Dáil Éireann

		Amount collected in year
		1983	1984	1985	1986	1987
		£m	£m	£m	£m	£m
Employment and training levy	(a) Farmers		3.03	1.2	1.1	1.9
	(b) Other self- employed		Breakdown not available	2.75	3.1	3.3
		Breakdown not available
Health contributions	(a) Farmers		1.87	0.95	0.9	1.7
	(b) Other self- employed		Breakdown not available	1.45	2.1	2.1
	Total	6.0	4.9	6.35	7.2	9.0

I am advised by the Ministers for Health and Labour that the following amounts were collected by the health boards from full time farmers in the years in question:

	Health Contributions	Employment and Training Levy
	£m	£m
1983	0.7	—
1984	2.3	2.5
1985	1.2	1.3
1986	1.2	1.0
1987	0.4	0.5

39.

Proinsias De Rossa: asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the reports of banks discriminating against women in the allocation of home loans; if any representations have been made to the banks on this matter; if it is intended to take any action to have this practice ended; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Finance (Mr. Reynolds): I have no function in the day-to-day regulation of banking practice, which is a matter for the Central Bank. However, the Central Bank has advised me that it has not received any representations or complaints about discriminatory practice between men and women in the allocation of home loans. Apart from one isolated case reported in the media, the Central Bank has no evidence of such discrimination.

The Central Bank has been assured that the lending policies of the banks operating in the home loan area are based on the customer's income level and on his or her ability to repay. If the Deputy has a specific case in mind he should pass the details to me and I will refer it to the Central Bank for examination.

40.

Mrs. Hussey: asked the Minister for Finance the reason the State laboratory does not publish survey analyses of feed raw materials and compound feeds annually in view of the fact that feed is the single largest input at farm level.

[649]Minister for Finance (Mr. Reynolds): The State laboratory provides an analytical service to all Government Departments and offices. Feeding stuffs are analysed on behalf of the Department of Agriculture and Food, the bulk of whose samples is submitted to the laboratory to ascertain their compliance with Irish and EC law.

The Minister for Agriculture and Food may initiate legal proceedings on the basis of the laboratory's analysis which may show that a particular sample is not in conformity with legislative requirements. In such circumstances, publication by the State laboratory of analyses which are carried out by them on behalf of a client, in this case the Department of Agriculture and Food, would not be appropriate.

41.

Mr. Kelly: asked the Minister for Finance the plans, if any, there are for a total redesign of the metal currency, including more rational coin sizes and denominations and the use of less unattractive alloys; and if he will give an assurance in regard to the design of images and inscriptions for the coinage that (a) a public and internationally advertised competition will be held and (b) the adjudication will be entrusted to a committee of persons competent to judge on aesthetic as well as on practical criteria.

Minister for Finance (Mr. Reynolds): The Government are considering the redesign of the coinage, including the issue of a £1 coin. Whatever proposals emerge from this examination will be put before the House in due course. The Deputy can be assured that in selecting the designs, and in other aspects, the correct procedure will be followed and the relevant practical and aesthetic advice will be obtained.

42.

Mr. Durkan: asked the Minister for Finance the current VAT levels applicable to the baking and confectionery [650] industry in each of the 12 EC countries in the current year; the countries in which the rates have altered in the past three years; the effect, if any, of such changes on the Irish baking industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Finance (Mr. Reynolds): I propose to circulate in the Official Report a statement giving the information sought by the Deputy.

Under the VAT system, imported and domestic products are taxed at the rates in force in the country where the products are finally sold. Consequently, changes in other countries have no effect on the competitive position of Irish producers of confectionery.

Country	VAT rate per cent on
Bread, etc.	Confectionery
Belgium	6	6
Denmark	22	22
France	5.5	5.5
Germany	7	7
Greece	6	6
Ireland*	0	25
Italy*	4	8
Luxembourg	3	6
The Netherlands*	6	6
Portugal	0	8
Spain	6	6
UK	0	15

* Countries in which rates have altered since 1/1/1986.

43.

Mr. Desmond: asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons who raised mortgage bank loans to pay off interest free tax arrears under the recent amnesty and who intend to claim mortgage interest against their future tax liability.

Minister for Finance (Mr. Reynolds): Mortgage interest tax relief is given under section 496 of the Income Tax Act, 1967, as amended, for interest paid on a loan which is used for qualifying purposes only. “Qualifying purposes” means the purchase, repair, development or improvement of the sole or main residence of: (a) the claimant, (b) a former [651] or separated spouse of the claimant, (c) a relative of the claimant (or a relative of the spouse of the claimant) in respect of whom the claimant is in receipt of an income tax dependant relative allowance and the residence, if provided by the claimant, is provided free of rent or other consideration.

A loan which is used solely to pay off another qualifying loan may also be regarded as a qualifying loan. Accordingly, the interest on any loan used to pay off tax arrears under the recent amnesty would not qualify for tax relief under section 496 of the Income Tax Act, 1967.

44.

Mr. Quinn: asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that institutions representing the professions in the construction industry are gravely concerned with the problems of wastage and exploitation which are imposed by the increasing use of developer competitions as a means of procurement of new buildings by State and semi-State bodies; if, at the meeting which is being arranged between him and representatives of those institutions, he will give an assurance that abuses within the system will not continue and that the legitimate concerns of the professions and the taxpayer will be properly met; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Finance (Mr. Reynolds): I am aware that institutions representing the professions in the construction industry have expressed dissatisfaction with regard to developer competitions. There are, however, no arrangements being made for me to meet with representatives of these institutions. On 28 June 1988 I stated in the Dáil, in reply to a parliamentary question, that design-and-build contracts have always been admissible on a competitive basis and that the use of these is encouraged in appropriate cases. There has been no change in that position. Any arrangements to be made between a developer and the professions [652] concerned in developer competitions are a matter to be settled between themselves.

45.

Mr. Spring: asked the Minister for Finance if he has any proposals in mind to alleviate the serious conditions of many of the buildings and facilities of the National Botanic Gardens, Dublin 9; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Finance (Mr. Reynolds): I am aware of concern about the condition of some of the glasshouses in the National Botanic Gardens. The most serious deterioration has occurred in the curvilinear range of glasshouses. Planning for the restoration of these important houses is in hands. Progress to date had been hampered by the lack of funds but I am happy to state that following the announcement in the budget of additional funds for the Office of Public Works it will be possible to commence work on the project towards the end of this year.

The palm house range will require refurbishment before too long and there are a number of smaller buildings throughout the gardens which are also in need of replacement. Availability of funds will determine when these works can proceed. Despite the severe pressure in recent years eight of the 12 propagating houses have been replaced over the last four to five years.

At present a glasshouse transferred from Thorndale is being erected in the Botanic Gardens. This will help to alleviate the pressure on the other buildings in the gardens.

The feasibility of providing a building in the gardens to accommodate a shop, restaurant and improve reception and information facilities for visitors is being examined. Progress with this proposal is also likely to depend on the availability of funds.

[653]46.

Mr. Enright: asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline the policy of his Department regarding the use of canal towpaths for horse riding; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that canal towpaths throughout the country have been used for generations for horse riding because of their safety as distinct from riding along main roads; the reason his Department is interfering with this privilege which people have hitherto had the freedom to enjoy; the policy which was recommended in the Brady Shipman Martin Report on management and development of the canals; and if he has satisfied himself with the policy recommended or if he will reject the policy regarding the use of the canal banks for horse riding.

Minister for Finance (Mr. Reynolds): The canal towpaths are an important part of the canal property and it is the policy of the Office of Public Works to protect them from potential sources of damage. Experience has shown that continued use of the towpaths by animals, including horses, does cause damage which could, in turn, affect the stability of the canal banks in certain areas. There is also the possibility of conflict with other users of the canal property, such as anglers and walkers. For these reasons, the Brady Shipman Martin report on management and development of the canals does not generally recommend the use of the towpaths for horse riding or pony trekking and I am in agreement with this.

47.

Mr. Desmond: asked the Minister for Finance the present position regarding the various proposals to privatise the whole or part of the Government share-holding in Irish Life.

Minister for Finance (Mr. Reynolds): No decisions have been taken concerning the privatisation of the company. As announced last July, the Government decided that Irish Life Assurance plc should be restructured to facilitate its development into an Irish based international [654] services company in the insurance field and that consultants should be appointed to advise in this regard. The consultants have been appointed and their examination is in progress.

48.

Mr. Quinn: asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Houses of the Oireachtas are experiencing enormous difficulties because of the failure of his Department to provide adequate funds and staff resources to maintain the CELEX computers stored data base of EC directives and other legal proposals; the enormous difficulties that this absence is causing; the steps that he will take to ensure that the Government maintains its obligations of ensuring that Dáil Éireann has direct and adequate access to all information pertaining to the completion of the Internal Market and the full implementations of the Single European Act; and if he will make a statement of the matter.

Minister for Finance (Mr. Reynolds): I understand that it was not possible to access the CELEX database because of technical difficulties with the communication equipment required to make the link to the European Community. The resolution of these problems was hindered by the departure of the Houses of the Oireachtas computer manager to take up a post with the OECD.

However, a new computer manager was appointed shortly before Christmas and the technical problems associated with accessing the CELEX database have now been resolved. The question of access to other database and the best ways of providing for the information needs of Members of the Oireachtas will be examined by the computer manager whose responsibility it will be to continue implementing the information technology plan for Leinster House. A provision of £100,000 for that purpose has been made in the 1989 Estimates and I am hopeful that this will allow progress to be made this year.

[655]49.

Mr. J. O'Keeffe: asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to major local objections to the erection of a radio mast in the location selected at Clonakilty Garda station, County Cork, by the Office of Public Works; and if he will arrange to relocate same.

Minister for Finance (Mr. Reynolds): The Commissioners of Public Works are not aware of major local objections to the erection of a radio mast at Clonakilty Garda station, County Cork.

The erection of such radio masts is the responsibility of the Department of Justice.

The Commissioners of Public Works provided the base for the mast on a site selected in consultation with an authorised officer of the Department of Justice and, having regard to all the factors involved, the site chosen was regarded as the only one suitable.

The commissioners have no plans to relocate the radio mast.

50.

Tomás Mac Giolla: asked the Minister for Finance the total cost to the Exchequer of the exemption from tax of co-operative companies.

Minister for Finance (Mr. Reynolds): Statistics are not recorded in such a manner as would enable the information requested by the Deputy to be provided. Such information could not be obtained without undertaking inquiries which could be carried out only at a disproportionate cost.

51.

Mr. Naughten: asked the Minister for Finance if he intends to set up a Shannon river authority to co-ordinate all the different interests along the River Shannon and its catchment areas.

Minister for Finance (Mr. Reynolds): At the launch of the IFA consultant's [656] report on the River Shannon, in Athlone, I announced the establishment of a forum to co-ordinate the views of the various bodies interested in this great natural watercourse. I am now happy to report that I have since written to the various interests, inviting all concerned to take part. So far the response to my letters has been positive and, in the circumstances, I would hope to be in a position to call the inaugural meeting of the forum shortly.

52.

Mr. Clohessy: asked the Minister for Finance the amount of money which is outstanding to his Department by way of employer and employee PRSI; and the length of time such money has been owed.

Minister for Finance (Mr. Reynolds): The most recently published statistics of outstanding PRSI declared by employers on their P35 end-of-year returns relate to the position at 31 May 1988, and cover employers' and employees' PRSI liabilities. These statistics provide a separate figure for the year 1986-87 and an aggregate figure for all years up to 1985-86, as follows:

	Year	£m
All years to	1986/87	28
	1985/86	101
Total		129

As these figures relate to 31 May 1988 they do not take account of the effect of the 1988 tax amnesty which will have reduced the amount outstanding for the periods in question. The figures quoted above include the employment and training levy, income levy and the health contribution. The income levy was abolished with effect from 1986-87.

53.

Mr. O'Sullivan: asked the Minister for Finance the estimated annual tax loss to the Exchequer in (a) income tax (b) [657] indirect taxes (c) employer PRSI contributions (d) employee PRSI contributions arising from redundancies under the Redundancy Payments Acts for the years 1980 to date; and the estimated total cost to the Exchequer each year of tax relief on lump sums paid in the case of redundancies covered by the Redundancy Payments Acts for the years 1980 to date.

Minister for Finance (Mr. Reynolds): Changes in direct tax revenue and in revenue from pay-related social insurance from year to year consequent on changes in the level and composition of employment are a function of individual earnings before redundancy, the incidence of re-employment and the duration of unemployment. Since statistics are not available which would enable the information requested by the Deputy to be compiled, it is not possible to indicate the loss in these areas in respect of the years in question.

Information on the loss of indirect tax revenue arising in respect of persons who were made redundant is also unavailable; there would of course have been some offsetting indirect taxation revenue generated by the expenditure by the persons who were made redundant of redundancy payments received by them.

Following are the figures of the estimated cost to the Exchequer in terms of tax foregone of the exemption of statutory redundancy payments:

Year	Estimated Cost to Exchequer
	£m
1980	2.0
1981	3.0
1982	5.5
1983	8.1
1984	11.3
1985	10.4
1986	10.0
1987	10.0
1988	11.3

The figures for each year are compiled on the assumptions (i) that the exemption from tax would have been immediately and fully withdrawn, (ii) that there would have been no change in the rest of the [658] income tax code and (iii) that there would have been no consequent change in the behaviour of taxpayers who stood to benefit from the relief.

54.

Mr. Taylor: asked the Minister for Finance if he will make a statement on the progress which has been made in concluding the designation of a part of Tallaght, Dublin 24 as a tax concession incentive area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Finance (Mr. Reynolds): I made an order on 30 November under section 27 of the 1987 Finance Act which declared a specified area in Tallaght to be a designated area for the purposes of incentive tax reliefs for urban renewal provided for in the 1986 Finance Act. These reliefs comprise capital allowances for commercial buildings, an owner-occupier allowance for certain dwellings and a double rent allowance for commercial premises. The order also prescribed, in relation to this area, the period for the availability of these incentives, which is from 9 July 1987 until 31 May 1991.

56.

Mr. McCartan: asked the Minister for Finance if he will give details of the outcome of the meeting held on 16 January 1989 with representatives of the European Commission to discuss the use of increased funding for social and regional development; if, in view of the criticism of the steering committees on the grounds that they are undemocratic and unrepresentative, he intends to review the composition of the committees; the reason Army officers have been brought in to act as secretaries of a number of the committees; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Finance (Mr. Reynolds): On 16 January, my colleagues and I met members of the EC Commission to discuss the preparation of the national plan, [659] which is to be submitted to the Commission for assistance from the Structural Funds.

I wish to draw the Deputy's attention to the joint declaration which was issued after the meeting and, in particular, to the following extract from that declaration:

The Commission welcomes the thorough and comprehensive work presented by the Irish Government today. This will prepare the ground well for the Commission to process the forthcoming plans and programmes for Ireland and thus ensure that the execution of the Structural Funds for 1989 and the years ahead will be done efficiently and in coherence with medium term planning.

This was discussed against the background of the reform of the Structural Funds, the increase in the volume of resources and the consequences of the transition to the new system. Against this background agreement was reached on the objectives and programme headings to be covered by the Plan submitted by the Irish Government. Progress with the Plan was reviewed and it was clear that the progress being made would enable the Plan to be submitted by 31 March 1989.

I do not intend to alter the composition of the working groups and advisory groups established in connection with the prepararion of sub-national programmes for the purposes of the EC Structural Funds. I do not accept the criticisms of them referred to in the question.

I would refer the Deputy to the following further extract from the joint declaration issued after the meeting on 16 January:

The arrangements for sub-regional programmes to supplement the National Plan were welcomed by the Commission as giving the opportunity to spread the projects within the Programmes throughout the country.

[660]58.

Mr. Kelly: asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the increasingly insanitary condition of the paper currency in circulation in this country, particularly in the case of £1 and £5 notes; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that no other EC country permits banknotes to remain so long in circulation as to become dirty; the reason this undesirable situation obtains in this country; and the proposals he has in this regard.

Minister for Finance (Mr. Reynolds): I am aware that, due to the decline in the value of money in the last decade or so, the lower denomination notes are being used more frequently in ordinary, everyday transactions. As a result, they tend to recirculate rather than return to the banking system for replacement. This has made it difficult to control the deterioration in the quality of the notes. I do not subscribe, however, to the use of the term “insanitary” to describe the currency in circulation.

To cater for the increased usage of the lower value notes, the Government has included an amendment to existing legislation in the Central Bank Bill, 1988, to allow for the issue of a £1 coin to replace the £1 note.

60.

Mr. Naughten: asked the Minister for Finance the amount of short-time work which was introduced on the Boyle-Bonet drainage scheme, County Roscommon; the amount of money originally allocated; and if additional finance has been allocated.

Minister for Finance (Mr. Reynolds): Short time working was operated on arterial drainage construction works for a period of a week in October 1988 in order to curtail the excess in expenditure which would otherwise have occurred. Additional finance was provided thus removing the necessity for further short time. An amount of £1.3 million was [661] originally provided in 1988 for construction works on the Boyle-Bonet Scheme.

61.

Mr. O'Sullivan: asked the Minister for Finance the estimated total cost to the Exchequer of tax relief on lump sums paid in the case of redundancies/retirements under the Government's redundancy scheme for public servants to date.

Minister for Finance (Mr. Reynolds): Lump sum payments under the public service early retirement/severance programme were subject to the normal income tax regime governing retirement lump sums, severance payments etc. and no special tax reliefs were applied in respect of them. Any estimate of the impact on the Exchequer of the present tax treatment of such payments would depend on what system of taxation were introduced and the effects of the introduction of any such system on the uptake of such payments.

Assuming (i) that the full payments had been made chargeable to tax in full and (ii) that there had been no change in the uptake of the scheme, it is estimated that taxation of the payments would have yielded £62 million. These assumptions are unlikely to be realistic.

62.

Miss Colley: asked the Minister for Finance, in relation to the Government's White Paper A Better Way to Plan the Nation's Finances if it is his intention to implement the proposals set out in summary form on pages 43 to 46 of the document; the progress already made in relation to the implementation of these proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Finance (Mr. Reynolds): The Deputy is referring to a discussion document published in 1981 by a previous Government. The document put forward [662] a large number of proposals covering different areas. A number of the proposals in the document were implemented either fully or partially. Others were found to be impracticable for one reason or another.

It is, however, my intention to seek ways to improve those financial procedures which come within my competence as Minister for Finance and in doing so I would have regard to some of the proposals in the 1981 document.

64.

Miss Colley: asked the Minister for Finance the estimated cost to the Exchequer of harmonising Irish and UK VAT rates in the year 1989.

Minister for Finance (Mr. Reynolds): I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the Exchequer cost of harmonising Irish VAT rates to UK levels would be of the order of £550 million in 1989 full year terms.

65.

Mr. Sherlock: asked the Minister for Finance the Government's plans for the future development of Irish Steel.

Minister for Finance (Mr. Reynolds): As announced by the Minister for Industry and Commerce on the occasion of the Annual General Meeting of Irish Steel Ltd. on 10 November 1988, the Government feel that the best way of securing the future of Irish Steel is by way of some form of association with another steel company. To this end, discussions are taking place with a German company, Korf KG., which has expressed an interest in the purchase of Irish Steel. Negotiations have taken place, and a feasibility study, with a view to establishing the overall viability and acceptability of Korf KG's plans for Irish Steel, is in hands. If that feasibility study turns out to be positive, the Government have decided in principle that they would be prepared to transfer the company to Korf KG, subject to certain conditions.

[663] Among these conditions are that the debts of the plant would be paid off, and that suitable guarantees would be obtained in respect of employment at the plant.

66.

Mr. T. Kitt: asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will take a new initiative in relation to the Brian Keenan affair.

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Lenihan): Mr. Brian Keenan, a native of Belfast, has been missing in Beirut since 11 April 1986. To date no group has claimed responsibility for his abduction. The Deputy will appreciate that I am not in a position to detail all the efforts which have been made to locate Mr. Keenan. As the Deputy is aware from my replies of 9 November 1988 and 25 January 1989 I myself have raised the matter formally with my Syrian and Iranian counterparts and sought their assistance. I have met the Iranian Foreign Minister, Dr. Velayati, on two occasions, most recently on 8 January. Dr. Velayati has assured me that Iran is making inquiries on our behalf.

As the Deputy is aware the Taoiseach raised Mr. Keenan's case with the Iranian Foreign Minister when he met him in New York last year. On 25 January I met with the family of Brian Keenan and briefed them on developments in the case and the actions taken by the Government on behalf of Mr. Keenan.

In the past week Ireland's Ambassador to Iraq, who is also accredited to Lebanon, travelled to Beirut to investigate reports of developments in relation to the hostages. In addition Ireland's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, who is also accredited to Syria, held talks with the Syrian authorities. I can assure the Deputy that I will continue to give this matter my close personal attention.

67.

Mr. Quinn: asked the Minister for [664] Foreign Affairs if, having regard to the vacancy of the position of the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and the deletion from the Constitution of the recognition of the special position of the Catholic Church, he will propose that henceforth the position of Dean will be filled on the basis of seniority in accordance with the Diplomatic Relations and Immunities Act, 1967 and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Lenihan): The precedence of the Apostolic Nuncio as Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Ireland dates from the appointment of the first Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland in 1930. This is the practice in many European countries and is in conformity with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

68.

Mr. Dempsey: asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he had discussions with the Turkish Government with a view to pressing them to improve their human rights policies and practices.

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Lenihan): The Turkish Government are well aware of our views regarding the need for full human rights. In our regular contacts with them they assure us that it is their policy fully to implement Western standards in the human rights field and to improve their practices in this regard.

69.

Mr. Griffin: asked the Minister for Justice the reason for the delay experienced by the executors of the will of a deceased person (details supplied) in County Tipperary in having the necessary paperwork finalised.

Minister for Justice (Mr. Collins): I am informed by the Registrar of Titles that this is an application for registration of a Land Commission Purchase Agreement which was lodged in the Land Registry on 2 February 1988. Such applications [665] are not generally as urgent as other applications because registration of title takes effect retrospectively from the date of vesting. There is at present an unavoidable delay in completing registration in these cases due to the pressure of other more urgent applications.

The Deputy will, of course, appreciate that it would not be possible to give favourable treatment to any particular application except at the expense of other applications. I am informed however, that as a matter of policy the Land Registry will expedite cases in which the applicants or their solicitors bring to its attention the fact that special circumstances of urgency exist. Accordingly, a request for expedition in this case will be considered if details of the reasons for urgency are submitted to the Land Registry.

70.

Mr. E. O'Keeffe: asked the Minister for Justice when he will appoint a Garda sergeant to a Garda station (details supplied) in County Cork.

Minister for Justice (Mr. Collins): The Garda authorities inform me that they are not in a position at present to assign a sergeant to the station referred to but that the policing needs of the subdistrict served by the station are being adequately met at present and are being kept under review. The service provided by the gardaí assigned to the station is supplemented by mobile units operating from the relevant district and divisional headquarters. The question of filling the vacancy for sergeant will be considered when additional sergeants become available.

71.

Mrs. Taylor-Quinn: asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will receive a merchandise licence; and the reason for the delay in issuing same.

[666]Minister for Tourism and Transport (Mr. Wilson): The Department's consideration of the application by the persons named has now been completed and a carrier's licence was issued to them on 27 January 1989.

72.

Mrs. Taylor-Quinn: asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport when he intends issuing a person (details supplied) in County Clare with a weekend road passenger licence.

Minister for Tourism and Transport (Mr. Wilson): The person concerned holds a road passenger licence to operate a weekend service on the route between Dublin and Kilrush serving various points in County Clare. The licence is valid until 22 March 1989. The question of renewal of the licence beyond that date, with certain modifications as requested by the licensee, is under consideration in my Department and a decision on this matter will be made as soon as possible.

73.

Mr. Molloy: asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport the reason for the delay in deciding on the proposed new ferry vessels to serve the Aran Islands, County Galway.

Minister for Tourism and Transport (Mr. Wilson): I have received a report from CIE in the matter, including proposals for the long term replacement of the Naomh Éanna. The report, including the CIE proposal, and other proposals are being examined as a matter of urgency.

74.

Mr. Begley: asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a co-ordinator was not appointed for the south-west Kerry development area which was declared a pilot area by the Government.

[667]75.

Mr. Begley: asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of co-ordinators who were appointed for the special areas which were designated.

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. O'Kennedy): I propose to answer Questions Nos. 74 and 75 together.

Eleven co-ordinators have been appointed to date under the pilot programme for integrated rural development. No candidate to whom an appointment was offered was prepared to accept an assignment to the south Kerry area following the first competition to fill the vacancy. A second competition has now been held and it is expected that an appointment will be made in the very near future.

76.

Mr. Yates: asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a calf subsidy payment will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. O'Kennedy): The person named will be paid his 1988 calf premium as soon as the batch which includes his payment is processed. Under the 1988 suckler cow scheme an applicant's farm income must be at least 50 per cent of his total income. As the person named has an off-farm income, his farm income is to be assessed shortly to determine whether he is eligible for payment under the scheme.

77.

Mr. Yates: asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a calf subsidy payment will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. O'Kennedy): The person named has already been paid his 1988 calf premium scheme grant. He did not apply for grants under the 1988 suckler cow or special beef premium schemes and he is not eligible for grants under the 1988 cattle and equines, beef cow or sheep headage schemes as his lands are outside the disadvantaged areas.

[668]78.

Mrs. Doyle: asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will give up to date details of employment increases in, and expenditure outlay on the pig expansion programme announced in July 1987; and the benefits which have accrued to the pig industry from this programme to date.

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. O'Kennedy): The objective of the development programme for the pigmeat sector which I announced in July 1987, is to create a modern efficient industry in Ireland which will be on a par with the highest standards available elsewhere. The aim of the programme is to ensure that the Irish pigmeat industry is competitive on home and export markets under Single Market conditions. In the past year two modern, sophisticated plants, with a combined slaughtering capacity of 14,000 pigs per week, have come on stream under the programme. Also other projects have been developed and, to date, total investment expenditure of around £17 million has been incurred. It is anticipated that this figure will exceed £30 million by the end of 1989.

The development programme as a whole has a job creation target of about 1,000 in the processing area by 1992. The investment projects, which have already been approved by my Department, will bring a high proportion of these jobs on stream. About 100 new jobs were created in the industry in 1988. It is expected that job creation will accelerate in the years ahead as more value added processing facilities are completed under the programme

79.

Mr. Molloy: asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will arrange for immediate payment of headage grants to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. O'Kennedy): The person named has been [669] paid his 1988 calf premium scheme grant already. He will be paid his 1988 cattle and equines headage and suckler cow schemes grants when the batches which include payments are processed.

80.

Mrs. Taylor-Quinn: asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Clare received a reduction in headage payments this year, in view of the fact that he increased his herd.

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. O'Kennedy): As a result of changes for headage payment purposes in the forage area limit which were made at the insistence of the EC Commission and which affected the herdowner in the disadvantaged areas with high stocking rates, the person named was paid less grants in 1988 than in 1987 despite a small increase in his herd from 18 to 18.8 livestock units in that period. A letter explaining in detail how the forage area limit affected his entitlement is being issued to the person named.

81.

Mrs. Taylor-Quinn: asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will receive payment of a headage grant.

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. O'Kennedy): The person named will be paid his 1988 calf premium, suckler cow premium and special beef premium as soon as the batches which include his payments are processed. He has been requested to produce documentary evidence of the lands and acreage owned and farmed by him and when he does the question of payment of grants under the 1988 cattle and equines headage scheme will be considered further.

82.

Mr. J. Fahey: asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when payment of a slurry grant will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Waterford.

[670]Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. O'Kennedy): The grant has been paid.

83.

Mr. E. O'Keeffe: asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when payment of EC calf subsidy will be made to farmers.

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. O'Kennedy): Payments for calf premium on calves born before 15 June 1988 commenced earlier this month. It is expected that the bulk of payments will be made by the end of March. Approximately 110,000 applications are involved.

84.

Mrs. Taylor-Quinn: asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a headage payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare.

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. O'Kennedy): The person named has already been paid his grant under the 1988 EC special beef premium scheme. He will be paid his grants under the 1988 cattle and equines headage, EC suckler cow premium and calf premium schemes when the batches which include his payments are processed.

85.

Mrs. Taylor-Quinn: asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a headage payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare.

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. O'Kennedy): A payable order in respect of cattle grants under the 1988 disadvantaged areas schemes was issued on 13 January 1989 to the person named (the present herdowner) in lieu of an earlier payment issued in error in the name of the previous owner. The person named will be paid her 1988 special beef premium and calf premium schemes grants shortly.

86.

Mr. Molloy: asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason for the delay in making payment of headage grants to farmers in the Cornamona area, County Galway.

[671]Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. O'Kennedy): There was no particular delay in the payment of cattle, sheep and equines headage grants under the disadvantaged areas schemes in the Cornamona area. Payments commenced there as soon as in other areas of the country. Payment of sheep headage grants commenced last October and payment of cattle headage grants commenced in December. The bulk of payments under both schemes has now been made.

87.

Mr. Crowley: asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive payment of a suckler grant.

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. O'Kennedy): The person named will be paid his 1988 suckler cow premium, calf premium and cattle and equines headage schemes grants as soon as the batches which include his payments are processed.

88.

Mr. Molloy: asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will arrange for the immediate payment of headage grants to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. O'Kennedy): The person named is not the registered herdowner of the herd number quoted. He has been requested to forward documentary evidence of ownership of lands but has not done so to date. When he does, his applications for cattle and equines headage scheme grants, suckler cow premium, calf premium and special beef premium will be considered further.

89.

Mr. Farrelly: asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason pay-related benefit was not paid to a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

[672]Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods): The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 10 September 1988. Payment issued from 14 September 1988, the fourth day of incapacity. The Social Welfare Acts provide that pay-related benefit is not payable where the total amount of disability benefit payable equals or exceeds 75 per cent of a claimant's average reckonable weekly earning in the relevant income tax year. The person concerned does not qualify for payment of pay-related benefit as the total amount of disability benefit payable, £93 per week, exceeds 75 per cent of his reckonable weekly earnings of £120.82 in the 1986-87 tax year which governs his claim.

90.

Mr. Molloy: asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of Permanent Defence Force personnel who are in receipt of family income supplement.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods): At present 46 members out of a total of 11,650 personnel in the Permanent Defence Forces are in receipt of family income supplement. These members have an average family size of over five children.

91.

Mr. G. Mitchell: asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he intends to cut alleviation payments to married couples such as persons (details supplied) in Dublin 12 who receive a payment since the introduction of EC equality legislation.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods): The equal treatment alleviating payments were introduced on a temporary basis in November 1986 to cushion the effect of the EC Directive on Equal Treatment for men and women in social security matters. Payments of £20 per week were originally made to recipients where, at November 1986, both spouses were in receipt of a social welfare payment. Payments of £10 per week were made to people whose spouse was working and could no longer qualify as a dependant.

The previous Government had [673] intended that the arrangement would cease in November 1987. However, in view of the hardship that would have resulted for families by the abrupt ending of the payments, the Government decided that they should be phased out over a period by reducing them to take account of budget increases. In this way there is no loss to persons who had been receiving an alleviating payment. This was done last year and will apply again this year in the context of the budget increases from next July.

92.

Mr. G. Mitchell: asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 who was in receipt of unemployment benefit for 15 months until the week before Christmas 1988 and who has unemployment assistance and assistance from the local health centre but who is not in receipt of any income since his last payment before Christmas; and if he will ensure that entitlement is given in this case without further delay.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods): The person concerned made a claim for unemployment assistance on 6 December 1988. His papers were sent to a social welfare officer for investigation of his means. He failed to provide full details of his means at the initial interview with the social welfare officer and further investigation of his claim is therefore necessary. This is being pursued at present.

He claimed supplementary welfare allowance through the Eastern Health Board on 4 January 1989 but his claim was disallowed as he failed to provide the community welfare officer with the necessary information to enable his claim to be processed. He appealed against the disallowance and a decision on the appeal is awaited. If he provides the required information his claim will be processed as soon as possible and he will be notified of the outcome at the earliest available opportunity.

93.

Mr. Hegarty: asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person [674] (details supplied) in County Cork has not been approved for unemployment assistance.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods): Following investigation, the unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that, by failing to furnish details of his means, he failed to show that his means did not exceed the statutory limit. He appealed against the disallowance on 14 September and arising from contentions raised by him in support of his appeal, his papers were referred to the social welfare officer for further inquiries.

These inquiries were completed recently and his case was submitted to an appeals officer who also disallowed his claim. The person concerned was notified of this disallowance on Tuesday 17 January 1989.

94.

Mr. Bell: asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in processing the application for free electricity of a person (details supplied) in County Louth.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods): A reapplication for a free electricity allowance from the person concerned has been approved and the ESB has been instructed to restore the allowance to her account from 1 September 1988.

95.

Mrs. Taylor-Quinn: asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will receive payment of the full rate of disability benefit.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods): Payment of disability benefit was disallowed from 26 September 1988 following an examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that the person concerned was capable of work. He appealed against this decision and was examined in connection with his appeal by a different medical referee on [675] 12 January 1989 who also considered him capable of work.

He was supplied with a form on which to set out the grounds for appeal if he wished to have his case against the disallowance of disability benefit referred to an appeals officer for determination. His case will be reviewed on receipt of this form.

96.

Mrs. Taylor-Quinn: asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange immediate payment of a free fuel allowance to a person (details supplied) in County Clare.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods): Fuel allowances are paid by my Department to persons in receipt of long term social welfare payments provided certain other conditions are fulfilled. The person concerned is not in receipt of a qualifying payment and is not, therefore, entitled to a fuel allowance from the Department.

It is understood from the Mid-Western Health Board that the person concerned was given assistance towards her heating needs under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme previously. She has not applied for such assistance this winter and if she does so her case will be sympathetically considered by the board.

97.

Mrs. Taylor-Quinn: asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an old age pension will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods): A decision was made in this case on 30 January 1989. The deciding officer awarded an old age pension at the weekly rate of £28.50 with effect from 11 November 1988, i.e. the Friday following receipt of a claim from the person concerned. This is the rate to which he is entitled having regard to his means which consist of capital and free lodgings assessed at a weekly value of £24.28. A pension book will be issued this week to the post office of payment nominated by the pensioner.

[676]98.

Mrs. Taylor-Quinn: asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the acceptance of monthly certificates for a person (details supplied) in County Clare for the purpose of disability benefit payment.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods): The person concerned is in receipt of disability benefit since April 1987. He has been examined by a medical referee on a number of occasions but has not been considered suitable for monthly certificates. He will be examined again during the week commencing 20 February 1989 and his request to be put on monthly certificates will be reviewed in the light of the result of this examination.

99.

Mrs. Taylor-Quinn: asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will receive a free telephone rental allowance.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods): An application for the allowance from the person concerned has been approved with effect from 23 February 1988.

Telecom Éireann are at present implementing a new billing system in the Limerick contracts area which gave rise to the delay in applying the allowance to the telephone account of the person concerned. Telecom Éireann have confirmed that the allowance will appear on her next telephone bill with a full retrospective rental credit.

100.

Mr. Durkan: asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare qualifies for a free telephone rental allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods): There is no record in the Department of receipt of an application for this allowance from the person concerned. An application form was issued to him on 31 January 1989. On receipt of the completed application form in the Department an early decision will be [677] given in his case and he will be notified of the outcome.

101.

Mr. Yates: asked the Minister for Social Welfare if dependant's allowance payment for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford who is on invalidity pension will be continued in view of the fact that the person's daughter is still in full-time education.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods): Child dependant allowance is payable to invalidity pensioners in respect of children aged under 18 years of age. As the daughter of the person concerned reached 18 on 1 December 1988, he is no longer entitled to be paid an allowance for her from that date.

Provision will be made for payment of a child dependant allowance in respect of a child who is in full time education up to the age of 19 years in the forthcoming Social Welfare Bill. This legislation will be introduced in the Dáil shortly.

102.

Mr. Stagg: asked the Minister for Social Welfare when pay-related benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who is in receipt of unemployment benefit since 6 November, 1988.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods): The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 7 November 1988 and is in receipt of £43.60 weekly. This is the maximum rate of unemployment benefit payable to a person without qualified dependants. He is not entitled to pay-related benefit with flat-rate unemployment benefit, as he has insufficient earnings for this purpose during the relevant income tax period 6 April 1986 to 5 April 1987.

103.

Mr. L. Fitzgerald: asked the Minister for Social Welfare, in view of the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 13 who has appealed against his Department's decision to discontinue payment of disability benefit to her, whether there is a case supporting her appeal for the restoration of disability benefit; and if an [678] early appointment will be made for the hearing of her appeal.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods): The person concerned was paid disability benefit to 22 October 1988 after which date payment was disallowed following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work. She appealed against the disallowance of benefit and was examined by a different medical referee on 29 November 1988 who also expressed the opinion that she was capable of work. Her appeal will shortly be referred to an appeals officer for determination.

I must point out that decisions in relation to entitlement to benefit are given by deciding officers and appeals officers who are statutorily independent of me in the exercise of their functions and I have no power to interfere with their decisions.

104.

Mr. O'Dea: asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether a person (details supplied) in County Limerick is being treated unfairly as he has been put back on short term unemployment assistance due to the fact that he availed of the opportunity of employment for a limited period last year; and whether he intends to remedy the inequity which arises in cases such as this.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods): Payment of unemployment assistance at the long term rate is payable in respect of any day of proven unemployment which forms part of a continuous period or interruption of unemployment during which the applicant has received payment for at least 390 days. A continuous period of interruption of employment for this purpose is defined in social welfare legislation as any two periods of unemployment not separated by an interval of more than 20 weeks. This interval of 20 weeks is regarded as generally reasonable. In recent years, however, the legislation has been amended to provide that periods of participation of up to one year in certain training and employment schemes are to [679] be disregarded in determining whether any two periods of unemployment may be treated as continuous.

The person concerned was in receipt of long term unemployment assistance until 15 September 1987 when he went abroad. He renewed his claim to unemployment assistance on 28 March 1988 which meant there had been a break of some 28 weeks. In accordance with the legislative provision referred to above, the claim was therefore authorised at the short term rate with effect from that date.

105.

Mr. O'Dea: asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made on the application for invalidity pension of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and in view of the fact that she has had ten medical examinations in the last five years in all of which she was found incapable of working, whether his Department has sufficient medical evidence to justify granting the invalidity pension.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods): Invalidity pension is payable to insured persons who satisfy the contribution conditions and who are permanently incapable of work. The person concerned has been in receipt of disability benefit since 21 June 1982. She was examined on 26 October 1988 by a medical referee who did not consider her to be permanently incapable of work and asked to have her referred for a further examination in three months. The deciding officer decided that she was not, therefore, entitled to invalidity pension. As she was dissatisfied with this decision, arrangements have been made to have her examined by a different medical referee on 31 January 1989. Her entitlement to invalidity pension will be reviewed in the light of the report of this examination.

106.

Mr. Molloy: asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the immediate payment of invalidity benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

[680]Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods): The person concerned was paid disability benefit to 7 May 1988 after which date payment was disallowed following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. He appealed against the disallowance of benefit and was examined by a different medical referee on 26 July 1988 who also expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. His appeal was refered to an appeals officer who decided following an oral hearing on 18 January 1989 that the person concerned was not incapable of work within the meaning of the Social Welfare Acts from 9 May 1988 and is not entitled to be paid benefit from that date.

107.

Mr. J. Mitchell: asked the Minister for Social Welfare the assistance which is available from his Department to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 10.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods): The person concerned is in receipt of invalidity pension at the rate of £50 per week, the maximum rate payable to a pensioner with no qualified dependants. The husband of the person concerned is in receipt of invalidity pension at the rate of £68 per week; that is, £50 personal rate and £18 adult dependant alleviation payment.

The person concerned was paid an increase of pension in respect of two qualified child dependants — a son and a daughter — to 8 December 1988 when these children reached 18 years of age. The son of the person concerned claimed, and is at present being paid unemployment assistance. It is understood that the daughter is in fulltime education.

Provision will be made for payment of child dependant allowance in respect of a child who is in fulltime education up to the age of 19 years in the forthcoming Social Welfare Bill. This legislation will be introduced in the Dáil shortly.

108.

Mr. J. Mitchell: asked the Minister for Social Welfare in view of the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22, the number of credits which have been [681] applied to this person in 1988 in respect of her application for disability benefit and her submission of certificates; the number of weeks for which disability benefit has been paid; the reason it has not been paid in respect of the remaining weeks for which certificates have been submitted; when this person, who is still in bad health, will qualify for disability benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods): The person concerned made a claim for disability benefit from 10 May 1988. Before payment could be authorised, or credited contributions awarded, a medical opinion of her incapacity for work was required. She was examined on 7 September 1988 and was found capable of work. She appealed against this decision and was examined by a different medical referee on 29 November 1988 who also expressed the opinion that she was capable of work.

She has been advised of the result of this examination and a form has issued to her on which to set out the grounds for appeal if she wishes to have her case referred to an appeals officer for determination. Her case will be reviewed on receipt of this form. Payment of disability benefit issued for the periods 15-21 September 1988 and 19-25 October 1988, when the person concerned was hospitalised, and credited contributions were awarded for both periods.

109.

Mr. Deasy: asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will restore a free electricity allowance to a person (details supplied) in County Waterford who is in receipt of an invalidity pension.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods): To qualify for a free electricity allowance a person in receipt of a qualifying payment must reside alone or only with persons who come within certain excepted categories. The person concerned lives with his daughter who is in receipt of unemployment assistance and does not, therefore, come within the [682] excepted categories for satisfying the living alone condition of the scheme.

110.

Mr. Hyland: asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in payment of disability benefit to a person in County Laois.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods): The person concerned claimed injury benefit on 25 October 1988 in respect of an incapacity from an alleged accident at work on 24 October 1988. Pending the completion of investigations arising from the accident, he was allowed disability benefit on an interim basis from 28 October 1988, the fourth day of incapacity.

Following an examination by a medical referee of the Department on 12 January 1989 who expressed the opinion that he was not incapable of work, payment of interim disability benefit was suspended from 20 January. No appeal against this decision was received. He has since been paid arrears representing the excess of injury benefit over disability benefit for the period in question.

Regarding the injury benefit claim, a form of inquiry to confirm the alleged accident was issued to his employers on 3 November 1988. The employers failed to reply to the inquiry or to a reminder which was issued to them on 23 January 1989. However, when contacted by phone, the employers confirmed details of the accident. Injury benefit was awarded from 24 October 1988, the date of the accident. Injury benefit over and above the disability benefit paid on an interim basis has now been paid.

111.

Mr. Hyland: asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in dealing with the unemployment benefit claim of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods): Entitlement to unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that a claimant is available for and genuinely seeking employment. The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on [683] 30 November 1988, but her claim was disallowed on the grounds that she was not available for or genuinely seeking employment. She appealed against the disallowance and attended an oral hearing on 4 January 1989, at which she was afforded an opportunity to present her case. On the evidence available, the appeals officer disallowed her appeal.

She has continued to sign the unemployed register. Her entitlement to benefit from the day after the appeals officer's decision is currently under review and she will be notified of the outcome as soon as a decision is made in the matter.

113.

Mr. J. Mitchell: asked the Minister for Finance if an application for a grant under the National Programme of Community Interest has been received from the Corduff Community Resource Centre, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15; when a decision will be made on the application; if, in view of the needs of the area concerned, he will undertake that the application will be given favourable consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Finance (Mr. Reynolds): A submission from the Corduff Community Resource Centre has been received in my Department. This is one of a very large number of submissions which have been received in connection with the preparation of proposals for assistance from the EC Structural Funds over the next five years, It will be taken into account in determining the type of measures which will be implemented in the Dublin area over this period and in preparing the development plan and programmes for EC Structural Funds.

It is not the intention that the plan and programmes will set out a full list of individual projects to be assisted. They will concentrate on the objectives being sought, the measures needed to achieve these objectives and the criteria to be [684] used for selecting the individual projects. The selection of individual projects within the measures put forward for assistance will be considered after the plan and programmes are approved by the Commission.

114.

Mr. Yates: asked the Minister for Finance when income tax rebates will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will arrange to expedite these payments.

Minister for Finance (Mr. Reynolds): The Revenue Commissioners have advised me that cheques in settlement of refunds due to the taxpayer will be issued shortly. The position with regard to the taxpayer's entitlement to a refund of deposit interest retention tax cannot be finalised until after the end of the current tax year.

115.

Mr. Desmond: asked the Minister for Finance the estimated yield in a full year from the residential property tax on the basis of: (a) an increase in the charge on relevant property value from 1.5 per cent to 3 per cent, (b) a reduction in the market value exemption limit from £74,351 to £50,000, (c) a reduction in the exemption income limit from £25,795 to £20,000 and (d) the halving of marginal relief from £5,000 to £2,500.

Minister for Finance (Mr. Reynolds): I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that precise data are not available on the distribution of residential properties by value, or on the relationship between property values and household income. Subject to these important qualifications, it is estimated that the yield from residential property tax, on the basis of the Deputy's proposals, would be of the order of £13.5 million.

[685]116.

Proinsias De Rossa: asked the Minister for Finance the moneys which are likely to be available for tourism development under the expanded EC Social and Regional Funds; if any specific amounts for tourism were agreed at the meeting of the Council of Ministers on 24 October 1988; the way in which it is proposed to allocate this money in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Finance (Mr. Reynolds): No specific allocation of money from the Structural Funds for tourism has been established at European Community level. The member states' proposals for the allocation of funds will be set out in their development plans. The Commission will examine all member states' plans and, in agreement with each member state, will establish the broad allocation of funds in documents to be known as the “Community Support Frameworks”.

With regard to the provision of funds for tourism in the 1989 Estimates in the context of Ireland's development plan, I would refer the Deputy to my Financial Statement of 25 January.

117.

Mr. Molloy: asked the Minister for Finance, in respect of projects in each county, the amount paid by way of grants from the EC Regional Development Fund in 1988.

Minister for Finance (Mr. Reynolds): Records are not maintained in a format which would allow total payments of European Regional Development Fund, ERDF, grant aid to be broken down in respect of individual projects in each county. The attached schedule, however, sets out a breakdown of ERDF commitments made on a project basis, county by county, for 1988. It should be noted that this schedule does not take into account the National Programme of [686] Community Interest — roads development in Ireland 1986-90, the STAR and VALOREN programmes and certain telecommunications projects, since these measures are multi-regional and cannot be broken down on a county by county basis. Non-quota measures such as the special border area's programme (Phase II) are also excluded.

Schedule

County	ERDF Commitments 1988
	Value ('£ million)
Carlow	0.35
Cavan	0.25
Clare	1.95
Cork	7.38
Donegal	2.92
Dublin	7.67
Galway	1.47
Kerry	3.78
Kildare	1.48
Kilkenny	0.50
Limerick	3.49
Louth	0.47
Mayo	1.47
Meath	0.87
Monaghan	0.08
Offaly	1.30
Roscommon	0.06
Sligo	1.04
Tipperary	1.29
Waterford	1.01
Westmeath	1.95
Wexford	2.13
Wicklow	5.76
Roads Programme	45.6
SBAP (Phase II) (non-quota)	13.4
STAR	9.0
VALOREN	5.2
Others (Multi-Regional)	6.1

118.

Minister for Finance (Mr. Reynolds): Statistical data on the numbers employed in the Civil Service and the public service [687] are available only in respect of 1 January for each of the years in question. The information sought by the Deputy is set out below on this basis. Figures for part time employees have been converted to whole time equivalents.

Year	Civil Service*	Public Service†
1986	35,065	187,929
1987	34,954	185,936
1988	34,397	179,354

* Includes industrial and non-industrial civil servants but excludes temporary clerical trainees.

†Includes Civil Service.

Figures for the public service do not include data on the numbers employed in the local authorities, who by convention are not included as part of the public service Exchequer pay bill. The relevant data for local authorities, as at 1 January each year, is set out below. Figures for part time employees have been converted to whole time equivalents: 1986, 32,804; 1987, 32,383; 1988, 30,282.

119.

Mr. Spring: asked the Minister for Finance if the Revenue Commissioners received and accepted post-dated cheques in the course of the tax amnesty in 1988; if so, the total amount involved; and the total available for cashing in 1988.

Minister for Finance (Mr. Reynolds): I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that they did not accept for the purpose of qualifying for the amnesty any cheque which post-dated the amnesty deadline. It is not possible to state the total amount involved in post-dated cheques accepted for amnesty purposes, which were dated on or before that deadline.

120.

Mr. McCartan: asked the Minister for Finance if he will withdraw all tax incentive benefits and rates relief that [688] might accrue to a company (details supplied) in Dublin 22 or any subsidiary of that company, with regard to their development at Arran Quay, Dublin 1, in light of the demolition of a number of houses at Arran Quay at a time when no planning permission had been granted by Dublin Corporation.

Minister for Finance (Mr. Reynolds): I have no function in regard to rates relief or planning permission matters. The question of tax incentives at this site for the company concerned does not arise at this stage. If and when an application for any tax relief or incentive is made, it will be considered by the Revenue Commissioners in accordance with the relevant legislative provisions.

122.

Mr. L. Burke: asked the Minister for Finance, in respect of the years 1984 to 1988, the actual or estimated number of (i) private cars and (ii) goods vehicles imported into the State without payment of excise duty on transfer of residence by the importers.

Minister for Finance (Mr. Reynolds): I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the total numbers of motor vehicles imported on transfer of residence without payment of import charges in the years in question are as follows. A breakdown of the figures between private and commercial is not available.

Year	Numbers
1984	2,377
1985	2,248
1986	1,445
1987	2,453
1988	3,121

123.

Mr. O'Dea: asked the Minister for Finance when top slicing relief will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.

[689]Minister for Finance (Mr. Reynolds): The Revenue Commissioners have advised me that the inspector of taxes expects to be in a position in the near future to finalise the taxpayer's income tax liability. A cheque in full settlement of the repayment due will be issued to the taxpayer as soon as possible.

A provisional review of the taxpayer's liability for the years 1979-80 to 1984-85 was recently dealt with and the resulting overpayment was refunded to him on 26 January 1989.

124.

Mr. Sheehan: asked the Minister for Finance when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive payment of a VAT rebate for (a) 1986, (b) 1987 and (c) July-August 1988.

Minister for Finance (Mr. Reynolds): I have been informed by the Revenue Commissioners that 12 repayments of VAT claimed in 1986, 1987 and 1988 were made to the person concerned for the periods mentioned. Two repayment claims for 1986 were disallowed after an examination of the claims by the inspector of taxes.

125.

Mr. J. Fahey: asked the Minister for Finance the reason for the delay in having a tax rebate paid to a person (details supplied) in County Waterford.

Minister for Finance (Mr. Reynolds): I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that in order to calculate the top slicing relief due to the taxpayer in respect of a redundancy payment, it is necessary to review his liability to tax for the year 1987-88 and the previous five years. The taxpayer is also chargeable under Schedule D on trading profits. Consequently in order to finalise top slicing relief it was necessary to obtain supplementary information from the taxpayer. It is hoped to finalise the case in the near future when any refund due will be made to the taxpayer.

126.

Mr. Deasy: asked the Minister for [690] Finance when payment of a tax rebate will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Waterford.

Minister for Finance (Mr. Reynolds): I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the inspector of taxes wrote a letter to the taxpayer on 3 May 1988 in connection with her claim for a refund of income tax but has not yet received a reply. The inspector will now write again directly to the taxpayer in order to elicit from her the information sought in that letter.

127.

Mr. J. Mitchell: asked the Minister for Finance, in view of the service of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 in the Office of Public Works, the total amount of service to the Office of Public Works given by this person; in view of the fact that he will be 65 in March 1989, the deferred pension, if any, which will be payable to him on his retirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Finance (Mr. Reynolds): Office of Public Works records show that the person in question was employed in a non-established capacity by that office's central engineering workshop from 10 October 1954 to 30 May 1967. There is no record of service prior to 10 October 1954. The service from 10 October 1954 to 30 May 1967 is not reckonable for pension purposes because the non-contributory pension scheme for non-established State employees did not become effective until 1 January 1970 and is applicable only to people employed on or after that date.

128.

Mr. Spring: asked the Minister for Finance if the Government have any current plan to occupy the premises at present occupied by the College of Science in Merrion Street, Dublin 2.

Minister for Finance (Mr. Reynolds): The College of Science building is at [691] present used to accommodate certain Oireachtas services, some Government Departments and the School of Engineering of University College, Dublin. As the Deputy may be aware, new accommodation for the school is at present being constructed at Belfield, and it is expected that the school will be vacating the College of Science building later this year. This development will afford an opportunity to reorganise accommodation in the Government Buildings complex, and the Government have in mind moving the Department of the Taoiseach into accommodation in the College of Science. Planning of the scheme is at an early stage yet.

129.

Mr. Spring: asked the Minister for Finance if the long awaited drainage of the River Lee, Tralee, County Kerry, is included in the Government's submission to Brussels for regional funding.

Minister for Finance (Mr. Reynolds): There are no immediate proposals to undertake an arterial drainage scheme for the River Lee, Tralee, County Kerry. Accordingly the question of EC funding does not arise at this stage.

130.

Mr. Howlin: asked the Minister for Finance his proposals for the land owned by the Office of Public Works at King Street, Wexford; when development work will begin at this site; if he has satisfied himself that the present condition of this site does not pose any danger to children in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Finance (Mr. Reynolds): The proposal to construct centralised Government offices on the site at King Street, Wexford, is being evaluated by the Commissioners of Public Works. It is not possible at this stage to say when works might commence. The derelict buildings formerly on the property have [692] been removed and the site is regularly inspected to ensure its safety from the public's point of view.

131.

Mr. Enright: asked the Minister for Finance the present position regarding the carrying out of works on the Brosna catchment scheme, County Offaly; the exact areas covered in this particular catchment drainage scheme; the number of acres of land involved; the number of farms which will be benefiting from this scheme; when further scheduled works will be carried out on the drainage scheme; and if he will outline his proposals in this regard.

Minister for Finance (Mr. Reynolds): The Brosna catchment drainage scheme was carried out by the Commissioners of Public Works during a seven year period between May 1948 and December 1955 when scheduled works were completed. Regular inspections of the completed drainage works are carried out by the commissioners and maintenance work is undertaken when required having regard to the resources available. The following table shows the total acreage which derived from the scheme; the number of farms involved is not available.

Brosna C.D.S. — Benefiting Acreage

	Land	Bog	Total
Co. Offaly	35,000	25,340	60,340
Co. Westmeath	13,000	9,410	22,410
Co. Laois	2,000	1,450	3,450
	50,000	36,200	86,200

132.

Mr. J. Mitchell: asked the Minister for Finance if he has received from the Irish Amateur Boxing Association an application to lease part of the site on the defunct Griffith Barracks, South Circular Road, Dublin 8, adjacent to the National Boxing Stadium; if, in view of the proximity of the barracks to the National Boxing Stadium and the opportunity presented to extend the facilities of the [693] National Boxing Stadium, he will grant a lease on terms acceptable to himself and the association; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

133.

Mr. Barry: asked the Minister for Finance if, on disposal of Griffith Barracks, South Circular Road, Dublin 8, he will make arrangements to lease portion of it to the Irish Amateur Boxing Association.

134.

Mr. Deenihan: asked the Minister for Finance if he will lease a portion of the Griffith Barracks site, South Circular Road, Dublin 8, to the Irish Amateur Boxing Association.

Minister for Finance (Mr. Reynolds): I propose to take Questions Nos. 132, 133 and 134 together.

The Chief State Solicitor is examining title to the Griffith Barracks property prior to its disposal by the Commissioners of Public Works. In considering how best to proceed with this disposal the commissioners will give full consideration to the application made by the Irish Amateur Boxing Association.

135.

Mr. Yates: asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce his intention in relation to renewing the ban on below cost selling after its one year period of operation; and if he will include a ban on below cost selling of potatoes in the Restrictive Practices Order to deal with trading difficulties being experienced by growers and producers of this product.

Minister for Industry and Commerce (Mr. R. Burke): The Restrictive Practices (Groceries) Order, 1987, which provides, among other things, for a ban on below cost selling of grocery goods is still in operation. On 2 December last, I asked the Fair Trade Commission to carry out a formal review of the order. This review will take some time.

The question of the inclusion of [694] potatoes within the scope of the Restrictive Practices (Groceries) Order, 1987, continues to be reviewed by me.

136.

Mr. Barry: asked the Minister for the Marine the present position regarding negotiations for the reopening of Verolme Dockyard, County Cork, which An Taoiseach announced were going ahead in February 1988.

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Daly): As the Deputy will be aware, the legal responsibility for the disposal of Verolme Cork Dockyard rests with the official receiver who is currently engaged in active negotiations with a number of interested parties concerning the future of the yard. I would assure the Deputy that the continuing objective of the receiver is to dispose of Verolme in a way which will result in renewed and increased utilisation of the facility.

137.

Mr. T. Kitt: asked the Minister for the Environment if funds will be provided for the construction of the Southern Cross route and the Dundrum by-pass, Dublin 14, in the current year.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Flynn): The allocation of road grants for 1989 will be made within the next few weeks. The current position regarding these schemes is set out in my reply to Question No. 36 of 30 November 1988. Pending the completion of the necessary statutory procedures, the question of funds for construction work on these schemes does not arise.

138.

Mr. Deasy: asked the Minister for the Environment the present position regarding payment of the third instalment of mortgage subsidy for persons (details supplied) in County Waterford.

[695]Minister of State at the Department of the Environment (Mr. Connolly): The third and fourth instalments of the mortgage subsidy will be paid as soon as possible.

139.

Mr. Deasy: asked the Minister for the Environment when payment of a new house grant for a person (details supplied) in County Waterford will be made.

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment (Mr. Connolly): An inspection, with a view to approval and payment of the grant, will be carried out as soon as possible.

140.

Mr. J. Mitchell: asked the Minister for the Environment if he has received an application for national lottery funds from Cherry Orchard Youth and Social Club in respect of a clubhouse building programme at Ballyfermot, Dublin 10; if a grant of £60,000 will be made available to the project in the current year; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Flynn): I have received an application for a grant under the amenity grants scheme for this project. If further national lottery funds become available for the scheme, I will consider the case for funding for the project in conjunction with the many other applications which have been made.

141.

Mr. Quinn: asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the conflicting claims regarding the environmental effectiveness of a solid fuel burning appliance for open fires (details supplied); the action, if any, he has taken to clarify the position in order that the appliance, if satisfactory, can be installed by householders in smokeless/smog free zones or inner city [696] areas with his Department's or local authority approval and receive where applicable, a financial grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Flynn): Having regard to the evidence given at the relevant oral hearing in June 1988, fireplaces of the class known as the full burning open fire boiler have been authorised for use in the area to which the Special Control Area (Ballyfermot) Order, 1988, applies and have been included among the conversion options for which grants are available. As regards authorisation of this and other appliances and fuels for use in special control areas generally, I have asked EOLAS to carry out a short-term intensive smoke emissions testing programme, the results of which would enable the matter to be fully assessed. These results are expected in the near future.

142.

Mrs. Taylor-Quinn: asked the Minister for the Environment when a decision will be made regarding an increase in a house improvement grant payment for persons (details supplied) in County Clare.

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment (Mr. Connolly): The grant paid is the maximum allowable for repairs to a pre-1940 house.

143.

Miss Quill: asked the Minister for the Environment when sanction will be given for the Whitegate sewerage scheme, County Cork.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Flynn): As indicated in my reply to Question No. 213 of 13 December 1988 the proposal is being examined in my Department. It is not possible to indicate at this stage when a decision may issue.

[697]144.

Mr. Stagg: asked the Minister for the Environment when payment of a new house grant will be made to persons (details supplied) in County Galway.

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment (Mr. Connolly): The receipt of additional documentation requested from the applicant is awaited.

145.

Mr. Yates: asked the Minister for the Environment when a house improvement grant will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will expedite the matter.

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment (Mr. Connolly): The grant has been paid.

146.

Mr. Gibbons: asked the Minister for the Environment the current relative costings between a containment site and a municipal incinerator; and the possibility of such a facility being shared among adjacent local authorities.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Flynn): I am advised that the disposal of domestic waste by incineration is at least five times as costly as disposal by landfill. The relative costings of a containment site and a municipal incinerator would of course be governed by the size and [698] location of the facilities as well as the types of wastes to be accommodated.

There is no reason why disposal facilities should not be shared by local authorities. The scheme of grants to local authorities for co-disposal of domestic and industrial wastes was based on the concept of disposal facilities being available on a regional basis.

147.

Mr. J. O'Keeffe: asked the Minister for the Environment the reason for the delay in payment of a house improvement grant to a person (details supplied) in County Cork in respect of which final inspection took place in October 1988; and that payment is being made.

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment (Mr. Connolly): The grant has been paid.

148.

Proinsias De Rossa: asked the Minister for Labour the number of redundancies notified to his Department during 1988, broken down by employment category.

Minister for Labour (Mr. B. Ahern): The number of redundancies notified by my Department under the Redundancy Payments Acts during 1988, broken down by employment category, are as follows:

Employment Category	Number of employees		Total
Male	Female
Extraction Industry (Chemical Products)	1,991	218	2,209
Metal Manufacturing and Engineering	1,632	560	2,192
Other Manufacturing	3,397	1,947	5,344
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries	400	127	527
Energy and Water	454	67	521
Building and Civil Engineering	1,548	401	1,949
Distributive Trades	2,207	1,456	3,663
Transport and Communications	1,344	270	1,614
Banking, Finance and Insurance	498	553	1,051
Other Services	3,031	936	3,967
Total	16,502	6,535	23,037