Vol. 585 No. 5
39 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science if the proposals from Mr. Justice Ryan to end the impasse involving the work of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse have been analysed by his Department; if consultation has taken place with the relevant victim groups. [14377/04]
55 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the timescale for the preparation and publication of legislation that may be required following the report by Mr. Justice Ryan on the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse; when such legislation will be prepared; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14268/04]
113 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Science when he expects to introduce amending legislation to the Commission to Inquire into the Child Abuse Act 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14358/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 39, 55 and 113 together.
Following the appointment of Mr. Justice Sean Ryan as chairperson designate of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse, the Government requested that he carry out his own independent review of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse. This report, together with a review of the operations of the commission carried out by the Attorney General, were published on 15 January 2004.
The Government has accepted the recommendations in Mr. Justice Ryan's report for legislative amendments to the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse Act 2000. My Department is in ongoing contact with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel in connection with this matter and work on the drafting of legislation amending the Act is at an advanced stage.
Amendments envisaged in Justice Ryan's report that will be made to the legislation include: (1) the removal of the obligation on the committee to hear each allegation of abuse made to it; (2) a provision to allow for joint hearings to take place; (3) provision for single member division of a committee; (4) removal of the provision whereby the report of the investigative committee may not contain findings in relation to particular instances of allegations of abuse; and (5) the right of complainant to withdraw a complaint subject to the consent of the committee.
Since the publication of Mr. Justice Ryan's report the commission has held meetings with all interested parties, including the Department of Education and Science and representative groups, to facilitate them in expressing their views in relation to the content of both reports and to enable them to make suggestions in relation to the future operation of the investigation committee of the commission.
As part of that ongoing consultation process, on 7 May 2004 the commission hosted an open meeting at which it presented a position paper entitled "Identifying Institutions and Persons under the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse Act 2000" and a document entitled "Background to Events Surrounding the Reconstitution of the Investigation Committee". This and other related documents are available from the commission's website at www.childabusecommission.ie. The main question posed in the document is whether the investigation committee should name individual abusers.
The commission announced that a formal hearing of the investigation committee is being scheduled for 24 May 2004 to receive submissions on the matter. Representative groups will also be given an opportunity to express their views and to discuss the matter subsequent to this hearing.
The commission then intends to give this matter further consideration and to issue its final decision by mid-June. It will also inform Government at that stage whether it recommends further legislative amendments.
While work on the amending legislation is at an advanced stage it is not possible to publish the amending legislation in advance of the investigation committee decision on the naming of individual abusers or the Christian Brothers appeal to the Supreme Court. The court hearing is scheduled for 29 and 30 June 2004. Therefore, the earliest the court will deliver its decision will be in July 2004. Consequently, it is not envisaged that amending legislation can be published before September 2004. I would add that the chairperson of the commission has indicated that the investigation committee intends to resume hearings in advance of amending legislation being enacted. In this regard the commission has published a schedule of hearings in relation to a number of individual institutions and has indicated that it expects to commence hearings in respect of the first institution in July of this year.
40 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science the nature of the set modern standards for school buildings; and if he has a strategy for ensuring that every school building attains those set standards. [14254/04]
The Government's major investment of recent years in upgrading school accommodation has resulted in new and enhanced school accommodation throughout the country. Since 1997 almost €2 billion has been invested in the school building programme at primary and post-primary level, the largest investment programme in the history of the State. This is a very significant amount of investment. This level of investment will need to be maintained if the goal of eliminating substandard accommodation is to be achieved. The Government remains committed to continuing the work that it has started and to consolidating the substantial progress that has already been made in order to ensure that the needs of schools throughout the country are met over time.
The budget announcement regarding multiannual capital envelopes is further evidence of the Government's commitment and will enable me to adopt a multiannual framework for the school building programme. It will enable my Department to provide greater clarity for all education partners concerning the progress of individual projects in accordance with set standards.
The standards to be employed derive from the planning guidelines for primary and post-primary schools published by my Department. These planning guidelines are available to schools and set out the detailed standards for modernisation that can be employed by design teams working on school building projects. The guidelines are reviewed regularly in order to secure best value for money in relation to educational requirements and architectural design. Technical guidance documents in relation to design and other requirements are available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.
41 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the recent call from the Teachers’ Union of Ireland for a full-time assistance service for teachers; his views on whether the absence of such a service is contributing to the growing problem of stress in the workplace; if he will live up to the Government’s commitment to provide for such services and establish an employee assistance service immediately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14347/04]
The interim phase of the employee assistance service for teachers concluded its operation in August 2003.
A review of the interim phase was considered by the steering committee responsible for overseeing the operation of the service. The steering committee concluded that the current service arrangements should not be extended beyond the scheduled end of the interim phase in August 2003. The committee considered that there was a need for a more fundamental review of the objectives and remit of an employee assistance service for teachers and the preparation of a blueprint for the future development of such a service.
My Department is currently considering possible options to advance this issue in the context of available resources. While I am supportive of the principle of an employee assistance service I feel that we should not rush to mainstream this service until we have identified the most beneficial and cost effective model of delivery. I have asked my officials to look at different models of delivery and to talk further with the union and management interests on the best way forward. Discussions with these interests will take place shortly.
42 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Question No. 12 of 19 February 2004, in reply to which he stated that Adamstown was a separate entity to Lucan, if this means there are plans to set up a new second level school within the Lucan area as opposed to opening an existing designated Adamstown site earlier; and if the position remains that students who cannot obtain a co-educational, single sex or other place in the Lucan area will have to attend schools in Palmerstown, Clondalkin and Leixlip. [14381/04]
The position in the matter to which the Deputy refers is as I outlined to the House in February 2004. The educational infrastructural needs of the Adamstown area as it develops are separate and distinct from those of the Lucan area and clearly cannot alleviate any current difficulties that may exist in the Lucan area.
Swift and decisive actions have been taken to address the demands that have emerged from the rapid development of Lucan over recent years. Within the last five years a total sum of €19 million has been invested in providing and upgrading educational provision in Lucan, €12 million at primary level and €7 million at post-primary level.
This expansion is set to continue with three new schools due to commence construction this year, two at primary level and one at post-primary level. Specifically at post-primary level, a new school for Coláiste Cois Life will proceed to tender and construction this year. This will provide places for 600 pupils, some 400 additional places relative to existing capacity.
Capacity at Coláiste Phádraig will be increased by 300 pupil places with the completion of the major extension project at the school. A further extension project at St. Joseph's College will also be completed this year, which will provide an overall capacity of 725 pupil places. This is deemed sufficient to meet demand from pupils in its catchment area.
With regard to pupils from the Lucan area attending schools in areas such as Palmerstown and Leixlip, the position is that it is the current practice, particularly in Dublin, that post-primary students tend to travel some distance to attend a post-primary school. It is therefore not unreasonable that my Department should seek to optimise the use of existing surplus capacity at post-primary schools in the general vicinity of Lucan as part of a range of measures to address any shortfall for post-primary places that may emerge in Lucan.
In summary, on foot of this unprecedented level of investment in schools in the Lucan area, pupil places will be increased overall by 25% over a period of five to six years. Accordingly, I am satisfied that my Department has been dealing in a comprehensive way with the needs of this developing area. I can assure the Deputy that my Department will continue to review demographic change in the area.
43 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science the numbers using school transport for each year since 1997; the amount spent on the school transport system since 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14271/04]
The number of pupils availing of school transport services in a school year varies from time to time. Accordingly, the figures set out below are averages of pupils availing of the service within the years mentioned.
The figures are as follows:
1997 — 160,000;
1998 — 154,000;
1999 — 145,000;
2000 — 139,000;
2001 — 140,000;
2002 — 136,000; and
2003 — 138,000.
Expenditure in the same years was as follows:
1997 — €49.572 million;
1998 — €51.201 million;
1999 — €57.978 million;
2000 — €65.082 million;
2001 — €77.058 million;
2002 — €95.986 million; and
2003 — €101.734 million.
44 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will report on the work to date of the National Council for Special Education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14263/04]
The National Council for Special Education has been established as an independent statutory body with responsibilities as set out in the National Council for Special Education (Establishment) Order, 2003. The order requires the council to undertake its full range of functions with effect from 1 October 2004.
My Department is in the process of agreeing protocols for the transfer of specific functions and future operating procedures to the council. I know that the council is in the process of establishing its headquarters and arranging the employment of special education needs organisers and other staff. As the Deputy is aware, the Education for Persons with Disabilities Bill 2003 is on Report Stage in Dáil Éireann at present. The Bill includes provision for a National Council for Special Education, which will supersede the existing council. It also provides that a wider and more specific range of functions be assigned to that council.
While both the order and the Bill make formal provision for the council to report to the Minister for Education and Science on its activities, questions relating to specific operations should be directed to the council itself.
45 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of outstanding applications for special educational resources that are waiting to be assessed by his Department; the number of applications that have been processed since the start of 2004; the length of time it has taken to process these applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14281/04]
My Department received more than 8,400 applications for special education resources since 15 February 2003. The batch of approximately 5,000 applications received between 15 February and 31 August 2003 are being considered at present. Priority was given to almost 1,000 cases involving children starting school last September and all those cases were responded to at or before the commencement of the current school year.
The balance of more than 4,000 applications in that batch has been reviewed by a dedicated team comprising members of my Department's inspectorate and the National Educational Psychological Service. Those applications are being further considered in the context of the outcome of surveys of special education resource provision conducted over the past year and the data submitted by schools as part of a nationwide census of such provision.
The processing of the applications is a complex and time-consuming operation. However, my Department is endeavouring to have this completed as quickly as possible and my officials will then respond to all applicant schools. Pending a response, schools are advised to refer to circular 24/03, which issued in September 2003. This circular contains practical advice on how to achieve the most effective deployment of resources already allocated for special educational needs within the school. In the case of teacher resources, the outcome for each applicant school will be based on a new weighted system of allocation which I announced recently. This system, as part of which an additional 350 teaching posts will be allocated, will involve two main elements: (a) making a staffing allocation to schools based on a predicted incidence of pupils with special educational needs; and (b) making individual allocations in the case of children with more acute lower-prevalence special educational needs.
It is expected that the change to a weighted system will bring with it a number of benefits. The new system will: reduce the need for individualised educational psychological assessment; reduce the volume of applications to my Department for additional resources for individual pupils; and give greater flexibility to schools, which will facilitate the development and implementation of improved systems and procedures in schools to meet the needs of pupils with low achievement and pupils with special educational needs.
Transitional arrangements for the introduction of the weighted system are being developed at present in consultation with representative interests. As soon as those consultations have been completed, the detailed arrangements for processing applications for resources, including those for special needs assistants and those received after 31 August last, will be set out in a circular to be issued to schools before the end of the current school year. It is intended also that applicant schools will be notified of the outcome in their case within this timeframe.
46 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools that will face a reduction in teaching numbers for the 2004-05 academic year; the number of these schools that are classified as disadvantaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14280/04]
The mainstream staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous year. The number of mainstream posts is determined by reference to a schedule which is finalised for a particular school year following discussions with the education partners. The staffing schedule for the coming school year issued to all primary schools in April 2004.
Some 246 schools are due to have the number of approved mainstream teaching posts reduced for the 2004-05 school year as a result of the application of the staffing schedule. Some 73 of the schools concerned have been designated as disadvantaged. For the 2004-05 school year, I have decided that the determination by reference to enrolments in junior and senior classes at 30 September 2003 of teacher posts allocated for disadvantage will remain unchanged. Some 311 designated disadvantaged schools have 293 concessionary teaching posts, which are not determined by reference to enrolment. Some 32 schools are considered for staffing at a pupil teacher ratio of 15:1 in junior classes and 27:1 in senior classes. Some 209 schools are considered for staffing at a pupil teacher ratio of 20:1 in junior classes and 27:1 in senior classes. Details of the number of schools gaining or losing posts by reference to enrolment in these schools are currently being finalised and I will ask my officials to forward this information to the Deputy when it is available. A detailed review of educational disadvantage schemes is nearing completion and this will impact on existing schemes. The outcome of this review will be announced in due course.
47 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will prioritise in a proactive way pre-school and primary school education by fulfilling his commitment to have properly resourced and refurbished school buildings in place. [14252/04]
In fulfilment of my Department's commitment to tackle substandard school accommodation the level of capital investment in schools over the lifetime of this Government has progressively increased since 1998 to a total of almost €2 billion, the largest investment programme in the history of the State.
The position in relation to any school or category of school, including schools that may be participating in such as the early start programme, is that their needs must be processed as part of the overall programme and must be assessed individually within the published prioritisation criteria.
As the Deputy will be aware this year my Department's school building programme of €388 million will deliver in excess of 260 significant school building projects at primary and post-primary level. In excess of 200 of these projects will commence on site in the current year, the remaining projects had commenced in previous years and are currently nearing completion. Furthermore, approximately an additional 600 schools will benefit in some way from the capital programme directly by means of temporary accommodation, permanent accommodation and/or improvement works and all primary schools will benefit directly from the devolved grants scheme for minor works.
The challenge facing my Department is how to ensure the State gets best return on investment in educational infrastructure. New ways such as the devolved building initiative for small rural schools and the permanent accommodation initiative, both initiated in 2003 and expanded this year, show the Department's commitment to finding innovative and flexible solutions to the difficulties faced by schools seeking to refurbish their buildings or to provide additional accommodation quickly. These schemes fund schools to respond quickly to accommodation difficulties. There is minimal interaction with my Department and schools are fully empowered to drive the design and construction process. I fully expect that these initiatives will inform future policy.
My Department has never underestimated the scale of the task and the level of capital funding and other resources required to rectify decades of under-investment in school infrastructure. The announcement in the last budget in relation to a multiannual capital envelope will greatly assist my Department in addressing school accommodation needs in a programmed and systematic way.
48 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to reform the representation of teachers and parents on boards of management of comprehensive schools; his views on whether there are insufficient numbers of teachers and parents on these boards; his further views on whether the boards are over-represented with church and Department representatives; his further views on whether larger numbers of different stakeholders should be appointed to school boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14368/04]
The position is that the original agreements and understanding reached when the 16 comprehensive schools were established did not provide for parent and teacher representation on the boards of management. Clearly, this is an unacceptable position and my Department has been working for a number of years with the following interested parties, the Catholic Church, the Church of Ireland, the Jesuit Community, the National Parent Council — Post-Primary, the IVEA and the teacher unions to bring about a change. Agreement on the revised composition of the boards took a considerable time to achieve, but I am glad to say that three discrete models have been produced, one for the ten Catholic comprehensives, one for the five Protestant comprehensives and one for the Jesuit comprehensive. A common feature of the new arrangements is the inclusion on the board of two parents and two teachers in each case.
While these are State schools, they were established by the State in the context of agreements and understandings reached with the church interests, at the time, regarding their operation. Therefore, the precise composition of each board in terms of the balance of interests represented did not start from a blank canvass. For example, the revised board in the case of the Protestant comprehensives includes six church nominees in an overall board of 11. This arose because the Church of Ireland felt unable to agree to any revised composition that did not enshrine a majority for it on the board, as was the case when the schools were first established.
The present position is that, as the schools were established by formal agreements, it is necessary to revise all relevant existing legal instruments to reflect the inclusion of parent and teacher representatives, as agreed. This work is completed in the case of the Jesuit school in Limerick and a revised legal instrument has been signed. It is my understanding that the new board is now in place there. In the case of the other schools, work is ongoing with the legal representatives of the Catholic and Protestant churches and a response is awaited from the church interests to proposals made by my officials as the basis for amending the relevant texts.
I appreciate that this process has been lengthy. I am very anxious to have the matter finalised as quickly as possible. However, the Deputy will appreciate that, while the State established the schools concerned, I as Minister, have the power to appoint and remove the existing boards. I want, however, to proceed in a manner that is faithful to the original agreements with the churches and to appoint new boards only when the agreements have been formally revised. Given co-operation by all parties concerned, I believe the new school year is a realistic target for implementation of the new board structures.
49 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department intends to alter the inservice training being provided to teachers for the 2004-05 academic year and after; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14288/04]
91 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he intends to ensure that more inservice teacher training is devoted to teaching methodologies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14283/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 49 and 91 together.
Training in teaching methodologies is currently an intrinsic part of inservice training including those national programmes provided to support curriculum reforms. There is currently a range of curriculum support services in place, including services for the primary curriculum and for a number of second level subjects and programmes.
It is planned to develop the teaching methodologies aspect of professional development further in the future by giving more emphasis to training in teaching methodologies and by the strengthening of general pedagogical inservice supports. There will be no major alterations in the in-service provision for the next school year. However, it is intended in the future to focus support away from a centralised system to one of local delivery, based on local requirements and needs as identified by schools and teachers. The development of systems designed to empower schools to take a greater role in the development of their staff will be initiated in the 2004-05 school year.
50 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science when he intends to introduce regulations adding to the list of institutions included under the Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14366/04]
At present 128 institutions are listed on the Schedule to the Residential Institutions Redress Act. Section 4 of the Act enables additional institutions that are identified as reformatory schools, industrial schools, orphanages, children's homes and special schools, in which children were placed and resident and in respect of which a public body had a regulatory or inspection function, to be added to the Schedule.
My Department has received correspondence from individuals and survivor groups identifying a number of additional institutions that may be eligible for inclusion in the Schedule. Discussions have taken place between my Department and other Departments that may have provided a regulatory or inspection function in the operation of these facilities to ascertain whether these institutions are in fact eligible for inclusion. The initial information received in some cases was limited due to the long period that had elapsed since these institutions were closed and therefore the process of verifying each of these institutions has been time consuming and is continuing. It is my intention that a list of additional institutions will be brought before both Houses of the Oireachtas as soon as the verification process is completed.
51 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to improve primary education facilities throughout the country with particular reference to areas of social and economic deprivation and with the objective of ensuring that all children leaving the primary education system are in a position to compete on an equal footing in respect of further education and employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14314/04]
Since my appointment as Minister for Education and Science, I have made it clear that addressing educational disadvantage is my top priority. By ensuring that available educational resources are targeted at the most disadvantaged people in the education system at all levels, my objective is to ensure that all young people leave the education system with a high quality education and related qualifications to support their full participation in society and in the economy.
My Department's approach to tackling educational disadvantage is set in the context of the Government's national action plan against poverty and social exclusion, 2003-2005, NAPS/incl. and the latest partnership agreement, Sustaining Progress, which contains a special initiative focused on literacy, numeracy and early school leavers. At primary school level, my Department has provided €73 million in 2004 for programmes specifically designed to tackle educational disadvantage in accordance with the strategies outlined in the NAPS/incl. and Sustaining Progress. These programmes include the disadvantaged area scheme, the home school community liaison scheme and the giving children an even break, GCEB, programme.
The home school community liaison, HSCL, scheme is concerned with establishing partnership and collaboration between parents and teachers in the interests of the child's learning. All 314 primary schools with designated disadvantaged status were invited to join this scheme in 1999.
Under the giving children an even break programme, 2,350 participating schools are benefiting from a range of additional supports including teacher posts and financial supports to be targeted at disadvantaged pupils. The additional supports provided reflect the level of concentration of pupils from educationally disadvantaged backgrounds in each school.
Other measures directed towards the support of primary school pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds include the reading recovery programme and the book grant scheme. The school completion programme and the National Educational Welfare Board, both of which operate at primary and post-primary levels, also play a crucial role in this regard.
In addition, there are a number of schemes provided by other Departments that support primary pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds such as the school meals scheme and the back to school clothing and footwear allowance scheme. My Department is currently finalising a review of educational disadvantage schemes and I will make an announcement in this regard once the review has been completed.
The school building programme for 2004 is further testimony to this Government's ongoing commitment to addressing the historical educational infrastructural deficit. The programme provides for an unprecedented level of investment of some €387 million in providing new and upgraded schools around the country. By the end of this year, in excess of €2 billion will have been expended in modernising schools since 1997.
52 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if the Early Start programme will be expanded or extended in 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14266/04]
The early start pre-school project was established in 40 primary schools in designated areas of urban disadvantage in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Waterford, Galway, Drogheda and Dundalk during 1994 and 1995. The aims of early start are to expose young children to an educational programme which would enhance their overall development, prevent school failure and offset the effects of social disadvantage.
The approach taken in early start is to establish groups of 15 pupils in existing primary schools in disadvantaged areas, with each class being run by a primary school teacher and a qualified child care worker. While the early start curriculum emphasises the development of cognitive and language skills, due regard is also had to personal and social development. The early start service has not been expanded since 1995. In relation to future development of early childhood education provision for disadvantaged children, my Department, as part of a detailed review of educational disadvantage programmes, is currently exploring how such provision should best be delivered in the future. I am particularly concerned to ensure that any future actions by my Department in this area are based on a collaborative approach with other Departments involved in the overall early childhood care and education, ECCE, sector. Meeting the overall objective of providing the best possible service to the communities and children involved requires that any educational provision by my Department takes account of child care measures under the remit of other Departments.
The future development of the early start pre-school project is being considered as part of this process and I will make an announcement in this regard as soon as the detailed review of all initiatives to tackle educational disadvantage has been completed.
53 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science the actions he has taken to fulfil his pre-election commitment to school building renovation. [14249/04]
Since 1998 almost €2 billion has been invested in the school building programme at primary and post-primary level, the largest investment programme in the history of the State. This is a significant amount of investment. This level of investment will need to be maintained if the goal of eliminating sub-standard accommodation is to be achieved.
The 2004 school building programme, which I published last December, is a further major step in progressing this Government's consistent commitment since 1997 to deal with school accommodation needs. The programme is designed to give the maximum amount of information to managers, boards of management, principals, parents and students and to give assurance that the building programme is being operated in an open and transparent manner.
The level of capital funding being provided at primary and post-primary level in 2004 amounts to €388 million; in excess of €200 million of this will be targeted at primary level projects. The programme details in excess of 260 significant school building projects that are being authorised to proceed to tender and construction in 2004, including the completion of major projects commenced before 2004.
Funding has also been provided in the 2004 programme to allow for a major expansion of the sites acquisition programme, at a cost of €32 million, the continuation of the asbestos and radon remediation programmes, €17 million, and the provision of temporary accommodation. Payment will be made to all schools of the devolved grant of €3,809 and €12.70 per pupil. This will cost in the region of €19 million.
A key part of my strategy going forward will be grounded on the budget day announcement of multiannual allocations for capital investment in education projects covering the years 2004 to 2008. All projects that are not going to construction as part of the 2004 school building programme are being reviewed with a view to including them as part of a multiannual building programme from 2005 onwards. I expect to be in a position to make a further announcement on this matter during 2004.
An innovative feature of the 2004 programme is the introduction of a new initiative for capital grants for smaller scale improvement works for both primary and post-primary schools. The new initiative, known as the summer works scheme, is designed to fund smaller scale works to those schools that are most in need of resources. An advantage of this scheme is that successful applicants were informed by early March, if their projects would receive funding, allowing them to plan and carry out works during the summer months. A total of €31 million was set aside for projects included in the summer works scheme and in excess of 450 schools have been given sanction to carry out building works in summer 2004 under this scheme.
Since I became Minister for Education and Science I have been anxious to give school authorities as much power as possible in managing their own building programmes. In 2003 I introduced two pilot schemes to allow small primary schools to undertake building and modernisation works on a devolved basis; this new scheme is another example of that approach. This approach is being continued in 2004.
The Government remains committed to continuing the work that it has started and to consolidating the substantial progress that has already been made in order to ensure that the needs of schools throughout the country are met over time. The process of investment in educational infrastructure begun by the previous Government will be continued, as outlined in An Agreed Programme for Government.
54 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to address growing indiscipline problems in schools; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a recent ASTI survey showed that 54% of respondents had experienced verbal abuse from students and a third of teachers had experience of parents refusing to co-operate in the implementation of sanctions on students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14364/04]
I am aware of the survey, conducted by the ASTI, referred to by the Deputy. It is important that while acknowledging that student discipline is an issue in schools we do not talk this up to being a crisis. It is undoubtedly the case that a small proportion of students cause serious problems in schools. The reasons for this are not simple and are societal as much as educational. That said, I do not think that today's generation of young people is more disruptive than their predecessors. The reality is that as we have progressively increased the retention rate in our formal education system we are retaining students who in the past would have dropped out of school early. This poses challenges for schools and for society. There are no simple answers or magic wands available here.
A school's code of discipline and the inclusive way in which it is framed is important, particularly in harnessing student and parental support. We also have to look at whether the formal school model best meets the needs of all students and whether other models need to be developed. As against this we have to be careful not to promote the exclusion of problem students as this will leave us with a greater problem down the road.
56 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to recent INTO concerns at the falling number of males entering the teaching profession; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that radical changes are required in the selection process of trainee teachers to reverse this trend; if the requirement of a C grade in leaving certificate Irish is an impediment to males entering teaching in view of the fact that they generally fare worse than females in this subject; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14345/04]
I am concerned about the position of imbalance between male and female applicants for the primary teaching profession. My Department commissioned a research study on the issue of take-up of primary teacher training by males and females. The report on the study, which was completed in 2002, showed that the pool of males with the necessary qualifications is smaller than the equivalent pool of females. In addition, many third level course choices seemed to be gender stereotyped and significantly more girls were attracted to teaching of all kinds. The authors concluded that it may be difficult for any society to bring about an early reversal of the feminisation trends in teaching. I have established a primary education committee which is working under the auspices of the gender equality unit of my Department and is looking at the concerns about the numbers of males entering the primary teaching profession. I have asked the committee to make recommendations on strategies and initiatives to increase the number of males entering primary teaching. I understand that the INTO report on gender imbalance in primary teaching, which was published at Easter 2004, and the requirement of a C grade in higher level leaving certificate Irish has formed part of the deliberations of the committee.
The committee first met in October 2003 and is expected to submit to me shortly an interim report of its considerations to date. I look forward to receiving the final report by late autumn 2004.
57 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to assist in the upgrading of science laboratories in schools in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14374/04]
In November 1998 my Department commissioned a national survey to ascertain the overall condition of science facilities in second level schools. In this context my Department considered a range of options to determine the most appropriate approach to addressing science facilities in post-primary schools.
Capital funding is provided from the annual second level capital allocation for the refurbishment of science laboratories undertaken as part of an overall refurbishment programme of a second level school. This funding may be used for the upgrading of science facilities exclusively, or for the provision of new facilities in the case of new or extended schools. Additionally, I have provided for class materials, basic general equipment and chemicals for practical work for the sciences.
I have ensured a provision of €16 million in the 2004 school building programme to facilitate the introduction of a revised junior science syllabus and for the upgrading of existing science laboratories found most in need of upgrading or refurbishment in existing schools as a result of the 1998 national survey.
58 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department will reverse the cap placed on student numbers at colleges of further education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14278/04]
In the current academic year the enrolments on PLC courses in certain schools and colleges have exceeded the number of places approved by my Department. Teacher allocations for 2004-05 and capitation grants have been allocated on the basis of the approved number of places or the numbers enrolled. In the 2003-04 academic year nearly 28,700 places were approved by my Department.
Officials from my Department have already had meetings with management representatives in the sector and the Teachers' Union of Ireland to hear their concerns. They have also received submissions from a number of VECs about their particular needs.
My Department is currently considering appeals from the VECs, schools and colleges for the recognition of the excess numbers enrolled for the purposes of teacher allocations and grants. A decision in the matter will be taken shortly in the light of the totality of demands for teaching resources across the system. I expect that additional justifiable needs identified in the examination being carried out by my Department will result in the provision of additional teaching resources.
59 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in relation to transferability of pension entitlements arising from years of teaching service in Northern Ireland and the Republic, the report of the actuaries is available to the working group; and when he expects this issue to be completed. [14108/04]
The joint working group on teachers superannuation, set up on foot of a decision of the North-South Ministerial Council, is examining the feasibility and implication of establishing reciprocal arrangements to facilitate the transfer of pension entitlements between the jurisdictions. As part of the working group's consideration of a range of complex issues involved, the group asked actuaries on both sides to examine the financial implication of the possible approach to cross-Border transfer of teaching service.
It is expected that the actuaries will present a preliminary report to the next meeting of the working group. The meeting, scheduled to take place on 18 May, has had to be deferred due to the unavailability of some representatives from Northern Ireland on that date. It is planned to reschedule the meeting for early June on a date yet to be agreed. The unavailability of the representatives arises as a consequence of ongoing industrial action by some civil servants in Northern Ireland.
In my previous reply on this matter on 19 February last, I explained that the working group is very much aware that the superannuation of teachers cannot be considered in isolation, and that any proposals for the transfer of pension entitlements will have to take account of the implications for the public service generally. In view of the range of considerations to be taken into account by the working group, it is not possible at this stage to say when the group will complete its work.
60 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide full recognition to Montessori teachers who qualify at St. Nicholas’s Montessori college, following the completion of the comparative study on the St. Nicholas’s course and courses in the colleges of education; and his views on the fact that the present situation is unfair and unjust for those teaching with such qualifications who are not fully recognised at the moment for pay, pension and other purposes. [14109/04]
The study of the Montessori courses run in the St. Nicholas's Montessori college, Dún Laoghaire is the subject of ongoing consideration within my Department. In terms of next steps, a meeting to discuss the outcomes of the study with representatives from the St. Nicholas's Montessori college is scheduled for the coming weeks. The question of broader recognition will be discussed in this context.
61 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of NEPS psychologists to be recruited during 2004; the number currently employed within the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14290/04]
Since the beginning of 2004, my Department has been engaged in a process to recruit five additional psychologists to the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS. Four of the five started on 19 April 2004 and a fifth is expected to join shortly. There are 127 psychologists currently employed in NEPS, including the four new entrants. Further recruitment of psychologists to NEPS will depend on the availability of resources and must also take account of Government policy on public sector numbers.
I have also allocated funding to NEPS to allow for the commissioning of psychological assessments from private practitioners. The scheme for commissioning psychological assessments, SCPA, is an interim measure aimed at providing a service to schools that do not yet have access to the psychological service provided by NEPS.
62 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the cost of insurance for primary and secondary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14275/04]
171 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason the cost of secondary school insurance has escalated in recent times; if his Department provides assistance for schools with their insurance bills particularly in inner city communities (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14120/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 62 and 171 together.
Responsibility for arranging insurance cover on school property and against public liability is a matter for the managerial authorities of primary and secondary schools which are privately owned. I believe that it would not be reasonable to expect the State to meet the full insurance costs of privately owned buildings.
Funding is provided to primary and secondary schools by way of per capita grants which affords schools considerable flexibility in the use of these resources to cater for the needs of their pupils. This is in my view, in general, a preferable approach to putting in place grants for specific cost items such as insurance. I also hold the view that moving to a position where the Government covers the insurance costs of secondary schools may encourage the insurance sector to keep increasing premia on the basis that the State would meet the cost. Such an approach would also reduce the incentive for school management to reduce risks.
I am committed to improving the funding position of secondary schools in the light of available resources. At a time of increased financial constraints, the recent announcement of further significant increases in the funding of primary and secondary schools is a clear demonstration of my commitment to prioritise available resources to address the needs of schools.
In the case of primary schools the standard rate of capitation grant has been increased from €57 in 1997 to €121.58 per pupil from 1 January last, an increase of almost 113%. In the case of secondary schools, the standard per capita grant now amounts to €274 from 1 January last as against the rate of €224.74 that applied in 1997. In the case of disadvantaged schools, such as the school referred to by the Deputy, this increase has brought the total per capita grant to €312. In addition, the support grant that was introduced under the school services support initiative, was also increased from 1 January last and now stands at €131 per pupil. This increase is in addition to the range of equalisation grants of up to €15,554 per school per annum that was approved in December 2001. A measure of the increase in overall funding for secondary schools is that by comparison with 1997, a secondary school with 500 pupils now receives extra annual funding of up to €108,000 per annum.
Tackling the difficulties that are being caused by high insurance premiums is a clear priority for the Government and for my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. A key concern to which the Tánaiste is giving priority is the cost and availability of liability insurance. In this context, the Tánaiste has announced a comprehensive set of interrelated measures designed to improve the functioning of the Irish insurance market. Key initiatives in the reform programme include the establishment of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board, the undertaking of a joint study into insurance in conjunction with the Competition Authority and other initiatives in association with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
63 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has been proactive in addressing the obstacles to further education facing the disabled, children with special needs and persons from economically poor backgrounds. [14246/04]
By ensuring that available educational resources are targeted at the most disadvantaged people in the education system at all levels, my objective is to ensure that all young people complete first and second level with a high quality education and related qualifications to support their full participation in society and in the economy.
In the area of further and adult education the principal objectives of the measures and programmes funded by my Department are: to meet the needs of young early school leavers; to provide second chance education for adults; and to provide vocational education and training for labour market entrants and re-entrants.
These objectives are pursued through such programmes as Youthreach, the vocational training opportunities scheme, post-leaving certificate courses, senior Traveller training, the back to education initiative and the adult literacy and community education scheme. The programmes are operated and managed by the vocational education committees. Issues of access for individuals are addressed at local level with assistance from the adult education guidance service.
In higher education, there is provision for a third level access fund totalling €121 million, over the period 2000 to 2006, aimed at tackling under-representation of: students from disadvantaged backgrounds; mature students; and students with disabilities. The third level access fund comprises the following funding measures: special rates of maintenance grants for disadvantaged students; the ESF-aided student assistance fund; the ESF-aided fund for students with disabilities; and the ESF-aided millennium partnership fund for disadvantage.
In 2003, I introduced a new package of measures, costing €42 million in a full year, to further address and ameliorate the problems facing students from low to moderate income households in accessing third level education. This package combined substantial improvements in the level and coverage of the maintenance grant for those on low to moderate incomes, with increases in the level of top-up grant for those who are most disadvantaged.
64 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to end the practice of streaming of first year pupils in second level schools, following the advice of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment; if his attention has been drawn to the NCCA report; his views on its recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14367/04]
The report by ESRI-NCCA examines the experiences of students in their first year at post-primary school. It shows that although students have both positive and negative feelings about moving to a new school, most students settle into post-primary school quickly.
Among the findings in the report are the possible negative effects that streaming of students by ability may have on how students settle into school. It is encouraging that the research indicates that the prevalence of streaming in first year is declining, and that the great majority, 70%, of schools surveyed used mixed ability classes in first year with 16% using banding and only 14% using streaming.
We should keep in mind that streaming can take different forms and that sometimes different ability groupings may be helpful for the individual pupils at a later stage in their education. For example various syllabi are available at higher, ordinary and foundation levels and it may be appropriate for classes to be organised along these lines.
Schools have a certain amount of latitude in how they organise their classes, and this is essentially an organisational issue for principals and school boards of management. The school development planning initiative, supported by a full-time support service, has an important role in achieving the best organisational arrangement for all pupils.
In general, the view of my Department is that mixed-ability classes are preferable, particularly in first year. This issue is dealt with through provision by the second level support service of whole school in-service on mixed ability teaching, through the work under the school development planning initiative, through the ongoing work of the inspectorate in evaluation and quality enhancement, and through dissemination of the findings of the ESRI-NCCA report. An information leaflet for schools and parents summarising the key findings and recommendations of the research has been launched and this will inform school practice and planning.
65 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the position with regard to a reported Department circular recommending that experienced principals who relinquish their posts to become classroom teachers should be forced to leave their schools; if he has plans to introduce such measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14353/04]
My Department has recently issued a circular, primary circular 02/04 seniority of primary teachers, to boards of management, principal teachers and all teaching staff in primary schools setting out the arrangements for determining seniority of teachers in primary schools and the responsibilities of the boards of management in this regard. The terms of the circular were agreed between my Department, school managerial representatives and teacher representatives.
The issue of the seniority of a principal teacher who relinquishes his or her post was also clarified in the circular. A principal teacher can only relinquish a post of principal teacher provided there is a permanent vacancy in the school. When a principal teacher relinquishes the post of principal she or he becomes the most junior teacher in the school. Previous service given as a principal in the school does not count for seniority purposes.
The staffing of a primary school for a school year is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on the 30 September of the previous school year. The staffing schedule governing the appointment and retention of mainstream class teachers is finalised for a particular year following discussions between officials from my Department and the education partners.
There are no plans to change the arrangements for the application of the staffing schedule and the operation of redeployment panels. Under these arrangements, if the enrolment figure in a school falls below the retention figure a mainstream class post is suppressed and the most junior teacher in the school can opt to have his or her name placed on the panel for redeployment to another school.
66 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the recent call from primary school teachers representatives for growing commercialisation in schools to be tackled; his views on whether young children and their parents are being exploited by commercial interests that use the education system to run promotions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14369/04]
I assure the Deputy that I share the concern implicit in his question that the use of educationally linked promotions should not exploit schools pupils and their parents.
In the commercial world, private companies are free to promote their businesses in accordance with accepted marketing practices, such as the provision of vouchers which can be redeemed for a variety of purposes. There are also accepted marketing standards, such as compliance with advertising regulations which guide, inform and control the relationship between the vendor and potential customers. I recognise the sensitivities attached to the issue of promotion initiatives linking schools, pupils and parents to commercial activity. However, it would be inappropriate to prohibit marketing or sponsorship initiatives, provided that such schemes do not place undue pressure on parents in terms of requiring additional expenditure, that children are protected from engagement in inappropriate promotional activity and that the schemes are linked to desirable projects serving national educational initiatives. The discretion of management in individual schools is the appropriate mechanism to avoid the excesses raised by the Deputy.
67 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will introduce regulations governing admission to schools under the Education Act 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14362/04]
My Department held discussions with the education partners in late 2000 in the context of the requirement in section 15(2)(d) of the Education Act 1998 to publish school policy in relation to admissions, suspensions and expulsions, and the provision under section 29 for appeal to the Department against school decisions on these as they affected individual pupils.
A number of options were put forward. Some expressed the view that the Department of Education and Science should issue guidelines to schools in view of their new obligations under the Education Act the Education (Welfare) Act 2000 and the Equal Status Act 2000. Some were concerned about the right to autonomy of the schools. Others wanted binding regulations prepared.
Arising out of these discussions it was decided that regulations be prepared. Drafts heads of regulations were submitted to the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel.
A number of meetings have taken place between my Department officials and officials from the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel. The OPC is currently preparing draft regulations. It is expected that draft regulations will be available to me and my Department in the near future.
68 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of projects sanctioned under the summer works scheme; the commencement date for works; if there is flexibility built into the arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14257/04]
A total of 442 projects were sanctioned under the summer works scheme this year — 292 in primary schools and 150 in post-primary schools. This scheme, which will be funded to the extent of €31 million this year from overall capital allocations, is designed to fund small-scale works for those schools that are most in need of resources. It will allow schools to manage their individual projects with little or no interaction with the Department.
Schools whose projects have been included in the scheme must, by 31 May 2004, confirm to my Department that the works are in hand and on target for delivery within approved cost limits or the sanction for funding will automatically lapse. The grant sanction will also automatically lapse if works do not commence on site, and if 70% of funding has not been drawn down within six months of the date of approval.
69 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to further implement and provide resources to enable the Youth Work Act to become fully operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14375/04]
The Youth Work Act 2001 was enacted on 1 December 2001 and provides a statutory basis for the development of youth work in Ireland. The Act followed on a widespread consultation process and provides a legal framework for the provision of youth work programmes and services to be organised by the Minister for Education and Science, the vocational education committees and national/regional youth work organisations.
It was never the intention that the Act would be implemented fully at once. Section 1 of the Act provides for sections to be commenced at different stages. To date, sections 2 to 7, inclusive, 17, 18 and 24 have been commenced.
A sub-committee of the national youth work advisory committee was established to make recommendations on the requirements necessary for the implementation of the various sections of the Act. This sub-committee comprises representatives of both statutory and voluntary sectors, as well as my Department. The work of this sub-committee is ongoing and preparatory work is also being carried out in regard to sections 19, 20 and 25 of the Act.
The implementation of further sections of the Act will depend on the availability of the necessary resources. While it has not been found possible to make funding available for this purpose in the 2004 Estimates, it is my intention that further discussions will take place between my Department and the IVEA/CEOs' association and the National Youth Council of Ireland in the context of the Estimates for 2005. These discussions will take place as appropriate and necessary.
I point out that in addition to a 4% increase in the financial provision for youth work generally in 2004, an additional amount of €0.5 million has been made available towards the implementation of the national youth work development plan in 2004.
70 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps being taken to remove the glaring anomaly whereby students taking FETAC awarded subjects can transfer directly into UK universities and be given full or nearly full credit for subjects taken at FETAC level yet cannot obtain any credit transfer oftheir FETAC subjects into HETAC courses. [14376/04]
74 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education and Science if there are plans to upgrade the system of credit accumulation and transfer between colleges as part of the development of a national qualifications framework. [14378/04]
87 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education and Science if there are plans to introduce a more flexible student friendly system of educational progression for post secondary students. [14379/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 70, 74 and 87 together.
The provision for credits and exemptions given by certain UK colleges for learning undertaken in post leaving certificate courses is on foot of individual decisions made by those colleges, rather than on the basis of any nationally established system.
In Ireland, the higher education links scheme provides recognition for holders of FETAC, NCVA level two, full awards and provides access to an extensive range of courses in the institutes of technology. More recently the institutes have been seeking to expand the scheme for more general entry and a number of universities have opened up progression opportunities to designated courses. In general the scheme allows for access, but not exemptions.
Higher education institutions in Ireland participate in the European credit transfer system which provides for transfer of recognition of learning at levels within the higher education system in participating colleges across Europe. The system is generally aimed at students studying for part of their programme in a college abroad and does not apply to the non-tertiary sector.
It is accepted that provision for credit transfer and for recognition of prior learning are important in supporting learner mobility and lifelong learning, and that there is a need for an overarching approach which will ensure compatibility and progression for learners across both vocational education and training and higher education. With that objective in mind, on foot of a Copenhagen declaration adopted at European level in November 2002, an EU technical working group has been established to co-ordinate implementation of developments in this area, and Ireland is represented on this by the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland. The work under way aims to develop a practical working model for a European credit transfer system for vocational education and training which will be compatible with the European credit transfer system which applies in higher education.
These transnational developments will take some years to come to fruition. In an Irish context, a single national framework of qualifications was launched last October which includes all learning from initial schooling and basic education and training to doctorate level. The framework is now the single nationally and internationally accepted entity through which all learning achievements may be measured and related to each other in a coherent way, and it defines the relationship between all education and training awards. The framework places awards at particular levels within the system thus facilitating progression to further levels of learning. Among the next steps, over the period to 2006, are for the Further and Higher Education and Training Awards Councils to finalise and apply the new arrangements governing the implementation of the framework in collaboration with stakeholders, to ensure that legacy awards are placed in the framework and that existing and new programmes are adapted as necessary for inclusion in the new framework. This implementation process is well advanced in relation to higher education and training. As the range of qualifications involved in further education and training is very broad, the changes taking place will require some time to reach completion. When fully implemented the new system will provide for accumulation of modular credits towards an award and for the recognition of prior learning.
The National Qualifications Authority of Ireland, the Further Education and Training Awards Council and the Higher Education and Training Awards Council are also working with qualification and regulatory agencies in Northern Ireland, England, Wales and Scotland with the aim of exploring how mutual recognition of qualifications and progression pathways for learners on these islands can be enhanced.
71 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science when he expects the review of initiatives to address educational disadvantage to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14361/04]
Since my appointment as Minister for Education and Science, I have made it clear that addressing educational disadvantage is my top priority. By ensuring that available educational resources are targeted at the most disadvantaged people in the education system at all levels, my objective is to ensure that all young people leave the education system with a high quality education and related qualifications to support their full participation in society and in the economy.
One of my key concerns is to improve the level of synergy between the various disadvantaged programmes operated by my Department. To this end, my Department is currently finalising a review of educational disadvantage schemes and I will be making an announcement in this regard once the review has been completed.
72 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the findings of his Department’s audit of special needs provision, commenced in 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14261/04]
As part of its evaluative role, my Department's inspectorate conducted a sample survey, in late 2002, of 25 primary schools which had been allocated resource teacher and special needs assistant support. The objective of the review was to provide a detailed account of the additional allocation of resources for pupils with special educational needs with particular reference to the terms of the relevant departmental circulars.
The report expressed concern at the higher than expected incidence of significant disability identified in the survey, although it emphasised the need for caution in drawing firm conclusions because of the small sample involved. It also noted that increased access to psychological assessment services in recent years had led to increased numbers of pupils in mainstream schools being identified as having special needs. Nonetheless, the report expressed concern that the greater availability of resources in recent years may also have led to significant over-identification of special needs in schools and that such over-identification had serious long-term implications for the future funding and development of special education services.
Arising from the findings in the report, subsequent applications for special educational resources have been subject to individual verification. In addition, my Department is reviewing the existing arrangements for the allocation of special educational supports to primary schools. In the case of teacher resources, the outcome for each applicant school will be based on a new weighted system of allocation which I announced recently. Transitional arrangements for the introduction of the weighted system are being developed at present in consultation with representative interests. As soon as those consultations have been completed, the detailed arrangements for processing applications for resources will be set out in a circular to be issued to schools before the end of the current school year.
73 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on whether the insufficient provision of meals to children from disadvantaged areas under the school meals scheme is having an adverse effect on educational standards; if he has had discussions with the Department of Social and Family Affairs in regard to extending the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14354/04]
The school meals scheme is administered by my colleague the Minister for Social and Family Affairs. In March 2003, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs launched the school meals initiative that provided additional funding of €2 million for the scheme. Following on discussions between officials of my Department and those of the Department of Social and Family Affairs, over 200 schools participating in existing disadvantage programmes were invited to join the scheme in the 2003-04 school year. These included schools at post-primary as well as at primary level. Ongoing co-operation is taking place with the Department of Social and Family Affairs with a view to further expanding the number of schools participating in the scheme.
75 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the recent report from the National Educational Psychological Service which states that considerably more primary school pupils are entitled to additional teaching in the form of resource teaching or learning support than are currently availing of it; his plans to extend resources to cover those pupils who are not at present availing of the service but are entitled to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14340/04]
The National Educational Psychological Service has not published any reports that comment on the incidence of pupils in need of learning support or resource teaching. It has conducted a screening project in primary schools in two areas of the country but the findings are still being analysed, prior to submission of the report to my Department.
76 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the difficulties being faced by some boarding schools in respect of the new standardised school year arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14260/04]
The arrangements for the standardisation of breaks at Christmas and Easter and mid-terms were agreed at the Teachers Conciliation Council. The council comprises representatives of the managerial authorities of schools, the teacher unions and the Departments of Education and Science and Finance.
The purpose of the discussions at the council was to implement a specific requirement in the national agreement Sustaining Progress. Sustaining Progress set the achievement of a standard school year as a requirement for all primary and post-primary schools in the country. In encompassing all schools in both sectors it was designed to bring certainty and clarity on a countrywide basis to the arrangements for the vacation periods covered by the agreement. The agreed arrangements achieve that purpose and will have general application.
The issue of a derogation for a number of schools, including boarding schools, was discussed at the council following representations from those schools. There was no agreement at the council to grant such a derogation. Boarding schools continue to have discretion in relation to the start and end of the school year which are not covered by the Sustaining Progress requirement.
77 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science the projected number of education welfare officers to be recruited in 2004; the numbers currently employed by the NEWB; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14291/04]
The Education (Welfare) Act was fully commenced on 5 July 2002. Under the Act, the National Educational Welfare Board was established to ensure that every child attends school regularly or otherwise receives an education.
To discharge its responsibilities, the board is developing a nationwide service to provide welfare-focused services to children, families and schools. It has appointed a chief executive officer, directors of corporate and educational services together with a further eight head office staff. To date, 66 service delivery staff have been appointed. This figure is comprised of 53 educational welfare officers, nine senior educational welfare officers and four regional managers. It includes 29 former school attendance officers who transferred to the board from the pre-existing service.
As provided for under section 10 of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000, I have arranged for officials of my Department to work with the board to ensure that any opportunities for integrated working between educational welfare officers and staff on other educational disadvantage programmes whose work involves a school attendance element are exploited to the maximum. I consider the implementation of protocols for such integrated working on attendance matters between the NEWB and, in particular, the home-school-community liaison scheme, the school completion programme and the visiting teacher service for Travellers to be very important. When in place, these will assist the NEWB in carrying out its remit and ensure that all available existing resources are utilised to the full. As I have stated previously, I consider it essential that the board should focus on ways in which it can deliver the service with the personnel it has at the moment and with the help of other people involved in the area. When this has been achieved, I will consider the position again taking into account the available resources.
At this stage of its development, the aim of the board is to provide a service to the most disadvantaged areas and most at-risk groups. Five regional teams have now been established with bases in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford and staff have been deployed since early December in areas of greatest disadvantage and in areas designated under the Government's RAPID programme. Thirteen towns with significant school going populations, 12 of which are designated under the Government's RAPID programme, also now have an educational welfare officer allocated to them. These towns are Dundalk, Drogheda, Navan, Athlone, Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Bray, Clonmel, Tralee, Ennis, Sligo and Letterkenny. In addition, the board will follow up on urgent cases nationally where children are not currently receiving an education.
78 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science if he intends allocating additional funding for the National Educational Psychological Service in view of the fact that the last increase in allocation to this project stood at only 1%. [14251/04]
The 2004 financial provision for the National Educational Psychological Service NEPS, as provided for in the 2004 Revised Estimates Volume, is €14.546 million. This represents an increase of almost 8% on the 2003 financial outturn for NEPS. I am satisfied that this provision will enable NEPS to continue to develop and expand its service for 2004.
79 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the action he is taking to upgrade primary schools in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14112/04]
I draw the Deputy's attention to the 2004 school building programme which was published in December 2003 and is available on my Department's website, www.education.ie. This publication outlines in county order all projects in architectural planning and at construction. The 2004 programme has been presented in a user friendly way to enable all interested parties to establish information in relation to the capital development of schools. In addition to information on individual schools, the school building programme also outlines details of the different schemes and includes a guide to the prioritisation of large-scale building projects at primary and post-primary levels.
A new initiative for capital grants for small-scale improvements works for both primary and post-primary schools was launched also this year. This scheme is known as the summer works scheme and it is designed to fund small-scale works to those schools that are most in need of resources. A list of successful applicants under this scheme, which included a number of schools in County Roscommon, is also available on the Department's website.
In addition, to assist school authorities to complete general upkeep and maintenance, an annual grant is paid to schools under the grant scheme for minor works. This is also known as the devolved grant. The level of grant paid amounts to €3,809 per school plus €12.70 per pupil and was paid last December for the current school year.
80 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will report on the standing of the Linguistics Institute of Ireland; the arrangements that have been made with regard to staff and the future use of the library resource at the institute; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14285/04]
At an extraordinary general meeting of ITE, held on 18 July 2003, the company agreed to initiate a process of voluntary liquidation. This decision was a matter for the members in accordance with their memorandum and articles of association and relevant company law and was not related to financial considerations.
I understand that a meeting of the executive committee of ITE on 5 December agreed a timetable for the appointment of a liquidator, who was subsequently appointed on 9 January 2004, and agreed to issue redundancy notices to staff in advance of this. I understand from the liquidator that he has extended the period of notice of redundancy for the staff to 21 May 2004. Officials from my Department met with all members of staff of ITE in December 2003. A further meeting was held on 12 May 2004 between my Department, ITE staff and their union representatives.
My Department has given a commitment to provide every assistance to the company in giving effect to its decision, in partnership with the staff of the institute, and is working closely with the liquidator in this regard. This includes exploring possible arrangements for the continuation of certain research activities previously carried out by the institute and, in the interests of assisting with an orderly wind-up, facilitating appropriate redeployment or other appropriate arrangements for staff in line with general public service policy in these matters and subject to agreement with the Department of Finance.
Options that may be available in this context continue to be explored by my Department. In this regard staff will be kept appraised as developments occur. The entitlements of those employees for whom appropriate redeployment arrangements are not made will be determined in accordance with the terms of their contracts.
My Department is committed to ensuring that any arrangements for the future of the ITE library are made in a manner that recognises its wider academic and national policy importance. The director of An Chomhairle Leabharlanna agreed to assist the liquidator in this regard and has consulted widely with interested parties in forming recommendations for the future of the library. This report has now been submitted and its recommendations are under consideration. I have asked to be kept informed of progress in these matters.
81 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason his Department will not sanction a new gaelscoil in Lucan; the factors that were assessed in coming to such a decision; if the issue has been referred to an independent commission or arbitrator; if so, when a decision is likely; if cognisance will be taken of the schools accommodation crisis in Lucan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14384/04]
An application for a second gaelscoil in Lucan was received in my Department in January last. In accordance with established procedures, the application was referred to the new schools advisory committee for its assessment and recommendation. The NSAC reported to me and my decisions regarding the recognition of new schools for September 2004 were based on that report.
I am satisfied that any increasing demand for all-Irish provision in the Lucan area can be met by expanding existing provision. Accordingly, I made the decision not to grant recognition to a second gaelscoil in Lucan.
The patron body appealed the decision and the appeal was referred to an independent appeals board which deliberated on the appeal and reported its findings. The board has not upheld the appeal. Accordingly, the decision not to grant recognition to a proposed new gaelscoil in Lucan remains unchanged.
To address the immediate need presenting in Lucan for all-Irish primary education, contact has been made with the patron of the existing gaelscoil with a view to providing temporary accommodation on that site should this be required to facilitate a junior infant intake for September 2004. The long-term needs of the school will be addressed as soon as possible with the patron.
82 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will address the issue of overcrowding in school classes; if his attention has been drawn to the new figures from the INTO showing that over 40,000 pupils are being taught in classes of more than 30 children and that a further 72,000 are learning in classes of more than 25; the way in which the failure to reduce class sizes in recent times rests with his commitment to tackle educational disadvantage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14332/04]
I am aware of the issues raised by the INTO in relation to class size at primary level. The staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous year. The number of mainstream posts sanctioned is determined by reference to a staffing schedule and is finalised for a particular school year following discussions between my officials and the education partners. The overall maximum class size in primary schools by reference to the staffing schedule has been reduced from 35 in the 1995-96 school year to 29 in the 2002-2003 school year. The staffing schedule for the current school year is structured to ensure that all primary schools will operate to an average mainstream class size of 29 pupils. School authorities should ensure that there is an equitable distribution of pupils in mainstream classes and that the differential between the largest and smallest classes is kept to a minimum.
The pupil teacher ratio at primary level has improved significantly in recent years. The ratio has fallen from 22.2:1 in the 1996-97 school year to 18.0:1 in the 2002-03 school year. The projected ratio for the current school year is 17.44:1.
In line with Government policy, my Department will continue to provide further reductions in the pupil teacher ratio within available resources and subject to spending priorities within the education sector. Priority will be given to pupils with special needs and those from disadvantaged areas.
Since my appointment as Minister for Education and Science, I have made it clear at every opportunity that addressing educational disadvantage is my top priority. It is my intention to ensure that available educational resources are targeted at the most disadvantaged people in the education system at all levels.
Some 311 designated disadvantaged schools have 293 concessionary teaching posts, which are not determined by reference to enrolment. Class sizes in 32 schools are considered for staffing with reduced pupil teacher ratios of 15:1 in junior and 27:1 in senior classes and 209 schools are considered for staffing with reduced pupil teacher ratios of 20:1 in junior classes and 27:1 in senior classes. These ratios remain unchanged for the 2004-05 school year.
In 2003 more than €70 million was provided by my Department for disadvantaged programmes at primary level, aimed at ensuring that children from disadvantaged backgrounds are given the opportunity to maximise their potential within the education system.
A detailed review of education disadvantage schemes is nearing completion and this will impact on existing schemes. I hope to announce the outcome of this review shortly.
83 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will respond to issues in relation to the Residential Institutions Redress Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14357/04]
The Residential Institutions Redress Act was enacted on 10 April 2002. The Act provided for the establishment of the Residential Institutions Redress Board in order to provide a mechanism to make financial awards to victims of abuse to assist them in their recovery and enhance the quality of the remainder of their lives. It also provided an alternative to them having to pursue traumatic civil court cases in order to obtain compensation for their injuries.
While the civil courts operate on the basis that a plaintiff must prove their case on the balance of probability, the redress board operates on a much lower threshold of proof and does not make any findings of guilt in relation to an individual or an institution.
I assume that the issues the Deputy is referring to are around the recent case of a person dissatisfied with the outcome of the redress process. This person has taken the option to recommencing his case in the courts. The Government has agreed to do everything it possibly can to expedite a hearing and, taking into account the papers already lodged for the purpose of the civil case, to agree that the case will proceed on an assessment of damages only basis.
The operation of the redress board and review committee must be viewed objectively and adverse judgments regarding the process should not be made on the basis of just one case. To date a total of 3,540 applications have been made to the redress board and the application process has been finalised in 1,070 of these cases. The remaining cases are at various stages of the process. This indicates a high level of satisfaction with the operation of the board and the process of redress. In the circumstances I do not see a requirement to bring forward amendments to legislation which is working to the benefit of the vast majority of survivors.
84 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will be authorising a programme to have more teachers qualify as special needs teachers; and if he has a strategy for ensuring that special needs teachers and assistants are in place to meet demands. [14253/04]
It is the policy of my Department that all teachers working with children with special needs will have relevant training and continuing professional development.
I have authorised a major expansion in the range of postgraduate training for teachers working with pupils with special needs in four colleges of education and UCD. In addition, I have authorised the introduction of a range of new training programmes to provide a mix of intensive induction training and more advanced training in specific areas. I have also established a special education support service, headquartered in the Laois Education Centre, to manage, co-ordinate and develop a range of supports in response to identified training needs. The service is currently developing training teams to deliver training in specific areas. In addition, the service supports a range of local initiatives including the use of e-learning which provides courses on-line during the school year.
My Department allocates resource posts and special needs assistant posts to first and second level schools to cater for pupils with special educational needs. In the case of first level schools, the 350 special needs teacher posts that I announced recently will be allocated as part of a new weighted system of teacher support for such pupils. This new weighted system will involve two main elements: making a staffing allocation to schools based on a predicted incidence of pupils with special educational needs; and making individual allocations in the case of children with more acute lower-prevalence special educational needs. Transitional arrangements for the introduction of the weighted system are being developed at present in consultation with representative interests.
In the case of second level schools, applications for such support are made to my Department by the relevant school authorities. Each application is considered on the basis of the assessed needs of the pupils involved and the nature and level of the support provided is determined on the advice of the psychological service.
85 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will report on the efforts made to combat drug use and highlight the dangers of drug addiction in secondary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14269/04]
Drug use and the dangers of drug addiction are addressed in the substance use module of the junior cycle social, personal and health education, SPHE, curriculum which was introduced in September 2000. One of aims of the SPHE curriculum is to enable students to develop an informed and sensible attitude to substances, including drugs, so that they can make responsible and healthy decisions in relation to their personal lives and social development. The educational resource material, On My Own Two Feet, has been recommended as core resource material for the SPHE curriculum and many aspects of substance-drug use, including the consequences of drug taking, are addressed by this resource.
Since September 2000, the implementation of SPHE in post-primary schools has been supported by the post-primary SPHE support service, in partnership with the Department of Health and Children and the health boards. Support has been offered to all schools and training in the delivery of SPHE at junior cycle has been provided to more than 4,300 teachers to date. All post-primary schools are required to have SPHE timetabled as part of their school curriculum, as set out in my Department's circular M11/03, with effect from September 2003.
Under action 43 of the national drugs strategy, guidelines for developing a school substance use policy were developed by the Department of Education and Science in partnership with the Department of Health and Children and the health boards. These guidelines were issued to all schools in May 2002 to assist them in the development of substance use policies. The individual school's substance use policy is an essential prerequisite for ensuring that schools have a coherent framework for providing appropriate education and dealing with relevant issues in a planned and considered way.
86 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of persons who have made compensation applications to the Residential Institutions Redress Board at the latest date for which figures are available; the way in which the number of applications compares with the original estimate made by his Department; the latest estimate of the number of likely applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14356/04]
On the basis of the most recent information available from the Residential Institutions Redress Board, the board has received 3,540 applications. To date, the board has completed the process in 1,070 cases. The average award is approximately €80,000. The board provides regular updates as to the number of claims received on its website, www.rirb.ie. I have received the board’s first annual report and I am making arrangements for it to be laid before each of the Houses of the Oireachtas.
Prior to the establishment of the redress board, my Department had estimated that there would be approximately 5,000 applicants to the board. It is too early to determine what the final outcome will be at this stage of the process. However, the redress board in its annual report anticipates receiving between 6,500 and 7,000 applications in the three year period for acceptance of applications. The board bases this on information supplied by a number of the solicitors who have presented the most applications to date. The board recognises that this estimate is tentative as there are no precedents for the redress scheme.
88 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to address increasing instances in schools of teachers encountering students under the influence of alcohol or drugs; if his attention has been drawn to the recent ASTI survey on general disciplinary problems in schools here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14365/04]
I am aware of the survey, conducted by the ASTI, referred to by the Deputy. While education has a role in addressing the problem of the misuse of substances, particularly alcohol misuse, effecting change in this area also depends on consistent support from the drinks industry, parents and society as a whole. A responsible attitude to the promotion of alcohol, especially in targeting young people, and ensuring rigorous implementation of the law on legal age limits regarding the sale of alcohol are an essential part of this approach. Parents also have a responsibility in helping children and young people to adopt sensible and responsible attitudes and behaviours. In general the community as a whole needs to reflect on the general attitude to the misuse of substances.
Schools can play an active role in addressing the problems and consequences of the misuse of substances through the SPHE, social, personal and health education, curriculum which focuses on developing an informed and sensible attitude to substances. Through the SPHE curriculum, students are enabled to develop a framework for responsible and informed decision making about their health, personal lives and social development. In particular, the substance use module of the SPHE curriculum focuses on the issues relating to the use and misuse of a range of substances. While most young people are aware of the implications and consequences of misusing substances, the SPHE curriculum actively seeks to promote healthy and responsible choices by students in relation to their lives.
All post-primary schools were required to implement the SPHE curriculum as part of the junior cycle core curriculum from September 2003. The 2003-04 return of pupil information from 743 post-primary schools indicates that all post-primary schools are complying with this requirement. Ongoing support in the implementation of SPHE continues to be provided to schools through the post-primary SPHE support service, which is a partnership between the Department of Education and Science, the Department of Health and Children and the health boards.
Supports are also being provided to schools through the SPHE support service for the development of their substance use policies within which alcohol can be addressed alongside tobacco and drugs. Guidelines for developing a school substance use policy were prepared by my Department together with the Department of Health and Children and the health boards and circulated to schools in 2002 in accordance with action 43 of the national drugs strategy. The central objective of a school substance use policy is the welfare, care, protection and education of every young person. The school policy can ensure schools have a coherent framework for providing appropriate education and managing issues relating to substance misuse, including alcohol misuse, in a planned and considered way. In 2002, schools were asked by my Department to engage with the process of developing their substance use policies, if they were not already engaged with this process or if they did not have one in place already.
It is important that while acknowledging that student discipline is an issue in schools we do not talk this up to being a crisis. It is undoubtedly the case that a small proportion of students cause serious problems in schools. The reasons for this are not simple and are societal as much as educational. That said, I do not think that today's generation of young people is more disruptive than their predecessors. The reality is that as we have progressively increased the retention rate in our formal education system we are retaining students who in the past would have dropped out of school early. This poses challenges for schools and for society. There are no simple answers or magic wands available here.
A school's code of discipline and the inclusive way in which it is framed is important, particularly in harnessing student and parental support. We also have to look at whether the formal school model best meets the needs of all students and whether other models need to be developed. As against this we have to be careful not to promote the exclusion of problem students as this will leave us with a greater problem down the road.
89 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to review the compulsory Irish language requirement for teachers from outside the State; his views on whether the minor changes to the examination system he introduced last year have succeeded in bringing more teachers from outside the State into the education system; the numbers sitting the examination for the latest date available; the numbers passing and failing the examination for the latest date available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14344/04]
I established a working group to review all aspects of the syllabus and examination for the scrúdú le haghaidh cáilíochta sa Ghaeilge in 2001. A copy of its report has been published on my Department's website. An updated language syllabus for the SCG has also been published on my Department's website together with an examination handbook, with sample questions and answers, and will shortly appear in book form. A literature textbook is in preparation and will be produced in 2004.
It has also been decided that Coláiste Mhuire, Marino, will act as a central co-ordinating and managing authority for the SCG. The college will provide a much greater range of courses and the courses are to be delivered at two levels for those close to the required standard and those at a less advanced level. My Department is currently engaged in finalising new arrangements relating to the scrúdú le haghaidh cáilíochta sa Ghaeilge and details of these new arrangements will shortly be published on my Department's website.
I introduced some changes to the SCG examination last year. It may be incorrect to claim that these changes have contributed to an increase in the number of teachers from other jurisdictions who wish to join our education system. Some 417 candidates applied to sit for the most recent sitting of the SCG examination in April 2004 as compared with 308 applicants in April 2003.
The latest available statistics are for the October 2003 examination and are as follows:
|
Paper 1 |
Paper 2 |
Aural |
Oral |
|
|
No. of candidates: |
168 |
142 |
174 |
152 |
|
No. who passed: |
52 |
54 |
52 |
52 |
|
No. who failed: |
116 |
88 |
122 |
100 |
90 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to provide extra resources to fund the schools building programme with particular reference to the need to alleviate overcrowding in classrooms, the replacement of inefficient or non-existent facilities and with a view to meeting the basic health and safety requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14315/04]
Since 1998 almost €2 billion has been invested in the school building programme at both primary and post-primary levels, the largest investment programme in the history of the State. This year's school building programme at €388 million is the largest in the history of the State. It will deliver more than 260 significant school building projects at primary and post-primary level. Some 209 of these projects are new starts in the current year, the balance have been carried forward from previous years. In addition, more than 570 schools will benefit in some way from the capital programme and all primary schools will benefit directly from the devolved grants scheme for minor works.
This level of investment will need to be maintained if the goal of eliminating sub-standard accommodation is to be achieved. The Government remains committed to continuing the work it has started and to consolidating the substantial progress already made in order to ensure that the needs of schools throughout the country are met over time.
The introduction, for the first time, of multi-annual funding will enable my Department to continue to address schools modernisation needs in a planned and coherent manner. All projects not going to construction as part of the 2004 school building programme are being reviewed with a view to including them as part of a multi-annual building programme from 2005 onwards. I expect to be in a position to make a further announcement on this matter during 2004.
92 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will review the Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002 in view of recent events. [14380/04]
I assume the issues to which the Deputy refers relate to the recent case of a person who went on hunger strike as he was dissatisfied with the outcome of the redress process. This person has ceased his hunger strike and has taken the option of recommencing his case in the courts. The Government has agreed to do everything it possibly can to expedite a hearing and, taking into account the papers already lodged for the purpose of the civil case, has agreed that the case will proceed on an assessment of damages only basis.
The operation of the redress board and review committee must be viewed objectively and adverse judgments regarding the process should not be made on the basis of just one case. To date a total of 3,540 applications have been made to the redress board and the application process has been finalised in 1,070 of these cases. The remaining cases are at various stages of the process. This indicates a high level of satisfaction with the operation of the board and the process of redress.
In the circumstances I do not see a requirement to review legislation which is working to the benefit of the vast majority of survivors.
93 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Education and Science if voice training will be provided to teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14255/04]
There is very little information available to indicate how prevalent voice problems may be among the general teaching profession here. The issue does not appear to have arisen heretofore in the context of general training needs, although general principles of voice production are addressed in relation to teaching music and drama. There have been reports recently in the media concerning a new study of voice problems among teachers in the Dublin area, carried out by Professor R. Kinsella of the Smurfit School of Business, which I understand is expected to be published in about a month from now. The findings of the study will be considered when it becomes available.
94 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to a recent survey of more than 400 primary and secondary schools that shows that waiting time for psychological assessments is well over six months; his views on whether this is an unacceptably lengthy waiting time; his plans to address shortening waiting times for children in need of psychological assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14336/04]
My attention has been drawn to the survey quoted and I have made inquiries about the current situation.
My Department established the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS, in 1999 for a number of reasons, including concerns that many children did not have access at that time to psychological assessments. NEPS is not yet up to full strength, but my Department is committed to expanding the service as laid down in the Government decision of February 1999.
At present, there are three main routes by which school-going children may obtain psychological assessments. All schools have access to either the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS or to the scheme for commissioning psychological assessments, SCPA, which is funded by my Department. Sanction for a further year of SCPA was renewed in January 2004. In some circumstances, children may be referred for assessment to the psychological services of the health boards or voluntary bodies under their aegis. It is not clear if the survey refers to all these services or to those in the education sector or to NEPS alone.
Experience in other jurisdictions shows that, in terms of value for money, a psychological service is most effective if it engages in support and development work in schools, particularly in programmes that prevent school failure. My Department's policy is that the main responsibility for assessment and remedial work is that of the school and is carried out by teachers in collaboration with psychologists. School-based assessment can be speedily arranged. The main role of the psychologist is to advise teachers on the choice of tests, to help them to interpret test results and to develop individualised learning plans. NEPS psychologists carry out individual assessments only if the school's interventions have not been effective over a period of time and/or if the child needs additional resources or facilities. This is known as the staged model of assessment.
NEPS psychologists therefore do not keep waiting lists in the sense of lists of pupils referred in chronological order. They prioritise assessment work in consultation with the schools. It is not clear if the survey refers to pupils who have been prioritised by the school after school-based assessment and intervention or if it includes pupils who have not yet been assessed by their teachers. In the latter case, one would expect several months to elapse before individual psychological assessment, while the school carries out its own assessment programme and develops and implements a learning plan.
It was inevitable that there would be a backlog of assessment work to be met when NEPS was established. However, good progress has been made. The NEPS east coast region conducted a survey of the psychological service in the region in April 2003, which indicated that the average elapsed time between referral and first interview was five weeks. This is a well-staffed region and may not be typical of the whole country. However, it perhaps indicates what may be expected when NEPS is up to full strength.
All NEPS psychologists are required to include in their service or business plans a number of contingency days for urgent cases, for example, severe behavioural difficulties or severe disability or children who are the subject of legal proceedings. Such events are responded to in a matter of weeks if not days. Pupils that are perceived to have less serious problems may therefore have to wait longer for psychological assessment, but meanwhile they can receive help in school with advice from their psychologist.
If NEPS psychologists are concerned about the length of waiting time in an individual case, they can bring this to their line manager, who may arrange for help from the rest of the local team. If there are similar problems in schools served by SCPA, they can bring this to the attention of the NEPS manager of SCPA.
95 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the recent NCCA survey indicating that 44% of schools suffer from creaming off of students; the action he will take to achieve more balance in ability and social background of students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14363/04]
The selection and enrolment of pupils in second level schools is the responsibility of the authorities of the individual school. Under section 15 (2) (d) of the Education Act 1998, each school is legally obliged to disclose its enrolment policy and to ensure that as regards that policy principles of equality and the right of parents to send their children to a school of the parents’ choice are respected.
In relation to the application of fair and objective entrance criteria for entry to second level schools, my Department has agreed with the three post-primary managerial associations that the selection of pupils for enrolment in second level schools should not be based on academic ability. The principle of the school working in and for the community it serves should be emphasised. On that basis, emphasis should be placed by post-primary schools on catering, in the first instance, for children from their own communities and catchment areas.
Officials in my Department are in consultation with officials in the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to the Government with a view to drawing up regulations under the Act governing the preparation of admissions policies. This work is ongoing and will be concluded as speedily as possible. The purpose of these proposed regulations is to promote greater consistency, transparency and accountability in decision making at school level and to further the objective, under the Education Act, of equality and participation in education.
96 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the situation at the Dublin Institute of Technology whereby the institute must pay €1.4 million in back-pay; if this will have an effect on his Department’s grant to the institute; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14355/04]
The Dublin Institute of Technology is a statutory body established under the Dublin Institute of Technology Act 1992. Under that Act the governance and day to day activities of the institute are matters for which the governing body and the management staff of the institute are responsible.
I understand the back-pay referred to by the Deputy arises from the terms of the Protection of Employees (Part-Time Work) Act 2001. As far as my Department is concerned, the DIT is legally obliged to implement the terms of that Act.
My Department has recently advised the DIT of its provisional budget allocation for running costs for 2004 and has indicated to the institute that expenditure should be determined in line with Government policy and priorities and in accordance with priority institute pay and non-pay needs.
97 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress he has made on his recent commitment to address the needs of educational disadvantage schemes; and the way in which the €1,119,897 allocated to providing special needs staff in schools has been spent. [14248/04]
Since my appointment as Minister for Education and Science, I have made it clear that addressing educational disadvantage is my top priority. By ensuring that available educational resources are targeted at the most disadvantaged people in the education system at all levels, my objective is to ensure that all young people leave the education system with a high quality education and related qualifications to support their full participation in society and in the economy.
My Department's approach to tackling educational disadvantage is set in the context of the Government's National Action Plan Against Poverty and Social Exclusion, 2003-2005, NAPSincl, and the latest partnership agreement, Sustaining Progress, which contains a special initiative focused on literacy, numeracy and early school leavers.
Some €540 million is being provided by my Department in 2004 for programmes specifically designed to tackle educational disadvantage in accordance with the strategies outlined in the NAPSincl and Sustaining Progress. This includes provision in the following areas: €8 million for pre-school programmes such as the early start pilot project which caters for pupils aged three to four years who are most at risk in areas of social disadvantage; €73 million for disadvantaged programmes at primary level such as the disadvantaged areas scheme, the home school community liaison scheme, and the giving children an even break programme; €35 million for post–primary level disadvantaged schemes such as the disadvantaged areas scheme, and the home school community liaison scheme; €30 million for programmes which operate at both primary and post primary levels, including the school completion programme which is a key component of my Department's strategy to discriminate positively in favour of children and young people who are at risk of early school leaving; €20 million for disadvantaged youth schemes; €175 million for further education measures such as the back to education initiative, the youthreach programme, and the adult literacy programme; €197 million for measures specifically designed to broaden access to third level education for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. This direct expenditure on educational disadvantage represents some 8.3% of total projected expenditure by my Department in 2004.
My Department is currently finalising a review of educational disadvantage schemes and I will make an announcement in this regard once the review has been completed.
Any application for special educational needs, SEN, supports received in my Department will be considered in the context of the criteria outlined in the relevant Department circulars and the existing level of special educational needs, SEN, resources already available in the school.
My Department's commitment to supporting children with special educational needs within the primary school system is reflected in the very significant growth in investment in special needs provision in recent years. This is illustrated by the following details.The number of learning support teachers in the primary school system has increased from 1,302 in 1998 to 1,531 at present. The annual salary cost of these teachers is approximately €54 million.
The number of resource teachers has increased from 104 in 1998 to more than 2,500 currently. The annual salary cost of these teachers is estimated at more than €75 million.
The number of special needs assistants within the primary system has grown from 300 in 1998 to 4,319 full-time and a further 1,353 part-time posts. The salary cost of this service in 2003 was €103.56 million and is estimated at €120 million for 2004.
The allocation for part-time tuition services for children with special educational needs has been increased from €24.27 million in 2003 to €31.7 million in 2004.
Funding towards special equipment within the primary school system has increased from €2.12 million in 2003 to €3 million in 2004.
The resources that have been and that continue to be allocated by my Department represent real and substantial improvements in special education services. They provide concrete evidence of the Government's commitment to build on the unprecedented development of special education services.
98 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress which has been made by the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse; and if he has a strategy in place for addressing the urgent needs of victims of abuse in schools. [14250/04]
Since publication of Judge Ryan's review of the work of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse, the commission has held meetings with all interested parties, including the Department of Education and Science and representative groups, to facilitate them in expressing their views on the content of the reports and to enable them to make suggestions on the future operation of the investigation committee of the commission.
On 7 May 2004 the commission presented a position paper entitled "Identifying Institutions and Persons under the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse Act 2000" and a document entitled "Background to Events Surrounding the Reconstitution of the Investigation Committee". These and other related documents are available from the commission's website at www.childabusecommission.ie. The main question posed in the discussion paper is whether the investigation committee should name individual abusers.
The commission announced that a formal hearing of the investigation committee is being scheduled for 24 May 2004 to receive submissions on the matter. Representative groups will also be given an opportunity to express their views and to discuss the matter subsequent to this hearing.
Work on drafting of legislation amending the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse Act 2000 is at an advanced stage and the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel will incorporate legislative amendments suggested in Judge Ryan's report. In addition to this any further changes that may be deemed necessary arising from further recommendations that may be received from the commission, once it has concluded its consultation process around mid-June, will be considered.
The commission has a wide remit in relation to the investigation of child abuse and its inquiries cover day schools as well reformatories and industrial schools. The closing date for receipt of complainant statements was July 2002.
The confidential committee of the commission continues to work as normal and has completed hearings in 856 out of 1058 cases.
99 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to publishing school league tables; the grounds on which he is considering a review of the blanket ban on their publication; the criteria on which new league tables published by his Department may be based; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14334/04]
It is desirable that parents and the public in general have information about schools that is meaningful, fair and fully rounded. At present this information can often be anecdotal and based on hearsay. More recently, we have seen the introduction of an unofficial form of league table based upon third level entry patterns.
The issue here is not about crude league tables based upon raw examination results. My Department does not publish raw examination results at present nor has it any intention of publishing examination results in their raw form in the future.
It is not enough to say what we are against. We must also discuss and decide what we want. For my part I want a real debate about the issue. The question at the heart of this debate is whether we want to know if a school is effective. By effective I mean are students in the school achieving to their potential? For some students this will mean high academic achievement and for others it will mean simply completing school. Let us be clear: all students are equally important and the success of the less academically able child is of equal importance.
I would like to consider if it is possible for us to have an information model which has regard to a school's contribution to the academic, pastoral and social needs of the student and also takes account of all school sponsored activities such as sport and drama.
In other words, any information model that we might use to gauge the effectiveness and quality of schools must be sufficiently sophisticated to reflect the fact that achievement in school is influenced by factors as diverse as socio-economic background, gender and ethnicity. I accept that this is a complex matter, which requires clear and open debate.
To inform the process of public debate I have asked the OECD directorate of education to provide me with comparative materials from other countries on this issue. This will provide examples of international practice in this area.
As well as the comparative analysis, I envisage that appropriate consultations on this issue will take place at a later date.
100 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of briefing packs prepared by him; the number of packs that were produced; the cost of each briefing pack; the number of staff used to compile the information packs; if all the information in the packs is now available on his Department’s website; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14333/04]
The matter referred to by the Deputy is subject to inquiries in the Standards in Public Office Commission. Out of courtesy to the commission, I will respond to the Deputy when its inquiries are completed.
101 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide samples of the information pack provided to Fianna Fáil candidates and education spokespersons; when he notified each political party of the availability of the information service funded by his Department; his views on whether, in hindsight, the use of such public funds for dissemination for candidates of any party is unethical; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14386/04]
I will arrange to provide samples of the information to the Deputy. No political party was specifically notified that the Department of Education and Science has an information and press service but, to my knowledge, all of them are aware of the fact and most have sought information over several decades.
I would never regard the dissemination of factual information as unethical.
102 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress which has been made on the schools building programme in view of the fact that he committed to allocating €30 million to the project in budget 2004. [14245/04]
This year's school building programme is the largest in the history of the State. Included in the overall funding of €388 million was an additional amount of €30 million, details of which were announced earlier this year. A total of 32 schools — 17 primary and 15 post-primary — will benefit from this additional €30 million investment. In fact, the total funding allocation in 2004 will enable more than 200 significant projects to be authorised to progress to tender and construction along with a significantly expanded small schools initiative, asbestos remediation programme and new summer works scheme. This brings to almost €2 billion the amount that has been invested since 1998 in the school building programme at both primary and post-primary levels. This is a very significant amount of investment. This level of investment will need to be maintained if the goal of eliminating sub-standard accommodation is to be achieved.
The Government remains committed to continuing the work it has started and to consolidating the substantial progress that has already been made to ensure that the needs of schools throughout the country are met over time.
103 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science when he intends to complete his cost review of school transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14111/04]
The review of the school transport scheme is being finalised within my Department. I am not yet in a position to say when deliberations on the report will be finally completed.
104 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the reasons behind the establishment of a working group to promote student councils in post-primary schools; the powers and remit of the proposed student councils; when he expects the working group to publish a report on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14335/04]
The working group on student councils, which is chaired by the National Children's Office and is representative of students and all the partners in education was set up to encourage the establishment of effective and democratic student councils in all post-primary schools in the country. This is in accordance with the Education Act 1998, which encourages the establishment of student councils in all post-primary schools and with goal 1 of the national children's strategy which is to give children and young people a voice in matters that affect their lives.
Under section 27 of the Education Act 1998, students in a post-primary school may establish a student council, the role of which is to promote the involvement of students in the affairs of the school in co-operation with the board of management, parents and teachers. This development originated in my Department's recognition that students have a voice and a contribution to make to their school and these councils can play an integral and important role in the school community by providing a representative structure through which students can debate issues of concern and undertake initiatives of benefit to the school and the wider community.
In 2002 my Department issued comprehensive guidelines on student councils to all second level schools. The guidelines, entitled "Student Councils: A Voice for Students" provide practical guidance to school management, teachers and students on the establishment and operation of student councils.
In a recent survey, conducted by my Department, it emerged that student councils have been established in 558 of the 743 post-primary schools surveyed.
The working group will report on its findings, including a proposed three year strategy to support the establishment and development of student councils, to the Minister with responsibility for children by December 2004.
105 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has made a decision in regard to the University of Limerick’s request for approval for a graduate-entry medical course; if the decision will be made in time for the proposed final intake of undergraduate medical students in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14350/04]
I am aware of the proposal by the University of Limerick for the development of a post-graduate medical education programme. I understand that this proposal is under development and a formal request for approval has not yet been submitted to the relevant authorities.
As the Deputy will be aware, a working group on undergraduate medical education has been established under the chairmanship of Professor Patrick Fottrell to examine a range of issues with regard to medical education and training. The working group is now actively addressing its task with a view to reporting later this year. In this context, a copy of the University of Limerick's outline proposal has been forwarded to the working group as part of its consideration of the options for moving forward.
106 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science his Department’s plans to combat educational disadvantage before children start school; the extent to which his Department plans to become involved formally in preparing children during pre-school years; his views on the fact that extending the early-start programme in disadvantaged areas may be the best means of doing this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14339/04]
109 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason the early-start programme for three and four-year olds is only available in 40 of the 350 disadvantaged areas identified by the scheme; if he will account for this failure to extend the scheme; his plans to extend the programme in the future in order to assist more children adjust to school life; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14338/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 106 and 109 together.
The early start pre-school project was established in 40 primary schools in designated areas of urban disadvantage in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Waterford, Galway, Drogheda and Dundalk during 1994 and 1995. The aims of Early Start are to expose young children to an educational programme which would enhance their overall development, prevent school failure and offset the effects of social disadvantage.
The approach taken in early start is to establish groups of 15 pupils in existing primary schools in disadvantaged areas, with each class being run by a primary school teacher and a qualified child care worker. While the early start curriculum emphasises the development of cognitive and language skills, due regard is also had to personal and social development. The early start service has not been expanded since 1995.
In regard to future development of early childhood education provision for disadvantaged children, my Department, as part of a detailed review of educational disadvantage programmes, is currently exploring how such provision should best be delivered in the future. I am particularly concerned to ensure that any future actions by my Department in this area are based on a collaborative approach with other Departments involved in the overall early childhood care and education, ECCE, sector. Meeting the overall objective of providing the best possible service to the communities and children involved requires that any educational provision by my Department takes account of child care measures under the remit of other Departments.
The future development of the early start pre-school project is being considered as part of this process and I will make an announcement in this regard as soon as the detailed review of all initiatives to tackle educational disadvantage has been completed.
107 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to a discussion paper from the Higher Education Authority on funding for universities here; if his attention has been drawn to the HEA’s proposal to sanction universities here should they fail to raise some of their funding from the private sector; if the paper recommends much tighter control of university spending by the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14351/04]
The Higher Education Authority has published a consultation document as part of a review of the recurrent funding model currently in operation in the universities. According to the Higher Education Authority, the aim is to put a revised funding model in place which will enable increasingly autonomous and market driven institutions to respond to public interest agendas, at national, international and regional levels, while also taking a greater responsibility for their own financial sustainability.
I welcome the initiative of the Higher Education Authority in conducting this review. The Deputy will be aware that I have invited the OECD to conduct an extensive review of higher education in Ireland in order to map a future strategy for the sector. This is set against a background of Ireland's strategic objective to place its higher education system in the top rank of the OECD in terms of both quality and level of participation and by the priority to create a world class research, development and innovation capacity and infrastructure in Ireland. The OECD review will evaluate how well the Irish higher education sector is meeting these strategic objectives and will offer recommendations for future progress by reference to comparative performance in other OECD countries.
The role of Exchequer funding in rewarding and incentivising progress on broad policy objectives and in encouraging innovation at institutional level is clearly an important element of this. The responses to the HEA consultation document will make an important contribution to dialogue on the next steps forward in this regard.
108 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to introduce school transport charges for pupils attending primary schools; his plans to increase the charges already levied on post-primary pupils; the charges he is planning to introduce; if there will be a cap on the charges; the persons who will have to pay the charges and those who will be exempt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14349/04]
The annual revenue currently generated from existing school transport charges is about 6% of the overall expenditure on school transport services.
While I have no immediate plans to introduce charges for pupils attending primary schools or to increase charges for pupils attending post-primary schools, the matter is being kept under review in the context of the escalating cost of school transport and any future demands on the service. Expenditure on school transport has more than doubled since 1997 and this year's allocation is €110.471 million.
110 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress on the Fianna Fáil manifesto promise that the Government will ensure that reducing absenteeism and early school leaving is a core priority over the period of Government. [14114/04]
My Department's commitment to tackling absenteeism and early school leaving is reflected in the national anti-poverty strategy, the national action plan against poverty and social exclusion, 2003-2005 and the latest social partnership agreement, Sustaining Progress, which contains a special initiative on tackling educational disadvantage: literacy, numeracy and early school leavers.
My Department's approach to tackling absenteeism and early school leaving comprises legislative and curricular reforms as well as preventative interventions. The Education (Welfare) Act was fully commenced on 5 July 2002. Under the Act, the National Educational Welfare Board, NEWB, was established to ensure that every child attends school regularly or otherwise receives an education. To discharge its responsibilities, the board is developing a nationwide service to provide welfare-focused services to children, families and schools. At this stage of its development, the aim of the board is to provide a service to the most disadvantaged areas, including areas designated under the Government's RAPID programme and most at-risk groups. In addition, the board will follow up on urgent cases nationally where children are not currently receiving an education.
As provided for under section 10 of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000, my Department is working with the board to ensure that any opportunities for integrated working between educational welfare officers and staff on other educational disadvantage programmes whose work involves a school attendance element, such as the school completion programme, the home school community liaison scheme, and the visiting teachers for Travellers service, are exploited to the full.
My Department operates a number of disadvantaged programmes, which provide additional supports for children in primary and post-primary schools from disadvantaged backgrounds who are most at risk of educational disadvantage and early school leaving. The school completion programme is a key component of my Department's strategy to discriminate positively in favour of children and young people who are at risk of early school leaving. The programme is based on an integrated cross-community approach to tackling early school leaving. There are currently 82 projects involving 404 schools — 295 primary and 109 post-primary — participating in the school completion programme.
With regard to curriculum reform, my Department's strategies have included widening the educational experience available to students. These strategies aim to achieve a greater level of inclusiveness in curricular provision through such programmes as the junior certificate schools programme, the leaving certificate vocational programme, vocational preparation and training and the leaving certificate applied.
A detailed review of all educational disadvantage initiatives is nearing completion and this will impact on existing schemes. I hope to announce the outcome of this review shortly.
111 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science if he is considering introducing university tuition fees for students once they have completed three years in college; if this represents a move towards the introduction of a general three-year undergraduate degree course in universities with students opting to specialise thereafter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14346/04]
There are no specific plans of the nature referred to by the Deputy under active consideration at present. The proposal referred to has been recently introduced as a suggestion into the wider public debate on the future of higher education in Ireland.
As the Deputy will be aware, I have invited the OECD to conduct an extensive review of higher education in Ireland in order to map a future strategy for the sector. This is set against a background of Ireland's strategic objective of placing its higher education system in the top rank of the OECD in terms of both quality and level of participation and by the priority to create a world class research, development and innovation capacity and infrastructure in Ireland. The OECD review will evaluate how well the Irish higher education sector is meeting these strategic objectives and will offer recommendations for future progress by reference to comparative performance in other OECD countries. The OECD review team brings an unprecedented wealth and spread of expertise to the task. It has undertaken extensive consultation with all key stakeholders in the sector during a visit to Ireland in February and is currently engaged in the complex process of formulating its report. Potential approaches to the future resourcing of the third level sector in Ireland are being considered as part of the review.
A wide range of suggestions and proposals have been put to the OECD team, both through the many formal submissions received and in the extensive discussions that it has undertaken. All of these are under consideration as part of its deliberations and should be considered openly in the context of the broad nature of the exercise being undertaken. I do not propose to pre-empt the outcome of the review at this time.
In common with all those in society with an interest in the development of our higher education system, I await the outcome of the review with interest and look forward to future dialogue on the next steps.
112 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount which has been spent on the schools building programme since the launch of budget 2004. [14247/04]
Expenditure on the 2004 school building programme commenced last January and to date €66 million has been spent.
114 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Science the way in which he intends to allocate the extra 350 special needs teachers he recently announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14359/04]
The 350 special needs teacher posts that I announced recently will be allocated as part of a new weighted system of teacher support for pupils with special educational needs. This new weighted system will involve two main elements: (a) making a staffing allocation to schools based on a predicted incidence of pupils with special educational needs; and (b) making individual allocations in the case of children with more acute lower-prevalence special educational needs. Transitional arrangements for the introduction of the weighted system are being developed at present in consultation with representative interests.
115 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the system that will be in place to address the situation in which a school has larger numbers of children in special needs than the weighted system caters for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14360/04]
The detailed arrangements for the introduction of the weighted system that I announced recently are currently being finalised. The matter raised by the Deputy is being considered in that context.
116 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will expand on his recent remarks at the National Parents Council primary annual conference in Limerick that students might in future be required to obtain a minimum number of points for entry to third level, with admission then determined by random selection; the way in which he views that this will increase access to third level to students from disadvantaged backgrounds; his views on whether this method would turn entry into third level into a lottery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14352/04]
The remarks to which the Deputy refers were aimed at encouraging debate on the very important issues associated with high points pressure for second level students and the implications of this for the educational experience of students at senior cycle level.
The main recommendation of the report of the commission on the points system of 1999 was that the points system should be retained on the basis that it is well established, is broadly fair and transparent and is generally accepted by the public at large. However, the report also found that a number of damaging effects were attributed to the points system. The report pointed to a negative impact on students' personal development; the fact that students' subject choices were being unduly influenced by the aim of maximising the level of points for entry to third level education; a narrowing of the curriculum arising from the tendency to teach to the examination rather than to the aims of the curriculum; and an undue focus on the attainment of examination results. The report noted that the courses for which the greatest competition occurs and in which the cut-off points are consistently high are the health care courses.
As the Deputy will be aware, last August, the HEA published a report, "Study into Alternate Methods of Entry into Health Sciences Professional Courses at Third Level". The report was commissioned by the HEA at my request on foot of a commitment in the programme for Government and proposes the removal of health science professional courses from the points system. The report recommends that entry to a range of health sciences programmes should be on a post-graduate basis. It finds that removing entry selection to these high points programmes from the CAO points system would have hugely positive benefits for individual students in terms of reduced pressure and enhanced educational experience at senior cycle in second level. The implementation issues associated with this recommendation for medical education are currently being considered by a working group on undergraduate medical education.
As the Deputy will also be aware, I have invited the OECD to conduct an extensive review of higher education in Ireland in order to map a future strategy for the sector. This is set against a background of Ireland's strategic objective of placing its higher education system in the top rank of the OECD in terms of both quality and level of participation and by the priority to create a world class research, development and innovation capacity and infrastructure in Ireland.
In addition, through its ongoing work, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment is pursuing quality and ongoing improvement of the educational experiences of children and young people. Its consultative work in reviewing second level senior cycle education is aimed at supporting this objective.
I welcome all contributions to the important debate on how we can ensure that our senior cycle education system best serves the educational interests of our young people, while facilitating progression in maximum numbers and on an equitable and transparent basis to higher education.
117 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason funding for teacher in-career development has decreased by 25% over the past four years; his views on whether this cut in funding will have a negative effect on teacher development and the education system as a whole; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14337/04]
Funding for teacher in-career development has in fact increased by nearly three million euro since the year 2000. My Department has reviewed the processes whereby it supports a range of in-service activities for personnel working at primary and post-primary levels and continues to examine new models of professional development with a view to enhancing overall provision.
118 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Taoiseach when he last met Justice For the Forgotten and persons (details supplied) in relation to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings; and if he will report on that meeting. [14110/04]
I attended a wreath laying ceremony yesterday, the 30th anniversary of the bombings, and met many of the victims and their families. I acknowledge the dedication on Sunday in Monaghan of a memorial to the victims of the Monaghan bombing, which received considerable EU support. I met representatives of the Justice for the Forgotten group on 10 December last and reported to the House on that meeting on 27 January last. I understand the O'Neill and Bergin families were not represented at that meeting.
119 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the report commissioned in Britain by the RNID and to the damage caused to hearing by loud music in clubs; if she intends to introduce some of the recommendations contained in that report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14209/04]
I am aware of the report referred to by the Deputy. The thrust of the recommendations in the report are generally in line with measures already being promoted in Ireland in the area of noise in the workplace. The Health and Safety Authority, HSA, is the State body charged with responsibility for the administration, enforcement and promotion of occupational health and safety legislation and deals with the matter of exposure of persons at work to noise.
The relevant legislation is the European Community (Protection of Workers) (Exposure to Noise) Regulations 1990, which apply to the protection of workers in all workplaces, including places of entertainment. These regulations are intended to reduce hearing damage caused by loud noise. An employer must assess the noise exposure level and if it is above 85 decibels, 85-dB(A) preventive action must be taken. Noise exposure must be kept to the lowest level practicable by, for instance, quieting the source of noise or reducing the amount of time people spend in a noisy area. All workers who are exposed to a daily exposure level of 85dB(A) or more are entitled to have a hearing test at the employer's expense.
Under the regulations, where exposure is likely to exceed 85dB(A), the employer's obligations include: measuring the noise levels and reducing them as far as reasonably practicable; informing workers of the measurements taken of the noise levels; providing information and training to employees on the risk of noise exposure; and providing hearing protection such as ear muffs or plugs.
The regulations will be updated and replaced by new provisions to give effect to Directive 2003/10/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 February 2003 on the minimum health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to the risks arising from physical agents, namely noise, which is due to be transposed into national law by the member states by February 2006. In the meantime, the Health and Safety Authority has produced a "Guide to Exposure to Noise in the Entertainment Industry" which covers a range of issues in the sector, including assessing exposure to noise, reducing exposure to noise, steps to be taken if exposure occurs over 85dB(A), steps to be taken if exposure occurs over 90dB(A), and hearing tests.
120 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, in her role during the Irish EU Presidency, she will seek that China cease its embargo on coke and steel exports in line with agreements within the World Trade Organisation in order to increase the worldwide supply of raw materials, thereby leading to a reduction and stabilisation in the price of steel which has increased by more than 25% in the past four months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14295/04]
125 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the fact that in recent months the availability and cost of steel has become extremely volatile, resulting in a scarcity of supply and in rapidly rising costs of up to 25% in the last quarter which in turn is adding up to €10,000 to the cost of a new apartment; if she will raise this growing concern at EU level; and the actions she can take to ensure that suppliers of steel products are not permitted to take advantage of the vulnerable situation by profiteering; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14304/04]
127 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the impact of the massive increase in steel prices over the past quarter on the competitiveness of the Irish economy in the view of the fact that steel is a key component in construction and manufacturing projects; the action she is taking to try and control the price increases; the impact this will have on the Government proposals to introduce fixed price contracts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14310/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 120, 125 and 127 together.
I understand that world steel prices have risen substantially, due primarily to economic growth in producer countries such as China, where increased home market demand has led to a reduction in the volumes available for export. At European level, trade related issues in relation to steel and coke fall within the ambit of the common commercial policy. The European Commission, with advice from the EU member states including the Irish Presidency in the Art.133 committee, represent EU interests and engage with third countries and international organisations, such as WTO, to resolve disputes. Such engagement is ongoing currently in relation to trade in steel and coke.
With regard to the impact on competitiveness and the Irish economy, it is not apparent that developments in relation to steel pricing have given rise to movement in tender prices or have specifically impacted on the cost of apartments or manufacturing projects. Hyper-inflation in market prices of construction materials will be considered in the context of the development of Government policy on fixed price contracts. Suppliers of steel products are subject to the same business and consumer regulations as every other supplier of goods and services in Ireland, including competition law.
121 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the fact that without a change in the eligibility threshold, the €10 increase in lone parents allowance in 2004 has resulted in women on the jobs initiative scheme losing out substantially and to such an extent that many of them had no alternative other than to opt out of the scheme; the amount of money and benefit lost to participants continuing on the scheme arising from the €10 increase; and the way in which she proposes to deal with this anomaly. [14619/04]
The jobs initiative, JI, programme is a work experience programme for persons 35 years of age or older who have been unemployed for five years or longer. Participants are offered temporary full-time employment for a period of three years. Eligible persons are employed by managing agents, with the support of a grant from FÁS for this purpose. The rates of payment for persons in receipt of the one-parent family payment, which is a means tested payment, and eligibility for this payment is a matter for the Department of Social and Family Affairs.
The future structure of the JI and community employment programmes is under review by a group of senior officials and FÁS, and this group will report to Ministers on the outcome of its deliberations shortly. Decisions on any future adjustments in the structure and the terms and conditions of participation on these programmes will be taken when the review process has been brought to a conclusion.
122 Mr. Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when renewal of work permits for persons (details supplied), which have been submitted by a company through the farm relief services, will be dealt with; and if this application will be processed as quickly as possible. [14090/04]
There are a number of issues in this case which the Department wishes to pursue with the employer and with other interested parties. When these inquiries are complete a decision on these applications will be made.
123 Mr. S. Power asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when a decision will be made on an application for a work permit by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14123/04]
The work permits section has indicated that a decision was made in this case on the 8 May 2004 and the employer had been notified.
124 Mr. Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will make a statement on the attitude of her Department to the patenting of life forms. [14293/04]
The European Communities (Legal Protection of Biotechnological Inventions) Regulations 2000 implemented Directive 98/44/EC on the legal protection of biotechnological inventions. The purpose of the directive was to confirm, clarify and consolidate existing patent law with regard to biotechnological inventions throughout the European Union.
The directive does not allow unlimited patentability of subject matter. As in the case of inventions in other areas of technology, biotechnological inventions are patentable only if they are new and susceptible of industrial application, and involve an inventive step. Also, patents will not be granted in respect of biotechnological inventions, the commercial exploitation of which would be contrary to public order or morality.
The following are not patentable under the directive: plant and animal varieties, and essentially biological processes for the production of plants or animals; the human body, at the various stages of its formation and development, and the simple discovery of one of its elements, including the sequence or partial sequence of a gene; processes for cloning human beings; processes for modifying the germ line genetic identity of human beings; uses of human embryos for industrial or commercial purposes; and processes for modifying the genetic identity of animals or animals resulting from such processes which are likely to cause them suffering without substantial medical benefit to man or animal.
The objective of the directive is to establish harmonised, clear and improved standards for the protection of biotechnological inventions with a view to furthering the innovating potential and competitiveness of European science and industry in this important area of modern technology.
126 Mr. Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the situation with respect to insurance companies from outside this country quoting for business here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14305/04]
Insurance can be bought from an insurance company in another European economic area, EEA, country if the company's name is on the list of authorised insurance companies. Any insurer authorised to write business in the EEA may provide insurance into any other member state, including Ireland, on a freedom to provide services basis. However, the authorising member state must notify the host member state — in this case Ireland — of the company's intention to write business in its territory and certify the solvency of the company.
Insurance companies from countries outside of the EEA are also permitted to write business into Ireland on a freedom to provide services basis, but only for certain classes of business referred to collectively as marine, aviation and transit, MAT, business. As for EEA countries, a notification from the insurance supervisory authority of the authorising country, attesting that the company is authorised to write business in the relevant classes together with a solvency certificate must be submitted to the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority, IFSRA, before the company can be authorised to write business in Ireland and be placed on the list of authorised insurance companies.
An insurance company established in another EEA member state can apply to establish a branch in Ireland through its home state supervisory authority, which, when satisfied, forward a file to IFSRA, which has two months to notify the home state supervisor of the conditions under which, in the interest of the general good, the insurance business may be carried out in Ireland.
Since 1 May 2003 IFSRA has responsibility for the regulation and supervision of insurance undertakings, and any further information required in relation to this matter can be obtained from IFSRA. IFSRA maintains lists of all insurance companies authorised to write business in Ireland whether through the establishment of a head office, a branch or by way of freedom of services. The lists of insurers authorised to carry out different classes of insurance in Ireland is available on the IFSRA website www.ifsra.ie.
128 Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, with reference to the alleged fraud perpetrated by a non-governmental organisation (details supplied) on her Department, regarding which she was informed by memo on 5 March 1999, and which was the subject of a fraud squad inquiry, her Department in 1997 relaxed and modified the criteria applying to the grant programme on which the fraud was alleged to have taken place; if that change invalidated the fraud charge on her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14475/04]
129 Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, further to Question No. 183 of 6 April 2004, if the files of her Department show that there was no basis for the allegation of fraud or for the calling in of the fraud squad; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14476/04]
130 Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason her Department refused to receive written evidence that showed that named officials of same were used in the fabrication of fraud charges; the reason her Department has not sought to clarify this point in the interests of probity in order to ensure that a person is facilitated with the full co-operation of a Department, including the full disclosure and co-operation by that Department in circumstances in which their good name has been grossly tarnished; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14477/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 128, 129 and 130 together.
In June 1996, my Department approved grant assistance of 104,000 ECUs or about £83,000 under the EU-funded small business operational programme for a project proposed by the organisation concerned. In accordance with the normal procedures for the relevant measure, an initial grant of 50% of the total approved was made at that time, while a further grant of 30% was issued in September 1997 following the submission of a progress report on the project by the organisation. The only modification to the terms for the project made by my Department in 1997 related to the timing of certain reporting requirements and I do not consider that this did, or could have had, any bearing on the subsequent allegation of fraud that was made by the organisation.
On 29 January 1999, the organisation wrote to the Department advising it that it appeared to the organisation that it had received an overpayment from the Department in respect of expenses amounting to £16,500 on foot of which a grant had been paid at the rate of 75%. At a meeting with the Department on 5 March 1999, to discuss this matter, the Department was advised by the organisation that it had decided to alert the Garda fraud squad to suspected irregularities in relation to the claims submitted to the Department for funding for the project arising from the organisation's concerns about invoices in the amount of £16,500 received from a supplier of services to the organisation. The Department was advised that the organisation's auditors had also been informed about the matter and that the Department would be kept informed about developments. At that stage, the Department suspended any further payments in respect of this project pending the conclusion of the investigations into the matter. The Department subsequently co-operated fully with the fraud squad.
On 23 June 2000, the organisation wrote to the Department and confirmed that an extensive investigation by its auditors had found no evidence of fraud and that, following a fraud squad investigation, a file had been referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions, who had decided that there were no grounds for action. The organisation indicated that it had accepted the results of these investigations and, accordingly, the invoices, which had been the subject of the investigations, were paid by the organisation on 23 June 2000.
In my earlier reply to the Deputy on 6 April, I have already indicated that my Department was not a party to the allegations made and it would not be appropriate for me to speculate about the basis on which the organisation made the allegations. However, the Department has confirmed to the person concerned both in correspondence and in the course of several meetings that the Department does not have any issue or concern to pursue with him. Furthermore, all relevant documents relating to the issues have been released to this person. It is a matter for the individual concerned to decide how such documentation might be of use to him in relation to his dealings with any third parties.
131 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence if his Department has completed its investigations regarding the disposal of a small section of property to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [14143/04]
I have arranged that my Department's properties officer will survey the property in question in the coming weeks with a view to finalising mapping and related title issues in order to facilitate a decision in relation to the possible disposal of the property.
132 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence the position of the Pensions Act that members on overseas missions are given in regard to benefits; if there are different criteria in regard to different missions; if a member of the Defence Force has different guarantees if serving as observer status as to general UN service; if there are such discrepancies, the plans he has to remove them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14190/04]
As I indicated to the House when replying to Question No. 183 on 3 March and Question No. 90 on 11 March 2004, where a member of the Permanent Defence Force, PDF, is killed in the course of duty or dies from a wound received in the course of duty, whether on duty at home or overseas, enhanced spouse's and children's allowances are payable under the Army Pensions Acts. In addition, the standard death gratuity under the Defence Forces pensions schemes and any widow(er)'s entitlements under the Social Welfare Acts are payable.
As I also indicated, additional lump sum death benefits would be payable under my Department's special extra-statutory compensation scheme where a member of the PDF was killed in the course of duty while serving overseas with an international United Nations force. The question of extending this scheme to personnel serving with the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, OSCE, and other such overseas missions is now being considered by my Department under the conciliation and arbitration scheme for the PDF. The Deputy will appreciate that it would not therefore be appropriate for me to comment further in the matter at this stage.
133 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence the plans his Department has to open up recreational facilities at Army locations, that is, swimming pools, squash courts, soccer and GAA pitches, and so on to interested groups within such areas and in which such facilities are in demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14191/04]
134 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding applications by swimming clubs and schools to use the facilities at the Curragh swimming pool; if all the swimming clubs of the area can be facilitated at the pool; if all of the schools can be facilitated at the pool; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14300/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 133 and 134 together.
It is the policy to allow military sports facilities to be used by local community-based groups and clubs subject to prior requirements of the Defence Forces. Such facilities, which are located throughout the country, are extensively used by such groups. With regard to the Curragh swimming pool, which is the only such facility located in a military complex, the position, at present, is that schools based in the local area are being allowed to use the facility. It is intended to further expand the use of this resource as soon as possible and arrangements will then be made to permit local swimming clubs to use the pool.
135 Ms F. O’Malley asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the accommodation facilities in Cathal Brugha Barracks; the plans for this barracks; and when the residents can expect to enjoy a suitable standard of accommodation. [14417/04]
The refurbishment of accommodation facilities is an integral part of my Department's building plans, as part of an ongoing investment programme within the Defence Forces. Accommodation for Defence Forces personnel in Cathal Brugha Barracks has been substantially upgraded in recent years. This included the refurbishment of billet blocks at a cost of €2 million, completed in September 2003 and refurbishment of officer accommodation in 2001 at a cost of almost €1 million.
The building programme for this year includes a project estimated to cost €750,000 to upgrade two building blocks to provide transit accommodation and locker facilities for other ranks personnel. This year's programme proposes to refurbish existing buildings as a new battalion headquarters, which will enable the existing larger headquarters to be vacated and used for accommodation purposes. It is anticipated that the latter project, which will provide modern living in accommodation, will be included in the 2005 capital works programme at an estimated cost of €2.5 million.
Routine maintenance will continue to be carried out within the barracks. I am fully committed to the ongoing development of accommodation facilities throughout the Defence Forces, and improvements will continue to be carried out in the light of competing demands and availability of financial resources.
136 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14429/04]
The property in question was offered for sale to the occupants in 1999 for a sum of €31,743.45 — £25,000 — but they did not proceed with the sale. It would appear that some of the occupants, adult children may remain in residence in the quarters and, in that regard, the Department would be prepared to allow the house to be purchased in the joint names of the parents and of the children. This course of action, which assists purchasers in obtaining a mortgage, has been availed of in respect of a number of the sales at Orchard Park.
With regard to the question of overholding, my Department is continuing to examine all options, including affordable housing and voluntary and co-operative housing schemes, in relation to the re-housing of those overholders who would in the normal way be eligible for local authority housing. The Department will remain in contact with the overholders pending resolution of the issue.
137 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding the new REP scheme. [14141/04]
The person named is a participant in the existing rural environment protection scheme and his contract began on 1 December 2002. On his next anniversary date he will be given the opportunity to take on a new five year commitment, under which he can avail of the increased payment rates and other changes to the scheme which are currently awaiting the approval of the European Commission.
138 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will consider issuing a premium payment to a person (details supplied) in County Cork in respect of animals. [14142/04]
The person named applied for premium on ten animals under the 2002 suckler cow premium scheme. The 80% advance instalment amounting to €1793.20 issued on 16 October 2002 while a balancing payment for €52.01 issued on 30 April 2003. The total suckler cow premium due on ten animals is €2241.50 but in the case of the person named a penalty of 17.68% has been applied to payment. This penalty was applied in accordance with paragraph 43 of the terms and conditions of the scheme as a result of 11 animals found at inspection on 13 December 2002 that were not compliant with identification and registration requirements. These 11 animals did not include any of those listed in the question.
The person named applied for first age special beef premium in respect of 42 animals including the eight animals listed in the question. Payment for the 42 animals has issued in full subject to application of the appropriate penalty for non-compliance with the identification and registration requirements as outlined above. No application was received for second age premium in respect of the eight animals in question.
139 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when suckler cow payment for 2003 will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and the reason this payment is being delayed. [14155/04]
The person named applied for premium on 27 animals under the 2003 suckler cow premium scheme on 30 June 2003. The application has been processed for payment and his 80% advance instalment amounting to €4704.47 issued on 29 October 2003. This payment was in respect of 26.5 animals, being the number of quota rights on record for the applicant. As the closing date for the scheme was 27 June 2003, payment was also subject to a 1% late application penalty applied in accordance with paragraph 29 of the terms and conditions of the scheme. Processing in respect of the 20% balancing instalment is complete and payment will issue as soon as a query arising under the 2003 slaughter premium scheme is resolved.
Under the slaughter premium scheme 54 animals were slaughtered under the herd number of the person named. The 80% advance payment issued in respect of 53 animals on 21 October 2003. The person named was contacted regarding the movement of one animal which had been incorrectly notified to the CMMS database. Balancing payments cannot issue until the query on this animal has been resolved.
The person named submitted one application under the 2003 special beef-bull premium scheme on 21 August 2003 in respect of three animals. The 80% advance payment in respect of two animals issued on 2 December 2003. One of the animals included on this application was not seven months old and therefore too young to be considered for payment under the special beef premium scheme. Again, balancing payment cannot issue until the slaughter premium scheme query has been resolved.
140 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will rescind the decision made regarding the REP scheme penalities on a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14162/04]
As explained in my previous response to a question in this case, No. 145 on 4 May, there are specific procedures for appeals under the rural environment protection scheme. These include an initial appeal to my Department's local office and the right of appeal to the agriculture appeals office. The initial appeal in this case was unsuccessful and my Department has now written to the person named, informing him of that decision and advising him of his right to make a further appeal to the agriculture appeals office. The agriculture appeals office is statutorily independent of my Department.
141 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) purchased animals privately, forwarded the farm to farm movement notification to his Department and adhered to all the regulations; if he will rescind the penalties imposed on this person’s special beef premium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14163/04]
The person named submitted four applications under the 2003 special beef premium scheme, one on 20 February 2003, in respect of eight animals, one on 17 June 2003, in respect of two animals, one on 22 July 2003, in respect of three animals and one on 9 December 2003, in respect of nine animals.
Following computer validation, two of the animals included on the application of 9 December 2003 were identified as recorded on the CMMS database as moving into the herd of the person named on 1 April 2004. Under the terms and conditions of the scheme all animals are required to be CMMS compliant on the date of application. The person named was written to on 22 April 2004 advising him that the animals in question would accordingly be rejected from his application and was informed of his right of appeal. To date the person named has not availed of this opportunity.
142 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the legislation he proposes to introduce to prevent the cross-contamination of conventional crops if genetically modified crops are allowed to be grown here commercially. [14186/04]
EU Directive 2001/18/EC obliges member states to draw up a national strategy and best practices relating to the co-existence of GM crops with conventional and organic crops on the basis of guidelines prepared by the EU Commission. An interdepartmental interagency working group has been set up in my Department to develop this national strategy and bring forward recommendations. The working group will also examine the legislative support required to ensure the effective implementation of the recommendations made.
143 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason for the delay in a cattle subsidy payment for a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and when payment is likely to proceed. [14219/04]
The person named submitted four applications under the 2003 special beef premium scheme, one on 27 March 2003, in respect of 11 animals, one on 10 June 2003, in respect of one animal, one on 28 November 2003, in respect of 47 animals and one on 31 December 2003, in respect of 48 animals. As two of the animals applied on under the first application were slaughtered prior to application, they were not eligible for payment of the premium. The balancing payment in respect of the remaining one hundred and five animals has issued on 11 May 2004.
During 2003, 163 animals were slaughtered under the herd number of the person named. Some 33 animals were ineligible for the 2003 slaughter premium as they were under age at the time of slaughter. Animals must be aged eight months and over to be eligible for the slaughter premium scheme. The balancing payment in respect of the remaining 130 eligible animals issued on 12 May 2004. The balancing payment in respect of thirty one animals eligible under the national envelope top up of the slaughter premium on beef-breed heifers also issued on 12 May 2004.
144 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of calves under two months old exported to continental EU in 2003; the number which went to each destination country; the number of weanlings exported to continental EU in 2003 for further fattening; the number which went to each destination country; the number of other cattle which went to continental EU in 2003 for slaughter or further fattening; and the number which went to each destination country. [14235/04]
The information sought by the Deputy, as recorded by my Department's cattle movement monitoring system, is set out in the table following.
|
Country of destination |
Calves(0-61 days) |
Weanlings(62-365 days) |
Other cattle(over 365 days) |
|
France |
0 |
5 |
79 |
|
Netherlands |
32,946 |
833 |
666 |
|
Germany |
0 |
23 |
40 |
|
Italy |
1,272 |
9,150 |
8,418 |
|
Greece |
0 |
260 |
314 |
|
Portugal |
0 |
42 |
33 |
|
Spain |
24,885 |
51,034 |
11,894 |
|
Belgium |
1,736 |
207 |
320 |
|
Totals |
60,839 |
61,604 |
21,764 |
145 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan will receive the balance of suckler and other grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14322/04]
The person named submitted three applications under the 2003 special beef premium scheme — one on 20 February 2003, in respect of three animals, one on 5 September 2003, in respect of one animal, and one on 22 December 2003, in respect of four animals. One of the animals included on the application of 22 December 2003 was notified to the CMMS database incorrectly. This query has now been resolved and balancing payments on all 2003 special beef premium applications will issue shortly.
During 2003 four animals eligible for the slaughter premium scheme were slaughtered under the herd number of the person named. The 80% advance in respect of these four animals issued on 21 October 2003 and 12 March 2004. The balancing payments will issue shortly.
The person named applied for premium on 15 animals under the 2003 suckler cow premium scheme. The application has been processed for payment and his 80% advance instalment amounting to €2689.80 was paid on 17 October 2003. The 20% balancing payment will issue shortly.
The person named applied to participate in the 2003 extensification premium. Payment of this premium is scheduled to commence next month but it is too early to confirm if he will qualify for payment. The person named was due €1,338.65 under the 2003 area-based compensatory allowance scheme of which €911.41 was paid to him on 22 September 2003 with the balance of €427.24 offset against arrears of land purchase annuities.
146 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will take steps immediately to deal with the issues raised in correspondence (details supplied); his views on whether in this context, the delay involved in registering title has been totally unreasonable; if settlement with regard to the land purchase annuity will therefore be proffered as some compensation to the person in respect of such delay and concern; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14323/04]
There appears to be confusion between two parcels of land allotted by the former Land Commission to the person named. He received one plot from the former Land Commission in exchange for land surrendered by him and this plot has been vested in the person named and all relevant documentation leading to registration has been lodged in the Land Registry under Schedule No. 92813.
The second plot was sold to him by the former Land Commission in 1986 by means of a standard purchase agreement subject to a land purchase annuity of £390 per annum. The two annual payments under the annuity have not been paid at any time by the person named since 1986 and the arrears at present amount to €3,733.70. As a result the plot has not been vested in the person named or title documents registered in the Land Registry. I propose to introduce a new land purchase annuity buy out scheme in upcoming legislation. However, to avail of this proposed scheme all arrears of the annuity must be paid up to date.
147 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position with regard to the nitrates directive; if agreement has been reached between his Department and the IFA; and if the proposals have been approved by Europe. [14401/04]
The implementation of the nitrates directive is in the first instance a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. A draft action programme, prepared by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in conjunction with my Department and in consultation with Teagasc, was presented in December last to representatives of the main farming organisations and other stakeholders. Written submissions on the draft action programme have been received from some 70 stakeholders, including the farming bodies and a revised draft is being prepared by officials of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government together with officials from my own Department.
Under Sustaining Progress, the Government is committed to using the flexibility in the nitrates directive to seek European Commission approval for organic nitrogen limits of up to 250 kg per hectare per annum to be allowable in appropriate circumstances. It was also agreed in Sustaining Progress that the Government would engage with the main farming organisations and other interests on the development of the action programme for implementation of the nitrates directive. The consultations initiated by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in December last are part of that process. The issue has also been discussed at meetings, including a meeting earlier this week, between officials of both Departments and the farming pillar under Sustaining Progress, at which the IFA was represented.
The terms of the action programme need to be finalised at an early date given that EU co-funding of schemes such as the REP scheme, disadvantaged areas compensatory allowance, early retirement and forestry is conditional on satisfactory implementation of the nitrates directive. Compliance with the directive has also been specified as one of the conditions for farmers' participation in the single payment scheme following the decoupling of farm supports from production. Furthermore, following a judgment of the European Court of Justice against Ireland, it is open to the court, on the application of the European Commission, to impose substantial fines against Ireland if early action is not taken to give full effect to the directive.
148 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when extensification payment will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [14402/04]
The person named applied to participate in 2003 extensification premium. Payment of this premium is scheduled to commence next month but it is too early to confirm if he will qualify for payment.
149 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his views on the issues (details supplied) raised by the IFA in respect of the nitrates directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14403/04]
The implementation of the nitrates directive is, in the first instance, a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Ireland is legally obliged to put into effect an action programme for the further implementation of the nitrates directive. The European Court of Justice, in its judgment on 11 March 2004, held that Ireland had not fulfilled its obligations under the nitrates directive by reason of its failure to establish and implement an action programme in accordance with article 5 of the directive. It is open to the court, on the application of the European Commission, to impose substantial fines against Ireland if early action is not taken to give full effect to the directive.
Furthermore, the terms of the action programme need to be finalised at an early date given that EU co-funding of schemes such as the REP scheme, disadvantaged areas compensatory allowance, early retirement and forestry is conditional on satisfactory implementation of the nitrates directive. Compliance with the directive has also been specified as one of the conditions for farmers' participation in the single payment scheme following the decoupling of farm supports from production.
A draft action programme prepared by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in conjunction with my Department and in consultation with Teagasc, was presented in December last to representatives of the main farming organisations and other stakeholders. Written submissions on the draft action programme have been received from some 70 stakeholders, including all the main farming bodies, and a revised draft is being prepared by officials of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government together with officials from my own Department.
Under Sustaining Progress, the Government is committed to using the flexibility in the nitrates directive to seek European Commission approval for organic nitrogen limits of up to 250 kg per hectare per annum to be allowable in appropriate circumstances. It was also agreed in Sustaining Progress that the Government would engage with the main farming organizations and other interests on the development of the action programme for implementation of the nitrates directive. The consultations initiated by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in December last are part of that process. The issue has also been discussed at meetings, including a meeting earlier this week, between officials of both Departments and the farming pillar under Sustaining Progress, at which the IFA was represented.
Once the draft action programme is finalised and submitted to the Commission, Ireland will also submit a derogation proposal designed to take account of the unique characteristics of Irish agriculture. A number of significant steps have been taken to address the costs at farm level of the implementation of the draft action programme. The Government, in Sustaining Progress, stated: "recognising the importance of the nitrates directive and its impact on certain farmers, a number of initiatives shall be taken in the context of optimising the use of available EU and national budgetary resources". These initiatives included a review of the REP scheme with higher payment rates and changes to the terms and conditions of the farm waste management scheme and dairy hygiene scheme including, in particular, increasing the income and eligible investment ceilings.
The improvements in the farm waste management schemes and the dairy hygiene schemes are already in place and changes to the REP scheme, delivering an average increase of 28% in payments to farmers, are expected to be approved shortly by the European Commission with retroactive effect.
The scheme of capital allowances for expenditure on farm pollution control has been extended to the end of 2006. A committee is currently examining issues associated with the possible introduction of low cost wintering facilities such as earthen bank tanks for the storage of livestock manures.
150 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will take steps to ensure that the area aid payments due to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath are awarded to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14479/04]
An issue which delayed finalisation of the 2003 area aid application for the person named has now been resolved and any further payments due in respect of 2003 can now be processed.
The person named has two animals eligible under the 2003 slaughter premium scheme. The 80% advance payment issued in respect of these animals on 27 January 2004. The 20% balancing payments for slaughter premium will issue shortly.
The person named applied for premium on 62 animals under the 2003 suckler cow premium scheme. The application has been processed for payment and his 80% advance instalment amounting to €11,117.84 issued on 20 October 2003. The 20% balancing payment will issue shortly.
The person named applied to participate in 2003 extensification premium. Payment of this premium is scheduled to commence next month but it is too early to confirm if he will qualify for payment. The person named was paid his full entitlement under the 2003 area-based compensatory allowance scheme on the maximum of 45 hectares on 23 September 2003.
151 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if, with regard to the capital investment scheme for the marketing and processing of certain agriculture products (details supplied) in 2001, he will report on the number and names of the projects approved for grants and the amount of money drawn down to date in each case. [14617/04]
Six applicants in the potato sector were awarded grant aid under the 2001-2002 tranche of the capital investment scheme for the marketing and processing of certain agricultural products. Details of amounts awarded are set out as follows:
|
Name of Beneficiary |
Amount awarded € |
|
Donegal Potatoes Ltd., Donegal |
390,976 |
|
Meade Potato Co. Ltd., Co. Meath |
287,825 |
|
Peter & Eddie Doyle, Co. Kilkenny |
133,134 |
|
Patrick Howard, Co. Meath |
650,745 |
|
Meadowfresh Foods, Co. Waterford |
160,975 |
|
Edward English, Co. Cork |
172,470 |
|
Total |
1,796,125 |
Payments totaling €708,465 have been made to date in respect of five of the above beneficiaries, two of whom have completed their projects. No payment claims have been received in the case of the other beneficiary.
152 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Finance the number of architects who are working for the Civil Service; and the number of these who are stationed in Dublin. [14171/04]
The latest information supplied to my Department indicates that the number of posts of architect serving in the Civil Service is 82.6, on a wholetime equivalent basis. Of this number, 68.6, again on a wholetime equivalent basis, are located in Dublin.
153 Mr. S. Power asked the Minister for Finance if businesses from Northern Ireland working here are operating VAT free (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14181/04]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that section 8(1) of the VAT Act 1972, as amended, provides that traders who supply taxable goods or services within the State in the course or furtherance of business are obliged to register and account for Irish VAT, subject to the appropriate turnover thresholds. Foreign firms, not established in Ireland, which are involved in supplying goods or services here are generally obliged to register, charge and account for Irish VAT regardless of turnover.
In certain circumstances, and where the Irish customer is registered for VAT, the foreign trader may not be required to register for VAT, and the Irish customer will account for the VAT on the transaction. In any event VAT must be accounted for on all taxable transactions in the State carried out by foreign traders. An information leaflet, VAT information leaflet No. 1/99, on the subject of the VAT treatment of foreign firms doing business in Ireland is available on the Revenue website at www.revenue.ie.
If the Deputy is aware of traders who are not complying with the VAT legislation, he should contact Revenue so that the matter can be investigated.
154 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Finance if the Revenue Commissioners will register the English Market in Cork for VAT by concession in order that the lessees of the market be able to reclaim the VAT portion of the service charges being charged to them. [14188/04]
The administration of VAT is a matter in the first instance for the Revenue Commissioners. The question raised by the Deputy is being examined by their Cork office. However, it is not considered appropriate to comment publicly on the tax affairs of a company where that company is identifiable and a reply will issue to the Deputy on this matter as quickly as possible.
155 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Finance if consultations have taken place with interested parties regarding proposals for the redevelopment of the Tallaght Garda station site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14234/04]
The Commissioners of Public Works are awaiting a revised brief from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform for Tallaght Garda station prior to consideration of a detailed design for a new station.
156 Mr. Moloney asked the Minister for Finance the number of publicans’ licences renewed in the State for the year ended 30 September 2003 in each turnover category (details supplied). [14308/04]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners, as follows, in regard to the information requested.
|
Turnover category |
Number of licenses issued |
|
Under €190,500 |
4,078 |
|
€190,500 but less than €380,999 |
2,272 |
|
€381,000 but less than €634,999 |
945 |
|
€635,000 but less than €952,499 |
511 |
|
€952,500 but less than €1,269,999 |
267 |
|
€1,270,000 or more |
444 |
157 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Finance if he will take steps to ensure that a decision awaited from the Attorney General’s office in respect of whether a waiver should be granted pursuant to section 73 of the Succession Act 1965 in favour of a person (details supplied) is immediately made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14312/04]
The standard procedure in the type of case referred to by the Deputy is for any application for waiver of the State's interest to be investigated by the Chief State Solicitor and for advice to be given to the Minister for Finance by the Attorney General, whereupon the Minister then makes a decision whether or not to grant the waiver sought.
The Deputy will appreciate that it is important in these cases that every step is taken to ascertain whether or not next of kin may exist who may have a legal entitlement to the estate. In this case, I understand that an application for waiver is currently being examined by the Office of the Attorney General and that a recommendation is likely to be made shortly. I can assure the Deputy that any advice which is received from the Attorney General in this matter will be dealt with as soon as possible.
158 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Finance if he will report on the voluntary element of the Government’s decentralisation programme and on restrictions which civil servants will face in terms of promotion if they do not volunteer to relocate. [14428/04]
I have made it clear on many occasions that the decentralisation programme will operate on a voluntary basis. While decentralisation will inevitably change certain aspects of the way in which the public service operates, there will, broadly speaking, continue to be the same promotion opportunities across the service.
The decentralised nature of the service will mean that public servants will, in future, have to consider their career prospects in the light of opportunities that arise both in Dublin and outside Dublin. The issue of regional promotion structures is one which, I would expect, will arise in discussions with the public service unions. I am confident that arrangements will be put in place to ensure that sufficient staff are available to carry out the work of the Department and agencies involved in the decentralisation programme.
159 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the positioning regarding the Miami Five case. [14102/04]
The case raised by the Deputy relates to five Cuban citizens who were convicted in the US in December 2001 on charges ranging from espionage to first degree murder, and whose appeal commenced in March of this year. As I have previously informed the Deputy, the Government has no standing in this matter which is a bilateral consular question between the Cuban and US authorities.
160 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action he is taking at UN and EU level to stop the torture of Iraqi prisoners; and if he will work hard at an international level to end this practice. [14103/04]
The Government has publicly and strongly condemned the mistreatment and abuse of prisoners in Iraq by US and UK forces. We made our concerns known directly to the US and UK authorities when the allegations first came to light. Yesterday, the EU Council of Ministers, acting on the initiative of the Irish Presidency, adopted the following conclusions. The Council expressed its abhorrence at recent evidence of the mistreatment of prisoners in Iraqi prisons. The Council condemned any instances of abuse and degradation of prisoners in Iraq, which are contrary to international law, including the Geneva Conventions. The Council welcomed the commitment by the relevant governments to bring to justice any individuals responsible for such acts involving the abuse of Iraqi detainees, and their commitment to rectify any failure to adhere to international humanitarian law.
I have been active in ensuring that similar statements were included in the Presidency conclusions issued after last week's EuroMed ministerial meeting in Dublin and in the joint communiqué adopted at yesterday's meeting between the EU and the Gulf Co-operation Council.
The issue of the abuse of prisoners by US personnel was raised at last Friday's meeting between G8 foreign ministers and President Bush and at the subsequent ministerial meeting, both of which I attended. Both President Bush and Secretary of State Powell condemned the mistreatment of prisoners in the strongest possible terms and expressed the Administration's determination that those responsible should be brought to justice.
The UK Foreign Secretary, Mr. Jack Straw, briefed the EU External Relations Council yesterday on his government's investigation into allegations of prisoner abuse. He made clear that such abuse would not be tolerated, that all allegations were being thoroughly investigated and that anybody found to be responsible for the mistreatment of prisoners would be brought to justice. He confirmed that recent photographs published by the Daily Mirror showing abuse of Iraqi prisoners by British troops were forgeries.
I believe that the recent evidence of prisoner abuse in Iraq has reminded the entire international community of the need to respect and maintain international law in respect of the treatment of prisoners. The Government will continue to work to reinforce this point and thereby ensure that something positive may yet come from this appalling episode.
161 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the consultations he has had or communications he has received from the Northern Ireland or British authorities concerning the proposal to introduce identity cards in the United Kingdom; the way in which persons in Northern Ireland will be regarded in relation to their nationality on the card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14174/04]
The Embassy of Ireland, London, met the British authorities at official level on 20 November 2003 and again on 10 May 2004 to discuss the introduction of national identity cards in the UK.
I understand that assurances have been provided by the British Government that the principles of freedom of movement throughout the common travel area covering the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, Ireland and the UK will not be compromised by this scheme. Furthermore, assurances were given that Irish nationals living in the United Kingdom will be treated in exactly the same way as British nationals as far as this proposed scheme is concerned.
With respect to the way in which persons in Northern Ireland will be regarded in respect of their nationality on the card, the embassy in London has raised this crucial issue with the Home Office, and brought the relevant passages of the Good Friday Agreement to the attention of the British officials. Consultations are ongoing and no decision has been made with regard to this aspect of the proposal. The Irish Government will continue to monitor developments and consult with the British authorities to ensure that the concerns of Irish citizens are fully taken into account.
162 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make representations to the US authorities to express serious concern at the additional measures announced on 6 May 2004 by the US to further tighten its blockade and make even worse the already very difficult conditions caused by the blockade against Cuba; if he will also raise this matter at EU level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14482/04]
The Irish Government's position on the US embargo has been made very clear over the years by our consistent vote against it, together with our EU partners, in the UN General Assembly, most recently on 4 November 2003. In bilateral contacts with the US administration, we have never left them in any doubt regarding our strong opposition to the embargo. It is our belief that the effect of the embargo is to work contrary to stated EU and US aspirations for a democratic and prosperous Cuba. We welcomed the partial easing of the embargo in the year 2000, whereby the ban on the sale of food and medicines was lifted, and since then we have continued to urge that the embargo be removed completely.
A Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba was established by President Bush on 10 October 2003. Its mandate was to identify "additional measures by which the US could help the Cuban people bring about an expeditious end of the Castro dictatorship", as well as "US Government programmes that could assist the Cuban people during a transition". The Commission, chaired by Secretary of State Powell, reported to President Bush on 6 May 2004. Upon publication of the report, President Bush directed that certain immediate actions should be taken, including a decision to limit recipients of remittances and gift parcels; to limit family visits to Cuba; to reduce the authorised daily expenditure during a trip to Cuba; and to step up law enforcement measures against those carrying funds to Cuba in contravention of US policy.
President Bush also directed that up to US$59 million should be committed over the next two years to implementing other commission recommendations, including democracy-building activities and support for family members of the political opposition, as well as support for young people, women and Afro-Cubans and public diplomacy efforts. The concern of the Cuban authorities at the new US measures has been conveyed to the Government by the Cuban chargé d'affaires in Dublin.
While the new US measures are essentially a bilateral matter between the US and Cuba, the US authorities are in no doubt as to the Irish and EU view as to how best to promote a democratic transition in Cuba. The aim of the EU common position remains to "encourage a process of transition to pluralist democracy and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as a sustainable recovery and improvement in the living standards of the Cuban people". We believe that the way to achieve this is by engagement rather than by isolation.
Admittedly, it must be realistically acknowledged that the Cuban authorities do not always seem to wish to respond positively to our constructive approach. Events in recent weeks in Cuba represent a further serious setback for the cause of human rights, as manifested in particular by the trial and sentencing of 13 dissidents for peacefully exercising their rights to freedom of speech, opinion, assembly and association. This follows the harshly repressive measures taken in March and April last year, which resulted in lengthy prison sentences for 75 dissidents, as well as the summary trial and rapid execution of three ferry-boat hijackers in breach of international minimum standards for the implementation of the death penalty.
Notwithstanding these disappointing setbacks, Ireland and our EU partners will continue to persevere with our policy of constructive engagement with Cuba with a view ultimately to seeing the aims of the common position achieved, namely, the initiation of a transition to a system of pluralist democracy embracing human rights and fundamental freedoms.
163 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the contacts he had with the Department for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs about the setting up of volunteering 21, in view of the need for a database of volunteering opportunities to respond to public inquiries on volunteering and for a policy strategy for volunteering here following the Tipping of the Balance report; and his views on whether, following the Special Olympics and APSO, volunteering within and outside the country needs a single agency. [14603/04]
The Deputy will be aware that the Government decided in 2002, on foot of a recommendation contained in the report of the Ireland Aid Review Committee, to integrate the Agency for Personal Service Overseas, APSO, into the Department of Foreign Affairs. This decision has been implemented and the functions and responsibilities of the former APSO are now being carried out by Development Co-operation Ireland. These include the facilitation of voluntary service as part of an overall poverty reduction strategy in our development co-operation programme; support for the activities of NGOs and missionary groups, which includes volunteer sending and placement of expatriate personnel overseas; and the safeguarding of the interests of development workers and volunteers in development.
I launched the volunteer 21 initiative, a reference to volunteering in development in the 21st century, in December 2003 to provide support for voluntary activity by Irish people in developing countries. On 21 April, I hosted a multi-stakeholder conference to take forward the consultation process on these issues. Practical and financial support for volunteers in developing countries is being provided by a volunteer 21 unit, comprising staff of the former APSO, within Development Co-operation Ireland.
In preparation for the initiative which I launched last December, there were contacts at official level with the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. Officials from that Department also took part in the conference on 21 April. The question of whether a single agency is required to promote voluntary activity at home and abroad is a matter on which the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs will no doubt have views. I am confident, however, that the arrangements which I have put in place, and which take forward the excellent work done by APSO, will ensure that the specialist support needed by Irish voluntary workers in the development field abroad will be delivered efficiently.
164 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science if he intends lifting the cap on enrolments to post leaving certificate courses. [14585/04]
In the current academic year, the enrolments on PLC courses in certain schools and colleges have exceeded the number of places approved by my Department. Teacher allocations for 2004-2005 and capitation grants have been allocated on the basis of the approved number of places or the numbers enrolled.
In the 2003-04 academic year nearly 28,700 places were approved by my Department. Officials from my Department have already had meetings with management representatives in the sector and the Teachers Union of Ireland to hear their concerns. They have also received submissions from a number of VECs about their particular needs.
My Department is currently considering appeals from the VECs, schools and colleges for the recognition of the excess numbers enrolled for the purposes of teacher allocations and grants. A decision on the matter will be taken shortly in the light of the totality of demands for teaching resources across the system. I expect that additional justifiable needs identified in the examination being carried out by my Department will result in the provision of additional teaching resources.
165 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will take steps to ensure that the appropriate resource support is provided for a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath and which was referred to in Parliamentary Question No. 554 of 30 September 2003; if, in view of correspondence, immediate steps will be taken to deal with same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14086/04]
My Department received more than 8,400 applications for special education resources since 15 February, 2003. The batch of approximately 5,000 applications received between 15 February and 31 August 2003, including one for the pupil referred to by the Deputy, is being considered at present. Priority was given to almost 1,000 cases involving children starting school last September and all those cases were responded to at or before the commencement of the current school year.
The balance of more than 4,000 applications in that batch has been reviewed by a dedicated team comprising members of my Department's inspectorate and the national educational psychological service. Those applications are being further considered in the context of the outcome of surveys of special education resource provision conducted over the past year and the data submitted by schools as part of a nationwide census of such provision.
The processing of the applications is a complex and time-consuming operation. However, my Department is endeavouring to have this completed as quickly as possible and my officials will then respond to all applicant schools. Pending a response, schools are advised to refer to circular 24/03, which issued in September, 2003. This circular contains practical advice on how to achieve the most effective deployment of resources already allocated for special educational needs within the school. In the case of teacher resources, the outcome for each applicant school will be based on a new weighted system of allocation which I announced recently.
This system, as part of which an additional 350 teaching posts will be allocated, will involve two main elements: making a staffing allocation to schools based on a predicted incidence of pupils with special educational needs; and making individual allocations in the case of children with more acute lower-prevalence special educational needs. It is expected that the change to a weighted system will bring with it a number of benefits. The new system will reduce the need for individualised educational psychological assessment; reduce the volume of applications to my Department for additional resources for individual pupils; and give greater flexibility to schools, which will facilitate the development and implementation of improved systems and procedures in schools to meet the needs of pupils with low achievement and pupils with special educational needs.
Transitional arrangements for the introduction of the weighted system are being developed at present in consultation with representative interests. As soon as those consultations have been completed, the detailed arrangements for processing applications for resources, including those for special needs assistants and those received after 31 August last, will be set out in a circular to be issued to schools before the end of the current school year. It is intended, also, that applicant schools will be notified of the outcome in their case within this time frame.
166 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science when a special needs resource teacher will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; when the appointment will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14087/04]
My Department has received applications for special educational resources, SER, for the pupil referred to by the Deputy. The position is that SER applications received between 15 February and 31 August 2003, including one for the pupil in question are being considered at present. In all, more than 5,000 such applications were received. Priority was given to cases involving children starting school last September and all these cases were responded to at or before the commencement of the current school year.
The balance of more than 4,000 applications has been reviewed by a dedicated team comprising members of my Department's inspectorate and the national educational psychological service, NEPS. These applications are being further considered in the context of the outcome of surveys of SER provision conducted over the past year and the data submitted by schools as part of a nationwide census of SER provision.
The processing of the applications is a complex and time-consuming operation. However, my Department is endeavouring to have this completed as quickly as possible and my officials will then respond to all applicant schools. Pending a response, schools are advised to refer to circular 24/03, which issued in September, 2003. This circular contains practical advice on how to achieve the most effective deployment of resources already allocated for special educational needs within the school.
167 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of a new post-primary school at Castlegregory, Tralee, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14088/04]
The provision of a new school for Meánscoil an Leith-Triúigh, Castlegregory, Tralee, Co. Kerry is listed on section 1 of the 2004 school building programme to proceed to tender and construction this year. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that authorisation to proceed to tender has recently been given to the school authority.
168 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science if a decision has been made on the provision of additional special educational resources for Holy Family national school, Tralee, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14089/04]
The school referred to by the Deputy currently has the services of two learning support teaching posts and two resource teaching posts based in the school. I can confirm that my Department has received applications for additional special educational resources, SER, from the school referred to by the Deputy.
The position is that SER applications received between 15 February and 31 August 2003, including applications from this school are being considered at present. In all, more than 5,000 such applications were received. Priority was given to cases involving children starting school last September and all these cases were responded to at or before the commencement of the current school year.
The balance of more than 4,000 applications has been reviewed by a dedicated team comprising members of my Department's inspectorate and the national educational psychological service, NEPS. These applications are being further considered in the context of the outcome of surveys of SER provision conducted over the past year and the data submitted by schools as part of a nationwide census of SER provision. The processing of the applications is a complex and time-consuming operation.
However, my Department is endeavouring to have this completed as quickly as possible and my officials will then respond to all applicant schools. Pending a response, schools are advised to refer to circular 24/03, which issued in September, 2003. This circular contains practical advice on how to achieve the most effective deployment of resources already allocated for special educational needs within the school.
In the case of teacher resources, the outcome for each applicant school will be based on a new weighted system of allocation which I announced recently. This system, as part of which an additional 350 teaching posts will be allocated, will involve two main elements: making a staffing allocation to schools based on a predicted incidence of pupils with special educational needs; and making individual allocations in the case of children with more acute lower-prevalence special educational needs.
It is expected that the change to a weighted system will bring with it a number of benefits. The new system will reduce the need for individualised educational psychological assessment; reduce the volume of applications to my Department for additional resources for individual pupils; and give greater flexibility to schools, which will facilitate the development and implementation of improved systems and procedures in schools to meet the needs of pupils with low achievement and pupils with special educational needs.
Transitional arrangements for the introduction of the weighted system are being developed at present in consultation with representative interests. As soon as those consultations have been completed, the detailed arrangements for processing applications for resources, including those for special needs assistants and those received after 31 August last, will be set out in a circular to be issued to schools before the end of the current school year. It is intended, also, that applicant schools will be notified of the outcome in their case within this time frame.
169 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science if a hospital (details supplied) in Dublin 4 will be included as a relevant institution for the purposes of the redress board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14100/04]
Section 4 of the Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002 enables additional institutions that are identified as reformatory schools, industrial schools, orphanages, children's homes and special schools, in which children were placed and resident and in respect of which a public body had a regulatory or inspection function, to be added to the Schedule.
My Department has received correspondence from both individuals and survivor groups identifying a number of additional institutions that may be eligible for inclusion in the Schedule. Discussions have taken place between my Department and other Departments that may have provided a regulatory or inspection function in the operation of these facilities in order to ascertain whether these institutions are in fact eligible for inclusion. The initial information received in some cases was limited due to the long period that had elapsed since these institutions were closed and therefore the process of verifying each of these institutions has been time consuming and is continuing.
I can confirm for the Deputy that the hospital named in the question is one into which inquiries are being made as to its eligibility for inclusion. It is my intention that a list of additional institutions will be brought before both Houses of the Oireachtas as soon as the verification process is completed.
170 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science the funding that has been allocated to the special autistic class in the Educate Together School at St. Joseph’s, Navan Road; and if extra funding will be provided for special needs teachers it requires. [14115/04]
Sanction was given for one teaching post and two special needs assistant posts for the class referred to by the Deputy. Precise information regarding the level of funding provided for the class in question is not readily available. I have asked my officials to establish what level of funding was provided and whether this was appropriate in the circumstances. This information will be sent to the Deputy as soon as possible.
172 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science the procedure for parents to apply for home tuition for special needs children; if it requires making application on an official application form supplied by his Department; if such application forms are currently available; if not, when they will be available; if they will be available in sufficient time and well in advance of 30 June 2004 for parents to fulfil the requirements of completing the form and having it attested by the school and other bodies; the closing date for applications for September 2004; when parents will be notified that home tuition has been approved by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14121/04]
A revised home tuition form is being prepared by my Department and will be available to applicants in the near future. Decisions on the grant of home tuition will be notified to applicants without delay.
173 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science if a special needs assistant will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Louth. [14122/04]
My Department received an application for special educational resources, SER, for the pupil referred to by the Deputy on 29 March 2004. SER applications received between 15 February and 31 August 2003, are being considered at present. In all, more than 5,000 such applications were received. Priority was given to cases involving children starting school last September and all these cases were responded to at or before the commencement of the current school year.
The balance of more than 4,000 applications has been reviewed by a dedicated team comprising members of my Department's inspectorate and the national educational psychological service, NEPS. These applications are being further considered in the context of the outcome of surveys of SER provision conducted over the past year and the data submitted by schools as part of a nationwide census of SER provision.
The processing of the applications is a complex and time-consuming operation. However, my Department is endeavouring to have this completed as quickly as possible and my officials will then respond to all applicant schools. Pending a response, schools are advised to refer to circular 24/03, which issued in September, 2003. This circular contains practical advice on how to achieve the most effective deployment of resources already allocated for special educational needs within the school.
The detailed arrangements for processing applications for resources, including those for special needs assistants and those received after 31 August last, will be set out in a circular to be issued to schools before the end of the current school year. It is intended, also, that schools due to receive the additional posts will be notified within this time frame
174 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason school transport was not provided for persons attending Urlingford national school even though it was promised to families after Clomantagh and Graine schools closed (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14126/04]
The children to whom the Deputy refers in the details supplied are being provided with a transport service to Urlingford national school. They are obliged, however, to travel to a pick-up point. As a rule primary school transport routes are planned so that, as far as possible, no eligible child will have more than 1.5 miles to travel to a pick-up point. The children in question reside 0.3 miles and 0.7 miles from the route of the service to Urlingford national school. As this service is within guidelines, an extension or re-routing of service is not warranted.
175 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason no vocational school in County Wexford was included in the recent announcement of the €30 million additional funding for primary and post-primary schools; his views on whether inadequate investment in educational facilities in County Wexford is conductive to the aim of relocating 270 civil servants from Dublin to County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14138/04]
Schools selected for inclusion in the recent announcement of a further €30 million investment in school buildings were selected not by reference to their status or location but rather by reference to priority band rating, position in the architectural planning process and the ability of the projects to draw down funding during 2004.
My Department is currently reviewing educational provision in a number of locations in County Wexford. Any identified deficiencies in the educational landscape will be considered in the context of a multi-annual school building programme from 2005, which is being prepared within my Department. I expect to be in a position to make further announcements on this matter in the course of the year.
176 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will review the band 2 designation assigned to phase 3 of the St. Peter’s College building programme with a view to advancing the project to tender during 2004, in view of the fact that Wexford third level campus, an outreach centre of Carlow IT, now has 150 full-time students with a projected figure of 180 for September 2004, is located on the campus of St Peter’s College secondary school, Wexford, and that many of the 270 civil servants who are to relocate to Wexford are likely to wish to enrol their children in St Peter’s College secondary school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14139/04]
The criteria used for prioritising large-scale primary and post primary school building projects is set out in appendix 1 and 2 of the 2004 school building programme which is published on my Department's website www.education.ie
As I announced when publishing the programme, a key strategy for school building projects will be grounded on the budget day announcement of multi-annual allocations for capital investment in education projects. All projects that are not going to construction as part of the 2004 school building programme will be re-evaluated with a view to including them as part of a multi-annual building programme from 2005 onwards. This strategy will provide better clarity for schools in terms of when they can expect their projects to proceed.
As the first step in the review process, my Department carried out consultations with the education partners in relation to the prioritisation criteria used for large-scale building projects. The purpose of these consultations was to ensure that the criteria has optimum precision and are fully tuned to meeting the priority accommodation needs of the primary and post primary sectors. I expect to be in a position to make a further announcement in this matter later this year.
177 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the appointment of a special needs assistant at a primary school in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and the increase in the number of hours which the person receives with the resource teacher. [14144/04]
My Department received an application for an increase in resource teaching support from 2.5 hours to five hours per week and full time special needs assistant support for the pupil referred to by the Deputy. SER applications received between 15 February and 31 August 2003, are being considered at present. In all, more than 5,000 such applications were received. Priority was given to cases involving children starting school last September and all these cases were responded to at or before the commencement of the current school year.
The balance of more than 4,000 applications has been reviewed by a dedicated team comprising members of my Department's inspectorate and the national educational psychological service, NEPS. These applications are being further considered in the context of the outcome of surveys of SER provision conducted over the past year and the data submitted by schools as part of a nationwide census of SER provision.
The processing of the applications is a complex and time-consuming operation. However, my Department is endeavouring to have this completed as quickly as possible and my officials will then respond to all applicant schools. Pending a response, schools are advised to refer to circular 24/03, which issued in September, 2003. This circular contains practical advice on how to achieve the most effective deployment of resources already allocated for special educational needs within the school.
The detailed arrangements for processing applications for resources, including those for special needs assistants and those received after 31 August last, will be set out in a circular to be issued to schools before the end of the current school year. It is intended, also, that schools due to receive the additional posts will be notified within this timeframe
178 Mr. S. Power asked the Minister for Education and Science the rate of pay received by special needs assistants in infant schools and senior schools; if he is considering changes in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14180/04]
Special needs assistant posts are allocated by my Department where the professionally assessed needs of a child or children involved is such as to require the delivery of such support. Posts sanctioned in all primary schools are either full time or part time, with the rate of pay applied on an incremental basis. A copy of the salary scale applicable from 1 January 2004 follow for the Deputy's information.
|
1 January 2004 |
Part-time |
Hourly Rate |
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
Point 1 |
19,733 |
9.22 |
|
20,660 |
9.66 |
|
|
21,584 |
10.09 |
|
|
22,511 |
10.52 |
|
|
23,438 |
10.96 |
|
|
24,364 |
11.39 |
|
|
25,289 |
11.82 |
|
|
26,211 |
12.25 |
|
|
27,139 |
12.69 |
|
|
28,062 |
13.12 |
|
|
28,992 |
13.55 |
|
|
30,738 |
14.37 |
|
|
Long service increment w.e.f 1/4/2000 |
31,981 |
14.95 |
179 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will sanction the provision of a special needs assistant and resource hours for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14193/04]
My Department allocates resource teaching support and special needs assistant support to second level schools and vocational education committees to cater for students with special educational needs. Applications for such support are made to my Department by the relevant school authorities. Each application is considered on the basis of the assessed needs of the pupil or pupils involved and the nature and level of support provided is determined on the advice of the psychological service.
An application for additional support for the pupil in question was received in my Department on 30 March 2004 and is currently under consideration. The school authorities will be notified of the decision on the application as soon as possible.
180 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans he has in place to deal with the lack of appropriate educational provision for children with autism such as applied behavioural analysis and TEACCH programmes which are not available or not implemented in the Sligo/Leitrim region; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a support group has identified the need to provide a special unit attached to a mainstream school providing appropriate management and opportunities to integrate: if resources necessary for the implementation of the ABA/TEACCH programmes will be sanctioned: the amount of funding that will be allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14197/04]
As a matter of general policy, I am prepared to support the development of additional education provision for children with special needs where there is no existing provision or where such provision is not adequate to meet demand. I can confirm that applications for the establishment of autism-specific classes have been received from two schools in the Sligo area recently and these are currently under consideration by my officials. Contact will be made with the schools involved when this process is complete.
181 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application for resource teaching for a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14210/04]
I can confirm that my Department has received applications for special educational resources, SER, for the pupil referred to by the Deputy. SER applications received between 15 February and 31 August 2003, including one for the pupil in question are being considered at present. In all, more than 5,000 such applications were received. Priority was given to cases involving children starting school last September and all these cases were responded to at or before the commencement of the current school year.
The balance of more than 4,000 applications has been reviewed by a dedicated team comprising members of my Department's inspectorate and the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS. These applications are being further considered in the context of the outcome of surveys of SER provision conducted over the past year and the data submitted by schools as part of a nationwide census of SER provision.
The processing of the applications is a complex and time-consuming operation. However, my Department is endeavouring to have this completed as quickly as possible and my officials will then respond to all applicant schools. Pending a response, schools are advised to refer to circular 24/03, which issued in September 2003. This circular contains practical advice on how to achieve the most effective deployment of resources already allocated for special educational needs within the school.
In the case of teacher resources, the outcome for each applicant school will be based on a new weighted system of allocation which I announced recently. This system, as part of which an additional 350 teaching posts will be allocated, will involve two main elements: making a staffing allocation to schools based on a predicted incidence of pupils with special educational needs and making individual allocations in the case of children with more acute lower-prevalence special educational needs. It is expected that the change to a weighted system will bring with it a number of benefits. The new system will reduce the need for individualised educational psychological assessment, reduce the volume of applications to my Department for additional resources for individual pupils, and give greater flexibility to schools, which will facilitate the development and implementation of improved systems and procedures in schools to meet the needs of pupils with low achievement and pupils with special educational needs.
Transitional arrangements for the introduction of the weighted system are being developed at present in consultation with representative interests. As soon as those consultations have been completed, the detailed arrangements for processing applications for resources, including those for special needs assistants and those received after 31 August last, will be set out in a circular to be issued to schools before the end of the current school year. It is intended, also, that applicant schools will be notified of the outcome in their case within this timeframe.
182 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science if a grant will be provided for a group (details supplied) in County Louth. [14211/04]
An application for funding from the youth organisation referred to by the Deputy has been received by my Department. This request, together with the other applications received for funding in 2004, is being considered by my Department at present and a decision will be given in the matter as quickly as possible.
183 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science the provision he is making to meet the considerable need for a special needs teacher at Avoca national school, County Wicklow; and the timeframe in which a teacher will be provided. [14212/04]
I can confirm that my Department has received applications for special educational resources, SER for pupils in the school referred to by the Deputy. The position is that SER applications received between 15 February and 31 August 2003, including ones for the school in question are being considered at present. In all, more than 5,000 such applications were received. Priority was given to cases involving children starting school last September and all these cases were responded to at or before the commencement of the current school year.
The balance of more than 4,000 applications has been reviewed by a dedicated team comprising members of my Department's inspectorate and the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS. These applications are being further considered in the context of the outcome of surveys of SER provision conducted over the past year and the data submitted by schools as part of a nationwide census of SER provision.
The processing of the applications is a complex and time-consuming operation. However, my Department is endeavouring to have this completed as quickly as possible and my officials will then respond to all applicant schools. Pending a response, schools are advised to refer to circular 24/03, which issued in September 2003. This circular contains practical advice on how to achieve the most effective deployment of resources already allocated for special educational needs within the school.
In the case of teacher resources, the outcome for each applicant school will be based on a new weighted system of allocation which I announced recently. This system, as part of which an additional 350 teaching posts will be allocated, will involve two main elements: making a staffing allocation to schools based on a predicted incidence of pupils with special educational needs and making individual allocations in the case of children with more acute lower-prevalence special educational needs.
It is expected that the change to a weighted system will bring with it a number of benefits. The new system will reduce the need for individualised educational psychological assessment, reduce the volume of applications to my Department for additional resources for individual pupils, and give greater flexibility to schools, which will facilitate the development and implementation of improved systems and procedures in schools to meet the needs of pupils with low achievement and pupils with special educational needs.
Transitional arrangements for the introduction of the weighted system are being developed at present in consultation with representative interests. As soon as those consultations have been completed, the detailed arrangements for processing applications for resources, including those for special needs assistants and those received after 31 August last, will be set out in a circular to be issued to schools before the end of the current school year. It is intended also that applicant schools will be notified of the outcome in their case within this timeframe.
184 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary level school places available in Lucan, County Dublin; the number of junior infant enrolments that took place in September 2003; the number of persons who failed to obtain school places for junior infants in 2003; and his Department’s plans and projections for primary school places in the Lucan area for the coming years. [14225/04]
There are nine primary schools in Lucan and they will offer a total of 662 junior infant places this year. This figure represents an increase of 56 places on September 2003. My Department has not been made aware of any child being unable to access a place in Lucan in 2003.
Swift and decisive actions have been taken to address the demands that have emerged from the rapid development of Lucan over recent years. Within the last five years a total sum of €19 million has been invested in providing and upgrading educational provision in Lucan, €12 million at primary level and €7 million at post-primary level.
This expansion is set to continue with three new schools due to commence construction this year. Specifically at primary level, building projects have recently been completed at Scoil Áine junior school, St. Thomas's senior school and an entire new school has been provided for Lucan Educate Together national school in September 2003. A new 16 classroom school for Griffeen Valley Educate Together national school is one of over 200 large scale school building projects that has been fast-tracked to go to construction as part of the 2004 school building programme. Archbishop Ryan national school will re-organise this year to form a senior school and a junior school. The junior school will offer an additional two junior infant classes in September 2004. A permanent building project to facilitate the reorganisation of Archbishop Ryan national school is scheduled to proceed to construction later this year. In the interim, my Department has arranged for the provision of temporary accommodation while the new building is under construction. My Department has been dealing in a comprehensive way with the needs of this developing area and will continue to do so.
185 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a school (details supplied) in Dublin 11 has not been approved for two prefabricated classrooms in view of the fact that the professional fees for this project have already been paid for by his Department and planning permission has been received from the local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14226/04]
On 23 July 2002 the school building section of my Department informed the board of management of the school to which the Deputy refers to appoint an architect to prepare the necessary documentation for the siting of two small portacabins on the school grounds. At the same time, the board was informed that prior approval for seeking tenders would be required so as to ensure that sufficient funds were available to deliver the project. School planning section has considered all applications for temporary accommodation. In the context of the available funding and the number of applications for that funding, it was not possible to approve all applications received and only those with an absolute and demonstrated need for additional accommodation were approved. The application from the school to which the Deputy refers was not successful on this occasion.
186 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a child care allowance has not been awarded to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14227/04]
My Department provides funding to VECs to assist towards the child care expenses of participants in vocational training opportunities scheme, Youthreach and senior Traveller training programmes. The administration of grants to participants in these programmes is a matter for individual VECs.
City of Dublin VEC has indicated that it is not in a position to pay the child care fees for students on VTOS, Youthreach and senior Traveller training programmes until it receives the first instalment of the 2004 child care grant from my Department. This payment is currently in course of issue to all VECs.
187 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has proposals to extend the free fees initiative to include part-time third level courses for persons participating in third level education for the first time, and to persons leaving farming to re-skill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14228/04]
I have no plans for extending the free tuition fees scheme to include part-time students at this time. The main conditions of the free fees initiative are that students must be first-time undergraduates, and hold EU nationality or official refugee status and have been ordinarily resident in an EU member state for at least three of the five years preceding their entry to an approved third level course. As the Deputy may also be aware, tax relief is available at the standard rate of taxation in respect of expenditure on fees associated with part-time higher education.
188 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science the timescale for the planned extension and sports hall at Coláiste Éanna, Ballyroan Road, Dublin 16; and when the school authorities can proceed to tender and construction. [14316/04]
The extension and PE hall project for the school referred to by the Deputy is listed in section 8 of the 2004 school building programme which is published on my Department's website at www.education.ie This project is at stage 4/5 detail design/bill of quantities of architectural planning. It has been assigned a band 2 rating by my Department in accordance with the published criteria for prioritising large-scale projects.
Indicative timescales have been included for large-scale projects proceeding to tender in 2004. The budget announcement regarding multi-annual capital envelopes will enable me to adopt a multi-annual framework for the school building programme, which in turn will give greater clarity regarding projects that are not progressing to tender in this year's programme including Colaiste Éanna. I will make a further announcement in that regard during the year.
189 Mr. Kelleher asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has satisfied himself with the level of accommodation provided at Brooklodge national school, County Cork; the reason its application for extra temporary classrooms was refused; the options now available to Brooklodge national school to address the serious overcrowding that it is experiencing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14317/04]
An application for grant aid towards improved accommodation has been received from the management authority of the school to which the Deputy refers. All applications for temporary accommodation have been considered by school planning section. In the context of the available funding and the number of applications for that funding, it is not possible to approve all applications received and only those with an absolute and demonstrated need for additional accommodation were approved. The school's application was not successful on this occasion.
Brooklodge national school's need for accommodation will be considered in the context of a review which is being undertaken of all projects that did not proceed as part of the 2004 school building programme with a view to including it as part of a multi-annual school building programme from 2005, details of which will be announced later in the year.
190 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Education and Science the position with regard to providing a resource teacher to help with the needs of a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14318/04]
I can confirm that my Department has received applications for special educational resources, SER, for the pupil referred to by the Deputy. The position is that SER applications received between 15 February and 31 August 2003, are being considered at present. In all, more than 5,000 such applications were received. Priority was given to cases involving children starting school last September and all these cases were responded to at or before the commencement of the current school year.
The balance of more than 4,000 applications has been reviewed by a dedicated team comprising members of my Department's inspectorate and the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS. These applications are being further considered in the context of the outcome of surveys of SER provision conducted over the past year and the data submitted by schools as part of a nationwide census of SER provision.
The processing of the applications is a complex and time-consuming operation. However, my Department is endeavouring to have this completed as quickly as possible and my officials will then respond to all applicant schools. Pending a response, schools are advised to refer to circular 24/03, which issued in September 2003. This circular contains practical advice on how to achieve the most effective deployment of resources already allocated for special educational needs within the school.
In the case of teacher resources, the outcome for each applicant school will be based on a new weighted system of allocation which I announced recently. This system, as part of which an additional 350 teaching posts will be allocated, will involve two main elements: making a staffing allocation to schools based on a predicted incidence of pupils with special educational needs and making individual allocations in the case of children with more acute lower-prevalence special educational needs.
It is expected that the change to a weighted system will bring with it a number of benefits. The new system will reduce the need for individualised educational psychological assessment, reduce the volume of applications to my Department for additional resources for individual pupils, and give greater flexibility to schools, which will facilitate the development and implementation of improved systems and procedures in schools to meet the needs of pupils with low achievement and pupils with special educational needs.
Transitional arrangements for the introduction of the weighted system are being developed at present in consultation with representative interests. As soon as those consultations have been completed, the detailed arrangements for processing applications for resources, including those for special needs assistants and those received after 31 August last, will be set out in a circular to be issued to schools before the end of the current school year. It is intended also that applicant schools will be notified of the outcome in their case within this timeframe.
191 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary, post-primary and special needs pupils availing of the school transport service in each year from and including 1996/97 to date for each group; the cost of the service in each year; the parental contribution in each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14319/04]
The number of pupils availing of school transport services in a school year varies from time to time. Accordingly, the figures below are averages of pupils availing of the service within the years mentioned.
|
Year |
Primary |
Post-primary pupils |
|
1997 |
64,000 |
96,000 |
|
1998 |
61,000 |
93,000 |
|
1999 |
59,000 |
86,000 |
|
2000 |
60,000 |
79,000 |
|
2001 |
60,000 |
80,000 |
|
2002 |
59,000 |
77,000 |
|
2003 |
60,000 |
78,000 |
|
€ million |
|
|
1997 |
49.572 |
|
1998 |
51.201 |
|
1999 |
57.978 |
|
2000 |
65.082 |
|
2001 |
77.058 |
|
2002 |
95.986 |
|
2003 |
101.734 |
192 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to supervision being provided on a school bus for special needs children (details supplied) in County Galway travelling to St Joseph’s special school, Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14320/04]
My Department provides funding to special schools to assist in defraying the cost involved in engaging a suitable person to act as an escort on a school bus.
When the escort scheme was introduced some years ago, my Department was prepared to provide funding to St. Joseph's special school, Galway, for the purpose of employing escorts. However, the board of management indicated that it was unable to administer such a service.
My Department is still prepared to provide funding to the board of management of St Joseph's special school if it decides to participate in the scheme, in which case an escort can then be considered for the bus in question.
193 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans he has to overcome the problems expressed in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14342/04]
I can confirm that the school referred to by the Deputy currently has the services of one full-time and one part-time resource teacher, one shared learning support teacher and two full-time special needs assistants. Applications for additional special educational resources, SER, for the school have been received.
The position is that my Department received more than 8,400 applications for special education resources since 15 February 2003. The batch of approximately 5,000 applications received between 15 February and 31 August 2003 is being considered at present. Priority was given to almost 1,000 cases involving children starting school last September and all those cases were responded to at or before the commencement of the current school year.
The balance of more than 4,000 applications in that batch has been reviewed by a dedicated team comprising members of my Department's inspectorate and the National Educational Psychological Service. Those applications are being further considered in the context of the outcome of surveys of special education resource provision conducted over the past year and the data submitted by schools as part of a nationwide census of such provision.
The processing of the applications is a complex and time-consuming operation. However, my Department is endeavouring to have this completed as quickly as possible and my officials will then respond to all applicant schools. Pending a response, schools are advised to refer to circular 24/03, which issued in September 2003. This circular contains practical advice on how to achieve the most effective deployment of resources already allocated for special educational needs within the school.
In the case of teacher resources, the outcome for each applicant school will be based on a new weighted system of allocation which I announced recently. This system, as part of which an additional 350 teaching posts will be allocated, will involve two main elements: making a staffing allocation to schools based on a predicted incidence of pupils with special educational needs, and making individual allocations in the case of children with more acute lower-prevalence special educational needs.
It is expected that the change to a weighted system will bring with it a number of benefits. The new system will reduce the need for individualised educational psychological assessment, reduce the volume of applications to my Department for additional resources for individual pupils, and give greater flexibility to schools, which will facilitate the development and implementation of improved systems and procedures in schools to meet the needs of pupils with low achievement and pupils with special educational needs.
Transitional arrangements for the introduction of the weighted system are being developed at present in consultation with representative interests. As soon as those consultations have been completed, the detailed arrangements for processing applications for resources, including those for special needs assistants and those received after 31 August last, will be set out in a circular to be issued to schools before the end of the current school year. It is intended, also, that applicant schools will be notified of the outcome in their case within this timeframe.
194 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will make increased resource teaching hours available to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if hewill make a statement on the matter. [14404/04]
My officials will investigate the matter in question and advise him of the outcome.
195 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will meet NAMHI in relation to the body’s request for representation on the National Council for Special Education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14405/04]
As I have previously stated, in establishing the National Council for Special Education I did not set out to create a council that was representative of any particular sectoral interests. This was because if it is to cater for all children having special education needs resulting from a disability, it is important that the council should function in a cohesive, non-representative way. The 13 members of the council that I have appointed have a wide range of relevant knowledge, experience and expertise.
I established the council in December 2003 by order, the National Council for Special Education (Establishment) Order 2003 under section 54 of the Education Act 1998. The 13 members of the first council have been appointed for a term of three years. In accordance with the terms of the order, two appointments to membership of the council were made from among the nominees of the NDA. Four appointments to membership of the council were made from among the nominees of organisations representing national associations of parents, recognised trade unions-staff associations representing teachers and school principals and recognised school management associations. All of the members of the council have a special interest in or knowledge relating to the education of children with disabilities.
As the Deputy is aware, the Education for Persons with Disabilities Bill 2003 is on Report Stage in Dáil Éireann at present. The Bill includes provision for a national council for special education, so the existing council will be superseded by a council appointed under the terms of the Bill as enacted, when the Bill is enacted. As the Bill stands at present the consultation-nomination-appointment process is broadly similar to that contained in the order.
In all of these circumstances I do not propose to meet with NAMHI or with any other representative organisation on the specific issue of representation for them on the National Council for Special Education.
196 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science if and when a resource teacher will be allocated to the community school, Castlecomer, County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14422/04]
My Department allocates resource posts and special needs assistant posts to second level schools to cater for students with special educational needs. Applications for such support are made to my Department by the relevant school authorities. Each application is considered on the basis of the assessed needs of the pupil(s) involved and the nature and level of the support provided is determined on the advice of the psychological service.
The school in question has been allocated two wholetime equivalent resource posts for the current school year to cater for the special needs of students enrolled in the school. The school has also recently applied for additional resources in respect of students enrolled for the 2004/05 school year. This application is currently being considered by my Department and the school will be notified of the outcome as soon as possible.
197 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the development of the site for Griffeen Valley Educate Together school. [14423/04]
The provision of a new 16 classroom school for Griffeen Valley Educate Together school is listed on section 1 of the 2004 school building programme to proceed to tender and construction this year. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that construction work on the new school is under way with a view to it being completed for September 2004.
198 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding measures to solve the huge accommodation problems being suffered by St. Andrew’s national school and the need to provide a new school. [14424/04]
I assume the Deputy is referring to St. Andrew's national school in Lucan. A long-term accommodation brief for St Andrew's national school has been determined. However, a number of additional issues remain to be resolved with the school's management authorities before finalising the school's optimum accommodation strategy.
199 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department has received notifications for plans to set up an Islamic school in the Lucan area. [14425/04]
A formal notification of intention to apply for the recognition of a school in either Lucan, Leixlip or Tallaght-Firhouse was received from the Islamic Foundation of Ireland. However, a formal application for recognition which was expected in the Department by 23 January 2004 was not submitted and accordingly, the matter did not receive further consideration.
200 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department is making plans to increase multi-denominational school places in Lucan, in view of the large non-Catholic population in south Lucan which is suffering the most from the accommodation shortage. [14426/04]
My Department vigorously refutes the Deputy's suggestion that there is a shortage of pupil places in the Lucan area. Two multi-denominational primary schools, which will cater for a pupil population of in excess of 900 pupils, are operating in the Lucan area. At post-primary level, Lucan Community College is a multi-denominational school catering for in excess of 800 pupils.
201 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department has received correspondence regarding the lack of primary and second level school places in the Ballycragh/Ballycullen area; the steps his Department intends to take in relation to this shortage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14427/04]
Officials of my Department's planning section meet on a regular basis with the planning department of South Dublin County Council with a view to identifying the need for additional educational provision and reserving sites for schools, where required. Arising from this process, a site for primary school purposes has been reserved in the Ballycullen area. A decision on the provision of a new school in Ballycullen will involve further consultations with the local authority regarding the rate and likely timescale of housing developments in the area, together with an ongoing assessment of the capacity of existing schools in the area to meet the anticipated demand.
A large-scale building project for Ballycragh national school is listed in section 9 of the 2004 school building programme, which is published on my Department's website at www.education.ie This project is at early stages of architectural planning. It has been assigned a band 2 priority rating in accordance with the published criteria for prioritising large-scale projects and it is planned to progress this project to the next stage of architectural planning during 2004.
My Department is confident that there is adequate provision within the post-primary providers in the immediate vicinity of Ballycragh/Ballycullen to meet emerging needs for post-primary places. However, the situation will be kept under review in my Department.
202 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will take urgent action to save Greendale community school, Dublin 13; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14432/04]
The trustees of Greendale community school have notified my Department that a decision has been taken that the school should close. The timing of the actual closure has yet to be determined. Given the pattern of falling enrolments at the school, together with surplus capacity in the general area, my Department concurs with the trustees' recommendation.
The Department's main role in a school closure is to ensure that the best interests of the pupils are looked after in the period up to the closure and that alternative provision is available to accommodate the pupils who would have ordinarily attended Greendale community school.
203 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if additional resource hours will be approved for a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [14435/04]
The school referred to by the Deputy currently has the services of two full-time resource teaching posts (one based and one shared) in the school. My Department has received applications for additional special educational resources, SER, from this school.
My Department received more than 8,400 applications for special education resources since 15 February 2003. The batch of approximately 5,000 applications received between 15 February and 31 August, 2003, including those from this school, are being considered at present. Priority was given to almost 1,000 cases involving children starting school last September and all those cases were responded to at or before the commencement of the current school year.
The balance of more than 4,000 applications in that batch has been reviewed by a dedicated team comprising members of my Department's inspectorate and the National Educational Psychological Service. Those applications are being further considered in the context of the outcome of surveys of special education resource provision conducted over the past year and the data submitted by schools as part of a nationwide census of such provision.
The processing of the applications is a complex and time-consuming operation. However, my Department is endeavouring to have this completed as quickly as possible and my officials will then respond to all applicant schools. Pending a response, schools are advised to refer to circular 24/03, which issued in September 2003. This circular contains practical advice on how to achieve the most effective deployment of resources already allocated for special educational needs within the school.
In the case of teacher resources, the outcome for each applicant school will be based on a new weighted system of allocation which I announced recently. This system, as part of which an additional 350 teaching posts will be allocated, will involve two main elements: (a) making a staffing allocation to schools based on a predicted incidence of pupils with special educational needs; and (b) making individual allocations in the case of children with more acute lower-prevalence special educational needs.
It is expected that the change to a weighted system will bring with it a number of benefits. The new system will reduce the need for individualised educational psychological assessment; reduce the volume of applications to my Department for additional resources for individual pupils; and give greater flexibility to schools, which will facilitate the development and implementation of improved systems and procedures in schools to meet the needs of pupils with low achievement and pupils with special educational needs.
Transitional arrangements for the introduction of the weighted system are being developed at present in consultation with representative interests. As soon as those consultations have been completed, the detailed arrangements for processing applications for resources, including those for special needs assistants and those received after 31 August last, including those from the school in question, will be set out in a circular to be issued to schools before the end of the current school year. It is intended also that applicant schools will be notified of the outcome in their case within this timeframe.
204 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if funding will be provided to a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary for classes for dyslexic children. [14436/04]
The position is that in late 2002 my Department's inspectorate recommended against the establishment of a special class for specific learning disability for the school in question, as the reports on the children concerned indicated that they did not meet the criteria laid down in my Department's circulars. However, I have asked the Inspectorate to investigate the current need for the establishment of the classes referred to by the Deputy.
205 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the release of funding to a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14437/04]
The position is that the school to which the Deputy refers progressed a capital project without the agreement of my Department and is now seeking retrospective funding. Since the introduction of the school building programme, in which all projects to be funded from the annual allocation are listed, it is not possible to consider applications for retrospective funding.
206 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will investigate a situation whereby a person (details supplied) in County Cork who is attending Brooklodge national school and who requires special educational needs support in the school, is unable to obtain that support; and when the special needs support will be available to them. [14453/04]
My Department has received an application for additional special educational resources, SER, for the pupil referred to by the Deputy. My Department received more than 8,400 applications for special education resources since 15 February 2003. The batch of approximately 5,000 applications received between 15 February and 31 August, 2003, including one for the pupil in question, are being considered at present. Priority was given to almost 1,000 cases involving children starting school last September and all those cases were responded to at or before the commencement of the current school year. The balance of more than 4,000 applications in that batch has been reviewed by a dedicated team comprising members of my Department's inspectorate and the National Educational Psychological Service. Those applications are being further considered in the context of the outcome of surveys of special education resource provision conducted over the past year and the data submitted by schools as part of a nationwide census of such provision.
The processing of the applications is a complex and time-consuming operation. However, my Department is endeavouring to have this completed as quickly as possible and my officials will then respond to all applicant schools. Pending a response, schools are advised to refer to circular 24/03, which issued in September 2003. This circular contains practical advice on how to achieve the most effective deployment of resources already allocated for special educational needs within the school.
In the case of teacher resources, the outcome for each applicant school will be based on a new weighted system of allocation which I announced recently. This system, as part of which an additional 350 teaching posts will be allocated, will involve two main elements: (a) making a staffing allocation to schools based on a predicted incidence of pupils with special educational needs; and (b) making individual allocations in the case of children with more acute lower-prevalence special educational needs.
It is expected that the change to a weighted system will bring with it a number of benefits. The new system will reduce the need for individualised educational psychological assessment; reduce the volume of applications to my Department for additional resources for individual pupils; and give greater flexibility to schools, which will facilitate the development and implementation of improved systems and procedures in schools to meet the needs of pupils with low achievement and pupils with special educational needs.
Transitional arrangements for the introduction of the weighted system are being developed at present in consultation with representative interests. As soon as those consultations have been completed, the detailed arrangements for processing applications for resources, including those for special needs assistants and those received after 31 August last, will be set out in a circular to be issued to schools before the end of the current school year. It is intended, also, that applicant schools will be notified of the outcome in their case within this timeframe.
207 D'fhiafraigh Mr. McGinley den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta cad é an dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir le suíomh úr a lorg do scoil úr i nGort a’ Choirce i nDún na nGall. [14454/04]
Tá iarratas faighte ag mo Roinn ón mBord Bainistíochta i Scoil Náisiúnta Gort a' Choirce maidir le breis cóiríochta a chur ar fáil agus athnuacan a dhéanamh ar an bhfoirgneamh mar atá. Tá mo oifigigh i gcomhfhreagras le húdaráis na scoile ag féachaint ar an chaoi is fearr chun tabhairt faoi chóiríocht fhadtréimhseach na scoile a fheabhsú.
Nuair a chuireas an Scéim Tógála Scoile 2004 i gcló, chuireas in iúl go mbeadh mo stráitéis i dul chun chinn bunaithe ar dáiliú ilbhliantúil i fuilleamh caipitil. Tá mo oifigigh ag déanamh athbhreithniú ar na tionscnaimh uile nach bhfuil údarás tógála faighte acu go fóill mar cuid de Scéim Tógála Scoile 2004, chomh maith le tionscnaimh maidir le seilbh a fháil ar láithreán, le súil go mbeidh siad san áireamh mar cuid de fheachtas ilbhliantúil tógála scoile 2005 agus táim ag súil go mbeidh ar mo chumas breis eolais a fhógairt faoi'n gnó seo le linn na bliana.
Cuirfear an t-iarratas ó Scoil Náisiúnta Gort a'Choirce, Co. Dún na nGall san áireamh sa chomhthéacs seo.
208 D'fhiafraigh Mr. McGinley den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta an eol dó an géarghá atá le halla spóirt do Phobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair, cad é an dul chun cinn atá déanta agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [14455/04]
Tá Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair liostaithe in Alt 9 den chlár tógála scoile 2004 atá foilsithe ar láithreán gréasáin mo Roinne ag http://www.education.ie. Tá an tionscadal seo ag céim 2 (pleananna/sceitsí) den phleanáil ailtireachta. Tá rátáil ‘banda 4’ sannta chuig an tionscadal ag mo Roinn, de réir na gcritéar atá foilsithe ar thosaíocht a thabhairt do thionscadail ar mhórscála. Cuirfidh an fógra buiséid maidir le clúdach caipitil ilbhliantúla ar mo chumas creat oibre ilbhliantúil a ghlacadh maidir le Clár Tógála Scoile a thabharfaidh ansin níos mó soiléireachta maidir le tionscadail nach bhfuil ag dul ar aghaidh chuig tairiscintí i gclár na bliana seo, lenan-áirítear Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair. Déanfaidh mé fógra eile maidir leis seo le linn na bliana.
209 Mr. Healy asked the Minister for Education and Science if the appointment of a special needs assistant will be approved for the Presentation secondary school, Clonmel, for a person (details supplied). [14456/04]
My Department allocates resource posts and special needs assistant posts to second level schools to cater for students with special educational needs. Applications for such support are made to my Department by the relevant school authorities. Each application is considered on the basis of the assessed needs of the pupil(s) involved and the nature and level of the support provided is determined on the advice of the psychological service.
An application for special needs assistant support for the 2004-05 school year has been made by the school in respect of the student in question. The application is currently under consideration in my Department and the school authority will be notified of the outcome as soon as possible.
210 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science the timescale for the roll-out of the home school liaison scheme over the coming 12 months. [14467/04]
211 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science if a review of the home school liaison scheme is planned; and when this review will take place. [14468/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 210 and 211 together.
The home school community liaison scheme, which was established in 1990, operates in 503 schools currently, 309 primary and 194 second level schools. A detailed review of all educational disadvantage initiatives is nearly complete within my Department and this will impact on existing schemes. I hope to announce the outcome of this review shortly.
212 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that pupils in senior infant class in Scoil San Carlo, Leixlip, County Kildare will be taught in classes of 35 pupils from September 2004; his views on whether this is an unacceptable pupil/teacher ratio; if he will allocate additional resources to the school to ensure that this situation does not occur in September 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14480/04]
The staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year. The actual number of mainstream posts sanctioned is determined by reference to a staffing schedule and is finalised for a particular year following discussions with the education partners.
The mainstream staffing of the school referred to by the Deputy for the current school year is a principal and 11 mainstream class teachers based on the enrolment of 312 pupils on 30 September 2002. Based on the enrolment on 30 September 2003 of 313 pupils, the mainstream staffing for the school year 2004-05 will remain at principal and 11 mainstream class teachers. The enrolment of 313 pupils is significantly less than the required minimum figure required for the appointment of a twelfth mainstream class teacher. It is open to the board of management of a primary school to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent appeals board which was established to adjudicate on appeals on mainstream staffing allocations in primary schools. Details of the criteria and application date for appeal were issued recently to all primary schools.
213 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science when an extension will be sanctioned for a school (details supplied) in County Mayo. [14571/04]
A large scale building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is listed in section 9 of the 2004 school building programme which is published on my Department's website at www.education.ie This project is at early stages of architectural planning and has been assigned a band 3 rating by my Department in accordance with the published criteria for prioritising large-scale projects.
The budget announcement regarding multiannual capital envelopes will enable me to adopt a multiannual framework for the school building programme, which in turn will give greater clarity regarding projects that are not progressing to tender in this year's programme including the school referred to by the Deputy. I will make a further announcement in that regard during the year.
214 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department will move without delay to purchase the site earmarked on the Oscar Traynor Road, Coolock, Dublin 5, for a new school building for Gaelscoil Cholmcille, in view of the unacceptable conditions and high rent in the premises which the Gaelscoil currently occupies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14572/04]
My Department is considering options for the long-term accommodation needs of Gaelscoil Cholmcille including the possible purchase of a site. However, due to the commercial sensitivities surrounding site acquisitions the Deputy will appreciate that I am unable to comment on specific site purchase issues.
215 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science when it is envisaged that the third level college, which was announced before the general election 2002 for the northside of Cork city will proceed; when he expects that this building will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14576/04]
I announced a pause in relation to all capital developments in the third level sector including capital projects under cycle 3 of the programme for research in third level institutions, PRTLI, in November 2002. Funding has been provided in the 2004 Estimates to commence cycle 3 of the PRTLI.
At my request the Higher Education Authority, HEA, is undertaking a review of the entire set of demands in the third level sector, excluding PRTLI, to establish prioritisation and agree re-phasing for future years.
Each Institution has met the review group and made a presentation of its institutional strategy and set the capital development proposals in a strategic context. The joint proposal for a Cork College of Higher Education on the north side of Cork city formed part of the submission to the review group by both Cork Institute of Technology and the National University of Ireland, Cork. The work of the review group is at a very advanced stage and it is the intention of the group to have a report submitted to the HEA in June. The authority will then advise me of its views.
Decisions in relation to capital projects at third level institutions, including the proposed new Cork College of Higher Education, will be taken in the context of the outcome of the review and within the parameters of the capital envelope of funds available to me.
216 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools in County Wexford that are waiting on extra hours for learning support teachers, resource teachers or special needs assistants and for temporary accommodation; the name of each school waiting on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14590/04]
The position is that priority was given to cases involving applications relating to children starting school last September and all those cases were responded to at or before the commencement of the current school year.
Other than junior infants, my Department received in the region of 305 applications for special education resources for pupils since 15 February 2003 in County Wexford. A batch of approximately 145 applications received between 15 February and 31 August 2003 is being considered at present. The name of each school waiting on same is not readily available.
The 145 applications in the 15 February to the 31 August period have been reviewed by a dedicated team comprising members of my Department's inspectorate and the National Educational Psychological Service. Those applications are being further considered in the context of the outcome of surveys of special education resource provision conducted over the past year and the data submitted by schools as part of a nationwide census of such provision.
The processing of the applications is a complex and time-consuming operation. However, my Department is endeavouring to have this completed as quickly as possible and my officials will then respond to all applicant schools. Pending a response, schools are advised to refer to circular 24/03, which issued in September 2003. This circular contains practical advice on how to achieve the most effective deployment of resources already allocated for special educational needs within the school.
In the case of teacher resources, the outcome for each applicant school will be based on a new weighted system of allocation which I announced recently. This system, as part of which an additional 350 teaching posts will be allocated, will involve two main elements: (a) making a staffing allocation to schools based on a predicted incidence of pupils with special educational needs; and (b) making individual allocations in the case of children with more acute lower-prevalence special educational needs.
It is expected that the change to a weighted system will bring with it a number of benefits. The new system will reduce the need for individualised educational psychological assessment; reduce the volume of applications to my Department for additional resources for individual pupils; and give greater flexibility to schools, which will facilitate the development and implementation of improved systems and procedures in schools to meet the needs of pupils with low achievement and pupils with special educational needs.
Transitional arrangements for the introduction of the weighted system are being developed at present in consultation with representative interests. As soon as those consultations have been completed, the detailed arrangements for processing applications for resources, including those for special needs assistants and those received after 31 August last, will be set out in a circular to be issued to schools before the end of the current school year. It is intended, also, that applicant schools will be notified of the outcome in their case within this timeframe.
The school planning section of my Department has considered all applications for temporary accommodation. In the context of the available funding and the number of applications for that funding, it was not possible to approve all applications received and only those with an absolute and demonstrated need for additional accommodation were approved. The list of successful applicants is included in section 10 of the 2004 school building programme and it can be accessed on my Department's website at www.education.ie
217 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a submission from a group in Kilkenny relating to establishing a special school for autistic children in Goresbridge, County Kilkenny, has not been responded to; the reason questions form the group have not been answered; if a decision on the submission will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14591/04]
My Department is actively considering the application referred to by the Deputy and I am not aware that any questions from the applicants have not been answered. The applicants were advised by e-mail on 8 April last by my Department that its objective was to complete all necessary inquiries so that, if the application were to be approved, the new facility would be in a position to commence operation from the start of the next school year. That remains the position.
An official from my Department's technical area is arranging to examine the building proposed for the new facility in Goresbridge, County Kilkenny, this week. Pending a decision on the application, my Department has agreed to fund a structured home programme for the children concerned, subject to confirmation from the parents that that proposal is acceptable.
218 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has approved the spending of €16.45 million from the EU budget on a school in Uccle, Brussels; if Ireland contributes a further €8 million per year to the school for teachers’ salaries; his views on whether such expenditure is appropriate in view of the much lower amounts spent on individual schools here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14592/04]
The school in Uccle, Brussels, is one of 12 European schools established by intergovernmental agreement to provide an education at first and second levels for the children of parents working in the European Commission or other European institutions. Ireland is a party to the convention governing the schools and, as such, has one representative on the board of governors of the schools, along with all the other parties, including 15 member states of the EU, the European Patent Office and the Commission, 17 in all; the ten new EU member states are expected to adhere to the convention shortly. All decisions relating to the running of the schools have to be sanctioned by the board.
Each school provides education in a full range of subjects for pupils from kindergarten to the end of secondary school. Pupils are organised in different language sections and subjects such as maths and science are taught in a range of European languages. The schools also provide mother tongue teaching in all the languages of EU pupils in the schools.
The schools are preparing to admit the children of parents from the ten accession states and, in addition to providing an extended range of language sections, mother tongue teaching will also have to be provided in the languages of the accession countries.
As part of its obligations under the convention and in common with the other member states of the EU, my Department seconds a number of Irish teachers to work in the schools. The European Commission, as the employer of the parents of the pupils, provides direct financing for each school to cover the other costs of the schools, as the education of such children is free.
The school in Uccle has currently 2,334 pupils, of whom 92 are the children of parents of Irish nationality working for the Commission or its institutions. From 2004-05 it will offer education in the core subjects throughout primary and secondary in the following language sections: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Polish and Hungarian. It will offer mother tongue teaching in those languages as well as Irish, Slovenian and Maltese and possibly Czech and Slovak. In addition, it offers religious instruction in all the principal faiths of its pupils.
On the funding of the school at Uccle, the budget for 2004 is €26,021,831; the Commission contribution is €18,123,334; the Irish contribution by way of seconded teachers, two at primary and eight at second level, is €358,673, not €8 million as mentioned by the Deputy. Given both the size of the school and the extraordinary complexity of the task facing it in providing for such a variety of languages and cultures and also given its location in Brussels, it is not appropriate to compare the annual costs of the school with those of schools in this country.
219 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a school (details supplied) in County Wexford has two resource teachers with children assessed as having a special needs disability; when extra hours will be available; when persons waiting will receive additional teaching support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14593/04]
220 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the educational psychologist recommended in 2003 that a school (details supplied) in County Wexford have two special needs assistants and has made a further recommendation in 2004 for one more special needs assistant; when this school will be allocated the special needs assistants that are recommended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14594/04]
221 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a school (details supplied) in County Wexford is availing of a learning support teacher one and a half days per week whom it shares with four other schools in the area; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that in the school there are 12 children in receipt of learning support, but that it has 32 children eligible for learning support as set down by his Department’s criteria; his plans to increase the number of hours for the learning support teacher in the school; his views on whether the number of hours that the learning support teacher spends in the school is satisfactory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14595/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 219, 220, 221 together.
The school currently has the services of a shared learning support teacher. In addition, 10.5 part-time resource teaching hours have been sanctioned to the school. My Department has received two applications for additional special educational resources, SER, from the school referred to by the Deputy. The applications were received in November 2003 and February 2004.
The SER applications received between 15 February and 31 August 2003 are being considered at present. In all, more than 5,000 such applications were received. Priority was given to cases involving children starting school last September and all these cases were responded to at or before the commencement of the current school year. The balance of more than 4,000 applications has been reviewed by a dedicated team comprising members of my Department's inspectorate and the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS. These applications are being further considered in the context of the outcome of surveys of SER provision conducted over the past year and the data submitted by schools as part of a nation-wide census of SER provision.
The processing of the applications is a complex and time-consuming operation. However, my Department is endeavouring to have this completed as quickly as possible and my officials will then respond to all applicant schools. Pending a response, schools are advised to refer to circular 24/03, which issued in September 2003. This circular contains practical advice on how to achieve the most effective deployment of resources already allocated for special educational needs within the school.
In the case of teacher resources, the outcome for each applicant school will be based on a new weighted system of allocation which I announced recently. This system, as part of which an additional 350 teaching posts will be allocated, will involve two main elements: (a) making a staffing allocation to schools based on a predicted incidence of pupils with special educational needs; and (b) making individual allocations in the case of children with more acute lower-prevalence special educational needs.
It is expected that the change to a weighted system will bring with it a number of benefits. The new system will reduce the need for individualised educational psychological assessment; reduce the volume of applications to my Department for additional resources for individual pupils; and give greater flexibility to schools, which will facilitate the development and implementation of improved systems and procedures in schools to meet the needs of pupils with low achievement and pupils with special educational needs.
Transitional arrangements for the introduction of the weighted system are being developed at present in consultation with representative interests. As soon as those consultations have been completed, the detailed arrangements for processing applications for resources, including those for special needs assistants and those received after 31 August last will be set out in a circular to be issued to schools before the end of the current school year. It is intended, also, that applicant schools will be notified of the outcome in their case within this timeframe.
222 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science when a school (details supplied) in County Wexford will obtain a pre-fab; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the school is about to interview for an extra teacher and if it does not obtain the pre-fab it will have no accommodation for the extra teacher or children enrolled for September 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14596/04]
School planning section has considered all applications for temporary accommodation for 2004. A list of successful applicants has been published on my Department's website at www.education.ie
In the context of the available funding and the number of applications for that funding, it was not possible to approve all applications received and only those with an absolute and demonstrated need for additional accommodation were approved. The application from the school to which the Deputy refers was not successful on this occasion. The school will be required to maximise existing accommodation to cater for the appointment of the new teacher.
223 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science if he or his officials have been in contact or received correspondence from groups in Gorey, County Wexford, with reference to the current and future overcrowding at Gorey community school, Gorey, County Wexford; the plans he has for Gorey community school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14597/04]
An application for grant-aid for additional accommodation for Gorey community school has been received from the management authority of the school. The application is currently being assessed in the school planning section of my Department. As soon as the assessment is complete, contact will be made directly with the school management authority.
224 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has plans to extend or build a new community school in Gorey, County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14598/04]
An application for grant-aid for additional accommodation has been received from the management authority of Gorey community school. The application is currently being assessed in the school planning section of my Department. As soon as the assessment is complete, contact will be made directly with the school management authority.
225 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding Kilmuckridge vocational school, County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14599/04]
The large-scale building project for Kilmuckridge vocational school, Kilmuckridge, Gorey, is listed in section 8 of the 2004 school building programme which is published on my Department's website at www.education.ie This project is at stage 4, detail design, of architectural planning. It has been assigned a band 2 rating by my Department in accordance with the published criteria for prioritising large-scale projects.
Indicative timescales have been included for large-scale projects proceeding to tender in 2004. The budget announcement regarding multiannual capital envelopes will enable me to adopt a multi-annual framework for the school building programme, which in turn will give greater clarity regarding projects that are not progressing to tender in this year's programme including Kilmuckridge vocational school. I will make a further announcement in that regard during the year.
226 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science if travel concessions can be given for a person (details supplied) in County Clare who needs the assistance of a resource teacher to go to a school not in the catchment area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14615/04]
My Department has no record of having received an application for special education resources from the school referred to by the Deputy.
Any application received will be considered in the context of the criteria set out in the relevant Department circulars and the existing level of SER provision in the school.
227 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science when a person (details supplied) in County Limerick aged ten who was diagnosed with dyslexia two years ago and has a reading age of seven will receive a psychological assessment; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that this person has been waiting for two years for an assessment due to the fact that their school is only entitled to two per year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14620/04]
The National Educational Psychological Service provides a service to the school attended by the named person. The school provides an excellent learning support service and children who are diagnosed with dyslexia receive further diagnostic testing and focused teaching within the school, in consultation with the area psychologist. A referral for individual psychological assessment is normally made only if the child is failing to make progress, even with learning support.
Area psychologists discuss the needs of each school with the principal and they agree on a work plan for the school year, including any assessment work that is regarded by the school as a priority. There is no limit to the amount of assessments that may be carried out in schools served by NEPS, apart from the obvious constraint of time. However, because of the concerns expressed in this case, the NEPS psychologist assigned to the school will visit it before the end of this term to discuss the case and to ascertain what further assessment, if any, is needed.
228 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the requirement for the extra facilities required at Sallins national school, Sallins, County Kildare; when he expects to be in a position to meet in full such needs; the timescale in respect of the remaining phases in the developmental programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14623/04]
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that a major extension and refurbishment project for Sallins national school, County Kildare, is listed for proceeding to tender and construction as part of the 2004 school building programme.
The indicative timescale in the programme for this project proceeding to tender is the second quarter of 2004. The tendering process has commenced and the school authority has been authorised to progress this project to construction subject to certain conditions.
229 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the requirement for the extra facilities required at Salesian College, Celbridge, County Kildare; when he expects to be in a position to meet in full such needs; the timescale in respect of the remaining phases in the developmental programme. [14624/04]
237 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the requirement for the extra facilities required at Coláiste Ciarán, Leixlip, County Kildare; when he expects to be in a position to meet in full such needs; the timescale in respect of the remaining phases in the developmental programme. [14632/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 229 and 237 together.
The planning section of my Department has not received any application for additional accommodation from the schools to which the Deputy refers.
230 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the requirement for the extra facilities required at Robertstown national school, Naas, County Kildare; when he expects to be in a position to meet in full such needs; the timescale in respect of the remaining phases in the developmental programme. [14625/04]
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that a major extension and refurbishment project for Robertstown national school, County Kildare is listed for proceeding to tender and construction as part of the 2004 school building programme.
The indicative timescale in the programme for this project proceeding to tender is the first quarter of 2004. The tendering process has commenced and the school authority has been authorised to progress this project to construction subject to certain conditions.
231 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the requirement for the extra facilities required at Rathmore national school, Naas, County Kildare; when he expects to be in a position to meet in full such needs; the timescale in respect of the remaining phases in the developmental programme. [14626/04]
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that a new eight classroom school for Rathmore national school, County Kildare, is listed for proceeding to tender and construction as part of the 2004 school building programme.
The indicative timescale in the programme for this project proceeding to tender is the first quarter of 2004. The tendering process has commenced and the school authority has been authorised to progress this project to construction subject to certain conditions.
232 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the requirement for the extra facilities required at Presentation Convent school, Maynooth, County Kildare; when he expects to be in a position to meet in full such needs; the timescale in respect of the remaining phases in the developmental programme. [14627/04]
The large-scale building project for Presentation Convent school, Maynooth, is listed in section 8 of the 2004 school building programme which is published on my Department's website at www.education.ie This project is at stage 3, developed sketch scheme, of architectural planning. It has been assigned a band 2 rating by my Department in accordance with the published criteria for prioritising large-scale projects. It is planned to progress this project to advanced architectural planning during 2004.
Indicative timescales have been included for large-scale projects proceeding to tender in 2004. The budget announcement regarding multiannual capital envelopes will enable me to adopt a multiannual framework for the school building programme, which in turn will give greater clarity regarding projects that are not progressing to tender in this year's programme including Presentation Convent school. I will make a further announcement in that regard during the year.
233 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the requirement for the extra facilities required at North Kildare Educate Together school, Celbridge, County Kildare; when he expects to be in a position to meet in full such needs; the timescale in respect of the remaining phases in the developmental programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14628/04]
My Department has grant-aided the provision of a new eight classroom school building including a double autistic unit for North Kildare Educate Together school. In addition, my Department has also provided grant-aid for the provision of additional furniture at the school.
234 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the requirement for the extra facilities required at Millicent school, Clane, County Kildare; when he expects to be in a position to meet in full such needs; the timescale in respect of the remaining phases in the developmental programme. [14629/04]
239 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the requirement for the extra facilities required at Tiermohan national school, Tiermohan, County Kildare; when he expects to be in a position to meet in full such needs; the timescale in respect of the remaining phases in the developmental programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14634/04]
243 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the requirement for the extra facilities required at St. David’s school, Naas, County Kildare; when he expects to be in a position to meet in full such needs; the timescale in respect of the remaining phases in the developmental programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14638/04]
246 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the requirement for the extra facilities required at Scoil Nás Na Ríogh, Naas, County Kildare; when he expects to be in a position to meet in full such needs; the timescale in respect of the remaining phases in the developmental programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14641/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 234, 239, 243 and 246 together.
The 2004 building programme has been published and full details in relation to individual projects are available on my Department's website at www.education.ie On the basis of the funding allocation and the competing priorities for that funding, it was not possible to include the schools referred to by the Deputy in the 2004 building programme.
However, a key strategy going forward will be grounded on the budget day announcement of multi-annual allocations for capital investment in education projects. All projects that are not going to construction as part of the 2004 school building programme will be re-evaluated with a view to including them as part of a multi-annual programme from 2005 onwards. The schools in question will be included in this process. I expect to be in a position to make a further announcement in this matter later this year.
235 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the requirement for the extra facilities required at Maynooth post-primary school, Maynooth, County Kildare; when he expects to be in a position to meet in full such needs; the timescale in respect of the remaining phases in the developmental programme. [14630/04]
A large-scale building project for Maynooth post-primary school, Moyglare Road, County Kildare, is listed in section 9 of the 2004 capital programme. The proposed extension consists of 1836 sq. m. for a long-term projected enrolment figure of 850 pupils. This project is at stage 3 of architectural planning, this stage involves a detailed sketch scheme detailing room layouts, etc. It has been assigned a band 3 rating by the Department in accordance with the published criteria for prioritising large-scale projects.
The budget announcement regarding multiannual capital envelopes will enable me to adopt a multiannual framework for the school building programme, which in turn will give greater clarity regarding projects that are not progressing to tender in this year's programme including the school referred to by the Deputy. I will make a further announcement in that regard during the year.
236 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the requirement for the extra facilities required at Scoil Clochar Naofa, Kilcock, County Kildare; when he expects to be in a position to meet in full such needs; the timescale in respect of the remaining phases in the developmental programme. [14631/04]
The 2004 building programme has been published and full details in relation to individual projects are available on my Department's website at www.education.ie On the basis of the funding allocation and the competing priorities for that funding, it was not possible to include the project at Scoil Clochar Naofa in the 2004 building programme.
However, a key strategy going forward will be grounded on the budget day announcement of multiannual allocations for capital investment in education projects. All projects not going to construction as part of the 2004 school building programme will be re-evaluated with a view to including them as part of a multiannual programme from 2005 onwards. The Scoil Clochar Naofa project will be included in this process. I expect to be in a position to make a further announcement in this matter during 2004.
238 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the requirement for the extra facilities required at Ardclough national school, County Kildare; when he expects to be in a position to meet in full such needs; the timescale in respect of the remaining phases in the developmental programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14633/04]
The property management section of the OPW, which acts on behalf of my Department in relation to site acquisitions generally, is currently exploring the possibility of acquiring a site for Ardclough national school, County Kildare.
Due to the commercial sensitivities of site acquisitions, it is not proposed at this stage to identify specific sites to be acquired. However, this information will be placed on my Department's website when the relevant acquisitions have been completed.
240 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the requirement for the extra facilities required at St. Wolstan’s school, Celbridge, County Kildare; when he expects to be in a position to meet in full such needs; the timescale in respect of the remaining phases in the developmental programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14635/04]
The new building for St. Wolstan's community school, Celbridge, County Kildare, was completed in 1999. There are no further applications on hand for building works at this school.
241 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the requirement for the extra facilities required at St. Mary’s College, Naas, County Kildare; when he expects to be in a position to meet in full such needs; the timescale in respect of the remaining phases in the developmental programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14636/04]
Provision was made for additional accommodation to be provided at St. Mary's College, Naas, County Kildare as part of my announcement of an additional €30 million investment in school buildings.
My Department has devolved authority and responsibility for the delivery of this project to the school and their design team. The tendering process has commenced and they envisage that the project will proceed to construction later this year.
242 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the requirement for the extra facilities required at St. Joseph’s boys national school, Kilcock, County Kildare; when he expects to be in a position to meet in full such needs; the timescale in respect of the remaining phases in the developmental programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14637/04]
245 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the requirement for the extra facilities required at Scoil Uí Riada, Kilcock, County Kildare; when he expects to be in a position to meet in full such needs; the timescale in respect of the remaining phases in the developmental programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14640/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 242 and 245 together.
Over the remainder of this school year a new school planning model involving published draft area development plans will be piloted in five areas. Included in the pilot scheme is the area around the N4 from Leixlip through Kilcock, Enfield, Longwood, Kinnegad and Rochfortbridge to Kilbeggan.
The purpose of this new approach to school planning is to ensure that, in future, the provision of school infrastructure will be decided only after a transparent consultation process. In this regard, parents, trustees, sponsors of prospective new schools and all interested parties in the locality will have the opportunity to have their voices heard in the process.
Following the consultation process, individual plans will set out the blueprint for schools' development in an area covering a period of up to ten years. The draft area development plan for the N4 will include the schools referred to by the Deputy.
244 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the requirement for the extra facilities required at Scoil Mochua, Celbridge, County Kildare; when he expects to be in a position to meet in full such needs; the timescale in respect of the remaining phases in the developmental programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14639/04]
A large-scale extension project for Scoil Mochua, Celbridge, County Kildare is listed for proceeding to tender and construction as part of the 2004 school building programme.
The indicative timescale in the programme for this project proceeding to tender is the first quarter of 2004. The tendering process has commenced and the school authority has been authorised to progress this project to construction subject to certain conditions.
247 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the requirement for the extra facilities required at Scoil Linbh Íosa, Prosperous, County Kildare; when he expects to be in a position to meet in full such needs; the timescale in respect of the remaining phases in the developmental programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14642/04]
A large-scale extension project for Scoil Linbh Íosa, Prosperous, County Kildare, is listed for proceeding to tender and construction as part of the 2004 school building programme. The indicative timescale in the programme for this project proceeding to tender is the third quarter of 2004. The school authority's design team is working on the tender documentation and they have also been authorised to prequalify contractors for this project.
248 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the requirement for the extra facilities required at Scoil Iognáid Ris, Naas, County Kildare; when he expects to be in a position to meet in full such needs; the timescale in respect of the remaining phases in the developmental programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14643/04]
Provision was made for additional accommodation to be provided at Meánscoil Iognáid Ris, Naas, County Kildare, as part of my announcement of an additional €30 million investment in school buildings. This will be phase 1 of the development programme for this school. My Department has devolved authority and responsibility for the delivery of this project to the school and their design team. The tendering process has commenced and they envisage that the project will proceed to construction later this year. The announcement in the budget of a multi-annual capital envelope will help give clarity on the timeframe for the remaining phases of works at this school.
249 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the requirement for the extra facilities required at Scoil Uí Fhiach, Maynooth, County Kildare; when he expects to be in a position to meet in full such needs; the timescale in respect of the remaining phases in the developmental programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14644/04]
Over the remainder of this school year a new school planning model involving published draft area development plans will be piloted in five areas. Included in the pilot scheme is the area around the N4 from Leixlip through Kilcock, Enfield, Longwood, Kinnegad and Rochfortbridge to Kilbeggan. It will also include schools in the Maynooth area. The purpose of this new approach to school planning is to ensure that, in future, the provision of school infrastructure will be decided only after a transparent consultation process. In this regard, parents, trustees, sponsors of prospective new schools and all interested parties in the locality will have the opportunity to have their voices heard in the process. Following the consultation process, individual plans will set out the blueprint for schools' development in an area covering a period of up to ten years.
250 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the requirement for the extra facilities required at Scoil Dara, Kilcock, County Kildare; when he expects to be in a position to meet in full such needs; the timescale in respect of the remaining phases in the developmental programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14645/04]
An extension was completed at Scoil Dara, Kilcock, County Kildare in 2003. There are no plans at present to provide further accommodation at the school.
251 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when he expects to be in a position to provide funding to replace the roof of Scoil Mhuire, Clane, County Kildare, as same has been temporarily repaired; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14646/04]
In the circumstances that there may be asbestos present in the roof of Scoil Mhuire, Clane, County Kildare, the matter has been referred to the health and safety unit in the Office of Public Works, which carries out all asbestos surveys for the Department of Education and Science, for examination and report. The matter will be considered further in the light of the report.
252 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the provision of the extra permanent classrooms at Naas CBS, Naas, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14647/04]
Provision was made for additional accommodation to be provided at Naas CBS as part of my announcement of an additional €30 million investment in school buildings. This will be phase 1 of the development programme for this school.
My Department has devolved authority and responsibility for the delivery of this project to the school and their design team. The tendering process has commenced and they envisage that the project will proceed to construction later this year.
253 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the completion of the covered walkway at Confey College, Leixlip, County Kildare; if the proposal is likely to be completed in 2004; if the necessary finance is available for this purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14648/04]
The Deputy will be aware that my Department's 2004 capital programme has been published and is available also on my Department's website at www.education.ie. It was not possible to include this project in the list of new projects to commence in 2004. The project will be considered again in the context of the 2005 capital programme.
254 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of the projected enrolments and required facilities at Coláiste Cois Life, Lucan, County Dublin, he will evaluate the needs as a matter of urgency with a view to advancing the building programme through the various stages in the near future with the objective of meeting the school’s requirements before the end of 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14649/04]
The new school for Coláiste Cois Life, Lucan, County Dublin, is listed for proceeding to tender and construction as part of the 2004 school building programme which is published on my Department's website at www.education.ie .The indicative timescale in the programme for this project proceeding to tender is the second quarter of 2004 and this process has commenced. It is expected that the project will then progress to construction shortly thereafter.
255 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the developments in regard to the provision of a new primary school in Kill, County Kildare; the action or actions likely by the end of 2004 in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14650/04]
The property management section of the OPW, which acts on behalf of my Department in relation to site acquisitions generally, is currently exploring the possibility of acquiring a site for the replacement of the existing primary school in Kill, County Kildare. Due to the commercial sensitivities of site acquisitions, it is not proposed at this stage to identify specific sites to be acquired. However, this information will be placed on my Department's website when the relevant acquisitions have been completed.
256 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to negotiations between his Department and the authorities at Kildare VEC in regard to St. Patrick’s post-primary school, Naas, County Kildare, with particular reference to relocation of the school to an alternative site; the state of these discussions; the imminence or otherwise of a decision on the issue; the likely schedule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14651/04]
The question of the relocation of St. Patrick's post-primary school, Naas, County Kildare, to an alternative site is under examination in my Department at present. Discussions have been held with County Kildare Vocational Education Committee and the local authority in the matter. These discussions are ongoing and it is not possible to indicate at this stage when they may be concluded and a decision taken in the matter.
257 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which requirements have been, are being or will be met in respect of extra buildings or other facilities, including psychological, remedial, resource or other special needs requirements in all second level schools throughout County Kildare; the schools requiring attention in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14652/04]
When publishing the 2004 school building programme, I outlined that my strategy going forward will be grounded in capital investment based on multi-annual allocations. My officials are reviewing all projects which were not authorised to proceed to construction as part of the 2004 school building programme, with a view to including them as part of a multi-annual school building programme from 2005 and I expect to be in a position to make further announcements on this matter in the course of the year. This multi-annual building programme, when published, will provide a comprehensive picture detailing all planned building projects in the Kildare area.
All second level schools in the free education scheme have an entitlement to an ex-quota teacher allocation in respect of remedial. In addition, all post-primary schools in County Kildare now have access to the National Educational Psychological Service.
My Department also allocates resource teaching support and special needs assistants support to second level schools and vocational educational committees to cater for students with special educational needs. Applications for such support are made to my Department by the relevant school authorities. Each application is considered on the basis of the assessed needs of the pupil(s) involved and the nature and level of support provided is determined on the advice of the National Educational Psychological Service.
258 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which requirements have been, are being or will be met in respect of extra buildings or other facilities, including psychological, remedial, resource or other special needs requirements in all primary schools throughout County Kildare; the schools requiring attention in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14653/04]
The school planning section of my Department is responsible for planning the provision of suitable cost effective accommodation both in response to applications from school managerial authorities for accommodation and by analysis of changing demographics. All resultant projects whether extensions to existing schools or new schools, including provision for pupils with special needs, are prioritised by reference to published criteria. These criteria are structured to ensure that schools most in need of accommodation are assigned a band 1 priority rating.
The 2004 school building programme, which I published last December, is a further major step in progressing this Government's consistent commitment since 1997 to deal with school accommodation needs. The programme is designed to give the maximum amount of information to managers, boards of management, principals, parents and students and to give assurance that the building programme is being operated in an open and transparent manner. The level of capital funding being provided nationally at primary and post-primary level in 2004 amounts to €388 million, in excess of €200 million of this will be targeted at primary level projects.
The level of capital investment in schools including those providing for special needs pupils, has progressively increased since 1998 to a total of almost €2 billion, the largest investment programme in the history of the State.
A key part of my strategy going forward will be grounded on the budget day announcement of multi-annual allocations for capital investment in education projects covering the years 2004 to 2008. All projects that are not going to construction as part of the 2004 school building programme are being reviewed with a view to including them as part of a multi-annual building programme from 2005 onwards. I expect to be in a position to make a further announcement on this matter during 2004.
The challenge facing my Department is how to ensure the State gets best return on investment in educational infrastructure. New ways such as the devolved building initiative for small rural schools and the permanent accommodation initiative, both initiated in 2003 and expanded this year, show the Department's commitment to find innovative and flexible solutions to the difficulties faced by schools seeking to refurbish their buildings or to provide additional accommodation quickly. These schemes fund schools to respond quickly to accommodation difficulties. There is minimal interaction with my Department and schools are fully empowered to drive the design and construction process. I fully expect that these initiatives will inform future policy.
259 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if all grant commitments made to various second level schools throughout the country towards the encouragement of sciences in the junior syllabus have been met to date; if not, the reason therefore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14654/04]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that an initial grant of €3,500 per junior science laboratory was paid at the end of January 2004 to all schools in the free education scheme which opted to provide the revised syllabus from 2003-04. This reflected the total amount due in respect of schools which had received a substantial capital investment since 1995 either by way of a new building, extension or upgraded laboratory, whose resources were considered adequate to deliver the pre-existing syllabus.
Schools, which did not receive a major capital investment since 1995 and whose resources were not adequate to deliver the pre-existing syllabus, were paid an enhanced grant in April 2004 based on overall needs identified through completion of an indicative resource list. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that in excess of €10 million has been paid out to date in respect of the junior science initiative.
260 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science further to his reply to previous parliamentary questions, wherein he has indicated that responsibility for compliance with health and safety requirements is a matter for the school authorities, the way in which school authorities are expected to be compliant when school buildings are structurally unsound or lacking in adequate space to enable compliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14655/04]
Primary schools are given an annual allocation of €3,809 plus €12.70 per pupil under the grant scheme for minor works which can be used entirely at the discretion of school management to address basic health and safety issues relating to the school infrastructure. In addition, my Department has set aside a contingency sum of €11 million to deal with emergency works in primary and post-primary schools, including emergency health and safety works, during 2004.
261 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has identified the top 50 second level schools in the country which suffer most from overcrowding or inadequacy of buildings or other facilities; his plans to address such deficiency with particular reference to the need for compliance with health and safety standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14656/04]
262 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has identified the top 50 primary schools in the country which suffer most from overcrowding or inadequacy of buildings or other facilities; his plans to address such deficiency with particular reference to the need for compliance with health and safety standards. [14657/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 261 and 262 together.
The school planning section of my Department is responsible for planning the provision of suitable cost effective accommodation both in response to applications from school managerial authorities for accommodation and by analysis of changing demographics. All resultant projects, whether extensions to existing schools or new schools in rapidly developing areas, are prioritised by reference to published criteria. These criteria are structured to ensure that schools most in need of accommodation are assigned a band 1 priority rating.
In fulfilment of my Department's commitment to tackle sub-standard school accommodation the level of capital investment in schools has progressively increased since 1998 to a total of almost €2 billion, the largest investment programme in the history of the State. The position in relation to any school or category of school is that their needs must be processed as part of the overall programme and must be assessed individually within the published prioritisation criteria.
My Department's school building programme of €388 million will deliver in excess of 260 significant school building projects at primary and post-primary level. In excess of 200 of these projects will commence on site in the current year, the remaining projects having commenced in previous years and are currently nearing completion. Furthermore, approximately an additional 600 schools will benefit in some way from the capital programme directly by means of temporary accommodation, permanent accommodation and-or improvement works and all primary schools will benefit directly from the devolved grants scheme for minor works.
The challenge facing my Department is how to ensure the State gets best return on investment in educational infrastructure. New ways such as the devolved building initiative for small rural schools and the permanent accommodation initiative, both initiated in 2003 and expanded this year, show the Department's commitment to find innovative and flexible solutions to the difficulties faced by schools seeking to refurbish their buildings or to provide additional accommodation quickly. These schemes fund schools to respond quickly to accommodation difficulties. There is minimal interaction with my Department and schools are fully empowered to drive the design and construction process. I fully expect that these initiatives will inform future policy.
My Department has never underestimated the scale of the task and the level of capital funding and other resources required to rectify decades of under- investment in school infrastructure. The announcement in the last budget in relation to a multi-annual capital envelope will greatly assist my Department in addressing school accommodation needs in a programmed and systematic way.
263 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if the education system here is keeping pace with Ireland’s competitors in the area of science and technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14658/04]
The education system here is keeping pace with Ireland's competitors. It is worth noting that the annual competitiveness report 2003 ranks Ireland as first out of 12 countries examined concerning the proportion of science and engineering graduates per 1,000 of the population aged 20 to 34.
The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, established on a statutory basis in 2001, is committed to continuous review of curriculum and assessment provision in line with best international practice, and to ensuring that the education system remains a key factor in Ireland's social and economic development. There have been significant curricular reforms in recent years, with new syllabi already implemented in leaving certificate biology, physics and chemistry, implementation of a revised junior certificate science syllabus in the majority of schools in 2003-04 as well as a revised syllabus in science in primary schools from 2003-04. All of these developments are being or have been supported by national inservice programmes for teachers and have been accompanied by significant resourcing over the period 1999 to date.
The range of ICT equipment available to support learning under successive school ICT initiatives at both levels of the system has expanded greatly and includes computers, the Internet, peripheral devices, multimedia, and a range of assistive technologies. Some €140 million has been invested in this area to date, 34,000 teachers have availed of ICT training, all schools are connected to the Internet and the average pupil to computer ratios are now reduced to 12:1 and 9:1 in primary and post-primary schools respectively. In February 2004 a new schools broadband access programme was agreed which will provide for an €18 million industry-Government investment fund to provide high speed broadband connectivity to all first and second level schools. NCCA guidelines for teachers have also been issued providing examples of how children in classrooms around the country are using ICT to add value to their learning with the primary school curriculum.
Within the third level sector, an unprecedented €600 million has been allocated under the programme for research in third level institutions to provide integrated institutional strategies, programmes and infrastructure to build the capacity of the sector to support world class strategic research, innovation and development in Ireland, as well as promoting greater inter disciplinary and inter-institutional co-operation. This has enabled funding to be provided for 33 research centres across many disciplines, 62 new and expanded research programmes have been established, more than 4,000 peer-reviewed publications have been issued, and some 901 post-graduate and 475 post-doctorate researchers have been funded. This investment is supplemented by funds from the HEA block grant, the Irish research councils and from other sources.
The OECD in-depth review of higher education under way is set in the context of assessing the strategic capacity of the third level sector to support lifelong learning and the transition to the knowledge society. My Department is committed to ensuring that Ireland continues to provide a high quality education system which promotes fulfilled personal development, economic competitiveness and social cohesion.
264 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress to date in his efforts to encourage the study of the sciences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14659/04]
A range of actions is being taken to promote an increased uptake of science in second level schools, in line with the recommendations in the report of the task force on the physical sciences. In particular, important progress is being made in regard to the following: curricular reform and inservice support, with new syllabi already implemented in leaving certificate biology and physics and chemistry, revised syllabi in primary science and junior certificate science beginning in schools in 2003-04, and work under way on a new leaving certificate physical sciences syllabus to replace the physics and chemistry combined syllabus, all of which developments are being or have been supported by national inservice programmes for teachers, resourcing, with substantial grants issued to schools at primary level in 1999, 2001 and 2002, an additional per capita grant for physics and chemistry at leaving certificate, and a capital grants programme for senior cycle science ICT and science equipment, allied with the announcement in 2003 of a once-off grant scheme, likely to cost in the order of €12 million to support the implementation of the new junior certificate science syllabus — to date some 614 schools in the free education scheme have opted to provide the revised junior certificate science syllabus from 2003-04, grants of €5.1 million were issued to these schools at the end of January 2004 and a further tranche of payments to certain schools is being processed, as a result of which the revised junior certificate science syllabus provides for a more investigative approach to science education with some 30 experiments and investigations which have to be carried out over the period of the programme, a hands-on approach which is seen as critically important to enhance the attractiveness of the subject and encourage more students to choose the physical sciences at senior cycle; ICT integration projects in teaching and learning under the schools IT initiative, and the new TV scope programme in partnership with RTE, NCCA and the National Centre for Technology in Education; provision of materials and publications to schools to promote the attractiveness and relevance of science for students as a subject option and career path; reviews on mathematics, grading of subjects in the leaving certificate, gender equity issues in science, and initial reports on teacher training undertaken; wareness measures supported by industry and third level colleges linking with schools; the launch of the new discover science and engineering programme in October 2003 bringing together all the existing awareness activities in a unified strategy; and the announcement by the Tánaiste in December 2003 of plans for Ireland’s first interactive learning centre for children and adults, designed to give visitors a hands-on experience and understanding of science, and to be an education and outreach centre for teachers and pupils — the exploration station is due to open in 2006 and will be sited in the OPW Heuston gate development in Kilmainham, Dublin.
This work continues to be progressed and enhanced as resources permit in collaboration and consultation with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Forfás and industry. My Department is fully committed to strengthening the quality of science teaching and learning, promoting increased scientific literacy and encouraging more students to choose science subjects at senior cycle and progress to third level options in this critical area as a vitally important part of the national strategy to support competitiveness and employment.
265 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to meet requirements as set out in respect of psychological assessment or assistance at all primary and second level schools throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14660/04]
My Department is committed to providing a full educational psychological service to all schools. The National Educational Psychological Service has been expanding gradually on a national basis over the past few years in accordance with the Government's decision of February 1999.
I am aware that, during this development phase of NEPS, some schools have experienced difficulties in accessing psychological assessments. I have therefore provided funding so that those schools that do not yet have direct access to the NEPS service can avail of the scheme for commissioning psychological assessments, SCPA, which NEPS administers, pending the full expansion of the NEPS service to all schools. This is an interim arrangement and is not a substitute for a full educational psychological service. NEPS has circulated details of SCPA to all schools and full information is also available on my Department's website.
266 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to meet the full requirement in terms of resource, remedial, special needs teachers in all primary schools throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14661/04]
My Department received more than 8,400 applications for special education resources since 15 February, 2003. The batch of approximately 5,000 applications received between 15 February and 31 August 2003 are being considered at present. Priority was given to almost 1,000 cases involving children starting school last September and all those cases were responded to at or before the commencement of the current school year.
The balance of more than 4,000 applications in that batch has been reviewed by a dedicated team comprising members of my Department's inspectorate and the National Educational Psychological Service. Those applications are being further considered in the context of the outcome of surveys of special education resource provision conducted over the past year and the data submitted by schools as part of a nationwide census of such provision.
The processing of the applications is a complex and time-consuming operation. However, my Department is endeavouring to have this completed as quickly as possible and my officials will then respond to all applicant schools. Pending a response, schools are advised to refer to circular 24/03, which issued in September 2003. This circular contains practical advice on how to achieve the most effective deployment of resources already allocated for special educational needs within the school.
In the case of teacher resources, the outcome for each applicant school will be based on a new weighted system of allocation which I announced recently. This system, as part of which an additional 350 teaching posts will be allocated, will involve two main elements: making a staffing allocation to schools based on a predicted incidence of pupils with special educational needs and making individual allocations in the case of children with more acute lower-prevalence special educational needs. It is expected that the change to a weighted system will bring with it a number of benefits. The new system will reduce the need for individualised educational psychological assessment; reduce the volume of applications to my Department for additional resources for individual pupils, and give greater flexibility to schools, which will facilitate the development and implementation of improved systems and procedures in schools to meet the needs of pupils with low achievement and pupils with special educational needs.
Transitional arrangements for the introduction of the weighted system are being developed in consultation with representative interests. As soon as those consultations have been completed, the detailed arrangements for processing applications for resources, including those for special needs assistants and those received after 31 August last, will be set out in a circular to be issued to schools before the end of the current school year. It is intended, also, that applicant schools will be notified of the outcome in their case within this timeframe.
267 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which he expects to be in a position to meet the growing need for resource, special needs, remedial or other such needs in mainstream education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14662/04]
My Department received more than 8,400 applications for special education resources in primary schools since 15 February, 2003. The batch of approximately 5,000 applications received between 15 February and 31 August 2003 are being considered at present. Priority was given to almost 1,000 cases involving children starting school last September and all those cases were responded to at or before the commencement of the current school year.
The balance of more than 4,000 applications in that batch has been reviewed by a dedicated team comprising members of my Department's inspectorate and the National Educational Psychological Service. Those applications are being further considered in the context of the outcome of surveys of special education resource provision conducted over the past year and the data submitted by schools as part of a nationwide census of such provision.
The processing of the applications is a complex and time-consuming operation. However, my Department is endeavouring to have this completed as quickly as possible and my officials will then respond to all applicant schools. Pending a response, schools are advised to refer to circular 24/03, which issued in September 2003. This circular contains practical advice on how to achieve the most effective deployment of resources already allocated for special educational needs within the school.
In the case of teacher resources, the outcome for each applicant school will be based on a new weighted system of allocation which I announced recently. This system, as part of which an additional 350 teaching posts will be allocated, will involve two main elements: making a staffing allocation to schools based on a predicted incidence of pupils with special educational needs and making individual allocations in the case of children with more acute lower-prevalence special educational needs.
It is expected that the change to a weighted system will bring with it a number of benefits. The new system will: reduce the need for individualised educational psychological assessment, reduce the volume of applications to my Department for additional resources for individual pupils, and give greater flexibility to schools, which will facilitate the development and implementation of improved systems and procedures in schools to meet the needs of pupils with low achievement and pupils with special educational needs.
Transitional arrangements for the introduction of the weighted system are being developed at present in consultation with representative interests. As soon as those consultations have been completed, the detailed arrangements for processing applications for resources, including those for special needs assistants and those received after 31 August last, will be set out in a circular to be issued to schools before the end of the current school year. It is intended, also, that applicant schools will be notified of the outcome in their case within this timeframe.
My Department allocates resource posts and special needs assistant posts to second level schools to cater for students with special educational needs. Applications for such support are made to my Department by the relevant school authorities. Each application is considered on the basis of the assessed needs of the pupil(s) involved and the nature and level of the support provided is determined on the advice of the psychological service.
268 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress to date towards improving pupil-teacher ratios in primary and second level schools with particular reference to areas suffering from social and economic deprivation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14663/04]
Since my appointment as Minister for Education and Science, I have made it clear, at every opportunity, that addressing educational disadvantage is my top priority. It is my intention to ensure that available educational resources are targeted at the most disadvantaged people in the education system at all levels.
The overall pupil-teacher ratio at primary level has been improved significantly in recent years. The ratio has fallen from 22.2:1 in the 1996/97 school year to 18.0:1 in the 2002-03 school year. The projected ratio for the current school year is 17.44:1. The overall pupil teacher ratio at second level has also been improved significantly in recent years. The ratio fell from 16.0:1 in the 1996-97 school year to 13.6:1 in the 2002-03 school year. The ratio for the 2003-04 school year has further reduced to 13.48:1.
With regard to staffing provision for disadvantage at primary level, 311 designated disadvantaged primary schools have 293 concessionary teaching posts, which are not determined by reference to enrolment. Class sizes in 32 primary schools are considered for staffing with reduced pupil teacher ratios of 15:1 in junior and 27:1 in senior classes and a further 209 schools are considered for staffing with reduced pupil teacher ratios of 20:1 in junior classes and 27:1 in senior classes. These ratios remain unchanged for the 2004-05 school year. At second level, the disadvantaged area scheme benefits 211 schools serving approximately 96,000 pupils by providing over quota teaching posts.
In line with Government policy, my Department will continue to seek further reductions in the pupil-teacher ratio within available resources and having regard to priorities of need within the education sector. Priority will be given to pupils with special needs and those from disadvantaged areas. A detailed review of all education disadvantage schemes is nearing completion and this will impact on existing schemes. I hope to announce the outcome of this review shortly.
269 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive the five hours’ resource teaching recommended for them. [14665/04]
I have arranged for my officials to examine the matter of resource teaching provision for this pupil and contact will be made with the school in question shortly.
270 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources how much funding was given annually to each coast guard station in Leinster over the past five years; and the amount allocated for 2004. [14199/04]
The information sought by the Deputy is not readily available. I shall arrange for it to be collated and forwarded as soon as possible.
271 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if the eel population here was reduced in recent years; the scale of the reduction; its causes; and his plans to deal with the problem. [14217/04]
The European eel is one of the truly indigenous freshwater fish species found in Ireland. It has been an integral part of life in rural communities for thousands of years. There is increasing scientific evidence presented at national and international levels of a serious and sustained decline in eel populations, not just in Ireland, but throughout Europe. At present the European eel stock is outside safe biological limits. Its collapse was variously attributed to anthropogenic factors such as over-fishing, pollution, obstacles to migrating eels, introduced Asian pathogens and to global environmental problems. Opinions differ on the relative importance of these factors.
The consensus view among European fishery scientists researching eel populations is that there is an urgent need to increase the numbers of potential spawning silver eel successfully migrating from European waters. An overall management programme for the species must also be achieved through implementation of various management measures at local and national levels.
On 2 October 2003 the European Commission adopted a communication on the development of a community action plan for the management of European eels in response to the advice. The Commission proposes that eel management be built up from a set of local actions to be put in place by the member states according to an agreed standard. These actions should ensure the survival and the migration of the eel in all its habitats.
There has been increasing awareness in Ireland of the value of eel fishing and considerable concern for the status of stocks here. My predecessor established the Irish eel review group to examine the activities of the industry and to arrive at clear, realistic and costed proposals for the sustainable development and regulation of the resource. Earlier this year it submitted a report to my Department. At present my Department is examining it. The recommendations shall be considered in the context of the European Commission's action plan for the management of the European eel resource.
272 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will make a statement on the decision to base the new coast guard and safety agency in Drogheda; and how long it will take to separate the work of the coast guard and the maritime safety directory from his Department. [14418/04]
I have informed the House of my intention to bring forward proposals to establish a new agency with responsibility for all maritime safety and coast guard matters. The proposals will include locating the agency headquarters in Drogheda.
The decision to locate the agency in Drogheda was taken for operational reasons. It also reflects Government decentralisation policies. The agency will be able to undertake the necessary safety inspections of vessels visiting our east coast ports in particular. These ports handle 95% of maritime passenger traffic and over half of the total cargo traffic, much of which moves through Dublin port. The agency will also be able to deliver on its marine emergency management role, particularly in responding to any shipping incidents and oil pollution in the Irish Sea. It was identified as the area of highest risk around the coastline because of the level of maritime traffic moving in the area.
My Department's maritime safety directorate will be part of the new agency. Last year it opened an office in Cork and it will open one in Ballyshannon, County Donegal. It will provide the necessary safety services to shipping and the leisure craft sector on our south, west and north coasts.
The establishment of an agency will require legislation to be enacted and it is not possible to say how long it will take. Officials in my Department are already engaged in the detailed preparatory work. I intend to bring the detailed proposals to Government as quickly as possible.
273 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if funding can be granted for the necessary improvements required to allow the ferry from Howth harbour to Ireland’s Eye to be allowed to land visitors there; and his views on whether it is an important wildlife and recreational amenity for Dubliners and tourists alike. [14461/04]
The development of a landing place on Ireland's Eye is a matter for its owners. My Department has no function in the matter.
274 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the details of recent grants to sporting organisations; and the amount of public money that was given to the Football Association of Ireland’s premier league and to clubs here competing in Europe. [14099/04]
The 2004 national lottery funded sports capital programme was advertised in the national newspapers on 30 November and 1 December 2003. The closing date for receipt of applications was 16 January 2004. A total of 1,304 applications were received before the deadline. They were evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, that were outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions. On 7 May 2004 I announced provisional funding allocations totalling €50.8 million to 717 sporting and voluntary and community organisations.
I will shortly announce funding for projects of major significance under the 2004 sports capital programme. They met local needs but they will also add considerably to the national and regional sporting infrastructure that is required to increase levels of participation and improve standards of performance.
In keeping with Government policy, the allocations reflect special priority for the development of sports and recreational facilities in areas designated as disadvantaged such as RAPID, CLÁR and local drugs task force areas. Projects that were allocated sports capital funding in designated disadvantaged areas may also receive additional top-up funding under the CLÁR and RAPID programmes, administered by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. A statement will issue from the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív, at a later stage regarding top-up funding allocations under these programmes.
In the context of the 2003 sports capital programme, and following representations from the FAI, I agreed to provide an additional €3 million to assist all of the clubs from the FAI premier division and the Eircom League in the upgrading of facilities to meet specific UEFA licensing requirements. A sum of €8.95 million was allocated to other soccer projects in 2003.
In December 2003 the FAI made recommendations about the distribution of the funding in the light of club reports outlining necessary works and the immediate demands placed on clubs qualifying for European competitions in 2004. The Department sought clarification from the FAI on a number of issues surrounding the overall implementation of the UEFA licensing and the specific projects involved. Contacts with the FAI on these issues is ongoing.
It is my Department's priority to finalise the allocation of the €3 million set aside in 2003 and to ensure that it is allocated and drawn down by Eircom League clubs to meet UEFA licensing demands in the context of a structured plan for its implementation across both of its divisions. So far this year grants totalling €8.05 million have been made towards the development of soccer facilities throughout the country. I will shortly announce more funding for projects of major significance.
275 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if funding is available for a project (details supplied). [14194/04]
My Department operates the business expansion scheme for the music industry. Details of the scheme are in section 496(8) of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997.
The Finance Act 1996 broadened the scheme to include investment in qualifying musical recordings and the Finance Act 2004 extended it to the end of 2006. The tax incentive scheme allows an individual to obtain income tax relief on investments of up to €31,750 in each tax year on a qualifying musical project. There is limit on investment of €1 million. No other funding is available from my Department to assist with the launch of albums.
276 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the funding that was made available for each of the past ten years on a county basis; and if he is satisfied that all community groups and others applying for sports funding receive equal treatment. [14200/04]
The national lottery funded sports capital programme allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. It is advertised on an annual basis.
A review of the programme was completed at the end of 1998. Since then every application for funding each year is treated on its merits and evaluated against detailed assessment criteria published in the guidelines, terms and conditions. These criteria measure the main objectives of the programme, which are as follows: develop an integrated and planned approach to the development of sport and recreational facilities; assist voluntary and community organisations with the development of appropriate facilities in appropriate locations that will maximise use in terms of participation in sport and recreation; prioritise the needs of disadvantaged areas in the provision of facilities; and encourage the multi-purpose use of facilities at national, regional and community level by clubs, community organisations and national governing bodies of sport.
The allocation data for the past ten years is contained in the following table. On 7 May 2004 I announced provisional funding allocations, totalling €50.8 million, to 717 projects. I will shortly announce funding for projects of major significance that met local needs under the 2004 programme. They also add considerably to the national and regional sporting infrastructure that is required for increasing levels of participation and improving standards of performance.
|
County |
1995 |
1996 |
1997 |
1998 |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
Total |
|
Carlow |
12,697 |
165,066 |
82,533 |
55,868 |
120,625 |
369,494 |
1,168,159 |
489,000 |
440,000 |
632,000 |
3,535,442 |
|
Cavan |
25,395 |
27,934 |
168,875 |
121,895 |
333,941 |
452,027 |
591,698 |
691,200 |
580,000 |
925,000 |
3,917,965 |
|
Clare |
54,599 |
114,276 |
228,553 |
126,974 |
196,809 |
1,170,699 |
898,975 |
1,123,000 |
1,125,000 |
1,027,000 |
6,065,885 |
|
Cork |
1,298,307 |
2,286,798 |
3,984,438 |
401,237 |
3,249,260 |
3,850,481 |
4,769,132 |
7,257,000 |
5,545,400 |
4,874,000 |
37,516,053 |
|
Donegal |
43,171 |
292,040 |
226,013 |
1,237,995 |
2,312,193 |
5,142,439 |
3,211,168 |
5,049,000 |
1,171,500 |
1,802,000 |
20,487,519 |
|
Dublin |
1,033,567 |
1,688,752 |
2,821,358 |
1,580,189 |
6,466,776 |
15,579,305 |
13,908,710 |
23,024,900 |
14,605,500 |
11,941,000 |
92,650,057 |
|
Galway |
48,250 |
232,362 |
256,487 |
247,599 |
2,269,022 |
1,512,258 |
3,192,122 |
3,058,000 |
2,558,000 |
2,702,000 |
16,076,100 |
|
Kerry |
234,902 |
246,329 |
595,507 |
355,527 |
901,514 |
1,258,310 |
2,119,193 |
3,335,200 |
3,748,000 |
2,976,000 |
15,770,482 |
|
Kildare |
119,355 |
190,461 |
198,079 |
1,378,301 |
2,515,351 |
2,541,381 |
3,853,655 |
4,870,000 |
3,166,000 |
2,857,000 |
21,689,583 |
|
Kilkenny |
54,599 |
44,441 |
203,158 |
74,915 |
339,020 |
529,481 |
763,747 |
1,116,500 |
942,500 |
850,000 |
4,918,361 |
|
Laois |
22,855 |
52,059 |
63,487 |
71,105 |
622,172 |
437,425 |
1,197,363 |
1,189,000 |
450,000 |
786,000 |
4,891,466 |
|
Leitrim |
15,237 |
25,395 |
48,250 |
57,138 |
76,184 |
666,612 |
439,964 |
821,600 |
454,800 |
479,000 |
3,084,180 |
|
Limerick |
95,230 |
365,685 |
297,119 |
330,132 |
797,396 |
956,113 |
2,705,812 |
2,776,000 |
2,485,500 |
1,925,000 |
12,733,987 |
|
Longford |
15,237 |
25,395 |
69,836 |
35,553 |
110,467 |
751,685 |
648,836 |
759,400 |
576,000 |
545,000 |
3,537,409 |
|
Louth |
53,329 |
53,329 |
109,197 |
126,974 |
275,533 |
559,954 |
1,339,574 |
2,545,000 |
1,342,100 |
1,294,000 |
7,698,990 |
|
Mayo |
64,757 |
405,046 |
217,125 |
166,336 |
629,790 |
982,777 |
1,625,265 |
2,284,000 |
1,574,600 |
1,594,000 |
9,543,696 |
|
Meath |
82,533 |
344,099 |
350,448 |
146,020 |
279,342 |
1,192,284 |
1,477,975 |
1,605,000 |
2,560,000 |
1,160,000 |
9,197,701 |
|
Monaghan |
24,125 |
29,204 |
241,250 |
83,803 |
248,869 |
502,181 |
615,823 |
1,233,000 |
485,000 |
996,000 |
4,459,255 |
|
Offaly |
26,664 |
64,757 |
132,053 |
88,882 |
401,237 |
688,198 |
618,997 |
405,000 |
1,004,000 |
857,000 |
4,286,788 |
|
Roscommon |
25,395 |
50,790 |
66,026 |
71,105 |
419,014 |
714,863 |
1,206,251 |
1,301,000 |
777,600 |
1,027,000 |
5,659,044 |
|
Sligo |
31,743 |
43,171 |
199,349 |
120,625 |
402,507 |
591,063 |
1,250,692 |
1,527,600 |
963,000 |
1,253,000 |
6,382,750 |
|
Tipperary |
73,645 |
119,355 |
440,599 |
143,480 |
495,198 |
1,042,455 |
1,802,393 |
2,478,000 |
1,657,000 |
2,048,000 |
10,300,125 |
|
Waterford |
68,566 |
318,704 |
228,553 |
167,605 |
299,658 |
1,010,711 |
3,133,714 |
3,253,000 |
2,210,000 |
1,580,000 |
12,270,511 |
|
Westmeath |
33,013 |
1,592,251 |
74,280 |
128,244 |
859,613 |
651,376 |
1,319,258 |
2,569,000 |
707,000 |
1,083,000 |
9,017,035 |
|
Wexford |
62,217 |
253,948 |
311,086 |
152,369 |
492,658 |
1,227,837 |
915,481 |
2,206,000 |
1,221,000 |
1,887,000 |
8,729,596 |
|
Wicklow |
66,026 |
53,329 |
215,855 |
85,072 |
267,915 |
1,115,465 |
1,405,600 |
1,813,000 |
1,003,000 |
1,700,000 |
7,725,262 |
|
TOTAL |
3,685,414 |
9,084,976 |
11,829,514 |
7,554,942 |
25,382,064 |
45,496,874 |
56,179,561 |
78,779,400 |
53,352,500 |
50,800,000 |
342,145,245 |
277 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount of the €1.5 million grant that was awarded to the Castleblayney Arts and Community Development Company Limited towards its €6.2 million arts and resource centre project; when the balance will be awarded. [14204/04]
My Department approved grant aid of €1,500,000 for the development of an arts and resource centre in Castleblayney.
To date payment has not been made because a legal framework is still being worked out between my Department's legal advisors and solicitors for the project. Payment will commence without delay once the outstanding legal issues have been resolved.
278 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism whether sports capital funding should be contingent on the merits of the application and in accordance with pre-determined rules applicable to all. [14448/04]
279 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of cases where the assessment made by his Departmental officials was overruled by him in 2002; the value of the projects in which he intervened; and if similar ministerial rulings were made by other Departments. [14449/04]
280 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on whether the overruling of the departmental recommendation to allocate funds under the sports capital programme immediately prior to the general election, to a body in the constituency of a ministerial colleague, is an abuse of privilege; and his further views on whether such intervention is unfair to equally deserving sporting bodies that find that the published rules can be discarded at his discretion. [14450/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 278 to 280, inclusive, together.
The national lottery funded sports capital programme allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. It is advertised on an annual basis. A review was completed at the end of 1998. Since then applications for funding each year have been evaluated against detailed assessment criteria published in the guidelines, terms and conditions.
The 2002 sports capital programme was administered by the then Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation. The initial assessment of applications received was based on an assumed commitment availability of about €57.5 million which was the value of recommendations made. Subsequently additional funding of €17.3 million was made available. It was reallocated to other projects on the basis of an assessment of factors such as the contribution to local community development, support for minority sports and the strength of local support. The initial assessment recommended funding for 625 projects. As many as 859 projects were approved and included all of the projects recommended in the initial assessment.
None of the projects awarded provisional grant allocations under the programme may access any of the funding until they demonstrate compliance with the terms and conditions communicated to them by the Department. The conditions include compliance with public tendering processes, legal and tax clearance requirements and the submission of invoices in respect of completed work on the project.
The dates for the 2002 sports capital programme were brought forward specifically to facilitate the early announcement of financial allocations. This was done to give the grantees a better opportunity for speedier progress with their projects particularly during the summer months. I shall also explain it in my reply to Question No. 282.
281 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on whether a club (details supplied) had sufficient funding to justify a substantial grant under the sports capital programme in 2002 and 2003. [14451/04]
The national lottery funded sports capital programme is administered by my Department. It allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. It is advertised on an annual basis.
My Department evaluates applications in accordance with published assessment criteria. To obtain an assessment score applicants must meet basic qualifying conditions. One of these is to have the minimum level of funding. Applicants from designated disadvantaged areas must demonstrate that they have a minimum of 20% of the estimated project cost and other applicants must have 30%.
The club in question applied under the 2002 and 2003 sports capital programmes. Both applications showed evidence of having more the minimum of 30% of the project cost. Subsequently the club received grant allocations of €300,000 in 2002 and €250,000 in 2003 for the construction of a clubhouse.
282 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the reason that in 2002 and 2004 grant applications were required to be submitted by early January unlike in 2001, 2003 and 2005 when submissions were required in April. [14452/04]
My Department administers the national lottery funded sports capital programme. It allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. It is advertised on an annual basis.
The closing date for receipt of applications under the 2001 sports capital programme, and indeed for the 1999 and 2000 programmes prior to that, was early February. In 2002 the date set for receipt of applications was brought forward to early January. It facilitated the earlier announcement of financial allocations under the programme and gave the grantees a better opportunity for speedier progress with their projects, particularly during the summer months.
This year's closing date for receipt of applications was 16 January. In 2003, mindful of the requirement to curb the growth of public expenditure generally, it was decided to postpone the closing date to the end of April, two months more than had been the practice prior to 2002. This was done to ensure that expenditure on the programme during the year was contained within approved limits.
283 Ms F. O’Malley asked the Minister for Health and Children the legal safeguards in existence to ensure the protection of girls and women against female genital mutilation here; and if asylum seekers and immigrants are informed that it may be illegal under the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997. [14415/04]
Female genital mutilation is a harmful traditional practice that constitutes an assault causing serious harm. It is an offence under the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997 and the Garda Síochána may prosecute any person who performed it in Ireland.
The Reception and Integration Agency operates under the aegis of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. I am advised that it has disseminated an information and education booklet to health board liaison officers. The booklet entitled Understanding Female Genital Mutilation was published by Comhlámh. The agency meets the liaison officers on a regular basis. The booklet is intended to provide an overview of some of the issues surrounding the complexity of the practice, particularly for health professionals and others working in the field. It is also aimed at others interested in becoming, or who are already, involved in actions to raise awareness of the issues surrounding the practice and its elimination.
Treoir prepared an information pack on positive options in a crisis pregnancy. On 25 February Teoir hosted a seminar to finalising the pack and to target minority ethnic individuals and communities. An officer from the agency attended. The information pack and accompanying CD ROM includes information on female genital mutilation. They will be translated into Arabic, Chinese, French, Romanian and Russian.
284 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if a report on the psychiatric services in the SEHB area carried out by a person (details supplied) is available; if it was made public at the time; if there are recommendations arising from the report; and if they have been acted upon. [14091/04]
Responsibility for the matter rests with the South Eastern Health Board. My Department has asked its chief executive officer to investigate the matter and to reply directly to the Deputy.
285 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if a motorised transport grant will be expedited in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny in view of their medical circumstances and the urgency of the case. [14092/04]
The assessment of entitlement to and payment of the motorised transport grant is a matter for the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards. My Department has asked the CEO of the South Eastern Health Board to investigate the matter and to reply directly to the Deputy.
286 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for cutbacks in the support services for psychiatric patients at St. Luke’s Hospital in Clonmel, County Tipperary. [14104/04]
Responsibility for the provision of the services rests with the South Eastern Health Board. My Department has asked its CEO to investigate the matter and to reply directly to the Deputy.
287 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if a medical card will be issued to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [14105/04]
Responsibility for the provision of a medical card is, by legislation, a matter for the CEO of the relevant health board or authority. My Department has asked the CEO of the South Eastern Health Board to investigate the matter and to reply directly to the Deputy.
288 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if the new psychiatric hospital at St. Luke’s, Kilkenny is serviced by a kitchen on site; and if so, if it is fully equipped and operational. [14106/04]
Responsibility for the provision of services rests with the South Eastern Health Board. My Department has asked its CEO to investigate the matter and to reply directly to the Deputy.
289 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children the breakdown by category of all cases of child abuse as reported to the health authorities in 2001 to 2003, inclusive. [14119/04]
The figures for 2001 are in the following tabular statement. Figures for 2002 and 2003 are being collated. I anticipate that they will be available in September.
|
2001 |
Primary Type of Abuse |
Number of Reported Cases |
Number of Children |
Confirmed Abuse |
Confirmed non-Abuse/ Unfounded |
Inconclusive Assessment |
Assessment Ongoing |
|
Physical Abuse |
1,252 |
1,180 |
419 |
130 |
261 |
442 |
|
|
Sexual Abuse |
1,842 |
1,707 |
397 |
170 |
476 |
799 |
|
|
Emotional Abuse |
814 |
753 |
270 |
72 |
149 |
323 |
|
|
Neglect |
2,086 |
1,937 |
774 |
232 |
390 |
690 |
|
|
Total |
5,994 |
5,577 |
1,860 |
604 |
1,276 |
2,254 |
290 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason it takes so long to obtain results of smear tests as compared with the United Kingdom. [14125/04]
The number of smear tests carried out nationally has increased by almost 20% in recent years. To meet the increased demand additional cumulative funding of €11 million was provided by my Department since 2002 to enhance the laboratory and colposcopy services. The funding has enabled the laboratories to employ additional personnel, to purchase new equipment and to introduce new technology and thereby increase the volume of activity. In addition, a number of hospitals have undertaken initiatives such as contracting out the analysis of smear tests to external laboratories. These initiatives have resulted in a reduction in waiting times. For example, the waiting time for routine results at Cork University Hospital was reduced from 129 days at March 2003 to now less than 40 days.
291 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive home help. [14131/04]
The provision of health services in the Mayo area is the responsibility of the Western Health Board. My Department has asked its CEO to investigate the matter and to reply directly to the Deputy, as a matter of urgency.
292 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be called for an MRI scan in Galway. [14132/04]
The provision of hospital services for people living in County Mayo is a matter for the Western Health Board. My Department has asked its CEO to investigate the matter and to reply directly to the Deputy.
293 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children about a request for two stump boards for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11. [14137/04]
The provision of aids and appliances to people with physical and sensory disabilities is a matter for the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards. My Department has asked the authority's CEO to investigate the matter and to reply directly to the Deputy.
294 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the reasons for the delay in providing a wheel-in shower chair for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if there is a backlog; and if so, the reason therefor. [14140/04]
The provision of aids and appliances to people with physical and sensory disabilities is a matter for the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards. My Department has asked the CEO of the South Eastern Health Board to investigate the matter and to reply directly to the Deputy.
295 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will consider making the nicotine patch available to medical card holders and under the drugs payment scheme in an effort to assist those wishing to stop smoking. [14146/04]
Nicotine replacement therapies are available to medical card holders. The cardiovascular health strategy group recommended that an advisory forum be established to support the task force in the implementation of the strategy. A decision was taken after its recommendations to supply NRTs.
There is a common list of reimbursable medicines for the general medical services and drug payment schemes. This ensures equity in the range of medicines paid for by the State. In order for a product to be included on the list it must satisfy a number of criteria, including that it is ordinarily supplied to the public by medical prescription only and that it should not be advertised or promoted to the public.
NRTs would not normally satisfy these criteria as they are generally available over-the-counter and may be advertised directly to the public. Recommendations were made to the Minister and he decided, as an exceptional measure, to make the full range of NRTs available on prescription to medical card holders. Evidence shows that lower socio-economic groups have a higher incidence of smoking and spend a higher proportion of disposable income on tobacco. It is considered that this group is in greatest need of assistance to quit smoking. At present there are no plans to make NRTs available under the other community drug schemes.
296 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the percentage of the population aged over 65 that receives home help; the percentage of over 65s who receive home help in each of the health board areas; the comparative figures for the years 2002, 2003 and to date in 2004; and the average number of hours that each person receives. [14150/04]
The information sought by the Deputy is not readily available in my Department. It has written to the CEOs of the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards and asked them to supply the relevant details to me. I will forward them to the Deputy, as a matter of urgency.
297 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of home helps employed in each of the health board areas for the years 2002, 2003 and to date in 2004; and the average number of hours worked by the home helps. [14151/04]
According to the health service personnel census there were 2,534 home helps in wholetime equivalent terms employed in the health service at the end of 2002 and 2,281 WTEs home helps employed at the end of 2003. Information in respect of the end of March 2004 is being compiled by my Department and will be available in the near future. Caution should be exercised in comparing employment levels over the two years as changes in grade classifications have given rise to a lack of continuity in the data series. A substantial volume of home help services are delivered through voluntary agencies that are not recorded in the census. The figures set out above relate to wholetime equivalents so the numbers of hours worked relate to a full working week of 39 hours.
298 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons waiting for hip replacements, knee replacements, cataract operations and heart bypass surgery in each of the health board areas; and the length of time they have waited for their procedures. [14152/04]
Recently I announced the transfer of responsibility for the collection and reporting of waiting list data to the national treatment purchase fund. My Department has asked its CEO to supply the information directly to the Deputy.
299 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the average rate of nursing home subventions in each of the health board areas; and the number of persons in receipt of the subvention in each health board area. [14153/04]
The following figures have been supplied by the relevant health boards and authority:
|
Health Board or Authority |
Average Subvention Payment per week |
Number in Receipt of Subvention |
|
€ |
||
|
South Eastern Health Board |
200.15 |
900 |
|
North Eastern Health Board |
282.56 |
474 |
|
North Western Health Board |
198.12 |
512 |
|
Mid-Western Health Board |
206.48 |
950 |
|
Midland Health Board |
399.25 |
445 |
|
Western Health Board |
231.46 |
1,324 |
|
Southern Health Board |
297.00 |
980 |
|
Northern Area Health Board |
307.95 |
529 |
|
South Western Area Health Board |
284.00 |
472 |
|
East Coast Area Health Board |
216.78 |
455 |
In the case of the Eastern Regional Health Authority — health boards, including the NAHB, SWAHB and ECAHB, the figures do not include the cost of patients that are accommodated in contract beds where the full cost of the bed is paid by the health board. The practice of buying contract beds has been discontinued in the ERHA area.
300 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of extra nurses, therapists, paramedics, home care attendants and home helps who have been employed by the ERHA since 1998. [14154/04]
The information, as recorded in the health service personnel census, is outlined in the following tabular statement. The Eastern Regional Health Authority was not established until March 2000. Therefore, the figures refer to the number of health service personnel employed in the eastern region. In the region home help services are delivered through voluntary agencies that are not recorded in the census.
|
ERHA Region |
end-19981 |
end-20031 |
Increase 1998-20031 |
|
Paramedics2 |
152 |
209 |
57 |
|
Nursing |
10,385 |
12,366 |
1,981 |
|
Therapists3 |
622 |
987 |
365 |
Source: Department of Health & Children Personnel Census (31 December).
Note1: All figures are expressed in wholetime equivalents.
Note2: Includes all grades of Ambulance Personnel.
Note3: Includes Occupational Therapists, Speech & Language Therapists and Physiotherapists.
301 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Sligo will be called for an operation in Sligo General: and if he will make a decision on their behalf. [14158/04]
Responsibility for the provision of health services to persons living in County Sligo rests with the North Western Health Board. My Department has asked its CEO to investigate the matter and to reply to him directly.
302 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Sligo will have the respite care grant issued in view of the circumstances. [14159/04]
In 1999 the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs introduced the respite care grant for recipients of carer's allowance. In 2000 it was extended to beneficiaries of domiciliary care allowance. At the time the following was decided: the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs would be responsible for paying the respite care grant to those providing care who are beneficiaries of the carers allowance or benefit only, or the carers allowance or benefit and domiciliary care allowance; and the Department of Health and Children, via health boards, would be responsible for paying the respite care grant to those providing care who are beneficiaries of domiciliary care allowance but who are not in receipt of the carers allowance or benefit.
The domiciliary care allowance is paid to recipients up to the age of 16 years. Therefore, the respite care grant cannot be paid by the health board after the child reached that age. To be eligible for the grant from the Department of Social and Family Affairs the applicant must be in receipt of the carers allowance or the carers benefit.
303 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) will have their operation in Sligo General Hospital. [14161/04]
Responsibility for the provision of health services to persons living in County Sligo rests with the North Western Health Board. My Department has asked its CEO to investigate the matter and to reply directly to the Deputy.
304 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children when operative orthopaedics will officially commence at Mayo General Hospital. [14172/04]
The provision of services at Mayo General Hospital, including orthopaedic services, is a matter for the Western Health Board. My Department has asked its CEO to reply directly to the Deputy.
305 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children if his Department plans to launch a campaign on the dangers of eating disorders and promote healthy eating (details supplied). [14176/04]
A new food and nutrition strategy is being drafted in my Department. It will build on the four key objectives set out under Eating Well, the National Health Promotion Strategy 2000-2005.
Children have been identified as a priority group and guidelines on food and nutrition for pre-school and primary schools have been developed. The guidelines include criteria on developing a healthy school lunch policy and healthy pre-school meal menus. At present they are being implemented in all health board areas with support from teachers, health promotion teams, social and personal health education co-ordinators, the National Children' Nurseries Association and pre-school inspectors.
Officials of my Department have worked with those of the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs to review the school meals scheme for designated disadvantaged schools. They recommended healthy food choices for breakfast clubs, lunches and after-school clubs.
Responsibility for the management and treatment of a person with eating disorders rests with the individual patient's clinician. Persons presenting with the disorders are generally treated through the psychiatric services of their local health board. Outpatient psychiatric services are provided from a network of hospitals, health centres, day hospitals and day centres. Inpatient treatment is provided in the local acute psychiatric unit or hospital. Beds are allocated on the basis of patient need at any particular time.
The working group on child and adolescent psychiatry will prepare a report on services for people with eating disorders and how they can be developed in the short, medium and long-term. The group has invited submissions from interested parties.
306 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Meath will be taken into residential care; and if he will work with local services to secure a place. [14179/04]
Responsibility for the provision of services to people with an intellectual disability requiring a residential place is a matter, in the first instance, for the North Eastern Health Board. My Department has asked its CEO to investigate the matter and to reply directly to the Deputy.
307 Mr. S. Power asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in the restoration of detoxification at Our Lady’s treatment unit, Cuan Mhuire, Athy; and when it will resume. [14182/04]
The provision of drug treatment services is the statutory responsibility of the health boards. In this case the responsibility rests with the South Western Area Health Board of the Eastern Regional Health Authority. My Department has requested the authority's CEO to investigate the matter and to reply directly to the Deputy.
308 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the new services to be provided by the North Western Health Board in view of increased spending on suicide prevention and research of €260,000 in the area. [14183/04]
Responsibility for the provision of services rests with the North Western Health Board. My Department has asked its CEO to investigate the matter and to reply directly to the Deputy.
309 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to correspondence (details supplied) on a parliamentary question, the position regarding the proposed assessment unit at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Athy. [14192/04]
In the first instance the provision of health services in the Kildare area is the responsibility of the South Western Area Health Board acting under the aegis of the Eastern Regional Health Authority. The authority has advised my Department that it will meet the board over the next few weeks to review progress to date on the nurse recruitment initiative and to review overall requirements for the successful operation of the assessment unit once sufficient staffing is in place.
310 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will give consideration to an application by an organisation (details supplied) in Dublin 8 for emergency funding totalling €90,000 to assist the provision of its urgently needed services for young persons with special needs. [14196/04]
Responsibility for the provision of funding for services, including emergency funding, in the Dublin area is a matter, in the first instance, for the Eastern Regional Health Authority. My Department has asked its CEO to investigate the matter and to reply directly to the Deputy.
In 2004 my Department provided additional funding of €4.791 million to the authority. Included was a sum to meet the full year cost to provide residential services for emergency cases that arose during 2003. A further €5.55 million was made available to meet the costs associated with the provision of emergency placements in 2004.
311 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children if an increase in funding will be immediately allocated to the autism service of the North Western Health Board to ensure that it can provide adequate supports and services to cater specifically for children and adults with autism. [14198/04]
Responsibility for the provision of funding for services to people with an intellectual disability, including people with autism, and health related support services is a matter for the North Western Health Board. Additional funding of around €16 million was provided since 1998 for services to children with intellectual disability and those with autism. Children with physical or sensory disabilities have also benefited from the additional funding provided for those services in recent years.
One of the major difficulties facing the health services in delivering support services to children and adults with disabilities, including autism, is the shortage of certain professionals such as speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and psychologists.
Significant progress has been achieved in boosting the number of therapy training places. Last year the Minister for Education and Science and the Minister for Health and Children announced 150 additional therapy training places in speech and language therapy and occupational therapy. There has also been a concerted overseas recruitment drive on behalf of all health boards, the introduction of a fast track working visa scheme for health and social care professionals and the streamlining of procedures for the validation of overseas qualifications. The success of these measures is reflected in the increases in speech and language therapists and occupational therapists employed in the public health service over the three year period to end of 2002, with a 73% increase in occupational therapists and a 33% increase in speech and language therapists.
While there has been significant progress in enhancing the health related support services available to children with special needs, there is a need for a continued programme of investment in this area.
312 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children his proposals to introduce a compensation scheme for psychiatric nurses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14201/04]
The report of the task force on assaults on psychiatric nurses was completed in 2003. It quantified the level of assaults, made recommendations on prevention and contained proposals for a scheme of compensation for psychiatric nurses who have been seriously injured following an assault by a patient in the workplace. The approval of the Government would be required for the introduction of a new State compensation scheme in addition to the existing serious physical assaults scheme. In late 2003, a draft Government memorandum was circulated. During the consultation process, complex legal and financial issues emerged in respect of aspects of the scheme proposed by the task force and their implications for the health service and the wider public service. At a meeting on 3 March last, I updated the Psychiatric Nurses Association and SIPTU on concerns that had been raised about the proposed scheme. My officials are discussing the matter with the Department of Finance and the Office of the Attorney General. I expect to be in a position to provide a further update to staff representatives in the near future.
313 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if a medical card will be issued to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6W. [14206/04]
Responsibility for the provision of medical cards is, by legislation, a matter for the chief executive officer of the relevant health board or authority. The Department of Health and Children has asked the regional chief executive of the Eastern Regional Health Authority to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.
314 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if the proceeds from the sale of part of the land of St. Loman’s Hospital will be used to improve the hospital facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14207/04]
Responsibility for the facilities referred to by the Deputy rests with the Eastern Regional Health Authority. I have been informed by the authority that funds raised by the sale of part of the land at St. Loman's Hospital will be applied to the redevelopment of mental health services in the region. This includes the provision of services operating from St. Loman's campus a manner that will extend the delivery of services into the community via new units at other strategic locations, as well as to provide purpose-built accommodation within the lands to be retained. The Department of Health and Children is in discussions with the Eastern Regional Health Authority about the matter. The Department's policy is that proceeds from the sale of lands should be invested in the care programme to which the lands belonged.
315 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be called for knee surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14208/04]
Responsibility for the provision of services for residents of County Kilkenny is, in the first instance, a matter for the South Eastern Health Board. The Department of Health and Children has asked the chief executive officer of the health board to investigate the matter and to reply directly to the Deputy.
316 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will report on plans for the redevelopment of the health centre at Millbrook Lawns, Tallaght, Dublin 24; if his attention has been drawn to the importance of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14232/04]
The process for examining the overall capital priorities for 2004 is now being finalised. I will revert to the Deputy in the next two to three weeks in respect of Millbrook Lawns health centre.
317 Mr. Kelleher asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has satisfied himself with the treatment offered to a person (details supplied) in Cork University Hospital on 1 May 2004; the reasons for the delay in attending to this person’s injury; the measures the hospital is putting in place to ensure that this does not happen again; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14233/04]
Responsibility for the provision of hospital services at Cork University Hospital is, in the first instance, a matter for the Southern Health Board. The Department of Health and Children has asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the matter and to reply directly to the Deputy.
318 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be called for a scan to Castlebar General Hospital. [14296/04]
The provision of hospital services for people living in County Mayo is a matter for the Western Health Board. The Department of Health and Children has asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the matter and to reply directly to the Deputy.
319 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many practising chiropodists have no qualification other than postal courses; and if his attention has further been drawn to the urgency of the introduction of the health and social care professionals Bill to regulate this and other professions. [14297/04]
It is the personal responsibility of each individual chiropodist in private practice who is providing services to members of the public to ensure that they are trained and qualified to the level required to work safely in their area of competence. A detailed assessment process, established by the Department of Health and Children, to assess chiropodists for eligibility to provide services in the public health service is being completed. The development and implementation of the process has been overseen by expert health professionals to ensure that a standard of competence consistent with the provision of safe service to the public is assured. I understand that detailed consideration was given, as part of the process of reviewing each application under the assessment process and making recommendations about which applicants should be approved, to the initial qualifications, further education undertaken, continuous professional development and practice profile in the private and public sectors.
The publication of the health and social care professionals Bill, which will establish a system of statutory registration for health and social care professionals, including chiropodists, is a priority for the Department of Health and Children. The drafting of the Bill is at an advanced stage. Under the legislative proposals, only those chiropodists who reach the required standard of competence laid down for the profession will be registered and legally entitled to practice in the public or private sectors.
320 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of the negotiations with the representatives of the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists of Ireland in view of the fact that chiropodists received no increase in their fees for medical card patients despite the fact that their workloads were greatly increased and their income decreased as a result of the granting of medical cards to those over the age of 70. [14298/04]
A formal request for a meeting has not been received from the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists of Ireland in respect of this matter. The salaries of chiropodists and fees for treatments, consultations and domiciliary visits, as included in the Department of Health and Children's consolidated salary scales, are increased in line with national pay rounds.
321 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Galway who was attending the children’s behavioural clinic, University College Hospital, Galway, in view of funding having been withdrawn from the clinic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14299/04]
Responsibility for the provision of health services in County Galway rests with the Western Health Board. The Department of Health and Children has asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the matter and to reply directly to the Deputy.
322 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the employment of home help on bank holiday Mondays. [14302/04]
Home help personnel employed by health boards benefit from the same terms and conditions of employment in respect of bank holidays as other grades of health service staff.
323 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the consideration the SEHB has given to an application for a site in the name of an organisation (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14303/04]
Responsibility for the matter referred to by the Deputy rests with the South Eastern Health Board. The Department of Health and Children has asked the chief executive officer of the board to reply directly to the Deputy.
324 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children the caps his Department has agreed on consultants’ liabilities for the private sector going forward; if a cap will apply for just one speciality; if there is a cap which applied to all specialities; the nature of the arrangements made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14396/04]
The Government engaged in discussions with organisations representing hospital consultants in February of this year about having personal injury claims against them covered by the clinical indemnity scheme. As a result of the discussions, the Government agreed that caps should be placed on the maximum value of professional indemnity cover required by consultants to cover private practice. The decision was taken to allay concerns that the cover would become unaffordable, thereby threatening the viability of the independent health care sector. For all specialties, with the exception of obstetrics, consultants will be required to purchase cover to a limit of €1 million in respect of all cases arising in a single calendar year, inclusive of costs. Obstetricians will be required to purchase cover to a limit of €500,000 in respect of all cases arising in a single calendar year, also inclusive of costs. Insurers or indemnifiers covering consultant obstetricians will not be liable for the cost of more than three claims against any individual consultant, each of which exceed €500,000 in a single calendar year.
325 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children the arrangements which have been in place to provide insurance cover in respect of obstetric claims arising from private maternity hospitals in the State since 2001; if these arrangements have been changed, altered or continued since the introduction of enterprise liability in February 2004; the nature of changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14397/04]
In 2001, the two remaining private hospitals which provide maternity services, Bon Secours Hospital in Cork and Mount Carmel Hospital in Dublin, informed the Department of Health and Children that they would be unable to secure public liability insurance cover at affordable premiums for 2002 if they were to continue to deliver babies. The closure of maternity units at the hospitals would have led to major difficulties for the public maternity services in Dublin and Cork which were, and still are, operating at full capacity. The Department put in place a scheme whereby the two hospitals contribute to a fund that should be sufficient to finance the expected level of claims arising from their obstetric units. As the fund might be exhausted by the cost of meeting claims, the State through the State Claims Agency will be liable for the balance of any claims which cannot be met from the fund. The arrangements have not been altered since their introduction and remain in place.
326 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in Dublin 10 will receive an occupational therapy assessment. [14398/04]
The provision of health related services, including occupational therapy, for people with physical and-or sensory disabilities is a matter for the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards in the first instance. The Deputy's question has been referred to the chief executive officer of the ERHA, with a request that he examine the matter and reply directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
327 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will provide a copy of the guidelines adhered to in respect of the provision of orthodontic treatment in the Western Health Board. [14399/04]
The provision of orthodontic services is the statutory responsibility of the health boards in the first instance. The Department of Health and Children seeks to develop the treatment capacity of orthodontics, nationally and in the Western Health Board, in a sustainable way over the longer term. Given the potential level of demand for orthodontic services, the provision of such services will continue to be based on the prioritisation of cases based on treatment need, as happens under the existing guidelines. The guidelines, which were issued in 1985, are intended to enable health boards to identify in a consistent way those in greatest need and to provide timely treatment for them.
Patients in category A require immediate treatment and include those with congenital abnormalities of the jaws such as cleft lip and palate, and patients with major skeletal discrepancies between the sizes of the jaws. Patients in category B have less severe problems than category A patients and are placed on the orthodontic treatment waiting list. Patients in category C have less severe problems than those in category B. The number of cases treated depends on the level of resources available, in terms of qualified staff, in the area. This is reflected in the treatment waiting list. The provision of orthodontic services is severely restricted as a consequence of the limited availability of trained specialist clinical staff to assess and treat patients. Therefore, a category C waiting list may not be maintained by some health boards. I have arranged for a copy of the 1985 guidelines to be sent to the Deputy.
328 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will receive an appointment for speech therapy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14400/04]
The Deputy is aware that the provision of health services in the Kildare area is, in the first instance, the responsibility of the South Western Area Health Board, acting under the aegis of the Eastern Regional Health Authority. The Department of Health and Children has asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the matter and to reply directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
329 Ms F. O’Malley asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the draft legislation aimed at addressing the issue of female genital mutilation which was submitted to his Department in December 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14414/04]
Proposals for legislation in respect of the harmful traditional practice of female genital mutilation, which were submitted by Comhlámh to the Department of Health and Children, are being considered. The Department considers that such an act is an offence under the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997. It is a matter for the Garda Síochána to prosecute any person who performs female genital mutilation in Ireland.
330 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that methadone is being prescribed for cocaine users in the Eastern Regional Health Authority area; his views on whether this is an appropriate treatment for persons with this type of addiction; if there is precedent for its use in other countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14433/04]
Responsibility for the provision of drug treatment services rests with the health boards in the first instance. I am advised by the Eastern Regional Health Authority that methadone is not prescribed for individuals whose primary addiction is cocaine. The authority's addiction services unit provides a range of services to those presenting with cocaine use problems. The treatment methodologies utilised for those with primary cocaine addiction are evidence-based and are in line with best international practice. The services are focused on psychological support, counselling interventions and referral to appropriate residential services.
I am advised that a small number of individuals are presenting for treatment for cocaine misuse alone. The majority of service users presenting with problem cocaine use are individuals involved in poly-drug misuse, particularly opiate misuse. Their cocaine use is treated in the context of their overall treatment plan. The treatment plans may include methadone detoxification or maintenance therapies to address the individual's primary addiction to opiate drugs. I am further advised that the Irish College of General Practitioners has issued guidelines on the treatment of opiate users which describe the indications for methadone prescription and that cocaine related problems are not among those indications.
331 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the appointment of a doctor for an area (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14457/04]
Responsibility for the recruitment process involved in the appointment of a doctor to a vacant GMS post rests with the chief executive officer of the relevant health board. This matter has been referred to the chief executive officer of the South Eastern Health Board for investigation and direct reply to the Deputy.
332 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if a hip operation will be expedited for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14458/04]
Responsibility for the provision of services for residents of County Kilkenny is, in the first instance, a matter for the South Eastern Health Board. The Department of Health and Children has asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the matter and to reply directly to the Deputy.
333 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will investigate the case of a person (details supplied); if procedures were followed in relation to this person’s discharge; if they were admitted to a psychiatric unit in Waterford some days after; the location of this person now; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14459/04]
Responsibility for the matter referred to by the Deputy rests with the South Eastern Health Board. The Department of Health and Children has asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the matter and to reply directly to the Deputy.
334 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Carlow will be admitted to Tallaght Hospital for a dental procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14466/04]
Responsibility for the provision of services for residents of County Carlow is, in the first instance, a matter for the South Eastern Health Board. The Department of Health and Children has asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the matter and to reply directly to the Deputy.
335 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Health and Children the reasons for the suspension of inter-country adoptions between Belarus and Ireland. [14469/04]
336 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Health and Children if the process of reinstating inter-country adoptions between Belarus and Ireland will be speeded up by governmental intervention, in view of the delay by the Irish Adoption Board in fulfilling its obligations under the bilateral agreement between both States, including the delay in the issuing of its letter of guarantee to Belarus, the distress the extremely long process is causing to a number of families and in view of the fact that yet another month will go by if the documentation for some couples is not ready for diplomatic posting by the end of May 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14470/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 335 and 336 together.
The Adoption Board entered into a working agreement with Belarus in 1999 to facilitate the adoption of children from Belarus to Ireland. The Adoption Board has informed me that the Belarussian authorities have raised a number of issues that are being followed up. This is the second time that the Belarussian authorities have suspended the acceptance of applications from Irish applicants. The issue about the deed of guarantee for post-placement reports has been resolved and a current deed is with the Belarussian authorities. Two outstanding issues remain. The choice of facilitators used by Irish applicants, which were previously agreed to by the Belarussian authorities, was a matter for Irish applicants. The Belarussian authorities are also concerned by the alleged rejection by Irish applicants of referrals of children, although few referrals are rejected by Irish applicants.
The Adoption Board has contacted the director of the Belarussian national adoption centre and the deputy minister in the Belarussian ministry of education for clarification on the exact nature of the problems. The board has requested an urgent meeting with the Belarussian authorities to resolve the issues which have been raised. In the meantime, the board has asked the Belarussian authorities to continue to accept adoption applications from Irish applicants, pending the meeting between both parties. The Irish Embassy in Moscow, which has responsibility for Belarus, is in contact with the Belarussian authorities in an effort to ensure the speedy resumption of adoptions. The Adoption Board will advise applicants as soon as it receives an update on the situation.
337 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Health and Children if funding has been approved for Peamount Hospital’s five year strategy. [14471/04]
Responsibility for the provision of services at Peamount Hospital rests with the Eastern Regional Health Authority. The Department of Health and Children has asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the matter and to reply directly to the Deputy.
338 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the new services to be provided by North Eastern Health Board in view of increased spending on suicide prevention and research of €387,000 in the area. [14483/04]
Responsibility for the provision of services referred to by the Deputy rests with the North Eastern Health Board. The Department of Health and Children has asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the matter and to reply directly to the Deputy.
339 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of deaths by suicide and the rates per 100,000 by health board or regional authority and county for 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003. [14484/04]
The information requested by the Deputy is provided in the following table:
|
Health Board/ Regional Authority and County |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002* |
2003* |
|||||
|
Number |
Rate |
Number |
Rate |
Number |
Rate |
Number |
Rate |
Number |
Rate |
|
|
Eastern |
||||||||||
|
Dublin |
120 |
11.1 |
115 |
10.5 |
120 |
10.9 |
95 |
8.5 |
111 |
9.8 |
|
Kildare |
8 |
5.4 |
20 |
13.1 |
12 |
7.6 |
16 |
9.8 |
18 |
10.6 |
|
Wicklow |
17 |
15.8 |
9 |
8.2 |
9 |
8.0 |
11 |
9.6 |
11 |
9.4 |
|
Total Eastern |
145 |
10.8 |
144 |
10.6 |
141 |
10.3 |
122 |
8.7 |
140 |
9.8 |
|
Midland |
||||||||||
|
Laois |
5 |
9.0 |
6 |
10.7 |
7 |
12.2 |
4 |
6.8 |
4 |
6.7 |
|
Longford |
6 |
19.7 |
3 |
9.8 |
6 |
19.5 |
5 |
16.1 |
2 |
6.4 |
|
Offaly |
9 |
14.8 |
18 |
29.2 |
12 |
19.2 |
13 |
20.4 |
7 |
10.8 |
|
Westmeath |
13 |
19.4 |
9 |
13.2 |
9 |
12.9 |
8 |
11.1 |
6 |
8.2 |
|
Total Midland |
33 |
15.4 |
36 |
16.6 |
34 |
15.4 |
30 |
13.3 |
19 |
8.3 |
|
Mid-Western |
||||||||||
|
Clare |
12 |
12.3 |
8 |
8.1 |
13 |
12.9 |
12 |
11.6 |
13 |
12.4 |
|
Limerick |
26 |
15.4 |
32 |
18.8 |
16 |
9.3 |
24 |
13.7 |
24 |
14.5 |
|
Tipperary NR |
10 |
16.9 |
9 |
15.1 |
10 |
16.6 |
7 |
11.5 |
14 |
22.7 |
|
Total Mid-Western |
48 |
14.7 |
49 |
14.9 |
39 |
11.7 |
43 |
12.7 |
51 |
14.8 |
|
North-Eastern |
||||||||||
|
Cavan |
4 |
7.4 |
7 |
12.8 |
9 |
16.2 |
6 |
10.6 |
8 |
14.0 |
|
Louth |
11 |
11.4 |
13 |
13.3 |
7 |
7.0 |
7 |
6.9 |
16 |
15.4 |
|
Meath |
16 |
13.3 |
11 |
8.8 |
19 |
14.7 |
19 |
14.2 |
11 |
7.9 |
|
Monaghan |
5 |
9.7 |
11 |
21.2 |
2 |
3.8 |
2 |
3.8 |
8 |
15.1 |
|
Total North-Eastern |
36 |
11.2 |
42 |
12.8 |
37 |
11.0 |
34 |
9.9 |
43 |
12.2 |
|
North-Western |
||||||||||
|
Donegal |
14 |
10.5 |
13 |
9.7 |
15 |
11.1 |
20 |
14.5 |
14 |
10.1 |
|
Leitrim |
4 |
15.8 |
4 |
15.8 |
6 |
23.5 |
5 |
23.3 |
3 |
11.5 |
|
Sligo |
6 |
10.6 |
3 |
5.3 |
10 |
17.4 |
4 |
6.9 |
7 |
11.9 |
|
Total North-West |
24 |
11.2 |
20 |
9.2 |
31 |
14.2 |
30 |
13.5 |
24 |
10.7 |
|
Health Board/ Regional Authority and County |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002* |
2003* |
|||||
|
Number |
Rate |
Number |
Rate |
Number |
Rate |
Number |
Rate |
Number |
Rate |
|
|
South-Eastern |
||||||||||
|
Carlow |
2 |
4.6 |
2 |
4.5 |
8 |
17.8 |
3 |
6.5 |
6 |
12.8 |
|
Kilkenny |
14 |
18.1 |
17 |
21.8 |
15 |
19.0 |
12 |
14.9 |
11 |
13.5 |
|
Tipperary SR |
12 |
15.6 |
11 |
14.2 |
13 |
16.6 |
10 |
12.6 |
12 |
15.0 |
|
Waterford |
11 |
11.3 |
12 |
12.2 |
17 |
17.0 |
14 |
13.8 |
8 |
7.8 |
|
Wexford |
16 |
14.6 |
23 |
20.6 |
19 |
16.7 |
16 |
13.7 |
23 |
19.3 |
|
Total South-Eastern |
55 |
13.6 |
65 |
15.9 |
72 |
17.3 |
55 |
13.0 |
60 |
13.9 |
|
Southern |
||||||||||
|
Cork |
53 |
12.3 |
67 |
15.4 |
100 |
22.7 |
77 |
17.2 |
64 |
14.1 |
|
Kerry |
19 |
14.8 |
20 |
15.5 |
20 |
15.3 |
10 |
7.6 |
9 |
6.7 |
|
Total Southern |
72 |
12.9 |
87 |
15.4 |
120 |
21.0 |
87 |
15.0 |
73 |
12.4 |
|
Western |
||||||||||
|
Galway |
23 |
11.7 |
20 |
10.0 |
23 |
11.3 |
26 |
12.4 |
21 |
9.8 |
|
Mayo |
13 |
11.4 |
17 |
14.8 |
17 |
14.7 |
19 |
16.2 |
10 |
8.4 |
|
Roscommon |
6 |
11.4 |
6 |
11.4 |
5 |
9.4 |
5 |
9.3 |
3 |
5.5 |
|
Total Western |
42 |
11.6 |
43 |
11.7 |
45 |
12.1 |
50 |
13.2 |
34 |
8.8 |
|
Grand Total |
455 |
12.2 |
486 |
12.8 |
519 |
13.5 |
451 |
11.5 |
444 |
11.2 |
340 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if a long stay bed will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14485/04]
The Deputy is aware that the provision of health services in the Carlow area is, in the first instance, the responsibility of the South Eastern Health Board. The Department of Health and Children has asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the matter and to reply directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
341 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children when he expects the building of the accident and emergency extension to Letterkenny General Hospital will go to tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14573/04]
Responsibility for the provision of services at Letterkenny General Hospital rests with the North Western Health Board. I gave approval in July 2003 to the board to proceed with the planning of an extension to the accident and emergency unit at the hospital. The board and its design team are carrying out an option appraisal to determine the preferred option for the location of the facility on the hospital site. The detailed design process will commence on satisfactory completion of the option appraisal. Approval to go to tender will be granted by my Department following receipt of a satisfactory proposal from the board within the approved budget costs.
342 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be called for a hip operation. [14574/04]
The provision of hospital services for people living in County Mayo is a matter for the Western Health Board. The Department of Health and Children has asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the matter and to reply directly to the Deputy.
343 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be reassessed for orthodontic treatment. [14575/04]
As the Deputy is aware, responsibility for the provision of orthodontic treatment to eligible persons in County Mayo rests with the Western Health Board. The Department of Health and Children has asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the matter and to reply directly to the Deputy.
344 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children when the start-up date for the long awaited BreastCheck for the Munster area can be expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14577/04]
The national roll-out of BreastCheck requires detailed planning to include essential infrastructure. The BreastCheck clinical unit in the southern area will be at the South Infirmary and Victoria Hospital in Cork, with three associated mobile units. The area of coverage will be counties Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Limerick and south Tipperary. The South Infirmary and Victoria Hospital considered it necessary to commission a site strategy study to ensure the integration of the breast screening services in the present and future development of the hospital. The Department of Health and Children made available a capital grant of €230,000 for the study to be undertaken by professional architectural, engineering and quantity surveying experts. The study, which has been completed, was submitted to my Department at the end of March. A detailed brief is being prepared by BreastCheck and the hospital. The project is being considered by my Department in the context of the framework for capital investment 2004-08.
An essential element of the roll-out of the programme is investment in education and training of radiographers. BreastCheck employs qualified and experienced radiographers who have specialised postgraduate training and qualifications related to mammography. BreastCheck and the symptomatic breast cancer services have a significant ongoing recruitment and training requirement in this area. I announced last year the development of a training centre for radiographers and mammography at Eccles Street which will become the national training centre in breast imaging. Resources are being made available to BreastCheck to support the initiative, which will cost in excess of €750,000. Design specification work has been undertaken, the core elements of the training programme are being addressed and the recruitment process for a course leader has been initiated.
345 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement on the situation regarding the high care coronary care unit in Monaghan General Hospital, if the unit will be closed at the end of May 2004 or another date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14578/04]
Responsibility for the provision of services at Monaghan General Hospital rests with the North Eastern Health Board. The Department of Health and Children has asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the case and to reply directly to the Deputy.
346 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the action that has been or is being taken by the South Eastern Health Board in response to its meeting held with representatives of children with autism some months ago; if plans are available for the Myshall property; if the South Eastern Health Board intends to sell the property and invest the proceeds in autism specific services in the south-east; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14600/04]
As the information requested by the Deputy relates to matters which are, in the first instance, the responsibility of the South Eastern Health Board, the Department of Health and Children has asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the matters and to reply directly to the Deputy.
347 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason funding to extend the Caredoc co-op after hours’ service to Waterford city and county was not included in his Department’s letter of determination to the South Eastern Health Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14664/04]
Some €7.124 million was allocated to the South Eastern Health Board between 2000 and 2003 for the expansion of its out-of-hours co-operative, Caredoc. Some €3.492 million has been included in the health board's base allocation for the continued provision of services under this heading in 2004. This dedicated funding is exclusive of the fees paid to participating general practitioners. All decisions about the geographical areas to be covered by co-operatives and the order of their commencement are matters for the relevant health board to make, having regard to the range of financial and other issues involved in any such expansion.
348 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason there has been no progress on the situation whereby one single consultant rheumatologist is responsible for the entire rheumatology service of the Western Health Board area and more besides; his views on whether this is acceptable one year after consultant rheumatologists and patient advocacy groups presented their case to the Joint Committee on Health and Children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15123/04]
The expansion of rheumatology services is initially a matter for the Western Health Board, which has prepared a strategic plan for the development of such services in the region. The plan proposes the appointment of additional rheumatologists. I agree there is a need for additional investment in rheumatology services in the west and other regions. The question of funding additional consultant posts in the west can only be considered in the context of the Western Health Board's priorities for services in 2004 in the acute hospital sector.
349 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Transport if an early driving test application can be arranged for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6W. [14460/04]
A driving test will be arranged as soon as possible for the person concerned.
350 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the percentage of air bus vehicles that are adapted for persons with disabilities; and if inspections are carried out to ensure that the amount of time bus drivers spend driving is in line with legislation. [14117/04]
The adaptation of vehicles for persons with disabilities by the company referred to in the Deputy's question is a day-to-day matter for the company. Services provided by the company are operated with coaches which are not available in readily accessible configuration. I indicated in response to the Deputy's Question No. 409 on 14 October 2003 that private bus operators are licensed to provide public transport services in accordance with the provisions of the Road Transport Act 1932, which is under review. It is proposed to replace the Act, which does not make specific reference to the provision of accessible buses, with a new statutory framework for the independent regulation of bus services.
I am committed to making public transport accessible for all categories of people with mobility impairments, such as the physically disabled, the sensory impaired, the elderly, parents with children, etc. I intend that the provision of accessible buses by bus operators will be addressed in detail in the context of the proposed new regulatory regime for bus services. When licences are being issued under the 1932 Act, my Department requests private operators to use low floor buses with accessibility features, where possible, in the provision of licensed bus services. When new vehicles are being purchased for licensed services, my Department requests that the buses accord with appropriate accessibility standards.
Regarding the rules governing drivers' hours, in accordance with Article 4.3 of Council regulation No. 3820/85, vehicles used for the carriage of passengers on regular services where the route covered by the service in question does not exceed 50 km are exempt from the regulation. As this exemption is applicable to the services being provided by Aircoach, my Department has no role in respect of carrying out inspections on the hours worked by Aircoach drivers. Where the relevant provisions apply, however, they are enforced and inspections are carried out for this purpose by officers of my Department.
351 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Transport when a driving test will be completed for a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [14237/04]
A driving test will be arranged shortly for the person concerned.
352 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the penalty points system; the range of offences for which penalty points are imposed; the level of implementation of the scheme; if he has satisfied himself that it is being implemented effectively; if it is proposed to coalesce the penalty points systems in the island of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14238/04]
353 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Transport the number of penalty points one receives if they do not carry their driving licence; the number of points allocated under this heading to date; his views on whether such an offence necessitates such a penalty; the plans he has to amend the system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14313/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 352 and 353 together.
Penalty points are being applied to the driving licence records of those convicted of speeding, seat belt wearing and insurance offences, and to those who pay a fixed charge to the Garda in the case of speeding and seat belt wearing offences to prevent the instigation of court proceedings. The offence of not carrying or producing a driving licence does not attract penalty points. The full application of the penalty points system will be achieved when the relevant IT systems being developed by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Garda are completed.
Some 18 months have passed since the penalty points system was introduced in October 2002. At 29 April 2004, over 144,000 drivers had received penalty points, including one driver who had reached the 12-point threshold which leads to automatic disqualification. I intend to introduce penalty points for careless driving with effect from 1 June 2004. This measure should have a further positive influence on the driving behaviour of those who have little regard for road traffic law. The effectiveness of the penalty points system can be judged primarily on the basis of the contribution it has made to road safety since its introduction. In the 18 months since October 2002 the number of deaths as a result of road collisions has fallen by 114 by comparison to the previous 18-month period.
Penalty point systems are now operating in this country, Northern Ireland and Great Britain. The authorities in all three jurisdictions are actively considering the issue of the introduction of a scheme to provide for the mutual recognition of penalty points between the UK and Ireland. This consideration is being pursued under the auspices of the British-Irish Council. One of the first matters that will need to be addressed before full mutual recognition can be realised will be the introduction of bilateral recognition of the separate systems operating in Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
354 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport further to Question No. 420 of 30 March 2004, if he will report on the eligibility of persons with free travel passes to use their passes on Luas services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14406/04]
355 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if an agreement has been reached with the Luas operator to ensure free travel for pensioners. [14582/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 354 and 355 together.
Following consultations with my Department, the Railway Procurement Agency has recently set fares for Luas. Fares will be based on a zone system with a maximum adult fare of €2 for a single journey from St. Stephen's Green to Sandyford or from Connolly Station to Tallaght. Fares will be discounted for shorter journeys and return tickets will be offered for all journeys at a discount on full fare. A range of discounted weekly, monthly and annual tickets will also be available. The fares are intended to reward frequent use. I understand that the Department of Social and Family Affairs is in discussions with the RPA on arrangements for Luas participation in the free travel scheme. The RPA has informed me that it is looking forward to an agreement on the terms of its participation shortly and that it will make an announcement in advance of passenger operations at the end of June 2004.
356 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the agreements that have been made between the Luas and Dublin Bus operators to ensure Dublin Bus feeder services to Luas; and the ticketing arrangements that will be available to passengers. [14583/04]
I understand that the Railway Procurement Agency, Iarnród Éireann and Dublin Bus will announce over the coming weeks the details of the feeder bus and combined fares arrangements to apply for travel on trains, Luas and bus services, when Luas services commence at the end of June.
357 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport when his Department commissioned the new study into the Dublin Bus market; the terms of reference for this study; when he hopes to be in possession of the study; if the review of the 1932 Act is dependent on the outcome of the study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14613/04]
The Secretary General of my Department wrote to the chairman of the Dublin Transportation Office on 23 March last, asking the office to carry out a review of the bus network in Dublin. The terms of reference for the review are as follows. The terms of reference set a target of January 2005 for the completion of the review, but the office has stated that it is likely to take some months longer to complete. The review of the Road Transport Act 1932 does not depend on the outcome of the bus network review.
I wish to outline the terms of reference for the strategic review of the bus network in the greater Dublin area. The purpose of the review will be to provide a strategic framework for the development of bus services in the greater Dublin area, having regard to the policy context provided by A Platform for Change, the national spatial strategy, the strategic planning guidelines for the greater Dublin area and their statutory successor, local authority development plans and relevant integrated framework plans. The review will focus on the short to medium term. The short term refers to the period until the end of 2006, at least until the end of the current national development plan, and the medium term refers to the period at least until the end of 2010 and possibly to the end of the next plan period, which will be in 2012 or 2013.
The review will make recommendations on the reconfiguration and development of the bus network with regard to the need for continuing expansion and improvement of public transport services in the greater Dublin area; the likely impact of the development of rail-based public transport; changes in land use; and other factors that the study team considers relevant or the study steering group directs. The review is not intended to produce a full bus network operational plan. It should be sufficiently detailed to provide a satisfactory framework for such a network plan; to provide a quantitative assessment of the range, amount and intensity of services required on all the main public transport corridors, both radial and orbital, and how they should be phased in over the period covered by the review; to give a clear understanding of how the bus network should be reconfigured and developed in the short to medium term; to quantify the broad financial and other resource requirements; and to identify any material operational and other issues requiring consideration and decision.
The review will take account of the bus network strategy appraisal for the greater Dublin area, published by CIE in June 2000. The review will be expected to start from first base rather than simply to update the appraisal. The work on the review will be undertaken by the Dublin Transportation Office, supported by consultants and overseen by a steering group. The review will be completed not later than the end of January 2005.
358 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there are mechanisms in his Department where an applicant (details supplied) can claim their award; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14445/04]
The enforcement of court judgments does not come within the remit of my Department. Under the Constitution, the courts are independent in the exercise of their judicial functions.
359 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of serving peace commissioners in the State; the number in Dublin postal districts 1, 3 and 7; the procedure by which a peace commissioner is appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14093/04]
Some 6,840 peace commissioners are entered on the current roll of peace commissioners. The roll is appointment based and there is no statutory retirement age for peace commissioners. For that reason, and because my Department relies on the peace commissioners and other interested parties to advise of changes which occur subsequent to appointment, the roll is not automatically updated to take account of changes of address, availability or status as they occur. Peace Commissioner records are also maintained by reference to the Garda administrative areas in which peace commissioners reside. Some 146 peace commissioners are entered on the current roll of peace commissioners for the areas served by Garda stations located in Dublin postal districts 1, 3 and 7.
Peace Commissioners are appointed under section 88 of the Courts of Justice Act 1924. The office of peace commissioner is an honorary appointment and peace commissioners receive no remuneration or compensation by way of fees or expenses for their services. An application for appointment may be submitted by a person who is interested in obtaining an appointment or a third party may submit a nomination in respect of a person considered suitable for appointment. Nominations are generally received from public representatives. A local Garda superintendent sometimes requests an appointment in a particular area in the public interest.
There is no qualifying examination involved but appointees are required to be of good character and are usually well established in the local community. Persons who are members of professions or employed in occupations which engage in legal work or related activities and members of the clergy are, as a matter of practice, not appointed because of their occupation and civil servants are usually only appointed where the performance of their official duties requires an ex officio appointment. Persons convicted of serious offences are considered unsuitable for appointment. The fact that an applicant or nominee may be suitable for appointment does not in itself provide any entitlement to appointment because appointments are made at the discretion of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and having regard to the needs of particular areas.
360 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform , further to Question No. 384 of 9 March 2004, if the future funding of the group has been fully considered; if so, the details of the decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14094/04]
I understand that the future funding of the group in question is being administered by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, which will contact the group in the near future to arrange a meeting and to agree a work plan.
361 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if charges will be brought against members of the British armed forces who entered the State at Edentubber, County Louth, on 9 May 2004 while in possession of weapons and who did not have firearm certificates in respect of those weapons; when these charges will be issued; if these persons will be extradited to this State to answer those charges; and if they will be subject to due process of law. [14118/04]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that Garda investigations into the alleged incursion at Edentubber, County Louth, are ongoing.
362 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason homes are being visited in Shannon, County Clare, by the Garda and persons are being questioned with regard to the proposed Bush visit in June 2004. [14128/04]
I am advised by the Garda authorities that homes are being visited in Shannon, County Clare, as part of ongoing security preparations for the visit of the US President in June 2004 in the context of ensuring adequate security for the visit while, at the same time, minimising disruption for people in the localities affected.
363 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí who were transferred in the past 12 months into the Dublin metropolitan area and out of the Dublin metropolitan area; if it is policy to refuse transfers out of Dublin during the Irish Presidency; if so, when the policy will change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14133/04]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the total number of gardaí, of all ranks and inclusive of probationer gardaí on first allocation, who transferred into the Dublin metropolitan region between 1 May 2003 and 30 April 2004 was 489. The total number of gardaí of all ranks who transferred out of the Dublin metropolitan region between 1 May 2003 and 30 April 2004 was 126. I have been further informed that it is not Garda policy to refuse transfers out of the Dublin metropolitan region during the Irish Presidency of the European Union.
364 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Garda Commissioner agreed to meet with a person (details supplied); the reason the meeting did not happen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14134/04]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the persons in question met with an assistant commissioner and chief superintendent from the Garda Síochána on 26 March 2002. Communication since then has been made by the Garda authorities through correspondence with the persons concerned and their solicitor.
365 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has information on the status of the groups of persons who were deported in the recent past in particular on those deported to Nigeria. [14169/04]
I assume the Deputy is referring to the safety of persons recently deported from the State. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform is obliged to consider the issue of risk to a person before, not after, a deportation order is made in respect of that person. The Minister is obliged to consider the prohibition of refoulement which is contained in section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996, as amended. This means that a person shall not be expelled from the State or returned in any manner whatsoever to a state where, in the Minister's opinion, the life or freedom of that person would be threatened on account of his or her race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion.
The Immigration Act 1999 sets out the procedures involved in deporting a person. Where the Minister proposes to deport a person he or she is given three options: to make representations within 15 working days setting out the reasons why he or she should not be deported that is, be allowed to remain temporarily in the State, to leave the State voluntarily before the order is made or to consent to the making of a deportation order.
Where representations are made setting out reasons why a person should not be deported, the Minister is obliged to consider a number of factors as specified in section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended. These factors include considerations relating to the common good, the person's individual family and domestic circumstances, humanitarian considerations and the refoulement issue mentioned above.
366 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a formal complaint of bullying by a prison officer has ever been processed according to procedures approved by the Health and Safety Authority or in accordance with the codes of practice of March 2002 or even according to the old Civil Service policy and procedures. [14170/04]
There are several provisions which set out an employer's statutory and common law duty to take all reasonable steps to ensure the protection of an employee from bullying, harassment and sexual harassment in the workplace. To comply with such provisions, the Civil Service policy document, entitled A Positive Working Environment, was introduced in June 2000. This policy is applicable to all civil servants, including prison officers.
The governor of a prison, on receipt of a complaint of bullying shall initially, and where appropriate, seek to resolve the matter informally with the consent of the parties involved. Where this is not possible, he or she will immediately institute a formal investigation using the procedures outlined in the Civil Service policy. Complaints of bullying by prison officers have been processed in this manner.
The issue of a policy specifically designed for the Prison Service is the subject of ongoing discussions between management and prison staff associations. Such discussions are expected to conclude shortly.
367 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he intends to appoint more gardaí to Scariff in County Clare to deal with law and order incidents which take place over the weekends; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14177/04]
I am informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the Scariff area is policed by Scarriff Garda station in the Killaloe district. The current personnel strength of Scariff Garda station is five — all ranks. The personnel strength of the Killaloe district is 36 — all ranks. Resources at Scarriff Garda station are augmented from within the district or division as required.
Local Garda management is satisfied that the resources currently in place in the Scarriff area are adequate to meet the present policing requirements of the area. Garda management will continue to appraise the policing and administrative strategy employed in Scariff with a view to ensuring an effective Garda service is maintained.
368 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether, in the context of the study carried out in the North of Ireland which showed 230 criminal gangs operating there, it would be beneficial to carry out a similar study in this State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14184/04]
I understand that the data referred to by the Deputy are contained in a report of the Northern Ireland organised crime task force, specifically its threat assessment and strategy for 2004, which was published recently. I am informed that the source of the information on criminal gangs is data collected by the Police Service of Northern Ireland and its assessment of the threat there from organised crime.
The Garda authorities have informed me that similar data on organised crime is collected by the Garda Síochána on an ongoing basis and similar threat assessments are also made in this jurisdiction. The Garda uses specialised criminal intelligence analysis in investigations into the activities of organised criminals operating in the State. The estimation of the number of organised criminal groups existing at any given time forms part of criminal intelligence analysis which is an ongoing process in the Garda Síochána. The Garda compiles an annual report on organised crime groups in Ireland based on intelligence and criminal investigations. The Garda authorities also provide data on organised crime in Ireland to Europol for inclusion in its annual report of the organised crime situation across the EU.
369 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a visa will be granted to a person (details supplied) whose father is resident in County Louth. [14185/04]
The mother of the six year old person in question applied for a short term visa in 2001 for the stated purpose of attending a short conference. She entered the State on 28 April 2001. She remained in the State and on 28 May 2001 gave birth to a child. She applied for permission to reside on the basis of parentage of that Irish born child and this was granted on 3 December 2001. The father of the person in question applied for a short-term visa for the stated purpose of coming to the State to sit an examination. He entered the State on 4 April 2002. He applied for permission to reside based on parentage of the same Irish born child and this was granted on 29 November 2002. A visa application was submitted on behalf of the person in question to allow him to come and reside with his parents in the State.
Following the decision of the Supreme Court in the cases of L & O, the separate procedure which then existed to enable persons to apply to reside in the State on the sole basis of parentage of an Irish born child ended on 19 February 2003. The Government also decided that the general policy of allowing such parents to be joined in the State by other family members would no longer apply. Accordingly, the immigration division of my Department does not generally approve visas in respect of such visa applications.
370 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if gardaí are enforcing the three tonne limit for traffic at a location (details supplied) in Dublin 6W. [14216/04]
I have had inquiries made on this matter and I am informed by the Garda authorities that the installation of a quality bus corridor and a no right turn in the vicinity of this location has led to an increase in vehicle traffic at the location in question. I am further informed by the Garda authorities that the location is monitored by them in relation to breaches of the three tonne limit. The only vehicles found to be in breach of the limit were providing services to residents of the area, that is, delivering home heating oil and collecting skips from persons having essential maintenance work done on their premises. All other goods vehicles checked in this area have been found to be under the limit.
371 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will make a statement on the provisions that are in place for the accommodation of and assistance to former asylum seekers who are now European Union citizens, both those who have been here for two years or more and those who have been here for less than two years; the entitlements of same; the procedures that will need to be followed and the agencies that will be involved in dealing with the changes; the process that is in place to inform the participating agencies of their new responsibilities; the process in place to inform these new European citizens of the changes in their situation; and if repatriation is part of this process. [14306/04]
The reception and integration agency, RIA, which operates under the aegis of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, is responsible for meeting the accommodation needs of asylum seekers. It has no role in respect of the provision of accommodation to former asylum seekers.
Entitlement to social assistance payments is a matter in the first instance for the Minister for Social and Family Affairs. On 1 May 2004, on foot of a Government decision, the Minister introduced an habitual residency condition in relation to access to social assistance payments. This condition applies to all applicants for such payments and is not confined to European Union citizens.
The Government also decided that citizens of the ten new EU member states who fail to qualify for social assistance payments on foot of the habitual residency condition would be referred to my Department who would support their repatriation on an agency basis for the Department of Social and Family Affairs. This task is being undertaken by RIA. I understand that the Department of Social and Family Affairs has issued a circular in relation to the new arrangements to the chief executive officers of the health boards and to the community welfare officers who deal with applications for supplementary welfare allowances.
The position in relation to nationals of the ten new EU member states is that since 1 May their immigration status is underwritten by EU treaty rights. These rights include a right to participate in the labour market. As no Irish citizen participating in the labour market is provided with full board accommodation on the style of the direct provision system funded by the taxpayer, it would be a manifest inequality to facilitate the continuance of such an arrangement for a national of a new EU member state who had applied for refugee status here prior to 1 May and whose rights of access to the labour market since that date is no different to an Irish citizen. In these circumstances the RIA has asked nationals from ten new EU member states to vacate their state funded direct provision accommodation as quickly as possible.
372 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí currently allocated to Galway city; the numbers at end of year for 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14307/04]
I am informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that Galway city is policed by gardaí from Mill Street Garda station and Salthill Garda station. The combined personnel strengths — all ranks — of these stations for the years 2000 to 2003 and currently is as set out hereunder:
|
Year |
Mill Street |
Salthill |
|
2000 |
159 |
41 |
|
2001 |
163 |
38 |
|
2002 |
165 |
40 |
|
2003 |
163 |
39 |
|
13 May 2004 |
163 |
41 |
The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available, the needs of Galway city will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda divisions throughout the country.
373 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the maximum advice and support will be given to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9; and if this person’s rights will be protected under the Constitution. [14330/04]
It is open to any person to seek enforcement of their constitutional rights through the courts. Since October 2000 direct and indirect discrimination in the provision of goods and services is prohibited under the Equal Status Act 2000 on nine grounds including disability. The Act covers all goods and services which are available to the public, whether on payment or not. Services are defined broadly to include access to public places, banking and insurance services, entertainment, travel, transport, professional services, education, disposal of premises and provision of accommodation and private registered clubs.
A person who claims that he or she has been discriminated against in the non-employment area may seek redress by referring the case to the ODEI, the Equality Tribunal. The director has the power under the Equal Status Act to refer the case for mediation or to investigate and decide such a case. If the director finds in favour of the complainant, she may make an order for compensation for the effects of discrimination and/or order a specific course of action to be taken.
I should point out that the ODEI, the Equality Tribunal, is an independent statutory office set up under the Employment Equality Act 1998 and that the director and her equality officers and equality mediation officers are independent in the performance of their functions. I have no statutory function in relation to such investigations and it would not be appropriate for me to comment on any individual case. The Equality Authority, which has the role of working towards the elimination of discrimination, provides information and advice to any person who feels that he or she has been discriminated against on any of the grounds covered in the equality legislation, whether in an employment or non-employment area.
Persons who wish to take a case under the Equal Status Act before the ODEI, the Equality Tribunal, may represent themselves, be represented by a solicitor or, in certain cases, request advice and possible representation from the Equality Authority. Contact details for the equality bodies are as follows:
Equality Authority:
3 Clonmel Street
Dublin 2
Locall: 1890 245 545
Email: info@equality.ie
Website: www.equality.ie
ODEI — the Equality Tribunal
2 Clonmel Street
Dublin 2
Locall: 1890 344 424
Email: info@odei.ie
website: www.odei.ie
374 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the maximum advice and assistance will be given to persons (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [14430/04]
The person in question applied for family reunification under the Refugee Act 1996 in respect of her husband, her daughter, her three sisters and her brother. Visas were recently approved in respect of her husband and daughter enabling them to join her in the State. The other applications for visas were refused in May 2004 and the applicant was notified of the decision and the reasons for the refusal.
375 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons who have been imprisoned in the past 12 months for the non-payment of a fine and for the non-payment of a debt or other monetary payment; the number imprisoned on such basis as at 14 May 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14439/04]
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to figures for the past 12 months is not readily available. I will, however, forward the information to the Deputy once the figures have been compiled by the Irish Prison Service.
The most accurate figures available to me relate to 17 May 2004. On that day there was a total of 38 persons in prison custody for non-payment of fines. Twelve of these persons were also serving sentences for other offences for which there was no option of paying a fine in lieu of imprisonment. A further two persons were also remanded in custody on other charges as well as serving sentences for defaulting on fine payments. There were ten persons in custody arising from civil proceedings for failure to pay debts. The total number of persons, 48, in custody on foot of either fine or debtor warrants equates to a percentage of just under 1.5% of persons in prison custody.
376 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons convicted under section 5 of the Criminal Justice Act 1999; the number of persons who have received the mandatory sentence; his plans to tighten up the legislation in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14440/04]
I am informed by the Garda that the number of persons convicted to date under section 15A of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 to 1984, as inserted by the Criminal Justice Act 1999, since it became law on 26 May 1999 stands at 180. Under this provision, the number of persons who had received prison sentences of ten years or more to date stands at 12.
I am further informed by the Garda that in the provision of these statistics, counting errors were identified in respect of previous figures supplied by the Garda to me concerning section 15A of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 to 1984, which I included in my reply to Question No. 130 of Thursday, 25 March 2004. This is a matter of regret.
I am concerned that serious drug trafficking should be severely punished. I have already indicated my concern at the low number of sentences of ten years or more imposed. In that respect, I have indicated that I am reviewing the penalty provisions of Part II of the Criminal Justice Act for the offence related to possession of drugs with value of €12,697 or more for the purpose of sale or supply. If I consider it necessary to do so, I will bring forward proposals to strengthen those provisions.
377 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the procedures for a person to obtain a licence for a fully licensed off-licence; his plans to have a lottery licence system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14465/04]
Applications for the grant of off-licences must be made to the District Court. Detailed provisions relating to application procedures and the conditions to be satisfied are set out in the Licensing Acts 1833 to 2003.
In its interim report on off-licensing the Commission on Liquor Licensing recommended significant changes in the law regulating access to off-licences. In particular, the commission recommended that it should no longer be necessary for an applicant for a full off-licence to cause an existing licence to be extinguished but that a meaningful fee should be payable by an applicant instead. I intend to address the commission's recommendations for reforming licensing law, including those relating to off-licences, in a Bill to codify the licensing laws which I will bring forward in the coming months.
378 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of homicide victims by age for 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003. [14486/04]
I have had inquiries made with the Garda authorities, and the following table gives the number of homicide victims by age and gender for 2003. It should be noted that the statistics furnished for 2003 are provisional and are, therefore, subject to change. Comparable statistics for the years 2000 to 2002 inclusive are published in the annual reports of the Garda Síochána which are available in the Oireachtas Library.
|
Age |
Murder |
Manslaughter |
||
|
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
|
|
0-10 years |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
11-20 years |
3 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
21-30 years |
11 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
|
31-40 years |
13 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
41-50 years |
5 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
51-60 years |
4 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
|
61-70 years |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
71 years & over |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total |
37 |
8 |
5 |
2 |
379 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, further to previous parliamentary questions, he can now deal with the issues raised by a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny in view of the fact that a notice of discontinuance was lodged in the High Court on 30 March 2004; and if a decision will be expedited in this case. [14601/04]
As the Deputy is aware the person referred to in his question was compulsorily retired from the Garda Síochána on medical grounds in June 1994. I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the relevant statutory regulations relating to the retirement of this person were strictly adhered to and that the person concerned has been in receipt of the appropriate pension entitlements since his retirement.
380 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the further information submitted by a person (details supplied) in County Dublin will enable him to expedite a decision in the case. [14602/04]
Following receipt of further information from the person in question, a decision on this application was made on 21 April 2004 and was notified in writing to the applicant on that date.
381 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the plans of local authorities to develop an integrated housing assistance policy in consultation with community and voluntary organisations. [14168/04]
Local authorities have been requested to put in place and submit details of five year action plans covering the full range of their housing programmes to the Department by the end of May 2004. The development of these plans will enable local authorities to identify priority needs over the coming years and provide a coherent and co-ordinated response across all housing sectors, including delivery by the voluntary and co-operative sector and use of private rental accommodation to meet long-term housing assistance needs. These plans, to be agreed with the Department, will ensure that a fully strategic approach is taken by local authorities to meeting housing needs in their areas and will ensure that they avail of the certainty provided by multi-annual expenditure programmes.
382 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason he acted without adequate protection for the taxpayer when he signed a multi-million euro contract for electronic voting machines; the reason he failed to include a routine clause in the contract that could have saved the taxpayer €50 million; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14101/04]
The contract for the supply nationally of the electronic voting machines followed a testing programme undertaken in relation to the functionality and durability of the machines, as well as their use on a pilot basis at polls in seven constituencies. I am satisfied that the contract includes appropriate provisions for the protection of customer interests. The contract sets out acceptance procedures, which include final performance testing by returning officers. Formal acceptance of the voting machines by a returning officer occurs only when the machines have been satisfactorily performance tested by the returning officer and the latter completes a certificate to that effect. The contract provides that any malfunction of the machines on delivery will be remedied by the suppliers at their expense and the warranty period on the machines extends to the end of 2007.
The Commission on Electronic Voting, in its interim report, recorded that testing carried out by experts retained by the commission confirmed that the voting machine accurately and consistently records voter preferences, including at multiple simultaneous elections. The commission's recommendations for further testing in relation to the overall system related principally to the management and counting software rather than to the voting machines. In line with the commission's recommendations, it is intended that the voting machines will be used in future polls when the further programme suggested by the commission has been completed.
383 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action he will take following his consideration of the consultants’ study commissioned in September 2003 to recommend appropriate economic instruments to tackle littering following the findings of the litter monitoring body. [14116/04]
The report of the litter monitoring body, co-ordinated by my Department, which was published in July 2003, provides valuable statistical data in relation to litter pollution in Ireland. Chewing gum is identified in the report as the single largest litter component in the food litter category and, after cigarette related litter, is the second largest litter component nationally. Fast-food take-away bags and wrappers are identified as the largest litter component in the packaging litter category. ATM, automated teller machine receipts have also been identified in the report as significant elements of paper litter.
On foot of the litter monitoring body report, I commissioned a consultancy study in September 2003 to carry out an analysis and recommend appropriate economic instruments, including environmental levies, that might be implemented to tackle the litter problems caused by these items. The consultants' report was completed recently. It is now intended to announce a limited public consultation on the consultants' report to obtain the views of relevant stakeholders and other interested parties. It is anticipated that proposals will be finalised by mid-year on foot of evaluating the submissions received during the public consultation process.
384 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number in total and by type of traveller accommodation units yet to be provided by each local authority under their respective five year traveller accommodation programmes 2000-2004. [14130/04]
Local authorities provide Traveller accommodation in accordance with their five-year Traveller accommodation programmes which are based on a prior assessment of need. This assessment takes into account both current and future need having regard to new family formations. While local authorities may not be in a position, in all cases, to make precise assessments of the category of accommodation required, programmes generally allow further consideration to be given to new identified needs for Traveller accommodation over the course of the programmes.
The table provided sets out the overall Traveller accommodation needs, including projected future needs, identified by local authorities in their programmes in terms of the overall number of units required. The table also sets out the details of the permanent accommodation — standard local authority housing, group houses and halting site bays — provided by or with the assistance of the relevant housing authorities from the commencement of the programmes to the end of 2003. These figures which are taken from the annual count of Traveller families, undertaken by local authorities, and from other returns provided to my Department, also include houses provided by Travellers themselves with the assistance of local authorities.
|
Local Authority |
Estimated Need |
Units Provided 2000-2003 |
Difference |
|
Carlow Co. Council |
70 |
38 |
32 |
|
Cavan Co. Council |
28 |
11 |
17 |
|
Clare Co. Council |
86 |
39 |
47 |
|
Cork County Council |
104 |
14 |
90 |
|
Cork City Council |
159 |
32 |
127 |
|
Donegal County Council |
119 |
53 |
66 |
|
Dublin City Council |
323 |
114 |
209 |
|
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council |
118 |
34 |
84 |
|
Fingal County Council |
239 |
60 |
179 |
|
Galway County Council |
199 |
50 |
149 |
|
Galway City Council |
127 |
57 |
70 |
|
Kerry County Council |
106 |
46 |
60 |
|
Kildare County Council |
63 |
34 |
29 |
|
Kilkenny County Council & Borough Council |
38 |
19 |
19 |
|
Laois County Council |
74 |
42 |
32 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
10 |
0 |
10 |
|
Limerick County Council |
165 |
31 |
134 |
|
Limerick City Council |
59 |
0 |
59 |
|
Longford County Council |
45 |
45 |
0 |
|
Louth County Council |
10 |
0 |
10 |
|
Dundalk Town Council |
52 |
47 |
5 |
|
Drogheda Borough Council |
21 |
4 |
17 |
|
Mayo County Council |
139 |
48 |
91 |
|
Meath County Council |
85 |
28 |
57 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
37 |
18 |
19 |
|
Offaly County Council |
128 |
43 |
85 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
66 |
6 |
60 |
|
Sligo County Council & Borough Council |
50 |
13 |
37 |
|
South Dublin County Council |
377 |
46 |
331 |
|
North Tipperary County Council |
83 |
30 |
53 |
|
South Tipperary County Council |
69 |
14 |
55 |
|
Clonmel Borough Council |
16 |
0 |
16 |
|
Waterford County Council |
22 |
9 |
13 |
|
Waterford City Council |
74 |
50 |
24 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
59 |
63 |
-4 |
|
Wexford County Council |
249 |
55 |
194 |
|
Wexford Borough Council |
20 |
1 |
19 |
|
Wicklow County Council & Bray Town Council |
96 |
35 |
61 |
|
Total |
3,785 |
1,229 |
2,556 |
385 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a person requires planning permission to recycle domestic waste for compost purposes within their own property; and the grant aid that is available for such recycling. [14145/04]
Under section 4(1)(j) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, development which consists of the use of any structure or other land within the curtilage of a house for any purpose incidental to the enjoyment of the house as such is exempted development and does not therefore require planning permission. Accordingly, the recycling by people of their own domestic waste, within the immediate area surrounding their houses, would not require planning permission. While there are currently no grants available to persons to recycle their domestic waste, many local authorities provide special composting vessels at a low or subsidised cost to householders for composting of their domestic waste.
386 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the criteria for eligibility for the essential repairs grant for persons aged over 65. [14149/04]
The essential repairs grant scheme is administered by the local authorities in accordance with the Housing (Disabled Persons and Essential Repairs Grants) Regulations 2001 and in line with various guidelines issued from time to time by my Department. A housing authority may pay a grant to a person carrying out essential repairs to a house where these are reasonably necessary to prolong the useful life of the house, notwithstanding that they may not render the house fit in every respect.
387 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make public his plans for supplementing non-profit investments to accommodate housing needs. [14164/04]
I assume that the question refers to the capital funding schemes for social housing projects, undertaken by non-profit voluntary and co-operative housing bodies, which are operated by my Department. Under the voluntary housing capital loan and subsidy scheme funding for up to 100% of the approved cost of a project for family type housing is available in respect of eligible projects. Funding is available for up to 95% of the approved costs of special needs and family type housing projects under the capital assistance scheme. Assistance under both schemes is subject to unit cost limits and compliance with the terms of the scheme. Funding provided by my Department under these capital funding schemes has increased significantly in recent years with an outturn in the order of €92 million in 2000 compared with a provision of €234 million in the current year.
388 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to allocate additional resources to local authorities to cope with housing means assessments. [14165/04]
Assessment of the housing needs of applicants for local authority housing is an integral and ongoing part of local authority administration and is appropriately reserved from the general revenues available to local authorities. It is not proposed to allocate special resources for this purpose.
389 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action he is taking to promote higher standards in quality, design, safety and energy efficiency within the heating and plumbing installation industry; and if, in the domestic sector, all non-condensing boilers will be outlawed by 2005 and all manufacturing products in the industry will meet the Sedbuk A or B rating by 2005. [14166/04]
The formulation of revised quality, design, and safety standards for heating and plumbing installations would be a matter primarily for the National Standards Authority of Ireland, NSAI. The European Communities (Efficiency Requirements for New Hot Water Boilers fired with Liquid or Gaseous Fuels) Regulations 1994 require that new domestic boilers installed on or after 1 August 1994 meet prescribed minimum efficiency requirements. The option of requiring boilers in new dwellings to meet the equivalent of the Sedbuk A or B rating in the United Kingdom and have a minimum efficiency of 86% or more will be considered in the context of the implementation of EU Directive 2002/91/EC of 16 December 2002 on the energy performance of buildings. This directive must be legally transposed by January 2006. If this option is pursued, I understand that it would be open to manufacturers to consider the feasibility of adapting non-condensing boilers to achieve the equivalent of the Sedbuk A or B rating.
390 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he intends to increase the loan limits under the affordable housing and shared ownership schemes in line with inflation; if not, the reason therefore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14178/04]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 789 of 27 April 2004.
391 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a planning application will be submitted for the proposed visitor centre for Ballycroy National Park, County Mayo. [14218/04]
The national parks and wildlife service of my Department, in conjunction with the Office of Public Works, is preparing a planning application for the proposed visitor centre at Ballycroy National Park, County Mayo, which it is intended to submit in the near future.
392 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin who was born in the UK and holds an Irish passport is not allowed to vote in the presidential election; his views on whether this is discriminatory and in breach of the Good Friday Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14220/04]
The Good Friday Agreement does not make any provision in relation to a person's eligibility to vote. Such issues are governed by the Constitution and by electoral law. Under electoral law, the compilation of a register of electors is a matter for the appropriate registration authority who may require a person to provide any information, including information in relation to residency and citizenship, in order to establish that they are entitled to be registered as an elector. Every citizen of Ireland over 18 years of age, whose name appears on the register, is entitled to vote at all polls. Inquiries in any specific case should be made directly to the appropriate registration authority.
393 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the Fire Cover Study will be undertaken by Dublin Fire Brigade in view of the major residential and industrial developments that have taken place in and around Lucan, County Dublin, and the proposed new town development of Adamstown; and the last time a study of this nature was carried out in this region of the county. [14222/04]
Under the Fire Services Act 1981, the provision of a fire service, including the assessment of fire cover needs, is a statutory function of the local fire authority, in this case Dublin City Council. It would not be appropriate in these circumstances for my Department to comment on the timing or scope of relevant assessments to be undertaken by Dublin City Council.
394 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has proposals to restore the first time buyer’s grant, particularly in view of the continuing escalating cost of new and second-hand houses with consequential crippling debt being incurred by prospective house purchasers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14223/04]
The termination of the new house grant scheme, which was announced on 14 November 2002, arose from the necessity, in the context of the 2003 Estimates, for the Government to ensure a sustainable match between expenditure and resources, and to concentrate housing programmes on areas of greatest impact and social need. It is not proposed to review the basis on which the scheme was terminated or to reintroduce the grant.
395 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he proposes to take to ensure equity in waste management charges throughout the country; if it is proposed to introduce initiatives to ensure value for money in waste disposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14224/04]
In those areas where a local authority collection service is in place, the determination of charges for the service is a matter for the local authority itself. In areas where the local authority is not involved in the collection service, the determination of charges is a matter for the private collectors concerned.
In my recently published policy statement Taking Stock and Moving Forward I have set a target date of 1 January 2005 for the completion of the transition to use-based waste charges, either on the basis of weight or volume. As well as providing an important incentive to recycle, such charging regimes are also important from a charging equity point of view. In addition, I am currently considering, in consultation with my colleague the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, equity issues in relation to the waste charges waiver system.
Taking Stock and Moving Forward also highlights the importance of guarding against anti-competitive practices in the waste sector, and in this regard I will be commissioning a comprehensive study of the waste sector later this year.
396 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of polling stations to be used during the local and European elections; the number of such stations that are not wheelchair accessible; when returning officers will give public notice of all the polling stations in a constituency that are not accessible to wheelchair users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14239/04]
The appointment of polling stations at the European and local elections is the responsibility of the local European returning officer. The number of polling stations to be used at the June polls is not therefore available in advance to my Department. Under the Electoral (Amendment) Act 1996, local authorities, in making polling schemes, must endeavour to appoint as polling places only areas which will allow a returning officer to provide at each polling place at least one polling station which is accessible to wheelchair users.
Once in the polling station, persons with a physical disability may avail of companion voting or may seek the assistance of the presiding officer. Alternatively, if a person has a physical disability or illness which prevents him or her from going to the polling station, the person can vote by post if he or she applies to be included in the postal voters list which is drawn up each year as part of the register of electors.
The returning officer must give public notice of all polling stations in buildings which are inaccessible to wheelchair users not later than eight days before polling day. If an elector has difficulty gaining access to the assigned polling station he or she may then apply, in writing, for authorisation to vote at another station in an accessible building in the same constituency.
397 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the proposed new sewerage treatment plants for Kilkerrin, Dunmore and Leenane, County Galway; the reason this project is so slow in starting up; the commencement date for all three projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14301/04]
The Dunmore, Kilkerrin and Leenane sewerage schemes have been approved for construction in my Department's water services investment programme 2004-2006 under the rural towns and villages initiative. I approved contract documents for the sewerage networks for the three schemes in June 2003 and the submission of Galway County Council's tender recommendations for these works is awaited by my Department. My Department is also awaiting tender documents for the treatment works elements of the three schemes which are being reviewed by the council to accommodate its proposals to increase the approved capacity of one of the treatment plants. The treatment plants are being advanced as a grouped design-build-operate project.
398 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the proposal for an international agreement on a contraction and convergence response to climate change has been discussed at a Heads of State level during the Irish European Union Presidency; and if he intends to include the issue in the hand-over portfolio he will pass on to the upcoming Dutch Presidency. [13426/04]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 192 of 6 May 2004. Contraction and convergence is a proposal for achieving global reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, promoted primarily by the London-based Global Commons Institute, a non-governmental organisation. It is one of many potential models towards its stated purpose. The discussion at European heads of state level on necessary action to prevent dangerous interference with global climate systems is a more widely based one, and has been advanced during the Irish Presidency.
On 2 March 2004 the Environment Council, in preparing an input for the European Council and in reference to the development of medium and longer term emission reduction strategies, including targets, highlighted inter alia the need to ensure that overall global temperature increase should not exceed 2ºC above pre-industrial levels, and to take into account the findings of the intergovernmental panel on climate change.
The European Council on 25/26 March 2004 confirmed that it looks forward to considering such emission reduction strategies, including targets, at its spring meeting in 2005. The Commission has been invited to prepare a cost benefit analysis, which takes account both of environmental and competitiveness considerations.
Progress has also been made in other areas of the international climate agenda during the Irish Presidency, including a first reading agreement between the Council and the European Parliament on a directive linking the Kyoto Protocol project mechanisms Joint Implementation, JI, and the Clean Development Mechanism, CDM, to the new European emissions trading scheme. This will encourage investment in sustainable development globally with the specific aim of achieving greenhouse gas emissions reductions, and the recognition of credits from approved emissions reductions projects in the European scheme.
Consideration of options for further action post-2012, the end of the first Kyoto period, underway since autumn 2002, continues to be undertaken by a working party reporting to the Environment Council. Contraction and convergence continues to be considered in that context.
399 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the debate in the UK regarding the reduction of the voting age to 16; his views on the subject; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14328/04]
I am aware of the debate in the UK on this matter and of the conclusions of the UK Electoral Commission in its report entitled Age of Electoral Majority that there appears to be insufficient justification for a change to the voting age at present. This was against the background that almost all countries currently have a minimum voting age of 18. There is no proposal at present to reduce the voting age in Ireland.
400 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties being experienced by persons with disabilities in accessing the disabled person’s housing grant; and the measures he proposes to introduce to make these grants more accessible. [14329/04]
The disabled persons grant scheme is administered by individual local authorities. The framework for the operation of the scheme is laid down in statutory regulations and, as far as practicable, is designed to give an appropriate degree of flexibility to local authorities. My Department recoups to authorities two thirds of their expenditure on the payment of individual grants. It is the responsibility of the authorities to fund the remaining one third from their own resources from amounts provided for that purpose in their annual estimates of expenditure.
Capital funding of €65 million has been provided for the payment of disabled persons and essential repairs grants in 2004. Returns have now been received from all local authorities detailing their expenditure on these schemes in 2003 and their estimated requirements for 2004. On the basis of these returns, individual allocations, now being finalised, will be notified to authorities shortly. It is a matter for local authorities to decide on the level of funding to be provided in their areas for each of the grant schemes from within this allocation.
The improvements which have been made in recent years to the maximum disabled persons grant and the level of recoupment available have resulted in increased levels of demand with expenditure on the scheme increasing from €13 million for 2,455 grants in 1998 to over €50 million for over 5,700 grants in 2003. In line with this very significant increase in my Department's capital provision for the scheme, recoupment costs have also increased from €6.3 million for 2,512 grants in 1998 to almost €37.5 million for 6,153 grants in 2003. In that time the maximum grant has doubled from €10,158 to €20,320. These increases in the levels of funding provided are a clear indication of the Government's commitment to the disabled persons grant scheme.
A review of the disabled persons grant scheme is being finalised in my Department at present. On its completion, I will be in a position to determine the changes, if any, required to the regulations governing the scheme to ensure that the funding available is directed at those persons in greatest need of such assistance.
401 Ms F. O’Malley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when review of retail planning guidelines will be determined upon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14416/04]
The retail planning guidelines prescribe a maximum floor area of 6,000 square metres gross retail floorspace for largescale single retail warehouse development. This aspect of the guidelines is now being reviewed, taking account of the need to ensure effective competition in this sector of retailing and ongoing developments in retail formats, while also having regard to issues of proper planning and sustainable development.
To assist in carrying out the review, I invited interested parties to make submissions to my Department. Some 71 submissions were received and have been assessed. They will be fully taken into account in considering further whether any changes are needed in the guidelines. I expect the process to be completed shortly.
402 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a new house grant will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14419/04]
There is no record of the receipt of an application for a new house grant from the person named at the address given.
403 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the widespread concern among many members of the architectural profession who are awaiting the publication and enactment of the Building Control Bill to ensure that their status, as architects, can be properly registered and regulated; if his attention has further been drawn to the operational and financial difficulties that this legislative delay is causing and to the lack of proper consumer protection for persons using the building industry and the services of persons purporting to be architects who are not properly qualified or who do not meet the qualification standard needed by his Department and the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14481/04]
The Government has approved the general scheme of the Building Control Bill which will provide for, inter alia, the registration of the title of “Architect” as a consumer protection measure. The Government’s legislation programme envisages publication of the Bill in 2004.
404 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the protection which exists for the feral goat; if, in the absence of protective measures, regulations can be introduced to regulate the hunting and killing of many thousands of these goats in the Burren and elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14618/04]
Feral goats are derived or descended from stocks of domestic goats that escaped or were released to run wild. They are not regarded as having a nature conservation value and are not protected under the Wildlife Acts, 1976 and 2000. My Department does not therefore have statutory responsibilities for feral goats. The killing of such goats could, however, raise questions of criminal or civil law in specific instances, particularly where ownership of the animals concerned might be claimed as farmed stock which have escaped.
405 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he can provide funding from any source to maintain the Border minority group service being provided from the Market House, Main Street, Newbliss, County Monaghan, in view of the cutback in funding to the Ulster Scots group from which it in turn receives its funds; if there is a just reason that at this time funding should be cut to a group such as this when the Government is receiving increased revenue from all sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14203/04]
As the Deputy is aware, the Ulster-Scots Agency is one of the agencies of An Foras Teanga, the North-South language body set up under the terms of the British-Irish Agreement Act 1999, the other agency being Foras na Gaeilge. I would like to clarify that there is no cutback in funding to the Ulster-Scots Agency this year.
The Ulster-Scots Agency, which is jointly funded North — 75% — and South — 25% — by the two Governments, has a total budget of €2.470 million for 2004, an increase of 2.9% over its provision for 2003. The allocation of this provision to individual projects is a matter for the agency itself, in accordance with its approved business plan.
I understand from the Ulster-Scots Agency that the border minority group to which the Deputy refers seeks to advance education and cultural awareness in the counties of Cavan, Monaghan and Leitrim and to promote tourism and awareness of the culture of the minority community in these counties. During the past two years the agency has awarded some £67,323, the current equivalent of which is €99,062, by way of grants to support such initiatives as Ulster-Scots concerts, highland dance tuition, community events, music workshops-tuition. A substantial amount, some £58,000, the current equivalent of which is €85,344, of funding was allocated to support the employment of a development officer, on condition that alternative funding sources would be found in the future.
While the agency has expressed its awareness of the excellent work carried out during the past 18 months by the incumbent of the development officer post, it has indicated that with a limited budget and an ever-increasing client base, it is not possible for it to continue to provide ongoing financial support for posts of this nature.
406 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason a community-based organisation (details supplied) in Dublin 6 has been informed that its funding allocation under the local development social inclusion programme for 2004 has been reduced by €27,878 in the 2003 budget, leaving a shortfall of €68,652 on what is needed for 2004; the reason the organisation, which provides invaluable services not offered elsewhere in the locality, has been penalised; if, in view of the extra tax revenue now available, it will be awarded an allocation of €346,000 to do its work for 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14474/04]
ADM manages the local development social inclusion programme on behalf of my Department. As the Deputy will appreciate, the programme must be managed from within the budget available in my Department's Vote each year. The provision in the revised estimates for this year is €42.144 million.
The Government has allocated over €3 million additional funding in support of improved co-ordination of local and community development schemes. This funding is open to partnerships and other local groups who work with county or city development boards to share resources and advance integrated service provision. It is open to the organisation in question to work with these interests to develop proposals and apply for additional funding under this measure.
407 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the contacts he had with the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs about the setting up of Volunteering 21 in view of the need for a database for volunteering opportunities to respond to public inquiries on volunteering and for a policy strategy for volunteering here following the Tipping of the Balance report; and his views on whether, following the Special Olympics and APSO, volunteering within and outside the country needs a single agency. [14604/04]
The Deputy will be aware that the Volunteer 21 initiative was launched by the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs in December last and I understand that the matter is the subject of a comprehensive reply to today's Question No. 14603/04 from the Deputy to the Minister for Foreign Affairs. I am glad to confirm that there were contacts at official level between my own Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs when the initiative was being developed and that these contacts are continuing as appropriate.
With regard to the recommendations contained in Tipping the Balance, the report of the national committee on volunteering, including the question of a volunteering infrastructure, a sub-group of the implementation and advisory group, established under the terms of the White Paper on voluntary activity and comprising representatives of both the statutory and voluntary sectors, is examining these matters at present. Their work will contribute to the consideration of the report which is currently underway in my Department.
408 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6W is entitled to a pension. [14124/04]
The person concerned applied for old age contributory pension on 11 August 2001.
At the time, an insurance number could not be traced in respect of her and the claim for pension was disallowed. She was advised of this in February 2002. Following further examination of pre-1953 insurance records an insurance number has now been traced for the person concerned.
On the basis of contributions paid under this number, the person concerned qualifies for a pre 1953 half-rate contributory pension effective from 5 May 2000, that is, the date from which this pension was introduced. The pension is currently payable at the weekly rate of €83.70. The person concerned is also entitled to a living alone allowance of €7.70 per week bringing her total weekly pension to €91.40. A formal decision will issue to the person concerned this week. In the meantime, arrangements are now being made to have the pension put in to payment and arrears due will be paid as soon as possible.
The person concerned will be contacted shortly regarding the procedure for having her possible entitlement to a means tested old age non-contributory pension examined.
409 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will review the pension entitlements of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 to ascertain whether they are entitled to a non-contributory pension. [14136/04]
The person concerned is in receipt of an old age non contributory pension at the maximum weekly personal rate of €154. She also has sufficient social insurance contributions to qualify for an old age contributory pension at the weekly rate of €83.70. However, as under social welfare legislation only one pension can be paid to her, she is better off financially by continuing to receive the weekly non-contributory pension.
410 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will withdraw guidance that exemptions to the Government housing supplement be minimal in number and advise that persons who have sought housing assessment by their local authority but those termination is pending can receive rent supplement. [14167/04]
Rent supplements are paid under the terms of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme which is administered on behalf of my Department by the health boards.
Measures were introduced last January to re-focus the rent supplement scheme on its original objective which is to meet immediate short-term income maintenance needs as opposed to long-term housing needs. However, the new provisions do not restrict the discretion given to health boards to award a supplement in any case where it appears to the board that the circumstances of the case so warrant e.g. where an applicant is being made homeless or forced to use homeless facilities unless rent supplement is paid.
Naturally, it is expected that the type of cases referred to should, by their nature, be exceptional and it would be expected that the number of such cases would be minimal.
The health boards have indicated that the housing authorities are responding to requests for housing assessments without undue delay. If, however, there is a delay in any particular case, a health board still has the discretion to make a payment where it considers it necessary to do so.
My Department will continue to monitor the implementation of the new measures to ensure that they are effective and do not lead to hardship in individual cases.
411 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason for the decision by her Department to withdraw allowances for crèche payment to mothers availing of back to education schemes; and if this payment of crèche charges is being provided by another Department to mothers in back to education schemes who have young children in crèche facilities. [14326/04]
The objective of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, under which crèche supplements are paid, is to meet immediate, short-term income maintenance needs. The scheme is not intended to be a long-term solution in any individual case.
The crèche supplement was introduced with the intention of providing assistance to a parent who is in need of a short-term emergency support. This could arise, for example, where, without assistance with child minding, a parent would not be able to avail of necessary particular supports such as counselling services or addiction treatment programmes.
It was never intended to be a long-term ongoing support for people returning to full-time education.
When the change was announced in November 2003, there were 1,738 crèche supplements in payment. This figure represented an increase of almost 150% in less than three years from January 2001 when there were approximately 700 people in receipt of a crèche supplement. Payment of crèche supplements were increasingly being made for reasons which were clearly outside the scope of the original intentions of the scheme.
The fact that the supplements were in payment for long durations in many cases indicated that they had become a long term childcare support rather than the short term social welfare support which was originally intended.
This is not an appropriate way for meeting the needs of the people in question. However, crèche supplements in payment prior to 1 January 2004 have been allowed to remain in payment for a limited period.
While the total amount spent on crèche supplements is significant, with some €2.1 million spent in 2003, funding crèches in this manner is administratively inefficient as it requires the parents to apply individually for a weekly payment. The cost of administration represents a high proportion of the value of the funds provided to the crèches.
As the Deputy may be aware, the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform has introduced the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme, 2000-2006 to fund the development of childcare in Ireland while seeking to ensure that existing child care services are not displaced by the introduction of new initiatives in this area.
One of the main aims of the programme is to provide childcare facilities which will allow parents to avail of educational, training and employment opportunities. In this regard the equal opportunities childcare programme is the more appropriate vehicle to address the needs of the people identified by the Deputy.
Discussions are continuing with officials from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Department of Health and Children and from some of the health boards to ensure that more appropriate arrangements are put in place.
In the meantime, I would point out that the changes I introduced in the supplementary welfare allowance scheme in no way affect the discretion available to health boards to provide assistance in emergency cases which may arise from time to time.
412 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is not being awarded a rent subsidy in view of the fact this person’s local authority states that they are in need of housing; if this is not accepted by her Department, the proper procedure this person has to follow to ensure that they receive the rent subsidy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14343/04]
The South Western Area Health Board was contacted regarding this case and has advised that it is aware of the correspondence referred to by the Deputy. However, the information available to the board is that the person concerned has not actually been assessed by the local housing authority in respect of her housing needs.
It is not sufficient for the local authority to deem an applicant to be in need of housing. For rent supplement purposes, it is necessary that an assessment of housing need is undertaken by the local authority. The board is awaiting the outcome of this assessment before it will be in a position to determine whether or not a rent supplement is payable in this case.
413 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason the supplementary welfare allowance appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Dublin was refused, in view of the circumstances; if he intends to review the situation in view of the hardship being experienced by this person’s family and the fact that a loan has had to be taken out to pay for the rent; and the other course of action she recommends. [14447/04]
It is a statutory condition for receipt of a rent allowance under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme that a person has not vacated accommodation provided by a housing authority or if he or she has vacated such accommodation the health board is satisfied that he or she had good cause for doing so.
The person concerned applied for a rent allowance in respect of her current accommodation in October 2003. This application was disallowed by the South Western Area Health Board on the basis that she had vacated her previous local authority house voluntarily and without having good cause for doing so.
The person appealed against this decision and her appeal was considered by the health board's appeals officer who upheld the decision. The person then appealed to the chief appeals officer of the social welfare appeals office. Following an oral hearing on 10 March 2004 an appeals officer, having considered all the available evidence and the circumstances of the case, determined that it had not been established that "good cause" existed for the person to vacate the accommodation provided by the local authority in Athlone. Accordingly, the appeal was disallowed.
An appeals officer's decision is final and can only be altered in the light of new facts or evidence. A review of the decision was recently carried out at the request of the person concerned. The appeals officer decided that there was no new information that would warrant a revision of his decision and she was advised accordingly.
Under social welfare legislation decisions in relation to claims must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.
414 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason supplementary welfare allowance has been suspended for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare while the one parent claim is being processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14487/04]
The South Western Area Health Board was contacted regarding this case and has advised that payment of a basic supplementary welfare allowance and a mortgage interest supplement were temporarily suspended pending full disclosure of means from the person concerned.
The board has further advised that payment of the basic supplementary welfare allowance at a reduced rate, which takes account of her revised means, is to resume this week. Arrears of both the basic allowance and the mortgage interest supplement will issue the following week.
415 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if part-time public sector employees who have been paying PRSI Class A contributions while their full time colleagues have been paying PRSI Class D contributions have been or will be required to pay Class D contributions as a result of changes brought about by the Protection of Employees (Part-Time Work) Act 2001. [14488/04]
Employment protection legislation including the Protection of Employee (Part-Time Work) Act 2001 falls within the policy responsibility of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The legislation seeks to implement the provisions of the EU Directive, 97/81/EC which, in effect, established a right for part-time workers to be treated comparably with full-time workers and to enjoy the same conditions of employment in respect of remuneration and related matters including occupational pensions.
The framework agreement upon which the directive is based specifically excludes social security systems from its scope. Accordingly, the Protection of Employees (Part-Time Work) Act 2001 has no direct implication for the operation of the social insurance system.
The provisions governing social insurance are included in social welfare legislation which is of course the responsibility of my Department. Generally speaking this legislation provides that different categories of employed and self-employed workers are insured for the social welfare benefits and pensions most appropriate to their needs.
Social welfare legislation provides that a person employed in a local or public authority in a permanent position on 5 April 1995 and continues to be so employed, is generally speaking, insurable at the "modified" or PRSI Class D rate of contribution. The modified rate of contribution applies equally to all public servants regardless of whether they work full- time or part-time.
All new public sector employees recruited after 5 April 1995, be they part-time or full-time workers, pay PRSI at Class A providing their earnings are over €38 per week. These contributions can provide entitlement to disability benefits and other payments to which modified contributors are not entitled. The change in PRSI contributions for public servants was introduced on foot of a recommendation of the Commission on Social Welfare and supported by the National Pensions Board, which concluded that this change would support a greater sense of social solidarity within the PRSI system and promote the mobility of employees between the public and private sectors. Following detailed consultation with staff interests, the revised arrangements were brought into operation in April 1995. Since then the number of public servants paying PRSI at modified PRSI of contribution is already declining and Class A social insurance cover will represent the norm throughout the private and public sectors.
