Written Answers

Banking Sector Regulation

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

39 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if he is satisfied that previous or existing dialogue and unity of purpose exists between all central banks within the EU with a view to achieving a co-ordinated strategy in dealing with borrowing, lending and recovery; if the ECB maintains sufficient contact with each member state’s central bank in order to maximise the combined strength of the EU in the context of economic recovery throughout the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34425/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

As Minister for Finance, I have no function in the relationship between the European Central Bank and national central banks. The Governor of the Central Bank carries out his European Central Bank-related functions under the Treaty of Rome and the Statute of the European System of Central Banks (ESCB) and his independence in doing so is guaranteed. Section 19A (2) of the Act provides that the Governor has sole responsibility for the performance of the functions imposed, and the exercise of powers conferred, on the Bank by or under the Rome Treaty or the ESCB Statute.

Section 6A(3) of the Central Bank Act 1942 provides that the Minister for Finance may not request information relating to ESCB functions from the Governor or the Bank.

Additionally, article 282(3) of the Treaty of Rome provides that the European Central Bank shall be independent in the exercise of its powers and that European Union institutions, bodies, offices and agencies and the governments of the Member States shall respect that independence.

However, at their meeting on 26 October, EU Heads of State and Government agreed on a range of measures additional to those taken at the 21 July summit to address the effects of the financial crisis both for the EU as a whole and within the euro area. These measures foresee further significant efforts to ensure fiscal consolidation in Member States, including support for those Member States in difficulty and strengthening of euro area governance.

In this context, EU leaders also agreed that further measures were needed to address the strength and stability of the banking sector including the need to ensure medium-term funding of banks, in which both national Central Banks and the European Central Bank have a key role to play. In addition, EU leaders agreed that the quality and quantity of banks' capital needed to be significantly strengthened and they agreed on a significantly higher capital ratio of 9% of the highest quality capital, to be attained by banks not later than 30 June 2012. National supervisors, under the auspices of the European Banking Authority, are to ensure that banks, in meeting this capital target, maintain the flow of credit to the real economy.

I can confirm in this context that Irish banks do not require additional capital under the higher standard now required. This outcome reinforces the robust and conservative nature of our Prudential Capital Assessment Review (PCAR) exercise in March of this year.

EU-IMF Programme

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

40 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance his views that the State will have to borrow the €3.1 billion promissory note payment to Anglo Irish Bank due on 31 March 2012; and if so the amount he believes the interest rate on this borrowing will be; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34432/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

The Deputy should be aware that the funds that become available to the State from Revenue or as a result of borrowing undertaken by the Exchequer are not generally assigned to one particular area of expenditure. Rather funds available from borrowings, along with the funds sourced from revenues such as tax revenue, non-tax revenue and capital receipts, are used to fund overall expenditure. Accordingly, there was no one tranche of funding that was undertaken or assigned solely for the purpose of funding the Promissory Note payments to IBRC (Anglo Irish Bank and Irish Nationwide Building Society). Further, the draw downs of funds so far under the Joint EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support have been used for a range of different purposes including of course the general running of the day-to-day operations of the State. However, in so far as the €3.060 million Promissory Note payment constitutes part of the Exchequer deficit in 2012 it does appear that the Government will have to borrow to meet its commitments in this regard.

It is difficult to isolate precisely the exact cost of the interest payments on the borrowing undertaken to fund the Promissory Note payments. However, for illustrative purposes, on the basis of the original 5.8% blended average interest rate which applied to borrowing under the Programme, the interest costs on borrowing of €3,060 million would be just under €180 million per annum. In light of the recently agreed reduction in interest rates on funding available under the Joint EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support however, the estimated interest cost on such borrowing reduces to approximately €115 million per annum as the average Programme interest rate is currently estimated at around 3.7%.

I would caution, however, against attributing particular costs of funding to specific expenditure in Government accounting terms to assess an overall cost of providing capital to Anglo. There is a distinct difference between a commercial approach to funding projects and the approach applied in governmental terms to projects which generally have a social or "public good" focus. If, for example, the Government borrows to build a school, which costs €100 million — the cost of the school is shown as €100 m, not the cost of the school plus interest calculated in perpetuity (based on commercial criteria that the school does not directly provide any financial return to the State). If we are to compare like with like, in terms of Government expenditure, we should assess costs on that basis. The table sets out the Department of Finance's calculation of the cost of the Promissory Note provided to IBRC for the Deputy's information.

Promissory Note Schedule — Anglo and INBS *
€bn	Total interest Paid: A	Total Capital Reduction: B	Repayments: A + B
31/03/2011	0.55	2.51	3.06
31/03/2012	—	3.06	3.06
31/03/2013	0.49	2.57	3.06
31/03/2014	1.84	1.22	3.06
31/03/2015	1.75	1.31	3.06
31/03/2016	1.65	1.41	3.06
31/03/2017	1.55	1.51	3.06
31/03/2018	1.44	1.62	3.06
31/03/2019	1.32	1.74	3.06
31/03/2020	1.19	1.87	3.06
31/03/2021	1.06	2.00	3.06
31/03/2022	0.91	2.15	3.06
31/03/2023	0.75	2.31	3.06
31/03/2024	0.57	1.52	2.09
31/03/2025	0.45	0.47	0.91
31/03/2026	0.39	0.52	0.91
31/03/2027	0.33	0.58	0.91
31/03/2028	0.26	0.65	0.91
31/03/2029	0.19	0.73	0.91
31/03/2030	0.10	0.81	0.91
31/03/2031	0.01	0.05	0.05
	16.8	30.6	47.4

* These numbers may not tot exactly as a result of rounding

Jobs Initiative

Niall Collins

Ceist:

41 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Finance if any assessment has been carried out by him on the effectiveness of the measures in the jobs initiative which came into effect on 1 July 2011; if there is any specific evidence of new jobs being created as a direct result of the initiative; his views whether the initiative is having a net positive impact on the Exchequer; if he intends to retain all of the measures in full for 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34396/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

The Jobs Initiative is designed to support a return to economic growth and strengthen its foundations. It is about focusing our now more limited resources on measures that offer the greatest potential for expansion and employment creation in the domestic economy. The aim is to target key sectors of the economy that can assist in getting people back to work, providing opportunities for those who have lost their jobs to re-skill and building confidence in order to encourage consumer activity. It is of course extremely difficult to separate out the increase in economic activity that is attributable to specific initiatives, particularly as the QNHS employment data only shows gross sectoral flows. Nonetheless, the Jobs Initiative is an important part of the Government’s overall strategy to establish the correct conditions to allow our economy to recover, while at the same time respecting the requirement to return our public finances to a sustainable position. It should be viewed as one element of a wider strategy to support economic activity.

Given our commitments under the EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support, and our current public finance difficulties, the Jobs Initiative is budgetary neutral over the period to 2014 and is being funded through the introduction of a temporary levy on pension funds.

The measures introduced as part of the Jobs Initiative are expected to result in a net gain for the Exchequer in 2011. This is because the yield from the temporary levy on pension funds is expected to more than offset the estimated cost of the other measures introduced. These included the new temporary second reduced rate of VAT of 9%, aimed primarily at the tourism sector, the halving of the lower rate of employer’s PRSI and the small additional amounts of current and capital expenditure.

In 2012, a net loss of revenue to the Exchequer is expected as the full year cost of the measures introduced is estimated to be greater than the forecast yield from the temporary levy on pension funds.

Financial Services Regulation

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

42 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if he is preparing legislation to force mortgage lenders to pass on ECB interest rate reductions to mortgage holders; if so, when the legislation will be published and brought before Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34429/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I have no plans to introduce legislation to force mortgage lenders to pass on European Central Bank interest rate cuts to their standard variable rate mortgage customers. As the Deputy is aware, the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank wrote to the Taoiseach on 11 November 2011 setting out the Central Bank's opinion on recent developments in mortgage interest rates and on possible action by the Bank in this regard. In my reply to the priority question from the Deputy, I outlined the details contained in that letter. In short, the Deputy Governor has stated that the power to exercise regulatory control over retail interest rates is not sought by the Central Bank at this time.

If the Deputy Governor requires additional legislative measures to enable him to carry out his functions more efficiently, I will consider the request with a view to bringing proposals to Government. The question of how interest rates paid on deposits should be treated will also have to be considered in this context.

Bank Guarantee Scheme

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

43 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance if the ECB has altered the maturity for the emergency liquidity assistance for Ireland from three weeks to one year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34431/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

The Central Bank of Ireland does not comment on ELA operations, other than what is contained in their Monthly Statistics update and their annual report. I can inform the Deputy however that I understand that there has been no change in the maturity of ELA operations.

State Banking Sector

Sandra McLellan

Ceist:

44 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Finance if he has requested the day one lists for Anglo bonds from Anglo Irish Bank, IBRC; if he will publish this list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34435/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I assume, in replying to this question, that the terminology ‘day one list' refers to a listing of subscribers to bond issues on the launch date of the bonds. The bank has not been requested, during my tenure as Minister for "day one" listing of subscribers to bond issues. I am advised, however, that every effort has been made to establish the identity of current bondholders. In this context a "day one" list of bondholders would generally only provide an indication of acquiring institutions who generally act on behalf of a confidential client base rather than on behalf of the institution in its own right. Further, given that such bonds are actively traded in secondary markets, any such list is not reliable as a record of ownership of bonds. It would not, therefore, be appropriate to publish such a list.

The Deputy may wish to note that the Bank is contractually obliged to repay senior, unsecured securities on their maturity dates. These securities are publicly traded, dealt through dealers and settled via clearing house systems. An issuer (such as the Bank) does not have any access to the records of the registrar. It should be noted that such bonds are freely tradable once issued and therefore the issuer has no means of establishing the underlying ownership at any given time. Unlike in the case of shares, the holders of listed debt instruments are not subject to a disclosure regime. The settlement mechanics are that the Bank will instruct its paying agent to transfer the funds to the clearing house systems who will then distribute the funds to the holders of the security as per their records.

National Asset Management Agency

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

45 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Finance, further to Parliamentary Question No. 18 of 2 November 2011 regarding National Asset Management Agency business plan agreements with debtors, if NAMA takes into consideration outstanding debts that developers owe to sub-contractors for public works programmes previously undertaken and seeks to include some form of payment schedule to these sub-contractors as part of the debtors’ business plans; and if not, will it now so act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34437/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

As a consequence of the economic downturn there have been instances of individuals and companies having difficulty collecting money owed to them as suppliers, including instances where unsecured creditors have supplied goods or services to a developer or the company of a developer in the carrying out of a public works contract. I am advised by NAMA that it is not part of NAMA's brief, as set out in its list of functions under the NAMA Act, to direct taxpayer funds towards unsecured creditors in all circumstances. However, it may consider doing so on a case-by-case basis. NAMA advise that its decision in such cases is based on commercial criteria.

The primary function of NAMA is to manage acquired loans efficiently, effectively and expeditiously and in the best interests of the State. In doing so, it aims to attain the best achievable financial return subject to acceptable financial risk.

Economic Forecasts

Brian Stanley

Ceist:

46 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Finance the impact of half a per cent growth reduction in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 from the growth projections contained in the mid-term financial review; and the impact this will have on our debt to GDP ratio in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34443/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

The Deputy should be aware that Chapter 5 of the Medium-Term Fiscal Statement sets out a range of different scenarios which show the estimated impact on the General Government debt/GDP ratio of both higher and lower nominal rates of economic growth. These are summarised in the table below:

General Government Debt (% of GDP)	2012	2013	2014	2015
Base Case	114.3	118.3	117.0	113.5
Nominal GDP Growth 1% Lower	116.1	122.1	123.4	123.0
Nominal GDP Growth 2% Lower	117.7	126.1	130.1	132.9
Nominal GDP Growth 1% Higher	112.8	114.6	110.8	104.5
Nominal GDP Growth 2% Higher	111.2	110.9	104.7	95.9

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Ceist:

47 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Finance the nominal GDP assumptions for Q3 and Q4 2011 that are used in the mid-term financial statement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34448/11]

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Ceist:

60 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Finance the real GDP assumptions for Q3 and Q4 2011 that are used in the mid-term financial statement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34447/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 47 and 60 together.

Quarterly Irish economic data can be very volatile and are subject to non-negligible revisions. This was evident once again in the latest Quarterly National Accounts release, which revealed that, on a seasonally adjusted basis, real GDP grew by 1.6 per cent quarter on quarter in Q2 2011 following positive growth of 1.9 per cent in Q1 2011. The previous estimate for the first quarter of 2011 was 1.3 per cent growth.

Given this volatility, my Department's growth forecasts are based on annual rather than quarterly figures. This is in line with the approach of others, including the Central Bank and ESRI. On this basis, my Department's latest forecasts — set out in the Medium-Term Fiscal Statement which was published on 4 November — are for real GDP growth of 1 per cent this year and a contraction of 0.5 per cent in nominal GDP. For the year as a whole, the level of GDP is projected to be €155 billion.

General Government Debt

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

48 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Finance his view on whether GNP is a more appropriate measurement of debt than GDP; his views on whether the figures (details supplied) suggest that the debt burden here is going to top 150%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34458/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

General Government debt is forecast in the recently published Medium-Term Fiscal Statement (MTFS) to reach almost €195 billion by 2013. Based on the nominal GDP and GNP forecasts presented in the MTFS, this equates to a debt/GDP ratio of 118 per cent and a debt/GNP ratio of 147 per cent. I understand that Mr. Whelan's estimate of the debt/GNP ratio exceeding 150 per cent is taken from his working paper ”Ireland’s Sovereign Debt Crisis” which was published back in May and might therefore be a little out of date. It is common practice to express General Government debt as a percentage of GDP. This allows for consistent, cross-country comparative analysis to be made.

GDP is the relevant measure in the context of the tax revenue base. In an Irish case, the profits made by multinational firms based here, which are counted as part of GDP but not GNP are part of the tax revenue base.

The percentage of tax revenues and GDP which are accounted for by debt interest expenditure are important measures of debt sustainability. The MTFS forecast that the equivalent of some 19 per cent of tax revenues or around 4½ per cent of GDP will be required to pay interest on the national debt by 2015. While a significant level, it is worth bearing in mind that these ratios are well below those experienced in the mid-1980s when the equivalent of around a third of tax revenues or close to 10 per cent of GDP were used for that purpose.

Tax Yield

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

49 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of the fact that the approximate collective incomes of the 300 wealthiest Irish citizens rose to €57 billion in 2011 from €50 billion in 2010, he can outline to Dáil Éireann a corresponding rise in Exchequer taxation returns from this group over the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34389/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that they hold data collected from taxpayers in relation to income but they cannot verify the estimate provided by the Deputy and are not aware of the source of the Deputy's information. For the tax year 2009, which is the latest year for which full data is available, the top 300 income earners declared €911 million in income and paid €262 million in income tax. Income data is not yet available for 2010 as the final filing date for submission of the 2010 Income Tax return is 16 November 2011 where an individual elects to file and pay using Revenue's On-line Service. The 2011 Income Tax returns are not due to be filed until the fourth quarter of 2012.

Fiscal Advisory Council

Mick Wallace

Ceist:

50 Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Finance his views on the significant error on page 34 of the original version of the Fiscal Assessment Report published by the Fiscal Advisory Council on 12 October 2011; the initial lack of transparency the council displayed in correcting this error; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33036/11]

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

70 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Finance the reason he did not appoint a fiscal policy specialist to the Fiscal Advisory Council and in view of the significant errors contained in their first report published in October if he intends to appoint such a specialist to the council in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34439/11]

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

99 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Finance his views that the Fiscal Advisory Council has adequate supports in order to make objective recommendations to Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34012/11]

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

125 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his views on the work to date of the Fiscal Advisory Council and if he is satisfied that its composition is sufficiently broad in terms of background and expertise to enable it to fulfil its mandate. [34375/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 50, 70, 99 and 125 together.

I announced the establishment of the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council on 7 July 2011. The Council is part of a wider agenda of reform of Ireland's budgetary architecture which is envisaged in the Programme for Government. When I announced the establishment of the Council, it was stated that the Council would be an independent body whose existence and independence would be underpinned by legislation to be brought forward by Government in the Fiscal Responsibility Bill by the end of March 2012.

The role of the Council is to provide an assessment of, and comment publicly on, whether the Government is meeting its own stated budgetary targets and objectives. It will also be charged with assessing the appropriateness and soundness of the Government's fiscal stance and macroeconomic projections as well as an assessment of the extent of compliance with the Government's fiscal rules. The latter are also to be brought forward in the proposed Fiscal Responsibility Bill.

The five members of the Council are:

Mr. Sebastian Barnes, OECD,

Professor Alan Barrett, TCD (on secondment from the ESRI),

Dr. Donal Donovan, University of Limerick (formerly IMF staff),

Professor John McHale, Head of Economics, NUI Galway and Chair of the Council, and

Dr. Róisín O'Sullivan, Associate Professor, Smith College, Massachusetts.

I appointed the members having regard to a number of criteria including the desirability of having a mix of appropriate backgrounds (academia, the financial sector/financial markets and public finance), macroeconomic/microeconomic expertise and a strong international dimension, as well as the need to take gender considerations into account. I am satisfied that the appointed members have the mix of skills and experience, including in relation to fiscal affairs, to ensure that the Council will be highly effective in fulfilling its mandate.

I am satisfied with the composition of the Council and I am pleased that individuals of such high calibre have agreed to serve on the Council. Indeed, it is fair to say that, when I announced the makeup of the Council, the public commentary about the membership was positive and welcoming.

The Council is supported by a secretariat of three staff, one senior economist, one junior economist/research assistant and one administration staff. A second economist position is expected to be filled shortly. The Council can also obtain specialist expertise as required through consultancy services, so I do not accept that the Council does not have the relevant expertise to do its job.

As part of its first Fiscal Assessment Report published in October, the Fiscal Advisory Council advised that in order to achieve a deficit of 8.6% of GDP next year, consolidation of €4 billion would be required. The Council also suggested that over the period to 2015, Government should implement more consolidation than currently planned so as to achieve a deficit of 1% of GDP in 2015. This would require €4 billion in additional consolidation but would result in a significantly improved debt trajectory. While not opining on the appropriate split between revenue and expenditure, the Council also questioned the view that most of the adjustment should be on the spending side.

These views and indeed those of other bodies, both domestic and international, informed my Department's analysis in producing the Medium-Term Fiscal Statement. However, in striving to restore sustainability to the public finances, we must also be mindful of protecting the emerging economic recovery and seek to strike the right balance between the two. This balancing act is difficult but we believe we have struck the right balance by targeting an adjustment of €3.8 billion so as to achieve the agreed deficit of 8.6% of GDP for 2012 and thereafter pursuing the necessary annual adjustments to achieve the agreed deficit of under 3% of GDP by 2015. This strategy is in line with our commitments under the EU/IMF Programme of External Assistance and as such the EU/IMF troika agree with our approach.

The error, related to an historical figure, on page 34 in the Fiscal Assessment Report as originally published is an operational matter for the Council. Officials in my Department had brought this to my attention. The error was amended very quickly by the Council and a revised version of the Report was published on its website. I would point out that the Fiscal Assessment Report states that " errors and omissions are the responsibility of the Council". Finally, the error in question, which as I have said related to a historical figure, did not affect the analysis and underlying rationale behind the recommendations made by the Council.

Debt Resolution Agency

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

51 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance his views on the establishment of an independent debt resolution agency as proposed by free legal advice centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34024/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

The Inter-Departmental Report on Mortgage Arrears, which was published on 12 October 2011, stated that the early introduction of new judicial and non judicial personal insolvency resolution mechanisms is necessary and that, in the absence of such changes, the mortgage arrears problem will not be resolved. The issue of personal insolvency reform, and the precise mechanism for the resolution of unsustainable personal debt, is a matter in the first instance for my colleague the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence. In that regard, and in line with a commitment in the Programme for Government, the Personal Insolvency Bill is in the course of being developed by the Department of Justice and Equality and this will provide for a new framework for the settlement of unsustainable debt and for personal insolvency. The commitment under the EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support for Ireland is to publish the Bill in Quarter 1 of 2012 and the Minister has indicated his objective to publish the measure ahead of the EU/IMF deadline, if possible. Moreover, I understand that it is intended that the Heads of the Bill, which are expected to be finalised in the near future, will be forwarded to the Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality for its consideration.

Bank Guarantee Scheme

Dessie Ellis

Ceist:

52 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a full breakdown of all senior guaranteed, senior unguaranteed secured and senior unguaranteed unsecured bonds held in all banks covered by the eligible liabilities guarantee including the value of the bonds and the date of their maturity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34441/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

The information requested by the Deputy is provided in the following schedules.

AIB/EBS
Total AIB Group (including EBS) — also includes cross holding of issuance.
	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015+	Total to Maturity
Guaranteed	—	1,028,235,331	2,368,626,605	—	3,048,700,000	6,445,561,936
Unguaranteed Secured	—	1,000,000,000	1,000,000,000	50,000,000	2,665,726,275	4,715,726,275
Unguaranteed Unsecured	52,315,240	3,520,542,954	42,356,511	839,000,000	99,000,000	4,553,214,705

Notes:

Guaranteed includes €23.7m in the 2015+ Timeband reflects its final maturity but has a put date of 31/12/2011

Reflects external issuances only i.e. does not included internal covered bonds, internal securitisations or the own use bank bond.

Total AIB Group (including EBS) — Excludes cross holding of issuance.
	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015+	Total to Maturity
Guaranteed	—	1,006,235,331	2,301,926,605	—	2,937,100,000	6,245,261,936
Unguaranteed Secured	—	1,000,000,000	953,000,000	50,000,000	2,648,089,242	4,651,089,242
Unguaranteed Unsecured	52,315,240	3,458,342,954	42,356,511	839,000,000	99,000,000	4,491,014,705

Notes:

Guaranteed includes €23.7m in the 2015+ Timeband reflects its final maturity but has a put date of 31/12/2011.

Reflects external issuances only i.e. does not included internal covered bonds, internal securitisations or the own use bank bond.

AIB/EBS Guaranteed:
	Report Date:	01/11/2011
Product	Isin	Ccy	Maturity Date	Current Nominal EUR equiv.	Issued By
MTNs GG	XS0490069266	EUR	25/02/2015	1,000,000,000	EBS
MTNs GG	XS0496459610	EUR	19/03/2015	25,000,000	EBS
MTNs GG	XS0496223255	EUR	19/03/2012	1,000,000,000	AIB
MTNs GG	XS0484576813	EUR	04/02/2013	1,800,000,000	AIB
MTNs GG	XS0494617631	USD	15/03/2013	548,626,605	AIB
MTNs GG	XS0496222877	EUR	19/03/2015	2,000,000,000	AIB
MTNs GG	XS0545957432	EUR	30/09/2015	23,700,000	AIB
MTNs GG	XS0502963183	HKD	19/04/2012	14,117,666	AIB
MTNs GG	XS0504071282	HKD	23/04/2012	14,117,666	AIB
MTNs GG	XS0499510609	EUR	08/04/2013	20,000,000	AIB
				6,445,561,936
Held by AIB				check
XS0490069266	30,000,000			6,245,261,936.05

Held by EBS
XS0496223255	22,000,000
XS0484576813	66,700,000
XS0496222877	81,600,000

Self Issuance
XS0701324195	4,500,000,000

AIB/EBS Unguaranteed Secured:
	Report Date:			01/11/2011
Product	Isin	Ccy	Maturity Date	Current Nominal EUR equiv.	Issued By
Covered Bond	XS0467861653	EUR	23-Nov-12	1,000,000,000	EBS
Covered Bond	XS0470919696	EUR	01-Dec-14	50,000,000	EBS
RMBS	XS0260593727	EUR	15-Jul-48	900,726,275	EBS
Covered Bond	XS0250267647	EUR	30-Apr-13	1,000,000,000	AIB
Covered Bond	XS0308936037	EUR	29-Jun-17	1,500,000,000	AIB
Covered Bond	XS0308936037	EUR	29-Jun-17	175,000,000	AIB
Covered Bond	Unlisted	EUR	23-Sep-19	15,000,000	AIB
Covered Bond	Unlisted	EUR	30-Sep-19	50,000,000	AIB
Covered Bond	XS0486207870	EUR	12-Feb-30	10,000,000	AIB
Covered Bond	XS0489775535	EUR	01-Mar-30	10,000,000	AIB
Covered Bond	XS0504676510	EUR	28-Apr-28	5,000,000	AIB
				4,715,726,275
Held by AIB				Check
XS0260593727	17,637,033			4,651,089,242
XS0250267647	47,000,000

AIB/EBS Unguaranteed Unsecured:
	Report Date:	01/11/2011
Product	Isin	Ccy	Maturity Date	Current Nominal EUR equiv.	Issued By
MTNs	XS0238667496	GBP	16-Dec-11	18,600,974	EBS
MTNs	XS0245078406	GBP	16-Dec-11	3,778,323	EBS
MTNs	XS0253554744	GBP	16-Dec-11	8,137,926	EBS
MTNs	XS0257988997	GBP	16-Dec-11	9,300,487	EBS
MTNs	XS0276164539	GBP	16-Dec-11	10,172,408	EBS
MTNs	XS0296914103	GBP	16-Dec-11	2,325,122	EBS
MTNs	XS0243328456	EUR	06-Feb-12	20,000,000	EBS
MTNs	XS0264939512	GBP	12-Jul-12	1,743,841	EBS
MTNs	XS0372296011	EUR	17-Aug-12	5,927,000	EBS
MTNs	XS0279186976	GBP	17-Dec-12	24,646,291	EBS
MTNs	XS0291322088	GBP	17-Dec-12	4,650,244	EBS
MTNs	XS0296914442	GBP	17-Dec-12	2,325,122	EBS
MTNs	XS0287983935	GBP	02-Mar-13	17,438,413	EBS
MTNs	XS0296913550	GBP	02-Mar-13	2,325,122	EBS
MTNs	XS0312295610	GBP	02-Mar-13	9,300,487	EBS
MTNs	XS0321100454	GBP	02-Mar-13	9,292,489	EBS
MTNs	XS0235051181	EUR	28-Oct-13	4,000,000	EBS
Schuldschein	SSD 01	EUR	28-Jan-14	9,000,000	EBS
MTNs	XS0244872882	EUR	20-Feb-14	20,000,000	EBS
Schuldschein	SSD 02	EUR	25-Feb-14	15,000,000	EBS
MTNs	XS0187074546	EUR	25-Feb-14	20,000,000	EBS
MTNs	XS0195980551	EUR	14-Jul-14	25,000,000	EBS
MTNs	XS0228549506	EUR	24-Aug-15	19,000,000	EBS
MTNs	XS0268806709	EUR	27-Sep-16	55,000,000	EBS
Schuldschein	SSD 03	EUR	26-Jan-17	25,000,000	EBS
MTNs	XS0287772130	GBP	20-Feb-12	874,675,350	AIB
MTNs	XS0294958318	EUR	11-Apr-12	1,500,000,000	AIB
MTNs	XS0302797351	USD	24-May-12	36,575,107	AIB
MTNs	XS0367255592	EUR	02-Jun-12	50,000,000	AIB
MTNs	XS0455308923	EUR	01-Oct-12	1,000,000,000	AIB
MTNs	XS0465876349	EUR	12-Nov-14	750,000,000	AIB
				4,553,214,705
Held By EBS
XS0294958318	62,200,000			4,491,014,705

Bank of Ireland:
	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015+	Total to Maturity
	€m	€m	€m	€m	€m	€m
Guaranteed (note 1)		9,935.06	1,482.16	47.53	2,866.84	14,331.59
Unguaranteed Secured	127.57	409.92	2,654.51	1,821.69	6,322.20	11,335.88
Unguaranteed Unsecured	71.58	865.65	1,070.51	66.77	538.02	2,612.53

Volumes reflect position as at 1 November 2011

The table excludes securitisations/covered bonds retained by the Group

Note 1: Includes €8.45bn received under Own Issued Bank Bonds maturing January 2012.

IBRC
MTN NO	CUR	Amount (Millions)	Start Date	Maturity Date
370	EUR	1,250	25-Jan-07	25-Jan-12
516	EUR	1,500	15-Apr-10	16-Apr-12
446	GBP	400	28-Jun-07	28-Jun-12
517	EUR	750	15-Apr-10	15-Apr-15
RED FONT:	Guaranteed/Issued under ELG.
Black Font:	Un-guaranteed.

INBS
MTN NO	CUR	Amount (Millions)	Start Date	Maturity Date
INBS-16	EUR	590.7	26-Jun-07	26-Jun-12
INBS-15	GBP	8.5	26-Jun-07	26-Jun-12

IL&P:
IL&P Debt at 4 November 2011 (principal excluding accrued interest)
	€
Secured (MBS)	2,671,800,930.90	Maturities between 2039 and 2050

Senior Guaranteed	€	Maturity Date
1	1,268,820,786.50	20130114
2	1,992,389,594.05	20150310
3	20,000,000.00	20150316
4	24,959,551.39	20150322
5	25,000,000.00	20150409
6	1,248,167,608.46	20130422
7	3,300,000,000.00	20111027 Own Use Bond
Senior Guaranteed	7,879,337,540.40

Senior Unguaranteed	€	Maturity Date
1	20,000,000	20360313
2	21,000,000	20460418
3	20,000,000	20460531
4	4,356,349	20130723
5	4,700,000	20141210
6	9,531,942	20161215
7	3,000,000	20150425
8	129,000,000	20350215
9	2,200,000	20120221
10	3,862,630	20130301
11	5,850,000	20200425
12	6,349,379	20130304
13	10,000,000	20150608
14	11,000,000	20130613
15	7,500,000	20130805
16	3,630,291	20150811
17	7,000,000	20201007
18	10,000,000	20301014
19	11,280,000	20111107
20	6,000,000	20140117
21	197,000	20111125
22	8,900,000	20140130
23	11,993,017	20111202
24	16,440,000	20111207
25	12,152,000	20151218
26	1,035,000	20120109
27	8,243,832	20120111
28	3,309,144	20120111
29	5,870,000	20120207
30	2,588,000	20120307
31	10,003,201	20130315
32	10,000,000	20130320
33	8,000,000	20160322
34	10,000,000	20131003
35	8,546,000	20120407
36	2,200,000	20120508
37	9,000,000	20140530
38	3,000,000	20160530
39	3,775,503	20160529
40	6,000,000	20140724
41	7,500,000	20140808
42	5,000,000	20140915
43	3,000,000	20141009
44	10,000,000	20121027
45	4,795,000	20161027
46	3,000,000	20131002
47	5,000,000	20141103
48	5,000,000	20140505
49	3,000,000	20140530
50	3,000,000	20111130
51	10,217,707	20121206
52	8,000,000	20141211
53	3,000,000	20111215
54	4,300,000	20140625
55	6,950,000	20131222
56	5,200,000	20140122
57	3,000,000	20150202
58	60,000,000	20170209
59	10,000,000	20140312
60	7,500,000	20140401
61	7,500,000	20140425
62	4,000,000	20141027
63	5,000,000	20140502
64	49,998,879	20120503
65	7,500,000	20140520
66	15,000,000	20130522
67	10,000,000	20270524
68	5,000,000	20140529
69	7,855,420	20120604
70	10,507,983	20130614
71	4,644,412	20120628
72	8,000,000	20140630
73	4,000,000	20140803
74	9,869,376	20130824
75	3,000,000	20140829
76	15,000,000	20150917
77	5,000,000	20131230
78	4,996,732	20151001
79	2,650,000	20141210
80	3,100,000	20150610
81	16,000,000	20151217
82	10,000,000	20140620
83	11,000,000	20150622
Senior Unguaranteed	824,598,797
Total	11,375,737,268
Total (excluding own use)	8,075,737,268

Proposed Legislation

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

53 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide an update on the forthcoming legislation dealing with the regulation of credit unions; when this legislation will be published and brought before the Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34434/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

In accordance with our commitment under the EU/IMF programme, legislation is being prepared for publication by the end of June 2012 to strengthen the regulatory framework for credit unions, including making legislative provision for effective governance standards and prudential requirements for credit unions. This represents an extension of the earlier EU/IMF deadline of end December 2011, which will allow the necessary time for consultation and to take account of any further recommendations arising from the Commission on Credit Unions. The new deadline has been agreed by the Troika.

Bank Guarantee Scheme

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

54 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance if he has sought and secured Cabinet approval for the forthcoming extension of the Credit Institutions (Eligible Liabilities Guarantee) Scheme 2009, which is due for renewal on 31 December 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34433/11]

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

145 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his plans to seek an extension of the eligible liabilities guarantee scheme into 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34587/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 54 and 145 together.

The Eligible Liabilities Guarantee (ELG) Scheme, which commenced on 9 December, 2009, has been an important support to the Irish system, helping to maintain the overall stability of the banking sector.

On foot of a recent Government decision, I have sought EU state aid approval for a prolongation of the ELG Scheme, on the advice of the Governor of the Central Bank and of the other State authorities, on financial stability grounds. I will be placing a Statutory Instrument before both Houses shortly which will enable the issuance period of the Scheme to extend to 31 December, 2012. The ECB was notified of the intention to provide for this extension and has stated that a further extension of the Scheme would be beneficial.

The Deputies will however be aware that approval for the continued provision of financial support under the ELG Scheme must be sought from the European Commission every six months in accordance with EU State aid requirements. This application for approval has been made and a positive reply is expected shortly

The extension of the ELG Scheme is a necessary element in maintaining confidence of deposit holders in the domestic banks and in continuing to facilitate the Irish banking system in accessing both short and longer term funding.

Fiscal Policy

Brian Stanley

Ceist:

55 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Finance if he has been successful in securing an amendment to the EU-IMF memorandum of understanding not to decrease social welfare rates as is Government policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34444/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

The Government has successfully renegotiated a number of elements of our EU-IMF Programme and will continue to do so. As the Deputy will be aware, the latest review mission by the External Partners took place from the 11th — 20th of October. There are a numbers of programme documents that underpin the Programme of Financial Support. These documents include:

the Memorandum of Economic and Financial Policies (MEFP)

the Memorandum of Understanding on Specific Economic Policy Conditionality, (MoU)

the Letters of Intent to the IMF and the EU Authorities; and

the Technical Memorandum of Understanding (TMU) attached to the Letter of Intent (LoI) to the IMF.

Following each review mission a revised version of these documents is published. These revised documents are being finalised and when that process is completed they will be formally submitted to the External Partners. At this stage it is expected that this process will be completed by the end of the month, and the documents will be published in due course.

As Deputies are aware it would not be appropriate for me to comment in advance of the Budget on possible Budget decisions.

Debt Statistics

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

56 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide figures combining the national debt, household debt and commercial debt for 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 in monetary terms and as a percentage of GDP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34445/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

The figures requested by the Deputy are set out in the following tables. Figures for National Debt are calculated and published by the NTMA on their website and represent end-year positions.

Figures on household debt and commercial debt are taken from the Central Bank's Quarterly Financial Accounts, Table 3.1.b and Table 8.1.b respectively, and refer to end year positions. Note that commercial debt refers to the debt of non-financial corporations resident in the State, including foreign multinationals operating in Ireland.

(€m)	National Debt	Household Debt	Commercial Debt	GDP (nominal)
2007	37,559	193,887	263,061	189,933
2008	50,398	203,298	303,371	179,990
2009	75,152	197,635	326,464	160,596
2010	93,446	185,615	286,351	155,992

Expressed as a percentage of GDP, the table looks as follows:

% of GDP	National Debt	Household Debt	Commercial Debt
2007	19.8%	102.1%	138.5%
2008	28.0%	112.9%	168.5%
2009	46.8%	123.1%	203.3%
2010	59.9%	119.0%	183.6%

Budget Submissions

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

57 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Finance if he will meet with trade unions, anti-poverty groups and other civil society groups to hear their opinions prior to budget 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33038/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I have met recently with a number of groups as part of the Budget 2012 process. These included the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and the Community and Voluntary Pillar. As the Deputy will be aware, the Pillar is comprised of seventeen organisations representing the interests of people from many different sectors of society. In addition, my Department has received to date more than 260 submissions from organisations, groups and individuals. These are being considered by officials in the context of Budget preparation.

Economic and Monetary Union

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

58 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if he is satisfied that his EU colleagues, both within the eurozone and without, are conscious of the need to adopt a cohesive, supportive and united approach in dealing with the ongoing economic, fiscal and monetary difficulties throughout the Union; if it is recognised that confidence in the markets will most likely improve when it becomes obvious that the European Union in its entirety has a responsibility to address and resolve any issues affecting such confidence; if due recognition has been given to the potential strength of a single market of the magnitude of the European Union; the extent if any to which strategies have been put in place or are likely to be put in place to capitalise on this strength; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34426/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

Firstly, I would like to stress the considerable progress that has already been made in terms of improving the functioning of the EU and the euro area in particular. Amongst other things we now have:

The EU Semester;

Strengthened surveillance via the so-called ‘six-pack' of governance measures;

Support for vulnerable economies via the EFSF and the EFSM;

A permanent crisis resolution mechanism in the form of the ESM;

The Euro Plus Pact to inter alia improve competitiveness; and,

Strengthened financial regulation.

These are all important developments and demonstrate that the EU can unite and work in the interests of all. To me this shows that the European Union can make significant decisions and progress that not so long ago would have been seen as almost unthinkable, and I take a lot of encouragement from this.

In addition there is the comprehensive package announced by the euro area Heads of State or Government on the 26th October. This is essentially a five-point strategy involving:

A credible solution to the Greek situation;

Boosting the effective capacity of the EFSF;

Recapitalising Europe's banks;

Enhancing surveillance; and,

Improving economic governance in the euro area.

Work is continuing on implementing these important decisions, and this is how market confidence will be improved. It is in all of our interests that we move forward as rapidly as possible in that regard.

Finally, it is worth pointing out that euro area Heads of State or Government have stated on a number of occasions that they will do whatever is necessary to preserve financial stability in the euro area.

Government Debt Ratios

Michael Colreavy

Ceist:

59 Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Finance his views on the deteriorating Government debt ratios that are contained in the mid-term financial statement which shows a higher Government debt in 2013, 2014 and 2015 than that contained in the April stability programme update, this despite the fact that the €3.6 billion accountancy error has reduced our debt ratio by 2.3%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34449/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

At the time of the of the Stability Programme Update, the General Government Debt to GDP ratio was forecast to peak at 118% in 2013 before falling to 111% in 2015. This assessment was based on the macroeconomic and fiscal outlook as set at that time. Like all forecasts, these are subject to change. As events have evolved, my Department has revised its assessment for the period 2011-2015. Based on its October macroeconomic and fiscal assessment, the General Government Debt to GDP ratio is now anticipated to peak at 118% in 2013 before falling to 114% in 2015.

There are a number of reasons and assumptions why the debt ratios have changed since the April forecasts for the years from 2013 to 2015.

The macroeconomic and fiscal outlook for the period 2011-2015 has been revised. As a result of the revision the level of GDP in the later document is now lower.

Taking account of double count of HFA funding, the base line debt in 2010 improves by EUR3.6bn

Banking support is EUR3.5bn less than assumed in the SPU.

The assumed exchequer requirements (excluding banking measures) up to 2015 are higher in the later document. The main driver of this particular change is that the Department has lower economic growth forecasts resulting, for instance, in lower tax revenues forecast for the period.

As set out on page 31 of the Medium-Term Fiscal Statement, in light of further technical work since the April SPU forecasts, it has been confirmed, following discussions with the CSO, that the interest due on the Promissory Notes should be accounted for as part of General Government Debt each year. This has the effect of cumulatively worsening the debt ratio by about 0.3% of GDP in 2013 and about 1% of GDP in the following years of the forecast period.

The NTMA has changed its assumptions regarding liquid assets since the last publication. This worsens debt projections by EUR400m per annum for 2013 to 2015.

Inclusion of the pre-paid margin on EFSF lending worsens debt in 2011.

Finally, had it not been for the adjustment of the double count in the calculation of the 2010 debt level, the debt ratio would stand at 120% by 2013, based on current projections.

Question No. 60 answered with Question No. 47.

Postal Services

Luke 'Ming' Flanagan

Ceist:

61 Deputy Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider giving the An Post a stronger role in the strategy on financial inclusion and in particular to enable the post offices here to offer current account facilities to its customers; his views that in the interest of providing choice and greater competition within banking that the role of the post office should be promoted and enlarged by including such services as motor tax renewals, driver licences, and so on; if he will give an assurance that the ESB contract for the payment of bills will remain with An Post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34026/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

A draft report setting out the Strategy for Financial Inclusion was published on my Department's website in June of this year for consultation purposes. The strategy was drafted following a review undertaken by the Social Finance Foundation on my behalf, to identify recommended actions to achieve a substantial reduction in financial exclusion over a 3-5 year period— including the introduction of basic payment accounts on a pilot basis in 2012. It is noted in the report that the post office network has the potential to play a key role in the delivery of basic payment accounts. A number of submissions were received in response to the consultation, and my Department, having reviewed all of the submissions, is currently assessing the best approach to implementation of the strategy. Any products which are offered by the post office network are a matter firstly for An Post — which falls under the aegis of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.

Unemployment Levels

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

62 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Finance in view of the upward revision of unemployment projections for 2015 from 10% in April last to 11.6% in the mid-term fiscal statement, his views on the success or otherwise of the April jobs initiative; if he has conducted any assessment of the impact of the various measures contained in the initiative on levels of employment in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34438/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

My Department's latest economic forecasts were published in the recent Medium Term Fiscal Statement. A return to annual employment growth is now expected to be delayed until 2013 and as a result the unemployment rate will take longer to decline than had previously been anticipated. The weaker labour market recovery is a consequence of slower economic growth. While the economy is expected to expand this year for the first time since 2007 — and the pace of the expansion will gradually strengthen in subsequent years — GDP growth is nevertheless forecast to be softer in 2012 and 2013 than had been anticipated in April. This less benign outlook primarily reflects slower growth in our main import markets. Employment data are presented in net terms and information on gross flows into and out of employment is not available, making it difficult to assess the number of jobs being created. We are also still awaiting data for the third quarter of the year, which will be released in mid-December. I am confident, however, that the measures introduced by the Government in May, such as reducing the rate of VAT in the high value added tourism sector, have played a role in both sustaining and creating employment. The Government recognises that improving labour market conditions represents its biggest challenge, and, accordingly, is giving priority to job protection, job creation and supporting the unemployed.

Tax Code

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

63 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a detailed report on the work undertaken by him to fulfil the programme for Government commitment to review the universal social charge including the dates during which the review was conducted; the terms of reference for the review; the members of the review group; the number and authors of submissions to the review group; if the review has been concluded; if a report has been forwarded to him; if so, if he will lay this report before the Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34440/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

As the Deputy is aware, the Programme for Government contained a commitment to review the Universal Social Charge (USC). The Terms of Reference of the Review were to examine the impact of the USC with particular focus on the following areas:

Low paid income earners;

Persons over 65;

Medical Card Holders;

Widows/Widowers;

Self-employed;

Public Service Pensioners;

Employer contributions to PRSAs; and

Any other issues (including any operational issues that have arisen in the administration of the charge).

The Review of the USC commenced in June 2011 and it is almost complete. I expect the final report of the Review in advance of Budget 2012.

The Review was conducted by officials from my Department with the assistance of Revenue officials. The Department of Social Protection was also consulted on aspects, as was the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

On a number of occasions in the Dáil, I invited interested parties to take part in the Review by way of submission to my Department. To date, my Department has not received any formal submissions regarding the Review. However, representations made to me as Minister of Finance, in relation to the USC generally, by various groups such as the PSEU, the Pensions Ombudsman, Widows' Associations, Insurance Companies as well as individual taxpayers, were considered as part of the Review.

When the Review is complete and the final report is presented to me, I will decide on the appropriate action to be taken in the context of Budget 2012.

Irish Bank Resolution Corporation

Sandra McLellan

Ceist:

64 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Finance the process by which Anglo Irish Bank was re-named Irish Bank Resolution Corporation; the person who came up with the name; the reason the word resolution was used; if his attention has been drawn to any potential issues arising from the use of the word resolution with respect to receiving EU funding; if any concerns have been expressed to him by any EU official or institution on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34436/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

As part of the planning process around the submission of a business plan to the EC, the Bank initiated an internal process to develop a new name. A shortlist of names was approved internally in the bank and submitted to the Department of Finance. The Minister, at that time, considered the shortlist of names and opted instead to call the bank the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation Limited. This name was subsequently accepted by the Board of the Bank. I am informed that the word "resolution" was included to reflect the function of the bank. I am not aware of any potential issues arising from the use of the word "resolution" with respect to EU funding.

Tax Yield

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

65 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Finance if there was a difference between the projected income from the universal social charge and the actual received income from the charge based on the most recent figures available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34446/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

Universal Social Charge (USC) receipts are collected by the Revenue Commissioners as a component of income tax. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that it is estimated that receipts from the USC amounted to slightly less than €2.3 billion in the first ten months of 2011. This compares to a projected yield of just slightly over €2.3 billion for that period and so receipts were almost exactly in line with expectations.

European Financial Stability Fund

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

66 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details of the way Ireland will benefit from the enhanced role of the European Financial Stability Facility as set out in the 21 July and 26 October European Summit communiqués; the plans he has in that regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34421/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

The Euro Area Heads of State and Government at their meeting of 21 July last, announced a number of significant changes to the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF). These changes included increasing the effective capacity of the EFSF to its headline €440 billion figure by increasing the level of over-guarantee from €440 billion (120%) to €780 billion (165%); reducing the interest rate on EFSF loans to Ireland, Greece and Portugal to lending rates equivalent to those of the Balance of Payments Facility, close to, without going below, the EFSF funding cost as well as lengthening the loan maturities; the ability to act on the basis of a precautionary programme; the ability to finance recapitalisation of financial institutions through loans to governments including in non programme countries; and the ability to intervene in primary and secondary markets on the basis of an ECB analysis recognising the existence of exceptional financial market circumstances and risks to financial stability and on the basis of a decision by mutual agreement of the EFSF/ESM Member States, to avoid contagion.

On 27 October, the Euro Area Heads of State and Government agreed a further change to enable leveraging of EFSF funds.

These changes have significantly reduced the cost of our borrowing from the EFSF, both by setting the margin to zero on the loans to Ireland (along with those for Portugal and Greece) and also through the elimination of the credit enhancement measures.

In terms of benefits, it is now estimated that the overall net reduction in Ireland's EFSF interest rate margin and other changes will be in the range of 2.7% to 2.8%. It should be noted that the EFSF's cost of funds depends on the interest rate it pays for its market issuance when raising funds for programme countries.

New Instruments

In relation to the new instruments, Ireland welcomes the introduction of the new flexibilities to the new EFSF. Technical discussions on the implementation of these new instruments are continuing with a view to finalising guidelines for each as soon as possible. Ireland is actively participating in this EU process.

Tax Code

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

67 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of the failure of the domicile levy introduced in budget 2010 to adequately realise its projected return for the Exchequer this year, he is considering making any revisions to the levy to ensure compliance; if so, the nature of these revisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34390/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

The Domicile Levy applies to an individual who is an Irish citizen and Irish domiciled, whose worldwide income exceeds €1m, whose Irish located property is worth more than €5m, and whose liability to Irish tax is less than €200,000. Any Irish income tax paid for the tax year in question can be used as a credit against the levy liability. A yield figure for the levy could not be projected, as it was not possible to estimate the number of individuals who would be affected, given the number of factors involved. The yield figure to date in respect of the 2010 tax year is just under €1.08m, with payments received from six taxpayers.

As with all other areas of taxation, the levy provisions are constantly kept under review and any changes will be determined in the context of Budget and Finance Bill.

National Debt

Joe Higgins

Ceist:

68 Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Finance if he will estimate the total national debt in euro as a percentage of gross domestic product by the year end of 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 and delineate the portion of each figure that can be attributed to the recapitalisation of the country’s banks and the portion that can be attributed to interest payments due by the State. [34292/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

National debt is essentially the debt of the Exchequer. There is a second, wider measure of debt which is General Government debt. This is the standard measure of gross indebtedness used for comparative purposes within the EU. It includes the National debt as well as Local Government debt, Promissory Notes and some other minor liabilities of Government. Unlike National debt, it is a gross measure which does not allow for the offsetting of cash balances. Based on the Exchequer deficits as per the recently published Medium-Term Fiscal Statement (MTFS), National debt is projected to increase to stand at approximately €120 billion by the end of 2011 and to reach some €168 billion by the end of the current forecast period in 2015. The National debt forecasts, in both nominal euro amounts and as a percentage of GDP are set out in the table below. For the Deputy's information, the table also shows the forecasts for cash debt interest expenditure and the forecasts for Exchequer banking related payments in each of the years 2011-2015.

It is not possible to definitively delineate the estimate of the National debt that can be attributed to particular items of expenditure. However, it is estimated that, by the end of 2010, the cumulative impact on the National debt arising from Exchequer funded banking related payments was just less than €5 billion. This was the result of a €4 billion cash injection into Anglo Irish Bank in 2009 and €0.7 billion in cash payments for special investment shares in INBS and EBS in 2010. National debt at end-2010 stood at €93.4 billion.

The Deputy will also be aware that some €31 billion has been committed in the form of Promissory Notes. While this full amount was accounted for as part of General Government debt in 2010, the National debt is impacted on a phased basis from 2011 onwards as the Exchequer makes the annual payments of 10 per cent of the initial capital value of the Notes or €3.1 billion. The first Exchequer payment was made earlier this year and payments will continue on an annual basis until the full value of the Notes, including interest, has been paid.

Also, in 2011, the Exchequer has provided a net €6.5 billion in the context of the recapitalisation of the banking sector announced in July.

Some €21 billion has also been allocated by the National Pensions Reserve (NPRF) to directed investments in the Irish banks. This does not impact on the National debt measure.

€ billions	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015
Forecast National Debt	120	137	151	161	168
% of GDP	77	86	92	94	94
Cash Debt Interest Expenditure	4.8	6.8	7.2	8.0	8.3
MTFS Estimated Net Exchequer Banking Recapitalisation Payments	6.5	—	—	—	—
Promissory Note Payments	3.1	3.1	3.1	3.1	3.1

Financial Services Regulation

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

69 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance the steps he will take to regulate food securities trading on the stock market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34023/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I understand that the Deputy is referring to trading in "futures" in foodstuffs such as wheat on stock markets and the need to have a regulatory framework in place to deal with these trades. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that a regulatory regime for these types of trades is already in place. This regime was set down in the 2004 EU Directive on Markets in Financial Instruments, which was transposed into Irish law by way of the European Communities (Markets in Financial Instruments) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 60 of 2007). Part 3 of Schedule 1 of that S.I. provides a list the financial instruments which are within the scope of the Regulations. Paragraph 8 of that Part refers to "options, futures, swaps, forward rate agreements and any other derivative contracts" goes on to set down specific circumstances where these would apply. Similar provisions should be in place in all Member States. The scope of this paragraph is wide-ranging and would include derivative contracts in commodities such as foodstuffs.

The Central Bank of Ireland is the competent authority in this country for the purposes of this Directive.

I should point out to the Deputy that currently there are no commodities exchanges established in Ireland, either as part of the Irish Stock Exchange or elsewhere. There are approximately 10 commodity exchanges operating in Europe. Most of these specialise in particular commodities, such as metals, emissions allowances or agricultural derivatives. The main agricultural exchanges, where foodstuff futures would be traded are based in the United Kingdom and Germany.

Question No. 70 answered with Question No. 50.

Fiscal Advisory Council

Mick Wallace

Ceist:

71 Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Finance his views on the contention by the Fiscal Advisory Council in the most recent version of its Fiscal Assessment Report that a 1.8% deficit reduction following €20 billion worth of austerity measures illustrates that austerity measures are working to reduce the deficit; if he will acknowledge that the report in fact illustrates that austerity is not working; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33192/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

As has been set out in the Medium-Term Fiscal Statement (MTFS), Ireland's General Government Deficit is expected to be €16 billion, or 10.3 per cent of GDP, in 2011. In order to bridge this gap between revenues and spending, the Irish State has to engage in large volumes of borrowing. Ireland is relying on external assistance through the EU/IMF Programme for this borrowing. The conditionality of this Programme requires Ireland to reach a deficit of no more than 8.6 per cent of GDP next year. By contrast, the underlying deficit in 2009, excluding the €4 billion capital injection into Anglo Irish Bank, was 11.7 per cent of GDP, so we are on the right path. Based on the macroeconomic and fiscal assessment set out in the MTFS, an adjustment of €3.8 billion is required if we are to adhere to the agreed deficit target of 8.6% of GDP. It is of course extremely important that we continue to adhere to the deficit targets which have been set and that we restore sustainability to the public finances as soon as is practically possible.

Some have called for a higher level of adjustment. Both I and the Government are very conscious of the impact that a larger adjustment would have on economic activity. In striving to restore sustainability to the public finances, we must also be mindful of protecting the emerging economic recovery and seek to strike the right balance between the two. This balancing act is difficult but we believe we have struck the right balance and the EU/IMF troika agrees.

On the issue as to whether austerity is working, CSO data show that the Irish economy expanded by 1.9 per cent in the first quarter of this year and by 1.6 per cent in the second quarter of the year. This is the first time Ireland has recorded two consecutive quarters of economic growth since 2006. So, the economy is growing again and the deficit is reducing. As was acknowledged in the recent MTFS, despite returning to growth, Ireland's economy still faces significant challenges. By continuing with the process of consolidation and implementing policies which will result in sustainable economic growth, these challenges can be overcome. We must also recognise that in the absence of consolidation, the deficit would have grown to levels which would have made debt sustainability even more challenging.

European Central Bank

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

72 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance his position on the German Government party’s proposal to amend the voting procedure on the European Central Bank board from one member one vote to a weighted voting system based on the member states' capital share of the ECB; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34430/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

The voting procedure for the Governing Council of the European Central Bank is set out in the Statute of the European System of Central Banks and of the European Central Bank. Any change to the voting rights set out in Article 10 of the Statute would require the unanimous decision of the European Council, based on either a recommendation from the European Central Bank and after consulting the European Parliament and the Commission, or on a recommendation from the Commission and after consulting the European Parliament and the European Central Bank. Any amendments to the voting procedures under Article 10 cannot enter into force until they are approved by all Member States in accordance with their respective constitutional requirements. A recommendation made by the ECB under this Article requires a unanimous decision by the Governing Council. Finally, I would note that there are currently no such proposals for amendment before Member States for consideration.

Banks Recapitalisation

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

73 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide an update on the negotiations regarding the promissory note on Anglo Irish Bank; the person attending these negotiations on his behalf; if the reduction of €15 billion to €20 billion will be achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34011/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

As indicated I am eager to have the promissory notes examined to see if they can be reconstituted or re-engineered in a better way for the State, for example by lengthening their maturity or reducing the interest rates on them, or both. I raised this issue during discussions with the EU Commission, ECB and the IMF at the last quarterly review in October. Since then technical discussions are underway between my officials and officials from the ECB and EU Commission in regard to the promissory notes. I have also indicated that discussions have commenced with the relevant authorities, at a technical level, but as yet there is no indication of a successful outcome.

Cabinet Sub-Committees

Anne Ferris

Ceist:

74 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Taoiseach the number of times the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Climate Change has met since the formation of this Government [33509/11]

The Taoiseach

The Cabinet Committee on Climate Change and the Green Economy met on 30 June. I anticipate a further meeting of the Committee in the coming weeks.

Croke Park Agreement

Dominic Hannigan

Ceist:

75 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Taoiseach the number of Croke Park Agreement projects that each State agency under his aegis is progressing; if he will list each project by Department in tabular form; the amount to be saved by each project; the number that have been completed since the agreement came into force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34164/11]

The Taoiseach

The National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO) is the only State Agency under the aegis of my Department. The NESDO was established under the NESDO Act 2006 and is the body corporate for the National Economic and Social Council (NESC).

Under the Croke Park Agreement, the NESDO has undertaken the following projects:

Project	Benefit (includes savings where quantifiable)	Status
Reduction staff numbers	Reduction of 11% in staff numbers since April 2010 resulting in annual savings of €302,000.	Completed
Reduction of 30% in the Office’s budget between 2010 and 2011	Savings of €1,007,000.	Completed
Publication of majority of future NESC reports in soft copy	Savings of €7,500 per report.	Ongoing
Introduction of IT facilities which (i) reduces the frequency with which IT hardware is replaced and (ii) facilitates e-working from outside the office.	(i) Average savings of approximately €2,000 per year.(ii) The enhancement in e-working enables working from outside the office, which will facilitate an ongoing boost in productivity.	Completed
Redeployment of staff of the discontinued National Economic and Social Forum (NESF) and National Centre for Partnership and Performance (NCPP) into the National Economic and Social Council (NESC)	Wider skills and knowledge base in the NESC Secretariat enabling it to provide an enhanced service to the NESC, the Department of the Taoiseach and the public generally.	Completed
Introduction of a more active system of absence management	Enhanced management of sick leave in a fair and consistent manner and a culture of good attendance in the Office.	Completed
Extensive review of the Office’s PMDS process.	A process that is more appropriate to the organisation and facilitates the development of higher skills and increased performance levels.	Completed
Introduction of a Risk Management Register and an IT Risk Management Register	Minimising or avoiding potential costs by identifying, assessing, and prioritising potential risks	Completed

It should be noted that the Implementation Body for the Agreement is currently considering the progress reported on the implementation of Action Plans under Croke Park in each sector during the period, April to September 2011. The Body is due to publish a summary of the progress reported to it on its website shortly. Once the Body has completed its consideration, the progress reports for this particular reporting period for individual public service bodies, including each state agency, will be published on their organisation's websites.

Dublin-Monaghan Bombings

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

76 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Taoiseach if he has raised the issue of the documents that were withheld from the Barron inquiries at recent meetings with the British Prime Minister. [34252/11]

The Taoiseach

I have raised the issue of the British Government files relating to the Barron Inquiries during the bilateral meetings I have had with the British Prime Minister. I raised it during my meeting with him in Downing Street in April and also raised it with him during his trip to Dublin as part of the Queen's visit in May. I intend to continue to raise the matter with the British Government and will make the case in the best way possible.

Ministerial Staff

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

77 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach the number of his constituency and parliamentary staff, appointed following the February 2011 elections, on salaries that exceed their applicable pay scale grade; the number of his existing and parliamentary staff employed prior to the February 2011 elections but awarded salary increases following the election that exceed their applicable pay scale grade; and if he will provide their annual salary details in a tabular format. [34577/11]

The Taoiseach

The table provides details of the staff I appointed to my private and constituency offices since 9 March 2011 and their annual salaries.

Staff appointed by Taoiseach since 9 March 2011
Name	Grade	Annual Salary
Mark Kennelly	Chief of Staff	€168,000
Andrew McDowell	Special Adviser	€168,000
Paul O’Brien	Special Adviser	€80,051
Angela Flanagan	Special Adviser	€80,051
Pauline Coughlan	Personal Assistant	€64,257
Sarah Moran	Personal Assistant	€75,390
Gerard Deere	Personal Assistant	€64,257
Teresa Diskin	Personal Assistant	€66,519
Miriam O’Callaghan	Personal Assistant	€64,750
John Lohan	Personal Secretary	€40,233
AnneMarie Durcan	Personal Secretary	€40,233
Eoghan O’Neachtain*	Government Press Secretary	€138,655
Feargal Purcell	Government Press Secretary	€116,295
Cathy Madden	Deputy Government Press Secretary and Head of Government Information Service	€96,295
Joanne Lonergan	Assistant Government Press Secretary	€86,604
Mark O’Doherty	Special Adviser to the Government Chief Whip	€80,051
Colum Coomey	Personal Assistant to the Government Chief Whip	€43,715
Claire Urquhart	Personal Secretary to the Government Chief Whip	€46,935
John Cummins**	Civilian Driver to the Leader of the Seanad	€32,965
Derek Grubb	Civilian Driver to the Leader of the Seanad	€32,965

*Mr. O'Neachtain finished in this role on 30/6/2011

**Resigned with effect from 06/08/2011

Capital Projects

Gerald Nash

Ceist:

78 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Taoiseach if he will provide details in relation to the number and value of State capital project contracts awarded to companies registered outside the State in the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively; if he will provide details in respect of the number and value of State capital project contracts awarded to companies registered in the Republic of Ireland in the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34816/11]

The Taoiseach

My Department awarded no State capital projects to companies registered outside the State or companies registered within the Republic of Ireland in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

Northern Ireland Issues

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

79 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if we are likely to have a truth commission within the next seven years. [34253/11]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore)

The issue of how we can best address the legacy of the past is a critically important one. It is also the subject of much valuable ongoing work, both within Northern Ireland and by the British and Irish governments. The Government's efforts are focused on ensuring that the work currently under way is as effective as possible.

Diplomatic Representation

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

80 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the amount of money saved by closing the embassies of the Holy See, East Timor and Iran; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34041/11]

Robert Troy

Ceist:

88 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will quantify the economic benefits of closing each of the three embassies as announced last week. [34483/11]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 80 and 88 together.

The savings accrued by closing the three Missions in Tehran, the Holy See and Dili over a full year are estimated to amount to €1.175 million. This includes the savings on rent accruing from the planned move of the Embassy to Italy to the buildings currently occupied by the Embassy to the Holy See. However, in the short-term, there will be some disengagement and transitional costs, including items such as local staff redundancies and running down of rental contracts. As a result of the closures, it will also be possible to relocate six diplomatic staff to help offset staff losses elsewhere in the diplomatic service.

The regrettable, but necessary, decision to close the Missions in question followed a thorough review carried out by my Department in which particular weight was given to the promotion of Irish economic interests abroad.

Middle East Issues

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

81 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will support and protect Irish and international citizens sailing to Gaza; and if he will support the besieged Palestinians there. [34042/11]

Patrick Nulty

Ceist:

83 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way he intends to hold Israel to account for its endangerment of the lives of Irish citizens aboard the MV Saoirse and for its continuing violations of international law. [34128/11]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 81 and 83 together.

I have consistently stated my condemnation of and opposition to the overall blockade on Gaza, as it is implemented in practice by Israel. The essential feature of this is the restrictions imposed on the land crossings from Israel into Gaza. The naval blockade is of far less significance, as Gaza has never been and is not equipped to be a port of any significant capacity.

I made clear in the House in advance of Israel's interception of the MV Saoirse, that I could not support the actions of citizens putting themselves at risk by attempting to break a declared naval blockade, but that in the event of such action I would of course ensure that the normal consular assistance and protection was afforded to our citizens. I have reported to the House on the assistance given by the Embassy in Tel Aviv and by my Department at home, which has been recognised by Deputies.

Also leading up to this event, and the earlier intended sailing in July, both I personally and my Department made clear to the Israeli authorities our assurance that the Irish activists intended a non-violent political protest, and our insistence that any measure taken to enforce the blockade, including any interception of the ship, be carried out so as to ensure the safety of the citizens involved. After the disaster that occurred in May 2010, this was clearly my first concern.

I am relieved, therefore, that no injuries to our citizens were reported. The fourteen citizens detained were deported from Israel and arrived back in Ireland on Thursday and Friday last week. I have requested the Embassy in Tel Aviv to follow up with the Israeli authorities on a number of issues arising from this episode, including allegations that the MV Saoirse sustained damage during the interception.

Diplomatic Representation

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

82 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the amount it costs to maintain the remainder of our embassies; and the benefits accruing to this State by maintaining same. [34044/11]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore)

When the recent decisions regarding Mission closures are taken into account, Ireland will have 56 Embassies, 7 multilateral missions and 10 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 overall operating costs in 2010 for all Missions abroad came to just under €55 million. Operating costs include items such as local staff salaries but not salaries of diplomatic staff, which are a charge on the Headquarters budget.

Ireland's missions abroad perform a wide range of functions in pursuit of Ireland's foreign policy interests. These include representing and advancing government policies with other States and in international organisations, in particular the EU and the UN; economic and cultural promotion; frontline consular and passport services to Irish citizens overseas; engaging with Irish communities and harnessing the resource they offer in assisting economic recovery; and programme management, particularly in Irish Aid priority countries.

Our diplomatic missions have particular strengths in relation to facilitating access to key economic and business decision-makers; ensuring, in cooperation with the relevant State Agencies, that a cohesive message about the fundamentals of the Irish economy is conveyed to major opinion-formers internationally; targeted promotion and, in some locations, in dealing with regulatory issues.

Question No. 83 answered with Question No. 81.

Croke Park Agreement

Dominic Hannigan

Ceist:

84 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of Croke Park Agreement projects that each State agency under his aegis are progressing; if he will list each project by Department in tabular form; the amount to be saved by each project; the number that have been completed since the agreement came into force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34158/11]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore)

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

Passport Applications

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

85 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of Irish passports issued to date in 2011 for residents of Northern Ireland; the percentage figure for this year for Irish passports issued to Northern Ireland persons over the past five years; and the overall figure for the number of Northern Ireland persons holding Irish passports. [34232/11]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore)

The Passport Service technology system does not record "address" information in the structured format necessary to facilitate the production of management information in relation to place of residency, place of birth etc. The availability of this information would require a fundamental redesign of the system, which could not be cost justified for this facility alone. This matter will be addressed in the context of any major system changes which may emerge in the future. In relation to figures from Northern Ireland, I can provide some information which may be of assistance to the Deputy. I can confirm that up to end October 2011 31,800 applications were received through the Northern Ireland Passport Express service. This figure compares with 37,600 for all of 2010, 37,800 for 2009, 38,400 applications in 2008 and 36,000 in 2007. The number of Northern Ireland Passport Express applications represent 5.1% of all received to date this year, 5.5% in 2010, 5.8% in 2009, 5.8% in 2008 and 5.1% in 2007.

The Northern Ireland Passport Express service is an equivalent to the Passport Express service and is available in over 60 post offices in Northern Ireland.

Proposed Legislation

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

86 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason he was informing members of the public, as recently as 21 October 2011, that climate change legislation would be published in 2012, when the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government had told IBEC on 5 October that national climate policy may benefit from support through legislation, as signalled in the programme for Government, but that is a matter for another day, the first priority is completing the climate policy review and the follow-up steps in terms of charting a course to a low-carbon, climate resilient economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34237/11]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore)

Ireland will meet its greenhouse gas target for the purposes of the Kyoto Protocol in the commitment period 2008-2012. Further targets for the 2013-2020 period, which are binding under EU law, will be challenging and it is in light of this challenge, inter alia, that the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government is asking the secretariat to the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) to assist in formulating policy on how the target will be met. All stakeholders will be consulted in the policy development process. I believe this pragmatic approach is important so that any legislation that is produced is robust and has cross-sector support. In line with the Programme for Government and as indicated in the Government Legislation Programme published in September, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government has indicated that 2012 is the earliest expected date before any legislation can be published, taking account of the need to progress the broader climate policy agenda under the aegis of the Cabinet Committee on Climate Change and the Green Economy.

Trade Missions

Terence Flanagan

Ceist:

87 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update regarding the trade mission to China; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34260/11]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore)

The Government attaches great importance to widening and deepening bilateral relations with China. China is a key high-growth and high-potential priority market under the Government's Strategy and Action Plan for Irish Trade, Tourism and Investment to 2015. Total trade between Ireland and China was worth €7.6 billion in 2010 and over 130 Irish companies now have a business presence on the ground in China.

The Taoiseach intends to visit China and contact is continuing through our Embassy in Beijing to arrange mutually acceptable dates. The trade dimension of this visit will entail close coordination by my Department with the relevant Government Departments and State Agencies. I also hope to visit China next year.

Question No. 88 answered with Question No. 80.

Trade Relations

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

89 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the top 20 items being traded by companies based here with Israel or Israeli-based companies; if any of these items include components that may be used in military or security surveillance equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34491/11]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore)

Trade data is compiled on the basis of product description categories rather than individual items. The top 20 categories of merchandise exports to Israel are outlined in the table, which has been provided by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

Top 20 Merchandise Exports to Israel for 2010
Product	€,000
Computers, Computer Parts & Storage Devices	57,761
Electronic Components & integrated circuits	39,977
Soft Drink concentrate	34,489
Infant foods & other misc. edible products & preparations	25,113
Medical & pharmaceutical products	23,189
Chemical materials & products	21,221
Organic chemicals (mainly for pharmaceutical sector)	6,074
Pacemakers, cds, dvds & other digital media	5,179
Aircraft engines and parts	4,772
Meat & meat preparations	4,317
Plastics in primary forms	3,864
Professional, scientific & controlling apparatus	3,532
Beverages	3,332
General industrial machinery & equipment & parts	2,825
Dyeing, tanning & colouring materials	2,671
Machinery specialised for particular industries	2,049
Telecommunications & sound equipment	1,431
Dairy products	1,157
Coal, coke & briquettes	1,133
Plastics in non-primary forms	780

The Export Licensing Unit of the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation is responsible for managing controls on exports of dual-use items and military items.

Appointments to State Boards

Liam Twomey

Ceist:

90 Deputy Liam Twomey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of positions on State boards and agencies under his aegis which he has advertised in the past seven months; the number of applications received; the number of applicants subsequently appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34506/11]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore)

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

Ministerial Staff

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

91 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of his constituency and parliamentary staff, appointed following the February 2011 elections, on salaries that exceed their applicable pay scale grade; the number of his existing and parliamentary staff employed prior to the February 2011 elections but awarded salary increases following the election that exceed their applicable pay scale grade; and if he will provide their annual salary details in a tabular format. [34571/11]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore)

The following are details of the appointments made by me since I took up duty as Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs on 9 March 2011. The salaries attaching to the first two listed posts are commensurate with the responsibilities the post holders carry in the Office of the Tánaiste. The remaining salaries are within the guidelines relating to Ministerial appointees.

Post	Salary or scale	Public service post prior to appointment
Special Adviser — Office of the Tánaiste	€168,000	Houses of the Oireachtas — Chef de Cabinet
Special Adviser — Office of the Tánaiste	€155,000	Not applicable
Special Adviser — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade	€80,051	Houses of the Oireachtas — Administrator
Personal Assistant — Office of the Tánaiste	Personal Assistant scale €43,715 — €56,060 per annum	Houses of the Oireachtas — Administrative Assistant
Personal Assistant — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade	Personal Assistant scale €43,715 — €56,060 per annum	Not applicable
Personal Secretary — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade	Personal Secretary scale €456.50 — €915.20 per week	Houses of the Oireachtas — Secretarial Assistant

Passport Applications

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

92 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress made to date in respect of an application for an Irish passport in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34675/11]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore)

The Department assesses passport applications of this type in accordance with guidelines provided by the Department of Justice and Equality, which is responsible for matters of citizenship and immigration. I indicated in my reply to the Deputy, on 2 November, that officials in the Passport Service were discussing legal advice obtained in this area with officials in the Department of Justice and Equality. I expect that these discussions will conclude in the near future and I will revert directly to the Deputy at that time. I can assure the Deputy that officials in my Department are giving this case the highest priority and I expect the matter will be finalised very shortly.

Capital Projects

Gerald Nash

Ceist:

93 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide details in relation to the number and value of State capital project contracts awarded to companies registered outside the State in the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively; if he will provide details in respect of the number and value of State capital project contracts awarded to companies registered here in the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34810/11]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore)

The 2005 Department of Finance guidelines on Capital Appraisal define minor projects as those with a value under €500,000. Accordingly, details of the three contracts awarded by my Department whose value exceeds that threshold during the period in question are provided in the table. All three projects were carried out by companies registered outside the State and there were no such contracts awarded to companies registered in Ireland during that timeframe.

Contracts over €500,000 awarded from 2009 to 2011
Year of Contract	Company	Type of contract	Country of Registration	Value
2009	GT Consulting Engineers	Construction of Chancery in Addis Ababa	Ethiopia	€1,848,686
2009	Tomas Kopecky Construction	Upgrade of Residence in Prague	Czech Republic	€763,000
2010	IAI Industrial Systems	ICT — replacement of Passport production machine	The Netherlands	€1,552,000

My Department complies with EU and WTO rules on public procurement (which are part of Irish law), which prohibit discrimination against suppliers on grounds of nationality. Similarly, public contracting authorities in other EU Member States are prohibited from discriminating against Irish suppliers and service providers on grounds of nationality. This is a basic feature of the EU and WTO Free Trade rules which are of critical importance in ensuring that Irish exporters have free and unrestricted access to public sector markets overseas, particularly at a time when such opportunities in Ireland are contracting.

Vehicle Registration

Patrick O'Donovan

Ceist:

94 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Finance his views on the introduction of a re-registration system whereby owners of second-hand cars can register their car in their county of residence. [34060/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

As the Deputy may be aware this matter is the subject of a pre-budget submission and as such will be considered in the context of the forthcoming budget.

National Asset Management Agency

Joe Costello

Ceist:

95 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Finance if he will respond to a matter (details supplied) regarding the National Asset Management Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34271/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

NAMA has a commercial mandate to obtain the best achievable financial return on behalf of the State. It has emphasised repeatedly that one of its objectives is to instigate the sale of properties by its debtors and in order to facilitate this, it approves the sale of properties by debtors at realistic current market prices. In terms of determining an appropriate current level of pricing for particular properties, I am advised that NAMA has access to expert valuers with local knowledge of properties. In some cases, potential purchasers may disagree with NAMA-approved pricing. I am informed by NAMA that it is open to discussion with any potential purchaser on the sale of particular properties but only through engagement by those purchasers with sales agents acting for NAMA debtors or NAMA-appointed receivers.

It is not appropriate that details of individual sales transactions should be divulged or discussed in public. However, the Deputy will be aware that NAMA has set up a dedicated e-mail address, oir@nama.ie, to which members of the Oireachtas may direct questions on matters of public interest provided the terms of Section 221 of the National Asset Management Act 2009 are respected. Accordingly, NAMA informs me that if the Deputy directs his query through this channel, the agency will provide him with relevant information.

Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

96 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance if he will review a matter (details supplied) regarding cigarette smuggling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34299/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners, who are responsible for the collection of tobacco products tax, and for tackling the illicit trade in cigarettes and tobacco products, that they regard the tackling of the illicit tobacco trade as a high priority area. The strategy employed by Revenue to tackle this illicit trade is multi-faceted. It includes ongoing analysis of the nature and extent of the problem, developing and sharing intelligence on a national, EU and international basis, ongoing review of operational policies, development of analytics and detection technologies, optimum deployment of resources at point of importation and inland, in order to intercept the contraband product and to prosecute those involved.

Interception at the point of importation is achieved through a combination of risk analysis, profiling, intelligence, and the screening of cargo, vehicles, baggage and postal packages. Revenue enforcement officers also target this illicit trade at the post-importation level by carrying out intelligence-based operations and random checks at retail outlets, markets and private and commercial premises. Revenue also carries out regular multi-agency operations, particularly in relation to large maritime importations and in checks at inland markets.

Regarding the introduction of a minimum fine for cigarette smuggling and illegal tobacco selling, I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the penalties for these offences are contained in section 119 of the Finance Act 2001. That section sets out the various actions that constitute evasion or attempted evasion of excise duty, as well as the penalties, by way of fine and/or imprisonment for such offences. Under that provision the penalty on summary conviction for evasion of excise duty is €5,000 and/or a term of imprisonment not exceeding 12 months. The penalty on indictment is up to €126,970 or, where the value of the excisable product concerned is greater than €250,000, up to three times the value of the products, and/or a term of imprisonment not exceeding 5 years. The monetary penalty of €126,970, which was sanctioned by the Oireachtas in the 2010 Finance Act, represents a significant increase on the previous penalty of €12,695.

In 2010, ninety-seven court convictions for cigarette smuggling were secured with total fines of €50,380 and fifteen custodial sentences were imposed. In addition, a further forty-one convictions were obtained for illegal selling of unstamped tobacco products with total fines of €107,750, together with seven custodial sentences and two community service orders imposed. To date in 2011, eighty-five court convictions for cigarette smuggling have been secured with total fines of €113,350 and twenty-six custodial sentences have been imposed with nineteen suspended. A further forty-one convictions for illegal selling of unstamped tobacco products have been obtained with total fines of €85,850 and eleven custodial sentences have been imposed with six suspended.

The Deputy will appreciate that the penalty to be imposed in any particular case is, of course, a matter for the Courts. Section 130(2) of the Finance Act 2001 permits a trial judge, in his or her discretion, to mitigate a fine or penalty incurred for an offence under excise law, provided that the amount so mitigated is not greater than 50% of the amount of such fine or penalty.

The Europol report referred to in the letter accompanying the Deputy's Question is the Europol EU Organised Crime Threat Assessment (OCTA 2011). That report stated that preferred destinations for cigarette smuggling within the EU are countries with comparatively high taxes on tobacco such as the Scandinavian countries, Germany, Spain, the UK and Ireland. However, the level of cigarette smuggling in a given country is influenced by a variety of factors, of which price is only one. These factors also include geographical location, population demographics, the level of cross border trade, price differential with neighbouring countries and general accessibility by air, sea, road and rail.

Economic and Monetary Union

Robert Dowds

Ceist:

97 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Finance his views on the dominant positions which the German Chancellor and the French President have taken in terms of working out the problems of the European Union and euro area; and the way he envisages the problems relating to the euro being sorted out. [34482/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

While we need to ensure that no one Member State nor a small number of Member States act entirely on their own in pushing agendas, there are some advantages of larger countries moving the agenda forward — for instance one of the main criticisms during the crisis has been the so-called ‘leadership deficit'. So if the larger Member States can address this deficit, then that is in all of our interests. Of course, this must be balanced and be in the interests of the euro area as a whole. My (and the Government's) preference would be to use the community method more, where other Member States' views and inputs can be made and where the Commission can act to ensure that the voice of the smaller Member States is heard.

In terms of addressing the problems of the euro, it is crucial that the comprehensive strategy announced by euro area Heads of State and Government on 26 October is implemented swiftly and in full. As well as resolving the current difficulties, this strategy aims to put in place the necessary foundations for a strengthened euro area.

Official Engagements

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

98 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Finance if he will detail his recent discussions with Mr. Mario Draghi. [34385/11]

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

128 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Finance if he intends holding a meeting with the incoming President of the European Central Bank. [28456/11]

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

132 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Finance if he has arranged any discussions with Mr. Mario Draghi. [31039/11]

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

133 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Finance his plans to meet the new President of the ECB, Mr. Mario Draghi; the issues he plans to discuss with him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32969/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 98, 128, 132 and 133 together.

Since my appointment as Minister for Finance I have engaged with Mr. Draghi's predecessor at the ECB at Eurogroup/ECOFIN meetings. I spoke with Mr. Draghi on the margins of the Eurogroup meeting on 7 November and it is my intention to meet with him specifically at a date suitable to both our schedules. While no agenda has been settled, I would expect that the topics will cover euro area matters generally, as appropriate, as well as Ireland's EU/IMF programme.

Question No. 99 answered with Question No. 50.

National Debt

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

100 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Finance if there will be an independent review of the €3.6 billion miscalculation that took place in his Department’s 2010 figures; when this will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34013/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

The figure reported to Eurostat at the end of September for general government debt for end-2010 was €148 billion, or 94.9% of GDP. Subsequently it has emerged that this gross debt figure overstated the amount by €3.6 billion due to a double-counting error. The corrected figure for general government debt for 2010 is €144.4 billion, or 92.6% of GDP. As the Deputy is aware, I told the Dáil in the Topical Debate on this issue on 2 November that this is a matter of upmost gravity and that I am determined to discover how this occurred and what needs to be done to ensure that such errors do not happen in the future. To that end, the Secretary General of the Department of Finance has instigated a review of the matter within the Department and the intention is to have this review concluded by the end of the month.

As I have announced, and as the Secretary General has also informed the Public Accounts Committee, there will also be an external review. This will assess the internal management report along with the systems and risk controls involved in the compilation and reporting of General Government Debt. Accordingly, it will review the respective roles of the Department, the Central Statistics Office and the National Treasury Management Agency and the interaction between all three organisations. This second review will also make recommendations to ensure that the systems are robust. My aim is that the External Review will be completed by the end of the year.

Banking Sector Regulation

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

101 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance the steps he has taken to address the failure of the Irish banks to pass on to mortgage customers cuts to interest rates by the European Central Bank. [34296/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

Neither the Central Bank nor I, as Minister for Finance, have a statutory role in the setting of interest rates charged or paid by financial institutions regulated by the Central Bank. While I want to welcome the decision by the majority of lenders to reduce their standard variable rates following the recent announcement by the ECB, I would encourage all lenders to follow suit. Such a reduction will be of benefit to homeowners struggling with mortgage payments. The Government wants the lending institutions to pass on the interest rate cut for a number of reasons. In particular, the interest rate cut will be of assistance to those mortgage holders who are struggling to pay their mortgages.

Following a request from the Taoiseach, Mr. Elderfield, the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank, forwarded a report regarding mortgage interest rates on 11 November 2011. The Deputy Governor acknowledges that the Government is not unjustified to have concerns for some particular banks regarding the widening of the spreads by which their standard variable rate (SVR) exceed their cost of funds and how they are still so far above the prevailing rates of their industry peers. However, the Deputy Governor states that the power to exercise close regulatory control over retail interest rates is not sought by the Central Bank at this time. He has indicated that the Central Bank will, within its existing powers and through persuasion use existing processes to engage with specific lenders which appear to have standard variable rates set disproportionate to their cost of funds.

The Deputy Governor has indicated that experience of interest rate controls in the past and in other countries does not encourage the Central Bank to believe that such a regime would be advantageous in net terms as the banking system recovers its normal functioning. Binding controls tend to reduce availability of credit and channel it to the most creditworthy customers, starving smaller and less secure customers from credit. The Deputy Governor indicates that this could have a chilling effect on the entry of sound competitors into the market. By absolving banks from their responsibility to price risk accurately, binding interest rate controls would, especially during this recovery phase, impede progress towards the re-establishment of bank management practices that can ensure a healthy and free-standing banking system no longer dependent on the Government for bail-outs.

I welcome the report from Mr. Elderfield which will be examined to see what further action, if any, is required. My initial reading of his report is that the Deputy Governor is not seeking emergency legislation. Taking into account the advice of the Central Bank, I do not intend to recommend to Government to introduce emergency legislation.

Ministerial Appointments

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

102 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance if he continues to have confidence in the decision to appoint Mr. Kevin Cardiff to the European Court of Auditors. [34267/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

Mr. Cardiff retains the Government's full support as Ireland's nomination to the European Court of Auditors. Mr. Cardiff carries with him a long career of distinguished public service here and the credentials to do a first class job in respect of the European Court of Auditors.

Fiscal Policy

Stephen S. Donnelly

Ceist:

103 Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance, in view of his earlier implication that the ECB had effectively threatened that there would be consequences if the bond payments due by the former Anglo Irish Bank were not paid and his more recent statement that the threats of increased interest rates or of a turning off of the tap of liquidity to the banking system were never explicitly made, if he will give details of his fears were the next bond due to Anglo Irish Bank bondholders, of €1.25 billion, due in January, to not be paid; and the stages in which this might happen. [34879/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

As the Deputy is aware it has always been my position in relation to the payment of unguaranteed unsecured senior bonds that, given the significant cost of IBRC, to the Irish State and the Irish taxpayer, that the burden of debt should be shared with the bondholders. However, if we were to suspend payments to creditors in IBRC this would have a significant impact on both the bank and ultimately the State. This senior debt, unsecured as it is, is an obligation of the bank. If the bank does not meet such obligations it would lead to a default and following that, most likely, insolvency. Insolvency would result in a significant increase in the cost to the State to resolve IBRC.

As I stated after my meeting with ECB President Trichet and Commissioner Rehn last month, our European partners expressed strong reservations about burden sharing with senior bond holders in IBRC. Mr Trichet voiced his opinion that he is against such actions for two reasons:

Firstly private sector involvement carries very significant contagion risk and may be inconsistent with encouraging private investors to return to markets.

Secondly, he said Ireland had done particularly well over the summer. He mentioned the narrowing of bond spreads and he said that he felt that anything to do with senior debt burden sharing might knock the confidence of the market in the absolute commitment of the government to take once again its place in normally functioning markets; as a result bond yields could widen again and we would lose the ground we had gained.

Mr. Trichet's views were echoed by Commissioner Rehn. The positive international commentary on Ireland has been created by the Government's successful renegotiation of the Memorandum of Understanding, the introduction of the Jobs Initiative, the sizeable reduction of the interest rate on the EU IMF Programme and the reduction in the cost of the banks to the taxpayer.

The value of support, present and future, we receive from our European partners far outweighs any short term gain from imposing burden sharing on these bonds in the face of European opposition to such a move. For example, circa €110 billion of funding is provided by the ECB and the Central Bank of Ireland to the Irish Banks at a cost below which they could borrow in the market. This is in addition to the €85 billion set out in the Programme with the Troika.

We still have unfinished business with our partners to find the most cost effective way of resolving IBRC over the long term. The Government's aim is to ensure that the overall cost of resolving IBRC and the costs of resolving the difficulties in the banking sector generally are kept to a minimum. I will consider the future payment of maturing bonds in IBRC in this context and in terms of what is best for the overall position of the State.

However, I can make it very clear that Irish credit institutions access ECB liquidity under the same rules and subject to the same conditions as credit institutions around Europe. Clearly the ECB has given very large amounts of liquidity assistance to Irish banks and it maintains a keen interest in the Irish banking sector. In this regard, I would point to the statement of the ECB on 31 March last to the effect that against the background of the recapitalisation of the banks "the Eurosystem will continue to provide liquidity to banks in Ireland". Together with other decisions announced on this date, the ECB was and is clear about its support for Irish banks.

Departmental Staff

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

104 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance the degree and/or other third level qualification course that the Secretary General to the Department graduated with from the University of Washington and also University College Dublin. [34031/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

Mr. Kevin Cardiff, Secretary General graduated with the following qualifications from the University of Washington and University College, Dublin:

Qualifications	Location	Year
Degree in History and Psychology	University of Washington, Seattle, USA	1983
Masters in Business Studies	University College, Dublin	1991

Banking Sector Regulation

Dara Murphy

Ceist:

105 Deputy Dara Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the reason the EBS, which is a part of AIB, has a variable mortgage interest rate of 4.93%, and AIB 3.25%; the reason they do not charge the same variable mortgage interest rate to all customers both in AIB and in EBS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34039/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

The merger of AIB and EBS was formally completed on 1 July 2011. Prior to the completion of the merger, each of the banks set their variable mortgage rates according to the levels, calculated by the respective management teams and boards, that was required for each of the institutions to operate as a commercially viable entity in light of the challenging market conditions, the expected cost of funds, future impairments and ongoing operational costs.

Notwithstanding the merger of the two banks, EBS continues to operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of AIB with its own individual banking licence, brand and cost structure. This arrangement has been determined by the Board of AIB as being the most effective method of integrating the EBS business whilst retaining the core strengths of each individual entity which should return the greatest value to the State over time as shareholder. While this operational position exists it is likely that AIB and EBS will continue to offer different products to customers and as such, the banks can be expected, in the short to medium term, to price their mortgages and deposits differently from each other in the marketplace. Ultimately the pricing of financial products, including variable mortgage interest rates, is a commercial decision for the respective management teams and boards of the banks having given due regard to its customers and the State as majority shareholder.

Fiscal Policy

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

106 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the date on which he established a group to examine the issue of the Anglo Irish Bank promissory note; the membership of this group; the terms of reference of this group; if this group has reported back to him; and if so, if he will detail the contents of that report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34062/11]

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

146 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details of all meetings, including dates and a list of the attendees, that have been held so far between him and/or officials with the European authorities on the renegotiation of the Anglo Irish Bank, Irish Nationwide Building Society and EBS promissory note arrangement; the progress made so far and the current status of the negotiations; the basis of his calculation that Ireland is seeking a reduction in its debt of €15 billion to €20 billion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34598/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 106 and 146 together.

As the Deputy is aware the matter of the Promissory Note is managed on an ongoing basis within my Department. The section assigned the role is staffed with the appropriate expertise and experience. The section has the facility to draw on the full range of internal and external expertise as required. The relevant section in my Department has been assigned responsibility to progress this matter.

As indicated I am eager to have the promissory notes examined to see if they can be reconstituted or re-engineered in a better way for the State, for example, by lengthening their maturity or reducing the interest rates on them, or both. I raised this issue during discussions with the EU Commission, ECB and the IMF at the last quarterly review in October. Since then technical discussions are under way between my officials and officials from the ECB and EU Commission in regard to the promissory notes. As yet there is no indication of a successful outcome.

Banking Sector Regulation

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

107 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will respond to correspondence (details supplied) regarding interest rates. [34088/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

Neither the Central Bank nor I, as Minister for Finance, have a statutory role in the setting of interest rates charged or paid by financial institutions regulated by the Central Bank. While I want to welcome the decision by the majority of lenders to reduce their standard variable rates following the recent announcement by the ECB, I would encourage all lenders to follow suit. Such a reduction will be of benefit to homeowners struggling with mortgage payments. The Government wants the lending institutions to pass on the interest rate cut for a number of reasons. In particular, the interest rate cut will be of assistance to those mortgage holders who are struggling to pay their mortgages.

Following a request from the Taoiseach, Mr. Elderfield, the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank, forwarded a report regarding mortgage interest rates on 11 November 2011. The Deputy Governor acknowledges that the Government is not unjustified to have concerns for some particular banks regarding the widening of the spreads by which their standard variable rate (SVR) exceed their cost of funds and how they are still so far above the prevailing rates of their industry peers. However, the Deputy Governor states that the power to exercise close regulatory control over retail interest rates is not sought by the Central Bank at this time. He has indicated that the Central Bank will, within its existing powers and through persuasion, use existing processes to engage with specific lenders which appear to have standard variable rates set disproportionate to their cost of funds.

The Deputy Governor has indicated that experience of interest rate controls in the past and in other countries does not encourage the Central Bank to believe that such a regime would be advantageous in net terms as the banking system recovers its normal functioning. Binding controls tend to reduce availability of credit and channel it to the most creditworthy customers, starving smaller and less secure customers from credit. The Deputy Governor indicates that this could have a chilling effect on the entry of sound competitors into the market. By absolving banks from their responsibility to price risk accurately, binding interest rate controls would, especially during this recovery phase, impede progress towards the re-establishment of bank management practices that can ensure a healthy and free-standing banking system no longer dependent on the Government for bail-outs.

I welcome the report from Mr. Elderfield which will be examined to see what further action, if any, is required. My initial reading of his report is that the Deputy Governor is not seeking emergency legislation. Taking into account the advice of the Central Bank, I do not intend to recommend to Government to introduce emergency legislation.

Tax Code

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

108 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his plans to change the taxation treatment of redundancy lump sums with particular reference to standard capital superannuation benefit and top slicing relief; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34097/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

As the Deputy is aware, it is a longstanding practice of the Minister for Finance not to comment in advance of the Budget on any tax or expenditure matters that might be the subject of Budget decisions.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

109 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance his plans to alter the cut off point for the universal social charge; if he has costed a change that would taper this liability; and if so, the outcome of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34099/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

The position is that an individual is liable to pay the Universal Social Charge (USC) if his/her gross income exceeds the threshold of €4,004 per annum. USC is not levied on payments from the Department of Social Protection. For 2011, the rates of USC for PAYE income are as follows:

* 2% on the first €10,036

* 4% on the next €5,980

* 7% on the balance

It should be noted that there is a commitment in the Programme for Government to carry out a review of the USC. This review is close to completion. The Terms of Reference of the Review are broad and wide-ranging and include, but are not limited to, the following areas:

* Low paid income earners;

* Persons over 65;

* Medical Card Holders;

* Widows/Widowers;

* Self-employed;

* Public Service Pensioners;

* Employer contributions to PRSAs; and

* Any other issues (including any operational issues that have arisen in the administration of the charge).

When the Review is completed and the findings are presented to me, I will make any necessary decisions in the context of Budget 2012.

Croke Park Agreement

Dominic Hannigan

Ceist:

110 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Finance the number of Croke Park agreement projects that each State agency under his aegis is progressing; if he will list each project by Department in tabular form; the amount to be saved by each project; the number that have been completed since the agreement came into force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34157/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

In response to the Deputy's question it should be noted that the Implementation Body for the Agreement is currently considering the progress reported on the implementation of Action Plans under Croke Park in each sector during the period, April to September 2011. The Body is due to publish a summary of the progress reported to it on its website shortly. Once the Body has completed its consideration, the progress reports for this particular reporting period for individual public service bodies, including each state agency, will be published on their organisation's websites.

Tax Collection

Michael Creed

Ceist:

111 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Cork is entitled to a further refund of VAT on foot of receipts submitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34174/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that they are not in a position to provide a detailed reply on this matter within the timeframe for answering Parliamentary Questions. Accordingly, the Deputy will be contacted directly on this issue at an early date.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

112 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the correct level of tax deductible in respect of a pension settlement in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34186/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that they are not in a position to provide a detailed reply on this matter at this time. The Deputy will be contacted directly with a reply on the issue before the end of the week.

Tax Code

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

113 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance further to reports that the VAT rate will be increased, his views that this measure will put severe pressure on small businesses who are struggling to survive and drive more shoppers north of the Border. [34213/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

The level and timeframe of any increases in the VAT rates will be determined in the context of the upcoming Budget.

Tax Collection

John Deasy

Ceist:

114 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Finance if he will examine the case of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford who has a serious illness and had a lien registered by the Revenue Commissioners against his property in 2008, and this year without any communication to the person they instructed the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to divert all payments to them. [34228/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

This is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners. I am advised by Revenue that the person in question has a significant tax debt with Revenue over a long period, including monies collected in a fiduciary capacity from employees and from businesses. There was no satisfactory engagement with Revenue in relation to this debt and this led to Revenue securing a judgment in the Courts, which was then registered as a mortgage on the property of the person concerned.

Additional to this Revenue placed an Attachment Order on debts owed to the person concerned by a third party — the possibility of such action in the event of the debt remaining unpaid was clearly signalled by Revenue in its communication with the person concerned. This attachment was subsequently revoked by Revenue on 8 November 2011.

I am advised by Revenue that it is reviewing the overall position on the debt owed by the person concerned having regard, inter alia, to his health position. Revenue will be in contact with the person concerned very shortly when that review is concluded.

Bank Guarantee Scheme

Peter Mathews

Ceist:

115 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Finance the increase in the eurozone money supply as a result of the emergency liquidity assistance provided by the Central Bank of Ireland to Irish banks; the consequences for the Central Bank, the Irish taxpayer and the eurozone money supply if the money is not repaid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34247/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

All Emergency Liquidity Assistance or ELA operations conducted by the Central Bank of Ireland are fully collateralised and some details relating to collateral policy are outlined on page 104 of the Central Bank's most recent Annual Report which can be found on its website. Appropriate haircuts/discounts are applied with a view to ensuring that the Bank would not suffer any loss in the event of default on the loan assistance. The Bank has received formal comfort from the Minister for Finance such that any shortfall on the liquidation of the collateral is made good. As regards the second part of the Deputy's question, the evolution of euro area money supply is determined by the confluence of a large variety of factors; the volume of ELA is not a significant influence.

Peter Mathews

Ceist:

116 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details on any limits the Central Bank of Ireland faces regarding increasing the eurozone money supply by providing emergency liquidity assistance to Irish banks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34248/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

The provision of Emergency Liquidity Assistance (ELA) is solely a matter for the Central Bank in consultation with the ECB. As detailed in the Central Bank's Annual Report for 2010 (p.22), the Central Bank, on behalf of the Eurosystem, continued to provide substantial liquidity support to the Irish banking system throughout the course of 2010. The Bank also provided ELA. This is one of the ways that the Bank has responded to the financial crisis. This is distinct and separate from regular funding operations carried out for monetary policy implementation purposes through the ECB.

A loan provided to a credit institution under ELA is granted against suitable collateral, where suitability is in line with criteria defined by the Bank. As with procedures for ECB eligible collateral, appropriate haircuts/discounts are applied with a view to ensuring that the Bank would not suffer any loss in the event of default on the loan assistance.

The Bank has received formal comfort from the Minister for Finance such that any shortfall on the liquidation of the collateral is made good. At end of December 2010 the Bank had extended ELA of approximately €49.5 billion.

The Deputy may wish to note that ELA lending is captured under Other Assets in Table A.2 of the Central Bank's Annual Report.

Peter Mathews

Ceist:

117 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Finance if it is possible to make an arrangement whereby the Irish banks pay back the emergency liquidity assistance owed to the Central Bank of Ireland very slowly over a very long timeframe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34249/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

The provision of Emergency Liquidity Assistance or ELA, is subject to the approval of the ECB and as this type of funding is designed to remedy temporary disturbances in funding availability, this approval must be resought on a periodic basis. As the Deputy will be aware, the bank with by far the largest reliance on ELA is IBRC (Anglo and INBS). This ELA facility is funding the majority of IBRC's balance sheet including the promissory notes. The total amount of the promissory notes issued to IBRC amounted to €30.6 billion at the end of 2010 and a repayment of capital and interest took place of €3.06 billion earlier this year. In recent weeks I have indicated our intention to explore options around reengineering these promissory notes with the aim of improving the position of the Irish State through a lower interest rate and/or lengthening the maturity of the instruments. Such a solution, if agreed, could have the effect of lengthening the repayment profile of the supporting funding which is what the Deputy has inquired about.

Departmental Staff

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

118 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Finance if he will confirm the professional qualifications held by the Secretary General of his Department; his views on his suitability for the EU Court of Auditors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34254/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

Mr. Cardiff has been awarded the following qualifications: Degree in History and Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA, 1983; Masters in Business Studies, University College, Dublin, 1991; and Diploma in Applied Finance Law, Law Society Ireland, 2003.

Mr. Cardiff has been nominated by the Government to the Court of Auditors. He must now go through the relevant Committee of the European Parliament and of course it will be up to the European Parliament, in their independence, to recommend him or not.

Mr. Cardiff retains the Government's full support as Ireland's nomination to the European Court of Auditors. Mr. Cardiff carries with him a long career of distinguished public service here and the credentials to do a first class job in respect of the European Court of Auditors.

Financial Services Regulation

Terence Flanagan

Ceist:

119 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance if he will respond to correspondence (details supplied) regarding a sovereign trust; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34262/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

The correspondence to which the Deputy refers relates to very complex financial instruments. I will have the matter reviewed by my Department, in consultation with the National Treasury Management Agency and the Central Bank and revert to him.

Tax Code

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

120 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to a tax avoidance scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34266/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

The Deputy is referring to the use of the tax relief for patent royalties by a particular company. The relief, which was abolished in Finance Act 2011, provided a tax exemption for income received by an individual or company from a qualifying patent, subject to an annual limit of €5 million, and a tax exemption for distributions paid by a company from tax-exempt patent income, subject to certain terms and conditions. I am not in a position to comment on the issue of possible tax avoidance in relation to a specific case or on the tax affairs of a particular company as the Revenue Commissioners are obliged to observe strict confidentiality in this regard. However, I have forwarded the Deputy's question for the attention of the Revenue Commissioners and for any action they consider appropriate.

Customs and Excise Operations

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

121 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Finance if he has been informed by customs and excise authorities as to the number of raids by their officers on properties suspected of being involved in the sale and supply of substances covered under the Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Act 2010; the amount and type of substances confiscated in those raids; and the number of seizures in ports and airports, or on persons arriving here. [34286/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that no searches of premises under search warrant have been carried out by Revenue's Customs service under the Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Act 2010. The enforcement of controls in respect of products being sold at retail level, including by so-called "Head Shops" is carried out by An Garda Síochána. I am also advised that since the introduction of the Act, forty-four seizures of psychoactive substances, amounting to a total of 31.139 kilos, were made by Revenue's Customs service at ports, airports, postal depots or on persons arriving into the state. These consisted mainly of smoking (spice) mixtures and cocaine or ecstasy-type substitutes. A further forty-six detentions of suspected psychoactive substances have been made, amounting to 4.76 kilos and these are currently being analysed. The Customs service operates predominantly at points of import and export and staff are most likely to encounter psychoactive substances in the course of their controls in these operational areas, where the use of a search warrant is not required.

Budget Submissions

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

122 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance if he will review a matter (details supplied) regarding a pre-budget submission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34298/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I have received a pre-Budget submission from the organisation concerned. Its contents will be considered in the context of the forthcoming Budget and Finance Bill. As Deputies are aware it would not be appropriate for me to comment in advance of the Budget on possible Budget decisions.

Pension Provisions

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

123 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will respond to correspondence (details supplied) regarding the pension levy. [34365/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

In the matter of statements being made to the effect that the pension fund levy could lead to a reduction of 10% in the pensions paid from schemes to the retired members of such schemes, I received copies of correspondence issued by the trustees of a certain scheme during the summer indicating that potential reductions of this scale and of a lesser scale were under consideration. I have recently received a copy of further correspondence issued on behalf of the trustees of that scheme stating that pension payments will, in fact, be reduced by 0.6% from 2012 and by the same percentage each year until 2015. As regards the impact of the levy on the individual outlined in the details supplied with the Deputy's question, I am not in a position to comment although it would appear from the details that the individual is not yet retired.

Where the accrued benefits under a defined benefit pension scheme have been reduced as a result of the levy (or for any other reason), my understanding is that the annual benefit statement should show the effect on pension accrued to date. Of course, if the trustees of the scheme have not yet decided whether to reduce benefits, no change would be shown.

I further understand that there is no obligation on PRSA providers or on defined contribution scheme trustees to inform contributors specifically of the effect of any reduction in pension fund values on foot of the pension fund levy but that the annual benefit statement would show the fund value after the effect of the levy in such cases.

There may be a case that the Statements of Reasonable Projection (SRP) for PRSAs should be adjusted to reflect the effect of the levy. This is a matter for the Pensions Board who, I understand, are aware of the issue. However, it should be recognised that the SRP is an estimate only, and in any event, the final fund value will be different from the projection.

National Pensions Reserve Fund

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

124 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the value and breakdown by asset class, including cash, of the discretionary portfolio held within the National Pensions Reserve Fund as at 30 September 2011. [34373/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

The National Pensions Reserve Fund (NPRF) Commission publishes a performance and portfolio update quarterly on the NPRF website www.nprf.ie. For the Deputy’s information, the Commission valued the NPRF at €14.9 billion at 30 September 2011. The Directed Portfolio (the part of the Fund which is managed by the Commission on foot of directions from the Minister for Finance) was valued at €9.6 billion, while the Discretionary Portfolio, the investment of which remains the Commission’s responsibility, was valued at €5.3 billion at that date.

The value and asset allocation of the discretionary portfolio as at 30 September 2011 is set out in the following table:

Asset Class	€m	% of Discretionary Portfolio
Large Cap Equity	1,047	19.8%
Small Cap Equity	114	2.2%
Emerging Markets Equity	334	6.3%
Quoted Equity	1,495	28.3%
Eurozone Government Bonds	0	0.0%
Eurozone Inflation Linked Bonds	63	1.2%
Eurozone Corporate Bonds	275	5.2%
Cash	1,018	19.3%
Financial Assets	1,356	25.7%
Private Equity	888	16.8%
Property	510	9.7%
Commodities	213	4.0%
Forestry	30	0.6%
Infrastructure	275	5.2%
Absolute Return Funds	188	3.6%
Alternative Assets	2,104	39.8%
Value of equity market protection (put options)	328	6.2%
Total Discretionary Portfolio	5,283	100%

Question No. 125 answered with Question No. 50.

Tax Code

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Ceist:

126 Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details of the various property development tax breaks and incentives available here from 1997-2011; the property breaks and incentives still in existence; the breaks that have been discontinued; the cost to the Exchequer of these property breaks and incentives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34456/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that due to the large volume of information requested by the Deputy they are not in a position to provide a detailed reply on this matter within the timeframe for answering Parliamentary Questions. Accordingly, the Deputy will be contacted directly on this issue at an early date.

EU-IMF Programme

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

127 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Finance if, in the aftermath of the Greek Government’s announcement that it will hold a referendum on the EU-IMF programme agreed at the recent European Council meeting, if he will also now consider holding a referendum on the EU-IMF deal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33037/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

As the Deputy will be aware, Greece did not proceed with the proposal to hold a referendum on its EU-IMF programme. Ireland's EU-IMF Programme was approved by the Dáil on 15 December 2011. The individual measures within it are subject to Government or Oireachtas approval as appropriate. Ireland's programme is working and this is being increasingly recognised both here and internationally, including by the financial markets. The Government has no plans to hold a referendum on Ireland's EU-IMF Programme.

Question No. 128 answered with Question No. 98.

Financial Services Regulation

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

129 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Finance if he has discussed the issue of financial regulation with other Heads of State or Government. [28451/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

The Deputy will be aware that the topic of financial regulation is a regular feature on the agendas for both ECOFIN Council and meetings of Heads of State and Government. Financial regulation issues have, as the EU has worked to address the financial crisis in recent times, featured even more prominently in our discussions. As the Deputy will also be aware, a comprehensive programme of regulatory reform in the financial sector is already under way at domestic, international and EU levels. For its part, the European Commission has proposed a wide range of regulatory reforms to the financial sector and one of the key roles of the ECOFIN Council is to adopt such proposals in co-decision with the European Parliament.

In addition to discussions that I have with my colleagues in ECOFIN and discussions that the Taoiseach has at meetings of the European Council, my Department is engaged actively in this regulatory reform agenda in relevant international fora. 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.

Job Creation

Willie O'Dea

Ceist:

130 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Finance the proportion of the revenue raised via the pension levy that was used for job creation as promised in the jobs initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28851/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

The Jobs Initiative is about focusing our now more limited resources on measures that offer the greatest potential for expansion and employment creation in the domestic economy. The aim is to target key sectors of the economy that can assist in getting people back to work, providing opportunities for those who have lost their jobs to re-skill and building confidence in order to encourage consumer activity. A range of measures were introduced under the Jobs Initiative. These include the new temporary second reduced rate of VAT of 9%, aimed primarily at the tourism sector, the halving of the lower rate of employers PRSI and the small additional amounts of current and capital expenditure.

Given our commitments under the EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support, and our current public finance difficulties, the Jobs Initiative is budgetary neutral over the period to 2014 and is being funded through the introduction of a temporary levy on pension funds.

The measures introduced as part of the Jobs Initiative are expected to result in a net gain for the Exchequer in 2011. This is because the yield from the temporary levy on pension funds is expected to more than offset the estimated cost of the other measures introduced. These included the new temporary second reduced rate of VAT of 9%, aimed primarily at the tourism sector, the halving of the lower rate of employers PRSI and the small additional amounts of current and capital expenditure.

In 2012, a net loss to the Exchequer is expected as the full year cost of the measures introduced is estimated to be greater than the forecast yield from the temporary levy on pension funds.

Financial Services Regulation

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

131 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Finance if he has held consultations concerning the implications for the Irish Financial Services Centre of potential EU proposals concerning financial regulation. [28450/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I would like to advise the Deputy that a comprehensive programme of regulatory reform in the financial sector is already under way at 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, especially at EU level. It is a key objective of my Department to engage constructively during EU negotiations and 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. My Department's active engagement with the IFSC is aimed at ensuring that potential implications for IFSC companies are identified well in advance to provide sufficient time for consideration. The Deputy will be aware that the topic of financial regulation is a regular feature on the agendas of both the ECOFIN Council and meetings of Heads of State and Government.

The Programme for Government states that the Government supports the future development of the IFSC as a source of future employment growth, subject to appropriate regulation and commits to the development of the financial services sector to maximise employment opportunities, not least for staff leaving employment as a result of downsizing in the domestic banking sector.

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 2.1 billion euro in corporate and payroll taxes to the Exchequer. Accounting for 10% of multinational 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.

Last July, 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.

Questions Nos. 132 and 133 answered with Question No. 98.

International Agreements

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Ceist:

134 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Finance the amount of Ireland’s financial contribution to the World Bank’s International Financial Corporation; and the basis on which the contribution is based. [33716/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

The International Financial Corporation (IFC), which is part of the World Bank Group, was established in 1956 to encourage the development of the private sector in developing countries. The IFC's objective is to foster sustainable economic development in developing countries by financing private sector investment, mobilising private capital in local and international financial markets and providing advisory and risk mitigation services to business and governments. It is the largest multilateral financial institution investing in private enterprises in emerging markets, with activities in 103 countries. In 2010, IFC commitments amounted to $18 billion which was invested in 526 projects. Ireland joined the IFC in 1958. Commensurate with our shareholding of 0.05%, Ireland's subscription to the IFC's capital is some $1.29 million, all of which is paid-in. As indicated in Statement 1.8(B) of the Finance Accounts 2010, this shareholding was estimated at €965,000 at the exchange rates prevailing at 31 December 2010.

I understand from my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, that Ireland, through Irish Aid, has also periodically contributed to various IFC World Bank Group Trust Funds. In this regard, Ireland is currently providing funding to the Conflict-Affected States in Africa (CASA) Initiative and the Foreign Investment Advisory Service (FIAS) as follows:

€300,000 was allocated to the CASA Initiative in 2011 for its work in encouraging the development of private enterprise in fragile and post-conflict countries in Sub Saharan Africa through interventions focused on improving the business environment through regulatory reform, rebuilding financial markets and institutions and strengthening the competitiveness of small and medium enterprises.

€600,000 was allocated to FIAS in 2011. FIAS is a joint facility of the IFC, the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), and the World Bank (IBRD) which advises developing countries on how to improve their business environments to increase private sector activity and encourage inward and domestic investment.

Further information and details of Ireland's financial participation and shareholding in the component organisations of the World Bank are contained in the 2010 Annual Report "Ireland's Participation in the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank" which is published by my Department and is available on www.finance.gov.ie.

Extensive information on the IFC is also published by the World Bank on www.ifc.org

Tax Collection

Noel Coonan

Ceist:

135 Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Finance when an outstanding VAT refund payment will be issued to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the reason for delay in payment which is ongoing since 2008 in view of the fact all necessary documentation has been provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34466/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

This is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners. I am informed by Revenue that the VAT claims for 2008 were only submitted on 18 May 2010 and that since then correspondence and meetings have been ongoing with the taxpayer and his agent with a view to agreeing the VAT position for 2008. The last submission received from the agent on 8 November 2011 contained new material and a reply issued on 10 November 2011 requesting supporting documentation. It is hoped that the claims for 2008 can be finalised on receipt of the documentation requested.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

136 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide up to date information on the number of high-income Irish tax exiles, that is, Irish citizens with an annual income greater than €1 million arising mostly from Irish business operations who were domiciled abroad in the most recent full tax year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34488/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the only data available in relation to the taxable income of non-residents comes from income tax returns filed in Ireland by those non-resident individuals who have Irish-source income or income derived from working in Ireland. The available data does not distinguish between citizens and non-citizens. The most recent tax year for which figures are available is 2009. There were six non-resident individuals who had taxable income of greater than €1million in their Irish income tax returns for 2009. Data is not available for 2010 as the final filing date for submission of the 2010 income tax returns is 16 November 2011 where an individual elects to file and pay using Revenue's On-line Service. The 2011 tax returns are not due to be filed until the fourth quarter of 2012.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

137 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide the most recent information available to him from the Revenue Commissioners on the number of Irish citizens whose annual income exceeds €1 million; if he will give further details of the most recent information on the number of Irish citizens whose combined assets exceed €5 million in net worth; the total amount of income tax paid by these groups in 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34489/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that they do not maintain data in relation to the wealth of Irish citizens. However, for the tax year 2008, the number of income earners whose annual gross income exceeded €1 million was 1,040 and the total amount of income tax paid by them was €603 million. For the tax year 2009, the latest year for which the necessary detailed data is available, the number of income earners whose annual gross income exceeded €1 million was 620 and the total amount of income tax paid by them was €533 million. Income data is not yet available for 2010 as the final filing date for submission of the 2010 Income Tax return is 16 November 2011 where an individual elects to file and pay using Revenue's On-line Service. The 2011 Income Tax returns are not due to be filed until the fourth quarter of 2012. It should be noted that a married couple who has elected or has been deemed to have elected for joint assessment is counted as one tax unit.

Appointments to State Boards

Liam Twomey

Ceist:

138 Deputy Liam Twomey asked the Minister for Finance the number of positions on State boards and agencies under his aegis which he has advertised in the past seven months; the number of applications received; the number of applicants subsequently appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34505/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

In response to the Deputy's question the State Claims Agency Policy Committee currently has two vacancies. These positions have not been advertised to-date and the appointments have not been made. While not directly covered by the Deputy's question, I would draw to his attention the fact that I conducted an expression of interest process (following a public advertisement in April 2011) for people seeking to be appointed or nominated to the boards of certain banks. Some 480 applications were received and I now have available to me, following the assessment and evaluation of the expressions of interest, a panel of 30 names of suitably qualified individuals from which to make possible appointments or nominations to the boards of certain banks as appropriate.

Banking Sector Remuneration

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

139 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance the salary being paid to Mr. Dick Spring and Mr. Declan Collier in their positions as public interest directors in Allied Irish Banks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34520/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

The Deputy will be aware that directors at the covered institutions, including public interest directors who were nominated by my predecessor, are appointed and remunerated by the respective boards. Accordingly, disclosure of details of their remuneration is covered by various rules and procedures. The two individuals referred to by the Deputy are paid non-pensionable fees, not salary. The information sought by the Deputy, to the extent that it has been released publicly by the respective covered institution, is available in its 2010 Annual Report (from pages 299 to 304 inclusive) which indicates that fees of €47,000 and €40,000 were paid in 2010 to the respective named individuals.

Tax Code

Dara Murphy

Ceist:

140 Deputy Dara Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if he is considering introducing a scheme to give standard tax relief for a list of approved works for home insulation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34521/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

Section 13 of Finance Act 2011 provided for income tax relief at the standard rate for expenditure incurred by individuals on a range of works carried out to improve the energy efficiency of residential premises situated in the State. The underpinning legislation for the scheme was subject to Commencement Order. However, that legislation, on review, was found to have flaws and would have required amendment before it could be implemented.

As part of the announcement in the recent Jobs Initiative, the Government undertook to provide further funding for the grants available under the Better Energy Homes scheme operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Because of these circumstances, I decided to review the requirement for a co-existing tax incentive for similar works and, following this review, I have decided not to proceed with the introduction of the tax relief scheme.

Banking Sector Regulation

Eric J. Byrne

Ceist:

141 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Finance the action he will take against banks who do not pass on ECB interest rate cuts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34527/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

Neither the Central Bank nor I, as Minister for Finance, have a statutory role in the setting of interest rates charged or paid by financial institutions regulated by the Central Bank. While I want to welcome the decision by the majority of lenders to reduce their standard variable rates following the recent announcement by the ECB, I would encourage all lenders to follow suit. Such a reduction will be of benefit to homeowners struggling with mortgage payments.

The Government wants the lending institutions to pass on the interest rate cut for a number of reasons. In particular, the interest rate cut will be of assistance to those mortgage holders who are struggling to pay their mortgages. Following a request from the Taoiseach, Mr. Elderfield, the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank, forwarded a report regarding mortgage interest rates on 11 November 2011. The Deputy Governor acknowledges that the Government is not unjustified to have concerns for some particular banks regarding the widening of the spreads by which their standard variable rate (SVR) exceed their cost of funds and how they are still so far above the prevailing rates of their industry peers. However, the Deputy Governor states that the power to exercise close regulatory control over retail interest rates is not sought by the Central Bank at this time. He has indicated that the Central Bank will, within its existing powers and through suasion use existing processes to engage with specific lenders which appear to have standard variable rates set disproportionate to their cost of funds.

The Deputy Governor has indicated that experience of interest rate controls in the past and in other countries does not encourage the Central Bank to believe that such a regime would be advantageous in net terms as the banking system recovers its normal functioning. Binding controls tend to reduce availability of credit and channel it to the most creditworthy customers, starving smaller and less secure customers from credit. The Deputy Governor indicates that this could have a chilling effect on the entry of sound competitors into the market. By absolving banks from their responsibility to price risk accurately, binding interest rate controls would, especially during this recovery phase, impede progress towards the re-establishment of bank management practices that can ensure a healthy and free-standing banking system no longer dependent on the Government for bail-outs.

I welcome the report from Mr. Elderfield which will be examined to see what further action, if any, is required. My initial reading of his report is that the Deputy Governor is not seeking emergency legislation. Taking into account the advice of the Central Bank, I do not intend to recommend to Government to introduce emergency legislation.

Patrick Deering

Ceist:

142 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Finance the way Irish persons who have emigrated can arrange to open a bank account in view the fact that the main requirement is the provision of a utility bill and many persons stay in accommodation that does not require them to have such a document; if he will seek to have same addressed. [34531/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I set out below the rules applying to the opening of a bank account with an Irish bank under Irish anti money laundering legislation. Insofar as the Deputy's question relates to difficulties experienced by emigrants in opening a bank account in other jurisdictions, the applicable rules would depend on the legislation of that jurisdiction. However, Member States of the European Union apply broadly similar anti money laundering rules under the 3rd Money Laundering Directive. The 3rd Money Laundering Directive, in turn, reflects the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force on money laundering (FATF), the main international anti money laundering organisation. Those recommendations should be reflected in the anti money laundering rules applicable to opening a bank account in the member countries of the FATF which include countries such as the United States, Canada and Australia. Section 33 of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010 ("the CJA 2010") requires designated persons (such as banks) to apply customer due diligence measures prior to establishing a business relationship with a customer e.g. open a bank account for a customer.

The customer due diligence measures require that the designated person must identify and verify the customer's identity on the basis of documents or information that the designated person has reasonable grounds to believe can be relied upon to confirm the identity of the customer. Where a person has emigrated and does not present in person to the bank for verification of identity, additional customer due diligence measures must be applied. A number of such additional measures are set out in section 33(4) including verification of identity on the basis of obtaining additional documents or information.

The CJA 2010 does not limit the kinds of documents or information that a designated person may have reasonable grounds to believe can be relied upon to confirm the identity of the customer. Draft guidelines which have been prepared by various sectors of the financial services industry in consultation with the Central Bank of Ireland provide guidance on the identification and verification procedures. These guidelines specify a non-exhaustive range of documentation which the bank may choose to accept for the purposes of verifying identity. The range of documentation includes utility bills but also many other types of documentation issued by Government Departments, state agencies and financial institutions. In the event that an individual provides a plausible explanation as to why the suggested documentation cannot be provided, the bank may choose from an additional specified list of methods to assist in confirming the identity of the customer.

Ultimately, it is up to each bank to decide on a risk based approach whether they will accept other forms of customer ID. However, where it is not feasible to expect the customer to meet the documentation standards as set out in the guidelines, the bank is encouraged to consider whether it is appropriate to adopt an alternative approach to facilitate financial inclusion which is set out in an appendix to the guidelines. There is a very clear statement in the guidelines that "where an individual is genuinely not in a position to provide standard evidence of identity it is important that he/she is not prevented gaining access to the financial system solely due to not being able to produce particular documentation."

Ministerial Staff

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

143 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance the number of his constituency and parliamentary staff, appointed, following the February 2011 elections, on salaries that exceed their applicable pay scale grade; the number of his existing and parliamentary staff employed prior to the February 2011elections but awarded salary increases following the election that exceed their applicable pay scale grade; and if he will provide their annual salary details in a tabular format. [34570/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

Since my appointment as Minister for Finance on 9 March 2011, the following staff have been appointed to my constituency office:

Grade	Salary Scale (per annum)	Wholetime Equivalent
Personal Assistant	€43,715 — €56,060	1.00
Executive Officer (EO)	€30,516 — €47,975	1.00
Clerical Officer (CO)	€23,177 — €37,341	1.00
Clerical Officer (CO)	€23,042 — €36,267	0.40

Since my appointment as Minister for Finance on 9 March 2011 the following staff member has been appointed as Special Adviser:

Name	Title	Salary (per annum)	Duties
Mary Kenny	Special Adviser	€83,337	Any duties which may be assigned to her from time to time as appropriate to the position of Special Adviser as set out in Section 11 of the Public Service Management Act 1997.

The Government has approved the appointment of a second Special Adviser, Mr. Eoin Dorgan. Terms and conditions for this appointment are being finalised at present.

No staff member has been awarded any salary increase that exceeds their applicable pay scale grade since my appointment.

Tax Collection

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

144 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance the number of companies believed to be members of groups here which actively avail of group relief. [34582/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that, based on information derived from corporation tax returns filed for accounting periods ending in the year 2009, the latest year for which the most complete information is available, group relief was claimed by some 2,507 companies.

Question No. 145 answered with Question No. 54.

Question No. 146 answered with Question No. 106.

Fuel Laundering

Joe O'Reilly

Ceist:

147 Deputy Joe O’Reilly asked the Minister for Finance the number of detections of fuel laundering in 2011; the number of laundering factories that have been prosecuted and closed; the number of retail outlets that have been prosecuted for using laundered or washed diesel; the staffing levels that exist in the agencies charged with dealing with diesel laundering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34621/11]

Michael Creed

Ceist:

153 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Finance the estimated cost to the Exchequer of fuel laundering; in view of its prevalence and the failure of the State to effectively combat this activity, the consideration being given to alternative policy approaches on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34705/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 147 and 153 together.

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners, who are responsible for the collection of mineral oil tax and for tackling the illicit trade in fuel products, that they are aware of the threat to the Exchequer posed by laundered fuel. The predominant illicit activity in the mineral oil area in both Northern Ireland and the Republic is the laundering of marked diesel and its sale through illegal outlets. In both jurisdictions the respective difference in excise rates between marked (rebated) and normal diesel offers a considerable incentive for oil laundering and this illicit activity poses a serious threat to the Exchequer and the economy on both sides of the border. The Deputies will appreciate that it is not possible to accurately estimate the loss to the national exchequer from individual activities within the shadow economy such as fuel laundering.

Revenue employs a broad range of compliance and enforcement strategies to detect and counteract illegal practices involving mineral oils. These include ongoing analysis of the nature and extent of the problem; development and sharing of intelligence with agencies on both sides of the border; the conduct of intelligence driven operations using covert surveillance to identify oil laundry locations; seizure of illicit product, laundering equipment and vehicles; physical sampling at road checkpoints; closure of unlicensed or improperly licensed outlets and seizure of stock and prosecution of those involved in illegal activities in relation to mineral oils.

So far this year, nine oil laundries have been detected, together with 327,000 litres of laundered fuel, and nine oil tankers and twenty-nine other vehicles have been seized. Sixteen persons were arrested in the course of these operations and files have been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions, who has to date issued directions to prosecute on indictment in respect of two of these cases. The Deputies will appreciate that there is some time-span between the detection of an offence and the appearance of a defendant before the courts. So far in 2011, in addition to the 327,000 litres of fuel seized in the course of raids on oil laundries, a further 516,270 litres of illicit mineral oil has been seized, the large majority from retail outlets or in the course of delivery to such outlets. Revenue has obtained two convictions in the courts this year against the proprietors of filling stations that were found to be selling laundered mineral oil as auto diesel. Revenue is currently engaged in a vigorous campaign targeting specific locations nationwide, with the intention of immediate closure of unlicensed outlets and the challenging of other instances of non-compliance. As part of this drive, warning letters have been issued to unlicensed retail outlets and a number of these have been effectively closed down by the actions of Revenue enforcement teams. This campaign is ongoing and Revenue is in the process of seizing illicit product and closing down a further number of unlicensed or otherwise illegal retail outlets. This month alone, in a recent targeted enforcement operation by Revenue officers, ten filling stations, one fuel depot and two private dwellings in counties Dublin, Galway and Louth were raided. A total of 158,000 litres of fuel were seized from three of these premises, including two tankers of fuel, and approximately €39,000 was detained under the Proceeds of Crime legislation.

Revenue continuously keeps under review the effectiveness of legislation and regulations in relation to combating the illicit trade in mineral oil. This includes reviewing powers, penalties, etc, and making recommendations to my Department where legislative amendments are required. The ongoing review of effectiveness includes consideration of alternative approaches, as referred to by the Deputy, to tackling the illicit removal of fuel marker. General consideration has been given, in this context, to a rebate system. However, Revenue advises me that such a system would pose different problems. It would involve the establishment of a very extensive repayment system, giving rise to a very significant administrative burden for oil traders, consumers and for Revenue and would pose significant cash-flow difficulties for those who currently use marked gas oil. Repayment regimes are vulnerable to abuse and liable to be exploited by criminal elements, such as those currently involved in fuel laundering.

Revenue is currently reviewing its enforcement options in the context of reductions in the sulphur content of some fuels that have been introduced under recent EU environment legislation. The matters being addressed include the potential development of an enhanced fuel marker. In this regard, close liaison has been established with HM Revenue & Customs. Revenue is also considering strengthening the Regulations governing the keeping for sale of fuel products and a renewed focus on links in the laundered fuel supply chain.

The Irish Petrol Retailers Association, which represents the majority of legitimate retail outlets in the State, is working closely with the Revenue Commissioners to counteract the threat posed by the sale and distribution of illicit mineral oil.

Revenue is an integrated tax and customs administration and staff are not allocated by function. The Deputies will be aware that Revenue's overall staff numbers have been reduced over the past two years in the context of Government policy on civil service numbers and now stand at approximately 5,940. However, the Revenue Commissioners assure me that their staff resources deployed in anti-evasion enforcement have been maintained and are indeed augmented when specific operations are organised.

Tax Code

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

148 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Finance if a disability extension on a home qualifies for a VAT refund under the tax return regulations or has there been a change in the criteria in recent years. [34634/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that there is provision for the refund of VAT incurred on qualifying goods for the exclusive use of disabled persons. The provision is contained in the Value Added Tax (Refund of Tax) (No 15) Order 1981. The order specifies the degree of disability and defines the qualifying goods as goods which are aids or appliances, including parts and accessories, specially constructed or adapted for use by a disabled person and includes goods which, although not so specially constructed or adapted, are of such a kind as might reasonably be treated as so constructed or adapted having regard to a particular disablement of that person. The provisions of the Order extend to works carried out on homes to adapt them to make them more accessible for disabled persons. The provisions do not apply to the actual construction of a home but would apply, for example, to certain alterations or adaptations that would be necessary to meet the particular needs of the disabled person. Without a sufficient level of detail in relation to the composition of the disability extension mentioned by the Deputy it is not possible to say if all or some of the expenditure would qualify for a VAT refund under the Order. The criteria contained in the 1981 Order have not been changed in recent years. Any application under the Refund Order should be made on Form VAT 61A and submitted to the Revenue Commissioners' Central Repayments Office in Monaghan.

Pension Provisions

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

149 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the value of the pension payment on an annual basis to the highest paid public sector pensioner in each of the public bodies under his remit and all public service pensioners not paid by the Office of the Paymaster General; the number in receipt of this level of pension and the total number in receipt of a pension in excess of €155,000 and in each bracket below this at intervals of €20,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34663/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

In response to the Deputy's question, I have outlined below the position in relation to the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) regarding former employees in receipt of pensions not paid by the Office of the Paymaster General. The remuneration structure in the NTMA is such that there are no general pay grades and all staff are on individually-negotiated contracts. These contracts are confidential to the individual concerned.

Ten former employees are in receipt of pension payments from the NTMA. Given the small number of pensions paid by the NTMA, provision of information in the format requested by the Deputy could lead to data protection and confidentiality issues through the identification of specific individuals. Eight persons are in receipt of pensions of less than €155,000 per annum while two are in receipt of pensions of greater than €155,000 per annum.

Tax Reliefs

Michael Creed

Ceist:

150 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Finance the value of outstanding tax reliefs available under the various tax construction schemes including section 23, student accommodation, hotel accommodation and so on; the amount of this relief drawn down in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010; the maximum and minimum relief availed of by individual taxpayers in each of these years under the various schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34697/11]

Michael Creed

Ceist:

151 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Finance if he has information regarding the level of outstanding mortgages on properties purchased under the various tax incentive construction schemes, including section 23, student accommodation and so on; the existing level of impairment on these mortgages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34703/11]

Michael Creed

Ceist:

152 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Finance the value of tax relief already availed of under the various tax incentive construction schemes, including section 23, student accommodation and so on; the profile of taxpayers that have already availed of their entitlements in this regard and the profile of taxpayers still holding this relief; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34704/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 150 to 152, inclusive, together.

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that for the tax year 2003 and earlier years claims for tax incentive schemes on property were aggregated in tax returns with other claims and could not be distinguished from other reliefs claimed. Accordingly, the specific information on costs for 2003 and earlier years are not available.

Provisions were included in the Finance Act 2004 to allow this data to be obtained separately in subsequent years. The relevant information for 2004-2008 is available from the Revenue Statistical Reports which are accessible on the Revenue website at www.Revenue.ie. The information is located in Table IT6, under the main chapter heading of Income Tax.

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the relevant information in relation to the maximum claim, minimum claim and the tax cost associated with the claims for tax relief allowed in respect of the different types of property related tax schemes for the years 2007 to 2009, the latest year for which this information is available, is as outlined in the following tables. This is based on personal income tax returns filed by non-PAYE taxpayers and corporation tax returns filed by companies for the years in question.

2007
Scheme	Tax Cost	Maximum Claim	Minimum Claim
	€m	€m	€
Urban Renewal	109.3	See Note	1
Town Renewal	34.6	See Note	1
Seaside Resorts	8.0	0.5	1
Rural Renewal	48.6	See Note	1
Multi-storey car parks	9.6	See Note	1
Living over the Shop	3.0	0.5	3
Enterprise Areas	2.8	See Note	1
Park & Ride	1.4	0.6	1
Holiday Cottages	12.4	See Note	8
Hotels	118	See Note	1
Nursing Homes	18.3	See Note	531
Housing for the Elderly/Infirm	2.6	0.3	3,449
Hostels	0.7	0.6	4,047
Guest Houses	Negligible	Negligible	1
Convalescent Homes	0.5	0.1	381
Qualifying (Private) Hospitals	12.1	1.2	1,253
Qualifying Sports Injury Clinics	1.8	0.6	19,582
Buildings Used for Childcare Purposes	9.8	See Note	6
Mental Health Centres	Negligible	Negligible	See Note
Student Accommodation	42.0	See Note	1

2008
Scheme	Tax Cost	Maximum Claim	Minimum Claim
	€m	€m	€
Urban Renewal	84.5	See Note	1
Town Renewal	23.7	See Note	1
Seaside Resorts	5.7	0.4	1
Rural Renewal	34.2	See Note	2
Multi-storey car parks	6.6	See Note	3,657
Living over the Shop	2.5	See Note	1
Enterprise Areas	2.5	0.3	1
Park & Ride	0.7	0.5	1
Holiday Cottages	10.8	0.6	44
Hotels	114.7	See Note	1
Nursing Homes	19.4	See Note	405
Housing for the Elderly/Infirm	3.0	0.3	134
Hostels	0.7	0.6	4,047
Guest Houses	0.1	0.1	7,538
Convalescent Homes	0.5	0.1	381
Qualifying (Private) Hospitals	12.3	0.8	11
Qualifying Sports Injury Clinics	1.5	0.3	5,852
Buildings Used for Childcare Purposes	12.0	See Note	1
Mental Health Centres	Negligible	See Note	See Note
Student Accommodation	22.7	See Note	1

2009
Scheme	Tax Cost	Maximum Claim	Minimum Claim
	€m	€m	€
Urban Renewal	93.1	See Note	1
Town Renewal	18.3	0.7	1
Seaside Resorts	5.3	0.3	1
Rural Renewal	28.0	See Note	1
Multi-storey car parks	5.2	See Note	69
Living over the Shop	1.7	0.5	1792
Enterprise Areas	2.1	0.3	1100
Park & Ride	0.8	0.5	69
Holiday Cottages	13.9	See Note	210
Hotels	102.1	See Note	127
Nursing Homes	21.6	See Note	1
Housing for the Elderly/Infirm	2.8	0.4	783
Hostels	0.30	0.2	7240
Guest Houses	0.10	0.1	815
Convalescent Homes	0.5	0.2	381
Qualifying (Private) Hospitals	12.5	See Note	6418
Qualifying Sports Injury Clinics	1.5	0.2	14823
Buildings Used for Childcare Purposes	12.5	See Note	529
Mental Health Centres	Negligible	See Note	See Note
Student Accommodation	19.1	See Note	57
Registered Caravan Parks	0.2	See Note	See Note
Mid Shannon Corridor	0.2	0.5	15720

The estimated relief claimed has assumed tax forgone at the 41% rate in the case of individuals and 12.5% in the case of companies. The figures shown correspond to the maximum Exchequer cost in terms of income tax and corporation tax.

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).

Corresponding data cannot yet be provided for 2010 as the tax returns for this year are either not yet due or are still being processed.

The information provided in tax returns on the annual amounts of claims for property-based tax reliefs is not sufficiently detailed to provide a basis for deriving an estimate of the value of outstanding reliefs available under the various tax construction schemes. I am not therefore in a position to provide the information requested by the Deputy in this regard.

My Department produced a detailed Consultation Paper as part of an economic impact assessment of potential changes to the "legacy" property-based tax reliefs, which contains information on the profile of tax payers availing of such schemes. Based on preliminary data provided by the Revenue Commissioners the Paper, which is available on the Department of Finance's Tax Policy website www.taxpolicy.gov.ie, provides an analysis of claims and investor income levels including the table below, which shows the share of claims by tax unit within five income groupings.

Income level	2007	2008
Less than €100,000	43%	44%
€100,000 — €150,000	17%	18%
€150,000 — €200,000	11%	11%
€200,000 — €275,000	9%	9%
Greater than €275,000	20%	18%

Table: Percentage of claimants by income band

It is anticipated that the results of the impact assessment process will be available for consideration in the context of the forthcoming budget.

The Central Bank collates and analyses data on the mortgage market. I have been informed that they do not have this data according to tax relief status. Their Statistics Department does not collect the credit data at that level of breakdown. The only reliable breakdown available is owner-occupier versus buy-to-let (BTL) mortgages, and this is publicly available in the Central Bank's Financial Measures Programme Report published earlier this year and available on their website www.centralbank.ie.

In addition the Deputy might note that a number of these property-based schemes were reviewed by Indecon Economic Consultants and Goodbody Economic Consultants as part of the overall review of property and area based tax incentives in 2005. These reports were published on 6 February 2006 and are available on the Department of Finance's Tax Policy website.

Note:

Because of the Revenue Commissioners' obligation to observe confidentiality in relation to the taxation affairs of individual taxpayers, a figure for the highest and in some cases the lowest amount of relief claimed under some of the schemes is not provided. This is due to the small numbers of returns with amounts exceeding that level.

Question No. 153 answered with Question No. 147.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

154 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance the cost to the Exchequer of the farm consolidation tax relief in the last available full year which expired last June; the projected annual cost of reinstating the scheme; his plans to re-establish the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34708/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the latest available information on the cost of stamp duty relief for farm consolidation is estimated at close to €0.5 million for calendar year 2010, in respect of all stamped deeds of transaction. It is not possible to predict the cost of reinstating this measure as cost would depend on take up. The scheme of Stamp Duty relief for farm consolidation expired on 30 June 2011. The figure for 2011 is not yet available. Stamp duty relief for farm consolidation was a State Aid and would require EU approval if reintroduced. I have no plans at this time to reintroduce this scheme. It would appear the scheme did not have the intended effect of encouraging farm consolidation, given the low level of take up — there were only 115 applicants in total between 2005 and 2010.

Banking Sector Regulation

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

155 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding a code of practice. [34738/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

The Central Bank's Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears applies only to mortgage lending activities in respect of an owner/occupier's principal private residence. Responsibility for the rights of tenants in rented accommodation is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

156 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the reason Ulster Bank and AIB are refusing to reduce their mortgage interest rates; and if he will act on this matter urgently. [34797/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

The setting of mortgage interest rates is a commercial decision for the banks concerned. I welcome the recent announcement by AIB that it will reduce its standard variable mortgage lending rate as a follow on to the recent ECB interest rate cut. The Central Bank have advised me that they will engage with lenders which appear to have standard variable rates disproportionate to their cost of funds

Monetary Policy

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

157 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if any decision has been taken with regard to the re-issuing of Irish pounds by the Central Bank of Ireland; if so, are Irish pounds currently being printed at the National Mint or elsewhere on the instruction of the Central Bank of Ireland; if so, the total value of this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34798/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

As Ireland is a Member State of the Euro-zone the question of re-issuing Irish pounds does not arise. Irish pounds are not being printed by the Central Bank nor are they being printed elsewhere on the instruction of the Central Bank. The Central Bank continues to produce euro currency.

Economic and Monetary Union

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

158 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if he has been involved in any discussions with his ECOFIN colleagues on changes to the membership and or structure of the eurozone; if his attention has been drawn to any discussions between members of the European Council and the Taoiseach regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34799/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I have not engaged in discussions regarding changes in euro area membership with my ECOFIN colleagues. We are, of course, in the process of improving the institutional arrangements within the euro area, to ensure that the current problems do not arise again in the future. I am also aware of comments attributed to some Member States in relation to membership of the euro area. However, I note that over the weekend there was clarification from Germany and France that they are not proposing any breakup of the euro area. Instead, they are talking about making the euro area work better. Any measures that can achieve this are to be welcomed.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

159 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if he has made any contingency plans in the event that Ireland either decides to leave the eurozone or is instructed to do so; if so, the details contained in this plan; the dialogue if any, he has had with his European counterparts in the context of recent reports that the French and German Governments are considering radical structural changes to the eurozone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34801/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

Our focus is on improving the functioning of the euro — it is our future. There are many risks in the broad economic environment at present, which I must take into account in conjunction with my Department and the agencies that report to me. The euro is a firm and solid currency currently trading well against all the other major currencies. There is clearly no market expectation, and there is certainly no Irish Government expectation, of any collapse in the euro.

In terms of structural changes to the euro area, I note that over the weekend there was clarification from Germany and France that they are not proposing any breakup of the euro area. Instead, they are talking about making the euro area work better. Any measures that can achieve this are to be welcomed.

Capital Projects

Gerald Nash

Ceist:

160 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details of the number and value of State capital project contracts awarded to companies registered outside the State in the years 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively; if he will provide details in respect of the number and value of State capital project contracts awarded to companies registered in the Republic of Ireland in the years 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34809/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

The Deputy has confirmed that the information sought is in relation to State capital construction projects. My Department did not award any such contracts during the period in question. During 2009 and 2010 my Department co-funded PEACE and INTERREG Programmes which cover the Border counties of Ireland and Northern Ireland. These Programmes are administered by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), a north-south body established under the Good Friday Agreement. PEACE and INTERREG projects are proposed and implemented by Lead Partners who apply to the SEUPB for funding for particular projects. Any contracts for capital works are awarded by the Lead Partners and are not considered as State capital construction project contracts. This Programme transferred to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform with effect from 2011.

Economic and Monetary Union

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

161 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which the Ministers for Finance in each member state are in agreement on the issues of European economic, monetary or fiscal policy; if this is in line with the views of the relevant Commissioner; the extent to which a meeting of minds in this regard is likely in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34818/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

The policies designed to address the euro area sovereign debt crisis were announced by Heads of State or Government on 26 October. The implementation of the policies in this strategy — known as the comprehensive strategy — is mostly a matter for Finance Ministers. In this regard, there is broad agreement that swift implementation will help instill confidence and underpin economic recovery.

In terms of addressing the root causes of the crisis there is a general agreement — and one to which the Irish Government subscribes — that the institutional architecture of the euro area needs to be enhanced, and work is progressing in this regard.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

162 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if there is agreement among the EU Council of Finance Ministers both within the eurozone and without on a strategy whereby each member state within the Union undertakes specific responsibilities with a view to achieving economic recovery and stability in the financial markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34819/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

As part of the comprehensive strategy agreed by Heads of State or Government on 26th October, all euro area Member States expressed their determination to continue their policy of fiscal consolidation and structural reforms. The rationale for these measures is to underpin recovery and restore financial market confidence. Member States which are particularly vulnerable — such as Italy — have announced specific plans to help reduce financial market tensions and this is to be welcomed. In terms of the EU27, measures to improve the capital position of European banks and to improve their funding positions have been agreed. These measures are designed to ensure that the banking sector continues to support economic recovery in the EU.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

163 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the degree to which there has emerged a consensus throughout the European Union in respect of economic, fiscal or monetary issues; if there is a recognition that indecision and lack of clarity leads to a lack of confidence resulting in instability; the degree to which these issues are being addressed at the present time with particular reference to the urgent need for such focus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34820/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

It is important to realise the considerable progress that has already been made in terms of improving the functioning of the EU and the euro area in particular. Amongst other things we now have:

The EU Semester;

Strengthened surveillance via the so-called ‘six-pack' of governance measures;

Support for vulnerable economies via the EFSF and the EFSM;

A permanent crisis resolution mechanism in the form of the ESM;

The Euro Plus Pact to inter alia improve competitiveness; and,

Strengthened financial regulation.

There is also the comprehensive package announced by the euro area Heads of State or Government on 26 October. This, as the Deputy knows, is essentially a five-point strategy involving:

A credible solution to the Greek situation;

Boosting the effective capacity of the EFSF;

Recapitalising Europe's banks;

Enhancing surveillance; and,

Improving economic governance in the euro area.

Work is continuing on implementing these important decisions, which will help bring clarity and restore confidence.

Price Inflation

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

164 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent of the reason or reasons for any inflation throughout the European Union; the way it is intended to address such issues in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34821/11]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

165 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which serious deflation is affecting particular countries throughout the European Union; the strategy in place or likely to be put in place to address such issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34822/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 164 and 165 together.

The Deputy will be aware that the European Commission last week published its Autumn economic forecasts. In this, it states that the main driving force behind the acceleration of HICP inflation in the EU in the first half of the year was the pass through of high energy and food prices to headline inflation.

Looking to the future, the Commission expects that the projected easing of commodity prices and the slowdown in economic activity in the EU should keep inflationary pressures contained over the next few years.

The Autumn forecasts show that inflation in the EU will average 3.0 per cent in 2011 before moderating to 2.0 per cent and 1.8 per cent in 2012 and 2013 respectively.

With regard to deflation, the Commission forecasts show that no Member State is expected to experience deflation in 2011 nor is any Member State projected to enter into deflationary territory over the forecast horizon.

Economic and Monetary Union

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

166 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which he and his EU colleagues have discussed the issue of a consistent economic policy throughout the European Union by way of adherence to incentivised guidelines while at the same time retaining national sovereignty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34823/11]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

167 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which he and his EU colleagues have examined and analysed the factors which have been the economic strength of the EU since its foundation; the degree and extent to which it is expected and-or intended to rediscover such strategies and recommit to the original economic vision for Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34824/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 166 and 167 together.

Since the onset of the economic and financial crisis in 2008, all the European Union's governments and the European Commission have been working to limit the damage being done to the EU's economy, repair the damage that has been done and to put in place measures that will help the EU to avoid a similar crisis in the future. It follows from the nature of the crisis that Europe's Finance Ministers have been at the forefront in this work and, since becoming Minister for Finance a considerable part of my work in Europe has been focused on this area.

The economic and financial crisis has led Member States to realise that they must co-ordinate their economic policies more closely in order to be able to cope with severe global crises that may arise in the future. The goal for the EU is to put in place reforms that will help to ensure that it leaves the crisis behind and enters a period of sustainable growth and jobs, while ensuring that the lessons from the crisis are taken on board and measures put in place to help avoid a repetition of the failures that contributed to it.

The results of this work can be seen in the EU2020 strategy, the European Semester process, the so called six-pack of economic governance reforms and the Euro-plus pact, all of which are, or will shortly be, in operation.

Work is continuing to bring further appropriate measures to the table for consideration. The recent Commission communication "A Roadmap to Stability and Growth" (October 2011) included a number of commitments for the further enhancement of existing measures and the introduction of new ones. These were further built on at the October 26th Euro Summit, where the euro area's Heads of State or Government agreed on a series of measures designed to improve the economic governance of the euro area. President Van Rompuy is also expected to present an interim report on strengthening the economic union within the euro area in December 2011.

Not surprisingly, some have suggested that greater surveillance and enhanced governance somehow implies an unacceptable loss of national sovereignty. I do not agree.

The Government's view is clear, we are in a monetary union with other Member States and so more coordination of policies is essential. In fact, it must be recognised that the lack of coordination among Member States in the past is one of the main reasons we find ourselves in the current predicament. So it is important to tackle the root causes of the problem — we simply cannot have a currency union without further integration and greater coordination. In these circumstances, putting in place — albeit retrospectively — the appropriate institutional architecture is crucial.

Of course, enhanced policy surveillance and governance must be sufficiently balanced, and in this regard, the Government sees an important role for the Community-based method as it balances the interests of smaller Member States. The Government also takes the view that as much as possible should be achieved at the level of the EU27, however, it also recognises that the level of integration and coordination will be necessarily higher for countries participating in a monetary union than for those outside it.

Job Creation

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

168 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which the various factors likely to affect growth in this economy have been identified and isolated with a view to specific or particular action likely to result in job creation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34825/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

As noted in the Medium-Term Fiscal Statement, my Department expects that the economy will return to growth this year following three successive annual contractions. The pace of the recovery is then expected to gradually strengthen in subsequent years, although anticipated GDP growth rates of 1.6 per cent in 2012 and 2.4 per cent in 2013 are weaker than those forecast in the spring. These downward revisions reflect a combination of external and domestic factors. For instance, it is now accepted that growth in our major trading partners is moderating, and this has led to a downward revision to the export growth forecast. The latest economic data, meanwhile, have revealed that the outlook for the domestic growth components is weaker than was the case in the spring.

Slower economic growth will, in turn, lead to a slower recovery in the labour market. A return to net employment creation is now expected to be delayed until the second half of next year and annual employment growth is not foreseen until 2013. The Government recognises that getting people back to work represents its biggest challenge, however, and will continue to take steps to improve the prospects of those out of work.

Banking Sector Regulation

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

169 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the manner in which Ireland’s Central Bank liaised with the ECB in the course of the past ten years; if any particular issues arose which might have indicated the necessity for corrective measures in respect of banking here or throughout the Eurozone; if the Central Bank here identified any weaknesses in the banking sector here which were brought to the attention of the ECB and conversely if the ECB identified any issues in the banking sector which requires the attention of the Central Bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34826/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

As Minister for Finance, I have no function in the relationship between the European Central Bank and national central banks. The Governor of the Central Bank carries out his European Central Bank-related functions under the Treaty of Rome and the Statute of the European System of Central Banks (ESCB) and his independence in doing so is guaranteed. Section 19A(2) of the Act provides that the Governor has sole responsibility for the performance of the functions imposed, and the exercise of powers conferred, on the Bank by or under the Rome Treaty or the ESCB Statute.

Section 6A(3) of the Central Bank Act 1942 provides that the Minister for Finance may not request information relating to ESCB functions from the Governor or the Bank.

Additionally, article 282 (3) of the Treaty of Rome provides that the European Central Bank shall be independent in the exercise of its powers and that European Union institutions, bodies, offices and agencies and the governments of the Member States shall respect that independence.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

170 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which it is expected that recent ECB interest rate will be passed on to the borrower with particular reference to lending institutions that have passed on rate increases to the borrowers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34827/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I understand that the recent reduction in interest rates announced by the ECB have been passed on by three lenders, namely Irish Life and Permanent, AIB and EBS. The Government wants the lending institutions to pass on the interest rate cut for a number of reasons. Firstly, the interest rate cut will be of important assistance to mortgage holders who are struggling to pay their mortgages. Secondly, and linked to the first reason, the purpose of the ECB's interest rate cut was a monetary policy measure to increase the level of money in the Eurozone so as to stave off a recession. The ECB did not cut rates so as to allow lenders to rebuild their capital base — there are other methods for this to occur.

Neither the Central Bank nor myself, as Minister for Finance, have any statutory role in the interest rates charged by financial institutions regulated by the Central Bank. However the Central Bank have advised me that they will engage with lenders which appear to have standard variable rates set disproportionate to their cost of funds.

Vocational Education Committees

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

171 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education and Skills the name, position and a breakdown of the retirement packages for all vocational education committees chief executive officers eligible to retire before the end of February 2012. [33998/11]

An Ceann Comhairle

There are 33 Vocational Education Committees of which 22 have permanent Chief Executive Officers and 11 acting Chief Executive Officers in position.

The information requested by the Deputy is not held within my Department, and as each individual VEC is a separate employer it would involve an inordinate amount of administrative time to compile.

However, I can inform the Deputy that the following conditions and criteria would apply to any CEO that is eligible to retire.

Standard Retirement provisions for Officers employed by VECs

(1) An Officer who is not a new entrant must retire at the end of the school year following attainment of age 65.

(2) An Officer who is not a new entrant and has reached the age of 60 may retire on pension at any time thereafter.

(3) Under the Public Service Superannuation Act 2004, compulsory retirement age has been abolished in the case of new entrants to the public service. Correspondingly, pension is not payable to new entrants to most sectors of the public service, until age 65. A new entrant is a person who commences employment in the public service on or after 1 April 2004 or who, following a break of more than 26 weeks, returns to employment in the public service on or after 1 April 2004.

(4) A scheme of cost-neutral early retirement based on actuarial reductions, was introduced in 2005. The scheme will permit retirement between age 50 and 60, (between 55 and 65 for new entrants). Retirees on cost neutral early retirement will get a reduced lump sum and pension from the date of retirement, the payments are the payments that would be made when the member reaches age 60 or 65 actuarially reduced.

Standard Retirement benefits for Officers employed by VECs

(1) On retirement, a member of the Scheme, who has at least 2 years' pensionable service (reduced from 5 years with effect from 2 June 2002), will receive a Retirement Gratuity in the form of a lump sum.

(2) With effect from 1 January 2011, overall lifetime limit on tax free lump sum is €200,000. Any excess amount over €200,000 is taxed at standard rate of tax up to €575,000. Any excess over €575,000 is taxed at individual's marginal rate of tax.

(3) The value of the lump sum is 3/80th of pensionable remuneration at retirement (PR) for each year of pensionable service, subject to a maximum of 1.5 times PR.

(4) He will also receive a Pension which will be subject to tax. For Officers liable for the Class D rate of PRSI, the value of the pension is 1/80th of PR for each year of pensionable service, subject to a maximum of half of PR.

(5) For Officers liable for the Class A rate of PRSI, the pension payable is co-ordinated with social welfare entitlements. The value of the co-ordinated pension is, with effect from 1 January 2004, 1/200th of PR up a threshold of 3 and one-third times the maximum personal rate of State Pension (Contributory) + 1/80th of any PR exceeding that threshold.

Departmental Funding

Robert Dowds

Ceist:

172 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent of support he gives to the yellow flag programme for schools; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Irish Traveller Movement is unable to run the programme in all 16 schools which qualified this year owing to a lack of funding, and cannot source charitable funding for the programme for 2012 until Exchequer funding has been secured; and if further support will be given. [34028/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

My Department has not provided support for the programme referred to by the Deputy, which I understand was run as a pilot project in some schools. The Deputy will be aware that a Comprehensive Expenditure Review is ongoing in all Government Departments at the request of the Minister of Public Expenditure and Reform and due to the current economic climate the funding for new programmes, including this programme cannot be considered at this time .

Higher Education Grants

Jim Daly

Ceist:

173 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason an applicant of a higher education grant has had a decision issued which removed 50% of the registration fee allowance and also removed their eligibility for a maintenance grant when their financial position has not changed from previous years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34030/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter for the relevant grant awarding authority.

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 reckonable income, it would not be possible for me to say why a student's level of grant was reduced.

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

An applicant may appeal the decision of the grant awarding authority to its appeals officer.

Where the appeals officer decides to reject the appeal, the applicant may appeal this decision to my Department or the independent appeals board, as appropriate.

Traveller Education

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

174 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the mechanisms that have been put in place by him to monitor the attendance and support the progress of Traveller pupils in the education system at primary and post-primary level since the abolition of the visiting teacher service for Travellers, the removal of resource teachers for Travellers posts in schools and reduced transport services. [34043/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The Education (Welfare) Act, 2000, established the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) charged with ensuring that each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education. The Act provides a comprehensive framework promoting regular school attendance and tackling the problems of absenteeism and early school leaving.

While responsibility for the National Education Welfare Board (NEWB) has transferred to my colleague, the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, the two Departments are working together to ensure that the services in the NEWB, including the School Completion Programme, Home School Community Liaison and the Education Welfare Service have a renewed focus to more effectively target and support all children at risk, including Traveller children.

The Report and Recommendations for a Traveller Education Strategy which was launched in 2006, following wide ranging consultation with stakeholders including Traveller representatives covers all aspects of Traveller education from preschool to further and higher education. A core principle of the strategy is that allocation of resources is based on ‘individual educational need' rather than ‘Traveller identity'. My Department's aim is to prioritise available resources to maximum effect across the education sector to enhance educational outcomes for all children and adults including Travellers.

In the context of the National Recovery Plan 2011-2014 and in keeping with the report, the Government has taken a decision to provide educational teaching supports to Traveller students on the same basis as other students in schools. Additional tuition is provided through the existing learning support provision in schools.

In order to assist schools with high concentrations of Traveller pupils, following the withdrawal of the Resource Teaching posts for Travellers, limited alleviation or adjustment measures are being provided. Furthermore Traveller enrolments have been included in the valid enrolment for the purpose of allocating additional staffing under DEIS from the 2011/12 school year.

The general position of my Department regarding the issue of school transport provision for Traveller children is to accommodate Traveller children within mainstream school transport provision rather than to promote segregation and marginalisation. This flows from the Traveller Education Strategy which states in respect of primary and post primary pupils that "Traveller children should use mainstream school transport in operation at present. Only in exceptional circumstances based on special needs should special transport be provided as a positive action measure". As a continuing positive measure, Traveller children availing of exceptional transport arrangements who meet the distance criterion are allowed retain their transport eligibility for the duration of their education at their current school of attendance.

The Traveller Education Strategy Advisory & Consultative Forum continues to identify issues, including obstacles, to the implementation of recommendations of the Traveller Education Strategy, examining appropriate responses to issues identified and reports to my Department's Traveller Strategy Implementation Group to highlight key issues of concern.

Overseas Student Enrolments

Stephen S. Donnelly

Ceist:

175 Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills with regard to the registration of students by private colleges for courses accredited by HETAC and FETAC, if he will confirm if it is the case that such students can only be registered if they have a PPS number, or the British equivalent; the reasons for same; if he has considered the negative impact that this may have on uptake by overseas students of e-learning courses delivered by institutions here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34069/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

HETAC seeks the Personal Public Services Number (PPSN) as part of its learner registration processes. HETAC is aware that certain learners may not have a PPSN available at registration. In these circumstances, an alternative identifier is generated by HETAC.

FETAC requires students to have a PPSN or its UK equivalent for the purpose of certification of learning and uses them as a unique identifier of learners. It is particularly important that a strong and well-understood identifier is used in further education and training where learners may receive FETAC major awards having accumulated modules across a number of different providers.

I am not aware of these practices creating difficulties for HETAC or FETAC registered providers seeking to offer distance learning programmes.

Higher Education Grants

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

176 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the changes, if any, that have been introduced by him to the qualifying year for assessing reckonable income for self-employed persons for the maintenance grant and the HEAR programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34087/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

I have made no changes to the qualifying year for assessing reckonable income for the self-employed for the student grant.

For 2011/2012 academic year all relevant income arising between 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010 is considered. The same approach was used for previous academic years.

The Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) is a third-level admissions scheme for students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The scheme is operated by a number of higher education institutions and not by my Department. Admissions to the institutions under this programme are regulated by the institutions themselves. Further details are available at www.accesscollege.ie.

School Enrolments

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

177 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a second level school may refuse a pupil a place on religious grounds; and if secondary schools are allowed to have different entrance criteria. [34089/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of individual schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act 1998. In this regard a Board of Management may find it necessary to restrict enrolment to children from a particular area or a particular age group or, occasionally, on the basis of some other criterion. The criteria to be applied by schools in such circumstances are a matter for the schools themselves. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants.

Under section 15(2)(d) of the Education Act 1998, each school is legally obliged to disclose its enrolment policy and to ensure that as regards that policy that principles of equality and the rights of parents to send their children to a school of the parents choice are respected.

Equality legislation, which also outlaws discrimination in relation to the admission of a student, makes provision for exemptions to apply in the case of single sex schools and in the case of schools where the objective is to provide education in an environment that promotes certain religious values. The legislation provides that any school that has this objective may admit a student of a particular religious denomination in preference to other students.

The Deputy will be aware that earlier this year, I launched a discussion paper on school enrolment. The document, "Discussion Paper on a Regulatory Framework for School Enrolment" contains suggestions on how to make the process of enrolling in schools more open, equitable and consistent. I invited education partners and interested parties to submit their views to my Department by the 28th of October.

The feedback from this consultation will help inform the nature and scope of a new regulatory framework for school enrolment.

School Staffing

Sandra McLellan

Ceist:

178 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will reinstate two teachers whose jobs were suppressed in a school (details supplied) in County Cork; if he will ensure that no further cuts are enforced on the school resources and that no further jobs will be suppressed there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34115/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

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

As set out in my Departments Circular 0042/2011, in order for the NCSE to complete the processing of applications for mainstream schools in the first instance, the existing 2010/11 level of SNA supports have been maintained in special schools for the coming school year, other than for schools with declining enrolments, with a review to take place early in the 11/12 school year. The school referred to by the Deputy has therefore not received a reduction in its SNA staff levels over those applying at the end of the last school year. The review of SNA support at special schools is currently ongoing and I understand that the review of SNA provision at the school referred to by the Deputy will take place in the coming weeks.

In relation to teaching posts, Circular 0042/11 states that there are a small number of special schools which have significant excess teacher posts and that the NCSE may therefore contact such schools to review the individual circumstances in these schools. The Circular indicated that the NCSE may suppress a post in schools which have excess teaching posts in order to create a post in a school which does not have excess posts and which has growing pupil numbers.

The special school referred to by the Deputy caters for pupils with severe/profound disability and ASD. The correct teacher allocation ratio for schools catering for children with severe and profound disability is 6:1. In 2010/11 the school had 7 approved class teaching posts, 3 surplus teaching posts and 28 SNAs. The enrolment is 38 pupils, including 9 new children enrolled for September 2011. One of the surplus teachers retired at the end of the last school year and the school is not eligible for a replacement. A further surplus post has been withdrawn leaving the school with 1 surplus post above recommended staffing allocation levels.

It is the position of both my Department and the NCSE that given the exceptionally high levels of teaching and support staff which have been allocated to the school, that notwithstanding the outcome of any review of SNA support at the school, that the school has sufficient support within its overall allocation to enable it to provide for the teaching and care support requirements of all of the children enrolled to the school.

School Patronage

Simon Harris

Ceist:

179 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason the patronage tender guidelines for a new secondary school (details supplied) stipulate that the school must be an English language only school; the rationale he has used to set these specific guidelines; if he will consider tender applications from Irish language patrons for this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34130/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

As the Deputy may be aware I announced new criteria on 27 June 2011 in relation to the establishment of new second level schools. As part of the new procedures it was clearly stated that an initial decision would be made by the Department on whether the new schools would operate through the medium of Irish or English. Applications would then be sought from prospective patrons when this decision was made.

Prior to seeking applications for the new second-level schools to be established in 2013 and 2014, the Department made the initial decision about which schools would operate through the medium of Irish. The Department had regard to both the existing and planned all-Irish provision at primary and second level in the areas concerned. The new second level school planned for the area referred to by the Deputy will operate through the medium of English. However, in cases there is not sufficient demand to warrant the establishment of a new gaelcholáiste it will be an option for the new English-medium second level schools to operate an all-Irish Aonad within the school where there is sufficient parental demand.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

180 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a matter regarding a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34148/11]

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

184 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will confirm or deny weekend reports that he intends to reduce the numbers of teachers in schools, both primary and secondary. [34210/11]

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

192 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding education cuts; if the issues raised will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34362/11]

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

194 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if current pupil-teacher ratios and average class sizes will be maintained in our primary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34367/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 180, 184, 192 and 194 together.

At this point I do not propose to give any specific commitment on the allocation of teachers to schools for the 2012/13 school year. The number of teaching posts that we can afford to fund in schools is a matter that I will have to consider with my colleagues in Cabinet in the context of the next budget and meeting our obligations under the EU/IMF Programme.

The Government will endeavour to protect frontline education services as best as possible. However, this must be done within the context of bringing our overall public expenditure into line with what we can afford as a country. All areas of Government will have to manage on a reduced level of resources. The challenge will be to ensure that the resources that can be provided are used to maximum effect to achieve the best possible outcome for pupils.

Croke Park Agreement

Dominic Hannigan

Ceist:

181 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of Croke Park Agreement projects that each State agency under his aegis are progressing; if he will list each project by Department in tabular form; the amount to be saved by each project; the number that have been completed since the agreement came into force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34155/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The Action Plans, Progress Reports and Savings Reports under the Public Service Agreement 2010-2104 for State Agencies under my Department's remit for the period up to April 2011 are available on the Departments website at: http://www.education.ie/home/home.jsp?maincat=17216&pcategory=17216&ecategory=59433&language=EN.

The Implementation Body for the Agreement is currently considering the progress reported on the implementation of Action Plans under Croke Park in each sector during the period, April to September 2011. I understand the Body is due to publish a summary of the progress reported to it on its website shortly. Once the Body has completed its consideration, it is intended that the progress reports for this particular reporting period for individual public service bodies, including each state agency, will be published on their organisation's websites.

School Building Projects

Patrick Nulty

Ceist:

182 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Education and Skills when construction of a school (details supplied) will commence. [34169/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

It is envisaged that planning application will be lodged in early 2012. Subject to no issues arising, it is envisaged that construction of Phase I will commence in late 2012 and be completed in August 2013.

Literacy and Numeracy Levels

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

183 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason Ireland has dropped right down the OECD rankings for education; and the way he will rectify same. [34209/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

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.

The OECD PISA 2009 results showed a significant deterioration in the performance of 15 year olds in Ireland in Mathematical Literacy and Reading Literacy vis-a-vis earlier years. Ireland’s performance in Mathematical Literacy ranked as just below the OECD average, and Reading Literacy was at the OECD average. In Scientific Literacy, Ireland’s score is significantly above the OECD average and is the same mean score as reported in PISA 2006. Independent national and international experts who have examined the data in detail on behalf of the Department have stated that the declines may be explained partly by changes in the profile of students, poorer student engagement with the tests, random factors in school selection, and weaknesses in the methodology used by PISA to determine trends in student performance over time. However, they have also advised the Department that these factors only explain part of the decline in student achievement on the tests and I am acting on the basis that there has been some real decline in standards of student performance.

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 referred to above. These results suggest that the reading standards of Irish 15-year olds may be somewhat 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. In view this decline, a key commitment of the Programme for Government was the development and implementation of a national literacy strategy. I published Literacy and Numeracy for Learning and Life, the National Strategy to Improve Literacy and Numeracy among Children and Young People 2011-2020, in July. The Strategy addresses six key areas aimed at improving literacy and numeracy outcomes, these are enabling parents and communities to support children's literacy and numeracy development; improving teachers' and early childhood education and care practitioners' professional practice through changes to both pre-service and in-service education; building the capacity of school leadership to lead improvements in the teaching and assessment of literacy and numeracy in schools; getting the content of the curriculum for literacy and numeracy right at primary and post-primary levels by making sure that the curriculum is clear about what we expect students to learn at each stage, targeting available additional resources on learners with additional needs, including students from disadvantaged communities, students learning English as an additional language and students with special educational needs; and improving how teachers, schools and the educational system use good assessment approaches to plan the next steps for each learner and monitors progress.

Each of the actions in the Strategy has a timeline and clear lead responsibility for delivery is assigned. Progress has already been made on implementing the early actions identified in the Strategy and a circular on implementation has just issued to all primary schools.

Question No. 184 answered with Question No. 180.

Higher Education Grants

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

185 Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will clarify whether a named qualification (details supplied) is recognised under the FETAC system; if so, the level rating of this course for the purposes of a higher education grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34219/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The qualification referred to by the Deputy is awarded by an awarding body from outside the State and not by FETAC. The awarding body in question had a number of awards aligned with the National Framework of Qualifications in 2009, including a number of awards in the field of beauty therapy. However, the particular award title referred to by the Deputy is not included in the list of aligned awards. The principal financial support available to students in further and higher education is the student grant. Students who are entering approved courses are eligible for financial assistance where they satisfy the relevant conditions including those relating to residency, means, nationality and previous academic attainment. I understand that the college referred to by the Deputy is a private college and as such would not have been included in the list of approved institutions for student grant purposes.

European Globalisation Fund

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

186 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a person (details supplied) in County Meath was one of the named persons in an application by the Government in 2010 for funding under the European globalisation fund for construction workers made redundant between 2009 and 2010; if so, if he will detail the additional training and support available to the person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34246/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy Ciarán Cannon)

Approval from both the European Council and the European Parliament is still awaited of the three EGF applications submitted by Ireland in respect of almost 9,000 construction sector workers who were made redundant between 1 July 2009 and 31 May 20010 and whose eligibility for assistance within the requirements of the EGF regulations has been ascertained by my Department. In the interim a number of national measures, for which EGF co-financing is being currently sought, are already being provided by the relevant service providers and funded from national sources. I refer to the answer to Question No. 29078/11 of 12 October 2011 in this regard.

As I stated in a reply to the Deputy on this matter on 8 November 2011, my Department, in conjunction with other Government Departments and Agencies, is currently seeking to put in place certain new measures to assist these particular redundant workers to obtain any necessary upskilling and to improve their employment prospects, between now and the end of the EGF programmes, if approved by the EU, next June. This is in addition to the supports that they have already received to date. It is my intention that, when these measures are confirmed, all eligible persons would be notified simultaneously of the details.

Bullying in Schools

Tony McLoughlin

Ceist:

187 Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider conducting an investigation into the difficulties surrounding a student (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34261/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

Under the Education Act 1998, legally, all schools are managed by school Boards of Management, on behalf of the school patrons or trustees, and it is the Board of Management that employ the teachers at the school. Accordingly, whereas I provide funding and policy direction for schools, neither I nor the Department have legal powers to instruct schools to follow a particular course of direction with regards to individual complaint cases, or to investigate individual complaints except where the complaint involves a refused enrolment, expulsion or suspension, in accordance with Section 29 of the 1998 Education Act.

My Department's role is to clarify for parents and students how their grievances and complaints against schools can be progressed. If a parent wishes to make a complaint against a teacher or school they should contact the relevant school authorities. The complaint procedures adopted by most schools are those that have been agreed between the teacher unions and school management bodies. Responsibility for tackling bullying falls to the level of the individual school, as it is at local level that an effective anti-bullying climate must be established and at that level that actions should be taken to address bullying.

The Office of the Ombudsman for Children may independently investigate complaints about schools recognised with the Department of Education and Skills, provided the parent has firstly and fully followed the school's complaints procedures. The key criterion for any intervention by the Ombudsman for Children is that the action of the school has had a negative affect on a child. The office can be contacted at Ombudsman for Children's Office, Millennium House, 52-56 Great Strand Street, Dublin 1, telephone 1800 202040 or (01)8656800, e-mail oco@oco.ie.

Further guidance to parents on progressing a concern in relation their child's school is available on the Guide to Services Page of my Department's website at www.education.ie.

The Education (Welfare) Act, 2000, established the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) with statutory responsibility to ensure that each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education. The Act provides a comprehensive framework for promoting regular school attendance and tackling the problems of absenteeism and early school leaving.

The NEWB's network of Educational Welfare Officers (EWOs) is one of the key means by which the Board ensures that each child attends and benefits from education. Key aspects of the role of an EWO is to advise parents in relation to the procedures for enrolment in schools and to assist parents where they are experiencing difficulties in finding school places.

While the NEWB falls under the remit of my Colleague Minister Frances Fitzgerald, I have confirmed via the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, that the local Educational Welfare Officers are aware of and currently engaged with the case in question. I also understand that my Department has approved home tuition for the child in question.

School Discipline

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

188 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will confirm with his Department if all recommendations from the Health Service Executive and reports by his Department on a school (details supplied) in Dublin 5 have been implemented in view of the fact that the implementation of all the recommendations was a condition for the school in July 2010; if he will also confirm that the board of management of the school in question have signed off on a behavioural support plan, an enrolment policy and a policy on toileting for the pupils of the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34287/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The Deputy should be aware that the DES report was completed in October 2010. Also, the Deputy is advised that the HSE report to which he has referred was not published. It is a condition of my Department's recognition of the school that the recommendations of both reports are implemented. The School currently enjoys provisional recognition from my Department.

The Board of Management of school in question committed to fully implementing the recommendations of both the HSE and the subsequent DES report. These recommendations incorporate the plans and policies referred to by the Deputy. My Department has remained in regular contact with the Principal and the Board of Management of this school. The Board of Management of the school has advised DES that all recommendations have been or are being implemented in full. My Department will continue to closely monitor progress in this regard.

Student Grant Applications

Jim Daly

Ceist:

189 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the appeal process available to unsuccessful student grant applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34302/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter for the relevant grant awarding authority in the first instance. Where a grant application is refused, an applicant may appeal this decision to the grant awarding authority's appeals officer. Where the appeals officer decides to reject the appeal, the applicant may appeal this decision to my Department or the independent Student Grant Appeals Board, as appropriate. In this regard, appeals under the 2011/12 student grant scheme and onwards are appropriate to the Student Grant Appeals Board. Appeals under prior schemes are appropriate to the Department.

Higher Education Budget

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

190 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total budget for higher education in 2011; and the total budget for higher education in each of the previous years since 1997. [34321/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available but I will arrange to have it forwarded when compiled.

Schools Building Projects

Michelle Mulherin

Ceist:

191 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an extension to a school (details supplied) in County Mayo; and the expected timetable to project completion. [34332/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The project for the school to which the Deputy refers was included in the School Building Works Programme for 2011. The Stage 2B submission (i.e. Detailed Design) was submitted recently to my Department and is currently being reviewed. When that review is complete, officials from the Department will be in contact with the Board of Management regarding the further progression of the project.

Question No. 192 answered with Question No. 180.

School Curriculum

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

193 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the proposed national strategy to improve literacy and numeracy among children and young persons 2011-2020 can be implemented under the current and anticipated funding constraints; if the proposed document will be made available to schools free of charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34366/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The National Strategy to Improve Literacy and Numeracy Among Children and Young People contains initiatives and actions across a broad range of areas. The Strategy focuses on achieving better literacy and numeracy outcomes for our children and young people through the best use of the resources at our disposal. Many of the approaches set out in the Strategy have no cost implications. There will be additional costs for teacher education measures (both initial teacher education and teacher upskilling), curricular change and new assessment measures. Costs relating to lengthening of initial teacher education will be met from within the Higher Education Budget. Part of the other costs will be met within existing resources from other areas of continuous professional development. Some additional curricular and assessment costs from 2014 will be found within other areas of the Department's Budget.

My Department has issued a summary document on the Literacy and Numeracy Strategy to primary schools and this will also issue to second-level schools shortly. The full version of the strategy is available to download from www.education.ie.

Question No. 194 answered with Question No. 180.

School Staffing

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

195 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Skills the provision of supervision and substitution in schools for 2010 and to date in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34468/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The details of the provision for the Supervision and Substitution scheme for teachers employed in primary, secondary and community/comprehensive schools for the school years 2010/11 and 2011/12 are included in the following table:

	Supervision and Substitution scheme 2010/11 school year	Provision for Supervision and Substitution scheme 2011/12 school year
Primary	€57,808,929	€57,541,815.00
Post Primary	€35,691,416	€34,955,840.00

State Examinations

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

196 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of special centres used during the recent State examinations; the total cost associated with providing these centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34469/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations including organising the holding of examinations, supervising the examinations, making arrangements for the marking of work presented for examination and determining procedure to enable the review and appeal of results of examinations at the request of candidates. In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.

Religious Denominations

Robert Dowds

Ceist:

197 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of Protestants being educated in Protestant — that is, Church of Ireland, Presbyterian and Methodist — primary schools. [34470/11]

Robert Dowds

Ceist:

198 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of Roman Catholics, children from non-Christian religions and those with no religious affiliation being educated in Protestant primary schools. [34471/11]

Robert Dowds

Ceist:

199 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of Protestants being educated in non-Protestant primary schools. [34472/11]

Robert Dowds

Ceist:

200 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of the students in public Protestant secondary schools who are Protestant; the number who are Roman Catholic; the number of other religious persuasion; and the number of no religious persuasion. [34473/11]

Robert Dowds

Ceist:

201 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of Protestant students receiving their secondary school education in non-Protestant schools. [34475/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 197 to 201, inclusive, together.

The religious denomination of individual pupils is not collected by my Department.

Public Service Reform

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

202 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to introduce a paperless system for issuing payslips to teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34477/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The electronic issue of payslips to school employees and pensioners will be considered by officials in my Department, in the context of Public Service reform and the current budgetary position, with a view to implementing a cost effective electronic payslip system by the end of 2014.

Higher Education Grants

Paudie Coffey

Ceist:

203 Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Education and Skills when deciding on the distance involved in the non-adjacent grant for third level students, if the distance of 45 km is solely decided as the shortest distance between the student’s address and the college or is the actual journey travelled by the student as a result of using public transport is taken into account; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34479/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter for the applicant's local grant awarding authority — the relevant local authority or VEC. The guidance given to local authorities and VECs in relation to the application of the distance criterion for student grants is that the shortest, most direct route to the institution attended is measured. The implementation of this guidance is a matter for individual grant awarding authorities, which will be best positioned to interpret its application in the context of local circumstances. Where an applicant is not satisfied with the decision of the grant awarding authority, he/she may submit an appeal to have the decision reviewed.

Paudie Coffey

Ceist:

204 Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review a situation in respect of a person (details supplied) regarding the non-adjacent grant for third level students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34480/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter for the applicant's local grant awarding authority — the relevant local authority or VEC. The guidance given to local authorities and VECs in relation to the application of the distance criterion for student grants is that the shortest, most direct route to the institution attended is measured. The implementation of this guidance is a matter for individual grant awarding authorities, which will be best positioned to interpret its application in the context of local circumstances. Where an applicant is not satisfied with the decision of the grant awarding authority, he/she may submit an appeal to that body to have the decision reviewed. Where such an appeal is unsuccessful, it is open to the applicant to appeal the decision to my Department or to the Student Grants Appeal Board, as appropriate. No appeal has been received in my Department from the student to date in this case.

School Inspection Reports

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

205 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total number of inspections carried out in schools under the whole-school evaluation and management leadership and learning systems for 2010; the total cost to the Exchequer for these inspections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34481/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

Whole-School Evaluation Management, Leadership and Learning (WSE-MLL) is a new model of evaluation in post-primary schools which was trialled in schools during 2009 and 2010. WSE-MLL was formally introduced to the education system in January 2011. The Inspectorate conducted 24 trial WSE-MLL evaluations in 2010. In 2011 the Inspectorate expects to conduct more than 90 such evaluations of post-primary schools. Since the Inspectorate is part of the Department of Education and Skills, all costs associated with its work are paid from the administrative budget of the Department and costs exclusively associated with whole-school evaluations are not recorded separately from the other inspection or policy development work of the Inspectorate. However, the estimated cost of the 24 trial whole-school evaluations (WSE-MLL) conducted in 2010, calculated on the basis of a per diem proportion of the total annual salary, travel and subsistence costs of the Inspectorate, was €258,000.

Appointments to State Boards

Liam Twomey

Ceist:

206 Deputy Liam Twomey asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of positions on State boards and agencies under his aegis which he has advertised in the past seven months; the number of applications received; the number of applicants subsequently appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34503/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

My Department's officials are currently finalising arrangements to effect the Government decision regarding direct Ministerial appointments to State boards and issues regarding the advertising of future vacancies will be addressed in this context. For the Deputy's information the following appointments have been made to the Boards of the Bodies under the aegis of my Department since my appointment:

Mr. Eamonn Devoy, Mr. Tony Donohoe, Professor Anne Scott, Ms. Maria Bourke and Ms. Audrey Deane were all appointed to the Board of the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI) with effect from end March 2011. While the terms of office for these appointments are for a five year period the NQAI is to be merged with both the Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC) and the Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC) to form a new body to be known as the Qualifications and Quality Assurance Authority of Ireland (QQAAI) in the coming months.

Mr. Mícheál Ó Fiannachta, a Departmental official, was appointed to the Board of Skillnets Ltd with effect from June 2011.

Dr. Maria Hinfelaar and Mr. Aengus Ó Maoláin were appointed to the Higher Education and Awards Council (HETAC) in June 2011. As in the case of the NQAI, this body is to be merged into the Qualifications and Quality Assurance Authority of Ireland in the coming months. It is customary for the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) to have one representative on the board of HETAC. Mr. Ó Maoláin was nominated by the USI.

Ms. Maureen Costello was appointed to the National Council for Special Education Board in September 2011. Ms. Costello is the Director of the National Educational Psychological Service and her appointment was made because of the close interactions between the two agencies concerned.

Mr. Michael Moriarty was appointed to the FÁS Board in July 2011. The vacancy on the FÁS Board arose in July 2011 following the resignation of Mr. Sean Gallagher. Mr. Moriarty, who is General Secretary of the IVEA, was appointed because of his expertise in the Vocational Education Committees which will be availed of particularly when FÁS is transformed into SOLAS, the new further education and training authority.

Mr. Gary Redmond was re-appointed to the Higher Education Authority in July 2011. It is customary for the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) to have one representative on the board of the Higher Education Authority. Mr. Redmond was nominated by the USI.

EU Funding

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

207 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills the name of the company which is administering the European Globalisation Fund funded programme for 9,000 workers made redundant in the NACE 41, construction of buildings, NACE 43 specialised construction activities, and NACE 71, architectural services, construction sub-sectors between 1 July 2009 and 31 March 2010; if this contract was tendered for; when it was awarded; the duration of the contract, the total fees being paid to the company for administering the contract and the relationship between the company and the dedicated European Globalisation Fund unit established by the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34518/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy Ciarán Cannon)

The consultants WRC Social and Economic Consultants Ltd. (WRC) were contracted by the Department to provide certain administrative and technical support unit services to EGF funded programmes in Ireland under the current EGF Programme 2007-2013. The first phase of this framework contract concerns tasks in relation to the S R Technics EGF programme and was signed on 9 June 2011. The next phase of the contract concerns tasks in relation to the three as yet unapproved EGF applications seeking co-financing assistance for almost 9,000 construction workers made redundant between 1 July 2009 and 31 March 2010. The Department is currently finalising the precise details of this phase of the framework contract with a view to its signature shortly. It is intended that the duration of this contract element will include the period in relation to the preparation of the Final Report to the European Commission, assuming these applications are approved. As a decision has not yet been made by the EU budgetary authorities, a precise date in time is not available but it is likely that the contract will be for a date in December 2012.

The first phase contract was for a total sum of just under Euros 169,000 (VAT inclusive). The second phase contract is being negotiated within the overarching framework contract price of Euros 2.89m (VAT inclusive). Certain elements of the activities contracted for will be eligible for 65% reimbursement from EGF co-financing. My Department will continue in its role as the national EGF managing authority. In addition to the services being provided by WRC to the managing authority on relevant EGF programmes, proposals are being developed, including with relevant service providers, for an appropriate interface point or points with the redundant construction sector workers and for the co-ordination of both service provision and data control in terms of the reporting of activity and expenditure progress on all EGF supported measures to the managing authority.

FÁS Training Programmes

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

208 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will investigate the situation regarding a craft certificate in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34529/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy Ciarán Cannon)

I understand from FÁS that the person in question is recorded on the National Apprenticeship Database as a redundant apprentice at Phase 7 of his apprenticeship. I understand that upon completing Phase 6 of his apprenticeship the person obtained employment again with his employer but only for two weeks and that this does not satisfy the requirement for completion of a minimum of 12 weeks at Phase 7. I understand that the person in question has been offered every opportunity by FÁS to complete his apprenticeship.

FÁS with the assistance of the "Leonardo da Vinci Mobility" programme has secured 43 places for redundant apprentices to complete Phase 7 of the apprenticeship programme with a company in Germany. There will be an interview process in order to select apprentices for this programme and FÁS has contacted the person about this opportunity. I am advised that the person in question should contact his FÁS Training Adviser by telephone on 042-9355700 or on e-mail at liz.dullaghan@fas.ie. The Training Adviser will be able to advise him on how best to proceed in his particular circumstances.

Ministerial Staff

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

209 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of his constituency and parliamentary staff, appointed following the February 2011 elections, on salaries that exceed their applicable pay scale grade; the number of his existing and parliamentary staff employed prior to the February 2011 elections but awarded salary increases following the election that exceed their applicable pay scale grade; and if he will provide their annual salary details in a tabular format. [34568/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

Since February 2011 I have appointed the following in accordance with the terms of the Department of Finance Guidelines published on the 24th, March 2011. Neither of these appointments exceed the pay scales applicable for the positions.

Appointee	Title	Salary
Ian O’Mara	Personal Assistant	€47,304 p.a.
Neil Ward	Personal Secretary	€45,004 p.a.

Mr. O'Mara was formerly employed by me as a Parliamentary Assistant at the Houses of the Oireachtas and upon his appointment as Personnel Assistant he was placed on the appropriate point of the applicable pay scale. Mr. Ward was placed on the relevant pay scale for the position of Personal Secretary taking account of his then current salary.

Disadvantaged Status

Brian Stanley

Ceist:

210 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will ensure that a school (details supplied) in Dublin 12 receives full funding for the year 2012. [34593/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The school to which the Deputy refers is a recognised national school and attracts funding from my Department in the same way as all other recognised national schools. All recognised national schools running costs are met by my Departments scheme of capitation and ancillary grants. Schools will receive capitation funding in January and June, and the ancillary services grant in March. In addition, St. Ultan's School has DEIS Urban Band 1 status and will therefore continue to qualify for a range of additional supports under the action plan for the 2011/2012 school year.

Grant Payments

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

211 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will clarify the issue of remote areas boarding grant; the persons who have availed of this grant; and the total amount paid under this grant. [34599/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The purpose of the Remote Area Boarding Grant is to give pupils who are educationally disadvantaged because of their remoteness from schools an opportunity to attend school on the same basis as other pupils not so disadvantaged. Grants are paid for pupils whose normal place of residence is outside the range of public transport services to a school providing suitable free second-level education. To qualify for a boarding grant, an applicant must be:

normally resident in the State; and

resident at least 4.8 km from a second-level school where suitable free second-level education is available and more than 3.2 km from a pick-up point on a transport service to such a school; and

unable to obtain a place in a suitable second-level school within 25 km of his/her normal place of residence.

Pupils resident on off-shore islands that do not have a school providing suitable free second-level education may also qualify for assistance under the scheme. The Remote Area Boarding Grant is paid to the parents of eligible students, except where the school attended is a boarding school, in which case the grant is paid to the school. The total funding provided in the 2010/11 school year was €836,877.

Schools Refurbishment

John McGuinness

Ceist:

212 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will confirm the outcome of a health and safety audit carried out by him at a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if he will fund the work required to be carried out arising from this audit; if an application under the essential works programme will be approved; if a grant will be made available for the purchase of tables and chairs for the students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34607/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

An application under my Department's Emergency Works Scheme to upgrade the Fire Alarm and Emergency Lighting Systems has been received from the school referred to by the Deputy following a brief fire safety review carried out by the local authority at the request of the school authority. The purpose of the Emergency Works Scheme is solely for unforeseen emergencies or to provide funding to facilitate inclusion and access for special needs pupils. As the scope of works for this project is outside the terms of the Emergency Works Scheme it cannot be considered for emergency funding. The school have been informed of the decision. My Department has no record of receiving an application from the school in question for replacement tables and chairs however, in light of the competing demands on the available budget, it is not possible to approve funding to replace furniture in schools at this time.

School Patronage

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

213 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the campaign of Church of Ireland and other minority faiths (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34676/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

I refer the Deputy to the decision of the previous Government to remove certain funding from Protestant fee-charging schools in the Budget of October 2008. The previous Government also decided at that time make changes to how fee-charging schools should be treated in relation to the number of publicly funded teaching posts they are allowed. Teachers in fee-charging schools are now allocated at a pupil teacher ratio of 20 to 1, which is a point higher than allocations in non fee-charging post-primary schools.

The funding was withdrawn with effect from 1 January 2009 due to real concerns about the constitutionality of making grants available to fee-charging schools of one ethos and not to those of another. The Constitution specifically states that the State shall not discriminate against one religion in favour of another.

There are 26 distinctively Protestant schools, of which 20 charge fees. Many of the schools have a boarding facility, reflecting the dispersed nature of the communities across the country. The six Protestant schools within the free education scheme receive the same funding as all other schools within the free education system.

This Government recognises the importance of ensuring that students from a Protestant or reformed church background can attend a school that reflects their denominational ethos while at the same time ensuring that funding arrangements are in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.

With regard to the fee-charging Protestant schools, an arrangement exists whereby funding is paid to the Secondary Education Committee, an organisation run by the churches involved in managing the schools. The Secondary Education Committee then disburses funds to the Protestant fee-charging schools on behalf of pupils who would otherwise have difficulty with the cost of boarding fees and who, in the absence of such financial support, would be unable to attend a second level school of a reformed church or Protestant ethos. Funding amounts to €6.5 million annually.

In addition to this funding, teachers employed within the approved annual staffing allocation granted by my Department in fee-charging schools are paid by the State; an arrangement that pre-dates the introduction of free education arrangements and which has existed since the foundation of the state. The estimated cost of these posts in 2011 is in the order of €100m. I am already on record as saying that this is not a simple matter as these arrangements, which are historic and of long standing, impact upon a substantial number of schools which cater for religious minorities.

Capital Projects

Gerald Nash

Ceist:

214 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide details on the number and value of State capital project contracts awarded to companies registered outside the State in the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively; if he will provide details in respect of the number and value of State capital project contracts awarded to companies registered in the Republic of Ireland in the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34807/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The information requested by the Deputy is contained in the following tabular statement.

Information on the value of contracts awarded in 2011 is deemed commercially sensitive. To release this information now could influence current tender competitions. Therefore in order to answer the Deputy's question without undermining current tender competitions, the 2011 contract values have been rounded up or down to the nearest half million Euro.

Jurisdiction	Contractor Details	County	Roll No.	School	Project Description	Sector	Year Contract was Awarded	Amount
Ireland	ABM Ltd., 2B Feltrim Business Park, Drynam Road, Swords, Co. Dublin	Galway City	19858V	Gaelscoil Dara, Galway City	Single contract for work on 3 schools. 1 new school and 2 extension projects	Primary	2011	€3m
Kildare	20271T	Scoil na Naomh Uilig, Rickardstown, Newbridge (Phase II)	Primary	2011	€3m
Louth	20294I	Aston Village Educate Together, Drogheda	Primary	2011	€3m
Cork	20335T	Scoil Phadraig Naofa, Rochestown	New School	Primary	2009	€4.5m
Ireland	Atlantic Developments, Building Contractors and Civil Engineers, Unit 50, Briarhill Business Park, Briarhill, Co. Galway,	Wicklow	10111O	Lacken National School, Lacken, Blessington, Co Wicklow	New School	Primary	2010	€1m
Ireland	BAM Building Ltd., Kill, Co. Kildare	Carlow	18363M	SN Muire gan Smal, Green Lane	Extension/ Refurbishment	Primary	2010	€2.4m
Waterford	19629G	Holy Cross School, Ballycarnane, Tramore	New School	Primary	2010	€3.1m
Ireland	Boyle Construction, Trentagh, Letterkenny	Donegal	17268N	SN An Br M Ocleirigh, Creevy, Ballyshannon	Extension/ Refurbishment	Primary	2009	€1.2m
Ireland	Carroll O’Keeffe & Co. Ltd., The Green, Clonaslee, Co Laois	Offaly	18267Q	Croinchoill NS, Birr	Extension/ Refurbishment	Primary	2011	€1.5m
Ireland	CLG Developments Ltd., Red Cow Business Park, Robinhood Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22	Kildare	17662R	Scoil Bhride NS, Kill	New School	Primary	2010	€5.5m
Wexford	20214H	Gorey Educate Together NS	New School	Primary	2009	€2.7m
Kildare	20192A	Scoil Atha Í, Athy	New School	Primary	2009	€2.1m
Ireland	Cordil Construction Ltd., Office 4, Sean Mulvoy Road, Galway.	Dublin City	20139T	Inchicore NS, Sarsfield Road, Dublin 10	Extension/ Refurbishment	Primary	2010	€2.4m
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown	70030E	Senior College, Dún Laoghaire, Eblana Avenue, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin	Extension/ Refurbishment	Post-primary	2010	€7.1m
Limerick	64201T	Ardscoil Ris, North Circular Rd.	Extension/ Refurbishment	Post-primary	2009	€6.2m
Roscommon	01607T	Scoil Náisiúnta Cor Na Fola, Athlone	Extension/ Refurbishment	Primary	2009	€1.7m
Galway City	62970K	Coláiste Iognáid SJ Bothar na Mara	Extension/ Refurbishment	Post-primary	2010	€4.8m
Roscommon	65100S	Scoil Mhuire, Strokestown, Co Roscommon	Extension/ Refurbishment	Post-primary	2010	€3.1m
Ireland	Dermot Keating Construction Ltd., Arthurstown, New Ross, Co. Wexford	Waterford	20076V	Bunscoil Bhothar na Naomh, Lismore	Extension/ Refurbishment	Primary	2010	€1.3m
Ireland	Duggan Brothers (Contractors) Ltd., Templemore, Co. Tipperary	Dublin Fingal	00697S	St. Brigid’s NS, Castleknock, Dublin 15	Extension/ Refurbishment	Primary	2011	€4m
Tipperary NR	65470F	Ursuline Convent, Thurles	Extension/ Refurbishment	Post-primary	2011	€4m
Northern Ireland	Francis Haughey Builders, 21-23 St. Patricks St., Keady, Co. Armagh	Meath	19253K	Scoil Naomh Barra, Wilkinstown	Extension/ Refurbishment	Primary	2010	€1.2m
Ireland	Francis McGuigan Builders (Monaghan) Ltd., Carrickaderry, Clontibret, Co. Monaghan	Monaghan	18028V	Corr a Chrainn NS, Corr a Chrainn	Extension/ Refurbishment	Primary	2010	€0.9m
Ireland	Ganson Ltd., Unit 19 Balbriggan Business Park, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin	Dun Laoghaire Rathdown	19374W	Garran Mhuire, Goatstown, Dublin 14	Extension/ Refurbishment	Primary	2011	€2.5m
Carlow	17127S	St. Joseph’s NS, Hacketstown	New School	Primary	2011	€2m
Northern Ireland	Glasgiven McAvoy JV Ltd., Newry, Co. Down	Dublin Fingal	20095C/20145O	Gaelscoil Bhrian Bóroimhe/ Swords Educate Together NS	New Schools — Single contract for 2 new schools	Primary	2010	€6.7m
Dublin Fingal	20161M	Donabate\Portrane Educate Together	Single contract for work on 4 schools. 1 new school and 3 extension projects	Primary	2011	€4m
Dublin Fingal	15315J	St. George’s NS, Naul Road, Balbriggan, Dublin 15	Single contract for work on 4 schools. 1 new school and 3 extension projects	Primary	2011	€1m
Dublin Fingal	20252P	GS Bhaile Brigín, Castlelands, Balbriggan	Single contract for work on 4 schools. 1 new school and 3 extension projects	Primary	2011	€4m
Dublin Fingal	20282B	Bracken Educate Together, Castlelands, Balbriggan (see 20252P)	Single contract for work on 4 schools. 1 new school and 3 extension projects	Primary	2011	€4m
Meath	17821L	St. Mary’s National School, Enfield	New School	Primary	2011	€3.5m
Ireland	Glenman Corporation Ltd., Merrion House, Tuam Rd., Galway	Cavan	61060M	St Patrick’s College, Cavan, Co. Cavan	New School	Post-primary	2010	€7.8m
Kildare	17674B	SN Aine Naofa, Ard Cloc, Straffan	New School	Primary	2010	€2.7m
Meath	20180Q	Scoil Eoin National School, Navan	New School	Primary	2010	€2.9m
Offaly	17637S	SN Sheosaimh Naofa, Beál Átha na gCarr, Tullamore	New School	Primary	2010	€1.8m
Wicklow	09760V	Powerscourt NS, Powerscourt, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow	New School	Primary	2011	€1.5m
Kilkenny	15160G	Marymount N.S., The Rower, Inistioge	Extension/ Refurbishment	Primary	2010	€1.3m
Dublin	18646B	Springdale NS, Lough Derg Rd., Raheny	New School	Primary	2009	€1.6m
Westmeath	18812P	Loch an Ghair NS, Mullingar	New School	Primary	2009	€1.6m
Kildare	16345A	Scoil Bhride, Nurney	New School	Primary	2009	€1.6m
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown	19474D	St. Colmcille’s Junior NS, Templeogue	Joint Contract for two new schools	Primary	2011	€13.5m
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown	19472C	St. Colmcille’s Senior NS, Templeogue
Carlow	17501Q	Bennekerry NS	New School	Primary	2011	€3m
Dublin Fingal	20231H	St. Benedicts Ongar NS, Littlepace	New School	Primary	2009	€6.2m
Northern Ireland	Graham Projects Ltd., Dromore, Co. Down	Meath	20216L	Scoil Oilibhéir Noafa, Laytown	New School	Primary	2009	€6.7m
Ireland	J.J. Rhatigan & Company, Wolfe Tone House, Fr. Griffin Road, Galway	Limerick City	18991S	JFK Memorial School, Ennis Road	New School	Primary	2010	€2.8m
Mayo	20046M	Gaelscoil Na Cruaiche, Cathair na Mart, Co. Mayo	New School	Primary	2010	€1.5m
Galway	19506N	Cappataggle Central School, Ballinasloe	Extension/ Refurbishment	Primary	2011	€1m
Tipperary NR	72370P	Borrisokane Community College, Tipperary	Extension/ Refurbishment	Post-primary	2011	€7.5m
Westmeath	17089N	Cluain Maolain NS, Clonmellon	New School	Primary	2009	€1.7m
Dublin Belgard	18324C	Scoil Bride C, Palmerstown	Extension/ Refurbishment	Primary	2009	€1.8m
Ireland	John G. Burns Limited, Coolmine Business Park, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15	Dublin Fingal	60010P	Loreto Secondary School, Balbriggan	Extension/ Refurbishment	Post-primary	2010	€4.1m
Kildare	61710C	Meanscoil Iognaid Ris, Naas	Extension/ Refurbishment	Post-primary	2009	€4.2m
Westmeath	63290Q	Loreto College, Mullingar	Extension/ Refurbishment	Post-primary	2011	€5m
Ireland	John Sisk & Son Ltd., Wilton Works, Naas Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22	Offaly	65610S	Colaiste Choilm, O’Moore Street, Tullamore, Co Offaly	New School	Post-primary	2010	€6.1m
Monaghan	19936P	Gaelscoil Ultain	Joint contract for 3 New Schools	Primary	2011	€30m
Monaghan	76091I	Gaelcolaiste Oiriall	Post-primary
Monaghan	76095Q	Monaghan Institution of Further Education and Training (MIFET)	Post-primary
Sligo	65170Q	Summerhill College, Sligo	New School	Post-primary	2011	€8.5m
Ireland	Joseph McMenamin & Sons (Stranorlar) Ltd, Glebe, Stranorlar, Co. Donegal	Donegal	91409A	Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair, Derrybeg, Letterkenny	Extension/ Refurbishment	Post-primary	2010	€0.6m
Donegal	18052S	Scoil Mhuire gan Smál, Letterkenny	Extension/ Refurbishment	Primary	2011	€3m
Ireland	JP Castle Building Contractors Ltd., 34 Castle Road, Dundalk, Co Louth	Dun Laoghaire Rathdown	60860Q	Our Lady’s School, Templeogue Road, Terenure, Dublin 6W	Extension/ Refurbishment	Post-primary	2010	€3m
Ireland	JSL Group Ltd., 43 Lower Salthill, Galway	Cork	13450F	Rushbrooke NS, Cobh	New School	Primary	2011	€4m
Kildare	18654A	Caragh NS, Naas	Extension/ Refurbishment	Primary	2009	€2.6m
Kerry	61440W	St. Mary’s CBS, Tralee	Extension/ Refurbishment	Post-primary	2011	€5m
Dublin	19373U	St. Michael’s House Special School, Raheny	New School	Primary	2011	€3.5m
Tipperary NR	72440K	Nenagh VS, Nenagh	Extension/ Refurbishment	Post-primary	2011	€4.5m
Ireland	Kilcawley Construction Ltd., Sansheen House, Wolfe Tone Street, Sligo	Mayo	20142I	Scoil Íosa, Abbeyquarter, Ballyhaunis	Extension/ Refurbishment	Primary	2011	€2m
Roscommon	65100S	Scoil Mhuire, Strokestown	Extension/ Refurbishment	Post-primary	2011	€1m
Ireland	Manley Construction Ltd., Main Street, Duleek, Co. Meath	Meath	63870L	Drogheda Grammar School	Extension/ Refurbishment	Post-primary	2011	€3m
Ireland	Martin Fitzgibbon (Builders) Ltd., Ennis Industrial Estate, Gort Road, Ennis, Co. Clare	Kerry	20196I	Ballybunion NS	New School	Primary	2010	€1.8m
Laois	14260F	Abbeyleix Sth NS, Abbeyleix	New School	Primary	2010	€1.3m
Clare	14830U	Barefield N.S., Ennis	Extension/ Refurbishment	Primary	2009	€1.7m
Northern Ireland	McCann Brothers (Ireland) Ltd., 4 Tullyvalley Road, Seskinore, Omagh, Co. Tyrone. BT78 2PX	Donegal	18219F	SN Chonaill, Machaire Chlochair, Bun Beag	Extension/ Refurbishment	Primary	2010	€1.1m
Kilkenny	61580P	Loreto Secondary School, Granges Road	Extension/ Refurbishment	Post-primary	2011	€5m
Meath	18016O	St. Columbanus’ N.S., Ballivor	New School	Primary	2009	€2.4m
Ireland	Merrion Construction Ltd.	Kildare	20114D	Scoil Brid, Naas	Extension/ Refurbishment	Primary	2011	€1m
Ireland	MMD Construction (Cork) Ltd.	Cork	18279A	St. Mary’s NS, Carrigaline	Extension/ Refurbishment	Primary	2011	€0.5m
Ireland	MDY Construction Ltd., Staplestown, Naas, Co. Kildare	Wicklow	61800D	Presentation College, Bray	New School	Post-primary	2010	€5.8m
Wicklow	20016D	Gaelscoil Uí Cheadaigh, Bray	Extension/ Refurbishment	Primary	2010	€1.6m
Ireland	Midland Construction & Engineering Limited, Kells Business Park, Kells, Co. Meath	Longford	71690F	Ballymahon Vocational School	Extension/ Refurbishment	Post-primary	2010	€0.7m
Donegal	71240U	Stranorlar Vocational School (Finn Valley College)	New School	Post-primary	2010	€4.7m
Kerry	17646T	O’Brennan NS, Kielduff, Tralee	New School	Primary	2011	€2m
Kerry	20197K	Kenmare NS, Kenmare	New School	Primary	2011	€2.5m
Wexford	71630K	Vocational School, Enniscorthy	Extension/ Refurbishment	Post-primary	2009	€5.5m
Dublin City	17936F/19006Q	Scoil Eoin Baisde Snr, Clontarf / Scoil Eoin Baisde B Sois, Clontarf — 2 schools one contract	Extension/Refurbishment — Joint contract for two schools	Primary	2011	€3m
Limerick City	19587Q	St. Augustine’s Youth Encounter Project	Extension/ Refurbishment	Primary	2011	€0.5m
Ireland	Midland Contractors Limited, Cortown, Kells, Co Meath	Laois	20071L	Scoil Bhríde, Rathdowney	Extension/ Refurbishment	Primary	2011	€2m
Ireland	Multeen Developments Ltd.	Offaly	17523D	SN Cronain Naofa, Dromakeenan	Extension/ Refurbishment	Primary	2009	€1.3m
Ireland	Mythen Construction Ltd., Longraigue, Foulksmills, Co. Wexford	Tipperary NR	15696B	Silvermines National School	New School	Primary	2011	€1.5m
Wexford	17017L	SN Phadraig, Crossabeg	Extension/ Refurbishment	Primary	2011	€1.5m
Meath	17964K	SN Mhuire, Rathfeigh	Extension/ Refurbishment	Primary	2009	€1.2m
Ireland	Ollie Kenny Ltd., Lissywollen, Cormanagh, Athlone, Co Westmeath	Limerick	13026P	Kilfinane National School	New School	Primary	2010	€1.5m
Ireland	P. Rogers & Co. Ltd., Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan	Louth	19598V	Muire nanGael NS, Bay Estate, Dundalk	Extension/ Refurbishment	Primary	2009	€3.2m
Ireland	Paddy Burke Builders Ltd., Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare	Mayo	76060U	Davitt College, Castlebar	PE Hall	Post-primary	2009	€1.4m
Ireland	PJ McLoughlin & Sons Ltd., Dublin Road, Longford	Sligo	19495L	Carbury NS, The Mall	New School	Primary	2011	€2m
Ireland	Purcell Construction Ltd., Unit 57 Briarhill Business Park, Ballybrit, Galway	Dublin City	16964F	Scoil Mhuire Ogh 1, Loreto College, Crumlin Rd, Dublin 12	Extension/ Refurbishment	Primary	2010	€2.4m
Kildare	11976K	Scoil Choca Naofa, Kilcock, Co. Kildare	Extension/ Refurbishment	Primary	2010	€2.9m
Louth	18069M	Naomh Seosamh, Mell, Drogheda	New School	Primary	2010	€2m
Louth	20205G	St. Mary’s Parish School, Drogheda	New School	Primary	2010	€6.3m
Laois	17617M	Scoil Chomhgain Naofa, Killeshin	New School	Primary	2011	€3m
Louth	20349H	Scoil Oilibhéir Noafa, Drogheda	New School	Primary	2011	€3.5m
Meath	17213L	SN Mhuire, Ma Nealta, Ceannanus Mór	New School	Primary	2011	€1.5m
Waterford City	64970U	Coláiste na Maighdine, Presentation Secondary School, Waterford City	New School	Post-primary	2011	€4.5m
Ireland	Roankabin, Old Milltown, Kill, Co. Kildare	Dublin	20131D	Dublin 7 Educate Together NS	New School	Primary	2009	€2m
Ireland	Sammon Contracting Ltd., Unit 2 The Enterprise Centre, Kilcock, Co. Kildare	Cavan	06998Q	SN Tulach a Mhile, Corlough	New School	Primary	2010	€1.2m
Cork	20105C	Star of the Sea Primary School, Passage West	New School	Primary	2010	€2.8m
Dublin Fingal	19898K	Gaelscoil an Duinnigh, Feltrim, Swords	New School	Primary	2010	€2.4m
Kildare	20058T	Sc Uí Fhiach, Maynooth	New School	Primary	2010	€2.7m
Cork	16746S	Ballygarvan NS	New School	Primary	2011	€3m
Meath	00885T	Ratoath Jnr NS	Joint Contract for 2 Extension/ Refurbishment projects	Primary	2009	€2.4m
Meath	20200T	Ratoath Snr NS	Primary	2009
Laois	07442U	Convent of Mercy NS, Borris in Ossory	New School	Primary	2011	€2m
Cork	00512D	Midleton Convent NS	New School	Primary	2009	€3.3m
Louth	20146Q	Le Cheile Educate Together NS	New School	Primary	2009	€4.4m
Wexford	76127D	Gorey Community College	New School	Post-primary	2011	€5.5m
Ireland	Sammon Elliott Construction Ltd., Unit 2 The Enterprise Centre, Kilcock, Co. Kildare	Dublin Fingal	76104O	Donabate Community College	New School	Post-primary	2010	€11m
Meath	76103M	Colaiste Na hInse, Laytown	New School	Post-primary	2011	€8.5m
Ireland	Walls Construction Ltd. Cork	Cork	17667E	St. Patrick’s NS, Whitechurch	New School	Primary	2011	€2.5m
Northern Ireland	Western Building Systems, Coalisland, Co. Tyrone	South Dublin	20303G	Lucan East Educate Together, Clonburris	Joint Contract for 2 new schools	Primary	2011	€2m
Dublin Fingal	20201V	Tyrrelstown Educate Together	Primary	2011	€5.5m
Kildare	16705E	Scoil Phadraig Naofa, Athy	Single contract for work on 4 schools. 1 new school and 3 extension projects	Primary	2011	€5.5m
Kildare	06209J	Athy Model School (See 16705E)	Primary	2011
Kildare	20192A	Scoil Áth Í, Athy (See 16705E)	Primary	2011
Meath	20215J	St. Paul’s NS, Ratoath	Primary	2011	€4m
Dublin Fingal	76129H	Ardgillan Community College, Balbriggan	New School	Post-primary	2009	€4m

Schools Building Projects

Dominic Hannigan

Ceist:

215 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the stage at which the plans are for the new schools that have been announced for County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34832/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

As the Deputy will be aware, in June of this year I announced that 20 new primary schools and 20 new post-primary schools would be established over the next few years. Of these new schools, two are primary schools to be established in County Meath — both in Ashbourne, and two are post-primary schools to be established in County Meath — one in Ashbourne and one in Navan.

The first of the new primary schools in Ashbourne opened in September 2011, under the patronage of An Foras Patrúnachta. The second new primary school for Ashbourne is scheduled to open in September 2012, and will be under the patronage of Educate Together. My Department is looking at site options to provide longer-term accommodation for both of these schools. Applications for patronage of the new second level schools have been sought by my Department from prospective patrons. The closing date for receipt of applications is 13 January 2012. My Department will prepare a report on these applications for the consideration of the New Schools Establishment Group who will submit a report to me for final consideration and decision. My Department is looking at options for providing both start-up and longer-term accommodation for both of these new schools.

Public Service Reform

Terence Flanagan

Ceist:

216 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the Civil Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34008/11]

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin)

The Programme for Government includes a comprehensive range of commitments in relation to Public Service Reform. Notwithstanding developments to-date, the cost of delivering public services must be reduced further, with fewer staff and tighter budgets, and the Public Service must become better integrated and more customer-focused, as well as being leaner and more efficient.

Implementation of the Public Service reform programme is a key priority for this Government and a detailed Public Service Reform Plan is being developed by my Department which encompasses the commitments to Public Service Reform in the Programme for Government and priority areas from the existing Transforming Public Services programme. The issues to be addressed in the reform programme will, of course, also be informed by the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure across all Government Departments, the results of which will be published shortly.

This Plan, which is due to be published next Thursday, outlines the priority actions and timelines for reform in a broad range of areas such as business process improvement, eGovernment, shared services, procurement, legislative change, etc. and a number of actions in these and other areas are already underway. It also focuses on actions to improve performance by organisations and individuals to ensure greater efficiency, effectiveness and economy.

This Plan will ensure a renewed focus on organisational performance through initiatives such as Strategy Statements, performance budgeting and enhanced reporting of performance and progress, the Organisational Review Programme and legislative change to clarify accountability arrangements, to name but some.

There will also be a strong focus on individual performance to improve capacity and capability across the Public Service including a strong focus on leadership skills through the Senior Public Service (SPS). Staff development and performance at all levels across the Public Service will be enhanced, through the implementation and consolidation of performance management systems.

The Plan also sets out how implementation should be driven and monitored. The organisations and individuals that have responsibility for implementing this Plan will regularly report on progress to the Cabinet Committee on Public Service Reform, which is chaired by the Taoiseach and which I convene.

My Department has been given a clear mandate to drive and enable Public Service Reform, and the focus now is on the key reforms required, and how and in what sequence they will be implemented. In this context, a dedicated Public Service Reform and Delivery Office has been established within the Department to facilitate, drive and support the reform programme. The Reform and Delivery Office is being led by a recently appointed Programme Director who is working closely with organisations across the Public Service, to enable them drive the delivery of reform at a local level, as well as lead on cross cutting reform issues.

Flood Relief

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

217 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if emergency funding will be provided to clean out a section of river (details supplied) in County Kerry. [34337/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brian Hayes)

The Office of Public Works has no maintenance responsibility for the channel in question.

It is open to Kerry County Council, as the relevant local authority in this instance, to submit a funding application to this Office under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works Scheme to undertake the required cleaning works. Any application received will be considered having regard to the scheme eligibility criteria and the overall availability of resources for flood risk management.

Departmental Expenditure

Niall Collins

Ceist:

218 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will supply a detailed cost breakdown for the count centre, and associated count personnel, for the recent Dublin West by-election, including the additional cost incurred due to the recount called by one of the candidates. [34541/11]

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin)

Returning Officers are required to submit accounts to the Department of Finance within six months of holding an election. The accounts for the recent bye-election have not yet been submitted and an accurate break down of costs will not be available until that time. However, the cost for holding the bye-election was estimated to be in the region of €231,000.

Public Procurement Contracts

Gerald Nash

Ceist:

219 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the measures taken by him and the National Procurement Service to facilitate a larger number of indigenous companies in the State in accessing public contracts; if he is satisfied at the success rates of Republic of Ireland companies in terms of the securing of State contracts; the way he intends to improve the situation within the framework of EU public procurement directives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34662/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brian Hayes)

The National Procurement Service (NPS) in the Office of Public Works has responsibility for initiatives in procurement to achieve efficiencies and value for money for the Irish taxpayer.

Since its establishment in 2009, the NPS has made continuous efforts to ensure that Irish Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are able to take full advantage of the public procurement opportunities that arise and are available to them. The NPS facilitate seminars for SMEs which cover all the issues relating to competing for public procurement contracts, including

Public Procurement regulations;

accessing the market opportunities;

the tendering process, and general guidance on how companies should approach the preparation of tenders.

A number of seminars were delivered to ISME and to Chambers of Commerce in 2010 and 2011, and workshops were also delivered in 2011 on public procurement opportunities in association with Enterprise Ireland and Intertrade Ireland. The NPS has also produced a leaflet "Top Tendering Tips for Public Sector Contracts" which is freely available.

One significant development in the area of facilitating the SME sector was the publication by the Department of Finance in August 2010 of Circular 10/10. These guidelines to public contracting authorities aim to ensure that tendering processes are carried out in a manner that facilitates participation by SMEs, while ensuring that all procurement is carried out in a manner that is legal, transparent, and secures optimal value for money for the taxpayer. It addresses the concerns that SMEs have regarding access to public procurement opportunities, and highlights practices that are to be avoided where they can hinder small businesses in competing for public contracts. The new arrangements include:

greater open advertising of opportunities (threshold now €25,000);

a reduced requirement for paperwork (such as accounts) at the early stages of tendering;

an instruction that suppliers are not to be charged for access to tender opportunities;

an assurance that all criteria used would be appropriate and proportionate; and

an instruction that turnover and insurance levels would be set at proportionate levels.

All of these actions are consistent with the EU-commissioned research, carried out by independent consultants GHK, on Evaluation of SMEs’ Access to Public Procurement Markets in the EU (September 2010), DG Enterprise and Industry, which notes that SMEs in Ireland secured greater access to public procurement than in other countries.

In addition to the work being done by the NPS and the Department of Finance, Enterprise Ireland is running strategic workshops to assist companies, such as Management Development workshops, and Strategic and Change Management programmes. Enterprise Ireland also offers assistance with exports, management development, lean manufacturing, research and development, and overseas offices programmes.

NPS policy seeks to encourage participation by SMEs in public sector competitions. SMEs that believe the scope of some competitions is beyond their technical or business capacity are encouraged to explore the possibilities of forming relationships with other SMEs or with larger enterprises. The NPS tender documentation for larger contracts allows and encourages SMEs to come together to bid for these contracts.

Larger enterprises are also encouraged to consider the practical ways that SMEs can be included in their proposals to maximise the social and economic benefits of the contracts that result from this tendering exercise.

The NPS is responsible for eProcurement and for the operation of the eTenders public procurement portal (www.etenders.gov.ie). On average 5,000 tenders for the procurement of goods, services and works are advertised on eTenders every year.

Since 2009, the NPS has been responsible for producing annual statistical information in relation to above-EU threshold procurement activity by the Irish public sector and providing these statistics to the European Commission. Current thresholds (valid from January 2010 to December 2011) above which tenders must be advertised in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) are as follows:

Works
Contract Notice	€4,845,000	Threshold applies to Government Departments and Offices, Local and Regional Authorities and other public bodies.

Supplies and Services
Contract Notice	€125,000	Threshold applies to Government Departments and Offices
Contract Notice	€193,000	Threshold applies to Local and Regional Authorities and public bodies outside the Utilities sector.

Utilities
Works Contracts / Prior Indicative Notice	€4,845,000	For entities in Utilities sectors covered by GPA
Supplies and Services	€387,000	For entities in Utilities sectors covered by GPA

Information on contract placement is available currently for the years 2005-2009 relates to above-EU threshold contracts only and is contained in the tabular statement below. Data in respect of 2010 will not be available until later this year. The Deputy should be aware that the figures contained in the table relates to the number of contracts placed which were above the EU Threshold for the year in question and must not be interpreted as indicative statistics for the overall procurement spend. It must also be borne in mind that these statistics relate only to above threshold procurements, where contract award notices were published, and where the nationality of the winning tenderer was disclosed.

For example, when considering the year 2009, €2.8 billion worth of expenditure was advertised in the Official Journal, out of the €15 billion public procurement spend in that year. The NPS estimates that less than 5% of the overall spend went to non-domestic suppliers, as a significant proportion of the overall procurement spend is below the EU threshold and is also below the threshold for advertising on eTenders (the eTenders threshold was €50,000 in 2009).

It should be noted also that all the statistics relating to non-domestic suppliers relate to suppliers with an address in countries other than Ireland and do not distinguish between European and non-European supplier.

Above threshold Contracts Awarded to Irish and Non-Domestic Suppliers 2009-2005
2009
	No. of Contracts	Value €000
Irish Suppliers	777	2,537,622
Non-Domestic Suppliers	170	347,137
Total	947	2,884,759

2008
	No. of Contracts	Value €000
Irish Suppliers	1016	4,217,564
Non-Domestic Suppliers	296	568,338
Total	1312	4,785,902

2007
	No. of Contracts	Value €000
Irish Suppliers	Numbers not available	4,786,975
Non-Domestic Suppliers	Numbers not available	513,146
Total		5,300,121

2006
	No. of Contracts	Value €000
Irish Suppliers	800	2,682,751
Non-Domestic Suppliers	151	1,039,696
Total	951	3,722,447

2005
	No. of Contracts	Value €000
Irish Suppliers	487	1,953,630
Non-Domestic Suppliers	102	458,604
Total	589	2,412,234

Legislative Programme

Dominic Hannigan

Ceist:

220 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Construction Contract Bill will have a limit of contracts worth €200,000 or over when it comes before Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34701/11]

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin)

It is proposed to address this issue when the Bill comes before the House. There are arguments for and against such a threshold in the Bill which can be debated during its passage.

Pension Provisions

Ciara Conway

Ceist:

221 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 77 of 19 April 2011, regarding the pensions insolvency payment scheme in respect of a company (details supplied) if a decision has been reached on this issue; if not, when may we expect a decision and the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34787/11]

Ciara Conway

Ceist:

232 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding pension payments for workers of a company (details supplied); if a decision has been reached on this issue; if not, when can we expect a decision; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34788/11]

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 221 and 232 together.

The Pensions Insolvency Payment Scheme (PIPS) offers annuities for sale to defined benefit schemes where the scheme is winding-up and where the parent company is insolvent. Applications to participate in PIPS have been received from two Waterford Crystal schemes.

In the past week the detailed information relating to Waterford pensioners that is needed for the pricing process under PIPS has been sent by the Waterford schemes to my Department. This information has been forwarded to the NTMA as the agency responsible for arriving at the price for entry to PIPS. The NTMA has been requested to calculate a sum which represents the actuarially assessed cost of providing pension payments to the relevant pensioners (the PIPS ‘price'). The NTMA will now carry out the detailed calculations needed for all the pensioners in each of the two schemes. Once I receive the results of the pricing process from the NTMA I will then forward the PIPS prices to the Waterford trustees for their consideration.

Prior to finalising their applications, the Waterford trustees submitted a proposal relating to a number of aspects of their applications to the Department of Finance. That proposal raised technical issues in regard to the pricing of Waterford's applications; an examination of these matters was carried out by officials of my Department and by the NTMA. Following this examination, I approved the trustee's proposal and agreement was reached with the trustees on the approach to be adopted in arriving at a price for the two schemes. The time taken to deal with this matter was in part due to the complex nature of the issues involved.

Garda Stations

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

222 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 119 of 5 October 2011, if he will provide an update; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34146/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brian Hayes)

The expected finishing date for the new Garda Station at Clonark is now end November 2011. At this stage, the Contractor is engaged in final completion issues at the building and arrangements are being put in place for final handover to An Garda Siochána before the end of the month.

Croke Park Agreement

Dominic Hannigan

Ceist:

223 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of Croke Park agreement projects that each State agency under his aegis is progressing; if he will list each project by Department in tabular form; the amount to be saved by each project; the number that have been completed since the agreement came into force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34162/11]

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin)

The information is currently being collated and will be provided by the end of this week at the latest.

Departmental Staff

Liam Twomey

Ceist:

224 Deputy Liam Twomey asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of appointments to principal officer level and above made in the Civil Service in the past seven months; the number of successful candidates who came from outside traditional Civil Service structures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34497/11]

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin)

In the period covered by the question there were 2 appointments at PO1 level to posts in the civil service. These appointments were to fill posts at the grade of Senior HR Manager in the Departments of Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform. One appointee came from the private sector and the other from the wider public sector.

In relation to appointments above Principal Officer level, the Top Level Appointments Committee (TLAC) holds competitions for and advises Ministers/ Government as appropriate on appointments to civil service posts at Secretary General, Deputy Secretary and Assistant Secretary and equivalent levels. Since early 2007 the policy has been that open competitions are held for Assistant Secretary and Deputy Secretary and equivalent posts and more recently this policy has been extended to Secretary General posts, with the exception of a limited number of Secretary General posts which are filled by the Government without a TLAC competition.

In 2011 (to date) three appointments have been made from TLAC competitions; 2 from the private sector and the other from the wider public sector.

Appointments to State Boards

Liam Twomey

Ceist:

225 Deputy Liam Twomey asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of positions on State boards and agencies under his aegis which he has advertised in the past seven months; the number of applications received; the number of applicants subsequently appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34510/11]

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin)

In response to the Deputy's question 9 appointments were made to the Public Appointments Service Board on 1 September 2011.

Under the terms of the The Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act, 2004 states that the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (in consultation with Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, the Minister for Health and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence) should appoint members of the Board of the Public Appointments Service.

The majority of the board are civil or public servants, nominated by the relevant Minister. There is also a union representative nominated by ICTU. I reappointed the outgoing Chairman. The two external members were appointed by the Minister because of their expertise in strategic change and public service recruitment respectively.

The Current members of the Public Appointments Service Board are contained in the following table.

Name of board member

Mr. Eddie Sullivan, Chairman

Mr. Des Dowling, Assistant Secretary — Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government

Dr Deirdre O'Keeffe, Assistant Secretary — Department of Justice and Equality

Ms. Patricia Coleman, Director — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

Mr. Seán McGrath — National Director of HR in the HSE

Ms Judith Eve — former Chairperson the Civil Service Commissioners, Northern Ireland

Dr. Eddie Molloy — Management Consultant

Mr. Dan Murphy, former General Secretary of the PSEU

Mr. Bryan Andrews as CEO of the PAS holding office on an ex officio basis.

Ministerial Staff

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

226 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of his constituency and parliamentary staff appointed, following the February 2011 elections, on salaries that exceed their applicable pay scale grade; the number of his existing and parliamentary staff employed prior to the February 2011 elections but awarded salary increases following the election that exceed their applicable pay scale grade; and if he will provide their annual salary details in a tabular format. [34575/11]

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin)

Since my appointment as Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on 9 March 2011, the following staff have been appointed to my constituency office:

Grade	Salary Scale (per annum)	Wholetime Equivalent
Personal Secretary	€23,820 — €47,755	1.00
Personal Assistant	€43,715 — €56,060	0.80
Clerical Officer (CO)	€23,177 — €37,341	0.60
Clerical Officer (CO)	€23,042 — €36,267	1.00

Since my appointment as Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on 9 March 2011 the following staff members have been appointed as Special Advisers:

Name	Title	Salary (per annum)	Duties
Anne Byrne	Special Adviser	€83,337	Any duties which may be assigned to her from time to time as appropriate to the position of Special Adviser as set out in Section 11 of the Public Service Management Act 1997.
Ronan O’Brien	Special Adviser	€114,000	Any duties which may be assigned to him from time to time as appropriate to the position of Special Adviser as set out in Section 11 of the Public Service Management Act 1997.

No staff member has been awarded any salary increase that exceeds their applicable pay scale grade since my appointment.

National Monuments

John McGuinness

Ceist:

227 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he is satisfied that all of the monuments located on the site known as St Mary’s Church, Thomastown, County Kilkenny, continue to be fully protected and available for viewing to the general public; if public access through the two gates to the site will continue to be maintained and operated in the interest of the public; if his views were sought on recent developments and planning permission relative to this site; if his officials oversaw recent works at the graveyard on this site; if his Department will fund the maintenance of the graveyard and listed monuments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34613/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brian Hayes)

The site of St. Mary's Church, Thomastown consists of the ruins of a thirteenth century church and a 19th century former Church of Ireland church, currently used as a private dwelling. The 19th century church is located within the boundary of the 13th century church. Both churches are situated within a walled graveyard. The 13th century church is a National Monument in State ownership and is under the care of the Office of Public Works (OPW). The 19th century church building and graveyard are in private ownership. OPW understands that there is no public right of way to the graveyard or to either church. OPW has access to the 13th century church for the purpose of carrying out maintenance and repair work. The graveyard, which is in private ownership, is not part of the National Monument in State care. Recent works at the graveyard were not overseen by OPW.

The owner of the 19th century Church and graveyard carried out extensive renovations in 2003-4, on foot of a planning permission granted by Kilkenny County Council. As part of the application process, the National Monuments Service of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government was consulted as was the National Monuments Section of OPW.

The conservation and maintenance of the 13th century St Mary's Church, a National Monument in State care, will continue to be the responsibility of the Office of Public works.

Pension Provisions

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

228 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the former Ministers currently in receipt of ministerial and TD pensions; the names of the recipients; and their gross annual pension excluding the public service pension reduction in tabular form which includes a breakdown of the TD pension, ministerial pension and the total of both for each retired Member. [34643/11]

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin)

The data in respect of Ministerial and TDs' pensions requested by the Deputy are in the following tabular statement. The figures were provided by the Office of Paymaster General in respect of Ministerial pensions and by the Houses of the Oireachtas Service in respect of TD pensions.

The information takes account of the latest figures in respect of the Public Service Pension Reduction.

Surname	Forename	Annual Amount of TD’s Pension less Public Service Pension Reduction	Annual Amount of Ministerial Pension less Public Service Pension Reduction	Annual Amount of Ministerial and TD Pension less Public Service Pension Levy
Ahern	Noel	€47,718	€22,516	€70,234
Ahern	Michael	€53,136	€23,309	€76,445
Ahern	Dermot	€50,722	€69,243	€119,965
Ahern	Bertie	€49,935	€101,127	€151,062
Allen	Lorcan	€52,359	€11,684	€64,043
Allen	Bernard	€52,206	€12,310	€64,516
Andrews	David	€49,935	€58,495	€108,430
Aylward *	Liam	€49,935	€0	€49,935
Barry	Richard	€65,768	€9,842	€75,610
Barry	Peter	€65,768	€60,713	€126,481
Begley	Michael	€49,935	€19,518	€69,453
Bhreathnach	Niamh	€11,610	€35,566	€47,176
Birmingham	George	€20,157	€17,733	€37,890
Brady	Vincent	€38,914	€20,717	€59,631
Bruton	John	€50,282	€91,567	€141,849
Burke	Richard	€20,157	€33,178	€53,335
Burke	Ray	€49,935	€53,904	€103,839
Byrne	Hugh	€49,935	€18,456	€68,391
Calleary	Sean	€49,337	€23,505	€72,842
Callely	Ivor	€0	€14,754	€14,754
Carey	Donal	€53,976	€12,047	€66,023
Cassidy	Donie	€0	€11,506	€11,506
Collins	Edward	€45,085	€18,328	€63,413
Collins	Gerard	€49,935	€52,630	€102,565
Connaughton	Paul	€49,935	€17,733	€67,668
Connolly	Gerard	€49,935	€24,800	€74,735
Cooney	Patrick	€49,935	€52,630	€102,565
Cosgrave	Liam T	€36,282	€18,768	€55,050
Cosgrave *	Liam (snr)	€65,768	€67,258	€133,026
Cowen	Brian	€49,935	€101,127	€151,062
Creed	Donal	€49,935	€15,996	€65,931
Cullen	Martin	€49,935	€69,243	€119,178
Currie	Austin	€47,070	€12,313	€59,383
Daly	Brendan	€51,975	€43,540	€95,515
D’Arcy	Michael	€51,982	€15,996	€67,978
Davern	Noel	€53,931	€20,221	€74,152
De Valera	Síle	€49,935	€53,713	€103,648
Deasy	Austin	€51,975	€35,924	€87,899
Dempsey	Noel	€49,935	€69,243	€119,178
Desmond	Barry	€49,935	€36,489	€86,424
Donnellan	John	€31,749	€9,050	€40,799
Doyle	Avril	€45,346	€14,789	€60,135
Dukes	Alan	€51,507	€42,961	€94,468
Fahey	Jackie	€49,935	€18,077	€68,012
Fahey	Frank	€51,411	€61,542	€112,953
Faulkner	Padraig	€49,935	€52,630	€102,565
Fitzpatrick	Tom	€45,085	€10,992	€56,077
Flood	Chris	€38,429	€17,364	€55,793
Flynn	Padraig	€39,186	€47,943	€87,129
Gallagher	Pat ‘The Cope’	€50,806	€19,756	€70,562
Harney	Mary	€49,935	€79,871	€129,806
Higgins	Jim	€51,390	€5,973	€57,363
Higgins	Michael D	€50,178	€37,750	€87,928
Honan	Tras	€27,700	€23,050	€50,750
Hussey	Thomas	€44,108	€17,108	€61,216
Hussey	Gemma	€30,537	€35,521	€66,058
Hyland	Liam	€49,490	€11,837	€61,327
Jacob	Joe	€49,935	€29,191	€79,126
Kavanagh	Liam	€53,467	€38,069	€91,536
Kiely	Rory	€35,387	€16,937	€52,324
Kitt	Tom	€50,643	€31,224	€81,867
Lalor	Paddy	€49,935	€51,219	€101,154
Lyons	Denis	€29,241	€19,503	€48,744
MacSharry	Ray	€49,935	€39,002	€88,937
McCarthy	Sean	€26,760	€11,844	€38,604
McCreevy	Charlie	€49,935	€69,243	€119,178
McDaid	Jim	€49,935	€47,472	€97,407
McDonald	Charles	€46,690	€11,811	€58,501
McDowell *	Michael	€30,245	€74,281	€104,526
McManus	Liz	€0	€12,310	€12,310
Moffatt	Tom	€23,737	€18,456	€42,193
Molloy	Robert	€49,935	€63,742	€113,677
Mullooly	Brian	€35,387	€21,916	€57,303
Nealon	Ted	€40,229	€19,507	€59,736
Noonan	Michael J	€49,935	€30,750	€80,685
O’Brien	Fergus	€47,484	€19,507	€66,991
O’Connell	Dr John	€49,935	€26,375	€76,310
O’Donnell	Liz	€40,105	€18,799	€58,904
O’Donnell	Tom	€49,935	€35,862	€85,797
O’Donoghue	Martin	€21,372	€29,958	€51,330
O’Donoghue	John	€49,935	€69,243	€119,178
O’Hanlon	Rory	€49,935	€67,043	€116,978
O’Keeffe	Edward (Ned)	€50,389	€15,127	€65,516
O’Keeffe	Jim	€51,289	€19,508	€70,797
O’Kennedy	Michael	€53,946	€68,858	€122,804
O’Malley	Tim	€12,544	€18,649	€31,193
O’Malley	Desmond	€54,092	€52,630	€106,722
O’Rourke	Mary	€50,938	€67,043	€117,981
O’Shea	Brian	€49,935	€17,036	€66,971
O’Sullivan	Toddy	€41,712	€14,713	€56,425
O’Toole	Paddy	€35,386	€38,683	€74,069
Owen	Nora	€46,587	€27,239	€73,826
Parlon	Tom	€12,544	€18,649	€31,193
Pattison	Seamus	€53,467	€63,738	€117,205
Power	Sean	€27,899	€8,565	€36,464
Power	Patrick	€49,935	€26,034	€75,969
Reynolds	Albert	€49,935	€99,805	€149,740
Ryan	Eoin	€47,885	€5,929	€53,814
Ryan	John	€49,935	€17,400	€67,335
Ryan	Richie	€57,170	€35,863	€93,033
Smith	Michael	€49,935	€69,243	€119,178
Spring	Dick	€49,935	€71,173	€121,108
Taylor	Mervyn	€40,229	€37,750	€77,979
Treacy	Noel	€51,393	€32,216	€83,609
Treacy	Sean	€49,935	€69,243	€119,178
Wallace	Dan	€52,283	€20,809	€73,092
Wallace	Mary	€51,010	€26,437	€77,447
Walsh	Joe	€49,935	€69,243	€119,178
Woods	Michael	€53,453	€69,243	€122,696
Yates	Ivan	€47,607	€27,230	€74,837

Dr. Maurice Manning and Ms Marian Harkin are gifting their TD pensions.

Ms Eithne Fitzgerald, Ms Maire Geoghegan Quinn, Mr Gay Mitchell and Mr Proinnsias de Rossa are gifting their TD & Ministerial pensions.

*Mr Liam Aylward is gifting his Ministerial pension for 2011

*Mr. Liam Cosgrave (Snr) is gifting part of his Ministerial pension for 2011.

* Mr. McDowell's pension of €74,281 is in respect of his service as a Minister, Tánaiste and Attorney General.

Departmental Allowances

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

229 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the cost of delegate allowances, ex-gratia payments, and out of hours allowances paid to civil servants in 2010. [34653/11]

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin)

As legislation was only enacted in July 2011 to create my Department, no allowances were paid for my Department in 2010. However, prior to the split of the Department of Finance in July, 2011 to create the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, allowances were paid as follows by the Department of Finance in respect of its staff in 2010:

	€
Delegates Allowance	€47,427.91
On Call Payments	€19,202.98
Ex Gratia	€1,500.00

Pension Provisions

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

230 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 189 of 18 October 2011, if he will supply the data as requested. [34679/11]

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin)

The data will be supplied to the Deputy by the end of this week. The delay is regretted.

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

231 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in respect of the former holders of the Office of Attorney General currently in receipt of pensions, the names of the recipients; the amount of money they receive from the pensions on an annual basis; if these persons receive additional pensions for their roles as TDs, Senators or Ministers; and the total pension they receive. [34751/11]

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin)

The data in respect of Attorney General, Ministerial and TDs' pensions requested by the Deputy are in the following tabular statement. The figures were provided by the Office of Paymaster General in respect of Attorney General and Ministerial pensions and from the Houses of the Oireachtas Service in respect of TD pensions.

Forename And Surname	Annual Amount of AG’s Pension less Public Service Pension Reduction	Annual Amount of Ministerial Pension less Public Service Pension Reduction	Annual Amount of TD’s/Senator’s Pension less Public Service Pension Reduction	Total
Anthony Hederman	€60,611	€0.00	€0.00	€60,611
John Murray	€67,686	€0.00	€0.00	€67,686
Harry Whelehan	€54,025	€0.00	€0.00	€54,025
David Byrne	€43,061	€0.00	€0.00	€43,061
Dermot Gleeson	€47,918	€0.00	€0.00	€47,918
John Rogers	€44,905	€0.00	€0.00	€44,905
Peter D Sutherland	€49,500	€0.00	€0.00	€49,500
Michael McDowell* (See Note Below)	—	€74,281	€30,245	€104,526

* The Pension of €74,281 is in respect of his service as a Minister, Tánaiste and the Attorney General.

Question No. 232 answered with Question No. 221.

Capital Projects

Gerald Nash

Ceist:

233 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide details on the number and value of State capital project contracts awarded to companies registered outside the State in the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively; if he will provide details in respect of the number and value of State capital project contracts awarded to companies registered in the Republic of Ireland in the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34814/11]

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin)

The Deputy has confirmed that the information sought is in relation to State capital construction projects. My Department did not award any such contracts during the period in question.

During 2011 my Department co-funded PEACE and Interreg Programmes which cover the Border counties of Ireland and Northern Ireland. These Programmes are administered by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), a north-south body established under the Good Friday Agreement. PEACE and INTERREG projects are proposed and implemented by Lead Partners who apply to the SEUPB for funding for particular projects. Any contracts for capital works are awarded by the Lead Partners and are not considered as State capital construction project contracts.

Research Funding

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

234 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the total amount invested in the programme for research in third level institutions PRTLI since it was first initiated. [34322/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Sean Sherlock)

The Programme for Research in Third-Level Institutions (PRTLI) was launched in 1998 and provides funding for third level research infrastructure, national shared facilities, and structured PhD programmes. The Programme is designed to facilitate Irish institutions to produce world-class research in science, technology, humanities and the social sciences, including business and law.

To date, there have been five cycles of awards under the PRTLI. Funding of the PRTLI is provided via contributions from the Exchequer, private sector partners, philanthropic donations and the European Regional Development Fund. The following table sets out the total investment from all sources in approved projects up to 31 October 2011.

PRTLI Cycle	Capital Investment (€m)	Recurrent Expenditure (€m)	Total (€m)
1	177.5	28.6	206.1
2	48.8	29.7	78.5
3	178.0	142.4	320.4
4	117.9*	117.6	235.5
5	30.1**	7.8**	37.9**
Total (€m)	552.3	326.1	878.4

*To June 2011

**Exchequer only — private funding figures not yet available

PRTLI Cycle 5 was launched in July 2010 with capital and recurrent expenditure awards amounting to €347.6m, comprising public as well as private contributions, in support of over 30 distinct projects.

Departmental Bodies

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

235 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the total budget for Science Foundation Ireland in 2011; and the total budget in each year since it was established in 2000. [34323/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Sean Sherlock)

The total SFI expenditure over the period 2000-2010 and allocation for 2011 is shown in the table below.

Year	Capital/ Research grants(€m )	Current expenditure/Pay(€ m)	Administrative costs of running grant programmes(€m )	Total(€m)
2000	0	0	0.40	0.40
2001	8.76	0.43	1.69	10.88
2002	31.00	0.90	3.10	35.00
2003	65.00	1.00	3.42	69.42
2004	108.59	1.32	3.82	113.73
2005	118.20	2.74	4.62	125.56
2006	139.86	3.21	4.49	147.56
2007	155.72	3.56	4.77	164.05
2008	158.81	4.37	5.01	168.19
2009	171.17	4.67	4.54	180.38
2010	150.00	4.32	3.92	158.24
2011 allocation	160.80	4.66	4.66 + €5.00 e-Journals*	175.12

*The eJournals allocation had been transferred from the Vote of the Department of Education and Skills following the transfer of certain functions from that Department to the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. This €5 million is not an additional cost to the Exchequer in 2011.

Small and Medium Enterprises

Dominic Hannigan

Ceist:

236 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the plans he has to support small and medium enterprises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34834/11]

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton)

The Government is fully committed to addressing the issues of particular concern to SMEs. Already some important issues have been tackled under the Jobs Initiative. These include initiatives such as:

The design of a Temporary, Partial Credit Guarantee Scheme. A targeted Scheme will be in place over the coming months and will operate for one year;

An initiative on a Microfinance Fund;

The extension of the 15-day prompt payment arrangements across the wider public sector in Ireland for invoices received after 1 July 2011.

Access to Finance is obviously a key issue for the small business sector which is heavily dependent on the banking system. The initiatives taken by the Minister for Finance to restructure and re-capitalise the banking system is the principal response to making credit available. A range of measures has been announced to reorganise, recapitalise and deleverage the domestic financial system in order to restore the banks to health and continue to provide a secure banking system for deposits. These measures create capacity for the pillar banks to lend in excess of €30 billion over the next three years in SME and other important sectors. Government has imposed lending targets on the two domestic pillar banks for the three calendar years, 2011 to 2013. Both banks will be required to sanction lending of at least €3 billion this year, €3.5 billion next year and €4 billion in 2013 for new or increased credit facilities to SMEs.

The design phase of a Temporary Partial Credit Guarantee Scheme is nearing completion and I will bring formal proposals to Cabinet shortly.

In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, a Microfinance Loan Fund to provide loans to micro enterprises is being developed. The Fund, including scheme design and appropriate delivery mechanisms, is being developed with a view to formalising proposals before the end of the year.

The Prompt Payments initiative plays an important role in redressing the cash flow difficulties experienced by small businesses. It is important that Government makes timely payment to all the businesses around the country who supply goods and services to the public sector. In accordance with the Government's Decision of 19 May 2009, all central Government Departments are now required to pay their business suppliers within 15 days of receipt of a valid invoice. In addition, the Government now requires the Health Service Executive, the local authorities and all other public sector bodies, excluding commercial semi-State bodies, to pay their suppliers within 15 days of receipt of a valid invoice.

The Small Business Advisory Group was established on 16 June 2011 and is chaired by my colleague Mr. John Perry, Minister of State for Small Business. Its objective is to facilitate structured and regular dialogue with representatives of the small business sector on issues of concern. It is intended to present a report on priority issues to the Cabinet Committee on Economic Renewal later this month. The High Level Group on Business Regulation, also chaired by Minister Perry, was set up to provide a fast-track mechanism for business to communicate specific red tape issues to Government and follow through on their implementation. The Group works to identify the administrative burdens placed on businesses, particularly SMEs, arising from regulation and to determine ways to reduce and simplify these or eliminate them where they are unnecessary. The Group has already processed a range of red tape issues and continues to seek practical solutions to further concerns. In addition to this work, the High Level Group was involved in validating the administrative burdens identified with my Department in 2009 and 2010 as part of the target to reduce administrative burdens by 25% by 2012.

The Enterprise Development agencies also have a very significant role to play in providing support to SMEs and Enterprise Ireland provides supports to companies in areas such as:

Driving sustained R&D and innovative activities direct support for in-company R&D and collaboration;

Supports to drive sales and marketing capabilities of companies;

Building Leadership and Management Capabilities;

Embedding Competitiveness Improvements through a tailored programme of Lean Initiatives;

Financial supports, including grant aid to support business development activities in established companies.

Furthermore, the County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) promote and develop indigenous micro-enterprise potential and stimulate economic activity and entrepreneurship across the country. The CEBs deliver a series of programmes to underpin this role and provide both financial (grants) and non-financial (advice, training and mentoring "soft supports") assistance to project promoters who have the capacity to achieve commercial viability.

I am confident that the focus that this Government has brought to bear on the particular areas of concern for SMEs, will yield real benefit to individual enterprises and the economy as a whole in the short to medium term.

County Enterprise Boards

Terence Flanagan

Ceist:

237 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will respond to a matter (details supplied) regarding the provision of funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34077/11]

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton)

My Department does not provide direct funding or grants to businesses but provides funding to a number of State Agencies, including the County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs), through whom assistance is delivered directly to businesses. The CEBs unique role positions them as a first point of contact for persons wishing to set up in business.

The role of Dublin City Enterprise Board, as one of a network of County and City Enterprise Boards throughout the country, is to provide a source of support for micro-enterprise (less than 10 employees) in the start-up and expansion phases, to promote and develop indigenous micro-enterprise potential and to stimulate economic activity and entrepreneurship at local level. Business growth, job creation and retention are central to the activities of the CEBs.

Subject to certain eligibility criteria new and developing micro-enterprises may qualify for financial support from the CEBs in the form of priming, expansion/development and feasibility/innovation grants. The CEBs give priority to enterprises in the manufacturing or internationally traded services sector and must always give consideration to any potential for deadweight and displacement arising from a proposed enterprise. In addition, the CEBs deliver non-financial supports such as one-to-one mentoring and a range of business advice and training programmes to improve management capability development within micro-enterprises designed to help new and existing enterprises to operate effectively and efficiently so as to last and grow, which may be available as appropriate to the needs of the promoter's business.

The promoter may therefore wish to contact their most appropriate CEB; the Dublin City Enterprise Board, in the first instance, to discuss what options may be available to them and their proposed business venture. The Board is located on the 5th Floor, O'Connell Bridge House, D'Olier Street, Dublin 2, Phone: 01 6351144 Email: info@dceb.ie

Croke Park Agreement

Dominic Hannigan

Ceist:

238 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of Croke Park Agreement projects that each State agency under his aegis is progressing; if he will list each project by Department in tabular form; the amount to be saved by each project; the number that have been completed since the agreement came into force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34160/11]

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton)

Under the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014, my Department, its Offices and the Agencies that come within my Department's remit were required to prepare Implementation Plans, and two subsequent Progress Reports, for consideration by the National Implementation Body, which is responsible for overseeing, driving and verifying progress on the implementation of the Public Service Agreement.

My Department currently has 13 State Agencies supporting us in our work. These are:

1. Enterprise Ireland (www.enterprise-ireland.com)

2. IDA Ireland (www.idaireland.com)

3. Science Foundation Ireland (www.sfi.ie)

4. Shannon Development (www.shannondevelopment.ie)

5. County & City Enterprise Boards (35) (www.enterpriseboards.ie)

6. National Standards Authority of Ireland (www.nsai.ie)

7. InterTradeIreland (the North / South Business Development Body) (www.intertradeireland.com)

8. Forfás (www.forfas.ie)

9. National Consumer Agency (www.nca.ie)

10. The Competition Authority (www.tca.ie)

11. Irish Auditing and Accounting Standards Authority (www.iaasa.ie)

12. Personal Injuries Assessment Board (www.injuriesboard.ie), and

13. The Health & Safety Authority (www.hsa.ie)

To date, each of these Agencies, with the exception of InterTradeIreland which is exempted from the process, has submitted a detailed Plan for implementing the Agreement as well as two Progress Reports. Copies of the Implementation Plans and the first Progress Reports that cover the period to March 2011, and which were approved by the National Implementation Body, are available on the respective Agency websites. The most recent Progress Reports covering the period from April to September 2011 have been forwarded to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for consideration by the Implementation Body. Once this process is completed, I will arrange for each Agency to place their Report on their website.

Many of the actions in the Plans are designed to deliver long-term sustainable savings. The precise amount of savings which will accrue these initiatives has not yet been quantified as it is dependent on, inter alia, central measures that the Government will adopt in relation to, for example, agency rationalisation & shared services. However, the Progress Reports indicate that the most significant savings are through the reduction in numbers and consequent savings on pay.

National Minimum Wage

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

239 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the correct hourly rate of payment in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15 who works one hour per day, seven days a week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34185/11]

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton)

The National Minimum Wage Act, 2000, which became law on 1st April, 2000, applies to all employees, except close relatives of the employer and certain apprentices.

The national minimum hourly rate for an experienced adult worker was increased to €8.65 per hour with effect from 1 July 2011.

Sub-minimum rates of between 70% and 90% of the National Minimum Wage apply where an employee is:

Under age 18 or

In the first two years after the date of first employment over age 18.

In certain sectors, such as Construction and Electrical Contracting, Registered Employment Agreements provide for statutory minimum rates of pay that are higher than the National Minimum Wage.

Notwithstanding the minimum rates established by legislation, more beneficial rates of pay can be agreed by negotiation between employers and employees, or their representatives.

Further information is available on the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) website at www.employmentrights.ie, or by calling Lo call 1890 80 80 90.

Departmental Bodies

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

240 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he is considering any new legislation or other measures to strengthen the powers of the Competition Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34264/11]

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton)

Both the merger of the Competition Authority and the National Consumer Agency and proposals arising from a review of the operation and implementation of the Competition Act 2002 will have an impact on the Competition Authority in terms of its functions and powers. In July 2011 Government approved the drafting of the Consumer and Competition Bill which I expect to see published during the first half of 2012. This Bill will merge the two agencies and provide for the powers and functions of the new Consumer and Competition Authority.

In advance of this proposed legislation, the Competition (Amendment) Bill 2011 has been introduced which will strengthen competition law enforcement. This Bill passed Second Stage in Dáil Éireann last week.

Work Permits

Joe Costello

Ceist:

241 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of applications for work permits received in each of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34315/11]

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton)

I set out hereunder the numbers of applications for employment permits in respect of Bulgarian and Romanian nationals in each of the past ten years and to-date in 2011.

Applications received in respect of Bulgarian and Romanian nationals 2001 — 2011
Year	Nationality	New	Renewal	Total Issued	Total Refused
2011
	Bulgaria	24	3	27	6
	Romania	275	8	283	103
2010
	Bulgaria	74	1	75	8
	Romania	814	9	823	119
2009
	Bulgaria	23	1	24	2
	Romania	191	1	192	15
2008
	Bulgaria	23	0	23	23
	Romania	122	6	128	67
2007
	Bulgaria	32	5	37	15
	Romania	94	25	119	55
2006
	Bulgaria	46	391	437	5
	Romania	180	1314	1494	29
2005
	Bulgaria	56	514	570	64
	Romania	259	1588	1847	146
2004
	Bulgaria	108	617	725	26
	Romania	192	1931	2123	118
2003
	Bulgaria	413	456	869	28
	Romania	887	1642	2529	197
2002
	Bulgaria	516	239	755	35
	Romania	1522	931	2453	84
2001
	Bulgaria	442	75	517	14
	Romania	1571	202	1773	70

Appointments to State Boards

Liam Twomey

Ceist:

242 Deputy Liam Twomey asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of positions on State boards and agencies under his aegis which he has advertised in the past seven months; the number of applications received; the number of applicants subsequently appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34508/11]

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton)

In June 2011, I sought expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced persons for appointment to several Boards under the aegis of my Department. In total seven vacancies were advertised as part of this process, as follows:

IDA Ireland — one vacancy

National Consumer Agency — two vacancies

National Standards Authority of Ireland — two vacancies

Shannon Development — two vacancies.

A total of one hundred and sixty four expressions of interest were received as a result of the advertisement. I also received representations from a small number of individuals outside of the expressions of interest process.

My Department, in conjunction with the Public Appointments Service, who assisted with the expressions of interest campaign, has shortlisted applicants for the various vacancies. I am currently considering the shortlisted applications. I have not yet made any appointments to the advertised vacancies.

Company Law

Niall Collins

Ceist:

243 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the financial reporting requirements of a private limited company which is registered as a charity in the State in terms of the detail which must be furnished to shareholders at the annual general meeting. [34517/11]

Niall Collins

Ceist:

252 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he can advise on the queries raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding the management of accounts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34721/11]

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 243 and 252 together.

Sectoral legislation in relation to charities is the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Environment, Community & Local Government.

Section 148 of the Companies Act 1963 (as amended) requires that the directors of every company shall on a date not later than 18 months after the incorporation of the company and, subsequently once at least in every calendar year prepare accounts for the company for each financial year, referred to in the Companies Acts as "individual accounts".

Accounts are required by the Companies Acts to show a true and fair view and must be laid before the annual general meeting of the company and must be sent, together with the directors' report and auditors' report (unless the company is exempt from audit), to the members of the company at least 21 days before the annual general meeting.

If any person has a concern as to whether a company is meeting its statutory obligations under the Companies Acts 1963-2009 in relation to the preparation or presentation of accounts it is open to that person to report that concern to the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement. The Director of Corporate Enforcement is statutorily independent in the performance of his statutory functions and I have no direct function in such matters.

Ministerial Staff

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

244 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of his constituency and parliamentary staff, appointed following the February 2011, on salaries that exceed their applicable pay scale grade; the number of his existing and parliamentary staff employed prior to the February 2011 elections but awarded salary increases following the election that exceed their applicable pay scale grade; and if he will provide their annual salary details in a tabular format. [34573/11]

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton)

The table below identifies the number of constituency and parliamentary staff, appointed by me following the February 2011 elections. It includes their current salary and the salary they received prior to the elections.

Personal Assistant and Personal Secretary:

In accordance with Ministerial Guidelines issued by the Department of Public Expenditure & Reform, the current salary of a Personal Assistant and a Personal Secretary is slightly higher than the salary they received in the Oireachtas. This increase is sanctioned in order to offset the effect of the pension levy.

Special Advisers

One of my Special Advisers was employed in the Oireachtas on a part time basis as a Parliamentary Assistant. On appointment as Special Adviser he was placed on the first point of the Principal Officer (standard) scale, i.e. €80,051 in line with Ministerial Guidelines.

The Ministerial Guidelines also provide for an exemption to be granted in relation to remuneration where the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform sanctions a higher salary rate. This exemption was sought in relation to my second Special Adviser and sanction was received from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to place him on the higher salary of €127,000. Prior to his appointment, my second Special Adviser was employed on a salary of approximately €110,000.

No	Current Title	Current Salary	Salary prior to February 2011
1	Personal Assistant	€47,304 p.a. — (point 3) Personal Assistant Payscale	€44,323 p.a @ 90% — (point 3) Parliamentary Assistant Payscale
1	Personal Secretary	€43,509 p.a (point 10) Personal Secretary Payscale	€40,906 p.a — (point 10) Secretariat Assistant Payscale
1	Special Adviser	€80,051 p.a (point 1) Principal Officer Payscale	€45,416 p/a @10% — (point 4) Parliamentary Assistant
1	Special Adviser	€127,000 p.a	€110,000 p.a.

Employment Rights

Clare Daly

Ceist:

245 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his plans to establish regulations of the au pair industry here in order that the rights and entitlements of au pairs are established and protected along with establishing standards for the industry that is rapidly growing as a financial entity. [34579/11]

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton)

Typically an "au pair" is a young person who chooses to help look after the children of a host family and carry out light housekeeping duties. The au pair is usually given room and board and is typically paid weekly "pocket-money" and gains experience of a new culture while also improving his or her foreign language skills. There is no specific regulatory framework covering "au pairs" in place in Ireland. It is my understanding that an au pair arrangement is essentially a private arrangement between the parties concerned — a private household or sponsor family and a private individual — and voluntary, on the basis of a shared understanding. Although circumstances can differ from case to case, an "au pair" is assumed not be an employee because there is no contract of employment between the householder and the person in question. If a contract of employment does exist then this places the arrangement on a different footing. In general, where people have concerns that workers may be exploited or receiving less than their statutory entitlement the matter should be reported to National Employment Rights Authority for investigation.

I have no plans to introduce additional legislation specifically to regulate arrangements in relation to "au pairs" in Ireland.

County Enterprise Boards

Paudie Coffey

Ceist:

246 Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his plans to review direct financial assistance grants for small businesses funded from city and county enterprise boards; if he will make the criteria more flexible in order that jobs in small and medium enterprises can be sustained and secured; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34584/11]

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton)

The County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) provide support for micro-enterprises in the start-up and expansion phases. The CEBs deliver a range of tailored programmes and supports through the provision of both financial assistance and non-financial assistance.

The forms of direct financial assistance available from a CEB are;

Priming Grant (payable up to 50% of the investment or €80,000 whichever is the lesser), available to micro-enterprises for business start-ups within the first 18 months of start-up. This can cover all business costs directly attributable to starting a new business (save payments to State Bodies).

Business Expansion/Development Grant (payable up to 50% of the investment or €80,000 whichever is the lesser), available to micro-enterprises to grow and develop the micro-enterprise. This can cover all business costs directly attributable to growing and developing a business (save payments to State Bodies).

Feasibility/Innovation Grant (payable up to €20,000 or 50% (S&E region)/60% (BMW region) of the investment, whichever is the lesser), available to micro-enterprises to assist with the cost of necessary pre-start up studies carried out for the purposes of assessing market interest in/demand for a proposed new product or service, the appropriateness of the associated funding plans, the general viability and sustainability of the venture and assistance with innovation.

The most recent review of the direct financial assistance available from the CEBs was conducted in January 2010. At that stage the CEB existing financial supports had been in place since 1993. As a result of the 2010 review grant limits were raised and the range of business costs for which eligible micro-enterprises could seek grant support was broadened. This has allowed for greater flexibility in supporting the micro-enterprise sector whilst remaining within EU limits on provision of state aids.

The criteria under which funding is available from the CEBs is based on the following factors;

the enterprise must be in the commercial sphere;

the enterprise must demonstrate a market for the product/service;

the enterprise must have a capacity for growth and new job creation;

the enterprise must not employ more than 10 people;

the enterprise must not give rise to deadweight or displacement.

Within the above eligibility criteria there are certain necessary priorities and restrictions, in particular, priority must be given to micro-enterprises in the manufacturing or internationally traded services sector which over time can develop into strong export entities and graduate to the Enterprise Ireland Portfolio and, due to the need to consider the issues of deadweight and displacement, it is generally considered inappropriate to support enterprises such as retail enterprises, personal services and professional services.

In addition to direct financial assistance the CEBs also provide non-financial assistance such as business advisory and information services, management capability training and development programmes, e-Commerce training initiatives etc. These soft supports also contribute positively to the policy objective of building an enterprise culture which, in time, may result in job creation without direct financial assistance from the State.

I am satisfied that the current forms of financial support available from the CEBs, and the criteria within which these supports are available, are appropriate to the needs of the micro-enterprise sector and are targeted at enterprises with growth potential which can, over time, develop into strong export entities where they have sufficient mass to access the services of Enterprise Ireland and which can in the long-term maximise State investment in this sector.

Multinational Company Employment

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

247 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of jobs that have been transferred from a company (details supplied) to other locations around the world in the past 24 months; the number of jobs this company will be moving to other locations around the world in the next two months; the reason that this is happening; the level of investigation he has undertaken; the steps he has taken to persuade this company not to carry out these transfers; if he has met with staff or management of the company; and his plans on the issue. [34592/11]

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton)

Along with IDA Ireland, I am in regular contact with Intel on its future plans for Ireland.

I understand that as part of Intel's continuing training programme a number of employees are being sent overseas in order for them to up-skill on newer leading edge technologies. No jobs are being lost in Ireland and these employees will return to Ireland once their training/assignment programmes are completed.

I also understand that the movement of highly skilled staff from one Intel location to another is an essential part of the Intel philosophy on training. This type of ‘hands on' training is ongoing and, according to Intel, is almost the only way to gain the experience required when working with the precision and expertise required at the nanotechnology geometries with which Intel works.

Competition Law

Willie O'Dea

Ceist:

248 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the maximum fine levied on a single business or person for breaching the Competition Act 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34658/11]

Willie O'Dea

Ceist:

249 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the total number and amount of fines levied on businesses and persons for breaching the Competition Act 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34659/11]

Willie O'Dea

Ceist:

250 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the total number of jail terms imposed on businesses and persons for breaching the Competition Act 2002; the total length of time actually served; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34660/11]

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 248 to 250, inclusive, together.

The Competition Act 2002 provides for fines of up to €4 million or 10% of the turnover of an undertaking, whichever is the greater, for certain breaches of the Act. The 2002 Act also provides for jail sentences of up to five years for individuals convicted on indictment for a breach of the Act.

The highest fine imposed on an individual under the Competition Act 2002 is €80,000. That fine was not paid and the individual was subsequently sentenced to 28 days imprisonment for default.

The total number of fines imposed on individuals and businesses under the Competition Act 2002 is four, ranging from €50,000 to €80,000 and totalling €260,000.

In addition, since March 2006, 25 fines were imposed under the Competition Act 1991, as amended, ranging from €1,500 to €35,000 and totalling €263,500. Under the Criminal Law Act 1997, three fines totalling €75,000 were imposed on individuals for aiding and abetting breaches of the Competition Acts, also since March 2006.

The total number of jail terms imposed on persons for breaching the Competition Act 2002 was two, each of 15 months duration. Both sentences were suspended for five years.

In addition, since March 2006, five jail sentences ranging from three months to nine months and totalling 27 months were imposed on individuals under the Competition Act 1991, as amended. All five of the sentences were suspended. A further three jail sentences ranging from six months to fifteen months and totalling 33 months were imposed under the Criminal Law Act 1997 since March 2006 for aiding and abetting breaches of the Competition Acts. All three of these sentences were suspended.

Employment Appeals Tribunal

Regina Doherty

Ceist:

251 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation when a person (details supplied) will receive confirmation notice of a date for their employment appeals tribunal hearing. [34698/11]

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton)

The Employment Appeals Tribunal has confirmed that it does not have any record of correspondence from or relating to the person concerned.

At present, the estimated waiting time for Employment Appeals Tribunal hearings is 86 weeks from receipt of application. In July 2011, I announced my intention to streamline the State's five employment rights bodies, including the Employment Appeals Tribunal, and to produce a simpler, more effective system, including a single point of entry for all users of the State's employment rights machinery. It is anticipated that, on completion, this system will produce a speedier and more efficient claims resolution process that will benefit employers and employees alike.

Question No. 252 answered with Question No. 243.

Capital Projects

Gerald Nash

Ceist:

253 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide details in relation to the number and value of State capital project contracts awarded to companies registered outside the State in the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively; if he will provide details in respect of the number and value of State capital project contracts awarded to companies registered in the Republic of Ireland in the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34812/11]

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton)

I understand that the Deputy is referring to construction projects. My Department did not award any capital project contracts of this nature in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

Separately, grants to individual companies, both indigenous and foreign owned, are paid by the enterprise agencies operating under the aegis of my Department, including Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Shannon Development and the County Enterprise Boards. These grants are funded by the Exchequer Capital Budget so as to create a competitive advantage or win further FDI investment from existing and new clients, thereby enhancing competitiveness, in order to sustain and increase job creation. Enterprise Ireland, Science Foundation Ireland and IDA Ireland also offer support to companies under a range of research development and innovation programmes which are also funded from my Department's Capital Budget.

The level of capital expenditure allocated to these Agencies in 2011 and the provisional outturn for 2010 is set out in Vote 34 of the Revised Estimates Volume 2011.

Credit Guarantee Scheme

Dominic Hannigan

Ceist:

254 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation when will the partial credit scheme become active; the way the scheme will operate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34833/11]

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton)

The design phase of a Temporary Partial Credit Guarantee Scheme is nearing completion and I will be bringing formal proposals to Cabinet shortly. Once a suitable scheme design has been finalised and approved by the Government, there will then be a further Request for Tender published at the end of November to select an operator to allow for the roll out of the scheme over the coming months.

In parallel with the work taking place on the design of the Scheme, the Department is preparing primary legislation to make the necessary statutory provision for such a scheme.

The Scheme will provide a level of guarantee to banks against losses on qualifying loans to job-creating firms to get banks lending again to industry and entrepreneurs.

This Scheme will be closely targeted at commercially viable, well performing companies that have a solid business plan and a defined market for their products or services which can demonstrate repayment capacity for the additional credit facilities but which cannot secure credit facilities due to the following two market failures:

Insufficient collateral for the additional facilities or,

Growth / expansionary SMEs which due to their sectors, markets or business model are perceived higher risk under current credit risk evaluation practices.

The Government's commitment will be for an initial period of one year. Specific performance criteria will be set down that allow for review and revision of the scheme at the end of that initial period before any commitment to a roll-over of the scheme for subsequent years. The temporary partial credit guarantee scheme will complement the Government plans on the restructuring and recapitalisation of the banking system which seek to secure an adequate flow of credit into the economy to support economic recovery.

FÁS Training Programmes

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

255 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Social Protection the action she will take to ensure the gateway women’s training project will continue to deliver quality accredited FETAC level three and level five training courses despite the recent operational changes in FÁS that no longer allow for second training providers such as Gateway and the blocking of the organisations quality assurance application due to no new applications for provider registration being accepted following the establishment of SOLAS. [34092/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

As part of the reorganisation of functions and services in support of people who are unemployed, the community and employment support services of FÁS are being transferred to the Department of Social Protection. The legislative changes to give effect to these changes have been put in place and FÁS staff will complete the transfer to my Department in January 2012. As a consequence of these changes, the current practice whereby the Training Standards Quality Assurance System of FÁS processes FETAC certificate requests on behalf of a small number of education and training providers, such as the Gateway project, will be discontinued on 5th December 2011.

The Gateway project has been advised of the changes and of the opportunities to source alternative arrangements for the processing of FETAC applications. My understanding is that Gateway is currently linking with other providers with a view to accessing FETAC certificates. FÁS is also actively engaged so as to ensure that the matter is resolved in a satisfactory manner.

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

256 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Social Protection the cost benefit analysis of the laundry services at Farranferris, County Cork operated by FÁS; the extent if any to which this service is subsidised by the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34093/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

A community laundry service is operated by a community based organisation as part of its training and development centre based in Farranferris College on the north side of Cork City. FÁS provides funding of approximately €149,000 per annum in total to the laundry to support six work placements under the community employment programme and a further three under the job initiative programme. The Deputy should note that FÁS does not have any direct operational involvement in the delivery or management of the laundry service and matters relating to the value for money or effectiveness of the services offers by the company are primarily a matter for the Board of Management of the organisation.

The organisation in question was established by community interests to provide training and work experience for the unemployed of the area. The centre currently provides a range of training and work placement opportunities in the North Cork City area to over 350 people in the area. Services provided with the support of people on work placements include child care, catering, woodwork, home insulation, laundry, security training, community administration, gardening, and historical research. It is a condition of funding that services offered by the organisation do not displace or substitute employment offered locally by other providers either private, voluntary or public sector.

Redundancy Payments

Michael Creed

Ceist:

257 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for redundancy in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34123/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

A Redundancy Lump sum claim in respect of the person concerned was received on 18 May 2011. Redundancy Lump sum claims received at the end of April 2011 are currently being processed.

Employment Support Services

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

258 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of places available on JobBridge, the national internship scheme in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34134/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

JobBridge — the National Internship Scheme — is a nationwide scheme and, as such, places are not assigned, or reserved, on a geographic basis.

Currently there are sixty-six (66) offers of internship in County Donegal advertised on the JobBridge website.

Pension Provisions

Joe Carey

Ceist:

259 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will report on the current position with regards to Labour Court ruling LCR19293 in relation to pension entitlements for FÁS community employment supervisors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34562/11]

Willie O'Dea

Ceist:

297 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection when she will give a decision in regard to the timescale for implementation of the recommendation by the Labour Court in 2008 that an agreed pension scheme be introduced for community employment supervisors (details supplied) and that the scheme be adequately funded by FÁS. [34217/11]

Tony McLoughlin

Ceist:

299 Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Social Protection if reconsideration will be given to community employment scheme supervisors and assistant supervisors who were rejected on the issue of the introduction of a pension scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34255/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 259, 297 and 299 together.

The Labour Court recommended in July 2008 that an agreed pension scheme should be introduced for community employment (CE) scheme supervisors and assistant supervisors, and that such a scheme should be adequately funded by FÁS. Notwithstanding the positions of the Department in rejecting that liability for these costs falls to be met from public funds, this matter has been the subject of discussions between the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, my Department, and the unions representing CE supervisors. In the event that funding was required from FÁS, the implementation of the claim is not considered sustainable in light of the current and ongoing fiscal environment and the requirement to contain and reduce public expenditure. The costs of the introduction of any scheme are likely to be of the order of €3m with retrospective costs of the order of at least €30m.

The Deputy should also note that FÁS is not the employer of CE supervisors and such employees are not public servants. Neither was FÁS a party to the Labour Court dispute on this matter. The responsibilities of the sponsoring organisations and the individuals concerned must also be recognised when considering pension provision arrangements.

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

260 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons here estimated to hold private pensions. [34581/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The Pensions Board is a statutory body set up under the Pensions Act, 1990. The Board regulates occupational pension schemes, trust Retirement Annuity Contracts and Personal Retirement Savings Accounts in Ireland.

According to the Pensions Boards annual report for 2010, there were 76,291 occupational pension schemes with 809,961 active members as of the 31st December 2010. In addition there was 187,114 Personal Retirement Savings Accounts in force.

In accordance with the Central Statistics Office Quarterly National Household Survey on Pension Provisions (Quarter 4 2009), the rate of workers with a pension was 51%.

Social Welfare Appeals

John McGuinness

Ceist:

261 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if an application for disability allowance now under appeal will be expedited and approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if supplementary allowance will be paid while they await the outcome of their appeal. [33971/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

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 25th October 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 is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

262 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made in respect of an appeal for domiciliary care allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33972/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence, including that adduced at oral hearing, has allowed the appeal of the person concerned. The person concerned has been notified of the decision.

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

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

263 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made in respect of an appeal for domiciliary care allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33973/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence, including that adduced at oral hearing, has disallowed the appeal of the person concerned. The person concerned has been notified of the decision.

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

Social Welfare Benefits

Patrick Nulty

Ceist:

264 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of households in receipt of mortgage interest supplement. [33983/11]

Patrick Nulty

Ceist:

265 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of households in receipt of rent supplement; and the number of same who have been on rent supplement for 18 months or longer. [33984/11]

Patrick Nulty

Ceist:

266 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Social Protection the amount spent on the provision of yearly rent supplement payments in 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011. [33985/11]

Patrick Nulty

Ceist:

267 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of households in receipt of rent supplement in the years 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011. [33986/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 264 to 267, inclusive, together.

The community welfare service (CWS) and the community welfare officers providing it transferred formally to the Department of Social Protection (DSP) from 1 October 2011. The service and the staff are now part of the DSP.

There are currently 18,741 recipients of mortgage interest supplement and there are currently 95,904 recipients of rent supplement of which 51,400 are in receipt of the supplement for 18 months or more. The following tabular statement sets out the number of recipients and expenditure on rent supplement from 2008 to 2011.

Tabular Statement
Number of Recipients and Expenditure on Rent Supplement, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011
	Recipients	Expenditure
		€000
2008	74,038	440,548
2009	93,030	510,751
2010	97,260	516,861
2011*	95,904	417,454

*— Recipients at 4 November 2011 and Expenditure to October 2011

Redundancy Payments

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

268 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their redundancy payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33999/11]

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

319 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their redundancy payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34586/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 268 and 319 together.

A Redundancy Lump sum claim in respect of the person concerned was received on 5 July 2011. Redundancy Lump sum claims received at the end of April 2011 are currently being processed.

Patrick O'Donovan

Ceist:

269 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for redundancy payments in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; when the payment will issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34001/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

A Redundancy Lump sum claim in respect of the person concerned was received on 18 July 2011. Redundancy Lump sum claims received at the end of April 2011 are currently being processed.

Question No. 270 withdrawn.

Social Welfare Benefits

Brendan Ryan

Ceist:

271 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding rent allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; the reason the payment has been refused; if it will be reviewed and put into payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34046/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The community welfare service (CWS) and the community welfare officers providing it transferred formally to the Department of Social Protection (DSP) from 1 October 2011. The service and the staff are now part of the DSP.

There is no record of a rent supplement application in respect of the person concerned. If the person concerned wishes to apply for rent supplement she should contact her local Community welfare Officer.

Social Welfare Appeals

Patrick O'Donovan

Ceist:

272 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal against a decision to deny carer’s allowance to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; when a decision will issue on same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34050/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 5 September 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 13 September 2011 and the appeal was assigned to an Appeals Officer on 26 October 2011 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.

Patrick O'Donovan

Ceist:

273 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal for invalidity pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34057/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 27 October 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 in due course 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.

Question No. 274 withdrawn.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Ceist:

275 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an appeal for jobseeker’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34073/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in this case.

There has been a very significant increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office since 2007 when the intake was 14,070 to 2010 when the intake rose to 32,432. This has significantly impacted on the processing time for appeals which require oral hearings and, in order to be fair to all appellants, they are dealt with in strict chronological order.

While every effort is being made to deal with the large numbers awaiting oral hearing as quickly as possible, it is not possible to give a date when the person's oral hearing will be heard, but s/he will be informed when arrangements have been made.

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

Social Welfare Benefits

Patrick O'Donovan

Ceist:

276 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide the details of the average processing time for carer’s allowance applications as well as the average processing time for appeals against decisions to deny carer’s allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34076/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The average time taken to award a claim for carer's allowance in the first 9 months of 2011 was 14 weeks. A total of 12, 657 applications were registered in this period and 10,499 were processed in the same period. There are currently 7,992 applications awaiting a decision. There are 51,659 carer's allowance claims in payment.

A major service delivery modernisation project is underway to improve the efficiency of administration of the carer's allowance scheme. This involves the development of IT functionality and associated business process re-organisation. It is anticipated that the new system will introduce significant processing efficiencies and a quicker and more responsive service to the customer.

Accordingly, this project is being given high priority and involves a significant level of time and commitment from the relevant staff in the Department, which has had, however, a short-term negative impact on claim processing times. The first tranche of new carer's allowance claims began to be processed under the new system in August 2011.

While these new systems and processes will facilitate a significant improvement in overall processing times it should be noted that individual claims may still take some time to process. Entitlement to carer's allowance is based on satisfying medical, means and residency conditions. In determining entitlement to the allowance there are, in certain cases, unavoidable time lags involved in making the necessary investigations and enquiries to enable accurate decisions to be made. Delays can also arise if people applying for the allowance are not in a position to supply all the necessary information in support of their claim.

I am assured that the situation is being monitored closely by the Department.

Figures from the Social Welfare Appeals Office show that, in 2010, the average processing time for carer's allowance appeals dealt with by way of summary decision was 26.9 weeks , while a case which required an oral hearing took an average of 47.3 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.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

277 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare has not received a rent supplement payment for a period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34090/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The community welfare service (CWS) and the community welfare officers providing it transferred formally to the Department of Social Protection (DSP) from 1 October 2011. The service and the staff are now part of the DSP.

The person concerned is in receipt of his full entitlement to rent supplement based on his household circumstances. Regarding the payment of arrears, the Central Rents Unit has a policy of paying significant amounts outstanding to the relative landlord. The person concerned will now be paid in his own right as all outstanding monies have been paid.

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Ceist:

278 Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Social Protection if the application for rent supplement has been approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 13; and when a decision will issue. [34094/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The community welfare service (CWS) and the community welfare officers providing it transferred formally to the Department of Social Protection (DSP) from 1 October 2011. The service and the staff are now part of the DSP.

The person concerned made an application for rent supplement on 22nd August 2011 the rent was in excess of the maximum rent limit appropriate to his family composition and rent supplement was disallowed.

Patrick Deering

Ceist:

279 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Social Protection the criteria used in determining qualification for disability allowance. [34104/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

Disability Allowance is a weekly allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged between 16 and 66. This disability must be expected to last for at least one year and is subject to a medical assessment, a means test and a habitual residency test.

In order to satisfy the medical conditions for receipt of disability allowance a person must be suffering from an injury, disease, congenital deformity or physical or mental illness or defect which has continued or may reasonably be expected to continue for a period of at least a year and as a result of the condition the person is substantially restricted in undertaking work which would otherwise be suitable having regard to the person's age, experience and qualifications.

The weekly rate of disability allowance payment depends on the amount of weekly means assessed. Under the legislative provisions set down for disability allowance means are assessable from all income, capital, investments, property which the claimant or claimant's spouse/partner/cohabitant may have with certain exceptions. When calculating a person's means from capital a special formula is used to work out the weekly rate.

In order to get disability allowance the onus is on the applicant to prove that they are habitually resident in the State. In determining whether a person is habitually resident in the State the following five factors, which have been set down in judgements given by the European Court of Justice, are relied on:

1. A person's main centre of interest.

2. The length and continuity of their presence in the Common Travel Area.

3. The length and reason for any absence from the Common Travel Area.

4. The nature and pattern of their employment, if any, in the Common Travel Area and

5. Their future intentions to live in the Republic of Ireland as it appears from their particular situation.

Social Welfare Appeals

Patrick Deering

Ceist:

280 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Carlow was refused disability allowance. [34105/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

Disability allowance may be payable to persons who have an injury, disease or physical or mental disability that has continued or may be expected to continue for at least one year and who, as a result of this disability are substantially restricted in undertaking work that would otherwise be suitable for a person of their age, experience and qualifications.

The person concerned was refused disability allowance on the ground that based upon the medical assessor's assessment of the medical evidence supplied in support of the claim, the person was not medically suitable for disability allowance.

The person was notified in writing of this decision and the reason for it.

The decision was reviewed by a deciding officer in the light of further medical evidence subsequently submitted to the department. However, following review of the further medical evidence by a medical assessor, the deciding officer decided that there were insufficient grounds for the original decision to be changed and, accordingly, that the decision to refuse disability allowance should stand.

The person was notified in writing of this review decision and the reason for it.

Social Welfare Benefits

Patrick Deering

Ceist:

281 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on a carer’s allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied). [34106/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The person concerned was refused carer's allowance on the ground that the care recipient is not so disabled as to require full-time care and attention as prescribed in regulations. On 13 October 2011, the person in question was notified of this decision and the reason for it.

Social Welfare Appeals

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

282 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Social Protection the basis on which the chief appeals officer determined to disallow an application for disability allowance by a person (details supplied) in County Louth stating the person did not demonstrate that they satisfy the conditions on habitual residence; if she will clarify the confusion surrounding this application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34108/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer having fully considered all the evidence, including that adduced at oral hearing, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned.

A copy of the Appeals Officer's report, which set out the basis on which the decision was made, was sent, on request, to the person's solicitor on 19th October 2011.

The Appeals Officers decision which issued on 16th September 2011, contained a typing error in relation to the habitual residence conditions. An amended decision was issued to the person concerned on 10 October 2011 with the apologies of the Appeals Officer.

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.

Anne Ferris

Ceist:

283 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on the appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; the reason this Deputy has not received a response from the appeals office to her representations dated 22 July and 15 August; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34110/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in this case.

There has been a very significant increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office since 2007 when the intake was 14,070 to 2010 when the intake rose to 32,432. This has significantly impacted on the processing time for appeals which require oral hearings and, in order to be fair to all appellants, they are dealt with in strict chronological order.

While every effort is being made to deal with the large numbers awaiting oral hearing as quickly as possible, it is not possible to give a date when the person's oral hearing will be heard, but s/he will be informed when arrangements have been made.

The huge increase in the numbers of appeals to the Office has also resulted in a large backlog in dealing with correspondence, which is also dealt with in chronological order. While this is regretted, priority in the Office is given to the registration and preparation of files for appeals, scheduling oral hearings and the issue of decisions.

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.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

284 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7. [34112/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 27 September 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 11 October 2011 and the appeal has been referred 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.

General Register Office

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

285 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason the General Register Office Research Room in Dublin was closed to the public for a considerable time during office hours on Tuesday, 1 November 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34120/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The statutory responsibility for the administration of civil registration in Ireland rests with An t-Ard Chláraitheoir. His office — the General Register Office — is the central repository for all records relating births, deaths, stillbirths, marriages, civil partnerships and adoptions in the state. The Office does not engage in genealogical or family history research on behalf of members of the public, but the Research Room in Dublin facilitates the searching of Indexes by members of the public and provides them with copies of the records on payment of the prescribed fee.

The Research Room in Dublin is open to the public from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday and can accommodate 40 customers at any given time. The number of customers using the facility has increased greatly over the past year, mainly as a result of television programmes on the subjects of genealogy and ancestral history which have increased awareness among members of the public.

On November 1st this increased demand led to the Research Room operating at full capacity and excess demand for the service during this particular day meant that management had to restrict access to the facility for a period of approximately 1 hour.

Any decision to restrict access to the facility is regrettable and rarely occurs and I acknowledge the inconvenience this causes to our customers. However, it was felt that on this occasion for health and safety reasons it was in the best interest of customers and staff to restrict access to the Research Room for this short period of time.

Social Welfare Benefits

Simon Harris

Ceist:

286 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow has been refused the back to school clothing and footwear allowance; the rationale for the decision to stop these payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34132/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA) scheme operates from the beginning of June until the end of September each year. A person may qualify for payment of BSCFA if he or she is in receipt of a social welfare or health service executive payment, is participating in an approved employment scheme or attending a recognised education or training course, and has household income at or below certain specified levels. The person concerned was refused a BSCFA payment as she was not in receipt of a qualifying payment at the time of her application. The person concerned has been advised in writing of her right to a review of the decision.

Simon Harris

Ceist:

287 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow has had their rent allowance payments stopped; the rationale for the decision to stop these payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34133/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The community welfare service (CWS) and the community welfare officers providing it transferred formally to the Department of Social Protection (DSP) from 1 October 2011. The service and the staff are now part of the DSP.

The person concerned has had her rent supplement suspended pending information regarding her current earnings. The request for further information was sent on the 30th of September 2011. A decision will be made on her application when the necessary documentation has been provided.

Croke Park Agreement

Dominic Hannigan

Ceist:

288 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of Croke Park agreement projects that each State agency under her aegis are progressing; if she will list each project by Department in tabular form; the amount to be saved by each project; the number that have been completed since the agreement came into force; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34163/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The information sought is set out in the tables below. Of the overall total of seven projects initiated by agencies under the Department's aegis, one has already been completed by the Citizens Information Board, providing savings of €130,000 in 2010 and a similar amount in 2011 and each subsequent year. Three other projects undertaken by the Pensions Board are not yet completed but nonetheless have generated a combined total of €147,000 over the two years 2010 and 2011 to date. The three remaining projects are in train but have not yet started to generate savings.

	Citizens Information Board
Number of Projects	3
List of Projects and savings targets	1. Moving the technical platform for www.citizensinformation.ie to the Department of Finance. Project completed, savings achieved of €130,000 in 2010.
	2. Centralised voice framework for both call and telephone line costs on behalf of CIB and Delivery Partners through Single Point of Telephone Contact (SPOTC) services. Savings will not materialise until 2013.
	3. Development of an integrated voice and data infrastructure for both CIB and Delivery Partners. Savings will not materialise until 2013.
Number of Projects Completed	1

	Pensions Board
Number of Projects	4
List of Projects and savings targets	1. Development and deployment of online information services to facilitate more efficient and cost effective access for all Pensions Board stakeholders. Savings achieved 2010-2011: €30,000.
	2. Review the existing ICT maintenance and support arrangements with a view to achieving savings and more efficient delivery of services. Savings achieved 2010-2011: €22,000.
	3. Develop Corporate Procurement Plan. Continue to review and implement appropriate procurement strategies for high spend categories and maintain a central register for all contracts entered into by the Pensions Board. Savings achieved 2010-2011: €95,000.
	4. Introduce a new on-line Pensions Board data portal for pension schemes. Savings: As this project is still ongoing no cost savings have been achieved to date.
Number of Projects Completed	Nil

Social Welfare Appeals

Sandra McLellan

Ceist:

289 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Social Protection the entitlement to social welfare assistance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; if she will expedite the claim; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34168/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal, by the person concerned, was received in that office on 28 September 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 11 November 2011 and the appeal will, in due course, be assigned 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.

Niall Collins

Ceist:

290 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection if she would approve a supplementary welfare allowance application in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Cork. [34170/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 26th October 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 8th November 2011 and the appeal will be assigned, 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.

Pension Provisions

Michael Creed

Ceist:

291 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will clarify the value of credited PRSI contributions in the context of entitlement to contributory pension on retirement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34175/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

Credited contributions ("credits") form an integral part of the social insurance system. They are underwritten by the Social Insurance Fund and are designed to protect the social insurance entitlement record of insured workers who — for reasons relating to incapacity, ill-health, unemployment, early retirement, professional training or the provisions of care (i.e. for children, the disabled or the elderly) — are not in a position to make PRSI payments.

In relation to State pension, there are two categories of contributory State pension:- State pension (transition) (SPT) payable at age 65 and State pension (contributory) (SPC) payable at age 66.

The qualifying conditions for State pension (transition) require the applicant to

have entered insurable employment before attaining the age of 55 years.

have at least 260 full-rate social insurance contributions paid since the date of entry into insurance.

Have a minimum yearly average of 24 contributions (paid or credited) since the date of entry into insurance.

have retired from work.

State pension (transition) ceases at age 66 when the claimant transfers to (SPC).

The qualifying conditions for State pension (contributory) require the applicant to

have entered insurable employment before attaining the age of 56 years.

have at least 260 weeks full-rate contributions paid, from employment or self-employment, since entry into insurance

Have a minimum yearly average of 10 contributions (paid or credited) since the date of entry into insurance.

As provided for in legislation since 1997, the minimum paid requirement for SPT and SPC will increase to 520 next year.

As announced in the National Pensions Framework and 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 State pension age at 66 and SPT will no longer be payable to those who reach age 65 in 2014 or later. State pension age will be increased to 67 years in 2021 and to 68 in 2028. By gradually increasing the qualifying age for State pension, people will be further encouraged to remain in employment beyond 65 years of age.

A further planned change outlined in the National Pensions Framework is the introduction of a ‘total contributions' approach from 2020 to replace the current averaging system. This means that from 2020 a person will require 30 years' contributions and credits to qualify for maximum pension with 10 years' paid contributions required for a minimum pension. The amount of credits which can be used to claim pension will be capped at 10 years.

This system will be fairer as the level of pension payment will be proportionate to a person's working career e.g. a person with 25 years contributions will receive 25/30ths of a pension.

Social Welfare Appeals

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

292 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when payment will issue in respect of a claim for disability allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34181/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The person concerned was refused a disability allowance on the ground that, based upon the medical assessor's assessment of the medical evidence supplied in support of the claim, the person is not medically suitable for disability allowance.

The person was notified in writing of this decision and the reason for it.

Further medical evidence has been received and has been referred to a medical assessor. When the medical assessor's opinion is received by the deciding officer, s/he will review the decision and the person will be notified directly of the outcome.

Social Welfare Benefits

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

293 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if an application for jobseeker’s allowance will be reviewed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare with particular reference to the outgoings of the household; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34195/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

An application for jobseeker's allowance from the person concerned was disallowed because his means from parental income is in excess of the scheduled limit.

The decision was upheld on review and he has been advised of his right to appeal the decision to the social welfare appeals office.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

294 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when arrears of rent allowance will be paid in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34196/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The community welfare service and the community welfare officers providing it, transferred formally to the Department of Social Protection from 1 October 2011.

There is no record of an application for rent allowance from the person concerned. If she wishes to make an application for rent allowance she should contact the Department's local representative who administers supplementary welfare allowance.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

295 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when invalidity pension will be awarded in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who is correctly in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance which is currently under threat of termination; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34197/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

Invalidity pension is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the contribution conditions.

This Department received a claim for invalidity pension for the person concerned. The medical evidence provided in support of the claim was examined by a medical assessor who was of the opinion that the person concerned is not eligible for invalidity pension as he does not satisfy the medical criteria. Accordingly, the claim for invalidity pension was disallowed by a deciding officer. The person in question was notified of this decision on 10 November 2011.

Social Welfare Appeals

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

296 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection when the social welfare appeals office expects to make a decision on mortgage interest supplement appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34203/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an oral hearing of this case took place on 01 September 2011. Following the hearing, the Appeals Officer wrote to the person concerned seeking additional information concerning her agreement with the mortgage provider. On receipt of a response from the person concerned, the Appeals Officer will further consider the appeal.

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.

Question No. 297 answered with Question No. 259.

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

298 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an illness benefit appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34241/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

Payment of illness benefit, to the person concerned, was disallowed by a Deciding Officer following an examination by a Medical Assessor of the Department who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work. An appeal was opened and in the context of that appeal the person concerned was examined by a second Medical Assessor who also expressed the opinion that she was capable of work.

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, following receipt of the grounds of appeal from the person concerned the relevant Departmental papers and comments of the Department were requested. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 27 October 2011 and the appeal was assigned to an Appeals Officer on 09 November 2011 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.

Question No. 299 answered with Question No. 259.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

300 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has yet been made on a supplementary welfare allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34258/11]

Michael Creed

Ceist:

305 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has yet been made on a supplementary welfare allowance appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34311/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 300 and 305 together.

Following on from the transfer of the Community Welfare Service from the Health Services Executive (HSE) to the Department of Social Protection, with effect from Saturday 1st October, legislation was commenced which provides that appeals for supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) will be made to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. Up to now, the legislation provided for a 2 step process, first to the Health Services Executive (HSE) and, if still dissatisfied, to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.

As part of that process, any appeals that have been submitted in recent weeks to the HSE are being transferred to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. These appeals will be registered and acknowledged by the Social Welfare Appeals Office in due course. In this case, I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an appeal for SWA for the person concerned has not yet been registered. The Chief Appeals Officer has assured me that all appropriate measures are being taken to address the smooth transfer of SWA appeals to her 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.

Departmental Staff

Terence Flanagan

Ceist:

301 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has plans to employ additional staff to deal with the backlog of applications in the appeals office; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34274/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The need for additional resources to deal with a very significant increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office has been recognised by the Department. The annual intake of appeals has increased from 14,070 in 2007 to 32,432 in 2010, an increase of 18,362 (130.5%) and currently it appears that in the region of another 30,000 will be received during 2011.

In that context, the Department made 9 additional appointments to the Office earlier this year. These assignments have augmented the 3 appointments made to the Office in 2010, bringing the total number of appeals officers serving in the Office to 29. In addition, since July 2010, 8 retired appeals officers, equating to a further 3 full-time officers, have been assisting on a strictly part-time basis with the backlogs of appeals and it is intended that they will be employed until the end of the year. From the 1st of October, the Community Welfare Service merged with the Department of Social Protection. In that regard, the Community Welfare Service appeals system has been integrated with the Social Welfare Appeals Office and this has resulted in the transfer of 10 additional Appeals Officer from that date. However the integration is expected to add a further 9,000 appeals to the numbers registered in the Social Welfare Appeals Office in a full year.

In addition to the provision of additional staff, I am assured by the Chief Appeals Officer that she is keeping the methods of operation by which the Social Welfare Appeals Office conducts its business under constant review, and that the processes are continuously being enhanced to reduce the backlogs in the Office and, overall, to reduce the processing times for dealing with appeals. As a result of the various initiatives taken, there has been an increase in the number of decisions made by Appeals Officers of 5,708 in the first 10 months of 2011 in comparison to the same period in 2010, as well as a reduction in the backlog of 2,863 in the same period.

Social Welfare Benefits

Jack Wall

Ceist:

302 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for rent allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34276/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The community welfare service (CWS) and the community welfare officers providing it transferred formally to the Department of Social Protection (DSP) from 1 October 2011. The service and the staff are now part of the DSP. The person concerned has made an application for rent supplement on 7 November and has been requested to provide further information in order to process her claim. A decision will be made on her application when the information has been provided.

Social Welfare Appeals

Terence Flanagan

Ceist:

303 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding an appeal for the invalidity pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34280/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 29 September 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 in due course 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.

Brendan Ryan

Ceist:

304 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an application for jobseeker’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; when the claim will go into payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34291/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 01 October 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 in due course 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.

Question No. 305 answered with Question No. 300.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

306 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on a supplementary welfare allowance appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34312/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

Following on from the transfer of the Community Welfare Service from the Health Services Executive (HSE) to the Department of Social Protection, with effect from Saturday 1st October, legislation was commenced which provides that appeals for supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) will be made to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. Up to now, the legislation provided for a 2 step process, first to the Health Services Executive (HSE) and, if still dissatisfied, to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.

As part of that process, any appeals that have been submitted in recent weeks to the HSE are being transferred to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. These appeals will be registered and acknowledged by the Social Welfare Appeals Office in due course. In this case, I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an appeal for SWA for the person concerned has not yet been registered. The Chief Appeals Officer has assured me that all appropriate measures are being taken to address the smooth transfer of SWA appeals to her 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.

Social Welfare Benefits

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

307 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review a decision to refuse back to school clothing and footwear allowance to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 17; and the position regarding the application. [34314/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA) scheme assists eligible categories of people with the cost of school clothing and footwear. The allowance is paid in respect of eligible children between the ages of 2 and 17 years of age and between the ages of 18 and 22 years of age if in full time education in respect of which a qualified child allowance (QCA) is being paid. As the person concerned is not currently in receipt of a qualified child allowance for her son, a payment of BSCFA cannot be made in this instance. The person concerned was notified of this decision. A subsequent review of her claim also upheld the decision to refuse a payment of BSCFA and the person concerned was advised of the review decision in writing.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

308 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the basis on which it is justified to withdraw payment of invalidity pension in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare in view of the incontrovertible medical evidence (details supplied) demonstrating a permanent incapability of work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34353/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

Invalidity pension is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the contribution conditions. Following a review of continued entitlement to invalidity pension and based on medical evidence provided by the person concerned, the medical assessor expressed the opinion that the person concerned was no longer eligible for invalidity pension. Accordingly, a decision was made that he was not entitled to invalidity pension with effect from 23 November 2011. He was notified of this decision in writing on 25 October 2011. The further medical evidence provided with this parliamentary question will be forwarded to a medical assessor for further consideration and the decision will be reviewed by a deciding officer upon receipt of the medical assessor's opinion. The person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome of this review.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

309 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if and when jobseeker’s allowance payment will be restored in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin in view of evidence of attempts to obtain further employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34354/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

Jobseeker's allowance payments to the person concerned have been restored with effect from 19 October 2011. Arrears due will be included in the payment on 16 November 2011.

Social Welfare Appeals

Sandra McLellan

Ceist:

310 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No 213 of 8 November 2011, if she will expedite and approve an application for rent allowance now under appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) taking into consideration that the current accommodation is not wheelchair friendly, has no downstairs bedroom or toilet facility, cannot be adapted and the local authority is unable to provide suitable alternative accommodation; the action she will take to address the situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34374/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

Following on from the transfer of the Community Welfare Service from the Health Services Executive (HSE) to the Department of Social Protection, with effect from Saturday 1st October legislation was commenced which provides that appeals for supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) will be made to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. Up to now, the legislation provided for a 2 step process, first to the Health Services Executive (HSE) and, if still dissatisfied, to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.

As part of that process, any appeals that have been submitted in recent weeks to the HSE are being transferred to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. These appeals will be registered and acknowledged by the Social Welfare Appeals Office in due course. In this case, I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an appeal for SWA for the person concerned has not yet been registered. The Chief Appeals Officer has assured me that all appropriate measures are being taken to address the smooth transfer of SWA appeals to her 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.

Services for People with Disabilities

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

311 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Social Protection the provisions that have been made to facilitate and encourage the participation of persons with a disability in the national internship scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34467/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The overall objective of labour market policy is to provide a pathway to appropriate employment, training and education opportunities for those on the Live Register so that as employment opportunities become available they can be taken up by those on the Register.

For this reason, in order to be eligible to participate in JobBridge — the National Internship Scheme — an individual must:

currently be on the Live Register;

have been in receipt of Jobseekers Benefit, Jobseekers Allowance or signing for Social Insurance Contribution Credits for a total of 3 months or more in the last 6 months.

Given the scale of the unemployment crisis, it is imperative to keep those on the Live Register close to the labour market and prevent the drift into long-term unemployment. This will ensure that those availing of activation measures such as the National Internship Scheme will gain work experience and so be in a better position to avail of employment opportunities as the economy improves.

For these reasons, eligibility for the scheme is confined to those on the Live Register and in receipt of unemployment payments or signing for credits for 3 months. In so designing the scheme, the policy objective is to prioritise scarce resources on those on the Live Register so as to increase their chances of leaving it and ensure a reduction in Exchequer costs over time. Individuals who are in receipt of a disability allowance can access the FÁS Work Placement Programme, which provides participants with a work experience placement of between two and nine months. During this time participants may be able to retain their social welfare entitlements.

In addition, people in receipt of a disability allowance can access a range of other specific programmes, such as the Supported Employment Programme and the Wage Subsidy Scheme. Both of these programmes aim to assist people with a disability to secure and maintain a job in the labour market.

Social Welfare Appeals

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

312 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on an appeal for a domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34496/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

In the case in question, an application for domiciliary care allowance (DCA) was received on 24 January 2011. This application was referred to one of the Department's Medical Assessors who found that the child was not medically eligible for DCA. A letter issued on the 10 February 2011 refusing the allowance. The person concerned subsequently lodged an appeal against this decision. She was informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office on the 20 October 2011 that the appeal had been disallowed. The decision/appeal process for this application is now complete. If the person concerned has additional information which was not made available to the deciding officer and appeals officer when they made their decisions, it is open to her to re-apply for the payment.

Appointments to State Boards

Liam Twomey

Ceist:

313 Deputy Liam Twomey asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of positions on State boards and agencies under her aegis which she has advertised in the past seven months; the number of applications received; the number of applicants subsequently appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34511/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

There are three statutory bodies operating under the aegis of the Department of Social Protection, namely the Social Welfare Tribunal, the Citizens Information Board and the Pensions Board. In addition, the Office of the Pensions Ombudsman comes under the remit of the Department but it does not have a board. No appointment has been made to either the board of the Social Welfare Tribunal or to the Pensions Board in the last seven months.

An appointment was made to the Citizens Information Board in September. When this vacancy arose a public request for expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced individuals was made. Some 172 applications were received and an appointment was made following a rigorous selection process in accordance with the legislation governing appointments to such a board. Details of current board members and appointments are available on the Department's website at www.welfare.ie/EN/AboutUs/Pages/stateagencies.aspx.

Public Services Card

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

314 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to introduce a system of biometric ID cards for persons claiming social welfare; if they are to be introduced, the security arrangements in place to protect the information contained on the cards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34533/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The Department has developed, in conjunction with a number of other Government Departments, the specifications for a Public Services Card (PSC) under the Standard Authentication Framework Environment (SAFE) programme. The aim is to develop a card that acts as a key for access to public services in general.

The phased introduction of the Public Services Card started last month. The registration process is currently being piloted in a number of local offices in the Department, including Tullamore, Sligo and King's Inn in Dublin. Roll out of the card will be done as securely and speedily as possible but it will take a number of years to complete. The initial focus will be on roll out to Department clients of working age. The card will store photographs but it is not planned to store other biometric information such as fingerprints or eye retinas.

The front of the card shows a person's name, photograph and signature, along with the card expiry date. The back of the card shows the person's PPS Number and a card number. It also has a magnetic stripe for compatibility with existing Social Services Cards. The card will electronically hold a person's name, PPS Number, date of birth, place of birth, sex, nationality, all former surnames, all former surnames of their mother, a photograph and a signature. The principle is that the card only holds identifying data and that any other sensitive data relating to a particular use would be held on a secure server in the relevant agency.

The Public Services Card has multiple protection mechanisms, all of the highest current international standards, to prevent and detect tampering with the physical card and its contents. The Deputy will appreciate that it would be unwise to elaborate on these security mechanisms. In addition, a PSC and a card reader will communicate with each other by cryptographic means. Only card readers specifically programmed to accept PSCs can undertake this functionality.

Question No. 315 withdrawn.

Social Welfare Appeals

Dan Neville

Ceist:

316 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Social Protection if carer’s allowance will be expedited in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [34555/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The person concerned was refused carer's allowance in respect of a second care recipient on grounds that the care recipient is not so disabled as to require full-time care and attention as prescribed in regulations. On 22 October 2010, she was notified of this decision. She appealed this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.

An appeals officer, having fully considered the evidence, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned as it had not been established that the qualifying conditions had been met. The medical evidence indicated the need for some support but not for full-time care and attention within the meaning of the relevant social welfare legislation. She was notified accordingly on 3 August 2011. The decision of an appeals officer is final and may only be reviewed in the light of new evidence or new facts not already presented at the time of appeal. There is no evidence of any new information in this case having been received in my department nor in the Social Welfare Appeals Office.

Social Welfare Benefits

Michelle Mulherin

Ceist:

317 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a payment for rent supplement was stopped in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34558/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

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

Ministerial Staff

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

318 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of her constituency and parliamentary staff, appointed following the February 2011 elections, on salaries that exceed their applicable pay scale grade; the number of her existing and parliamentary staff employed prior to the February 2011 elections but awarded salary increases following the election that exceed their applicable pay scale grade; and if she will provide their annual salary details in a tabular format. [34576/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

Since my appointment on 9 March 2011, I have appointed a Special Adviser, a Press Adviser, a Personal Assistant and a Personal Secretary.

The applicable pay scale grade for Special Advisers is the Principal Officer (standard) scale: €80,051 to €92,672. As my Special Adviser was previously employed in the private sector on a salary package that was more than twice the highest point of the Principal Officer (standard) scale, I sought sanction from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for remuneration in excess of the applicable pay scale grade. A single point salary of €127,796 was sanctioned by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform effective from 29 July 2011. This represents a reduction of over one third in my Special Adviser's previous salary in the private sector. My other staff are paid within the appropriate applicable pay scale grades.

Question No. 319 answered with Question No. 268.

Social Welfare Benefits

Michael McNamara

Ceist:

320 Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Social Protection the amount that has been expended on child benefit in each year from 2000 to date in 2011; the number of children in respect of whom these payments were made, respectively; the measures, such as progressive taxation, taken by her to ensure that these payments aided those most in need over parents of less needy children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34588/11]

Michael McNamara

Ceist:

321 Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Social Protection the amount that has been expended on child benefit in each year from 2000 to date in 2011; the number of children in respect of whom these payments were made, respectively; the measures, such as progressive taxation, taken by her to ensure that these payments aided those most in need over parents of less needy children; and if she will make a statement on the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34597/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 320 and 321 together.

The tabular statement below details number of families and children in receipt of Child Benefit from 2000 to 2010 as well as expenditure over that period. Details for expenditure up to end October 2011 and for recipient families/children in September 2011 are also provided. Child Benefit is a universal payment that assists parents in relation to the costs associated with raising children and it contributes towards alleviating child poverty. The Government is conscious that this payment is an important source of income for all families with children, particularly during a time of recession and unemployment. The Department of Social Protection also provides assistance to low income families with children through increases to primary social welfare payments in respect of qualified children and through the family income supplement.

Taxation of Child Benefit is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Finance. The taxation of Child Benefit, along with means testing or income testing of the payment, have been identified as possible approaches to making Child Benefit more selective. While these approaches could have the effect of facilitating increased targeting of support to lower-income households, they vary considerably in their effects and practical implementation. Analysis of both of these approaches has noted that there are considerable logistical and legal issues associated with both taxation and means testing of Child Benefit. Furthermore, there are common difficulties in relation to defining income, the unit of assessment and the scale of administrative effort required. Moreover, the taxation or means testing of Child Benefit would only address one of the main child income support payments and would not in itself create a better design of the overall child income support system.

Taking everything into account, I would prefer that any reforms in this area would comprehensively address the broad range of issues raised in earlier analysis of these approaches. For this reason I have asked the Advisory Group on Tax and Social Welfare, which I established last June, to prioritise the issue of family and child income supports. The group is considering various approaches in relation to child income support payments to ensure that outcomes in relation to employment incentives and child poverty are improved.

Expenditure and Number of Beneficiaries of Child Benefit, 2000 to 2011
Year	Expenditure	Number of Children	Number of Families
	€000
2000	637,543	1,018,175	510,840
2001	964,847	1,014,340	514,919
2002	1,462,793	1,019,551	522,441
2003	1,666,530	1,034,851	534,009
2004	1,765,117	1,051,005	540,911
2005	1,899,936	1,060,740	547,540
2006	2,056,295	1,083,980	562,860
2007	2,232,974	1,110,715	579,612
2008	2,453,957	1,141,938	596,108
2009	2,495,304	1,156,917	602,932
2010	2,213,497	1,124,003	591,432
2011*	1,722,000	1,138,423	598,614

*Expenditure for 2011 covers period to end October; children and family beneficiaries are for end September 2011

Social Welfare Appeals

John McGuinness

Ceist:

322 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection when carer’s allowance will be approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if she will expedite this matter. [34600/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in this case. There has been a very significant increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office since 2007 when the intake was 14,070 to 2010 when the intake rose to 32,432. This has significantly impacted on the processing time for appeals which require oral hearings and, in order to be fair to all appellants, they are dealt with in strict chronological order.

While every effort is being made to deal with the large numbers awaiting oral hearing as quickly as possible, it is not possible to give a date when the person's oral hearing will be heard, but s/he will be informed when arrangements have been made. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

323 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for benefit in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; if the claim will be backdated to the original date of application; and if a response will be expedited. [34611/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an invalidity pension appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 13 June 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 28 October 2011 and the appeal will, in due course, be assigned 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.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

324 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection, further to Parliamentary Question No. 310 of 25 October 2011 regarding a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny, if this matter and claims have now been resolved; and if payments have been made to the client. [34614/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence, including that adduced at oral hearing, has allowed the appeal of the person concerned. The person concerned has been notified of the decision.

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

Redundancy Payments

John McGuinness

Ceist:

325 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection, further to Parliamentary Question No. 144 of 2 November 2011, if she will issue payment immediately to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [34615/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

My officials have confirmed that the cheque which issued to the person concerned on 9 March 2011 has not been cashed. A new cheque will be issued as soon as possible.

Social Welfare Benefits

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Ceist:

326 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an application for rent supplement in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34627/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The community welfare service (CWS) and the community welfare officers providing it transferred formally to the Department of Social Protection (DSP) from 1 October 2011. The service and the staff are now part of the DSP.

There is no record of a rent supplement application in respect of the person concerned. If the person concerned wishes to apply for rent supplement he should complete a rent supplement pack and return it to the Central Rents Unit, PO Box 11758, Dublin 7.

Social Welfare Appeals

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

327 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on an appeal for a domiciliary care allowance will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34630/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 23 August 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 Appeal Office on 07 October 2011 and the appeal was assigned to an Appeals Officer on 09 November 2011 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.

Pension Provisions

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

328 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the correct level of entitlement to contributory pension in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34641/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The qualifying conditions for State pension (contributory) require the applicant to: have entered into insurable employment before attaining the age of 56 years; have at least 260 paid contribution weeks, from employment or self-employment, since entry into insurance; and to satisfy the yearly average condition.

According to the Department's records, the person concerned has a total of 613 contributions and credits recorded from 1959 to 2009. This is equivalent to a yearly average of 12, which is sufficient to entitle her to a 50% State pension (contributory) with effect from 12 December 2009. In order to qualify for the maximum rate pension, a yearly average of 48 contributions or more would be required.

The person concerned states that she worked for Irish Ceca as a Cleaner from 1983 to 1985. There are currently no contributions on record for these years. Her case has been referred to a Social Welfare Inspector for further investigation. Her pension entitlement will re-examined when the Inspector has concluded the investigation and she will be notified of the outcome.

Social Welfare Appeals

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

329 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if and when an appeal will be heard in respect of an application for disability allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34644/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in this case.

There has been a very significant increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office since 2007 when the intake was 14,070 to 2010 when the intake rose to 32,432. This has significantly impacted on the processing time for appeals which require oral hearings and, in order to be fair to all appellants, they are dealt with in strict chronological order.

While every effort is being made to deal with the large numbers awaiting oral hearing as quickly as possible, it is not possible to give a date when the person's oral hearing will be heard, but s/he will be informed when arrangements have been made.

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

Question No. 330 withdrawn.

Social Welfare Benefits

Patrick O'Donovan

Ceist:

331 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide a breakdown, from the start of 2010 to date, of the percentage of applications for carer’s allowance that have been refused; of that number, the amount that have been appealed; and of those appealed, the amount that have had the decision to refuse overturned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34656/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

In 2010, 16,629 new carer's allowance claims were processed and 6,972 (or just under 42%) were refused in the year. 10,497 new claims were processed to the end of September 2011, of which 3,921 (or just over 37%) were refused. These figures relate to the initial decision made on each application.

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that 2,969 carer's allowance appeals were received in 2010 and that 1,838 carer's allowance appeals were received between 1 January 2011 and 31 October 2011.

During 2010 a total 2,154 appeals were concluded, of which 1,215 (56%) had a successful outcome for the appellant. The relevant figures for 2011 (to end October) are 2,602 appeals concluded, of which 1,288 (49.5%) had a successful outcome.

While roughly 52.5% of the combined totals (2,503) had a successful outcome for appellants, over half of these decisions (1,283) were in fact revised decisions made by deciding officers in carer's allowance section, who reviewed the claim following the initial disallowance. These revised decisions arose primarily as a result of new facts or fresh evidence produced by the claimant after the initial decision on his/her claim. In such cases an appeals officer's decision was not necessary. Of the 1,459 carer's appeals determined by appeals officers in 2010, 520 were allowed or partially allowed (35.64%). In 2011, the relevant number allowed by appeals officers was 700 (just under 35%).

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Ceist:

332 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an application for rent supplement in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34667/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The community welfare service (CWS) and the community welfare officers providing it transferred formally to the Department of Social Protection (DSP) from 1 October 2011. The service and the staff are now part of the DSP.

The person concerned has made an application for rent supplement on the 8th of November and has been requested to provide further information in order to process her claim. A decision will be made on her application when the information has been provided.

Paschal Donohoe

Ceist:

333 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a back to school clothing and footwear allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34677/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA) scheme assists eligible categories of people with the cost of school clothing and footwear. The allowance is paid in respect of eligible children between the ages of 2 and 17 years of age and between the ages of 18 and 22 years of age if in full time education in respect of which a qualified child allowance (QCA) is being paid.

As the person concerned is not currently in receipt of a qualified child allowance for his daughter, a payment of BSCFA cannot be made in this instance.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

334 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider linking continuing entitlement to child benefit to school attendance; her views on whether this approach offers an opportunity to save funding as the obligation to pay child benefit to children not resident in the State would thereby be ended, and could simultaneously resolve the issue of truancy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34696/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The question of how best to address the issue of truancy is primarily a matter for my colleagues, the Ministers for Education and Skills and for Children and Youth Affairs.

Child benefit is a universal payment that assists parents with the cost associated with raising children and it contributes towards alleviating child poverty. It is paid monthly in respect of all children up to the age of 16 years and in respect of children over 16 years of age up to their 18th birthday who are in full time education or have a disability. The Government is conscious that this payment is an important source of income for all families, particularly during a time of recession and unemployment.

There are no plans to introduce a condition in Ireland related to school attendance beyond that which currently exists for those aged 16 and 17. My Department is aware that while the payment of family and child related supports is conditional in some countries on availing of social services such as school attendance or health care, this tends to be a characteristic of social protection systems in developing countries and is not generally a feature of those in the EU.

The Irish child benefit payment is classified as a family benefit for the purposes of the EU's social security systems' coordination rules and the payment of these benefits are governed by specific rules set out in EU Regulations 883/2004 and 987/2009. EU nationals who come to work in Ireland, and who pay Irish social insurance contributions, are entitled to receive child benefit in respect of their children, even if the children reside in another EU Member State. The equality provisions of the regulations require that these payments are made at the same rate and under the same conditions as apply to a person whose family is resident in Ireland. As in many areas of EU legislation, national legislation must be implemented in a manner that is compatible with EU legislation.

It is therefore likely that changing the rules to confine payment of child benefit to children attending school in Ireland in order to avoid paying child benefit in respect of children not resident in the state would not be compatible with the current coordination rules. This is because attendance at a school or an educational institution in another EU Member State must be treated in the same way as attendance in Ireland.

Dominic Hannigan

Ceist:

335 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons who have been receiving rent supplement for the past six months, for the past year, for two years, for three years, for four years, for five years, for six years, and for seven years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34699/11]

Dominic Hannigan

Ceist:

336 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in County Meath who received rent supplement in the years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; the amount it cost in each year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34700/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 335 and 336 together.

The community welfare service (CWS) and the community welfare officers providing it transferred formally to the Department of Social Protection (DSP) from 1 October 2011. The service and the staff are now part of the DSP. The following tabular statement shows the current number of rent supplement recipients by claim duration. I also set out below a tabular statement showing the number of recipients of rent supplement in County Meath from 2007 to 2011. Expenditure on rent supplement by county is not available.

Tabular Statements
Recipients of Rent Supplement by Claim Duration, 4 November 2011
Duration	Recipients
0 to 6 months	23,622
6 to 12 months	18,847
1 to 2 years	24,948
2 to 3 years	15,259
3 to 4 years	5,667
4 to 5 years	2,279
5 to 6 years	1,646
6 to 7 years	1,083
7 years +	2,553
Total	95,904

(1) This represents unbroken continuous claims only. Where recipients change address, the claim at the new address may be recorded as a new claim and the duration spent at the previous address may not be taken into account in these statistics

(2) Claims with duration of precisely 6 months are recorded under the 6 to 12 months heading, claims with duration of precisely 1 year are recorded under the 1 to 2 years heading and so on.

Recipients of Rent Supplement in County Meath, 2007 to 2011
Year	Recipients
2007	910
2008	1,453
2009	2,213
2010	2,552
2011*	2,653

* At 4 November 2011.

Social Welfare Appeals

Patrick O'Donovan

Ceist:

337 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34710/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that a carer's allowance appeal, by the person concerned, was registered in that office on 31 August 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 07 November 2011 and the appeal will, in due course, be assigned 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.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

338 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if the further information submitted by a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny relative to their claim for domiciliary care allowance will now be considered; and if she will expedite an early response. [34717/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 01 September 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 11 November 2011 and the appeal will, in due course, be assigned to an Appeals Officer for consideration. As part of this consideration, the Appeals Officer will consider all the evidence submitted in this case.

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.

Question No. 339 withdrawn.

Architectural Heritage

Michael McNamara

Ceist:

340 Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his views on preserving and maintaining the listed buildings known as Blake’s or Linnane’s Corner in Ennistymon, County Clare; if he will support the proposal to move the buildings complete and intact to allow for the creation of a new and improved junction, or if he will favour their destruction and reconstruction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34561/11]

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan)

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 structures known as Blake and Linnanes are included on the Record of Protected Structures for County Clare. Inclusion on the Record of Protected Structures places a duty of care on the owners and occupiers of protected structures and gives planning authorities powers to deal with development proposals affecting them in order to safeguard their future.

Section 57(10)(b) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 states that ‘A planning authority, or the Board on appeal, shall not grant permission for the demolition of a protected structure or proposed protected structure, save in exceptional circumstances'.

My Department is in contact with Clare County Council and has previously advised that any proposal to demolish and rebuild these structures set back from the current building line is contrary to the thrust of the Planning and Development Act 2000 and would therefore require strong justification and a robust and detailed methodology that demonstrated that such an approach is both feasible and appropriate without any further loss of character than is absolutely necessary.

My Department has also advised the local authority that if the envisaged removal and set back were to proceed, a sustainable and suitable new use would have to be found for both structures that takes into account a potential increase in traffic along this corner.

Wildlife Conservation

Eric J. Byrne

Ceist:

341 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of persons licensed to shoot deer; when the deer shooting season begins and ends; if he will confirm on a county basis the number of wildlife wardens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34690/11]

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan)

Licences to hunt deer are issued by my Department on an annual basis to individuals under the Wildlife Acts. Over 4,200 such licences have been issued to date this year. The hunting season for deer is regulated by the Open Seasons Order. The current open season for most deer species, including Red, Fallow and Sika, operates from 1 September to 28 February, depending on the gender and age of deer. The hunting of red male deer is prohibited in the county of Kerry during the open season. There is a 12-month open season for Muntjac deer as it is considered to be an invasive species.

As well as more senior regionally based officers of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department, there are some seventy five NPWS conservation rangers stationed around the country who deal with enforcement matters under the Wildlife Acts; many of these officers carry out work in more than one county. In addition, members of an Garda Síochána have enforcement powers under these Acts.

Croke Park Agreement

Dominic Hannigan

Ceist:

342 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of Croke Park agreement projects that each State agency under his aegis is progressing; if he will list each project by Department in tabular form; the amount to be saved by each project; the number that have been completed since the agreement came into force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34151/11]

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan)

My Department recently published progress reports under the Public Service Agreement in respect of the bodies funded from its Vote Group. The reports are available on my Department's website, which can be accessed at www.ahg.gov.ie. It should be noted that the Action Plans in question reflect the actions planned over the course of the agreement and savings arising.

Museum Projects

Clare Daly

Ceist:

343 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will consider contacting and offering support to the Balbriggan Maritime Museum (details supplied) in County Dublin. [34179/11]

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan)

I regret to inform the Deputy that due to the difficult economic situation no new financial commitments can be contemplated by my Department at this time.

Appointments to State Boards

Liam Twomey

Ceist:

344 Deputy Liam Twomey asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of positions on State boards and agencies under his aegis which he has advertised in the past seven months; the number of applications received; the number of applicants subsequently appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34499/11]

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan)

The information sought by the Deputy in relation to positions on State boards and agencies under the aegis of my Department advertised in the past seven months is set out in the following table.

State body	Number of positions advertised in the past 7 months	Number of applications received	Number of applicants subsequently appointed (to date)
Heritage Council	A general advertisement seeking expressions of interest was published in May 2011. The number of positions was not specified.	77	0
Arts Council	A general advertisement seeking expressions of interest was published in May 2011. The number of positions was not specified.	99	5
Irish Film Board	A general advertisement seeking expressions of interest was published in June 2011. The number of positions was not specified.	51	0
Irish Museum of Modern Art	A general advertisement seeking expressions of interest was published in May 2011. The number of positions was not specified.	67	0
National Concert Hall	A general advertisement seeking expressions of interest was published in May 2011. The number of positions was not specified.	76	10
National Gallery of Ireland	A general advertisement seeking expressions of interest was published in June 2011. The number of positions was not specified.	27	0
Chester Beatty Library	One position was advertised.	0	0

Departmental Grants

Niall Collins

Ceist:

345 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the amount of grant aid approved for an organisation (details supplied) in County Limerick for the years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011. [34516/11]

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan)

The annual administration grants provided to the organisation referred to by the Deputy from 2005 to date are set out in the table below.

Year	Grant Provided
2005	€70,000
2006	€80,000
2007	€90,000
2008	€150,000
2009	€140,000
2010	€110,500
2011	€100,000

In addition to the above allocations, the organisation in question also received a number of project specific grants from my Department. In view of the constraints imposed by a "details supplied" Question, I am arranging for the information in regard to the allocations for those projects to be forwarded directly to the Deputy.

Ministerial Staff

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

346 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of his constituency and parliamentary staff, appointed following the February 2011 elections, on salaries that exceed their applicable pay scale grade; the number of his existing and parliamentary staff employed prior to the February 2011 elections but awarded salary increases following the election that exceed their applicable pay scale grade; and if he will provide their annual salary details in a tabular format. [34564/11]

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan)

As the Deputy will be aware, my Department was established on 2nd June 2011.

No constituency or parliamentary staff in my Department, appointed either prior to or following the February 2011 elections, received pay or pay increases that exceed their applicable pay scale grade. The staffing levels in the private offices and the constituency offices of both me and Minister of State Dinny McGinley, T.D., are consistent with the Guidelines on Staffing of Ministerial Offices, as approved by the Government earlier this year.

Departmental Correspondence

Niall Collins

Ceist:

347 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he can advise on the queries raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding the management of accounts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34720/11]

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan)

The Deputy has raised a number of queries. I will have those queries examined by my Department and revert directly to the Deputy.

Capital Projects

Gerald Nash

Ceist:

348 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide details in relation to the number and value of State capital project contracts awarded to companies registered outside the State in the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively; if he will provide details in respect of the number and value of State capital project contracts awarded to companies registered in the Republic of Ireland in the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34803/11]

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan)

The Deputy will appreciate that as my Department was established in 2011, it is not feasible for me to provide information relating to prior years.

In this regard, the available information with respect to State capital project contracts awarded to companies in 2011 to date is set out in the table below. I regret, however, that such information is not readily available or retrievable in respect of the numerous discrete capital works, many of them of a minor nature, that are carried out each year as part of the day-to-day management of the 6 National Parks and 78 nature reserves that are under my Department's remit. Compilation of such information in respect of this component of my Department's capital operations would involve a disproportionate amount of time and work, and would be very difficult to justify. I am advised, however, that all procurement in this area is carried out in line with national and EU guidelines, which do not allow the exclusion of any company on the basis of country of origin.

Description of contract	Country of origin of registered company	Value of contract	Year
Consultancy work in relation to development of Clifden and Inishbofin Aerodromes	Ireland	€56,661	2011
Phase 2, National Survey of Upland Habitats	Ireland	€274,955	2011
Woodland Monitoring Survey	Ireland	€185,215	2011
Monitoring survey and assessment of conservation status — Irish sand dune systems	Ireland	€159,500	2011
Provision of support in marine conservation objective setting	Ireland	€31,635	2011
Collection of waterbird data for Irish coastal SPAs	Ireland	€92,531	2011
Rescue excavation, Clare	Ireland	€8,640	2011
Rescue excavation, Galway	Ireland	€3,360	2011
Post-excavation, Kerry	Ireland	€484	2011
Post-excavation, Galway	Ireland	€8,318	2011
Post-excavation, Cork	Ireland	€5,705	2011
Post-excavation, Galway	Ireland	€1,089	2011

State Bodies

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

349 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the chief executive of Ordnance Survey Ireland has agreed to repay the several thousand euros overpaid to her in salary over a period of two years in full by 31 December this year; if the correct salary has now been applied, including the January 2010 public service pay reduction, to the chief executive; and his view of the board of Ordnance Survey Ireland’s handling of this matter in its interactions with the Department over the past 18 months. [34591/11]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte)

Arrangements for the payment of salaries to its staff, including the Chief Executive Officer, and the making of statutory deductions are day to day operational matters for Ordnance Survey Ireland as is the case with any Agency or Body Corporate under the aegis of my Department. In relation to the Chief Executive Officer, I understand that the Board has put in place arrangements to recover the overpayment of CEO salary and for an adjustment to be made in line with Government decisions on salaries.

Energy Conservation

Patrick Nulty

Ceist:

350 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the energy poverty strategy will be published. [33987/11]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte)

Energy Affordability is a cross-cutting policy issue and tackling the root causes requires action on a number of fronts across Government and across Agencies. Energy poverty is caused by interaction between energy prices, thermal inefficiency of the home and income. Action to mitigate energy poverty has focused on providing assistance through the schemes operated by the Departments of Social Protection, Environment, Community and Local Government, and the Sustainable Authority of Ireland (SEAI).

The Inter-Departmental/Agency Group on Affordable Energy, which is chaired by my Department and which represents all key Departments, Agencies and energy suppliers as well as the Energy Regulator and NGOs, finalised its own deliberations on the Affordable Energy Strategy over the summer months.

I have recently completed a further round of discussions with the Ministers for Social Protection and Environment, Community and Local Government, and it is my intention, with the approval of the Government to publish the Affordable Energy Strategy within the next few weeks.

The Affordable Energy Strategy will be the framework for building upon the many measures already in place to protect households at risk from the effects of energy poverty, which include the thermal efficiency-based measures delivered through the Better Energy: Warmer Homes programme. Providing significant energy efficiency improvements to homes in, or at risk of, energy poverty, results in benefits to recipients in terms of energy affordability, tangible health improvements and overall well being.

Inland Fisheries

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

351 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will list all rivers in County Donegal that are closed to anglers; the length of time of each closure; if he will describe any pertinent plans for re-opening; the reasons for closures of the rivers; the numbers of counters on each individual river; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34142/11]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte)

Regulations are made annually following statutory public consultation, for the management of the wild salmon and sea trout fishery, based on the scientific and management advice provided by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI).

Every year salmon river stocks are reassessed and any new scientific information is included to ensure that the most up-to-date information is utilised in the formulation of the advice. If a river stock is determined to have surplus fish that are over and above the conservation limit for that river, a total allowable catch (TAC) is declared. I am advised that if a river is not achieving its conservation limits, it is either opened for angling on a catch and release basis (with limited associated mortality) or it is closed to all salmon and sea trout harvest.

In accordance with the Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme (No. 2) Regulations 2010 (SI No. 665 of 2010) and the Conservation of Salmon and Sea Trout (Closed Rivers) Bye-law No. C.S. 306 of 2010, the Abbey, Ballintra (Murvagh), Laghy (Stream), Bungosteen and Erne rivers in the Ballyshannon Fishery District; and the Isle (Burn), Mill, Clonmany, Straid, Owennamarve, Swilly, Donagh, Culoort, Lackagh and Leannan rivers in the Letterkenny Fishery District in County Donegal were closed to salmon and sea trout fishing during the 2011 season, given the status of their respective stocks

As the Deputy may be aware, I recently announced a 30 day public consultation process on the Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme (No. 2) Regulations 2011 and associated conservation measures, which will inform the management of the wild salmon and sea trout fishery for 2012, based on the scientific and management advice provided by IFI.

The draft regulations provide, based on the latest assessment, the following changes to the status of rivers in 2012:—

(1) The Bungosteen river in the Ballyshannon Fishery District (closed in 2011) to open for catch and release angling;

(2) The Eany River in the Ballyshannon Fishery District and Gweedore (Crolly) River in the Letterkenny Fishery District (both open in 2011) are to open for catch and release only;

(3) The Clady and Glenna rivers in the Letterkenny Fishery District (both open for catch and release in 2011) to close for conservation purposes.

Full details are available on my Department's website: (http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/Natural/Inland+Fisheries/).

I understand there are five fish counters within the North Western River Basin District, which includes County Donegal. These are strategically located on the rivers Eske, Eany, Erne (2 at Cathaleen's Fall and Cliff power stations) and Clady. The information gathered from these counters and other index counters along with catch data and surveys of spawning beds, fish populations and habitats, as well as juvenile electro-fishing results are relied upon to determine rivers' salmon stock status.

Croke Park Agreement

Dominic Hannigan

Ceist:

352 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of Croke Park agreement projects that each State agency under his aegis is progressing; if he will list each project by Department in tabular form; the amount to be saved by each project; the number that have been completed since the agreement came into force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34153/11]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte)

Under the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014, detailed action plans have been developed by each State agency under the remit of my Department to underpin the change and reform process envisaged by the Agreement. The State Agencies concerned are set out in the table below. The Action Plans were first developed in October 2010 and subsequently revised in January 2011 and my Department has requested each Agency to make them available on their website.

It should be noted that the Implementation Body for the Agreement is currently considering the progress reported on the implementation of Action Plans under the Croke Park Agreement in each sector during the period April to September 2011. The Body is due to publish a summary of the progress reported to it on its website shortly. Once the Body has completed its consideration, the progress reports for this particular reporting period for individual public service bodies, including each State agency, will be published on their organisation's websites.

AGENCY

Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI)

Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg)

Commission for Energy Regulation (CER)

Digital Hub Development Agency (DHDA)

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI)

National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA)

Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSi)

Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI)

Energy Conservation

Terence Flanagan

Ceist:

353 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to include water harvesting in the warmer homes scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34200/11]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte)

I have no plans to include water harvesting (i.e. rain capturing) in the Better Energy: Warmer Homes scheme, which provides energy efficiency improvements to low-income homes, and is by definition designed to improve the energy performance of domestic dwellings. Water Harvesting is a water management technique and thus more appropriate to my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government and not one in which I have any function.

Telecommunications Services

Patrick O'Donovan

Ceist:

354 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to practices (details supplied) within the mobile telephone industry; if he is satisfied that the area is adequately regulated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34343/11]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte)

The primary purpose of Part 2 of the Communications Regulation (Premium Rate Services and Electronic Communications Infrastructure) Act 2010 is to ensure the more effective regulation of the premium rate sector in the interest of consumer protection, including the prevention of scams and fraud.

Under the provisions of that Act, the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) has statutory responsibility for the regulation of premium rate services. ComReg has made Regulations specifying the classes or types of premium rate services (PRS) that are required to be licensed, the terms and conditions that may be attached to a licence and the information that PRS providers shall provide to ComReg upon request

The Act provides for the continuation of the Code of Practice that was in place at the time when responsibility for the regulation of the PRS industry was conferred on ComReg. The Act also provides for ComReg to, through consultation with the industry and other interested parties, prepare and publish a Code of Practice to be followed by premium rate service providers. Compliance with the Code of Practice is a condition of a licence. ComReg is in the process of concluding its consultation on a revised Code of Practice and intends to publish the new Code in the coming weeks. It is anticipated that this Code will enhance transparency and protections for users of premium rate services.

The Act also provides ComReg with enforcement powers to ensure that licence conditions are met. It provides the necessary investigation powers for ComReg to ensure that the conditions of a licence are being complied with. ComReg has the power to revoke, amend or suspend a PRS licence where it finds the holder has failed to comply with a licence condition. I am satisfied that ComReg has the statutory powers necessary to protect the interests of PRS users. Any complaint regarding such services should, in the first instance, be directed to ComReg. Comprehensive information on the rights of individuals and complaints procedures is available on the ComReg's website www.phonesmart.ie.

Appointments to State Boards

Liam Twomey

Ceist:

355 Deputy Liam Twomey asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of positions on State boards and agencies under his aegis which he has advertised in the past seven months; the number of applications received; the number of applicants subsequently appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34501/11]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte)

The Deputy will be aware of the Government Decision of 12th April 2011 regarding new procedures for Appointments to State Boards.

Accordingly, on 3rd June 2011 I publicly sought Expressions of Interest for inclusion among those to be considered for appointment for vacancies which are to arise in bodies under the aegis of my Department up top end 2011. Following the public notice on my Department's website, and up to the closing date for receipt of Expressions of Interest applications (17th June 2011), I received 31 such expressions for the positions on State Boards which fall to be filled in 2011.

The following table details the boards for which vacancies were advertised and the appointments made to date, from the Expressions of Interest received, taking into consideration qualifications and legislative requirements where applicable:

Board	Number of Appointments made from Expressions of Interest received to date
An Post	0
EirGrid	2
Bord na Móna	0
Digital Hub Development Agency	0
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland	1
Ordnance Survey Ireland	0

Offshore Exploration

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

356 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if an environmental impact assessment was carried out in Broadhaven Bay and Sruwaddacon Bay in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34549/11]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte)

I assume that the Deputy is referring to an environmental impact assessment related to the Corrib gas project. In February of this year consent was granted under Section 40 of the Gas Acts, for the construction of a natural gas pipeline from the Corrib subsea facilities approximately 83 km offshore, to the Corrib gas terminal at Bellanaboy. The route of that pipeline passes through Broadhaven Bay and under Sruwaddacon Bay. The Gas Acts consent was informed by an environmental impact assessment.

Ministerial Staff

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

357 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of his constituency and parliamentary staff, appointed following the February 2011 elections, on salaries that exceed their applicable pay scale grade; the number of his existing and parliamentary staff employed prior to the February 2011 elections but awarded salary increases following the election that exceed their applicable pay scale grade; and if he will provide their annual salary details in a tabular format. [34566/11]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte)

Since my appointment as Minister one member of my staff, a Special Adviser, has been appointed at a salary that exceeds the applicable pay scale for the grade.

This staff member was not employed by me prior to my appointment and his annual salary of €97,200 was approved by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

National Broadband Scheme

Tom Fleming

Ceist:

358 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the take-up by subscribers to the national broadband scheme in view of the fact that the anticipated number countrywide was 126,000; the anticipated number of subscribers for County Kerry; the number that have joined to date in 2011; the percentage of the country that is now provided with adequate coverage; and due to numerous broadband blackspots in Kerry, his views on whether it is essential that this scheme be urgently rolled out to all parts of County Kerry. [34694/11]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte)

I understand that the number of subscriptions to date under the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) is 38,017, of which 3,550 are located in County Kerry. I must stress that in designing the NBS in 2008, my Department did not set a target of customer numbers. It is important to note that had my Department set target numbers for the Scheme, it would have exposed the public purse to an unacceptable risk as the successful bidder could argue that any shortfall in customer numbers (and revenue) would need to be compensated by the Department. Consequently, the taxpayer carries no risk on the lower than expected take-up.

The rollout of the NBS network was completed in October 2010 and broadband services are now available to persons with a fixed residence or fixed business in each of the 1,028 designated electoral divisions (EDs) of the NBS Coverage Area, including the 85 EDs covered in County Kerry. More generally, the key fact is that by virtue of the investment in the NBS, broadband services have been made available to circa 237,000 premises throughout the designated NBS areas. As the Deputy will appreciate subscription to the NBS is a matter for individual decision by persons in eligible areas.

From the beginning of this year, a total of 8,432 customers have subscribed to the Scheme, of which 1,190 are from County Kerry. Forecast NBS subscriber numbers on a county basis are not available from the NBS service provider, 3 Ireland.

Since the NBS contract was signed there has been an increased level of broadband availability from competitor service providers throughout rural parts of Ireland. In line with State aid rules, the State can only intervene in cases of market failure. Any call to include a new area into the NBS would have to be assessed on objective grounds and in line with the EU Commission's decision approving the Scheme and the consequent implementation of the NBS using electoral divisions. There are no plans to extend the areas covered under the NBS at this stage of project implementation. The Rural Broadband Scheme, which will be rolled out next year, is aimed at making broadband services available to individual un-served premises in rural non-NBS areas.

The completion of the roll-out phase of the NBS, in addition to the individual connections likely to feature in the Rural Broadband Scheme, means that Ireland will reach the EU Commission's "Digital Agenda for Europe" target of having basic broadband available to everybody in advance of the 2013 deadline.

Capital Projects

Gerald Nash

Ceist:

359 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide details in relation to the number and value of State capital project contracts awarded to companies registered outside the State in the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively; if he will provide details in respect of the number and value of State capital project contracts awarded to companies registered in the Republic of Ireland in the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34805/11]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte)

In the time available, it has not been possible to identify and assemble the information requested.

My Department is in the process of identifying and assembling the information and I will revert to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Electricity Generation

Jim Daly

Ceist:

360 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the profit made by ESB Electric Ireland for each of the past ten years in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34841/11]

Jim Daly

Ceist:

361 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the turnover of ESB Electric Ireland for each of the past ten years in tabular form. [34842/11]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 360 and 361 together.

ESB Electric Ireland was established in 2010 as ESB's single supply business and comprises the previously separated ESB Independent Energy (ESBIE), Customer Supply and Energy Services. Financial details of the ESB Group, including ESB Electric Ireland, are available in the Annual Report and Accounts of the company which are available on its website at the following web address: http://www.esb.ie/main/about-esb/company-profile.jsp

Animal Welfare

Simon Harris

Ceist:

362 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the problems posed by puppy farms here; his plans to tackle these farms; if he proposes to introduce legislation in this area in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34074/11]

Patrick Nulty

Ceist:

366 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he intends to sign legislation outlawing puppy farms. [33994/11]

Noel Grealish

Ceist:

404 Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the Dog Breeding Establishment Bill, which was passed by Dáil Éireann in July 2010, will be signed into law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34632/11]

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 362, 366 and 404 together.

The Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010, developed by the previous Government, was signed by the President on 21 July, 2010.

The Act provides that all dog breeding establishments be required to register with the relevant local authority, that they pay a registration fee and that they meet a minimum set of veterinary, welfare and other standards, together with some associated requirements.

Alongside the Dog Breeding Establishments Act, separate legislation on the related issue of greyhound welfare, which is the responsibility of the Minister for Agriculture, Food & the Marine, has now passed all stages in the Oireachtas. This legislation — the Welfare of Greyhounds Bill 2011 — will provide for the welfare of greyhounds and the regulation of greyhound breeding establishments. The provisions of both these pieces of legislation are complementary and accordingly, it is my intention to implement the Dog Breeding Establishments Act in tandem with the Welfare of Greyhounds Bill. This will give wide ranging protection to all dogs in the State by registering and controlling all breeding establishments. I will be finalising my position in relation to the commencement of the Dog Breeding Establishments Act following the enactment of the Welfare of Greyhounds Bill.

Natural Heritage Areas

Eric J. Byrne

Ceist:

363 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, in view of the increased footfall of persons hillwalking and walking in general in the countryside, if his attention has been drawn to the effect this is having in terms of erosion; if so, the measures being taken to curb erosion due to this increased footfall in our countryside; if his further attention has been drawn to the continued illegal use of dune buggies, scramblers and other motor vehicles on our national trails; his plans to ensure that their continued illegal use is halted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34692/11]

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

The matters raised in this question relate to the responsibilities of a number of Government Departments and Agencies. These include my own Department which is responsible for the implementation of the National Countryside Recreation Strategy and the administration of the Walks Scheme; the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht with regard to the National Parks and Wildlife Services; the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport with regard to the Irish Sports Council / National Trails Office, and Fáilte Ireland among others.

Much work has been undertaken recent years to improve access to the countryside for recreational purposes and to develop the outdoor activity tourism sector. Outdoor recreation and activity tourism is a specific growth market which the Government is committed to developing, to support job creation and development opportunities in rural areas particularly.

The actions of many State Agencies and National Governing Bodies for outdoor activities are focussed through Comhairle Na Tuaithe (the Countryside Council) in delivering on the implementation of the National Countryside Recreation Strategy. Two of the Strategic Objectives of this Recreation Strategy are:—

1. To achieve sustainable and responsible recreation in the countryside.

2. To promote caring recreational use of the countryside.

The development of guidelines on how to reduce the negative environmental and social impacts of large-scale rural recreation events is one of the priority actions being considered by Comhairle na Tuaithe. Intervention is required on some popular walking routes to prevent damage to the environment. The work being done by voluntary groups in the Dublin and Wicklow mountains provides a positive example of the recreation community taking responsibility for its impact. In other areas, early light touch intervention could prevent the need for expensive and intrusive path repair in the future.

The Irish Sports Council established a National Trails Office in 2007 to monitor and maintain a register of all recreational trail development around the country. The National Trails Office also promotes standards on trails and coordinates a trail inspection programme where safety, environmental and other important issues, including evidence of erosion, are identified on developed trails and reported to local management groups. While maintenance systems are still not fully developed on a number of promoted trails, and funding is currently limited, the overall maintenance and upkeep of many developed walking trails throughout the country has improved significantly in recent years.

While it is generally not illegal to use dune buggies, scramblers and other motor vehicles on our national trails, it is undesirable and is usually prohibited. All such trails are on private property or lands owned by State Agencies such as Coillte. On Coillte lands, for example, the company has power to introduce by-laws to manage inappropriate activity and can subsequently enforce these as required.

Additionally, under Regulation 29 of the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 (which replaced earlier regulations), the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has power to regulate, by direction, activities in specified places where such activities are likely to damage or seriously disturb nature sites or species of wildlife protected under EU law. At present there are 15 such directions in force. Most of these relate to the use of recreational vehicles and are a mechanism to protect sensitive habitats such as Special Protection Areas (for birds) and Special Areas of Conservation.

National Homelessness Strategy

Patrick Nulty

Ceist:

364 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of housing units provided this year for persons who were previously on local authority homeless lists. [33989/11]

Patrick Nulty

Ceist:

365 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he will complete and publish the review of the national homeless strategy The Way Home. [33990/11]

Patrick Nulty

Ceist:

382 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the Counted In study calculating the number of persons in homeless services will be conducted in 2011. [34281/11]

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 364, 365 and 382 together.

My Department's role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of housing authorities in addressing homelessness at local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of accommodation for homeless persons and the maintenance of housing/homeless lists resides with the 88 housing authorities and my Department does not hold the information requested in relation to persons who were previously on local authority homeless lists. In respect of counting numbers of people in homeless services, 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 the national homeless strategy 2008-2013 The Way Home . The system commenced in January 2011 and is currently in use by almost all service providers of homeless accommodation and outreach supports in the Dublin region.

Work 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., has been completed in the Dublin region and roll out nationally will now commence. Roll out will be on a phased basis and the first phase will consist of the South West and North East Regions comprising the County and City authorities of Cork, Kerry, Louth, Monaghan and Cavan. It is intended that the PASS system will be rolled out across the entire country by end 2012 providing that no unforeseen issues arise during the initial roll out phase.

The PASS system will in future provide good quality, timely, data on homelessness nationally as an evidence base for all homeless services. PASS will determine the numbers in homeless services for the Dublin region in 2011 and pending roll out nationally ‘Counted In' in the traditional manner will take place later this month or early December in Cork, Limerick and Galway. The issue of homelessness remains a key priority for Government which, despite current challenging economic circumstances, remains fully committed to protecting the most vulnerable and marginalised in our society. The Programme for Government commits to reviewing and updating the current homeless strategy and to adopting a ‘housing led' approach to homelessness. Work now underway on updating the strategy will be concluded later this year and will involve the establishment of clear performance targets and associated timelines with a particular emphasis on the delivery of accommodation units for homeless persons. Once complete the review will be published at the earliest opportunity.

Question No. 366 answered with Question No. 362.

Pension Provisions

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

367 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the name, position and a breakdown of the retirement packages for all local authority city and county managers eligible to retire before the end of February 2012. [33996/11]

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

In relation to existing city and county managers no serving manager's tenure is due to expire and no manager is due to retire before the end of February 2012. The pension entitlements for local authority managers are set out in Article 78 of the Local Government (Superannuation) (Consolidation) Scheme 1998.

Local Authority Charges

Joe Costello

Ceist:

368 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to introduce a single charge or discount on the non-principal private residence tax for subdivided houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34049/11]

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

The Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 broadened the revenue base of local authorities by introducing a charge on all non-principal private residences. The charge is payable by the owners of private rented accommodation, holiday homes and any other residential property that is not the owner's sole or main residence.

The Act defines residential property as including flats, apartments and bedsits. The charge is payable in respect of each unit of accommodation used, or suitable for use as a separate dwelling, whether or not any amenity or facility in the building or premises may be shared. The owner of a house split into a number of residential units is thus liable for the charge on each unit in that house. The view was taken when the Bill was being debated in the Oireachtas that this was the fairest approach. I have no plans at present to amend the charge on non-principal private residences in this respect.

Environmental Policy

Brian Stanley

Ceist:

369 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he will publish a climate change Bill. [34054/11]

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

376 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will be delivering a carbon budget in tandem with the financial budget as has been the practice in recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34234/11]

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

377 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, further to his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 7 of 20 October 2011, if he has brought the review on climate change to Government yet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34235/11]

Clare Daly

Ceist:

379 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the heads of Bill for the promised 2012 climate law will be sent to the Oireachtas committee by the end of 2011. [34256/11]

Clare Daly

Ceist:

380 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will repeat in 2011 and 2012 the €23 million contribution made in 2010 by his predecessor to the environment fund. [34257/11]

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 369, 376, 377, 379 and 380 together.

I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 257, 258, 268, 269, 292, 294, 295 and 302 of 2 November 2011 which sets out the position. The Climate Policy Review was published on 3 November 2011 and is available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie.

Ferry Services

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

370 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the contact he has had with Northern Ireland agencies and his Northern Ireland counterpart in attempting to get the Foyle ferry re-established and subsidised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34063/11]

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

371 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the progress made in finding a solution towards the re-establishment of the Lough Foyle ferry service in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34067/11]

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 370 and 371 together.

I have no function in relation to the matters raised in the Questions which are the responsibility of the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport and Donegal County Council. However, following receipt of a representation from Deputy Joe McHugh, Co-Chair of the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly, I took the opportunity, while attending the North-South Ministerial Council (Environment Sector) meeting on Friday 21 October 2011, to raise this issue with Danny Kennedy, MLA, Minister for Regional Development in Northern Ireland. Minister Kennedy undertook to look into the matter.

Building Regulations

Catherine Byrne

Ceist:

372 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there is any grant aid available for community and voluntary organisations to help them comply with the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2009 and costs associated with upgrading buildings to the standard required for a disability access certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34085/11]

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

My Department does not provide grant assistance to community or voluntary organisations for compliance with the Building Regulations. However, Section 22 of the Building Control Regulations 1997-2009 provides for an exemption from fees for voluntary organisations or bodies standing approved for the purposes of section 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1992.

Water and Sewerage Schemes

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

373 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when funding will be approved in respect of a scheme (details supplied) in County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34116/11]

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

Responsibility for the administration of the Rural Water Programme, which includes small public sewerage schemes such as this one, has been devolved to local authorities since 1997. The selection and approval of individual schemes for advancement and funding under the programme, within the overall priorities set by my Department and subject to the block grant allocations provided, is therefore a matter for the local authorities, Cavan County Council in this case.

Croke Park Agreement

Dominic Hannigan

Ceist:

374 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of Croke Park agreement projects that each State agency under his aegis is progressing; if he will list each project by agency in tabular form; the amount to be saved by each project; the number that have been completed since the agreement came into force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34156/11]

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

My Department has recently issued its latest progress report under the Croke Park Agreement, to the Implementation Body for the Agreement. I understand that the Implementation Body is currently considering the progress reports and is due to publish a summary of the progress reported on its website shortly. All progress reports for individual public service bodies, including each state agency, should be available on each organisation's website.

Rural Development

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

375 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the steps being put in place to allow local authorities to co-fund projects with the Leader programme. [34211/11]

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

The Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 is divided into 4 Axes. Axis 1 deals with competitiveness of the agricultural sector, Axis 2 aims to improve the countryside and environment and the objectives of Axis 3 are to support the diversification of the rural economy and improve the quality of life in rural areas. Axis 4 or the LEADER Axis provides support for the use of a "bottom up" approach to development which ensures that local people are involved in the decision making, thereby facilitating sustainable development in a more inclusive way. In Ireland the LEADER approach is used to implement Axis 3 measures.

Co-funding with local authorities is currently permitted under three measures of the Programme, for community projects only. These measures and their eligible activities are listed below:

Basic services for the economy and rural population — €49.61m — Funding is available for the identification and provision of appropriate cultural and leisure facilities to local communities, which would not otherwise be available to them.

Village renewal and development — €54.2m — eligible activities include environmental upgrading of parks, civic areas, river walks, access to facilities, and amenities and farmers markets.

Conservation and upgrading of the rural heritage — €51.7m — funding is available for actions including alternative or renewable energy actions addressing suitability of new technologies to meet community energy needs, environmental initiatives aimed at waste reduction, actions to protect and restore the amenity value of local watercourses and high value nature areas.

Questions Nos. 376 and 377 answered with Question No. 369.

Constitutional Amendments

Jerry Buttimer

Ceist:

378 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the total cost, including an itemised breakdown, incurred by the Referendum Commission in respect of the 30th amendment to the Constitution; the amount paid to date; if he will detail any further anticipated costs and expenses; the costs and expenses expected to be incurred in the period provided for the commission to report to him and in the period between reporting and dissolution of the commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34242/11]

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

The information requested by the Deputy is not available to me. In accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Referendum Act 1998 the funding of a referendum commission, in relation to the performance of its functions, is the responsibility of the Minister by whom the referendum legislation is initiated. In regard to the proposal for the 30th amendment of the constitution responsibility lies with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

Questions Nos. 379 and 380 answered with Question No. 369.

Public Contracts

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

381 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the value of all public contracts awarded in 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011. [34272/11]

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

The information requested is being compiled in my Department and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Question No. 382 answered with Question No. 364.

Hazardous Waste

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

383 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the research undertaken to determine if incinerator bottom ash is classified as hazardous or non-hazardous. [34305/11]

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

384 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is an increasing body of evidence which suggests that bottom ash from incineration is eco-toxic; and if he agrees that the authorities should proceed on the basis that bottom ash is hazardous until it has been shown to be otherwise. [34306/11]

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

385 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the steps he has taken to ensure that the incinerator bottom ash which is due to be dumped at Whiteriver landfill, operated by Louth County Council, is non-hazardous and will not pose a danger to the health and safety of local residents. [34307/11]

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

386 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the steps he will take to ensure that no incinerator bottom ash is dumped at the Whiteriver landfill facility operated by Louth County Council until further study has been completed to assess definitively its potential dangers. [34308/11]

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 383 to 386, inclusive, together.

I have no role in relation to the licensing of landfill facilities or the enforcement of conditions attached to licences, which are matters for the Environmental Protection Agency. Under section 60(3) of the Waste Management Act 1996, the Minister is precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to the performance in particular circumstances by the Agency of a statutory function given to it under the Act.

Major waste facilities are subject to stringent environmental standards set out in national and EU environmental and waste-specific legislation. The Agency has significant oversight and enforcement powers in order to safeguard the environment and to ensure compliance with waste licence conditions. I am satisfied that a rigorous and risk based enforcement regime, including emissions monitoring, inspections and audits, is actively pursued by the Agency.

The properties which render waste hazardous are laid down in Annex III of the Waste Framework Directive and are further specified by a European Commission Decision which established a List of Wastes. The List of Wastes is currently under review; however, no decisions concerning the reclassification of incineration byproducts or any other wastes have been made to date. The determination of waste as hazardous, or otherwise, is a matter for the Environmental Protection Agency, and my Department maintains regular contact with the Agency in relation to relevant developments at EU level.

As regards the disposal of bottom ash at the landfill facility concerned, I note that Louth County Council has stated that such material will be accepted only with the approval of the Agency, which is conducting rigorous testing and monitoring to ensure the material is suitable.

Building Regulations

Robert Dowds

Ceist:

387 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, in view of recent examples of bad practice, if he intends to bring in legislation to introduce robust building regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34317/11]

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

I refer to my reply to Questions Nos. 323, 324 and 347 of 8 November 2011 which comprehensively addressed the issues regarding measures being taken to improve compliance with the Building Regulations.

Fire Services

Terence Flanagan

Ceist:

388 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a full breakdown, in tabular form, of the number of section 23s served by the 37 fire authorities under the Fire Services Act 1981 over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34326/11]

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

Fire Authorities have a range of statutory safety enforcement options at their disposal under the Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003. Under Section 20 of the Fire Services Act, 1981 and 2003 a fire authority may serve a fire safety notice on the owner or occupier of a "potentially dangerous building", which is defined as a building which constitutes a serious danger to life in the event of a fire occurring therein. Such a notice may prohibit the use of a building (or part of it) and may require the owner or occupier to carry out specified fire precautions in that building.

In a situation of extreme and urgent concern about fire safety, a fire authority may apply under Section 23 of the Act to the High Court for an order to restrict or prohibit use of a building immediately. Statistics forwarded by fire authorities to my Department in relation to fire safety are available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie. Statistics forwarded by fire authorities in relation to applications made under section 23 of the Fire Services Acts, 1981 and 2003 for the 5 years 2005 to 2009 are set out in the following table. Statistics for 2010 are awaited from fire authorities.

High Court Orders (Section 23 of Fire Services Act 1981 and 2003)	2009		2008		2007		2006		2005
Fire Authorities	Applications		Applications		Applications		Applications		Applications
	Made	Granted	Made	Granted	Made	Granted	Made	Granted	Made	Granted
Athlone Town Council	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Carlow County Council	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Cavan County Council	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Clare County Council	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Cork County Council	0	0	N/A	N/A	0	0	0	0	0	0
Cork City Council	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Donegal County Council	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Drogheda Borough Council	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Dublin City Council	1	1	1	1	0	0	0	0	1	1
Dundalk Town Council	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Galway County Council	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Kerry County Council	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Kildare County Council	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Kilkenny County Council	N/A	N/A	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Laois County Council	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Leitrim County Council	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Limerick City Council	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Limerick County Council	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Longford County Council	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Louth County Council	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Mayo County Council	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Meath County Council	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Monaghan County Council	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Offaly County Council	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Roscommon County Council	N/A	N/A	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Sligo County Council	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
North Tipperary County Council	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
South Tipperary County Council	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Waterford City Council	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Waterford County Council	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Westmeath County Council	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Wexford County Council	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Wicklow County Council	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Total	1	1	1	1	0	0	0	0	1	1

Waste Management

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

389 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding recyclable goods (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34336/11]

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

There are legal requirements in place in relation to packaging waste. Article 9 of European Parliament and Council Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste provides that packaging may not be placed on the market within the European Union unless it satisfies the provisions of the Directive i.e. it must comply with the essential requirements on the composition and the reusable and recoverable nature of packaging as provided for in Annex II of that Directive. In this regard, Annex II of the Directive explicitly provides that packaging shall be designed, produced and placed on the market in such a way as to permit its reuse or recovery, including recycling and composting.

Under article 18 of the Directive, Member States are prohibited from impeding the placing on the market of packaging which satisfies these essential requirements. While the Directive allows for the use of economic instruments (e.g. environmental levies, deposit & refund etc.), such instruments must be in conformity with EU law and designed in such a manner so as to ensure the functioning of the internal market, avoid obstacles to trade and restriction of competition within the Community. In broad terms, it would be contrary to the internal market to introduce measures which would prohibit, or have the equivalent effect of a prohibition on, a particular packaging item.

The essential requirements of packaging are transposed into national law under the provisions of article 28 of, and the Fourth Schedule to, the Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations 2007. The regulations provide that a person may not supply packaging or packaged products to the Irish market unless the packaging concerned complies with essential requirements as to its nature and composition. In effect, those essential requirements provide that packaging must be prevented so that only the minimum amount necessary is used for the containment, protection, handling, delivery and presentation of goods. Furthermore, packaging must be recoverable — either by means of material recycling, energy recovery, composting or by biodegradation. I continue to encourage the use of recycled material in the manufacturing of new products through the RX3 programme. This programme supports the development of markets for recyclates, identifies new opportunities for waste materials and stimulates business ideas by providing support and advice for the sector. Further information on RX3's work to create markets for recycled materials is available on www.rx3.ie.

Water and Sewerage Schemes

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

390 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on a project (details supplied) in County Mayo. [34364/11]

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

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 in County Mayo. The Killala Sewerage Scheme, Network and Wastewater Treatment Plant contract, is included in the Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012 to start construction in the period of the programme with an estimated cost of €5.1 million. I understand that Mayo County Council is currently updating aspects of the Preliminary Report for the scheme. Once approved by my Department, the Council can then proceed with the preparation of contract documents for the scheme.

The foreshore licence for the Killala Sewerage Scheme has been granted and the Chief State Solicitor's Office issued the necessary legal documents to Mayo County Council's legal advisors on 20 June 2011 for execution.

Waste Management

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

391 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the potential cost to households if remedial work needs to be carried out to existing septic tanks (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34380/11]

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

The Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011, which provides for the establishment of a system of registration and inspection of septic tanks and other on-site systems, was published on 3 November 2011.

The majority of systems that will be inspected are likely to be working well. It is expected, therefore, that only a minority of systems inspected will require major upgrading or replacement of a system. The costs of this are difficult to quantify and will depend on the nature of the problem identified during the inspection and the level of risk to human health or the environment.

Planning Issues

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Ceist:

392 Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans regarding the establishment of a comprehensive investigation into the various planning practices from 1999 to the present date, including rezoning of lands that was promoted by city management, the potential deficiencies of various development plans during this period of time and the lack of regard to the history of flooding in certain applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34452/11]

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

The First Schedule of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) specifies, inter alia, that planning authorities may include in their development plans objectives for carrying out flood risk assessment for the purpose of regulating, restricting and controlling development in areas at risk of flooding (whether inland or coastal). It is a matter for each planning authority to evaluate such risk, on the basis of a flood risk assessment where appropriate and planning permission may either be refused, or, if granted, can be made subject to conditions requiring the implementation of measures necessary to alleviate or avoid damage due to flooding.

The Report of the Flood Policy Review Group, published in 2004 following Government approval of its recommendations, including that the OPW should be the lead agency for implementing flood risk management policy in Ireland, highlighted the need to pro-actively manage flood risk.

A further key action arising from the Report of the Flood Policy Review Group is the publication in November 2009 of my Department's Guidelines to Planning Authorities on the Planning System and Flood Risk Management, which are aimed at ensuring a more consistent, rigorous and systematic approach to flood risk assessment and management in the planning system. The Guidelines were issued under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) which requires planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála to have regard to them in the performance of their functions.

As part of my statutory observation role in respect of development plans and local area plans, my Department is monitoring implementation of the Guidelines to ensure they are being implemented effectively. These statutory guidelines, when taken together with the legislative measures in the planning code, provide a sound basis for planning authorities to identify, assess and take appropriate steps to manage flood risk in a sustainable manner within their area. I will continue to assess development and local area plans to monitor implementation of these principles at local level to ensure that future development takes account of these policies.

Social and Affordable Housing

David Stanton

Ceist:

393 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Question No. 407 of 22 June 2010, if other forms of photo identification (details supplied) will be accepted by local authorities for social housing applications; if so, the details of the forms of identification that will be acceptable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34478/11]

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

Identification is an important part of the process of assessment for social housing support. The checklist attached to the application form prescribed in the Social Housing Assessment Regulations refers to a passport or a driving licence. In a case where an applicant does not have either of these documents, the housing authority concerned should advise the applicant what form of photo identification will be accepted. My Department will issue guidance to authorities on this issue.

Appointments to State Boards

Liam Twomey

Ceist:

394 Deputy Liam Twomey asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of positions on State boards and agencies under his aegis which he has advertised in the past seven months; the number of applications received; the number of applicants subsequently appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34504/11]

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

The appointments to State boards made since I took office are outlined in the table below:

Agency / Board	Name of Appointee
An Bord Pleanála	Dr. Mary Kelly (Chairperson)
Building Regulation Advisory Board (BRAB)	Mr. Aidan O’Connor (Departmental Representative)
BRAB	Mr. Paul Kelly
EPA	Ms. Laura Burke (Director General)
RPII	Dr Maurice Fitzgerald, reappointed (nominee of the Dental council)

A notice was placed on my Department's website on 19 July, 2011 seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced persons for consideration as members or chairpersons of the boards of state bodies under the aegis of my Department. The notice is updated regularly as specific vacancies arise, the most recent relating to the Housing Finance Agency.

Vacancies on the boards of other bodies under the Department's aegis will be notified on the website as they arise. However, expressions of interest can be made at any time and will be kept on file in my Department for consideration as vacancies occur.

All appointments are made in accordance with the appropriate legislation governing appointments to each body. In considering applications due regard is given to Government policy regarding gender balance on State Boards.

A number of different statutory processes are involved in appointments to State boards. In some cases statutory selection procedures must be followed or nominations must be sought from independent nominating panels before appointments are made by the Government or by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. In other cases only particular public office holders may be appointed to certain boards. In a number of situations, only some appointments to the body concerned are made by the Minister, or appointments are made with the consent of the Minister for Finance or following consultation with the Minister for Finance or Minister for Education and Skills, as appropriate.

The Boards of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and An Bord Pleanála are executive in nature and members are employed on a full time salaried basis. The appointments as Chairperson of An Bord Pleanála and Director General of the EPA were made after competitions held by the Public Appointments Service. On 10 November 2011, I nominated Professor William Reville to the position of Chairman of the Board of the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland. Before being formally appointed, Professor Reville will appear before the Oireachtas Committee on Environment, Transport, Culture and Gaeltacht on the 23 November 2011 to discuss the approach which he will take to his role as Chairperson.

The following members were appointed to the Board of Pobal, a not for profit company under the aegis of my Department, by Government on 14 October 2011:

Mr. Séamus Boland (Chair)

Mr. Thomas Maguire

Mr. Liam Keane

Ms Siobhan McLoughlin

Local Authority Funding

Joan Collins

Ceist:

395 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Question No. 325 of 18 October 2011, in which he stated that he would meet the county manager and the head of finance in Sligo County Council to discuss the application of the €15 million loan funding which was sanctioned by his Department on 19 July 2010, the date on which he will meet the Sligo county manager and the head of finance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34524/11]

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

I refer to the reply to Question No. 325 of 18 October 2011 in which I stated that my Department would meet with Sligo County Council.

I can confirm that my Department met with the County Manager on 18 October 2011 to discuss the application of the loan finance and the financial position of the Council.

Planning Issues

Clare Daly

Ceist:

396 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if and when he intends to transpose into law Article 17 of the Aarhus Convention; and if he will amend the planning process in order that there will no longer be multiple agencies making planning decisions on the same project with no obligatory consultation, resulting in different decisions being reached by the different agencies (details supplied). [34542/11]

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

My Department is currently examining options to prohibit an applicant from submitting a stand-alone environmental licence application to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in certain cases unless it is clearly established that mandatory or sub-threshold EIA is not required in respect of the proposed activity. Alternatively, if EIA is necessary, the applicant would be required to submit a planning application and an Environmental Impact Statement simultaneously with, or in advance of, the environmental licence application. In the interim, for certain environmental licence applications on hand, an administratively based analysis of such cases is being carried out jointly by the EPA and An Bord Pleanála to identify any situations that would require assessment under the EIA Directive.

Foreshore Licences

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

397 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if an environmental impact assessment was carried out in Broadhaven Bay and Sruwaddacon Bay in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34550/11]

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

398 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he granted a foreshore licence to allow a company (details supplied) to tunnel under Sruwaddacon Estuary, which is designated a special area of conservation; if the appropriate assessment was carried out prior to granting consent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34551/11]

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 397 and 398 together.

I made a determination on 22 July 2011 pursuant to the provisions of the Foreshore Act, 1933 (as amended) to grant a foreshore licence to Shell E&P Ireland Limited, Statoil Exploration (Ireland) Limited and Vermilion Energy Ireland Limited in respect of development on the foreshore related to the Corrib Gas Pipeline. In accordance with Section 21A of the Foreshore Act, notice of the determination was published in Iris Oifigiuil, the Irish Independent and on my Department's website on 26 July 2011.

I made this determination following the carrying out of an environmental impact assessment and appropriate assessment of the proposed development under domestic and EU law.

Further information on the application and the decision making process may be found on my Department's website at: www.environ.ie/en/Foreshore/ApplicationsSubjecttoEIA/ ShellEPIrelandLtd5618/

Redundancy Payments

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

399 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason persons (details supplied) in Dublin have been waiting for more than a year to receive their redundancy payments; and the steps he will take to ensure they receive their redundancy payments without further delay. [34556/11]

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

In February 2011, my Department issued grant aid to the Community Development Project, referred to in the question, towards the cost of statutory redundancy payments to the three employees, for their period of employment under the Local and Community Development Programme. This contribution was subject to a signed undertaking that the redundancy rebate paid by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (DJEI) would be refunded to my Department.

My Department is not the employer of the relevant CDP staff and that all employment related matters are solely for the Board of Directors of the CDP. The workers in question were engaged directly by the CDP, as an independent private limited company, and their contracts of employment were with the company.

Therefore, the payment of redundancy packages to employees, who are core funded under the Programme, is a matter for the Board of Directors of the Project.

Local Authority Housing

Anne Ferris

Ceist:

400 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will advise on whether, if a local authority tenant hands back their house to the council because of serious anti-social behaviour, that tenant can apply for housing from another council within the same local authority area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34560/11]

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

Under the Social Housing Assessment Regulations, 2011, a household may apply for social housing support to the housing authority for the functional area where it normally resides, or where it has a local connection. A housing authority may also decide at its discretion to accept an application from a household which does not meet these residence or local connection criteria.

In accordance with section 14 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1997, housing authorities may refuse to make, or defer the making of, an allocation of social housing support to any applicant where that person has been engaged in anti-social behaviour or in the interests of good estate management.

However, decisions on the eligibility of specific persons for social housing support and the allocation of that support are a matter solely for the housing authority concerned. Section 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 specifically provides that the Minister's power to issue policy directions and guidelines to housing authorities in relation to their housing functions shall not be construed as enabling him to exercise any power or control in relation to any individual case with which a housing authority is or may be concerned.

Ministerial Staff

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

401 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of his constituency and parliamentary staff, appointed following the February 2011 elections, on salaries that exceed their applicable pay scale grade; the number of his existing and parliamentary staff employed prior to the February 2011 elections but awarded salary increases following the election that exceed their applicable pay scale grade; and if he will provide their annual salary details in a tabular format. [34569/11]

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

The details are set out in tabular form below as requested.

The salaries have been determined in accordance with the salary scales specified in the Instructions on Ministerial Appointments for the 31st Dáil, in line with their Houses of Oireachtas salaries, adjusted to take account of the pension levy, and sanctioned by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. My former Parliamentary Secretary has been appointed as a Special Adviser in accordance with the terms and conditions for that post.

Office	Grade	Oireachtas Salary	Department Salary
Minister Hogan	Personal Assistant*	€47,824	€51,365
	Personal Secretary	€49,379	€52,925
	Executive Officer	N/A	€37,588
	Clerical Officer	N/A	€31,800
Minister of State Penrose	Personal Assistant	€49,379	€52,925
	Personal Secretary	€44,726	€47,755
	Clerical Officer	N/A	€36,267

* Press and Information Officer.

Local Authority Staff

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

402 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the date on which he received an application from New Ross Town Council to fill a full-time traffic warden position; the date on which he granted the position; if the position is permanent; and if not, for what period is the contract. [34624/11]

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

403 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the correct procedure a local authority must follow when seeking to fill a traffic warden position. [34625/11]

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 402 and 403 together.

The moratorium on recruitment and promotion in the public service was introduced in March 2009 following a Government Decision to implement savings measures across the wider public service. The emergency measure was introduced as a response to the financial crisis facing the State.

My Department received a delegated sanction from the Department of Finance in August 2009 for implementation of the moratorium in relation to all local authorities. This is on condition that the overall staffing levels in the sector are reduced in line with the Employment Control Framework.

Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each County and City Manager is responsible for staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authorities for which he or she is responsible. In this regard, it is a matter for County and City Managers, in the first instance, to ensure that the reduction in staff numbers is managed so that the appropriate service level is maintained. Any exceptions to the moratorium require prior sanction from my Department.

My Department works very closely with local authorities to ensure that critical posts are filled while overall numbers are reduced. All staffing sanction requests are examined on a case by case basis having due regard to the continued delivery of key services and the need to further reduce overall staffing levels and expenditure in the local authority sector.

In considering sanction requests public safety, maintaining key front line services and economic issues are given precedence as is the requirement to avoid increases in overall staffing levels. Contract posts are favoured as they allow flexibility in this most challenging period for Ireland's economy. In the very exceptional situation that a post is to be filled permanently all redeployment options must be fully exhausted before recruitment can be countenanced.

On 22 December 2010 my Department received a request, from Wexford County Council, to fill a position of time traffic warden in New Ross as an exception to the moratorium. Sanction to fill the post on a three-year contract basis, was granted by letter dated 24 January 2011.

Question No. 404 answered with Question No. 362.

Dormant Accounts Fund

Robert Troy

Ceist:

405 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the projects previously grant-approved through RAPID funding will be allowed to proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34646/11]

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

I assume the question refers to the decision to approve disbursements from the Dormant Accounts Fund for a once-off measure up to the value of €1.25m for the five new provincial towns incorporated under RAPID. These are Ballina, Dungarvan, Enniscorthy, Mullingar and Rathkeale.

Under Government Accounting procedures, disbursements on Dormant Accounts measures are paid in the first instance "up front" from the Department's Vote in the same way as with any other spending programme. We have to source funding for dormant accounts programmes from our Exchequer allocation in the annual Revised Estimates Volume. The Dormant Accounts Capital budget for this Department for 2011 is fully committed to existing projects and our priority in the light of that allocation must be to ensure that there is sufficient funding available to meet existing legal contractual commitments. Accordingly, the matter of progressing the projects in the new RAPID towns to contract stage will be kept under active review in the light of availability of funding / levels of expenditure across the Department's Vote during 2011 and into 2012.

Water and Sewerage Schemes

Robert Troy

Ceist:

406 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he will advance the Rathowen sewerage scheme, County Westmeath. [34647/11]

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

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 in County Westmeath. While provision is made to commence contracts to the value of some €95 million in the county during the period of the programme, the Rathowen Sewerage Scheme is not amongst the priority contracts and schemes included.

The Programme aims to prioritise projects that target environmental compliance issues and support economic and employment growth. A key input to the development of the Programme was the assessment of needs prepared by local authorities, including Westmeath 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 in the Department in the context of the funds available and key criteria that complemented those used by the authorities. Inevitably, through this process, certain projects included in previous programmes which had not advanced, had to give way to others that are more strategically important at this time.

Social and Affordable Housing

Peter Mathews

Ceist:

407 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Question No. 336 of 8 November 2011, if he will confirm that a local authority that charged a fixed interest rate of 12.5% on a mortgage on 16 February 1984 was not permitted to charge such an excessive rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34650/11]

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

While the majority of the fixed rate mortgages drawn down in the early 1980's were charged rates at around 10.5% — reflecting local authority and Housing Finance Agency (HFA) cost of funds — during 1984 the fixed rate charged to new local authority borrowers went as high as 12.95%. As with all other rates charged, this rate reflects the long-term costs of funds to the HFA prevailing at the time these loans were advanced. Rates on these loans were fixed for the life of the loan (generally 25-30 years).

Professional Associations

Luke 'Ming' Flanagan

Ceist:

408 Deputy Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Building Control Act 2007 has created a situation whereby the dominant representative association (details supplied) is also the regulating body for that profession, contrary to the specific recommendations of the Competition Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34669/11]

Luke 'Ming' Flanagan

Ceist:

409 Deputy Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has estimated the cost to domestic consumers of removing a significant number of architects from the market through the absence of a standard grandfather clause in part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34670/11]

Luke 'Ming' Flanagan

Ceist:

410 Deputy Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the €4,500 technical assessment fee for architects under the Building Control Act 2007 makes that assessment the most costly of its type in the world; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34671/11]

Luke 'Ming' Flanagan

Ceist:

411 Deputy Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will amend the Building Control Act 2007 to include a grandfather clause for those with acquired rights and so enable them to continue to certify as architects in the State without being criminalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34672/11]

Luke 'Ming' Flanagan

Ceist:

412 Deputy Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on whether the costly and non-inclusive routes for the registration of architects with acquired rights constitutes the sheltering of the architecture profession and that the State, the public and consumers are thereby ill-served by Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34673/11]

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 408 to 412, inclusive, together.

I refer to the reply to Question No. 108 of 3 November 2011 which comprehensively addressed the issues regarding the registration of the title of Architect.

The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) has been designated as the registration body for persons wishing to use the title of architect, under the Building Control Act 2007. They have established an Admissions Board and a Technical Assessment Board. The Chairpersons of both boards were appointed by my predecessor and both boards have non-architect majority members on them, again appointed by my predecessor. Section 22 of the Act sets out the procedures for the operation of the Technical Assessment Board. The Act also provides for an appeal against a decision of the Technical Assessment Board and there is ultimately an appeal to the High Court against a decision of the Appeals Board or any other Board or Committee. I am satisfied that the process is transparent and is operating satisfactorily.

The Act sought to provide for the registration of the title of Architect in order to protect consumers against individuals passing themselves off as Architects. The fee of €4,500 for technical assessment, approved in accordance with Section 62 of the Act, represents a significant reduction on the figure originally proposed.

Social Housing

Eric J. Byrne

Ceist:

413 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is satisfied that the age of 55 years is appropriate to be deemed eligible for senior citizen accommodation in council schemes; and the rationale behind this condition. [34691/11]

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

The Social Housing Assessment (Amendment) Regulations, 2011, set out amended provisions regarding aspects of eligibility for social housing. The Regulations also contain provisions regarding classification of accommodation need and the record of qualified households ("waiting list").

As regards older persons, under previous arrangements, authorities used different definitions of older persons for purposes of social housing support. The new Regulations provide for a single national indicator in the record of qualified households, based on the commonly accepted figure of 65 years. While this is a primary indicator of particular accommodation requirements for those in the older age bracket, my Department's guidance to housing authorities makes it clear that individual households should be allocated the social housing support most appropriate to their particular needs. This approach gives housing authorities discretion in individual cases in the provision of housing support, in accordance with their allocation schemes, which are adopted by elected members of housing authorities.

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

414 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding emergency housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34733/11]

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

The issue of homelessness is a priority for Government which, despite current challenging economic circumstances, remains fully committed to protecting the most vulnerable and marginalised in our society. I agree that moving away from the outdated expensive emergency hostel-based approach is necessary to ensure most effective outcomes for service users at optimal cost to the Exchequer.

The Programme for Government commits to reviewing and updating the current homeless strategy, to adopting a ‘housing led' approach to homelessness and to ensuring more effective prevention strategies. Work now underway on updating the strategy will be concluded later this year and will involve the establishment of clear performance targets and associated timelines with a particular emphasis on the delivery of accommodation units for homeless persons. Central to this will be the policy approach outlined in my Housing Policy Statement of June 2011.

There is no single solution to increasing the level of social housing supply, including for those who are homeless, and maximising delivery will require flexible and diverse approaches. The key elements of these approaches will necessarily include the enhanced role of the private rental and the voluntary/cooperative housing sectors, the leasing programme, RAS, local authority social housing acquisitions and remedial works/upgrading for vacant local authority housing stock. Maximising delivery from these sources will be essential to prevent homelessness and end long term occupation of emergency facilities.

The fostering of a resettlement culture that promotes independent living, with supports if and as appropriate, on an equitable basis for all those in need of social housing supports coupled with ongoing reconfiguration of homeless services is essential in order to move away from an outdated expensive emergency hostel-based approach, where people have remained for long periods, damaging their self-esteem and reducing their prospects of progressing to full independent living.

I am determined to tackle homelessness in a more planned and strategic way by adopting a housing led approach, to ensuring more effective prevention strategies and by providing long term solutions rather than just managing homelessness. This model of service delivery means a reduction in the amount of temporary accommodation and a move to suitable housing tenancies rather than meeting long term needs through homeless accommodation centres.

Rented Dwellings Register

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

415 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding a certification scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34734/11]

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

The Residential Tenancies Act, 2004 sets out the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants in the private rented residential sector. The Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) was established under the Residential Tenancies Act in September 2004 to operate a national tenancy registration system and to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants in the private rented residential sector.

My Department conducted a review of the Residential Tenancies Act in 2009 with a specific emphasis on whether the Act best supports the PRTB's key functions and on 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 in April 2010. Consideration of the introduction of a certification system did not feature in any of the recommendations arising from the review. The Government approved the preparation of the Heads of a Bill to deliver on the review's recommendations. Full details in relation to the background to the review, the associated terms of reference and the outcomes of the review are available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie.

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

416 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding inspections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34735/11]

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

The Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) was established under the Residential Tenancies Act in September 2004 to operate a national tenancy registration system and to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants in the private rented residential sector.

Local authorities are responsible for enforcement of the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations in relation to all rented properties. Regulations setting out minimum standards for private rented accommodation generally were first set out in the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 1993. However it became clear in recent years that these standards no longer reflected the requirements of the modern rental sector and in the Partnership Agreement Towards 2016 the Government committed to updating and more effectively enforcing the minimum standards regulations for rented houses.

In September, 2006, my Department launched the programme Action on Private Rented Accommodation Standards. Arising out of this programme, new regulations prescribing minimum standards for rented accommodation, the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2008, came into effect on 1 February 2009, with certain provisions being phased in for existing rental properties over a four year period to allow time for the carrying out of the significant remedial work that may be involved in achieving compliance.

My focus is on ensuring that local authorities' inspection regimes are focused on the areas of greatest need and that the regulations are fully implemented. I do not propose to assign any responsibility for inspections to the PRTB.

Proposed Legislation

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

417 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will introduce a statutory deposit protection scheme that provides protection to tenants in the event that the landlord becomes insolvent or experiences financial difficulties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34736/11]

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

418 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when legislation will be brought in to introduce a deposit retention scheme for the benefit of the tenant (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34737/11]

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 417 and 418 together.

The Residential Tenancies Act 2004 regulates the tenant-landlord relationship in the private rented residential sector. Under section 12 (1)(d) of the Act a landlord is obliged to promptly refund deposits, unless and in accordance with the provisions of the Act, there is rent or other charges or taxes owing or there is damage to the property beyond normal wear and tear.

My Department conducted a review of the Act in 2009 and the incorrect retention of deposits by landlords was identified in the review process as one of a range of issues that merited specific attention. In July 2011 the Government approved the drafting of the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Bill 2011. The General Scheme of the Bill proposes the introduction of fines where a landlord is found to have incorrectly retained a tenant's deposit as a first step to eliminating the problem of deposit retention. My Department is currently liaising with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel regarding the drafting of the Bill.

The Programme for Government 2011 also commits to the introduction of a deposit protection scheme and it is important that action in this regard is taken in the context of a strong evidence base. I have therefore asked the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB), the independent statutory body charged with the administration of the Act, to commission cost benefit analysis-based research on such a scheme and to report back to me with recommendations.

I understand that the PRTB will be tendering for such research in the coming weeks and I expect that the Board will revert to me with detailed research and recommendations in the first half of 2012.

Planning Issues

Patrick O'Donovan

Ceist:

419 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in a situation in which a property management company has gone into liquidation but the housing estate has not been taken in charge by the local authority, the person with whom responsibility lies for issues of ongoing maintenance and repairs in the housing estate. [34790/11]

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

Section 180 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 applies to estates which have been granted planning permission and include the construction of 2 or more houses (which as defined in the Act includes apartments) and the provision of new roads, open spaces, car parks, sewers, watermains or drains.

In relation to estates which have been completed to the satisfaction of the planning authority in accordance with the permission, section 180 provides that the planning authority must if requested to do so by the developer or by the majority of the qualified electors who are owners of the houses involved initiate the procedures in section 11 of the Roads Act 1993 for declaring the road(s) to be public roads, for whose maintenance the local authority will then be responsible.

Section 11 of the Roads Act empowers a local authority to, by order, declare any road over which a public right of way exists to be a public road. Before making an order the local authority must be satisfied the road is of general public utility, consider the financial implications of taking the road in charge and consult with the public/consider any objections received. The consideration of the objections and the making of the order declaring the road to be a public road is a reserved function, so that the decision whether to take the road in charge is ultimately one for the discretion of the elected members.

In relation to estates which have not been completed to the satisfaction of the planning authority and enforcement proceedings have not been commenced within the relevant period, section 180 also provides that the planning authority must, if requested to do so by the majority of the owners, initiate the procedures in section 11 of the Roads Act. However, in this case the section provides that the provision in section 11 of the Roads Act requiring the authority to consider the financial implications of taking the road in charge shall be disregarded.

Section 180 also provides that where a planning authority, in complying with S.180, makes an order under section 11 of the Roads Act, it must also take in charge any open spaces, car parks, sewers, watermains, or drains within the attendant grounds of the development.

Section 180 was amended in the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2010 to provide that a planning authority may take in charge an unfinished estate, at the request of the owners of the housing units, at any time after the expiration of the planning permission, in situations where enforcement actions have commenced or where the planning authority consider that enforcement action will not result in the satisfactory completion of the estate by the developer. Planning authorities have also been empowered to take in charge part of an estate or some, but not all, of the facilities in an estate.

Capital Projects

Gerald Nash

Ceist:

420 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide details in relation to the number and value of State capital project contracts awarded to companies registered outside the State in the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively; if he will provide details in respect of the number and value of State capital project contracts awarded to companies registered in the Republic of Ireland in the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34808/11]

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

The information sought across the range of my Department's capital programmes is not readily available, or collected, in respect of all capital works funded through my Department's capital programmes. All procurement is required to be carried out by contracting authorities in line with all national and EU guidelines, which do not allow the exclusion of any company on the basis of origin. Compilation of the information sought would involve a disproportionate amount of time and work.

Constitutional Amendments

Jerry Buttimer

Ceist:

421 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the total cost, including an itemised breakdown, of the Referendum Commission in respect of the Twenty-ninth Amendment to the Constitution; the amount paid to date; if he will detail any further anticipated costs and expenses; the costs and expenses expected to be incurred in the period provided for the commission to report to him and in the period between reporting and dissolution of the commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34242/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The information requested by the Deputy is not available to me. In accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Referendum Act 1998 the funding of a referendum commission, in relation to the performance of its functions, is the responsibility of the Minister by whom the referendum legislation is initiated. In regard to the proposal for the 30th amendment of the constitution responsibility lies with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

Residency Permits

Joe Costello

Ceist:

422 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Romanian and Bulgarian nationals registered here in each of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34315/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

All European Union citizens coming to Ireland, including Bulgarian and Romanian nationals, are subject to the European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) (No. 2) Regulations 2006 and 2008. Those regulations transposed into Irish law the European Directive 2004/38/EC on the rights of the citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States and came into effect in April 2006.

It is open to family members of EU citizens, which may also include Romanian or Bulgarian citizen family members, to seek residence permission under the European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) Regulations 2006 and 2008 should they so wish.

As the Deputy is probably aware EU citizens are not subject to the registration requirements under section 9 of the Immigration Act, 2004.

The following Tables provide details of Romanian and Bulgarian nationals registered by An Garda Síochána prior to 1 January 2007 and those which sought residence permission under the European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) regulations 2006 and 2008.

The numbers of Romanian and Bulgarian nationals registered with An Garda Síochána are as follows:

Year	Romanian	Bulgaria
2003*	5,356	1,229
2004	5,594	1,180
2005	6,995	1,194
2006	7,275	1,334
2007**	6,297	966
2008	1,592	186
2009	952	142
2010	493	89

Note:

*2003 is the first full year for which computer records for registrations are available.

**On the 1st January 2007 both Romania and Bulgaria became Member States of the European Union and their citizens are no longer required to register with An Garda Síochána. The registration figures for the years after that reflect the numbers of those citizens, the majority of whom, received long term registrations in the year prior to 2007.

Applications for residence permission under the European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) regulations 2006 and 2008.

EU Treaty Rights Section applications from persons from Romania or Bulgaria
Nationality	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011(30 Sept)	Total
Bulgaria
Applications Received	0	12	6	9	10	12	49
Applications Granted	2	5	4	3	0	0	14

Romania
Applications Received	2	17	39	51	26	45	180
Applications Granted	8	11	7	1	1	2	30

Figures relate to the year in which the decision to approve was made, not the year of application.

Applications approved on review are excluded from the above tables.

Citizenship Applications

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

423 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress made to date in the determination of an application for regularisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33974/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that an application was received in the Department from the person referred to by the Deputy. I am informed that correspondence issued on the 10th November to the person referred to by the Deputy granting permission to remain on Stamp 2 (student conditions) for a period of one year.

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. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Garda Vetting of Personnel

Jack Wall

Ceist:

424 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the Garda vetting procedure; the waiting time for such reports to be evaluated; the number on such waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33978/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

Garda vetting certificates are issued to specified registered organisations in respect of a particular post or employment in response to a written request and with the permission of the person who is the subject of that request. Decisions on the suitability for the recruitment/engagement of the person concerned rest at all times with the recruiting organisation.

I am informed by the Garda Authorities that at present, there are around 50,000 applications in the course of being processed. The Garda authorities also inform me that the latest information indicates that the average processing time for Garda vetting applications at the Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) now is 5 weeks. This is a significant improvement on the average processing time of 12 weeks at the end of last year. All organisations registered for Garda Vetting are aware of the processing time frames for the receipt of Garda vetting and have been advised to factor this into their recruitment and selection process. This processing time can, nevertheless, be affected by seasonal fluctuations or the necessity to seek further information on particular applications which may result in the processing time exceeding the present average of 5 weeks.

I am very conscious of the need to keep the time required to obtain a vetting to the minimum possible. Since taking office I have taken a number of initiatives with a view to achieving this objective. The sanction of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform was obtained to retain the services of 10 temporary employees working in the GCVU. Sanction was also obtained to engage an additional 10 temporary employees and these have recently commenced work in the GCVU. A further initiative to provide internships through the National Internship Scheme, "Job Bridge", under the aegis of the Department of Social Protection, is also currently under way.

All of this should have a further positive impact on processing times.

Courts Service

Gerald Nash

Ceist:

425 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will confirm a date when the Courts Service offices in Drogheda, County Louth, will relocate to alternative accommodation in the ownership of Louth local authorities in Drogheda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33979/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The Deputy will be aware that, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, the Courts Service is independent in the performance of its functions and I have no role in the matter.

However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that while they are in discussions with Drogheda Borough Council about the accommodation for the District Court office in Drogheda they are not in a position at the present time to confirm a date for vacation of the current premises.

Garda Strength

Patrick Nulty

Ceist:

426 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of posts in an Garda Síochána that have not been filled following retirements as a consequence of the public sector recruitment ban. [33992/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I am informed by the Garda Authorities that as of the 31 October 2011, the total strength of An Garda Síochána was 14,099 which is a net reduction of 453 since the moratorium on recruitment was introduced in March 2009.

Illegal Trespass

Terence Flanagan

Ceist:

427 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will respond to correspondence (details supplied) regarding a legal loophole; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33997/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The position is that trespass to land is a civil wrong or tort, which for the most part, falls to be dealt with by a civil remedy, usually a court order directing the trespasser to leave the land in question. The nature and scope of any such order is a matter for the courts to determine.

Separately, in certain circumstances trespass may be dealt with under the criminal law. The Prohibition of Forcible Entry and Occupation Act 1971 and the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 (as amended) provide for a range of offences in relation to trespass to property. In particular, Part IIA of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994, as inserted by section 24 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2002 provides, inter alia, for offences relating to the unauthorised entry onto and occupation of land, including land provided or maintained by a statutory body or held in trust primarily for the enjoyment of the public. The legislation also empowers the Gardaí to direct trespassers to leave and remove any object (including any temporary dwellings and animals) belonging to them from the land occupied. Failure to comply with such a direction is an offence. Section 69 of the Roads Act 1993, which is the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, prohibits the placement or retention of temporary dwellings on or at the side of a public road.

In relation to the specific case raised by the Deputy's correspondent, I would suggest that the civil and criminal provisions outlined above be explored to the greatest extent possible to address the matter. In particular, any alleged breach of the criminal law should be reported to the Garda Síochána. My Department will, of course, continue to keep the law on trespass under review.

Crime Levels

Patrick O'Donovan

Ceist:

428 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide up to date statistics on the numbers of crimes reported to the County Limerick Garda districts of Askeaton, Bruff and Newcastle West for the period January-November 2011; if he will provide headline statistics for the years 2008, 2009 and 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34027/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

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.

Legal Aid Service

Brendan Ryan

Ceist:

429 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when free legal aid will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34047/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I wish to inform the Deputy that, in accordance with the Civil Legal Act 1995, as passed by the Oireachtas, the Legal Aid Board is independent in the operation of its functions.

However to be of assistance, I can inform the Deputy that the Legal Aid Board does not provide information to third parties regarding any individual who may or may not be a client of the Board. The solicitor/client relationship is protected by privilege in accordance with the terms of Section 32 of the Civil Legal Aid Act 1995.

Finally, I wish to clarify for the Deputy that the Legal Aid Board provides ‘legal aid' and not ‘free legal aid'. The vast majority of persons receiving services from the Board pay a small financial contribution.

Courts Service

Gerald Nash

Ceist:

430 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the business of summons serving is not subject to any form of regulation; his views on the absence of regulation in this sector in the context of the current personal debt situation; and his plans to regulate the business and conduct of summons serving. [34051/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The Deputy will appreciate that the issue and the service of a summons in civil proceedings is as regulated by rules of court or statute and, since a summons is a means by which a court action is commenced, the process in relation to it is one that comes under the control of the court. While I have no proposals for change at present in relation to the role of summons servers I can say that the law generally in relation to management and enforcement of debt is being examined in my Department in the context of development of proposals for a Personal Insolvency Bill. The details of those proposals will be announced in the near future.

Prison Education Service

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Ceist:

431 Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide an update on literacy policies in our prison service; the penal institutions that currently have formal literacy policies; the engagement he has with the Department of Education and Skills in terms of drafting, formulating and the supervision of literacy and education policies in our prison system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34052/11]

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Ceist:

450 Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the various literacy policies available in our prison service; the penal institutions that have formal literacy policies; the engagement he has with the Department of Education and Skills in formulating and supervising literacy and education programmes in our penal system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34453/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 431 and 450 together.

Prison educational services are available in all institutions and are provided in partnership with the Vocational Education Committees (VECs) and a range of other educational agencies. Broad programmes of education are provided which generally follow an adult education approach. The Department of Education and Skills provides an allocation of 220 whole-time teacher equivalents through the VECs. Other agencies also contribute including the Open University and the Arts Council.

Literacy work is an important element of the prison education curriculum. The literacy curriculum concentrates on the needs of the individual and aims to improve self-esteem and build confidence.

It is unfortunately the case that a significant number of prisoners have virtually no literacy skills. More than twice as many prisoners are at the lowest level compared with the general population with 52% of prisoners at Level 1 or Pre-Level 1 literacy levels. These were the key findings of a survey carried out in 2003 which was reported in the Irish Prison Service publication entitled "The Prison Adult Literacy Survey — Results and Implications".

The Deputy will also be aware that the Inspector of Prisons recommended in his 2010 Annual Report that an independent audit be commissioned by the Irish Prison Service examining the type of education being provided, the relevance of such education, the numbers being educated and the value for money being provided. This audit is currently under way and focuses, among other things, on the capacity, range, level and type of education provision (including adult basic education), on participation levels, and on ways in which demand for education can be further developed and met. When the review is completed, the findings will be assessed in conjunction with the Department of Education and Skills and the relevant VECs with a view to early implementation of the recommendations.

Garda Operations

Brian Stanley

Ceist:

432 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the maximum length of time that blood and urine samples from a deceased person can be held by the gardaí before they are submitted to the State laboratory for testing. [34053/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that, following the death of a person which is the subject of investigation, blood and urine samples are taken by the pathologist during the post mortem process for toxicology analysis. At the time the samples are taken by the pathologist they are immediately provided to members of An Garda Síochána attending the post mortem examination for transmission to Eolaíocht Fhóireínseach Éireann/the Forensic Science Laboratory for the analysis requested by the pathologist.

Garda Stations

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

433 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will confirm whether Grenagh and Rathduff Garda station, County Cork is to be closed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34095/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

A final decision on whether station closures will take place, and if so what stations, will be taken in the context of the Commissioner's draft Policing Plan for 2012 and will be announced shortly. The policing plan will also be laid before each House of the Oireachtas.

It is the case that, as with every other public sector organisation, the Garda Síochána is going to have to manage with reduced resources.

The Garda Commissioner has therefore quite properly been reviewing all aspects of the Garda Síochána's policing model, including the deployment of personnel, the utilisation of modern technologies and the operation of Garda stations, both in terms of opening hours and possible closures.

The purpose of the review is to ensure that Garda resources are managed and deployed in the most appropriate manner to meet existing and emerging policing requirements and to maintain Garda frontline services — which is consistent with Government policy.

Clearly an examination of the opening hours, and in some cases the viability, of stations will form part of this. In that regard the Garda Commissioner will have to consider whether, in appropriate cases, a better policing service could be delivered to a local community by having Garda members out on patrol rather than in a station.

Crime Levels

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

434 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the policing measures to be put in place to cope with the perceived increasing level of crime in Grenagh and Rathduff, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34096/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that current policing measures in place, in support of regular uniform and plain clothes patrols, in the areas referred to include patrols under dedicated crime prevention and detection initiatives established by local Garda management. Such patrols are undertaken daily at times when an increased risk of criminal behaviour has been identified, through ongoing monitoring of crime trends. These patrols are supplemented by ongoing patrols and checkpoints undertaken by Divisional Traffic Corps personnel and the Regional Support Unit.

Local Garda management closely monitors the allocation of resources in the context of crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place, on a District, Divisional and Regional level, to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public. Senior Garda management is satisfied that a full and comprehensive policing service continues to be delivered and that current structures in place meet the requirement to deliver an effective and efficient policing service to the community. The service provided is kept under continuing review.

Residency Permits

Alan Farrell

Ceist:

435 Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reasons for refusal of a permanent residency card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34101/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I wish to advise the Deputy that the person in question applied for a permanent residence card under the provisions of the European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) Regulations 2006 and 2008 on 7 December 2010. By letter dated 9 June 2011 the applicant was advised that their application for a permanent residence card had been refused and the reasons for the refusal were as set out in that letter.

The applicant on 10 August 2011 submitted a request for review of the decision to refuse a permanent residence card. EU Treaty Rights Review Unit, of my Department, on 2 November 2011 wrote to the applicant requesting that further documentation be submitted within 10 days to enable a decision on the review application to be made. A response to this letter is awaited. On receipt of a response, it will then be possible to finalise the review application.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Garda Stations

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

436 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to parliamentary Question No. 177 of 5 October 2011, if he will provide an update; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34147/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I am advised by the Garda authorities that refurbishment work at the station referred to by the Deputy is being finalised and that it is expected to be available for Garda use in a matter of weeks.

Croke Park Agreement

Dominic Hannigan

Ceist:

437 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Croke Park Agreement projects that each State agency under his aegis are progressing; if he will list each project by Department in tabular form; the amount to be saved by each project; the number that have been completed since the agreement came into force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34161/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The Implementation Plans of the Department and its Agencies under the Public Service Agreement involve 295 actions. The latest progress reports (covering the period April to September 2011), which are currently being considered by the Implementation Body, show that 224 of these actions are proceeding according to schedule. The Body is due to publish a summary of the progress reported to it on its website shortly. Once the Body has completed its consideration, the progress reports of the Department and its Agencies will be published on the websites concerned.

The websites of organisations under the remit of the Department of Justice and Equality may be accessed via the Department's website at www.justice.ie/about us/agencies, related bodies.

Asylum Support Services

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

438 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a transfer to alternative accommodation will be arranged in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34182/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The family referred to in the question is currently availing of accommodation at the Old Convent accommodation centre, Ballyhaunis, County Mayo. If the family wish to transfer to an alternative direct provision accommodation they should apply using the transfer request form available at the centre and provide any medical or other relevant documentation in support of their request. The request should be sent to the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) which will give it consideration.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases, including those relating to accommodation, may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Residency Permits

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

439 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will defer the decision pending or taken in the determination of residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24 until a full review has been made into the very serious history and background of human rights abuses in their native country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34183/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The person concerned applied for asylum on 26th January, 2010. In accordance with the provisions of 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.

On 2nd February, 2010, the person concerned applied to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to voluntarily return to her country of origin. The person concerned subsequently applied for a student visa and the IOM closed its file on the case.

On 11th June, 2010, the person concerned withdrew her asylum application and was declared not to be a refugee on 16th June, 2010 by the Refugee Applications Commissioner, in accordance with section 13(2)(a)(b) of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended).

Arising from the withdrawal and subsequent 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 7th July, 2010, that the then 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 assessing the application, regard will be given to the specific claims made by the applicant as measured against objective, reputable, up to date information relating to the applicant's country of origin.

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 a final decision is made. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Citizenship Applications

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

440 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if and when more favourable consideration will be given in respect of an application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in view of the grounds of previous refusal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34184/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

Applications for a certificate of naturalisation from the persons referred to in the Deputy's Question were received in the Citizenship Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) in June 2010 and December 2008 respectively.

In relation to the application from the first-named person, my predecessor refused the application and the person concerned was informed of that decision and the reasons for it in a letter issued to her on 18 January, 2011. On examination of the application from the second person referred to in the Deputy's question, it was determined that the person in question did not meet the statutory requirements as set out in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. The person concerned was informed that her application had been deemed ineligible in a letter issued to her on 16 June, 2010.

Section 15 of that Act provides that the Minister may, in his absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation provided certain statutory conditions are fulfilled. The conditions are that the applicant must—

be of full age

be of good character

have had a period of one year's continuous residency in the State immediately before the date of application and, during the eight years immediately preceding that period, have had a total residence in the State amounting to four years

have, before a judge of the District Court in open court, in a citizenship ceremony or in such manner as the Minister, for special reasons, allows—

(i) made a declaration, in the prescribed manner, of fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the State, and

(ii) undertaken to faithfully observe the laws of the State and to respect its democratic values.

In the context of naturalisation, certain periods of residence in the State are excluded. These include—

periods of residence in respect of which an applicant does not have permission to remain in the State

periods granted for the purposes of study

periods granted for the purposes of seeking recognition as a refugee within the meaning of the Refugee Act, 1996.

It is open to any individual to lodge an application for citizenship, or make a fresh application, if and when they are in a position to meet the prescribed statutory requirements.

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. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Visa Applications

Patrick Nulty

Ceist:

441 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the criteria under which Bosnian citizens who have relations here admitted to the country as programme refugees may attain a visa to visit them. [34270/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

It is open to any visa required national to apply for a visa for any purpose and citizens of Bosnia are no different from other visa required nationalities in this regard. Each visa application is considered on its individual merits. In assessing any Visa application, the Visa Officer will consider various matters, including whether it is reasonable in the circumstances to conclude that the applicant would honour the conditions of the Visa and whether there is a significant risk that the applicant would overstay the period applied for. The Visa Officer will also have regard to all of the information available to them and to such factors as the applicant's ties and general circumstances in their country of origin. The onus rests at all times with the applicant to satisfy the Visa Officer that the visa sought should be granted. Guidelines on the application process including details of the required supporting documentation can be found on the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (www.inis.gov.ie).

Garda Stations

Jonathan O'Brien

Ceist:

442 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans for Garda stations in County Cork; his plans to amend opening times; his plans to protect rural residents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34279/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

A final decision on whether station closures will take place, and if so what stations, will be taken in the context of the Commissioner's draft Policing Plan for 2012 and will be announced shortly. The policing plan will also be laid before each House of the Oireachtas.

It is the case that, as with every other public sector organisation, the Garda Síochána is going to have to manage with reduced resources.

The Garda Commissioner has therefore quite properly been reviewing all aspects of the Garda Síochána's policing model, including the deployment of personnel, the utilisation of modern technologies and the operation of Garda stations, both in terms of opening hours and possible closures.

The purpose of the review is to ensure that Garda resources are managed and deployed in the most appropriate manner to meet existing and emerging policing requirements and to maintain Garda frontline services — which is consistent with Government policy.

Clearly an examination of the opening hours, and in some cases the viability, of stations will form part of this. In that regard the Garda Commissioner will have to consider whether, in appropriate cases, a better policing service could be delivered to a local community by having Garda members out on patrol rather than in a station.

Crime Statistics

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

443 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of arrests and prosecutions of proprietors of premises selling psychoactive products, head shops that have been taken in the past year since the passage of the Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Act 2010. [34284/11]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

444 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has been informed by An Garda Síochána authorities as to the number of raids on properties suspected of being involved in the sale and supply of substances covered under the Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Act 2010; and the amount and type of substances confiscated in those raids. [34285/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 443 and 444 together.

The Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Act 2010, which came into effect on 23 August 2010, is one element of the State's approach to targeting the activities of ‘headshops' and the sale of unregulated psychoactive substances.

The Act works in tandem with the ongoing controlling, as appropriate, of identified harmful substances by the Department of Health through the Misuse of Drugs legislation.

The Act has had a significant impact in reducing the number of ‘headshop' outlets currently operating in the State.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that since the Act came into effect a series of test-purchasing operations has been conducted at such premises by personnel from the Garda National Drug Unit, with approximately 70 inspections under the provisions of section 12 of the legislation having taken place nationwide.

This has resulted in the seizure of a range of products, including cannabanoid products, cathinone substances and substances suspected to contain benzylpiperazine or its derivatives, the value of which are estimated to be worth less than €100,000.

At this time, three of the remaining outlets which continue to operate are selling products intended for human consumption. During a test purchase operation at one of these premises a product subsequently found to contain ‘Salvinorin A', a psychoactive substance which has now been placed under the control of the Misuse of Drugs legislation, was purchased. The proprietor of the premises was arrested and interviewed resulting in the submission of an investigation file to the Law Officers and further directions in this matter are awaited.

Finally, I am advised that the Garda National Drug Unit is continually monitoring retail outlets involved in the sale of products traditionally sold by ‘headshops' and, in partnership with it's European counterparts, is constantly monitoring the topography of the headshop phenomenon in order to identify emerging trends and patterns in this area.

Garda Deployment

Anthony Lawlor

Ceist:

445 Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason the number of local authority houses are taken into consideration by An Garda Síochána when utilising the Garda establishment redistribution model in allocating personnel across divisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34313/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda Authorities, and when I have that information to hand I will write to the Deputy directly.

Garda Complaints Procedures

Joe Costello

Ceist:

446 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the gardaí have supplied all the information requested by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission in respect of the complaint made by a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; if he will ensure that the complaint is completed without delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34316/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) is an independent statutory body which was set up under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 and has oversight functions in relation to the Garda Síochána. GSOC reports annually to me in relation to the performance of its functions and their annual reports are laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas. As Minister for Justice and Equality, I have no function in relation to the processing by GSOC of individual complaints referred to it for investigation. Requests for information regarding the status of such complaints should be addressed directly to GSOC.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

447 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the internal Garda inquiry has taken place into the case of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; if so, the action that has been taken as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34318/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

In July 2009 the Garda Commissioner forwarded to my Department and to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission a detailed report of the Garda inquiry carried out by an Assistant Commissioner into events related to the case to which the Deputy refers.

This case is the subject of an ongoing public interest inquiry by the Ombudsman Commission under section 102(4) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005. In the circumstances, therefore, I believe that it would not be appropriate for me to make any further comment about the case pending the outcome of the Ombudsman Commission's work. If any action on my part is required as a result of the Ombudsman Commission's investigations then I will take it.

Irish Prison Service

Dominic Hannigan

Ceist:

448 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the cost of transporting members of the prison population from prison to hospitals for cosmetic procedures in the years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34350/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that no prisoners were transported to hospital, in the years mentioned, for medical procedures for cosmetic reasons.

Prisoners have an entitlement to the same standard of healthcare as members of the public who hold a medical card. Most prisoners receive care through the primary care system (involving doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals) which is delivered in each prison setting. Where a doctor or other healthcare professional operating in a prison determines that a prisoner requires treatment in an external setting (emergency department, out patients department, surgical procedure etc), following a comprehensive clinical assessment, a referral is made to the public health system.

Where prisoners attend for hospital appointments, decisions regarding their clinical care is determined on the same basis as persons in the community accessing public health services.

Family Law Proceedings

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

449 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a person who is party to family law proceedings is in breach of the in camera rule if they report the giving of false evidence in a family law hearing to An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34360/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The Deputy will appreciate that I am not in a position as Minister for Justice and Equality to provide legal advice in response to Parliamentary Questions. However, I can indicate the following by way of general information.

Under the law as it stands the giving of false evidence in any court proceedings, including family law proceedings, is an offence punishable by imprisonment. Since the offence is one that occurs before the court it is open to the court at any time to decide on the course of action that is required and, in the case of any difficulties, to give directions on the matter.

Question No. 450 answered with Question No. 431.

Garda Transport

Robert Troy

Ceist:

451 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda vehicles that are attached to each Garda station in the Longford-Westmeath district; and the number of Garda vehicles that were attached to these stations in 2009 and 2010. [34484/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The establishment of new Divisions and a realignment of Divisional boundaries within An Garda Síochána took place in January 2009. In that context I am advised by the Garda authorities that the Longford/Westmeath Division was divided into (1) the Westmeath Division and (2) the Roscommon/Longford Division.

In response to the information sought by the Deputy the Garda authorities have provided the following details:

Roscommon/Longford Division	2011 (Year to Date) No. of vehicles	2010 No. of vehicles	2009 No. of vehicles
Boyle District
Boyle	3	2	2
Elphin	1	1	1
Roosky	1	1	1
Castlerea District
Ballaghdereen	1	1	1
Castlerea	5	6	6
Granard
Edgeworthstown	2	2	3
Granard	3	2	4
Longford District
Ballymahon	2	2	1
Lanesborough	1	1	0
Longford	7	8	10
Roscommon District
Clonark	0	0	1
Rosscommon	14	15	19

Westmeath Division	2011 (Year to Date) No. of vehicles	2010 No. of vehicles	2009 No. of vehicles
Athlone District
Athlone	7	8	7
Glasson	1	1	1
Kilbeggan	1	1	1
Moate	5	5	4
Mullingar District
Ballynacargy	1	1	0
Castlepollard	1	1	1
Castletown	1	1	1
Delvin	1	2	1
Finea	0	0	1
Killucan	0	0	1
Kinnegad	1	1	1
Mullingar	27	29	33
Rochfortbridge	1	1	1

Departmental Staff

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

452 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if it is true that jobs from his Department based in Killarney, County Kerry are being moved to another county; if so, the number of jobs that will be lost to the Killarney area; the location to which they are moving; the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34495/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

My Department operates a Financial Shared Services Centre in Killarney, County Kerry and there are no plans to move the staff in it to another county.

Appointments to State Boards

Liam Twomey

Ceist:

453 Deputy Liam Twomey asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of positions on State boards and agencies under his aegis which he has advertised in the past seven months; the number of applications received; the number of applicants subsequently appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34509/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I can inform the Deputy that I recently advertised for expressions of interest from members of the public interested in serving on the 3-person Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission. No appointments have been made yet but when the selection process is completed appointments will be made by the President on the nomination of the Government.

The following vacancies in respect of positions other than on State Boards or Agencies were also advertised:—

Expressions of interest were sought through public advertisement from suitably qualified and experienced persons for nomination as Ireland's representative to the Council of Europe Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT). Forty-eight expressions of interest were received. In line with the procedures for nomination to the CPT, three individuals were nominated for consideration. It is a matter for the CPT to decide which nominee will be appointed; that process is expected to be finalised shortly.

Expressions of interest were sought through public advertisement from suitably qualified and experienced persons for nomination as Ireland's representative to the European Commission Against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI).

A total of 31 valid applications were received by the deadline of 2 September 2011. One nomination was sent to the ECRI Committee for consideration by the deadline of 30 September 2011. The nomination of Ireland's new member of ECRI is expected to be ratified by the Committee of Ministers Deputies at their meeting to be held on 22-24 November 2011. A number of judicial vacancies have been advertised in the last seven months by the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board. The Board was established pursuant to the Court and Courts Officers Act 1995. The purpose of the Board is to identify persons and inform the Government of the suitability of those persons for appointment to judicial office. The Board places advertisements for applications for judicial appointments in the national press. The Board submits to the Minister for Justice and Equality the names of all persons who have informed the Board of their wish to be considered for appointment to that judicial office and the names of at least seven persons whom it recommends for appointment. Judicial appointments are made by the President on the nomination of the Government.

On 2 September 2011, the Public Appointments Service placed advertisements for applications for the position of Taxing Master of the High Court. The closing date for applications was 16 September 2011. A short-list of candidates is currently being considered by the Public Appointments Service and the Government hopes to make the necessary appointment shortly.

Drug Seizures

Luke 'Ming' Flanagan

Ceist:

454 Deputy Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the Forensic Science Laboratory has found grit weed contamination in samples of cannabis seized in recent times; if he will make available the results of analysis carried out by the Forensic Science Laboratory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34536/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I can inform the Deputy that the Forensic Science Laboratory is independent of me in its work and I have no role in its day to day operations.

However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy I have had enquiries made with Forensic Science Laboratory and I am informed that the Laboratory's analysis focuses on the identification of the controlled drug. Other contaminants may be noted but are not formally monitored. The Forensic Science Laboratory were aware of cases with crushed glass and/or tiny beads in 2007 and 2008. However, the staff who analyse drugs do not recollect seeing contaminants in samples in 2011.

Garda Deployment

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

455 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the full cost to the State for the Garda presence for the Corrib gas project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34552/11]

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

456 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí stationed in north Mayo used to police the Corrib gas project and protest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34553/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 455 and 456 together.

I have asked the Garda authorities for an update of the costs of the policing operation and I will revert to the Deputy as soon as the information becomes available. The deployment of Garda resources to police protest actions in the North Mayo area connected with the Corrib Gas Project is a matter for the Garda Commissioner. The aim is to prevent public order offences and to ensure that people can go about their lawful business.

The Garda Commissioner has informed me that the policing measures currently in place are deemed necessary to prevent breaches of the criminal law in the area.

Ministerial Staff

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

457 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of his constituency and parliamentary staff, appointed following the February 2011 elections, on salaries that exceed their applicable pay scale grade; the number of his existing and parliamentary staff employed prior to the February 2011 elections but awarded salary increases following the election that exceed their applicable pay scale grade; and if he will provide their annual salary details in a tabular format. [34574/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

As the Deputy is no doubt aware, this Government provided for a reduction in the number of staff in a Minister's Private and Constituency Offices.

Three of my four permitted appointments as Minister for Justice & Equality had worked for me immediately prior to my appointment. The salary details of these three staff are set out below.

Details	Salary (as of November 2011)
Special Advisor	€80,051 — €92,672
Personal Assistant	€43,715 — €56,060
Personal Secretary	€23,820 — €47,755

The salaries of all of my personal appointments are in accordance with the applicable pay scales as provided for in Government Decision of 15th March 2011.

Pension Provisions

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

458 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if when a garda takes up a new post within the public sector on retirement from An Garda Síochána they must rescind their Garda pension until such time as they retire from their new position; and if not, the pension arrangements for such a person. [34629/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The pension of a retired Garda who takes up employment elsewhere in the public sector is not affected by such employment. A Bill to provide for a Single Public Service Pension Scheme has been initiated in the Dáil by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform which, I understand, will address this matter.

Surrogacy Issues

Michael Creed

Ceist:

459 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress made on establishing protocols for couples embarking on having children by surrogacy abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34638/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

A guidance document for people who are considering arranging for a surrogate mother to give birth to a child outside the State is at an advanced stage of preparation by an interdepartmental group co-ordinated by the Office of the Attorney General. I expect that the guidance document will be finalised for publication shortly.

Visa Applications

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

460 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a visa application will be decided in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34655/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The visa application referred to by the Deputy was received in the Visa Office, Dublin on 26 August 2011. While a preliminary assessment of the application has been completed, the application referred to is awaiting a comprehensive examination.

Applicants are advised to make their application at least eight weeks in advance of the proposed date of travel. It should however be borne in mind that the timeframe of eight weeks acts as a guideline only. The actual time-frame for decision is ultimately dependent on a number of factors, two of these being the number of applications on hand and the resources available to process them.

I can advise that each visa application is considered on its individual merits, the onus as always resting with the applicant to establish to the satisfaction of the Visa Officer as to why the visa sought should be granted. The applicant will be notified of the decision in due course.

Queries in relation to general immigration matters may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Identity Cards

Seán Kenny

Ceist:

461 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda age ID cards issued for the years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011; the average time to process the Garda age ID cards in each of these years; the amount generated in each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34684/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the following table contains the number of Garda National Age Cards issued from 2007 to 2011 (up to 31 October) and the amounts paid in fees.

Year	Number of Cards Issued	Fees Paid
2011 (up to 31 October)	35,744	€478,680
2010	39,952	€399,520
2009	36,351	€363,510
2008	35,268	€352,680
2007	31,653	€316,530

In the years 2007-2010 inclusive, the time taken to process an application was approximately 6 - 8 weeks. Following the introduction of an online application system on 5 January, 2011, the time taken to process an application is now approximately 2 - 3 weeks.

Garda Strength

Seán Kenny

Ceist:

462 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí currently in the Garda air support unit by rank; the number of civilians by grade in the unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34685/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that as of the latest date for which figures are readily available, the personnel strength of the Garda Air Support Unit was as set out hereunder:

Rank	Number
Sergeant	5
Gardaí	16
Civilians	0
Total	21

Visa Applications

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

463 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality in view of recent political developments in Libya, if he will provide details of the procedure which apply to Libyan nationals applying for a short-time visa to visit Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34707/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I can advise the Deputy that there has been no change or alteration in the visa application procedures for Libyan nationals notwithstanding the recent political developments to which the Deputy refers.

However, the Deputy may be interested to learn that officials in my Department are currently expediting the issuing of visas for a small number of Libyan patients who will be receiving urgent treatment in private medical facilities in Ireland. This initiative is on foot of recent contact involving the new Libyan authorities, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Department of Health and my own Department. The need for this treatment stems from the recent conflict in Libya and similar arrangements have been made with a number of other European countries. It is important that Ireland makes a contribution in this regard and I am happy that my Department can support this important initiative which will help pave the way for a constructive relationship with the new government of Libya into the future.

By way of general comment, the Deputy should be aware that each visa application is considered on its individual merits. In assessing any Visa application, the Visa Officer will consider various matters, including whether it is reasonable in the circumstances to conclude that the applicant would honour the conditions of the Visa and whether there is a significant risk that the applicant would overstay the period applied for. The Visa Officer will also have regard to all of the information available to them and to such factors as the applicant's ties and general circumstances in their country of origin. The onus rests at all times with the applicant to satisfy the Visa Officer that the visa sought should be granted.

Traffic Fines

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

464 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide a breakdown, by county, for the period of October 2010 to October 2011 of the amount of money accrued from fines that persons were caught speeding by the speed camera vans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34739/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The objective of the outsourced Garda mobile safety camera network is to reduce the number of speed related collisions and so save lives and prevent serious injury, as excessive or inappropriate speeding is a major factor in road traffic collisions. Based on an extensive analysis by An Garda Síochána, in conjunction with the National Roads Authority, of the collision history of the road network, a list of speed enforcement zones has been developed. The locations of these zones are in the public domain, including on the Garda website www.garda.ie. An Garda Síochána utilises these zones to direct speed enforcement activity, including activity by the outsourced safety camera service provider. The service provider is paid on the basis of enforcement and surveying hours conducted, and the rates are not linked in any way to the number of detections made.

The collection of payments made on foot of fixed charge notices issued for road traffic offences, including speeding offences detected by both An Garda Síochána and the service provider, was outsourced to An Post in January 2006. I am advised that it is not possible to provide the specific information requested on the amounts paid in respect of fixed charge notices issued in relation to speeding detected by the service provider without a disproportionate use of resources.

Capital Projects

Gerald Nash

Ceist:

465 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide details in regard to the number and value of State capital project contracts awarded to companies registered outside the State in the years 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively; if he will provide details in respect of the number and value of State capital project contracts awarded to companies registered in the Republic of Ireland in the years 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34813/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

In response to the Deputy's question, the annual expenditure on my Department's Capital Programme for 2009, 2010 and 2011 is set out below, along with the proportion of that expenditure awarded to companies outside of this jurisdiction.

	2009	2010	2011
Capital Programme Spend	€117m	€105m	€50m
Of which Companies classified as non-domestic	€8m	€5m	€1.3m
Number of Contracts	572	466	286
Companies classified as non-domestic	49	41	27

Visa Applications

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

466 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will reconsider the refusal of a visa application in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34886/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The visa application referred to by the Deputy was received in the Visa Office, Dublin on 22 June 2011. Following full consideration by a Visa Officer this application was refused on 2 September 2011 for the following reasons: There was insufficient documentation submitted in support of the application. In particular, the Visa Officer noted that the father of the applicant had only given consent for the applicant to visit and not to reside, which was the purpose of the visa sought.

It was the opinion of the Visa Officer that the granting of a visa may result in a cost to public funds and/or public resources.

The person concerned appealed this decision on 5 October 2011. Following full consideration by a Visa Appeals Officer the issue surrounding consent was dealt with. However, the applicant failed to address concerns surrounding the potential burden on public funds and/or public resources and the original decision to refuse was upheld on 21 October, 2011.

It is of course open to the person concerned to submit a fresh visa application at any time. If doing so, the applicant should be in a position to address the concern surrounding public funds/public resources.

Queries in relation to general immigration matters may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long waited.

Defence Forces Personnel

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Ceist:

467 Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding a former naval serviceman (details supplied) in Dublin 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34082/11]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

Under the provisions of Defence Force Regulation A10, an enlisted member of the Permanent Defence Force who has completed less than 12 years' service in the Permanent Defence Force is entitled to his or her discharge by purchase upon payment of the appropriate sum. There are certain provisions and exclusions in the Regulation which allow for reductions in the amount of this payment up to a certain level.

The individual to whom the Deputy refers has purchased his discharge under the provisions of the Regulations. The Military Authorities advise that at the time of discharge the individual concerned did not make an application for the provisions of the Regulations relating to a reduction in the cost of his discharge by purchase to be applied. Should the individual wish to make a retrospective application this can be reviewed by the Military Authorities.

Croke Park Agreement

Dominic Hannigan

Ceist:

468 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Defence the number of Croke Park agreement projects that each State agency under his aegis is progressing; if he will list each project by Department in tabular form; the amount to be saved by each project; the number that have been completed since the agreement came into force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34154/11]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The bodies under the aegis of my Department are the Civil Defence Board, the Army Pensions Board and Coiste an Asgard. In July, the Government approved a proposal to begin drafting legislation to transfer the functions of the Civil Defence Board back into the Department of Defence. The Heads of the Civil Defence (Repeal) Bill were subsequently agreed by Government in August. The Bill is currently being drafted and it is anticipated that it will be published in early 2012. If enacted, the Bill will 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 Army Pensions Board is an independent statutory body whose main function is to investigate applications for pensions, allowances and gratuities under the Army Pensions Acts. The Board has two staff members.

Coiste an Asgard was the company set up to manage the National Sail Training Scheme. In September 2008, the company's sail training vessel ‘Asgard II' sank in the Bay of Biscay. In December 2009, the previous Government announced that the National Sail Training Scheme was to be discontinued and the funding for 2010 was cancelled. The Company has been inactive since and there is no crew or staff left on the payroll. The winding-up process is well advanced and it is anticipated that the company will be in a position to close by the end of this year, following a final audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General.

The Civil Defence Board and the Army Pensions Board are encompassed in the Department's Croke Park Action Plan.

It should be noted that the Implementation Body for the Agreement is currently considering the progress reported on the implementation of Action Plans under Croke Park in each sector during the period April to September 2011. The Body is due to publish a summary of the progress reported to it on its website shortly.

Defence Forces Reserve

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

469 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the delays in clearing applicants for the Reserve Defence Force; the reason for such a delay; and when will new applicants for the reserve be allowed join the force. [34329/11]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

All applicants wishing to join the Army Reserve or Naval Service Reserve must complete a Garda Vetting application form and undergo the Garda vetting process. Once completed, vetting application forms are checked at local level and then forwarded to Brigade or Naval Service Intelligence Sections for submission to the Garda Vetting Office. It takes up to 6 months for completion of the vetting process. In addition, delays in the submission of forms can arise where applicants have not completed the forms correctly. The number of personnel that can be recruited to the Army Reserve and the Naval Service Reserve is dependent on the funding available for paid training. The 2011 provision allowed for the recruitment of approximately 200 personnel. The number of personnel to be recruited in the coming year will be dependent on Budget 2012, which has not been determined as yet. Accordingly there have been no decisions regarding recruitment in 2012.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

470 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence when recruitment for the Reserve Defence Force will recommence; the numbers currently in the reserve; and the limit on its numbers. [34330/11]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The tables below outline the establishment, which sets the limit on numbers who can serve in the Reserve Defence Force, and strength of each rank of the Reserve Defence Force broken down across the Army Reserve, the Reserve Defence Force Training Authority and the Naval Service Reserve as at 30 September 2011, the latest date for which figures are available. The number of personnel that can be recruited to the Army Reserve and the Naval Service Reserve is dependent on the funding available for paid training. The 2011 budget provided for approximately 30,000 paid training man-days. These man-days provide for annual paid training for existing members of the Reserve, for targeted developmental training, such as career courses and skills courses, and for certain training for new recruits.

The 2011 provision allowed for the recruitment of approximately 200 personnel. The number of personnel to be recruited in the coming year will be dependent on Budget 2012, which has not been determined as yet. Accordingly there have been no decisions regarding recruitment in 2012.

Army Reserve
	Lt Col	Comdt	Capt	Lt	Total Officers	SM	BQMS	CS	CQMS	SGT	CPL	Total NCOs	PTES	CADETS	Total
Army Res Established Strength	3	130	274	277	684	18	18	106	133	838	1723	2836	5772	0	9292
Army Res Actual Strength as at 30 September 2011	3	82	170	280	535	12	14	81	79	582	888	1656	2916	0	5107

Naval Reserve
	Lt Col	Comdt	Capt	Lt	Total Officers	SM	BQMS	CS	CQMS	SGT	CPL	Total NCOs	PTES	CADETS	Total
Naval Res Established Strength	0	4	28	0	32	0	0	4	12	24	48	88	280	0	400
Naval Res Actual Strength as at 30 September 2011	0	3	10	7	20	0	3	10	0	10	30	53	151	0	224

Non-Integrated RDF Training Authority (RDFTA):
	Lt Col	Comdt	Capt	Lt	Total Officers	SM	BQMS	CS	CQMS	SGT	CPL	Total NCOs	PTES	CADETS	Total
RDFTA Non Int Established Strength	1	4	17	1	23	1	0	3	2	15	11	32	0	0	55
RDFTA Actual Strength as at 30 September 2011	0	4	8	6	18	1	0	1	1	10	0	13	0	0	31

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

471 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence the funding for each of the past five years for the Reserve Defence Force. [34331/11]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

Subhead D of the Defence Vote is entirely devoted to the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) and includes the provision for RDF training, gratuities, allowances and grants paid into unit funds. The annual provision and outturn for Subhead D, as per the Revised Estimates, for the years 2006 to 2010 was as follows:

Subhead D	2006(€’000)	2007(€’000)	2008(€’000)	2009(€’000)	2010(€’000)
Provision	13,001	12,541	10,459	8,900	4,700
Outturn	9,733	8,841	9,138	6,651	4,014

The Subhead D Provision for 2011 is €4,386,000.

Defence Forces Recruitment

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

472 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Defence his views on a case (details supplied); if he will have the case reviewed; the position regarding the change of information in relation to the upper age limit for recruits on the Defence Forces website since this case was highlighted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34377/11]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The overall situation in relation to the case of the individual referred to is currently being examined in detail by officials in my Department in consultation with the military authorities. As I am in receipt of a solicitor's letter in the matter it would be inappropriate for me to comment further at this time. However, a full reply will issue as soon as possible. In relation to the information on the website, the Defence Forces recently introduced a new updated Defence Forces website. I am advised by the military authorities that it appears in converting from the old to the new website, a transcription error occurred regarding the upper age limit to qualify for enlistment in the Permanent Defence Force. In that regard, the website should have stated that "the upper age limit for recruits is less than 25 years of age" as is provided for in Defence Forces regulation DFR A.10. However the words ‘less than’ were left out of the text on the new website. The website has now been amended to reflect the legal position as set out in DFR A.10.

Appointments to State Boards

Liam Twomey

Ceist:

473 Deputy Liam Twomey asked the Minister for Defence the number of positions on State boards and agencies under his aegis which he has advertised in the past seven months; the number of applications received; the number of applicants subsequently appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34502/11]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The bodies under the aegis of my Department are the Civil Defence Board, the Army Pensions Board and Coiste an Asgard.

The Civil Defence Act 2002 provides that the Board shall consist of at least eight but not more than fourteen members who shall be appointed by the Minister for Defence. Legislation is currently being drafted to dissolve the Civil Defence Board and transfer the functions of the Board back into the Department of Defence. I appointed the current Board as an interim measure from 11July 2011. In this context, none of the positions were advertised. Membership of the interim Board appointed from 11 July 2011 is set out in the table below.

Name	Nominating Bodies
Civil Defence Board Chairperson
Mr. Brian Spain Director, Department of Defence	Nominated by the Minister for Defence
Civil Defence Board Members
Mr. Cathal Duffy Principal Officer, Department of Defence	Nominated by the Minister for Defence
Ms. Clare Tiernan Principal Officer, Department of Defence	Nominated by the Minister for Defence
Mr. Robert Mooney Principal Officer, Department of Defence	Nominated by the Minister for Defence
Mr. Bill Smith Director General, Civil Defence Board	Appointed as Director General, Civil Defence Board
Mr. Ned Gleeson County Manager, Limerick City Council	Nominated by City & County Managers Association
Mr. Keith Leonard Assistant Fire Advisor	Nominated by the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government
Dr. Barbara Rafferty	Nominated by Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland
Ms. Becci Cantrell	Nominated by the Environmental Protection Agency
Ms. Veronica Forde Assistant Civil Defence Officer	Nominated by the Civil Defence Officers Association
Lt. Col. Tony Kelly SSO, Defence Forces	Nominated by the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces
Detective Superintendent Orla Mc Partlin An Garda Síochána	Nominated by the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána
Mr. Fergal Conroy	Elected volunteer member of Civil Defence
Ms. Eileen Joyce	Elected staff member of the Civil Defence Board

No appointments have been made to the Army Pensions Board or to the Board of Coiste an Asgard since I took office as Minister for Defence.

In the context of settling the Estimates for the Department of Defence for 2010, the Government decided 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. As a result, no funding was provided in 2010 or 2011. The Board will be dissolved shortly.

Ministerial Staff

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

474 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Defence the number of his constituency and parliamentary staff, appointed following the February 2011 elections, on salaries that exceed their applicable pay scale grade; the number of his existing and parliamentary staff employed prior to the February 2011 elections but awarded salary increases following the election that exceed their applicable pay scale grade; and if he will provide their annual salary details in a tabular format. [34567/11]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

As Minister for Defence, I have engaged a personal assistant who will assist me with constituency matters. The annual salary attached to this post is €56,060, which does not exceed the applicable payscale as set down in Department of Finance guidelines. I have not appointed any parliamentary staff in my role as Minister for Defence.

No parliamentary staff employed prior to the February 2011 elections are employed at the Department of Defence.

Capital Projects

Gerald Nash

Ceist:

475 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide details in regard to the number and value of State capital project contracts awarded to companies registered outside the State in the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively; if he will provide details in respect of the number and value of State capital project contracts awarded to companies registered in the Republic of Ireland in the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34806/11]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The Department is engaged in an ongoing capital building programme designed to modernise and enhance the living, training, operational and accommodation facilities available to members of the Defence Forces. The programme focuses mainly on infrastructural projects comprising the construction of new buildings and the refurbishment of existing buildings.

The breakdown of capital project contracts awarded, both outside and within the State in the years 2009 to date in 2011, are listed in the table below. These include various professional construction consultancy services in connection with building and engineering capital projects under Subhead L, Buildings.

Year	State Capital Contracts awarded to companies registered outside the State	State Capital Contracts awarded to companies registered in the Republic of Ireland
Number	Value	Number	Value
2009	2	€1.63m	53	€9.43m
2010	1	€0.79m	72	€8.61m
2011	0	€0.00m	22	€6.17m

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

476 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will ensure that farmers do not have their area aid payments cut in view of the fact that they are finding it difficult enough to manage their budgets at present without a further cut in their income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34381/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

In relation to the funding of the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, in common with all areas of Government spending, a comprehensive review is currently being undertaken, with a view to achieving the best balance between the recognised benefits of the Scheme, while working within the unprecedented financial constraints in which the country currently finds itself. The outcome of this review and the subsequent Government decision on funding for the Disadvantaged Areas will be known when the Departmental estimate is published next month.

Grant Payments

Patrick O'Donovan

Ceist:

477 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding an application for the single farm payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34006/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

An application under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 5 May 2011. The application has now been fully processed and the appropriate payment will issue shortly.

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

478 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason the single farm payment for 2011 has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34038/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person in question on 16 May 2011. This application was selected for and was the subject of a Ground Eligibility Inspection. This inspection was completed and the results are now being processed. In the vast majority of inspected cases, including this case, amendments have had to be made to the maps in order that the Land Parcel Identification System that is used for making payments to farmers is kept up-to-date. This work is ongoing and every effort is being made to complete the processing of those who were the subject of a Ground Eligibility Inspection without undue delay.

Horse Sport Ireland

Michael McCarthy

Ceist:

479 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if any board member or member of the management team at Horse Sport Ireland is in receipt of a pension from another State organisation, agency or body; if he will specify the details if this is the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34065/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

Horse Sport Ireland is a private company limited by guarantee which is led and directed by a board of directors. The Deputy's query regarding the receipt of pensions by any board member or member of the management team is a matter for that organisation. Consequently, the query should be addressed directly to Horse Sport Ireland.

Grant Payments

Pat Breen

Ceist:

480 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34075/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

An application under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 19 April 2011, following processing of which an over-claim was identified on one of the land parcels declared. The person named has been written to in this regard and, immediately on receipt of a satisfactory reply, the application will be further processed with a view to the appropriate payment issuing shortly thereafter.

Horse Sport Ireland

Michael McCarthy

Ceist:

481 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total amount paid to board members of Horse Sport Ireland on a yearly basis since 2006 in tabular form; the number of persons on the board in each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34078/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

Horse Sport Ireland is a private company limited by guarantee which is led and directed by a board of directors. The Deputy's query regarding the total amount paid to board members since 2006 is a matter for that organisation. Consequently, the query should be addressed directly to Horse Sport Ireland.

Michael McCarthy

Ceist:

482 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total amount paid in expenses to board members of Horse Sport Ireland each year since 2006; the different categories of expenses and the total amount incurred per category per year in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34079/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

Horse Sport Ireland is a private company limited by guarantee which is led and directed by a board of directors. The Deputy's query regarding the total amount paid in expenses to board members of Horse Sport Ireland each year since 2006 is a matter for that organisation. Consequently, the query should be addressed directly to Horse Sport Ireland.

Michael McCarthy

Ceist:

483 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total amount paid to the management team of Horse Sport Ireland each year since 2006, specifying the amount paid each year to each of the four individuals who currently make up the team; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34080/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

Horse Sport Ireland is a private company limited by guarantee which is directed and led by a board of directors. The Deputy's query regarding the total amount paid to the management team each year since 2006 in Horse Sport Ireland is a matter for that organisation. Consequently, the query should be addressed directly to Horse Sport Ireland.

Michael McCarthy

Ceist:

484 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total amount of expenses paid to the management team at Horse Sport Ireland each year since 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34081/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

Horse Sport Ireland is a private company limited by guarantee which is led and directed by a board of directors. The Deputy's query regarding the total amount of expenses paid to the management team each year since 2006 is an operational matter for that organisation. Consequently, the query should be addressed directly to Horse Sport Ireland.

Grant Payments

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

485 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the single farm payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34114/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

An application under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 3 May 2011, following processing of which an over-claim was identified on one of the land parcels declared. The person named has been written to in this regard and, immediately on receipt of a satisfactory reply, the application will be further processed with a view to the appropriate payment issuing shortly thereafter.

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

486 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34121/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

The person in question commenced REPS 4 in February 2009 and received payments for the first year of their contract. In addition, 75% of their year 2 payment issued on 26 May 2011 for the amount of €8676.99. The balancing 25% payment issued dated 11 November 2011 for the amount of €922.75. This payment included a penalty deduction of €1,969.56 for non-compliance with the scheme conditions in relation to works planned (organic storage facilities) but not carried out and in relation to evidence of damage to field boundaries and removal of habitats. The administration checks in respect of 2011 payments are currently being carried out. I expect that payments in respect of 2011 will commence later this month.

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

487 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a single farm payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34137/11]

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

488 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a disadvantaged area payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34138/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 487 and 488 together.

An application under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 15 April 2011, processing of which has recently been completed, thereby allowing payment of the 50% advance of the Single Payment and payment under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme to issue shortly.

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

489 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a single farm payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [34144/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

An application under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 11 May 2011, processing of which has recently been finalised, thereby allowing the 50% advance of the Single Payment to issue to the applicant in the coming days.

Croke Park Agreement

Dominic Hannigan

Ceist:

490 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of Croke Park agreement projects that each State agency under his aegis is progressing; if he will list each project by Department in tabular form; the amount to be saved by each project; the number that have been completed since the agreement came into force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34150/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

The Implementation Body for the Agreement is currently considering the progress reported on the implementation of Action Plans under Croke Park by each semi-state Body during the period April to September 2011. The Body is due to publish a summary of the progress reported to it on its website shortly. Once the Body has completed its consideration, the progress reports for this particular reporting period for individual public service bodies, including each state agency, will be published on their organisation's websites.

Grant Payments

Michael Creed

Ceist:

491 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive their headage, single farm payment and agri-environment option scheme payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34172/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

An application under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 9 May 2011, following processing of which an over-claim was identified on one of the land parcels declared. The person named has been written to in this regard and, immediately on receipt of a satisfactory reply, the application will be further processed with a view to the appropriate payments issuing shortly thereafter. The person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from 1st September 2010.

Under the EU Regulations governing the 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. During these checks a query arose in relation to the re-digitisation of land parcels for AEOS purposes. This particular problem has now been addressed and payment will issue shortly.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

492 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive their headage, single farm payment and grassland sheep payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34173/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 11th May 2011. This application was selected for and was the subject of a Ground Eligibility Inspection. This inspection was completed and the results are now being processed. In the vast majority of inspected cases, including this case amendments have had to be made to the maps in order that the Land Parcel Identification System that is used for making payments to farmers is kept up-to-date. This work is ongoing and every effort is being made to complete the processing of those who were the subject of a Ground Eligibility Inspection without undue delay so that all outstanding payments can issue.

John Paul Phelan

Ceist:

493 Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason the single farm payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny has not yet been paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34205/11]

John Paul Phelan

Ceist:

494 Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason the disadvantaged area payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny has not yet been paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34206/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 493 and 494 together.

An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 28 April 2011. This application was selected for and was the subject of a Ground Eligibility/Cross Compliance Inspection. This inspection was completed and the results are now being processed.

In the vast majority of inspected cases, including this case, amendments have had to be made to the maps in order that the Land Parcel Identification System that is used for making payments to farmers is kept up-to-date. This work is ongoing and every effort is being made to complete the processing of those who were the subject of a Ground Eligibility Inspection without undue delay.

John Paul Phelan

Ceist:

495 Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason the single farm payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny has not yet been paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34207/11]

John Paul Phelan

Ceist:

496 Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason the disadvantaged area payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny has not yet been paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34208/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 495 and 496 together.

An application under the 2011 Single Payment/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 18 April 2011, processing of which has recently been finalised, thereby allowing the 50% advance of the Single Payment and the Disadvantaged Area Payment issue to the applicant in the coming days.

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

497 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a 2010 REP scheme payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34215/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

The person named commenced REPS 4 in June 2008 and received payments for the first two years of their contract. In addition, 75% of the year 3 payment issued on 9th November 2011 for the amount of €5794.39. My Department is currently making arrangements to process the outstanding 25% payments to farmers and this outstanding 25% balancing payment of €1931.46 will issue in the next few days.

Sean Conlan

Ceist:

498 Deputy Seán Conlan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan has not received their area aid and single farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34225/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

An application under the 2011 Single Payment/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 12 May 2011, processing of which was recently completed thereby allowing the appropriate payments issue shortly to the person named.

Proposed Legislation

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

499 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason he strongly advocated recently at a Joint Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security debate on 19 January 2011 the need for climate change legislation which sets mandatory targets; if his view on the need for Ireland to introduce climate change legislation has changed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34238/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

In releasing the National Climate Policy Review on 3rd November 2011, my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, confirmed the objective, in line with the Programme for Government, to introduce climate legislation within the lifetime of the Government. As indicated in the Government legislation programme published on 14 September 2011, it is expected that it will be 2012 at the earliest before any legislation can be published, taking account of the need to progress the broader climate policy agenda under the aegis of the Cabinet Committee on Climate Change and the Green Economy.

On foot of the climate policy review, it is clear that national policy development to underpin deeper greenhouse gas mitigation is the most urgent and therefore the most immediate priority. In this regard, Minister Hogan has announced that he will engage in a policy development process to identify the necessary policy mix to support an ambitious but realistic national mitigation agenda. This process will include: an independent study by the secretariat to the National Economic and Social Council; a public consultation in 2012 to enable all stakeholders to engage in the policy development process; and sectoral mitigation progress to be pursued through the Cabinet Committee on Climate Change and the Green Economy.

I agree with Minister Hogan that this is a sensible response to the climate policy review, and I support his stated intention to take the policy development process forward on a transparent and inclusive basis.

Grant Payments

Noel Harrington

Ceist:

500 Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has not been paid their final quarter REP scheme payment for 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34244/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

The person named commenced REPS 4 in May 2009 and received payments for the first year of their contract. In addition, 75% of the year 2 payment issued on 14th April 2011 for the amount of €6322.61 and the remaining 25% balancing payment of €2107.52 issued on 7th November 2011. The administration checks in respect of 2011 payments are currently being carried out and I expect that payments in respect of 2011 will commence later this month.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

501 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34251/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

An application under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 9 April 2011, processing of which has recently been finalised, thereby allowing the 50% advance of the Single Payment to issue to the applicant on 8 November 2011. 100% Payment under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme issued on 3 November 2011.

John Browne

Ceist:

502 Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when area aid payments will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford. [34269/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 15 May 2011. This application was selected for and was the subject of a Ground Eligibility/Cross Compliance Inspection. This inspection was completed and the results are now being processed.

In the vast majority of inspected cases, including this case, amendments have had to be made to the maps in order that the Land Parcel Identification System that is used for making payments to farmers is kept up-to-date. This work is ongoing and every effort is being made to complete the processing of those who were the subject of a Ground Eligibility Inspection without undue delay.

Proposed Legislation

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

503 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a recent High Court decision in regard to a marine transport company (details supplied) indicates that the system of harbour dues enforced since 2003 will have to be urgently reviewed and brought before Dáil Éireann through legislation or ministerial regulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34288/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

My Department is currently considering the very detailed High Court judgment given in the Island Ferries Teoranta case and is examining the potential implications arising out of the judgement.

Grant Payments

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

504 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when an application for a sheep fencing grant will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34290/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

Approval under the Sheep Fencing/Handling Scheme to commence the investment works concerned issued to the person named on 21 October 2011.

Patrick Deering

Ceist:

505 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Carlow will receive their single farm payment for 2011. [34340/11]

Patrick Deering

Ceist:

506 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Carlow will receive their disadvantaged farm payment for 2011. [34341/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 505 and 506 together.

An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 10 May 2011. This application was selected for and was the subject of a Ground Eligibility/Cross Compliance Inspection. This inspection was completed and the results are now being processed.

In the vast majority of inspected cases, including this case, amendments have had to be made to the maps in order that the Land Parcel Identification System that is used for making payments to farmers is kept up-to-date. This work is ongoing and every effort is being made to complete the processing of those who were the subject of a Ground Eligibility Inspection without undue delay.

Farm Retirement Scheme

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

507 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding payments in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34368/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

For persons entering the Early Retirement Scheme in the year ended 31 December 2002, pensions are payable for a maximum period of 10 years but in any event not beyond a retired farmer's 68th birthday. The person named entered the Scheme on 2 October 2002 and payment of his pension will cease on 1 October 2012 when he has completed the maximum period of 10 years in the Scheme. The person named is advised to contact the Department of Social Protection to identify any pension entitlements that he may have.

Grant Payments

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

508 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when single farm payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34371/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 12 May 2011. This application was selected for and was the subject of a Ground Eligibility/Cross Compliance Inspection. This inspection was completed and the results are now being processed.

In the vast majority of inspected cases, including this case, amendments have had to be made to the maps in order that the Land Parcel Identification System that is used for making payments to farmers is kept up-to-date. This work is ongoing and every effort is being made to complete the processing of those who were the subject of a Ground Eligibility Inspection without undue delay.

Tuberculosis Incidence

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

509 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to reduce by a serious cull the number of deer here at present in view of the increase in TB (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34379/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

Far from experiencing an increase in the incidence of TB in cattle herds, the incidence of TB in cattle is the lowest recorded since the commencement of the programme in the 1950s. Herd incidence has fallen from 7.5% in 2000 to 4.6% last year and reactor numbers in 2010 were, at 20,200, about 50% lower than ten years ago. Both reactor numbers and herd incidence have continued to fall in 2011 and it is likely that reactor numbers will fall below 20,000 this year. This means that, at the end of this year, we will have seen 3 consecutive years of very low disease levels and my Department is hopeful that the disease will remain close to these levels into the future.

With regard to deer, in addition to monitoring the outcome of routine veterinary examination of wild deer carcasses intended for human consumption, my Department also specifically carries out ongoing research into the incidence of TB in the wild deer. To date, both the routine veterinary examination results and our research has shown a very low incidence of TB in the wild deer population (Sika and Dama dama), even when the deer concerned were deliberately selected from areas of the country with a high incidence of TB in the cattle population. A low incidence of TB in wild deer does not mean that no deer will be detected as infected and finding a single deer badly infected with TB would not be unusual, particularly since a deer badly infected with TB would be more easily killed or die where it might be found and thus such deer do not reflect the overall incidence in the population.

Responsibility for management of the national deer herd is the responsibility of the NPWS. Deer are not a protected species and can be culled under licence issued by that body to local gun clubs and/or farmers. Accordingly, a cull for the purpose of reduction in numbers in a locality where they may be causing problems is not the responsibility of and does not need the participation of my Department.

Grant Payments

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

510 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason payment in respect of agri-environment option scheme has not issued in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; when payment will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34464/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

The person named was approved for participation in the Agri-environment Options Scheme with effect from 1 September 2010.

Under the EU Regulations governing the 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. During these checks a query arose in relation to the re-digitisation of land parcels for AEOS purposes. This particular problem has now been addressed and payment will issue shortly.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

511 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason the disadvantaged area payment has not issued in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; when it will be paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34465/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

An application under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 4 May 2011, however, following processing over-claims were identified on two of the parcels declared by the person named. The person named has been written to in this regard and, on receipt of a satisfactory reply, the application will then be further processed with a view to the appropriate payment issuing shortly thereafter.

Appointments to State Boards

Liam Twomey

Ceist:

512 Deputy Liam Twomey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of positions on State boards and agencies under his aegis which he has advertised in the past seven months; the number of applications received; the number of applicants subsequently appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34498/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

Since May of this year all vacancies on the State Boards and Agencies that fall under my Department's remit are listed on the Departmental website. Board appointments to a number of the bodies and agencies are not made at my sole discretion. Instead, individuals are nominated for appointment by various organisations, specified in the relevant statute. These include the Aquaculture Licensing Appeals Board, Teagasc, National Milk Agency, Veterinary Council and Horse Racing Ireland.

My Department received a number of general applications for positions on any of the boards in question. However, the more specific information sought by the Deputy is listed in the following table.

Body/Agency	No of Board Members	No of Board Vacancies since May 2011	No of applications received	No of applicants appointed
Aquaculture Licensing Appeals Board	7	2	1	0
An Bord Bia	15	6 (including the Chair)	14	0
Bord Iascaigh Mhara	6	1	3	None appointed yet
Bord na gCon	7	4	30	0
Coillte	9	2	8	None appointed yet
Horse Racing Ireland	14 on board including chairman	0	7	None appointed yet
Irish National Stud	7 on board including chairman	4	6	None appointed yet
Marine Institute	9	1	0	None appointed yet
National Milk Agency	14	0	0	None appointed yet
Sea Fisheries Protection Authority	3	0	0	None appointed yet
Teagasc	11	0	1	None appointed yet
Veterinary Council	19	0	0	None appointed yet

Proposed Legislation

Dominic Hannigan

Ceist:

513 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason the words to ban fur farming have been removed from the explanatory memorandum accompanying the Animal Health and Welfare Bill; if he will clarify same and also provide details pertaining to the banning of fur farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34513/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

The Programme for Government 2011 contains a commitment to amend and strengthen legislation on animal cruelty and animal welfare. Work is progressing on the drafting of an Animal Health and Welfare Bill which will provide a basis for regulating the related area of animal health. In this context I have established a Review Group in my Department to review all aspects of fur farming and I will be inviting submissions from interested parties in the coming weeks.

Any actions arising from the review, to be completed early in the New Year, may be brought forward in the Animal Health and Welfare Bill, drafting of which is ongoing with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel.

Grant Payments

Paudie Coffey

Ceist:

514 Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a single farm payment will issue to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34535/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

An application under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 12 April 2011, processing of which has recently been finalised, thereby allowing the 50% advance of the Single Payment and the Disadvantaged Area Payment issue to the applicant in the coming days.

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

515 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34554/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 16 May 2011.

This application was selected for and was the subject of a Ground Eligibility inspection.

This inspection was completed and the results are now being processed.

In the vast majority of inspected cases, including this case, amendments have had to be made to the maps in order that the Land Parcel Identification System that is used for making payments to farmers is kept up-to-date. This work is ongoing and every effort is being made to complete the processing of those who were the subject of a Ground Eligibility Inspection without undue delay.

Ministerial Staff

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

516 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of his constituency and parliamentary staff, appointed following the February 2011 elections, on salaries that exceed their applicable pay scale grade; the number of his existing and parliamentary staff employed prior to the February 2011 elections but awarded salary increases following the election that exceed their applicable pay scale grade; and if he will provide their annual salary details in a tabular format. [34563/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

In answer to the Deputy's question, four staff were appointed following the February 2011 elections. Of the four, one salary of €130,000 exceeded the applicable pay scale grade for Special Adviser and was approved by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. This person has since resigned from his position and has not been replaced.

I can confirm that none of my existing and parliamentary staff employed prior to the February 2011 elections was awarded salary increases that exceeded their applicable pay scale grade.

Grant Payments

Noel Harrington

Ceist:

517 Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive their single farm payment and headage payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34590/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

An application under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 10 April 2011, following processing of which an overlap was identified in respect of a land parcel declared by the person named. The person named has been written to regarding the matter and, immediately on receipt of a satisfactory reply, the application will be further processed with a view to appropriate payments issuing at an early date thereafter.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

518 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if payment of area aid due on the 16 October will be paid immediately in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Carlow. [34610/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

An application under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 11 April 2011, processing of which has recently been finalised, thereby allowing the 50% advance of the Single Payment to issue on 3 November 2011.

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

519 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding REP scheme payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34618/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

The person named commenced REPS 4 in May 2008 and received payments for the first two years of their contract. In addition, 75% of their year 3 payment issued on 24 March 2011 for the amount of €2633.01 and the remaining 25% balancing payment issued on 28 March 2011 for the amount of €877.67.

The administration checks in respect of 2011 payments are currently being carried out and I expect that payments in respect of 2011 will commence later this month.

Direct Payment Schemes

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

520 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will re-open the young farmers' installation aid programme to allow for those applicants that were completed or close to completion prior to the suspension of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34622/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

The Young Farmers' Installation Scheme was closed to new applicants on 14 October 2008 and I have no plans to reopen the Scheme at this time. An allocation of almost €1 million has been provided in this year's Estimates to meet the remaining commitments under both the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme and the preceding equivalent schemes.

Grant Payments

Michael McCarthy

Ceist:

521 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if an application for a forest roadway grant in respect of a person (details supplied) will be concluded as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34635/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

The refusal of the application in question for grant aid under the Roads Scheme has been the subject of two separate appeals, the first in March 2010 when he was advised that the Appeals Committee could not recommend payment as the road had not been constructed to the required Forest Service standard. At that time the person named was advised that if the road was subsequently constructed to the required standard and appropriate river crossings put in place, with the agreement of the Fisheries Board, his application would be reconsidered. A detailed programme of works from a Civil Engineer was also requested setting out the works to be undertaken to bring the road up to standard.

A report was received from Consulting Engineers acting on his behalf in late June 2011, following which his case was referred back to the Appeals Committee. The road was re-inspected and, unfortunately, it still failed to meet the standard required under the Road Scheme and the appeal was rejected. A detailed letter issued to the person named on 9 September 2011 outlining the reasons for that decision.

Heather Humphreys

Ceist:

522 Deputy Heather Humphreys asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Cavan will receive their single farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34651/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 12 May 2011.

This application was selected for and was the subject of a Ground Eligibility inspection.

This inspection was completed and the results are now being processed.

In the vast majority of inspected cases, including this case, amendments have had to be made to the maps in order that the Land Parcel Identification System that is used for making payments to farmers is kept up-to-date. This work is ongoing and every effort is being made to complete the processing of those who were the subject of a Ground Eligibility Inspection without undue delay.

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

523 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a premium subsidy payment will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34652/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

An application under the 2011 Single Payment/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 2 May 2011, processing of which has recently been finalised, thereby allowing the 50% advance of the Single Payment and the Disadvantaged Areas payment to issue to the applicant in the coming days.

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

524 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the single farm payment will be made available to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34654/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

An application under the 2011 Single Payment/Disadvantage Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 16 May 2011, processing of which has recently been finalised, thereby allowing the 50% advance of the Single Payment to issue in the coming days.

Fisheries Protection

Seán Kenny

Ceist:

525 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of fishing fines and offence notices issued to boats operating out of Dublin-based ports for the years 2007 to 2011, inclusive, with a breakdown of the type of offence and by year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34689/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

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

Grant Payments

John Browne

Ceist:

526 Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when both single farm payments and disadvantaged area payments will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford. [34742/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

An application under the 2011 Single Payment/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 4 April 2011. The 50% advance of the Single Payment and full payment of the Disadvantaged Areas payment issued to the applicant on 19 October and 26 October 2011 respectively.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

527 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when will the final instalment of the farm waste management scheme be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34748/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

An application for grant-aid under the Farm Waste Management Scheme was received in the name of the person named who is unfortunately now deceased. Two instalments of grant-aid in respect of this application have been paid by my Department. However, no further payments can be made in respect of the application until the documentation which has been requested by the Inheritance Enquiry Unit in my Department has been received.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

528 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has been refused a hardship grant for a reactor herd, in view of the fact that the reactor was in the name of the herd keeper and the herd keeper is the beneficiary of the farm income, as payments are paid into their sole account; his plans to change the regime in order that the herd keeper and not just the herd number owner can benefit from the hardship fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34749/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

The Hardship Grant Scheme is aimed at assisting eligible herdowners whose holding are restricted and where animals are retained and fed during the eligibility period 1 November to 30 April. The terms and conditions of the scheme state that an owner/keeper, or either party in the case of joint/multiple ownership, cannot be in receipt of any off-farm income at the time of application or at any time during the eligibility period. In this case, the registered herdowner of the holding in question submitted an application under the TB Eradication, Hardship Grant Scheme 2011/2012 but, since she is in receipt of off-farm income she is ineligible for payment under the scheme. The "Herdowner" role denotes the company, entity or person(s) associated with a specific herd number to whom any payments are made.

The person in question is registered as "keeper" and, since this role does not indicate ownership of the herd, he cannot apply for the Hardship Grant as "keeper". There are no plans at present to change this aspect of the scheme. I should explain that it is open to all herdowners/ keepers to apply for a change in their registered status. Herdowners who have applied under the Hardship scheme and are found to be ineligible may reapply during the eligibility period should their circumstances change but any payment under this scheme will be by reference to the date of receipt of the eligible application in the District Veterinary Office and cannot be backdated.

Capital Projects

Gerald Nash

Ceist:

529 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide details in relation to the number and value of State capital project contracts awarded to companies registered outside the State in the years 2009 to 2011, inclusive; if he will provide details in respect of the number and value of State capital project contracts awarded to companies registered in the Republic of Ireland in the years 2009 to 2011, inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34802/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

The information sought by the Deputy is listed in the following table. It should be noted that the Department follows the tendering requirements for such payments.

Year	Companies Registered in the Republic Of Ireland	Company’s registered outside the Republic Of Ireland
Number	Value	Number	Value
2009	37	€763,597.83	1	€9,050
2010	52	€2,182,647.64	1	€172.52
2011	34	€937,215.23	3	€146,358

Child Abuse

Dominic Hannigan

Ceist:

530 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when she expects the Raphoe report into child abuse to be made public; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34515/11]

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald)

The National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church is a Church Organisation which has no connection with or reporting function to my Department. Recent media reports indicate that the Board is due to furnish to the Bishop of Raphoe later this month with the results of an audit into clerical child sexual abuse in the diocese, and that it is the Bishop's intention to publish the report.

The Health Service Executive, which has statutory responsibility for child welfare and protection matters, has been conducting a national audit of all Catholic dioceses and Religious Orders. The HSE expects to shortly be in a position to furnish a report to me on the diocesan element of this audit.

Inter-Country Adoptions

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Ceist:

531 Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will clarify a query regarding inter-country adoption (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34522/11]

Dominic Hannigan

Ceist:

539 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of countries the Adoption Authority of Ireland contacted about forming bilateral adoption agreements; if there is a time line for bilateral agreements with the top five countries from which Ireland adopts; if the funding for the AAI will be ringfenced in budget 2012 to ensure that families are able to adopt children from countries that were previously open to adoption before the Hague Convention legislation last year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34345/11]

Dominic Hannigan

Ceist:

540 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to allow Irish persons adopt from more countries than Bulgaria; when she envisages that this will happen; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34346/11]

Kevin Humphreys

Ceist:

543 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will grant her consent to the Adoption Authority to allow it to enter into negotiations with Ethiopia to develop a bilateral agreement for adoption from that State as outlined in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34461/11]

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

544 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if progress will be made regarding bilateral adoption agreements with countries which have not yet ratified the Hague Convention to improve the situation for both prospective Irish parents and children abroad; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34486/11]

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

545 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if an increase in resources will be made available to the Adoption Authority of Ireland to progress with bilateral adoption agreements with countries that have not yet ratified the Hague Convention; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34487/11]

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 531, 539, 540 and 543 to 545, inclusive, together.

The Adoption Act, 2010, commenced on 1st November 2010. This coincided with Ireland's formal ratification of the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption. The purpose of the Adoption Act, 2010, is to improve standards in both domestic and intercountry adoption. The regulatory framework governing adoption has been strengthened in an attempt to ensure that the best interests of children are protected at every step throughout the adoption process. With effect from 1 November inter-country adoptions can be effected with other countries which have ratified the Hague Convention or with which Ireland has a bilateral agreement.

Children in Care

Patrick Nulty

Ceist:

532 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the progress made in ensuring that all children leaving State care who require aftercare support receive same. [33988/11]

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald)

Section 45 of the Child Care Act 1991 places a statutory duty on the HSE to form a view in relation to each person leaving care as to whether there is a "need for assistance" and, if it forms such a view, to provide services in accordance with the legislation and subject to resources. All young people who have had a care history with the HSE, be it foster care, residential care or high support, are entitled to an Aftercare Service based on their assessed needs. The core eligible age range for aftercare is 18 years and up to 21 years. This can be extended until the completion of a course of education in which he/she is engaged up to the age of 23 years of age.

Aftercare provision incorporates advice, guidance and practical support. An individual holistic needs assessment identifies a young persons need for accommodation, financial support, social network support and training and education. One of the key features of Aftercare support is to advocate on behalf of young people to promote their development as a fulfilled adult in their community. The most important requirements for young people leaving care are for secure, suitable accommodation as well as further education, employment or training.

The HSE National Aftercare Service is underpinned by a National Policy and Procedures Document which has been developed in cooperation with the key stakeholders including the voluntary sector agencies involved in Aftercare provision and my Department. The policy commits to promoting and achieving the best outcomes for young people leaving care and in ensuring consistency of support to these young people.

The HSE committed, in its National Service Plan for 2011, to the implementation of the national policy on aftercare. The national policy is being rolled out under the watch of the HSE's Aftercare Implementation Group, which includes representation from the HSE, mental health, family service and disability service, as well as representation from the voluntary sector and a young persons representative from Empowering People in Care (EPIC).

I am very much aware of the challenges facing the aftercare service, the need for information required to plan the services; the need for consistency across all areas; the need to follow up with young people who may at first reject its services and the need to link in with adult services as necessary.

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Ceist:

533 Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide an update on the 15 children in State care who are currently placed in institutions outside the jurisdiction; when specialised places will be available here; the timeframe for the establishment of the new Child and Family Support Agency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34102/11]

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald)

Under the Child Care Act, 1991, the Health Service Executive has a duty to promote the welfare of children who are not receiving adequate care or protection. The policy of the HSE is to place children in care settings, preferably in foster care, as close as possible to their home and community. The vast majority of children in care are in foster care and residential care.

Some children have highly specialised needs arising from severe behaviour difficulties, in some cases as a result of injury or accident or in others due to their childhood experiences. The care needs of these children are generally met by directly provided services or services commissioned by the HSE within Ireland. There are three designated special care units in the country; Ballydowd in Dublin, Glenn Álainn in Cork and Coovagh House in Limerick. In addition, there are two designated national High Support Units at Crannóg Nua, Portrane in north County Dublin and Rath na nÓg in Castleblayney, Co Monaghan. These units provide an individualised programme of support for children and young people with exceptional needs through the provision of a time-limited, therapeutic intervention in a secure or non-secure environment as appropriate.

However, for a small number of children, the HSE is on occasion, required to make arrangements for the placement of children in care facilities outside of the State, primarily in the UK, to allow for access to an individually tailored mix of care and therapeutic services not available in this country. This is done on as infrequent a basis as possible and only where such placement is considered to be in the best interest of the child. I should emphasise that the referral of persons abroad for specialised therapeutic interventions is an established feature within our health and social care system and decisions in each case are made in the best interests of the individual. The level of requirement for these services is closely monitored by the National Director and my officials.

As the request for an update on the 15 children in placements outside the jurisdiction in 2010 is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive for the information in question which I will forward to the Deputy.

I established the Task Force on the Child and Family Support Agency in September 2011 under the chairmanship of Ms Maureen Lynott. The Task Force will advise my Department in regard to the necessary transition programme to establish a Child and Family Support Agency. Consistent with the Government's public sector reform agenda the Task Force will base its work on best practice in child welfare, family support and public administration. In relation to the Agency it has been asked to:

Propose a vision and the principles to guide operations;

Advise on the appropriate service responsibilities, and the delivery of same;

Review existing financial, staffing and corporate resources; and propose a methodology for resource allocation;

Propose an organisational design and operating child welfare and protection service model;

Prepare a detailed implementation plan;

Identify the main priorities and core relationships required;

Oversee the implementation and monitor progress, pending establishment of the Agency.

I look forward to receiving the report of the Task Force's work, which will inform preparations for the new Agency, including the drafting of legislation. It is my intention, working with my colleague the Minister for Health, to establish a dedicated Child and Family Programme within the HSE in 2012. This will provide for a dedicated management structure and budget for children and family services. Management of these services will be led by the National Director who already has a very close working relationship with me and my Department. A considerable change programme is already being implemented by the National Director within HSE Child and Family Services aimed at strengthening organisation capacity, business processes and systems. These developments are an integral part of preparations for the new stand alone Agency. I am anxious to advance the full establishment of the Agency at as early a date as possible, subject to the work of the Task Force and necessary legislature provision. I would envisage tabling legislation before the House next year to provide for the Agency's establishment in 2013. The establishment of the new Child and Family Support Agency provides a good opportunity to review the development and configuration of the range of specialised residential provision in Ireland.

Constitutional Amendment on Children

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

534 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her strategy for communicating with the public in advance of the running of the proposed children’s referendum in order to ensure its success in view of the experience of the recent referendum on Oireachtas inquiries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34135/11]

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald)

A draft wording on the proposed Amendment to the Constitution in respect of Children is currently being prepared by the Office of the Attorney General. I will need to seek approval from Government for the proposed wording in due course, with a view to holding the referendum next year.

I am very conscious of the complex nature of the proposed referendum and the need, in any referendum process, to bring the utmost clarity in any proposal being brought forward for the consideration of the people. In this regard, the important role of the Referendum Commission must be acknowledged and it is vital that the proposal brought is sufficiently well developed for the Commission to advise the people on its intent and implications.

Between these two processes, it is my firm intention to keep all lines of communication open with a variety of stakeholders to ensure that all emerging questions or ambiguities are fully anticipated. These will be dealt with, to the greatest extent possible, in the wording itself or as part of the accompanying legislative outlines also under consideration.

Child Care Services

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

535 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she is currently accepting new applications for the childcare education and training support programme; her plans for the programme for the remainder of 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34136/11]

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald)

The Childcare Education and Training Support (CETS) programme was introduced in September last year and is implemented by my Department, on behalf of FÁS and the Vocational Educational Committees (VECs).

Under the CETS programme funding is provided by my Department to participating childcare services in return for the provision of free childcare places to qualifying students and trainees. The maximum weekly capitation fee payable under the programme is €170 for a full-time childcare place with reduced amounts for parents availing of part-time or after-school care. The eligibility criteria under which students and trainees qualify under the programme is determined by FÁS and the VECs.

Some 2,800 full-time equivalent childcare places are currently provided for under the programme and demand has increased very significantly from earlier this year, with the number of places funded exceeding 3,000 at one stage. The number of places allocated at present is at the limit provided for under the programme, as agreed with the Department of Finance in 2010, and it is not proposed to increase the number of places in the programme at this time.

It is not anticipated that the number of qualified parents on courses will increase over the year, and so it is hoped that where a given number of parents commence short-term courses and require CETS places, they will, in the main, be replacing other parents completing similar courses, and be in a position to avail of CETS places that become available. According to the figures available to my Department, some 15% of CETS places will become available for re-allocation between now and the end of next month, and the local City and County Childcare Committees will assist my Department in matching these places with parents seeking them.

Croke Park Agreement

Dominic Hannigan

Ceist:

536 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of Croke Park Agreement projects that each State agency under her aegis is progressing; if she will list each project by Department in tabular form; the amount to be saved by each project; the number that have been completed since the agreement came into force; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34152/11]

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald)

The National Education and Welfare Board is progressing a number of projects under the Croke Park agreement in the following areas: Service Integration, Employee Control Framework, Employee Relations, Resource Availability, Performance Management, Training and Development, Integration of Services, Shared Services and Procurement, and Business Process.

The Family Support Agency is also progressing a number of projects under the Croke Park agreement in the following areas: Reductions in numbers, Redeployment, Procurement and Efficiency measures and improvements to process by which service delivered to public.

The resulting savings will not become readily apparent until the developments are embedded for a period of time.

Children in Care

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

537 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children with multiple entries into care, by Health Service Executive region. [34324/11]

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald)

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy with the most up-to-date information.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

538 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children who leave the care system each year, since 2005, by Health Service Executive region. [34325/11]

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald)

As the request for the number of children who leave the care system each year, since 2005, is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive for the information in question which I will forward to the Deputy.

Questions Nos. 539 and 540 answered with Question No. 531.

Adoption Services

Dominic Hannigan

Ceist:

541 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the supports available for prospective Irish parents who are looking to adopt children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34347/11]

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald)

The supports available for prospective Irish parents who are looking to adopt children are those supplied by the HSE and agencies accredited under the Adoption Act 2010 and would include among other things pre-adoption counselling, advocacy, guidance and assistance in the assessment process. Following receipt of a declaration of eligibility and suitability to adopt, prospective adopters can also be supported by accredited agencies providing what are described as mediation services with regard to making arrangements for the adoption of a child. These services include contacting authorised agencies in the sending country, preparing pre-adoption reports under Article 20 of the Hague Convention and transmitting the adoption dossier to the Central Authority in the sending country. The delineation of all of these services and a regime for accreditation is a specific feature of the Adoption Act, 2010.

Adoption Statistics

Dominic Hannigan

Ceist:

542 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of families in County Meath with adopted children. [34348/11]

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald)

The Adoption Authority of Ireland do not maintain statistics on a county by county basis for domestic or inter-country adoption. Furthermore the State has no definitive information on adopted children resident in County Meath whose adoptions were completed outside the State.

Questions Nos. 543 to 545, inclusive, answered with Question No. 531.

Appointments to State Boards

Liam Twomey

Ceist:

546 Deputy Liam Twomey asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of positions on State boards and agencies under her aegis which she has advertised in the past seven months; the number of applications received; the number of applicants subsequently appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34500/11]

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald)

Information regarding 12 vacancies on boards which fall under the aegis of my Department was published on my Department's website on 22 September 2011. To date, 39 expressions of interest have been received, all of which are under consideration at present. I hope to be in a position to fill a number of these vacancies in the near future.

Body/Agency	No. of Board Vacancies	Expression of Interest Received
Adoption Authority of Ireland	2	3
Family Support Agency	7	22
National Educational Welfare Board	3	14
Total	12	39

Child Care Services

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

547 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she is giving consideration to bringing county child care committees under the direct remit of her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34519/11]

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald)

The 33 City and County Childcare Committees (CCCs) were established in 2001 to advance the provision of childcare facilities in their local areas. They comprise local representatives from the statutory, community and voluntary sectors, social partners, childcare providers and parents.

The role of the CCCs was expanded under the National Childcare Investment Programme to enable greater flexibility and responsiveness to local needs, and they had a key role in the development of local childcare infrastructure, quality standards, training and information. More recently, CCCs have been increasingly dedicated to locally managing administrative processes associated with the national childcare programmes (the Community Childcare Subvention programme, the Early Childhood Care and Education programme and the Childcare Education and Training Support programme). They also support the performance and sustainability of services in their respective areas. Each CCC receives funding from the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. In 2011, the total amount allocated to the CCCs is €11.3m.

I have no plans to bring the Committees under the direct remit of my Department.

Ministerial Staff

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

548 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of her constituency and parliamentary staff, appointed following the February 2011 elections, on salaries that exceed their applicable pay scale grade; the number of her existing and parliamentary staff employed prior to the February 2011 elections but awarded salary increases following the election that exceed their applicable pay scale grade; and if she will provide their annual salary details in a tabular format. [34565/11]

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald)

The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has issued detailed guidelines on the staffing of Ministerial Offices which include salary limits for persons appointed to the position of Special Adviser, Personal Assistant, Personal Secretary and Civilian Driver. All Ministerial appointments in my Department are in line with these guidelines. The numbers employed and associated salary scales are set out below.

Grade	Office	Whole Time Equivalent	Salary Scale
Special Advisor	Private	2.00	€80.051 — €98,424
Personal Secretary	Constituency	1.00	€23,820 — €47,755
Personal Assistant	Constituency	1.00	€43,715 — €56,060
Civilian Driver	—	2.00	€32,965 per annum
Total		6.00

Health Service Staff

Seán Kenny

Ceist:

549 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of social workers currently employed in Dublin; the number employed in Dublin for the years 2007 to 2010 inclusive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34682/11]

Seán Kenny

Ceist:

550 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of social workers with a specific child protection remit employed in Dublin; the number employed for the years 2007 to 2010 inclusive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34683/11]

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 549 and 550 together.

The Government is committed to fundamental reform and transformation of the delivery of our children and family services. A number of significant structural and legislative changes are key to effecting such reform. This includes the establishment of a new agency with dedicated responsibility for the delivery of child welfare and protection services, separate from the HSE.

The employment control framework for the HSE provides that the grade of social worker is exempted from the public sector moratorium on recruitment and filling of vacancies.

The Ryan Report Implementation Plan committed to the recruitment of an additional 270 social workers. 200 of these new posts were in place by the end of 2010. The HSE National Service Plan includes financial provision for the recruitment of a further 60 social workers this year. I have been assured by the HSE that it plans to have these additional staff in place by the end of the year.

The additional social workers will be targeted at priority areas of the service having regard to an overall assessment of workload undertaken by the National Director and his team. The recruitment of the additional social workers is one element of a wider change agenda within the HSE, through which I believe we can deliver better outcomes for children and families. This reform agenda will lead to the establishment of a new Child and Family Support Agency which will provide a dedicated focus on child protection and support families in need.

In relation to the specific manpower related matters raised, I have asked the Health Service Executive for the information in question which I will forward to the Deputy.

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

551 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the amount of money that has been allocated to the running of Gaisce - the President’s Award in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; the amount that will be allocated for 2012; if there have been cuts in the allocation of funding to the programme; and if these cuts will have an impact on the ability of young persons in the North to participate in the Gaisce programme. [34695/11]

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald)

The Youth Affairs Unit of my Department contributes towards the running costs of Gaisce - The President's Award. The funding allocated for 2007-2011 is set out in the table:

Funding Allocations: Gaisce — The Presidents Award
2007	2008	2009	2010	2011
€933,000	€956,000	€882,900	€819,446	€737,501

In determining allocations to initiatives and schemes in previous years my Department has made every effort to minimise the impact of the reduction in the Youth Affairs budget on front line youth work services. In light of continuing budgetary constraints, the Youth Affairs budget in 2012 will again require careful management with a focus on prioritising existing youth service provision. Every effort will be made to notify all organisations of their 2012 allocations as speedily as possible.

While the question of the geographical spread of young persons participating in the Gaisce programme is the responsibility of Gaisce, all organisations supported by my Department are encouraged to maximise the access, reach and impact of all their programmes and services for young people.

Inter-Country Adoptions

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

552 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding the ability of Irish parents to adopt children from the State of Florida; the number of adoption applications currently at various stages of processing; when she expects those at various stages of the adoption process to be able to complete the adoption process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34789/11]

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald)

The Adoption Authority of Ireland has informed me that it is currently in the process of examining the typical sequence of operational procedures and processes which are encountered by prospective Irish adopters when effecting an intercountry adoption in the US State of Florida, under the terms of the governing local State legislation within the sovereign State of Florida.

Since Ireland ratified the Hague Convention on 1st November 2010, it has been incumbent upon the Authority to satisfy itself that all intercountry adoptions undertaken into Ireland both satisfy the terms of the Convention itself and that all such adoptions are also compatible and compliant with the underlying provisions, ethos and assumptions of the new Adoption Act 2010.

In this regard, there are a number of critical and crucial aspects of routine adoption practice and procedure within the State of Florida which need to be examined by the Adoption Authority. It is noteworthy that these aspects appear to be common to virtually all inter-country adoptions by Irish adopters from that jurisdiction.

Following a request to the US Central Authority a delegation from the AAI will travel to Washington on 17th November 2011 (returning 19th November) to meet with representatives of the State Department (the Central Authority for the USA under the Hague Convention) to discuss certain issues which have arisen concerning adoptions from Florida.

The Adoption Authority of Ireland is an independent statutory body charged with implementing the Adoption Act, 2010. The Authority has responsibility for the direct operational implementation of legislation and Government policy. It has a quasi-judicial role and is independent in its decision-making functions.

Capital Projects

Gerald Nash

Ceist:

553 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide details in relation to the number and value of State capital project contracts awarded to companies registered outside the State in the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively; if she will provide details in respect of the number and value of State capital project contracts awarded to companies registered in the Republic of Ireland in the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34804/11]

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald)

Since my Department was established on the 3 of June 2011, no State Capital Project Contracts have been awarded to any companies.

Departmental Bodies

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

554 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health the details of applications made for appointments by the Health Information Quality Authority from 1 January 2010 to 29 September 2010; the reasons the applications were made; if they were sanctioned by him and if they were in compliance with the framework issued by him on 27 March 2009. [34058/11]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

The directive of March 27th 2009 referred to by the Deputy provided that no public service post, however arising, could be filled by recruitment, promotion or payment of an allowance for the performance of duties at a higher grade. Any exceptions to this principle required the prior sanction of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. Following critical analysis by my Department of a detailed business case supplied by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) in relation to its expanding role, sanction was sought and received from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in 2009 for a partial exemption from the moratorium in relation to specific posts in the Authority.

An Employment Control Framework for the period 2010-2012 was subsequently introduced. In recognition of the expanding role of the Authority and its associated requirement for additional staff the Framework authorised the Authority to recruit up to maximum of 203 Whole Time Equivalents subject to the approval of my Department. is authorisation was maintained in the revised Framework which governs the period 2011-2014.

My Department engaged in detailed negotiations with HIQA during the course of 2010 in relation to additional staffing requirements to fulfil its new responsibilities of registration and inspection of services for children, older people and people with disabilities. A number of posts were approved in accordance with the terms agreed with the Department for Public Expenditure and Reform.

Medical Cards

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

555 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34338/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall)

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

Patrick Deering

Ceist:

556 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Health when a decision will issue on a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow. [34339/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall)

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

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

557 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if she will expedite a medical card application in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34493/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall)

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

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

558 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34494/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall)

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

Patrick Deering

Ceist:

559 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Health when a decision will be made on an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow. [34645/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall)

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

Health Service Allowances

Paschal Donohoe

Ceist:

560 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Health the reason a mobility allowance has ceased in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34678/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch)

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.

Medical Cards

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

561 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry. [34740/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall)

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

Health Service Building Projects

Patrick Nulty

Ceist:

562 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the construction of the Corduff Health Centre, Dublin; and the timeframe for delivery. [33981/11]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

The delivery of health care infrastructure is a service matter. Therefore your question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Health Service Staff

Patrick Nulty

Ceist:

563 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Health if he will facilitate an exemption to the public sector recruitment ban to fill vacated posts in speech and language therapy in the Dublin North West area due to the dramatic reduction in the number of speech and language therapists in this area. [33993/11]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

The Employment Control Framework for the health sector exempts certain grades and posts from the moratorium on recruitment, including speech and language therapy posts. The Framework also allows the HSE discretion to fill non-exempted posts on exceptional grounds in order to maintain essential services.

The number of such exceptions must of necessity be kept to a minimum given the need to make reductions in employment numbers and associated pay savings.

In July 2011, the HSE decided to introduce a general recruitment pause to assist with addressing the serious budgetary overrun. This decision must be seen in the context of a possible full year deficit of over €300 million (at its current rate of spending) and the need for the Executive to balance its budget by the end of the year.

Hospital Services

Jack Wall

Ceist:

564 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an application for a hospital appointment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34007/11]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by dramatically improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including referrals from GPs. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF.

As a priority, public hospitals have been instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they have no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. Where they fail to do so, the NTPF will source the necessary treatments elsewhere and an appropriate budgetary adjustment will be made.

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

Departmental Funding

Clare Daly

Ceist:

565 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if he will guarantee that the services of an organisation (details supplied) will not be further threatened by cuts to its funding in budget 2012, in view of the fact that it had its funding cut by 6.85% over the past three budgets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34032/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch)

The Health Service Executive has advised me that expenditure on health services for people with a disability in 2011 will be approximately €1.5 billion. Special consideration was given to disability and mental health in Budget 2011 through a maximum reduction of just 1.8% in the allocation for the two sectors. The relatively lower reduction of 1.8%, compared to other areas of the health budget that saw reductions of up to 5%, recognises that these services are provided to vulnerable groups and should help to ensure that existing services are maintained and that priority is given to the delivery of frontline services.

I recognise and appreciate the valuable contribution that Prosper Fingal makes to the provision of services to individuals with intellectual disabilities in North Dublin through a range of community-based day, respite, and residential services on behalf of the Health Service Executive. The HSE has advised that Prosper Fingal will receive approximately €6.55 million in funding from them in 2011. Taking the reduction in the overall HSE disability budget for 2011 into account, the HSE was asked to manage the additional resources and engage with service providers including Prosper Fingal, to ensure that existing support needs, and demands for additional places and supports, are managed effectively within the overall allocation.

A major priority for the Government in the coming months will be to finalise the current Value for Money and Policy Review of Disability Services to ensure that existing funding for people with disabilities is spent to best effect. It is now more important than ever that large scale spending programmes of this nature are subject to detailed periodic review. The VFM Efficiency and Effectiveness Review will make recommendations that will ensure that the very substantial funding of €1.5 billion provided to the specialist disability health sector is used to maximum benefit for persons with disability, having regard to overall resource constraints which affect all sectors at this time.

Budget 2012

With regard to the level of funding for the Disability sector next year, this is being considered as part of the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure and Estimates process for 2012 which is currently underway. Deliberations on the expenditure allocations for 2012 are likely to continue up until Budget time and it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage pending the outcome of those deliberations. As you are aware, the very difficult financial position facing the Exchequer will obviously require very careful management across all areas of expenditure.

Dental Treatment Services Scheme

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

566 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the dental treatment services scheme budget allocation for each year since 1994. [34035/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall)

The information sought by the Deputy in relation to the years 1994 — 2003 is not readily available. I have asked the HSE to supply this information to me and I will forward it to the Deputy as soon as possible. Expenditure on the Dental Treatment Services Scheme since 2004 has been as follows:

Year	Expenditure (millions)
2004	€53.4
2005	€54.6
2006	€54.9
2007	€58.9
2008	€63.4
2009	€86.3
2010	€79.1
2011	€63 (projected)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

567 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the number of dentists in the dental treatment services scheme for each year since 1994. [34036/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall)

The number of dentists providing services under the Dental Treatment Services Scheme for every year since 1994 is as follows:

Year	No. of dentists	Year	No. of dentists
1994	768	2003	1,340
1995	903	2004	1,340
1996	963	2005	1,394
1997	1,047	2006	1,414
1998	1,063	2007	1,243
1999	1,141	2008	1,349
2000	1,206	2009	1,570
2001	1,315	2010	1,582
2002	1,349

Medical Cards

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

568 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the number of medical card holders in the State for each year since 1994. [34037/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall)

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table.

Year ending December	Number of People with Medical Cards
1994	1,286,913
1995	1,277,055
1996	1,252,384
1997	1,219,852
1998	1,183,554
1999	1,164,187
2000	1,148,055
2001	1,199,454
2002	1,164,453
2003	1,152,908
2004	1,145,083
2005	1,155,727
2006	1,221,695
2007	1,276,178
2008	1,288,621
2009	1,478,560
2010	1,615,809

Ambulance Service

Brian Stanley

Ceist:

569 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health if he will consider increasing the ambulance service for counties Laois and Offaly, in view of the fact that there is often only one ambulance to service both counties. [34055/11]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

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

Departmental Properties

Jerry Buttimer

Ceist:

570 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Health the location and number of properties owned and rented by the Health Service Executive in Cork city and county, and in the case of rented properties the amount of annual rent paid in respect of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34059/11]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

Estate management of the Health Service Executive property portfolio is a service matter. Therefore your question has been referred to the Executive for direct reply.

Medical Cards

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Ceist:

571 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an application for a medical card renewal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34091/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall)

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

Hospitals Building Programme

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Ceist:

572 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health the level of consultation with actual parents or children on the design or, more important, the location of the proposed national children’s hospital; and if he considered this consultation to be adequate. [34139/11]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board and Children's Hospital Project Team are committed to ensuring that the views of children, their families and carers are incorporated into the process of designing the new children's hospital. A Youth Advisory Panel (YAP) was established to obtain the views of children and young people and a Family Forum was developed to represent the views of parents, families and carers. Workshops with the project architects have been held with the YAP and the Family Forum on an ongoing basis throughout the design development.

The objective of these workshops has been to identify their needs, gather their ideas and recommendations to inform the design of the hospital. Most notably their views have informed the layout of the inpatient bedroom, the music, play and recreational areas, the family accommodation, the family support areas and the external landscape areas. It is envisaged that these groups will continue to contribute to the design to ensure that this is a child-friendly and family-focused hospital.

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Ceist:

573 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health the way he can ignore the weight of public opinion here that does not consider the Mater Hospital site, Dublin, to be suitable as the location for the national children’s hospital as evidenced by the overwhelming opposition in two polls (details supplied) on the subject. [34140/11]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

As the Deputy will be aware I commissioned an independent Review regarding the location of the new children's hospital on the Mater Campus.

I announced the outcome of the Review on the 6th of July 2011. The independent experts who formed the Review Team, having examined all the issues in accordance with the Terms of Reference, came to the unanimous and unequivocal recommendation that the development of the new hospital should proceed on the Mater Campus.

I confirmed the Government's acceptance of the recommendation of the Review Team and requested the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB) to proceed with a planning application to An Bord Pleanála. Planning permission has just completed the oral hearing stage, and a decision is expected early next year.

I am delighted to confirm the Government's decision to proceed with the delivery of the National Children's Hospital, and the associated ambulatory and urgent care centre in Tallaght. This decision was announced on 10th November following an extensive review of overall capital spending.

The two opinion polls cited by the Deputy do not meet the requirements of a random (i.e. not self-selected) sample. As such they cannot be relied upon as an accurate or representative indication of public opinion, and no clear conclusions can be drawn from them.

The decision to locate the National Children's Hospital on the site of the Mater Hospital follows detailed analysis, which has been objectively tested and validated by an independent expert group. I believe that this analysis is the most appropriate means of making key decisions of this kind.

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Ceist:

574 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health the way he can defend the fact that the independent review of the national children’s hospital project carried out earlier this year did not include a full review of the decision to locate the hospital at the Mater Hospital site, Dublin. [34141/11]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

The 2006 McKinsey Report to the HSE, Children’s Health First, recommended that:

the population and projected demands in Ireland can support only one world class tertiary paediatric hospital;

it should ideally be located alongside a leading adult academic hospital;

it should accommodate the secondary care needs of children in the greater Dublin area.

Following the McKinsey report, a Joint HSE-DoHC-OPW Task Group was established in 2006 to advise on the optimum location of the proposed new hospital in line with the McKinsey recommendations. Each of the six major adult academic hospitals in Dublin made a detailed submission to the Task Group. The Group considered the Mater to be in the best geographical position to facilitate a clinical network of critical adult and paediatric specialties.

When I came into office I commissioned an independent Review around key issues relating to the location of the new hospital on the Mater Campus. I announced the outcome of the Review on the 6th of July 2011. The independent experts who formed the Review Team, having examined all the issues in accordance with the Terms of Reference, came to the unanimous and unequivocal recommendation that the development of the new hospital should proceed on the Mater Campus.

It is important to remember that this Review was not a site selection process. The Review dealt with the issues that had arisen regarding the possibilities of locating the hospital on another site around Dublin closer to the M50 motorway. The Review focussed on the cost differentials and clinical issues with regard to the Mater and notional sites around Dublin.

I confirmed the Government's acceptance of the recommendation of the Review Team and requested the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB) to proceed with a planning application to An Bord Pleanála. Planning permission has just completed the oral hearing stage.

I am delighted to welcome the Government's decision to maintain the existing levels of health capital investment. This confirms the Government's commitment to delivering quality services in modern facilities for the children of Ireland through the provision of the necessary funding for the delivery of the National Children's Hospital, and the associated ambulatory and urgent care centre in Tallaght.

Croke Park Agreement

Dominic Hannigan

Ceist:

575 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Health the number of Croke Park agreement projects that each State agency under his aegis are progressing; if he will list each project by Department in tabular form; the amount to be saved by each project; the number that have been completed since the agreement came into force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34159/11]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

It should be noted that the Implementation Body for the Agreement is currently considering the progress reported on the implementation of Action Plans under Croke Park in each sector during the period, April to September 2011. The Body is due to publish a summary of the progress reported to it on its website shortly. Once the Body has completed its consideration, the progress reports for this particular reporting period for individual public service bodies, including each state agency, will be published on their organisation's websites.

Residential Health Care Facilities

Michael Creed

Ceist:

576 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health if he has been furnished with a list by the Health Service Executive of residential health care facilities deemed to be inadequate for structural reasons arising from the Health Information Quality Authority inspections; if he will publish such a list; if he will outline the short to medium term consequences for these facilities arising from these HIQA inspections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34178/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch)

I have not been furnished with a list such as that referred to in the Deputy's Question. However, it is recognised that the age and profile of current public stock together pose significant challenges for the HSE. The Department is currently reviewing the provision of public residential care in the light of the need to meet national standards and regulations, local demographic pressures and the differential in public and private provision. The review will serve as a platform for discussion and will inform the development of an overall strategy on how the HSE should continue to provide this service in future in view of current budgetary and other pressures. The review must also be seen in the light of the wider health reform programme to which the Government is committed, and the position of social care services in a future health service.

Standard 25 of the National Quality Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People addresses the physical environment for all types of residential centres. It should be noted that there is a distinction made between new and existing facilities. This provides a six year period for existing nursing homes, whether public, private or voluntary to meet certain infrastructural deficits, for example with regard to room sizes, the number of residents per room and usable floor space. The Chief Inspector has discretion to extend this timeframe where the provider and the Chief Inspector agree a written, explicit, costed plan with timescales to address these deficits.

Home Help Service

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

577 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if home help hours will be reinstated in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34180/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall)

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

Accident and Emergency Services

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

578 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will provide detailed plans, including a timeline for the closure of accident and emergency at Mallow General Hospital, County Cork; the level of service that will be provided for accident and emergency patients following the closure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34216/11]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

The Government intends to publish a Framework for the Development of Smaller Hospitals, which will set out the way these hospitals provide services to patients and how they work within their regional hospital networks. A Joint HSE-Departmental group is currently working on the Framework's development. The Framework and its implementation is a priority of the Government.

In developing the Framework, the Government is clear that:

there is an important future role for smaller hospitals, in which they will provide services for more patients, not fewer

no acute hospital will close, and

safety issues in all acute hospitals, big or small, must be fully addressed, by providing the right type of services in the right settings.

We also need to take into account the individual circumstances of each hospital, to recognise the need for regional solutions and, within the excellent context provided by the HSE's clinical programmes, to encourage local innovation in response to service issues that arise locally or regionally. The best solutions will vary between regions and within the overall context referred to there is no question of a ‘one size fits all' approach. I have already said that the reorganisation of our acute system must involve a two way transfer of services between the larger and smaller hospitals, and that as much of the less complex acute treatment should be provided as close to a patient's community as possible. I expect that the model for reassignment of services will be a dynamic one, capable of adapting to the changing needs of patients and the health service, nationally, regionally and locally, and the evolving nature of medical treatment and technology.

In April this year, HIQA published its report on Mallow General Hospital. I am satisfied that the actions taken in relation to the hospital have substantially addressed the report's recommendations on the safety and quality of the hospital's services. This work has involved close consultation with senior clinicians, professionals and management.

Detailed planning for the remaining changes, including changes to the Emergency Department (ED) necessarily involves significant local consultation in line with the Framework for the Development of Smaller Hospitals. The involvement of GPs is an important element of the consultation process and the final proposals will be cleared with my office before formal implementation commences.

The overall approach at Mallow is in line with my vision for smaller hospitals — that they are a vibrant element of local health services, providing treatment and care at the appropriate level of complexity to patients in their areas. It confirms the crucial role that the hospital will play, as part of a wider network of acute hospitals across Cork and Kerry, in providing care for the population of North Cork.

Universal Health Insurance

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

579 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the terms of reference of the implementation group on universal health insurance, including the timing for reporting back and the expected date for implementation of the new universal health insurance programme [34221/11]

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

580 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health in relation to the implementation group on universal health insurance, the persons that will assist in developing detailed and costed implementation proposals and will also help to push the implementation of the reform programme; when the terms of reference of this group will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34222/11]

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

581 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the expected date for the White Paper on financing universal health insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34223/11]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 579 to 581, inclusive, together.

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, supported by universal health insurance, that will ensure 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.

Key reform initiatives include the establishment of the Special Delivery Unit, significant strengthening of primary care services to deliver universal primary care with the removal of cost as a barrier to access for patients, the introduction of a more transparent and efficient "Money Follows the Patient" funding mechanism for hospitals and the introduction of a purchaser/provider split, whereby hospitals will be established as independent, not for profit trusts.

With regard to the timeframe for the introduction of universal health insurance, the objective is to work towards having the legislative and organisational groundwork completed by 2016.

Given the complex nature of what is planned, the Government has approved the establishment of, and the terms of reference for, an Implementation Group on Universal Health Insurance. I am currently finalising details of the Implementation Group, including its composition, and I will announce these in due course.

The Group will assist in developing detailed and costed implementation proposals for universal health insurance and will also help drive the implementation of various elements of the reform programme. The Group will also have responsibility for assisting the Department in preparing a White Paper on Financing Universal Health Insurance which will outline the estimated costs and financing mechanisms associated with the introduction of universal health insurance. The White Paper on Financing Universal Health Insurance will be published within the Government’s current term in office. However, it must be emphasised that the precise cost of universal health insurance will significantly depend on the success of various reform measures, as outlined above, over the next 3 to 4 years. This will influence the development of the White Paper and, as such, it is not possible to be more specific regarding its publication at this stage.

Departmental Funding

Clare Daly

Ceist:

582 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the reason the Irish Osteoporosis Society did not receive its annual funding from the Health Service Executive in view of the fact that it is the only charity here that deals specifically with osteoporosis and in view of the fact that the level of funding that it was being considered for was just under the cost of treating five fractured hips, €155,000; his views that to cut the funding of a charity which is effective at informing and preventing an expensive condition is ultimately a regressive measure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34224/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch)

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

Vaccination Programme

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

583 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to release all available trial vaccination records of children immunised in mother and baby homes; if he will immediately establish a no fault compensation scheme for those damaged by such vaccinations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34227/11]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

The Commission put extensive procedures in place to provide information to individuals who suspected that they may have been involved in such trials. Persons who were resident in the above named homes and who wish to ascertain if the Department holds clinical trials vaccination records in respect of them, may do so by contacting my Department. I would emphasise, however, that my Department holds few records relating to persons involved in such trials. As there is no evidence that any of the persons vaccinated in accordance with the arrangements referred to in the Question were adversely affected, the issue of compensation does not arise.

Medical Cards

Patrick O'Donovan

Ceist:

584 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; if the person will continue to be covered if their current medical card lapses while the application for their new one is being processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34233/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall)

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

Nursing Homes Support Scheme

Jerry Buttimer

Ceist:

585 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Health in relation to the fair care scheme, where a person has been approved for the scheme, if it is the case that the funding must be used within three months of approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34239/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch)

The legislation underpinning the scheme does not require that an offer of funding be taken up within three months. However, the HSE does specify that applicants to the scheme who have been granted funding must notify their local Nursing Homes Support Office of their nursing home of choice within a specified period. The HSE acknowledges that, in some cases, it may not be possible to immediately identify a nursing home, e.g. where there is no vacancy in the applicant's nursing home of choice. In such cases, applicants should maintain regular contact with their local Nursing Homes Support Office to keep it updated.

Jerry Buttimer

Ceist:

586 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Health in relation to fair care is it the case that a person who has been approved for participation in the scheme has to wait for all persons who have previously been approved for participation in the scheme to avail of a nursing home bed before they can take up a bed and use the funding for which they have been approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34240/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch)

Funding for the Nursing Homes Support Scheme is issued to applicants in the chronological order by date of determination of their application. The HSE maintains a national placement list to facilitate this. Once an applicant has been granted funding under the scheme, s/he can avail of a nursing home bed straight away and does not have to wait for those who were ahead of him/her on the placement list to enter nursing home care.

Health Services

Charles Flanagan

Ceist:

587 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health his strategy in relation to front-line services for victims of domestic abuse in County Laois; the funding provided to them in 2010 and 2011; if same is regarded as a front-line service in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34245/11]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

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

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

588 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the average waiting time on the current orthodontist waiting list in the Navan area and each of the other LEAs in counties Meath and Westmeath; the number of persons on the waiting lists; the options for persons on the waiting lists; and the actions he will take to resolve the problem [34250/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall)

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

Food Labelling

Terence Flanagan

Ceist:

589 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health if he will respond to correspondence (details supplied) regarding healthy food labelling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34259/11]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

Earlier this year I set up a Special Action Group on Obesity to examine and progress a number of issues to address the problem of obesity. The Group is concentrating on a range of measures, including the introduction of calorie posting in restaurants. I have written to fast food establishments throughout Ireland, asking that they support me in introducing this initiative. The Group is looking into the feasibility of extending calorie posting to other restaurants.

The option to extend the details of nutritional labelling beyond calorie content is something that can be considered in the context of the EU regulation on the provision of food information to consumers. One of the main changes in this Regulation is the introduction of mandatory nutritional labelling of prepackaged foods. Labels will have to include details of a food's energy content as well as its fat, saturated fat, carbohydrate, sugar, protein and salt levels. While this Regulation will come into force shortly, food business operators will be given time to implement the new labelling provisions. The Regulation will also permit the introduction of nutrition labelling for non-packaged foods on a voluntary basis.

Primary Care Strategy

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

590 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the plans for a primary care centre in Athlone, County Westmeath; and if he will provide details on the current status of this plan [34273/11]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

The delivery of health care infrastructure is a service matter. Therefore your question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Hospice Services

Patrick Nulty

Ceist:

591 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Health if he will report on St. Francis Hospice in Dublin 15; and when it is likely to be fully operational and open to serve patients in need of palliative care and their families. [34282/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch)

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

Medical Cards

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

592 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34297/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall)

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

Mental Health Services

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

593 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will review a matter (details supplied) regarding mental health reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34300/11]

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

601 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if he will respond to a pre-budget submission (details supplied) regarding mental health reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34361/11]

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

605 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that the recommendations made on mental health reform are given urgent and detailed consideration in the context of budget 2012 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34455/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 593, 601 and 605 together.

The Government is committed to implementing A Vision for Change and reforming our model of healthcare delivery so that more and better quality care is delivered in the community. In this regard I have asked the HSE to prepare an implementation plan, which will identify specific recommendations of A Vision for Change that can be progressed over the next three years, with timelines, detailed costs, structures and identifiable person(s) responsible for driving the change including delivery on the commitments in our Programme for Government. The question of a Directorate for mental health and issues related to staffing levels particularly in community mental health teams will be examined in this context.

It is the Government's intention that over time access to modern mental health services in the community will be significantly improved. The Programme for Government includes a commitment to ring-fence €35 million annually from within the health budget to develop community mental health teams and services. This currently being considered as part of the Estimates process for 2012 and future years.

A Vision for Change also recognised that all citizens should be treated equally and that access to employment for people with mental health difficulties should be on the same basis as any other citizen. We are endeavouring, through housing, education and community based health care, to provide the environment in which employment opportunities can be availed of by all on an equal basis.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

594 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the fair deal scheme; the reason a person who has been in long-term care under the Health ServiceExecutive for a number of years needed to have a medical procedure and was transferred to a bed in the Mater Hospital and is now ready to return to long-term care but has been told that funding for their long-stay bed ceased, resulting in them having to apply for the newfair deal scheme even though they were on the subvention for all the years they were in long-term care, cannot go back on the old system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34304/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch)

The HSE's National Guidelines for the Standardised Implementation of the Nursing Home Subvention Scheme state that:

"The HSE can continue to pay subvention to cover temporary absences. However if this period of absence continues for more than one month, the HSE should investigate the matter further to establish the likelihood of the person returning to the nursing home. Staff in subvention offices should be aware that, in many cases, the bed is held at the request of the HSE. Due regard should therefore be given to the fact in that this may be the residents home and decisions to suspend or cease subvention should not be taken lightly in these cases. Where arrangements have been made between the HSE and a Nursing Home in relation to an approved temporary absence of a person, payment should be reviewed on a monthly basis at a minimum."

In addition, a commitment was made when the Nursing Homes Support Scheme was introduced that anyone who was in a nursing home when the scheme commenced could not be made worse off by the scheme.

Services for People with Disabilities

Regina Doherty

Ceist:

595 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in County Meath and County Louth included on the intellectual disability database in tabular form; the disability strategy for the Louth and Meath region; the services offered for those persons on the intellectual disability database in counties Louth and Meath; the body that provides disability services in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34309/11]

Regina Doherty

Ceist:

596 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Health the intellectual disability budget per head of population here for the year 2011; the intellectual disability budget per head of population in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34310/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 595 and 596 together.

I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly in relation to the questions raised on the HSE's disability strategy for Counties Meath and Louth, the services offered for persons on the intellectual disability data base in those Counties, the bodies that provide disability services on behalf of the HSE in those Counties, and the disability budget per head of population in 2010 and in 2011.

With regard to the Deputy's question on the number of persons in Counties Meath and County Louth on the Intellectual Disability Database, I wish to advise the Deputy that the National Intellectual Disability Database (NIDD) is maintained by the Health Research Board (HRB). The HRB have advised me that the number of individuals registered on the NIDD in 2010 for Counties Meath and Louth are as follows:

Meath	Louth
Male	418	Male	652
Female	336	Female	313
Total	754	Total	965

According to the HRB, the Services being provided are as follows:

Meath	Number
Home support	8
Early services	17
Mainstream pre-school	14
Child education and development centre	15
Mainstream school	71
Resource teacher	6
Special class — primary	17
Special class — secondary	4
Special school	146
Third level education	3
Rehabilitative training	44
Activation centre	227
Programme for the older person	5
Special high support day service	17
Special intensive day service	7
Sheltered work centre	44
Sheltered employment centre	2
Multidisciplinary support services	36
Centre-based day respite service	2
Day respite in the home	1
Other day service	1
Supported employment	39
Open employment	2
Vocational training	6
Generic day services	14
No Service	6
Total	754

Louth	Number
Home support	15
Home help	1
Early services	15
Mainstream pre-school	7
Special pre-school	1
Child education and development centre	11
Mainstream school	35
Special class — primary	14
Special class — secondary	4
Special school	216
Third level education	5
Rehabilitative training	30
Activation centre	258
Programme for the older person	7
Special intensive day service	4
Sheltered work centre	59
Multidisciplinary support services	215
Supported employment	28
Open employment	11
Vocational training	3
No Service	26
Total	965

Hospital Services

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

597 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if he will provide specific details of a service (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34320/11]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

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

Departmental Expenditure

Terence Flanagan

Ceist:

598 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide full details of the amounts paid to chief executive officers of hospitals who resigned, retired or were sacked over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34327/11]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

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

Departmental Properties

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Ceist:

599 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health the valuation the Health Service Executive put on the primary health care centre in Buncrana, County Donegal, currently for sale on the open market; and the investment of the HSE and previously the North Western Health Board in the location from site acquisition up to the present day. [34344/11]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

Estate management of the Health Service Executive property portfolio is a service matter. Therefore your question has been referred to the Executive for direct reply.

Departmental Expenditure

Dominic Hannigan

Ceist:

600 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Health the amount of money that has been spent on cosmetic procedures for members of the prison population in the years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34349/11]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

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

Question No. 601 answered with Question No. 593.

Health Service Staff

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

602 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health the reason the issuing of two contracts has been delayed in spite of formal job offers having been made (details supplied); and when these contracts will issue. [34363/11]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

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

Hospital Accommodation

Ciara Conway

Ceist:

603 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Health the progress made in establishing a community nursing unit to replace St. Brigid’s Ward at St. Patrick’s Hospital in Waterford city; if he will report on any developments with regard to a replacement community nursing unit; the number of beds this replacement unit might have; when we may expect to see this unit up and running; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34450/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch)

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

Medical Cards

Patrick O'Donovan

Ceist:

604 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on a medical card application and application under the long-term illness scheme in respect of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34451/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall)

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

Question No. 605 answered with Question No. 593.

Liquor Licensing Laws

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Ceist:

606 Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce a ban on below-cost selling of alcohol along the lines of similar actions taken in Great Britain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34457/11]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

I assume that the Deputy's question refers to a minimum price for alcohol. Minimum pricing is a mechanism of imposing a statutory floor in price levels for alcohol products that must be legally observed by retailers; its primary function would be to discourage high-risk levels of alcohol consumption.

A National Substance Misuse Strategy Steering Group was established in 2009. It is examining the development of policy to deal with a wide range of key issues relating to the supply, pricing, availability and marketing of alcohol — including the question of a minimum price for alcohol — along with measures for the policy areas of prevention strategies, treatment, rehabilitation and substance dependency, research and information.

The report of the Steering Group is close to completion; I expect to receive proposals in the coming months and I will then brief my colleagues in Government on these. In the meantime, I will not pre-empt the work of the group.

Appointments to State Boards

Liam Twomey

Ceist:

607 Deputy Liam Twomey asked the Minister for Health the number of positions on State boards and agencies under his aegis which he has advertised in the past seven months; the number of applications received; the number of applicants subsequently appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34507/11]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

My Department will shortly be inviting expressions of interest on its website in relation to future appointments to State boards at which stage those being considered for appointment as Chairpersons will be required to make themselves available to the appropriate Oireachtas Committee.

Health Service Staff

Brian Stanley

Ceist:

608 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health when a full-time consultant orthodontist will be appointed for County Laois; and the steps being taken to address the waiting lists for treatment and for assessment. [34523/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall)

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

Medical Cards

John Lyons

Ceist:

609 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Health the circumstances under which someone may be awarded a medical card due to exceptional and regular medical treatment or visits to the doctor even if they are above the income guidelines; if this is based on genuine medical need or the financial hardship their treatment causes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34534/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall)

I have asked the Health Service Executive for a report on the issue raised by the Deputy. I will revert to the Deputy on the matter as soon as possible.

Health Service Allowances

Michelle Mulherin

Ceist:

610 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an appeal against the refusal of a motorised transport grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if the processing of the application will be expedited. [34557/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch)

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.

Ministerial Staff

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

611 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the number of his constituency and parliamentary staff, appointed following the February 2011 elections, on salaries that exceed their applicable pay scale grade; the number of his existing and parliamentary staff who were employed prior to the February 2011 elections but were awarded salary increases following the election that exceeded their applicable pay scale grades; and if he will provide their annual salary details in a tabular format. [34572/11]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

The salaries of all staff employed in my office are in accordance with the guidelines and scales set by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The staff employed and the salary scales are listed below in tabular format as requested by the Deputy.

Grade	Whole Time Equivalent	Salary Scale
Personal Secretary	1	€23,820 — €47,755
Personal Assistant	1	€43,715 — €56,060
Executive Officer	1	€29,024 — €45,616

Private Health Insurance

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

612 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the number of persons that hold private health insurance; and the percentage of the population this represents. [34583/11]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

The Health Insurance Authority (HIA) compiles statistics on the numbers of individuals insured in the open market. The latest data available from the HIA relate to quarter three of 2011 and I am advised that 2.17 million people currently have "indemnity" private health insurance, which represents approximately 47% of the population. These figures include those insured by the three main companies: Aviva Health, Quinn Health Care and VHI Health Care. The figures also include those insured by restricted membership schemes which mainly operate for certain vocational groups.

In addition, 102,000 people currently have "cash plan" health insurance. Individuals with cash plans have not been included in the 47% population figure.

Hospital Services

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

613 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if it is necessary to sign a ministerial order for orthopaedic services to be transferred from St. Mary’s Orthopaedic Hospital to South Infirmary Hospital, Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34594/11]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

Under section 38 of the 2004 Health Act, the HSE may enter into arrangements for the provision of services by other parties.

The HSE has a service level agreement with the voluntary hospitals in Cork, including South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital (SIVUH). The Regional Director's Office, HSE South, has advised me that the agreement allows for variations in the services to be provided.

The 2011 SLAs with both the Mercy University Hospital and SIVUH will be amended to reflect the changes in activity and services planned, between now and year end, under the reorganisation of acute services in Cork. The current SLAs with both hospitals expire on 31 December 2011 and the 2012 SLAs will reflect these changes, as well as other planned changes scheduled for 2012 as part of this programme.

Hospital Accommodation

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

614 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if there are plans for the wards and theatres that will be vacant following the transfer of patients from St. Mary’s Orthopaedic Hospital, Cork, to the South Infirmary Hospital, Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34595/11]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

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

Hospital Staff

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

615 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if the staff who transfer from St. Mary’s Orthopaedic Hospital, Cork, will remain employees of the Health Service Executive or if they will be required to transfer to the voluntary hospital sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34596/11]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

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

Medical Cards

John McGuinness

Ceist:

616 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if a full medical card will now be issued to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [34601/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall)

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

John McGuinness

Ceist:

617 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite the approval of a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [34602/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall)

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

John McGuinness

Ceist:

618 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if the renewal of a medical card will be completed as a matter of urgency in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [34603/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall)

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

John McGuinness

Ceist:

619 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if a full medical card will be issued to persons (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will expedite a full review of the case. [34604/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall)

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

John McGuinness

Ceist:

620 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if the renewal of a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) will be expedited and approved. [34609/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall)

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

Nursing Homes Support Scheme

John McGuinness

Ceist:

621 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health, in view of the ageing population and the requirements and challenges associated with providing long-term care for our ageing population, whether he will commit to the proposal from Nursing Homes Ireland on the establishment of forum on long-term care led by his Department. [34616/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch)

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme is due for formal review commencing in 2012. The scheme will be three years in operation at that stage. The reason for allowing this period to elapse is to ensure that trends and statistics will be available in order to inform this work. The review will look at the ongoing sustainability of the scheme, the relative costs of public versus private provision and the balance of funding between residential and community care. The views of relevant stakeholders will be considered as part of the review.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Ceist:

622 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health the number of fair deal applications submitted from County Kildare in 2011; the number that have been approved; the numbers awaiting approval; the average time taken to approve an application; the number of applications refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34623/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch)

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

Medical Cards

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

623 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health when a reply (details supplied) will issue regarding a person who is being denied a medical card because they are under 25 years of age and, therefore, subject to a lower income threshold for medical card eligibility. [34626/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall)

I have asked the Health Service Executive for a report on the individual case raised by the Deputy. I will revert to the Deputy on the matter as soon as possible.

Community Care

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

624 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will supply all information, correspondence, reports and other documentation regarding the decision to close Abbeyleix Community Nursing Unit, Abbeyleix, County Laois. [34631/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch)

I understand the Deputy wishes to understand the rationale behind the closure of Abbeyleix Community Nursing Unit. The unit provides continuing care, day care and respite services to people in Laois-Offaly and bordering areas of Kilkenny, Carlow, Tipperary and Kildare. The Health Service Executive has advised that the reducing funding allocation being experienced across all HSE services, together with staff losses as a result of the public sector moratorium, combined with the anticipated losses of staff between now and the end of the year make it essential that it now moves to consolidate the overall provision of long-stay care within the Dublin Mid-Leinster Region.

An inspection report published by HIQA in February 2011 concluded that the ratio of staff to residents at the Abbeyleix unit was not adequate to meet the needs of the mainly maximum dependency residents. It also noted that the building is old and has a number of multi-occupancy bedrooms which do not meet the requirements of the national standards.

Taking all these factors together, the HSE took the decision to proceed with the closure of Abbeyleix CNU. It will continue to consult and communicate with residents' families, staff, public representatives and key people in the wider community including Friends of the Hospital, Age Action, and local GPs, clergy and gardaí. It is intended that the residents will be transferred to public units where appropriate and that the remaining residents will be transferred to private nursing homes. Staff from Abbeyleix CNU will be transferred to reopen closed beds and/or prevent the closure of other public beds resulting from moratorium losses in the area.

In relation to the other services provided at Abbeyleix CNU, I can confirm that the day care services will continue to cater for the needs of the 90 clients — approximately 24 per day — who use the service, and there are plans to further enhance this service in the future. Respite service for the current 8 clients will continue; however, it is intended that this service will transfer to a private provider following consultation with the families concerned. I can also assure the House that the Primary Care Centre located on the grounds of the facility will also continue in line with the HSE Primary Care Strategy.

If the Deputy wishes to examine the documentation relating to this decision, the proper channel for this is through a request under the Freedom of Information Act and he should contact the Freedom of Information Unit of the Department or alternatively the HSE.

National Treatment Purchase Fund

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

625 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if he will consider the facts of a matter concerning a health care facility (details supplied) in County Kerry; if he will take action to resolve issues threatening the future of this facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34633/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch)

Valentia Community Hospital is a voluntary facility which has a service level agreement with the HSE under section 39 of the Health Act 2009. The legislation underpinning the Nursing Homes Support Scheme requires all private nursing homes and voluntary nursing homes which previously received funding under Section 39 of the Health Act 2004 to negotiate and agree a price for the cost of care with the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) should they wish to participate in the scheme. This is a necessary feature of the scheme due to the commitment by the State to meet the full balance of the cost of care over and above a person's contribution.

The NTPF has statutory responsibility for the negotiation of prices with private and voluntary nursing homes. The NTPF is independent in the performance of this function and, in carrying it out, it must ensure value for money for both the individual and the State. The NTPF negotiates with each nursing home individually and may examine the records and accounts of nursing homes as part of the process. This method of negotiation is necessary in order to ensure that the State obtains the best value for each individual in a nursing home and to comply with competition law.

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme only applies to long-term nursing home care. Valentia Hospital can continue to have separate agreements with the HSE for the provision of other services, e.g. respite, day care and convalescence. There have been ongoing discussions between the Board of Management of Valentia Community Health and Welfare Association Ltd. and the HSE with regards to future service provision. In addition, the Minister for Health met with a delegation from Valentia Hospital in June. Following the meeting, the HSE is continuing to engage with the Board of Management with regard to the future of the service.

Care of the Elderly

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

626 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health in view of the fact that there are only 47 beds in the whole of the Iveragh peninsula area of County Kerry and with a growing elderly population and ever-decreasing young population whether he will explain the way in which the elderly will be looked after; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34657/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch)

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

Health Services

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

627 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health to outline the current issues relating to the provision of services and matters that need to be examined in respect of a facility (details supplied). [34674/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch)

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

Health Service Staff

Seán Kenny

Ceist:

628 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Health the positions that have been filled in the Health Service Executive in Dublin since the recruitment pause in July 2011 as exceptions to address critical service risks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34686/11]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

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

Health Services

Seán Kenny

Ceist:

629 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Health his plans to improve chiropody services in the community care area 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34687/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall)

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

Accident and Emergency Services

Seán Kenny

Ceist:

630 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Health the immediate steps being taken to alleviate overcrowding at the accident and emergency department of Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34688/11]

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

631 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health in view of the problems in individual hospitals whether he will outline the funding and steps which are being taken in each emergency department under his recently approved initiative to ease pressures in certain emergency departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34709/11]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 630 and 631 together.

I have said very clearly on many occasions that the situation in our hospital emergency departments where people must wait for unacceptably long periods on trolleys will not be allowed to continue. For this reason, one of my first actions as Minister for Health was to set about establishing the Special Delivery Unit. The problems in our emergency departments are complex and they did not arise overnight. The particular issues vary from hospital to hospital and some of the solutions will depend on local factors.

The SDU is establishing an infrastructure based on information collection and analysis, hospital by hospital, so that we will know what is actually happening in real time. It is providing information tools for hospital managers, including clinical managers, to map and measure bed capacity in their hospital depending on variations, for example, in the average length of stay of patients. This will allow us to begin to embed performance management in the system, to manage bed capacity and to sustain shorter waiting times.

As part of the process of forming the overall picture of the emergency departments situation nationally, the SDU has identified fifteen hospitals which between them account for 80% of the trolley wait problem in the hospital system. Eight Hospitals have been identified for very high support including Beaumont. Liaison Officers from the SDU are working pro-actively to support these sites.

I have also agreed that some additional funding may be provided, on a strictly once-off basis, based on specific proposals from the hospitals to reduce waiting times between now and the end of the year which will help to address issues such as delayed discharges. Adherence to the agreed criteria will be closely monitored by the SDU.

Funding has been agreed for Beaumont (over €400,000), Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda (over €700,000), the Mater (over €700,000), St. Vincent's/St. Colmcille's (over €440,000), Tallaght Hospital (over €300,000), Galway University Hospital (over €340,000), Cork University Hospital (over €400,000) and Connolly (€270,000). Further consideration is being given to other proposals including one in respect of Limerick Regional Hospital.

The conditions and performance measures which Beaumont and other hospitals will have to meet are as follows; for the remainder of the year and throughout January 2012 no patient will wait more than 23 hours in the hospital's Emergency Department. In addition the trolley wait target must be maintained at least 70% below the maximum daily trolley count since January 2010. Other conditions/performance measures include:

Seven day ward/discharge rounds;

Achievement of all Acute Medicine Programme milestones; and

Implementation of approved measures to effectively stream elderly patients.

Capital Projects

Gerald Nash

Ceist:

632 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details of the number and value of State capital project contracts awarded by the Health Service Executive and his Department to companies registered outside the State in the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively; if he will provide details in respect of the number and value of State capital project contracts awarded to companies registered in Ireland in the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34712/11]

Gerald Nash

Ceist:

642 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details of the number and value of State capital project contracts awarded to companies registered outside the State in the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively; if he will provide details in respect of the number and value of State capital project contracts awarded to companies registered in the Ireland in the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34811/11]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 632 and 642 together.

My Department's capital expenditure for the years 2009, 2010 and its allocation for 2011 is set out in the following table:

	2009 €m Expenditure	2010 €m Expenditure	2011 €m Allocation
(a) Department	13.748	11.028	15.473
Drugs Initiative*	—	—	0.618
(b) OMCYA**	54.509	26.198	—
Total Allocation	68.257	37.226	16.091

*Following the transfer of functions from the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs in May 2011, my Department's capital allocation was increased by €0.618m.

**Functions relating to children and youth affairs have been transferred to the new Department of Children and Youth Affairs.

(a) My Department

The information sought in respect of my Department is not available as payments are not classified by a company's country of registration. However, the following information is available on payments in non euro currencies.

In 2009, capital expenditure in respect of my Department's internal ICT infrastructure and office equipment amounted to €0.45m. Of this figure non euro payments amounted to €1,458.75.

In 2010, capital expenditure in respect of my Department's internal ICT infrastructure and office equipment amounted to €0.25m. Of this figure, non euro payments amounted to €1,452.75.

To date in 2011, only euro payments have been made.

The remaining expenditure of €13.298m in 2009 and €10.778m in 2010 was allocated in capital grants to directly funded agencies under the aegis of my Department. In 2011, up to €15m will be allocated in capital grants to directly funded agencies. My Department does not collect the information sought. Euro payments only have been made from the Drugs Initiative capital allocation.

(b) Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (OMYCA).

In 2009 and 2010, euro payments only were made by the OMCYA. Pobal, a company established to assist Government Departments to implement grant programmes, administered capital funding for the National Investment Childcare Programme (NCIP) on behalf of the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. Capital grants were also paid from the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund (YPFSF) to various councils and VECs. The Health Service Executive

As the management and delivery of the health capital programme is a service matter, your question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Hospitals Building Programme

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Ceist:

633 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health in view of the fact that there are to be 972 car parking spaces allocated to the proposed national paediatric hospital at the Mater site in Dublin, whether he expects this to be enough to accommodate approximately 6,000 persons, including staff, patients and visitors, who will use the hospital every day; and if he will bear in mind that parents transporting tertiary level patients are mostly unable to use public transport. [34713/11]

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Ceist:

634 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health the action that will be taken to accommodate those persons attending the proposed national paediatric hospital at the Mater site, Dublin, especially with tertiary level children, who cannot find a parking space; and whether they will be obliged to take the chance of being clamped, as is the case at present. [34714/11]

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Ceist:

635 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health in view of the views of the European Association for Children in Hospital Charter, whether parents should not need to incur additional costs or suffer loss of income while their child is in hospital; how he will ensure that parking costs will not be an issue for parents whose children are in hospital at the proposed national paediatric hospital at the Mater site, Dublin, in the long term. [34715/11]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 633 to 635, inclusive, together.

In order to assess the amount of car parking which is required to adequately serve the demand generated at the National Children's Hospital, the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board carried out a multi-factor analysis which was based on a wide variety of information including the following:

An examination of the parking levels at a number of existing national and international hospitals;

Data based on physical, on-site hospital surveys and data identifying patient numbers, arrival and departure patterns, duration of stay and numbers of vehicles generated by patients; and

Current national and international policies regarding sustainable development and Dublin City Council Development Plan standards.

It is important to note that of the 972 car parking spaces proposed, over 75% are to be reserved for patients/visitors, with the remaining 236 spaces provided for staff. The low level of staff parking will be facilitated by the implementation of a mobility management plan at the hospital which will put in place a number of strategies and measures to increase awareness of the abundance of public transport and cycle/pedestrian facilities locally and encourage their use.

In relation to the question of car parking for persons attending the Hospital with tertiary level children, this is not considered likely to be problematic by the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board given the amount of parking being provided on the new site. The construction of the new adult hospital on the Mater campus will include a 447 space car park, which will significantly improve parking locally. When combined with the children's hospital, this will give a total of 1,419 parking spaces at the overall Mater campus.

In relation to the question of car parking for persons with long-term critically ill children, the plan is to provide a number of free car parking spaces for parents of these children and the Ronald McDonald House charity is working to provide accommodation for these parents.

Capital Projects

Tom Fleming

Ceist:

636 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will provide the capital funding for the replacement facilities necessary to complete the closure of St Finan’s Hospital, Killarney, County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34716/11]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

Following the publication last week of the ‘Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2012-2016: Medium Term Exchequer Framework', the Health Service Executive will commence drawing up its capital programme for the multi-annual period 2012-2016. The executive is required to prioritise the capital infrastructure projects within its overall capital funding allocation, taking into account the programme's capital commitments and costs to completion over the period. The proposed plan requires my approval with the consent of the Minister for Finance.

Social Welfare Benefits

John McGuinness

Ceist:

637 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if he will explain his response to issues raised in an e-mail from a person (details supplied); when he will be able to assist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34718/11]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

On 31st August 2011 my Department received an e-mail from the person concerned seeking financial assistance and outlining various social welfare and HSE benefits applied for but not awarded. This e-mail was forwarded to the Health Service Executive for attention. The information provided by the person stated that they had applied for assistance from a number of schemes but without success. Most of these schemes are operated by the Department of Social Protection. Two of the schemes come under the remit of the HSE — the Long-term Illness Scheme and Mobility Allowance. The person concerned was considered for assistance under both schemes but was not successful. They have been advised that they can appeal these decisions. Officials from my Department have been advised by the executive that the person has not appealed these decisions as yet.

Departmental Staff

Joe Carey

Ceist:

638 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health when the position of chief dental officer will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34792/11]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

The current moratorium on the filling of posts has meant that my Department has not been in a position to fill the post of Chief Dental Officer. Future decisions on this post will be taken against the backdrop of my Department's need to balance the delivery of business priorities with falling levels of overall resources.

Medical Cards

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

639 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) whose application to move from a family to an individual medical card was submitted within the requisite timeframe but which has not yet been approved due to backlogs in the newly-centralised processing system; if he considers it acceptable that a person should lose their entitlement to a medical card, even temporarily, solely because of delays in the processing system; if he will ensure this person’s medical card is issued without delay; if he will institute a policy that no person will lose their entitlement in these circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34794/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall)

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has centralised the processing of all new medical card applications and renewals at the Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) with effect from 1st July 2011. The executive has stated that completed medical card applications are processed within 15 working days. Delays occur where applications are submitted without the supporting documentation necessary to complete the processing of the application. Over 70% of applications received in the Central Office are complete.

The Deputy's particular query concerning an individual's medical card status has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Hospital Accommodation

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

640 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will review a matter in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin. [34795/11]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

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

Nursing Home Closure

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

641 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a nursing home (details supplied). [34796/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch)

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

Question No. 642 answered with Question No. 632.

Home Help Service

Dominic Hannigan

Ceist:

643 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Health the number of home help hours that were available in County Meath in the years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34828/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch)

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

Grant Payments

Terence Flanagan

Ceist:

644 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding a grant in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34056/11]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

The matter raised is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. I have referred the Deputy's Question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Road Network

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

645 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will grant emergency funding for maintenance of local authority road network in County Kerry, which have deteriorated due to the high volume of rain in the past few weeks. [34212/11]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

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 projects to be funded is also a matter for the local authority. All 2011 regional and local road grants have now been fully allocated and there are no further funds available from which an additional allocation could be made. The Department would however, be prepared to consider any revisions the Council wish to make to their 2012 Restoration Improvement Programme.

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

646 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his commitment to the N2 A5 project will be discussed at the forthcoming plenary meeting of the North South Ministerial Council. [34540/11]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

Arising from the St. Andrew's Agreement, the Government gave a commitment to co-fund the construction of the A5 through Northern Ireland to Derry thus improving access to Letterkenny and North Donegal. In light of the current economic circumstances, the Government has had to defer its funding commitment to this project. The project will be discussed at the forthcoming NSMC Plenary meeting in terms of the progress made to date and the position in relation to funding by the Irish Government. With regard to the N2, this is a national roads project and the statutory responsibility for its implementation lies with the NRA, and the relevant local authorities concerned. It is not on the agenda for discussion at the forthcoming plenary.

Swimming Pool Projects

Michael McCarthy

Ceist:

647 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on plans to refurbish and extend Dunmanway swimming pool, County Cork; when the project will be complete; the current stage of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34636/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport (Deputy Michael Ring)

Under the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme there are four principal stages in a swimming pool project following the submission of a feasibility study. These, in order of progress, are: Preliminary Report; Contract Documents; Tender and Construction.

My Department received a proposal from Cork County Council on behalf of Dunmanway for the refurbishment of the existing pool together with an extension to accommodate additional facilities including a gym. A Preliminary Report on this proposal was approved in March 2001. I understand that the Council expects to have Contract Documents submitted to the Department for approval by April 2012. Responsibility for progressing this project rests with the Local Authority.

Railway Stations

Patrick Nulty

Ceist:

648 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the opening of Hansfield train station, Dublin; and when construction of the required link road will commence. [33982/11]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

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 Hansfield station, comes under the remit of the NTA. The legislative basis for this is Section 11 (1) (e) of the DTA Act 2008 "Principal Functions of Authority — The principal functions of the Authority are to secure the- provision of public transport infrastructure". Noting this I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.

Notwithstanding the above, I have engaged with the relevant parties — Iarnród Eireann, Fingal County Council and the NTA. The amendment to the SDZ permitting a car park at Hansfield has been appealed to An Bord Pleanála by a third party and this will impact on the granting of planning permission for it. As the Deputy will know from his time as a member of a local authority, this is beyond my control. However, I continue to work on this matter and will see it through. I look forward to inviting the Deputy to the official opening next year.

Croke Park Agreement

Dominic Hannigan

Ceist:

649 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of Croke Park agreement projects that each State agency under his aegis are progressing; if he will list each project by Department in tabular form; the amount to be saved by each project; the number that have been completed since the agreement came into force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34165/11]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

The following Table sets out a summary, for the agencies under my remit, of the key project deliverables under the Public Sector (Croke Park) Agreement. The Agreement requires each agency to achieve very substantial cost and staffing efficiencies and I expect them to identify the best means of achieving these. More detailed action plans and progress reports, identifying each action/project and the rate of progress and achievements to date, are available on each agency website. The Implementation Body for the Agreement is currently considering the progress reported by the agencies during the period, April to September 2011. The Body is due to publish a summary of the progress reported to it on its website shortly. Once the Body has completed its consideration, the progress reports for this particular reporting period will be published on the agencies' websites.

Project/Programme	Agency(ies)
Staff Numbers Management	All non-commercial transport, tourism and sport agencies.
Real-time passenger information rollout	National Transport Authority
Review of estate for driver testing service	Road Safety Authority
Plastic Card Driving Licence	Road Safety Authority
Air Passenger Rights (APR) and Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM) Scheme	Commission for Aviation Regulation
Electronic consent application processing to integrate requests for road openings linked to utilities/communications infrastructure works	National Roads Authority
Independent review of Dublin Regional Tourism Authority	Fáilte Ireland

Tourism Industry

Dominic Hannigan

Ceist:

650 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding available for local tourism forums to conduct research to help their local tourism industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34229/11]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

The matter raised is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. I have referred the Deputy's Question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Road Network

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

651 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding road improvement works (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34333/11]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The construction, improvement and maintenance of individual national roads, is a matter for the National Roads Authority under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Noting this I have referred the Deputy's question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.

Joe Carey

Ceist:

652 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will confirm his position not to impose a road toll on the Ennis bypass section of the M18; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34376/11]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

Having considered the matter, I will not be introducing tolls on the Ennis by-pass section of the M18.

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

653 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will investigate a matter (details supplied) regarding the Road Safety Authority [34490/11]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

The subject matter of this particular question 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 office if a reply has not been received within ten days.

Appointments to State Boards

Liam Twomey

Ceist:

654 Deputy Liam Twomey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of positions on State boards and agencies under his aegis which he has advertised in the past seven months; the number of applications received; the number of applicants subsequently appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34512/11]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

In April of this year I advertised in the national press and on my Department's website for expressions of interest from individuals who wished to serve as Chairpersons of CIE and its three main subsidiaries and across the full range of State boards for which I have responsibility as vacancies arise. I received 306 applications through this process. In total there have been 41 appointments made to state boards under the aegis of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport during my term as Minister, of which 23 were new appointments and 18 were re-appointments. 12 appointments were from those applications received. Of the 4 CIE Chairpersons appointed, 2 were of individuals who expressed an interest in serving through the application process. This is a new departure in the appointment of boards which I hope will allow for a greater range of candidates to be considered. However, given the importance of ensuring the right mix of skill sets on every board, appointments are not necessarily confined to those who have made an expression of interest.

Road Network

Joan Collins

Ceist:

655 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the intra-urban road link Objective T2.12 linking the junction of Burton Street-Pearse Road to the junction of Mail Coach Road-Connolly Street, as contained in the Sligo and environs development plan, has yet to be implemented; if he has received any submissions from Sligo Borough Council seeking funding to purchase the strip of land still in private ownership which the borough council requires to enable the link road to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34525/11]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

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 projects to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.

My Department has no record of an application for funding for this intra-urban link road from Burton Street/Pearse Road to Mail Coach Road/Connolly Street. Earlier this year the National Roads Authority (NRA) invited applications for consideration for funding under the 2012 Specific Improvement Grants in respect of regional and local roads. Sligo County Council submitted 9 projects, however the intra-urban road link was not among the applications submitted. No separate applications for funding were received from Sligo Borough Council as any such application would have to be included in the County Council submission.

Patrick O'Donovan

Ceist:

656 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for works (details supplied) in County Limerick; if funding is available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34544/11]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

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 projects to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.

All 2011 regional and local road grants have now been fully allocated and there are no further funds available from which an additional allocation could be made. Earlier this year the National Roads Authority (NRA) invited applications for consideration for funding under the 2012 Specific Improvement Grants. Limerick County Council submitted 5 projects, however the R521 Newcastle West to Ardagh Road was not among the applications submitted.

Ministerial Staff

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

657 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of his constituency and parliamentary staff, appointed following the February 2011 elections, on salaries that exceed their applicable pay scale grade; the number of his existing and parliamentary staff employed prior to the February 2011 elections but awarded salary increases following the election that exceed their applicable pay scale grade; and if he will provide their annual salary details in a tabular format. [34578/11]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

Two of my staff, Mr John Carroll (Policy Adviser) and Ms Mary Donohoe (Personal Secretary), were previously employed by the Oireachtas Commission as part of my parliamentary staff. In respect of Mr John Carroll, the applicable payscale ranges from €43,715 — €56,060 per annum while in the case of Ms Mary Donohoe, the applicable payscale ranges from €456.50 — €915.20 per week. These are the equivalent payscales to those of Parliamentary Assistant and Secretarial Assistant for those employed by the Oireachtas Commission. In neither case do they receive salaries in excess of their respective payscale.

Tourism Industry

Gerald Nash

Ceist:

658 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will list and provide details of all of the available funding streams for community-based tourism initiatives supported by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34580/11]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

The matter raised is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. I have referred the Deputy's Question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Rail Services

Dominic Hannigan

Ceist:

659 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if consideration has been given to changing the fare structure on the Dundalk — Drogheda — Dublin train line to accommodate new commuters who live in the Gormanston area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34702/11]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

The issue raised is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann in conjunction with the National Transport Authority. I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please inform my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Capital Projects

Gerald Nash

Ceist:

660 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide details in relation to the number and value of State capital project contracts awarded to companies registered outside the State in the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively; if he will provide details in respect of the number and value of State capital project contracts awarded to companies registered in the Republic of Ireland in the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34817/11]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

Procurements for the main State infrastructural projects are not made directly by my Department but are the responsibility of the Agencies operating under the aegis of my Department. I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the agencies concerned for their direct response. If the Deputy does not receive a reply within ten working days, please advise my private office

Road Network

Dominic Hannigan

Ceist:

661 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of professional indemnity insurance that the consultants who produced the traffic forecasts on the M3 have; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34829/11]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.

Dominic Hannigan

Ceist:

662 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will describe the payment mechanism to toll operators, including the payment mechanism if vehicle numbers fall short of the predicted level; the current levels of payments to toll operators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34830/11]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

The statutory power to levy tolls on national roads, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into toll agreements with private investors in respect of national roads is vested in the National Roads Authority (NRA) under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended by the Planning and Development Act 2000 and the Roads Act 2007). The contracts for the privately-operated toll schemes are commercial agreements between the NRA and the Public Private Partnership (PPP) concessionaires concerned. Two PPP contracts, the M3 Clonee-Kells PPP and the Limerick Tunnel PPP, incorporate a traffic guarantee mechanism. Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.

Dominic Hannigan

Ceist:

663 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the discussions he has had with the toll operators to seek to reduce the level of payments to the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34831/11]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

The statutory power to levy tolls on national roads, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into toll agreements with private investors in respect of national roads is vested in the National Roads Authority (NRA) under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended by the Planning and Development Act 2000 and the Roads Act 2007). The contracts for the privately-operated toll schemes are commercial agreements between the NRA and the Public Private Partnership (PPP) concessionaires concerned.

Dáil Éireann díospóireacht - Tuesday, 15 Nov 2011

Banking Sector Regulation

Bernard J. Durkan

EU-IMF Programme

Gerry Adams

Jobs Initiative

Niall Collins

Financial Services Regulation

Pearse Doherty

Bank Guarantee Scheme

Gerry Adams

State Banking Sector

Sandra McLellan

National Asset Management Agency

Peadar Tóibín

Economic Forecasts

Brian Stanley

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

General Government Debt

Richard Boyd Barrett

Tax Yield

Catherine Murphy

Fiscal Advisory Council

Mick Wallace

Seán Crowe

Micheál Martin

Michael McGrath

Debt Resolution Agency

Denis Naughten

Bank Guarantee Scheme

Dessie Ellis

Proposed Legislation

Mary Lou McDonald

Bank Guarantee Scheme

Mary Lou McDonald

Michael McGrath

Fiscal Policy

Brian Stanley

Debt Statistics

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Budget Submissions

Richard Boyd Barrett

Economic and Monetary Union

Bernard J. Durkan

Government Debt Ratios

Michael Colreavy

Postal Services

Luke 'Ming' Flanagan

Unemployment Levels

Peadar Tóibín

Tax Code

Seán Crowe

Irish Bank Resolution Corporation

Sandra McLellan

Tax Yield

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

European Financial Stability Fund

Brendan Smith

Tax Code

Catherine Murphy

National Debt

Joe Higgins

Financial Services Regulation

Denis Naughten

Fiscal Advisory Council

Mick Wallace

European Central Bank

Pearse Doherty

Banks Recapitalisation

Micheál Martin

Cabinet Sub-Committees

Anne Ferris

Croke Park Agreement

Dominic Hannigan

Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 15 Nov 2011