Dan Neville
Ceist:72. Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the construction of the extension to a school (details supplied) in County Limerick. [12408/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraWritten Answers Nos. 72 - 79
72. Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the construction of the extension to a school (details supplied) in County Limerick. [12408/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraResponsibility for the delivery of an extension to the school referred to by the Deputy has been devolved to Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (ETB). The Design Team appointed by the ETB are currently completing the Stage 2a Submission (Developed Sketch Design). When complete, consideration will be given to allowing the ETB proceed to Stage 2b - Detailed Design, which involves obtaining planning permission, fire certificate and disability access certificate and the completion of tender documents.
73. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of whole school evaluations that were conducted by his Department in the years 2010 to 2013, inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12411/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's Inspectorate conducted more than 15,000 inspections using a range of evaluation models in the period 2010 to 2013. This included 1,346 whole-school evaluations conducted in primary and post-primary schools. The breakdown by year is as follows: 2010 (318 WSE), 2011 (391 WSE), 2012 (346 WSE) and 2013 (291 WSE). The number of whole-school evaluations conducted towards the end of 2012 and in 2013 was reduced somewhat to accommodate advisory visits to schools by inspectors to support the implementation of self-evaluation. Inspectors conducted more than 3,700 such support visits to schools. The period 2010-2013 was a period of significant reform in the work of the Inspectorate. Substantial changes were made to support the delivery of an effective quality assurance system for Irish schools in the context of reduced staffing numbers in the Inspectorate. Those reforms included the development of new forms of whole-school evaluation at both levels.
74. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of applications that were received in 2012 and 2013 for capital grants for extensions for primary and secondary schools; of those received, the number that were successful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12417/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that details of all school capital works that have been funded by my Department may be viewed on my Department's website at www.education.ie and this is updated on a regular basis. For the Deputy's convenience, a list of the major new school and extension projects that were completed nationally in 2012 and 2013 will be forwarded to the Deputy. The five-year School Construction Plan announced on 9 March 2012 (which is also detailed on the website), provides for a €2 billion school capital investment programme to 2016, of which €1.5 billion is being allocated to fund major school projects with the balance needed for the additional accommodation scheme, the prefab replacement initiative, the acquisition of sites and other works.
The primary aim at the core of the Five Year Plan is focussed on meeting demographic demands to ensure that every child will have access to a physical school place and that our school system is in a position to cope with increasing pupil numbers. The Plan prioritises major school projects in areas where future significant demographic changes have been identified. Further to the Five Year Plan, my Department is committed to publishing a detailed annual programme in relation to individual major school projects commencing construction. In December 2011, details of 56 major school building projects scheduled to commence construction in 2012, the first year of the Plan, were published. In December 2012, details of 50 major school building projects were announced to commence construction in 2013, the second year of the Plan (both Plans available on my Department's website). Details of the building projects that are projected to commence construction in 2014 will be announced later this year.
In addition, due to additional funding made available for the schools' building programme as part of the Government's "Investing in Infrastructure & Jobs" package announced earlier this year, 28 school projects that were not contained in the 5 year programme but have completed extensive architectural planning are now being progressed to tender and construction. A project for a replacement school in County Kildare is included in this package. The Deputy will be aware that under the Prefab Replacement Initiative 2012, approval was given to 170 schools nationally to replace 458 prefab units with permanent accommodation. In excess of €42 million was allocated for this initiative. In June 2013, I announced a further initiative to replace prefab units with permanent accommodation. A total of €15 million has been allocated in 2013/2014 for this purpose. Forty-six schools, with 115 prefab units, will be offered grants to provide the new facilities. Replacing prefabs is part of this Government's €475 million education infrastructure plan for 2014. The Plan will provide modern, high quality accommodation for pupils and teachers.
The Deputy will also be aware of my announcement on 7th November of an additional €70 million for school improvement works. This comprises a once-off payment of over €28 million to primary schools as part of the Minor Works Scheme and a further €40 million to facilitate the re-introduction of the Summer Works Scheme for 2014. In addition, there were 823 applications for devolved funding for the provision of additional accommodation in 2012 and 2013. 595 applications were successful details of which may be viewed on my Department's website.
Primary |
County |
Roll No |
School |
Year |
Primary |
Carlow |
17127S |
St Joseph's NS |
2013 |
Primary |
Carlow |
20295K |
Carlow Educate Together NS |
2013 |
Primary |
Cavan |
18857O |
SN Carraig a Bruis |
2013 |
Primary |
Clare |
15042A |
Ennis NS |
2013 |
Primary |
Cork |
17609N |
Rathcormac NS |
2013 |
Primary |
Cork |
20006A |
Gaelscoil Mhichil Ui Choileáin |
2013 |
Primary |
Cork |
20310D |
Carrigaline ETNS |
2013 |
Post Primary |
Cork |
81008W |
Ashton Comprehensive School, Blackrock Road |
2013 |
Primary |
Cork |
20335T |
Rochestown Primary School |
2013 |
Primary |
Donegal |
16672P |
St Patrick's NS |
2013 |
Primary |
Donegal |
18052S |
Scoil Mhuire gan Smal, Letterkenny |
2013 |
Primary |
Donegal |
19971R |
Gaelscoil Adhamhainn |
2013 |
Primary |
Dublin |
18046A |
Scoil Bhride B, Blanchardstown |
2013 |
Primary |
Dublin |
20307O |
Skerries ETNS |
2013 |
Primary |
Dublin Fingal |
20241K |
Scoil Choilm NS |
2013 |
Primary |
Galway |
20199O |
Oughterard NS |
2013 |
Primary |
Kildare |
17674B |
SN Aine Naofa |
2013 |
Primary |
Kildare |
18018S |
Scoil Bhride NS |
2013 |
Primary |
Laois |
17064U |
Scoil Padraig |
2013 |
Primary |
Laois |
20081O |
Gaelscoil Portlaoise |
2013 |
Primary |
Laois |
20347D |
Portlaoise ETNS |
2013 |
Primary |
Laois |
14838N |
Maryborough NS |
2013 |
Primary |
Louth |
20259G |
St Francis NS |
2013 |
Post Primary |
Meath |
71960I |
Dunshaughlin Community College |
2013 |
Primary |
Meath |
20179I |
St Stephen's NS |
2013 |
Primary |
Monaghan |
19936P |
Gaelscoil Ultain |
2013 |
Primary |
Sligo |
19495L |
Carbury NS |
2013 |
Primary |
Wexford |
20057R |
Gaelscoil Inis Corthaidh |
2013 |
Primary |
Wexford |
20165U |
Gaelscoil Moshiólóg |
2013 |
Primary |
Wicklow |
20300A |
Greystones ETNS |
2013 |
Primary |
Wicklow |
20301C |
Gaelscoil na gCloch Liath |
2013 |
Post Primary |
Dublin |
76213T |
Lusk Community College |
2013 |
Post Primary |
Dublin Fingal |
76130P |
Luttrellstown Community College |
2013 |
Post Primary |
Donegal |
76081F |
Coláiste Ailigh - PPP Project |
2013 |
Post Primary |
Galway City |
62970K |
Colaiste Iognaid SJ |
2013 |
Post Primary |
Galway County |
76233C |
Coláiste Bhaile Chláir |
2013 |
Post Primary |
Kilkenny |
61580P |
Loreto Secondary School |
2013 |
Post Primary |
Limerick City |
64240G |
St Munchin's College |
2013 |
Post Primary |
Limerick City |
64201T |
Ard Scoil Ris |
2013 |
Post Primary |
Louth |
63920A |
Dundalk Grammar School |
2013 |
Post Primary |
Monaghan |
76091I |
Gaelcholaiste Oiriall |
2013 |
Post Primary |
Monaghan |
76095Q |
Monaghan Institute of Further Education |
2013 |
Post Primary |
Tipperary NR |
72370P |
Borrisokane Community College |
2013 |
Post Primary |
Tipperary |
72430H |
Scoil Ruain, Killenaule |
2013 |
Post Primary |
Westmeath |
63290Q |
Loreto College |
2013 |
Primary |
Carlow |
17501Q |
Bennekerry NS, Bennykerry |
2012 |
Primary |
Cork |
13450F |
Rushbrooke NS, Cobh |
2012 |
Primary |
Cork |
16746S |
Ballygarvan NS |
2012 |
Primary |
Cork |
17667E |
SN Pádraig Naofa, Whitechurch |
2012 |
Primary |
Cork |
19839R |
Gaelscoil Uí Riordán, Ballincollig |
2012 |
Primary |
Dublin |
16675V |
Mulhuddart National School |
2012 |
Primary |
Dublin |
19373U |
St. Michael's House Special School, Kish House, Greendale Road, D5 |
2012 |
Primary |
Dublin |
20223I |
Gaelscoil Eiscir Riada, Lucan |
2012 |
Primary |
Dublin |
20348F |
Holywell ET, Swords |
2012 |
Primary |
Dublin |
20269J |
Scoil Chormaic, Balbriggan |
2012 |
Primary |
Galway |
08512U |
Iomair NS, Killimor |
2012 |
Primary |
Kerry |
17646T |
O'Brennan NS, Kielduff, Tralee |
2012 |
Primary |
Kerry |
20197K |
Kenmare NS, Kenmare |
2012 |
Primary |
Kildare |
20058T |
Sc Uí Fhiach, Maynooth |
2012 |
Primary |
Laois |
07442U |
Convent of Mercy NS, Borris in Ossory |
2012 |
Primary |
Laois |
17617M |
Scoil Chomhgain Naofa, Killeshin |
2012 |
Primary |
Limerick |
13026P |
Kilfinane National School |
2012 |
Primary |
Limerick |
18991S |
JFK Memorial School, Ennis Road |
2012 |
Primary |
Louth |
20205G |
St Mary's Parish School, Drogheda |
2012 |
Primary |
Louth |
20349H |
Scoil Oilibhéir Naofa |
2012 |
Primary |
Meath |
17213L |
SN Mhuire, Ma Nealta, Ceannanus Mór |
2012 |
Primary |
Meath |
17821L |
Scoil Nais Mhuire Naofa, Enfield, Co Meath |
2012 |
Primary |
Offaly |
17637S |
SN Sheosaimh Naofa, Beál Átha na gCarr, Tullamore |
2012 |
Primary |
Tipperary |
15696B |
Silvermines National School |
2012 |
Primary |
Wicklow |
09760V |
Powerscourt NS, Powerscourt, Enniskerry |
2012 |
Primary |
Cork |
18279A |
St. Mary's NS, Waterpark, Carrigaline |
2012 |
Primary |
Donegal |
17268N |
SN An Br M O Cleirigh, Creevy, Ballyshannon |
2012 |
Primary |
Dublin |
00697S |
St. Brigid's NS, Castleknock, Dublin 15 |
2012 |
Primary |
Dublin |
17936F |
Scoil Eoin Baisde Snr, Clontarf (see also 19006Q) |
2012 |
Primary |
Dublin |
18324C |
Scoil Bride C, Palmerstown |
2012 |
Primary |
Dublin |
19006Q |
Scoil Eoin Baisde B Sois, Clontarf (see also 17936F) |
2012 |
Primary |
Dublin |
19374W |
Garran Mhuire, Goatstown, Dublin 14 |
2012 |
Primary |
Dublin |
20302E |
Thornleigh Educate Together NS, Thornleigh Green, Swords |
2012 |
Primary |
Kildare |
20114D |
Scoil Brid, Naas |
2012 |
Primary |
Laois |
15556I |
Portarlington Convent NS |
2012 |
Primary |
Laois |
20071L |
Scoil Bhríde, Rathdowney |
2012 |
Primary |
Mayo |
20142I |
Scoil Íosa, Abbeyquarter, Ballyhaunis |
2012 |
Primary |
Offaly |
18267Q |
Croinchoill NS, Birr |
2012 |
Primary |
Wexford |
17017L |
SN Phádraig, Crossabeg |
2012 |
Post Primary |
Cavan |
61060M |
St Patrick's College, Cavan, Co. Cavan |
2012 |
Post Primary |
Dublin |
60450U |
Coláiste Mhuire na mBráithre, Cabra |
2012 |
Post Primary |
Meath |
76103M |
Colaiste Na hInse, Laytown |
2012 |
Post Primary |
Offaly |
65610S |
Colaiste Choilm, O'Moore Street, Tullamore |
2012 |
Post Primary |
Sligo |
65170Q |
Summerhill College, Sligo |
2012 |
Post Primary |
Waterford |
64970U |
Coláiste na Maighdine, Presentation Secondary School |
2012 |
Post Primary |
Wicklow |
61800D |
Presentation College, Bray |
2012 |
Post Primary |
Dublin Fingal |
60010P |
Loreto Secondary School, Balbriggan |
2012 |
Post Primary |
Kerry |
61440W |
St Mary's CBS, Tralee |
2012 |
Post Primary |
Kildare |
61710C |
Meánscoil Iognáid Ris, Naas |
2012 |
Post Primary |
Meath |
63870L |
Drogheda Grammar School |
2012 |
Post Primary |
Roscommon |
65100S |
Scoil Mhuire, Strokestown, |
2012 |
Post Primary |
Tipperary NR |
65470F |
Ursuline Convent, Thurles |
2012 |
Post Primary |
Tipperary NR |
72440K |
Nenagh VS, Nenagh |
2012 |
75. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide in tabular form the reports, reviews and studies commissioned by him or his Department or agencies under the aegis of his Department since 9 March 2011; the date on which they were commissioned; the date on which they were completed; the date on which they were published; the cost of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12429/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is currently being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy shortly. With regard to bodies under the aegis of my Department, the information sought is a matter for each agency and is not collated centrally. Information details of agencies under the remit of my Department can be downloaded from the Department website, the information is updated when any relevant changes occur. http://www.education.ie.
76. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will ensure that our waterways, streams and rivers for which he has responsibility in the Castleisland area will be cleaned of branches, and so on, that are growing into these streams and rivers and obstructing the natural way of the water. [12241/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works has responsibility for approximately 11,500 km of arterial drainage channels, about 2,200 km being subject to routine maintenance each year as part of an ongoing programme of arterial drainage maintenance. This leads to an average cycle of maintenance taking place just over once every 5 years. This work is carried out to ensure the State's investment in the Arterial Drainage schemes continues to provide the intended benefits. Castleisland is within the River Maine catchment and is maintained as part of the OPW's arterial drainage responsibilities in this area.
While significant damage to many of the OPW assets on the River Maine catchment occurred during the storms in the early part of this year, the OPW is currently in the process of rectifying these issues, including the removal of any obstructions to the natural flow of the watercourses where appropriate. Emphasis has to date been placed on any major blockages within the system and I am advised that these have been addressed as a matter of priority and the OPW is continuing to deal with the issues as quickly as possible with the resources available.
77. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will consider setting up one unit within the public service to conduct means tests for all means-tested payments administered by different Departments and State agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12269/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government's new Public Service Reform Plan 2014-16, which I published in January, has a strong emphasis on continuing to drive reduced costs and greater efficiency, alongside an increased focus on citizen engagement and improving outcomes for service users. We will continue to examine ways to reduce the administrative burden on the public by eliminating duplication and developing shared approaches to delivering services such as means testing.
At present, the shared services strategy in the Public Service is concentrating on back office services, including human resources and pensions administration, payroll and financial management. Major initiatives in these areas make up the focus of shared service effort at present. International best practice and experience in the public sector demonstrates the critical importance of concentrating in the first instance on these back office services where public servants are themselves the ultimate customer. I am satisfied with the progress we are making based on this approach. This and other areas of progress on the implementation of the Public Service Reform Plan are set out in the recently published progress report, which is available at www.reformplan.gov.ie.
More specifically, the Departments involved in means testing would be expected to review their business processes and consider opportunities for appropriate collaboration. In addition, the Deputy will be aware that the Heads of a Data-Sharing and Governance Bill are being prepared by my Department. It is intended that this will include provisions defining a common means data set for an individual which could be shared between specified bodies.
78. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of times he and officials in his Department have met a company (details supplied) or its representatives since he took office; if he will provide details, in tabular form, of the dates of each meeting; the names of the company representatives involved; the titles of the departmental officials involved; the reason for each meeting; the matters discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12377/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to the Deputy's question I can confirm that neither I, nor any member of staff in my Department, have the company concerned and/or their representatives. I did attend an event in China in 2013 which the Chairman of the company concerned also attended in another capacity.
79. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide in tabular form the reports, reviews and studies commissioned by him or his Department or agencies under the aegis of his Department since 9 March 2011; the date on which they were commissioned; the date on which they were completed; the date on which they were published; the cost of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12436/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following table outlines the total amount spent on reports, reviews and studies commissioned by my Department, and those under my aegis, since its inception in 2011:
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform - Reports, Reviews and Studies commissioned since 9 March 2011 |
||||
Report / Review / Study |
Costs |
Date of Commission |
Date or Expected Date of Publication |
Name of External Consultant |
Independent verification of savings arising under the Public Service Agreement |
€35,819.80 |
16 May 2011 |
June 2011 |
MKO Partners Ltd |
Research on Reasons Behind Voter Behaviour in the Oireachtas Inquiry Referendum 2011 |
€41,043.20 |
23 November 2011 |
January 2012 |
Red C Research and Marketing Ltd. |
Options for the next National Lottery licence |
€615 (including VAT) |
7th February 2012 |
N/A (The final Report was completed and submitted to the Department in March 2012) |
Davy Corporate Finance |
Independent verification of savings arising under the Public Service Agreement |
€31,586.40 |
23 March 2012 |
13 June 2012 |
Grant Thornton |
Capacity and Capability Review of Central Procurement Function |
€30,750.00 |
May 2012 |
6 September 2012 |
Accenture |
ICT-MF Executive Assessment |
€30,750.00 |
August 2012 |
November 2012 |
Innovation Value Institute, NUIM |
Independent verification of savings arising under the Public Service Agreement |
€24,206.40 |
4 February 2013 |
3 July 2013 |
Grant Thornton |
Debt Management Final Report |
€110,000 plus VAT |
Q2 - 2013 |
Awaiting Government Decision |
BearingPoint |
Report of a Consultation with Civil Society Representatives and Citizens on Ireland's Participation in the Open Government Partnership
|
Funding of €25,735.25 was provided to Transparency International Ireland in 2013 following a competitive tender process to support a public consultation with civil society and the preparation of a report of their recommendations and proposals for potential inclusion in Ireland's Open Government Partnership National Action Plan. |
10 June 2013 |
Published on 2 October 2013 |
Transparency International, Ireland |
Public Appointments Service Reports, Reviews and Studies commissioned since 9 March 2011 |
||||
Report / Review / Study |
Costs |
Date of Commission |
Date or Expected Date of Publication |
Name of External Consultant |
Asset Management/Risk Management Audit Report |
€4,878.72 |
May 2011 |
25 October 2011 |
Capita Consulting |
Accounting and Reporting Audit Report |
€2,952.00 |
May 2011 |
13 March 2012 |
Capita Consulting |
ICT Security Audit Report |
€2,656.80 |
October 2011 |
13 March 2012 |
Capita Consulting |
Procurement Audit Report |
€3,640.80 |
March 2012 |
19 September 2012 |
Capita Consulting |
Tax Compliance and Board Members Payments Audit Report |
€4,132.80 |
December 2012 |
22 May 2013 |
Capita Consulting |
Special EU Programmes Body Reports, Reviews and Studies commissioned since 9 March 2011 |
||||
Report / Review / Study |
Costs |
Date of Commission |
Date or Expected Date of Publication |
Name of External Consultant |
Forensic Audit (INTERREG IIA Project) |
£35,216.40 |
22 April 2011 |
15 March 2012 |
ASM |
Stakeholder Survey |
£11,262.00 |
3 January 2012 |
01 February 2012 |
Millward Brown |
Mid-Term Evaluation of INTERREG IV |
£18,963.00 |
14 January 2013 |
10 October 2013 |
McClure Watters |
Mid-Term Evaluation of PEACE III |
£50,693.00 |
5 November 2012 |
1 October 2013 |
SJ Cartmin |
Stakeholder Survey |
£11,100.00 |
19 September 2012 |
21 December 2012 |
MRNI |
Technical Review of Energy Project |
£4,320.00 |
5 October 2012 |
8 October 2013 |
SKM |
2014-20 PEACE & INTERREG Programmes Ex-Ante Evaluation and Environmental Assessment |
£62,424.00 |
25 January 2013 |
Not Complete |
McClure Watters |
Stakeholder Survey |
£11,262.00 |
26 November 2013 |
7 February 2014 |
Millward Brown |
The Office of Public Works will forward details of the total amount spent on reports, reviews and studies commissioned by them directly to the Deputy.