue Bog

Galway

308

Loughatorick South Bog

Clare / Galway

324

Rosroe Bog

Galway

1913

Sonnagh Bog

Galway

2008

Maumturk Mountains

Galway

2031

The Twelve Bens / Garraun Complex

Galway

2034

Connemara Bog Complex

Galway

Departmental Funding

Shane Ross

Ceist:

395 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the sum of any public funds and their purpose which have been awarded by his Department, either directly or indirectly, to the Irish Business and Employers Confederation in the past decade. [22258/11]

My Department was established on 2 June 2011 and, therefore, the Deputy will appreciate that the information sought by him can only be provided from that date. I am advised that no funding of the nature referred to by the Deputy was provided to IBEC by my Department since 2 June.

Caighdeán na Gaeilge

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

396 D’fhiafraigh Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil i gceist an leagan leasaithe de Chaighdeán na Gaeilge a réitíodh taobh istigh dá Roinn a fhoilsiú agus má tá cén uair a fhoilseofar é agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [22369/11]

Mar is eol don Teachta, cuireadh tús sa Roinn Gnóthaí Pobail, Comhionannais agus Gaeltachta, mar a bhí, le próiseas athbhreithnithe ar Chaighdeán Oifigiúil na Gaeilge bliain ó mhí Aibreáin seo caite. Tháinig deireadh le gairid leis an tréimhse a bhí leagtha amach do shraith cruinnithe an Choiste Stiúrtha, a bhí i mbun na hoibre sin. Tá sé i gceist a chinntiú go gcuirfear bailchríoch ar obair an Choiste sin chomh luath agus is féidir. Tá súil agam nach fada go mbeidh cinneadh fógartha faoi na socruithe foilsitheoireachta do Chaighdeán leasaithe.

Seirbhísí Farantóireachta

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

397 D’fhiafraigh Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta ó tharla cúraimí na nOileán a bheith air céard atá á dhéanamh aige lena chinntiú go mbeidh daoine i gcathaoireacha rotha in ann dul ar gach seoladh ó Ros an Mhíl go dtí Oileáin Árann agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [22372/11]

Mar is eol don Teachta, tá fóirdheontas ar fáil ó mo Roinnse chun seirbhís farantóireachta a chur ar fáil idir Ros an Mhíl agus na hOileáin Árann. Tuigtear go mbíonn deacrachtaí ó am go ham maidir le cathaoireacha rotha a thabhairt ar na báid farantóireachta, ag brath ar an taoide ar an bhfarraige. Tá comhráití ar bun faoi láthair idir mo Roinnse, an Roinn Cumarsáide, Fuinnimh agus Acmhainní Nádúrtha, Oifig na Suirbhéireachta Muirí agus an comhlacht farantóireachta atá ag soláthar na seirbhíse faoin bhfóirdheontas. Táim dóchasach go mbeifear in ann teacht ar shocrú, sa ghearrthréimhse agus san fhadtréimhse, sa chaoi is go réiteofar an fhadhb atá luaite ag an Teachta.

Policy Development

John Lyons

Ceist:

398 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he plans to develop an accurate and comprehensive arts and culture statistical system to aid policy formation and analysis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22384/11]

A range of statistics and information is available from the arts and film agencies coming within my Department's remit to assist in relevant policy development. Similarly, a range of statistics is available to the Directors of the cultural institutions under the aegis of my Department. These data are shared regularly with my Department and contribute to policy formulation. Indeed, much of the information in question is available on my Department's website and on the websites of the relevant agencies. My Department and the agencies under my remit are conscious of the constant need to review and improve the presentation of statistical information. I am also aware that there may be opportunities presented by new and emerging technology for information to be presented in a more timely and user-friendly way and it would be my intention to take advantage of these, where feasible.

Departmental Funding

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

399 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which he has received applications for funding from various art or heritage groups in County Kildare directly to him or to bodies under his aegis in the current year; his intended response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22428/11]

The details sought by the Deputy are set out in the following table. As the Deputy will be aware, my Department and a number of bodies funded from its Vote Group operate a range of schemes and programmes and details of these and their funding criteria can be accessed on my Department's website at www.arts-sport-tourism.gov.ie.

Department/Body under Department’s Aegis

No of applications for funding received from art/heritage groups in Co. Kildare in 2011 to date

No of applications approved

No of applications pending approval

Name of scheme(s) under which applications were approved/are pending approval

Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

2

1

0

Regional Cultural Night

Bodies under the D/AHG Aegis:

Arts Council

42

14

9

2011 — Bursary — Opera — Round 22011 — Bursary — Visual Arts — Round 22011 — Bursary — Visual Arts — Round 22011 — Bursary — Visual Arts — Round 22011 — Bursary — Street Arts — Round 22011 — Bursary — Literature (English) — Round 22011 — Bursary — Literature (English) — Round 22011 — Location One Fellowship — International2011 — Travel and Training — Music

Heritage Council

1

0

1

Architectural and Archaeological Heritage Projects under the Environment Fund

5

1

0

Heritage Education, Community and Outreach

2

0

0

Heritage Management

Cross Border Bodies:

Waterways Ireland

4

2

0

2011 Sponsorship Programme

An Foras Teanga comprising:

Foras na Gaeilge

2

2

0

Gníomhaíochtaí i Réimse na nEalaíon

Departmental Functions

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

400 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will indicate the mission statement of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22429/11]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

402 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which he intends to develop and promote the various portfolios under his aegis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22431/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 400 and 402 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, my Department was established on 2 June 2011 and brings together functions from the former Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport, the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs. The key functions under the remit of the newly established Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht are as follows:

Arts, Culture, Film and Music, including oversight of the National Cultural Institutions;

Built and Natural Heritage;

Irish Language, Gaeltacht and the Islands; and

North/South Co-operation in relation to Waterways Ireland and An Foras Teanga (comprising Foras na Gaeilge and the Ulster-Scots Agency) and other areas pertaining to the functions and responsibilities of my Department.

I am committed to developing and promoting these functions to the greatest extent possible, while progressing and delivering on the commitments in the Programme for Government that relate to my Department. In this regard, and in the context of the Public Service Management Act 1997, my Department is currently in the process of preparing a new Statement of Strategy for the period 2011-2014, which will reflect its new mandate and mission statement. Officials in my Department are currently conducting an extensive consultation process in this regard and I am advised that a draft Statement of Strategy will be submitted to me in early September, in line with the requirements of the Public Service Management Act 1997.

Architectural Heritage

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

401 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which he expects to carry out restoration works towards the protection of buildings throughout the country in the next year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22430/11]

Funding from the built heritage capital programme of my Department is being provided to the Office of Public Works (€1.250m) to assist in the conservation and presentation of historic properties and national monuments in State care, for a Structures at Risk Fund (€0.650m) and for archaeological protection (€0.105m). The Structures at Risk Fund has been established to assist with works to safeguard structures protected under the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2010. 23 local authorities have been issued with and accepted grant offers for a total of 31 projects under the fund.

My Department is also providing funding of almost €7.5million to support the work of the Heritage Council including for a number of conservation grants schemes — the Significant Places of Public Worship Grants Scheme, the Heritage Management Grants Scheme, Large Scale Heritage Properties Grants Scheme, Conservation Plan Led Projects Grants Scheme, and the Irish Walled Towns Grants Scheme. The level of funding available in future years for these purposes will be subject to the normal Budgetary and Estimates processes.

Question No. 402 answered with Question No. 400.

Turbary Rights

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

403 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which an amicable solution can be reached with turf cutters affected by the special areas of conservation or other such conservation measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22433/11]

Since entering office, I have endeavoured to ensure that such amicable solutions referred to by the Deputy can be arrived at for those who have suffered a loss through being prevented from continuing to cut turf in sites designated for the protection of raised bog habitat. In early April, I announced the establishment of an independently chaired Peatlands Council to respond to commitments set out in the Programme for Government and to assist Ireland to respond in a strategic way to the requirements of the Habitats Directive. The Council is chaired by Mr Conor Skehan and includes representatives of the IFA, the Irish Peatlands Conservation Council, the Turf Cutters and Contractors Association, Irish Rural Link, the Irish Environment Network, Bord na Móna and the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department. The Peatlands Council also provides a framework for stakeholder involvement in addressing the immediate issues regarding the protection of these sites and arrangements for compensation and relocation. The Council has met on several occasions and recently made significant progress in regard to agreeing a work programme to address the needs of turf-cutters, while recognising the necessity to stop turf-cutting on Ireland's raised bog SACs.

In April, I also announced a long-term compensation package for turf-cutters in sites where turf cutting is no longer possible. The scheme, which applies to turf-cutters on all raised bog SACs, will deliver payments of €1,000 per annum, index linked, for a maximum of 15 years. As an alternative to financial payments, and where feasible, qualifying turf-cutters will be facilitated in relocating to alternative, non-designated sites to continue cutting turf. Alternative forms of compensation are being actively explored by the Peatlands Council and I expect that these will be presented to me as solid proposals in the near future.

My officials are in direct discussion with a number of groups of turf-cutters on various bogs with a view to agreeing sites for re-location and the terms and conditions of such relocation. At the request of the Peatlands Council, including members representing turf-cutting interests, my officials are currently making themselves available at information clinics where interested parties can discuss their compensation and relocation options. Such clinics have been held in Roscommon, Offaly, Galway and Kildare. Further clinics will be arranged over the coming weeks. The Government remains committed to reaching a fair and equitable outcome for those who cannot now continue turf-cutting in these sites.

Heritage Sites

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

404 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of heritage sites, including ring forts, currently accessible to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22434/11]

Seven hundred and fifty seven national monument sites are in the ownership or guardianship of the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. The number of individual monuments on these sites would be greater since some contain more than one monument. Generally monument sites owned by the Minister are publicly accessible with 69 having visitor services provided by the Office of Public Works. Some monuments acquired in the past do not have a public right of way. It is, however, my Department's policy to acquire rights of way to such sites, where possible, with the agreement of landowners and this practice will continue. In the region of a further 120,000 monuments are protected under the National Monuments Acts. Although most are located on private lands, public access is available in many cases under local arrangements. There are also 6 publicly accessible national parks and 78 nature reserves managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department.

Question No. 405 answered with Question No. 11.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

406 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number and location of endangered heritage sites or buildings throughout the country; his future intentions in regard to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22436/11]

Under the provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000, each planning authority is required to include in its development plan a Record of Protected Structures. The making of an addition to, or deletion from, a Record of Protected Structures is a reserved function of the planning authorities. Inclusion in the Record of Protected Structures places a duty of care on the owners and occupiers of protected structures and also gives planning authorities powers to deal with development proposals affecting them and to seek to safeguard their future.

Section 59 of the 2000 Act provides for a planning authority to serve notice to require works to be carried out in relation to endangerment of protected structures. On the basis of information submitted by the planning authorities to my Department, there were 19 such notices served in 2008, 27 in 2009 and 10 in 2010. I have given approval for my Department to undertake a review of the operation of Part IV (Architectural Heritage) of the Planning and Development Act 2000. This review will focus on possible minor legislative amendments and a possible up-date to regulations where appropriate.

Archaeological and natural heritage sites are subject to particular legal frameworks to ensure their protection. They are also subject to monitoring undertaken by my Department. This monitoring helps to ensure that risks for and threats to these sites are detected and addressed as early as possible thus avoiding endangerment.

Departmental Equipment

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

407 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of computer servers that are owned or leased by his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department; and the capacity of each server. [22483/11]

The information sought by the Deputy in relation to my Department, and as advised in relation to bodies funded from my Department's Vote Group, is set out in the following table.

Department/Body under Department’s Aegis

No of computer servers owned

No of computer servers leased

Capacity

Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

37

0

20.02 TB

Údarás na Gaeltachta

16

0

2,370 GB — Servers2 TB — Storage Area Network

An Coimisinéir Teanga

2

1

590 GB

Crawford Art Gallery

0

0

N/A

National Library of Ireland

22

0

116 TB

National Archives

16

0

4287.3 GB

National Archives Advisory Council

0

0

N/A

Irish Manuscripts Commission

0

0

N/A

Heritage Council

0

0

N/A

National Gallery of Ireland

18

0

53,004.2 GB

National Concert Hall

14

0

20 TB

National Museum of Ireland

4 ESX DELL physical servers (hosting 25 Virtual Servers) & 1 Apple Physical Server

0

118 TB

Irish Museum of Modern Art

10

0

03.76 TB

Chester Beatty Library

7(& 2 additional storage disk arrays attached & NAS)

0

Approx: 40 TB

Arts Council

4

0

1.42 TB

Irish Film Board

3

0

2 servers x 1.2 TB1 server x 500 GB

Cross Border Bodies:

Waterways Ireland

HQ — 26 Servers Remote (13) Sites -13 Servers

0

HQ — 29.5 TBRemote Sites — 1.5 TB

An Foras Teanga, comprising:

Foras na Gaeilge

7

0

1,824 GB

Ulster-Scots Agency

2

0

200 GB

Question No. 408 answered with Question No. 21.

Appointments to State Boards

Anne Ferris

Ceist:

409 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps he is taking to ensure that the membership of State boards comprises at least 40% of each gender, as provided for in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22527/11]

Officials from my Department are in regular contact with the State bodies and agencies funded from my Department's Vote Group on matters relating to performance, governance and accountability issues. In relation to ensuring that the State boards funded from my Department's Vote Group comprise at least 40% of each gender, as provided for in the Programme for Government, I can confirm that my Department has systems in place to monitor progress in this regard and, where issues arise, these will be followed up.

Departmental Expenditure

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

410 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he has, in view of the change in the names of various Departments, procured a new logo for his Department, new signage and any other branding, such as stationery and so on; if so, the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22553/11]

As the Deputy will be aware, the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport was renamed the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht on the 2nd June 2011. I can confirm to the Deputy that a new logo has not been procured for the newly reconfigured Department, which is continuing to use the standard harp logo. In addition, when ordering new stocks of stationery, the practice has been adopted of simply replacing the former name of the Department with its new name. I have directed that all stationery currently held by my Department be used to the greatest extent feasible and have instructed my officials to ensure that any costs arising due to the name change of my Department are kept to a minimum. In relation to replacing signage on Departmental premises due to the change of name, my Department is in the process of amending such signage and, once this process has been completed, it will be possible to quantify costs arising.

Departmental Agencies

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

411 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of quangos, agencies and authorities that were established by his Department in each of the years 1997 to January 2011; the number of staff employed by his Department in 1997; the number of staff employed by his Department in January 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22575/11]

My Department, as currently configured, was established on 2 June 2011. The Deputy will appreciate, therefore, that it is not feasible to provide the information sought by him in relation to the timeframes specified.

Departmental Reports

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

412 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide a report of the number of consultancy reports commissioned by his Department between 1997 and January 2011; the cost of commissioning each report; if he will provide information on the implementation of recommendations set out in each report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22592/11]

As my Department was established on 2 June 2011, the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be feasible to provide the information sought by him for timeframes prior to that date.

Cultural Institutions

Joe Costello

Ceist:

413 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the progress made on protecting the cultural space in Smithfield, Dublin; and when the Lighthouse Cinema will re-open on the square. [22609/11]

On 15 April 2011, the High Court placed the Light House Cinema into involuntary liquidation and appointed a liquidator. On 27 April, Mr Neil Hughes of Hughes Blake was appointed receiver and manager by Bord Scannán na hÉireann/the Irish Film Board and the Arts Council, with the agreement of my Department.

The receiver sought expressions of interest in taking over the management and running of the Light House Cinema by placing advertisements in the national media. I understand that there were a number of enquiries from interested parties in response to the advertisements and that discussions are ongoing between those parties, the receiver and the landlord.

Under the circumstances, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage.

State Agencies

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

414 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the money saved if all State agency board member payments in his Department were reduced by €10,000 where their current annual payment is in excess of €50,000. [22734/11]

I am advised that there are no board members in receipt of annual payments in excess of €50,000 on the boards of State Agencies and Bodies under the aegis of the Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht.

Departmental Funding

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

415 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the money spent on the home energy scheme over the past five years; and the amount that will be committed on the home energy scheme for each year for the next three years. [21911/11]

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

418 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps that he will take, including doubling the funding, to increase home energy efficiency. [21162/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 415 and 418 together.

Capital funding of €60 million was allocated for energy efficiency initiatives in Budget 2011. As part of the Jobs Initiative, a further €30 million has been provided for this year which underpinned the launch of the Better Energy Programme in May. Better Energy replaces three energy efficiency and renewable energy programmes: the Home Energy Savings Scheme (HES), the Warmer Homes Scheme (WHS) and the Greener Homes Scheme (GHS).

The obligations strand of Better Energy brings energy suppliers on board as partners, in fulfilment of Ireland's obligations under the Energy End-Use Efficiency and Energy Services Directive. These companies have been asked to finalise voluntary agreements with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), which will deliver 200GWh of energy saving measures in 2011. Energy companies can meet their target by directly offering upgrade services, or by subcontracting the work to third parties.

Better Energy: Homes — allows domestic customers to apply for an Exchequer supported incentive, currently a direct grant which will be replaced by an up-front discount later in the year. The measures grant-aided under this strand include roof and wall insulation, high efficiency boilers, heating control upgrades and solar thermal. Energy upgrades were provided to 45,990 homes in 2010 and to 27,653 homes to the end of June 2011.

Better Energy: Warmer Homes — provides energy efficiency improvements free of charge to homes in, or at risk of, energy poverty. The scheme is delivered through a combination of community based organisations (CBOs) and a panel of private contractors. Energy upgrades were provided to 24,291 homes in 2010 and to 8,556 homes to the end of June 2011.

The amounts spent on the HES scheme are as follows:

Programme

2008 (Pilot)

2009

2010

Home Energy Saving scheme (HES) Total Capital Spend (€m)

1.25

14.926

45.434

The HES scheme is now fully integrated into Better Energy: Homes. The capital allocation for Better Energy in 2011 is €91.4m. Decisions in relation to funding for 2012 and forward years will be taken in the context of the Government's review of the capital expenditure programme.

Fuel Poverty

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

416 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the measures he proposes to take to address the persistent problem of fuel poverty in Irish society; the estimate of the current number of households who are considered to be fuel-poor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22173/11]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 214 from him of 20 July 2011.

Telecommunications Services

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

417 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his commitment to providing next-generation broadband to every home and business here; and the date for completion. [21167/11]

Under the NewERA proposals in the Programme for Government, there is a commitment to co-invest with the private sector and commercial Semi State sector to provide Next Generation Broadband to every home and business in the State. The Next Generation Broadband Taskforce, which I chair, has an important role in policy, in this regard. I recently convened a meeting of the Taskforce, which comprises the Minister of State with responsibility for NewERA, Fergus O'Dowd, T.D., the CEOs of all of the major telecommunications companies currently operating in the Irish market and CEOs of some Internet Service Provider companies. The purpose of the Taskforce is to discuss the optimal policy environment required to facilitate the provision of high speed broadband across Ireland. The Taskforce will consider issues such as appropriate targets, private sector investment plans, and the role of Government in driving and facilitating investment. I expect that the Taskforce will help to identify the optimal policy to deliver wider customer access to high-speed broadband generally and thereby assist in delivery on the commitment in the Programme for Government.

Question No. 418 answered with Question No. 415.

Nicky McFadden

Ceist:

419 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the rural broadband scheme will be extended to Rosemount, County Westmeath; his views on the matter of loss of business due to slow broadband connection speeds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21868/11]

The Rural Broadband Scheme (RBS) aims to identify the remaining individual premises in rural Ireland, outside of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) areas that are unable to obtain a broadband service and to provide a basic broadband service to those premises, where requested. As the area referred to in the Deputy's Question is outside the NBS area, premises which cannot avail of a service from a commercial operator can apply under the RBS.

Information in relation to acceptance of applications and the process of qualification under the scheme is available on my Department's website (www.dcenr.ie) or through contacting my Department on lo-call 1850 678100.

The closing date for applying for inclusion in the RBS is Friday, July 29 next.

The Government accepts that the widespread availability of next generation broadband is key to delivering future economic and social development and, under the NewERA proposals in the Programme for Government, there is a commitment to co-invest with the private sector and commercial Semi State sector to provide Next Generation Broadband to every home and business in the State.

I recently convened a meeting of the Next Generation Broadband Taskforce (NGBT), which I chair. The Taskforce comprises the CEOs of all of the major telecommunications companies currently operating in the Irish market and CEOs of some Internet Service Provider companies. Its purpose is to discuss how best to deliver the optimal policy environment and to identify a roadmap for the speedy delivery of high speed broadband across Ireland. The Taskforce will consider issues such as appropriate targets, investment plans, and the role of Government policy and actions in driving and facilitating investment.

I expect that the NGBT will be helpful in terms of identifying the optimal policy position to deliver wider customer access to high-speed broadband.

Broadcasting Services

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

420 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the percentage area (details supplied) in County Donegal that currently has Saorview coverage for digital television; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21952/11]

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

421 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the percentage area in County Donegal that currently has Saorview coverage for digital television; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21953/11]

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

422 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the percentage of homes and businesses in County Donegal that currently have Saorview coverage for digital television; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21954/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 420 to 422, inclusive, together.

RTÉ is an independent national public service broadcaster whose remit and obligations are set out in the Broadcasting Act 2009.

RTÉ has built, owns and controls the new national digital TV network which they call Saorview. RTÉ is also responsible for the coverage and operation of its Saorview TV network. Part 8 of the Broadcasting Act 2009, sets out RTÉ's powers and responsibilities in this regard. Therefore, I have no direct function in the matter raised by the Deputy.

RTÉ has established a dedicated website, www.saorview.ie, and a telephone helpline to assist the public to access Saorview. This website also provides, inter alia, information on coverage of Saorview.

The coverage checker on this website allows users to input their address. They will then see if their area is covered by RTÉ's Saorview network. Should the Deputy have further questions about specific areas, I am happy to pass them to RTÉ on his behalf for direct reply.

Telecommunications Services

Paudie Coffey

Ceist:

423 Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to develop a cross-departmental strategy with the Department of Education and Skills in view of the fact that his Department has made a provision of €10 million in its 2011 Estimates to develop high-speed broadband infrastructure for schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21958/11]

The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has worked closely with the Department of Education and Skills on the successful delivery to 78 second level schools of the 100 mbps pilot project.

My Department made a provision of some €10 million in its 2011 capital estimate to fund the capital element of a possible national roll-out.

The ongoing annual costs associated with a national implementation will fall to be managed by the Department of Education and Skills and that Department is still examining the modalities of ensuring that the necessary level of funding can be secured annually to meet the various contractual commitments that will arise in such a programme. Officials in both Departments are involved in ongoing contacts on this matter.

There is a strong recognition by both Departments, working together, of the benefits of providing enhanced ICT in schools from an education, economic and knowledge society perspective.

National Lottery Funding

Paudie Coffey

Ceist:

424 Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount of national lottery funding his Department received in 2009 and 2010; if he will provide a list of the money that was spent in tabular form. [21971/11]

I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has not received National Lottery Funding in any year since its formation in June 2007.

Onshore Exploration

Robert Dowds

Ceist:

425 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the proposed method to extract natural gas from the North-West Carboniferous Basin (details supplied) and the Clare Basin, namely, hydraulic fracturing or fracking, has been linked to widespread health problems, water pollution and environmental damage in numerous cases in the US, Canada and Australia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21990/11]

Robert Dowds

Ceist:

426 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views, in view of the fact that hydraulic fracturing or fracking has now been banned by the French and South African Governments and a number of US states, on whether hydraulic fracturing or fracking should now be placed under a moratorium here pending a thorough investigation of the consequences of its use in other states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21991/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 425 and 426 together.

I can inform the Deputy that I have not received applications for, nor licensed the use of hydraulic fracturing in the North West Carboniferous Basin or the Clare Basin and accordingly the issue of a moratorium on this drilling technology does not arise.

Earlier this year, my Department awarded two year onshore Petroleum Licensing Options to three companies over parts of the North West Carboniferous Basin and the Clare Basin. Exploration drilling is specifically excluded under these authorisations.

The Licensing Options are designed to allow the companies assess the natural gas potential of the acreage largely based on desktop studies of existing data from previous petroleum exploration activity. Both areas have been subject to petroleum exploration and drilling since the early 1960s and while some natural gas potential was identified, it was not considered commercially viable at that time.

Exploration activity under these authorisations is at an early stage and there is no certainty that it will lead to applications for follow-on exploration licences that would be required before exploration wells could be drilled. In the event hydraulic fracturing was proposed as part of a possible future exploration or production programme, then that activity would be subject to an environmental impact assessment, including an appropriate public consultation phase.

Energy Efficiency

Michael Conaghan

Ceist:

427 Deputy Michael Conaghan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of contractors who are registered to participate in the better energy scheme; the requirements for contractors who wish to participate in delivering the scheme; and if the scheme is open to new applicants from contractors who wish to deliver the scheme. [22108/11]

Michael Conaghan

Ceist:

428 Deputy Michael Conaghan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of homeowners who have requested grants under the better energy scheme; and the number of home-owners who have been allocated grants on a county basis and by postcode within the Dublin area. [22109/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 427 and 428 together.

I announced the launch of Better Energy: The National Upgrade Programme on Wednesday, 11 May 2011 on foot of the Jobs Initiative. Better Energy replaces three energy efficiency and renewable energy programmes: the Home Energy Savings Scheme (HES), the Warmer Homes Scheme (WHS) and the Greener Homes Scheme (GHS).

Contractors can register with Better Energy: Homes if they wish to deliver any of the services supported under this scheme. The registration process, from receipt of fully compliant documentation, is typically two days. All registering contractors must provide the following documents:

Completed and signed registration form

Copy of Tax clearance certificate (TCC) or C2

Contractor Certificate of Insurance form — completed by Insurance broker.

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has streamlined registration in order to minimise the additional documentation that is required from contractors previously registered for HES or GHS. There are currently 2885 registered contractors actively operating under Better Energy: Homes.

Competency requirements vary depending on the type of installations works the contractor is registered to carry out. These requirements are detailed in the Code of Practice, Standards and Specifications document and in the contractor registration form, which are all available on the Better Energy section of the SEAI website.

Since the launch of the HES scheme in March 2009, a total of 124,563 homes have made applications and accepted grant offers, of which 90,313 had successfully drawn down their grant by end of June 2011.

The number and location of homes which have made application for a grant since the launch of HES in March 2009 and since the launch of Better Energy in May 2011 are as follows:

County

2009 HES Programme Launch to date (inclusive)

2011 Better Energy Programme Launch to date

Carlow

1,306

86

Cavan

2,762

159

Clare

6,938

406

Cork

15,717

1,424

Donegal

4,515

263

Co Dublin

5,097

336

Dublin 1

301

109

Dublin 10

143

13

Dublin 11

635

44

Dublin 12

831

62

Dublin 13

696

54

Dublin 14

961

78

Dublin 15

1,110

87

Dublin 16

997

86

Dublin 17

175

20

Dublin 18

603

35

Dublin 2

56

16

Dublin 20

192

17

Dublin 22

352

24

Dublin 24

683

80

Dublin 3

634

50

Dublin 4

521

33

Dublin 5

1,082

76

Dublin 6

481

33

Dublin 6W

584

58

Dublin 7

694

49

Dublin 8

373

25

Dublin 9

949

64

Galway

10,607

682

Kerry

7,192

477

Kildare

3,308

233

Kilkenny

2,954

186

Laois

1,889

129

Leitrim

791

45

Limerick

8,879

688

Longford

1,228

59

Louth

3,235

180

Mayo

3,948

316

Meath

3,485

236

Monaghan

2,470

180

Offaly

1,531

80

Roscommon

2,191

138

Sligo

1,740

98

Tipperary

5,683

413

Waterford

4,648

373

Westmeath

2,026

114

Wexford

5,165

295

Wicklow

2,205

179

Grand Total

124,563

8,888

Energy Resources

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

429 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when gas from the Corrib field will come ashore; if he will give any direction to the Commission for Energy Regulation in relation to wholesale and retail pricing of this Irish gas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22175/11]

Completion of the development works by the developer is the principal factor that will determine the date for first gas. Pending such completion, it is not possible to state a date for when gas from the Corrib gas field will become available.

In terms of giving a direction to the Commission for Energy for Regulation (CER) in relation to the wholesale and retail pricing of this gas the Deputy should note that under section 23 of the Gas (Interim) (Regulation) Act of 2002, the CER is responsible for regulating charges in the natural gas market, including supply tariffs to final customers.

The Government has no power to dictate wholesale commodity prices.

The CER regulates the Residential tariffs for Bord Gáis Energy. There are three other suppliers in the residential market offering tariffs and customers are free to switch between these to get the best deal.

All business sectors are deregulated and open to competition. On this basis, and to maintain the integrity of the market and the regulatory process, it would be wholly inappropriate for me to issue a direction regarding retail pricing of gas.

Energy Regulation

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

430 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason new entrants to the electricity market are not regulated by the Commission for Energy Regulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22176/11]

I have no statutory function in the setting of electricity and gas prices, whether in the regulated or non-regulated market. Responsibility for the regulation of the electricity and gas markets is a matter for the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), which is an independent statutory body. Prices in the electricity retail market are now fully deregulated. Price setting by electricity suppliers, including Bord Gáis, is a commercial and operational matter for the companies concerned and I have no function in the matter.

The CER was established in 1999, to regulate the electricity market. All generators, transmission operators and suppliers wishing to participate in the Irish electricity market are required to apply to CER for a licence to operate. Once an operator has received a licence, it is allowed to commence operations in the Irish market, subject to strict adherence to the licence terms and conditions which are established and monitored by CER.

ESB prices for domestic electricity customers were regulated until 4th April 2011. The welcome emergence of new entrants in the electricity supply market (business and/or domestic) started in emerge in recent years and their prices were effectively unregulated in comparison with ESB tariffs. The Irish electricity supply market is now fully open to competition for business and latterly the domestic sector. While the CER no longer regulates tariffs in the electricity market, it continues to have a role in monitoring market developments and ensuring that all suppliers comply with requirements designed to protect the interests of customers.

Energy Prices

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

431 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views, in the context of the recent decision by Bord Gáis to hike up prices by 12% for consumers, that the interests of energy consumers are not being properly represented by the Commission for Energy Regulation; the way consumers are protected in the energy regulation market; his plans to strengthen CER; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22177/11]

I have no statutory function in the setting of electricity and gas prices, whether in the regulated or non-regulated market. Responsibility for the regulation of the electricity and gas markets is a matter for the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), which is an independent statutory body. Prices in the electricity retail market are now fully deregulated. Price setting by electricity suppliers, including Bord Gáis, is a commercial and operational matter for the companies concerned.

The CER was established in 1999 to regulate the electricity sector in Ireland. In 2002 its remit was extended to cover the natural gas market. The CER is independent of all operators in the market and acts in the best interest of energy customers in Ireland by working to ensure that consumers benefit from a competitive regulatory framework in energy markets.

There have been sustained increases in global fossil fuel prices in recent months and this is putting pressure on all energy suppliers' margins. Ireland has a high dependency on imported fossil fuels, particularly gas which coupled with geographic isolation and population dispersal means that Ireland is price taker in the international gas market.

The CER has implemented a series of decisions over recent years designed to enhance and protect the rights of consumers and ensuring that operators in the market comply with their obligations to consumers. As part of its standard decision making processes, the CER holds consultations with all interested parties in advance of making any decisions on consumer issues. An example of a recent policy change in a consumer protection area was policy on disconnections. In late 2010, the CER decided to temporarily reduce the cost of disconnection for electricity and gas and decided to divide the cost of disconnection equally between the supplier and customer. This was done in response to the large number of disconnections taking place and to encourage suppliers to engage with customer and consider alternative options to disconnection.

Also, in response to the increase in the accumulation of debt from various suppliers, the CER recently announced in June 2011, after consultation with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and the Money Advice and Budgeting Service, the introduction of a debt flagging facility. This alerts supply companies when customers wishing to switch supplier already have outstanding electricity bills above a certain level. These flags are as follows: for domestic electricity and gas customers, when they owe more than €250 for over 42 days, and for small business when they owe more than €750 for over 42 days.

Statutory Instrument 450/2010 on Market Monitoring for Electricity and Gas markets was signed in October 2010. The Statutory Instrument includes consumer protection provisions in market monitoring that have given the CER additional powers and functions in this area as required by the EU Internal Energy Market Directives. The EU Directive also contains provisions requiring Member States to enhance consumer protection provisions and provisions for vulnerable customers. At present my Department is currently drafting the requisite Statutory Instrument to give legal effect to the consumer and vulnerable customers provisions in the relevant Directive, although, in practice many of the functions are already currently undertaken by the CER.

Mobile Telephony

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

432 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the action he will take against termination charges for mobile phone users; his views on whether this is the key reason for supernormal profits in the mobile industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22178/11]

The regulation of the wholesale mobile voice call termination market is a matter for the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg).

I am anxious to ensure that mobile termination rates (MTRs) charged by Irish service providers are in line with those charged elsewhere in Europe and that Irish citizens and businesses benefit from the lowest call costs possible. Following regulatory intervention by ComReg in this market, commitments have been obtained from the main Irish mobile network operators to reduce their MTRs such that maximum Irish MTRs would be approximate to the European average — details of these commitments are publicly available in Information Notice 10/82 published on ComReg's website.

Building on previous decreases, the latest reductions in MTRs took effect from 1 July, with the blended average MTRs reducing by approximately 17% on the rates which applied in the previous six months. These latest reductions, with further planned reductions every six months through to the end of 2012, will continue to ensure that Irish average MTRs are in line with the European average.

I understand that a further review by ComReg of the wholesale mobile voice call termination market is currently under way and ComReg plans to consult on its preliminary findings later this year, including the imposition of an appropriate wholesale price control (to be in effect from 2013) and other regulatory obligations.

Television Licence Fees

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

433 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to replace the current television licence system with a content licence system; the appliances the content licence would apply to and if same would include laptops, smartphones, kindles, iPads and so on; the way the revenue from the content licence would be divided; if same will only apply to broadcasters or if online content providers would also be eligible for a share of the content licence fee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22179/11]

The Programme for Government commits to examining the role and collection of the TV Licence Fee in light of existing and projected convergence of broadcasting technologies and to transform the TV licence into a household based Public Broadcasting Charge to be applied to all households and applicable businesses, regardless of the device they use to access content.

This commitment does not foresee the replacement of the current television licence system with a content licence system applicable to either all or certain classes of appliances. The household based charge, if introduced, would in fact serve to remove the link between the fee and the appliance being used to access the content.

In line with this commitment, my Department is currently undertaking an exercise whereby it is examining both the effectiveness and efficiency of the current model of television licence fee collection, in the context of the changing technological environment, and examining the efficiency of various international models for the funding of public service broadcasting. The results of the exercise will be an analysis of the most effective models in terms of efficiency, capability to fund our public service broadcasting service and equity of applicability. The scope of work being carried out under this review is quite extensive. Nevertheless, I expect to receive recommendations arising out of this review by year end and, following that, work will begin on developing any necessary legislative proposals that might be required to facilitate the implementation of any recommendations that I decide to take forward.

In terms of revenue distribution, the Deputy may also be aware that the Programme for Government commits to reviewing the funding of public and independent broadcasters to ensure a healthy broadcasting environment in Ireland.

The broadcasting sector in general has faced a challenging funding environment in recent years with a large fall in commercial advertising revenues. It is understandable in such a situation that extending further the scope of public service funding would seem attractive to some. However, great care should be taken in considering any such course of action. The rationale for providing State funding for public service broadcasting is to provide an independent and reliable income flow that allows these corporations to attain their public service objects while ensuring they can maintain editorial independence. This is especially important in the context of news and current affairs. Therefore, in reviewing the funding issues, we must ensure that the ability of our public service broadcasters to deliver on their remits and obligations is not undermined through decisions that cause an erosion of their revenue base.

Departmental Funding

Shane Ross

Ceist:

434 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the sum of any public funds and their purpose which have been awarded by his Department either directly or indirectly to the Irish Business and Employers Confederation in the past decade. [22259/11]

I wish to advise the Deputy that no direct funding has been provided to the Irish Business and Employers Confederation by my Department in any year since its formation in June 2007. The issue of any funding provided by bodies under the aegis of my Department, is a matter for the individual bodies in question and I have no responsibility in this regard.

Semi-State Bodies

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

435 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide a list of the commercial semi-State companies under his remit whose chief executives have agreed to take a voluntary salary cut to bring them within the €250,000 salary cap (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22380/11]

My colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Brendan Howlin, T.D. recently announced the terms of a Government Decision for the introduction of pay ceilings for higher posts across the public service and for CEO posts in Commercial State Companies.

In addition, the Government signalled its intention to seek voluntary waivers of 15% of salary from current incumbents whose salaries are in excess of these figures or a lesser amount if the application of the full 15% reduction would bring their salary level below the thresholds.

I can confirm that there are currently 3 CEO posts in Commercial semi-State companies under my remit where salary levels exceed €250,000. These are ESB, An Post and Bord Gáis Éireann.

I have recently written to the chairs of the above bodies on the issue of a voluntary pay adjustment from the incumbent CEOs of these bodies and I await a response.

Utility Charges

John Lyons

Ceist:

436 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, in view of the difficulty many customers are having budgeting to afford household bills, if he will engage the ESB and Bord Gáis to request that they provide free pay-as-you-go meters to customers who are in danger of falling into arrears on their bills; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22390/11]

I have no statutory function in the setting of energy prices, whether in the regulated or non-regulated market. Price setting by Bord Gáis, ESB Electric Ireland and Airtricity in the electricity market is a commercial matter for the companies. Responsibility for the regulation of the electricity and gas markets is a matter for the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), which is an independent statutory body.

In line with the CER's code of practice on disconnection, electricity and gas suppliers must facilitate payment options/plans for domestic customers experiencing genuine financial hardship and, where appropriate, engage with a money advisor acting on behalf of the customer such as MABS or a recognised charity. This must include offering the customer a prepayment meter or budget controller (for electricity) if this is possible.

Over the past three years the CER has been working with the gas industry to make prepayment meters (PPM) more accessible for customers who need them. To assist customers though their financial difficulties, a full prepayment metering solution has been rolled out. The gas market systems are established so that eventually all domestic suppliers can provide prepayment metering, with the intention that all Prepayment customers would be able to change supplier seamlessly if they so wished.

Currently Bord Gáis Energy (which has 525,000 out of the 621,000 residential customers) is the only supplier providing Pre Payment Meters. However, Flogas and Airtricity, which also supply the residential market, have committed to the CER to putting internal systems in place to underpin Pre Payment Meters services.

The CER has been working with electricity suppliers over the past number of years on the provision of prepayment meters or budget controllers (an older technology) to customers. Budget controllers are in themselves not meters but a budget management device that is installed in addition to the customer's meter. To date, only ESB Electric Ireland has installed budget controller units for customers. However, PrePayPower.ie is currently offering prepayment meters directly to customers.

The CER is currently developing with industry a more modern prepayment ‘keypad' solution to budget controllers, which will be available to customers of all suppliers in financial hardship. It will be similar to the Keypad meter currently offered in Northern Ireland. The first 20k of these Keypad meters will become available from this winter, with 100k planned to be available by the end of 2012. They will be made available only to those in financial hardship and in those cases the cost of the meter and its installation will be free of charge.

Sports Facilities

John Lyons

Ceist:

437 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide details of the means by which members of the public can report their concerns regarding the operation of watersports leisure centres; if there is a specific authority charged with this function; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22392/11]

The operation of watersports leisure centres is not a matter for this Department.

Telephone Hacking

Michael McCarthy

Ceist:

438 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of complaints ComReg has received in each of the years 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011 from customers who believe their phones have been hacked; the breakdown in terms of personal mobile phone devices, household landlines and business telephone systems and exchanges or PABXs in tabular form; the number of these alleged incidents that have been deemed by ComReg to be valid; in respect of PABXs in particular, the total cost incurred by affected companies each year as a result of the fraud; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22450/11]

Regulation of the telecommunications sector is a matter for the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) which is independent in the exercise of its functions. The information requested by the Deputy, based on information supplied to me by ComReg, is set out in the following table:

Year

Number of hacking complaints received

Number of cases deemed valid hacking

Complaints by service type

Cost incurred

2009

23

19

16 PBX.03 Dial-up Internet.02 Internet, type not specified.01 Mobile.01 Broadband.

€195,461

2010

25

21

15 PBX.05 Mobile.04 Dial-up Internet.01 Broadband.

€333,441

2011

22

21

10 PBX.05 Broadband.04 Mobile.01 Dial-up Internet.01 Landline.01 VoIP.

€93,945

PBX = Private Branch Exchange, usually a company switchboard with several telephone lines

Missing Persons

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

439 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has any proposals to put in place a hotline number for missing children which is operational in some EU member states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22452/11]

The 116 number range is reserved for services of social value. The revised telecoms package transposed by my Department in July 2011 obliges Member States to promote and encourage the provision of specific numbers in the 116 number range and ensure that citizens are adequately informed of the existence and use of such services. It also requires Member States not only to reserve the 116000 number but also to make every effort that a service for reporting missing children is actually available in their jurisdictions.

The allocation of specific numbers in the 116 number range is managed in Ireland by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). The role of ComReg is limited to the assignment of the number to an appropriate service provider. ComReg has alerted potential service providers, through an advertisement campaign, to the existence of the range of numbers beginning with 116, including the 116000 hotline for missing children. Suitable applicants have been invited to apply for the setting up of services of social value under the specified numbers. I am advised by ComReg that no organisation has yet applied for the missing children hotline number 116000. Once the number has been assigned, it is a matter for the service provider to provide the service. Neither ComReg nor my Department has any function in providing such services or the remit to require any organisation to provide the service.

While I have the responsibility for the transposition of the relevant EU Directives, the policy function in relation to the provision of a service for reporting missing children falls elsewhere. In an effort to make progress on the provision of this service in Ireland, my Department has had discussions with both the Department of Justice and Equality and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, which have policy functions in the area of missing children and child protection. I have also written to both Ministers on this issue.

I understand that the Department for Children and Youth Affairs has had discussions with prospective service providers, including NGOs and hopes to be in a position to progress this matter in conjunction with Department of Justice and Equality.

Departmental Equipment

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

440 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of computer servers that are owned or leased by his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department; and the capacity of each server. [22484/11]

My Department has seventy-nine physical computer servers, providing live, development and test environments for internal services. The number of physical servers will continue to reduce as virtual server technologies are used to provide multiple services from a single physical server.

The amount of storage on each of these servers varies between 33 Gigabytes and 1.2 Terabytes, depending on the age and function of the server. Currently there is a total of 14.06 Terabytes of storage available to these servers.

The number of servers used by the agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for which I have no responsibility.

Telephone Hacking

Joe Costello

Ceist:

441 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he proposes to introduce legislation to compel mobile phone companies to introduce security measures to prevent unauthorised access; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22530/11]

I have no proposals at present to introduce the legislative measures referred to by the Deputy. The unauthorised access of personal information is, in the first instance, a matter for An Garda Síochána and the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner, which has responsibility for the protection of personal information.

I understand that the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner is having discussions with some of the mobile phone operators in relation to this matter with a view to addressing potential problems with the existing voicemail access system.

Consumers can ensure greater security by ensuring that the default access code for voicemail is changed and by deleting messages in their voice mailboxes. I also understand that many new Smart Phone devices have built in privacy managers which allow the user to customise how the phone manages personal information, and that these settings can be changed at any time and not just when an application is first installed. The use of PIN numbers for access to handsets and voicemail and in some instances encryption of messages allow users to protect information stored on their phones, such as SMS messages and emails, as well as enabling them to protect personal information, such as voicemails, stored on the telecommunications network.

I recently introduced secondary legislation which obliges undertakings providing publicly available electronic communications networks or services to safeguard the security of its services and, indeed, it is an offence for such undertakings not to comply with these requirements. Provisions in relation to data breaches have also been strengthened. Responsibility for the enforcement of these measures rests with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner.

Appointments to State Boards

Anne Ferris

Ceist:

442 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps he is taking to ensure that State boards have at least 40% of each gender, as provided for in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22546/11]

I fully support the commitment in relation to gender balance in the composition of State Board appointments.

I wish to inform the Deputy, that following the Government Decision regarding new procedures for Appointments to State Boards, I have publically sought Expressions of Interest for appointments for vacancies which arise in bodies under the aegis of my Department in 2011.

Under the new process of making future appointments it will be an objective of mine to further the commitment in the Programme for Government that all State Boards should have at least 40% of each gender. I have recently appointed one male and one female to the Board of the ESB.

Post Office Network

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

443 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will work to ensure that mail sorting services will be retained by An Post offices at Kilmacrennan, Churchill and Ramelton, County Donegal, in order to ensure the retention of comprehensive services to customers in these local areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22566/11]

Matters relating to An Post's post office network, including the retention of mail sorting services at individual post offices, are an operational matter for the Board and management of An Post and one in which I have no statutory role.

Departmental Staff

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

444 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of quangos, agencies and authorities that were established by his Department in each of the years 1997 to January 2011; the number of staff employed by his Department in 1997; the number of staff employed by his Department in January 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22576/11]

I can inform the Deputy that 2 bodies have been established under the remit of my Department since its formation in June 2007.

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland was established under the Broadcasting Act 2009 and replaced both the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland and the Broadcasting Complaints Commission.

The new inland fisheries authority, Inland Fisheries Ireland, was established under the Inland Fisheries Act 2010. The new authority replaces the Central Fisheries Board, seven regional fisheries boards, eight fisheries development co-operative societies and the National Salmon Commission.

The number of whole-time equivalent staff employed in my Department, under its present configuration, was 339 at end December 2007. The corresponding number at end January 2011 was 260.

Departmental Reports

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

445 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of consultancy reports commissioned by his Department between 1997 and January 2011; the cost of commissioning each report; if he will provide information on the implementation of recommendations set out in each report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22593/11]

As my Department was established in its present form in 2007, the identification of records prior to January 2007 cannot be facilitated without undue commitment of staff resources and administrative cost. However, if the Deputy has a question in relation to a specific item I will make appropriate enquiries.

In the time available, it has not been possible to prepare a complete schedule of the material sought in relation to the period since the establishment of my Department. I have directed that this be completed as soon as possible and forwarded to the Deputy thereafter.

State Agencies

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

446 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the money saved if all State agency board member payments in his Department were reduced by €10,000 where their current annual payment is in excess of €50,000. [22736/11]

I wish to inform the Deputy that the payment of fees to the Chairpersons and Directors of State Bodies under the aegis of my Department are in compliance with the guidelines issued by the Minister of Finance, which provides for a number of levels of payment depending on matters such as the complexity, scale and extent of the functions of individual bodies. The maximum rate of Board Fee applicable for bodies under the aegis of my Department is €31,500.

The issue of the payment of any other operational expenses to board members is a day to day matter for the body concerned.

Local Authority Charges

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

447 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will quantify the potential for tax revenue arising from increasing the current €200 second home charge to €600 for the second home, €700 for third home, €800 for fourth home and so on. [22023/11]

From information obtained from the Local Government Management Agency and based on the number of properties registered for the non-principal private residence charge as at 19 July 2011, the potential revenue from the scenario put forward would amount to some €350 million.

Local Authority Housing

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

448 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the steps he will take to ensure all local authorities, Dublin City Council in particular, have ended the practice of renting bedsits to mainly older single tenants, and the moneys that have been made available to councils to replace or alter these bedsits with at least one-bedroomed flats that meet the Irish and EU standards that the private rented market has to comply with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22245/11]

In September, 2006, my Department launched the programme Action on Private Rented Accommodation Standards. Arising out of this programme, on 1 February, 2009, new regulations prescribing minimum standards for rented housing, the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2008) came into effect, with certain provisions being phased in for existing rental properties over a four year period.

A number of further measures, including a strengthened sanctions regime, required primary legislation and this was delivered by means of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009. The Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) (Amendment) Regulations 2009 made minor amendments to the 2008 Regulations for compatibility with the 2009 Act and completed the new regulatory code.

Article 2 of the Regulations sets out the date from which the Regulations take effect. This depends on whether or not the house is an existing rental property and in such circumstances Articles 6, 7 and 8 will apply from 1 February, 2013. The purpose of Article 6 of the regulations is to ensure that each rental property has exclusive access to its own sanitary facilities and that those facilities are contained within the habitable area of the house. This provision will have the effect of removing traditional bed-sit-type accommodation from the rental market. Articles 7 and 8 relate to effective heating and to sole access to adequate facilities for hygienic storage, preparation and cooking of food.

All landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that their rented properties comply with these regulations. Responsibility for enforcing the regulations rests with the relevant local authority, supported by a dedicated stream of funding allocated by my Department.

To ensure that all local authority housing stock meets the necessary standards required under the Regulations, my Department established a €10 million fund in 2010 to support local authorities, where required, in upgrading their stock. Over the course of 2010, authorities expended €6.7 million on upgrades with a further €0.56 million expended in 2011.

Carbon Credits

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

449 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the steps he will take to claw back part of the €850 million worth of carbon credits that have been gifted to the cement industry at a cost to the taxpayer this year. [21143/11]

No carbon credits have been allocated to the cement sector and no cost has been incurred by the Exchequer in this regard.

The process of allocating carbon allowances to Irish installations which fall within the scope of the current phase of the EU emissions trading scheme is provided for under the National Allocation Plan 2008-12. Under EU law, National Allocation Plans approved by the European Commission are final and ex-post adjustments by Member States are not permissible. Allowances to installations are underpinned by assigned amount units which Member States, as Parties listed in Annex B of the Kyoto Protocol, received free of charge. Consequently, no cost was incurred by the Exchequer in giving operational effect to the National Allocation Plan 2008-12.

Forbairt na Gaeltachta

Brian Stanley

Ceist:

450 D’fhiafraigh Brian Stanley den Aire Comhshaoil, Pobail agus Rialtais Áitiúil cad é an plean atá ag an Rialtas le haghaidh Mheitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [21791/11]

Tá 36 grúpaí gníomhaíochta áitiúla conraithe ag mo Roinn ar fud na tíre chun seachadadh a dhéanamh ar an gClár Forbartha Tuaithe 2007-2013. Tá chuile grúpa atá conraithe ag déanamh seachadadh ar an gclár sin bunaithe ar thuairisc gnó a d'ullmhaigh siad mar chuid den phróiséas roghnúcháin. Is comhlachtaí teoranta príobháideach iad na grúpaí seo agus mar sin níl ról ar bith ag mo Roinn i struchtúr nó feidhmiú na grúpaí seo seachas cinntiú go bhfuil said ag déanamh cur i bhfeidhm éifeachtach agus éifeachtúil ar an gClár Forbartha Tuaithe de réir na rialacha agus rialachán ábhartha. Is iad Meitheal Forbhartha na Gaeltachta an grúpa atá conraithe chun seachadadh a dhéanamh ar an gclár sa Ghaeltacht.

Déanann an-chuid de na grúpaí seo, ina measc MFG, seachadadh ar an gClár Forbartha Áitiúil agus Pobail ar son mo Roinn. Rinne Pobal ceapadh ar fheidhmeannach neamhspleách ar son mo Roinn chun scrúdú a dhéanamh ar cheisteanna a ardaíodh ach atá fós gan réiteach in iniúchadh a rinne Pobal ar ghníomhaíochtaí Clár Forbartha Áitiúil agus Pobail MFG. Tá an feidhmeannach neamhspleách ag plé leis na ceisteanna atá gan réiteach agus ag iarraidh meicníochtaí feiliúnacha a aitheant chun iad a réiteach. Tá súil le tuairisc dheiridh an fheidhmeannaigh faoi dheireadh Mí Meán Fómhair 2011. Cuirfear faoi bhráid Bord Pobal ansin é agus cuirfear moltái i leith na tuairisce in iúl do mo Roinn.

Os rud é gurb iad MFG an grúpa atá conraithe le mo Roinn chun seachadadh a dhéanamh ar an gClár Forbartha Tuaithe agus ar an gClár Forbartha Pobail agus Áitiúil sa Ghaeltacht, leanfaidh mo Roinn ar aghaidh ag obair leis an gcomhlacht sa chomhthéacs sin, ag cur san áireamh tuairisc an Fheidhmeannaigh neamhspleách nuair a dhéantar cur faoi bhráid ar an dtuairisc i Mí Meán Fómhair. Lasmuigh de seo níl pleananna ar bith eile ag mo Roinn do MFG.

Social and Affordable Housing

Jack Wall

Ceist:

451 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to address the anomalies in the shared ownership loans as presented by local authorities (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21866/11]

Ciara Conway

Ceist:

474 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to a situation being faced by existing participants in the shared ownership scheme whereby the local authority’s share of the property and the freehold remains and always will remain at purchase price while the owner’s share in the property may have plummeted; his views on mechanisms to ensure that local authorities will incur a drop in the value of its share corresponding with overall drop in the total value of the property; the implications for participants in this scheme who are trying to sell their homes if local authorities do not incur such a drop on their stake in the property; the way this situation will be addressed in the interests of fairness for all parties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22242/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 451 and 474 together.

A person occupying a house under the shared ownership scheme has the right to buy out the local authority's share and acquire full ownership at any time. Alternatively, this may be done by purchasing, from time to time, additional shares of the authority's equity. For Shared Ownership transactions commenced from 1 January 2003, the cost of purchasing an additional share or the redemption value of the outstanding share is based on its initial cost adjusted annually to compensate for differences between the rent paid on the local authority's share and the interest calculated by reference to the prevailing variable interest rates. The rent payments under the Shared Ownership Scheme are intended largely to meet the cost of funding provided by the Housing Finance Agency to local authorities to finance the rented share in the equity of the house. For transactions commenced before 1 January 2003, the cost of purchasing an additional share, or the redemption value of the outstanding share, is its initial cost updated in line with the most recently published Consumer Price Index to the time of purchase.

Accordingly, the scheme is structured on the basis that, on redemption, the price of the outstanding share is not determined on the basis of a percentage of current market value, but is, rather, a function primarily of its initial capital cost.

While this may seem unfair to those living in shared ownership properties in the current market, it is important to note that the purchasers were in the position of having their share of the property rise in value when the market was rising.

Mortgage interest supplement under the Supplementary Welfare Scheme, administered by the Department of Social Protection, is payable, subject to the qualifying conditions of that scheme, in respect of mortgages under shared ownership transactions, in the same way as in the case of mortgages generally. An annual subsidy towards rent payments under the Shared Ownership Scheme is available through the Rental Subsidy Scheme, to households with a gross household income of up to €28,000 per annum in the preceding tax year. The level of subsidy ranges between €2,550 for incomes up to €13,000 and €1,050 for incomes up to €28,000.

The Government's housing policy statement, published on 16 June, announced the standing down of all affordable housing schemes, including the shared ownership scheme, as part of the review of Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000.

Departmental Properties

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

452 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the numbers and locations of his Department’s buildings that are currently in upward-only rent review contracts; the cost of rents for 2008, 2009, 2010 and the expected rents for 2011. [21912/11]

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

453 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the numbers and locations of buildings his Department leases that are in upward-only rent contracts; the amount of rent for 2008, 2009, 2010 and the expected rent for 2011. [21913/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 452 and 453 together.

In general, buildings occupied by my Department are rented or leased by the Office of Public Works. The rents paid by my Department for office space rented directly are listed as follows.

2008

2009

2010

2011 Estimated

Dublin Airport

€66,849.44

€73,719.98

€73,536.42

€73,673.95

Shannon Airport

€153,974.50

€150,637.02

€150,636.99

€150,171.95

Cork Airport

€3,688.41

Nil

Nil

Nil

In relation to the office space at Cork Airport, rent for 2009, 2010 and 2011 is yet to be paid, pending the finalisation of discussions with the Dublin Airport Authority which manages the airport.

The contracts do not contain upward-only rent review clauses.

National Lottery Funding

Paudie Coffey

Ceist:

454 Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of national lottery funding his Department received in 2009 and 2010; and if he will provide a list of the money that was spent in tabular form. [21975/11]

Details of expenditure by my Department which was part funded by the National Lottery in 2009-10 are set out in the following table:

Programme

2009 €m

2010 €m

Communal Facilities in Housing Projects

2.500

3.500

Private Housing Grants

3.500

6.688

Supports for Community and Voluntary Sector

11.220

7.283

Local and Community Development Programmes

21.844

20.381

Planning Issues

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

455 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the impact of his policies on conditions that attach to grants of planning permission by planning authorities where such conditions refer to planting of native species; where the definition of native species can be obtained so that planning conditions can be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22042/11]

The attaching of conditions to a grant of planning permission and the terms of such conditions are a matter for the planning authority concerned, having regard to statutory requirements, Government policy and Ministerial guidance, where appropriate.

While my Department does not provide specific guidance to planning authorities as to the types of native trees that should be planted as part of a condition of a permission, I understand that some local authorities identify particular native tree and hedge species which can be used in their area, in development plan policies, planning forms and public information sheets. Further advice in relation to the identification and listing of native species may also be obtained through Coillte's Woodland Restoration Programme — information can be found on the website —www.woodlandrestoration.ie.

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

456 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if, under the terms of the rain-water harvesting scheme, planning permission is required in situations in which the construction is overground and when it involves excavations in constructing an underground tank; and his views on whether this issue will remove the incentive for many farmers to proceed with this scheme. [22045/11]

I recently published draft Planning and Development (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2011, which include a new exemption for works consisting of the provision of a tank or tanks for the storage of rainwater collected from the roofs of agricultural buildings and any ancillary equipment to collect and distribute the rainwater.

This proposed exemption is subject to the following conditions:

No such structure situated fully underground shall exceed 10 metres in length, 5 metres in width or 4 metres in depth;

No such structure that is totally or partially above ground shall exceed 5 metres in length, 5 metres in width or 4 metres in height;

All such structures shall have a solid, impervious roof;

No unpainted metal sheeting shall be used for roofing or on the external finish of the structure.

These Regulations required the positive approval of both Houses of the Oireachtas and were laid before both Houses on 23 June 2011. They were discussed and referred back to the Houses for approval by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht on 14 July, and received the positive approval of both Houses on 20 July. I expect to sign these Regulations into law shortly.

Housing Grants

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

457 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of the grant approved to Laois County Council in 2011 under the housing adaption grant scheme, the mobility aid grant scheme, the housing aid for older people grant scheme, and for house purchase loans for works in lieu of local authority housing, social housing, rural dwellings, and Traveller accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22047/11]

Laois County Council have been allocated the following grants for social housing purposes in 2011, i.e.,

Local Authority Social Housing €1,000,000

Capital Assistance Scheme €100,000

Traveller Accommodation €200,000

Improvements/Remedial/

Energy Efficiency €600,000

The projected spend on the Social Housing Leasing Initiative, including the Rental Accommodation Scheme, is just over €1.4m.

The suite of Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability are funded by 80% recoupment available from my Department together with a 20% contribution from the resources of the local authority. The detailed administration of the schemes, including the assessment, approval of applications and the level of funding to be directed to each of the various grant measures is the responsibility of the relevant local authority.

The 2011 Exchequer allocation to Laois County Council in respect of these grant schemes is €900,000.

Commercial Rates

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

458 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if local authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on property used for commercial purposes on a temporary or infrequent basis such as country markets, pop-up shops or other temporary units that open up for various occasions such as Christmas and Easter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22048/11]

Michael McCarthy

Ceist:

496 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the legislative position with regard to landlords and outstanding rates owed to them by previous tenants; if new tenants are obliged to pay such fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22560/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 458 and 496 together.

Local authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes in accordance with the details entered in the valuation lists prepared by the independent Commissioner of Valuation under the Valuation Act 2001. The levying and collection of rates are matters for each individual local authority.

Under the legislation the person liable for payment of rates is the person in occupation of a rateable property on the date of the making of the rate by the relevant local authority. The owner rather than the occupier may be liable for commercial rates if the property in question is unoccupied on the date of the making of the rate. Should a person's occupancy commence after the date of the making of the rate then that person is not primarily liable for rates for that year. However, as a subsequent occupier, that person can be held liable for up to two years arrears of rates if they cannot be recovered from the person with whom the primary liability lies.

My Department continues to keep all matters relating to commercial rates under regular review.

Air Pollution Regulations

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

459 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the implementation timeline for the planned new law for a low-sulfur standard for coal which he announced on 9 June 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22052/11]

On 7 June 2011 I signed the Air Pollution Act, 1987 (Marketing, Sale and Distribution of Fuels) (Amendment) Regulations 2011. These Regulations require that all bituminous coal placed on the market for residential use must have a sulfur content of no more than 0.7%. This provision came into immediate effect and now applies throughout the State.

The Regulations place the main provision of an existing Voluntary Agreement between my Department and the Solid Fuel Trade Group (SFTG), representing the majority of major coal importers, on a statutory footing. The Voluntary Agreement, which has been in place since 2002, has reduced noxious emissions to air which result from the use of bituminous coal in residential dwellings. The Regulations consolidate the environmental and related human health benefits achieved by the Agreement.

The Regulations were prepared following an extensive consultation process between my Department and key stakeholders, which included the Environmental Protection Agency, local authorities and the SFTG. This consultation process commenced in November 2009 and continued up to the time that the Regulations were signed into law. My Department has ongoing contact with these stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the Regulations.

Electoral Representation

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

460 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the 2006 preliminary census results underestimated the population recorded in the official 2006 census by almost 5,000 persons, and that if the preliminary census results for 2011 underestimate the official census results by 8,731 persons or more, his proposal to amend his Electoral (Amendment) Bill for a lower limit of 153 TDs, in place of his original proposed lower limit of 152, will lead to an unconstitutional provision in the Bill, thereby potentially rendering the terms of reference of the constituency commission unconstitutional and placing in jeopardy the validity of the commission’s final report; if he is genuinely taking the unprecedented population increases that have occurred here into account in this Bill, he will not only raise the lower limit in the Bill but also the higher limit of 160; his views on the fact that Ireland currently has an optimum ratio of Members of a Lower House of Parliament to the country’s population according to the cube root law of assembly sizes; and if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that there are many European countries with a higher proportion of Members of a Lower House of Parliament to the population of those countries, and that there are over 1.2 million more persons living in the country than there were living in the country when the numbers of TDs were set by the Oireachtas at 166. [22060/11]

Section 9(1) of the Electoral Act 1997 requires a Constituency Commission to wait until the Central Statistics Office has published the final census figures before presenting its Report to the Ceann Comhairle. The Commission must finish its work not later than 3 months after the final census figures are published. Therefore, the Commission's report will be based on the Census Report setting out the final result of the Census in respect of the total population of the State.

The Programme for Government contains a commitment to reduce the number of members in Dáil Éireann. The provisions set out in the Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2011 respond to this commitment. The terms of reference of a Constituency Commission as set out in the Bill require a Constituency Commission to recommend a set of constituencies based on a number of members of Dáil Éireann between 153 and 160. However, the terms of reference are subordinate to the relevant constitutional provisions. A Commission cannot recommend constituencies that do not meet the Constitutional requirements.

Water and Sewerage Schemes

Michael McCarthy

Ceist:

461 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when phase two of the Innishannon regional water scheme in west Cork will be initiated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22081/11]

The Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas library, provides for the development of a comprehensive range of new water services infrastructure nationally, including County Cork. Provision is made to commence contracts to the value of over €200 million in the county during the period of the programme.

The programme aims to prioritise projects that target environmental compliance issues and support economic recovery. A key input to the development of the programme was the assessment of needs prepared by local authorities, including Cork County Council in response to my Department's request to the authorities in 2009 to review and prioritise their proposals for new capital works in their areas. These were subsequently appraised by my Department in the context of the funds available and key criteria that complemented those used by the authorities. Inevitably, through this process, certain projects that had been proposed had to give way to others that are more strategically important at this time. Cork County Council submitted a proposal for the extension of the Innishannon Water Supply Scheme (Belgooley & Riverstick) but it was not possible to include the proposal amongst the priority contracts and schemes selected for inclusion in the programme.

Progress under the Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012, has recently been reviewed and through this process, consideration was given to any newly emerging priority contracts and schemes submitted by water services authorities for addition to the programme. No new proposal for the existing Innishannon Regional Water Supply Scheme was received from Cork County Council.

EU Funding

Michael Creed

Ceist:

462 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there is any funding available from him or the EU under the water framework directive for community-based environmental educational initiatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22085/11]

Michael Creed

Ceist:

463 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide information regarding the EU LIFE programme and the possibility of funding for community-based educational initiatives that have the objective of raising environmental awareness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22086/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 462 and 463 together.

The EU LIFE+ Programme 2007-2013 is a dedicated EU funding instrument for the environment which complements existing EU funding arrangements. It succeeds the EU LIFE programme under which Ireland received funding of €14.5 million in respect of 30 LIFE- Environment projects.

LIFE+ has three components: LIFE+ Nature and Biodiversity, LIFE+ Environment Policy and Governance and LIFE+ Information and Communication. Environment Awareness projects generally fit in the third strand of the Programme.

In addition all projects funded by the Life+ Programme have to include a public awareness strategy.

Projects must accord with national and EU priorities and have a clear EU added value. The programme is open to public or private bodies, or institutions registered in the EU.

The current phase of the programme runs from 2007-2013 and has a budget of just over €2 billion. Ireland's allocation is approximately €4 million per annum. The maximum co-financing available from the European Commission is 50% with exceptions for certain projects under the LIFE+ Nature component which may receive up to 75% EU contribution when clearly targeting priority species or habitats.

Projects are assessed by the Commission based on their published Guidelines which are available on my Department's website www.environ.ie and on the EU website http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/funding/lifeplus.htm.

Under the current Life + Programme, the Commission publishes an annual call for applications. Applications are routed through the National Focal Points which, in Ireland's case, is the Sustainable Development Unit of my Department. The deadline for submission of proposals this year was 18 July 2011.

The Local Agenda 21 Environment Partnership Fund is an annual grant scheme which has been run by my Department since 1997. Funded and administered jointly by my Department and local authorities, the aim of the scheme is to promote sustainable development by assisting small scale, non-profit environmental projects at local community level. This year a fund of €395,000 is being allocated by my Department, with matching funding expected from the Local Authorities. The encouragement of further private funding from individuals, groups or businesses is expected to achieve total funding for 2011 in excess of €1 million. 3,163 projects have been supported since the introduction of the scheme. The 448 successful projects in 2010 ranged widely in scope, including from community gardens, allotments, compost schemes, rainwater harvesting systems, ecological educational initiatives, environmental exhibitions and recycling initiatives.

There is no funding currently allocated under the EU Water Framework Directive for community based environmental education initiatives.

Local Authority Services

Anne Ferris

Ceist:

464 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the fixmystreet website will be set up as provided in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22158/11]

Local authorities have arrangements and applications in place which facilitate citizens in making complaints or suggestions or in reporting problems through various mediums, including by post, phone, text, fax, e-mail and on-line through their websites. In the context of the commitment in the Programme for Government, my Department is working with local authorities in developing options for the enhancement of these arrangements which will further assist citizens in availing of local authority services and in reporting problems or faults to their local authority. I have received proposals for the piloting of a publicly accessible web site with associated mobile technologies, designed to record non-emergency issues such as graffiti, road defects, street lighting and drainage. I expect the pilot to go live shortly.

Private Rented Accommodation

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

465 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of cases that have been taken by the Private Residential Tenancies Board against landlords for breaches of regulations in 2009, 2010, and to date in 2011; the number and the percentage of these cases in which breaches were found to have taken place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22165/11]

I have no function in the operational matters of the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB), an independent statutory body established under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004.

The Act makes provision for enforcement by the Courts of Determination Orders made by the PRTB. If the Board or a party mentioned in a Determination Order is satisfied that another party has failed to comply with one or more terms of that order the Board or the mentioned party may make an application to the Circuit Court in accordance with section 124 of the Act. The Act also provides for the enforcement of tenancy registration requirements, specifically sections 144 and 145, which provide for the issuing of notices to landlords and/or occupiers of the dwellings in question and the prosecution of offenders for non-compliance with the registration requirement.

The PRTB publishes statistics in relation to its enforcement actions in its Annual Reports which are available on its website www.prtb.ie. The most recent Annual Report currently available is that for the year 2009.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

466 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on strengthening the powers of the Private Residential Tenancies Board to address the ongoing problem of rogue landlords; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22166/11]

The obligations of landlords and tenants in the private rented residential sector are set out in the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 which provides the main legislative framework for the sector and, in particular, for the operation of the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB), the independent statutory body charged with the administration of the Act and the enforcement of those obligations.

Breaches of landlords' obligations may be referred to the PRTB in the context of applications to it for its disputes resolution services. The PRTB may then issue directions regarding those obligations in its Determination Orders and, in the event of non-compliance with the Orders, it may pursue enforcement via Court proceedings.

My Department conducted a review of the Act in 2009 with a specific emphasis on whether the Act best supports the PRTB's key functions and whether legislative amendments would support either the achievement of additional operational efficiencies by the PRTB in the delivery of those functions or the broader good working of the private rented sector. The outcomes of the review were announced by my predecessor as Minister of State and, in April 2010, the Government approved the preparation of the Heads of a Bill to deliver on the review's recommendations.

I am at present evaluating those recommendations and associated legislative proposals and I intend to submit proposals in that regard to Government in the near future.

Fire Services

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

467 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has been sent a copy of the Hayes Higgins Partnership report by Dublin City Council, which was commissioned to examine the serious defects and fire safety issues at an area (details supplied) in Dublin 13; if he will publish the report; his views on the report; the steps that will be taken to resolve all outstanding issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22167/11]

The reply to Question No. 122 dated 6 July 2011 dealt comprehensively with the issues raised. As indicated, Dublin City Council, as a property owner in Priory Hall, commissioned a building survey in conjunction with other property owners in the complex who agreed to participate in the survey on a fee-paying basis. The report has recently been submitted to the Council and is currently being considered. Copies of the report have also been forwarded to those owners who participated in the survey. The question of further publication does not therefore arise.

Local Authority Housing

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

468 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of persons on the homeless list, the housing list, the transfer list, and the priority housing list for area B and the other housing areas of Dublin city; the way these figures compare with similar statistics for 2009 and 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22168/11]

Data on housing needs have historically been compiled on a triennial basis by my Department. However, with effect from the 2011 survey, the results of which will be published later this year, this exercise will be conducted on an annual basis. At present, the most recent data available are from 2008 and these are available on our website www.environ.ie. There is no differentiation between priority housing lists and housing lists in the aggregated data that my Department collects.

Homeless Persons

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

469 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of homeless persons in Dublin in 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22169/11]

A statutory assessment of housing need is carried out every three years by all housing authorities. Data for the 2011 Assessment of Housing Need are currently being compiled by the Housing Agency and will be published as soon as possible. The last assessment took place in 2008 and indicated that there were 1,394 homeless households on local authority waiting lists, of which 709 were in the Dublin region. A breakdown of this figure by household on a local authority basis is available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie.

However, the Counted In survey, which is a special purpose count of people using homeless services carried out in Dublin every three years since 1999, has been generally considered to provide the most robust indicator as it surveyed the number of homeless persons in homeless hostels, shelters, sleeping rough, etc, over a particular week, irrespective of whether they have made application to the housing authority.

The results of the last Counted In survey in 2008 reported a total of 1,436 homeless households in Dublin, compared with 1,361 in 2005. A further 708 households were recorded as residing in long-term or transitional accommodation. However, not all of these would be regarded as homeless, particularly where, for example, households were resident in suitable accommodation that would be likely to provide their most appropriate home in the long-term, or where they had begun to make a transition out of homelessness.

The Pathway Accommodation & Support System (PASS) is an accommodation management and inter-agency service user support system which is being developed in accordance with priority actions of the implementation plan set out under national homeless strategy 2008-2013 The Way Home. The system commenced in the Dublin Region in January 2011 and is currently in use by almost all service providers of homeless accommodation and outreach supports in the Dublin region. Work is still ongoing to ensure consistency of use and accurate information recording by the service providers, as well as the elimination of duplicate records, validation of data etc. The PASS system will provide good quality timely data on homelessness which is essential in ensuring an evidence base for all homeless services. I understand that validated data on the number of persons recorded as homeless on the PASS system in the Dublin region will be available in September 2011.

Tribunals of Inquiry

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

470 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the final report on the Mahon tribunal will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22170/11]

I am advised by the Tribunal of Inquiry into Certain Planning Matters and Payments that it expects to complete its final report within the coming months, at which time the report will be submitted to the Clerk of the Dáil who will arrange to have it laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas immediately on its receipt.

Unfinished Housing Developments

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

471 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has had any response from developers to his request that they act without delay to address the problems of unfinished so-called ghost estates; if he is disappointed at the response; his views on any other measures to force developers to fulfil all of their responsibilities in terms of any estates that they may have left unfinished; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22171/11]

I have established and am chairing the National Co-ordination Committee on Unfinished Housing Developments to oversee implementation of the Report of the Advisory Group on Unfinished Housing Developments, entitled Resolving Ireland's Unfinished Housing Developments, together with the Government's response to the recommendations entitled Resolving Unfinished Housing Developments. Both reports are available on my Department's website —www.environ.ie.

The Committee will be meeting on a regular basis with the aim of publishing a report on progress achieved within the next 12 months. At the national level, I am encouraged by the strong consensus and commitment among the key stakeholders who are participating on the Committee and, at the local level, I understand that planning authorities are already making progress in securing the co-operation of developers, financial institutions and/or bondholders in seeking to resolve urgent public safety works and in preparing site resolution plans for these housing developments.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

472 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there will be any more tranches of money available under the Resolving Ireland’s Unfinished Housing Developments programme to address the public safety issues associated with unfinished estates; if so, when this money will be allocated and the local authorities that will receive same; the mechanism that will be used to claw back this money from the developers concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22172/11]

I introduced the Unfinished Housing Developments Safety Initiative earlier this year as a response to the issues identified in the report of the high level group set up to assess the issue. My primary concern was to make safe those estates which posed a safety risk to the public and where funds to remedy these issues could not be ordinarily accessed by means of completion bonds or pursuit of developers.

An allocation of €5 million was made available by my Department and local authorities were invited to make applications for funding to alleviate the problems in those instances that qualified for the funds.

To date 237 developments have been identified as qualifying for funding and submissions have been received in the case of 146 of these. The balance of submissions and associated claims are anticipated shortly. Allocations of €1.4 million have been approved by my Department in the case of 58 estates, as outlined in the following table. The remaining 88 applications are being evaluated and allocations will be issued shortly.

The scheme was initiated as a health and safety initiative and was driven by the urgency of the situation. The local authorities are required to pursue recovery of funds expended from those developers and bond issuers who remain liable for the works.

Local Authority

Amt. Approved

Location

Name of Estate

Galway City

26,306.00

Doughiska Road

Foinnuisce

Monaghan

3,405.00

Monaghan Town

Forest Walk

Monaghan

18,387.00

Carrickroe

Chapel Court

Laois

37,410.00

Borris in Ossory

Glenall

Laois

1,419.00

Mountrath

Rush Hall

Laois

5,675.00

Mountrath

Radharc Na Sleibhe

Laois

23,268.00

Portarlington

Sli na Mona

Cork Co Co

124,850.00

Castletownbere

Mariners View

Cork Co Co

38,540.00

Dromina

Ashbrook

Longford

73,775.00

Stonepark

Silver Birches

Longford

22,491.00

Abbeylara

Abbeyview

Longford

33,074.00

Cullyfad

Radharc an Choill

Longford

40,974.00

Moyne

Sli Corglass

Longford

28,489.00

Newtownforbes

McArt Meadows

Longford

55,676.00

Aughnacliffe

Forthill

Longford

4,086.00

Cullyfad

Woodland Park

Longford

3,519.00

Drumlish

Sliabh Rua

Longford

44,379.00

Longford Town

White Linen Woods

Longford

11,577.00

Granard

Cnoc na Greine

Longford

19,409.00

Newtownforbes

An Caislean Breac

Longford

20,076.00

Carrickboy

Rath Na gCairraige

Longford

34,916.00

Legan

Hazelwood

Longford

8,172.00

Stonepark

The Rocks

Longford

20,090.00

Clondra

The Mill

Longford

13,280.00

Keenagh

Clough Dillons 2

Longford

11,123.00

Edgeworthstown

Abhainn Glas

Longford

8,297.00

Abbeylara

Mastersons Court

Sligo

9,750.00

Strandhill

Dorrins Strand

Sligo

9,800.00

Ballygawley

The Fairways

Sligo

9,697.00

Ballymote

The Downs

Sligo

4,200.00

Riverstown

Kincastle Const

Sligo

47,000.00

Ballymote

Earls Court

Waterford Co Co

14,000.00

Comeragh

Deerpark

Waterford Co Co

20,000.00

Dungarvan

An Leachain

Waterford Co Co

10,000.00

Dungarvan

An Crompan

Kilkenny

34,220.00

Urlingford

Togher Way

Kilkenny

42,165.00

Ferrybank/Belview

Farmlea Manor, Abbeylands

Kilkenny

71,079.00

New Ross

Castlehyde Park, Millbanks

Kilkenny

11,804.00

Gowran

The Paddocks

Kilkenny

17,366.00

Graiguenamanagh

Cois na Bearu

Kilkenny

26,275.00

Thomastown

Dunan, Cloghabrody

Westmeath

47,500.00

Mullingar

Cloon Lara

Westmeath

25,037.00

Castlepollard

Rathgrave Green

Westmeath

12,994.00

Castlepollard

Clois na Cille

Limerick Co Co

10,215.00

Abbeyfeale

Cois na Feile

Limerick Co Co

5,130.00

Broadford

Cluain Dara

Limerick Co Co

29,000.00

Bruff

The Grove

Limerick Co Co

28,000.00

Castletroy

Evanwood

Sth Tipperary

15,400.00

Gortnahoe

The Paddocks

Sth Tipperary

50,609.50

Clonmel

Ard Na Sidhe

Galway CC

23,757.00

Tuam

Tir an Choir

Galway CC

36,259.00

Loughrea

Carrig Mor

Galway CC

40,400.00

Loughrea

Carraig Linn

Departmental Funding

Terence Flanagan

Ceist:

473 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there will be a permanent funding stream for a law centre (details supplied) in Dublin 17; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22220/11]

I am aware that the Department of Social Protection currently provides core funding to the Centre and that this funding stream is currently under review within that Department.

My Department has no funding stream available for such activities but the law centre in question may wish to contact its Local Development Company (LDC), Northside Partnership, which is funded under my Department's Local and Community Development Programme, to determine if there is any support the LDC can provide to the centre locally.

The LDC can be contacted as follows:

Northside Partnership

Coolock Development Centre

Bunratty Drive

Coolock

Dublin 17

Phone (01) 8485630;

e-mail info@northsidepartnership.ie.

Question No. 474 answered with Question No. 451.

Local Authority Housing

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

475 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on allowing Dublin City Council to alter the differential rent scheme to charge tenants who live in severely substandard accommodation in flat complexes belonging to the council that have been earmarked for regeneration but for which regeneration has been put on hold a discounted rent until such time as these complexes are regenerated or the accommodation brought up to an acceptable standard; and if not, if consideration will be given to same in view of the fact that the conditions in some complexes are seriously affecting the health of many tenants. [22243/11]

Local authority rents are set in accordance with a rent scheme adopted by each local council. The making and amending of these rent schemes are an integral part of a housing authority's housing management functions, subject to broad principles laid down by my Department in Circular letter HRT 3/2002 of 6 March 2002.

Section 31 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 will replace, once commenced, existing enactments in relation to differential rent schemes. Regulations and guidelines for housing authorities to give effect to section 31 are currently in preparation in my Department. While it is not the intention to introduce a national standardised differential rent scheme, regulations later this year will more clearly set out the matters that may be included in a local rents scheme, including —

the level, type and sources of household income that may be assessed for rent purposes;

how dependents will be accounted for in calculating rent;

the manner in which the size, standard, etc., of any class or classes of dwellings shall be taken into account in determining rent, having regard to the market rent in respect of dwellings of similar size, standard, etc., in the administrative area concerned; and

procedures for rent reviews.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

476 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on whether it would be possible to grant Dublin City Council moneys that are required to refurbish or bring to a habitable standard the many substandard flats they have in flat complexes earmarked for regeneration that have been put on hold; and if not, if consideration will be given to same, as the conditions in some complexes are affecting the health of many tenants. [22244/11]

My Department continues to work closely with Dublin City Council in progressing its regeneration programme for the former PPP projects at St. Michael's Estate, O'Devaney Gardens, Dominick Street, St. Theresa's Gardens, Croke Villas, and Dolphin House. To support this programme, I have made an allocation of €7 million available to the Council this year to support the construction works at St. Michael's estate, demolition at St. Michael's Estate and O'Devaney Gardens, and for the relocation of households from these complexes to facilitate future regeneration. Under the terms of the regeneration programme, the City Council is required to prepare a comprehensive master plan for each project that considers not just the physical improvements but also the social and economic regeneration of the areas. This holistic approach is fundamental in building and supporting sustainable, stable communities and my Department continues to work closely with the City Council in this regard.

In terms of the six individual projects, the following is the current position:

Last autumn, my Department approved the City Council's first phase redevelopment at St Michael's Estate, with Exchequer funding of €5.8 million being provided for the social housing element. This project is underway with the original housing substantially demolished and construction commenced;

Outline proposals for O'Devaney Gardens and Dominick Street are currently going through the statutory planning process following which detailed designs will to be prepared and submitted for Departmental consideration;

A preliminary report outlining possible options for the redevelopment of St Teresa's Gardens was received in my Department in March 2011 and is under consideration in the context of the overall regeneration programme;

The City Council is undertaking a full survey of the Dolphin House complex which will be used to inform a programme of remedial improvements there. Remedial works to the plinths have already commenced and the City Council are reviewing the results of a pilot project to address ventilation issues in six units completed recently;

The City Council is continuing its programme of relocations from all of the complexes, although the level varies between complexes for local and other reasons. These relocations are critical to facilitate the future regeneration of the areas.

Social and Affordable Housing

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

477 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the capital housing grant application for senior citizen housing projects that Dublin City Council has made to his Department for each of the past four years; the value of each application; the location of the proposed schemes; the number of units to be built and refurbished; the result of such application; if still pending a decision, the reason for same; and when a decision will be made. [22246/11]

My Department provides funding for senior citizen housing projects through a number of capital funding mechanisms, including the Social Housing Investment Programme, Capital Assistance Scheme and the Improvement Works Programme, the allocations for which are provided to Dublin City Council on a annual basis. There is no specific allocation for senior citizen projects within the overall capital allocations programme.

A number of projects, completed, ongoing and proposed, would include senior citizen units as part of a larger overall scheme, and these units may not be readily identifiable to my Department, as the allocation of units is a matter for the local authority concerned.

Based on the local authority's annual allocations it is a matter for housing authorities to finalise their plans for the composition, management and delivery of their programmes, taking into account existing commitments, identifying priority projects and proposals, and providing a time line for delivery and a sustainable funding plan for each project and their programme as a whole.

Social housing allocations by local authority for the period 2007-2010 are available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie under Publications/Statistics and Regular Publications/Housing Statistics. In addition to €50 million allocated to the Ballymun Regeneration Scheme, my Department has allocated a further €50 million to Dublin City Council for the provision of social and voluntary units and improvement works in 2011.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

478 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the capital housing grant application for housing made by each of the voluntary housing associations to his Department for each of the past four years; the value of each application; the location of the proposed schemes; the number of units to be built; the result of such application; if still pending a decision, the reason for same; and when a decision will be made. [22247/11]

Compilation of the detailed information sought, with regard to the number, location, status, value and decisions made or pending in relation to all applications received from local authorities in respect of proposals by individual approved housing bodies over the past four years, would involve an inordinate amount of staff time and resources. My Department will compile a spreadsheet, showing details of all the applications received from local authorities over that period together with a summary of the current status of each application, and this will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Local Authority Housing

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

479 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of applicants on each of the local authority housing lists. [22248/11]

A statutory assessment of housing need is carried out every three years by all housing authorities. Data for the 2011 Assessment of Housing Need is currently being compiled by the Housing Agency and will be published as soon as possible. The last assessment took place in 2008 and indicated that there were 56,249 households in need of social housing support. Detailed information on this assessment, including a breakdown by housing authority, is available on my Department's website —www.environ.ie.

Derelict Sites

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

480 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to Dublin City Council’s derelict sites scheme, which allows the council compulsorily to purchase derelict properties which remain vacant for a substantial period; his views on extending such a scheme State-wide, without the need to CPO the site at market value, as local authorities cannot afford that, but for a nominal sum — for example, a sum equivalent to a peppercorn rent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22249/11]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

481 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to Dublin City Council’s derelict sites scheme, which allows the council compulsorily to purchase derelict properties which remain vacant for a substantial period; if his further attention has been brought to other jurisdictions which have such a scheme; and if he has looked at its operation there to see the benefits local authorities here would get from such a scheme. [22250/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 480 and 481 together.

I understand that the Questions refer to the actions taken by Dublin City Council in meeting their obligations under the Derelict Sites Act 1990.

The Derelict Sites Act 1990 provides that local authorities are required to take all reasonable steps, including the exercise of appropriate statutory powers, to ensure that any land within their functional area does not become, or continue to be, a derelict site. To this end, local authorities have been given substantial powers under the Act in relation to any such sites, including powers to require specified measures to be taken in relation to a derelict site, to impose a levy on derelict sites, or to compulsorily acquire any derelict site. I expect local authorities to use their statutory powers as they consider appropriate.

Section 19 of the Derelict Sites Act provides for compensation with respect to the compulsory acquisition of derelict sites. The compensation paid is an amount equal to the value (if any) of the site. In default of agreement on the amount of compensation to be paid, the matter will be subject to arbitration under the Acquisition of Land (Assessment of Compensation) Act 1919.

The operation of derelict sites legislation is currently under examination by my Department in the context of the Unfinished Housing Estates Report.

Private Rented Accommodation

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

482 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to alter the position whereby a landlord who enters into a licence agreement directly with a tenant is not required to register with the Private Residential Tenancies Board or to comply with the standards for rented accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22256/11]

The Residential Tenancies Act 2004 applies to every dwelling that is the subject of a tenancy, subject to a limited number of exceptions which are set out in section 3(2) of the Act. Where a dwelling is occupied by a person under an arrangement or agreement which is not a tenancy or under a tenancy to which the Act does not apply, the PRTB does not have any function in the registration of such agreements or arrangements.

The PRTB can adjudicate as to whether a rental agreement is a tenancy or a licence and has done so in the past. Where it finds that a tenancy is unregistered due to the landlord's claim of licence, the PRTB can serve a notice requiring registration and failure to comply is an offence. I am unchanged in my view that all tenancies that should be registered with the PRTB must so be and I am supportive of the PRTB's enforcement activity in this regard.

The Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations, 2008, made under section 18 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1992 sets out minimum standards for private rental accommodation. These regulations apply to all houses which are let, or available for letting, for rent or other valuable consideration solely as a dwelling with the exception of certain categories of accommodation set out under Article 4 of the Regulations. These categories include houses let to a person for the purpose of occupying the house for a holiday and houses let by the Health Service Executive or by an approved body, where sanitary, cooking or dining facilities are provided for communal use within the building which contains the house.

Departmental Funding

Shane Ross

Ceist:

483 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the sum of any public funds and their purpose which have been awarded by his Department either directly or indirectly to the Irish Business and Employers Confederation in the past decade. [22263/11]

The information requested is set out in the following table:

Year

Amount

Reason for Funding

2006

€2,420

Operational grant in respect of seminar on Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive

€12,100

Operational grant in respect of seminar on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment

2007

€25,277

Sponsorship of seminar, ‘Towards a recycling society’

2008

€3,006

Press advertisement in IBEC publication (part of Climate Change Awareness campaign)

Water Charges

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

484 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the studies that have been undertaken into the introduction of water meters; if major urban areas and the remainder of the country were studied separately; if these examinations established the cost effectiveness of water metering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22273/11]

I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 230 and 240 of 20 July 2011, which outline the position on this matter.

Water and Sewerage Schemes

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

485 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the criteria for funding under the existing CLÁR programme for rural water schemes as operated by his Department over the past number of years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22340/11]

No funding applications have been accepted since August 2008 under the main measures of the CLÁR Programme, including those that supported water infrastructure. Given the reduced funding available to my Department, the CLÁR Programme, which was targeted at tackling infrastructure and services deficits in depopulated rural areas, has been wound down.

Unfinished Housing Developments

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

486 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if funding will be provided to Cavan County Council towards improvement works to unfinished housing estates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22359/11]

The unfinished housing developments safety initiative was introduced earlier this year to deal with the health and safety issues presented by unfinished estates. My Department has allocated an initial €5 million to allow local authorities to identify such estates and make application for funding to alleviate the problem.

To date 237 developments have been identified as qualifying for funding and submissions have been received in the case of 151 of these. The balance of submissions and associated claims are anticipated shortly. Allocations have been approved by my Department in the case of 61 estates and allocations of €1.5 million made. The remaining 90 applications, including those made by Cavan County Council, are being evaluated and allocations will be issued shortly.

Local Authority Housing

John Lyons

Ceist:

487 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to address the issue of anti-social behaviour in public or social housing, including the introduction of a probationary tenancy period for new tenants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22400/11]

Section 29 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 provides for the prescription of different forms of local authority tenancies. In fulfilment of the commitment outlined in the Programme for Government, consideration will be given to making regulations providing for probationary tenancies, and their termination in the event of anti-social behaviour, when section 29 is being commenced as part of the ongoing implementation of the 2009 Act.

Community Development

Robert Troy

Ceist:

488 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the RAPID funding which was previously allocated to County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22442/11]

In relation to the proposal to allocate funding for the proposed Dormant Accounts RAPID additionality measure 5 new RAPID towns, including Mullingar in County Westmeath, projects nationally have been assessed and prioritised by Pobal, and these are currently being considered by my Department in the context of the reduced level of funding available in the current year, and also in the context of the review of expenditure that is being undertaken. Any decisions arising will be notified to all applicants as soon as possible.

ICT Services

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

489 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of computer servers that are owned or leased by his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department; and the capacity of each server. [22488/11]

My Department is engaged in consolidating servers to a bladed infrastructure which utilises virtual server technologies thus reducing significantly the need for separate physical servers and the power consumption associated with them. This consolidated infrastructure is supported by a total of 21 blade servers split across two physical locations. At present the total remaining number of separate physical computer servers is 51 and the specification varies depending on the number of users, operating systems and applications housed thereon. My Department currently provides ICT services to the Heritage Division of the new Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. In relation to the provision of ICT services for Agencies under the aegis of my Department, this is currently a matter for the Agencies themselves. The position in regard to shared ICT services is being explored in the context of ongoing rationalisation plans for Agencies.

State Boards

Anne Ferris

Ceist:

490 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the steps he is taking to ensure that State boards have at least 40% of each gender, as provided for in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22503/11]

The Programme for Government 2011-2016 includes a commitment to take steps to ensure that all State Boards have at least 40 per cent of each gender. My Department routinely reviews the gender balance of State boards under its auspices and returns are made to the Department of Justice and Equality which has a coordinating role in this regard. The most recent returns by my Department show that at the end of 2010, the gender balance on State boards under the aegis of my Department stood at 37 per cent female and 63 per cent male. My Department is currently seeking expressions of interest for appointments to a number of State boards, and due regard will be had to Government policy on gender balance in making these appointments.

EU Funding

David Stanton

Ceist:

491 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of applications for funding under the Leader programme for the production of food-related products; the funding sought by each of these applications; the number of same that have been assessed and approved by the relevant development agency but have been unable to access funding due to a change in the source of funding for these projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22516/11]

David Stanton

Ceist:

492 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding discussions on the funding for the processing of Annex 1 (food products) under Annex 3 with the Department of Agriculture and the European Commission relating to Article 28 of Commission Regulation (EC) 1698/2005; when he expects such negotiations to be completed and decisions made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22517/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 491 and 492 together.

I refer to the reply to Question No. 41 of 16 June 2011. My Department is continuing to work with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to seek a solution. I am not in a position to make any decisions at this time. Any funding decision would fall to be made in the context of the overall budgetary situation later in the year.

The detailed information sought in respect of applications is not readily available and its compilation would involve a disproportionate amount of time and work.

Local Authority Housing

Mary Mitchell O'Connor

Ceist:

493 Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will amend the Housing Act to specifically name domestic violence as anti-social behaviour in order that local authorities can exclude and evict perpetrators when they present a risk to their immediate family; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22544/11]

In view of the fact that the Domestic Violence Act 1996 provides a legal framework within which the victims of domestic violence can seek a range of remedies in the courts to suit particular circumstances, I have no proposals to extend the statutory powers of housing authorities in relation to anti-social behaviour in local authority housing to cover cases of domestic violence.

Homeless Persons

Mary Mitchell O'Connor

Ceist:

494 Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will include domestic violence as one of the factors used to assess a person as homeless under the Housing Act, in view of the fact that the current situation disadvantages victims of domestic violence who are forced to flee their homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22545/11]

There are a number of measures available to housing authorities for dealing with persons made homeless as a result of domestic violence. I will, however, consider whether further safeguards need to be introduced in the context of future legislation.

Departmental Expenditure

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

495 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his Department has, in view of the change of name of the Departments, procured a new logo, new signage or any other branding such as stationery; and if so, the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22556/11]

The Department's logo was amended internally and incorporated on websites, ICT systems etc. without incurring costs other than staff time.

Existing stocks of headed paper are being run down, with labels showing the new name and logo being affixed where necessary at a cost of €1.92 per 1,000 sheets. Electronic stationery templates are also used.

The requirements for new signage at office locations, including office accommodation acquired with the change in functions, are under review.

Question No. 496 answered with Question No. 458.

Departmental Bodies

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

497 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of quangos, agencies and authorities that were established by his Department in each of the years from 1997 to January 2011; the number of staff employed by his Department in 1997; the number of staff employed by his Department in January 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22580/11]

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

Consultancy Contracts

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

498 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of consultancy reports commissioned by his Department between 1997 and January 2011; the cost of commissioning each report; if he will provide information on the implementation of recommendations set out in each report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22597/11]

The information requested, in relation to an extended period of time, is not readily available in my Department and its compilation would involve a disproportionate amount of time and work. If the Deputy wishes to put down a more specific Question in the area of consultancies, or to communicate separately with me, I will endeavour to provide the information sought.

Local Authority Housing

Joe Costello

Ceist:

499 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if persons who are already on local authority housing lists will not be removed from the list and new rules relating to eligibility will apply to new applicants only; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22606/11]

A new standard procedure for assessing applicants for social housing was introduced in every housing authority on 1 April 2011. The new assessment system includes a requirement that applicants only need to apply to one housing authority to be placed on up to three waiting lists, provides for the use of a standard application form and sets maximum net income limits based on the cost of housing in the area in question. The ultimate aim of the new system is to create a fairer, more consistent and transparent approach to eligibility for social housing support. The criteria for determining housing need are set out in the regulations and are broadly similar to what was provided for in earlier legislation.

As was the case under the old system, housing authorities may review the eligibility for local authority housing of households on the waiting list at any time and are required to review eligibility prior to the allocation of accommodation. In this connection, my Department has advised authorities that, where household income is fluctuating over time, it may be advisable to take this into account when undertaking an assessment review and not necessarily take a household off the waiting list unless there is reason to believe that the personal circumstances of the applicant have so changed that it is unlikely that they will qualify for social housing support at the allocation stage i.e. they are consistently over the income threshold.

I will keep all aspects the new assessment system under review to ensure that it functions in the intended manner. Since the Regulations were originally made, I have already made an amendment to increase the maximum income thresholds originally set by €5,000 in each band, with the intention of broadening the base from which social housing tenants are drawn, in order better to promote sustainable communities.

Local Authority Funding

Joe Costello

Ceist:

500 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the funding that has been set aside for developments (details supplied); the length of time the funding will be available to be drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22607/11]

My Department issued approval to Dublin City Council in September 2009 for the acquisition of 112 social units and associated ancillary facilities, including community and day care facilities at Spencer Dock, in the sum of €34.5 million. It is understood that a number of legal issues have arisen in connection with the planning of the development. Until these are resolved it is not possible to comment on how the project will be advanced.

With regard to Castleforbes Road, my Department granted approval of a loan of €4.7 million to Dublin City Council under the Capital Loan and Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) for the provision of 21 units of accommodation. The Council subsequently informed my Department that the developer had entered into receivership, and that it is not possible to say when the issues surrounding this may be resolved. CLSS is currently being wound down and any claims for such schemes must be submitted and drawn down before the end of 2011.

Departmental Bodies

Joe Costello

Ceist:

501 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has any plans to abolish the Dublin Docklands Development Authority and incorporate its functions into Dublin City Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22608/11]

The Dublin Docklands Development Authority was established both to secure the social and economic regeneration of the Dublin Docklands area on a sustainable basis and to secure improvements in its physical environment.

Since its establishment in 1997, the Authority has overseen the urban regeneration of the Dublin Docklands area into a vibrant city quarter, realising considerable achievements in delivery on its statutory mandate, such as attracting private and public investment, growing numbers employed in the area, delivering quality commercial space, facilitating thousands of new residential units and ensuring considerable social and community improvements.

In the context of the ongoing Comprehensive Review of Expenditure, the position of all State agencies under my Department's remit, including the Dublin Docklands Development Authority, is being examined as part of the Government's commitment to securing the savings and efficiencies necessary to restore balance to the public finances.

European Conventions

Anne Ferris

Ceist:

502 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when he expects the Irish State to sign and ratify the Council of Europe’s Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22093/11]

Cosc, the National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence, an executive office within my Department, actively contributed to all stages of the drafting process in relation to the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence. Cosc is currently considering the steps which need to be taken to pave the way for a submission to the Government on the question of signature of the convention by Ireland. I anticipate that the matter will be submitted to the Government in the near future.

Coroner Service

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

503 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of deaths that have been referred to Dublin City Coroner of persons in Dublin central area for each of the past five years by the DCC areas of Cabra, Glasnevin and north inner city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22665/11]

I can inform the Deputy that the Dublin City Coroner's Office does not record referrals on a district or area basis and that the collation of such information would require a disproportionate use of available resources.

I can however advise the Deputy that the number of deaths reported to the City Coroner for each of the years 2006 to 2010 was as follows: 2006 — 2,417; 2007 — 2,646; 2008 — 2,753; 2009 — 2,910; and 2010 — 2,801.

Course Accreditation

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

504 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21919/11]

I can inform the Deputy that my Department has been in contact with the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland with regard to the application by the college referred to by the Deputy, a private US establishment, to be included on the Internationalisation Register (a list of approved courses for non-EEA students). I understand from those discussions that the college is not eligible for inclusion on the Internationalisation Register as it does not provide full time programmes in Ireland, of at least one year's duration leading to awards which are validated or accredited by national awarding bodies from other countries which have a status in law or are otherwise recognised as having authority to make awards which have national recognition in their host jurisdiction. The courses offered by the college are not accredited by any US educational authorities.

Notwithstanding the above, the Student Review Unit of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service is considering the application of in question and will be in contact with the college in due course.

Deportation Orders

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

505 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current residency status including naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21921/11]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 376 of Tuesday 17 May, 2011 in relation to this person. The situation remains unchanged since that response.

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

Criminal Prosecutions

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

506 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons prosecuted under the new gangland legislation. [21932/11]

I understand the Deputy's question to refer to the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009 which entered into force on 23 July 2009. The primary purpose of this Act is to provide for additional measures with respect to the combating of organised crime.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that since the enactment of the legislation until 30 June this year, the provisions have been used on 127 occasions where arrests have been made relating to organised crime. To date, eight individuals have been charged under the legislation, six under Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 as inserted by section 6 of the 2009 Act (participating or contributing to certain activities) and two under Section 71A of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 as inserted by section 5 of the 2009 Act (directing the activities of a criminal organisation).

Sexual Offences

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

507 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the way a community deals with a sex offender after they have been released from prison; and the further way public representatives can best deal with this matter. [21950/11]

I can advise the Deputy that issues in relation to the management of sex offenders in the community were considered in detail in two documents published by my Department. Both documents — The Management of Sex Offenders (January, 2009) and Summary of views received on the Management of Sex Offenders (October, 2010) — are available on the Department's website at www.justice.ie.

Gender Discrimination

Clare Daly

Ceist:

508 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if, in relation to Ireland’s national report in advance of the UN Universal Periodic Review, there is reference only to women’s rights and gender equality and that discrimination against men who are fathers is not considered, despite certain cases at the Equality Tribunal (details supplied), which indicated such discrimination. [21955/11]

I should make the point at the outset that the Report is necessarily brief, as we were limited to a maximum of 10,700 words, or approximately 20 pages. The wide range of issues arising therefore are perforce covered in a concise style. The prohibition in our laws against discrimination on a range of grounds — including on gender, civil status and family status grounds — is referenced in a number of sections in the Report. It is important to make the point that men are protected by these three grounds (which are the specific grounds most relevant to the matters raised in the Deputy's question). As indicated in the case reports referred to by the Deputy, the existing body of legislation is sufficiently robust to deal with discrimination against either men and women on these grounds.

In relation to family law issues, I would draw the Deputy's attention to paragraphs 93 and 94 of the Report. The commitment contained therein is a specific response to issues raised by groups representing men in the public consultation process and in submissions.

National Lottery Funding

Paudie Coffey

Ceist:

509 Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount of national lottery funding his Department received in 2009 and 2010; if he will provide a list of the money that was spent in tabular form. [21980/11]

I can inform the Deputy that my Department did not receive any funding from the National Lottery during the years in question.

Small Claims Procedures

Brian Stanley

Ceist:

510 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if there is provision for a service provider who has not been paid for a service to seek redress in the Small Claims Court; the measures of redress available to a small service provider where the amount sought is less than €1,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22084/11]

I would draw the Deputy's attention to my responses on 29 June last to his Questions (No. 175 and No. 176) on this matter.

The small claims procedure of the District Court is an alternative method of dealing with a civil proceeding in respect of a small claim. The majority of claims are dealt with by administrative staff in the local District Court offices. Typical claims are:

a claim in respect of goods or services purchased from somebody selling them in the course of a business

minor damage to property (excluding personal injuries), and

the non-return of a rent deposit for certain types of dwellings.

Since 5 January 2010 the procedure has been expanded to allow for business to business claims of the same nature. The current maximum value of cases that can be taken is €2,000. This limit was set in 2006 and was last reviewed in 2009 in advance of the expansion of the scheme to cater for business to business claims of the same nature which came into effect on 5 January 2010. I am informed that the review found that the existing limit was appropriate and should remain unchanged as an increase risked a negative impact on the level of service provided by Small Claims Registrars throughout the country. The procedure is labour intensive but provides a satisfactory service at present. In addition, new European Small Claims Procedures, provided for under Regulation (EC) No. 861/2007, were introduced in 2009. These procedures also provided for a maximum claim limit of €2,000.

I am not in a position to comment on any particular case but the Deputy will note the procedure does not cover claims in respect of debts, personal injuries or breaches of leases or higher purchase agreements. Generally such cases may be more effectively and speedily dealt with by way of civil bill. As the Deputy has previously been informed, the scope and operation of the procedure is being reviewed by my Department.

Departmental Reports

Anne Ferris

Ceist:

511 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the cash for gold report will be published; the actions that will be taken in view of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22091/11]

My Department is finalising a report on the "Cash for Gold" trade and as soon as the report is submitted to me I will make an assessment as to what, if any, further action, legislative or otherwise, may be required. The Deputy can be assured that following this assessment I will make the report's findings and any proposals which I may have known in due course.

I can inform the Deputy that my Department, in compiling the report, has been in close contact with the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána with a view to monitoring the position. I can inform the Deputy that the Commissioner has reported that all "Cash for Gold" premises in the State have been visited by An Garda Síochána and the operators of such premises have been made aware of their responsibilities and obligations with regard to purchasing gold and jewellery. In addition, I have been informed that contact information has been provided to "Cash for Gold" operators by An Garda Síochána which will facilitate the reporting of any suspicious activity. The Commissioner has also indicated that any new "Cash for Gold" premises that may be identified will be visited by An Garda Síochána.

Court Sittings

Anne Ferris

Ceist:

512 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the court sitting terms will be changed to ensure that judges will sit for longer, due to the fact that there is a long break from the end of the Trinity term to the start of the Michaelmas term, in view of the fact that the sitting terms for the Judiciary in the near future have been set (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22092/11]

The management and administration of the courts, as the Deputy will be aware, is a matter for the Courts Service. The allocation of the business of the courts, scheduling of court cases and the management of court lists are matters for the judiciary and the Presidents of the courts. The sittings and vacations of the courts are currently provided for in Rules of Court. The Presidents of the respective courts can, and do so on occasion, schedule additional sittings to address particular issues.

I have already in the context of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2011 provided for a range of measures to make the courts more efficient. I intend to review other matters, including vacations and sittings, with a view to promoting further reform.

Proposed Legislation

Anne Ferris

Ceist:

513 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when he expects the equality legislation pertaining to transgendered people to be extended in view of the fact that the Gender Recognition Advisory Group report has been published and the commitment in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22094/11]

In its report to the Minister for Social Protection, published last week, the Gender Recognition Advisory Group concluded that the existing equality legislation and investigative machinery are adequate to discourage and prevent discrimination against persons who are making the transition from one gender to the other — both during and after the transition phase.

As already announced, my colleague the Minister for Social Protection will be bringing forward legislation to provide for amendment of registrations of births for transgender people.

Travel Documentation

John McGuinness

Ceist:

514 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a temporary travel document will be issued to a person (details supplied) or an alternative travel document will be granted to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22123/11]

I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the person concerned applied for a temporary travel document on three occasions, twice in September 2009 and once in March 2010 and was refused on each occasion. He was advised to contact his own consular authorities to renew his passport or obtain an equivalent document. There is no current application from the personconcerned.

I should point out that a temporary travel document is normally only granted in exceptional circumstances, for example, to go abroad for urgent medical treatment or other humanitarian reasons, and where the applicant is not in a position to obtain a passport or other equivalent document from his or her own authorities.

Courts Service

Anne Ferris

Ceist:

515 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a permanent Civil Court of Appeal, as provided for in the programme for Government, will be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22146/11]

The Deputy will appreciate that a Referendum will be necessary to establish a Court of Appeal. And while it is not one of the three Referendums proposed to be held later this year it is my intention to finalise examination of the detail and to progress the matter at the earliest suitable opportunity.

Anne Ferris

Ceist:

516 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a Commercial Court will be established to facilitate speedy resolution of disputes at Circuit Court level, when moneys in dispute do not warrant High Court jurisdiction, as provided in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22147/11]

My Department has commenced consideration of the measures necessary to establish a Commercial Court at Circuit Court level in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government. This is a complex issue and detailed consideration will be necessary. It is, however, my intention to progress the matter as soon as possible.

Legal Services

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

517 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on the regulation of the writing of wills here; his views on the training that solicitors receive in the writing of wills, in view of the recent report in the UK by the Legal Services Consumer Panel on the will-writing market which found that 25% of wills drawn up in the study had serious legal defects even when written by a solicitor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22160/11]

Under our law as it stands sections 77 and 78 of the Succession Act 1965 deal with the requirements for a valid will. A will need not be in any special form but it must comply with the provisions of those sections. There is no legal requirement for a will to be drawn up by a solicitor but in practice, given the importance of the matter, many persons making a will consult a solicitor.

While no representations have been made to my Department to suggest that operation of the law in this area is unsatisfactory my Department will, of course, continue to review its operation.

Anti-Social Behaviour

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

518 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of anti-social behaviour orders that have been issued under the Criminal Justice Act 2006 each year since 2007 and to date in 2011; the age profile of those that have been issued ASBOs; the type and level of offences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22161/11]

Part 11 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, which provides for civil proceedings in relation to anti-social behaviour by adults, was commenced on 1 January, 2007. Part 13 of the Act, which relates to anti-social behaviour by children, was commenced on 1 March, 2007. These provisions set out an incremental procedure for addressing anti-social behaviour by adults and children. With regard to children, these range from a warning from a member of An Garda Síochána, to a good behaviour contract involving the child and his or her parents or guardian, to referral to the Garda Juvenile Diversion Programme and finally to the making of a behaviour order by the Children Court. With regard to adults, they include a warning and the making of a civil order by the court. These provisions relate to behaviour which is anti-social as defined in section 113 of the Act.

In setting up the regime in the Act, the intention was that the different interventions would address the problem behaviour. If they succeeded, there would be no need to apply to the courts for an order. It is only if they failed to lead to a behaviour adjustment by the person in question that a court order would be applied for.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that three court orders were issued to adults in 2008 and one in 2010 and three orders were issued to children in 2008.

I am awaiting a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the other information requested, and I will contact the Deputy again when the information is to hand.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

519 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will consider, in liaison with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, new measures to target anti-social behaviour in privately owned and privately rented houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22162/11]

Legislation currently in place relating to anti-social behaviour, including the Criminal Justice Act 2006, which provides inter alia for behaviour warnings and criminal proceedings in respect of anti-social behaviour, applies to private residences as well as public places and is utilised as necessary by An Garda Síochána.

Such legislation is kept under ongoing review by my Department.

I am informed that the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government is considering the approach to anti-noise legislation in light of the Programme for Government, which includes a commitment to address noise pollution.

Prison Sentencing

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

520 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he is carrying out a review of sentencing policy; his views on whether adequate sentences are being handed down for those found guilty of serious criminally violent activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22163/11]

The traditional approach to sentencing is for the Oireachtas to lay down the maximum penalty and for a court having considered all the circumstances of the case to impose an appropriate penalty up to that maximum.

There are a small number of situations, however, where statute has created important exceptions to this approach. There is a strictly mandatory sentencing requirement for murder and other provisions relating to drug trafficking and firearms offences where a presumptive mandatory minimum sentence applies. Where the court is satisfied that there are exceptional and specific circumstances which would make a particular minimum sentence unjust, a different sentence can be applied. The type of circumstances which a court may consider would include whether and when the accused pleaded guilty and whether they assisted the investigation of the offence.

The Deputy will appreciate that judges are independent in the matter of sentencing as they are in other matters concerning the exercise of judicial functions, subject only to the Constitution and the law. It is important to make the point, when discussing sentencing, that the Director of Public Prosecutions may apply to the Court of Criminal Appeal to review a sentence he regards as unduly lenient.

The Deputy may be aware that my Department is currently engaged in a public consultation process to develop a White Paper on Crime with a view to developing a policy framework for future strategies to combat and prevent crime. Part of the consultation process focussed on criminal sanctions, during the course of which sentencing guidelines were discussed. There was no consensus on how such guidelines might operate without undermining judicial independence and flexibility. The prevailing view, with which I agree, is that judicial independence is crucially important and should be safeguarded. However, I should add that the Law Reform Commission has been asked to consider, and if appropriate, recommend reforms in the law in relation to mandatory sentencing. The Commission will consider the use of mandatory sentences for offences in general terms along with approaches based on "ranges of sentences". I welcome the fact that the Commission intends to publish a consultation paper on this subject later this year.

Recidivism Rates

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

521 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on monitoring or collecting information at Departmental level on prisoner re-offending rates in view of the fact that the only information available on this matter in the State appears to be a 2006 study of prisoner re-offending rates of 19,955 prisoners that was carried out by the UCD Institute of Criminology; the number of employment placements for released prisoners through Business in the Community Ireland Gate Service, PACE or any other organisation in 2011 and 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22164/11]

The Deputy will be aware that the Irish Prison Service facilitated a major study of prisoner re-offending by the UCD Institute of Criminology, the findings of which were published in the May 2008 edition of the academic journal, Criminology & Criminal Justice. The recidivism rate was found by this study to be under 50% after 4 years which is in the mid to lower range of recidivism rates when compared to similar countries internationally. The study did not, however, explore the impact of time spent in open centres on recidivism rates.

The Irish Prison Service keeps records of periods in custody for every prisoner which allow calculation of re-imprisonment rates by type of offence, including sex offences. However, these do not allow calculation of a comprehensive rate of re-offending that includes non-custodial sentences. I am pleased to say however that the Probation Service is in the process of conducting initial research into re-convictions and much work is being done to collate the relevant data which will add to our knowledge in this area.

As regards employment placements for released prisoners, I can assure the Deputy that programmes such as those funded through the Business in the Community Ireland (BITC) Gate service and PACE will have my full support in maximising any opportunities available. While we have to make the best use of available resources, I am confident that every effort will continue to be made in the years ahead to facilitate opportunities for employment and of course to assist where possible the re-integration of prisoners into their communities.

Proposed Legislation

Anne Ferris

Ceist:

522 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when civil partnership legislation will be amended to address the anomalies and omissions relating to children, as provided for in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22226/11]

The commitment referred to by the Deputy is being examined in the context of the development in my Department of proposals for the Family Law Bill that is referred to in the Government Legislation Programme announced on 5 April 2011. The details will be announced by way of publication of the proposals as soon as possible, taking into account necessary consultations.

Departmental Funding

Shane Ross

Ceist:

523 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the sum of any public funds and their purpose which have been awarded by his Department either directly or indirectly to the Irish Business and Employers’ Confederation in the past decade. [22268/11]

I wish to inform the Deputy that the information requested is not readily available. Given the period of time concerned and amount of detail sought the information requested could only be compiled by the use of a disproportionate and inordinate amount of staff time and effort.

However, to be of assistance I can inform the Deputy that in the period since I took up office, that is from 9 March 2011 to date, one payment has been made by my Department to the Irish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC). The Equality Authority made a grant in the amount of €15,000 for the Integrated Workplace Project, which was paid on 20 July, 2011.

I also wish to refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 389 of 17 May, 2011 and, in particular, the following extract from my reply.

While the National Disability Authority (NDA) was a member of IBEC, membership was terminated with effect from 2010. The following amounts were paid by the NDA to IBEC for the years 2007 — 2009:

January 2007 — €1,505.93

January 2008 — €1,719.00

January 2009 — €1,642.60

UN Conventions

Robert Dowds

Ceist:

524 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the expected timeline for the measures necessary to ensure full compliance with the criminal law provisions for the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography. [22347/11]

Legislative proposals to enhance the protection of children against sexual abuse and exploitation, including exploitation through prostitution and child pornography, are at an advanced stage of preparation in my Department. These measures will facilitate full compliance with the criminal law provisions of a number of international legal instruments, including outstanding requirements in the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography.

I expect to bring these legislative proposals to Government in the coming months.

Human Trafficking

Robert Dowds

Ceist:

525 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the National Action Plan to Prevent and Combat Trafficking in Human Beings in Ireland 2009 to 2012 will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22348/11]

The National Action Plan to Prevent and Combat Trafficking in Human Beings in Ireland 2009 to 2012 was published in June 2009. The Plan contains a commitment to a mid term review involving a consultation process with relevant stakeholders. This process is underway in my Department. Submissions were received from a number of non-governmental organisations in May, June and July. Consultations with State agencies will now take place on foot of the issues raised in these submissions.

The Plan will then be updated in the light of that consultation and to take account of changing circumstances and our growing experience in this area. It is hoped to complete the review in the coming months.

Prisoner Numbers

Jack Wall

Ceist:

526 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons in prison here as of 1 July 2011. [22351/11]

I have been informed by the Irish Prison Service that the number of persons in custody on 1 July 2011 was 4,402.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

527 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons in prison here as of 1 July 2011 on a conviction recorded in a summary trial — that is, a no-jury, judge-only trial. [22352/11]

It may be helpful to explain that the only court that would record a conviction in a summary trial is the District Court, where there is no jury. The Special Criminal Court operates without a jury but its jurisdiction is not restricted to summary offences.

Unfortunately, it is not feasible to identify the exact number of persons in prison on a specific date on a conviction recorded in a summary trial. However, from the information available, I can say that on 30 June 2011, there were 568 sentenced persons in prison with a sentence of 12 month or less and 3,167 sentenced persons with a sentence of more than 12 months. The majority of those persons who received a sentence of less than 12 months will have been convicted in the District Court (although a proportion of those receiving a sentence of less than 12 months will have been convicted in a jury trial in the Circuit Court). It is unlikely that anyone serving a sentence of more than 12 months will have been convicted in a summary trial.

I can further inform the Deputy that the number of defendants who received a sentence of imprisonment/detention in the District Court in 2010 is 12,979. The number of offences was 20,435 and this figure includes summary offences and indictable offences dealt with summarily.

Criminal Convictions

Jack Wall

Ceist:

528 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of criminal convictions that were recorded for the year 2010, or the last year for which figures are available, or the last 12-month period for which the figures are available. [22353/11]

Following the submission in 2004 of a report and recommendations by an expert group on crime statistics, it was decided that the compilation and publication of crime statistics should be taken over by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, from An Garda Síochána. The Garda Síochána Act 2005 consequently makes provision for this and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. Following the setting up of the necessary technical systems and auditing of the data from which the statistics are compiled, the CSO is now compiling, publishing and responding to queries regarding recorded crime statistics.

I have requested the CSO to provide statistics directly to the Deputy.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

529 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality, of the criminal convictions recorded of those were recorded on a summary trial — that is, a judge-only, no-jury trial. [22354/11]

The management and administration of the courts including responsibility for maintaining court statistics is a matter for the Courts Service.

However, I have had enquiries made and the Service has informed me that 498, 672 criminal offences were disposed of in the District Court in 2010. Of those, 70,200 were indictable offences that were dealt with summarily.

The outcomes in relation to the cases are available in the Courts Service Annual Report 2010 at www.courts.ie. The Courts Service has informed me that the various outcomes recorded do not differentiate between summary cases and indictable cases dealt with summarily.

Garda Stations

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

530 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position in relation to the provision of a new Garda district headquarters at Bailieboro, County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22361/11]

The programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation around the country is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close co-operation with the Office of Public Works (OPW), who have responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the OPW is currently examining options for the provision of a new Garda District Headquarters at Bailieboro. This matter will be progressed in the context of An Garda Síochána's identified accommodation priorities and in the light of available resources.

Asylum Support Services

Joe Costello

Ceist:

531 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the support, monetary or otherwise, given to asylum seekers when they are deported from Ireland back to their country of origin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22364/11]

The extent to which my Department provides supports to failed asylum seekers or other illegal immigrants returning to their country of origin depends largely on whether or not such persons are willing to leave the State voluntarily.

Where a failed asylum seeker or illegal immigrant decides to return voluntarily to their country of origin before a Deportation Order is made in respect of them, reintegration assistance may be provided by my Department. The Irish Voluntary Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration Programme (VARRP), run in conjunction with the International Organisation of Migration (IOM), has been established to provide assistance to failed asylum seekers and irregular migrants wishing to return voluntarily and who have been identified as vulnerable. Under the VARRP scheme, which is funded by my Department, the IOM will pay for the flights home for such persons and where required will assist in securing travel documents and give assistance at the airport at departure and arrival.

Persons planning to return voluntarily under this programme can apply for reintegration assistance before they depart which they can then access once they have returned to their home country. Irish reintegration assistance is in the form of a payment in kind, for example help starting up a small business, or to revive an existing one, vocational training classes or educational courses.The value of this reintegration assistance for single individuals is up to €600 and for families up to €1000.

Where a failed asylum seeker or illegal immigrant consents to deportation to their country of origin, flight arrangements are made on their behalf and are paid for by my Department. If they are not in possession of a valid passport and are unable to obtain same (for example, due to their country not having an Embassy in Ireland), the Department will then issue a travel document. If the person is residing outside the Dublin area my Department will, if necessary, arrange accommodation to facilitate easy access to the airport, and provide travel vouchers for their journey to Dublin.

Where a failed asylum seeker or illegal immigrant does not leave the State voluntarily or consent to their deportation, they are removed to their country of origin by the Garda National Immigration Bureau. No further support, other than that which is necessary to effect the deportation, is given to such persons.

Citizenship Applications

Jack Wall

Ceist:

532 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding an application for naturalisation in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22374/11]

Valid applications for a certificate of naturalisation from the persons referred to by the Deputy were received in the Citizenship Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) in August 2007 and my predecessor decided in his absolute discretion to refuse the applications. The persons concerned were informed of the Minister's decision in a letter issued on 15th October, 2009.

It is open to the persons concerned to lodge a new application for a certificate of naturalisation if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements applicable at that time.

The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.

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

Garda Deployment

John Lyons

Ceist:

533 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the measures that have been taken to date, including staffing reallocations, to ensure that administrative duties are carried out by civilian staff to free up highly trained gardaí for preventing and detecting crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22398/11]

There are currently around 2,100 full-time-equivalent civilian support staff in the Garda Síochána.

These staff provide vital support services in a wide range of areas, such as human resources, training & development, IT and telecommunications, finance and procurement, internal audit, research and analysis, accommodation and fleet management, scene-of-crime support and medical services.

Every opportunity will be taken, in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, to enhance the level of civilian support within the Garda Síochána, including through redeployment under the Croke Park Agreement.

John Lyons

Ceist:

534 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the measures that have been taken to place an extra emphasis on community policing and to ensure that there is a higher visibility in the local neighbourhoods most affected by crime and anti-social behaviour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22399/11]

The Garda Síochána now operates a new model of Community Policing which aims to build upon and enhance progress made so far. I fully support this renewed emphasis on Community Policing particularly in light of the priority given to this by the Programme for Government.

John Lyons

Ceist:

535 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the measures taken to free up gardaí who are detained in the courts; if he plans to review current prosecution and judicial case management systems for this purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22401/11]

The Deputy will appreciate that a significant amount of Garda time has to be devoted to court duties. In that context specific measures have been put in place by the Garda authorities, and in legislation, to minimise the extent to which Garda members have to attend in court. This is, of course, subject to the overall requirements of justice and judicial supervision.

My position, and that of the Government, is that it is vital that Garda and other public service resources are utilised as effectively as possible. With this in mind, I have initiated a review of the criminal justice system to identify any structural changes that might be required to achieve cost savings. The review, which is being conducted in conjunction with key stakeholders, encompasses the participation of Garda members in court proceedings and I expect that it will be completed by October. I will bring forward any proposals I may have arising from the review as quickly as possible.

John Lyons

Ceist:

536 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he is able to provide, by station, the number of cases each juvenile liaison officer is case managing; if he has any plans to evaluate and extend this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22402/11]

Information on the work of Garda Juvenile Liaison Officers (JLOs) is published annually in the Report of the Committee appointed to monitor the effectiveness of the Diversion Programme, in accordance with Section 44 of the Children Act 2001, as amended. The last published report, for 2009, is available on the website of the Irish Youth Justice Service (www.iyjs.ie) and on the Garda website (www.garda.ie).

Information is published by Garda Division and includes the number of incidents and the number of children referred to the Diversion Programme, along with the deployment of JLOs across the Divisions. Using this information, it is possible to work out an approximate caseload per JLO. However, such an exercise would appear to be of no added value unless account is taken of the complexity of the individual cases. It is also the case that any more detailed analysis would, at this stage, involve a disproportionate use of Garda time and other resources. I understand that the report for 2010 is nearing completion and I will publish it as soon as possible after I receive it.

With regard to Government's plans to extend the role of JLOs, I wish to refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 151 of 13 July 2011.

Whistleblower Protection

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

537 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding whistleblowers. [22414/11]

On the basis of the details supplied by the Deputy, I am not in a position to reply to the question. If the Deputy provides further information, I will be happy to respond to him.

Residency Permits

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

538 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if and when residency status will be decided in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if the family’s position will be regularised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22416/11]

I am informed by the Long Term Residency section of my Department that the person named by the Deputy in the details accompanying his Question was granted Long Term Residency on 10 March 2011 for a period of 5 years. This particular permission to remain does not extend to the person's dependants.

Records in my Department indicate that the second and third reference numbers referred to in the details accompanying the Deputy's Question, relate to the named person's adult son and daughter.

The named person's son contacted my officials through a solicitor in relation to his residence in the State and was instructed to contact his local immigration office to register with An Garda Síochána and obtain permission to remain in the State. There is no record of him having done so to date. This is in breach of the Immigration Act 2004 and various orders made thereunder. The named person's son has failed to register in the State since 22 November 2010 and consequently is illegally present here. He should immediately contact INIS in relation to his residence in the State. The named person's daughter has permission to remain in the State on student conditions until 1 April 2012.

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

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

539 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the residency status and entitlement to same in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22417/11]

The person concerned was granted permission to remain in the State for an initial 2 year period on Stamp 4 conditions from 4 October, 2005 under the revised arrangements for the non-EEA national parents of children born in Ireland prior to 1 January, 2005, commonly known as the IBC/05 Scheme. I am informed that the permission to remain granted was renewed in 2008 and in 2010, and is currently valid until 20 February, 2014.

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

Asylum Applications

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

540 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will review the residency file in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 2; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22418/11]

The person concerned is the subject of a Deportation Order, signed on 5 May 2005, following a comprehensive and thorough examination of her asylum claim. Her case was reviewed in June 2008 and again in November of 2009. A detailed examination of the representations she submitted for consideration under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) was conducted and on both occasions a decision was made to affirm the Deportation Order.

The effect of the Deportation Order is that the person concerned must leave the State and remain thereafter out of the State.

The enforcement of the Deportation Order is an operational matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau.

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

Residency Permits

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

541 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the residency status and entitlements in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22419/11]

I refer the Deputy to my detailed Reply to his recent Parliamentary Question, No. 112 of Thursday, 19th May, 2011, in this matter. The position in the State of the person concerned is as set out in that reply .

It is noted that the address supplied in the Deputy's Question does not match the address currently on record in my Department for the person concerned. As it is incumbent on an applicant to notify my Department when they change address, the person concerned should notify my Department of their up to date address without further delay.

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

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

542 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; if their documentation will be returned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22420/11]

The name of the person referred to by the Deputy does not match the name of any person on my Department's databases. As it is not possible to establish definitively the person to whom the Deputy is referring, I cannot provide the information sought at this time. However, if the Deputy wishes to clarify the identity of the person concerned, a substantive response will be provided.

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

Asylum Applications

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

543 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when consideration of residency application will be concluded in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [22421/11]

I refer the Deputy to my detailed Reply to his recent Parliamentary Question, No. 140 of Wednesday, 20th April, 2011, in this matter. The position in the State of the person concerned is as set out in that Reply.

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

Deportation Orders

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

544 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if deportation will be deferred in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 2; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22422/11]

Following a comprehensive and thorough examination of his asylum claim, and a detailed examination of the representations he submitted for consideration under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) a Deportation Order was signed in respect of this person on 26 August 2004. Following further consideration of his case, in particular of the issue raised by the Deputy, a decision was made to affirm the Deportation Order on 9 March, 2011.

The effect of the Deportation Order is that the person concerned must leave the State and remain thereafter out of the State. The enforcement of the Deportation Order is an operational matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau.

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

Asylum Applications

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

545 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which an application for asylum or refugee status was fully examined in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; if due regard was given to her legitimate fear of being deported to the Democratic Republic of Congo; if her case will be deferred pending review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22423/11]

The person concerned arrived in the State on 30 January 2008 and applied for asylum on the same date. Her application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 9 July 2009, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State.

An application for Subsidiary Protection under the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 S.I. No 518 of 2006 ('the Regulations') in respect of this person was also examined, however it was determined that she is not a person eligible for Subsidiary Protection. Her case was then examined under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the Prohibition of Refoulement. Consideration was given to representations submitted on her behalf in relation to why a Deportation Order should not be made against her. All representations made on her behalf were fully considered. On 7 February 2011 a Deportation Order in respect of her.

The effect of the Deportation Order is that the person concerned must leave the State and remain thereafter out of the State. The enforcement of the Deportation Order is an operational matter for the GNIB.

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

Prison Building Programme

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

546 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the planned development of the new prison at Thornton Hall, County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22451/11]

Joe Costello

Ceist:

553 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will publish the report on the Thornton Hall prison project, County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22531/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 546 and 553 together.

I have just recently received the report of the Thornton Hall Review Group. Subject to the views of my Cabinet colleagues, it is my intention to publish this report at the earliest opportunity.

Garda Operations

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

547 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has engaged in discussions with the Garda authorities, with any of the Garda representative associations or with any other body, agency or individual regarding strengthening the legal protection surrounding gardaí carrying out their duties. [22478/11]

Section 19 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 as amended by Section 185 of the Criminal Justice Act of 20006 already provides that any person who assaults or threatens to assault a peace officer acting in the execution of his or her duty, knowing that he or she is, or being reckless as to whether he or she is, a peace officer so acting, shall be guilty of an offence. In this context, "Peace Officer" includes a member of An Garda Síochána as well as other emergency workers. Persons found guilty of offences under that act are liable on summary conviction to a Class A fine (not exceeding €5,000) and/or a term of imprisonment not exceeding 12 months, or both. The penalty on conviction on indictment is a fine determined by the Court or a term of imprisonment not exceeding 7 years, or both.

The situation will be kept under review. I will listen carefully to any suggestions for further change and I will have no hesitation in bringing forward proposals for additional sanctions if the need arises.

Proposed Legislation

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

548 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the proposed referendum on judicial remuneration; and when he will publish a referendum bill. [22479/11]

Plans for the holding of a Referendum on the pay of judges are well advanced. The Referendum will, it is intended, be held in conjunction with the Presidential Election. Following Government approval of the text of the necessary Amendment of the Constitution Bill it will be published on a date that is consistent with the requirements of the Referendum Act 1994 in relation to an order specifying the polling day.

Departmental Equipment

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

549 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of computer servers that are owned or leased by his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department; and the capacity of each server. [22493/11]

My Department's IT Division provides a centralised IT Shared Service to approximately 2,100 direct customers in 23 agencies in 27 national and international locations using 220 servers. The capacity of individual servers varies widely depending on the role and function of that server. In general the servers behind the Shared Service would have a cumulative capacity of between 30 and 60 terabytes depending on configuration and deployment.

In addition to the IT Shared Service two areas of my Department maintain a separate IT infrastructure. Financial Shared Services in Killarney — which obtains its own desktop services from the Shared Service — operates a payroll and payments system using 32 servers with a capacity of 16 terabytes. The Irish Prison Service has 175 servers with a cumulative capacity of 21 terabytes.

My Department does not lease any IT equipment.

The provision of IT services for the offices and agencies of my Department currently not availing of the IT Shared Service is a matter for management in those offices and agencies.

Appointments to State Boards

Anne Ferris

Ceist:

550 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps he is taking to ensure that State boards have at least 40% of each gender, as provided for in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22499/11]

The Programme for Government 2011-2016 includes a commitment to ensure that all State Boards have at least 40 per cent of each gender. Composite data on women's participation on State Boards during 2010 will be made available to the Government shortly and are expected to show that about 34% of places on State Boards were held by women in 2010.

My colleague, Ms Kathleen Lynch T.D., Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, Equality, Mental Health and Older People is currently chairing a working group which is looking at the advancement of women into leadership and decision-making roles including on State and Corporate Boards. The report of that group will be available in the autumn and I will consider its findings before making proposals to Government in this matter.

Proposed Legislation

Patrick Deering

Ceist:

551 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he plans to include provision for recognition for pre-nuptial agreements in any future family law Bills; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22507/11]

No decision has yet been made with regard to the recommendations contained in the Report of the Study Group on Pre-nuptial Agreements.

Asylum Applications

Robert Dowds

Ceist:

552 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding an application for refugee status in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; when they can expect a response to the letter from their solicitor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22526/11]

The person concerned applied for asylum on 23rd October, 2006. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), the person concerned was entitled to remain in the State until her application for asylum was decided. Her asylum application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Arising from the refusal of her asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 11th September, 2008, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against her. In addition, she was notified of her entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in accordance with the provisions of the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006.

The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.

In the event that the application for Subsidiary Protection is refused, the position in the State of the person concerned will then be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.

In his Question the Deputy refers to a letter submitted by the solicitor of the person concerned. It is being assumed that the letter in question is the one submitted by the relevant solicitor dated 5th April, 2011. I can assure the Deputy that the contents of that correspondence will be considered, along with all other papers on file, before a final decision is taken in this case.

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

Question No. 553 answered with Question No. 546.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

554 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of applicants for asylum whose applications have not been finalised after five years and ten years since their initial application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22532/11]

As the Deputy is aware, applications for refugee status in the State are determined by an independent process comprising the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC) and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal (RAT) which make recommendations to the Minister for Justice and Equality on whether such status should be granted.

There is currently one case awaiting investigation and decision by the ORAC for over five years owing to the inability of the applicant for medical reasons to participate in the processing of the asylum claim.

Of the 141 cases currently in the RAT which have been in the asylum process for over five years, 138(98%) of these have been delayed owing to Judicial Review proceedings having been taken by the applicants themselves.

In the year to May 2011 the median processing time for an asylum application was 11 months.

There are no cases awaiting decision in ORAC or RAT in excess of ten years.

Probation and Welfare Service

Patrick O'Donovan

Ceist:

555 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the Probation Service will increase the number of hours’ service being carried out at a cemetery (details supplied) in County Limerick. [22537/11]

I can advise the Deputy that the allocation of community service hours in any particular area is dependent on the number of community service orders made in the local court.

While the Probation Service welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the maintenance of the cemetery referred to, I understand that there has been a reduction in the number of orders being made in that part of Co. Limerick with a corresponding reduction therefore in the number of days working at the site. The Deputy can be assured however that the Probation Service will review the matter again should there be an increase in the orders made.

Departmental Bodies

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

556 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of quangos, agencies and authorities that were established by his Department in each of the years from 1997 to January 2011; the number of staff employed by his Department in 1997; the number of staff employed by his Department in January 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22585/11]

I wish to refer the Deputy to the detailed answer to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 471 and 472 of 2 October, 2007 which provides, inter alia, the establishment dates of various agencies and bodies under the remit of my Department. Since then no new statutory or independent bodies or offices were established in my Department.

I can also inform the Deputy that on 31 January, 2011 there were 2,151 staff serving in the Department and agencies staffed by it. I also wish to inform the Deputy that the information sought for staff serving in the Department in 1997 is not readily available and could not be compiled without disproportionate use of staff resources.

Consultancy Contracts

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

557 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of consultancy reports commissioned by his Department between 1997 and January 2011; the cost of commissioning each report; if he will provide information on the implementation of recommendations set out in each report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22602/11]

I wish to inform the Deputy that the information requested is not readily available. Given the period of time concerned and amount of detail sought the information requested could only be compiled by the use of a disproportionate and inordinate amount of staff time and effort.

Departmental Expenditure

Shane Ross

Ceist:

558 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount of State funding, directly or indirectly, that has been paid to fund trade unions, related bodies or trade union interests or causes in the past decade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22621/11]

I wish to inform the Deputy that this information is not readily available and that given the significant level of detail required and the timeframe involved, the collation of such information would require a disproportionate use of available resources.

However I can inform the Deputy that in the period since I took office, from 9 March 2011 to date, the following payments have been made to trade unions:

The Equality Authority

1. €2,000 — this was paid to the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) for an equality training project. The project entitled the “Congress Equality Mainstreaming” was funded under the Equality Mainstreaming Approach Programme.

2. €1,275 — this was paid to ICTU for exhibition space at the 2009 ICTU Biannual Delegates Conference.

3. €200 — this was paid to the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland (ASTI) for a stand at the 2011 ASTI annual conference.

An Garda Síochána

1. €18,707 — this was paid to the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors for rent and service charges.

2. €58,000 — this was paid to the Association of Chief Superintendents as an annual subvention.

Road Traffic Offences

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

559 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of motor vehicles caught breaking speed limits since 2009 in tabular format on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22641/11]

In the time available it has not been possible for the Garda authorities to supply the information requested by the Deputy. I will contact the Deputy when the information is to hand.

National Lottery Funding

Paudie Coffey

Ceist:

560 Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Defence the amount of national lottery funding his Department received in 2009 and 2010; if he will provide a list of the money that was spent in tabular form. [21973/11]

Coiste an Asgard, which is a body under the aegis of my Department, received €800,000 in National Lottery funding in 2009. The previous Government decided in the context of settling the Estimates for the Department of Defence for 2010 that the national sail training scheme operated by Coiste an Asgard would be discontinued as recommended in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure, and therefore no National Lottery funding was awarded to Coiste an Asgard in 2010.

Departmental Expenditure

Shane Ross

Ceist:

561 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Defence the sum of any public funds, and their purpose, which have been awarded by his Department either directly or indirectly to the Irish Business and Employers Confederation in the past decade. [22261/11]

The information requested by the Deputy on the amounts of public funds and their purpose which have been awarded, either directly or indirectly to the Irish Business and Employers Confederation in the past decade is set as follows:

Year

AMT

Description of Payments made

2001

€438.06

Training Course

2002

€1,721.58

Management Training Course

2003

€1,500.50

HR Management Guide, Conference & Training Course

2004

€42,260.00

Training Courses

2005

Nil

2006

Nil

2007

Nil

2008

€1,149.50

Magazine Subscriptions

2009

€577.13

Magazine Subscriptions

2010

Nil

2011

Nil

Total

€47,646.77

Civil Defence Operations

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

562 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Defence the proposed changes to the Civil Defence Act 2002; the proposed changes to the operations of the Civil Defence; the impact of these changes of Civil Defence operations nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22480/11]

The Government has approved a proposal to begin drafting legislation to transfer the functions of the Civil Defence Board back into the Department of Defence. This decision is in line with Government policy to bring the functions of many state agencies back into their parent Department. The proposed Bill will, if enacted, repeal the Civil Defence Act, 2002, dissolve the Civil Defence Board and transfer its functions, property, rights, liabilities and other responsibilities to the Department of Defence. Such changes will not have any impact on Civil Defence operations nationally.

Departmental Equipment

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

563 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Defence the number of computer servers that are owned or leased by his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department; and the capacity of each server. [22486/11]

The number and capacity of computer servers in my Department and the Defence Forces is spread over a number of mainstream applications, including Local and Wide Area Networks, business, administrative and financial systems, web hosting, mission-critical support systems and a wide range of local and specialist applications. The capacity varies according to need. There is also a wide geographical spread, given the nature and scope of the Defence organisation. The following is a summary of the position:

Department of Defence, including integrated civil/military modules:

A total of 97 Servers; the storage capacity varies from 20GB(gigabyte) to 3.6TB (terabyte; 1 TB=1000GB) per server. There are two servers leased by the Department, both of which have a capacity of 50GB.

Defence Forces — military only applications

A total of 164 servers. The storage capacity varies from 33.8GB to 750GB per server. There is one (1) server leased by the Defence Forces with a capacity of 4GB.

Ombudsman for the Defence Forces

A total of 2 servers each of which has a capacity of 150GB.

Defence Forces Reserve

David Stanton

Ceist:

564 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence the expenditure on the Reserve Defence Force, RDF, in 2010; the expenditure on RDF cadre pay and employers’ PRSI (subhead B) costs for 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22515/11]

The cost of the Reserve Defence Force, similar to other elements of the Defence Forces, is spread across a range of subheads. Subhead D of the Defence Vote is entirely devoted to Reserve expenditure. It includes payments for Reserve Defence Force (RDF), training, gratuities, and allowances and also includes grants paid into unit funds. Subheads B, C and P include, inter alia, pay and travel costs of Permanent Defence Force Personnel who provide training and administrative support to the RDF (known as the Cadre). Subhead R contains costs for rental of property used by the RDF.

A range of costs, other than those outlined above, are spread across other subheads of the Defence Vote. These costs, which include Petrol, Transport, Rations etc, are not currently disaggregated for the RDF.

The following table shows the key costs relating to the RDF for 2010.

Subhead

2010 €

B — PDF Cadre Pay and Employers PRSI

16,594,000*

C — Allowances paid to PDF Cadre

1,304,247

D — Reserve Defence Force Pay, allowances etc.

4,014,369.

P — Car Allowance and Car Mileage paid to PDF Cadre

376,645

R — Rent of RDF Property

157,835

*Estimated

Departmental Expenditure

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

565 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Defence if, in view of the change of names of Departments, the Department has procured a new logo, new signage and any other branding such as stationery; if so, the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22555/11]

The name of the Department of Defence has not changed. It has not been necessary, therefore, to procure a new logo, new signage or other branding such as stationery.

Departmental Bodies

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

566 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Defence the number of quangos, agencies and authorities that were established by his Department in each of the years from 1997 to January 2011; the number of staff employed by his Department in 1997; the number of staff employed by his Department in January 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22578/11]

The number of new agencies established in my Department since 1997 is one. The Civil Defence Board was established on 7 May 2003 following the enactment of the Civil Defence Act 2002. Prior to that date, Civil Defence had been a branch of the Department, and the relevant staff transferred to the Civil Defence Board following its establishment. The Deputy will be aware that the Government has approved a proposal to begin drafting legislation to transfer the functions of the Civil Defence Board back into the Department of Defence. This decision is in line with Government policy to bring the functions of many State agencies back into their parent Department. The proposed Bill will, if enacted, repeal the Civil Defence Act, 2002, dissolve the Civil Defence Board and transfer its functions, property, rights, liabilities and other responsibilities to the Department of Defence. The information requested by the Deputy on staffing levels in my Department, including Civil Defence, is as follows:

Year

Number of Staff Employed (Wholetime Equivalent)

As at 31 December 1997

426

As at January 2011

348.95

Consultancy Contracts

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

567 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Defence the number of consultancy reports commissioned by his Department between 1997 and January 2011; the cost of commissioning each report; if he will provide information on the implementation of recommendations set out in each report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22595/11]

The information requested on the number of consultancy reports commissioned by the Department of Defence between 1997 and January 2011, the cost of commissioning each report and on the implementation of recommendations set out in each report; is set as follows.

Year

Company

Nature of Report and Implementation

Cost

1998

Ernst & Young

Analysis and design of a Fishery Control System to enable the Naval Service to meet its obligations under new fishery regulations.The study formed the basis for the Naval Service Fishery Control System

€608,839

2001

Intercontinental Aviation Consultants

Air Operations Safety Audit of the Air Corp.Recommendations were implemented.

€55,442

2002

External Advisory Committee

The “Challenge of a Workplace” report prepared by Dr. Eileen Doyle and the External Advisory Committee.Implementation of the recommendations arising from the report was driven by the “Independent Monitoring Group” set up in the same year.

€63,000

2004

Independent Monitoring Group

Progress report entitled “Response to the Challenge of a Workplace” was presented. This charted the progress made with implementation of the “Doyle Report.

€161,259

2006

Millward Brown, IMS

Public Attitude Survey.The purpose of the survey was to carry out a market research programme into public attitudes and awareness of emergency planning in Ireland

€30,912

Grayling Communications Consultants

Communications Strategy on the approach to be taken by Government in its public information and awareness campaign on Emergency Planning.The campaign was subsequently launched in April 2008

€14,520

2007

TNS MRBI

Research into the issue of Recruitment and Retention of Women in the Defence Forces.The result of this market research has assisted in the formulation of policy and practice in this area.

€47,747

Independent Group

Value for Money Review of Clothing Procurement in the Defence Forces, as part of the standard VFM process.

€2,904

2008

PA Consultant Group

Recommendations on the best means of meeting the medical requirements of the Defence Forces.Implementation of the recommendations is ongoing

€115,130

Entograph Ltd

Report for the control of bracken in the Glen of Imaal.The report has been implemented

€30,129

Mott McDonald Ltd

A review of the Safety Policy at Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel.The recommendations have been implemented.

€50,000

FGS Consulting

A Value for Money Review of Military Training Lands, as agreed between the Department of Defence and the Department of Finance as part of the Government’s Value for Money and Policy Review initiative.The report was published in November 2010 and implementation of the findings of the review is ongoing

€89,540

2009

Deloitte & Touche

A review of the Finance Branch of the Department.The review is now being implemented and is delivering staff savings and improvements in efficiency and effectiveness.

€97,868

Version 1 Ltd

A report in respect of Oracle licence management in the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces.The results of this report will assist in the formulation of policy and practice in the area of licence management.

€2,308

McGuinness Killen Partnership Ltd

An independent review of documentation in relation to a legal action initiated by a staff member. No implementation measures were required on foot of the report.

€2,430

Independent Group

An independent quality assessment of the Value for Money Review of Naval Service Vessel Maintenance, as part of the standard VFM process.

€2,800

2010

Epsilon Consulting

An independent quality assessment of the Value for Money Review of Military Training Lands as part of the standard VFM process.

€2,178

Departmental Bodies

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

568 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Defence the money saved were all State agency board member payments in his Department to be reduced by €10,000 where their current annual payment is in excess of €50,000. [22742/11]

The boards under the aegis of my Department are the Civil Defence Board, the Army Pensions Board and the Board of Coiste an Asgard. As there are no payments made to the members of these boards, the question does not arise.

EU Directives

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

569 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on a matter regarding farmers and lands (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22274/11]

This matter has its origins in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive which was first introduced in 1985 and is presently implemented in Irish legislation by the Planning and Development Regulations, 2001.

The primary objective of the EIA Directive is to ensure that projects which are likely to have effects on the environment are subject to a prior assessment of their potential impacts before a decision is taken as to whether consent is granted to proceed.

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) issued a judgement against Ireland on the 20th November 2008. The Court found that Ireland, in relation to the specific projects the subject of the judgment, was overly reliant on size thresholds to determine if an EIA is required and did not take sufficient account of the nature, location and cumulative effect, etc. of projects. The action related to three categories of activities, restructuring of rural land holdings (removing hedgerows or re-contouring land), the use of uncultivated land or semi-natural areas for intensive agriculture and water management projects for agriculture, including irrigation and land drainage.

There has been extensive consultation between my Department and the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government in the preparation of a response to this case. It was considered that most of these types of activities are more appropriate outside of the planning system, and that legislation should be introduced by my Department that would provide a more accessible and timely screening and consent process for farmers. Therefore, these elements have been removed from the planning system by exemption and will now be included in Regulations that I will introduce. The drainage or reclamation of wetlands (bogs, marshes, ponds etc.), however, given the environmentally sensitive nature of such lands, will be retained in the planning system while the drainage of other lands will be controlled under my Department's Regulations. It should be noted that it is not intended that the drainage of lands will be generally prohibited but that a farmer will have to apply for permission where he or she intends to undertake drainage works above a certain area threshold.

The European Commission, on 1 June 2011, formally lodged an application with the ECJ to initiate second proceedings against Ireland for failing to implement the ECJ ruling. The Commission is requesting the ECJ to impose lump-sum and daily penalty fines on Ireland until the infringement ends.

The Department of Environment, Community and Local Government has brought draft regulations to the Oireachtas for approval. These Regulations amend the EIA and planning exempted development thresholds for drainage or reclamations of wetlands. A Joint Oireachtas Committee meeting of the Transport, Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht was held on Thursday 14 July 2011 to discuss the draft Regulations and these regulations have now been referred back to the Dáil and Seanad for consideration on 20 July.

Discussions on Ireland's response to the judgement between the European Commission and officials from both Departments are ongoing. It is my intention to introduce legislation as soon as they have satisfactorily concluded.

Food Industry

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

570 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he will take to develop the agri food sector. [21160/11]

The Food Harvest 2020 (FH2020) strategy represents the strategic blueprint for the development of the agriculture, food, fisheries and forestry sector for the next decade. Its implementation, as well as the parallel negotiations at EU level to ensure an appropriate CAP policy and EU Budget framework post 2013, are the strategic steps which I am pursing to develop the agri-food sector.

Actions have already been taken to progress implementation of Food Harvest 2020. I chair the High Level Implementation Committee (HLIC) which has been established specifically to ensure a fully joined up effort on the part of State bodies in the implementation of FH2020; to encourage proactive engagement by the agri-food industry and private sector with the implementation process; and to act as a "clearing house" for issues relating to the development of the sector.

Actions taken include

A call for research proposals targeted on the priorities identified in Food Harvest 2020.

The establishment of the Agri Research Expert Advisory (AREA) Group to facilitate input from the agriculture industry into primary research programmes.

A Dairy Expansion Activation Group, comprised largely of private sector representatives, has already published its Dairy Sector Road Map, setting out the actions required by the sector to achieve the target 50% increase in milk production by 2020.

The Beef 2020 Activation Group has reported back to the HLIC on its proposals to drive the implementation of the beef related recommendations of FH 2020.

Bord Bia, Teagasc and the UK Carbon Trust are collaborating to verify and improve the sustainability aspect of Bord Bia's Beef Quality Assurance Scheme.

The ‘Brand Ireland' concept is being developed initially through the work of Bord Bia.

I am continuing to work to make substantial progress towards the achievement of the agri-food industry targets and next week I am producing the substantive progress report on what has been achieved over the past year under Food Harvest 2020.

Departmental Correspondence

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy

Ceist:

571 Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has received correspondence from a company (details supplied) in County Offaly; if an investigation with regard to the tendering procedure by a local authority will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21689/11]

I can confirm that I have, in common with Deputy Corcoran Kennedy, been copied on correspondence between Inland and Coastal Marina Systems Ltd. and Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council.

My Department does not have any function in relation to any investigation into the tendering process. This is a matter for the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government who have responsibility for Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council.

Agri-Environment Options Scheme

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

572 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; if this application has been approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21937/11]

An application was received under the Agri-Environment Options Scheme from the person named on 20 April 2011. All applications are currently being processed and acknowledgement letters will issue shortly to all applicants. The applications will then be evaluated for eligibility and approval letters will issue to successful applicants as soon as possible.

National Lottery Funding

Paudie Coffey

Ceist:

573 Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount of national lottery funding his Department received in 2009 and 2010; if he will provide a list of the money that was spent in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21969/11]

My Department has received no funding from the National Lottery for 2009 or 2010.

Bovine Disease Controls

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

574 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the manner in which a herd number was transferred on a permanent or interim basis in respect of animals on the lands owned by a person (details supplied) in County Cork; if confirmation as to the ownership of the lands was sought or given; if permission of the landowner or evidence thereof was sought or given in respect of the issue of the herd number in question; the date on which the application was made and by whom; if such persons had sought or received the permission of the owner of the lands; if traceability in respect of animals on the lands was verified at the time; if authorisation was sought or given for qualification for any particular payments arising from entitlement or perceived entitlement on foot of particular or specific evidence produced; if procedures in accordance with the guidelines set out in Parliamentary Questions Nos 260 and 261 of 14 July 2011 have been complied with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22035/11]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

582 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in the course of the allocation of a temporary caretaker herd number in the case of a herd (details supplied) in County Cork, confirmation was sought in the matter of the traceability of all animals on the property; if confirmation as to the ownership of the lands at which the herd was located was sought or received; if an indication was given as to whether the holder of the herd registration number automatically qualified for various farm payments; the date on which the herd number was transferred or issued; the extent of any payments made by his Department directly or indirectly thereafter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22350/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 574 and 582 together.

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 285 of 20 July 2011.

Departmental Schemes

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

575 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, under the terms of the rain water harvesting scheme, planning permission is required in situations where the construction is overground and where it involves excavations in the construction of an underground tank, as this issue will remove the incentive for many farmers to proceed with this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22044/11]

The Rainwater Harvesting Scheme was temporarily suspended for new applications on 8 June 2011 pending the outcome of the comprehensive expenditure review of my Department which is currently taking place.

Under the terms of the Scheme, a grant of full planning permission or an exemption from planning from the relevant local authority was required for all rainwater harvesting tanks. The provisions of planning legislation in Ireland are, of course, primarily a matter for my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. The draft Planning and Development (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2011 which are currently before the Houses of the Oireachtas provide for exemptions for such tanks in certain circumstances.

Grant Payments

Michael Creed

Ceist:

576 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the problem with regard to processing of applications under the farm improvement scheme; if schemes that have already been inspected for payment have to be re-assessed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22089/11]

Revised payment procedures have recently been introduced for the Farm Improvement Scheme as a result of audit issues. The introduction of these revised procedures will enable the backlog of approximately 200 payment files under the Scheme to be processed and I would expect that all outstanding claims will be paid in the next few weeks.

Food Safety

Ciara Conway

Ceist:

577 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the work that has been done to create a single food safety monitoring agency, building on the existing Food Safety Authority of Ireland, which will be responsible for food safety from farm to fork; when this body will become a reality; the impact on employment; the location at which same will be based; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22236/11]

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) is responsible for the enforcement of all food legislation in Ireland through service contracts with my Department and other agencies.

The Inter Agency Review of the pork dioxin incident in December 2008 recommended that the remit of the FSAI should be extended to include animal feed. The legal methods of putting this in place are currently being examined and it is intended that the role of the FSAI will be extended in line with the recommendation. Once the process is completed, the FSAI will have overall monitoring responsibility for both feed and food, consistent with the EU Hygiene legislation which also covers both areas.

Departmental Expenditure

Shane Ross

Ceist:

578 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the sum of any public funds and their purpose which have been awarded by his Department either directly or indirectly to the Irish Business and Employers Confederation in the past decade. [22257/11]

The payments made by my Department were generally in respect of forestry-related work undertaken by the Irish Forest Industry Chain (IFIC), an affiliate of Irish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC) — payments were, however, made payable to IBEC.

Payment to:

Purpose

Period

Amount €

IBEC

Forestry Promotional campaign undertaken by Irish Forest Industry Chain (IFIC), an affiliate of IBEC

2006-2008

286,178.44

IBEC

Production of reports relevant to timber haulage — undertaken by Forest Industry Transport Group but payments made to IBEC

2006-2007

3,300

IBEC

Promotion of Forestry undertaken by IFIC

2004-2005

25,000

IBEC

Development of ‘Road Haulage of Round Timber — Code of Practice’ by IFIC & Forest Industry Transport Group

2004

2,381.98

IBEC

Promotion of Forestry undertaken by IFIC

2003 (Final Instalment paid in 2004)

10,000

Total

326,860.42

Prior to the assignment of responsibility for Forestry to this Department with effect from 1 Jan 2004, amounts were also paid, by the Department of Marine and Natural Resources, in relation to a ‘National Forestry Information Initiative' undertaken by IFIC — from the records available at this stage, the total amount paid over the period was €141,030.17.

Seven of the State Bodies that fall under my Department's remit are also fully paid up members of this organisation — Bord Bia, Bord Iascaigh Mhara, Marine Institute, Bord na gCon, Horse Racing Ireland, Irish National Stud and Coillte.

Milk Quota

John McGuinness

Ceist:

579 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, regarding an application to the scheme for allocation of milk quota to new entrants in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny, if he will review the response, as he stated in writing that they were refused because of their lack of qualification, which is incorrect, and not because the application was late; if he will consider again the applicant’s qualifications and approve the application; if he will check the tracking number, which shows it was posted in time; and if he will expedite a response. [22319/11]

The 2011 Scheme for the Allocation of Milk Quota to New Entrants was announced on 31 January 2011, with a closing date of 8 April 2011. It was requested in the detailed rules of the scheme that applicants should ensure they allow sufficient time for their application to reach the designated office before the closing date. While the tracking number referred to may provide evidence of postage before the closing date, it also provides evidence that the application in question was not received in the Department until 11 April. There was significant over-subscription to this scheme.

It is regrettable that the incorrect notification letter issued to the named person; however, the fact remains that the application was not received by the closing date and, it was for this reason, rather than for the reason of educational qualifications, that the application was not submitted to the assessment group for consideration.

Accordingly, I cannot accede to your request in this matter. I would of course point out that the applicant can apply in the event of a future scheme being launched in relation to new entrants.

Grant Payments

Noel Grealish

Ceist:

580 Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the agri-environment options scheme for 2010 will be awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22338/11]

Under the EU Regulations governing the Agri-environment Options Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. I expect that payments to participants in the scheme in respect of the first year will commence in August and that payments in respect of year two will commence in October. I am working with my officials to bring the payments forward if at all possible as I can understand the need for expediency.

Domestic Abattoirs

Noel Grealish

Ceist:

581 Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the purpose for which the insurance fee on animals which are slaughtered in a factory is used; the cover, if same is underwritten by any insurance company; the amount collected annually under this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22339/11]

While I understand such schemes are in place, they are a commercial arrangement between individual slaughter plants and the farmers supplying animals to those plants. My Department has no role in these insurance schemes and we do not gather the information sought by the Deputy.

Question No. 582 answered with Question No. 574.

Cuanta Iascaigh

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

583 D’fhiafraigh Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Talmhaíochta, Iascaigh agus Bia an bhfuil i gceist táillí páirceála a ghearradh ar oileánaigh ag an gclós páirceála de chuid na Roinne i Ros an Mhíl ó tharla nár gearradh táillí ar oileánaigh go dtí seo agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [22370/11]

Tá mo Roinn freagrach as na sé Lárionad Chuan Iascaigh a bhainistiú agus a fhorbairt, lena n-áirítear Lárionad Chuan Iascaigh Ros an Mhíl.

Is féidir liom a dheimhniú go ndearna mo Roinn infheistíocht le déanaí in uasghrádú na háise carrchlóis ag Lárionad Chuan Iascaigh Ros an Mhíl agus tá sé soiléir go bhfuil freagracht ar mo Roinn an toradh is mó is féidir a fháil ar an infheistíocht sin. Tá an bealach iomchuí chun úsáid na háise sin a bhainistiú á mheas faoi láthair.

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

584 D’fhiafraigh Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Talmhaíochta, Iascaigh agus Bia cé na socruithe atáá ndéanamh lena chinntiú go mbeidh daoine i gcathaoireacha rothaí in ann dul ar gach seoladh ó Ros an Mhíl go dtí Oileáin Árann; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [22371/11]

Tá na pontúin ag Lárionad Chuan Iascaigh Ros an Mhíl i bhfeidhm ó 10ú Bealtaine 2011 agus baineann na seirbhísí farantóireachta uile chuig Oileáin Árann úsáid as na pontúin nua. Ní bhíonn aon deacrachtaí ag paisinéirí cathaoireacha rotha ag gabháil do na pontúin nó ag teacht uathu ar an bpríomhdheic ag an Lárionad Chuan Iascaigh. De bharr shaorbhord íseal na n-árthaí agus toisc go bhfuil leibhéal phríomhdheic an phontúin beagnach ar chomhairde leis na doirse isteach do phaisinéirí ar an árthach, bíonn rochtain éasca ag paisinéirí atá faoi mhíchumas luaineachta ar na hárthaí. Deimhnítear leis an bpontún snámha go mbíonn an scéal mar sin i gcónaí mar ardaíonn agus titeann an t-árthach agus an pontún araon de réir na dtaoidí.

Ba cheart dom a lua áfach, go bhfuil an Roinn Iompair freagrach as báid farantóireachta do phaisinéirí agus as sábháilteacht mhuirí. Tuigim go raibh Oifig Suirbhéireachta Muirí na Roinne Iompair i dteagmháil le hoibreoir an bháid fharantóireachta i Ros an Mhíl maidir le hábhair imní dóibh i leith na n-áiseanna ar an mbád farantóireachta chun paisinéirí i gcathaoireacha rotha a iompar.

Tá an Roinn Gnóthaí Pobail, Comhionannais agus Gaeltachta a thugann an fóirdheontas maidir le paisinéirí a iompar go dtí Oileáin Árann ar an eolas faoi na hábhair atá ina gcúiseanna imní don Roinn Iompair maidir le háiseanna ar an mbád farantóireachta do phaisinéirí i gcathaoireacha rotha. Chuaigh siad i dteagmháil le hoibreoir an bháid fharantóireachta d'fhonn réiteach a aithint ar na hábhair imní a thug an Oifig Suirbhéireachta Muirí chun cinn.

Ministerial Responsibilities

Michael Moynihan

Ceist:

585 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the division of responsibilities between the Minister and the Minister of State at his Department. [22470/11]

As Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food I retain overall responsibility for all the functions of my Department. Statutory powers and duties in relation to food safety, horticulture, forestry and the greyhound industry were delegated to the Minister of State in my Department as set out in the Agriculture, Fisheries & Food (Delegation of Ministerial Functions) Order 2011 (SI No 283 of 2011).

Departmental Equipment

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

586 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of computer servers that are owned or leased by his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department; and the capacity of each server. [22482/11]

The number of computer servers owned by my Department is 269 providing production, test and development environments for both internal and external services. The number of physical servers is being reduced over time through a policy of amalgamation and increased use of virtualisation technologies.

The total amount of storage currently available to these servers is 254.6 Terabytes.

The number of computer servers that are owned or leased by each State agency under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for the agencies themselves and the information is not readily available to my Department.

Food Safety

Joe Costello

Ceist:

587 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will engage in discussion with the stakeholders regarding the proposed ban on raw milk; if he will develop a regulatory system of labelling for raw milk which will inform all customers of potential risks; the reason raw milk is to be banned when there are many foods with risks associated which are not banned, for example shellfish and eggs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22498/11]

The reason for maintaining a ban on the sale of raw milk for human consumption is to protect public health. A consultation process was held during 2008 to determine public views on the proposal to extend the ban to include goat and sheep milk. Seventeen responses were received. Neither my Department nor the Food Safety Authority of Ireland were convinced that the submissions received provided any justification to oppose the expert advice that the extended ban should be supported in legislation.

The proposed ban is based on strong advice from both food safety and public health professionals. There have been serious health issues associated with the drinking of raw milk in Ireland and in a number of other countries. In 2010 the Scientific Committee of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland published a report on the prevention of E. coli infection. One of the recommendations of that report was that the sale of raw milk be prohibited. I am satisfied that a ban on the sale of raw milk for human consumption is fully justified. I do not propose to ban the sale of cheese or other products manufactured from raw milk, as the same risk to public health does not arise. The FSAI is charged with assessing risks associated with other food products and my Department will consider any advice given by the relevant experts and appropriate action will be taken, if required, to deal with those risks.

Legislation required to allow the sale of raw milk on a restricted basis would be complicated and would impose significant extra cost on my Department in relation to oversight and enforcement. Failure to adequately oversee such high-risk business operations could result in serious national and international reputational risk to our important dairy industry. The prevalence of TB in herds in Ireland puts us in a different position to most other Member States in the EU where the disease has been eradicated. It is inappropriate that Ireland should adopt the same approach to the consumption of raw milk as countries that do not have the same difficulty with TB and therefore have no associated risk.

Article 10(8) of EU Regulation 853 of 2004 provides that a Member State may maintain or establish national rules prohibiting or restricting the sale of raw milk or raw cream intended for direct human consumption. The introduction of S.I. No. 910 of 2005 to implement the EU Food and Feed Hygiene Regulations in 2006 had the effect of removing the existing legal basis for the prohibition of the sale of raw cows milk for direct human consumption under S.I. No. 9 of 1996. Section 54 of the Health Act of 1947 (as amended by Section 25 of the Irish Medicines Board (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006) has been identified as the appropriate primary legislation for this purpose and the Department of Health has agreed to promote a Statutory Instrument under that Act on behalf of my Department. The latest indicative timeframe for the introduction of the S.I. is end 2011, which includes allowance for a 3-month EU notification period.

Grant Payments

Ceist:

588 Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the grants under the agri-environment options scheme 2010 will be awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22500/11]

Under the EU Regulations governing the Agri-environment Options Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. I expect that payments to participants in the scheme in respect of the first year will commence in August and that payments in respect of year two will commence in October. I am working with my officials to bring the payments forward if at all possible as I can understand the need for expediency.

Appointments to State Boards

Anne Ferris

Ceist:

589 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he is taking to ensure that State boards have at least 40% of each gender, as provided for in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22535/11]

Last May, notification was placed on my Department's website inviting expressions of interest from persons interested in being appointed to the boards of State Bodies and Agencies under the aegis of my Department. Such persons can submit a short note or CV through stateboardvacancies@agriculture.gov.ie. These applications will be considered when appointments are being made to any of these boards. It is hoped that this will provide me with a wide range of applicants, including women, with the appropriate mix of skills and experience in the relevant area of work. It should be pointed out that certain appointments to Semi State Bodies under the aegis of my Department are made on the nomination of Representative Bodies.

Harbours and Piers

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

590 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will contribute to the development of piers at Dunquin and An Blascaod Mór, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22551/11]

The pier at Dunquin is owned by Kerry County Council and the responsibility for its repair and maintenance lies with the Local Authority in the first instance. The Office of Public Works is responsible for the pier at An Blascaod Mór.

My Department's Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme does, however, provide funding for Local Authority owned Piers and Harbours subject to the availability of necessary funding. In May 2011, my Department invited Local Authorities to submit applications in respect of priority harbour development projects for inclusion in the 2011 Programme. The application from Kerry County Council did not include a request for funding for Dunquin. The 2011 programme has been finalised and Local Authorities have recently been informed of the funding that has been allocated to them under the Programme.

Any applications for funding in future years will be given consideration subject to available Exchequer funding and overall national priorities.

Departmental Expenditure

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

591 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in view of the change of name of the Department, he has procured a new logo for his Department, new signage or any other branding such as stationery; if so, the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22552/11]

As the transfer of functions is currently the subject of discussions between the relevant Departments this has delayed the alteration of title for the time being. Therefore, issues surrounding new logos, stationery etc. have not been finalised.

Departmental Bodies

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

592 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of quangos, agencies and authorities that were established by his Department in each of the years from 1997 to January 2011; the number of staff employed by his Department in 1997; the number of staff employed by his Department in January 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22574/11]

It is not possible to provide this information in the required time. I will forward it to the Deputy as soon as it is available.

Consultancy Contracts

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

593 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of consultancy reports commissioned by his Department between 1997 and January 2011; the cost of commissioning each report; if he will provide information on the implementation of recommendations set out in each report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22591/11]

Due to the volume of the information requested by the Deputy, it was not possible to provide it in the required time. I will forward it to the Deputy as soon as it is available.

State Agencies

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

594 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the money saved if all State agency board member payments in his Department were reduced by €10,000 where their current annual payment is in excess of €50,000. [22733/11]

No board member of a State Agency coming within the aegis of my Department is paid fees in excess of €50,000. This is in accordance with Department of Finance instructions governing the payment of such fees.

Adoption Services

Clare Daly

Ceist:

595 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will seek to establish the existence and whereabouts of files such as medical and social work files pertaining to the illegal adoption in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21568/11]

The Information and Tracing Unit in the Adoption Board provides an advice and referral service for those seeking to trace or to obtain medical or personal information. This unit provides services directly to adoptees, natural mothers and birth families. It also works closely with the registered adoption societies and the HSE nationwide information and tracing services. Improvements to this service have been effected by the computerisation of the unique adoption files held by the Board.

The National Adoption Contact Register was established in 2005 to assist adopted people and their natural families to make contact with each other, exchange information or state their contact preferences. They decide, through a range of information and contact options, how they wish to proceed. Already 440 matches have been made on the Register representing over 900 individuals who have now received a service. The operation of the Register was reviewed in 2007 and a major upgrading of it has just been completed.

The Adoption Board, together with the societies, the HSE and the support groups, developed the "Standardised Framework for the Provision of a National Information and Tracing Service". This was published in November 2007 and sets standards and provides guidance and advice for information and tracing services providers nationally. The standardised Framework is currently being piloted nationally. In relation to Information and Tracing for persons adopted from abroad, the Adoption Board intends to undertake a consultation process with interested parties to determine how best to address the needs of those adopted from abroad.

Legislation to provide for information and tracing is in preparation within my department and is a priority. This is a sensitive and complex area, and it will be necessary for the legislation to balance the constitutional rights of mothers whose children were adopted with those of adopted people seeking to trace their birth families.

Proposed Legislation

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

596 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if certain issues (details supplied) will be addressed in the children’s referendum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22341/11]

The Programme for Government 2011 states that the referendum on Children's Rights is a priority, and that the wording will be along the lines of that proposed by the All Party Oireachtas Committee. On taking office I instructed the Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA) to work with the Office of the Attorney General, with a view to preparing a draft wording which will more closely reflect the work of the Joint Committee, than that which the previous Government approved in draft form.

Accordingly the preparation of a draft wording is being undertaken by Parliamentary Counsel in association with the Advisory Counsel in the Office of the Attorney General and officials in my Department. I would hope to be in a position to submit the outcome of this work to Government for approval in the Autumn. It is envisaged that Government will be asked to approve the drafting of a bill based on the wording submitted and to request the approval of the Oireachtas for the holding of a Constitutional referendum. I look forward, in particular, to the debate among political and civic leaders and the wider public about the place of children within our society further raising awareness of the interests of children.

National Lottery

Paudie Coffey

Ceist:

597 Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the amount of national lottery funding her Department received in 2009 and 2010; if she will provide a list of the money that was spent in tabular form. [21972/11]

The Department of Children and Youth Affairs was established in June 2011 and therefore has no expenditure that falls into the parameters of the question.

Proposed Legislation

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

598 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if additional financial resources will be established to ensure the successful implementation of the Children First legislation this autumn. [22071/11]

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

599 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she has had any discussions with her Cabinet colleagues regarding the provision of additional resources for the implementation of the Children First legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22072/11]

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

600 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she has carried out an analysis of the cost involved and the resources needed in implementing the Children First guidance on a statutory footing. [22073/11]

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

601 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she has carried out an analysis of the cost involved in implementing mandatory reporting as part of the Children First legislation. [22074/11]

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

602 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will be carrying out a review or any reform of social services to ensure they have sufficient resources in place to cope with the additional workload once legislation on Children First is enacted in the autumn. [22075/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 598 to 602, inclusive, together.

I launched the Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children on 15 July, 2011. The Guidance deals with the recognition, reporting and management of child safety concerns. It sets out a number of key messages relating to the duty to protect children. Among these are that the safety and welfare of children is everyone's responsibility, that children will have safer lives where everyone is attentive to their well-being and that people who work with children across a range of areas understand their responsibility for safe practice and the reporting of concerns. The Guidance sets out specific protocols for HSE social workers, Gardaí and other front line staff in dealing with suspected abuse. The scope of Children First extends beyond the reporting of suspected abuse. It emphasises the importance of multi-disciplinary, inter-agency working in the management of such concerns. Key to this is the sharing of information between agencies and disciplines in the best interests of children and the need for full co-operation to ensure better outcomes.

I have advised my Cabinet colleagues that it is my intention to develop proposals in consultation with the Minister for Justice and Equality for a Bill to make compliance with the Children First Guidance a statutory obligation. The legislation will reflect a broad based approach to compliance with obligations extending beyond reporting to one of safeguarding children at risk and the objective will be to ensure the greater protection of children by strengthening the existing system for reporting and responding to suspected child abuse.

However the focus on compliance does not in anyway underestimate that we need capacity in our child protection services. We must also focus on appropriate management, consistency of response and the creation of a world-class Irish model of child protection.

This week I laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas the Second Progress Report on recommendations contained in the Ryan Report Implementation Plan. Putting Children First on a statutory footing was a key recommendation of the Ryan Report and went hand-in-hand with other recommendations including those focusing on resources such as the proposed recruitment of 270 additional social workers. These posts are exempt from the public service recruitment moratorium and I am happy to report that 260 of these additional social work posts will have been filled by the end of this year. These new posts will significantly strengthen the capacity of the state's child protection and family support services.

I will present the necessary Regulatory Impact Analysis for consideration by the Government together with the Heads of Bill.

Health Service Staff

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

603 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will approve the hiring of additional social workers alongside the 270 social workers committed to as part of the implementation plan of the Ryan report. [22076/11]

The provision of an additional 270 social workers is one of the actions provided for in the Ryan Report Implementation Plan. The HSE completed the recruitment of 200 additional social workers in 2010. The HSE National Service Plan includes provision for the recruitment of an additional 60 social workers in 2011. It is the intention of the HSE to fill the remaining 10 posts in 2012.

In addition to the recruitment of the additional staff, the HSE has also been filling social work vacancies which have arisen due to individuals leaving the service, e.g. due to retirements.

The filling of social work vacancies and the recruitment of additional social workers was exempted from the current public sector recruitment moratorium. The need to recruit further additional social workers will be considered in the light of demand, availability of necessary resources and progress made in delivering necessary reforms in the area of child welfare and protection.

Youth Services

Eoghan Murphy

Ceist:

604 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she supports the Big Brother Big Sister mentoring programme for children in the community organised by Foróige. [22119/11]

The 2011 budget for the Youth Affairs Section of my Department is €60.154m on current expenditure and €800,000 on capital expenditure. This funding supports the delivery of a range of youth programmes and services for all young people, including those from disadvantaged communities through grants in aid.

Foróige is currently in receipt of €6.037m from Youth Affairs Unit for projects run under a number of schemes including the Youth Service Grant Scheme, Special Projects for Youth Scheme, four (4) Youth Information Centres and for a number of projects under the Young Peoples Facilities and Services Fund (Rounds 1 and 2). As Minister for Children and Youth Affairs I am aware of the Big Brother Big Sister Programme. However, having regard to the reductions in public expenditure that must be achieved by Government Departments and State Agencies and the limited funding available, it was not possible to consider funding for the programme in 2011. In light of further budgetary constraints in 2012 it is unlikely that any new application for funding will be considered next year.

Departmental Expenditure

Shane Ross

Ceist:

605 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the sum of any public funds and their purpose which have been awarded by her Department either directly or indirectly to the Irish Business and Employers Confederation in the past decade. [22260/11]

The Department of Children and Youth Affairs was established in June 2011 and therefore has no expenditure that falls into the parameters of the question.

Grant Payments

Dominic Hannigan

Ceist:

606 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the organisations and the amounts each of them were awarded by the youth service general grant scheme and the special projects for youth grant scheme in 2009, 2010 and 2011, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22467/11]

The Youth Affairs Unit of my Department supports the delivery of a range of youth work programmes and services for all young people including those from disadvantaged communities through grants in aid. Details of grant-in-aid funding for services to national and major regional youth organisations under the Youth Service Grant Scheme (YSGS) and youth projects under the Special Projects for Youth Scheme (SPY) are outlined in the following table. A breakdown of grants to individual youth organisation and youth projects is also outlined.

Youth Service Grant Scheme — YSGS

Year

Grant paid

2009

12,611,454

2010

12,326,915

2011

11,444,311

Youth Service Grant Scheme

Grants paid 2009

An Óige

233,409

Athlone Community Services

47,619

Catholic Guides of Ireland

334,890

Catholic Youth Care

1,188,132

Church of Ireland Youth Department

232,596

Confederation of Peace Corps

166,561

ECO — UNESCO Clubs

158,275

Experiment In International Living

37,275

Feachtas

115,281

Foróige

2,353,724

Girls Brigade

58,826

Irish Girl Guides

559,418

Junior Chamber Ireland

21,909

Macra na Feirme

572,680

National Association for Youth Drama

131,702

National Federation of Arch Clubs

67,593

National Youth Council of Ireland

749,004

No Name Club Ltd

252,363

Ógra Chorcai

696,621

Ogras

240,980

Order of Malta Cadets

62,608

Scouting Ireland Ltd

1,104,948

The Boys Brigade

74,307

Voluntary Services International

104,331

Young Christian Workers

123,483

Young Irish Film Makers

75,600

Young Mens Christian Association

195,683

Youth Work Ireland

2,471,759

Total

12,431,577

Payments on a one-off basis

2009

Scouting Ireland

10,850

Catholic Youth Guides

5,000

BelongTo

19,783

YMCA

3,305

Total

38,938

Girls Friendly Society

40,163

DYCW Methodist Church in Ireland

37,660

Presbyterian Youth

63,116

Total

140,939

Overall expenditure 2009 for the YSGS

12,611,454

Youth Service Grant Scheme (YSGS)

2010 Allocation

An Óige

228,740

Belong To — LGBT

113,400

Catholic Guides of Ireland

328,189

Catholic Youth Care

1,164,369

Church of Ireland Youth Department

227,944

Comthraenail

0

Confederation of Peace Corps

163,230

ECO — UNESCO Clubs

155,109

Experiment In International Living

36,530

Feachtas

112,976

Foróige

2,306,650

Girls Brigade

57,650

Irish Girl Guides

484,530

Junior Chamber Ireland

21,471

Macra na Feirme

561,226

National Association for Youth Drama

129,068

National Federation of Arch Clubs

66,241

National Youth Council of Ireland

734,024

No Name Club Ltd

247,316

Ógra Chorcai

682,689

Ogras

236,160

Order of Malta Cadets

61,356

Scouting Ireland Ltd

1,082,849

The Boys Brigade

72,820

Voluntary Services International

102,244

Young Christian Workers

121,013

Young Irish Film Makers

74,088

Young Mens Christian Association

191,769

Youth Work Ireland

2,422,324

Total

12,185,976

Girls Friendly Society

40,163

DYCW Methodist Church in Ireland

37,660

Presbyterian Youth

63,116

Total

140,939

Overall expenditure 2010 for the YSGS

12,326,915

Youth Service Grant Scheme (YSGS)

2011 Allocation

An Óige

212,363

Belong To — LGBT

105,281

Catholic Guides of Ireland

304,694

Catholic Youth Care

1,081,001

Church of Ireland Youth Department

211,623

Comthraenail

0

Confederation of Peace Corps

151,542

ECO — UNESCO Clubs

144,003

Experiment In International Living

33,914

Feachtas

104,887

Foróige

2,141,493

Girls Brigade

53,522

Irish Girl Guides

449,838

Junior Chamber Ireland

19,934

Macra na Feirme

521,043

National Association for Youth Drama

119,827

National Federation of Arch Clubs

61,498

National Youth Council of Ireland

681,468

No Name Club Ltd

229,608

Ógra Chorcai

633,808

Ogras

219,251

Order of Malta Cadets

56,963

Scouting Ireland Ltd

1,005,317

The Boys Brigade

67,606

Voluntary Services International

94,924

Young Christian Workers

112,348

Young Irish Film Makers

68,783

Young Mens Christian Association

178,039

Youth Work Ireland

2,248,885

Totals

11,313,463

Girls Friendly Society

37,287

DYCW Methodist Church in Ireland

34,964

Presbyterian Youth

58,597

Sub-totals

130,848

Grand Total

11,444,311

Special Projects for Youth Scheme — SPY

Year

Grant paid

2009

19,975,681

2010

19,475,670

2011

18,156,449

Special Projects for Youth

Grants paid 2009

Dun Laoghaire VEC

Long-standing Projects

214,692

Loughlinstown/Ballybrack Project

108,675

Dun Laoghaire Town/Mountwood-Fitzgerald Pk.

99,239

Co-Ordination and Support

51,691

Total

474,296

City of Dublin VEC (CDYSB)

Focus Ireland

817,884

Ballymun Youth Action Project

215,524

Ballymun Women’s Resource Centre

51,993

Ballymun Regional Youth Resource (BRYR)

51,993

Ballymun Columban Youth Project

102,550

Ballymun Travellers Project

80,574

Rialto Youth Project

181,260

Inchicore (St. Michael’s Parish) Project

124,450

Crumlin/Dublin 12 Youth Service

111,586

Ballyfermot Youth Federation Project

113,259

Bonnybrook Youth Project

102,332

Donnycarney (Consolata) Youth Project

111,393

Lourdes Youth Project

116,989

Darndale Youth Project

109,525

The Cavan Centre (Kilnacrott)

102,542

Candle Community Trust Project (Ballyfermot)

63,429

Adventure Sports Project

118,854

Stoneybatter Youth Service Project

117,379

Donore Avenue Youth Project

164,596

Finglas Youth Development Programme

167,200

Trinity Youth Project

51,993

Priorswood Youth Project

102,550

Cherry Orchard Integrated Youth Service

215,059

YMCA STEP Project

102,550

St. Andrew’s Resource Centre

103,860

Administration,Survey and Evaluation

120,871

Travellers Youth Service

202,764

Pavee Point

84,100

Project Manager

47,538

Belong To Youth — LGBT

102,550

Transition Support Project

94,462

Belvedere Youth Project

51,993

Total

4,305,600

City of Cork VEC

Glen Youth Development Project (Foróige)

116,172

Mahon Youth Development Project (Foróige)

126,066

Cork Youth Encounter Project Youth Work Prog.

50,446

STEP Project (YMCA)

58,118

Churchfield-Gurranabraher Yth Dev Project (NYF)

108,675

Togher Youth Dev. Centre (Ógra Chorcai)

109,918

Farranree Youth Dev. Centre + Outreach (Ógra Chorcai)

103,094

Knocknaheeny-Hollyhill Outreach (Ógra Chorcai)

58,118

YMCA Youth Development Centre

58,118

Knocknaheeny-Hollyhill 11-15 (Ógra Chorcai)

116,235

Summer Recreation Project (Ógra Chorcai)

20,410

Ballyphehane & Cork NW

109,827

Bishopstown Special Project (Ógra Chorcai)

116,235

Strawberry Hill Youth Dev. Centre ( Ógra Chorcai)

109,918

Monitoring & Administration of Projects

30,612

Total

1,291,959

County Cork VEC

Riverstown Youth Project

108,675

SKY Project (Mitchelstown/Charleville)

109,918

Summer Recreation 2000

17,229

Beara Peninsula Youth Development Project

114,046

Cobh Youth Services Project

100,587

Total

450,455

City of Galway VEC

Long-standing Projects

27,598

Galway Youth Federation, Westside (Youth Action)

95,744

Ballinfoyle Youth Project

111,925

Ballybane Youth Development Project (Foróige)

74,299

Tagaste House Project

144,172

Galway Youth Theatre Project

58,118

Bohermore Community Activities Project

58,118

Mol an Óige Youth Centre + Fairgreen Crafts

89,775

Shantalla-Westside Young Parents Project

14,924

Le Chéile Westside

45,958

Rahoon Family Centre

48,500

Projects Development

63,428

Hillside Project for Young Travellers

15,534

Traveller Youth Project — Ballybane

109,918

Knocknacarra Youth Development Project

108,675

Total

1,066,684

Co. Galway VEC

Youth In Action Project, Connemara

36,688

Total

36,688

Co. Leitrim VEC

Mohill Community Youth Project

36,958

Total

36,958

City of Limerick VEC

Limerick Youth Service Long-standing Project

85,348

Miscellaneous Long-standing Projects

43,879

Limerick Youth Encounter Project

27,048

Limerick Youth Theatre

70,875

Our Lady of Lourdes Community Youth Project

19,214

St Munchin’s Family Resource Centre

108,675

The Blue Box Creative Learning Centre

100,587

Total

455,626

Co. Limerick VEC

Youth in Action Project, Croom

65,476

Loobagh Youth Project

108,675

Castleconnell Youth Project

108,675

Rathkeale

100,587

Total

383,413

City of Waterford VEC

Manor of St John Youth Project

156,980

Grants for Local Youth Organisations/Annual Youth Services Grants

87,666

Children’s Group Link Project

125,068

Transport Service

43,152

S.H.Y. Project

109,918

Red Kettle Theatre Company Project

84,672

Waterford Youth Arts Ltd (Waterford Youth Drama Project)

108,675

Ballybeg Special Youth Project

108,675

Ferrybank Special Project (Foróige)

116,235

Administration

120,411

St. Brigid’s Centre Project for Young Travellers

74,614

Total

1,136,066

County Dublin VEC

Tallaght Youth Service (Foróige)

788,414

Blanchardstown Youth Service (Foróige)

452,966

Ronanstown Youth Service (CYC)

241,037

Clondalkin Youth Service (CYC)

99,180

Swords Youth Service (incorporating Baldoyle Youth Service) (CYC)

171,900

Disadvantaged Adventure Sports Programme formerly Outward Bound (CYC)

74,300

Lucan Youth Service (CYC)

115,919

CRYPTIC (Balbriggan)

108,675

Co-ordination and Administration (CYC)

77,013

West Dublin Parents and Kids Together (PAKT)

108,675

Youth Outreach 2000 Project, Baldoyle Forum Ltd.

98,212

Services to Young Travellers, Tallaght

100,587

Intel Computer Clubhouse, Blanchardstown Youth Service

83,302

Remember Us Youth Project

58,118

Total

2,578,297

Co Wicklow VEC

Longstanding (Bray Youth Service)(CYC)

58,118

Ballywaltrim Special Project (CYC)

109,918

Little Bray Special Project (CYC)

58,118

Total

226,153

Co Kerry VEC

Tralee Youth Work Development Projects

233,637

Total

233,637

Co. Tipperary VEC

Roscrea 2000 Ltd

108,675

Nenagh Community Youth Project

108,675

Total

217,350

Catholic Youth Care

Finglas Youth Encounter Project

35,901

Total

35,901

Co. Wicklow VEC — formerly CYC

East Wicklow Youth Service

58,118

Total

58,118

National Association of Travellers Centres

Provision of Youth Services (Local)

405,128

Provision of Youth Services (NATC)

143,302

Administration and Co-ordination

129,594

Voice Magazine

36,768

Development Worker Post

108,675

Total

823,467

Youth Work Ireland

Athy Youth Project

86,686

Ballycane-Sarto Youth Project (Naas)

116,235

Clare Youth Service, Disadvantaged Outreach

81,652

Clonmel Youth Resource Centre Project

63,472

Coxes Demesne Youth Project, Dundalk

108,675

Co-ordination of Projects — NYF

74,411

Donegal Youth Service Youth Outreach Project

108,675

Dungarvan Youth Resource Centre Project

64,035

Ennis Literacy Project, Clare Youth Service

109,918

Fermoy/Middleton/Mallow Projects

226,000

The Gateway Project

108,675

Callan and Castlecomer Project

116,235

Killarney Youth Work Project

74,355

Leitrim Youth Project

108,675

Leixlip Youth project

116,235

Limerick Youth Service Resource Centre

360,305

Limerick Youth Service — Outreach Project

108,675

Limerick YS Special Social Initiative (2nd Chance Pr)

212,284

Listowel/North Kerry Project

109,918

Midlands Project, Athlone

111,305

Craobh Rua Youth Project, Dundalk

108,675

Mullingar Youth Response Project

108,675

New Oak, Carlow

116,235

North Galway (Tuam area) Project

58,118

North Mayo Youth Project

116,235

Ossory Youth, Rural Outreach

116,235

Galway Youth Federation East Galway (Youth Resource Centre)

58,118

Research and Training Project — NYF

58,118

Templemore/Thurles Youth Project

100,288

Tipperary Rural Outreach Project

88,141

Tipperary Town Youth Project

61,960

Tullamore Youth Development Project

108,675

Wexford Town Young Women’s Project

141,597

Wexford & Enniscorthy Community Youth Projects

170,038

Woodstown Activity Centre Project, Co.Waterford

25,718

Southside Community Youth Project, Drogheda

116,235

Newbridge Youth Project

116,407

Castleblayney Early School Leavers

103,382

Youth Development Project Loughrea

51,691

Gorey Community Youth Project

96,935

Ballygar Youth Project, East Galway/Roscommon

107,496

Laois Youth Services

108,675

Ballaghaderreen Youth Project, Co. Roscommon

116,235

Meath Youth Together Project

116,235

Kildare Youth Project

100,587

Shannon Youth Project

100,587

Sliabh Luachra/Castleisland Youth Project, Co. Kerry

100,587

Graiguecullen Youth Project, Co. Carlow

100,587

Curragh Youth Project

58,118

Total

5,297,002

Offaly County Council

Tullamore Travellers’ Movement Project

56,927

Total

56,927

Tionscadal Oibre don Ógra

Tionscadal Mhuintearas na nOilean

72,164

Total

72,164

Health Service Executive

Sligo/Leitrim Home Youth Liaison Service Project

58,118

Total

58,118

Co. Donegal VEC

Daybreak Programme, Donegal Youth Service

100,587

Total

100,587

Co. Longford VEC

Co. Longford Youth Services Project

100,587

Total

100,587

Co. Wexford VEC

Youth New Ross Project

108,675

Total

108,675

Miscellaneous Projects Disadvantaged Youth

Sheelin Project, Co. Cavan VEC

12,873

Foróige Development Officer, Co. Donegal VEC

108,675

Ronanstown Pilot Project

14,924

Foróige Development Officer North Co. Dublin

108,675

City of Dublin Youth Service Board -Annual Grant

125,806

Total

370,953

Overall expenditure 2009 SPY

19,975,681

Appointments to State Boards

Anne Ferris

Ceist:

607 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the steps she is taking to ensure that State boards have at least 40% of each gender, as provided for in the programme for Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22475/11]

The gender make-up of State boards that are the responsibility of my Department is set out in the following table:

Agency

Male

Female

Vacancy

National Education and Welfare Board

5

4

4

Adoption Authority

1

4

2

Family Support Agency

1

4

7

Children’s Act Advisory Board*

4

6

2

*The Children's Act Advisory Board is in the process of being dissolved and the board membership is not being replaced.

Departmental Equipment

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

608 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of computer servers that are owned or leased by her Department and each State agency under the aegis of her Department; and the capacity of each server. [22485/11]

The information requested by the Deputy is being collated and will be forwarded in the coming weeks.

Departmental Expenditure

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

609 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if, in view of the change of name of the Department, she has procured a new logo for her Department, new signage or any other branding such as stationery; if so, the cost of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22554/11]

The cost of rebranding the Department of Children and Youth Affairs by way of a new logo was €300 plus VAT.

Departmental Bodies

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

610 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of quangos, agencies and authorities that were established by her Department in each of the years 1997 to January 2011; the number of staff employed by her Department in 1997; the number of staff employed by her Department in January 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22577/11]

The Department of Children and Youth Affairs was established in June 2011 and therefore has no information that falls into the remit of the Deputy's question.

Consultancy Contracts

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

611 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of consultancy reports commissioned by her Department between 1997 and January 2011; the cost of commissioning each report; if she will provide information on the implementation of recommendations set out in each report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22594/11]

The Department of Children and Youth Affairs was established in June 2011 and therefore has no information that falls into the remit of the Deputy's question.

State Boards

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

612 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the money saved if all State agency board member payments in her Department were reduced by €10,000 where their current annual payment is in excess of €50,000. [22735/11]

The Department of Children and Youth Affairs would save €10,000 if all State agency board member payments in her Department were reduced by €10,000 where their current annual payment is in excess of €50,000 as the Department has only one board member who falls into that category.

Medical Cards

Eoghan Murphy

Ceist:

613 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Health if those in receipt of a State and work pension are entitled to a medical card once they reach 70 years, as in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 14. [22124/11]

Under the Health Act 2008, a simplified system of assessment for eligibility was introduced in respect of persons aged 70 or over, based on significantly higher gross income thresholds rather than the standard net income limits. The gross income thresholds are €700 per week for a single person and €1,400 for a couple, as against net income limits of €210.50 for a single person and €298 for a couple.

Health Services

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

614 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if same will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22155/11]

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

Departmental Properties

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

615 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the numbers and locations of his Department’s buildings that are in an upward-only rent review contract; the cost of rents for 2008 to 2010, inclusive; and the expected rents for 2011. [21917/11]

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

616 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the numbers and locations of buildings his Department leases that are in upward-only rent contracts; the amount of rent for 2008 to 2010, inclusive, and the expected rent for 2011. [21918/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 615 and 616 together.

The sourcing of property on behalf of Government Departments is a matter for the Office of Public Works. The Department's Headquarters is in Hawkins House, which is not subject to any lease. There are two leases currently held by my Department, as follows:

Block D, Irish Life Mall, Dublin 1 which formerly accommodated the Women's Health Council, and now accommodates the Office of the Disability Appeals Officer

1 Ormond Quay Lower, Dublin 1 which formerly accommodated the Irish Council for Bioethics. My Department is actively seeking an alternative use for this premises for the remainder of its lease.

The Women's Health Council and the Irish Council for Bioethics were subsumed into my Department as part of the health sector agencies rationalisation initiative.

The following table shows the cost of rents:

Premises

2008

2009

2010

2011

Irish Life Building

Nil

€98,500

€98,500

€98,500

Ormond Quay

Nil

Nil

Nil

€48,000

Nursing Home Support Scheme

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

617 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if and when the fair deal scheme will be approved in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21922/11]

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

Ambulance Service

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

618 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the number of ambulance bases here; the number of 24/7 bases; the bases that are achieving Health Information and Quality Authority targets for responses to category one calls; the bases that are achieving HIQA response targets for first responders; the bases that are achieving HIQA response targets for transporting ambulances; the specific steps that are being taken to achieve HIQA targets here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21938/11]

There are 94 ambulance bases in the State and 91 operate on a 24-hour basis. Of these bases, 30 have varying degrees of dependency on on-call duty after hours — where ambulance staff are available but not on the premises — rather than rostered duty, where staff are on site. The National Ambulance Service (NAS) is working to reduce the dependency on on-call arrangements.

The HSE National Service Plan 2011 provides for publication of HIQA response times data for the first six months of 2011, at the first quarterly reporting date of September 2011. This information is being collected and must go through the HSE's testing and validation process prior to being available for publication. Response time data is collated on a regional basis only and will not be available on a station by station basis.

In order to achieve the HIQA targets, the NAS has developed a Performance Improvement Action Plan, focused on achieving an improvement in response time performance. It is expected that the move from on-call to rostered after hours arrangements, where feasible, will be a significant factor in any such improvements.

Hospital Services

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

619 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to fulfil commitments given to the people of Roscommon in Dáil Éireann on 30 June 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21939/11]

The HSE plan implementing the changes to the Emergency Department at Roscommon County Hospital came into effect on 11 July. This saw the establishment of an Urgent Care Centre in place of the Emergency Department. Persons with acute or life threatening conditions such as heart attacks are being brought by ambulance to larger hospitals, such as Galway, with higher volumes of patients and better outcomes for such conditions.

The Urgent Care Centre operates from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week and is provided by non-consultant hospital doctors (NCHDs) with clinical governance provided by an Emergency Medicine Consultant at Galway. As part of the transitional arrangements for a four week period, an NCHD is also available at the Urgent Care Centre from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. supervised by an on call consultant.

An enhanced ambulance service has been put in place. During the day four ambulances staffed by paramedics are available while three are available at night. In addition there is a special Rapid Response Vehicle, staffed by an Advanced Paramedic on a 24/7 basis. An out of hours GP service is also in operation. A Medical Assessment Unit is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. This is a medical admission pathway and accepts referrals from a range of sources, including General Practitioners. I was briefed on the plan by the HSE in advance of its implementation. The plan was necessitated by the serious patient safety concerns of the HSE and of the Health Information and Quality Authority in relation to the emergency service at Roscommon following the publication of the Authority's report on Mallow. This was compounded because of NCHD recruitment difficulties.

Roscommon Hospital has a clear future, and will continue to provide key services to the people of the area. I believe that smaller hospitals can and should provide as wide as possible a range of services, close to the local community. The key concern is that they are safe. I intend to prepare a framework for the development of smaller hospitals, which will set out how they will develop to reach their full true potential. This will specify what services are transferring to them, from the larger hospitals. Too often we have focused on what we are taking away rather than what we can add to services there.

All of this will be done with full regard to the safety issues highlighted by HIQA, in its reports on Ennis and Mallow Hospitals. When implemented, smaller hospitals will have vibrant role, doing more work — not less — and meeting as many as possible of the needs of their local community.

Accident and Emergency Services

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

620 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the capacity of the accident and emergency department at Mayo General Hospital; the actual capacity up to July 2011 based on the level of staffing; the current capacity based on the level of staffing; the actual numbers presenting at the accident and emergency department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21941/11]

My Department has asked the HSE for the detailed information sought by the Deputy and I will be in further communication with him when it is to hand.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

621 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the capacity of the accident and emergency department at Sligo General Hospital; the actual capacity up to July 2011 based on the level of staffing; the current capacity based on the level of staffing; the actual numbers presenting at the accident and emergency department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21942/11]

My Department has asked the HSE for the detailed information sought by the Deputy and I will be in further communication with him when it is to hand.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

622 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the capacity of the accident and emergency department at Longford and Westmeath General Hospital, Mullingar, County Westmeath; the actual capacity up to July 2011 based on the level of staffing; the current capacity based on the level of staffing; the actual numbers presenting at the accident and emergency department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21943/11]

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

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

623 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the capacity of the Accident and Emergency Department at Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore, County Offaly; the actual capacity up to July 2011 based on the level of staffing; the current capacity based on the level of staffing; the actual numbers presenting at the accident and emergency department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21944/11]

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

Hospital Services

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

624 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health if he will publish the baseline figures for the mortality rates at Roscommon County Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21945/11]

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

650 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he still stands by the mortality figures for cardiac patients cited by him on 5 July 2011 in relation to Roscommon Hospital the week prior to the downgrading of services at Roscommon Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22141/11]

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

651 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the mortality rates for cardiac patients at Roscommon Hospital cited by him on the 5 July 2011 in Dail Éireann; the way these figures were compiled; the persons that compiled them; if he will publish figures for all hospitals around the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22142/11]

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

652 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the mortality rates for cardiac patients at all hospitals around the country over the past three years. [22143/11]

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

653 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the reason figures from the hospital in-patient inquiry system, compiled for the Health Service Executive by the Economic and Social Research Institute, show a much lower mortality rate for cardiac patients at Roscommon Hospital compared to the figures cited by him on the 5 July last; and the figures he will be applying to other hospitals where patient safety issues have been identified. [22144/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 624 and 650 to 653, inclusive, together.

The figures I cited on 5 July referred to 30-day in-hospital mortality rates from Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI), otherwise known as heart attack, based on a three year period from 2008 to 2010. This is an indicator which has been developed by the OECD as part of its Health Care Quality Indicators (HCQI) project. The data comes from a draft report which is currently being completed by the Chief Medical Officer's division within the Department. This report assesses the potential value of using routinely collected hospital discharge data derived from the Hospital Inpatient Enquiry (HIPE) system as a means of examining selected issues on quality of care. It is my intention to publish the report as soon as it has been finalised.

The reason for the difference in the mortality rates which I referred to and those quoted in relation to cardiac patients is that they are not measuring the same cohorts of patients. As indicated, the indicator on AMI in-hospital mortality is an internationally accepted OECD measure. There is no comparable well-defined indicator of overall mortality from cardiac conditions. Further, the ESRI, which administers the HIPE system, has not been engaged in producing hospital-based mortality rates for cardiac patients.

As Minister for Health, I place great value on the use of high quality information in monitoring the performance of the health system and in informing decision-making. The HIPE system is our best source of comprehensive, validated data on hospital patients. It was originally designed to record type and volume of hospital activity, but it is increasingly important that HIPE be fully and appropriately utilised and enhanced to support robust quality measurement. The forthcoming report will represent an important contribution to this objective.

Health Services

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

625 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [21965/11]

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

Long-Term Illness Scheme

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

626 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health his views on including myasthenia gravis as a recognised condition under the long-term illness scheme; if so, when this will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21968/11]

There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the Long-Term Illness Scheme. However, the terms of the scheme will be reviewed in the context of the Government's proposals for Universal Health Insurance and free GP care at the point of delivery.

Under the Drugs Payment Scheme no individual or family pays more than €120 per calendar month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines.

In addition, people who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be entitled to a medical card. In the assessment process, the Health Service Executive can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family. Those who are not eligible for a medical card may still be able to avail of a GP visit card, which covers the cost of general practice consultations.

National Lottery Funding

Paudie Coffey

Ceist:

627 Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Health the amount of national lottery funding his Department received in 2009 and 2010; and if he will provide a list of the money that was spent in tabular form. [21979/11]

My Department administers a National Lottery Discretionary fund from which grants are paid to community and voluntary organisations. The total amount paid in 2009 was €3.985 million and in 2010 was €3.786 million. Following a decision by the Comptroller and Auditor General in 2010, the Appropriation Accounts no longer provides details of all recipients of lottery grants, but the information in relation to 2009 and 2010 is available on my Department's website at www.dohc.ie.

Medical Cards

John Halligan

Ceist:

628 Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Health the proposals he will put in place to expedite the time frame associated with the processing of medical card applications; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in some instances applicants are waiting for up to four months for assessments to be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21985/11]

The Health Service Executive has centralised the processing of all new applications and renewals of medical cards at the Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) in Finglas, Dublin with effect from 1st July 2011. Applications received prior to the 1st of July are being processed locally. The new system will mean all complete medical card applications and renewals will be processed in 15 days, which will deliver an improved service to the public. The executive has stated that there is no backlog of work in the central office and all complete medical card applications and reviews are being processed within 15 working days or less.

Ambulance Service

Sandra McLellan

Ceist:

629 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health if he will give a commitment that current levels of ambulance service in Youghal, County Cork, will be maintained; if ambulance vehicles will be replaced by first responder or rapid response vehicles; if adequate investment will go into upskilling EMT and paramedic staff to advanced paramedic grade in the Health Service Executive south region to ensure there are appropriately qualified and experienced staff to fill all shifts at all times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22001/11]

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

Hospital Services

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Ceist:

630 Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Health if he will review the case of the Children’s Hospital School, Temple Street, Dublin 1 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22003/11]

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

John McGuinness

Ceist:

631 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the claim by the board of a hospital (details supplied) that its overspend is caused by the fact that the funding from the Health Service Executive is based on a catchment of 350,000 persons when the hospital in reality looks after 500,000 persons; if he will intervene in this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22036/11]

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

Health Services

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

632 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 regarding autism support. [22037/11]

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

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

633 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health if the inpatient statutory charge in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois will be cancelled in view of the fact that this person has a medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22043/11]

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

Smoking Ban

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

634 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce a ban on smoking in cars which are transporting children under 16 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22049/11]

It is recognised that smoking in cars exposes all the occupants to harmful environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). ETS is a carcinogen and contains the same cancer-causing substances and toxic agents that are inhaled by the smoker. There is no safe level of exposure to ETS.

Exposure to cigarette smoke is particularly dangerous in enclosed spaces, such as cars, and parents and others with responsibility for the welfare of children have a particular responsibility to ensure that such exposure does not take place.

While legislative measures have been introduced in a small number of countries in relation to smoking in cars with children the nature of the measures and of the accompanying compliance and enforcement arrangements have varied significantly. In some jurisdictions smoking in cars is treated as a driving offence while in other jurisdictions it has taken the form of an education tool aimed at highlighting the dangers of smoking in cars. Any proposal to introduce a ban on smoking in cars must, therefore, be evidence based, with data on the extent to which it occurs and the actual risks to public health. Consideration will also need to be given as to the extent to which it may be appropriate to deal with the issue as a road safety and a public health issue.

Before any new measures in this area are considered, it will, at the outset, be necessary to establish the extent of the problem. Thereafter, the successful introduction of measures with regard to smoking in cars will benefit from the roll-out of a public information and education campaign to mobilise public support.

A similar approach proved very successful in the introduction of the smoke free at work initiative and other tobacco control initiatives in the interim. These provisions were underpinned by a clear evidence-base, good planning, the mobilisation of public opinion by way of a public education and information campaign, and simple, clear and enforceable legislation.

Proposals relating to smoking in cars are being considered in the context of the Tobacco Policy Review currently underway in my Department and are expected to be completed and submitted to me within a matter of months. I have already signalled that I am in favour of legislating in this area but would like to see a public information and education campaign to highlight the dangers associated with exposure to ETS in cars and to mobilise public support in advance of the introduction of legislation.

Health Services

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

635 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in County Laois will receive the necessary speech therapy that is needed for development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22050/11]

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

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

636 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when the required funding will be made available in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois under the treatment abroad scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22051/11]

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

Tobacco Products

Damien English

Ceist:

637 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health, further to Parliamentary Question No. 248 of 18 May 2010, if he plans to continue the practice that the Office of Tobacco Control has no function in relation to reducing the consumption of illicit and counterfeit cigarettes; further to Parliamentary Question No. 376 of 24 May 2010, if the tobacco policy review group is looking at ways to specifically reduce illicit cigarette smoking prevalence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22055/11]

The Deputy will be aware the Office of Tobacco Control was merged into the Health Service Executive (HSE) in December of last year. All of the core functions of the Office including the maintenance of the tobacco retail register, advice to the Minister on control and regulation of tobacco products, consultation with national and international bodies in the field of smoking prevention, making recommendations to the Minister on measures to reduce or eliminate smoking, and supporting research to identify measures to reduce the incidence of smoking, and preparing and publishing research were retained and a National Office for Tobacco Control has been set up within the HSE.

The HSE has no function in relation to illicit and counterfeit cigarettes which are primarily a matter for the Revenue Commissioners. In this regard, I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they continue to implement a wide-ranging programme of measures to combat illicit and counterfeit cigarettes including seizures of illegal products and prosecutions of offenders, monitoring of internet sites and importation routes, monitoring of sales patterns to identify and investigate irregularities and target enforcement activity, contributing to action taken at E.U. level to improve the controls of excisable products in the community, and monitoring of sea cargo on the basis of risk analysis-seizures. In the period 2008 to 2010 the Irish Customs Service seized a total of 532 million cigarettes with an estimated retail value of €222 million representing just under 30,000 individual seizures.

There is a range of measures under consideration by the Tobacco Policy Review Group (TPRG ) including price, enforcement of existing legislation and cessation services. I anticipate that the report of the TPRG will be completed in the coming months and that this will be brought to Government for decision.

Damien English

Ceist:

638 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health, further to Parliamentary Question No. 376 of 24 May 2011, if the tobacco policy review group has studied the Revenue Commission report published in February 2011 entitled Economics of Tobacco; his position concerning this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22057/11]

There is a range of measures under consideration by the Tobacco Policy Review Group ( TPRG ) including price, enforcement of existing legislation (e.g. bans on advertising, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco) and cessation services. This report by the Revenue Commission is being examined by the Group amongst a number of other reports as part of its work. I anticipate that the report of the TPRG will be completed in the coming months and that this will be brought to Government for decision.

Health Services

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

639 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if the proper procedures were followed in relation to the recent awarding of a permanent consultant gynaecologist obstetrician contract at Sligo General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22080/11]

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

Stem Cell Research

Anne Ferris

Ceist:

640 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Health when legislation will be forthcoming on the regulation of stem cell research in view of the fact that it is in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22090/11]

My Department is developing policy proposals to regulate the area of Assisted Human Reproduction (AHR) with the intention of finalising them this year. These proposals will form the basis of legislation in the area of AHR and related practices, including stem cell research, and are subject to Government approval. The judgment of the Supreme Court in the RvR (frozen embryo) case (15 December 2009) will be taken into account in our deliberations on these proposals.

Hospital Services

Timmy Dooley

Ceist:

641 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health if he will provide detailed statistics on the mortality rate increase in the mid-west region, and County Clare in particular, due to the reconfiguration of accident and emergency services in that region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22112/11]

Timmy Dooley

Ceist:

644 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to counteract the mortality rate increase projected due to the reconfiguration of accident and emergency and surgical services in the Mid West region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22126/11]

Timmy Dooley

Ceist:

645 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health the proposed changes to the delivery of cardiology services at Ennis General Hospital, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22127/11]

Timmy Dooley

Ceist:

646 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the reconfiguration of accident and emergency and surgical services at Ennis General Hospital, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22130/11]

Timmy Dooley

Ceist:

647 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health the proposed changes to the delivery of acute medical services at Ennis General Hospital, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22131/11]

Timmy Dooley

Ceist:

649 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health if he plans to retain the coronary care unit at Ennis General Hospital, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22135/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 641 and 644 to 647, inclusive, and 649 together.

In relation to the provision of hospital services generally, I have instructed the HSE not to withdraw any services from acute hospitals unless and until I receive a full briefing on the details of what is proposed, the alternative arrangements to be put in place, and the overall implications for patients.

The National Acute Medicine Programme provides a framework for the delivery of acute medical services in hospitals. It seeks to substantially improve and standardise the care of acutely ill medical patients. The programme has been jointly developed by the HSE and the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, to enable the hospital structure to meet present day needs in appropriate settings, thereby providing optimal care for patients.

The classification of individual hospitals will determine the type of treatment they may offer. It will be based on a range of parameters, including the type and level of complexity of treatment that can be performed safely. This in turn will be determined by factors such as volume of treatment carried out and the complementary specialties, back-up services and range of clinical skills available. The programme will set out how hospitals operate. In particular it will allow smaller hospitals to increase activity in areas such as day surgery, minor injuries, outpatients, rehabilitation and diagnostics, which are growths area for health care both nationally and internationally. I believe that smaller hospitals can and should provide as wide a possible range of services, close to the local community provided they are safe. I intend to prepare a framework for the development of smaller hospitals, which will set out how they will develop to reach their full true potential. This will specify what services are transferring to them, from the larger hospitals. Too often we have focused on what we are taking away rather than what we can add to services there.

All of this will be done with full regard to the safety issues highlighted by HIQA, in its reports on Ennis and Mallow Hospitals. When implemented, smaller hospitals will have a vibrant role, doing more work — not less — and meeting as many as possible of the needs of their local community.

Significant re-organisation of acute hospital and related services has already taken place in the mid-west region since April 2009. A single region-wide department of emergency medicine was set up with 24-hour Accident and Emergency services centralised in Limerick.

Staffing of the ambulance services in Clare and North Tipperary were enhanced and an advanced 24-hour paramedic service is in operation. Ennis and Nenagh provide an urgent care/minor injuries service for 12 hours a day). Acute and complex surgery (including all cancer surgery) is carried out in Limerick Regional. Day surgery is undertaken at Ennis, Nenagh and St. John's Hospitals. A regional department of Anaesthesia/Critical Care has been established and all critical care services are now provided in Limerick Regional.

Construction of a new critical care block in Limerick Regional Hospital is proceeding and this project is expected to be completed in the latter half of 2012.

There has been no indication of any mortality rate increase in the Mid West region since 2009 arising from the reorganisation of hospital and related services.

Thalidomide Survivors

Eoghan Murphy

Ceist:

642 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Health his views regarding the arrangement made between the parents of children affected by thalidomide and the Government in 1975. [22120/11]

Irish survivors of thalidomide receive a monthly payment of up to €1,116 and an annual lump sum of up to €3,680 from the German Foundation for Thalidomide (The drug sold in Ireland in the 1950s and 1960s was manufactured by a German company). In addition the Irish Government provides a monthly payment of up to €1,109. The majority are in receipt of the maximum payments from both Germany and Ireland. All of these payments are tax free. Each individual automatically receives a medical card. Combining the German and the Irish payments Irish survivors of thalidomide receive on average a tax free payment of €26,000 per annum or €2,166 each month.

In accordance with the Programme for Government I met with both representative bodies of Irish survivors of thalidomide last Friday 15th July. I listened to their proposals for additional health care supports and financial assistance. I undertook to consider their proposals and have further discussions with them.

Medical Cards

Eoghan Murphy

Ceist:

643 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Health if EU pensioners are entitled to an Irish medical card without being means tested once they are in receipt of a pension from their country of origin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22121/11]

EU Regulations 1408/71 and 883/04 on the coordination of social security systems provide for and support the movement of people within the EU, EEA and Switzerland. With regard to health care the principle is that persons exercising their right to move and stay freely within this area do not suffer disadvantage in accessing or paying for health services. The Regulations are binding on all member states and do not allow for any discretion in establishing entitlement. Therefore, a pensioner in receipt of a qualifying pension in a member state is entitled to access health care in another member state on the same basis as persons who are insured with and resident in that other member state. In Ireland, such a pensioner will be granted a medical card on production of the relevant form establishing entitlement. The cost of the health care is the responsibility of the member state to which the person is linked.

Questions Nos. 644 to 647, inclusive, answered with Question No. 641.

Patient Statistics

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

648 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of incidents of harm and near-misses by hospitals and community-based health care facilities reported in 2009 and 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22134/11]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) and the State Claims Agency (SCA) recently published details of the number of incidents of harm and near misses, which were reported by hospitals and community based health care facilities in 2010. The SCA works with the HSE to record and analyse incidents that are reported in our health care system.

The data is not available in the format requested by the Deputy. The total number of incidents reported in 2010 was 83,483 (56% in acute services and 44% in Primary, Community and Continuing Care services). The total number in incidents reported in 2009 was 83,847. The number of incidents reported is in line with international reporting. In Ireland there is now clear evidence of an enhanced culture of reporting and that the majority of serious incidents are being reported.

Slips, trips and falls are by far the most common incident that occur in a health care setting. Health care services have developed a range of policies, which are now in place right across various parts of the system, to minimise slips, trips and falls.

Medication errors account for 8% of the incidents reported. The HSE has established a Medication Safety Programme to help reduce medication errors. The programme will work to encourage health care professionals to be vigilant for allergies and to give advice on how to prevent inadvertent administration of allergenic. In 2011, the programme will also be developing a national drug administration record.

Recording this information and examining it is an essential part of developing the patient safety agenda. The information informs future planning of health services, allows analysis of trends and gives services an opportunity to consider their own record in terms of patient safety. This forms a vital part of learning where issues exist so that steps can be taken to improve services.

Question No. 649. answered with Question No. 641.
Questions Nos. 650 to 653, inclusive, answered with Question No. 624.

Health Services

Jack Wall

Ceist:

654 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is being deducted the correct payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22153/11]

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

Organ Donation

Anne Ferris

Ceist:

655 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Health when legislation will be forthcoming on the change to an opt-out system of organ donation, rather than an opt-in system, as provided in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22156/11]

The Programme for Government includes a commitment to introduce an opt-out system of organ donation in order to improve the availability of organs for patients in need. My Department has consulted widely on this issue and is preparing legislative proposals on the donation and use of human organs for transplantation. These proposals will be included in a Human Tissue Bill which will also take into account the recommendations of the Madden Report on Post Mortem Practice and Procedures. My Department is working to finalise the proposals for me as soon as possible.

In addition to consent systems, there is evidence from other countries that good co-ordination at hospital level and counselling arrangements for relatives are significant factors in achieving high organ donation rates. I am therefore also considering what practices and organisational changes could further improve donation rates in this country. I welcome the establishment of a National Office for Organ Donation and Transplantation by the HSE. The Clinical Lead in that Office will endeavour to enhance organ donation in Ireland and underpin the quality of outcomes for patients following organ donation in line with the standards set in Directive 2010/53/EU on quality and safety of human organs intended for transplantation.

Hospital Accommodation

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

656 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the full economic cost per day of a bed in public and voluntary hospitals. [22200/11]

My Department has asked the HSE for the detailed information sought by the Deputy and I will be in further communication with her when it is to hand.

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

657 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the cost of the subsidy for public beds used by private patients in public hospitals. [22201/11]

My Department has asked the HSE for the detailed information sought by the Deputy and I will be in further communication with him when it is to hand.

Hospital Services

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

658 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the cost to the State of providing medical care for private patients in public beds in public hospitals. [22202/11]

My Department has asked the HSE for the detailed information sought by the Deputy and I will be in further communication with him when it is to hand.

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

659 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the revenue raised by the State from fees charged to private health insurers and private individuals for the provision of medical treatment for private patients in public beds in public hospitals. [22203/11]

In the case of private patients occupying private beds in public hospitals, the income generated during 2010 amounted to €381 million, comprising €187m in the statutory hospitals and €194m in the voluntary and joint board hospitals. The figure in relation to the statutory hospitals is an audited figure taken from the HSE Annual Financial Statements, whereas the Voluntary Hospital numbers are subject to audit but would not be expected to differ in any material way.

Where private patients occupy public beds in public hospitals, no income is generated by the hospitals, with the exception of the €75 statutory inpatient charge. This charge applies to all patients, unless exempt, and hospitals do not break down the statutory charge between public and private patients. In 2010, €40m was raised in statutory inpatient charges.

Hospital Co-Location

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

660 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the moneys budgeted for capital costs relating to hospital co-location for 2011 and 2012 in tabular form. [22204/11]

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

661 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the moneys budgeted for expenditure costs related to hospital co-location for 2011 and 2012 in tabular form. [22205/11]

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

662 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the cost to the State of the abandoned scheme for the co-location of private for-profit hospitals on public sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22206/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 660, 661 and 662 together.

No capital costs have been incurred to date in respect of the co-location model and the HSE has not made provision for capital costs for the years 2011 and 2012.

The HSE indicates that the total cost to date for professional advice, net of the private partner deposit of €350,000 in respect of each of four projects, amounts to approximately €1.46 million.

Generic Medicines

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

663 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the cost to the State for all medicine purchased within the public health system. [22207/11]

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

664 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the cost to the State of the pharmaceuticals purchased through the general medical scheme, community drug scheme, high-tech scheme and hospital medicines in tabular form; a list of other schemes under which the State incurs the cost of pharmaceuticals in tabular form; the cost to the State of each of the latter schemes, citing the pharmaceutical cost, in tabular form. [22208/11]

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

665 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the moneys spent on pharmaceuticals by the State; the percentage of these drugs that are generic; and the savings to the State achieved by purchasing generics. [22209/11]

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

666 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the saving to the State if all hospital medicines purchased were generic, if this option was available. [22210/11]

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

667 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the savings to the State if all general medicines purchased were generic, if this option was available. [22211/11]

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

668 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the savings to the State if all high-tech scheme medicines purchased were generic, if this option was available. [22212/11]

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

669 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the savings to the State if all medicines purchased for the public health system were generic, if this option was available. [22213/11]

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

709 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the saving to the State if all community drug scheme medicines purchased were generic, where a generic option is available. [22638/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 663 to 669, inclusive, and 709 together.

Expenditure by the HSE on prescribed medicines and other prescribed items amounted to over €2,263 million in 2009. This included payments to pharmacists and wholesalers under the following schemes:

Schemes

€m

General Medical Services Scheme

1,260.24

High Tech Scheme

331.3

Drug Payment Scheme

263.47

Long Term Illness Scheme

139.76

Methadone Treatment

10.56

European Economic Area Scheme

1.96

Health (Amendment) Act 1996

1.8

Dental Treatment Scheme

0.79

The balance of €254 million relates to hospital drugs and medicines supplied under ‘hardship' arrangements. It was previously estimated that savings of approximately €23 million per year could be made if there was full generic substitution of medicines supplied under the GMS and other community drugs schemes. This figure was based on 2008 prices, 2008 ingredient costs and the availability of generics at that time. Since then the reimbursement prices of all medicines have reduced thus reducing the potential savings from increased usage of generic medicines. Discussions are currently ongoing with generic manufacturers with regard to further reductions in the prices of generic medicines. The breakdown of expenditure on generic and non-generic medicines in hospital settings is not available. Expenditure on medicines in a hospital is managed as part of the overall hospital budget.

In 2009 16.4% of medicines supplied by the HSE under the GMS and other community drugs schemes were generics. There is significant scope to increase the usage of generic medicines in Ireland. The corresponding figures for the UK, the Netherlands, Denmark and Austria are 67%, 57%, 45.5% and 40.2% respectively.

The Department is finalising the Heads of the Pricing and Supply of Medicines Bill. This legislation will introduce a system of reference pricing and generic substitution for prescribed drugs and medicines. A number of high volume medicines are expected to come off patent in the coming years and this legislation will increase the scope for savings through the greater use of generic medicines. It is expected that the legislation will promote price competition among suppliers and ensure that lower prices are paid for these medicines resulting in significant savings for taxpayers and patients.

Pharmacy Services

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

670 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the cost to the State of the over-prescribing of medicines via the public health system. [22214/11]

A number of studies have estimated the prevalence and cost of potentially inappropriate prescribing for different groups of patients. However, there is no overall estimate of the cost of potentially inappropriate prescribing in Ireland.

The HSE is implementing a range of initiatives to maximise the appropriate prescribing of medicines. These include working in partnership with key health professionals to develop pathways for quality prescribing, promoting an extended role of the use of clinical protocols for the delivery of evidence-based prescribing and developing the role of community pharmacists and the introduction of patient-held prescribing records. In addition, the HSE Primary Care Reimbursement Service has introduced an on-line facility for GPs to review and self-audit their individual prescribing practice in comparison with the national average, which has been standardised for the individual GP's patient profile.

I have recently indicated that I intend to take an initiative to carry out a closer examination of prescribing patterns and I hope to finalise the details of this initiative shortly.

Health Service Reform

Ciara Conway

Ceist:

671 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Health the progress that has been made on the introduction of universal health insurance with equal access to care for all; the cost implication of such a switch; when the universal health insurance implementation group will publish a report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22238/11]

The Government is embarking on a major reform programme for the health system. The aim of this reform is to deliver a single-tier health service that will deliver equal access to care based on need, not income.

While universal health insurance is the ultimate destination of this Government's reform programme, there are a number of important stepping stones along the way and each of these will play a critical role in improving our health service in advance of the introduction of universal health insurance.

A key immediate priority is the establishment of the Special Delivery Unit (SDU) which I announced on the 1st of June. The SDU's priorities will encompass reducing the waiting times for admission to Emergency Departments, reduction in in-patient and out-patient waiting times and improved access to diagnostics. I have appointed Dr Martin Connor, an international expert, to head up the SDU. His principal task will be to build up the SDU and to prepare proposals on how best it can be placed on a permanent footing within the next six months. The resources of the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) will be refocused to align with the work of the SDU, and crucially, will allow for a progressive improvement in the performance of the nation's hospitals.

A further fundamental element in the reform process involves significant strengthening of primary care services to deliver universal primary care with the removal of cost as a barrier to access for patients. This commitment will be achieved on a phased basis to allow for the recruitment of additional doctors, nurses and other primary care professionals. The implementation programme will be overseen by the Minister of State for Primary Care, assisted by a project team of officials from the Department and the HSE.

Reform of the funding system for hospital care is also necessary. This will involve the introduction of a more transparent and efficient "Money Follows the Patient" funding mechanism and the introduction of a purchaser / provider split, whereby hospitals will be established as independent, not for profit trusts. To achieve this a number of initiatives are already underway in 2011 including a patient level costing project which involves tracing resources actually used by individual patients from the time of entry and admission to hospital until time of discharge. The HSE has also implemented a prospective funding mechanism for selected elective orthopaedic procedures, at selected sites.

Other important initiatives which will prepare the system for universal health insurance include the establishment of a new risk equalisation scheme for the private health insurance market, and the financial restructuring and authorisation of the Voluntary Health Insurance Board. I commissioned a report in April on the opportunities for rebalancing risk in the private health insurance market. This report will be submitted to me by the end of July 2011. In addition, I have asked the Health Insurance Authority, as the regulator of the private health insurance market, to examine the issue of provider costs in the market. I am currently reviewing the HIA's proposals on how this issue might be addressed.

The Government is also committed to the publication of a White Paper on Financing Universal Health Insurance which will outline the estimated costs associated with the introduction of universal health insurance. However, it must be emphasised that the precise cost of universal health insurance will significantly depend on the success of reform measures, such as those outlined above, over the next 3-4 years.

The Government has recently given approval for an Implementation Group on Universal Health Insurance. I am currently finalising details of the Implementation Group and I will announce these in due course.

Departmental Expenditure

Shane Ross

Ceist:

672 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Health the sum of any public funds and their purpose which have been awarded by his Department either directly or indirectly to the Irish Business and Employers’ Confederation in the past decade. [22267/11]

The information requested by the Deputy is currently being collated and will be forwarded to him as soon as it is available.

Medical Cards

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

673 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health when a decision on a medical card will issue in respect of a person (details supplied). [22277/11]

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

Mental Health Services

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

674 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the implementation of recommendations 15.2.1, 15.2.2, 15.2.3, 15.2.4, 15.2.5, 15.2.6, and 15.2.7 of A Vision for Change, the report of the expert group on mental health policy, relating to the provision of mental health services for people who are homeless; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22280/11]

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

675 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health his policy with regard to the discharging of patients from State psychiatric hospitals into care in the community arrangements; the number of such patients transferred from institutions to community care since 2006, broken down by year; the range of support services in place for such persons; if any studies have been conducted examining the relationship between care in the community and homelessness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22281/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 674 and 675 together.

My Department has requested this information from the HSE and I will be in contact with the Deputy on its receipt.

Medical Cards

John McGuinness

Ceist:

676 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if a full medical card will be issued to persons (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [22314/11]

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

John McGuinness

Ceist:

677 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite the renewal of a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [22315/11]

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

Hospital Services

John McGuinness

Ceist:

678 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if an appointment at Waterford Regional Hospital will be arranged in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [22317/11]

The scheduling of patients for hospital treatment is a matter for the consultant concerned in each case and is determined on the basis of clinical need. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant involved. As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

679 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if respite will be arranged in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will expedite a response. [22318/11]

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

John McGuinness

Ceist:

680 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if an operation to remove cataracts will be arranged as a matter of urgency in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will expedite the matter. [22325/11]

The scheduling of patients for hospital treatment is a matter for the consultant concerned in each case and is determined on the basis of clinical need. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant involved. As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

681 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if a cataract operation will be arranged as a matter of urgency in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [22326/11]

The scheduling of patients for hospital treatment is a matter for the consultant concerned in each case and is determined on the basis of clinical need. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant involved. As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Medical Cards

John McGuinness

Ceist:

682 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if a medical card will be approved in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Carlow. [22329/11]

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

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

683 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health his views on a proposal to establish an inquiry line for Members of Dáil Éireann in view of the recent decision to process all applications for medical cards centrally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22342/11]

I understand that the Health Service Executive has issued details of dedicated contact details and an online query system to each Oireachtas Member to facilitate their accessing up-to-date information on medical card applications and renewals.

General Practitioner Services

Michael McCarthy

Ceist:

684 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the number of full-time GPs registered with the Irish Medical Council in 2011 and in 2006; the breakdown by terms of general, specialist and training registers; if he will list the number of new GP registrations that have been granted by the council each year since 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22343/11]

The following information has been supplied by the Medical Council which is the statutory body charged with the responsibility for registration and regulation of medical practitioners in this State. General Practice is a specialty recognised by the Medical Council. As such, practitioners can make application to be registered in the Specialist Division of the Register, as specified by the Medical Practitioners Act 2007, having met the requirements to be so registered. A practitioner in the Trainee Specialist Division would only be recognised as a specialist in General Practice upon completion of training recognised by the Council.

The following table shows the number of medical practitioners who were registered with the Council, at the dates specified, who held specialist registration in the specialty of General Practice.

Number of Registrants

Net Movement

January 2006

613

January 2007

656

43

January 2008

1,319

663

January 2009

1,626

307

January 2010

1,907

281

December 2010

2,270

363

As at 19th July 2011

2,227

-43

Michael McCarthy

Ceist:

685 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health if he will list the total number of GPs who currently have State contracts and specify in tabular form the full spectrum of State contracts currently administered, the corresponding number of GPs engaged in each type of contract and the annual value of each contract to individual GPs; if he will give a specific breakdown of the number of GPs who have contracts in respect of the GMS scheme, the GP visit card scheme, the mother and infant scheme, the childhood vaccination scheme, and various Department of Social Protection schemes; if he will further list the number of GPs who are currently tied into more than one State contract; and, in respect of these individuals, if he will specify which schemes they are engaged in; the period that each contract lasts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22363/11]

The HSE's Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) supports the delivery of primary health care by providing reimbursement services to Primary Care contractors (General Practitioners, Pharmacists, Dentists and Optometrists/Ophthalmologists) who have contracts with the HSE to provide services to members of the public in their own community.

Each year, the HSE publishes the PCRS's statistical analysis of claims and payments. The 2009 report shows that the number of agreements between the HSE and GPs was 2,663. This includes the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme which covers medical card and GP visit card holders, the Primary Childhood Immunisation Scheme, the Health (Amendment) Act 1996 — (Hepatitis C Patients), Heartwatch and the Methadone Treatment Scheme. This statistical report is available on the website www.pcrs.ie. The full list of payments to individual GPs for services under the GMS contract in 2009 is also available on this website.

There is no defined termination period for the renewal of these contracts, however GPs have a right to terminate their contracts, as they feel appropriate and the HSE can also terminate the contracts in certain circumstances. I have no function in schemes provided by the Department of Social Protection.

The other information sought by the Deputy is not readily available. However I have asked the Health Service Executive to supply this information to me and I will forward it to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Medical Cards

Patrick O'Donovan

Ceist:

686 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an application for a medical and general practitioner visit card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22365/11]

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

Patrick O'Donovan

Ceist:

687 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in County Limerick will qualify for a medical card and general practitioner visit card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22366/11]

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

General Medical Service

Michael McCarthy

Ceist:

688 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that cuts in general medical service payments to general practitioners are having a disproportionate adverse effect on some rural GPs; the way he proposes to assist GPs affected by this measure in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22367/11]

Fees and allowances paid to General Practitioners (GPs) under the General Medical Services Scheme, the Maternity and Infant Care Scheme, the Health (Amendment) Act 1996 (Hepatitis C patients) and the HeartWatch Programme amounted to some €435m in 2010. Regulations under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009 (FEMPI) came into effect on 22nd December 2010. This applied an overall reduction of about 9% to a range of GP fees and allowances, which will result in full year savings in the region of €44m.

Under section 9 (13) of the FEMPI legislation, the Minister for Health is required to carry out a review of the operation, effectiveness and impact of the amounts and rates fixed under the regulations each year. This will involve full consultation with stakeholders. Any disproportionate impact on particular categories of GPs will be considered as part of this review process.

Health Services

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

689 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health the number of patients awaiting speech therapy; the average waiting time for patients in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22375/11]

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

Health Service Staff

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

690 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health the number of speech therapists who will be working in County Donegal from September 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22376/11]

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

Hospital Services

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

691 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the proposals he has to develop a medical assessment unit at Monaghan General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22377/11]

In order to fully consider the issues involved, I recently met with public representatives from Monaghan and requested a detailed clinical and financial feasibility study on such a development from the HSE. I understand that arrangements for conducting the study are currently being made by the HSE.

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

692 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health his views on a statement (details supplied) that in some cases hospital budget overruns are due to incompetence by hospital management; if his attention has been drawn to which hospitals were being referred to; the action, if any, he intends to take to rectify this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22407/11]

I recognise that the management of funding allocations by public hospitals poses a serious budgetary challenge. It is clear that if existing spending trends remain unchecked there will be a significant overrun at the end of this year. I have made it clear that such an overrun is not acceptable given the state of the public finances and this country's obligations under the Memorandum of Understanding with the IMF and EU. I am in ongoing contact with the HSE to ensure that all necessary steps are being taken to avoid any budgetary overruns while at the same ensuring the maintenance of services in line with the commitments given by the HSE and public hospitals.

I am on record as saying that every individual agency must take responsibility and do everything possible to stay within budget while delivering their planned level of service. Under its reform programme the Government has committed to achieving greater efficiencies in patient care and service delivery. These efficiencies will not be easy to achieve but I am certain that over time they will help to ensure that more people get access to services within a given quantum of funding. In this regard it is important that the management capacity in our public hospitals is sufficiently robust to meet these challenges.

The Deputy will also be aware that it is the role of the Special Delivery Unit, which I recently established, to address issues around the better and more efficient delivery of health services. The work of the SDU will contribute significantly to improving outcomes for patients and to greater efficiencies in the system.

Prescription Charges

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

693 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health when he intends to abolish the 50 cent fee on prescriptions; the legislative measures needed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22408/11]

Prescription charges are provided for under Section 59 of the Health Act 1970 as amended by the Health (Amendment ) (No 2) Act 2010. Revoking these provisions requires primary legislation.

It is my intention subject to Government approval to introduce legislation to abolish prescription charges for medical card holders.

Medical Cards

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

694 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a renewal application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [22455/11]

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

Health Service Staff

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

695 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the salaries and expenses of all Health Service Executive executives and managers receiving more than €100,000 per annum. [22459/11]

A number of senior management grades in the HSE have salary scales which involve amounts in excess of €100,000 per annum. The grades involved are those of National Director and Assistant National Director, Hospital Network Manager where appropriate, together with certain related grades. These grades and the relevant salary scales are set out as follows:

Position

(€)

National Directors

183,774

(National Hospitals Office & Primary, Continuing & Community Care)

National Directors of Finance, HR and Population Health

158,296

Other National Directors

145,959

Hospital Network Managers, Assistant National Directors

96,211 — 117,591

(Service Management in the PCCC Directorate)

Other Assistant National Directors and posts at an equivalent level

94,796 — 115,579

Local Health Office Manager

83,317 — 107,387

The Deputy will note that a number of these salary scales commence at amounts lesser than €100,000, but eventually reach amounts in excess of that. Certain other grades are paid a single rate.

The Chief Executive Officer of the HSE is currently in receipt of a salary of €273,796. This is a net figure, following the recent 15% voluntary reduction agreed to by the CEO.

The Health Sector Consolidated Salary Scales, which are prepared and issued by my Department, set out the rates of pay and allowances for staff in the public health service, in accordance with public pay policy. I have arranged for a copy of the full set of health sector salary scales to be provided to the Deputy directly, and for a copy to be placed in the Oireachtas library.

With regard to expenses, arrangements are in place in the HSE whereby staff may claim travel and subsistence payments in respect of relevant expenses incurred in the course of official duties. Subsistence rates are prescribed in respect of overnight stays away from the employee's home. Similarly, travel rates are set at a fixed amount per mile/kilometre travelled. The Executive issues circulars across the organisation from time to time, setting out the applicable rates. All travel and subsistence claims must be signed off by the appropriate line-manager, who must be satisfied that they are in order, prior to their approval. The Executive also has a foreign travel policy in place. This policy highlights the importance of ensuring economy and value for money in all travel arrangements.

Departmental Properties

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

696 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the amount of money raised to date by the sale of lands and properties formerly used for psychiatric institutions; the amount devoted to implementing fully A Vision for Change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22460/11]

My Department has requested this information from the HSE and I will be in contact with the Deputy on its receipt.

Health Service Staff

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

697 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the total cost to the State of the public and private contracts of hospital consultants. [22461/11]

The costs associated with the employment of consultants by the HSE and HSE-funded agencies including salaries, employers PRSI, on-call/call-out and CME payments are estimated at €516m as of 20th July 2011.

Hospital Accommodation

Robert Troy

Ceist:

698 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will allocate the required funding to enable Mullingar Regional Hospital, County Westmeath, to staff the new 23-bed unit, which remains closed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22463/11]

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

Hospital Services

Robert Troy

Ceist:

699 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the current services provided by Navan Hospital, County Meath; and his future plans for this hospital. [22464/11]

Navan Hospital is an integral part of the Louth / Meath Hospital Group and I am determined that it will continue to play an important role in the delivery of clinical services in the Louth / Meath area and to patients in other parts of the North East Region.

Navan Hospital provides inpatient services including general acute medical, elective orthopaedic including complex joint replacement surgery, ICU, CCU and HDU. Day services include medical and surgical, elective endoscopy and elective orthopaedic surgery. There is a 12 hour Medical Assessment Unit and an out patient department incorporating orthopaedic, gynaecology, ophthalmology and paediatric clinics. Other services include day medical cardiology, day diabetic, radiology, laboratory, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy.

At present Navan Hospital also continues to provide a twenty-four hour Emergency Department. I have stated that any changes to the operation of the Emergency Department can only be carried out after significant improvement in the performance of the Emergency Department at Drogheda.

In order to fully consider the issues involved, I will be taking account of the current organisation of acute services in the region and the important clinical programmes being developed by the HSE. I acknowledge the need for communication with the local community at this time and understand that the HSE is available to meet with community representatives, as I am myself.

In this regard, I met with the consultants in Navan Hospital and with the Save Navan Hospital Alliance last week. At that meeting I set out the position with regard to the Emergency Department at Navan Hospital. I am absolutely clear that, due to need to ensure the safe delivery of services and best outcomes for patients, changes need to take place at the Emergency Department. However I have been equally clear that such changes need to be carried out in a planned way and that there will be full consultation on any changes. I estimate that it will be at least six months before any changes to the Emergency Department in Navan can be effected.

Appointments to State Boards

Anne Ferris

Ceist:

700 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to ensure that State boards have at least 40% of each gender, as provided for in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22474/11]

Although the overall membership of State boards under the aegis of my Department is well balanced, with 56% of the membership being male and 44% female, some individual boards do not have a balance of 40% of each gender. In so far as possible, when making appointments to such boards I will continue to ensure the appropriate balance.

Departmental Equipment

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

701 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health the number of computer servers that are owned or leased by his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department; and the capacity of each server. [22492/11]

My Department currently provides computer services to the Department of Health, the new Department of Children and Youth Affairs, Adoption Authority of Ireland, Office of the Ombudsman for Children and the Office of the Disability Appeals Officer. In total there are 60 operational servers providing a range of ICT services with a total disk capacity of approximately 68 TB (terabytes) making the average server capacity approximately 1.13 TB. None of these servers are leased. The requested details in relation to the agencies under my Department's aegis are not readily available as it is an operational matter for the agencies themselves and my Department does not routinely compile or hold this information. I am referring the Deputy's question to the relevant agencies including the Health Service Executive for its attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Mental Health Services

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

702 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the Mental Health Act 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22505/11]

The Government is committed to a review of the Mental Health Act 2001 which will be informed by human rights standards. I have recently agreed the following Terms of Reference;

In consultation with service users, carers and other stakeholders, to review the provisions of the Mental Health Act 2001 having regard to —

(a) its general operation since its commencement;

(b) the extent to which the recommendations of ‘A Vision for Change ’ could or should be underpinned by legislation;

(c) the provisions of the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities,

(d) the current economic environment,

and to make a report to the Minister by June 2012 with recommendations, including recommendations for legislative amendments where appropriate.

A steering group comprising officials from my Department, the HSE and the Mental Health Commission has now been established to oversee the review and the group had their first meeting last week. The group will undertake a wide ranging consultation in the Autumn to seek the views of the public, relevant stakeholders and other interested groups; the open consultation will be advertised in the Press. Following the public consultation process, the group propose to conduct a number of meetings with key stakeholders.

I have asked the steering group to prepare an interim report for me by 31 December 2011 setting out the results of the consultation process and the main issues and questions to be resolved in the full review. The substantive work of the review will then commence with the final report completed by mid 2012.

Health Services

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

703 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the need to have GP services restored at Ballinagh Health Centre, County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22523/11]

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

Patrick O'Donovan

Ceist:

704 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Health if there are plans to build a primary care centre (details supplied) in County Limerick. [22525/11]

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

Departmental Bodies

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

705 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health the number of quangos, agencies and authorities that were established by his Department in each of the years 1997 to January 2011; the number of staff employed by his Department in 1997; the number of staff employed by his Department in January 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22584/11]

A total of 13 statutory bodies under the aegis of my Department have been established since 1997 as follows

Body

Year

Hepatitis C and HIV Compensation Tribunal

1997

Food Safety Authority of Ireland

1999

National Council for the Professional Development of Nursing and Midwifery

1999

Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council

2000

Health Insurance Authority

2001

Mental Health Commission

2002

National Treatment Purchase Fund Board

2004

National Haemophilia Council

2004

Health Service Executive

2005

National Paediatric Hospital Development Board

2007

Health and Social Care Professionals Council

2007

Health Information and Quality Authority

2007

Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland

2007

The number of staff (whole time equivalents) employed in the Department of Health, based on the figures given to the Department of Finance Census Section for the specified years, are outlined below.

Year

Numbers Employed in Dept of Health (WTE)

December 1997

433*

January 2011

437.06**

*Includes staff employed in the General Register Office and the Adoption Board. Does not include seconded in staff.

**Includes staff employed in the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, the Office of the Disability Appeals Officer and the Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office.

From December 1997 until December 2003, the numbers employed at the Department increased steadily, from 433 wte to 656 wte. Subsequently, from December 2003 until January 2011, the numbers employed at the Department decreased to 437.06 wte. This reduction has been achieved as a result of a number of developments including:

the establishment of the Health Service Executive, the Health Information and Quality Authority and the Adoption Authority and the transfer of certain functions from the Department to these bodies;

the transfer of the General Register Office from the Department to the Department of Social Protection;

the Incentivised Scheme of Early Retirement;

the Incentivised Career Break Scheme, and

the moratorium on the filling of vacancies in the public service.

It should also be noted that the Department took on a number of additional responsibilities and functions during this period. Responsibility for Youth Affairs transferred into the Department and three agencies have been subsumed under the Government's rationalisation of agencies programme.

Consultancy Contracts

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

706 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a report of the number consultancy reports commissioned by his Department between 1997 and January 2011; the cost of commissioning each report; if he will provide information on the implementation of recommendations set out in each report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22601/11]

During the period specified by the Deputy a total of 266 reports have been commissioned by my Department. This spans a thirteen year period of widespread reform, huge technological advances, service expansion and fundamental change in our health system. The names and cost of these reports are set out in the tables below. The Deputy will appreciate that it would not be possible, given the large number of reports in question, to list all of the recommendations arising from these reports which are or have been implemented.

Health is an extremely complex environment involving a broad spectrum of primary and acute care services for the entire population, ranging from services for children and families, services for older people, mental health services and disability services. The nature, cost and burgeoning demand for services require that a strong emphasis be placed on the evidence base for policy and resource usage.

Many of the reports can be traced back to the development of services for cancer, cardiovascular health, health promotion and the subsequent evaluation of these strategies. A number of the reports deal with complex and ethical issues, for example, the Commission on Assisted Human Reproduction and the Green Paper on Abortion.

A strong feature of a number of the reports related to engagement in widespread public consultation. National and international expert advice are critical and vital components in the development of health strategy.

Reports have also been commissioned in the area of standards in health care. It is often argued that we don't give sufficient attention and prominence to the development and articulation of standards or best practice in the area of health and personal social services. Medical error is a feature of medical systems world-wide and Ireland is no exception. The reports of Independent Inquiries form an important part of the body of knowledge which reflects a responsive and accountable health system. Examples of these include the Tribunal of Inquiry into the Infection with HIV and Hepatitis C of Persons with Haemophilia and Related Matters and the Fitzgerald and Doherty reports into cancer misdiagnosis. Such Inquiries serve the public interest and ensure that we take appropriate corrective action to learn from experience and address the systems failures.

The commissioning of external reports is very much part of a modern and effective administrative system and helps to inform the development of policy, regulation and legislation for the health sector as well as serving the public interest. There is, and will continue to be, a need for objective, independent and expert review and evaluation of health services and health outcomes into the future.

Reports Commissioned in 1997

Name of Report

Cost

Adding Years to Life and Life to Years: a health promotion strategy for older people

€10,000

European Home and Leisure Accident Surveillance System

Nil

Long Stay Activity Statistics 1996

Nil

Report on the setting up of a national bone and related tissue service

€2,663

Reports Commissioned in 1998

Name of Report

Cost

European Home and Leisure Accident Surveillance System

Nil

Epidemiological Trends in the Transmission of HIV 1992-1998

€3,809

Long Stay Activity Statistics 1996

Nil

Record Management Strategy

€36,346

Report of the Forum on Medical Manpower

Nil

Report of the Commission on Nursing: a Blueprint for the Future

€737,186

Review of the Health Amendment Act, 1991

€62,052

Workplace Health Promotion: Healthy Bodies, Healthy Work

€13,000

Reports Commissioned in 1999

Name of Report

Cost

A review of Oral Health Promotion/Education activity in the Republic of Ireland

€21,607

An Evaluation of the Delivery and Monitoring of Water Fluoridation in Ireland

€53,963

Annual Report of the Inspector of Mental Hospitals for 1999

€10,000

Building Healthier Hearts

€10,100

Consumer survey relating to qualitative information on the important influences on demand for Health Insurance

€12,633

Drafting of a National Traveller Health Strategy

€17,755

Evaluation of Fissure Sealing and the Targeted Approach

€63,482

Evaluation of Oral Health Research in Ireland

€51,424

Fluoride Intake in Infants

€113,922

Fluorosis in 5 year olds

€66,878

Green Paper on Abortion

€102,258

Health Statistics Report 1999

€21,048

National Health & Lifestyle Surveys National and Regional Reports Phase 1

€371,000

Long-Stay Activity Statistics 1998

Nil

Oral and Dental Specialisation in Ireland

€47,320

Oral Health Studies of Adults and Children

€700,267

Probity arrangements within the Dental Services Treatment Scheme

€151,987

Report of National Joint Steering Group on the working hours of non-consultant hospital doctors

€158,717

Report of the National Advisory Committee on Palliative Care

Nil

Report of the Tribunal of Inquiry into the infection with HIV and Hepatitis C of Persons with Haemophilia and Related Matters

€47,057,000

Response to Professor Connett’s ‘50 Reasons to Oppose Fluoride’

€31,058

Review of the Nursing Home Subvention Scheme

€13,820

Study into charges for private dental treatment

€6,348

Towards a Standardised Framework for Intercountry Adoption Assessment Procedures

€52,614

Treatment Utilisation in the Dental Treatment Services Scheme

€205,623

Use of Fluorides in the promotion of Oral Health in Ireland

€111,370

Youth as a Resource: Promoting the Health of Young People at Risk

€9,000

Reports Commissioned in 2000

Name of Report

Cost

Final Report of the Empowerment of Nurses and Midwives Steering Group: An Agenda for Change

€23,320

Acute Hospital Bed Capacity: A National Review

€141,191

Ambulance Service Communication Study

€26,060

Analysis of Child Care Interim Minimum Dataset 1998

€8,304

Analysis of Child Care Interim Minimum Dataset 1999

€4,736

Annual Report of the Inspector of Mental Hospitals for 2000

€10,000

Critique of earlier Health Strategy ‘Shaping a Healthier Future’

€21,469

Feasibility Study relating to implementation of Case-Mix based Risk Equalisation

€174,456

Report of the Forum on Fluoridation Ireland

€336,000

Long-Stay Activity Statistics 1999

Nil

Nursing Education Forum — A Strategy for a Pre-Registration Nursing Education Degree Programme

€23,221

Report of the Paediatric Nurse Education Review Group

€2,122

Report of the Working Group on National Anti-Poverty Strategy and Health

€190,000

Report on the Current and Future Supply and Demand Conditions in the Labour Market for Certain Professional Therapies

€38,092

Review of the Organisation and Management of “An Bord Uchtála” (The Adoption Board)

€20,895

Review of the organisational structures of the ERHA

€7,781

Report of The Commission on Assisted Human Reproduction

€633,809

The Development of Radiation Oncology Services in Ireland — Consumer survey of radiotherapy services in Ireland

€21,707

The Nursing and Midwifery Resource — Interim Report of the Steering Group

€17,775

Value for Money Audit of the Irish Health System

€616,000

Reports Commissioned in 2001

Name of Report

Cost

Annual Report of the Inspector of Mental Hospitals for 2001

€11,951

Effective Utilisation of Professional Skills for Nurses and Midwives

€7,524

Evaluation of the North Eastern Health Board’s Out of Hours Co-operative

€31,743

Evaluation of the Pilot Programme for the Education of Health Care Assistants

€76,000

Final Report on Options for System Development and Implementation

€62,737

Report on the steps open to the State to instigate an effective inquiry into the role of the international pharmaceutical companies into the infection with HIV and Hepatitis C of persons with haemophilia

€103,000

Heart Health Task Force Progress Report July 1999-June 2001

€35,500

Impact of Alcohol Advertising on Teenagers in Ireland

€45,000

Market research for the Department on the public’s attitude to health matters

€99,040

National Blood Strategy Implementation Group Report

€55,000

National Evaluation of the Role of the Clinical Placement Co-ordinator

€25,359

National Standards for Children’s Residential Centres

€4,000

Pharmacy Review Group Report

€36,423

Policy Paper 1 — “The Invisible Student” Young Parents in Education — Policy Paper 2 — “I Hadn’t a Penny”

€37,457

Provision of Medical Indemnity Report: Provision of Clinical Indemnity Scheme Helpline service on behalf of State Claims Agency.

€979,012

Report of the Review Group on Health Service Care Staff

Nil

Report of the Working Group on Foster Care

€63,726

Report on the Regulation of Practitioners of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Ireland

€18,982

Report on the Strategic Options for the Voluntary Health Insurance Board

€553,493

Report to the Minister for Health and Children: Independent Examination related to the Medical Council and the South Eastern Health Board

€7,770

Review of Dáil na nÓg 2001 — Professional Solutions

€8,433

Review of potential liabilities of Portiuncula Hospital

€1,921

Reports Commissioned in 2002

Name of Report

Cost

A feasibility study on the costs and benefits associated with the introduction of a dedicated Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS)

€64,230

Analysis of Child Care Interim Minimum Dataset 2000

€4,868

Analysis of Question 1 of Public Consultation to the National Health Strategy “Quality and Fairness: A Health System for You” (2001)

€21,600

Annual Report of the Inspector of Mental Hospitals for 2002

€14,341

The Commission on Financial Management and Control Systems in the Health Service

Nil

National Task Force on Medical Staffing

€741,050

Audit of Structures and Functions in the Health System

€533,131

Childline Review — Children’s Research Centre

€45,000

Dental Epidemiology

€727,367

EHLASS Report 2001 — European Home and Leisure Accident Surveillance System

Nil

Evaluation of Pharmacy Regulations

€65,400

Inquiry into the Handling of Allegations of Child Sexual Abuse relating to the Diocese of Ferns

€2,028,498

Long-Stay Activity Statistics 2001

Nil

National Children’s Advisory Council — Facilitation for Young People and Report on Young People’s Participation on the Council

€14,483

National Children’s Advisory Council — Report of the Voice of the Child — National Youth Council of Ireland

€3,200

National Children’s Advisory Council — Report on the Implementation of Children First and Vetting

€9,809

Paediatric Palliative Care Needs Assessment — ‘A Needs Assessment for Children’

€71,944

Position Paper on Feasibility of Introducing a Cost of Disability Payment

Nil

Report of Mr Kevin Bonner on Monaghan General Hospital

€43,584

Report of the Independent Review Panel to the Minister for Health and Children concerning the birth of Baby Bronagh Livingstone on 11 December 2002

€7,841

Report on Social Work Workload Management

€30,000

Review of funding of sheltered workshops

€106,480

Review of Governance and Accountability in the General Medical Services Scheme

€130,584

Review of Proposed Pharmacy Models

€83,901

The Evaluation of ‘Cancer Services in Ireland’ A National Strategy 1996

€106,398

Report of The National Implementation Committee on Pre-Registration Nursing Degree Education

€317,000

The Nursing and Midwifery Resource — Final Report of the Steering Group — Towards Workforce Planning

€59,166

The Nursing and Midwifery Resource — National Study of Turnover in Nursing and Midwifery — Dept of Nursing Studies

€70,000

Reports Commissioned in 2003

Name of Report

Cost

Promoting the Well-Being of Families and Children: A Study of Family Support Services in the Health Sector in Ireland

€207,869

A Census of Family Support in Ireland: Results of a Census of Family Support Services which were funded by Health Boards in 2002

€10,029

A Guide to the Children Act, 2001

€5,000

Adoption Legislation Consultation

€26,661

Annual Report of the Inspector of Mental Hospitals for 2003

€17,869

Children’s Understanding of Well-Being

€16,625

Development of a Research Strategy for Nursing and Midwifery Research

€7,441

EHLASS Report 2002 — European Home and Leisure Accident Surveillance System

Nil

Evaluation of the South Eastern Health Board’s Out of Hours co-operative

€61,743

Family Support in Ireland — Definition and Strategic Intent

€7,074

Heart Health Task Force Second Report on Implementation of the Cardiovascular Health Strategy July 1999-September 2002 ‘Ireland’s Changing Heart’

€59,037

Interim Report of the National Breastfeeding Committee

€2,500

Irish Health Service Reform Programme — Dialogue on Implementing Reform — Communication and Consultation Programme July-September 2003

Nil

Long-Stay Activity Statistics 2002

Nil

Men and Domestic Violence: What Research Tells Us

€66,000

National Children’s Advisory Council — Report on Alcohol Use/Misuse by Young People

€12,404

National Health & Lifestyle Surveys National and Regional Reports — Phase 2

€860,000

National Standards on Foster Care

€18,059

National Standards on Foster Care — Children’s Version

€21,679

Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy ‘A Vision for Change’

€428,467

Report of the Postgraduate Medical Education and Training (MET) Group (Buttimer Report)

€313,040

Report of the Task Force on Assaults on Psychiatric Nurses

€9,750

Report of the Working Group on Treatment of Under 18 year olds presenting to Treatment Services with Serious Drug Problems

€10,249

Report of the Working Group on Undergraduate Medical Education and Training (Fottrell Report)

€156,844

Report on the Regulation of Health and Social Care Professionals

€20,000

Review of circumstances surrounding the death of Róisín Ruddle

€150,656

Review of internal controls in the Department of Health and Children with a view to implementing the recommendations of the Mullarkey Report; and consultancy assistance with respect to the structure of the Management Information Framework (MIF) in the Department

€146,152

Review of Library and Information Service

€9,375

Survey and Report on Public Perceptions on Biomedical Research (RCSI)

€120,000

Reports Commissioned in 2004

Name of Report

Cost

A critical appraisal of and commentary on “50 Reasons to Oppose Fluoridation”

€15,529

A Feasibility Study of the Inclusion of Blood and Tissue Data as a Component of the National Longitudinal Study of Children in Ireland

€75,504

Cultural Male Circumcision Report

€1,983

Evaluation of Coronary Heart Attack Ireland Register (CHAIR)

€64,100

Evaluation of Heartwatch

€81,700

Giving Children a Voice: Investigation of children’s experiences of participation in consultation and decision making in Irish hospitals

€27,294

Health Service Reform Programme Composite Report

Nil

Investigating the Impact on Children of Witnessing Domestic Violence: Nature and Adequacy of Child-Centred Services

€46,518

Kidscreen National Survey 2005

€49,911

Lourdes Hospital Inquiry — An Inquiry into Peripartum Hysterectomy at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda

€2,955,000

National Primary Care Steering Group Progress Report

€6,493

National Children’s Advisory Committee — End of Term Report 2001-2004

€12,783

Obesity the Policy Challenges — The Report of the National Taskforce on Obesity 2005

€42,000

Play and Technology

€49,368

Public Perceptions of Biomedical Research

€120,000

Report by the Care and Management Sub-Committee of the National AIDS Strategy Committee on HIV/STI Services in Ireland

€5,053

Report from the Evaluation of the National Health Promotion Information Project

€13,600

Report of the Expert Group on Midwifery and Children’s Nursing Education

€3,407

Report of the Working Group to examine the development of appropriate systems to determine nursing and midwifery staffing levels

€4,712

Report on certain issues of management and administration in the Department of Health and Children associated with the practice of charges for long-stay patients in Health Board institutions (Travers Report)

€93,150

Research on Children’s Understanding of Wellbeing

€16,625

Review of the National Health Promotion Strategy

€19,713

Review of the Structures and Support Needs of Comhairle na nÓg and Dáil na nÓg

€26,611

The Child’s Right to be heard in the Health Setting

€52,591

The Development and Implementation of Child Impact Statements

€25,410

The Process of Youth Homelessness: A Qualitative Longitudinal Cohort Study

€44,506

‘What we Heard’ and ‘Speaking Your Mind’ — Reports on the Service User Consultation Process and the Public Consultation Process for the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy

€169,714

Young People’s Views about Opportunities, Barriers and Supports to Recreation and Leisure

€45,325

Young Voices: Guidelines on how to involve children and young people in your work

€64,485

Reports commissioned in 2005

Name of Report

Cost

Comhairle Implementation Group Report

Nil

Dáil na nÓg Delegate Report 2005

€16,370

Evaluation of the Work of the Children and Young People’s Forum

€17,740

Joint Ministerial and Coiste na dTeachtaÍ Report 2005

Nil

NCAC — Mid-Term Review of the National Children’s Strategy

€57,500

Prospectus (co-located Private Hospitals)

€29,403

Reducing the Risk: A Strategic Approach (Sudden Cardiac Death Taskforce Report)

€23,900

Report from the Evaluation of the National Health Promotion Information Project

€13,600

Report of Consultation on the Health Act (2004) Part 9 — Complaints

€16,750

Report of Dr. Deirdre Madden on Post Mortem Practice and Procedures (Working Group).

€436,000

Report of the Long-Term Care Working Group

Nil

Report of the National Committee on Folic Acid Food Fortification

€25,000

Report on Public Consultation on the Development of a Recreation Policy for Young People in Ireland

€72,631

Sustaining Progress — Working Together to Reduce the Harms Caused by Alcohol Misuse

€9,100

The Irish Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) Study 2006 (Research Project)

€505,385

Reports commissioned in 2006

Name of Report

Cost

Dáil na nÓg Delegate’s Report 2006

Nil

European Schools Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD) Research Project

€48,400

Evaluation of the Irish Haemovigilance System

€9,432

First Annual Report of the Independent Monitoring Group on ‘A Vision for Change’ the Report to the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy

€3,324

HIV and AIDS Education and Prevention Plan 2008-2012

€27,118

National Children’s Advisory Council (NCAC) — Report on Youth Volunteering in Ireland

€47,389

Report of the Working Group on Haemochromatosis

€2,537

Report on the Outcome of Consultations with Teenagers on the Issues to be Considered by the Minister for Children when Examining the Age of Consent for Sexual Activity

€78,098

Research commissioned on : Children’s Perspectives on Parenting Styles and Discipline

€17,000

Research Commissioned on : National Longitudinal Study of Children in Ireland (NLSCI)

The NLSCI contract covers the period 2006 to 2012. It is a fixed price contract amounting to €29,005,987.00 including VAT in 2005 prices.

Research commissioned on: A follow up study on the educational and Social Support experiences of Young People in Long Term Foster Care

€47,500

Research commissioned on: A Study of Parent-Child Agreements and Arrangements based on Court Records

€30,894

Research commissioned on: Child Protection Services in Ireland: An Evaluation

€64,493

Research commissioned on: Ethics Committees and Ethics Approval for Children’s Research in Ireland

€35,973

Research commissioned on: Public Library Services for Children and Young People in Ireland

€56,864

Research commissioned on: Services and Supports for Children on Remand in Ireland

€59,573

Review of Administration and Processes, Department of Health and Children

Nil

Second Annual Report of the Independent Monitoring Group on ‘A Vision for Change’ the Report to the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy

€9,361

Slan 2007 — Survey of Lifestyle, Attitudes and Nutrition in Ireland (Research Project)

€1,807,641

Study of Efficiency and Effectiveness of Vocational Training Services and Rehabilitative Training Services for People with Disabilities Provided by Specialist Training Providers

€50,866

Value for Money Review of the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006

€76,109

Health-related consequences of problem alcohol use

€35,500

Working Group on Alcohol and Drugs Synergies

Nil

Reports commissioned in 2007

Name of Report

Cost

Dáil na nÓg Delegate Report 2007

€10,576

Doherty Report on Breast Radiology Services at Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise

Nil

Fitzgerald Report on Breast Radiology Services at Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise

Nil

Independent Inquiry into the tragic deaths of the Dunne Family in Monageer, Co. Wexford

€212,454

National Children’s Advisory Council (NCAC) — Report on Youth Café Provision

€63,023

Quality Assessment of the Value for Money Review of the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006

€2,995

Report of the Commission on Patient Safety and Quality Assurance

€42,086

Research commissioned on : The Physical Chastisement of Children by Parents

€126,723

Review of the Operation of the Mental Health Act 2001 — Findings and Conclusions

Nil

Round Table discussion on the financial abuse of older people

€3,000

Teenagers’ Views on Solutions to Alcohol Misuse

€55,257

All Ireland Traveller Health Study

€1,697,496

Financial and Legal Advice on options for obtaining regulatory authorisation in connection with the VHI

€167,975

The Report of the Comhairle na nÓg Development Fund (2007-2008)

€46,655

Vaccine Damage Steering Group

€11,048

Reports Commissioned in 2008

Name of Report

Cost

National Children’s Advisory Council (NCAC) — End of Term Report 2005-2008

Nil

Report of the Independent Pharmacy Pricing Body

€41,497

Strategic Plan for the St. Ultan’s Children’s Project

€14,702

Dáil na nÓg Delegate Report 2008

€18,137

A Directory of Health Research Undertaken on Children (0-17 years)

€60,148

Evaluation Report on the Inclusion Programme: Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

€15,727

National Men’s Health Policy 2008-2013

€20,604

Phase III of a Qualitative Longitudinal Study of Homeless Youth in Dublin

€22,000

Report on the Irish Medicines Board assuming the role of Competent Authority for Cosmetics Products

Nil

Research on Young Carers in the Irish Population

€108,476

Review of Protecting our Future: Report of the Working Group on Elder Abuse 2002

€66,460

Third Annual Report of the Independent Monitoring Group on ‘ A Vision for Change’ — the Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy

€16,154

Report of the Commission established to provide an independent assessment of how a 35 hour week can be achieved for nurses

€397,540

Review of the circumstances surrounding the elapse of time in bringing to completion the Western Health Board inquiry into allegations of abuse in the Brothers of Charity Services, Galway

€21,015

Study of certain Accounting Issues within the Health Service Executive

€54,450

Reports commissioned in 2009

Name of Report

Cost

Value for Money and Policy Review of Disability Services

€30,940

Report of the Expert Group on Resource Allocation and Financing in the Health Sector

€71,657

Evaluation of the use of resources in the national population-based cancer screening programme and associated services

Nil

Health in Ireland — Key Trends 2009

€5,647

Dáil na nÓg Delegate Report 2009

€16,080

Action Plan for Health Research 2009-2013

€6,623

National Policy and Strategy for the Provision of Neuro-Rehabilitation Services 2010-2015.

€7,040

A Quantitative Tool for Workforce Planning in Healthcare: Example Simulations

Nil

An Integrated Workforce Planning Strategy for the Health Services 2009-2012

Nil

A Review of Practice Development in Nursing and Midwifery in the Republic of Ireland and the Development of a Strategic Framework

€30,000

Teenage Mental Health: What helps and what hurts? Report on the Outcome of Consultations with Teenagers on Mental Health

€18,933

Value for Money and Policy Review of the Economic Cost and Charges associated with Private and Semi-Private Treatment Services in Public Hospitals

€2,000

IHR External Assessment Group Report: International Health Regulations, 2009

Nil

Research Study on National Strategies for Older People

€21,780

National Cardiovascular Policy Group

€44,484

Working Group to develop a National Substance Misuse Strategy

Nil

Report of the Implementation Group on Alcohol Misuse

Nil

Tackling Chronic Disease — A Policy Framework for the Management of Chronic Diseases

€3,600

Compensation for Thalidomide Survivors

Nil

Evaluation of the Comhairle na nÓg Development Fund 2009-2010.

€15,125

Consultation process with children living in the Care of the state as recommended in the Ryan Report .

€ 148,749

Evaluation of the Dáil na nÓg Council

€6,210

Report of the Health Insurance Authority to the Minister on Risk Equalisation .

Nil

Reports commissioned in 2010

Name of Report

Cost

Drogheda Review — independent review in relation to Mr. Michael Shine

€134,196

Independent Child Death Review Group

Estimated: €150,000

Evaluation of the Suboxone Feasibility Study

€17,500

Compensation for Thalidomide Survivors

Nil

Value for Money and Policy Review (VFMPR) of Disability Services

€30,940

Report of the Working Group on the Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Mainstream Pre-School Settings

Nil

Working Group on Sport Sponsorship by the Alcohol Industry

Nil

Tobacco Policy Review Group

Not completed — cost not yet available

Health in Ireland — Key Trends in 2010

€4,177

Fourth Annual Report of the Independent Monitoring Group on ‘ A Vision for Change’ — the Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy

€18,896

Strategic Framework for Role Expansion of Nurses and Midwives: Promoting Quality Care

€9,153

National Data and Research Strategy on Children’s Lives

Nil

Ethics in Children’sResearch

Nil

Dáil na nÓg Council research into Social Personal and Health Education and Relationships and Sexuality Education Provision, ‘Lifeskills Matter: Not just Points’

€17,052

Audit of Children and Young People’s Participation

€31,107

Proposed Model for Reference Pricing and Generic Substitution

Nil

Value for Money and Policy Review of the Economic Cost and Charges Associated with Private and Semi-Private Treatment Services in Public Hospitals

€2,000

Review of VHI Claims Cost Control

€220,902

Consultation Report to Minister on Risk Equalisation

Nil

Consultation Report to Minister on Minimum Benefits

Nil

Towards a Restraint Free Environment

Not completed — cost not yet available

Interim evaluation of the Youth in Action Programme 2007-2013

€49,092

Health Technology Assessment — Prion Filtration

Not completed — cost not yet available

Clinical Trials

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

707 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health if he has received a written proposal in relation to the development of a clinical trial site here (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22612/11]

As I outlined in my previous reply to the Deputy on 17 May this year there are a number of barriers and obstacles which exist in relation to the development of a clinical trial in Ireland for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, the most significant being the identification of a clinical lead in Ireland. My Department has not received a proposal in relation to the development of a clinical trial site in Ireland.

The Department is working on the development of a plan for rare diseases in Ireland which will optimise the recognition, diagnosis, prevention and management of rare diseases. This work will include issues such as research and access to clinical trials. It is expected that the report will be completed in 2012.

Medical Cards

Jack Wall

Ceist:

708 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22613/11]

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

Question No. 709 answered with Question No. 663.

Health Service Staff

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

710 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the total number, in whole-time equivalents of temporary agency workers who were employed throughout the health service in the first six months of 2011; the average hourly rate of the agency workers for 2010 and for the first six months of 2011; the total cost of the agency workers for 2010 and for the first six months of 2011 in tabular form. [22639/11]

The information sought by the Deputy is not readily available. However, I have asked the Health Service Executive to supply this information to me and I will forward it to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Alcohol-Related Illnesses

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

711 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the number of alcohol related hospital illness cases in Dublin Central for each of the past five years, by the DCC areas of Cabra, Glasnevin and north inner city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22660/11]

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

712 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the cost of alcohol-related hospital illness cases in Dublin Central for each of the past five years, by the DCC areas of Cabra, Glasnevin and north inner city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22661/11]

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

713 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the number of alcohol-related non-hospital illness cases in Dublin Central for each of the past five years, by the DCC areas of Cabra, Glasnevin and north inner city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22662/11]

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

715 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the number of alcohol-related non-hospital deaths both by poisoning and by non-poisoning in Dublin Central for each of the past five years, by the DCC areas of Cabra, Glasnevin and north inner city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22664/11]

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 711 to 713, inclusive, and 715 together.

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

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

714 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the cost of alcohol related non-hospital illness cases in Dublin Central for each of the past five years, by the DCC areas of Cabra, Glasnevin and north inner city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22663/11]

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

Question No. 715 answered with Question No. 711.

Drug-Related Deaths

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

716 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the number of deaths that had drug-use associations for each of the past five years by the DCC areas of Cabra, Glasnevin and north inner city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22666/11]

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

717 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the number of deaths that had drug-crime-related issues for each of the past five years by the DCC areas of Cabra, Glasnevin and north inner city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22667/11]

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 716 and 717 together.

The Health Research Board periodically publishes Indices of drug-related deaths. This information is collated from four primary sources — the Coroner Service, the Hospital In-Patient Enquiry Scheme, the Central Treatment List maintained by the Drug Treatment Centre Board and the General Mortality Register. Information is also collated from the Family Support Network. Figures are available for the years 2004-2008, with those for 2009 becoming available in the autumn. Drug-related deaths are defined as poisoning (directly related to drug use) or non-poisoning (indirectly related to drug use — medical causes and trauma).

Figures for the Cabra, Glasnevin and North Inner City areas, based on the electoral divisions listed below, are as follows:

2006

2007

2008

Number of poisoning deaths

19

20

35

Number of non-poisoning deaths

33

31

33

Total

52

51

68

While the Indices do not distinguish deaths that were drug crime-related, I can advise that 38 of the 97 non-poisoning deaths in the 2006-2008 period arose from instances of trauma.

(The Electoral Divisions covered are Arran Quay A, Arran Quay B, Arran Quay C, Arran Quay D, Arran Quay E, Ballybough A, Ballybough B, Cabra East A, Cabra East B, Cabra East C, Cabra West A, Cabra West B, Cabra West C, Cabra West D, Finglas North A, Finglas North B, Finglas North C, Finglas South A, Finglas South B, Finglas South C, Finglas South D, Inns Quay A, Inns Quay B, Inns Quay C, Mountjoy A, Mountjoy B, North City, North Dock B, North Dock C, Rotunda A and Rotunda B.)

Departmental Expenditure

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

718 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the money saved if all State agency board member payments in his Department were reduced by €10,000 where their current annual payment is in excess of €50,000. [22739/11]

No savings would arise in the case of boards under the aegis of my Department as the fees payable to members or chairpersons of such boards would not exceed €50,000.

Public Service Vehicles

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

719 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on amending legislation to provide for a position in which a hackney business could be willed on by an owner to a spouse or child; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that such an amendment would allow a family to keep a family business in operation and would provide security for spouses of hackney business owners and would also provide greater security for persons with hackney licences who are currently employed by a hackney business. [21927/11]

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

720 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on amending hackney regulations to ensure that persons applying for a hackney licence have to provide a tax clearance certificate in relation to their hackney business, when they have one, as opposed to providing a tax clearance certificate in respect of PAYE employment; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an amendment would considerably enhance the Exchequer and would remove the loophole whereby applicants provide a tax clearance certificate in respect of PAYE employment, which allows them to access a new hackney licence for five years; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that cross-checking such matters would be simple in view of the fact that applicants could be assessed to see if they already hold a hackney licence and if that is in operation. [21928/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 719 and 720 together.

The regulation of the small public service vehicle sector, including the rules in relation to hackney licensing or the transfer of licences, is a matter for the National Transport Authority under the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009. I have referred the Deputy's Question to the authority for direct reply. The Deputy should advise my office if he does not receive a reply within ten working days. In my announcements of 8 and 24 June respectively, I clarified the terms of reference and the membership of the Taxi Regulation Review Group, in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government. The review will enable the necessary further reforms of the sector to allow consumers to have confidence in the taxi system while also ensuring that legitimate and competent operators and drivers can be rewarded fairly by operating under a regulatory framework that is adequately enforced. It will address a wide range of issues relating to the taxi sector including the current regulatory policy and practices, licensing systems, enforcement and future dialogue with the taxi sector. The consultation on the review extends to all interested parties and stakeholders through an invitation for written submissions to be made by 5 August 2011.

Road Traffic Offences

Ann Phelan

Ceist:

721 Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if it is the case that parking in a cycle lane is not currently a fixed charge offence; his views on amending this, in view of a substantial amount of funding that has been allocated to improve these areas under the jobs initiative smarter travel package; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21929/11]

Under the Road Traffic Acts 1961 to 2005 (Fixed Charge Offences) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 135 of 2006), parking in a cycle lane during the operative hours is a fixed charge offence. The amount of the fixed charge, if paid within 28 days from the date the notice issued, is €40 and if paid within the next 28 days is €60. The enforcement of the offence of parking in a cycle lane is a matter for the Garda Síochána and Local Authorities.

Tourism Industry

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

722 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [21934/11]

The matter raised is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply. The Deputy should advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within ten working days. The Deputy may wish to know that Fáilte Ireland has arranged to meet the person referred to in the question on Tuesday, 26 July. It would not be appropriate for me to intervene in a case like this.

National Lottery Funding

Paudie Coffey

Ceist:

723 Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of national lottery funding his Department received in 2009 and 2010; and if he will provide a list of the money that was spent in tabular form. [21982/11]

The allocation of the proceeds of the National Lottery is a matter for the Minister for Finance. Under the Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and part funded from the proceeds of the National Lottery, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table:

Year

€000 Subhead funding available

€000 Payments made

2009

€56,000

€58,738

2010

€48,000

€50,042

In both years the payments made exceeded the Estimates provision. This was because of virements of savings from other subheads to the Sports Capital subhead. The list of money spent under the Sports Capital Programme in 2009 and 2010 will be provided to the Deputy separately.

Public Transport

John Halligan

Ceist:

724 Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the proposed increases in fares to be implemented by Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann; his further views on whether increases such as these would be inappropriate in the current financial climate particularly given that the public should be encouraged to avail of public transport. [21986/11]

I am not aware of any current proposal by Bus Éireann or Iarnród Éireann to increase fares. Iarnród Éireann fares were increased by an average of 3% in February last, following approval by the National Transport Authority (NTA). The recently published CIÉ accounts for 2010 showed a deficit of €53.597 million for 2010. In the context of such figures, and the fact that the state subvention to public transport providers will decrease over the next number of years, I highlighted in public comment that the CIÉ companies will be required to look at further cost savings, service rationalisation and fare increases. Cost-cutting should take precedence over fare increases and service reductions but fare increases and service reductions will be inevitable if costs cannot be reduced sufficiently. I have communicated this also to the newly appointed Chairpersons of CIÉ and its subsidiaries. Of course, any proposal by the CIÉ companies to vary bus or rail passenger fares requires the approval of the NTA.

Road Network

Jack Wall

Ceist:

725 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views regarding a submission (details supplied); if the National Roads Authority had a public consultation in regard to this issue; if same was advertised; the means that were available to local residents to address their concerns regarding this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22058/11]

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for the NRA in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act. Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NRA for direct reply. The Deputy should advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within 10 working days.

Sports Capital Programme

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

726 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when applications will be opened up for funding under the Sports Capital Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22066/11]

I am looking at the options available to me with regard to a new Programme within the present financial constraints, but no decision has been made about the timing of future rounds of the programme.

Sports Funding

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

727 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be made available to the Irish clay pigeon shooting team for the 2012 Olympic Games in the UK; if funding will be made available through the Irish Sports Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22068/11]

The matter raised is an operational one for the Irish Sports Council. I have referred the Deputy's question to the agency for direct reply. He should advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within ten working days.

State Airports

Noel Harrington

Ceist:

728 Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of scheduled flights into Cork Airport for each quarter for the past five years; if he plans to introduce any incentives to increase passenger traffic into Cork Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22078/11]

Information in relation to the number of scheduled flights using Cork Airport on an annual basis for the past five years is included in the Dublin Airport Authority's (DAA) Annual Report, a copy of which is laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas each year and which is available in the Library of the Houses. The annual accounts are also available from www.daa.ie. With regard to the quarterly figures, these are an operational matter for the DAA. As such, this question has been referred directly to the DAA for reply to the Deputy. If a response has not been received within ten working days, the Deputy should advise my private office. The Government’s recent Jobs Initiative includes a number of measures to encourage inbound tourism, one of which is a new growth incentive scheme which was introduced by the DAA in recent months. This new growth incentive scheme is due to run for the period 2011-2014. Passenger service charges at the three State airports will be rebated to the airlines once the threshold of the previous year’s traffic total has been surpassed at the airport in question. The rebates to airlines will be in line with their contribution to the overall growth at the airport. This scheme is in addition to a range of other incentive schemes on offer to airlines at the three State airports. I would encourage all airlines to avail of these generous incentive schemes.

Noel Harrington

Ceist:

729 Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to introduce incentives or other measures to encourage the export by flight cargo of high-value perishable goods out of Cork Airport to the Near, Middle and Far East; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22099/11]

As measures to encourage flight cargo out of Cork Airport are the responsibility of the Cork Airport Authority, I have forwarded the question to the authority for direct reply to the Deputy. I ask the Deputy to contact my office if he has not received a reply within ten working days.

Smarter Travel Scheme

Michael Conaghan

Ceist:

730 Deputy Michael Conaghan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he expects a decision to be made on funding for the smarter travel scheme and the locations for the scheme, in view of the great enthusiasm shown and effort put in to date by applicant areas such as Drimnagh, Dublin 12. [22103/11]

The future of the Smarter Travel Areas Programme is currently under active consideration in the context of the available budget for 2011 and the National Recovery Plan. The size and availability of funding for the delivery of a Smarter Travel Areas programme of any scale must be considered in the context of the Government's and my Department's overall priorities. I appreciate that a great deal of enthusiasm and effort was displayed by Local Authorities in the Smarter Travel Areas application process and Local Authorities involved will be notified of the outcome shortly.

Railway Stations

Michael Conaghan

Ceist:

731 Deputy Michael Conaghan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there is scope within phase two of the Irish Rail Kildare route project to include the creation of a railway station in Ballyfermot, Kylemore Road, Dublin 10, in view of the fact that the area has been consistently disrupted by railway works over the past number of years, and will be again with the coming works, without any tangible benefit to the area. [22104/11]

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. Following the establishment of the National Transport Authority (NTA) on December 2009, the implementation and development of infrastructure projects in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), such as the Kildare Route Project Phase 2, comes under the remit of the NTA. The legislative basis for this is Section 11(1)(e) of the Dublin Transportation Act 2008 — Principal Functions of Authority — which states “the principal functions of the Authority are to secure the provision of public transport infrastructure”. With that in mind, I have referred the Deputy’s question to the NTA for direct reply. I ask the Deputy to advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within ten working days.

Taxi Regulations

Michael Conaghan

Ceist:

732 Deputy Michael Conaghan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a public taxi rank at St. James’s Hospital, Dublin 8, has recently been made private; if this is considered acceptable practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22105/11]

I refer the Deputy to the answer to Questions No. 467 and 474 of 12 July 2011. As I stated then, the operation and management of the taxi rank at the St. James's Hospital is the responsibility of the Management Board of the hospital. I will arrange to forward the Deputy's question to my colleague, the Minister for Health for direct response in this regard.

Road Network

Jack Wall

Ceist:

733 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding a piece of infrastructure (details supplied) for a town in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22151/11]

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads, in its area, is a statutory function of each road authority in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on such roads are a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the Council. A total of €439,676,000 is being provided for the maintenance and improvement of regional and local roads in 2011. This includes the additional €60 million provided by the Government under the jobs initiative. From this allocation, Kildare County Council has been allocated a total of €13,229,847. My Department received an application from Kildare County Council in November 2008 for 100% funding of the Athy Southern Distributor Road at an estimated cost of €42 million. A grant of €150,000 was allocated to the Council in 2011 to allow certain design and planning work on this project to be undertaken. A review of all capital expenditure is being undertaken at present. It is only when that review process is completed that future allocations can be determined. I am not in a position to give any commitment regarding the provision of further funding for this road in the future.

Public Transport

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

734 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the numbers of drivers and staff at Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann at the end of the 2010; the numbers of drivers and staff at Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann at 1 July 2011; the figures for same at the end of December 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22159/11]

The issue raised is a matter for Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann. I have referred the Deputy's question to the companies concerned for direct reply. He should advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within ten working days.

Light Rail Projects

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

735 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the projected cost to the State of the proposed metro north project; if consultants and or companies from outside of Ireland will be required to complete the project; the number of jobs drawing from the labour market here that will be created during the life of the project; and the social clause he plans to incorporate in contracts with consultants and companies who would deliver this project. [22215/11]

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

736 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the projected cost to the State of the proposed Dart interconnector project; if consultants and or companies from outside of Ireland will be required to complete the project; the number of jobs drawing from the labour market here that will be created during the life of the project; and the social clause he plans to incorporate in contracts with consultants and companies who would deliver this project. [22216/11]

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

737 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the projected cost to the State of the proposed Luas BXD project; if consultants and or companies from outside of Ireland will be required to complete the project; the number of jobs drawing from the labour market here that will be created during the life of the project; and the social clause he plans to incorporate in contracts with consultants and companies who would deliver this project. [22217/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 735 to 737, inclusive, together.

I am not in a position to give details in relation to the projected cost of these projects. The publication of such commercially sensitive information before the completion of the competitive procurement processes would prejudice the State's capacity to derive maximum value for money in respect of these projects. In addition, these projects are being reviewed as part of the Government's recently announced capital expenditure review. Obviously, the delivery of the Metro North project and the Dart Underground project will cost several billion each, while Luas BXD will cost several hundred million. All tendering for construction works relating to public projects must comply with EU and national procurement rules. The Capital Works Management Framework, overseen by the Department of Finance, sets standard contracts for public projects including relating to terms and conditions of employment. These are used by all State agencies including those under the aegis of my Department sponsoring major projects such as Metro North, Luas BXD and DART Underground. Any new versions of these standard contracts arising from future legislative changes would be adopted by the agencies as required. Subject to compliance with the above, the employment of individuals on public projects is a matter for the successful contractor.

Departmental Bodies

Dessie Ellis

Ceist:

738 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of workers who have expressed an interest in taking the voluntary redundancy package at the merging of the Railway Procurement Agency and the National Roads Authority; and his plans if 100 voluntary redundancies are not achieved. [22227/11]

The matter raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for the Railway Procurement Agency. I have referred the Deputy's question to the agency for direct reply. He should contact my office if he has not received a reply within ten working days.

Dessie Ellis

Ceist:

739 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if employees of the merged Railway Procurement Agency and National Roads Authority will be civil or public service workers. [22228/11]

The proposed merger of the National Roads Authority and the Railway Procurement Agency is currently being examined by my Department. No decision has been taken on the status of the employees concerned.

Dessie Ellis

Ceist:

740 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the merged Railway Procurement Agency and National Roads Authority will recognise a trade union (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this union had been left out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22229/11]

The proposed merger of the National Roads Authority and the Railway Procurement Agency is currently being examined by my Department. Consultation with employees and their representatives will be a matter for the Implementation team for the merger, when it is established.

National Development Plan

Ciara Conway

Ceist:

741 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress that has been made on a new national development plan reflecting Ireland’s changed economic circumstances covering the seven year period 2012 to 2019; when this document will be published; the key stakeholders in the plan; the way they are being engaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22237/11]

The Government announced a comprehensive review of capital spending across Government Departments last April. This review which is being overseen by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform is now under way.

The review requires that all proposals for both new and ongoing public capital funding to 2016 in all sectors be examined to establish a set of priority projects and programmes that will support economic recovery, provide employment opportunities and are affordable having regard to the current financial realities. The results of the review will form the basis of the new National Development Plan which should be finalised in the Autumn.

As part of the review process all agencies funded by my Department were requested to make submissions supporting their programmes and setting priorities in a scenario of reduced allocations. These submissions have informed my Department's conclusions on the priorities for funding in the transport, tourism and sport sectors from 2012 to 2016. My Department's response has recently been submitted to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

Departmental Expenditure

Shane Ross

Ceist:

742 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the sum of any public funds and their purpose which have been awarded by his Department either directly or indirectly to the Irish Business and Employers’ Confederation in the past decade. [22271/11]

My Department has reviewed all its records and has not identified any award of public funds either directly or indirectly to the Irish Business and Employers Confederation in the past decade.

Tourism Promotion

Michael McCarthy

Ceist:

743 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way he intends to capitalise on the recent successes of Irish professional golfers on the international stage; if, in view of Darren Clarke’s victory at the British Open, there are now any plans to increase funding for Tourism Ireland’s €2.2 million marketing campaign which was created following Rory McIlroy’s recent success; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22382/11]

The matter raised is an operational one for Tourism Ireland Limited, in the first instance, as the body responsible for promoting the island of Ireland as a visitor destination overseas, working together with Fáilte Ireland and indeed the Northern Ireland Tourist Board where appropriate. I have referred the Deputy's Question to Tourism Ireland for direct reply. He should advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within ten working days.

Sport and Recreational Development

John Lyons

Ceist:

744 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will detail the extent to which sports promotion agencies within his remit utilise social media and other tools to promote physical activity and involvement in sporting and leisure events; his views on whether these tools can have a positive bearing on attracting certain age demographics into healthy activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22386/11]

The matter raised is an operational one for the Irish Sports Council. I have referred the Deputy's Question to the agency for direct reply. He should advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within ten working days.

Tourism Promotion

John Lyons

Ceist:

745 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to attract high-profile sporting events to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22387/11]

The matter raised is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. I have referred the Deputy's Question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply. He should advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within ten working days.

Arbitration Processes

John Lyons

Ceist:

746 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to ensure that all agencies under his remit sign up to a dispute resolution process that would prevent disputes through mediation and arbitration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22388/11]

The matter raised is an operational one for the Irish Sports Council. I have referred the Deputy's Question to the agency for direct reply. He should advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within ten working days.

Coast Guard Stations

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

747 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding a planned building project (details supplied) in County Cork under his aegis. [22444/11]

The Office of Public Works is currently in a tender process for the construction of a Coast Guard Station in Crosshaven, Co. Cork. Bids are being evaluated by the OPW and a decision is expected in the near future.

Driving Licences

Dominic Hannigan

Ceist:

748 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the consideration he has given to a reciprocal agreement with the Canadian Government to allow drivers to transfer licences from one country to another without the need for subsequent testing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22466/11]

Ireland has reciprocal exchange arrangements in respect of driving licences with a number of other countries. Irish rules on driver licensing operate within the framework of EU law, which means that we have reciprocal exchange relationships with other EU countries and with countries whose licensing regime is compatible with EU standards.

In the case of Canada, each of the Canadian provinces has its own licensing regime, with different standards in each case. This poses difficulties for potential recognition. However, I understand that there have been discussions recently between the Road Safety Authority and the Canadian authorities to explore whether it would be possible to agree some form of exchange relationship. It is my understanding that not all of the Canadian provinces were interested in pursuing the matter at this stage.

I have, of course, no objection in principal to agreeing an exchange relationship of this type with Canada and will give the matter careful consideration if it proves possible to reach an agreement which would involve all of the different Canadian provinces and their respective licensing systems.

Departmental Equipment

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

749 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of computer servers that are owned or leased by his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department; and the capacity of each server. [22496/11]

My Department has 128 physical servers which have a combined disk capacity of 23.8 TB. Additionally it has 97 virtual servers, which have access to a total shared storage area of 28 TB. My Department was unable to collate information from the Irish Coast Guard in the time available and will forward this information to the Deputy directly.

The number of computer servers owned or leased by agencies under the remit of my Department is a matter for the agencies themselves and I have referred the question to them for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a reply has not been received within ten days.

Harbours and Piers

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

750 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will contribute to the development of piers at Dunquin and An Blascaod Mór, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22524/11]

The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has no responsibility for the piers referred to in the question and no funding available for such piers. Such funding may be available through either the relevant local authority or the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, which has responsibility for offshore islands.

Appointments to State Boards

Anne Ferris

Ceist:

751 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he is taking to ensure that State boards have at least 40% of each gender, as provided for in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22533/11]

The Government has decided that new arrangements will be put in place for the making of appointments to State boards which will ensure that all appointees have the relevant qualifications and will facilitate achieving gender balance on boards. This involves broadening the pool from which Board directors are appointed by publically seeking expressions of interest for such appointments

My Department have already commenced this process and, with the assistance of the Public Appointments Service, have sought expressions of interest. In making future appointments, I will be fully cognisant of the commitment in the programme for Government that all State Boards should have at least 40% of each gender.

It should be noted that of the more than 280 people who have contacted my office to express an interest in serving on state boards through this process, less than 50 were women. I will shortly be issuing a new call for expressions of interest on a rolling basis. To help redress this imbalance, I would encourage as many qualified and interested women as possible to apply.

Departmental Expenditure

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

752 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if it has, in view of the change of name of the Department, procured a new logo, new signage or any other branding such as stationery; if so, the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22559/11]

Following a competitive process, my Department has this week selected a new logo with a design cost of €264. As with previous practice stationery with the new logo will be ordered as part of the normal reprint cycle, at no additional cost, on the basis of the contract negotiated by the National Procurement Service of the OPW.

No additional cost arose in respect of stationery. Existing stocks were used up and the full Department title was included at no extra cost when reprinting was necessary.

In addition a contract has been placed (following a tender process) to erect signs with the new title on the exterior of the Department's three buildings in Dublin at a total cost of €2,086.

Road Safety

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

753 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will clarify a matter (details supplied) relevant to the testing of heavy goods vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22561/11]

The roadworthiness testing of commercial vehicles is the responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and I have referred the question to them for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my private office if a reply has not been received within ten working days.

Road Traffic Offences

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

754 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of motor vehicles caught breaking speed limits since 2009 in tabular format on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22567/11]

The following tabular statement below provides a breakdown on a County basis of the number of penalty points incidents entered to the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) as a result of speeding offences notified to my Department by An Garda Síochána and the Courts Service.

My Department does not have details on the number of speeding detections.

Number of Drivers with Penalty Points applied for Speeding.

COUNTY

2009

2010

2011 (Jan - June)

CARLOW

1,633

1,355

1,335

CAVAN

1,837

1,909

1,458

CLARE

4,775

2,817

3,708

CORK

11,307

8,952

7,945

DONEGAL

3,085

3,763

2,039

GALWAY

5,202

4,702

4,421

KERRY

2,661

1,805

2,475

KILDARE

8,894

7,131

4,953

KILKENNY

3,422

3,177

2,027

LAOIS

2,683

1,428

1,036

LEITRIM

1,214

1,127

489

LIMERICK

3,516

3,270

3,408

LONGFORD

1,065

766

778

LOUTH

2,462

2,753

2,075

MAYO

3,309

2,568

1,831

MEATH

5,299

5,169

3,974

MONAGHAN

1,495

1,355

821

OFFALY

2,624

1,315

1,155

ROSCOMMON

1,949

1,939

1,201

SLIGO

2,861

2,699

856

NORTH TIPPERARY

3,077

1,477

1,293

SOUTH TIPPERARY

2,938

1,915

1,500

WATERFORD

2,701

1,531

1,592

WESTMEATH

2,038

1,442

1,408

WEXFORD

4,829

6,149

2,583

WICKLOW

4,385

5,429

3,078

DUBLIN

24,980

30,332

19,985

LIMERICK CITY COUNCIL

1,094

895

1,366

WATERFORD CITY COUNCIL

1,910

1,148

1,172

NO DRIVER NUMBER

26,237

20,896

13,678

TOTAL

145,482

131,214

95,640

Departmental Bodies

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

755 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of quangos, agencies and authorities that were established by his Department in each of the years from 1997 to January 2011; the number of staff employed by his Department in 1997; the number of staff employed by his Department in January 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22588/11]

Since my appointment as Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport on 9 March 2011, I have established no State agencies, quasi-agencies or authorities. My Department was not in existence prior to that date. In that context, it is not possible to give meaningful comparative staffing figures as requested by the Deputy.

With regard to future developments, I am working on a proposal to rationalise agencies and offices under my Department's remit. This includes the merger of the NRA and RPA into a single body, and the merger of the Air Accident Investigation Unit, the Marine Casualty Investigation Board and the Railway Safety Commission.

National Lottery Funding

Patrick O'Donovan

Ceist:

756 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will make national lottery funding available in respect of a centre (details supplied) in County Limerick. [22590/11]

Under the Sports Capital Programme, which is part funded from the proceeds of the National Lottery, an allocation of €75,000 was made to the organisation referred to by the Deputy in 2005 towards the costs of developing dressing rooms, showers and toilets. All of this funding has been drawn down since February 2007.

No decision has been made on the timing of the next round of the programme.

Consultancy Contracts

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

757 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a report of the number consultancy reports commissioned by his Department between 1997 and January 2011; the cost of commissioning each report; if he will provide information on the implementation of recommendations set out in each report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22605/11]

The information is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy within 10 working days.

Rail Network

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

758 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will justify the increase in the rail fare from Tipperary town to Waterford from €5.90 to €14.00; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22617/11]

The issue raised is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann. I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. He should advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within ten working days.

Barr