Vol. 597 No. 1
13 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Education and Science when the latest NCCA report on the senior cycle will be made available publicly; her views in relation to the June 2004 report which stated that doing nothing would be the worst option; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3055/05]
30 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will report on the proposals for reform of the leaving certificate that have been submitted to her; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2899/05]
81 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science the costings which have been carried out by her Department regarding external or internal continuous assessments as part of the review of the senior cycle; the context in which she stated that such costs would be too expensive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3052/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 13, 30 and 81 together.
The NCCA proposals set out a vision for the type of school system which might exist by 2010. The proposals envisage a re-structured senior cycle curriculum consisting of transition units, short courses and subjects. The option of a two or three year cycle would be retained and the leaving certificate applied programme would continue as a discrete programme. All pupils, including LCA pupils, would follow at least one transition unit and many pupils would take a greater number.
The proposals provide also for an increased emphasis on a wider range of modes of assessment such as practical/portfolio/project work and continuous assessment, with assessment events spread out during courses of study and available at a number of points during the two or three year cycle.
Initial advice on the reforms was submitted by the NCCA to my Department in June 2004, and it indicated that a further advice would be submitted early in 2005 setting out the configuration of subjects, short courses and options, and the assessment and implementation implications of the proposals. That second advice, which will enable the Department to assess the resource and operational implications of the proposals, has not yet been received.
Accordingly, detailed costings of the resource implications of assessment have not yet been prepared in my Department. However, it is clear that the assessment proposals could incur considerable extra costs, given the proposals to assess subjects more frequently, to widen the scope for assessment of practical/project/portfolio work, to add national assessment for an extensive range of short courses, and to continue to provide largely for a centrally driven externally examined system.
I am conscious that the feedback in the consultation process on the future of senior cycle indicated that while the established leaving certificate is seen to attract high levels of public confidence, respondents overwhelmingly considered that the transition year, the LCA and the LCVP programmes offer greater relevance to the life experiences of learners, provide better for the development of personal and social skills and for a balance between academic and practical skills, and use more appropriate teaching and learning and assessment methods.
These viewpoints need to be balanced against concerns regarding local assessment of the leaving certificate by class teachers and the fact that trends internationally in high stakes examinations are towards external assessment. There is also a high level of public belief and confidence that a centrally driven externally examined system suits the Irish context. The feasibility of any large-scale move towards more frequent continuous assessment for the leaving certificate must be considered in the light of these factors.
It must be acknowledged that the leaving certificate is an independent objective assessment which is highly regarded internationally. We must ensure that, as our education system continues to evolve in the knowledge society, reforms build on the existing strengths of the system while addressing its weaknesses. We need reforms that are designed to ensure that our system has integrity, relevance and quality for all our students, including those who are currently served well and those whose needs are not being as well met at present.
14 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of additional education welfare officers to be recruited by the National Education Welfare Board in 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2937/05]
The Education (Welfare) Act 2000 established the National Educational Welfare Board as the single national body with responsibility for school attendance. The Act provides a comprehensive framework promoting regular school attendance and tackling the problems of absenteeism and early school leaving. The general functions of the board are to ensure that each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education.
To discharge its responsibilities, the board is developing a nationwide service that is accessible to schools, parents-guardians and others concerned with the welfare of young people. For this purpose, educational welfare officers, EWOs, are being appointed and deployed throughout the country to provide a welfare-focused service to support regular school attendance and discharge the board's functions locally.
The budget which has been allocated to the National Educational Welfare Board for 2005 is €7.8 million, an increase of €1.3 million or 20% on the 2004 allocation. The percentage increase allocated to the board for 2005 is more than double that for the education vote as a whole and this provision will enable the board to continue to develop its services in 2005.
In November last my Department conveyed approval to the NEWB for the recruitment of a further ten educational welfare officers, bringing the authorised staffing from 84 to 94. These additional posts will enable the board to further rollout its services at local level around the country.
I will be keeping the issue of the NEWB's staffing under review in the light of the rollout of services and any further proposals that the board may put to me in relation to clearly identified priority needs.
15 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the actions being taken to tackle discipline difficulties in schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2888/05]
My Department has provided guidelines to boards of management to assist them in discharging their obligations in the area of school discipline. These guidelines, which issued in 1991, were drawn up following consultation with representatives of management, teachers and parents, and are sufficiently flexible to allow each school authority to adapt them to suit the particular needs of the school.
Each board of management is responsible for formulating, in consultation with parents, a fair and efficient code of behaviour. This code should ensure that the individuality of each child is accommodated while acknowledging the right of each child to education in a relatively disruption-free environment. The code should also include provision for dealing with serious breaches of discipline and continuously disruptive pupils.
I have recently established a task force to consider and report on the issue of student behaviour in second level schools. The task force is chaired by Dr. Maeve Martin of the National University of Ireland, Maynooth.
I want the work of this task force to provide a solid foundation for developing policies and best practice in our schools into the future. I expect that the task force will be linking closely to a wide range of interests across our education system on this very important issue.
A consultative group is also to be formed, comprising all the partners in education and allowing for their input to the deliberations of the task force. In addition, I asked that the task force constitute fora of teachers, parents and students with a view to testing emerging ideas and proposals.
The terms of reference of the task force are: to examine the issue of disruptive student behaviour as it impacts upon teaching and learning; to consider the effectiveness of strategies at present employed to address it; to advise on existing best practice, both nationally and internationally, in fostering positive student behaviour in schools and classrooms; and to make recommendations on how best to promote an improved climate for teaching and learning in classroom and schools.
In recent days the task force has advertised in the national press inviting submissions from interested individuals and organisations.
I have asked the task force to make recommendations by June 2005 and complete its work by the end of 2005. However, it may produce interim reports to highlight various issues of analysis and research.
16 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress being made regarding the implementation of the recommendations of the OECD review of third level education policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2891/05]
73 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science the actions she has taken on foot of the recent OECD report on third level education here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3015/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 73 together.
The OECD review on the future of higher education in Ireland makes far reaching recommendations for reform and development of the sector. The extensive consultation undertaken by the OECD team with all the key stakeholders in the sector and their own undoubted expertise lend considerable weight to these recommendations.
It is important to note that a number of the recommendations such as the designation of the institutes of technology within the proposed new tertiary education authority require legislative amendments, while others such as the structures required to maximise research output, require extensive consultation, not only with the agencies involved, but also with my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Since my appointment, I have already met representatives from the universities and the institutes of technology and emphasised my commitment to progress the recommendations of the OECD.
I am now initiating an intensive consultation process with stakeholders affected by the report with a view to developing a comprehensive response to the report and bringing proposals, including any necessary legislative proposals, to Government, when appropriate. Following on from the initial colloquium held last year by my predecessor, I have arranged to meet shortly representatives of my Department, the Higher Education Authority, the Conference of Heads of Irish Universities, the Council of Directors of Institutes of Technology and Dublin Institute of Technology to begin a series of focused discussions on aspects of the report, and its implications for the development of a unified strategy for the future of the sector. I envisage that this will be the first in a series of meetings with interested parties which will ensure that their views are fully taken account of in developing the response to the report.
17 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Education and Science if a national anti-bullying strategy for all schools will be introduced in 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2975/05]
I am very aware of the issue of bullying in schools and my Department has in place a multifaceted strategy to tackle the issue. The education of students in primary and post-primary schools in relation to anti-bullying behaviour is a central part of the social, personal and health education, SPHE, curriculum. SPHE is now a compulsory subject at primary level and in the junior cycle of post-primary schools. The SPHE curriculum provides for the development of personal and social skills including self-awareness, respect for others, self-esteem and communication skills, all of which are important elements in addressing the issue of bullying. In primary education, the issue of bullying is addressed in the SPHE curriculum in the strand "myself and others" from infant classes onwards. In second level education, the issue of bullying is addressed from first year onwards in the SPHE curriculum at junior cycle, in the module on "belonging and integrating".
My Department, in its Guidelines on countering Bullying Behaviour in schools, has provided a national framework within which individual school management authorities may meet their responsibilities for implementing effective school-based policies to counter bullying. These guidelines were drawn up following consultation with representatives of school management, teachers and parents and are sufficiently flexible to allow each school authority to adapt them to suit the particular needs of the school.
Each school is required to have in place a policy which includes specific measures to deal with bullying behaviour, within the framework of an overall school code of behaviour and discipline. Such a code, properly devised and implemented, can be the most influential measure in countering bullying behaviour in schools.
In addition, my Department funds a number of support services which provide direct assistance to schools in dealing with the issue of bullying.
18 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education and Science if a hands on approach is needed from her Department in relation to basic first aid for schools, in view of specifically the high risk environment that exists there and the dangers that inappropriate practices might be carried out if the matter is left up to the Health and Safety Authority without any circulars issued by her Department; if basic first aid training will be incorporated into benchmarking; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3063/05]
The board of management/manager of a school, following consultation between the principal and the staff, determines the duties which need to be performed by the holders of posts of responsibility for the effective internal management of the school and the distribution of these duties between the posts having regard to the school's own priorities. Among the duties which have been identified as appropriate for assignment to holders of posts of responsibility in schools is that of first aid and safety officer.
My Department's teacher education section has, through the education centre network approved and funded a number of first aid courses for teachers in the context of its summer course programme in 2004. That section also provides funding to education centres for the provision of courses to meet locally identified priority needs, which include first aid courses for teachers.
Given the existing arrangements for the provision of first aid services in schools, it was not identified by the education partners as a specific issue for inclusion in the modernisation agenda for teachers in the context of payment of the benchmarking award.
In accordance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989, it is the responsibility of individual school management authorities to have a safety statement in place in their schools. The statement should identify potential hazards, assess the risks to health and safety and put appropriate provision in place to safeguard the safety and health of employees and pupils. The safety statement should be reviewed on a regular basis.
In relation to funding, 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 school infrastructure. In practical terms, individual school authorities are best placed to assess the detail of their own health and safety requirements. I am satisfied that the majority of schools are aware of their responsibilities in this area.
19 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress regarding the construction of a new building for the Cork School of Music; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2895/05]
The Government decided last July that my Department should finalise contractual negotiations with Jarvis Projects Limited with the view to commencing construction of the Cork School of Music as soon as practical. Shortly thereafter Jarvis plc, preferred bidder for the CSM project, announced a profit warning on the London Stock Exchange. To help solve its financial difficulties it is at present selling off non-core elements of the company. One of the areas to be disposed of is the PPP/PFI company.
On 3 December 2004 it had reached an agreement with Hochtief Developments (UK) Ltd to purchase the Irish business interests of Jarvis. Following the announcement various issues surrounding the purchase were being completed and a revised proposal and documentation were received on 19 January. As Hochtief has now replaced Jarvis as a member of the bidding consortium it must satisfy the Department that had it applied under the terms of the original PPP advertised in 2000 it would have been one of the consortia that pre-qualified for the project. The new documentation is currently being examined by my Department's specialist advisers to the project who are also undertaking full financial and legal due diligence to ensure that the proposal meets all EU procurement rules.
It is expected that this examination will be completed and a report submitted to my Department's public private partnership unit for consideration shortly.
Subject to all necessary financial and legal issues being in order it will then be possible to commence formal negotiations with Hochtief Developments to complete the contract details to allow financial and commercial close for the project take place.
20 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school (details supplied) in County Cork is to be included in the schools building programme for 2005. [2985/05]
The property management section of the Office of Public Works, which acts on behalf of my Department in relation to site acquisitions generally, has carried out visits in relation to a number of sites offered for the school referred to by the Deputy. A technical report on these sites is now being prepared.
There are a number of school building projects awaiting site resolution, including that of the school in question. Given the commercial sensitivity attaching to any site acquisition, I believe that it is more pragmatic to position these projects within the multi-annual schools capital programme as and when site acquisition issues are resolved.
21 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on the ongoing drug testing of pupils in some secondary schools; her policy in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2997/05]
Under Action 43 of the National Drugs Strategy, guidelines for developing a substance abuse policy were drawn up by my Department in consultation with the Department of Health and Children and the former health boards. These guidelines were issued to all schools in October 2002 to assist them in the development of appropriate substance abuse policies.
The implementation of the guidelines is the responsibility of the relevant school authorities. However, the guidelines do not advise schools to undertake drug testing of pupils and I do not consider that the policy in this regard should be changed as there is no conclusive evidence that drug testing reduces the incidence of drug misuse among young people.
I believe that alternative strategies, involving education, discussion, counselling, extra-curricular activities and the building of trust between students and adults need to be further developed.
My Department will, however, continue to monitor the situation and take into account best international practice in dealing with this issue.
22 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if the objective to improve significantly the numbers sitting the leaving certificate by the end of the decade will be achieved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2941/05]
The most recently published analysis by my Department of retention rates at second level was released in August 2003. The report indicates that of those pupils who commenced the junior cycle programme in September 1994, approximately 12,500, or 18.2%, left school without the leaving certificate. My Department is currently preparing reports on the 1995 and 1996 cohorts.
My Department's approach to addressing the issue of early school leaving comprises legislative and curricular reforms as well as preventative interventions.
The Education (Welfare) Act 2000 established the National Educational Welfare Board, NEWB, as the single national body with responsibility for school attendance. The allocation for the NEWB in 2005 is €7.8 million, an increase of €1.3 million or 20% on the 2004 provision.
With regard to curriculum reform, my Department's strategies have included widening the educational experience available to students through such programmes as the junior certificate schools programme, JCSP, the leaving certificate vocational programme, LCVP, and the leaving certificate applied, LCA.
Following the publication in 2003 by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, NCCA, of Directions for Development — Developing Senior Cycle Education, the NCCA has carried out further analyses and consultation in the lead-up to its presentation of advice and recommendations on the future of senior cycle. I look forward to consideration of the matter when I receive the next stage of the NCCA advice on the proposals shortly.
The school completion programme directly targets those in danger of dropping out of the education system and 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. Other programmes that contribute to tackling early school leaving include the home school community liaison scheme, which helps children to make the transition from primary to post-primary school.
My Department is currently finalising an overall review of educational disadvantage programmes. The purpose of this is to put in place a new action plan that will build on what has been achieved to date, adopt a more systematic, targeted and integrated approach and strengthen the capacity of the system to meet the educational needs of disadvantaged children and young people.
I am confident that all of these measures will significantly improve the numbers sitting the leaving certificate.
23 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of properties handed over to the State to date by the religious orders as part of the indemnity against compensation deal; if the €7 million still awaited by her Department from the religious orders has been forthcoming; if there is an estimated final cost of compensation for the victims of institutional child abuse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3008/05]
Under the terms of the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations, the property contribution of the congregations is divided into two separate and distinct schedules of properties. One is a schedule of properties to be transferred from the congregations to the State, State agencies or local authorities after the date of the signing of the indemnity agreement on 5 June 2002. The total value of these property transfers for the purposes of the indemnity agreement was to be €36.54 million. I can confirm that agreement in principle has been reached with the religious congregations on the transfer of 35 properties to the amount of €38.28 million. This figure of €38.28 million includes €4.98 million in cash that was provided by the congregations in lieu of property.
The other schedule of properties includes: properties transferred from the congregations to the State, State agencies, local authorities or voluntary organisations between 11 May 1999 and the date of the signing of the indemnity agreement on 5 June 2002. The total value of these property transfers for the purposes of the indemnity agreement was to be €40.32 million. I can confirm that, at this stage, transfers of 27 properties to the value of approximately €32.93 million have been agreed in principle.
The process of agreeing valuations on each individual property is continuing and my Department has written to CORI suggesting that it considers the payment of a cash contribution to cover any shortfall that may arise in the value of property transferred to finalise that part of the agreement. Further discussions are taking place with CORI on this matter.
While arrangements for the legal transfer of properties are the responsibility of the individual transferees, my Department will continue to liaise with the various transferees to ensure that all properties on which agreement in principle has been reached are legally transferred.
Estimating the final cost of the redress scheme remains problematic at this stage and it will not be until the redress board has completed its work that the final cost will be known. The scheme has been operating for approximately two years now and the redress board will continue to accept applications until December 2005. As it will take some considerable time to deal with all applications, the final outturn may not be known until sometime in 2007. The latest available estimate to my Department on the total cost of awards under the scheme, allowing for legal costs, is in the region of €610 million to €650 million, but this is a tentative estimate that may need to be revised in the light of applications received over the remainder of this year.
I should add that the final cost of the redress scheme must be viewed in the light of the very substantial costs that would have been incurred in any event if no such scheme had been established and if cases had been processed in the normal manner through the courts.
24 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools listed on the schools building programme which have already been granted planning permission for refurbishment and construction works to be undertaken; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2962/05]
I recently announced details of 122 major school building projects that will progress to tender and construction over the next 12 to 15 months.
Responsibility for the day to day management of these projects is a matter for each school authority and its design team. My Department is aware that planning permission has been granted on 24 of these projects. While some of the 122 projects will be ready to go on site earlier in the year than others, all the projects should be capable of going to tender and construction within this published timescale.
My Department's building unit held general information meetings for these schools to guide them through the process involved in moving projects to tender and construction. These meetings took place on 31 January and 1 February in Tullamore and all the schools were invited to attend.
25 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science if she intends that the Grangegorman development authority be able to begin its work in 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2965/05]
The Dáil Select Committee on Education and Science concluded Committee Stage of the Grangegorman Development Agency Bill on 16 December 2004.
The purpose of this Bill is to establish an agency whose function, in the first instance, is to prepare a strategic planning scheme for the Grangegorman site. The plan must provide for the needs of the Dublin Institute of Technology, the Health Service Executive, the Ministers for Education and Science and Health and Children. The Bill provides for wide-ranging consultation with all the parties who may have an involvement in the site. This ranges from those who are directly concerned — local residents, DIT and the Dublin City Council — to those parties whose future involvement may have a bearing on the site reaching its full potential such as the IDA and Dublin Bus.
It is my intention, once the necessary legislative framework is in place, to establish the agency as soon as possible thereafter so that it can commence carrying out the functions given to it in the legislation.
26 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school (details supplied) in County Cork will be included in the schools building programme for 2005. [2986/05]
An application for the new school building for the school referred to by the Deputy, has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria, which was revised following consultation with the education partners.
The Deputy will be aware that I recently announced the first phase of the 2005 school building programme which provided details of 122 major school building projects countrywide which will prepare tenders and move to construction during 2005.
This announcement is the first in a series of announcements I plan to make in the coming period in relation to the schools building and modernisation programme that will include: details of schools identified as suitable for construction under public private partnerships; an expansion of the number of schools that will be invited to deliver their building projects on the basis of devolved funding; details of schools with projects approved under the 2005 summer works scheme; schools whose projects will further progress through the design process; and schools that will be authorised to commence architectural planning.
27 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has satisfied herself that sufficient support is available to teachers in schools with large numbers of non-English speaking pupils; if teachers are adequately advised and equipped to help overcome any such difficulties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3021/05]
Schools catering for non-national pupils who have significant English language deficits are entitled to assistance to enable these pupils gain full access to the curriculum.
Schools that have 14 to 27 non-English speaking non-national pupils enrolled are entitled to a full-time temporary language support teaching post at primary level and a whole-time equivalent teaching post at post-primary level. Schools with 28 or more such pupils are entitled to two full-time temporary-whole-time equivalent language support posts.
Where there are between three and 13 non-national pupils enrolled in a primary school, the board of management may apply to the primary administration section of my Department for a grant to enable the school to take measures to improve the standard of English of the pupils concerned. Schools with between three and eight such pupils receive grant assistance in the amount of €6,348.69 while schools with between nine and 13 pupils receive grant assistance in the amount of €9,523.04. The total amount expended on such grants in the 2003-04 school year exceeded €2.3 million.
At post-primary level, where there are fewer than 14 pupils, additional teaching hours ranging from three hours per week for one pupil to 19.5 hours per week for 13 pupils are allocated. The support for an individual pupil is provided for a period of up to two years.
In the current school year 393 language support teacher posts have been sanctioned at primary level and 202.78 wholetime equivalent teaching posts have been allocated to post-primary schools.
My Department provides a start-up grant of €635 when a language support teacher is allocated to a school. A follow-up grant of €318 issues annually to each school for which the language support teacher continues to be sanctioned. The purpose of the grant is to facilitate the purchase of appropriate educational material and resources for use by the teacher.
In addition, Integrate Ireland Language and Training, IILT, formerly known as the Refugee Language Support Unit, a company of Trinity College, is funded by my Department to provide training for English language support teachers and their principals. An English language programme and English language training materials are available to all teachers who attend their inservice courses. A portfolio, European language portfolio, has been developed by IILT to provide a focus for pupils' learning, which concentrates on English language in the context of the school curriculum and also on socialisation within the school. One of the fundamental aims of the training is to equip teachers to enable non-English speaking pupils to participate fully in school life.
28 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the action she is taking to upgrade schools in County Roscommon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2988/05]
Applications for capital funding for schools are assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria, which was revised following consultation with the education partner.
I recently announced the first phase of the 2005 school building programme which provided details of 122 major school building projects countrywide which will prepare tenders and move to construction during 2005. Scoil Náisiúnta Cor na Fola in County Roscommon is one of the projects included in this initial bundle of major projects that will progress under the €3.4 billion multi-annual funding secured for the years 2005 to 2009.
This announcement is the first in a series of announcements I plan to make in the coming period in relation to the schools building and modernisation programme that will include: details of schools identified as suitable for construction under public private partnerships; an expansion of the number of schools that will be invited to deliver their building projects on the basis of devolved funding; details of schools with projects approved under the 2005 summer works scheme; schools whose projects will further progress through the design process; and schools that will be authorised to commence architectural planning
29 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science the moneys to be expended on school transport for 2005; the number of passengers to be carried on the service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2951/05]
A total of €116.5 million has been provided in the 2005 Abridged Estimates Volume for school transport which is a 6% increase in the outturn for 2004. It is estimated that between 138,000 and 140,000 pupils will be carried each day on school transport services in 2005.
The cost of improved transport services for children with special needs, including grants was estimated at 30% of the overall allocation for school transport in 2004. Children with special needs now account for about 6% of the overall number of pupils carried.
31 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will report on the level of moderate and severe literacy difficulties at primary level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2979/05]
Reading literacy achievement in primary schools is measured using standardised reading tests. Children's achievement scores on these tests are expressed in percentiles from one to 99. Those who score at or below the tenth percentile are generally regarded as having serious literacy difficulties and would be given additional supports in school, such as learning support teaching. This is a rather arbitrary estimate, as by definition, 10% of children must be at or below the tenth percentile on a standardised test.
There are no reliable estimates or definitions of what constitutes a moderate literacy difficulty at primary level. At second level, the programme for international student achievement, PISA, survey of 15 year olds conducted in 2000 categorised achievement at five levels of proficiency. Those who had the lowest level of literacy achievement were categorised as "below level 1". In Ireland, only 3.1% of children were in this category, well below the OECD average of 6%, while 7.9% of Irish students scored at level 1, compared to an OECD average of 11.9%. Strictly speaking, one cannot extrapolate the findings of the PISA study to primary school children, but PISA represents the best illustration available of the distribution of literacy achievement in the school system.
I believe that literacy achievement is fundamental to a sound education and I will continue to give high priority to maintaining and improving literacy standards.
32 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of psychologists working with the National Educational Psychological Service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2894/05]
At present there are 128 psychologists working with the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS.
The last Civil Service Commission panel of 69 entry level psychologists has recently been exhausted and my Department has initiated the process to run a new recruitment competition. 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.
My Department has 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.
33 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of a new vocational school for Stranorlar in County Donegal; and the plans for the disposal of the present school building. [2984/05]
The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning.
I recently announced details of 122 major school building projects that will progress to tender and construction phase over the next 12 to 15 months under the €3.4 billion multi-annual funding secured for the years 2005 to 2009.
I am anxious to ensure that a consistent flow of projects to tender and construction can be sustained into the future. I plan to make a number of announcements in the near future in relation to the schools building and modernisation programme including details of those school projects which will further progress through the design process.
All projects in architectural planning, including the school in question, will be considered as part of this process.
34 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science her views in relation to calls for parity between pay levels for principals in primary and secondary schools; if she would welcome consideration of this matter in the context of the next round of benchmarking; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3017/05]
As part of the mid-term review of part two of Sustaining Progress, the parties to the agreement agreed that the benchmarking exercise under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness was an important initiative in developing a better system of pay determination in the public service. The parties are also agreed that the benchmarking process is an appropriate way of determining public service pay rates in the future. The issue of parity between pay levels for principals in primary and secondary schools is a matter appropriate to the benchmarking body. The benchmarking body will commence the next benchmarking review in the second half of 2005 to report in the second half of 2007.
35 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science when she expects to finalise the functions of the National Adult Literacy Council; when it will be recalled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3023/05]
The National Adult Learning Council was formed in March 2002 on an ad hoc basis with the intention that it would be established as a statutory body under section 54 of the Education Act 1998. Following the formation of the ad hoc council, concerns emerged that the functions envisaged for the council were too wide-ranging and were not sufficiently focused. Additionally, a number of developments had occurred which would impact on the work of the council, including the establishment of the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland and the Further and Higher Education and Training Awards Councils.
My Department undertook a strategic review of the role and functions of the council to address these concerns. I am awaiting proposals from my Department as to the role and functions of the council in the light of the review. I expect to be in a position to take a decision in this matter in the near future.
36 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason there are one third fewer school projects sanctioned to proceed to tender or construction this year when compared to last year; the timescale for the rollout of the projects sanctioned recently; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3016/05]
The Deputy will be aware that the recently announced 2005 school building programme provides details of 122 major school building projects countrywide which will prepare tenders and move to construction during 2005 is just the first phase of the school building programme.
Last December I outlined a new approach to the rollout of the multi-annual building programme with key changes based on the experience of the previous year, when a number of projects included in the 2004 school building programme encountered difficulties and were delayed in going to construction by some months.
This year the school authorities were immediately contacted by officials from the planning and building unit of my Department and invited to attend briefing sessions, which have already taken place. The purpose of the briefing sessions is to engage with the school authorities and to outline the steps which they must take to ensure that the projects make appropriate progress in the tender process to provide a continuous flow of projects to construction over the coming months.
This announcement is the first in a series of announcements I plan to make in the coming period on the schools building and modernisation programme that will include details of schools identified as suitable for construction under public private partnerships; an expansion of the number of schools that will be invited to deliver their building projects on the basis of devolved funding; details of schools with projects approved under the 2005 summer works scheme; schools whose projects will further progress through the design process; and schools that will be authorised to commence architectural planning.
The allocation of €270 million to primary schools and €223 million to post-primary schools represents an increase of 14% on last year.
37 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if the full statutory remit of the National Education Welfare Board is being implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2970/05]
Since its formal launch in December 2003, the aim of the National Educational Welfare Board has been to provide an intensive service to the most disadvantaged areas and most at-risk groups. Five regional teams have been established with bases in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford and staff have been deployed 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. In addition, the board will follow up on urgent cases nationally where children are not currently receiving an education.
During the summer of 2004, the board undertook a survey on the levels of school attendance for the school year 2003-04. This is the first time that data on school attendance at national level have been collected. The findings of the survey support the targeting policy followed by the board to date in appointing educational welfare officers to the areas of greatest disadvantage.
Schools are required to refer students to the board who have been absent for over 20 days cumulatively during the school year, or where a school principal wishes to express concern about the attendance pattern of a particular student. Staff of the NEWB make contact with the school to establish reasons for the absences, and what steps have been taken to date by the school to improve the child's attendance. An educational welfare officer may then contact the parent in question to advise and support the parent regarding the need for the child to attend school regularly. In RAPID designated areas, EWOs offer an intensive service to schools and parents. Outside these designated areas, the NEWB offers an urgent service where cases of chronic absenteeism are followed up in consultation with schools.
In response to a request from the board my Department approved the recruitment of an additional ten staff in November 2004 to meet identified needs. The appointment of ten extra staff to counties which up to now have not had the benefit of the presence of an EWO will enable the NEWB to extend the intensive service.
The board has also moved to provide a service to families who decide to have their children educated in places other than in recognised schools. A small number of people with the appropriate skills have been allocated to this work and a number of assessments have now taken place. The Department issued guidelines in 2003 to assist the board in meeting its responsibilities in this area. Work is also proceeding on the establishment of the register for 16 and 17 year olds who leave school to enter employment.
Guidelines were issued by the NEWB last month to all primary and post-primary schools on reporting student absences. The guidelines provide step-by-step advice on how and when school attendance returns should be made and how the new website, www.schoolreturn.ie, can be used by schools to comply with their legal obligations to report student absences to the board.
The budget which has been allocated to the National Educational Welfare Board for 2005 is €7.8 million, an increase of €1.3 million or 20% on the 2004 allocation. The percentage increase allocated to the board for 2005 is more than double that for the education Vote as a whole and this provision will enable the board to continue to develop its services in 2005.
38 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason over 100,000 primary school pupils are being taught in classrooms with 30 or more other pupils despite Government commitments to reduce class sizes; her proposals to implement this policy; if attempts are being made to ensure that available, but unemployed, fully qualified teachers are allocated to schools with large class sizes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3006/05]
Significant improvements have been made in the pupil-teacher ratio at primary level in recent years. The ratio has fallen from 22.2:1 in the 1996-97 school year to 17.44:1 in the 2003-04 school year.
Arising from these improvements, class sizes have reduced in the same period. The overall maximum class size in primary schools by reference to the staffing schedule has been reduced from 35 to 29.
In line with the commitment in the programme for Government, class sizes will be reduced still further. This, however, can only be done on a phased basis having regard to the available resources and subject to spending priorities within the education sector. The timing and manner in which the target set out in the programme for Government can be met is being examined by my Department in consultation with the education partners. Additional posts will continue to be provided. The deployment of these posts will be decided within the context of the overall policy that priority will be given to pupils with special needs, those from disadvantaged areas and junior classes.
The recruitment and appointment of teachers to fill vacancies in an individual school is a matter for the board of management of the school concerned. Boards of management must make every effort, including advertising in a national newspaper, to obtain the services of a qualified teacher for appointment to a temporary or permanent post.
39 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science her proposals for dealing with the funding difficulties in the third level education sector; if her attention has been drawn to the significant funding problems in the sector at present; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3005/05]
54 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on a warning from the Higher Education Authority that universities face a serious shortfall in their State grants this year; if she is satisfied that State support in this respect is adequate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3019/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 54 together.
An amount of €671 million has been allocated to the university sector for 2005. This is an increase of over €40 million or approximately 6.5% on the 2004 provision for the sector. The overall funding, capital and current, for the third level sector which I secured in the 2005 Estimates will stand at some €1.58 billion. The additional funding being provided in 2005 marks a return to the significant upward trend in recurrent funding for the sector and will assist in meeting pay and other cost pressures. I have no plans to provide further additional funding to the sector this year.
The OECD review of Irish higher education highlighted the key role of the sector for our future social and economic development. This echoes the report of the Government enterprise strategy group, which states that Ireland's economic development, and the social dividends that flow from that, will depend to a large degree on knowledge and innovation. Supporting our higher education institutions in playing that central role is a major policy priority for the Government.
The OECD report also identifies the need to align funding allocations with the achievement of national and sectoral objectives. I support that principle. A number of institutions are embarking on far-reaching programmes of internal restructuring and reform. Some are further down that road than others. These efforts are crucial to ensuring that, collectively, we can develop the capacity to meet the wider challenges that we face. I want to ensure that funding allocation decisions for the coming years will support and promote our wider strategic objectives.
The Deputies will also note that I announced a 35% increase in research funding as part of the 2005 Estimates. This is evidence of my personal, and indeed the Government's, commitment to research programmes, which play a vital role in developing world-class capabilities in research and innovation and give the higher education institutions the necessary resources to meet the challenges of the knowledge society in Ireland.
41 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children who fail to transfer from primary to secondary education for each of the most recent five years for which statistics are available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2897/05]
The specific information requested by the Deputy is not available at present.
However, the National Economic and Social Forum report of 2002 on early school leaving cited, as a broad estimate, that around 1,000 children do not transfer from primary to post-primary on an annual basis. There is some doubt attached to this estimated figure of 1,000, which may be an over-statement of the true position at this stage.
My Department is currently completing analysis work on the development of a primary pupils database, which will facilitate the collation of much more accurate and comprehensive data on transfer rates in the future.
My Department operates a number of programmes at both primary and post-primary level to tackle the problem of early school leaving.
The Giving Children an Even Break programme provides additional financial and teaching supports for children in primary schools from disadvantaged backgrounds who are most at risk of educational disadvantage and early school leaving.
A key role in this regard is also played by the home-school-community liaison, HSCL, scheme, which was extended to each of the 312 designated disadvantaged primary schools in the country. This scheme helps parents to develop their skills as the primary educators of their children and also addresses issues in the community impinging on learning and educational participation.
The school completion programme has been implemented to directly target those in danger of dropping out of the education system and 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 educational disadvantage, involving 82 projects — 300 primary and 112 post-primary schools — parents, communities and relevant statutory and voluntary agencies. It entails targeting individual young people of school going age, both in and out of school, and arranging supports to address inequalities in education access, participation and outcomes. Some €24 million has been allocated to the programme in 2005.
Both the HSCL scheme and all 82 school completion programme projects operate transfer programmes which are very important in assisting pupils in making the transition from primary to post-primary level.
The Education Welfare Act 2000 and the establishment of the National Educational Welfare Board provide a comprehensive framework for promoting regular school attendance and tackling the problems of absenteeism and early school leaving. To discharge its responsibilities, the board is developing a nationwide service to provide welfare-focused services to children, families and schools.
Additional funding provided in 2005 to alleviate disadvantage will support the further development of measures to address early school leaving.
42 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on the proposals in a recent report, Achieving Equity of Access to Higher Education in Ireland, that higher education institutes should have to prove the success of their access programmes for disadvantaged students before being allocated specific funding from the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3007/05]
On 6 December last the Higher Education Authority published a national action plan 2005-06 for achieving equity of access to higher education. This plan was developed by the national office of the HEA, with the assistance of an advisory group representative of learners, education partners and social partners, as well as through a process of broader consultation.
The action plan identifies key goals and action points over the next three years to achieve equity of access to higher education for groups currently under-represented in the sector, such as persons with a disability, socio-economically disadvantaged school-leavers, mature students and members of the travelling community and ethnic minority groups.
A priority area for action in the plan is evaluation of access programmes which have been established in higher education institutions to ascertain what strategies and partnerships work best in achieving equity of access to higher education. Building upon this work, the national office will develop and support the implementation of a national framework of access policies and initiatives for each of the above target groups. This will include arrangements so that all disadvantaged regions, schools and communities are linked to access activities and programmes in at least one higher education institution in their region.
Quantitative and qualitative targets and indicators of progress for access programmes and activities in higher education institutions will also be developed and agreed with stakeholders so that the basis on which financial resources are allocated is clear and coherent. These indicators will also enable effective evaluation and monitoring of progress.
43 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to review Department circular SPED09/04; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2987/05]
The proposed new system of teacher allocation involves a general allocation to all primary schools to cater for pupils with higher-incidence special educational needs, that is, pupils with borderline mild and mild general learning disability and specific learning disability. The allocation is also intended to support those with learning support needs, that is, those functioning at or below the tenth percentile on a standardised test of reading and-or mathematics. This approach to allocating resources for special educational needs is substantively in line with current thinking in many European countries. An additional 350 teacher posts are being provided to facilitate the introduction of the new system.
I should emphasise that individual applications may continue to be made for specific resource teacher allocations in respect of pupils with lower-incidence special educational needs.
I am conscious of difficulties that could arise in relation to the proposed model, particularly for children in small and rural schools, if it were implemented as currently proposed. Accordingly, I am having the proposed model reviewed to ensure that it provides an automatic response for pupils with common mild learning disabilities, without the need for cumbersome individual applications, while at the same time ensuring that pupils currently in receipt of service continue to receive a level of service appropriate to their needs. The review involves consultation with representative interests and the National Council for Special Education before it is implemented in the next school year. Circular SP ED 09/04 will be considered in the context of the review.
44 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if studies have been carried out by her Department, nationally or internationally, on the independent learning capabilities of teenage boys and teenage girls, relative to one another and in general terms; if any reports would influence policy decisions on continuous assessment at senior cycle level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3056/05]
There are multiple factors which contribute to differential performance between males and females in examinations. These include teaching and learning approaches, school culture and classroom organisation, teacher expectations, student attitudes and behaviour, later maturation of boys, parental expectations, decisions regarding subject choice and levels of courses along with the format and style of questioning in the examinations. In particular, it is evident that more boys than girls are entered for foundation and ordinary levels of the junior certificate and this is likely to impact on performance and choice in senior cycle. The patterns of differences in performance of boys and girls in the leaving certificate examinations reflect those found in education systems internationally.
The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, NCCA, has published a research report entitled Examining Gender — Gender and Achievement in the Junior and Leaving Certificate Examination Systems 2000/2001 in June 2003. The report claims that tiered entry systems, for example, foundation, ordinary and higher levels, can significantly interact with gender, and it points to international evidence that more boys than girls tend to be entered on lower levels courses. The study examined such issues as the syllabus content, the selection of content for assessment and the format of examination papers for junior and leaving certificate English and mathematics, junior certificate science and leaving certificate physics. None of the syllabi or areas of content chosen was seen to give undue advantage to either sex.
Communicative styles which are narrative, discursive, involve the use of own experience, imaginative and personal processes, or collaborative based approaches, along with subjects which involve a high degree of recall were found to favour girls who tend to be better organised and better prepared. Communicative approaches which are concise, deductive, functional, argumentative and non-collaborative were found to favour boys, with males coping better with novel or unfamiliar items.
In addition, the Economic and Social Research Institute is carrying out extensive longitudinal research for the NCCA on the progress of a cohort of students as they make the transition from primary to second level and progress through junior cycle. This is providing important information on the factors which are considered to have significant influence on student performance such as pupil and teacher expectations and school practice in the content of curriculum on offer to students. Feedback from the study is being disseminated to schools by the NCCA and the initial report, Moving Up — The Experiences of First Year Students in Post Primary Education, was published in 2004.
These issues raised in the above mentioned ongoing research are being considered by the NCCA as part of its programme of ongoing curricular review, and in the context of the proposals for reform of the senior cycle. The State Examinations Commission is also considering the research outcomes that are applicable to the running of the certificate examinations. My Department is committed to providing the highest possible educational opportunities for boys and girls alike and to meeting their differing needs to the fullest extent.
In terms of international studies, the OECD PISA 2003 results set out the performance of 15 year olds across 40 countries in the domains of mathematics, reading literacy, science literacy and problem solving. The study found that females have significantly higher average performance in reading in all countries except Liechtenstein, with an average OECD gender gap of 34 score points. In science, the OECD average difference was six score points in favour of males. In mathematics, while overall the gender gaps are small, Iceland was the only OECD country where females consistently perform better than males.
45 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the introduction of standardised testing in primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3003/05]
49 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science if she intends to introduce a system of standardised testing at primary level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2896/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 49 together.
I have made no decision on the systematisation of testing in primary schools. In response to a request from my predecessor, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, NCCA, is currently preparing advice on issues relating to standardised testing for pupils during their compulsory schooling. It is my intention to defer decisions until I am fully informed regarding the potential and the limitations of standardised testing and until I have explored the range of options available. The advice of the NCCA, which I expect to receive before Easter, will help to shape my thinking. I understand that the formulation of the NCCA advice is at an advanced stage.
My approach will be to weigh the benefits to pupils, parents, schools and the system against the costs in terms of the inputs required and the consequences that are likely to result. This will involve consultation as well as intensive listening and reflection on my part.
I believe that there is widespread acceptance of the value of standardised tests, as one of a range of modes of assessment, to help teachers make more informed decisions in relation to the instruction of pupils, to inform parents of pupils' progress and to provide information relevant to the identification of pupils that may require additional support.
The fact that more than 95% of our primary schools use standardised tests is testimony to the value that our teachers ascribe to them. In the light of this, it seems desirable that all pupils, and their parents, would have the same entitlement to avail of standardised tests and to derive the benefit of the judicious use of their results.
In addition, tests can provide valuable information for teachers, principals and boards of management when engaging in a self-evaluation process. There is also a clear need to develop systems that will provide my Department with more regular information regarding pupils' progress and the standards they are achieving.
Notwithstanding the benefits of standardised testing that I have just outlined, I can understand how any move to systematise their use can give rise to fears and concerns. At this stage I can give my assurance that there will be no question of requiring all pupils in certain classes to take a standardised test on one day. I can also say that it is not my Department's intention to use the results of standardised tests as a stand-alone criterion to determine the allocation of resources to individual pupils and individual schools or as a stand-alone criterion to measure the effectiveness of individual teachers and schools or to compile school league tables.
Rather, the intention is to develop a considered and balanced policy in relation to standardised testing. I believe that it should contribute to the current information deficit in relation to the quality of the education system and also support teachers, parents and schools in their efforts to make pupils' learning experiences as fruitful and as beneficial to their individual needs as possible.
46 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science when she will publish her Department’s proposals for the alleviation of educational disadvantage; the action she intends to take on foot of the recommendations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2992/05]
183 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will target extra resources to the schools in disadvantaged areas, in which 60,000 children live in poverty, and put a comprehensive strategy and action plan together on this issue. [3229/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 46 and 183 together.
An overall review of educational disadvantage programmes is currently being finalised by my Department. The purpose of this is to put in place a new action plan which will build on what has been achieved to date, adopt a more systematic, targeted and integrated approach and strengthen the capacity of the system to meet the educational needs of disadvantaged children and young people.
My priorities for tackling educational disadvantage in the context of the new action plan, will include putting in place a more structured system for identifying and regularly reviewing levels of disadvantage and targeting supports accordingly; placing a strong emphasis on early intervention; tackling problems in literacy, numeracy and early school leaving; strengthening administrative, planning and professional development supports for schools serving disadvantaged communities; adopting a more integrated approach to delivery of supports both within the education sector and on a cross-sectoral basis; increasing partnership between schools, homes and the wider community, including the business community; and strengthened arrangements in regard to research and measurement of progress and outcomes from educational inclusion measures.
My Department provided some €540 million in 2004 for programmes specifically designed to tackle educational disadvantage in accordance with the strategies outlined in the national action plan against poverty and social exclusion and Sustaining Progress. Very significant additional funding is being provided to alleviate disadvantage in 2005. This additional funding will allow for targeting of measures from pre-school through the school system to third-level, second-chance education and adult literacy.
47 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to review the level of State support to private fee-paying schools; the amount paid by her Department on salaries of teachers in fee-paying schools and other spending in 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2998/05]
The payment of teacher salaries is part of a complex scheme of funding for fee-charging schools, which has traditionally sought to balance considerations of equity, pragmatism and State support for minority religions. Teachers in fee-charging schools, irrespective of the denominational ethos of the school, are paid by the State. This may well reflect a long standing pragmatism that the State would be required to provide teachers for the pupils in question were they located within the free education scheme.
There are 58 fee-charging second level schools in the country; of which one is Jewish, 21 Protestant, two inter-denominational and the balance Catholic. The Protestant and Jewish schools receive funding by way of a block grant, which has its origins in the desire of the State to enable students of the Protestant and Jewish persuasion to attend schools which reflect their denominational ethos. The block grant includes payments in respect of capitation and these schools also qualify for payment of such grants as the transition year support grant and secretarial and caretaking grants. Fee-charging schools not embraced by the block grant do not qualify for payment of capitation or related supports.
Financial support provided to fee-charging voluntary secondary schools in 2003-04 school year amounted to some €86 million. Of this sum, some 90%, or €78 million, related to salaries and allowances of teachers. The balance includes the Protestant block grant, funding towards support services such as secretarial and caretaking services and miscellaneous grants.
I have no plans to withdraw State support for the payment of teachers in fee-charging schools. This support has been a long standing feature of our education system and one continued by successive Governments.
48 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the resources to be made available to provide proper science laboratories and further upgrading to a school (details supplied) in County Cork; her further plans in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3028/05]
The extension and refurbishment project at the school to which the Deputy refers has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria, which was revised following consultation with the Education partners. It is being considered in the context of the building programme.
The Deputy will be aware that I recently announced the first phase of the 2005 school building programme, which provided details of 122 major school building projects countrywide which will prepare tenders and move to construction during 2005.
This announcement is the first in a series of announcements I plan to make in the coming period in the schools building and modernisation programme that will include details of schools identified as suitable for construction under public private partnerships; an expansion of the number of schools that will be invited to deliver their building projects on the basis of devolved funding; details of schools with projects approved under the 2005 summer works scheme; schools whose projects will further progress through the design process; and schools that will be authorised to commence architectural planning.
50 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals for reform of the leaving certificate examination; if she has had discussions with the teachers organisations in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2991/05]
The NCCA proposals set out a vision for the type of school system which might exist by 2010. The proposals envisage a re-structured senior cycle curriculum consisting of transition units, short courses and subjects. The option of a two or three year cycle would be retained and the leaving certificate applied programme would continue as a discrete programme. All pupils, including LCA pupils, would follow at least one transition unit and many pupils would take a greater number.
The proposals provide also for an increased emphasis on a wider range of modes of assessment such as practical-portfolio-project work and continuous assessment, with assessment events spread out during courses of study and available at a number of points during the two or three year cycle.
Initial advice on the reforms was submitted by the NCCA to my Department in June 2004, and it indicated that a further advice would be submitted early in 2005 setting out the configuration of subjects, short courses and options, and the assessment and implementation implications of the proposals. That second advice, which will enable the Department to assess the resource and operational implications of the proposals, has not yet been received.
I have not had discussions with the teacher organisations about the proposals. The teacher unions are of course among the partners represented on the NCCA. I look forward to receiving the final submission from the NCCA which is expected after Easter.
51 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science the modifications or changes that she will make to the planned introduction of a weighted system of allocation of resources to children with special educational needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2968/05]
The proposed new system of teacher allocation involves a general allocation to all primary schools to cater for pupils with higher-incidence SEN, that is, pupils with borderline mild and mild general learning disability and specific learning disability. The allocation is also intended to support those with learning support needs, that is, those functioning at or below the tenth percentile on a standardised test of reading and-or mathematics. An additional 350 teacher posts are being provided to facilitate the introduction of the new system.
I should emphasise that individual applications may continue to be made for specific resource teacher allocations in respect of pupils with lower-incidence SEN.
I am conscious of difficulties that could arise in relation to the proposed model, particularly for children in small and rural schools, if it were implemented as currently proposed. Accordingly, I am having the proposed model reviewed to ensure that it provides an automatic response for pupils with common mild learning disabilities, without the need for cumbersome individual applications, while at the same time ensuring that pupils currently in receipt of service continue to receive a level of service appropriate to their needs. The review will involve consultation with representative interests and the National Council for Special Education before it is implemented in the next school year.
52 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made on the implementation of the recommendations of the task force on autism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2902/05]
At the outset, I want to say that the recommendations of the task force in question provide a valuable basis for the development of educational services and supports for persons with autism. However, in responding to the recommendations, my Department has had to give priority to a number of key areas before detailed individual recommendations can be addressed. These key areas involve the implementation of the core legislative and structural measures required to underpin service development and delivery. This approach is critical to the implementation of many of the individual recommendations of the task force.
With regard to legislation, the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 has now been enacted while, on the structural front, the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, has been established on a statutory basis. While these developments represent significant progress, a considerable amount of additional input is required before these measures can begin to have a positive impact on services for children with special educational needs, SEN, including those with autism.
Over the course of the coming months, I expect that significant progress will be made in this regard. Specifically, consideration will be given to the detailed measures required to enable the Act to be commenced. In that regard I wish to inform the Deputy that the NCSE has now assumed operational status.
I am satisfied that the establishment of the NCSE will greatly enhance the provision of services to children with SEN, including those with autism and result in a timely response to schools who have made application for SEN supports. The local service delivery aspect of the council's operation will be the responsibility of special educational needs organisers, SENOs. Up to 70 SENOs have been employed, all of whom have a qualification and previous work experience relating to service delivery to children with disabilities. The SENOs will be responsible for co-ordinating and facilitating delivery of educational services to children with disabilities at local level. In particular, the SENOs will be a focal point of contact for parents-guardians and schools, and will process applications for resources for children with disabilities who have special educational needs. This will also involve regular and detailed engagement with organisations such as health authorities, the Department, including administrative divisions, the inspectorate and the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS.
My Department is continuing to develop the network of special educational provision for children with autism. The extent of progress can be measured from the fact that, since 1998, when autism was first recognised as a distinct special educational need, the number of dedicated facilities that have been developed include nine pre-school classes for children with autism; 140 special classes for children with autism attached to special schools and mainstream schools; five special classes for children with Asperger's syndrome; and eight autism facilities, some of which are providing an applied behavioural analysis model, ABA, of response to children with autism Another major landmark in the development of autism specific services was the joint launch last month by my predecessor and the Minister with responsibility for Education in Northern Ireland of the Middletown Centre for Autism. This marked the successful completion of the purchase of the former St. Joseph's Adolescent Centre, Middletown on behalf of the Department of Education in the North and the Department of Education and Science in the South. Both Departments plan to refurbish the property to meet the needs of a centre of excellence for children and young people with autism throughout the island of Ireland. The centre will be dedicated to improving and enriching the educational opportunities of children and young people with autistic spectrum disorders.
Four key services will be provided by the centre: a learning support service, on a residential basis; an educational assessment service; a training and advisory service; and an autism research and information service.
I believe that the steps taken in recent years and those currently in hand represent significant progress in the development of services for children with autism. However, I fully recognise that further progress is required and my Department in consultation with parents and existing service providers will seek to ensure that the recent rate of development is maintained.
I will continue to address many of the recommendations of the task force in consultation with the council and other interested parties.
53 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the increasing demand for places at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and her proposals to facilitate this demand. [3035/05]
An application for temporary accommodation to facilitate increasing enrolments has been received from the school authority to which the Deputy refers. All applications for temporary accommodation for the 2005-06 school year are currently being assessed in the school planning section of my Department. I intend to publish a list of the successful applicants shortly.
55 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will report on the vetting procedures in place in all schools; the persons to whom such procedures apply; the numbers being vetted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2900/05]
58 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science if legislation is being prepared to place vetting at all schools on a statutory basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2947/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 55 and 58 together.
The central vetting unit run by the Garda Síochána is responsible for vetting requests in relation to prospective employees of designated agencies who would have substantial unsupervised access to children and vulnerable adults. The designated agencies comprise over 900 organisations. In the education sector, vetting is available in respect of prospective employees of children detention schools as well as special needs assistants and bus escorts to children with special needs. The vetting unit would have information on the numbers being vetted.
A cross-governmental working group, established to put forward proposals for reform of vetting by the central vetting unit, has recommended the expansion of its services to include all people working with children and vulnerable adults. To this end, the Minister of State with responsibility for children, Deputy Brian Lenihan, has announced a major increase in the resources to be provided to the Garda vetting unit to improve the level of vetting available to employers who employ people to work with children and vulnerable adults. The initiative includes the more than doubling of staff resources for the unit. My colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, has appointed an implementation committee to give effect to the group's recommendations. The introduction of legislation to ensure the maintenance of a national criminal records system within the Garda Síochána is being examined in this context.
In the context of non-Garda vetting, relating to employment history rather than criminal records, the working group also recommended that the Departments of Education and Science and Health and Children explore the possibility of developing an employment history register, similar to the PECS system in Northern Ireland. The two Departments are in contact on this issue.
The teaching council also has a role here. When it is established, the council will provide the teaching profession, both primary and post-primary, with the means to self-regulate and its functions will include maintaining a register of teachers and if necessary removing the names of those shown to be unfit to teach, including those unfit to teach by reason of the fact that they pose a threat to children.
56 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of Traveller children currently availing of the Traveller resource teacher programme and visiting teachers travelling children scheme; the number of teachers employed under this scheme; the number of students from the Traveller community who have completed the junior certificate and the leaving certificate respectively in the years 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004; her further plans to improve the service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3029/05]
It is the Government's policy that, in as far as is possible, Traveller children should participate in mainstream education in age-appropriate classes and in an integrated setting.
In order to ensure that this policy translates into practice, my Department provides a range of supports. A total of 519 resource teacher posts have been sanctioned in primary schools. A resource teacher post is sanctioned where schools have a minimum enrolment of 14 Traveller pupils. Additional teaching hours are sanctioned in respect of Traveller children enrolled in post-primary schools.
My Department employs a national education officer for Travellers and funds a visiting teacher service for Travellers. There are currently 40 teacher posts in the visiting teachers service and they provide advice and support to schools and to Traveller families. While the visiting teacher service is available to all Traveller children, a precise figure on the number of Traveller children who access this service is not available.
A major focus of the work of the visiting teacher service is encouraging greater participation in education by Traveller children both in terms of achieving regular attendance and of retention in full-time education.
While specific information on the number of Traveller students who sat the junior and leaving certificate examinations in each of the years 2000-04 is not available, the following estimates of the numbers of Traveller students in junior and leaving certificate exam classes in each of the relevant years were prepared by the visiting teacher service, some of these students may not have gone on to sit the examination.
|
99/00 |
00/01 |
01/02 |
02/03 |
03/04 |
|
|
3rd year |
120 |
180 |
220 |
270 |
340 |
|
6th year |
20 |
40 |
50 |
60 |
60 |
A new five-year strategy for Traveller education is currently being developed with the assistance of both the statutory educational disadvantage committee and the advisory committee on Traveller education. The purpose of this exercise is to review and evaluate existing activities, the wide range of inputs, the quality of outcomes and the experience of Traveller learners within the education system. The strategy will provide recommendations on the way forward in relation to Traveller education.
57 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has made a submission to the EU on-line consultation concerning the future community action programme to promote active citizenship. [1513/05]
Regarding the on-line consultation on the future programme for active European citizenship referred to by the Deputy, the focus of this consultation is for local authorities, non-governmental organisations and also for individual citizens. Organisations and citizens can participate in the consultation process by visiting the European Union website at www.europa.eu.int.
59 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the nature of the school bus network review as reported in the national media, which is leading to amalgamations of routes across the State; if this is a nationwide review dealing with catchment areas and boundaries, the first since 1969 as this Deputy highlighted in 2004; if it is simply tinkering with the system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3057/05]
Bus Éireann provides school transport services on behalf of my Department in the most efficient manner possible, within the criteria laid down by my Department.
The cost of school transport, including the cost of transport for children with special educational needs, has risen substantially, while the overall number of pupils carried has decreased by about 14% since 1997. Consequently, Bus Éireann has undertaken an exercise nationally, in conjunction with my Department, to review the school transport services network within the existing catchment areas.
The level of service will continue to be provided within the guidelines laid down under the school transport scheme and these services will be kept under review with a view to achieving further efficiencies.
60 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science her proposals for the establishment of a new statutory body to attract overseas students to Ireland; when such a body is likely to be set up; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3010/05]
187 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science , further to Question No. 316 of 5 October 2004, the progress to date by the working group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3248/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 60 and 187 together.
The recently published internationalisation of Irish education services report by the internationalisation working group recommended the establishment of a new statutory body called "Education Ireland" to attract overseas students to Ireland.
This new body's functions will include co-ordinating policy development, providing strategic plans, awarding the new "Education Ireland" quality mark, developing a code of conduct for pastoral care and assuming responsibility for the certification of English language schools.
My Department is currently engaging in a consultation process with the main stakeholders in the sector with a view to informing the implementation process and the preparation of the necessary legislation to establish Education Ireland. My Department will also consider the scope for implementing recommendations in the report on an administrative basis in advance of legislation.
61 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the position with regard to the allocation of a position for PLC courses within the new ten-level qualifications network; if her attention has been drawn to the criticisms of the recent conclusion of FETAC on this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3001/05]
The placement of existing awards in the national framework of qualifications is a matter for decision by the Further Education and Training Awards Council with the agreement of the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland. I am satisfied that the placement at levels five and six of the new framework of PLC programmes which were certified previously by the National Council for Vocational Awards at levels two and three, respectively, is appropriate.
62 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of new schools which will be built in 2005; and the location of same. [3033/05]
I have recently announced details of 122 major school building projects that will progress to tender and construction over the next 12 to 15 months. Some 23 of these projects are new schools, of which three are post-primary and 20 are primary schools.
The post-primary schools are Gaelcholáiste Cheatharlach in Carlow town, Coláiste Phobail Cholmcille in Baile Úr, Oileán Thoraí, County Donegal and Ballinteer Community School in Ballinteer, Dublin 16.
The primary schools are St. Clare's NS in Ballyjamesduff, County Cavan, SN Naomh Colmchille in Killmacrennan, County Donegal, St. Laurence O'Toole Special School in Seville Place, Dublin 1, Rutland Street NS in Dublin 1, Castleknock Educate Together NS in Beechpark, Castleknock, Dublin 15, Iomair NS in Killimor, County Galway, Scoil Chroí Ró Naofa in Clones, County Monaghan, Baile Coiréil NS in Coralstown, County Westmeath, Loch an Ghair NS in Mullingar, County Westmeath, Clarecastle BNS in Clare, St. Brigid's Convent NS in The Coombe, Dublin 8, Monkstown Educate Together NS, Rathmore NS in Kerry, Scoil Uí Riada in Kilcock, County Kildare, SN Tobair Mhuire Bhuac in Thomastown, County Kilkenny, Dromtrasna NS in Abbeyfeale, County Limerick, Gaelscoil Durlas Eile in Tipperary, Blessington 1 NS in Wicklow, St. Catherine's Special School in Newcastle, County Wicklow, and SN Mhuire Senior School in Blessington, County Wicklow.
In addition, as part of the 2004 school building programme, construction is well under way at 28 new schools, with a further ten schools to proceed as early as possible in 2005.
The post-primary schools are Cavan College of Further Studies in Cavan, Youghal Community School in Cork, Magh Ene College in Bundoran, County Donegal, Loreto Community School in Milford, County Donegal, Muckross Park College in Donnybrook, Dublin 4, Coláiste Bríde in Clondalkin, Dublin 22, Coláiste Cois Life in Lucan, County Dublin, post-primary school in Dublin 15, Malahide Community School Dublin, Glenamaddy Community School in Galway, Meánscoil An Leith Triúigh Tralee in Kerry, Dingle Community School in Kerry, Port Laoise Vocational School in Laois, Mohill Community College in Leitrim, St. Nessan's Community College in Limerick, and Ratoath Community College in Meath.
The primary schools are SN Eoghan Uí Thuairisc in Carlow, SN Naomh Séamuis Durrus in Cork, Ballyboghill NS in Dublin, Gaelscoil Mide Kilbarrack in Dublin, Archbishop Ryan in Lucan, County Dublin, Cherry Orchard NS in Dublin, St. Patrick's NS in Diswellstown Dublin 15, Mary Mother of Hope NS in Castaheany, Dublin 15, Griffeen Valley Educate Together in Lucan, County Dublin, SN Uí Cheithearnaigh in Ballinasloe, County Galway, Rathmore NS in Naas, County Kildare, Naas NS in Kildare, Rosenallis NS in Laois, Gaelscoil Ó Doghair in Newcastlewest, County Limerick, SN Naomh Treasa Clontumpher in Longford, Ratoath Mixed NS in Ratoath, County Meath, Knockconnon NS in Emyvale, County Monaghan, Charleville NS in Tullamore, County Offaly, Ballykilmurry NS in Tullamore, County Offaly, Annacarthy NS in Tipperary, Gaelscoil Thiobraid Árann in Tipperary, and Gaelscoil Loch Garman in Wexford.
63 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science her proposals to address the growing problem of indiscipline in schools; her views on the threat of strike action from secondary school teachers if this matter is not dealt with; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3013/05]
My Department has provided guidelines to boards of management to assist them in discharging their obligations in the area of school discipline. These guidelines, which issued in 1991, were drawn up following consultation with representatives of management, teachers and parents, and are sufficiently flexible to allow each school authority to adapt them to suit the particular needs of the school.
Each board of management is responsible for formulating, in consultation with parents, a fair and efficient code of behaviour. This code should ensure that the individuality of each child is accommodated while acknowledging the right of each child to education in a relatively disruption-free environment. The code should also include provision for dealing with serious breaches of discipline and continuously disruptive pupils.
I recently established a task force to consider and report on the issue of student behaviour in second level schools. The task force is chaired by Dr. Maeve Martin of the National University of Ireland, Maynooth.
I want the work of this task force to provide a solid foundation for developing policies and best practice in our schools into the future. I expect that the task force will link closely to a wide range of interests across our education system on this very important issue.
A consultative group will also be formed, comprising all the partners in education and allowing for their input to the deliberations of the task force. In addition, I asked that the task force would constitute fora of teachers, parents and students with a view to testing emerging ideas and proposals.
The terms of reference of the task force are to examine the issue of disruptive student behaviour as it impacts upon teaching and learning; to consider the effectiveness of strategies at present employed to address it; to advise on existing best practice, both nationally and internationally, in fostering positive student behaviour in schools and classrooms; and to make recommendations on how best to promote an improved climate for teaching and learning in classroom and schools.
In recent days the task force has advertised in the national press inviting submissions from interested individuals and organisations.
I have asked the task force to make recommendations by June 2005 and complete its work by the end of 2005. However, it may produce interim reports to highlight various issues of analysis and research.
As the Deputy can see, the matter is being comprehensively addressed in a way which will take into account the concerns of teachers, parents and students themselves. I am confident therefore that the question of industrial action will not arise in this context.
64 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science the actions her Department intends to take as a result of the YES process carried out by her predecessor; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3022/05]
The consultation phase of the YES process is drawing to a close.
Details of what has taken place to date can be found on the website, www.youreducation.ie. Items posted on the website include reports on meetings held, comments submitted by the general public, some longer papers submitted by various organisations and individuals, in addition to a report on the attitudinal survey.
When the consultation phase is complete the secretariat of the process will report on it, drawing together all of the material that has been gathered throughout the consultation phase. This overall report on the process will provide a snapshot of what people in Ireland want from their education system and will be a valuable resource for those of us planning policy for the future.
65 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which she expects to meet the special needs teaching request as set out by the various school authorities at primary and second level throughout the country in 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2989/05]
Every effort is made to ensure that children with special educational needs, receive an education appropriate to their needs. Decisions regarding the most appropriate model of response in each particular case are based on the professionally-assessed needs of the individual child.
Children who have been assessed as having special educational needs have access to a range of special support services. The services range from special schools dedicated to particular disability groups, through special classes-units attached to ordinary schools, to placement on an integrated basis in ordinary schools, with special back-up supports.
My Department's policy is to ensure the maximum possible integration of children with special educational needs into ordinary mainstream schools. Many children with such needs are capable of attending mainstream schools on a fully integrated basis with the support, where necessary, of special resource teachers and-or special needs assistants.
Children with more severe disabilities are catered for in special schools which are dedicated to particular disability groups. There are 107 special schools in the country at present. These schools cater for children from four to 18 years of age and each school enjoys a significantly reduced pupil-teacher ratio and other staffing supports. Additional special needs assistant support is provided if deemed necessary. Special schools also receive increased rates of capitation funding.
Where placement in a special school is not considered necessary, children with special educational needs can attend special classes attached to ordinary mainstream schools. All special classes enjoy the same increased levels of staffing and funding as are made available to the special schools. Children with special educational needs attending special classes attached to ordinary schools may, where appropriate, be integrated into ordinary classes for periods of the school day and, in that way, benefit from being able to socialise with their non-disabled peers.
While children are awaiting a suitable educational placement, my Department may sanction home tuition as an interim measure, if appropriate.
The following dedicated resources are now deployed to support children with special educational needs in the primary system: more than 2,600 resource teachers — up from 104 in 1998; more than 1,500 learning support teachers — up from 1,302 in 1998; more than 1,000 teachers in special schools; more than 600 teachers in special classes; more than 5,000 special needs assistants — up from 300 in 1998; more than €30 million on school transport for special needs pupils; and more than €3 million towards specialised equipment and materials — up from €0.8million in 1998.
To appreciate the scale of improvement in the provision of resources to primary schools for special needs, it is worth reflecting on the fact that, at approximately 10,700, the number of adults providing services to children with special educational needs in primary schools today equates to more than half of the 21,100 primary teaching force in 1998.
The level of resources being made available by my Department to support students with special educational needs in the second level system has also grown significantly in recent years. In the current school year to date, my Department has allocated approximately 1,386 whole-time equivalent teachers and approximately 626 special needs assistants to second level schools and VECs to cater for the special educational needs of students at second level. This represents an increase of approximately 280 resource teacher posts and approximately 160 special needs assistant posts on the previous school year.
The Deputy will be aware that with effect from 1 January 2005 the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, has taken over responsibility for processing resource applications for children with disabilities who have special educational needs and in particular it is responsible for the following: deciding on applications for resource teaching hours in respect of children with low incidence disabilities with special educational needs at primary level; deciding on applications for additional teaching support in respect of children with disabilities with special educational needs at second level; and deciding on applications for special needs assistant, SNA, hours.
Under the new arrangements, the council, through the local special educational needs organiser, SENO, will process the relevant application for resources at primary and post-primary level and inform the school of the outcome. It is important to note that in the case of decisions on resource teaching and SNAs, the SENO will outline the process to the school and parents, where appropriate, and will at the end of the process outline the basis on which the decision was made.
I am confident that the advent of the NCSE will prove of major benefit in ensuring that all children with special educational needs receive the support they require when and where they require it.
My Department has recently issued a circular and letter advising the authorities of primary and post-primary schools, respectively, of the arrangements put in place as a result of the transfer of these functions to the NCSE.
66 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on the recent research contained in Primary Voices published by the IPA which found high levels of racism and stereotyping in primary school playgrounds; if she has satisfied herself that multiculturalism is sufficiently promoted in primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3000/05]
My Department's approach to the increasing diversity of Irish society, as reflected in the school population, has been, and continues to be, an intercultural approach, promoting mutual respect, dialogue and collaboration within the whole school community, and promoting anti-racism as an integral part of this approach.
The new curricula at primary and post-primary levels provide ample opportunity to extend students' awareness of the wider world and to learn about the lives and histories of people in other countries, and of their contributions to art and science.
In addition to the whole school intercultural approach, my Department has been providing resources to support English language acquisition by non-national children who have needs in this area and who are enrolled in primary and post-primary schools. The aim of language support is to ensure that each child has sufficient language skills not only to benefit from but also to contribute to the educational activities taking place in the school.
The social, personal and health education programmes at primary and post-primary levels, are designed to prepare students for participatory citizenship and to develop the skills of critical appraisal and decision-making based on human rights and social responsibilities. They also promote a respect for human dignity, tolerance for the values and beliefs of others, and a celebration of diversity. Their format allows scope for teachers to deal with issues such as gender equity, racism and xenophobia, interculturalism and development education. In addition, many schools address the issue of racism in their religious education programmes.
A range of additional resources and information materials have been made available for schools including videos, resource packs and guidelines for teachers. In addition, following a national consultation process, a report on anti-racism and interculturalism in the education sector has been made available on the Department's website at www.education.ie. Actions in this area are supplemented by working groups, research reports, and seminars organised by various educational interests, including the management bodies and teacher unions.
My Department is supporting the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, NCCA, in producing guidelines on intercultural education and the curriculum for schools and teachers. These guidelines aim to mainstream intercultural education across all aspects of the curriculum, discussing diversity within Irish society, racism in attitude and practice and providing practical examples of how to develop an intercultural perspective across each area of the curriculum. The publication of the guidelines should ensure an increase in awareness of the issues around our multi-ethnic society and make a significant contribution to intercultural and anti-racist education in first and second level schools throughout the country. The design company is currently working on both the Irish and English versions for completion in April. Dissemination to every school will follow thereafter.
67 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which it is expected to progress the school building and refurbishment programme at primary and second level in 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2990/05]
I recently announced details of 122 major school building projects that will progress to tender and construction over the next 12 to 15 months. My Department's building unit arranged a general information meeting for these schools to guide them through the process involved in moving projects to tender and construction. The meetings took place on 31 January and 1 February in Tullamore and all schools were invited to attend.
I am anxious to ensure that a consistent flow of projects to tender and construction can be sustained into the future. I plan to make a number of announcements in the near future in regard to the schools building and modernisation programme including: details of schools identified as suitable for construction under public private partnerships; an expansion of the number of schools that will be invited to deliver their building projects on the basis of devolved funding; details of schools with projects approved under the 2005 summer works scheme; schools whose projects will further progress through the design process; and schools that will be authorised to commence architectural planning.
68 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the content and context of her discussions with the Department of Finance regarding the establishment of a fund which would reward universities for pushing through a reform programme; if this has been discussed with the university sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3009/05]
I am currently considering a number of mechanisms to support the process of reform in the higher education system as identified as a priority in the OECD report on the future of third level education in Ireland and in that context, I am examining the way to meet this challenging agenda.
I am now initiating an extensive consultative process with stakeholders affected by the report with a view to developing a comprehensive response to the report and bringing proposals, including any necessary legislative proposals, to Government when appropriate. Following on from the initial colloquium held last year by my predecessor, I have arranged to meet shortly representatives of my Department, the Higher Education Authority, the Conference of Heads of Irish Universities, the Council of Directors of Institutes of Technology and Dublin Institute of Technology to begin a series of focused discussions on aspects of the report and its implications for the development of a unified strategy for the future of the sector. I envisage that this will be the first in a series of meetings with interested parties which will ensure that their views are fully taken account of in developing the response to the report.
69 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if the establishment of a tertiary education authority is under consideration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2890/05]
80 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans for a special summit to chart a future for the third level sector; the intended goals of such a summit and the persons who will be involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3018/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 69 and 80 together.
The OECD review on the future of higher education in Ireland makes far reaching recommendations for reform and development of the sector. The extensive consultation undertaken by the OECD team with all the key stakeholders in the sector, and its own undoubted expertise, lend considerable weight to these recommendations.
It is important to note that a number of the recommendations such as the designation of the institutes of technology within the proposed new tertiary education authority require legislative amendments, while others such as the structures required to maximise research output, require extensive consultation, not only with the agencies involved but also with my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
Since my appointment, I have already met representatives from the universities and the institutes of technology, and emphasised my commitment to progress the recommendations of the OECD. I am now initiating an extensive consultative process with stakeholders affected by the report with a view to developing a comprehensive response to the report and bringing proposals, including any necessary legislative proposals, to Government when appropriate. Following on from the initial colloquium held last year by my predecessor, I have arranged to meet shortly representatives of my Department, the Higher Education Authority, the Conference of Heads of Irish Universities, the Council of Directors of Institutes of Technology and Dublin Institute of Technology to begin a series of focused discussions on aspects of the report and its implications for the development of a unified strategy for the future of the sector. I envisage that this will be the first in a series of meetings with interested parties which will ensure that their views are fully taken account of in developing the response to the report.
70 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on the recent report from the OECD which showed that 15 year olds here are performing at only average levels in maths when compared to other OECD countries; if she is satisfied that the new maths syllabus introduced three years ago is achieving results; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3011/05]
The report referred to relates to the second cycle of the OECD programme for international student assessment, PISA 2003, which was administered in 30 OECD member countries, including Ireland, and in 11 non-OECD, partner, countries in spring-autumn 2003.
In Ireland, 3880 15 year olds in 145 post-primary schools participated in PISA 2003. Tests in one major assessment domain, mathematics, and in three minor domains, reading literacy, science, and cross-curricular problem solving, were administered. As mathematics was the major domain, four separate content areas, sub-domains, were assessed. This means that, in addition to the combined, or overall, mathematics scores for each country, its performance on four separate subscales in mathematics is also available.
Ireland ranked 17th of 29 OECD countries on combined, overall, mathematics. The results for the United Kingdom were not included as response rates were too low. Our mean score was not significantly different from the OECD mean, indicating average levels of performance in mathematics overall. However, the closer analysis that is afforded by the subscales shows that students in Ireland achieved scores that were significantly higher than the corresponding OECD mean score in two mathematics sub-domains, uncertainty and change and relationships, at the OECD average in one, quantity, and below the OECD average in one, space and shape. These results give a fuller picture of our students' performance and point to strengths that are not obvious from the data on overall scores alone. A noteworthy aspect of Ireland's performance when compared with OECD countries is that fewer students performed at the lowest proficiency levels, level 1 or below, 16.8%, as against the OECD mean of 21.4%. This provides evidence of comparatively good standards among low achievers.
Caution must be exercised in using the results of PISA 2003 to judge the impact of the revised junior certificate mathematics syllabus that was first examined in June 2003. Account must be taken of the following factors: PISA does not aim to provide a direct measure of students' mastery of specific curricular content, instead it sets out to measure content and learning processes that are deemed important for life; important elements of the junior certificate mathematics syllabus are not assessed by PISA, for example, sets, geometry and trigonometry; and only 59.6% of students who participated in PISA 2003 took the junior certificate examination in 2003 and, therefore, followed the revised syllabus; the 34.3% who took the examination in 2002 followed the previous syllabus.
It is important to be aware that the recent revision of junior certificate mathematics was a minor update of the previous syllabus, carried out to deal with areas of the course that were giving rise to difficulties. The focus of the accompanying in-career development programme was on moving the emphasis in teaching from mechanistic approaches towards teaching for understanding, a change which is consonant with the philosophy that underpins PISA. While totals of 4,940 and 3,663 teachers of mathematics attended cluster-based and school-based in-service, respectively, in the four years up to June 2004, it would be premature to expect that the positive effects of these interventions would be evident from the results of PISA 2003.
The ongoing analysis of the PISA 2003 will inform my Department's policy in regard to mathematics in the post-primary curriculum. In particular, it will complement the review of post-primary mathematics which the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment will carry out in 2005 at my Department's request.
71 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science the discussions she has had with the Department of Social and Family Affairs on the promise to reduce the qualifying period for the back to education allowance to nine months following the changes made by her predecessor; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3024/05]
Officials from my Department are participating in a working group established by the Department of Social and Family Affairs to carry out an expenditure review of the back to education allowance scheme. I am advised that the review will be concluded later this year.
72 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has received the fourth periodic report of the NESF; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34084/04]
I welcome the fourth periodic report of the National Economic and Social Forum and the valuable work that has been undertaken in recent years. I fully support the forum's emphasis on the necessity of joined-up and integrated approaches to policy-making and implementation, focusing on policy outcomes and providing a stronger voice for local communities and marginalised groups. These are issues which are being considered by my Department in the context of an overall review of educational disadvantage programmes which is currently being finalised. The forum's report on early school leavers — No. 24 March 2002 — is a continuing support and guide for my Department in tackling the issue of early school-leaving.
74 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has seen the proposals from the INTO which seek stronger support for newly qualified teachers in schools and the extension of the pilot scheme which helps to prepare them for the classroom; her views on these proposals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3004/05]
The teacher induction pilot project, which commenced in September 2002, has been developed by my Department in conjunction with the standing committee of teacher unions and university education departments. The general aim of the project is to develop proposals for an effective programme of induction for newly qualified teachers at primary and post-primary levels tailored to their particular professional development needs and sensitive to the strengths, requirements and challenges of the Irish education system. Divided into two components for primary and post-primary levels, the overall project has been managed by a representative steering committee.
The initial year of the pilot, phase I, comprised an action research phase, during which an in-depth investigation and analysis of the needs of newly qualified teachers was conducted. This work systematically documented the needs of newly qualified teachers, identifying the most effective means of meeting these needs and making recommendations for a comprehensive policy on induction. The extension of the pilot in the 2003-04 academic year, phase II of the pilot, facilitated further research into the needs of newly-qualified teachers while exploring the effectiveness of a range of induction models in a variety of teaching contexts using newly qualified teachers from St. Patrick's College and University College Dublin. Phase II also allowed for a regional expansion of the project through the education centre network beyond the Dublin region.
Phases I and II of the project can be regarded as having facilitated the building of capacity within the system in regard to newly qualified teachers. This work has culminated in the recent completion of a report on the progress achieved by the pilot project. This report, which, I understand, is currently at final draft stage, incorporates the findings of the research phase and contains recommendations regarding the development and implementation of a national programme of support for new qualified teachers at primary and post-primary levels. I am informed that the implementation strategy contained in the draft report incorporates the key elements of best practice in induction and mentoring identified in the pilot phases of the pilot project and from studies in international practice and research.
In order to maintain the impetus built-up during phases I and II, it was decided to initiate a phase III of the project for the 2004-05 year while the draft report was in progress. This phase consolidates the work undertaken to date and harnesses the experience gained in phases I and II. Additional colleges of education and education centres have become involved in the project which has also been nuanced to cover different types of schools such as small rural primary schools, those located in disadvantaged areas and schools dealing with issues of special education, social inclusion and other relevant matters from teaching and learning. The development of phase III presents additional opportunities to develop induction and mentoring resource material, assessment and evaluation procedures, develop capacity within the system within the overall context of further investigating the practical implications and resourcing of a national programme.
I understand that the steering committee of the national pilot project in teacher induction is currently finalising the draft report containing specific and comprehensive recommendations regarding the implementation of a national programme and a timescale for its introduction. Once completed, the report will be presented to me for consideration within the continuum from initial pre-entry education through induction to post- entry continuing professional development over a teacher's career.
75 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on a recent study from the INTO which found that among almost 300 disadvantaged primary schools, one in five pupils miss more than 20 school days per year; if she has carried out an assessment of the reasons for this level of absenteeism; the measures which are in place to combat truancy and if they are achieving results; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3014/05]
My Department is aware of findings of the recent INTO survey to which the Deputy refers. The findings are broadly similar to the data which the National Educational Welfare Board compiled from the returns made to it by schools for the 2003-04 school year. This was the first occasion on which comprehensive national data were assembled from schools relating to school attendance.
The Education (Welfare) Act 2000 established the National Educational Welfare Board as the single national body with responsibility for school attendance. The Act provides a comprehensive framework promoting regular school attendance and tackling the problems of absenteeism and early school leaving. The general functions of the board are to ensure that each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education.
Under the terms of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000, one of the functions of the board is to conduct and commission research into the reasons for non-attendance on the part of students and into the strategies and programmes designed to prevent it. The board is in the process of establishing two research projects in 2005, one of which will focus on an analysis of student absenteeism returns. I look forward to receiving the report from this analysis in due course from the board.
To discharge its responsibilities, the board is developing a nationwide service that is accessible to schools, parents and guardians and others concerned with the welfare of young people. For this purpose, educational welfare officers, EWOs, are being appointed and deployed throughout the country to provide a welfare-focused service to support regular school attendance and discharge the board's functions locally.
The budget which has been allocated to the National Educational Welfare Board for 2005 is €7.8 million, an increase of €1.3 million or 20% on the 2004 allocation. The percentage increase allocated to the board for 2005 is more than double that for the education vote as a whole and this provision will enable the board to continue to develop its services in 2005.
Since its formal launch in December 2003, the aim of the National Educational Welfare Board has been to provide a service to the most disadvantaged areas and most at-risk groups. Some five regional teams have been established with bases in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford and staff have been deployed in areas of greatest disadvantage and in areas designated under the Government's RAPID programme. A total of 13 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. In addition, the board will follow up on urgent cases nationally where children are not currently receiving an education.
Analysis of the returns made to the board by schools on levels of attendance for the school year 2003-04 support the targeting policy followed by the board to date in appointing educational welfare officers to the areas of greatest disadvantage.
Schools are required to refer students to the board who have been absent for more than 20 days cumulatively during the school year or where a school principal wishes to express concern about the attendance pattern of a particular student. Staff of the NEWB make contact with the school to establish reasons for the absences and what steps have been taken to date by the school to improve the child's attendance. An educational welfare officer may then contact the parent in question to advise and support the parent regarding the need for the child to attend school regularly.
In RAPID-designated areas, EWOs offer an intensive service to schools and parents. Outside these designated areas, the NEWB offers an urgent service, where cases of chronic absenteeism are followed up in consultation with schools.
In November last, my Department conveyed approval to the NEWB for the recruitment of a further ten educational welfare officers, bringing the authorised staffing from 84 to 94. The appointment of ten extra staff to counties which up to now have not had the benefit of the presence of an EWO will enable the NEWB to extend the intensive service.
Guidelines were issued by the NEWB last month to all primary and post primary schools on reporting student absences. The guidelines provide step-by-step advice on how and when school attendance returns should be made and how the new website, www.schoolreturn.ie, can be used by schools to comply with their legal obligations to report student absences to the board.
76 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans for a revamp of the junior certificate examination, particularly in terms of oral and aural examinations; if the report prepared for her Department on this matter will be published and when; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2999/05]
The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, NCCA, expressed concern in its 1999 report on its review of the junior cycle that the curriculum was overloaded and that there was repetition of topics in some subjects. In response, it set out to review the content of junior cycle syllabuses with the aim of re-balancing the curriculum so as to ensure that there was enough time to allow for the quality of engagement with students that was envisaged when the junior certificate was introduced in 1989 for first examination in 1992.
Phase 1 of this re-balancing work is now almost complete. This involved a review of five subject areas, namely, business studies, English, history, home economics and music. Phase 2 is about to begin and this will involve Gaeilge; geography; art, craft and design; environmental and social studies; and mathematics. The outcomes of this work will be communicated to teachers, parents and others interested in education by means of a handbook which will contain the full curriculum. It is planned that the first issue of this handbook, which will contain the re-balanced syllabuses in the ten subjects, will be ready in January 2006.
The inspectorate has carried out an evaluation of the junior certificate school programme, JCSP, and its report will be available in June 2005. Simultaneously, the NCCA has conducted a review and its report is in final stages of preparation. The outcomes of these processes will inform future developments of the programme. The inspectorate is currently carrying out a focused evaluation of the teaching and learning of Gaeilge in the junior cycle and a report will be published on the cumulative outcomes towards the end of the current year.
The outcomes of the NCCA's review of languages in the post-primary curriculum is likely to have implications for junior cycle curriculum. This work will be complemented by an analysis which the Council of Europe will be conducting this year at the request of the Department of Education and Science of language policy and practice in Ireland.
77 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has satisfied herself that all fully qualified primary school teachers are able to secure a job speedily; the number of fully qualified teachers currently not in a full time post; her proposals to ensure that such teachers are employed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2996/05]
My Department is not aware of the number of qualified primary teachers that have failed to obtain employment. The recruitment and appointment of teachers to fill vacancies in an individual school is a matter for the board of management of the school concerned. Boards of management must make every effort, including advertising in a national newspaper, to obtain the services of a qualified teacher for appointment to a temporary or permanent post.
78 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount allocated towards primary school building projects for 2004; the amount spent that year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2963/05]
The total capital allocation for the primary sector in 2004 amounted to €201 million. The primary sector capital expenditure in 2004 resulted in an outturn of €171 million. The balance of €30 million has been carried forward to 2005 to cover the costs of projects that failed to advance sufficiently in 2004 to incur expected expenditure in that year. A key element of the capital envelopes is the facility to carry over into the following year unspent capital up to a maximum of 10% of voted capital.
79 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has proposals to introduce multi-annual funding for community-based education providers working in CLÁR, RAPID or officially designated disadvantaged areas; and her current policy on this issue. [3034/05]
My Department provides grants to vocational education committees on an annual basis to support the provision of education in community settings, whether by way of direct grants to such groups or by the provision of an outreach service to meet locally identified needs. In addition, community based education groups are eligible to apply for funding on an annual basis under the community strand of the back to education initiative. I have no proposals to introduce multi-annual funding for groups availing of these schemes.
82 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science her position on the reservation of places for students from Britain and Northern Ireland by Trinity College, Dublin; her views on whether this is a discriminatory practice. [3020/05]
Admissions policy is a matter for each third level institution, having regard to the principles of equity and equality of access. I understand that the arrangements to which the Deputy refers have been put in place by Trinity College on a transitional basis to facilitate equity of access for all students, following the recent UCAS-leaving certificate benchmarking study, which resulted in changes in the relative weightings given by the college to grades achieved in A levels vis-a-vis those obtained in the leaving certificate.
83 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Education and Science further to her reply to the raising of the issue by this Deputy in 2004, the position regarding plans to replace the roofs of a school (details supplied) as part of a combined project. [3054/05]
The roofs of the schools referred to by the Deputy will be replaced as one composite large scale project in the interest of achieving the optimum solution. The Office of Public Works, which manages the asbestos remediation programme on behalf of my Department, has been requested to make the necessary arrangements to have the works carried out.
84 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has seen the working group report on the delivery of services at Peamount Hospital, County Dublin; if she intends to approve, intervene directly or alter the proposals; the details of these proposals; if the issues have been discussed with staff or management; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3205/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services.
Services at Peamount Hospital are provided under an arrangement with the executive. My Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's eastern regional area to examine the issues raised and to reply to the Deputy directly.
In my capacity as Minister for Health and Children, I visited Peamount Hospital in mid-December and met members of the board of the hospital, the hospital's consultant respiratory physician and the director of nursing. I was briefed about the development of new services at the hospital.
I was pleased that the hospital was in a position to confirm to me that all of the beds in the former chest hospital are now fully utilised to accommodate patients in need of rehabilitation.
85 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a project (details supplied) in County Dublin will commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3206/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services.
As part of the executive's responsibility to prepare and submit an annual service plan for my approval, it is obliged under section 31 of the Act to indicate any capital plans proposed by the executive. In this process the executive can be expected to have regard to the full range of potential capital developments, its own criteria in determining priorities, available resources and any other relevant factors My Department is awaiting the 2005 service plan from the Health Service Executive. In the interim, my Department has asked the chief officer of the executive's eastern regional area to investigate the position on this project and to reply directly to the Deputy.
86 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be called for cataract surgery to Galway Regional Hospital. [3207/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for Galway Regional Hospital. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's western area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
87 Mr. McCormack asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when it is proposed that Ireland will discontinue the use of Articles 2.2 of 85/433/EEC which calls for the discontinuance of the derogation of the introduction of the Pharmacy Act; the progress made in this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3208/05]
Council Directive 85/433/EEC provides for the free movement of pharmacists within the European Economic Area, EEA. Under EU Directives 85/432/EEC and 85/433/EEC, any EU/EEA national holding a recognised pharmacy qualification from such a state is entitled to register as a pharmacist in Ireland, in accordance with free movement provisions.
Ireland avails of a derogation under Article 2.2 of 85/433/EEC which gives member states the option of not recognising the qualification of any national of an EU/EEA member state who is qualified as a pharmacist regarding the ownership, management or supervision of a pharmacy that is less than three years old or for the establishment of a new pharmacy. A pharmacist who qualified in another EU/EEA member state, and who is a national of such a state, may not own in his or her own right, operate or manage a pharmacy that is less than three years old.
Nationals of non-EU/EEA member states are subject to the criteria laid down for recognition of pharmacy qualifications and the registration of pharmacists by the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland, the statutory body charged with this duty in Ireland. Controls exist in other member states on the establishment and operation of pharmacies. For example, at least ten member states restrict ownership to pharmacists, ten restrict ownership to one pharmacy, seven use population and distance criteria and four, Ireland, Belgium, Holland and the UK, have no restrictions. In addition, seven countries, Ireland, France, Germany, Holland, Austria, Portugal and the UK, have invoked the derogation under article 2.2.
As recommended by the pharmacy review group, I am examining the continued use of the derogation in the context of new pharmacy legislation which will consolidate and modernise the practice of pharmacy in Ireland. This will provide a more comprehensive framework for the supervision and management of pharmacy services.
88 Mr. Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, further to Question No. 715 of 27 January 2004, the details of the report of the Mental Health Commission into the case of a person (details supplied) at the Midlands Psychiatric Hospital; and if she will make this report available to Dáil Éireann. [3209/05]
I understand from the Mental Health Commission that the report of the inquiry which I requested under the provisions of section 55 of the Mental Health Act 2001 is being finalised and that it will be forwarded to me in the near future. I will consider the Deputy's question when the report is received.
89 Mr. Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, further to Question No. 94 of 2 December 2004, if she will publish a report completed into the treatment of a person (details supplied) in the course of their admission to the acute psychiatric in-patient unit at the Mid West Regional Hospital in September 2002; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3210/05]
My Department has sought legal advice from the Office of the Attorney General on publishing the report referred to by the Deputy. Pending further consideration of the matter by the Office of the Attorney General, the Department has been advised against publication of the report either in full or in an edited format.
90 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the progress to date in the development of a helicopter emergency medical service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3253/05]
The report of a consultancy study jointly commissioned by my Department and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Belfast on the costs and benefits associated with the introduction of a dedicated helicopter emergency medical services for the island of Ireland was published on 30 April 2004 and is available on my Department's website.
The study concluded that the introduction of a dedicated inter-hospital transfer service would be appropriate in an all-island context. The study estimated the cost at €12 million capital and €4 million revenue for a single helicopter. Inter-hospital air ambulance services are provided by the Air Corps and the Irish Coast Guard, subject to the nature of the mission, available aircraft and other operational commitments. Most patient transfers are airport to airport with onward transfer by land ambulance.
My Department and the Department of Defence are finalising a service level agreement to formalise arrangements for the future provision of an air ambulance service by the Air Corps. A significant helicopter fleet replacement programme is being put in place for the Air Corps. Each of the new helicopters will have a specific air ambulance capability. The new fleet will also have a far greater flying capacity than is currently available. My Department has also reached agreement with the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources that the Irish Coast Guard will continue to provide air ambulance services on the same basis as heretofore.
My Department is advised that plans are being developed within the private sector for the introduction of a dedicated helicopter emergency medical services, primarily in an inter-hospital transfer role and with a view to the service becoming operational in 2005. My Department will be closely monitoring developments in this regard.
91 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if there is a means by which the recommendations of a group (details supplied) can be progressed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3260/05]
I am aware of the group and the proposed recommendations to which the Deputy refers. Both the Tánaiste and I are meeting this group shortly to discuss its proposals further.
92 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if, regarding the goodwill repayments of up to €2,000 being made in payments made to health boards by patients in long-term care in health board run institutions and publicly contracted beds in private nursing homes, it is only right those persons still living will benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3261/05]
The category of person who will receive refunds under the ex gratia scheme in respect of payments deducted from them for publicly funded long stay care in facilities run by former health boards or private nursing homes, solely by virtue of a contractual arrangement with a former health board, comprises fully eligible persons, including those who had their medical card withdrawn on admission to the institution, who were alive on 9 December 2004.
The scheme does not apply in the case of persons who were in long stay care in the institutions in question but who died before 9 December 2004. If, however, individuals concerned died on or after this date, then payments will be made to the executor or person who has taken out the grant of administration in respect of the individual who has died.
93 Mr. Deenihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of women who died from breast cancer in each year between 2002 and 2004 in County Kerry; when the national BreastCheck service will be extended to the county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3262/05]
Statistics on cancer services are collated by the National Cancer Registry. My Department has asked the director of the registry to examine this matter and to reply directly to the Deputy.
The rollout of the national breast screening programme to the remaining counties is a major priority in the development of cancer services. This will ensure that all women in the relevant age group in every county have access to breast screening and follow up treatment where appropriate. A capital investment of approximately €20 million has been approved to construct and equip two static clinical units, one in Cork and the other in Galway. Design briefs in respect of both have now been completed. It is anticipated that the advertisement for the appointment of a design team will be placed in the EU Journal in the coming weeks. Any woman irrespective of her age or residence who has immediate concerns or symptoms should contact her GP who, where appropriate, will refer her to the symptomatic services in her region.
94 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if assessments have been made on the community welfare officer’s customer care procedures employed by the various health authorities to assess discretionary payments; if her attention has been drawn to the numerous complaints regarding some individual CWOs for being rude, offensive, obstructionist and dismissive; and the action she will take to ensure that the great work and reputation for patience and good manners of the vast majority of CWOs is not tainted by the few. [3318/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the customer care procedures of community welfare officers. Accordingly, my Department has requested the acting national director of human resources at the HSE to investigate the matters raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
95 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 10. [3319/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of health services to persons residing in Dublin. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's eastern regional area to investigate the matters raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
96 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of persons currently in receipt of methadone maintenance treatment in various centres in the State; the procedures involved in getting on methadone; the number of persons on the waiting list for methadone and the waiting time per centre; and the length of time persons currently wait for treatment on the waiting list or lists. [3320/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for drug treatment services. Accordingly, my Department has requested the executive to investigate the matters raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
97 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a medical card will be granted to persons (details supplied) in Dublin 10. [3321/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the assessment of applications for medical cards. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's eastern regional area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
98 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the concerns of registered nurses working in the intellectual disability sector in which the dedicated professional, the registered degree level nurse working in the intellectual disability sector, is paid significantly less than an unqualified assistance house parent nurse or house parent; her views on whether the registered nurse is the only professional whose syllabus and curriculum of education is fully focused on the person with intellectual disability across their total lifespan and is fully equipped to play the lead role in managing and delivering services to the person with an intellectual disability and their families when they practice a bio-social model of care which encompasses residential, day care, respite, supported employment and community based services; and the steps she has in place to redress this anomaly. [3324/05]
There are a range of professionals and support staff involved in the provision of services to persons with an intellectual disability. Agencies operate different models of care and services are provided in a multidisciplinary setting. The model of care utilised by an agency is influenced by the particular ethos of the body and the wishes of the families and individuals who use the service. Some services are nurse-led while, in others, social care staff have a key role in the provision of services. Registered Nurses Intellectual Disability, RNID, has followed a curriculum that equips its members to provide stimulation, emotional support, and nursing care for persons with an intellectual disability, of all ages and abilities, in all settings — residential and community. It emphasises the importance of working with other professionals as well as family members, in planning and implementing the therapeutic programme of care, to ensure that each person receives appropriate assistance and direction in providing for needs that cannot be met independently and in developing greater independence. RNIDs and other health care staff in the ID sector provide a very important service which greatly enhances the lives of clients of these services.
In regard to the pay issue the position is as follows. The final report of the Joint Committee on Social Care Professions made recommendations in relation to pay and grading structures for child care workers. The pay recommendation provided for increases of 17% to 27% for houseparents-child care leaders and assistant houseparents-childcare workers in the residential sector. The benchmarking body (PSBB) referred to this report and recommended that these increases be extended to similar grades in the intellectual disabilities sector, IDS. In March 2004 the Labour Court considered a claim from the Alliance of Nursing Unions for a 10.55% pay increase for nurses working in the intellectual disability sector, to restore a ‘differential' that existed between nurses and social care professionals prior to the determination of the public sector benchmarking body.
While the Labour Court accepted that Registered Nurses Intellectual Disability, RNID, had traditionally been paid more than social care professionals, it stated that no formal pay differential existed between the two grades. The court noted that an understanding had been reached at the Labour Relations Commission on 3 September 2003 between the employers and the Alliance of Nursing Unions, and that both parties had accepted that the report of the PSBB severed all pay links and established new absolute levels of pay for benchmarked grades. There was also an acceptance that any future benchmarking exercise, or whatever subsequent arrangements are put in place for determining public service pay, is the appropriate forum to examine the position of RNIDs vis-a-vis other social care professionals. The court also noted that this understanding was rejected by members of the Alliance of Nursing Unions leading to the referral to the matter to the court.
The court issued its recommendation on 1 April 2004. Having considered the written and oral submissions, the court was of the view that the claim could not be dealt with outside of the established agreements. Accordingly the court recommended that the matter be dealt with in accordance with the understanding reached between the parties at the conciliation conference on 3 September 2003 and that it be given priority in this exercise.
A further benchmarking exercise will commence in the second half of 2005 and this will provide an opportunity for nurses' unions to make a case on behalf of the RNIDs.
99 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the maximum subvention for private nursing care in 1990 was £120, that is, €152.40 per week and 15 years later the maximum subventions is €220 per week, that is, an increase of only €67.80; her plans to redress this in line with inflation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3326/05]
The Nursing Home (Subvention) Regulations 1993, are administered by the Health Service Executive. There are currently three rates of subvention payable, that is, €114.30, €152.40 and €190.50 for the three levels of dependency which are medium, high and maximum. Included in these payments is an increase of 25% which came into effect in April 2001.
The HSE may pay more than the maximum rate of subvention relative to an individual's level of dependency in a case, for example, where personal funds are exhausted. The application of these provisions in an individual case is a matter for the HSE in the context of meeting increasing demands for subvention subject to the provisions of the Health Act, 2004. The average rate of subvention paid by the HSE generally exceeds the current approved basic rates.
A review of the nursing home subvention scheme is currently under way involving all of the key stakeholders. Pending the outcome of the review the current approved subvention rates will remain in place.
100 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will take action with Mayo General Hospital on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3333/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the determination of eligibility for health services. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's western area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
101 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive will expedite an application for a transport grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3334/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the assessment of and entitlement to the motorised transport grant. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's north western area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
102 Dr. Twomey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will report on the procedures followed in the recruitment of both permanent and temporary senior management of the Health Service Executive; if she is satisfied that all proper public sector procedures were followed; if senior public or civil servants were active participants in the selection process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3346/05]
I take it that the Deputy is referring to the recruitment of the national directors within the interim Health Service Executive (iHSE), which took place in 2004.
I have been informed by the Health Service Executive that the iHSE awarded a contract to PricewaterhouseCoopers, PWC, following a tendering process, to manage the recruitment of eight national directors. The eight positions were advertised in the national media during the summer of 2004. PWC compiled a list of applicants and then recommended a shortlist of suitable candidates, in each category, to the iHSE.
I understand that interview panels were established, which comprised the executive chairman of the iHSE; members of the board of the iHSE; some senior public and civil servants, including retired senior public and civil servants; and other suitably qualified individuals. Following the interview process job offers were made in respect of six of the positions. In respect of the remaining two positions, there was no preferred candidate from either interview. The iHSE subsequently made acting appointments in respect of both of these unfilled positions.
The HSE has advised me that further senior management positions have been identified by the HSE, and acting appointments have been made pending recruitment. Recruitment for these additional positions will be managed by the Public Appointments Service.
103 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the action she intends to take to assist patients currently resident in a nursing home (details supplied) in view of the fact that the nursing home is to close on 4 February 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3347/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of nursing homes in the Galway area. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's western area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
104 Mr. Crawford asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the status of the two surgeons that had to be suspended in Cavan General Hospital; if she had recent meetings with the health board management in Kells; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3350/05]
I reviewed the suspensions of the persons concerned on 23 December 2004 and decided, based on legal advice, and pursuant to the powers conferred on me as Minister for Health and Children by section 22(3) of the Health Act 1970, to terminate the suspensions with effect from that date. This decision was formally advised to the parties concerned. Following on from the enactment of the Health Act 2004, the persons concerned are now employees of the HSE and it is a matter for the executive to determine the appropriate course of action in response to my decision to lift the suspensions. I have had no recent meetings with the chief officer, Health Service Executive, north eastern area, or with members of his senior management team, in relation to this matter.
105 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Finance the regulations that now apply to the imposition of excise duties on biodiesel produced from the crushing of rape seed. [3203/05]
The Deputy may be aware that section 98(a) of the Finance Act 1999, as inserted by section 50 of the Finance Act 2004, provides for the introduction of a scheme for excise tax relief for biofuels. The purpose of the scheme is to allow qualified and conditional relief from excise of biofuel used in approved pilot projects for either the production of biofuel or the testing of the technical viability of biofuel for use as a motor fuel.
The European Commission has confirmed that the scheme would represent a state aid and consequently its approval is required. My Department, together with the Department of Communication, Marine and Natural Resources, has submitted a formal application for Commission approval for a scheme which includes pure plant oil, biodiesel and bioethanol. The EU energy tax directive (2003) envisages such tax relief and the Commission has approved schemes for excise relief of biofuel in other EU member states. Assuming approval is granted, the necessary commencement order will then be signed.
106 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Finance the timescale envisaged for the refurbishment or upgrading of Buncrana Garda station in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3266/05]
It was agreed by the Garda Síochána and the Commissioners of Public Works that the cell refurbishment at Burnfoot Garda station would be completed before works to Buncrana garda station would commence. Refurbishment work to Burnfoot Garda station is due to be completed by Easter. A sketch scheme for the refurbishment and extension works to Buncrana Garda station is currently being prepared for the approval of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Garda Síochána.
107 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Finance his proposals to meet the concerns of a person regarding possible fraud in the banking industry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3274/05]
I am aware of recent reports about endowment mortgages. However, the investigation of these reports is a matter in the first instance for the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority, IFSRA, which is statutorily independent in the carrying out of its regulatory functions. In 2004, IFSRA wrote to all lenders and insurers seeking information on their endowment businesses. The information requested included details of, inter alia, the number of endowment policies currently in force, the number of policyholders likely to be impacted by shortfalls and requested details of the steps institutions are taking to inform and advise their customers of options available where a shortfall is projected.
Responses have now been received from the institutions surveyed. The process of compiling and analysing the information submitted is currently under way with a view to ascertaining a clearer picture of the nature and extent of the shortfall problem. When the information has been analysed, IFSRA will consider what appropriate action should be taken.
108 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Finance the number of dogs attached to the customs drug team; if he will report on the effectiveness of the use of such dogs; the plans to expand the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3279/05]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that their customs service currently has nine drug detector dog teams in operation at strategic locations throughout the country. These locations are Cork, Dublin Port — two teams, Dublin Airport — two teams, Rosslare, Sligo, Shannon and Waterford. The dogs are trained to detect cocaine, heroin, cannabis, and amphetamines. One team is also trained in the detection of ecstasy and one also has the additional capability to detect tobacco products. Two of the dogs are specifically trained to operate in passive "sit and stare" mode.
The dog teams are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year and while they are principally deployed at the above-mentioned locations, they are used elsewhere as required. They also provide support to the Garda Síochána, on request. Additionally they help in promoting the role of Revenue's customs service in drugs law enforcement by participating at relevant public events.
Revenue's customs dog teams assisted in the detection of drug seizures with street values in excess of €6.3 million during 2004 and in excess of €4 million in 2003. The number of individual drug seizures made in 2004 as a result of indications by the dog teams was 186. In 2003 the figure was 101 seizures. The Revenue Commissioners believe the detector dog teams are a valuable resource in the battle to combat would-be drug smugglers and there are plans to expand the current number of teams from nine to 11 and to provide for a capability to detect cash.
109 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the measures he plans to take to promote the development of Irish biodiesel fuels. [3203/05]
The Deputy may be aware that section 98(a) of the Finance Act 1999, as inserted by section 50 of the Finance Act 2004, provides for the introduction of a scheme for excise tax relief for biofuels. The purpose of the scheme is to allow qualified and conditional relief from excise of biofuel used in approved pilot projects for either the production of biofuel or the testing of the technical viability of biofuel for use as a motor fuel.
The European Commission has confirmed that the scheme would represent a state aid and consequently its approval is required. My Department, together with the Department of Communication, Marine and Natural Resources, has submitted a formal application for Commission approval for a scheme which includes pure plant oil, biodiesel and bioethanol. The EU energy tax directive (2003) envisages such tax relief and the Commission has approved schemes for excise relief of biofuel in other EU member states. Assuming approval is granted, the necessary commencement order will then be signed.
110 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on whether the postal addresses for the peninsula of Inishowen might now contain the word Inishowen rather than the word Lifford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3275/05]
I have no statutory function in relation to this matter. It is an operational issue for the board and management of An Post.
111 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his policy in the aftermath of the revised EU television without frontiers directive; if he has a policy in mind for Irish television; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3299/05]
The EU Commission's review of the television without frontiers directive is ongoing. The Commission has indicated that it might bring forward proposals in relation to a possible revision of the directive towards the end of this year.
112 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his proposals to offer financial or other support towards the export of Irish produced television programmes or formats; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3300/05]
My Department does not provide financial or other supports to promote the export of Irish produced television programmes or formats, and I have no plans to introduce such measures. It is a matter for the holders of the rights to such programming or formats to decide how to exploit the use of their rights.
113 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he proposes to introduce the Broadcasting Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3301/05]
Work is continuing on the development of legislative proposals that would form the basis of a new Broadcasting Bill. It is anticipated that such proposals would be brought to Government during the course of 2005.
114 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans for the independent operation or alternative for TG4; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3302/05]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 87 on 21 October 2004. I expect to be in a position to revert to Government towards the middle of this year with an implementation plan to establish Teilifís na Gaeilge as an independent entity.
115 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on whether all reputable boatyards build each vessel to a set standard dependent on the intended use and the hulls are independently checked and passed by the national licensing authorities before a passenger licence can be used with regard to the forthcoming EU directives relating to small GRP passenger ferries which will limit the passenger number on such vessels to 36 persons regardless of size; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that vessels (details supplied) operate to ISO9002 standard through the production process before final hull certification by the maritime and coastguard agency; if his attention has further been drawn to the knock-on effects such as costs and tourism that this legislation will have on ferry operators who use these 50 foot ferries and are licensed for up to 70 passengers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3325/05]
I understand the Deputy is referring to a particular vessel constructed by a company based in Cornwall, England.
In Ireland, each passenger ship is built to required specified statutory standards which take into account the intended use of the vessel. The hulls are also independently checked and passed by the maritime safety directorate of this Department as the national licensing authority rather than the Maritime and Coastguard Agency which is the UK licensing authority.
The legislation to which the Deputy may be referring is Council Directive 1998/18/EC on safety rules and standards for sea-going domestic passenger ships. Ships classified as class VI passenger ships would appear to be the passenger ships referred to in the question. Such class VI ships can only be constructed in materials other than steel or equivalent and are not covered by SI No. 716 of 2004, the regulations transposing the EC directive.
The appropriate legislation in this case is the Merchant Shipping (Passenger Ship Construction and Survey) Rules 1985 (SI 274 of 1993); Merchant Shipping (Fire Protection) Rules 1985; and Merchant Shipping (Life Saving Appliances) Rules 1983.
The maritime safety directorate is currently in the process of updating the regulations in relation to those classes of domestic passenger ships which are not covered by Merchant Shipping (Passenger Ship) Regulations, 2004 (SI No.716 of 2004). This process includes the updating of regulations for class VI passenger ships constructed in materials other than steel or an equivalent material. This update is required because an anomaly exists whereby the EC directive does not apply to GRP vessels.
The requirements contained in Council Directive 1998/18/EC on safety rules and standards for passenger ships are significantly higher than those under the current domestic legislation and thereby a class VI passenger ship constructed in materials other than steel or an equivalent material offers a lower level of safety to the passenger on board. Under Council Directive 98/18/EC and 1974 International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea, SOLAS, an increased level of structural fire protection is required in ships where more than 36 passengers are carried. While existing class VI passenger ships are not affected by the proposal, the proposed regulations will only allow newly constructed class VI passenger ships to carry up to 36 passengers.
New class VI ships shall require an "A" class fire division around the machinery space and the provision of fire detection and fire appliances in accordance with the European Communities (Passenger Ship) Regulations 2004 (SI No. 716 of 2004). This is necessary so that a class VI ship will provide an equivalent level of safety to a ship constructed in steel or an equivalent material and afford the passenger a higher level of safety.
116 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will address the difficulties for Irish citizens in Northern Ireland in obtaining an Irish passport, particularly regarding the new forms and having them signed at Garda stations at which they are not known; and the details of a resolution to this problem. [3281/05]
Irish citizens resident in the State who wish to apply for an Irish passport need to complete an APS 1 application form and have this witnessed and certified by a garda, normally at their local Garda station.
Irish citizens resident in Northern Ireland need to complete an APS2 application form and have this witnessed and certified by one of the following: an accountant, bank manager or assistant manager, lawyer, medical doctor, member of the clergy, notary public, commissioner for oaths, school principal or vice-principal, peace commissioner, police officer or member of Garda Síochána; or public representative. This wider range of possible witnesses is provided to facilitate persons resident outside this jurisdiction. I am not aware of difficulties encountered by citizens resident in Northern Ireland in having their passport application forms witnessed. However, if the Deputy can provide me with any such information, I will be happy to have it investigated.
117 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the purchase by Irish or EU citizens of property in occupied Cyprus, currently under the control of the Turkish military authorities, is fraught with legal difficulties and that Irish persons seeking to purchase property abroad for holiday or investment purposes may unwittingly enter into contracts for the purchase of existing or newly constructed property; if he will bring this situation to the attention of the public and property agents, auctioneers and other related organisations who may wittingly or unwittingly induce Irish persons to participate in the making of a crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3268/05]
119 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there has been an unprecedented boom in the illegal exploitation of Greek Cypriot property in the Turkish-occupied part of Cyprus since 2002, involving the construction and sales of properties belonging to Greek Cypriots expelled from their homes in 1974, mostly to Turkish settlers and other foreign nationals, despite the recognition of the property rights of the Greek Cypriots by the European Court of Human Rights; if he has raised this matter with the Turkish authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3339/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 117 and 119 together.
I am aware of the serious concern of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus at the increased levels of activity in the property market in the northern part of the island. The Cypriot authorities have drawn the attention of partners in the EU to their particular concern that much of the property development undertaken in recent years has involved land which is legally owned by citizens of Cyprus who were forced to leave the area in 1974.
The issue of property rights is a crucial element in the search for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, on which the United Nations has the lead role. The Government is regularly in contact with the various parties, and Ireland was particularly engaged in encouraging agreement on a settlement based on the proposals of the UN Secretary General in early 2004, during the Irish EU Presidency. The EU has recognised the positive contribution of the Turkish Government to the process last year. We have strongly encouraged Turkey to start a process in the context of preparations for the opening of accession negotiations with the EU which will lead to the normalising of its relations with the Republic of Cyprus. The issue of property rights, however, will not be resolved until a comprehensive settlement has been agreed in Cyprus.
Ireland does not recognise the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus", in line with UN Security Council Resolutions 541, of 1983, and 550, of 1984, which are binding on all members of the United Nations. The Republic of Cyprus has been a member state of the EU since 1 May 2004. In the absence of a comprehensive settlement, the application of the laws and regulations of the Union to the northern part of the island is suspended.
Any Irish citizen considering the purchase of property in the area in which the Government of the Republic of Cyprus does not exercise effective control should consider very carefully all the complex legal issues involved. I believe that it is important also to take full account of the political background. Any future comprehensive settlement in Cyprus will include provisions on property rights which, depending on the particular circumstances, could have very serious practical or financial implications for people who have purchased property in the northern part of the island.
118 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has raised with his British counterpart during recent meetings the recent reports confirming that the British Army used the highly poisonous CR gas, dibenzoxazepine, to subdue internees and prisoners of war in Long Kesh in the early 1970s; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3322/05]
120 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has asked his British counterpart to have the health agencies investigate whether the use by the British Army of the highly poisonous CR gas, dibenzoxazepine, to subdue internees and prisoners of war in Long Kesh in the early 1970s may be related to the higher than normal number of deaths from cancerous diseases among ex-prisoners of Long Kesh; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3340/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 118 and 120 together.
I have read the recent reports referred to by the Deputy, and have raised the matter with the British authorities through the office of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Secretariat in Belfast.
121 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if support will be given to a centre (details supplied) in Dublin 5 in its efforts to create a focal sporting centre in Donnycarney; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3242/05]
The national lottery-funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis. Applications for funding under the 2005 programme were invited through advertisements in the press on 5 and 6 December last. Application forms and guidelines, terms and conditions for the programme are currently available either directly from the sports capital unit of my Department or on line from my Department's website, www.dast.ie.
The deadline for receipt in my Department of application forms and all necessary supporting documentation is 5 p.m. tomorrow Friday, 4 February 2005. Should my Department receive an application from the organisation in question before the deadline, it will be assessed, as with all applications, in accordance with the criteria detailed in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme.
122 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the purchase by Irish or EU citizens of property in occupied Cyprus, currently under the control of the Turkish military authorities, is fraught with legal difficulties and that Irish persons seeking to purchase property abroad for holiday or investment purposes may unwittingly enter into contracts for the purchase of existing or newly constructed property; if he will bring this situation to the attention of the public and property agents, auctioneers and other related organisations who may wittingly or unwittingly induce Irish persons to participate in the making of a crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3270/05]
Clearly, the issues raised by the Deputy are concerned with the private contractual relationships between the parties to a contract and as such not a matter for which I am responsible. However, from a common-sense point of view it is always prudent to obtain independent advice from lawyers and other relevant experts when purchasing land and property, especially when it is overseas. It makes sense that persons buying property anywhere carry out a fundamental due diligence and inspection of the property. As I have no function in this matter, I do not think it is appropriate that I advise people on issues which are the subject of law in foreign jurisdiction, international law, and possibly also Irish law and tax legislation.
123 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will make a statement on the case of a person (details supplied). [3271/05]
It appears from the information supplied by the Deputy that the above-named individual may have entered the State on a holiday working visa. That visa has a 12-month duration. It is possible for him to transfer from a holiday working visa to a work permit. However, an application will be considered only for his current employment.
Full details regarding this issue, including application forms, are contained in the work permits page of my Department's website at www.entemp.ie.
124 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the State portion of redundancy will be made in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3286/05]
As previously stated in my predecessor's reply to the Deputy's Question of 27 April 2004 — Reference No. 11482/04 and my reply on 25 November 2004 — Reference No. 30915/04, my Department was formally notified of the proposed redundancy of the person concerned on 17 December 2003, when statutory form RP1, notice of proposed redundancy, was submitted in respect of that person. No further documentation has been submitted. At the time, my Department also sent this employee a copy of its updated Guide to the Redundancy Payments Scheme for her information.
As the employee's employment was terminated on 1 August 2003, more than a year has passed since that date, and she is therefore outside the one-year time limit — 52 weeks — for making a claim for a redundancy payment. However, under section 12 of the Redundancy Payments Act 1971, as amended by section 13 of the Redundancy Payments Act 1979, the Employment Appeals Tribunal has discretion to extend that 52-week period where it receives the necessary claim within 104 weeks of the date of dismissal and is satisfied that the delay by the employee in making his or her claim arose through reasonable cause. The tribunal, which provides a fair, inexpensive and informal means for individuals to seek remedies for alleged infringements of their statutory rights, including redundancy-related matters, is based at Davitt House, Adelaide Road, Dublin 2 and has hearings across the country. Its telephone number is (01) 6313005/6313006, Lo-Call: 1890 220 222.
If the person concerned does not bring a claim before the Employment Appeals Tribunal by the end of July 2005, she will be out of time for establishing her entitlement to a statutory redundancy payment. If she wishes to contact my Department about her redundancy, she should contact the redundancy section of my Department at telephone number (01) 6313051.
I have again arranged to have the appropriate form for bringing a claim before the tribunal sent to the person concerned, together with another copy of the Guide to the Redundancy Payments Scheme. I have also arranged to have this documentation copied to the Deputy for information.
125 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the average cost to the State of training a FÁS apprentice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3355/05]
The average cost to the State of training a FÁS-registered apprentice is estimated at €21,700, in 2004 prices. That covers the cost to FÁS of off-the-job training phases that normally span a three-year period, including the actual cost of such training and an apportionment of overhead costs. The figure of €21,700 does not include costs incurred by the institutes of technology on training for apprentices.
126 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he has considered the possibility of extending the free telephone entitlement to include a substantial contribution to free Internet access for eligible persons, particularly in view of the fact that this technology is growing in importance as a means for participation and access to information for the public at large and that policies are needed to ensure that people are not left behind in access to this technology. [3214/05]
The primary objective of the telephone allowance scheme administered by my Department is to ensure access to help in an emergency and to provide an element of security. A secondary objective is to encourage social contact and to assist in the prevention of social isolation for those living alone.
The structure of the allowance was changed in 2003 to make it a cash credit on bills and not attributable to any particular component of the bill. Previously the allowance had covered the line and instrument rental charges specifically, with a small element of call costs on each two-monthly client bill. Currently, the allowance stands at €20.41 per month, at an estimated cost of €92.2 million in 2004. The change in the structure of the telephone allowance was designed to make it easier for eligible clients to choose from a range of participating service providers, as the newly standardised allowance can be applied to phone bills from any service provider irrespective of the tariff components.
Depending on which service provider is chosen, the €20.41 per month paid by the Department can cover line rental and instrument rental as well as providing a set value of free calls. If the customer has a high-speed ISDN line, the allowance may be used to offset part of that cost.
Any change in the scheme such as that proposed by the Deputy would have to be considered in a budgetary context.
127 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 has had payment discontinued. [3216/05]
The person concerned applied for unemployment assistance in March 1993 and has been paid since that time, with the exception of short periods when he engaged in employment-casual employment.
Following a review of his claim payment was disallowed, with effect from 10 November 2004, on the grounds that he failed to show that his means did not exceed the statutory limit, €134.80, at that time.
The person concerned submitted an appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office in November 2004 and that office requested the relevant papers from the local office.
Unfortunately, due to an oversight, the matter did not receive immediate attention. All papers are now with the appeals office and that office will be in touch with the person concerned shortly in relation to the appeal.
128 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, further to Question No. 546 of 26 January 2005, the reason the maximum household income of €317.43 per week was not increased for community employment participants in order for them to qualify for the tapered rent supplement rate. [3217/05]
While the €317.43 income limit to which the Deputy refers has not been increased recently, other improvements, which I identified in my previous reply, have been made to the arrangements for assessing the amount of rent supplement payable to those participating in community employment schemes.
I consider that the current eligibility thresholds and disregards, together with improvements in the standard rules of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, ensure that people continue to have a financial incentive to take up employment opportunities. For example, a lone parent with one child in Dublin is usually entitled to rent supplement of €89.50 per week when taking up a community employment place and is €60 per week better off as a result of participating in a CE scheme. On this basis, I have no plans to increase the income threshold in question.
The effectiveness of these threshold and income disregard arrangements will be considered further in the context of a review of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme which my Department is undertaking during 2005.
129 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number and percentage of payments made in each of the schemes administered by his Department by electronic funds transfer in 2002, 2003 and 2004; his plans to further develop this method of payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3282/05]
The number and percentage of customers paid by electronic funds transfer under the main schemes administered by my Department in 2002, 2003 and 2004 are shown in the tables set out below.
My Department's policy is to offer customers as wide a choice of payment options as possible. The current choice includes payment at post offices by means of a PPO book, payment electronically using a swipe card at post offices, by cheque to customers home address and direct payment to customers bank accounts, EFT. Currently 31% of customers are paid by EFT.
|
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
||||
|
No. |
% |
No. |
% |
No. |
% |
|
|
Old Age Pension (Contributory) |
43,061 |
40.9 |
52,062 |
45.7 |
58,887 |
49.3 |
|
Retirement |
17,116 |
20.6 |
19,990 |
23.1 |
23,022 |
25.9 |
|
Old Age Pension |
6,867 |
7.8 |
8,110 |
9.4 |
9,153 |
10.7 |
|
Pre-Retirement Allowance |
1,477 |
13.1 |
1,796 |
16.4 |
2,241 |
19.9 |
|
Disability Benefit |
10,958 |
20.1 |
13,762 |
24.1 |
17,886 |
30.1 |
|
Invalidity |
9,621 |
18.5 |
11,310 |
21.2 |
13,588 |
24.3 |
|
Disability Allowance |
10,611 |
16.9 |
12,916 |
19.1 |
15,246 |
20.9 |
|
Child Benefit |
164,037 |
31.4 |
187,946 |
35.2 |
207,610 |
38.5 |
|
Widows Contributory Pension |
23,233 |
22.4 |
25,664 |
24.5 |
28,426 |
26.7 |
|
Widows Non-Concontributory Pension |
796 |
4.6 |
884 |
5.2 |
969 |
6.2 |
|
Deserted Wives Benefit/Allowance |
523 |
3.9 |
696 |
5.4 |
856 |
7.0 |
|
One Parent Family |
4,154 |
5.3 |
7,841 |
10.0 |
11,136 |
14.4 |
|
Maternity |
8,221 |
80.9 |
8,886 |
83.9 |
8,836 |
85.3 |
|
Family Income Supplement |
Nil |
0.0 |
2,611 |
20.9 |
15,236 |
84.1 |
|
Carers Allowance |
1,403 |
6.9 |
2,215 |
10.4 |
3,372 |
14.6 |
|
Supplementary Welfare Allowance |
11,819 |
9.0 |
12,446 |
9.0 |
14,994 |
11.3 |
|
Back to Work Scheme (PENLIVE) |
3,091 |
97.3 |
2,926 |
98.1 |
2,813 |
98.3 |
|
Back to Work Allowance |
20,916 |
95.5 |
13,693 |
96.9 |
8,562 |
97.8 |
|
Blind Person Pension |
155 |
7.4 |
190 |
9.2 |
233 |
11.5 |
|
Uenployment Benefit |
25,119 |
34.2 |
30,219 |
39.3 |
26,916 |
42.1 |
|
Unemployment Assistance |
14,142 |
18.2 |
19,301 |
23.7 |
22,712 |
28.1 |
|
Farm Assist |
1,867 |
21.7 |
2,146 |
24.5 |
2,271 |
27.0 |
130 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the breakdown of the assessment of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo for the carer’s allowance; and the reason their spouse was only given an allowance of €15.00 weekly for travel. [3343/05]
The person concerned applied for carer's allowance and was refused on the grounds that her weekly means exceeded the statutory limit. Her means, derived from her spouse's earnings and a small amount of farm income, amount to €265.95 weekly following the application of the €500 income disregard that applies in the case of carer's allowance.
Guidelines governing the application of the means test allow for a reasonable amount to be granted for travel expenses. In this case the amount of a travel allowance initially granted was reviewed and a revised allowance of €50 per week was applied. Her means, however, still exceed the statutory limit for carer's allowance.
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.
131 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Transport if he will take steps to ensure that an application for a grant of €300,000 be made available to Westmeath County Council to realign a dangerous stretch of road (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3192/05]
The planning, design and implementation of national roads improvement projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority, NRA, and the relevant local authorities concerned, in this case Westmeath County Council.
I understand from the NRA that Westmeath County Council has included a request for an allocation from the National Roads Authority to fund works at this location. This request forms part of a submission received from the council in the context of the NRA's 2005 allocations.
The various projects which have been included in the council's submission are being considered for funding by the NRA in 2005 having regard to the level of funding available for national roads generally and the many competing demands for these resources. It is expected that the national road grant allocations to local authorities for 2005 will be announced by the NRA in mid-February.
132 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Transport if he will carry out a full impact study on the operational and financial viability of Shannon Airport before any job losses take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3200/05]
The new Shannon Airport Authority was incorporated in September 2004 and, in line with the framework provided by the State Airports Act 2004, it is envisaged that the new authority would, in due course, own and operate Shannon Airport.
In accordance with the 2004 Act, each of the new airport authorities, including the Shannon Airport Authority, is required to prepare comprehensive business plans for their airport and this work is currently ongoing. The formulation of these business plans will be a key aspect of achieving operational and financial readiness on which both I and the Minister for Finance must be satisfied before the assets of Shannon and Cork Airports are vested in the new airport authorities.
Among the measures required for the future development of Shannon Airport on a successful and sustainable basis in an increasingly competitive environment are traffic growth and the need to address the airport's cost base. It has been recognised for some time that costs in Shannon are high relative to comparable airports. Under the overall stewardship of the Dublin Airport Authority, the Shannon Airport Authority is seeking to address this issue in consultation with union representatives.
I am confident that the new boards of the three airport authorities will successfully meet the challenges ahead.
133 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport when he expects integrated ticketing will be available between services on Dublin Bus and the Luas rail lines. [3201/05]
The contactless smartcard-based integrated ticketing system, which will enable a passenger to use a single ticket on one or more scheduled public transport services, by road and by rail, irrespective of the transport operator involved, is being developed by the Railway Procurement Agency, RPA, and will be introduced on a phased basis, initially in the Dublin area.
I am informed by the RPA that the launch of smartcards on Luas services will take place shortly. Dublin Bus will follow, with smartcards on its services later this year. Smartcard-based integrated ticketing should be available between services on Dublin Bus and Luas by early 2006. In the interim, Dublin Bus and Luas already offer some combined bus-Luas tickets for passengers who wish to avail of both services.
134 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the Dublin Bus fleet and provide details of the number of buses in the fleet for each of the past eight years; if he will report on the commitments under the NDP in respect of additions to the fleet; if he will provide information on the actual number of net additions to the fleet under the NDP for each year; and his attentions in respect of the provision of additional buses for 2005. [3344/05]
The national development plan, NDP, provides for the purchase by Dublin Bus of 275 additional buses and 500 replacement buses over period 2000 to 2006.
In 1999, the Exchequer provided funding to Dublin Bus for 150 additional buses. Between 2000 and 2004, 460 buses were purchased by Dublin Bus. A total of 93 of the 460 buses were additional and were purchased in 2000. Expenditure under the NDP comprises a combination of Exchequer, EU and the company's own funding. A total of 174 buses were funded directly from the Exchequer in the period 2000 to 2002. As part of its normal commercial activities, Dublin Bus funds its fleet replacement programme from its own resources.
I have been advised by Bus Átha Cliath that the total number of buses in the fleet from 1997 to 2004, including a maintenance reserve and over-age buses prior to the NDP, is as follows:
|
Year |
No. of Buses |
|
1997 |
909 |
|
1998 |
914 |
|
1999 |
987 |
|
2000 |
1,039 |
|
2001 |
1,062 |
|
2002 |
1,062 |
|
2003 |
1,062 |
|
2004 |
1,062 |
I understand the management of Dublin Bus is currently examining ways of maximising the utilisation of the existing bus fleet in light of the significant investment made to date under the national development plan, including investment in other modes and the ongoing changes in demand patterns for Dublin. In this context, it would be premature to make any decisions on further investment in additional capacity.
135 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason for his decision to grant one-off special funding to community and voluntary groups, announced on 10 January 2005; the details of the evaluation carried out by his Department in reaching this decision; the further details of the audit or monitoring of spending which will be undertaken by his Department in relation to these allocations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3245/05]
The Deputy will be aware that my Department administers a number of well-established grant schemes aimed at assisting communities experiencing disadvantage or isolation. In addition, my Department receives applications from groups or individuals that seek funding outside the parameters of established schemes.
Groups are well aware that, from time to time, Departments may, going into December, identify unexpected savings on their Vote for a variety of reasons. Where such potential savings on the Vote arise very late in the year they can provide the opportunity to provide support in a few such cases without reducing the spend on the established schemes. Timeframes involved result in uncertainty as to availability of any funding in this area.
Clearly, criteria for considering applications in this context apply. In the case of the once-off payments made by this Department towards the end of 2004 the broad criteria that were applied included: appropriate to the Department's Vote; focus on disadvantage-isolation; promoting and supporting community development; developing the State's relationship with the community and voluntary sector; and promoting rural development, particularly in the area of transport, health, housing and education. These criteria are informed, inter alia, by the Department’s statement of strategy.
In 2004, applications from nine groups were considered for funding under this heading. Five of the groups were approved for funding. The amount allocated under this heading in 2004 was €530,000 out of a total Departmental spend close on €310 million.
The accounting and audit requirements attaching to these once-off payments are set out in the following appendix:
Appendix
Once-off payments — Conditions applying: the group's income and expenditure account show clearly receipt of this funding; receipts and vouchers to the total value of the grant should be retained by group (a receipt is a voucher which is clearly marked paid on its face); a statement by the group's auditors to the effect that they have examined the group's accounts and can certify that the grant was spent for the purposes set out; submission of a copy of the group's audited accounts as soon as they become available; adherence to the required tax clearance arrangements; payment of this grant will be subject to appropriate checks by our internal audit unit during 2005.
136 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the mechanism available to a local community severely inconvenienced due to the condition of a damaged bridge in its area, as stated in correspondence (details supplied), and the lack of progress on reports from Waterways Ireland in relation to the matter to overcome its problems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3272/05]
The matter raised by the Deputy is the responsibility of Waterways Ireland, one of the six North-South Implementation Bodies established under the British-Irish Agreement Act 1999. The body has responsibility for the management, maintenance and development of inland waterways, principally for recreational purposes.
The bridge mentioned was originally built in the 19th century to carry road traffic of that time and has a load carrying capacity well below the loadings being imposed today. As a result, the bridge has become structurally distressed and had to be closed for reasons of public safety.
Waterways Ireland is in ongoing discussions with the local authority to agree aspects of the repair and upgrade of this bridge to ensure that the needs of modern day vehicular traffic are met. The question of using the towpath on the opposite bank of the canal as an alternative route has been raised, but is not feasible due to the threat to the structural integrity of the canal bank.
137 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if force majeure can be applied in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3238/05]
The person named submitted an application on 23 November 2004 for consideration of his circumstances under the second tranche of the force majeure-exceptional circumstances measure of the single payment scheme.
Ill-health was cited on the application form as giving rise to the circumstances outlined. However, no details or medical evidence were furnished in support of the application.
The person named was notified on 1 February 2005 that full medical details should be furnished and that on receipt of same his force majeure application would receive further consideration.
138 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the payments entitlement under the single payment scheme for a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [3239/05]
A certificate of provisional entitlements under the single payment scheme issued to the person named on 18 November 2004. This statement included a detailed breakdown of how the provisional entitlements were calculated. Farmers who are not satisfied with their provisional entitlement statement may seek a review on a form which is available from all local offices of my Department and from my Department's website. To date, a review form has not been received from the person named. If the statement which issued on 18 November 2004 was not received by the person named, a copy can be provided. Officials of my Department will contact the person named in this regard.
139 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she has carried out an analysis regarding the provision of support for the conversion of facilities such as the Carlow sugar factory which is now set to close, to be able to process ethanol from sugar beet; if she has engaged in discussions with the company involved in this regard; and if any European or national regulations preclude support mechanisms being applied to support such sugar beet derived products. [3240/05]
Following the closure of the Carlow sugar processing plant, Irish Sugar Limited. intends to process the entire Irish sugar quota at its Mallow plant, which will be upgraded. The question of developing an ethanol production plant would be a commercial matter for the company and I have not engaged in discussions with it in that regard. Promotion and development of renewable energy in Ireland are matters, in the first instance, for the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. In so far as my remit is concerned, the EU sugar regime provides support for sugar beet and sugar production but ethanol derived from sugar beet does not come within the scope of the regime.
140 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a forestry grant will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [3254/05]
Payment of the 2004 forestry premium to the person in question was made on 19 April 2004. Before payment of the 2005 forestry premium is made, the person named must complete the necessary application forms.
141 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if an application form for a forestry grant for 2005 will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [3255/05]
142 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if a forestry grant payment will issue immediately to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [3256/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 141 and 142 together.
The afforestation grant in this case was paid on the 12 November 2004. The forestry premium in respect of 2004 was paid to the person in question on 28 January 2005 and payment of the 2005 forestry premium is expected to be made in April of this year.
143 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare qualifies for any payment under the revised farm support payments system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3312/05]
As the Deputy is aware, all livestock premia and arable aid schemes have been replaced, since 1 January 2005, by the new single payment scheme. Accordingly, the quota regime in respect of the livestock premia schemes does not apply to the single payment scheme and, consequently, quotas, including individual suckler cow and ewe premium quotas, no longer exist for any farmer after that date and are not required to ensure payment of the single payment scheme in the future.
The person named does not have any entitlements established for him as he did not receive direct payments during the reference period. He applied under the force majeure and new entrant measures but did not qualify under either provision as he was not an applicant under the direct payment schemes during the reference years, 2000-2002, or the earlier reference years, 1997 to 1999.
The position with regard to the 2005 single payment national reserve is that applications were invited to the reserve in December 2004 and the closing date for receipt of completed applications was extended from 14 January 2005 to 21 January 2005. If the person named commenced farming after 31 December 2002 or during 2002 without having received a direct payment in that year, he should have applied to the reserve under category D. All applications to the 2005 single payment national reserve, including those under category D, are being processed at present and in view of the number of applications received and accompanying documentation submitted, it will be some time before processing is completed. The Deputy will appreciate, therefore, that it is not possible to indicate whether the person named will qualify for an allocation of entitlements from the reserve on foot of any application submitted. Applicants will be notified of their eligibility or otherwise as soon as all applications are processed.
144 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will make a decision on the entitlement of a person (details supplied) in County Sligo to the single payment scheme in view of the circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3313/05]
A certificate of provisional entitlements under the single payment scheme issued to the person named on 5 October 2004. This statement included a detailed breakdown of how the provisional entitlements were calculated. Farmers who are not satisfied with their provisional entitlement statement may seek a review on a form which is available from all local offices of my Department and from my Department's website. To date, a review form has not been received from the person named. If the statement which issued on 5 October 2004 was not received by the person named, a copy can be provided. Officials of my Department will contact the person named in this regard.
145 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will take action on behalf of a person (details supplied) regarding entitlement from the 2005 national reserve and have them classed under section D; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3327/05]
All applications to the 2005 single payment national reserve, including those under category D, are being processed at present and in view of the number of applications received and accompanying documentation submitted, it will be some time before processing is completed. The Deputy will appreciate, therefore, that it is not possible to indicate at this stage whether the person named will qualify for an allocation of entitlements from the reserve on foot of an application submitted. Applicants will be notified of their eligibility or otherwise as soon as all applications are processed.
146 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if a person (details supplied) will be granted additional milk quota; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3328/05]
Allocations of milk quota from the milk quota national reserve are granted on the basis of recommendations from the milk quota appeals tribunal. The tribunal was established to consider and advise on applications for additional quota from individual producers who have suffered severe hardship in the context of the milk quota system.
The person named has submitted an application for additional quota on the grounds of hardship in the current milk quota year — 2004-05. The tribunal will endeavour to examine all applications before the end of the quota year. All applicants will be notified of the outcome as soon as their case has been considered.
147 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the current value of the installation aid grant for young farmers; her plans to increase the value of this grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3349/05]
The level of grant payable to qualified young farmers under the current installation aid scheme is €9,523.04, which represents a 34% increase on the amount payable under the preceding scheme. I have no plans at present to further increase the value of the grant payable under the scheme.
148 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of tenders accepted by her Department or State agencies under the control of her Department in the past 12 months for food products; the country of origin of the foods concerned and the value of the contracts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3352/05]
My Department does not have any contracts for the purchase of foodstuffs. As regards State agencies which come under the aegis of my Department, the issue raised by the Deputy is a day to day matter which is the sole responsibility of the bodies concerned.
149 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the National Steering Committee on Violence Against Women will present its report and recommendations; if he is giving the work of the committee high priority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3233/05]
I can inform the Deputy that the National Steering Committee on Violence Against Women was established by Government in December 1997 as part of its response to the issue of violence against women. The establishment of the committee was a recommendation contained in the report of the task force on violence against women, which was published in April 1997. The national steering committee is chaired by Minister of State, Deputy Fahey, and its membership comprises representatives of the Departments with responsibility for this issue, the non-governmental organisations working in this area, representatives from the Garda Síochána, the Courts Service, the Probation and Welfare Service, the health boards and the medical and legal professions. The remit of the National Steering Committee on Violence Against Women is to provide, inter alia, a multidisciplinary and cohesive response to this issue. The committee has a number of objectives which include ensuring that regional and local structures are established and maintained, promoting public awareness about the issues involved in violence against women, advising on the co-ordination and distribution of resources among the eight health board regions, advising on the ongoing development of policies including those concerning services and supports, criminal justice intervention and perpetrators.
As regards a report, I can inform the Deputy that the committee is not required to submit one to Government but is working towards implementing the ecommendations made by the task force on violence against women and that work is ongoing. I can further inform the Deputy that a number of initiatives have been undertaken by the committee since it was established in 1997 including a number of campaigns to raise public awareness of the various aspects of violence against women.
In addition, I can inform the Deputy that, on behalf of the national steering committee, my Department has recently commissioned the development of a strategic plan to further its work over the next five years.
I can assure the Deputy that the Government places a high priority on putting in place measures aimed at tackling crimes of domestic violence, rape, sexual assault and other crimes of violence against women and that I and my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Fahey, place a high priority on the work of the National Steering Committee on Violence Against Women.
150 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Question No. 182 of 9 December 2004, the position regarding the issue; and if he will review the person’s case for humanitarian leave to remain here. [3234/05]
172 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has made a decision in the case of a person (details supplied) and if he will use his discretion to permit this person temporary leave to remain here on the basis of humanitarian and compassionate considerations. [3338/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 150 and 172 together.
There is no change in this case since the previous detailed answer was given to Question No. 182 of 9 December 2004. The applicant has instituted judicial review proceedings challenging the deportation order made in respect of him on 28 June 2004 and there is an injunction in place preventing his deportation before 21 February 2005. Accordingly, I do not propose to comment further in this case.
151 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the nature of the evidence he has of Sinn Féin or IRA involvement in criminality such as robberies or punishment beatings in the Republic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3235/05]
In its first and third reports, published in April 2004 and November 2004, respectively, the Independent Monitoring Commission set out its findings on the continuing activity of paramilitary groups, including the Provisional IRA, PIRA.
In addition to these documentary sources, the public record also contains details of the criminal convictions handed down to certain persons in recent years. I am in receipt of regular security briefings from the Garda authorities as regards the activities of, inter alia, PIRA and its associates.
152 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will respond to the concerns expressed in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3236/05]
The Office of Film Censor is one which was created by the Censorship of Films Act 1923. The film censor is appointed to undertake the functions provided for in this, and subsequent legislation, including the Video Recordings Act 1989. The Deputy will appreciate that, as such, the film censor is independent in the exercise of his official functions and it would therefore be inappropriate for me to intervene in individual cases.
153 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a dealing will be completed on a folio (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3237/05]
I am informed by the Registrar of Titles that this is an application under section 49, that is, acquisition of title by virtue of long possession, under the Registration of Title Act 1964, which was lodged on 11 January 2005. Dealing No. D2005TJ000309G refers.
I understand that due to their complicated nature, applications under section 49, which require detailed examination of claims for registration as owners, can take some time to process. Accordingly, it is not possible to estimate a completion date at this stage.
I am further informed that queries will issue shortly to the lodging solicitors and that the application cannot proceed until these queries have been satisfactorily resolved.
However, I can assure the Deputy that on receipt of a satisfactory reply to the queries raised the matter will receive further attention in the Land Registry and will be completed as soon as possible.
154 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on an appeal against a visa application refusal by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3251/05]
The applicant in this case has lodged an appeal against the decision to refuse him a visa. Currently, appeals of this type are taking, on average, six weeks to process depending on the complexity of each case. The applicant will be notified of the decision at the earliest possible time.
155 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a dealing in County Roscommon will be completed (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3252/05]
I am informed by the Registrar of Titles that this is an application for transfer of part which was lodged on 7 September, 2004. Dealing No. D2004CR008527V refers. I am further informed that this application is receiving attention in the Land Registry and will be completed as soon as possible.
156 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has satisfied himself that the strength of Garda numbers in the Buncrana district is adequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3265/05]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the current personnel strength of Buncrana district as at the 2 February 2005 is 75 — all ranks. Local Garda management is satisfied that the arrangements currently in place in the Buncrana district are adequate to meet the present policing needs of the area.
As regards Garda resources generally, I am pleased the Government has approved my proposal to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 members on a phased basis, in line with the commitment in An Agreed Programme for Government in this regard. This is a key commitment in the programme for Government, and its implementation will significantly strengthen the operational capacity of the force. The Commissioner will now be drawing up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources. In this context, the needs of the Buncrana district will be fully considered within the context of the needs of Garda divisions throughout the country. The additional resources will be targeted at the areas of greatest need, as is envisaged in the programme for Government. The programme identifies in particular areas with a significant drugs problem and a large number of public order offences, but it will be possible to address other priorities as well, such as the need to very significantly increase the number of gardaí allocated to traffic duties as part of the new Garda traffic corps. I have already promised that the additional gardaí will not be put on administrative duties. They will be put directly into frontline, operational, high-visibility policing and will have a real impact.
157 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a person holding both Irish citizenship and citizenship of another country, who was not born on the island of Ireland and who subsequently gives up their Irish citizenship can then re-invoke their Irish citizenship at a later stage, in view of the fact that an Irish person born on the island of Ireland is entitled to do just that; and if he has satisfied himself that there is no differentiation in the status of the two Irish persons in a case in which one was born on the island of Ireland and the other was not in this regard. [3267/05]
The general rules in relation to the re-acquisition of Irish citizenship differ depending on whether the person in question has a constitutional entitlement to Irish citizenship. Where a person has a constitutional entitlement to citizenship, such entitlement subsists even where the person renounces citizenship — in other words even though the person renounces citizenship he or she remains constitutionally entitled to it. In practice, such a person can exercise that subsisting entitlement by declaring his or her citizenship in the prescribed manner.
In all other cases it is for the Oireachtas to determine on rules relating to the re-acquisition of citizenship. The position as enunciated in section 21 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, which covered all Irish citizens at the time of its enactment, was as follows. An Irish citizen of full age, who was a citizen of another country and for that reason desired to renounce citizenship, could do so by lodging a declaration of alienage. A condition precedent was that the person in question was ordinarily resident outside the State. Such a person was required to apply for naturalisation if he or she wished to re-acquire citizenship.
Subject to one exception, that remains the position in relation to all former Irish citizens who do not have a constitutional entitlement to Irish citizenship. This includes persons who acquired citizenship by descent alone, by post-nuptial declaration and through the naturalisation process. It also includes persons born in the island of Ireland on or after 24 June 2004 who, at the time of birth, do not have at least one parent who is or is entitled to be an Irish citizen. The one exception arises in this type of case. Such persons, if born between 24 June 2004 and date of implementation of the relevant provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 2004, 1 January 2005, continue to be dealt with for the purposes of re-acquisition after renunciation as if they are constitutionally entitled to citizenship. This exception is simply a reflection of the passage of time between the enactment of the constitutional amendment and the implementation of the primary legislation and the prospective approach taken in matters of this nature.
158 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the Cider Industry Council’s call for mandatory identification cards to assist its members overcome the difficulties they are encountering with forged identity cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3280/05]
I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that the introduction of a mandatory identification card is a complex issue which would require in-depth debate. Depending on the outcome of such a debate, responsibility for such a measure could fall to any one of a number of Ministers. The obligation to produce an age document to gain admission to the bar of licensed premises is intended to assist licensees to comply with legislative provisions relating to underage consumption of alcohol and to assist the Garda in enforcing the law.
The national age card scheme was initiated in April 1999 under the provisions of section 40 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1988. The scheme was introduced to help curb the growth in under age drinking by introducing a specially designed age card. Section 40 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1988 provides that the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform may by regulations provide for the issue of an age card to those who have attained 18 years of age and are, therefore, legally entitled to purchase and consume alcohol in licensed premises. The Intoxicating Liquor Act 1988 (Age Card) Regulations 1999 set out detailed provisions in relation to the application and authentication procedure as well as procedures for the preparation and issue of age cards. To date, over 189,000 cards have been issued by the Garda authorities.
I would encourage licensees to accept the Garda age card as an age document for the purposes of section 15 of the 2003 Act. If a licensee suspects that such a card has been forged or altered, the Garda should be notified as it is an offence to forge a document purporting to be an age card, alter an age card, or use such a document or an altered age card with intent to deceive. In the absence of such a suspicion, I can see no reason a licensee should refuse to accept a Garda age card as an age document.
159 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; if he will consider granting extension of residency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3298/05]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 4 October, 2001 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, he was informed by letter dated 16 April 2003 that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State; leaving the State before an order is made or consenting to the making of a deportation order. This person's case file, including all representations submitted, will be considered under section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, and section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 — prohibition of refoulement. I expect the file to be passed to me for decision in due course.
160 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will consider extended residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3303/05]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 3 February 2003 and applied for a declaration as a refugee. Her application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. Subsequently, in accordance with section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, she was informed by letter dated 14 January 2005 that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State; leaving the State before an order is made; or consenting to the making of a deportation order.
In the normal course of events, her case file, including all representations submitted, would be considered under section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, and under section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996, as amended — prohibition of r efoulement.
However, this person, as the parent of Irish born child, may, if she so wishes, apply to have her application considered under the revised arrangements introduced by me for the consideration of applications for permission to remain in the State made by the non-national parents of Irish born children born before 1 January 2005. The details of the revised arrangements were publicly announced on 15 January 2005. To date, no such application has been received from this person in my Department under the terms of the revised arrangements. Applications should be made on form IBC/05 which is available on the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform website at www.justice.ie. Hard copies of the form are available at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2, Garda district headquarters, stations outside Dublin and at all Reception and Integration Agency accommodation centres countrywide. Forms have also been distributed to various non-governmental organisations working with immigrants and asylum seekers.
161 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will grant residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3304/05]
The person concerned was declared a refugee in December 2002 and this position was communicated in writing at that time. The person concerned was advised to register at the Registration Office, 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 at which time she would have been given a registration card. Such registration must be renewed on a periodic basis. This person's registration now appears to have lapsed. As such, she would be advised to call to the offices of the Garda National Immigration Bureau, 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2, to have her registration renewed.
162 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will grant residency permission in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3305/05]
Records held by my Department indicate that the name and address supplied relate to a person who was granted permission to reside in the State based on parentage of an Irish born child on 18 July 2002. Her current period of residency is not due to expire until 1 July 2005. However, the reference number relates to a visa application lodged in late 2002 for a minor of the same name which was refused. No further documents relating to that application have been received by the visa section of my Department since that time.
163 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will allow extended residency on the basis of parentage of an Irish born child in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3306/05]
It is open to the person concerned to make an application for residency in the State on the basis of parentage of an Irish-born child born prior to 1 January 2005. The details of the revised arrangements for the consideration of applications for permission to remain in the State made by the non-national parents of Irish-born children born before 1 January 2005 were publicly announced on 15 January 2005. To date, no such application has been received from this person in my Department under the terms of the revised arrangements.
Applications should be made on form IBC/05 which is available on the Department of Justice, Equality amd Law Reform website at www.justice.ie. Hard copies of the form are available at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2, Garda district headquarters, stations outside Dublin and at all Reception and Integration Agency accommodation centres countrywide. Forms will also be distributed to various non-governmental organisations working with immigrants and asylum seekers.
164 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will consider extension of residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3307/05]
The position is that the person concerned arrived in the State on 22 October 2001 and claimed asylum. His application was refused by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and he was notified of this recommendation by letter of 30 July 2002. His subsequent appeal was refused by the Office of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal and he was notified of this recommendation by letter of 29 May 2003. He was notified of my decision to refuse him refugee status by letter of 25 June 2003 in which he was informed of the three options open to him at that point, that is, to leave the State before the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform made a deportation in respect of him; to consent to the making of a deportation order in respect of him; or to make written representations, within 15 working days, to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform setting out reasons he should not be deported, that is, why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State.
His case was examined under section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 and section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 — prohibition of refoulement, including consideration of representations received on his behalf from the refugee legal service for temporary leave to remain in the State. On 3 August 2004, I refused temporary leave to remain and signed a deportation order in respect of him. Notice of the order was served by registered post requiring him to present himself to the Garda National Immigration Bureau on 27 January 2005. He is due to present again to the bureau on 17 February 2005, when it is expected that travel arrangements will have been put in place. The enforcement of the deportation order is a matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau.
165 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if registration or permission to remain here will be extended in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3310/05]
The person concerned should write to the immigration division of my Department at 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 providing full details and documentation to support his application. On receipt of same a decision will be made in his case.
166 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps which have been taken to acknowledge the bravery of persons (details supplied). [3311/05]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that they have submitted correspondence to Comhairle na Mire Gaile, the Council for the Recognition of Deeds of Bravery, for the consideration of an appropriate award to the gardaí concerned. On 19 July 2004, Comhairle na Mire Gaile acknowledged receipt of the correspondence and undertook to prepare a submission to the council members at a meeting to be held in the near future.
167 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when persons (details supplied) will have their application for citizenship decided upon. [3317/05]
Applications for certificates of naturalisation from the persons referred to by the Deputy were received in the citizenship section of my Department on 28 October 2003. The average processing time for such applications is currently 24 months. On the basis of the current average processing time, therefore, it is likely that the applications of the individuals concerned will be finalised around October 2005. I will inform both the applicants and the Deputy as soon as I have reached a decision on the applications.
168 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on the appeal by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3332/05]
I can inform the Deputy that the visa application in question was approved on appeal on 1 February 2005. The applicant will be formally notified of this decision through the Irish mission in the country of origin.
169 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Garda Síochána had in its possession at any stage in the past 30 years stocks of the highly poisonous CR gas, dibenzoxazepine; if it was tested; if so, the way in which; if it was deployed; if so, the circumstances in which; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3335/05]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that they have no stocks, nor did they ever have stocks, of the CR gas referred to in their possession at any stage in the past 30 years.
170 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will not unilaterally suspend the right of non-national parents of Irish citizen children to make an application to remain in the State on the basis of this family relationship under his new limited scheme. [3336/05]
I announced details of new arrangements to deal with the outstanding claims to reside in the State on the basis of the parentage of an Irish-born child on 15 January 2005. Applications can be made on form IBC/05 which is available on the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform website at www.justice.ie. Hard copies of the form are available at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2, Garda district headquarters stations outside Dublin and at all Reception and Integration Agency accommodation centres countrywide. Forms have also been distributed to various non-governmental organisations working with immigrants and asylum seekers. Applications must be made before 31 March 2005.
171 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on the progress in the delivery of closed circuit television systems for the Ballyfermot area of Dublin under phase III of the Garda town centre closed circuit television scheme, which was to have commenced in 2004; when works will commence and when they will be completed; and the proposed closed circuit television locations in Ballyfermot. [3337/05]
A total of 17 locations throughout the country, including Ballyfermot, are set to receive town centre CCTV systems. This expansion is being implemented on a phased basis as follows: phase 1 — Bray, Dundalk, Dún Laoghaire, Finglas, Galway and Limerick; phase 2 — Athlone, Clondalkin, Tallaght and Waterford; phase 3 — Ballyfermot, Carlow, Castlebar, Clonmel, Ennis, Kilkenny and Sligo.
The installation of the phase 1 systems in Bray, Dundalk, Dún Laoghaire and Limerick has been completed and these systems are now fully operational. Thirteen of the 18 cameras in Galway are now fully operational. It is proposed to install the final five cameras in tandem with the major redevelopment works currently being undertaken by Galway City Council in the Eyre Square area.
The issue regarding the provision of suitable space to accommodate the monitoring of CCTV cameras in Finglas Garda station is currently being considered, in conjunction with the Office of Public Works, with regard to the overall accommodation needs of Finglas Garda station. It is hoped that work can proceed to completion in Finglas in 2005. Installation of the CCTV systems is, of necessity, a detailed, complex and lengthy process. The Garda authorities are giving careful consideration to a restructuring of the manner in which these Garda CCTV systems go to tender.
I am anxious to accelerate the implementation of the remaining CCTV programme and reduce as far as possible the workload of the Garda Síochána in this regard. I have, therefore, asked the Commissioner to submit proposals for a revised tender document for the 11 locations in the remaining two phases, with a view to achieving implementation in priority locations by the end of 2006.
I am advised that it would not be appropriate at this stage to state the specific number or location of the cameras planned for the Ballyfermot CCTV system. Camera numbers and locations have not yet been finalised and are therefore subject to change.
173 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will bring forward a comprehensive action plan to reduce class sizes in schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3190/05]
Significant improvements have been made in the pupil teacher ratio at both primary and post-primary level in recent years. At primary level, the ratio has fallen from 22.2:1 in the 1996-97 school year to 17.44:1 in the 2003-04 school year. Arising from these improvements, class sizes have reduced in the same period. The overall maximum class size in primary schools by reference to the staffing schedule has been reduced from 35 to 29. At post-primary level the pupil teacher ratio has been reduced from 16:1 to 13.6:1 in the same period.
In line with the commitment in the programme for Government, class sizes will be reduced still further. This, however, can only be done on a phased basis having regard to the available resources and subject to spending priorities within the education sector. The timing and manner in which the target set out in the programme for Government can be met is being examined by my Department in consultation with the education partners. Additional posts will continue to be provided. The deployment of these posts will be decided within the context of the overall policy that priority will be given to pupils with special needs, those from disadvantaged areas and junior classes.
174 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if priority will be given to the application for grant aid under the summer works scheme 2005 for roof repairs and mechanical works at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 9; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3191/05]
The school to which the Deputy refers has submitted an application for grant aid under the summer works scheme 2005, SWS, for roof repairs and mechanical works. All SWS applications are currently being assessed in the school planning section of my Department. I intend to publish the list of successful applicants shortly.
175 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if the progress of the schools building programme for 2005 will be reviewed during the course of the year; the progress made to date on the implementation of the programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3285/05]
I recently announced details of 122 major school building projects that will progress to tender and construction over the next 12 to 15 months. My Department's building unit has been in contact with these schools and arranged a general information meeting to guide them through the process involved in moving projects to tender and construction. The meetings took place on 31 January and 1 February in Tullamore and all schools were invited to attend.
Responsibility for the day to day management of these projects is a matter for each school authority and its design team. While some of the 122 projects will be ready to go on site earlier in the year than others, all of the projects should be capable of going to tender and construction within this published timescale.
I am anxious to ensure that a consistent flow of projects to tender and construction can be sustained into the future. I plan to make a number of announcements in the near future about the schools' building and modernisation programme including: details of schools identified as suitable for construction under public private partnerships; an expansion of the number of schools that will be invited to deliver their building projects on the basis of devolved funding; details of schools with projects approved under the 2005 summer works scheme; schools whose projects will further progress through the design process; schools that will be authorised to commence architectural planning.
The progress of the building programme is a matter of ongoing review during the course of the year.
176 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of capital funding and the amount of revenue funding she provided for each of the universities in 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3222/05]
The information requested by the Deputy is outlined in the following chart.
|
Institution |
Recurrent |
Capital |
|
University College Dublin |
152,592,000 |
7,562,858 |
|
University College Cork |
100,938,000 |
5,449,141 |
|
National University of Ireland, Galway |
77,125,000 |
5,000 |
|
National University of Ireland, Maynooth |
37,355,000 |
0 |
|
Trinity College Dublin |
107,784,000 |
2,316,701 |
|
Dublin City University |
63,817,000 |
397,400 |
|
University of Limerick |
75,153,000 |
2,177,080 |
|
Total |
614,764,000 |
17,908,180 |
Note: These figures exclude research funding issued to the universities.
177 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Dublin, her attention has been drawn to the fact that the school is operating from 17 classrooms in either deteriorating temporary accommodation or a totally unsuitable 1903 building; and if, in view of the need for a new school, she will expedite the approval of same. [3223/05]
I am aware of the circumstances in the school referred to by the Deputy and I am pleased to inform him that my Department is currently implementing the first phase of a two phase strategy to address the school's requirements. In this regard, a €1 million extension is currently being provided to cater for its immediate needs. In addition, schedules of accommodation have been agreed for the second phase extension. Progress on the second phase is being considered in the context of the school building programme.
In this regard, I recently announced the first phase of the 2005 school building programme which provided details of 122 major school building projects countrywide which will prepare tenders and move to construction during 2005. This announcement is the first in a series of announcements I plan to make in the coming period about the schools building and modernisation programme that will include details of schools identified as suitable for construction under public private partnerships; an expansion of the number of schools that will be invited to deliver their building projects on the basis of devolved funding; details of schools with projects approved under the 2005 summer works scheme; schools whose projects will further progress through the design process; and schools that will be authorised to commence architectural planning.
178 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Dublin, she will sanction the provision of two additional classrooms for September 2005. [3224/05]
An application for temporary accommodation has been received from the school authority to which the Deputy refers. All applications for temporary accommodation for the 2005/2006 school year are currently being assessed in the school planning section of my Department. I intend to publish a list of the successful applicants shortly.
179 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has a report on the outcome of the pilot scheme based on a common template for secondary school sports halls; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3225/05]
Six of these template PE hall projects were included in the 2004 school building programme. Construction is well underway at four of these projects with the remaining two due to proceed to construction early in 2005. When construction is completed, my Department will then be able report on the outcome of these template hall projects.
180 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if funding will become available in the current year for a sports hall for a school (details supplied) which has been without this basic facility for 25 years; and if her attention has been drawn to the urgency of an early decision to prevent the loss of a privately funded athletics track at the school. [3226/05]
The provision of a PE hall at the school to which the Deputy refers has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria, which were revised following consultation with the education partners. Progress on this project is being considered in the context of the school building programme.
In this regard, I recently announced the first phase of the 2005 school building programme which provided details of 122 major school building projects countrywide which will prepare tenders and move to construction during 2005. This announcement is the first in a series of announcements I plan to make in the coming period about the schools building and modernisation programme that will include details of schools identified as suitable for construction under public private partnerships; an expansion of the number of schools that will be invited to deliver their building projects on the basis of devolved funding; details of schools with projects approved under the 2005 summer works scheme; schools whose projects will further progress through the design process; schools that will be authorised to commence architectural planning.
181 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason two national schools (details supplied) in County Mayo did not receive a library grant under the social inclusion scheme. [3227/05]
Over €500,000 was made available by my Department in December 2004 for books for primary schools serving disadvantaged communities. Following consultations with the Library Association of Ireland and the Library Council, it was decided to channel this additional funding through the national school library scheme, which is administered through the local authority library system.
Over 600 schools are receiving books under this initiative. The schools involved were selected on a priority basis using the findings of the most recent comprehensive survey on levels of disadvantage in primary schools conducted by the Educational Research Centre. The additional allocation to the national school library scheme was calculated at the rate of €6 per pupil in respect of pupils enrolled in the selected schools on 30 September 2003. The aim of the initiative is to ensure that those pupils most in need of literacy support will benefit directly.
The schools to which the Deputy refers are included in the rural dimension of my Department's Giving Children an Even Break programme. Both schools are benefiting from supplementary funding and have the services of a rural co-ordinator under the programme to provide additional educational supports to be targeted at disadvantaged pupils.
182 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress on the extension to a school (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3228/05]
The extension and refurbishment project at the school to which the Deputy refers has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria, which were revised following consultation with the education partners. The project is being considered for the 2005 school building programme. The Deputy will be aware that I recently announced the first phase of the 2005 programme which provided details of 122 major school building projects countrywide which will prepare tenders and move to construction during the year. This announcement is the first in a series I plan to make in the coming period in relation to the schools building and modernisation programme. The programme will include details of schools identified as suitable for construction under public private partnerships, an expansion of the number of schools invited to deliver their building projects on the basis of devolved funding, details of schools with projects approved under the 2005 summer works scheme, schools whose projects will further progress through the design process and schools authorised to commence architectural planning.
184 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Question No. 137 of 12 October 2004, when work on two classroom extensions will be completed for a school (details supplied) in County Limerick. [3230/05]
The extension and refurbishment project at the school to which the Deputy refers has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria, which were revised following consultation with the education partners. The project is being considered for the 2005 school building programme. The Deputy will be aware that I recently announced the first phase of the 2005 programme which provided details of 122 major school building projects countrywide which will prepare tenders and move to construction during 2005. The announcement is the first in a series I plan to make in the coming period on the schools building and modernisation programme. The programme will include details of schools identified as suitable for construction under public private partnerships, an expansion of the number of schools invited to deliver their building projects on the basis of devolved funding, details of schools with projects approved under the 2005 summer works scheme, schools whose projects will further progress through the design process and schools authorised to commence architectural planning.
185 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will report on the development of the physical education hall at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24, with details of the building schedule being followed; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that concerns are being expressed by local residents with regard to the entrance to the facility and future uses of the building; if the management of the building unit will pursue these issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3231/05]
The project referred to by the Deputy sent to tender and construction as part of the 2004 school building programme. It is envisaged that the project will be completed later this year. My Department is not aware of the concerns from local residents that the Deputy refers to in his question. If there are issues they should be raised directly with the school and also with County Dublin VEC which is the client for this project.
186 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Education and Science the help which will be given to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford. [3232/05]
My Department has received an application for resource teaching support for the pupil referred to by the Deputy. A decision on the application will be conveyed to the school at the earliest possible date.
188 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which she intends to take action following the completion of the assessment of primary and second level educational needs in north Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3288/05]
I assume the Deputy is referring the draft area development plan for the N4-M4 area. The commission on school accommodation recently completed the public consultation process on the draft plan and is analysing the contents of the written and oral submissions made in this context. When the process has been completed, the commission will prepare a final plan setting out the blueprint for the development of schools in the area for the next decade. In the meantime, all applications for capital funding from schools in the area are being assessed against the published prioritisation criteria which were revised earlier this year following consultation with the education partners. Progress on individual projects is being considered in the context of the school building programme.
The Deputy will be aware that I recently announced the first phase of the 2005 school building programme which provided details of 122 major school building projects countrywide which will prepare tenders and move to construction during 2005. The announcement is the first in a series I plan to make in the coming period on the schools building and modernisation programme. The programme will include details of schools identified as suitable for construction under public private partnerships, an expansion of the number of schools invited to deliver their building projects on the basis of devolved funding, details of schools with projects approved under the 2005 summer works scheme, schools whose projects will further progress through the design process and schools authorised to commence architectural planning.
189 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of extra teachers at primary and second level likely to be appointed in the current year; the way in which this is expected to affect pupil-teacher ratios; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3289/05]
The mainstream staffing of a primary school is determined by applying the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year to a staffing schedule agreed between my Department and the education partners. The process of allocating disadvantaged posts to primary schools takes place once the mainstream staffing schedule has been finalised. My Department will finalise the staffing schedule for primary schools for the 2005-06 school year shortly and thereafter notify school boards of management. Until this process is complete, it is not possible to determine the number of mainstream posts and, consequently, disadvantaged posts to be allocated to primary schools for the 2005-06 school year.
With effect from January 2005, the National Council for Special Education takes over responsibility for processing applications for resource teaching support for pupils at primary level with low incidence special educational needs on an assessed needs basis. I am having the revised model of resource teaching allocation for pupils with high incidence special educational needs and learning difficulties and delays reviewed. Pending completion of the processing of the applications and the review, it is not possible to determine the number of additional special needs teachers to be allocated to primary schools this year.
My Department recently issued the initial teacher allocation for the school year 2005-06 to all post-primary schools. Applications may now be submitted by schools for additional teaching support to meet short term curricular difficulties, the needs of non-national pupils and the needs of Traveller pupils. In addition, the NCSE will process applications for additional teaching hours for children with special educational needs. Until these processes are complete, it will not be possible to determine the number of posts to be allocated to post-primary schools for the 2005-06 school year.
190 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of second level school replacement or refurbishment projects in County Kildare likely to proceed to construction in the current year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3290/05]
I have recently announced details of 122 major school building projects which will progress to tender and construction over the next 12 to 15 months. Of these projects, four are extension projects at post-primary schools in County Kildare. My Department's building unit held general information meetings for all these schools to guide them through the process involved in moving projects to tender and construction stages. The meetings took place on 31 January and 1 February in Tullamore and all the schools were invited to attend.
191 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary school replacement or refurbishment projects in County Kildare likely to proceed to construction in the current year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3291/05]
I have recently announced details of 122 major school building projects which will progress to tender and construction over the next 12 to 15 months. Of the projects, two involve primary schools in County Kildare; one is a new school and the other is an extension and refurbishment project. My Department's building unit held general information meetings for the schools to guide them through the process involved in moving projects to tender and construction stages. The meetings took place on 31 January and 1 February in Tullamore and the schools were invited to attend.
A further ten primary projects from the 2004 school building programme being delivered in County Kildare. Construction is well underway on eight of these projects with the remaining two projects due to proceed to construction shortly.
192 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number and location of secondary schools in County Kildare in respect of which submissions have been made setting out requirements in respect of psychological assessment, remedial, resource or other special needs teachers; the extent to which these needs are being met or likely to be met in the current year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3292/05]
Requests for a psychological service are frequently received in the National Educational Psychological Service. For schools with access to NEPS, the practice is for the school psychologist and relevant school staff to discuss their needs for the school year and to agree what can be done in the light of the time available. All second level schools in the free education scheme have had an entitlement to an ex-quota allocation for remedial education since the beginning of the 1990-2000 school year. The general position is that schools with enrolments of 600 or more pupils are allocated a full post while schools with enrolments below 600 pupils are allocated 0.5 of a post.
The National Council for Special Education has recently been established as an independent statutory body with responsibilities as set out in the National Council for Special Education (Establishment) Order 2003. With effect from 1 January 2005, the NCSE through local special educational needs organisers will process resource applications for children with special educational needs. The information requested on such applications is therefore not readily available within my Department. I am confident that the advent of the National Council for Special Education will prove of major benefit in ensuring that all children with special educational needs receive the support they require when and where they require it.
193 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number and location of primary schools in County Kildare in respect of which submissions have been made setting out requirements in respect of psychological assessment, remedial, resource or other special needs teachers; the extent to which these needs are being met or likely to be met in the current year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3293/05]
Requests for a psychological service are frequently received in the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS. The practice in schools with access to NEPS is for the school psychologist and relevant school staff to discuss their needs for the school year and agree what can be done in the time available.
The National Council for Special Education, NCSE, took over responsibility for processing resource applications for children with disabilities who have special educational needs on 1 January 2005 and, in particular, it is responsible deciding on applications for resource teaching hours in respect of children with low incidence disabilities with special educational needs at primary level; deciding on applications for additional teaching support in respect of children with disabilities with special educational needs at second level; and deciding on applications for special needs assistant hours.
Under the new arrangements, the council, through the local special educational needs organiser, SENO, will process the relevant application for resources and inform the school of the outcome. The SENO will outline the process to the school and parents, where appropriate, and will at the end of the process outline the basis on which the decision on resource teaching and SNAs was made. The information requested by the Deputy is not available for these reasons.
I am, however, satisfied that the establishment of the NCSE will greatly enhance the provision of services to children with special educational needs and result in a timely response to schools who have made application for SEN supports. The local service delivery aspect of the council's operation through the SENOs will provide a focal point of contact for parents-guardians and schools and I am confident this will result in a much improved service for all.
Learning support is not allocated on the basis of applications in respect of individual pupils. Accordingly, the information sought by the Deputy is not available. In general, schools are advised to consult the learning support guidelines which have issued from my Department. The Deputy will be aware of the new system for resource teacher allocation which involves a general allocation for all primary schools to cater for pupils with higher incidence special educational needs — borderline mild and mild general learning disability and specific learning disability. This system also applies to those with learning support needs, that is, functioning at or below the 10th percentile on a standardised test of reading and-or mathematics. An additional 350 teacher posts are being provided to facilitate the introduction of the new system.
I am conscious of difficulties that could arise regarding to the particular allocation under the expected proposed model for children in small and rural schools, if it were implemented as currently proposed. Accordingly, my Department is reviewing the proposal to ensure it provides an automatic response for pupils with common higher incidence special educational needs. The review involves consultation with educational interests and the NCSE before it is implemented in September 2005.
In addition, all schools may continue to apply for separate specific allocations in respect of pupils with lower incidence disabilities. The following special needs provision at primary level in County Kildare has been sanctioned by my Department to cater for the special educational needs of pupils: nine special classes for pupils with autism at a pupil-teacher ratio of 6:1; six special classes for pupils with mild general learning disabilities at a pupil teacher ratio of 11:1; and one special class for pupils with moderate general learning disabilities at a pupil teacher ratio of 8:1. In addition to these special classes, three special schools in operation in the Kildare area cater for approximately 157 pupils with special needs with a pupil-teacher ratio ranging from 6:1 to 11:1.
My Department also provides funding for the Saplings project, a facility sanctioned on a pilot basis, which uses applied behavioural analysis methodologies for children with autism. Approximately 30 children are enrolled in the facility.
194 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the highest and lowest pupil-teacher ratios at primary level and the average in respect of post primary level schools throughout County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3294/05]
Significant improvements have been made in the pupil-teacher ratio at both primary and post primary level in recent years. The ratio has fallen from 22.2:1 in the 1996-97 primary school year to 17.44:1 in the 2003-04 school year while at post primary level the pupil-teacher ratio has been reduced from 16:1 to 13.6:1 in the same period. 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 in line with Government policy. Priority will be given to pupils with special needs and those from disadvantaged areas. The information requested by the Deputy is not available.
195 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the highest and lowest pupil-teacher ratios at primary level and the average for the county in respect of primary schools throughout County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3295/05]
The information requested by the Deputy is not available. Significant improvements have been made in the pupil-teacher ratio at primary level in recent years. The ratio has fallen from 22.2:1 in the 1996-97 school year to 17.44:1 in the 2003-04 school year. Figures for the current school year are not available. 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 in line with Government policy. Priority will be given to pupils with special needs and those from disadvantaged areas and junior classes.
196 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when work is likely to start in the case of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3296/05]
The project referred to by the Deputy is listed for proceeding to tender and construction over the next 12 to 15 months. My Department's building unit held general information meetings for all schools due to go to tender and construction in the next 12 to 15 months to guide them through the process involved in moving projects to tender and construction. These meetings took place on 31 January and 1 February in Tullamore and representatives of the school in question attended the meeting. My Department expects to be in contact with the school in the coming weeks regarding to delivery of the project.
197 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of permanent facilities for a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3297/05]
The school to which the Deputy refers commenced operation with provisional recognition from my Department in September 2002. During the period of provisional recognition, it is the responsibility of the school patron to provide interim accommodation. This accommodation must be capable of fully meeting the needs of the developing school until permanent recognition has been secured and my Department is in a position to acquire a site and provide a permanent school building. An application for permanent recognition has been received from the school authority and is under consideration in the school planning section of my Department. A decision in this matter will be taken as quickly as possible.
198 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare can transfer for the remainder of his studies to a similar educational facility closer to his family home in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3315/05]
The institutes of technology are statutory bodies established under the Regional Technical Colleges Acts 1992 to 1999 and the Dublin Institute of Technology Act 1992. Under these Acts, the governance and day-to-day activities of the institutes, including matters relating to student admissions and transfers of students between institutes, are matters for which the governing bodies and the management staff of the relevant institutes are responsible. The person in question should contact the relevant institutes directly for further advice on the matter.
199 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when higher education grant will be awarded in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3316/05]
The decision on eligibility for third level grants is a matter for the relevant local authority or VEC. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department except, in exceptional cases, where, for example, advice or instruction regarding a particular clause in the relevant scheme is desired. No such advice or instruction has, to date, been sought in the case of the student referred to by the Deputy. If an applicant considers that he or she has been unjustly refused a maintenance grant or that the rate of grant awarded is not correct, he or she may appeal to the relevant local authority or VEC. Where an applicant has had an appeal turned down in writing by the relevant local authority or VEC, and remains of the view that the body has not interpreted the schemes correctly in his or her case, a letter outlining the position may be sent to my Department. Alternatively, the local authority or VEC may in exceptional circumstances seek clarification on issues from my Department.
200 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science when a reply will be issued to the Department of Social and Family Affairs which contacted her Department on 18 September 2004 regarding the record of employment of a person (details supplied) in County Sligo from 1957 to 1962; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3329/05]
The matter referred to by the Deputy is being investigated. I will arrange for a full reply to be forwarded to him as soon as possible.
201 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science if the review of school accommodation in the Whitehall area of Dublin has been completed; and the outcome of same. [3345/05]
The analysis and review of overall future provision for primary education in the general area of the school referred to by the Deputy is ongoing. Discussions are also taking place with the primary education providers in the area to determine the likely demand for primary school places in the medium to long term and to determine how existing provision can be maximised to cater for this demand.
202 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the average cost to the State of educating a university student; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3353/05]
Due to the varied costs associated with undergraduate courses, my Department does not have an overall unit cost per student. However the estimated average recurrent cost to the State for the more common undergraduate courses of arts, business, science and engineering is €7,000 per student per year. The average recurrent cost to the State of training a university graduate in these areas on a four year degree course is, therefore, estimated at €28,000. As higher costs are associated with some courses, the unit costs to the State are higher. For example, the estimated unit cost per student to the State in respect of medicine is €8,500 per annum. These figures do not take account of the substantial capital costs incurred by the State in the provision of university facilities.
203 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the average cost to the State of educating an institute of technology student; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3354/05]
A unit cost system of allocating funds to the institutes of technology has not been developed. The annual budget for each institute of technology is at present allocated on the basis of its total pay and non-pay requirements following consideration of its annual programmes and budget submission which is required under the RTC-DIT Acts. The allocation takes into account the complexity of the institute, the range of courses and facilities offered to students, the total number of students, both full-time and part-time, and the nature of the infrastructure. Decisions on the allocations also have regard to Government policy and priorities.
204 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence if the Defence Forces had in their possession at any stage in the past 30 years stocks of the highly poisonous CR gas, dibenzoxazepine; if it was tested; if so, the way in which; if it was deployed; if so, the circumstances in which; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3341/05]
The Defence Forces have not held any stocks of CR gas, dibenzoxazepine, in the past 30 years.
205 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence the names of the two Deputies currently monitored by military intelligence; and the names of the current Deputies who are the subject of military intelligence files. [3342/05]
As I have previously indicated to the House, the content of any briefings I receive from the director of intelligence must be kept confidential. As such, I am not at liberty, nor would it be appropriate for me to indicate the nature and extent of any activities which the Defence Forces might undertake in this regard, or to disclose any information I received on such issues. However, I assure the House that it would only be in cases where a person, or a group to which he or she belonged, was considered to pose a potential threat to the security interests of the State that it might be considered appropriate to monitor such activities. In this regard, I am satisfied that what military intelligence does now is the minimum necessary and no more than is necessary.
206 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will take steps to provide funding sought by Westmeath County Council to install low cost safety measures and lighting at a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3193/05]
The low cost safety improvement works scheme of grants for non-national roads was introduced by my Department in 2000 as an extension of the scheme operated on national roads under the auspices of the National Roads Authority. The NRA assesses applications for grant assistance under this non-national roads scheme on behalf of my Department. The criteria for approval of grant allocations are based on accident data, inspection of sites, locations showing demonstrable hazard and discussions between the local authority and the National Roads Authority. Westmeath County Council submitted nine applications to my Department for funding under this scheme in 2005, but these did not include the location in question.
Local authorities may also use their own resources, as supplemented by my Department's discretionary improvement grant, to fund traffic calming works. In 2005, the total discretionary improvement grant allocation to Westmeath County Council is €510,000. The prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for Westmeath County Council.
207 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if kitchens and the dining room will be urgently re-opened at St. Anne’s Court, Dublin 5; and if he will work closely with the residents on this issue. [3204/05]
I assume that the question refers to assistance from my Department under the voluntary housing capital assistance and communal facilities grant schemes.
My Department's involvement with the voluntary housing schemes relates primarily to the provision of funds for individual projects. The administration of the scheme, and the certification that particular projects comply with the terms of the scheme, are the responsibility of the local authority.
An application for funding from Dublin City Council has been received for such a project at St. Anne's Court, Dublin 1. My Department has sought further information from the city council and when this is to hand the application for funding will be further considered and the council will be advised of the outcome as soon as possible.
208 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the income threshold for qualification for a rent subsidy under shared ownership and the subsidy awarded when the scheme was first introduced; and the percentage by which the subsidy and the thresholds have increased since that date. [3194/05]
When the shared ownership scheme was introduced in May 1991, the rental subsidy rate ranged from a minimum of £300, €381, to a maximum of £700, €889, where gross income in the previous tax year was at or below £10,000, €12,700. The current rates range from a minimum of €1,300 to a maximum of €2,550, which represent increases of 241% and 187%, respectively, on the original values. The qualifying income threshold is now €25,500, an increase of 101% over 1991.
209 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the 4.3% of the market value used to decide the rental payment under shared ownership and the annual indexation of this value by 4.5% per annum, is now out of line with the rent ratios and rate of increase in rents which apply in the private rented sector; and his views on whether persons undertaking shared ownership schemes should at lease have ratios applied that are no worse than in the private sector and, in view of their housing needs, should have access to better terms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3195/05]
Under the shared ownership scheme houses are acquired by a local authority and leased to the shared owner, who purchases at least 40% of the value of the house and rents the remaining equity from the local authority. The local authority finances the transaction by borrowing from the Housing Finance Agency. The shared owner must purchase full ownership within 30 years.
For transactions commenced on or after 1 January 2003, the annual rent is calculated at 4.3% of the value of the local authority equity and the rent is increased by a fixed 4.5% on 1 July each year. The rent is used to repay the cost of the local authority equity to the Housing Finance Agency and, depending on the level of mortgage interest rates obtaining, may also increase or decrease the capital outstanding on the local authority share at the end of each year. These arrangements represent a significant improvement on the previous terms of the scheme for the shared owner.
The rental formula applied under the scheme is not comparable to rents in the private rented sector, which are determined by the operation of the market. Therefore, movements in private sector rent levels would have no relevant bearing on the calculation of the rental element under shared ownership. The terms of the shared ownership scheme are kept under review by my Department.
210 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has satisfied himself that the cost for a person on shared ownership of converting to a 100% loan is creating a disincentive for persons to move as quickly as possible to a standard mortgage; and if he will consider initiatives to reduce the cost of such a conversion which is now €650; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3196/05]
The shared ownership scheme is one of a number of schemes designed to facilitate those on low to modest incomes to purchase their first home. The objective of the scheme is to enable households that would not otherwise qualify for a mortgage to purchase a house outright to buy a share in a house now and the remainder at later stages within a 25 year period.
The scheme is administered by the local authorities in accordance with general terms and conditions set down by my Department. The cost of conversion to a 100% loan includes legal fees and administrative costs arising from the transfer of rental equity to mortgage equity. The exact cost is a matter between the local authority and the customer.
My Department will continue to support the shared ownership scheme as an important instrument in support of affordable housing and monitor and review the terms of the scheme where this is considered necessary.
211 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if immediate funding will be provided for a flooding problem (details supplied) in County Mayo. [3197/05]
Following the Government's decision to formally adopt the recommendations of the national flood policy review group, the Office of Public Works has assumed the lead role at national level for the management of flood risk and the implementation of flood relief works. Consideration may be given under my Department's water services investment programme to the inclusion, in an approved wastewater scheme, of works to prevent surcharging of surface water drains in urban areas. No proposals have been submitted to my Department by Mayo County Council in this case for consideration in that context.
212 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will approve an application for funding from Roscommon under the specific grant scheme to realign the Roscommon to Creggs regional road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3247/05]
A specific improvement grant of €350,000 has been allocated to Roscommon County Council, under the 2005 non-national road grant allocations, in respect of improvement works on the R366 Roscommon to Creggs road.
213 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 233 of 16 December 2004, if he will approve funding for a sewerage scheme in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3249/05]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 233 of 16 December 2004. The position is unchanged.
214 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the concerns expressed by the Irish Hardware and Building Materials Association regarding the significant changes which he proposes to make to the retail planning guidelines; the impact that these changes will have on existing retailers outside of Dublin; if he will postpone the implementation of those changes, especially outside of Dublin, until the impact of the changes has been assessed by the Joint Committee on the Environment and Local Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3277/05]
I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 1367, 1383 and 1384 of 26 January 2005. As indicated in that reply, the revised retail planning guidelines came into effect from 1 February 2005. It is not proposed to revoke them or to postpone their implementation.
