Dáil Éireann

1. Mrs. Barnes asked the Minister for the Marine if the Government advisory group set up to address Irish issues for the review of the EC's Common Fisheries Policy will report this month as promised; and if the report will be widely available.

Minister of State at the Department of the Marine (Mr. Noonan: Limerick West): I understand from the chairman that the advisory group are coming close to the end of this work and plan to report to me before the summer. It is my intention that the report should be published and made widely available.

Mrs. Barnes: May I ask the Minister if there have been any interim reports or recommendations from the group in light of the fact that there are on-going talks at European level on the whole question of the Common Fisheries Policy and there are many difficulties which need to be addressed in those talks?

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): As I have already indicated to the House, it is expected that the committee will report very shortly and the report will be widely available. The committee were set up on 10 February 1991 and the group have met on six occasions in the period up to 6 June. The report of the group is currently being prepared and the final meeting of [81] the group is scheduled for 28 June. There is little point in publishing an interim report because the final report will be published within weeks.

Mrs. Barnes: I was referring to briefing in relation to the procedures. I am delighted, as we all are, that this prestigious group will complete their report by 28 June. Why will there be a three month delay before the report is available? Surely we should have discussion, dialogue and feed-back from all the interested groups during the summer. We are losing vital time which we cannot afford to lose. Is there any possibility that the report will be made available by July for discussion before September?

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): I expect that the report will be made available in July and will be published immediately. I welcome any recommendations with regard to the report. I have asked the committee to speed up their report and, as I have indicated, that is being done.

2. Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Marine if he was represented at the inquest into the death of a passenger on the MV Norrona on 9 April 1990 which was recently held in Haverford West, Wales and at which the jury returned a verdict of unlawful killing; if he has carried out any inquiry into the fire on the MV Norrona on 9 April 1990 or if he has received a report of any investigation into the fire which has been carried out by B & I or by police authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): The passenger vessel Norrona is registered under the Danish flag and the casualty to which the Deputy refers occurred in British waters. This Administration, therefore, has no competence in the case as responsibility for the holding of investigations into the incident was a matter for the British and Danish authorities. Notwithstanding this and in view of the fact that the vessel was on charter to [82] B & I Line and manned by a mainly Irish crew, after the incident the Minister appointed Captain Christopher Davies, a surveyor of the Department of the Marine, to investigate the incident from the point of view of maritime safety and to report to him on the outcome. Captain Davies' report was prepared with the co-operation of the B & I Line.

The Department of the Marine are working on an ongoing basis, both with B & I and other ferry operators, to ensure that the highest standards of safety are achieved on all ferries using Irish ports. Following the fire on board the M.V. Norrona the master and crew of the vessel were awarded a certificate of Commendation by the chief fire officer of Dyfed County Fire Brigade in recognition of the manner in which they controlled the fire, effected rescues and ensured the safety of passengers.

Investigations into the cause of the incident are a matter for the Dyfed-Powys police in Wales. I understand that the matter is still sub judice there and I have not seen any police report. The casualty occurred in British waters and resulted in the death of a UK citizen, and official Irish representation at the inquest was not considered necessary. I understand, however, that the B & I Line were represented at the inquest. The official report of the coroner has not yet been prepared in the UK but when it becomes available it will be studied for any lesson which might be learnt from the maritime safety viewpoint. When this and any other report on the case come to hand, it is proposed to meet B & I management so as to review safety procedures in the light of the Norrona incident.

Mr. Gilmore: I am surprised that the Minister appears to be adopting a hand washing attitude to this incident in view of the fact that the vessel was chartered by an Irish company at the time. May I ask the Minister if the Davies report to which he referred was conducted before or after the inquest which returned a verdict of unlawful killing and if he will agree to have the findings of the report made known? Perhaps he can inform the [83] House now of the principal findings in the report.

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): The Davies report deals with the matter purely from the point of view of maritime safety. The fire was extinguished by the crew of the vessel before the rescue services arrived, and the crew have been commended for this. Failings which are noted in the report are being pursued by the National Ferry Safety Committee and the marine fire response groups. I want to assure the Deputy that we are not taking a casual approach to this matter.

Irish registered passenger vessels are required to be equipped, maintained and operated to the highest international standards and in particular to those laid down in the International Maritime Organisation's Safety of Life at Sea Convention, 1974, known as SOLAS, which contains provisions concerning life saving appliances, stability, navigational facilities, fire protection, construction, surveys, radio installations and the carriage of dangerous goods. As the Deputy knows, the SOLAS Convention has given legal effect to this matter by a set of 33 statutory instruments. Passenger vessels registered in the State and foreign registered vessels within our territorial waters are required to comply with requirements laid down in these instruments.

Marine surveyors of the Department have powers under the Merchant Shipping Act to detain vessels which do not comply with these requirements. Therefore, far from washing our hands of the matter we are very much involved.

Mr. Gilmore: I join with the Minister in praising the crew for the manner in which they dealt with the fire. I ask the Minister to give some indication of the failings identified in the Davies report. As the Minister considered the issue sufficiently serious to warrant the appointment of Captain Davies to carry out an inquiry, why were his Department not represented at the inquest? Surely it was a grave omission on the part of the Minister to have no representative from his [84] Department at the inquest? Could the Minister give the House an explanation for that?

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Wilson): It was found to be not necessary for the Department to be represented at the inquest for the reasons I have outlined to the Deputy. I understand that the B & I Line were represented at the inquest and the question of attendance was therefore examined very closely by my Department. As I said to the Deputy, the Department are very concerned to ensure that the standards of safety on all vessels are upheld. Safety standards are reviewed constantly by the National Ferry Safety Committee. That committee meet at least six times each year, their work is ongoing and they are involved in all inquiries.

Mr. Gilmore: Could I ask a further question?

An Ceann Comhairle: It would have to be a brief question. There are remaining questions to be dealt with and I want to dispose of them if at all possible.

Mr. Gilmore: Will the Minister publish the Davies report?

Mr. Wilson: That matter is being examined. I cannot say now whether the report will be published, but there is no implication whatsoever of lack of monitoring by my Department and my officials to ensure the safety of all vessels and the safety of passengers on all vessels.

3. Mrs. Barnes asked the Minister for the Marine if the Government will respond positively to the suggestion made at the opening of the recent aquaculture conference that the fish farming sector should be represented on the task force to tackle unemployment in view of the fact that it is now a major employer in rural coastal communities.

Mr. Wilson: The special task force on employment, which was inaugurated by [85] the Taoiseach on 17 June 1991, is a high powered entity which draws on the most senior and experienced personnel across the spectrum of the Government, employers, trade unions, the semi-State sector and many others. The establishment of the task force is a demonstration of the Government's commitment to bring the same energy and expertise to bear on the employment issue as it has already paid such dividends for the economy as a whole and for individuals in the areas of inflation and economic growth, where our performance has been outstanding in recent years.

While I do not envisage the direct participation of the aquaculture sector in the proceedings of the task force, I am glad of this opportunity to acknowledge, as the Deputy herself has, the major role which aquaculture has had to play, and which we hope to build on, in the development of the natural resources of our rural coastal communities.

I will be co-operating fully with the task force, as will my Department, and in this I would emphasise a number of the ideas which the Taoiseach identified for the task force as ones which could fruitfully be pursued. These include the need to look at the employment content of development proposals on hand with a view to having early decisions made and the need to look at administrative structures in place. These and others, such as the need to consolidate and expand on the market opportunities which exist for our output, will inform my thinking over the coming months. I would make one other important point, and this has also been raised by the Taoiseach. Planning procedures, including those operated by my Department in relation to assessing fish farming projects are open, democratic, consultative processes which allow substantial scope for comment. I urge all parties to bring objectivity to bear in this area. I have repeated again and again that I will not allow projects which damage the environment to proceed. In the interests of jobs and community welfare generally I appeal for a fair hearing for projects in this area.

[86]Mrs. Barnes: That was a very convoluted answer to a very direct question. I express my total disappointment that the Minister evaded the bottom line. The president of the European Aquaculture Society, who also happens to head the Irish aquaculture industry, asked specifically whether the Minister knew that more than 600 delegates from Canada to Australia to the USSR converged on Dublin for the Aquaculture Europe '91 exhibition, at which this request was publicly made, and that his Government had named fishing and aquaculture as areas for potential job creation expansion. Does the Minister recognise that if we are to achieve job creation in such an expanding industry the least that he should do is respond to the request that that sector be represented?

Mr. Wilson: I assure the Deputy that the sector is being considered very carefully. In what I have outlined there is procedure that will allow for the input of that important sector into the opportunities of further job creation, both in part-time and full-time employment. I shall give figures and tell the House about progress to date in reply to Question No. 8. Again I assure the Deputy that the procedures that are being put in place within the committee will allow that important sector to demonstrate its commitment and play its role in further job creation.

Mrs. Barnes: If that is so, why does the leading authority here in Ireland have to make a special public plea, to which, I am sorry to say, the Minister, his Department and the Government have not responded? If the input is as guaranteed as the Minister says, I doubt whether someone at the level of Dr. John Joyce would have made such a specific request. The refusal of direct input and representation from an expanding potential job creator such as the aquaculture industry does not speak well for the future of the task force.

Mr. Wilson: As I have stated to the [87] Deputy time and time again, the procedures allow input from the sector into positive job creation in this important industry. I cannot comment on views expressed by others. Others are entitled to express their views, but I have given the facts of the situation and I will prove those facts when replying to Question No. 8 by giving statistics on job creation both in relation to part-time and full-time employment.

An Ceann Comhairle: We must now proceed to other questions, the time available to us for dealing with priority questions having been exhausted.

5. Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for the Marine if he will outline his specific proposals for the development of the five major designated fishery harbours over the next five years; and if he will make a statement of the matter.

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): The five major fishery harbours under the management and control of my Department are Howth, County Dublin, Dunmore East, County Waterford, Castletownbere, County Cork, Rossaveal, County Galway and Killybegs, County Donegal. In October 1990, I announced a major development programme encompassing all harbour facilities covering the five year period 1989-1993.

Many of the projects specified in the development programme have commenced or are at an advanced stage. Commencement of projects not already under way is dependent on satisfactory results from preliminary surveys and site investigations.

Specific developments at each of the harbours are as follows:

At Killybegs, I recently inaugurated a new synchrolift which cost in the region of £2.6 million. The facility will assist fishermen by providing a speedy and efficient service for maintenance and repair of boats as well as increasing the [88] efficiency of fishing operations and safety.

In addition, during 1990 work commenced on upgrading the auction hall which will be completed shortly.

Preliminary studies have also commenced to examine the need for a new pier. Dredging will also be undertaken.

Howth has been developed as a major fishery harbour at a total cost in excess of £11 million. During 1990, my Department provided a gear storage compound at Howth Harbour and also surfaced an area which is being used by fishermen for the repair of their nets. The cost of these works amounted to almost £50,000. As I have recently informed the House, the provision of an auction hall is at the design stage.

The major developments at Rossaveal, County Galway announced in the harbour development programme have now commenced. This comprises work on a new pier as well as dredging the harbour. Ancillary works, including provision of a new auction hall, will also be undertaken. The total cost will be in the order of £5.125 million.

The programme envisages upgrading of auction halls and ancillary facilities at Castletownbere and Dunmore East. In 1990 a new “state of the art” computer controlled ice plant was opened by me at Dunmore East. This represents a total investment of £650,000 of which 50 per cent will be provided from EC funds.

Mr. Gilmore: Will the Minister state how much of the total investment will be provided for EC funds and how much will be provided directly by the State?

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): That will vary from place to place but generally it is on a 50/50 basis. I do not have specific information concerning the ports and harbours outlined.

Mrs. Barnes: Will other fishery harbours suffer as a result of developing the five major designated fishery harbours over the next five years? There are so many smaller fishery harbours on which the livelihood of most of the people [89] depends which are crying out for development and refurbishment. Can the Minister give a commitment that smaller harbours such as Kilmore Quay where there is a loss to the processing industry because the harbour cannot afford to allow large trawlers to come in will not suffer. In the light of that type of disincentive to the fishing industry, can the Minister let us know what incentive will be given to the other harbours?

An Ceann Comhairle: The question refers to five major designated fishery harbours, and strictly speaking we should not allow an extension of that question. There are five main harbours only.

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): If the Deputy wishes to put down a specific question on any harbour I will be very glad to answer it. A general reply is that the other harbours certainly will not suffer.

6. Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for the Marine if he will outline the areas in which it is expected that the 1,450 full-time and 1,400 part-time jobs promised in the Programme for Economic and Social Progress for the marine area will be created; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): The programmes set out in the Programme for Economic and Social Progress to develop the fishing industry are expected to lead to the creation of an estimated 1,450 full-time jobs and 1,400 part-time jobs over the period 1991-1993.

These jobs will be created in fishing, aquaculture, fish processing and ancillary activities. A table setting out a breakdown of the figures is being circulated.

[90] Programme for Economic and Social Progress.

Breakdown of additional employment by activity.

Activity	Full-time	Part-time
Fishing	130	100
Aquaculture	960	1,100
Processing	300	160
Ancillary	60	40
Totals	1,450	1,400

Mr. Gilmore: Since it is not a very complicated list, could the Minister give us the figures for the breakdown for fishing, aquaculture, fish processing and ancillary activities?

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): I would be delighted to do that. In fishing there are 130 full-time jobs and 100 part-time jobs. In aquaculture there are 960 full-time jobs and 1,100 part-time jobs. In processing there are 300 full-time jobs and 160 part-time jobs. In ancillary activities there 60 full-time jobs and 40 part-time jobs.

Mr. Gilmore: Can the Minister now state how many of those jobs have been created since we are six months into the life of the programme?

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): I am sure the Deputy will agree that this information was not sought. If the Deputy would like to put down a question with regard to the number of jobs that have been created up to now I will be very happy to answer him. The question related to full-time and part-time jobs promised in the Programme for Economic and Social Progress. If the Deputy wishes to put down a specific question I would be very happy to answer it.

Mr. Gilmore: I am surprised that the Minister does not have that information to hand.

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): The Deputy did not request it.

[91]Mr. Gilmore: The question deals with job creation in the fishing industry and the programme goes on at great length about the alleged performance of the Government in this area over the previous three years. Is it not the case that very few of these proposed jobs have actually materialised, that the jobs projected in the fishing industry are no more than a promise and that the reason the Minister cannot give the information to the House is the shortfall in jobs created since the adoption of the programme?

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): The present programme will develop in the same way as the previous programme. I can assure the Deputy that there will be substantial jobs created. For instance, during the period of the previous programme——

Mr. Gilmore: Stick to this programme. I am not asking about the previous programme.

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West):——the industry grew from 12,100 jobs in 1987 to 15,600 jobs in 1990, an increase of 3,500 jobs. The volume of fish landed in Ireland by Irish registered vessels remains steady over the period of the previous programme and the increase in value was in the region of £20 million.

Mr. Gilmore: It would appear that the Minister is prepared to give us figures on anything other than the number of jobs which have been created. Is it not the case that because of the restrictions in the way in which the EC policy is applying in relation to fishing that the projections in the Programme for Economic and Social Progress are far-fetched, that they have no basis in reality and that in fact none or very few of the jobs which were projected have actually materialised, and that within the lifetime of the programme we are likely to see a reduction in the number of people employed in the fishing industry?

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): As I have indicated, the targets are well on [92] line. As I further indicated, I have no reason to believe but that the present programme will be as successful as the previous one. Indeed to prove that, in the aquaculture sector alone in 1990 there were 2,550 full and part-time jobs. The corresponding figure for 1987 was 1,370 so there was an increase of 1,180. The number of people employed in fish processing increased from 2,930 full-time and part-time jobs in 1987 to 3,620 jobs in 1990, an increase of 690. I want to assure the Deputy that our targets are well in line under this programme.

Mr. Gilmore: There are still no figures for 1991.

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): I will give the Deputy specific replies if he asks specific questions.

Mr. Gilmore: I asked the Minister three times.

7. Tomás Mac Giolla asked the Minister for the Marine if he will outline his position on the application by Dublin Port and Docks Board to reclaim land at the North Wall to facilitate roll-on roll-off developments there and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): I assume that the Deputy is referring to Dublin Port and Docks Board's application to reclaim an area of 21 hectares of foreshore, east of the former Sealink freight terminal and to construct a quay on the river side of the reclaimed area.

The board have asked me to defer making any decision on their application until after the board's officials have completed discussions with interest groups concerned at the proposed development.

[93]

8. Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for the Marine if he will outline his response to the views expressed at the recent international conference on the mid-term review of the Common Fisheries Policy that EC policy was hindering the Irish fishing industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): I am well aware of the proceedings of the international conference on the mid-term review of the Common Fisheries Policy, which was organised by Sherkin Island Marine Station and held in Cork on 11 and 12 May 1991. This conference was supported by my Department and BIM and a major paper was delivered by the Minister at the conference.

Many themes were raised at the conference and the benefits, costs, strengths and weaknesses of the Common Fisheries Policy as an instrument of management, both generally and from an Irish perspective, were discussed.

As regards the impact of the Common Fisheries Policy on the Irish fishing industry, while the benefits were noted, two important recurring views for Irish speakers were to the effect that existing policy was hindering the take-up of unused Irish quotas and that the basic allocations available to Ireland are inequitable.

These are issues which I am already pursuing with the Community in the context of the review and otherwise. In this regard, I look forward with interest to receiving the views of the top level advisory group, under the chairmanship of Dr. T. K. Whitaker, which I have established to advise me on the matter of the review generally. The report of this group is expected within the next month or so and I would not like to pre-empt their findings by making a more detailed statement at this point.

Mr. Gilmore: I am surprised at the Minister's reply, since the conclusion reached at the conference and subscribed to by senior officials in his Department, by senior executives of BIM and of the fishing industry, was that there is in effect no Common Fisheries Policy but that there is an arbitrary carve-up of fishing opportunities and that this country has [94] been robbed? The EC are putting in annually about £16 million into the Irish fishing industry, whereas catches to the value of £250 million are being taken out of Irish waters. This country has been systematically robbed of our fishing opportunities by the so-called Common Fisheries Policy and daily, Irish fishermen are being denied an opportunity to engage in the fishing industry. Has the Minister any proposals to put to his colleagues in the Council of Ministers to redress this inequitable situation and to give Irish fishermen a fair opportunity to fish in their own waters?

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): I hope to have the report of the committee chaired by Dr. Whitaker within the next six to eight weeks. The committee have been asked to come up with a solution to the problems which the Deputy has outlined and the Government are determined to use all the means available to secure a sustainable economic and social basis for maintaining and developing our peripheral regions. We see development of the fisheries sector as playing a key role in our economic development on the basis of the level of fishing opportunities adequate for our purposes. In the context of the mid-term review of the Common Fisheries Policy we are pressing strongly for our needs. We are seeking further tangible recognition of the special position of the Irish fishing industry so as to allow it continue to develop from the uniquely underdeveloped state in which it was in the seventies. The Whitaker committee have a very important role to play in advising on the formulation of policy. This will be a forum for the industry to express their views. The problem is being tackled to ensure that there will be a just return for our fishermen and for the industry.

Mrs. Barnes: Is the Minister not aware, without having to wait for a report, that the fishing industry is in crisis and that we cannot talk about its job creation potential. Licensing is a running sore in the industry as it is preventing qualified skippers from working because there are [95] not any vessels available for them. Is the Minister not also aware that there are not any licences available for vessels, for which fishery people have gone into hock, to exploit fish quotas that are still available to Irish people? The industry is in crisis and we do not need a report to know that. Up to now the quota system has been operated to the detriment of Irish fishermen.

An Ceann Comhairle: Licences would seem to be a separate matter.

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): The Deputy is being sensationalist in saying that the fishing industry is in crisis. That is far from the case.

Mrs. Barnes: The Minister should go around the coast of Ireland.

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): I am fully aware of the situation. The matter is being tackled. A committee was set up and we are in constant touch with officials, and the Commission in Brussels to ensure that our point of view is promoted and that we get a just return for our fishermen from the interim review of the Common Fisheries Policy. We are doing everything to ensure a just return.

Mrs. Barnes: The fishermen are not doing anything, because they are not allowed.

An Ceann Comhairle: Let us try to expedite matters. Progress on questions is particularly slow today. A brief relevant question from Deputy Gilmore.

Mr. Gilmore: Is it any wonder that the fishing industry is in crisis when the Minister says there is not a crisis and when he needs to establish a committee to assess the extent of the crisis and what needs to be done? Can the Minister imagine his colleague, the Minister for Agriculture and Food setting up a committee to decide what has to be done in relation to the European Community, rather than going out and doing his job, [96] which is to represent Irish interests and get a fair deal for the Irish fishing industry, something we have not got from the European Community for 20 years?

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): The Deputy should have listened to what I said. The review group are only part of our programme. The Minister, the officials and I are in constant touch with the Commission in Brussels to ensure that we get a just return for our fishermen. It is incorrect for the Deputy to say that nothing is being done.

9. Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for the Marine whether there are any plans to implement the recommendations of the Salmon Review Group report.

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): The Salmon Review Group report was published in January 1988. The report covered all aspects of salmon fishing and made a number of major policy recommendations as well as putting forward a wide range of specific suggestions.

Submissions were invited from interested parties. In all 77 submissions were received. These revealed a lack of consensus on some of the central elements of the report's recommendations.

Examination of the report by the Department has also shown that implementation in many instances would require increased finance, other resources and, in respect of some of the main items, complex amending legislation. Nevertheless the report provides a useful framework for the development of policy on an ongoing basis.

While I have no plans to implement the report as a totality, important recommendatons contained in the report relating to pollution and protection have been and continue to be pursued. For example, significant progress has been made in tackling pollution issues. The introduction in July 1990 of the Water Pollution (Amendment) Act, 1990, by my [97] colleague the Minister for the Environment, followed deliberations of a ministerial group which considered the problem of water pollution.

Fishery boards together with bodies such as Teagasc and local authorities were involved in a task force designed to increase public awareness of and to prevent pollution where possible. I am glad to be able to say that the agencies concerned have been successful in this regard.

The naval authorities have had available since 1989 two vessels which are ideally suited to salmon protection duties. I am glad to say that thanks to the co-operation between the Navy, the Garda and the regional fisheries boards, salmon patrols have been considerably more effective in recent years and that co-operation is continuing during the current season.

Mr. Deasy: The Minister stated that the report was published in 1988. Probably the most important recommendation in the report was that salmon drift net fishermen should be allowed to use a limited amount of monofilament net. May I ask the Minister why that recommendation has not been implemented?

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): I think I gave the Deputy an answer to that question previously. Consensus has not yet been reached on the use of monofilament nets; there are as many for it as there are against it. The matter is being considered on an ongoing basis and I do not see any prospect of change in the immediate future.

Mr. Deasy: Is the Minister aware that the vast majority of that group were in favour of legalising the use of a limited amount of monofilament net? This week two salmon drift net fishermen from Youghal have been sentenced to long terms in prison for abiding by the recommendations of that group? Can he explain how this can be reconciled with the setting up of a Government group who [98] recommended that these people should be allowed to use these fishing nets?

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): As I have already indicated to the Deputy both now and on a previous occasion, consensus has not been reached in regard to a change in the rules of the use of monofilament nets. This issue is being considered on an ongoing basis. Even the group did not reach a unanimous decision on this issue. As I have said, I do not see any prospect of change in the rules in the immediate future.

Mr. Deasy: There was only one dissenting voice. The vast majority of the group were in favour of changing the rules.

Mrs. Barnes: Is the Minister aware that the group said that, apart from the conservation implications, better control of catch would be to the advantage of smaller fishermen who are being progressively edged out in the evolving situation? The “evolving situation” refers to the total disregard by the larger trawlers for the ban on the use of monofilament nets. Is the Minister aware that each season fishermen do not know where they stand in regard to salmon catches and that those who do not abide by the law are reaping the reward in every sense?

Mr. Deasy: Hear, hear.

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): While I understand what the Deputy is saying, I should point out that there is another side to the story. There are other interests involved and it is a question of having a consensus of all the interests involved. If I can gain such a consensus, I will have a fresh look at the issue.

Mr. Deasy: The problem is that there is no consensus.

Mrs. Barnes: It is three years——

An Ceann Comhairle: While I have allowed some discretion in the matter. I [99] would much prefer that separate questions were tabled in respect of the use of monofilament nets. Question No. 10, please.

Mr. Deasy: It is the main recommendation of the report.

An Ceann Comhairle: That may be, but it is a very distinct and separate matter.

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): They made other recommendations also.

10. Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Marine the reason the synchrolift for fishing boats at Dinish Island, Castletownbere, County Cork, has been left out of action for 12 months; and if he will take urgent steps to ensure that it is now put back into operation.

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): The four synchrolifts installed at the fishery harbour centres were designed by Pearlson Engineering, Florida, USA, and the patent is also owned by this firm.

A major mechanical and electrical overhaul of the synchrolift in Castletownbere Fishery Harbour Centre commenced in October 1990, and following discovery of major defects, the lift has been out of service since that date. Part of the service which the synchrolift required included replacement of parts, some of which had to be manufactured by the American company which designed the installation.

The up-to-date position is that the mechanical overhaul was successfully completed in March. During the course of inspection and testing of the electrical installation in May 1991, engineers from Pearlson discovered a defect in a vital part, and a replacement had to be ordered from the United States. It is now expected that the electrical overhaul will be completed and tested by the end of July and the synchrolift should be fully operational shortly after that. Every [100] effort will be made to meet or improve on these timescales.

Any defects in the installation, even minor ones, could result in serious injury to persons and or extensive damage to boats. While I accept that the lengthy out of service period of the synchrolift is disappointing, I wish to emphasise that the issue of safety of the installation is of paramount importance.

Mrs. Barnes: Castletownbere is one of our five major fishing harbours. Is it not an indication of the state of the fishing industry in this major port that 35 boats are waiting to go on the lift for cleaning, painting and general repairs? Is the Minister aware that boats urgently in need of refurbishment and repairs are being sent to Baltimore and as far north as Killybegs? This imposes extra costs on fishermen. I ask the Minister to take into consideration this loss to engineering and painting firms in the locality and the likely effect this has on jobs.

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): I agree with the Deputy and, as I said in my reply, every effort is being made to resolve the matter as quickly as possible so that the lift will be operational in July.

11. Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Marine if he will outline the action his Department is taking to apprehend and prosecute the skipper(s) of the Spanish boat(s) involved in the ramming of an Irish vessel, 80 miles off the Cork coast on 30-31 March 1991.

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): I have recently pointed out to this House that, at present, in cases of collisions involving an Irish and a foreign vessel outside territorial waters the appropriate form of redress is by way of a civil action. As I understand that this avenue is at present being pursued by the Irish vessel owner and insurers in the incident involving a Spanish trawler which occurred on 31 March last off the south-west coast, I do [101] not propose to prejudice the outcome by further comment at this stage.

Mr. Deasy: Is the Minister aware that this was not a collision but a ramming incident where a Spanish boat or boats — I think two boats were involved — deliberately tried to sink an Irish trawler? It was only by the power of God that no one was killed; it is possible that there might not have been any survivors. Has the Minister for the Marine or the Minister for Foreign Affairs taken up this case with the Spanish Ambassador or raised it at the Council of Ministers meeting in Brussels? These incidents are commonplace — this was a particularly serious incident — and they continue to occur. Have official approaches been made to the Spanish Government at ambassadorial level or at the Council of Fishery Ministers meeting in Brussels regarding this criminal act?

An Ceann Comhairle: Let us have regard to the sub judice aspect of this matter.

Mr. Deasy: Let us have regard to the facts of the matter.

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): All relevant inquiries and contacts are being made, as necessary.

Mr. Deasy: This matter is being poohpoohed again.

12. Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for the Marine if his attention has been drawn to reports that an underwater video shows that the Kowloon Bridge may have had serious structural damage before it entered Irish waters in November 1986; if he intends to take any steps as a result of this information; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): The Deputy will appreciate that it would be inappropriate for me to make a statement regarding the vessel in question at this [102] stage as legal proceedings have been initiated for recovery of costs incurred by the State in dealing with the damage posed to the marine environment by the stricken vessel.

Mr. Gilmore: As the question is quite specific, I cannot understand the reason the Minister of State cannot give a straight answer since it relates to a video film the contents of which are public knowledge. The film shows that the Kowloon Bridge had a major crack across its mid-section before it entered Irish waters. May I ask the Minister of State if he is aware that this video film exists, if he has studied it and if it forms any part of the legal action he proposes to take?

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): As I said, I am not prepared to comment further on the matter.

13. Mr. McCartan asked the Minister for the Marine the total value and tonnage of fish dumped during 1989 and 1990; if he has considered any less wasteful way of disposing of this fish; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): One thousand nine hundred and ten tonnes of fish, with a value of approximately IR£267,165, were withdrawn from the market and disposed of by dumping during 1989 under the European Community's market support programme. This compares with 272 tonnes, valued at approximately IR£38,433, in 1990 and represents an 86 per cent decrease in terms of tonnage over 1989. Because of the complex nature of the financial compensation for fish withdrawn from the market, it is only possible to give approximate values.

Fishermen's producers organisations have been urged by my Department to avoid dumping where possible and to dispose of surplus fish through fishmeal or animal feed processing outlets. In 1990 dumped fish accounted for only 5.5 per cent of fish withdrawn from the market. [103] The vast bulk, 93.9 per cent, was used for fishmeal, while the remaining 0.6 per cent was used for animal feed.

Mr. Gilmore: I welcome the fact that the quantity of fish dumped has been reduced. Can the Minister of State say if this will continue to be the trend in 1991 and when can we expect to see this scandalous practice of dumping fish back into the sea being brought to an end?

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): I expect this trend to continue and I am constantly in touch with producers organisations to remind them of the need to dump the minimum amount of fish and take into account seasonal and temporary market fluctuations. Therefore, I am very concerned about this aspect from an environmental point of view.

Mr. Gilmore: Can the Minister of State give us any indication of the amount of fish which has been dumped so far this year, even if it is only an estimate?

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): I do not have that information but I will gladly let the Deputy have it if it is available.

Mr. Deasy: Can the Minister of State say where the fish is dumped, if pollution has been caused and if any objections have been received?

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): It comes down to a question of whether pollution has been caused and if it has had an impact on the environment.

Mr. Deasy: That is pollution.

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): We are not happy to see fish being dumped. We would much prefer to see it being used for fishmeal and for animal feed.

Mr. Gilmore: There is a desperate smell from dead fish.

Mr. Deasy: Where is the fish dumped?

[104]Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): I do not have that information.

Mr. Deasy: The Green Party ought to be interested in that aspect.

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): We are interested in all aspects, Deputy.

14. Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for the Marine if he will outline, in respect of each of the past five years, the number of fishermen from (a) Irish vessels and (b) foreign vessels in Irish waters who were drowned at sea; if he has satisfied himself that safety procedures on fishing vessels are adequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): The precise information requested by the Deputy is not available from my Department's records. I propose, however, to circulate in the Official Report a statement compiled by the Central Statistics Office from their vital statistics returns which relates most closely to the information sought. The qualifications surrounding the data are set out in the footnotes to the statement.

Current legislation regarding safety of fishing vessels is contained in the Merchant Shipping Acts, 1894-1983, and in rules and regulations made thereunder. These cover safety equipment to be carried by a fishing boat, registration of fishing boats, manning and certification of crews, provision of radio installations and safety of navigation.

As Minister with overall responsibility for the safety of life at sea I am anxious to have legislation enacted which will enhance the regulation of the safety of fishing vessels. The Government have now approved the draft heads of the Merchant Shipping Bill which contains enabling provisions for a substantial amount of secondary legislation, including the regulation of fishing vessels. The text of the Bill is at present being finalised in conjunction with the parliamentary draftsman. I will shortly be seeking the [105] recommendations of the fishing industry and other water users on regulations to be made under the Bill when it is enacted.

Following is the statement:

Statement Compiled by Central Statistics Office.

Number of deaths caused by drowning in water transport accidents where occupation of deceased was registered as fisherman or farm labourer.

1986	10
1987	7
1988	1
1989	7
1990	10

Notes:

(1) The above deaths relate to accidents to watercraft causing drowning and to other accidental drowings in water transport accidents (Codes E830 and E832 of the International Classification of Diseases — ICD ninth revision);

(2) The socio-economic group fishermen and farm labourers, used in registering deaths, is the closest approximating that of fishermen.

Mr. Gilmore: I am shocked by the Minister of State's reply. Does it not display an appalling attitude to and neglect of the issue of safety of fishermen at sea that the Minister of State at the Department of the Marine is not in a position to tell us — he has told us that his Department do not have the information — how many fishermen were lost at sea during the past five years? Surely any Minister who is concerned about the safety of fishermen would have this information and be able to give it to the House. May I ask the Minister of State what measures are being taken to cover the safety of fishing vessels smaller than those covered by the existing Merchant Shipping Acts and to say if he intends to ratify the Torremolinos Convention in the legislation that he proposes to introduce in the House?

An Ceann Comhairle: The Deputy is introducing extraneous matter.

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): Let me [106] say in reply to the first part of the Deputy's question that deaths are not notifiable to the Department.

Mr. Gilmore: If the Minister of State had any interest he would know the figure.

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): My Department do not record the figures. Indeed, the figures that are available include deaths other than those of fishermen. Therefore, the specific information required by the Deputy is not readily available. It is wrong to say that we are not concerned about safety at sea. Indeed, the legislation which is now being prepared will cover the points made by the Deputy in his supplementary question.

Mrs. Barnes: Is the Minister of State satisfied that the safety standards are being adhered to at present and that resources are being made available to vessels of this State and independent fishing vessels? Are sufficient staff available to monitor the implementation of safety procedures?

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): There are. The merchant shipping life saving appliances rules, 1983, make it a requirement that fishing vessels carry life saving appliances. These rules prescribe the number of lifeboats or life rafts, lifebuoys, lifejackets, line-throwing appliances and distress signals to be carried on fishing vessels, depending on the length of the vessel. They also lay down detailed technical specifications for the above-mentioned life-saving appliances, for the emergency equipment to be carried in lifeboats and in life rafts and for stowage of life-saving appliances. Provision is also made for the annual servicing of inflatable life rafts at approved servicing stations. The statutory requirements relating to the fire-fighting equipment to be carried by fishing vessels are set out in the Merchant Shipping (Fire Appliances) Rules, 1967 and 1983 and the Merchant Shipping (Fire Protection) Rules, 1985. There are ample statutory [107] requirements and these are fully implemented and monitored by inspectors of my Department. We have sufficient personnel.

Mr. Gilmore: Will the Minister state the approximate number of occasions last year on which safety inspections of fishing vessels were carried out by his Department and give some indication as to the availability on fishing vessels of safety and rescue gear?

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): Inspections are carried out on a constant basis.

Mr. Gilmore: How many last year?

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): I cannot give such detail now. If the Deputy puts down a specific question I will give a specific answer. The statutory requirement is that they be inspected on a regular basis. I will let the Deputy have the information.

15. Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the fact that three new programmes on coastal protection and developments are under consideration by the European Community dealing with the areas of environmental protection, aid for capital investment other than infrastructure, and a strategy for coastal zones policy; if he has made any submissions regarding these programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

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16. Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for the Marine if any overall survey has been undertaken of the extent of coastal eroision of western coastal area caused by the storms during the winter; if so, if he will give details; the efforts which have been made to secure economic development funding for coastal protection measures in the European Community Support Framework for Ireland given that this is the only substantial means of obtaining EC assistance from the structural funds; the reason no specific provisions to this effect are included in the Community Support Framework for Ireland; and if he will make a stattement on the matter.

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): I propose to answer Questions Nos. 15 and 16 together.

In relation to coastal erosion during this winter my Department have been in touch with the maritime local authorities. The resources available to me in 1991 are to be deployed to coast protection schemes in Rosslare, Maharees and Strandhill.

For future planning purposes, my Department have been in touch with the maritime local authorities to identify priorities for coast protection works towards which they would be prepared to make financial contributions.

The Community Support Framework for Ireland has been settled for the period 1989-93. While this programme does not include provisions for supporting coast protection works, I am fully aware of EC proposals for environmental programmes which could include such assistance. In conjunction with the Department of the Environment, my Department are supporting the inclusion of coast protection measures that could benefit Ireland in the NORSPA and LIFE proposals for Council regulations. In addition, both Departments are contributing to the consideration of Commission proposals in connection with a strategy for a comprehensive coastal zone policy.

Mr. Gilmore: Will the Minister confirm that EC money is available for coastal protection but that this country has not received any of that money and cannot get it because the Government did not include coastal protection in the Community Support Framework which they sent to Brussels? Can the Minister explain why there was such a serious omission, having regard to the serious damage caused to our coastline and the [109] cost to the taxpayer of repairing that damage?

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): The Community Support Framework for Ireland has been settled for 1989-93. While the programme does not include provisions for supporting coastal protection works, I am fully aware of EC proposals for environmental programmes which could include such systems. Officials of my Department are having talks in Brussels with Commission officials to see if it is possible to secure funds for coastal protection.

Mrs. Barnes: If the officials get a positive response, will local interest groups be made aware? Will the fact that there are disparities in funding depending on the geographical area be taken into consideration? Coastal erosion along the east coast is more serious than elsewhere.

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): There is a discrepancy with regard to grant allocations between the east coast and other areas. Local interests will of course be made aware of grants. These would mainly be local authorities since they are involved in coastal protection works within the area of their jurisdiction, in conjunction with my Department.

Mr. Gilmore: Since the Minister did not answer my earlier question directly, will he make an honest admission that this county is losing out on millions of pounds of EC money because of the Government's failure to include coastal protection in the Community Support Framework? Can he simply state that this country has got no money from EC funds for coastal protection?

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): I have already answered that question.

Mr. Gilmore: The answer is “no”.

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): I will not repeat myself. Any admissions I make are honest.

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17. Mr. Harte asked the Minister for the Marine the reason salmon farming is permitted in Lough Swilly which is not a designated area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): There are a number of legal mechanisms available under the Fisheries Acts to allow the licensing of marine fish farming and it is at the discretion of the Minister for the Marine as to which is the most suitable for a particular situation. These mechanisms are, first, the issue of fish culture licences under the terms of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act, 1959; and second, the designation process under section 54 of the Fisheries Act, 1980 which provides for the designation of areas by order for fish farming followed by the licensing of individual projects through the mechanism of aquaculture licences within the designated area.

It was the former mechanism which was utilised in respect of salmon farming in Lough Swilly. I must emphasise that this mechanism is subject to the full rigours of the licence vetting procedure, which now include the furnishing of an environmental impact statement, and to the environmental monitoring requirements of my Department. In the case of salmon farming in Lough Swilly, the proposal was fully vetted by my Department's technical staff on the basis of regular environmental monitoring data and additional scientific data. I might add that there were no objections in response to the public notification of the proposal.

Finally, I should add that, in addition to the licence required for the cultivation of fish, marine structures such as fish cages must be licensed under the Foreshore Act, 1933.

Mrs. Barnes: Will the Minister confirm that designation will not be a criterion in future licensing and that licensing of areas not now designated will be open and free?

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): It would be at the discretion of the Minister. A [111] decision to designate a particular area would be related to the level of fish farming activity or demand as assessed in conjunction with the development agencies. A technical assessment of the suitability of an area would take into account ground knowledge of the likely local reaction. The designation of areas is solely at the discretion of the Minister.

Mr. Garland: Is the Minister aware of the widespread disquiet among those in the shellfish industry at the way the Minister for the Marine deals with applications for salmon farming licences and that this is inhibiting the expansion of the shellfish industry because they are unable to plan properly for the future as they do not know whether a salmon farm will be located next door to them which they feel is very detrimental to the expansion of their industry? Will the Minister please put a stop to his vacillation and decide whether he will operate the 1959 Act or the 1980 Act?

An Ceann Comhairle: Let us not stray too far from Lough Swilly.

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): We will stay within Lough Swilly. The Deputy's outburst is sensational. All applications are subject to the full rigours of the licensing procedures and permission is not given on an ad hoc basis to those [112] involved in salmon farming or anybody else. The issuing of licences is monitored very carefully on a continuous basis.

18. Mr. Bell asked the Minister for the Marine if, having regard to the replies by the Minister for Finance to Parliamentary Question No. 61 of 28 October 1987 and to Question No. 41 of 29 May 1991, regarding the Top Level Appointments Committee, he will outline in relation to the posts of secretary, deputy secretary, assistant secretary, and departmental, professional and general equivalents in his Department: (1) the name and date of appointment of all those currently serving whether under the TLAC system or otherwise, the number not appointed under the TLAC system, and the projected date of retirement on the basis of contract or age, (2) the number of those appointed at assistant secretary level who are remunerated on a performance basis and those not so remunerated, (3) the number so appointed in each year from 1987 to date and (4) the date the new administrative budget system was agreed for the period 1991-93 with the Minister for Finance; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): The information sought at (1), (2) and (3) of the Deputy's question is as follows:

Name	Grade	Date of Appointment	Projected date of retirement
F. Ó Muircheartaigh	Secretary	16-06-87	04-06-2011
Patrick Howard	Assistant Secretary	10-03-86	01-11-2006
Thomas Carroll	Assistant Secretary	22-04-88	08-06-2013

All of the appointments were made under the TLAC system. Both assistant secretaries are remunerated on a performance basis.

In relation to the final part of the Deputy's question, the administrative budget agreement setting out a three year budget for the cost of administration in my Department for the years 1991-93, inclusive, was signed on 3 May 1991.

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19. Mr. Garland asked the Minister for the Marine whether he will consider the use of regional fishery board boats to enforce the law concerning the size of boat permitted to fish within the three mile limit.

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): The Deputy is presumably referring to the restrictions that currently apply under national legislation to Irish boats above the specified size fishing within a three mile zone from base lines. While there is no specific law prohibiting vessels of a certain size from fishing within the three mile limit, it is nevertheless the position that as a general guideline vessels of over 90 feet are precluded by the terms of their sea fishing boat licence from fishing within these limits.

These licence conditions are actively enforced although there have been no detentions or prosecutions for breaches of this specific licence condition in the past five years. There are, however, a small number of vessels of over 90 feet which are not precluded from fishing within the three miles. The question of further reducing the number and size of vessels permitted to fish within the three mile limit is kept under regular review by my Department. In general my Department favour encouraging or requiring the bigger and more powerful sector of the fleet, including all large vessels, particularly those over 90 feet, to move further offshore. As the Deputy is no doubt aware, only Irish registered fishing boats are legally entitled to fish within a six mile limit of the Irish coast.

Mr. Garland: Would the Minister agree that it is well known that the law is being flagrantly abused? The Minister said that not even one single prosecution has been brought in the past five years. That can only indicate one thing, and that is that the law is not being enforced. What steps will be taken to ensure that the law will be properly enforced?

Mr. Noonan: (Limerick West): At present there is no law laying down the various limits outside which boats of various sizes must operate. Instead preclusions of one form or another are built into the general sea fishing boat licence [114] which issues to each vessel. Notwithstanding what the Deputy has said, there are conditions laid down. The conditions can and do vary from licence to licence at the discretion of the Minister but as a general rule vessels between 90 feet and 120 feet registered length are prohibited from fishing within the three mile limit for any species.

An Ceann Comhairle: That disposes of questions for today. As the business ordered for today has seemingly been disposed of I propose to proceed to the matters on the Adjournment, if the House is so agreeable.

An Ceann Comhairle: I wish to advise the House of the following matters in respect of which notice has been given to me under Standing Order 20 (3) (a) and the name of the Member in each case: (1) Deputy J. Mitchell — The alleged licensing by the Department of Agriculture and Food of the importation of dogs which are a cross-breed between a German shepherd and a wolf, and the serious issues arising therefrom; (2) Deputy McCartan — The very worrying figures emerging which indicate that the Raheny district of Dublin had the highest increase in crime in the country in 1990, [149] and the need for the Minister for Justice to introduce an action plan to address this problem; and (3) Deputy Gilmore — The reason no orthopaedic operations have been performed in a newly opened operating theatre in Loughlinstown Hospital in the last two years.

The three matters raised are in order and have been selected: (1) I will, therefore, call in the first instance on Deputy J. Mitchell. The Deputy has five minutes, the Minister for Agriculture and Food has five minutes.

Mr. J. Mitchell: The House will be aware that the Minister for the Environment has recently issued regulations restricting the freedom of a number of breeds of dangerous dogs, or some would say a number of breeds which are alleged to be dangerous, in the aftermath of an incident in the United Kingdom which led to changes in the regulations there and proposed changes in law of the United Kingdom.

The House will agree with one voice that we cannot expose citizens to attack from dangerous dogs and that it is only proper that certain restrictions be imposed on the breeding, control and ownership of truly dangerous dogs. However, it is a pity that the Minister for the Environment and other relevant Ministers have not seen fit to agree to consult with the interests concerned, including the Irish Kennel Club and representatives of the campaign against muzzling, and consider the very valid points presented by a great many responsible dog owners who are genuinely concerned that all embracing ministerial regulations will, in fact, lead to cruelty to some harmless animals.

In the course of this debate we have seen advertisements in the newspapers for the sale of timber wolves as pets and guard dogs under the heading “Timber Wolves for Sale”. I would like the Minister to say how dangerous timber wolves are or indeed how dangerous are halfbred timber wolves. I understand that the dogs in question are a cross between the [150] timber wolves and the German shepherd. The House will already know that the German shepherd is among those listed as dangerous by the Minister for the Environment although some people think that is unfair to the German shepherd. How dangerous are timber wolves? What steps are open to the Minister to prevent the importation and breeding of timber wolves or even half breeds, and what steps have been taken to control the importation and breeding of these wolves. Have the Government any intention of adopting, extending or amending the regulations recently issued in this respect?

I know we have certain controls in relation to the importation of dogs from outside these islands, but what are the arrangements regarding dogs imported from the UK, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands? Have any discussions taken place with the British authorities in relation to timber wolves or halfbreeds of the timber wolf?

While I am on my feet I would like to say that this issue highlights the fact that a great number of dogs, especially of the half-breed variety, can be added to the list of potentially dangerous dogs. I would like to put it to the Minister that the regulations he brought out in the last two weeks, while dealing speedily with the situation, may be in need of expansion and amendment. I ask the Minister if he will now agree to meeting a deputation from the interested parties, the Irish Kennel Club who are known as a responsible club, and the Campaign Against Muzzling, who are very concerned that the regulations by being too “catch-all” will be ineffective and will penalise only responsible owners and will be ignored by those irresponsible owners whose dogs are the greatest danger to the public?

Minister of State at the Department of Justice (Mr. N. Treacy): The purpose of the licensing system operated by the Department of Agriculture and Food is to prevent the introduction of rabies and to this end all dogs and cats being imported from countries other than the UK must as part of the licensing arrangement undergo six months quarantine at the approved quarantine station near [151] Dublin Airport. While in quarantine the animals are inoculated against rabies and closely monitored before release to their owners. In this fashion, and with full co-operation from Customs and other agencies, we have kept Ireland free from rabies since 1903.

The issue raised by Deputy Mitchell relates to the possible dangers to the public from cross-breeding of German Shepherd dogs. While this matter does not fall within the ambit of the Department of Agriculture and Food's licensing system, I can nevertheless appreciate the concern. On that account the Department of Agriculture and Food maintain close contact with the Department of the Environment and the Garda Síochána about potential imports that might possibly pose a danger. Currently there are 26 dogs in quarantine of which only two are German Sheperds, both being purebred specimens of that breed. I might add that a licence has issued recently permitting the importation through quarantine of a Shepherd cross from the USA. While this dog has yet to arrive, the papers supporting the licence application, which include veterinary certification and a declaration authenticated by a notary public indicate that the dog is a family pet travelling with its owner who wishes to live in Ireland. Indeed, the vast majority of imports fall into this category.

It is appropriate to mention that dogs of specified breeds are subject to the recent controls introduced by our colleague, the Minister for the Environment, regardless as to whether they have been imported. As the House will be aware, the Minister for the Environment also intends to introduce further legislation in this area. I think this is the appropriate way to proceed, in so far as dogs are concerned, as the powers of the Department of Agriculture and Food relate only to the prevention of disease.

Finally, I should add that some Shepherd crosses were imported here in 1988 and 1989. Expert opinion is that crossing German Shepherds with wolves leads to a more docile dog. Subsequently media reports indicated that these may have been the progeny of dogs crossed [152] with wolves. The expert advice is that such practice does not increase a dog's ferocity but is rather designed to prevent problems that can arise due to in-breeding in German Shepherds.

I hope this information is of assistance to Deputy Mitchell in appraising the position appertaining to dogs and cross-bred dogs in this country. I am sure he will acknowledge the very strict controls the Department of Agriculture and Food operate and the great success rates they have in preventing rabies and other diseases. I am sure he will appreciate also the very positive attitude adopted by and the very expedient manner in which the Minister for the Environment, Deputy Flynn, brought in the necessary regulations to ensure that these dangerous animals are not a scourge to the ordinary people of the community.

Mr. J. Mitchell: Can the Minister tell the House how many half-breed wolves are in the country?

Mr. N. Treacy: I have not got that statistical information available. I would guess that we would not have very many, but if the Deputy has any problems in that regard he should table a question.

Mr. McCartan: I thank you, Sir, and the Ceann Comhairle, for the opportunity to raise this very worrying picture that has been highlighted in our national media only two days ago, showing that crime is on the increase, in particular in the suburbs on the north side of the city of Dublin that it is being pushed from the city centre and it has taken us and, it would appear, the Minister for Justice, totally unawares in that regard.

Recent revelation of internal Garda figures indicated that Raheny district in Dublin North-East has experienced the worst figures in the rising crime wave in Dublin. That is appalling and warrants immediate and definite action. Raheny, a settled suburb on our city north-side has been exposed to a reputation it does not deserve, an area with the highest increase in crime in the city of Dublin in the past year in the order of 28 per cent, [153] its near neighbour Santry being the next closest at a 20 per cent increase. The fact that it is also at the back door of the former Chairman of the Dáil Committee on Crime, Lawlessness and Vandalism and the Minister for Social Welfare, Deputy Michael Woods, makes it all the more unacceptable.

I last raised the matter of policing in my constituency on the Adjournment here on 28 November 1989 when the Minister for Social Welfare, Deputy Woods, replied on behalf of the Minister for Justice. I was prompted to raise the matter then by the disturbing figures given to me by the Minister for Justice on 8 November 1989, indicating that Garda numbers in two of the three north-east stations, Raheny, needless to say, and Howth, had been allowed to drop from 41 to 37 in Howth and from 62 to 58 and back to 61 in Raheny over the period 1984-88. I am not saying the crime problem as emerging in these areas and the explosion in the Raheny area in particular are due solely to the drop in numbers of gardaí in these stations but the failure to keep the numbers at an acceptable level and to increase them as necessary is no doubt a contributing factor.

It is clear that by vigorous police efforts crime in the city centre has now been pushed to the city suburbs. The Minister and the Government have been caught unawares and have been shown to be illprepared. However, the signs have been there for some considerable time. Growing unemployment figures in the blackspots close to areas adjoining Raheny were clear indications of a problem that would certainly lead to crime in time. Secondly, a changing pattern from aggressive robberies in the city to a concentration more on burglaries and house break-ins left an area like Raheny vulnerable because of its mainly old and retiring population. Thirdly, the emerging pattern across Dublin North-East shows that drug peddling, especially in public parks such as Belcamp, Millbrook and St. Anne's Park near Raheny, is on the increase. This is well known to the Gardaí and the Minister. Fourthly, increased cider drinking, often by underaged youths, with related assaults and acts of petty vandalism were on the [154] increase and again there was a clear indication that matters were not right.

There is an urgent need now to respond and to restore the good name of Raheny. It is essential that action be taken and seen to be taken to reassure people in their homes and at leisure. Those are four points the Minister should take on board. There should be a reallocation of adequate Garda personnel to the stations immediately concerned, those of Raheny and Howth. In addition, there should be the re-establishment of the Garda Special Task Force and mobile units that have been so effective in recent years but which for some inexplicable reason were disbanded by the Garda Commissioner recently though I understand they are to be reintroduced. That should be done sooner rather than later. There should be an introduction of a comprehensive system of community policing throughout the area and an opening of a Garda sub-district in the Bayside-Sutton Park area close to Raheny because of the overlapping there.

I alerted the House and the Minister to this problem on 28 November 1989. The response of the Minister for Social Welfare and my local constituency colleague, Deputy Woods, was to the effect that there was no real problem and that the Minister was well aware of it. The figures now show that a major problem has emerged. I requires urgent action and response and I hope the Minister of State has good news for the good citizens of Raheny and its environs.

Minister of State at the Department of Justice (Mr. N. Treacy): The very worrying figures emerging, which indicate that the Raheny district of Dublin has the highest increase in crime in the country in 1990 and the need for the Minister for Justice to introduce an action plan to address this problem is the subject of the motion before us.

As the House is no doubt aware the Minister for Justice, Deputy Ray Burke, yesterday discussed in detail in this House and in the Seanad our approach and the approach of the Garda, to dealing with [155] the crime problem in Dublin and elsewhere. He outlined the positive measures taken to deal with crime and also gave details of the on-going programme of providing adequate resources for the Garda Síochána, the steps being taken to ensure that the most effective use is being made of Garda resources and the initiatives being taken particularly in relation to juvenile crime. The Minister also gave details of the sustained programme of law reform, which is being pursued to ensure the safety of our people from criminal attack.

I do not propose to reiterate all that was said, however, I think it is important to repeat what the Minister for Justice said in relation to the measures being taken to deal with crime in certain parts of Dublin. These measures include the use of additional patrols and checkpoints, greater deployment of plain clothes surveillance units, and the targeting of Garda resources to meet specific anti-crime needs in particular areas. Needless to say the problems of the Raheny district are being taken into account by the Garda authorities in this respect.

I am informed that provisional figures indicate that recorded crime in Raheny district in 1990 increased by approximately 18 per cent. This is indeed a disappointment as the crime level had decreased in 1989 significantly in this respectable area. I am also aware that provisional figures indicate that the level of recorded crime in Raheny district for the first five months of 1991 indicates a further increase. I am informed by the Garda authorities that this increase is attributable to a rise in recorded burglaries and thefts from vehicles. A considerable number of these crimes have been committed by a small group of people many of whom have been or are being dealt with by the courts at this time. I might add here, that the gardaí in Raheny have achieved considerable success in solving crimes in this area over the past year and more particularly, during the last few months.

The divisional task force have been very active in patrolling areas with high crime rates, including Raheny, with a high degree of success and it is planned [156] that they will further intensify their attention together with local units under the direction of the district officer at Raheny. In additional there will be increased patrols by both uniformed and plain clothes gardaí and more frequent checkpoints at various locations will be set up at irregular intervals to deter the activity of criminals.

Deputy McCartan suggested that the task force was abolished recently by the Garda Commissioner as a result of Government decisions. The task force was abolished as far back as 1986. We in Government originally created the task force system which was very successful. The Minister for Justice has reactivated that task force and again it is proving to be very successful. We are taking the appropriate measures in every area of activity to ensure that we can contain and reduce crime and bring to justice as quickly as possible those who commit serious crime, or crime of any type.

It is also important to add that there are three gardaí active in community policing and they regularly visit local schools and attend Neighbourhood Watch meetings. The Garda also encourage the continued participation by residents in Neighbourhood Watch of which there are 50 schemes in the area involving 22,000 households. The Garda authorities are satisfied that these measures will prove effective in tackling the problems in Raheny.

However, the situation is being very carefully monitored. I can assure the House and the Deputy and the residents of Raheny that everything possible is being done to deal with the problem. Our colleagues, the Minister for Social Welfare, Dr. Woods, and Deputy L. Fitzgerald are——

Mr. McCartan: Asleep.

Mr. N. Treacy: ——constantly in touch with the Garda and the Minister for Justice regarding the problems. I have listened with interest to Deputy McCartan. He is constantly coming into this House inferring that the Minister for Social Welfare, Dr. Woods, is not doing this, that or the other. It is acknowledged that he is the most successful Minister for [157] Social Welfare in the history of the State. He has done tremendous work in this area.

Mr. McCartan: That is because there are more people on social welfare.

Mr. N. Treacy: If there is to be a reflection on Dr. Woods in the light of crime in the area in question, such reflection must surely extend to Deputy McCartan who is also a Deputy for that area in that both share a common responsibility to represent the people of that area. I can assure this House and Deputy McCartan that the Minister for Social Welfare, Dr. Woods, along with his colleague, Deputy Liam Fitzgerald, leave no stone unturned in bringing this matter to the attention of the Garda and are in communication with them and with the Department of Justice in regard to it. Collectively we will continue to attend to this problem.

Mr. Gilmore: Two years ago the Minister for Health was present at the opening of a new orthopaedic theatre at St. Columcille's Hospital Loughlinstown. We were told then that this new facility was expected to reduce the waiting lists for orthopaedic operations, particularly for people waiting for hip replacement operations, in the south Dublin and north Wicklow areas. Subsequently, two orthopaedic surgeons were appointed and were to be shared with St. Michael's Hospital and St. Vincent's Hospital. Despite this not a single major orthopaedic operation has yet been performed in this new orthopaedic theatre. The waiting lists for hip replacements in south Dublin and north Wicklow are still as long as ever. On average, people are still waiting two years for hip replacement operations despite the fact that this fine facility is lying virtually idle. Admittedly, some smaller operations have been performed in the theatre but no major operations.

The local people, local doctors and myself as a local Deputy, cannot understand why this brand new facility is still lying idle while people are waiting for [158] operations. There are two reasons I wish to raise the matter here: the first, concerns the waiting list and the facility which was provided at taxpayers' expense but which is not being used and, second, the downgrading of Loughlinstown hospital. The problem with the theatre has not been the only problem in relation to this hospital.

A number of years ago the maternity unit at Loughlinstown hospital was closed down. We were told at the time that the hospital was to be developed for orthopaedic services but this has not happened. In addition there is a problem with paediatric services at the hospital. I have received reports of children being brought to Loughlinstown hospital suffering from severe asthma attacks and not being permitted to use the nebulizer at the hospital because there is no paediatrician there. It is absurd that children from the area are being referred to city centre hospitals rather than being cared for in their own local hospital.

I would remind the Minister that Loughlinstown hospital serves a very wide area of south County Dublin and north Wicklow, an area which has a young population. It is disgraceful that the facilities of this hospital are not being used to the maximum extent, a facility which has been provided at taxpayers' expense, while local people are waiting for operations and cannot be treated in the hospital. I would like some explanation for this and some assurance from the Minister that Loughlinstown hospital will be given the consideration and the grading it deserves.

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Mr. N. Treacy): The organisation of orthopaedic services in St. Columcille's Hospital, Loughlinstown, is a matter for the Eastern Health Board in the first instance. A review of orthopaedic services in Dublin South-East was completed in early 1989 and recommended the development of a joint department of orthopaedics for Dublin South-East. Following this review the number of consultant orthopaedic surgeons in the area was increased by the Minister for Health from three to four. In addition, the posts were restructured [159] to provide, first, that each consultant has at least three sessions per week for elective work at St. Mary's Hospital, Cappagh, and, second, that an orthopaedic service was established at St. Columcille's Hospital, Loughlinstown.

There was general agreement at the time that the lack of a consultant orthopaedic input to St. Columcille's Hospital was a shortcoming in the services for the area which required priority attention because of the role of the hospital in providing accident and emergency services.

I should also like to emphasise that the development of a joint orthopaedic service between St. Columcille's, St. Vincent's and St. Mary's, Cappagh, is in line with the policy of the Department of Health in developing closer links between the general hospitals in the Dublin south-east area. Progress has also been made in regard to the development of joint departments of pathology and anaesthetics in Dublin south-east.

The orthopaedic service of Loughlinstown commenced on 1 May 1990 with the appointment of a consultant orthopaedic surgeon. A second consultant took up duty on 1 December 1990. As I already explained, these are joint appointments to St. Columcille's, St. Vincent's and St. Mary's, Cappagh. The 1991 letter of allocation from the Department of Health to the Eastern Health Board made specific reference to additional revenue funding being provided for the orthopaedic service at St. Columcille's. The Minister for Health also approved capital grants totalling £177,000 for orthopaedic equipment at St. Columcille's Hospital. Deputy Gilmore is incorrect in stating that no orthopaedic operations have been performed [160] at St. Columcille's Hospital in the past two years. Operative work is being done in St. Columcille's.

Mr. Gilmore: Small ones.

Mr. N. Treacy: The Deputy said that no operations were being done out in St. Columcille's.

Mr. Gilmore: There are no major operations being carried out.

Mr. N. Treacy: The Deputy said that no orthopaedic operations had been performed. I repeat that operative work is being carried out in St. Columcille's but the Deputy will appreciate that the orthopaedic service at the hospital is a relatively new one which is still being developed. I understand that the Eastern Health Board are having detailed discussions at present with St. Vincent's Hospital concerning admission procedures for the treatment of trauma. We are confident that these discussions will be brought to a successful completion in the near future, leading to a further enhancement of orthopaedic services at St. Columcille's Hospital, Loughlinstown. I wish to emphasise that we provided the funds and the extra consultants, the operations are proceeding and the situation will be improved——

Mr. Gilmore: How many hip replacements were carried out?

Mr. N. Treacy: I do not have that information.

The Dáil adjourned at 4.15 p.m. until 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday, 2 July 1991.

4. Mrs. Barnes asked the Minister for the Marine if his Department will aid investment in developing the fishing, processing and exporting of eels; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the potential of the eel harvest is enormous and would fully justify a very substantial investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Wilson): The granting of aid investment does not fall within the remit of my Department. However, I have been advised by my Department that the development of farming facilities for eels is a matter which BIM are actively pursuing.

My Department are currently involved in an in-depth study of the Irish eel industry and its potential for development. The study is being undertaken on a national basis and covers all aspects of the industry from source of product, development, stock, source of additional elvers, legislation, and the potential viability of an improved export product. When the results of this study are complete I will be in a better position to initiate whatever measures may be necessary. It is the intention that the study will be completed before the end of the year.

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20. Mr. McCartan asked the Minister for the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the findings of a recent survey published by a French magazine (details supplied) which rated Irish Ferries last of 36 international ferries surveyed; if he intends to request any review of safety procedures, especially in regard to evacuation methods; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Wilson): I can tell the Deputy that I have seen a copy of the article published in the French consumer magazine Que Choisir. The article contained details of the evacuation procedures used on 36 passenger ferries which operate from French ports. The vessels were assessed under various headings with each ferry being given an overall rating of very good, good or average. Twenty-five vessels received an overall rating of very good and seven were rated good. Four vessels including the two Irish Ferries vessels the St. Killian II and St. Patrick II were rated as average.

Since receiving a copy of this article I have passed a copy to Irish Ferries with a view to obtaining their comments on it. This report will also be discussed at a future meeting of the National Ferry Safety Committee which works to ensure that the highest standards of safety are maintained on all ferries operating here.

21. Mrs. Barnes asked the Minister for the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the staffing level at the Fisheries Research Centre, Abbotstown, Dublin 11 is completely inadequate to deal with fish husbandry and disease control aspects of fish farming; and when sufficient laboratory facilities and funding will be supplied to protect and expand this important resource.

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Wilson): Fish husbandry and disease control measures are operated by the fish pathology unit of my Department's Fisheries [116] Research Centre. When the unit was originally established it was staffed by one fish pathologist and three laboratory technicians. Since then a microbiologist has been assigned to the unit and an additional fish pathologist and laboratory technician will be assigned shortly.

I am conscious of the need to maintain the Fisheries Research Centre laboratories as up-to-date as national expenditure constraints will permit. In this regard I am happy to inform the Deputy that I submitted yesterday to the EC a programme under STRIDE, Science and Technology in Regional Innovation and Development in Europe, for the period 1991 to 1993 for marine activities. A positive response from the EC to this programme will deliver the necessary funding to ensure that the FRC laboratory enjoy state-of-the art equipment/facilities.

22. Mrs. Barnes asked the Minister for the Marine when the expanded research programme put in place this year to exmaine and report on factors affecting sea trout stocks will be in a position to identity and make recommendations on the present problems; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Wilson): The working group which I established encompassing all the scientific expertise working on the sea trout problem is due to report in November of this year.

23. Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for the Marine if any application has been made to the EC for resources to protect EC fish stocks off the Irish coast; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Wilson): I am happy to inform the Deputy that, in response to an application submitted by me last year, the EC Commission has approved the first phase of a £34 million five year investment programme in [117] equipment to strengthen Ireland's fishery protection capability.

During the current year EC grants will amount to £4.4 million and over the course of the programme the Community are expected to contribute 50 per cent of the total expenditure involved. Amongst the equipment being acquired are two twin engined turbo-prop maritime patrol aircraft and onshore surveillance and communications systems.

I am confident that the programme will improve significantly the overall efficiency and effectiveness of Ireland's fishery protection services.

24. Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for the Marine if he will outline the figures which are available for catches of salmon in Irish rivers for each of the past five years; and if he will further outline the figures for the number of registered fishermen per river and the number of registered snap-net fishermen.

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Wilson): The information regarding salmon catches requested is not readily available in the format requested by the Deputy. My Department are currently compiling an analysis of salmon returns in recent years with a view to publication as soon as possible. I have arranged that a copy will be made available to the Deputy when published. As regards snap-net fishermen, I can inform the Deputy that 140 snap-net licences have been allocated for this year. I would point out that each licence is normally fished by four people.

25. Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for the Marine the number of drift net licences which have issued in each of the last five years.

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Wilson): The number of drift net licences which have issued in each of the last five years is as follows: 1986, 869; 1987, 852; 1988, 835; 1989, 801; 1990, 758.

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26. Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for the Marine if he will outline the Government's policy on snap-net fishing; whether it is intended to bring forward new legislation in view of the effect of pollution and the decline of wild salmon stocks in our rivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Wilson): Snap-net licences are issued by regional fisheries boards under the Control of Fishing for Salmon Order which is currently under review in my Department. The position in relation to snap-net fishermen will receive consideration in the light of this review.

27. Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for the Marine if he will outline the current position in relation to employment and normal working conditions for fishery board employees; whether he has satisfied himself with the current situation; if he will further outline the efforts which have been made to rectify any problems; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Wilson): The conditions of employment of staff in the central and regional fisheries boards is a matter in the first instance for the boards themselves. In accordance with the Fisheries Act 1980 the Central Fisheries Board are required, following consultations with each of the regional boards and with any recognised staff associations or trade unions concerned, to prepare and submit to the Minister a staff scheme or schemes providing for the regulation, control and management of the staff of the central and regional boards and indicating in respect of the staff the remuneration, tenure of office, qualifications for appointment and conditions of service.

Staff schemes have been approved for the majority of the staff in the boards and other are in the course of preparation.

[119] I am not sure what problems the Deputy is referring to but I can say that there is provision in the 1980 Act for amending staff schemes and some of the schemes are at present being reviewed by the central board in consultation with the unions concerned.

28. Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for the Marine whether he is prepared to undertake a review of legislation on monofilament nets; if he has satisfied himself that the current legislation is being fully adhered to; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Wilson): I have had numerous consultations with representatives of various groups and organisations around the country concerning a number of salmon-related issues including the use of monofilament nets. The legislation in this regard is continually monitored by my Department as indeed are all aspects of fisheries legislation. I can say, however, as I have said previously in this House, that I have no plans at this stage to legalise monofilament netting in salmon fishing.

Regarding the Deputy's question on adherence to the legislation, I am satisfied that the regional fisheries boards in conjunction with the Naval Services are doing everything in their power to ensure that the legislation is being observed.

29. Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline the progress which has been made in the implementation of the decision of the Dublin EC Summit of June 1990 that the Commission open discussions with Brazil and other Amazonian Pact countries in relation to the destruction of tropical forests; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Collins): The Dublin European Council of [120] 25-26 June 1990 asked the Commission to open discussions as a matter of urgency with Brazil and other Amazonian Pact countries with a view to developing a concrete action programme involving the Community, its member states and these countries aimed at preventing the continuing and rapid destruction of tropical forests. Subsequently, the Group of 7 — the main industrialised countries—at the Houston Economic Summit of August 1991 expressed their willingness to co-operate with the Brazilian Government on this issue and requested the World Bank to prepare a proposal in close consultation with the EC Commission.

The World Bank, the Brazilian authorities and the EC Commission representatives met on a number of occasions in the latter part of 1990 and during the early months of this year, most recently last month, to work on the proposal and to prepare an agreed approach. While agreement has yet to be reached on a detailed programme, the following are the main elements under consideration: a programme of preservation, management and recovery of the resources of tropical forests; an international board for monitoring of activities under the programme and an appropriate time-frame and budget for the programme.

Progress on the contacts between the Commission, the Brazilian authorities and the World Bank have been discussed by the Council of Ministers on two occasions recently: at the Development Council on 27 May and at the Environment Council on 13 and 14 of this month. At both Councils, Ministers confirmed the importance it attaches to the rational management and the conservation of tropical forests, which are of vital importance both to the developing and to the developed countries.

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31. Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline (1) the number, (2) date, (3) location and (4) the estimated cost of each official foreign visit undertaken by him since appointment to the Government in 1989.

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Collins): Since becoming Minister for Foreign Affairs in July 1989 I have made the following official visits abroad:

Destination	Dates
Italy	24 Oct. 89 — 29 Oct. 89
Poland	21 Jan. 90 — 23 Jan. 90
Yugoslavia	23 Jan. 90 — 25 Jan. 90
Canada	8 Feb. 90 — 10 Feb. 90
Hungary	22 Feb. 90 — 23 Feb. 90
Bahrain	23 Feb. 90 — 24 Feb. 90
Saudi Arabia	24 Feb. 90 — 26 Feb. 90
Czechoslovakia	9 March 90 — 11 March 90
Luxembourg	3 April 90 — 4 April 90
Morocco	24 May 90 — 25 May 90
Singapore	30 July 90 — 2 Aug. 90
South Korea	4 Sept. 90 — 8 Sept. 90
Iran	21 Nov. 90 — 25 Nov. 90
Turkey	9 Jan. 91 — 13 Jan. 91
Bulgaria	13 Jan. 91 — 14 Jan. 91
Egypt	6 Feb. 91 — 10 Feb. 91
Germany	10 Feb. 91 — 16 Feb. 91
India	20 Feb. 91 — 25 Feb. 91
Mexico	19 March 91 — 24 March 91
Japan	15 April 91 — 20 April 91
Austria	6 June 91 — 9 June 91

By their nature, official visits are undertaken at the invitation of the host country. Accommodation and other costs, within that country are borne by the hosts.

In addition to the above, I regularly travel abroad to attend meetings and conferences in relation to European Community, United Nations and Anglo-Irish business. I also undertake travel abroad from time to time in a national representational capacity and to various international fora in keeping with our international and diplomatic commitments and obligations.

32. Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance when a C2 certificate will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

[122]Minister for Finance (Mr. A. Reynolds): I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that an application for a subcontractor's certificate of authorisation, form C2, was received from the taxpayer on 21 May 1991. On 6 June 1991, the inspector of taxes wrote to the taxpayer's agent requesting further information.

On receipt of a reply to that letter, the matter will be considered further.

33. Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if all Border posts between here and Northern Ireland will be dismantled as of 31 December 1992.

Minister for Finance (Mr. Reynolds): It is not possible to indicate at this stage the impact which completion of the internal market may have on existing customs arrangements along the Border with Northern Ireland after 1992. Decisions in many important areas still remain to be taken at EC level before the shape of the post-1992 arrangements can be finalised. While some controls on the land frontier will have to be discontinued it will still be necessary to have effective arrangements to control movement of certain goods. In any case, in order to preserve indirect tax revenues generally, in the post-1992 context, there will be need for preventive and enforcement operations within the State.

34. Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline his views on the estimates by the European Commission that the benefits to Europe arising from economic and monetary union will amount to £215 billion; and if he will further outline his views on whether sufficient Community powers now exist to ensure that all states will share proportionately in these benefits.

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35. Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether the EC Structural Funds, as constituted at present, are sufficient an instrument to ensure a fair distribution, within and between member states, of the benefits of (a) the EC single market and (b) the proposed EC Economic and Monetary Union.

Minister for Finance (Mr. A. Reynolds): I propose to take Questions Nos. 34 and 35 together.

While the Structural Funds are making a contribution to achieving cohesion, they are not sufficient in themselves to ensure an equitable distribution among member states of the benefits of the completion of the internal market or of the moves towards economic and monetary union.

In their communication on Economic and Monetary Union of 21 August 1990, the Commission stated that “...an aggregate estimate of the impact of Economic and Monetary Union is not feasible ...”. Nevertheless, the Commission's overall assessment was that EMU would yield substantial net benefits to the Community.

Ireland accept that EMU will be of significant advantage to the Community as a whole. However, it is a matter of concern that these benefits may not be distributed equitably. The amendments to the Treaty provisions on economic and social cohesion which Ireland has tabled at the Inter-governmental Conferences on EMU and on Political Union are designed to reinforce and extend existing mechanisms with a view, inter alia, to ensuring such equity.

36. Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline the action he expects the forthcoming EC Summit will take on the problem of unemployment in Europe.

Minister for Finance (Mr. A. Reynolds): Unemployment is not a specific agenda topic for the forthcoming European Council.

As the Deputy will be aware, the main [124] purpose of the meeting of the European Council will be to review progress in the Intergovernmental Conferences on Political Union and on Economic and Monetary Union.

Of course, all member states are very concerned about the problem of unemployment and, collectively and individually they are doing all in their power to create the conditions necessary for its resolution. In this context, the work of the ECOFIN Council is focussed sharply on the best means of reducing unemployment in the Community, in particular through the co-ordination of economic policies. The special significance which Ireland ascribes to the creation of additional employment in the Community is reflected in Treaty amendments which we have tabled in both Conferences. In particular we propose that full employment be enshrined in the Treaty as one of its basic principles.

37. Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline the action which has been taken by the EC pursuant to the decision of the EC Summit of December 1988 in Rhodes, that the Commission examine the special problems of island regions within the EC; if this study will include Ireland or parts thereof; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Finance (Mr. A. Reynolds): I am informed by the EC Commission that the following actions have been undertaken on foot of the decision of the EC Summit of December 1988 in Rhodes. A Community initiative has been established to provide Community assistance in the form of loans and grants to the most remote regions of the Community to finance operational programmes. The initiative referred to as REGIS covers Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Reunion, Canary Islands, Azores and Madeira and has the following objectives: to promote economic diversification; to consolidate the links between these regions and the rest [125] of the Community; to stimulate co-operation between neighbouring remote regions and between them and nearby non-member countries, particularly those enjoying preferential arrangements with the Community and, where appropriate, to increase their capacity to cope with natural disorders.

The Commission has published a preliminary overview of a major document in preparation called Europe 2000. The document aims to highlight the trends and pressures that are likely to shape land-use and physical planning within the Community at the beginning of the next century. The study which is expected to be published later this year will include consideration of coastal areas and islands particularly those heavily dependent on fisheries. The Commission has made a small amount of aid available to the Islands Commission of the Conference of Peripheral and Maritime Regions of the Community to help to develop projects of economic benefit especially those involving joint actions between islands. Some inhabited islands off the Irish coast are members of the Island Commission. The Commission has also developed proposals for Council decisions setting up programmes of options specific to the remote and insular nature of the Canary Islands (Poseican) and Madeira and the Azores (Poseima).

In addition the Commission has recently confirmed that it is in the process of considering, in line with the conclusion of the Rhodes European Council, 1988, the special socio-economic problems affecting certain island regions of the Community with a view to submitting at the proper time appropriate proposals.

38. Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if the objective of fiscal harmonisation in the road transport sector by 31 December 1990, set out by the EC Summit at Dublin in June 1990, was achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Finance (Mr. A. Reynolds): The objective of agreement, [126] by 31 December 1990, on fiscal harmonization in the road transport sector was not met.

Following the June 1990 Summit, extensive discussions on the Commission proposals for the sector took place within the framework of the Transport and ECOFIN Councils. Arising from these discussions, Presidency Conclusions, which set out the broad parameters of a harmonized regime for road transport, were noted by the ECOFIN Council on 8 April 1991. Further progress in this area is linked to a resolution of the wider issue of approximation of excise duty rates generally. The ECOFIN Council's consideration of this topic is scheduled to continue on 24 June 1991.

39. Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline the progress which has been made since the decision thereon at the EC Summit at Dublin in June 1990, in relation to opening up the market for public procurement of services; and if he will further outline the opportunities which this provides for Ireland in selling services to Governments of other member states.

Minister for Finance (Mr. A. Reynolds): As part of the internal market programme on public procurement, a draft directive for the co-ordination of procedures on the award of public service contracts was presented by the Commission of the European Communities to the European Council in December 1990.

The directive is aimed at opening the market for services purchased by public authorities to Community-wide competition along similar lines to the directives which are already in force covering supplies and works contracts. The directive has been discussed in a preliminary way at EC Council Working Party level and the views of the European Parliament have been sought. The detailed amendments proposed by the Parliament [127] are now being considered by the Commission and a modified proposal is expected shortly.

A proposal for a separate directive to cover services procurred by entities operating in the water, energy, transport and telecommunications sectors, which are not covered by the present proposal, is expected to be presented by the Commission possibly later this year.

These developments will give rise to extra opportunities for Irish suppliers of services. Córas Tráchtála Teoranta has been actively engaged in assisting potential Irish suppliers in identifying the new opportunities which the expanded European public procurement market will open for Irish exporters. As a part of this effort it has published extremely detailed public procurement guides, one for each of the 12 member states.

40. Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline the working assumption about the average level of unemployment for 1991 now in use for budgetary purposes in the light of the Taoiseach's statement in Dáil Éireann on Tuesday, 11 June 1991 on this matter.

Minister for Finance (Mr. A. Reynolds): I have already indicated to this House, on 25 April last, that, this year, I may have to provide for a somewhat higher average live register figure, perhaps 10,000 to 12,000 more, than provided for in the budget. The matter, of course, remains under continuing review in the light of developments on employment and migration. The Department's updated assessment will be published in Economic Review and Outlook in due course.

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41. Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if grant aid will be made available for bulk tank refrigeration to Kerry farmers and to farmers in other areas; and if he will outline the amount which has been allocated for this scheme.

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. O'Kennedy): The details of the assistance to farmers for expenditure on milk quality measures which I obtained during the recent EC prices negotiations are being finalised with the EC Commission at present.

I will make an announcement on the matter as soon as possible.

42. Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the current position regarding an application for a special beef premium subsidy in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and when payment will issue in this case.

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. O'Kennedy): This payment is being processed and will issue shortly.

43. Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has not received payment of a special beef premium for 25 animals.

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. O'Kennedy): Payment was not made on the 25 animals because 24 were sold without their identity cards being submitted as required and the remaining animal had already been ear-punched for premium.

44. Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has received complaints about a company (details supplied); if he has investigated these complaints; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter.

Minister for Industry and Commerce (Mr. O'Malley): I can confirm that a request was received to have the affairs of the company in question examined and that this request is under consideration.

I should like to explain, as a general matter, that I do not see the resolution [129] of difficulties which arise in the operation of individual companies as primarily a matter for me as Minister. Rather, the Companies Acts provide a statutory framework within which parties, like the present applicant, can seek to have their difficulties resolved.

In this regard, section 205 of the Companies Act, 1963 provides that a member of a company, who complains that the affairs of the company are being conducted in a manner oppressive to him, may apply to the courts for an order designed to remedy that state of affairs.

Alternatively, section 7 of the Companies Act, 1990, which will become operational on 1 July 1991, provides that a court may appoint inspectors to investigate the affairs of a company on the application of any one of a number of parties specified in the section.

I expect to be in a position to respond directly to the applicant shortly.

45. Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will outline the progress which has been made in relation to the implementation of the Single European Act in the field of intellectual property pursuant to the call by the EC Summit at Dublin in June 1990 for rapid completion of work thereon.

Minister for Industry and Commerce (Mr. O'Malley): I set out hereunder, a report giving the information requested by the Deputy.

Progress Report (at mid-June 1991) on intellectual property initiatives within the Community.

Patent Field

(i) Proposal for a Council Directive on the legal protection of biotechnological inventions.

Position: Under examination by Council Working Party. Awaiting opinion of the European Parliament.

(ii) Proposal for a Council Regulation [130] concerning the creation of a supplementary protection certificate for medicinal products.

Position: Under discussions at Council Working Party.

(iii) Agreement relating to Community Patents (which amends and replaces the Community Patent Convention of 1975).

Position: Entry into force is dependent upon ratification by all member states. The position is to be reviewed at the end of this year. Ireland has a constitutional problem which prevents us from ratifying.

Trade Mark Field

(i) Proposal for a Council Regulation establishing a Community trade mark system (and three related implementing Regulations).

Position: Technical aspects of Regulation almost settled.

(ii) Council Directive to approximate the laws of the member states relating to trade marks. (89/104/EEC).

Position: Adopted 21 December 1988. Will be implemented as part of a complete overhaul and updating of Irish trade mark law.

Copyright Field

(i) Council Directive on the legal protection of computer programmes. (91/250/EEC).

Position: Adopted 14 May 1991. Legislation to give effect to the directive in Ireland is currently under consideration.

(ii) Proposal for a decision that the member states will, by 31 December 1992, ratify or adhere to and comply with the 1971 Paris Act of the Berne Convention and with the Rome Convention of 26 October 1961.

Position: Under examination by Council Working Party.

(iii) Proposal for a directive on rental right, lending and certain neighbouring rights.

Position: Under examination by Council Working Party.

The following measures are contemplated by the Commission but are [131] not yet the subject of proposals to the Council.

(iv) A directive on home copying of sound and audiovisual recordings.

(v) A directive on the harmonisation of the legal protection of databases.

(vi) A directive on the harmonisation of the term of protection for copyright and certain neighbouring rights.

(vii) A directive on the co-ordination of certain rules concerning copyright and neighbouring rights applicable to satellite and cable broadcasting.

(viii) Subjects on which studies are planned by 31 December 1992 at the latest:

(a) Moral rights,

(b) Reprography,

(d) Collective management of copyright and neighbouring rights and collecting societies.

Topographies of Semi-Conductor Products

(i) Council Directive on the legal protection of topographies of semiconductor products (87/54/EEC).

Position: Adopted 16 December 1986 and given effect in Ireland from 13 May 1988 by S.I. 101 of 1988.

(ii) Council Decision on the extension of legal protection of topographies of semiconductor products in respect of persons from certain countries and territories. (88/311/EEC).

Position: Adopted 31 May 1988 and given effect in Ireland from 18 August 1988 by S.I. 208 of 1988.

(iii) Two Council decisions on the extension of legal protection of topographies of semiconductor products in respect of persons from certain countries and territories. (90/510 EC and 90/511 EC).

Position: Adopted 9 October 1990. Regulations to give effect to these in Ireland are drafted and will be signed [132] following clarification by the Office of the Attorney General of certain legal issues.

46. Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Labour if he will outline the action being taken on the proposal in paragraph 272 of NESC Report No. 90 that there should be an EC funded project to build a close working relationship between FÁS and the equivalent United Kingdom manpower authorities on the transitional problems faced by Irish emigrants to the United Kingdom.

Minister for Labour (Mr. B. Ahern: Following consideration of a report on the difficulties encountered by Irish emigrants going to Great Britain, a working party comprising representatives of FÁS, the British Employment Service and voluntary organisations recommended the setting up of a transfrontier committee (TFC) to oversee migratory movements between Ireland and Britain.

Such committees have already been established in other member states which have a high degree of labour mobility such as France and Italy, Germany and the Netherlands. They are supported and funded by the European Community. They comprise a combination of employment, training and careers staff of both countries.

The committees' main functions are to examine and to identify the difficulties and barriers encountered by workers in the context of promoting the free movement of workers within the Community and to initiate action and solutions to mitigate or eliminate such difficulties.

The UK-Ireland Committee is made up of representatives from the UK Employment Service and Department of Employment Training Directorate, FÁS and representatives from the voluntary sector in both countries.

The first meeting of the committee took place on 13 and 14 June 1991. The intention is that it will meet every three months.

The agreed terms of reference of the committee are as follows: to provide [133] appropriate support for workers seeking to move between Ireland and the United Kingdom; to minimise the difficulties of entry to employment and training markets by arriving or returning migrants by identifying the needs of migrant workers in order to enable the provision of an easily identifiable and readily accessible series of services and activities, e.g., placement, training, counselling and information on the labour markets in Ireland and the United Kingdom; devising ways and means whereby the availability of such services can be brought to the attention of the public at large; advising on and promoting pre-departure information and placement services in Ireland including the discouragement of unplanned and involuntary migration from Ireland.

At their first meeting the committee considered a number of possible initiatives relating to preventing unplanned migration, providing services for arriving migrants and improving the flow of information between relevant agencies. The Inter-Parliamentary Group established under the Anglo-Irish Agreement have welcomed this initiative.

The setting up of the committee represents a further step on behalf of the Government to improve the information and advisory services for emigrants in line with recent recommendations made by the National Economic and Social Council in their report on migration.

47. Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Social Welfare if his Department will now allow a free electricity allowance to a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim which was lodged on 25 April 1991.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods): The claim by the person concerned to a free electricity allowance is currently with the social welfare officer for investigation. His previous applications for this allowance had to be rejected as his son was residing with him.

The social welfare officer called to the [134] claimant's residence early in May to determine if the composition of his household had changed. However, nobody was available for interview on that occasion. A further visit will be made shortly.

As soon as the investigation is completed, an early decision on his entitlement to this allowance will be made and he will be notified of the outcome immediately.

48. Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Meath will receive money for school uniforms for her daughters commencing school in September 1991; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods): Earlier this week I announced details of an improved back-to-school clothing and footwear scheme for 1991. The scheme, which I introduced last year, is designed to assist recipients of social welfare and health board payments in meeting the cost of children's school uniforms and footwear.

The scheme, which is administered by the regional health boards, will commence on 1 July to ensure that families can receive their payments well in advance of the start of the school year. Health boards will continue to accept applications until the end of September and intending applicants should apply to the community welfare officer at their local health centre.

The North-Eastern Health Board have indicated that an application has not been received from the person mentioned in the Deputy's question.

I have made a number of changes to this year's scheme with the result that it is now significantly improved on last year's scheme. Income limits have been standardised throughout the country and for the first time family income supplement recipients have been included in the scheme.

An additional improvement will mean that long term recipients including family income supplement recipients, will [135] receive the allowance for children up to 21 years who are in full-time education. The allowance, which is £40 for each eligible child in second level education and £25 for each eligible child in primary education represents a welcome boost for families faced with back-to-school expenses.

49. Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in determining the appeal of means in the old age pension application of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if an immediate decision will be made with a view towards awarding an increase.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods): The person concerned had his old age non-contributory pension reduced by a deciding officer as a result of a re-assessment of his means. He appealed this decision to the independent social welfare appeals office and his case was examined by an appeals officer who considered that the assessment was fair and reasonable and who therefore disallowed the appeal.

Unfortunately, as the case was associated with a relative's file, who also had an appeal under consideration separately, there was a delay in the appeals officer's decision.

50. Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Justice the number of crimes reported in the Knocklyon area of Dublin 16 in each year from 1987-90.

51. Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Justice the number of crimes committed in the Rathfarnham area of Dublin 16 in each of the years from 1987-90.

Minister for Justice (Mr. Burke): I propose to take Questions Nos. 50 and 51 together.

Crime statistics are recorded on the [136] basis of Garda sub-districts. The number of indictable crimes recorded in the Rathfarnham sub-district which includes the Knocklyon area for the years 1987-90 are set out in the tabular statement below.

Table

Year	Number of Indictable Crimes
1987	1,520
1988	1,302
1989	1,413
1990*	1,401

* 1990 figures are provisional.

52. Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for the Environment if a first time house buyer's grant will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 16.

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment (Mr. Connolly): A grant cannot be approved, as contrary to a condition of the scheme, a C2 number or a tax clearance certificate expiry date has not been provided in respect of the builder.

53. Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for the Environment if he will consider changing the register of voters procedure to allow for the removal of the letter D from the front of the names of British citizens of the register of electors in view of the security risk involved.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Flynn): For the purpose of the conduct of elections, it will continue to be necessary to distinguish the different categories of electors registered in the register of electors.

54. Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment if a house improvement grant will now be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim.

[137]Minister of State at the Department of the Environment (Mr. Connolly): The grant will be paid as soon as possible.

[138]

55. Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for the Environment the reason for the delay by his Department in relation to the Nenagh regional water supply scheme; whether the comprehensive report on tenders by the county council's engineers and consulting engineers, which was submitted to his Department in March 1991, has yet been presented to him for financial allocation; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this delay will cause (1) a 15 per cent increase in the cost to the taxpayer and (2) continuous problems in the water supplies of the Tipperary North Riding Area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Flynn): My Department are continuing their examination of this proposal on the basis of additional information requested and recently received from Tipperary North Riding County Council.

56. Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment if he will outline the amounts received in road tax returns per county in 1990; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Flynn): The information requested is set out in the following table:

County	Motor Tax	Other Receipts	Total Receipts
	(1)	(2)	(3)
	£000	£000	£000
Carlow	1,811	149	1,960
Cavan	2,306	185	2,491
Clare	3,748	290	4,038
Cork	17,781	1,398	19,179
Donegal	4,400	402	4,802
Galway	7,053	515	7,568
Kerry	5,074	397	5,471
Kildare	4,979	384	5,363
Kilkenny	3,325	239	3,564
Laoighis	2,246	172	2,418
Leitrim	998	92	1,090
Limerick	4,963	366	5,329
Longford	1,238	100	1,338
Louth	3,319	266	3,585
Mayo	4,162	345	4,507
Meath	4,588	334	4,922
Monaghan	2,323	193	2,516
Offaly	2,275	180	2,455
Roscommon	2,181	184	2,365
Sligo	2,279	179	2,458
Tipperary NR	2,669	206	2,875
Tipperary SR	3,367	231	3,598
Waterford	2,058	154	2,212
Westmeath	2,558	197	2,755
Wexford	4,401	342	4,743
Wicklow	3,784	295	4,079
County Boroughs
Dublin	39,749	2,718	42,467
Limerick	4,963	366	5,329
Waterford	1,481	118	1,599
Total	142,800	10,771	153,571

Notes:

1. The figures are rounded to the nearest £1,000.

2. Column 2: the figures comprise fees for driver licensing, vehicle testing, trailer licensing, public service vehicle licensing and other miscellaneous items.

[139]

57. Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment if he will outline the allocation of rates support grant per county in 1990; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Flynn): The information requested is set out in the following table.

Rate Support Grant — Total Payments 1990.

County Councils	£
Carlow	1,853,000
Cavan	3,739,314
Clare	128,000
Cork	9,721,150
Donegal	5,298,482
Dublin	19,342,609
Galway	7,062,796
Kerry	3,405,287
Kildare	4,126,000
Kilkenny	3,388,915
Laois	2,933,638
Leitrim	2,311,481
Limerick	5,436,931
Longford	2,042,000
Louth	2,451,988
Mayo	6,080,542
Meath	4,672,000
Monaghan	3,229,184
Offaly	2,188,000
Roscommon	4,474,055
Sligo	2,908,299
Tipperary NR	3,139,565
Tipperary SR	4,156,329
Waterford	3,686,987
Westmeath	3,092,573
Wexford	4,370,832
Wicklow	3,378,000
County Boroughs
Cork	4,4000,000
Dublin	22,342,827
Galway	1,914,739
Limerick	2,327,115
Waterford	1,173,000
Urban District Councils
Arklow	253,000
Athlone	302,000
Athy	60,000
Ballina	202,000
Ballinasloe	140,462
Birr	121,000
Bray	851,000
[140]Buncrana	64,801
Bundoran	78,000
Carlow	76,000
Carrickmacross	47,746
Carrick-on-Suir	100,000
Cashel	69,000
Castlebar	196,000
Castleblayney	37,000
Cavan	106,000
Ceanannus Mór	41,833
Clonakilty	58,000
Clones	78,000
Clonmel	419,000
Cobh	247,000
Drogheda	600,000
Dundalk	972,671
Dungarvan	179,000
Dún Laoghaire	3,712,850
Ennis	177,087
Enniscorthy	79,281
Fermoy	69,000
Kilkenny	309,000
Killarney	144,000
Kilrush	46,940
Kinsale	40,911
Letterkenny	140,022
Listowel	162,000
Longford	155,670
Macroom	58,000
Mallow	111,000
Midleton	69,000
Monaghan	178,948
Naas	33,353
Navan	64,000
Nenagh	107,000
New Ross	143,100
Skibbereen	70,719
Sligo	395,000
Templemore	77,000
Thurles	98,000
Tipperary	81,000
Tralee	406,000
Trim	50,000
Tullamore	106,000
Westport	93,000
Wexford	301,000
Wicklow	114,000
Youghal	139,000

58. Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for the Environment if a sewerage scheme has been submitted by Galway County Council for 12 houses on the Monivea Road at Ballybane, Galway; and when sanction for this scheme will issue.

[141]Minister for the Environment (Mr. Flynn): There are no proposals before my Department for a sewerage scheme to serve this area.

59. Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment the progress which has been made on the implementation of the decision in Annex II of the conclusions of the Dublin EC Summit that there be regular reviews of environmental policies of member states, and published reports thereon; if a review policy in Ireland has yet been undertaken under this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Flynn): Annex II of the conclusions of the European Council, at its meeting in Dublin on 25-26 June 1990, included an invitation to the EC Commission to conduct regular reviews of Community environmental legislation and its implementation and enforcement by member states. The fifth action programme on the environment, which the Commission is currently preparing, is expected inter alia to address this matter.

As regards the review of national environment policy, I would refer to the reply to Question No. 66 of 7 May 1991 which stated that a detailed progress report on the implementation of the environmental action programme will be published shortly by my Department.

[142]

60. Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment if he will outline the action which has been taken by the European Community pursuant to the decision of the EC Summit at Dublin in 1990, that research and environmental monitoring be intensified to achieve a better understanding of the phenomena involved in global climatic change; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Flynn): An EC research programme on climate change and natural hazards (EPOCH) is already under way and a number of projects have been assisted under it. In addition, the overall Community framework research programme, currently before the Council of Ministers, includes a specific programme on environmental research and, under its auspices, research on climate change will be further assisted.

I would also refer to the reply to Question No. 34 of 11 June 1991 which refers to studies commissioned by my Department on the impact of possible climate change on Ireland. These will be published shortly.

61. Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be admitted for surgery by the Eastern Health Board.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon): The person concerned is on the waiting list for cardiac surgery at the Mater Hospital. The scheduling of surgery is a matter for the clinical judgement of the consultant concerned. However, if this person feels that she needs more immediate attention, she should contact her general practitioner who would be in the best position to highlight her case to her consultant.

The Deputy will be pleased to know that, in order to increase cardiac surgery activity from 500 to 750 by-pass operations per annum, I recently provided special funds for the provision of ten additional cardiac beds at the Mater Hospital.

Cardiac surgery services are also available at Cork Regional Hospital. It is open to the patient's general practitioner to refer her to the cardiac surgery unit at Cork Regional Hospital, if considered appropriate.

[143]

62. Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo can expect a call for a heart operation.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon): The person concerned is on the waiting list for cardiac surgery at the Mater Hospital. The scheduling of surgery is a matter for the clinical judgment of the consultant concerned. However, if this person feels that she needs more immediate attention, she should contact her general practitioner who would be in the best position to highlight her case to her consultant.

63. Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Health if he will make a grant available from the national lottery funds to the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association which has received no assistance from the State to date.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon): I will consider the case for a grant to the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association in conjunction with the many other applications for assistance from the limited lottery funds at my disposal.

64. Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Health if he will list motor neurone disease as a long term illness to enable sufferers to acquire a long term illness card.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon): I do not intend to extend the list of conditions covered by the long term illness scheme.

Persons with this condition who in the [144] opinion of the chief executive officer of the appropriate health board are unable to meet their medical costs without undue hardship will be granted a medical card. Other persons with the condition are entitled to a drug cost subsidisation card which limits their expenditure on prescribed medicines to £32 per month.

65. Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the steps which have been taken to fulfil the decision of the EC Summit at Dublin in June 1990 that there be a conference under the auspices of the Pompidou Group on the problem of drugs and organised crime.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon): Following the decision of the meeting of the Heads of State, which was held in Dublin in June 1990 under the Irish Presidency of the EC, the first Pan-European Ministerial Conference on Co-operation on Illicit Drug Abuse problems was held, under the auspices of the Pompidou Group in Oslo from 9 to 11 May 1991.

The conference, which was attended by Ministers from western and eastern European countries, was provided with an overview of the drug situation in the changing Europe and discussed all aspects of the drug problem, in Europe, ranging from demand reduction to the supply and trafficking of illicit drugs.

The conference agreed on an extensive programme of action, under the following headings: assessment of the situation, information and epidemiology; reduction of the supply of drugs; action against trafficking; co-operation on criminal justice matters; prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and social reintegration of drug misusers; and further development of co-operation within the European region.

[145]

66. Mrs. Taylor-Quinn asked the Minister for Education if a grant will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Clare through the European Social Fund for 1989-90, and through her Department and Clare County Council for the year 1991-92.

Minister for Education (Mrs. O'Rourke): In accordance with the terms of clause 5 (d) of the 1988 higher education grants scheme, the relevant scheme in this case, a grant is not payable in respect of a second period of college attendance at any particular level.

It is understood that the person in question was in receipt of a higher education grant in respect of a two year certificate course in journalism at the College of Commerce, Rathmines, during 1988-89 and 1989-90. Accordingly, a higher education grant could not be made payable in this case until the third year of a new course.

The person referred to was assessed for training grant purposes under the European Social Fund scheme by the authorities at Rathmines College of Commerce and was found to be ineligible.

67. Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Education the date from which pupils will be able to use only one set of leaving certificate results for CAO purposes; the reason for this decision; and her views on whether the pupils of that specific year suffer a disadvantage in that they have to compete against students able to double results without being able to do the same themselves.

Minister for Education (Mrs. O'Rourke): No applicant for a third level place will be disadvantaged by the decision referred to by the Deputy since on and from the 1992-93 academic year no applicant will be able to use results from more than one sitting of the leaving certificate for points purposes. The decision was taken to remove the inequity that existed in some applicants being in a position to accumulate results from a [146] number of sittings of the leaving certificate to improve their points score.

68. Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education if she will outline (a) the projected enrolments in second level schools in the Tallaght area for 1991-92, (b) if her attention has been drawn to the concern in relation to present and future provision for pupils in local second level schools for the Aylesbury and Old Bawn areas, (c) whether her attention has further been drawn to the fact that the principals of local second level schools recognise the existence of a shortage of places, (d) if she has discussed with school principals a strategy for overcoming the shortage of places and (e) if she will assure parents that the Department is examining this problem, which is a source of worry to parents in the area.

Minister for Education (Mrs. O'Rourke): The projected enrolments in second level schools in the Tallaght area for the 1991-92 school year are as follows:

Community Schools
Tallaght	925
Oldbawn	831
Killinarden	855
Brookfield	540
Springfield	1,068
Community Colleges
Firhouse	915
Jobstown	440

The total projected enrolment is 5,574 pupils in the seven schools which have accommodation for a total of 6,400 pupils. There is, therefore, no shortage of pupil places in the Tallaght area.

I am aware that a number of pupils had initial difficulties in finding a place in the school, or schools, nearest their homes. Officials of my Department have had discussions on the matter with school principals in the Tallaght area and with representatives of the Tallaght Education Council. I now understand that the problems relating to pupils enrolling for the coming school year have been satisfactorily resolved.

[147] My Department will continue to monitor the enrolment and accommodation situation at post-primary level in Tallaght on a regular basis.

69. Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education if she will allocate funds or approve the provision of an extension to Newtown national school, Enfield, County Kildare, for the accommodation of equipment; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Mrs. O'Rourke): My Department have recently received a request from the chairman of the board of management of the above named school for minor works and this matter will be dealt with expeditiously.

70. Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Education the reason the work on Ballinora national school, County Cork, has not been completed; if the builder is owed money by her Department; and, if so, if she will immediately make arrangements to pay the builder and complete the outstanding work.

Minister for Education (Mrs. O'Rourke): The work on the extension to Ballinora national school, County Cork, has been completed except for a few minor items which will be brought to the attention of the contractor with a view to having them attended to.

The final account for the project has recently been submitted by the contractor and this is being examined by the supervising architect. In the meantime, I will arrange for an appropriate interim payment to issue to the contractor pending agreement on the final account.

[148]

71. Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of the Army hospital at Collins Barracks in Cork; and if it will remain open.

Minister for Defence (Mr. Daly): I would refer the Deputy to the reply to Question No. 77 of 19 June 1991.

72. Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications whether he has received a request for a capital grant from Iarnród Éireann towards the reopening of Sallins railway station, County Kildare, for commuter traffic; if he will favourably consider such a request; if any research has been done to determine the possibility of such a proposal; whether EC funds are available for such matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications (Mr. S. Brennan): I have not received any request from CIE for a capital grant towards the re-opening of Sallins railway station, County Kildare, for commuter traffic. The question of re-opening the station is, under the Transport Acts, a matter entirely for Iarnród Éireann.

The company have informed me that market research which it has carried out in the area indicates that demand is insufficient to justify reopening the station at this stage.