Michael Creed
Question:7 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the summer works scheme. [26183/08]
Written Answers.
The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 6, inclusive, answered orally.
Schools Refurbishment.
In 2003/2004, my Department moved towards a model of devolving funding, responsibility and authority for building projects directly to school management authorities. The intention was to improve the quality of the school building infrastructure in a structured and prioritised manner, to improve efficiency in the use of resources and to achieve value for money. The Summer Works Scheme introduced in 2004, was one such solution.
The purpose of the Summer Works Scheme was to ensure precise targeting of funding for smaller scale works by using a time-bound process, from application to implementation, which would be open to all recognised schools. The works would be carried out in the summer months to prevent disruption to schools.
Under the terms of the Scheme, school authorities are empowered to manage these works with guidance from, and minimal interaction with, my Department.
The Scheme has enabled the Department and school authorities to address deficiencies arising from the historic under-investment in school infrastructure over the years. This is particularly the case in relation to upgrading of gas, mechanics and electrics and addressing structural defects. Projects to facilitate inclusion and access for special needs pupils are also a feature of the scheme.
Since its inception, the scheme has been refined annually to incorporate feedback both from school authorities and from staff administering the Scheme. It has also been amended where necessary to reflect any changes in Public Procurement Procedures and Health and Safety regulations.
Since the Summer Works Scheme was introduced, over 3,000 projects, costing in excess of €300 million, have been completed. With so many smaller projects having been completed over the past few years, the particular emphasis in 2008 is on providing sufficient school places in developing areas, while also delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country. Accordingly my Department is focusing on delivering as many large projects as possible in 2008 and funding was not made available for a Summer Works Scheme this year.
However, I recognise the benefits of the scheme in addressing the needs of schools and I intend to have a Summer Works Scheme in 2009.
Schools Building Projects.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:8 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when it is intended to restore the school building programme to the scale indicated in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26052/08]
Joan Burton
Question:10 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will confirm that capital investment will amount to almost €830 million in 2008 of which less than €600 million will be invested in school buildings, including the completion of work on 67 large scale projects, the opening of 27 new schools in rapidly developing areas in September 2008 and construction work on more than 150 devolved projects under the previous permanent accommodation schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26073/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 and 10 together.
My Department's total capital allocation for 2008 is €827m. Just under €600m of this allocation will be invested in school buildings.
The extent of the school building and modernisation programme is determined by the annual capital allocation. This has grown steadily in recent years from just under €400m in 2004 to €542m in 2007 and to over €586m this year.
The principal component of the school building and modernisation programme is the delivery of large scale projects which consist of either new schools or major extensions or refurbishments of existing schools.
In 2007, a total of 16 new schools were completed together with 44 extension/refurbishment projects giving an overall total of 60 large scale projects completed in 2007.
The expected completion of large scale projects in 2008 will consist of 21 new schools and 46 extension/refurbishment projects giving an overall total of 67 large scale projects completing in 2008.
An additional feature of the 2008 school building and modernisation programme is the provision of new schools in developing areas under an accelerated programme. To cater for the anticipated increases in the school-going population, my Department has established a Developing Areas Unit to identify areas of rapid population growth, to assess the educational needs in these areas and to plan solutions for the accommodation needs identified.
As part of a fast-track programme of construction for September 2008, the Department is building six 16-classroom schools, 20 eight-classroom schools and a number of smaller projects in those areas where school accommodation is under greatest pressure.
Under the Permanent Accommodation and Small Schools Scheme in 2007, a total of 130 projects were completed. To date in 2008, a total of 52 projects under these devolved projects have been completed while a further 174 projects are currently under construction. In addition, a further 148 devolved projects have not yet gone on site but it is expected that the majority of these will be under construction before year-end.
With such a high level of activity underway, the completion of buildings in 2008 under these devolved schemes will significantly exceed the number of projects completed in 2007.
As I have already stated, the capital allocation on the Primary and Post-Primary sectors for 2008 is over €40m greater than the allocation in 2007. However, I should point out that a supplementary estimate and internal adjustments in 2007 gave a final outturn for that year of €646m of which over €30m was in respect of a technical adjustment in respect of payments to the OPW the previous year.
Decisions in respect of the expenditure of the annual allocation are made on the basis of the elements of the school building and modernisation programme that are most pressing in terms of need.
As the programme for the delivery of large scale projects and the purchase of sites is a larger component of the 2008 school building and modernisation programme than in previous years, it was not possible to have a Summer Works Scheme this year. Because over 250 projects under the devolved Permanent Accommodation or Small Schools Schemes had not managed to commence construction at the beginning of 2008, it was decided not to add further projects to the programme without substantial progress taking place on those projects not yet on site.
The primary and post-primary capital allocation for 2008 is higher than the 2007 allocation and the combined output of traditional build schools and extension and refurbishment projects together with the schools fast-tracked for delivery in September 2008 will result in the practical completion of far more large scale projects than the level of output experienced in 2007. When the large scale projects are combined with the expected level of projects being completed under the Permanent Accommodation and Small Schools Schemes this year, it is clear that the scale of delivery in 2008 addressing accommodation needs is at an all time high.
As I have indicated previously to the House, I am currently in the process of reviewing my Department's school building and modernisation programme with my officials. I do not propose to make any further announcements on the school building programme until that review is completed.
School Accommodation.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:9 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Science if in respect to his Department’s ongoing survey and analysis of prefab classrooms and resource rooms in the primary school system he will list the ownership of every prefab in use in primary schools including the name and townland of every primary school that has a prefab classroom or resource room, the name of the company, individual or organisation including his Department, renting the prefabs to each primary school and other miscellaneous owners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26105/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department has surveyed schools regarding their use of prefabricated accommodation and is in the process of compiling this information. I will write to the Deputy regarding this survey and the information my Department has compiled from it.
My Department has undertaken an assessment of the rental of temporary accommodation with a view to identifying the point at which purchase of such accommodation provides better value for money than rental.
As a result of this assessment, my Department now has a policy of purchasing temporary accommodation where the need for this is likely to last for more than three years. The effect of this change in policy will be to minimise the amount paid on the rental of accommodation.
The Permanent Accommodation Scheme was introduced in 2003 to reduce the need for prefabs. It was designed to give value for money in terms of providing permanent accommodation in place of prefabs, where an accommodation need was likely to exist for a considerable length of time. Since its introduction, over €100m has been allocated to schools under the scheme and it has resulted in the provision of an additional 625 classrooms and 275 resource rooms in schools around the country. This is in addition to those classrooms provided under the major capital projects managed by my Department.
Had the Permanent Accommodation Scheme not been in place, a very significant proportion of those classrooms and resource rooms would have had to be provided using temporary accommodation such as prefabricated classrooms.
Despite this, it will continue to be necessary for prefabricated accommodation to be provided because competing priorities mean that it will not always be possible to have a permanent accommodation solution in place in a short time-frame. My Department will continue to provide funding for such prefabricated accommodation and the decision on whether to rent or purchase will depend on the likely length of time it will be required. In all cases, the approach will be to ensure best value for money.
Question No. 10 answered with Question No. 8.
School Enrolments.
Michael D. Higgins
Question:11 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science if he is to establish an enrolment commissioner-admissions officer; if this appointment is contrary to the spirit of the recommendations of the Cromien report 2000 in the context of an audit of school enrolment policies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26069/08]
The audit of school enrolment policies, published on my Department's website on 28 April last, looked at the enrolment of Traveller children, newcomer children and children with special education needs in almost 2,000 schools at primary and post-primary level. The audit also looked at the written enrolment policies of a proportion of these schools and, more tellingly, how these policies translate into practice in terms of actual enrolment patterns.
At a general level, the audit finds no evidence of any system wide enrolment practices that give rise to concern. The audit does give rise to wider policy questions relating to:
The need for enhanced information for parents about their rights should a school refuse to enrol their child.
Those aspects of the written enrolment policies of schools which may be deemed exclusionary, e.g. pre-enrolling children from birth or providing preference to children of past pupils, thereby putting newcomers to communities at a disadvantage.
The potential for improved inter-school co-operation in a given area in order to address enrolment anomalies.
Possible proposals for intervention in local admissions where inter-school co-operation is not achieved.
How identified problems can best be addressed.
A process of consultation with the main education partners on possible follow-up policy responses was commenced at the end of April, with a deadline for receipt of submissions of 6 June 2008. As part of this consultation process, specific questions were posed around the policy issues and possible approaches identified above. The potential role of a designated officer with powers of intervention in local school admissions, where inter-school co-operation cannot be achieved, is one possible approach on which specific views were sought. Under this particular proposal, it is envisaged that such powers would only be used in exceptional circumstances and as such I am satisfied that it would not run counter to the spirit of the Cromien Report recommendations.
The responses received under the consultation process are now under consideration and it is my intention to take account of all views expressed before formulating any specific proposals for action in order to address any anomalous enrolment practice that has been identified by the audit.
Telecommunications Services.
Liz McManus
Question:12 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science the percentage and number of schools that have broadband; his views on the acceptable minimum download speed a school should have; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21361/08]
My Department is providing broadband connectivity to recognised primary and post-primary schools under the Schools Broadband Access Programme. This programme is being undertaken in partnership with industry in the context of a Government — IBEC/TIF (Telecommunications and Internet Federation) Agreement to provide local broadband connectivity to schools.
The Programme has three elements — local connectivity to schools, a national broadband network and a broadband support service desk. Schools connectivity is being routed to the Internet through a national broadband network, which is supported by HEAnet and provides centrally managed services for schools such as security, anti-spam/anti-virus and content filtering. The broadband support service desk has been established to interface between the network, the local broadband service Access Providers and schools. It is managed by the National Centre for Technology in Education (NCTE).
A competitive, technology neutral, central procurement process for the provision of local connectivity for schools was undertaken based on a tiered bandwidth provision, ranging from 0.5 Megabits per second (Mbps) in the case of small primary schools up to 2 Mbps for larger post-primary schools. Contracts were finalised in 2005 with six Service Providers for the provision of local access connectivity to 3,925 schools and with a further Provider for the installation of a broadband router at school level where appropriate. The 3,925 initial individual school awards involved a range of technologies. Roll-out commenced in June 2005. The total number of schools involved in the Programme has been adjusted in the meantime to reflect a number of school openings, closures and amalgamations and stands currently at 3,936. As of 24th June, 2008, 3,901 (99%) have had their local connectivity installed and of these 3,899 have had their router capability installed and tested. These figures have been updated to remove the inadvertent double counting of six schools that had amalgamated, following their initial broadband installations.
The breakdown of technologies across the 3,901 local connectivity installations is 27% fixed line services, 26% wireless services and 47% satellite services. Having regard to the usage levels observed by HEAnet, my Department has procured additional bandwidth from its two satellite providers to improve the broadband connection speeds for schools on this portion of the Schools Broadband Network. The situation continues to be monitored closely. Increased bandwidths have also been provided to some schools with fixed line services as a consequence of improvements in the wholesale broadband market. Over 650 schools are now receiving bandwidths of 3Mbps or higher. In addition, my Department has migrated schools to superior alternative technologies, where feasible.
A further 72 schools have had broadband access provided under the Hermes and Advanced Deployment programmes and are not included in the 3,901 figure. The split of technologies across these schools is 60% fixed line, 35% wireless and 5% satellite.
Looking to the future, my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has this morning launched the Next Generation Broadband Policy Paper which includes the objective of equipping second-level schools with 100Mbits per second of broadband connectivity and installing local area networks. I look forward to working with my colleague, Minister Ryan, in the pursuit of this objective. Furthermore, my Department will shortly issue a Request for Tenders for the next round of service under the existing Schools Broadband Programme and having regard to the general developments in broadband availability nationally, improved service offerings are expected to be received under the new tender process.
Departmental Funding.
Mary Upton
Question:13 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will ensure that between his Department and the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism funding for some form of undergraduate acting programme will be guaranteed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24572/08]
Mary Upton
Question:36 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans he has to reinstate an undergraduate acting programme here in view of the fact that the programme run by Trinity College has been discontinued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24570/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 36 together.
Universities such as Trinity College Dublin are autonomous academically independent institutions within the meaning of the Universities Act, 1997. My Department does not have any function in relation to their day to day operational affairs. Universities receive a block grant from the Higher Education Authority and it is a matter for each college to determine how it is allocated internally. The decision of any third level institution to provide, or to discontinue, any programme of study is a matter for the institution concerned and it would, therefore, not be appropriate for me to intervene in this matter.
Inquiry into Child Abuse.
Joe Costello
Question:14 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will ask the accounting officer to formally request the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse to publish the list of legal firms, solicitors and barristers who were paid legal fees and the amount paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26066/08]
The Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse was established under statute to investigate child abuse in institutions in the State, to enable persons who have suffered such abuse to give evidence to committees of the Commission and to prepare and publish a report of findings and recommendations considered appropriate for the alleviation of the effects of past child abuse and for the protection of children. The Commission is independent in the performance of its functions in accordance with the terms of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse Act.
My Department understands that the Commission has no objection to providing this information. My Department is writing to the Commission to formally request the information. My Department will communicate with the Deputy when it has received a response.
School Curriculum.
Martin Ferris
Question:15 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has further plans to reform the provision of English as an additional language education in schools to cater for the varying levels of English of international students. [26345/08]
In May of 2007, the Department of Education and Science issued a circular to the Management Authorities in primary and post primary schools outlining the resources available to meet the varying levels of needs of pupils for whom English is a second language. This circular has facilitated a significant expansion in the appointment of language support teachers.
There are now almost 2,000 language support teachers in primary and post primary schools, at a cost of some €120 million per annum, compared with 262 in the 2001/02 school year. The circular removed a previous limit of two language support teachers per school.
It also extended the provision of language support beyond two years for a pupil, where a specific request is made to the Department. In fact, it is now possible for some schools with over 121 students with English language needs to have 6 language support teachers. Schools with less than the 14 such pupils needed to qualify for one support teacher are provided with financial resources to assist them. In addition to providing additional teachers a number of other steps have been taken.
Two copies of the "Primary School Assessment Kit", prepared by Integrate Ireland Language and Training (IILT) have been circulated by my Department to all primary schools in recent weeks. This kit will enable teachers to carry out initial and on-going assessments of the language proficiency of newcomer children. The Assessment Kit has also been placed on the Department's website. It is proposed to have an assessment kit for post-primary schools available later in the year.
The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment has prepared guidelines for teachers in primary schools to assist them in meeting the language and learning needs of children for whom English is an additional language so that they can access all areas of the primary school curriculum.
The Inspectorate of the Department is also conducting an evaluation of the provision of English as an Additional Language (EAL) in a number of primary and post-primary schools in 2008 and 2009. A report on their evaluation will be prepared for mid 2009. The objectives of the evaluation are to examine the provision and the quality of teaching of English as an additional language in primary and post-primary schools. The evaluation will also review the quality of learning achieved by the migrant students, the effectiveness of supports and the inclusion of services for these students in whole-school planning.
At the request of the Department of Education and Science the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) has undertaken a large-scale study into how an increasing diversity of students impacts upon resource requirements and day to day teaching and learning in primary and post-primary schools. It is expected that this study will be completed in autumn 2008.
The Department is also participating in an OECD review of migrant education policy and practice. This review will be carried out by a team of OECD experts. This review is expected to be completed in autumn 2009. I will evaluate the findings of the Inspectorate's research and, based on their findings, and those of the ESRI, OECD and others, I will consider if any further reform is necessary in relation to the provision of English as an additional language in schools.
Third Level Grants.
Arthur Morgan
Question:16 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science the way he will address the fact that tens of thousands of young people are being priced out of higher education due to their parents’ income being only slightly above the threshold to qualify for grants. [26341/08]
The purpose of the student grant is to contribute towards the maintenance costs associated with going to college where parental means are likely to be insufficient to meet those costs. I'm sure that the Deputy will agree with me that income thresholds are necessary, therefore, to ensure that this support is properly targeted towards those who are most in need of this assistance.
The reckonable income limits for ordinary maintenance grants were increased by 3.5% for the 2007/2008 academic year. This increase was in line with the increase in the average industrial wage for the September 2005 to September 2006 reference period. The top limit for standard rate grant eligibility where there are less than four dependent children was increased from €46,700 to €48,355, aiming to ensure that more students from households with moderate incomes will not have to pay the Student Service Charge of €825.
I should also say that the prescribed income limit for the special rate of maintenance grant for the academic year 2007/2008 was increased by 7.8% to €18,055 in line with the relevant increases in social welfare payments.
In September 2003, my Department doubled the number of qualifying thresholds from two to four, allowing qualification for 100%, 75%, 50% and 25% rates of grant. This broadening of the income thresholds benefited an estimated 5,000 additional students. Some 37% of the student population at third level now qualifies for some level of student grant assistance. In addition, it must be remembered that over 90% of undergraduate students, at all income levels, avail of Government support for free fees at a cost to the Exchequer of €346 million in 2007.
I am committed to delivering ongoing improvements in my Department's student maintenance grant schemes, including increasing the rates and income limits, as resources permit.
My Department, with the assistance of the National Access Office of the Higher Education Authority, monitors the trends in access to higher education for all socio-economic groups in order to address any inequities arising in the system. For example, the most recent data available indicate that the lowest levels of participation are now found within a socio-economic group called the "non-manual" group — 27% as against the national average of 55%.
The level of participation in higher education among this very diverse group is a complex issue that extends beyond financial barriers. A study, commissioned by the HEA, is currently being carried out by the Economic and Social Research Institute on the participation in higher education of the non-manual socio-economic group. The key aim is to develop a better understanding of educational participation among young people from this group so that strategies can be developed which will support them in accessing and completing higher education.
State Examinations.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:17 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will change the name of the leaving certificate to a new title which would indicate that it is an entrance examination into third level education in view of the commitment in the programme for Government 2007 to increase the percentage of the population participating in third level education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26075/08]
I do not propose to adopt a name change for the Leaving Certificate that would cast it in a narrow light with a sole focus on entrance to third level programmes.
The general aim of education is to contribute towards the development of all aspects of the individual and the Leaving Certificate comes at an important point in that process, namely, the end of second-level education.
The Leaving Certificate is designed as a measure of achievement, rather than a predictor of academic success or an indicator of vocational suitability, though clearly it is utilised widely in the context of admission to third level courses. Its primary purpose is to certify attainment at the end of a two-year course, rather than to provide a starting point for a third level course. The Leaving Certificate fulfils a valuable function for a much wider range of students than those who intend to take up third level courses immediately, even in times of maximum desired uptake levels.
In considering this matter we need to reflect on the broader purposes that the examination serves. The Leaving Certificate course is intended to prepare students for further education or training, for entry into employment and for their role as participative, enterprising citizens. To that end there are in fact three separate Leaving Certificate programmes, each of which lasts for two years and culminates in the award of a Leaving Certificate upon completion.
The majority of senior cycle students (68%) take the established Leaving Certificate. Typically, students take six or seven subjects in which they undergo written terminal examinations along with oral and aural examinations for Irish and modern languages. Practical tests and project work form part of the assessment for some subjects.
Some 26% of students take the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP). This is best described as a Leaving Certificate with a strong vocational dimension. LCVP students must take at least five Leaving Certificate subjects along with two link modules — one on preparation for the world of work and the other on enterprise education. Assessment comprises two elements — a written examination and coursework.
The Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) is taken by around 6% of students. It is aimed at preparing students for adult and working life and it is a person-centred course involving a cross-curricular approach rather than a subject-based structure. Assessment for the LCA is carried out over the two years of the programme.
The Leaving Certificate has a wide variety of users. Foremost amongst these are third level institutions who, since 1992, use a common points system based on grades achieved in Leaving Certificate subjects. In addition, employers and training providers use the Leaving Certificate extensively as a selection tool. FÁS also accepts the LCA as a qualification for entry to standards-based apprenticeships.
On that basis I believe it would be unwise to change the title of the Leaving Certificate to reflect its use by third level institutions for selection purposes.
Special Educational Needs.
Martin Ferris
Question:18 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will review the recent decision by a special educational needs organiser to confirm reduced access to special needs assistants for pupils in schools, such as a school (details supplied) in Inisowen, County Donegal. [26344/08]
As the Deputy may be aware, the National Council for Special Education is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants (SNAs) to schools to support children with special needs. Applications for SNAs may be considered by the NCSE where a pupil has a significant medical need for such assistance, a significant impairment of physical or sensory function or where their behaviour is such that they are a danger to themselves or to other pupils. A pupil's level of care may diminish over time as the child matures. Pupils may move to a different school or on to post-primary school. In such situations, the NCSE will review and adjust the SNA support required in the school. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.
All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.
The NCSE will undertake to review a decision taken by a SENO on foot of a request from a school or parents/guardians, when accompanied by relevant additional information, which may not have been to hand at the time of the decision. The NCSE has outlined this process in its Circular 01/05.
I have arranged for the details supplied by the Deputy to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
Decentralisation Programme.
Sean Sherlock
Question:19 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Science the recommendations of the general analysis and conclusions of the Cromien report 2000 by reference to specific paragraph numbers which have been accepted and implemented in full or in part; the way the decentralisation programme is impacting on the changes that are taking place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26063/08]
In June 2001, the then Minister for Education and Science announced that the Government had approved a programme of structural reform of the Department arising from the recommendations in the Cromien report.
The programme consisted of:
i. The establishment of a State Examinations Commission (SEC) (para. 32).
ii. The establishment of a National Council for Special Education (NCSE) (para. 28).
iii. The establishment of a framework of regional offices of the Department (paras 49 to 52).
iv. Bringing forward legislation to extend the remit of the Higher Education Authority (HEA) to the Institutes of Technology (para 37).
The SEC has operated from Athlone since its establishment in 2003. The NCSE was established in 2003 by statutory instrument and re-established by the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 (ESPEN). It is based in Trim, with a regionalised network of Special Educational Needs Organisers.
A network of 10 regional offices has been established, with offices located in Findlater Street, Dublin, Tallaght, Dublin, Naas, Mullingar, Limerick, Navan, Sligo, Waterford, Cork and Galway. As this network was in the process of development from 2005 to 2007, managing high staff turnover arising as a consequence of decentralisation during that period was challenging. Turnover in the regional offices is now at normal levels and a recurrence of high levels of turnover is not anticipated. The Directorate of Regional Services has recently decentralised from Dublin to Mullingar.
The Institutes of Technology Act 2006 extended the remit of the HEA to co-ordinate and fund the Institutes of Technology. Decentralisation does not impact on this arrangement.
In addition to the reforms approved by Government, my predecessors indicated throughout 2001 and 2002 that the reform of the Department would also include regulatory reform and appellate processes to under-pin key allocation functions, along with the implementation of efficiency measures designed to bring the Department's procedures and processes more into line with modern administrative practice. A range of measures have been introduced since 2001 — many of which are in line with recommendations in the Cromien report. Examples include:
Establishment of independent Appeals Boards in connection with teacher allocation.
Establishment of School Transport Appeals Boards.
Continuing implementation of EPSEN will provide a statutory appeal process. The Student Support Bill 2008, when enacted, will provide for an appeal process.
Responsibility for the operation of payrolls for schools was previously spread over several sections. My Department has since set up a Central Payroll Division, catering for approximately 70,000 school based employees, along with a web based on-line claims systems for primary and second level schools.
School Transport.
Ciaran Lynch
Question:20 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science the action he has taken to ensure that the increase in the cost of diesel will have no negative impact on the provision of the school transport system for the academic year 2008-09; if discussions have taken place or will take place between his Department and representatives of the school transport providers; if there are cost implications or service provision implications arising from the substantial increase in the price of diesel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26067/08]
The increase in diesel prices arising from the higher cost of oil is an international phenomenon affecting all countries and all sectors of the economy and society. These increases will naturally have an impact on the cost of school transport services.
Bus Éireann is responsible for the operation of the School Transport Scheme on behalf of my Department. Approximately 135,000 children avail of school transport services on a daily basis using some 3,300 private contractors' vehicles and 630 Bus Éireann vehicles.
Negotiations with school bus operators regarding school bus contracts are a matter between Bus Éireann and the individual contractors and these negotiations take place prior to the commencement of the new school year in September. At this stage, it would be premature for me to comment on the outcome of such negotiations.
It would not be appropriate for my Department to engage directly with representatives of school transport providers in relation to these issues.
Proposed Legislation.
Jack Wall
Question:21 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will publish the Education Ireland Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26068/08]
Education Ireland is a new body which is to be established in line with the recommendations of the Report on the Internationalisation of Education Services. The new body will be responsible for promoting the development of Ireland as a centre of excellence for international education. It will bring together, and build upon, the work of two existing bodies — International Education Board Ireland (IEBI), which promotes Irish third-level education overseas, and the Advisory Council for English Language Schools (ACELS), which undertakes voluntary regulation of the English language sector.
Education Ireland's specific functions will include:
promoting Irish educational services abroad;
awarding a Quality Mark to qualifying institutions;
operating a code of conduct for the pastoral care of international students;
regulating and certifying English language schools.
Education Ireland will also prepare, and submit to me, strategic plans for the development of international education services.
In order to expedite the establishment of Education Ireland, my Department is currently finalising arrangements to establish the body in the first instance as a limited company, with a view to putting it on a statutory basis as soon as possible thereafter.
Work on drafting the General Scheme of the Education Ireland Bill, which will put the body on a statutory basis, is underway within my Department with a view to having Government approval before the end of this year. Following drafting by the Parliamentary Counsel I would expect to be in a position to publish the Bill in the first half of 2009.
Language Support.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:22 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason his Department has decided to terminate at short notice the funding to Integrate Ireland Language and Training in view of the vital services it provides to the many newcomers who have arrived here and who wish to integrate themselves and their children in society and for which they need special language training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26101/08]
Integrate Ireland Language and Training Ltd. (IILT) approached my Department earlier this year with a proposal to withdraw from direct tuition for adult refugees and with a request that this tuition be mainstreamed.
IILT envisaged continuing direct tuition for a group of up to 200 programme refugees.
My Department accepted that mainstreaming of service provision was appropriate as it accords with the overall approach to provision of services to migrants as set out in "Migration Nation" — a statement on integration strategy and diversity management which I recently launched.
In doing so the Department decided that all provision should be mainstreamed and provided by VECs as it would it would be less efficient to seek to continue with a small element of provision by IILT.
The funding allocated to IILT will now be redirected to provide for the continuation of this service through the VEC network.
The Irish Vocational Education Association has confirmed that it is happy to cooperate and collaborate with my Department in delivery of necessary English language services.
The VEC sector has already developed best practice in ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) provision. The sector is already providing English language services for those whose first language is not English.
At present services are provided to over 12,000 people annually which clearly demonstrates the capacity of the VECs in this area. A further advantage of mainstreaming such provision through the VEC sector is the fact that the VECs have a nationwide network across all counties and cities that can readily provide classes where needed in the country using their facilities in schools and centres.
State Bodies.
Róisín Shortall
Question:23 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 170 of 5 June 2008, when he expects to be in a position to list all bodies, agencies, commissions or quangos reporting to his Department and the name, the purpose, the annual budget, the name of the chief executive-manager, the number of full-time staff employed and the date of its establishment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26102/08]
The information requested by the Deputy has been collated and will be sent to her shortly.
Parliamentary Questions.
Michael D'Arcy
Question:24 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Education and Science if other Deputies in the Houses of the Oireachtas have been misled in reply to parliamentary questions as this Deputy was with the response given to Parliamentary Question Nos. 257 and 258 of 20 February 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22775/08]
I am happy to clarify this matter for the Deputy and also to assure him that there was no attempt to mislead him in the reply to his earlier questions. At the time of his previous Parliamentary Questions on 20th February 2008, the issue of patronage of the two new primary school buildings in Gorey referred to by the Deputy had not been decided and finalised.
The Department had made a written proposal to the Patrons of the two existing primary schools in Gorey seeking their formal agreement to relocate their existing schools to the new school buildings for which planning permission had been applied. These written proposals were forwarded to the patron bodies of the schools concerned on 11th February 2008. No formal response to these proposals had been received from the Patrons at the time of the earlier Parliamentary Questions and therefore it was not possible to state that the issue of patronage had been decided and finalised at the time.
Detailed agreement to these proposals were subsequently achieved with the Patrons and arrangements are well advanced for the two schools concerned to move to the new school buildings at the commencement of the new school year. I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
State Examinations.
Joanna Tuffy
Question:25 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Science the responsibilities he has in consultation with the State Examinations Board in making changes in the leaving certificate timetable; if he was consulted on and approved the changed schedule which this year placed chemistry on the same day as English paper two; if he will evaluate the impact of this change upon those pupils who sat both exams; if he will publish his conclusions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26098/08]
The new Leaving Certificate examination schedule for 2008 was agreed with a working group representing the Partners in Education, and was designed to reduce the demand on students especially during the first week of the examinations. It advanced Chemistry, which is sat by some 7000 students, and Geography, sat by some 25000 students, to Thursday and Friday respectively of the first week, which, along with Home Economics which is sat by some 12000 students, ensured that the majority of students got a break of at least one half day during this intensive phase. The new timetable was designed to reduce the writing burden on students by introducing a new mix of subjects between those that involve concentrated writing and those that involve less such as mathematical or scientific papers.
I am delighted to say that the new timetable meant that there were only 64 students who did not get a half day off in the first week of the 2008 Leaving Certificate exams. This is a vast improvement on 2007 where there were 11,080 students who did not get a half day.
I met with more than 90 students on Tuesday last who have just completed the Leaving Certificate to hear their views on the new timetable. The very valuable feedback which I received from the students will be taken into account in our consideration of any future changes to the Leaving Certificate timetable.
Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:26 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when it is intended to deliver on the pre-election promise to reduce class sizes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26051/08]
The Programme for Government sets out the overarching policy position in relation to the provision of additional teachers and on reductions in class size over the life of the Government.
The Programme contains a commitment to increase the number of primary teachers by at least 4000 and on that basis to make further progress on reducing class sizes.
Budget 2008 provided my Department with €4.6 billion or €380 million extra for teacher pay and pensions. This was a very substantial level of additional investment in the terms of the economic environment on which the budget was based. That allocation provides for paying for over 2000 extra primary teachers more than the number in schools when the Government took office last Summer. It covers the additional teachers that went into schools last September for the previously announced reduction to a 27 to 1 based staffing schedule along with additional teachers this school year and in the coming school year to meet increasing enrolments, to provide for special needs and the language requirements of newcomer children.
This means that in terms of the overall commitment to provide at least 4000 additional teachers the Government in its first two years in office will be well ahead of target.
All Programme for Government commitments to improve public services including those relating to class size are contingent on the economic and budgetary environment and the need for prudent expenditure and fiscal management. Even since the presentation of Budget 2008 last December there have been significant alterations in the external and domestic environment. In that context any reasonable observer would regard the fact that the Government has already taken measures that will see the allocation of over 2000 additional teachers to primary schools as a considerable investment all things considered.
Health Promotion.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:27 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science if he is satisfied that enough is being done to promote healthy eating in schools. [26342/08]
The subjects Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) and Physical Education (PE), cover, among elements of the syllabus, the areas of healthy eating, healthy lifestyle, physical health, body care, exercise, relaxation and diet. The concepts of ‘Balanced Eating' and ‘Healthy Exercise' underlie the Junior Cycle and Senior Cycle syllabi in the Home Economics curriculum at post-primary level.
Considerable progress has been made by my Department in the promotion of healthy eating in schools. This includes, inter alia:
Schools have worked on devising healthy lunches policies as part of Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) and Physical Education (PE).
The Post-Primary School Development Planning Initiative (SDPI) has a number of activities in place to promote healthy living in schools.
The SPHE Support Service offers support for policy development which includes healthy eating policies.
The Primary Curriculum Support Programme (PCSP) and the School Development Planning Support (SDPS) service have prepared planning templates (with prompts) for schools to assist them in school planning for the implementation of PE curriculum and the wider aspects of physical activity and school sport.
The majority of schools currently participating in the School Completion Programme, under the DEIS action plan, operate breakfast clubs or other meal provision, in accordance with nutritional guidelines issued by the Department of Social and Family Affairs.
Schools are also encouraged to promote a whole school approach to SPHE which engages the school community, parents and students in implementing strategies to promote healthy lifestyles, building on the success of the ‘Health Promoting School' initiative.
In addition, my Department has, in conjunction with the Department of Health and Children, prepared a publication promoting Healthy Eating Policy in second-level schools. This book complements the earlier publications on Food and Nutrition Guidelines for Pre-Schools, and Food and Nutrition Guidelines for Primary Schools, published by the Health Promotion Unit of the Department of Health and Children.
My Department also participates in initiatives such as National Healthy Eating Week, which is promoted by the Department of Health and Children in co-operation with my Department and the Association of Teachers of Home Economics. It is a themed week during which activities to promote the concept of healthy eating to the whole school are organised and delivered through the medium of Home Economics including cookery demonstrations, projects, and displays.
School Accommodation.
Michael D. Higgins
Question:28 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary schools in County Mayo; the number of these schools that have prefabs; the number of prefabs; the age of the oldest prefab; the age of the youngest prefab; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26100/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department contacted approximately 900 schools in September 2007, who were renting temporary accommodation, and asked them to complete a questionnaire regarding the stock of temporary accommodation in their schools. My Department is in the process of compiling this information.
I will write to the Deputy in relation to this survey and the information gathered, as it relates to the issues he has raised.
School Text Books.
Sean Sherlock
Question:29 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps he has taken to encourage secondary schools to develop and promote a second hand market for standard text books in the junior and senior cycle especially when there has been no change in the syllabus, in order to reduce the cost of a range of school books which can be as high as €250 in first year of secondary school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26078/08]
A consultancy report, which was submitted to my Department in 1993, dealt with the factors which contribute to the cost of school text books. The main conclusion of that report was that book rental schemes are the most practical way of limiting the cost of school books to parents.
The report, copies of which were sent to all schools, contains a number of useful suggestions, including a Code of Good Practice for successful operation of book rental schemes. My Department endorsed the recommendations and urged school authorities to put in place book rental schemes to the greatest extent possible.
At post primary level, in addition to the provision of grants towards the cost of providing school textbooks for needy pupils, my Department also provides seed capital funding towards the cost of establishing book loan/rental schemes in schools designated as disadvantaged and/or schools which participate in schemes designed to combat educational disadvantage. The intention is to provide some specific financial support for the introduction or expansion of book loan/rental schemes in individual schools on an annual basis. This funding is made available for a maximum of five or six years, depending on whether a school offers a Transition Year programme. It is envisaged that schools which receive seed capital will be in a position to establish sustainable book loan/rental schemes which, after the initial special assistance, will operate on a self-financing basis where ongoing costs will be met by fee income, which can be subsidised in the case of needy pupils from the general book grant scheme allocation. Funding in respect of seed capital amounts to €0.5m in 2008.
Schools are also free to operate second-hand book exchanges and I consider that locally operated rental or exchange schemes are the most appropriate and efficient way to address the issue of the cost of school books.
Health Promotion.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:30 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on whether nutrition should be taught in primary schools. [26343/08]
Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) is a mandatory part of all programmes for primary students, and its implementation is being assisted by a full-time support service. The programme begins in the infant classes and specifically addresses the need for regular exercise, and examines food and nutrition issues and the need for a balanced diet. The objective is that by fifth and sixth classes, pupils are equipped to take responsibility for making wise food choices and adopting a healthy balanced diet, and in that context, exploring and examining the food pyramid. These themes are continued in the SPHE programme at junior cycle, as well as in the Home Economics, PE and Science curricula.
Health and well-being along with food and nutrition are two areas dealt with under the "taking care of my body" unit of SPHE at primary level. SPHE is presented in three strands: Myself, Myself and others and Myself and the wider world.
The strand "Myself" is concerned with the personal development of the individual child and his/her health and well-being. This strand also contributes to children establishing ways of thinking, feeling and acting that can help to promote and maintain health and well-being both now and in the future. Part of this strand deals with food and nutrition and enables the child to:
become aware of the importance of food for growth and development
explore food preferences and their role in a balanced diet
discuss and explore some qualities and categories of food
realise the importance of good hygiene when preparing food to eat.
Physical education is also part of the curriculum at primary and at post-primary level and plays a key role not just in giving students an opportunity to exercise during the school day but also in encouraging a positive attitude towards physical activity which students will hopefully carry with them into adult life.
Early School Leavers.
Kathleen Lynch
Question:31 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science if he is reviewing the operation and effectiveness of the school completion programme; the number of primary schools that are participating; the number of pupils and the cost per pupil; the cost for 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26064/08]
Ciaran Lynch
Question:43 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science the name, address and role number of the 224 post primary schools and 468 primary schools that participated in the school completion programme in 2007-08; if all of these school will continue to participate in 2008-09; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26071/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 31 and 43 together.
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the 124 School Completion Programme sites, comprising 224 post-primary and 468 primary schools currently participating in the School Completion Programme, has been forwarded to the Deputies. These projects will continue to be funded for the duration of the DEIS Action Plan.
€28.8 million was allocated to the School Completion Programme in 2007 with €31 million allocated for 2008. The programme is funded on a multi-annual basis under the National Development Plan (NDP) and was assisted under the European Social Fund (ESF) up to 2007.
The School Completion Programme encompasses both primary and post-primary levels and focuses on young people between the ages of 4 and 18 years and is designed to deal with issues of both concentrated and regionally dispersed disadvantage. SCP is a key component of DEIS ( Delivering Equality of Opportunities in Schools) the action plan for educational inclusion, which discriminates positively in favour of children and young people who are at risk of early school leaving.
19,059 young people were targeted in-school under the School Completion Programme in 2006/2007. This figure has increased to approx. 36,000 in 2007/2008 with the inclusion of new schools under DEIS.
SCP projects target and focus programme resources in the first instance on the individual young people who are most at risk of early school leaving. Additionally, some strategies may include a wider group (e.g. in the case of sporting and leisure activities) or the entire school population (e.g. where tracking attendance is involved).
The level of funding allocated to projects is dependant on the submission of their annual Retention plan and taking into account the level of disadvantage in the schools involved in each project, the target group selected for intensive supports, the salaries of personnel employed and the overall level of funding available to the programme.
Site Acquisitions.
David Stanton
Question:32 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 97 of 9 April 2008, if his Department will accept the offer of a site for a new premises for a school (details supplied) in County Cork; if so, when he expects building works on the new school to begin; if not, his plans to rectify the current accommodation problems suffered by the school and its students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26309/08]
As part of the Programme for Government, a Developing Areas Unit was set up recently in my Department to focus on the school accommodation needs of rapidly developing areas, including the area to which the Deputy refers. The main emphasis in 2008 is on providing sufficient school places in these developing areas, as well as delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country.
In this context, the status of all schools in the area referred to by the Deputy are being assessed. The school referred to by the Deputy is being included in this assessment.
On the matter of the offer of the new site, I am pleased to inform the Deputy that following a technical examination of the two acre site in question, my officials wrote to the local developer requesting contract documents. A reply is awaited.
As an interim measure while the school are awaiting their permanent building, my Department has sanctioned the rental of temporary premises and accommodation in order for the school to operate.
As is the case with all large capital projects currently on hand within the Unit, their progression will be considered in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
School Accommodation.
Brian O'Shea
Question:33 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount each owner of prefab classrooms or resource rooms who has rented those prefabs to a primary school has been paid either directly or indirectly by his Department for the years 2004, 2005 and 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26062/08]
Expenditure on the rental of temporary accommodation at primary level for each of the years 2004, 2005 and 2006 was €11.3m, €15.7m and €24.51m respectively. The information sought by the Deputy regarding the amount of rental payments made to individual suppliers is not readily available in my Department and given the number of payments involved it would require a very large amount of staff time to assemble. The Deputy will appreciate that the matter is complicated by the fact that my Department provides grant aid (less the local contribution) to approved schools to meet rental costs. However, the actual contract is between the school and the supplier of the accommodation.
Disadvantaged Status.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:34 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 477 of 8 May 2008 the location of each school which is being assisted under the DEIS action plan for education inclusion; the number of pupils affected in each school; the role of the National Education Welfare Board in the areas where the schools are located; the outcomes that have occurred to date in improving the attendance or retention of pupils at risk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26070/08]
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the schools which have been identified for inclusion in DEIS, the Action Plan for Educational Inclusion, has been forwarded to the Deputy. A total of 90,000 children attend primary and 61,000 children attend post-primary schools participating in DEIS.
In the region of €800 million will be spent by the Department this year on tackling educational disadvantage at all levels — from pre-school to further and higher education. This represents an increase of nearly €70 million on the comparable 2007 figure and is testament to the Government's determination to prioritise social inclusion and ensure that all our children and young people get the supports they need to do well at school. Social inclusion measures across all Government departments have also been prioritised under the Towards 2016 agreement, the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion 2007-16 and the National Development Plan.
Enhancing attendance, progression, retention and attainment are central to DEIS which is being implemented at present. The action plan represents a shift in emphasis away from individual initiatives, each addressing a particular aspect of the problem, with the new plan adopting a multi-faceted and more integrated approach. This is the first time that an integrated educational inclusion strategy has been developed for 3-18 year olds in this country.
The Education (Welfare) Act, 2000 established the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) as the 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 recognized school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education. The Board operates through 5 regional teams, with bases in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford. A service is provided from 26 locations nationwide.
Educational Welfare Officers (EWOs) are appointed and deployed throughout the country to discharge the Board's functions locally. The NEWB's network of EWOs is the key means by which the Board delivers on its statutory remit to ensure that each child attends and benefits from education. EWOs employ a welfare oriented approach in the interests of the children and young people who do not attend school regularly, working collaboratively with schools, parents and other agencies in meeting the needs of the children and the young people concerned.
In deploying its service staff, from its earliest development, the NEWB has prioritised the provision of services to the most disadvantaged areas and the most at-risk groups. This deployment includes areas designated under the Government's RAPID programme and to schools in the DEIS programme. There is a significant overlap between RAPID areas and the most disadvantaged areas identified under DEIS. EWOs provide an intensive service in these areas.
Under Towards 2016 a commitment was made that an additional 100 posts in total would be provided for the NEWB and the National Educational Psychological Service by the end of 2009, to help further address absenteeism, early school leaving, behavioural problems and special needs. 15 of these posts were sanctioned for the NEWB in 2007. As new posts come on stream, DEIS designated schools will receive priority attention. EWOs respond to referrals from schools and every effort is made to work with those children most at risk and where schools indicate particular concerns. The NEWB also gives priority to children who have no school place or who have been expelled or who have been referred by the courts regardless of location.
Early analysis of attendance data has shown improvement in areas. However, more in-depth studies are required to measure outcomes in respect of attendance and retention in the long term.
The service provided by the NEWB is just one aspect of the comprehensive framework that this Government has put in place to support schools, families and young people themselves.
The range of curricula available to students has also been widened by promoting the Junior Certificate Schools Programme, the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme, and the Leaving Certificate Applied Programme in addition to the traditional Junior and Leaving Certificate curricula.
Preventative measures have also been put in place such as the School Completion Programme and the Home School Community Liaison Scheme. The number of projects participating in the School Completion Programme has increased under DEIS to 124 projects spanning 26 counties, comprising 224 post-primary schools and 468 primary schools and targeting approx. 36,000 young people. A total of 450 local HSCL coordinators provide HSCL services to 691 schools (370 Primary and 281 Post primary), with an additional 80 posts made available in 2006 to extend Home School Community Liaison services to all schools selected to participate in DEIS that did not have such services. The previous Minister for this Department Mary Hanafin T.D., also extended a commitment to schools not selected to participate in DEIS but already in the HSCL scheme, to continue to support these schools in their efforts to deal with educational disadvantage among their students in line with both their size and level of disadvantage.
The latest Retention Report published by the Department in March this year provides data on the cohort of pupils who entered the first year of the junior cycle in 1997, 1998 and 1999 and most of whom completed their senior cycle five to six years following the year of intake. This is the third such report tracking pupil retention and the trend is showing yearly improvements in retention rates. It is compiled from data on the Department's Post Primary Pupils Database and tracks students in State aided schools (with an estimate of those attaining their Leaving Cert in private institutions). It does not take into account students pursuing other educational pathways such as Youthreach or apprenticeship training.
Key results from the report are:
Retention rates have been increasing slightly year-on-year since 1996. The national unadjusted retention rate for the 1999 cohort is 80.5% compared to 77.8% in 1996.
When an adjustment is made for external candidates who complete their Leaving Cert in privately funded institutions, emigration and deaths, the national retention rate is 83.7% compared to 81.3% in 1996.
In relation to second chance educational opportunities for young people who left school early, this Government has shown a sustained commitment to providing greater opportunities in the adult and further education sectors. Many such young people take up places in Youthreach centres, while others pursue options such as FÁS apprenticeships.
School Accommodation.
Joan Burton
Question:35 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science if the commercial companies who supply prefab classrooms and resource rooms to primary schools on a rental basis on which rent is paid in whole or in part by his Department are required to produce a tax clearance certificate to either the board of management or his Department before a rental contract is signed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26104/08]
My Department currently provides grant-aid towards the provision of temporary school accommodation to the management authorities of education providers where it is established that a need for such temporary accommodation exists.
Generally, where primary schools require temporary accommodation, the Board of Management is responsible for acquiring temporary accommodation and the rental contract is between the Board of Management and the supplying contractor. My Department provides grant-aid to the individual school authorities towards the costs of procuring the accommodation. Such grant-aid is paid at a rate of 95% for schools with permanent recognition and 75% for schools with provisional recognition. Schools are expected to pay a local contribution of the balance, with a threshold on the local contribution of €3,175.
While payment of State / Public Authority Grants, subsidies and similar type payments, by Government Departments and public authorities, of a value of €10,000 or more, is subject to the person holding a current tax clearance certificate, Section 4.1 (iii) and 4.1(ii) of Circular 44/2006 Revised Tax Clearance Procedures for Grants and similar type payments excludes schools from this requirement.
Increasingly, where new schools are established in rapidly developing areas, my Department directly provides the accommodation for schools from the start, and in these cases, the issue of local contributions and co-funding of the rental accommodation does not arise. The rental contract is between my Department and the supplying contractor. In these instances my Department require details of the relevant supplying contractor's Tax Clearance Certificate and the expiry date of such.
Question No. 36 answered with Question No. 13.
Schools Building Projects.
Liz McManus
Question:37 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science the name, address and capacity of the 67 large scale projects and the 27 new schools mentioned as being included in the capital allocation of almost €830 million in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26074/08]
The information sought by the Deputy is given in the tabular statements. The expected completion of large scale projects in 2008 will consist of 21 new schools and 46 extension/refurbishment projects giving an overall total of 67 large scale projects due to be completed in 2008.
An additional feature of the 2008 school building and modernisation programme is the provision of new schools in developing areas under an accelerated programme. To cater for the anticipated increases in the school-going population, my Department has established a Developing Areas Unit to identify areas of rapid population growth, to assess the educational needs in these areas and to plan solutions for the accommodation needs identified.
As part of a fast-track programme of construction for September 2008, the Department is building 26 schools and a number of smaller projects in those areas where school accommodation is under greatest pressure.
|
County |
Roll No. |
School |
Project |
Size of school on completion of building project |
|
|
1 |
Carlow |
14837L |
SN Peadar agus Pol Ballon Carlow |
Extension |
8 Classrooms |
|
2 |
Cavan |
11541V |
Dromaili SN Cavan |
Extension |
8 Classrooms |
|
3 |
Cavan |
19983B |
St Clares NS Ballyjamesduff |
New School |
14 Classrooms |
|
4 |
Cork |
18279A |
Carrigaline 3 NS Carragline |
Extension |
8 Classrooms |
|
5 |
Cork |
19433M |
Holy Family SS, Charleville |
New School |
11 Classrooms |
|
6 |
Cork |
20204E |
Kilworth NS, Cork |
New School |
8 Classrooms |
|
7 |
Donegal |
17036P |
SN Naomh Colmchille Killmacrennan |
New School |
8 Classrooms |
|
8 |
Donegal |
19553W |
Dungloe Central |
Extension |
16 Classrooms |
|
9 |
Dublin |
16786H |
St. Brigid’s Convent NS, The Coombe |
New School |
12 Classrooms |
|
10 |
Dublin |
19015R |
St. Joseph’s Girls NS, Finglas, Dublin 11 |
Refurbishment |
10 Classrooms |
|
11 |
Dublin |
19945Q |
Rathfarnham Educate Together Loreto Avenue |
Extension |
9 Classrooms |
|
12 |
Dublin |
19946S |
Rutland St NS Dublin 1 |
New School |
9 classrooms + 6 classroom Pre school |
|
13 |
Dublin |
20048O |
Gaelscoil Lios na nOg, Dublin 6 |
Extension |
9 Classrooms |
|
14 |
Dublin |
20060G |
Monkstown Educate Together NS |
New School |
16 Classroom GRD school |
|
15 |
Dublin |
20091R |
St Peters NS Phibsboro |
Extension |
16 Classrooms |
|
16 |
Dublin |
20186F |
Castaheany Educate Together, Ongar, D 15 |
New School |
16 Classroom GRD school |
|
17 |
Galway |
17198S |
SN Muire Gan Smal |
Extension |
12 Classrooms |
|
18 |
Galway |
17485C |
Briarhill NS |
Extension |
7 Classrooms |
|
19 |
Galway |
17771W |
Lisheenkyle NS |
Extension |
6 Classrooms |
|
20 |
Galway |
20115F |
Scoil Einne, Spiddeal |
Extension |
8 Classrooms |
|
21 |
Kerry |
19548G |
Nano Nagle NS Lixnaw |
Extension |
12 Classrooms |
|
22 |
Kildare |
00779U |
Presentation Convent, Maynooth |
Extension |
18 Classrooms |
|
23 |
Kildare |
08099P |
St Laurence’s NS, Sallins |
Extension |
24 Classrooms |
|
24 |
Kilkenny |
15340I |
Carrigeen NS |
Extension |
5 Classrooms |
|
25 |
Laois |
15556I |
Portarlington Convent NS |
New School |
16 Classroom GRD school |
|
26 |
Laois |
16617H |
Ballyadams NS |
Extension |
6 Classrooms |
|
27 |
Laois |
20118L |
Scoil Bhride Clonaslee |
Extension |
6 Classrooms |
|
County |
Roll No. |
School |
Project |
Size of school on completion of building project |
|
|
28 |
Leitrim |
20203C |
Mohill NS |
Extension |
10 Classrooms |
|
29 |
Limerick |
08926B |
St Nicholas Church of Ireland School, Adare |
Extension |
4 Classrooms |
|
30 |
Louth |
17124M |
Ardee Monastery |
Extension |
9 Classrooms |
|
31 |
Mayo |
15866A |
Carrakennedy NS, Westport |
New School |
3 Classrooms |
|
32 |
Mayo |
19916J |
St Peter’s NS |
Extension |
9 Classrooms |
|
33 |
Meath |
18044T |
SN Naomh Padraig, Stamullen |
New School |
16 Classrooms |
|
34 |
Monaghan |
20120V |
Scoil Chroi Ro Naofa Clones |
New School |
8 Classroom GRD school |
|
35 |
Offaly |
11203B |
St Kieran’s NS, Clareen |
Extension |
4 Classrooms |
|
36 |
Sligo |
19688W |
Dromore West Central NS |
New School |
6 Classrooms |
|
37 |
Tipperary |
18207V |
SN Baile an Atha |
Extension |
12 Classrooms |
|
38 |
Tipperary |
19968F |
Gaelscoil Durlas Eile |
New School |
8 Classrooms |
|
39 |
Waterford |
13635R |
Ballyduff NS, Kilmeaden |
Extension |
6 Classrooms |
|
40 |
Waterford |
18462O |
Scoil Lorcain |
Extension |
16 Classrooms |
|
41 |
Waterford |
19539F |
St. Pauls Junior School, Lisduggan |
Extension |
16 Classrooms |
|
42 |
Waterford |
19853L |
Gaelscoil Portláirge |
Extension |
8 Classrooms |
|
43 |
Westmeath |
16914N |
Baile Coireil NS, Coralstown |
New School |
4 classrooms |
|
44 |
Westmeath |
19948W |
SN gCeithre Maistrí, Diseart Mhuire |
New School |
16 Classrooms |
|
45 |
Wexford |
14254K |
SN Mhuire, Danescastle |
Extension |
6 Classrooms |
|
46 |
Wexford |
16145P |
Loreto Primary School Gorey |
Extension |
21 Classrooms |
|
47 |
Wexford |
19739N |
Scoil Mhuire Coolcotts |
Extension |
20 classrooms + 2 classroom autistic unit |
|
48 |
Wicklow |
06176U |
Blessington 1 NS |
New School |
8 Classrooms |
|
County |
Roll No. |
School |
Project |
Long Term Projected Enrolment |
|
|
1 |
Cork |
62200H |
Colaiste Muire Crosshaven |
Extension/Refurb |
325 |
|
2 |
Cork |
62320R |
St Mary’s Secondary School, Macroom |
Extension |
375 |
|
3 |
Cork |
62560O |
Colaiste Chriost Ri, Capwell Road, Cork |
PE Hall |
750 |
|
4 |
Donegal |
71242B |
Gairm Scoil Chú Uladh Leifear |
Extension + PE Hall |
200 |
|
5 |
Donegal |
81010J |
St Columba’s Community School, Glenties |
Extension |
500 |
|
6 |
Dublin |
60511O |
Beneavin De La Salle Finglas Dublin 11 |
Extension |
450 |
|
7 |
Dublin |
70342A |
Senior College Ballyfermot |
PE Hall |
1400 |
|
8 |
Dublin |
91305L |
Ballinteer Community School |
New School |
600 |
|
9 |
Leitrim |
76089V |
Mohill Community College, Mohill |
New School + PE Hall |
525 |
|
10 |
Limerick |
64220A |
St Clements College, South Circular Road |
New School + PE Hall |
575 |
|
11 |
Limerick |
71920T |
St Nessan’s Community College |
New School |
750 |
|
12 |
Limerick |
76073G |
Castletroy CC |
Extension |
1000 |
|
13 |
Mayo |
64630T |
Jesus and Mary Gortnor Abbey Crossmolina |
Extension/Refurb |
500 |
|
14 |
Mayo |
72130S |
St Patrick’s College Lacken Cross Killala |
Extension PE Hall |
375 |
|
15 |
Tipperary |
65340P |
Presentation SS, Clonmel |
Roof Project |
475 |
|
16 |
Westmeath |
63210P |
Our Lady’s Bower SS, Retreat Rd, Athlone |
Extension/Refurb + PE Hall |
675 |
|
17 |
Wexford |
71650Q |
Kilmuckridge Vocational School |
Extension |
200 |
|
18 |
Wicklow |
61820J |
Loreto S.S. Bray |
PE Hall |
846 |
|
19 |
Wicklow |
70800E |
St Kevin’s Community College, Dunlavin |
Extension |
500 |
|
Area |
Project |
|
Balbriggan — Castlelands |
16 classroom school |
|
Porterstown (Diswellstown/Kellystown) |
16 classroom school |
|
Mullingar — Grange |
16 classroom school |
|
Lusk |
16 classroom school |
|
Celbridge |
16 classroom school1 |
|
Skerries — Kelly’s Bay |
8 classroom school |
|
Swords — Thornley Green, Applewood |
8 classroom school |
|
Balbriggan — Castlelands |
8 classroom school |
|
Lucan — Clonburris |
8 classroom school |
|
Drogheda — Aston Gate |
8 classroom school |
|
Kinnegad |
8 classroom school |
|
Tullamore |
8 classroom school |
|
Athy |
8 classroom school |
|
Rochestown |
8 classroom school |
|
Greystones (2 schools) |
Two 8 classroom schools |
|
Gorey (2 schools) |
Two 8 classroom schools |
|
Tyrrellstown |
8 classroom school |
|
Phibblestown2 |
8 classroom school plus accommodation to cater for up to 180 post-primary students |
|
Belmayne (2 schools) |
Two 8 classroom schools |
|
Naas |
8 classroom school |
|
Maynooth |
8 classroom school |
|
Portlaoise |
8 classroom school |
|
Carlow |
8 classroom school |
1 This project was originally announced as 2 eight classroom schools.
2 This project was originally announced as 1 eight classroom school (New VEC Community Primary School). What will be delivered in 2008 will be 1 eight classroom primary school plus accommodation to cater for up to 180 post-primary pupils.
Schools ICT Strategy.
Michael D'Arcy
Question:38 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation regarding funding for information technology equipment for schools; if there is funding available; the level of funding; the criteria for schools applying; and if special consideration is given to schools designated as disadvantaged. [23112/08]
The Deputy will be aware that my predecessor appointed a strategy group to advise on the priorities for expenditure on information and communications technology in schools, having regard to the provision in the National Development Plan for the investment of €252m in the ICT in Schools Programme. I intend to publish the group's report shortly. The report will cover areas of required investment over the lifetime of the national development plan. At its core will be the embedding of information and communications technology in the teaching and learning culture of schools. This will require continuing investment in teacher professional development to build further on the impressive teacher participation levels which have been evident to date. It will require the continuing maintenance of a national broadband network for schools, the upgrading and renewal of hardware and the provision of software and digital content.
Decisions on the timing and amount of expenditure in this area this year must be made in the overall context of the current budgetary situation. I am required to work within the budget set for the Department of Education and Science. My officials and I are reviewing the overall financial position with regard to spending trends and emerging pressures. Following this review, I anticipate that I will be in a position to make decisions on specific areas of expenditure.
Turning to the specific position of disadvantaged schools, these schools are benefiting from the €3.4m ICT Grant Scheme for DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) Schools from the Dormant Accounts (Educational Disadvantage) Fund. Having approved the applications under the scheme last year, my Department has issued grants amounting to €3.1m to schools so far this year. The establishment of a €1m Fund from the Dormant Accounts (Educational Disadvantage) Fund to assist up to 100 DEIS schools achieve Digital School Status was announced earlier this year. My officials are finalising the scheme arrangements with the National Centre for Technology in Education and I will be announcing the details in due course.
School Text Books.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:39 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science the average cost of a set of text books for the three years of the junior certificate; the role his Department has in recommending, directing or otherwise authorising official texts books for each subject of the junior certificate course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26077/08]
My Department does not have information on the average cost of a set of text books for the three years of the Junior Certificate cycle.
Apart from a small number of prescribed texts at second-level, mainly in the case of language subjects, decisions on which textbooks to use in first and second-level schools are taken at school level. My Department does not approve, commission, sponsor or endorse educational text-books. Books are commissioned and published by educational publishers, and schools select their books from those available from a number of publishers.
My Department operates a grant scheme towards the cost of providing school textbooks for pupils from low-income families in schools at first and second-level. Schools are notified of the scheme each year by circular letter. Principal teachers administer the book grant schemes in schools in a flexible way under the terms of the schemes based on their knowledge of particular circumstances in individual cases. Many schools operate book rental schemes and second-hand book exchanges.
A total of €8m has been provided in my Department's Estimate in 2008 in respect of the School Books Grant Scheme at second-level.
School Attendance.
Joanna Tuffy
Question:40 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Science the relationship between his Department and its various agencies, including the National Education Welfare Board, the Garda National Immigration Bureau and the Reception and Integration Agency, in order to ensure that young adults attending secondary school are not arbitrarily removed from one area to another causing them to leave the secondary school into which they have settled as either refugees, asylum seekers or unaccompanied children, as described to his predecessor at a meeting in his Department on 22 April 2008 and representatives of the SSN group, all of which are Dublin based inner city secondary DEIS one-band schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26103/08]
It is important to note that the meeting referred to in the question was about second level DEIS One band schools that are located in inner city Dublin. The Garda National Immigration Bureau and the Reception and Integration Agency are not agencies of the Department of Education and Science but instead come under the remit of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The Department of Education and Science has a member of staff seconded to the Reception and Integration Agency.
On the other hand, the National Educational Welfare Board does come under the remit of the Department of Education and Science.
With regard to moving young adults from one area to another the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform draws a clear distinction between three categories of persons.
Firstly, refugees are recognised by that Minister as being persons entitled to protection under the 1951 Geneva Convention relating to the status of refugees, as incorporated into Irish law. Such persons have, in essence, the same residency rights as Irish citizens and are free to live and attend schools where ever they wish, throughout the country.
The second category comprises asylum seekers who can opt to be accommodated by the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA). RIA is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers under the system of Direct Provision.
I understand from the RIA that the position is as follows.
Generally, asylum seekers are accommodated in Dublin based reception centres for a few weeks and thereafter are dispersed to centres around the country in accordance with the long standing Government policy in this regard.
Generally, once a family is dispersed there is no need to move that family further unless (i) RIA has a requirement to close that centre or (ii) there are overwhelming individual reasons to transfer that family.
In relation to the former, accommodation provision is a demand led process driven by factors over which the RIA has no control. It is obliged to adjust its accommodation portfolio to reflect current demands. Where a centre has to be closed down, RIA deals with the resultant moves sensitively, taking account, amongst other factors, of the need to ensure that disruption to education is minimised. Similar account is taken when a move arises because of individual family circumstances.
It needs to be understood that disruption of an asylum seeker's education can arise for a number of diverse reasons such as the family itself seeking a transfer or because of removal by the Garda National Immigration Bureau to another State by way of deportation or Dublin II removal.
The third category comprises separated children seeking asylum (SCSA) — otherwise known as unaccompanied minors. Responsibility for accommodating separated children seeking asylum (SCSA), aged under 18, lies with the Health Services Executive (HSE). In general, the HSE provides such accommodation until they reach the age of 18 years.
However, under the Childcare Act, 1991, it is within the scope of the HSE to continue the care of those separated children over 18 whom the HSE consider ‘vulnerable'. The RIA does not insist on SCSA's aged 18 years and over, who are awaiting a decision on their application for asylum, moving on to adult accommodation if the HSE has, for example, raised the issue of them being in a current Leaving Certificate year. Any decision to move this group lies solely with the HSE.
In summary, the Department of Education and Science has no part to play in the removal from one area to another of the categories of people specified above.
Teaching Council.
Joe Costello
Question:41 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science if agreement has been reached between the Teaching Council, all the teachers’ unions, and his Department regarding the implementation of the Teacher Council Act 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26065/08]
My Department works closely with the Teaching Council to ensure that the Council is in a position to fully discharge the relevant functions of the Teaching Council Act. My Department was in close communication with the Teaching Council and with teachers' representative bodies over the course of the last year, to ensure all parties were aware of the implications and methods of fee-collection and to ensure a smooth transition to the Council becoming a self-funding body.
Most sections of the Act are in operation, however, a small number of provisions have not been commenced. While no dates have been set for the commencement of these provisions they will be commenced when it is feasible to do so. My Department will continue to be in dialogue with all the relevant stakeholders as the commencement process continues.
Irish Language.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:42 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science the developments that have taken place upon receipt of submissions from parents, teachers and Irish language groups in relation to Tumoideachas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26338/08]
A Regulatory Impact Assessment screening is required where a significant SI is planned. Section 30 of the Education Act also obliges the Minister to consult when making regulations to prescribe the curriculum. The RIA Screening is the mechanism through which the consultation is taking place.
A draft Statutory Instrument and a Regulatory Impact screening document was issued to the following bodies for consultation:
The National Parents Council — Primary
Irish National Teachers' Organisation
Educate Together
Church of Ireland Board of Education
Catholic Primary School Managers' Association
Chief Rabbi of Ireland
Islamic Culture of Ireland
Educate Together
Gaelscoileanna
An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta
Foras na Gaeilge
Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge
Eagraíocht na Scoileanna Gaeltachta
An Foras Patrúnachta
National Council for Curriculum and Assessment
National Association of Boards of Management in Special Education Schools Irish Primary Principals' Network
The deadline for feedback was extended to 31 May 2008. The submissions received are being considered. It is intended that views of the organisations consulted will be summarised and included in a finalised Regulatory Impact Screening document and published on the Department's website.
Question No. 43 answered with Question No. 31.
Vocational Education Committees.
Seán Barrett
Question:44 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will make arrangements for vocational educational committee services to be made available to special needs schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25179/08]
It is not clear from the Deputy's question as to the nature of the vocational educational committee services being referred to. My officials have sought clarification from the Deputy's office and a further response will be provided following receipt of this clarification.
Third Level Education.
Arthur Morgan
Question:45 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will commit to ensuring the proper dispersion of the student services charge by higher education institutions; and if he will guarantee that all moneys collected through the student services charge will be invested in student services and not used to pay down institutional debt. [26340/08]
The student services charge is levied by third level institutions to defray the costs of examinations, registration and students services. The charge was €825 for the 2007/08 academic year. I should point out that the charge does not represent the total allocation towards student services from institutions budgets. The Institutions are autonomous bodies and as such determine the internal disbursal of funding, including funding of student services.
All students who are eligible for means tested student support have the student charge paid on their behalf by the Local Authorities or the Vocational Education Committees, in addition to any maintenance grant and tuition fee grant they are entitled to.
The Higher Education Authority (HEA) issued a Framework of Good Practice for the Provision of Student Services to the publicly funded Higher Education institutions in 1998. Particular reference was made to the principles of transparency and accountability. The Framework consists of guidelines to establish an appropriate system of consultation with students in the allocation of funding from the charge and in the determination of student services to be funded from this source. The HEA has periodically written to all institutions to remind them of their function in relation to the student services charge and requesting confirmation that correct procedures are in place, in accordance with the Framework of Good Practice. I understand from the HEA that the Authority recently wrote once again to all institutions in relation to the charge reminding them of this Framework.
I am satisfied that the HEA considers, generally, that the Framework has operated quite well in the sector.
Site Acquisitions.
Jack Wall
Question:46 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science if the three acre site assigned for the new school (details supplied) in County Tipperary which the Office of Public Works was negotiating to purchase from the Health Service Executive has been purchased by the local authority; the alternative plans he has to provide for a new building for this 200 pupil school which has been renting an 1830 sub-standard premises since 1994 at an enormous cost to the taxpayer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26099/08]
I wish to advise the Deputy that the Office of Public Works (OPW), which acts on behalf of my Department in relation to site acquisitions generally, has been asked to source a suitable site for the school in question. My Department is advised that the Health Service Executive (HSE) have formally conveyed its approval to dispose of lands either to South Tipperary County Council or directly to the OPW. While negotiations between the OPW and the HSE are currently underway I am not in a position to say at this stage when the acquisition will be concluded.
Psychological Service.
David Stanton
Question:47 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 104 of 21 May 2008, the number of additional educational psychologists recruited to implement the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004; the number of educational psychologists employed by his Department each year since 2004 to date in 2008 respectively; the conclusions of his Department’s review of the scheme for commissioning private assessments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26310/08]
As the Deputy will be aware all primary and post-primary schools have access to psychological assessments either directly through the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) or through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA). Schools that do not currently have NEPS psychologists assigned to them may avail of the SCPA, whereby the school can have an assessment carried out by a member of the panel of private psychologists approved and paid for by NEPS.
I can inform the Deputy that the number of educational psychologists employed by my Department for each year from 2004 to 2008 is as follows: 2004 — 128, 2005 — 123, 2006 — 127, 2007 — 138. The figure currently stands at 137.
In the current year under the terms of the T 2016 agreement my Department is committed to the expansion of psychologist numbers in the NEPS service to 169 and again in 2009 to 200. In this connection and following a national recruitment competition organised by the Public Appointments Service, a panel of suitable candidates has been formed. Currently some 33 panellists have been offered specific appointments within the NEPS regional structure, some 30 have accepted the post offered and of these 13 have passed through the requisite Garda vetting process and are finalising arrangements with my Department's Personnel Section. This process will continue until the available posts are filled.
It is envisaged in this regard that the new recruits will be in place by the commencement of the new academic year in the order of the commitment as outlined. Additionally it is envisaged that the undertaking in respect of 2009, a further 31 posts, panellists will be processed through this system to commence employment in the service early in the new calendar year.
Further expansion or reorganisation of the service, including the SCPA, is being considered in the wider context of my Department's response to the full implementation of the EPSEN Act. In this regard my Department is now at an advanced stage in finalising proposals to facilitate implementation of the remaining sections of the Act, including the provisions in respect of assessment and individual education plans (IEPs). The time taken to finalise proposals reflects the complexities involved, the need for consultation across the wide range of people and sectors involved, the need to align with the requirements of the Disability Act, 2005 and define how the Health Service Executive (HSE) and NCSE will work together under both acts.
My Department's priority is to ensure that the necessary training, guidance and supports are in place to facilitate the commencement of the remaining sections of the Act. It must also be acknowledged that, during this necessary period of preparation and planning for the roll-out of the EPSEN Act, my Department continues to expand capacity and services for students with special educational needs across the schools network through the work of the National Council for Special Education.
School Enrolments.
Kathleen Lynch
Question:48 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of post primary school pupils; the number of boys and girls in first, second, third, transition, fifth and sixth year for 2006-07 and 2007-08; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26072/08]
The number of post-primary school pupils in the 2006/2007 school year was 301,186. The numbers of post-primary school pupils for that school year by class group, as requested by the Deputy is:
Boys
1st 28,208; 2nd 28,534; 3rd 28,771; transition 12,546; 5th 27,946; 6th 23,914;
Girls
1st 27,026; 2nd 27,633; 3rd 28,410; transition 14,533; 5th 28,078; 6th 25,587;
The processing of the October Returns for 2007/2008 is not yet fully complete. However, the provisional number of post-primary school pupils in the 2007/2008 school year was 302,919. The provisional number of post-primary school pupils for that school year by class group is:
Boys
1st 28,487; 2nd 28,444; 3rd 28,322; transition 12,818; 5th 28,050; 6th 25,136;
Girls
1st 27,739; 2nd 27,254; 3rd 27,541; transition 14,943; 5th 28,471; 6th 25,714;
Figures for each school year reflect the enrolment at the 30th September.
Teaching Qualifications.
Brian O'Shea
Question:49 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the consideration he has given to the future of the highly specialised and uniquely qualified ESOL teachers who for the past nine years have successfully provided for the language and integration needs of refugees and who are due to be made redundant in July 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26276/08]
Integrate Ireland Language and Training Ltd. (IILT) approached my Department earlier this year with a proposal to withdraw from direct tuition for adult refugees and with a request that this tuition be mainstreamed. IILT envisaged continuing direct tuition for a group of up to 200 programme refugees. My Department accepted that mainstreaming of service provision was appropriate as it accords with the overall approach to provision of services to migrants as set out in "Migration Nation" — a statement on integration strategy and diversity management which I recently launched. In doing so the Department decided that all provision should be mainstreamed and provided by VECs as it would be less efficient to seek to continue with a small element of provision by IILT.
The funding allocated to IILT will now be redirected to provide for the continuation of this service through the VEC network. The Irish Vocational Education Association has confirmed that it is happy to cooperate and collaborate with my Department in delivery of necessary English language services. The VEC sector has already developed best practice in ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) provision. The sector is already providing English language services for those whose first language is not English. At present services are provided to over 12,000 people annually which clearly demonstrates the capacity of the VECs in this area. A further advantage of mainstreaming such provision through the VEC sector is the fact that the VECs have a nationwide network across all counties and cities that can readily provide classes where needed in the country using their facilities in schools and centres.
IILT is a limited company. The company will now enter voluntary liquidation as a solvent concern. The Company will comply with its statutory obligations in relation to redundancy payments for the staff concerned.
School Text Books.
Róisín Shortall
Question:50 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the exploitation of parents and children who are obliged by some secondary schools to purchase new or revised editions of existing school text books when there has been no syllabus change for the year involved and the increased costs to pupils and parents associated with the new revised books; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26076/08]
Apart from a small number of prescribed texts at second-level, mainly in the case of language subjects, decisions on which textbooks to use in first and second-level schools are taken at school level.
Syllabus planners are conscious of the need to avoid over frequent changes, primarily in order to minimise increases in the cost burden for parents. School authorities have been advised that books should be changed only to the extent that is absolutely necessary. However, textbooks have to be changed periodically to enable teachers to keep their own and their students' work educationally stimulating and to ensure that content and methodology are kept up to date.
My Department operates a grant scheme towards the cost of providing school textbooks for pupils from low-income families in schools at first and second-level. Schools are notified of the scheme each year by circular letter.
Principal teachers administer the book grant schemes in schools in a flexible way under the terms of the schemes based on their knowledge of particular circumstances in individual cases. Many schools operate book rental schemes and second-hand book exchanges.
A total of €8m has been provided in my Department's Estimate in 2008 in respect of the School Books Grant Scheme at second-level.
Irish Language.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:51 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science the way he will provide incentives to encourage children from disadvantaged areas to attend Irish language courses in the Gaeltacht. [26339/08]
My Department established a Gaeltacht Scholarship scheme in 2007. It is designed to enable children enrolled in designated disadvantaged post-primary schools to attend approved summer colleges for teaching Irish. The Galway Education Centre provides administrative support for the initiative.
Funding of €100,000 has been made available for the scheme for 2008. Applications for the 2008 scheme are still being processed and, to date, approximately 138 have been received.
Departmental Properties.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:52 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Finance the details of all properties rented, owned or leased by his Department in County Louth; the rent paid per annum; if car parking is leased or rented; if so, the location, owner and amount paid; if there is a tenancy or occupancy termination imminent; the reason given for same; the plans in place for relocation. [26454/08]
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:53 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Finance the details of all properties rented, owned or leased by his Department in County Louth; the rent paid per annum; if car parking is leased or rented; if so, the location, owner and amount paid; if there is tenancy or occupancy termination imminent; and the reason given for same; and the plans in place for relocation. [26456/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 52 and 53 together.
Further to Parliamentary Question No. 604, ref no 26456/08, the following documentation details the information pertaining to State-owned buildings plus buildings and car parking facilities that are leased by the Commissioners of Public Works on behalf of Government Departments.
With regard to tenancy/occupancy termination the Commissioners are investigating the feasibility of surrendering the lease on Dundalk Government Offices, Earl House. This property has been held on a 35-year lease without a break from 1975. It had been used to house mainly Revenue and a small number of Social, Community & Family Affairs staff. These have now relocated to new accommodation as part of a previous Government Decentralisation programme. The building is currently utilised as a storage facility for the Revenue Commissioners.
The following reply can also be used to respond to PQ ref no. 26454/08 which Deputy O'Dowd has put down to the Minister for Agriculture and Food for reply.
|
Property Code |
Building Code |
Occupant |
Building Name |
Address |
Location |
Gross Int Sqm |
Type |
|
OPW |
Mid Louth Civic Services Centre (Part-Owned) |
Fairgreen |
Ardee |
||||
|
P1126 |
B1126 |
N/A |
Mouth of Boyne Former Coastguard Station |
Beaulieu |
Mouth of Boyne |
0.0000 |
Res |
|
P1127 |
B1127 |
Scfa |
Drogheda Government Offices |
The Mall |
Drogheda |
549.9974 |
Office |
|
P1129 |
B1129 |
Garda |
Drogheda Garda Station |
Old Abbey Lane |
Drogheda |
477.7000 |
Garda Station |
|
P1165 |
B1165 |
SCFA |
Dundalk Social Welfare Office |
Barrack Street |
Dundalk |
443.9141 |
Office |
|
P1167 |
B1167 |
C&E, OPW, Revenue |
Dundalk Custom House |
Quay Street |
Dundalk |
382.9961 |
Office |
|
P1168 |
B1168 |
Revenue |
Dundalk Revenue Vima+Lorry Park |
Newry Road |
Dundalk |
1930.0056 |
Office |
|
P1172 |
B1172 |
Garda Siochana |
Dundalk Garda Station |
The Crescent |
Dundalk |
751.3000 |
Garda Station |
|
P1173 |
B1173 |
N/A |
Dundalk Military Barracks Drill Field |
Barrack Street |
Dundalk |
0.0000 |
Military |
|
P1174 |
B1174 |
N/A |
Dundalk National School |
Joclyn Street |
Dundalk |
0.0000 |
School National |
|
P1206 |
B1206 |
Garda Siochana |
Dunleer Garda Station + Married Quarters |
Drogheda Road |
Dunleer |
137.6000 |
Garda Station + Married Quarters |
|
P1943 |
B1943 |
N/A |
Greenore Former Coastguard Station |
Greenore |
Greenore |
0.0000 |
Former Coastguard Station |
|
P1961 |
B1961 |
Garda Siochana |
Hackballscross Garda Station |
Castlblayney Road |
Hackballscross |
116.5700 |
Garda Station |
|
P2496 |
B2496 |
Garda Siochana |
Louth Garda Station + Married Quarters |
Dundalk Road |
Louth |
110.0000 |
Garda Station + Married Quarters |
|
P2788 |
B2788 |
Garda Siochana |
Omeath Garda Station |
Omeath |
Omeath |
91.8400 |
Garda Station |
|
P3648 |
B3648 |
N/A |
Soldiers Point F/Mer C/Guard Stn |
Soldiers Point |
Soldiers Point |
0.0000 |
F/Mer C/Guard |
|
P399 |
B399 |
Garda Siochana |
Blackrock Garda Station |
Sandy Lane |
Blackrock |
79.0000 |
Garda Station |
|
P50 |
B50 |
Garda Siochana |
Ardee Garda Station + Married Quarters |
Jervis Street |
Ardee |
210.6000 |
Garda Station + Married Quarters |
|
P588 |
B588 |
Garda Siochana |
Carlingford Garda Station + Married Quarters |
Newry Street |
Carlingford |
269.3900 |
Garda Station + Married Quarters |
|
Property Code |
Building Code |
Occupant |
Building Name |
Address |
Location |
Gross Int Sqm |
Type |
|
P623 |
B623 |
N/A |
Carrickarnon Former Customs Post |
Carrickarnon |
Carrickarnon |
0.00 |
Former Customs Post |
|
P624 |
B624 |
Revenue |
Carrickarnon Customs Office |
Carrickarnon |
Carrickarnon |
170.30 |
Custom |
|
P669 |
B4282 |
Garda Siochana |
Castlebellingham Garda Station |
Dundalk Road |
Castlebellingham |
31.30 |
Garda Station |
|
P669 |
B4283 |
Garda Siochana |
Castlebellingham Garda Station — Residence 1 |
Dundalk Road |
Castlebellingham |
568.32 |
Garda Station — Residence |
|
P669 |
B4284 |
Garda Siochana |
Castlebellingham Garda Station — Residence 2 |
Dundalk Road |
Castlebellingham |
568.32 |
Garda Station — Residence |
|
P785 |
B785 |
Marine |
Clogherhead Mes |
Park Oriel |
Clogherhead |
34.65 |
Mar-Emer |
|
P786 |
B786 |
Garda Siochana |
Clogherhead Garda Station |
Callystown |
Clogherhead |
51.50 |
Garda Station |
|
P8076 |
B8078 |
Agriculture, Revenue, Opw, Scfa, Propation Service |
Dundalk Government Office |
Alphonsus Road |
Dundalk |
8,179.00 |
Office |
|
P8137 |
B8129 |
N/A |
Whitestown Signal Station |
Whitestown |
Whitestown |
0.00 |
Misc |
|
P8294 |
B8270 |
Garda Siochana |
Dromad Garda Station |
Clanrye Villa, Newry Road |
Dromad |
0.00 |
Garda Station |
|
P8298 |
B8275 |
N/A |
Oldbridge House |
Oldbridge Estate, Donore |
Drogheda |
0.00 |
Heritage |
|
P8298 |
B8405 |
N/A |
Butlers House |
Oldbridge Estate, Donore |
Drogheda |
0.00 |
Rest |
|
P854 |
B854 |
Garda Siochana |
Collon Garda Station + Married Quarters |
Drogheda Street |
Collon |
261.10 |
Garda Station + Married Quarters |
|
P9101 |
B8344 |
N/A |
Westgate House |
62/63 West St |
Drogheda |
0.00 |
Office |
|
Lease Code |
Lease Name |
Occupant |
Building Name |
Address |
Commence |
Expiry |
Annual Rent |
Lease Type |
Building Code |
Status |
Rentable Sqm |
Landlord |
Address |
Type |
|
Lse0016 |
Ardee William Street |
Social, Community & Family Affairs |
Ardee SWO |
William Street, Ardee |
12-Jul-93 |
03-Apr-11 |
140,00 |
Lease From Landlord |
B52 |
Temporary Date |
33.450 |
William Boylan |
1 William Street, Ardee, Co Louth |
Office |
|
Lse0258 |
Drogheda Abbey Centre Customs & Excise |
Revenue |
Drogheda Customs&Excise |
Abbey Shopping Centre, West Street, Drogheda |
18-Sep-00 |
25-Dec-08 |
3,301.32 |
Lease From Landlord |
B1125 |
Temporary Date |
20.438 |
Tassel Ltd |
Abbey Shopping Centr, West Street, Drogheda, Co Louth |
Office |
|
Lse0261 |
Drogheda Laurence St 23 |
Probation Service |
Drogheda Probation & Welfare Service |
23 Laurence Street, Drogheda |
17-Sep-00 |
16-Sep-09 |
66,000 |
Lease From Landlord |
B8103 |
Active |
260.680 |
Robert & Audrey Murphy |
13 Seabury Crescent, Malahide, Co Dublin |
Office |
|
Lse0262 |
Drogheda Port Customs |
Revenue |
Drogheda Customs & Excise |
Steam Packet Quay, Drogheda |
04-Mar-97 |
25-Dec-08 |
1,2697.38 |
Lease From Landlord |
B6236 |
Temporary Date |
120.310 |
Patrick Monahan (Drogheda) Limited |
Merchants Quay, Drogheda, Co Louth |
Office |
|
Lse0270 |
Dundalk Brook Buildings |
OPW, Revenue |
Dundalk Government Office |
Brook Street, Ardee Road, Dundalk |
01-Oct-97 |
31-Mar-10 |
35,000 |
Lease From Landlord |
B1166 |
Active |
277.580 |
Patrick Copas |
31 Ladywell Terrace, Dundalk, Co Louth |
Office |
|
Lse0273 |
Dundalk Gov Off Earl House |
Prison Service, Revenue, SCFA |
Dundalk Government Office — Earl House |
Earl House, 13-14 Earl Street, Dundalk |
01-May-75 |
30-Apr-10 |
177,763.33 |
Lease From Landlord |
B1171 |
Active |
1,487.360 |
Northern Bank Limited |
Co Louth |
Office |
|
Lse0274 |
Dundalk Railway Stn Garda |
Garda |
Dundalk Garda Office |
Dundalk Railway Station, Dundalk |
01-Jun-02 |
31-May-08 |
2800 |
Lease From Landlord |
B8079 |
Active |
24.650 |
C I E Group Property Limited |
Oriel Street, Dublin 1 |
Office |
|
Lse0976 |
Drogheda Education Office |
Education & Science |
Drogheda Education Office |
C C O House, Industrial Estate, Drogheda |
01-Dec-02 |
16-Mar-09 |
70,089.52 |
Lease From Landlord |
B8149 |
Temporary Date |
343.740 |
Atlantic Industries |
Industrial Estate, Drogheda, Co Louth |
Office |
|
Lse1173 |
Drogheda Swo |
Scfa |
Drogheda SWO |
Singleton House, Laurence Street, Drogheda |
23-Sep-05 |
22-Aug-15 |
70,533 |
Lease From Landlord |
B8257 |
Active |
257.000 |
Mestika Limited |
Balmoral, Kells Road, Navan, Co Meath |
Office |
|
Lse1206 |
Dundalk Education Office |
Education & Science |
Dundalk Education Office |
Dundalk Institute of Technology, Dublin Road, Dundalk |
01-Jan-05 |
30-Jun-10 |
13,200 |
Lease From Landlord |
B8276 |
Active |
66.000 |
Regional Dev. Centre |
Dundalk Inst Tech, Dublin Road, Dundalk, Co Louth |
Office |
|
Lse1244 |
Dundalk Revenue Warehouse |
Revenue |
Dundalk Revenue Warehouse |
Coes Road, Dundalk |
01-Apr-06 |
29-Feb-16 |
130,000 |
Lease From Landlord |
B8309 |
Active |
1,584.000 |
Portway Trailers Ltd |
Coes Road, Dundalk, Co Louth |
Ware Hse |
|
Lse1262 |
Dundalk Fairways Hotel |
Driver Test Centre |
Fairways Hotel, Dublin Road, Dundalk |
Dublin Road, Dundalk |
29-Jan-06 |
25-Dec-08 |
0 |
Lease From Landlord |
B8323 |
Active |
50 |
Premier Hotels Ltd |
T/A Fairways Hotel, Dublin Road, Dundalk, Co Louth |
DTC |
|
Lse1563 |
Sustainable Energy Ireland |
Sustainable Energy Ireland |
Block 1 Finnabair Business Park |
Floor 2, Block 1, Finnabair Bus Technology Park, Dundalk |
03-Nov-07 |
02-Nov-10 |
96,000 |
Lease From Landlord |
B8420 |
Active |
617 |
Thomas Lynch & Timothy Boland |
Diamor, Crossakiel, Kells, Co Meath |
Office |
|
Lease Code |
Occupant |
Lease Name |
Address |
Commence |
Expiry |
Lease Type |
Status |
Annual Rent |
No of Spaces |
Landlord |
Address |
|
Lse0383 |
Revenue |
Greenore Customs Post Parking |
Old Hotel Building, Greenore |
01-Nov-78 |
25-Dec-07 |
Car Parking |
Temporary Date |
2,031.58 |
Not Specified |
Greenore Ferry Services Limited |
Greenore Co Louth |
|
Lse1042 |
Scfa |
Drogheda SWO Car Park |
Haymarket Multistorey Carpark, Dyer Street, Drogheda |
19-Nov-03 |
25-Dec-08 |
Car Parking |
Temporary Date |
8,800.00 |
8 |
Base Construction |
T/A The Haymarket, Multi Storey Carpark, Dyer Street, Drogheda |
|
Lse1183 |
Agriculture |
Drogheda Agriculture Car Park |
Fitzwilliam Court, Dyer Street, Drogheda |
19-Dec-05 |
04-Dec-08 |
Car Parking |
Temporary Date |
18,150.00 |
12 |
Tasik Ltd |
Balmoral, Navan, Co Meath |
|
Lse1229 |
Probation Service |
Drogheda Probation & Welfare Car Park |
23 Laurence Street, Drogheda |
10-Jul-06 |
31-Oct-07 |
Car Parking |
Active |
10,588.00 |
7 |
Tasik Ltd |
Balmoral, Navan, Co Meath |
Garda Stations.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:54 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Finance if that funding will be made available for the planned redevelopment of Tallaght Garda Station, Dublin 24; his views on whether progress on this issue is clearly required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26384/08]
A sketch scheme is practically completed to provide for a redevelopment of the existing Garda Station site for both a Garda Station and a Courthouse. The feasibility study will require the approval of both client services before proceeding to detailed design.
Financial provision for projects proceeding to detailed design is provided for from the annual provision of the Garda Building Programme. Prioritisation of projects in that Programme is a matter for the Department of Justice, Equality, and Law Reform, and An Garda Síochána in the first instance.
Tax Code.
Joan Burton
Question:55 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the estimated tax loss prevented by the introduction of Section 118B, Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, via section 21, Finance Act 2008; the main areas of avoidance giving rise to introduction to the section; the State and semi-State bodies involved in tax avoidance schemes prior to the introduction of the section; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26396/08]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that section 21 of the Finance Act 2008 clarified the tax treatment of what are known as "salary sacrifice" arrangements. These arrangements, which are in reality an application of a person's remuneration, consist of benefits being purchased or provided by an employer with the employee effectively paying for the benefits by means of a reduction in remuneration. Section 21 also placed on a legislative basis two long-standing administrative concessions that operated in this area, namely, for:
Travel passes given by an employer to an employee where the cost of the travel pass provided by the employer is matched by a corresponding reduction in the employee's remuneration and
a contribution by an employer to a Revenue approved profit sharing scheme where the contribution or part of the contribution by the employer is matched by a corresponding reduction in the employee's remuneration.
In both cases, the new legislation ensures that a tax charge does not arise on that part of an employee's remuneration used to buy the travel pass or to fund the profit sharing scheme.
In all other cases of salary sacrifice, the legislation copper-fastens the Revenue view that such schemes are ineffective for tax purposes and do not operate to reduce an employee's taxable income. This position was outlined in an article in Tax Briefing 41, dated September 2000 which is available on www.revenue.ie.
Over the last year or so, Revenue have become aware of a number of salary sacrifice arrangements, which as part of their motivation sought to reduce the taxable income of employees and thereby avoid PAYE, and employers and employees PRSI. While, as already stated, Revenue dispute the effectiveness of such arrangements, the opportunity to copper-fasten this view was taken in the Finance Act 2008.
Schemes in this area that have come to the attention of Revenue include:
Attempts to circumvent the limits on personal contributions to pension schemes by forgoing taxable salary and transferring the contribution from the hands of the employee to the employer by means of a reduction in salary, and
Schemes designed to provide benefits, such as company cars, club fees or childcare, with the employer being recompensed by the employee foregoing taxable remuneration.
As stated, Revenue has never accepted that these schemes are effective for tax purposes and as such it is not possible to say what, if any, tax loss may have arisen in this area. As such schemes are discovered, on audit or otherwise, they will be challenged and any tax found due will be recovered, together with interest and penalties, if appropriate. If, as part of any settlement, any such case falls to be published in accordance with the terms of section 1086 (publication of names of tax defaulters) of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 then it will be published in accordance with that section but not otherwise.
Joan Burton
Question:56 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the number of claims made for one parent family credit, under section 462, Taxes Consolidated Act 1997 in each year from 2000 to 2008 inclusive; if he will provide an analysis of claims made by status of the claimant, that is widow/widower, lone parent, separated parent or divorced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26397/08]
Joan Burton
Question:57 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the number of claims made for one parent family credit, under section 462, Taxes Consolidated Act 1997 in each year from 2000 to 2008 inclusive, broken down by sex of the claimant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26398/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 56 and 57 together.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the estimated numbers of income earners availing of the one parent family credit, under section 462, Taxes Consolidated Act 1997, broken down by personal status and by gender for the income tax years 2000/01 to 2008 inclusive are set out in the following tables to the extent to which they are available.
|
Income Tax Year |
Widow/Widower |
Other Lone Parent |
Total one parent families |
|
2000/01 |
10,350 |
90,850 |
101,200 |
|
2001 |
9,850 |
87,750 |
97,600 |
|
2002 |
9,950 |
92,800 |
102,750 |
|
2003 |
10,200 |
99,000 |
109,200 |
|
2004 |
9,300 |
92,400 |
101,700 |
|
2005 |
9,300 |
115,600 |
124,900 |
|
2006* |
9,600 |
121,750 |
131,350 |
|
2007* |
9,900 |
126,800 |
136,700 |
|
2008* |
9,900 |
128,650 |
138,550 |
|
Income Tax Year |
Male |
Female |
Total one parent families |
|
2000/01 |
28,950 |
72,250 |
101,200 |
|
2001 |
29,000 |
68,600 |
97,600 |
|
2002 |
32,400 |
70,350 |
102,750 |
|
2003 |
35,650 |
73,550 |
109,200 |
|
2004 |
38,300 |
63,400 |
101,700 |
|
2005 |
43,200 |
81,700 |
124,900 |
|
2006* |
45,400 |
85,950 |
131,350 |
|
2007* |
47,200 |
89,500 |
136,700 |
|
2008* |
47,900 |
90,650 |
138,550 |
*Provisional and likely to be revised.
Figures in the tables are rounded to the nearest fifty.
The numbers availing of the credit represent income earners who were in a position to absorb at least some of the one parent family tax credit and thereby give rise to an Exchequer cost. They do not include the numbers of potential claimants whose entitlements to other tax credits were sufficient to reduce their liability to tax to nil.
The figures for the years 2000/01 to 2005 inclusive are based on incomes data derived from income tax returns held on Revenue records and have been grossed up to an overall expected level to adjust for incompleteness in the numbers of returns on record at the time the data was extracted for analytical purposes. For the years 2006 to date the figures are estimates from the Revenue tax forecasting model using actual data for the year 2005 adjusted as necessary for income growth for the years in question.
The breakdown requested in relation to separated and divorced parents either could not be obtained or could not be obtained without conducting a protracted examination of the Revenue Commissioners' records.
Joan Burton
Question:58 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the number of the claims made for one parent family credit, under section 462, Taxes Consolidated Act 1997 in each year from 2000 to 2008 that were audited; the proportion of the claims examined that were rejected in each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26399/08]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that credit claims and requests for refunds from PAYE taxpayers are checked on a tiered basis based on value. Larger claims are subject to a higher proportion of examination as they are thought to be higher risk. I am further advised that overall, about 1% of claims for all tax credits, including One Parent Family Credit, are verified in this way. Some claims may subsequently be selected for a verification check. Where it seems from the checks carried out that the claim is not valid, the credit will be withdrawn. Results of claims checked are recorded at case level, not centrally and are not credit specific. Consequently, it is not possible to provide the information requested.
I am also advised by the Revenue Commissioners that in taking this approach to PAYE credit claims, they are applying the principles of presumption of honesty and self-assessment to PAYE workers that have worked successfully for business taxpayers since 1988. Where credits (including one parent family credit) are claimed by self-employed taxpayers, this is done on the standard return of income. These returns are all subject to audit and compliance checks in the normal way.
Pension Provisions.
Joan Burton
Question:59 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the actuarial value of the pension benefits of civil service grades (details supplied), retiring on 1 July 2008, aged 60 with 40 years service completed; if he will provide a separate value for men and women and assume all are pre 1995 appointments including the basis for the calculations, including mortality, discount rate and future salary increases. [26402/08]
The information requested is set out below. The values provided are for a married person retiring on 1 July 2008 at age 60 with pensionable service of 40 years. The pension benefits are those applying to a pre-1995 recruit to an established post in the civil service i.e. a person not subject to integration. The benefits taken into account are therefore a retirement lump sum of 1.5 times pay, a main scheme pension of 50% of pay and a spouse's pension of 25% of pay.
In order to value these benefits a number of technical assumptions must be made and the actuarial value of the benefits depends greatly on the assumptions used. The main assumptions used were:
A mortality table considered appropriate for valuing pension benefits for public servants; under this table the life expectancy at age 60 is 27 years for a male and 30 years for a female;
Annual discount rate of 6%;
Long term rate of inflation of 2% p.a. with pay increasing in line with inflation.
In the cases of all the grades mentioned and on the basis of the assumptions quoted above the actuarial value of the pension benefits works out at about 10 times current annual salaries.
It might be noted the calculations are on the basis of maximum pension benefits in each case. On average, the value of pension benefits for a civil servant retiring from the relevant grades will be substantially less as many civil servants will retire with less than the maximum of 40 year's service, many others will retire after the minimum retirement age of 60 and some will not be married.
Females are expected, on average, to live for longer than males so that the value of a main scheme pension is estimated to be greater for a female than for a male. However, this is balanced by the value of a spouses benefit being greater for a male member since a female spouse is likely to be younger and have a greater life expectancy than a male spouse. Therefore the figures apply equally to both males and to females.
Tax Code.
Joan Burton
Question:60 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the amount of tax forgone by the granting of a deduction for interest against rents assessable under Case V, Schedule D in the years 2001 to 2008 inclusive. [26403/08]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that based on personal income tax returns filed by non-PAYE taxpayers for the years 2003 to 2006 inclusive, the latest year for which this information is available, the estimated amount of tax foregone by allowing a deduction for interest on borrowings to be offset against rents assessable under Case V, Schedule D is as set out as follows.
|
Year |
Estimated Tax Forgone |
|
€m |
|
|
2003 |
222 |
|
2004 |
284 |
|
2005 |
393 |
|
2006 (provisional) |
572 |
The estimates are based on assuming that tax relief was allowed at the top income tax rate of 42% and the figures provided could therefore be regarded as the maximum Exchequer cost in respect of those taxpayers.
Corresponding suitable data is not available for the years 2001 and 2002. Data for the tax year 2007 is not yet available as the income tax returns for that year are not due for filing until October 2008. Company returns of rental income are net of interest on borrowings and the figures for interest are not separately distinguished in those returns.
It should be noted that any corresponding data returned by PAYE taxpayers in the income tax return form 12 is not captured in the Revenue computer system. However, any PAYE taxpayer with non-PAYE income greater than €3,174 is required to complete an income tax return form 11. This return is the source of the figures provided in this reply.
Departmental Staff.
Joan Burton
Question:61 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the number of staff in his Department, who have received or are receiving support to participate in post graduate educational courses in the years 2004 to 2008 inclusive. [26405/08]
42 members of staff in my Department received support under the Department's post-entry education scheme to pursue post-graduate educational courses in the period 2004 to 2008 inclusive.
Tax Forecasts.
Joan Burton
Question:62 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the figures provided by the Revenue Commissioners in the preparation of the 2008 tax forecasts; and the reason his Department used their own higher figures. [26409/08]
As happens every year, the Revenue Commissioners supplied my Department with a tax forecast for the following three years in the run-up to the Budget. Revenue prepared this forecast in October and November of last year based on the technical position set out by my Department.
All Budget forecasts, including tax and economic, are prepared by my Department. In doing so, my Department takes the Revenue Commissioners' forecasts into consideration and is in regular consultation with Revenue about the evolving trends. In addition to taking Revenue's view, changes in the prevailing economic outlook are also taken on board before the finalisation of the Department's tax forecasts, which are then published in the Budget.
Tax Code.
Joan Burton
Question:63 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if, in respect of relief granted to sports bodies under section 847A, Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, he will provide information (details supplied) for the years 2003 to 2006 and estimates of the cost for 2007 and 2008. [26410/08]
The Deputy is aware that the operation of the scheme for tax relief on donations to certain sports bodies is governed by the provisions of section 847A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. These bodies must be an "approved body of persons" established for and existing for the sole purpose of promoting athletic or amateur games or sports. They must also have been granted tax exemption under section 235 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a list of sports bodies who have been granted tax exemption under this section is available on the Revenue website at www.revenue.ie.
The precise arrangements for allowing tax relief on donations depends on whether the donor is a PAYE taxpayer, a person who is subject to self-assessment or a company. For a PAYE donor, the relief is given on a "grossed up" basis to the eligible sports body, rather than by way of a separate claim to tax relief by the donor. In this instance the claim for refund of the tax deducted by the donor is made to Revenue by the approved sports body. In the case of a self-assessed donor, the donation is paid gross and that individual claims the tax relief in their tax return. In the case of a company, the donation is paid gross and the company claims a deduction for the donation as if it were a trading expense.
The figures of estimated cost to the Exchequer of tax relief on donations by self-employed taxpayers to approved sports bodies within the meaning of Section 847A of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997 for income tax years 2003, 2004 and 2005, the latest year for which the necessary detailed information is available, are set out in the following table:
|
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
|
|
Self-employed |
€0.3m |
€0.2m |
€0.2m |
I am advised by Revenue that they are not in a position to provide Income Tax data for 2006 to 2008 in respect of self-employed donors, as the tax returns for those years are either being processed currently or not yet due.
Tax relief on donations by companies to approved sports bodies was claimed by 31 companies with accounting periods ending in 2006 at an estimated cost to the Exchequer of approximately €60,000. As figures of donations made by companies were not captured in corporate tax returns for accounting periods ending in years prior to 2006 there is, therefore, no basis on which an estimate of the associated costs to the Exchequer can be compiled for these years. Figures in relation to corresponding donations by PAYE taxpayers are not available because administration of the scheme is localised.
As regards the names of all bodies approved and details of the project for which relief was granted: the cost of the relief granted: an overall analysis of the cost per sport: the highest cost of the relief granted to one project in each year: the number of sports bodies receiving relief in each year, I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the records maintained by them do not easily provide a basis for compiling the detailed information sought by the Deputy and cannot be obtained without conducting a protracted examination of their records.
Question No. 64 withdrawn.
Joan Burton
Question:65 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if, in respect of relief granted to approved bodies under section 848A of the Taxes Consolidated Act, 1997, he will provide information (details supplied) for the years 2003 to 2006 and estimates of the cost for 2007 and 2008. [26412/08]
The Deputy is aware that the operation of the scheme for tax relief on donations to eligible charities and other approved bodies is governed by the provisions of section 848A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. Bodies, including schools, colleges, universities, bodies approved for education in the arts as well as a number of other specified organizations are defined as approved bodies for the purposes of the donations scheme by virtue of the specific groups of entities listed in Schedule 26A of the 1997 Act. In addition charities that hold charitable tax exemption for a period of at least two years may apply for approval under the donations scheme. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a list of charities approved for the purposes of the donations scheme is available on the Revenue website at www.revenue.ie. The full details of the terms and conditions of the scheme are available in Leaflet CHY 2 which can be also accessed on the Revenue website.
The precise arrangements for allowing tax relief on donations depends on whether the donor is a PAYE taxpayer, a person who is subject to self-assessment or a company. For a PAYE donor, the relief is given on a "grossed up" basis to the eligible charity or approved body, as the case may be, rather than by way of a separate claim to tax relief by the donor. In this instance the claim for refund is made to Revenue by the approved body or eligible charity. In the case of a self-assessed donor, that individual claims the relief and there is no grossing up arrangement. In the case of a company, it will claim a deduction for the donation as if it were a trading expense.
I am informed by Revenue that the records maintained by them do not easily provide a basis for compiling the detailed information sought by the Deputy. In particular their records do not readily differentiate between tax refund/relief allowed in respect of donations to national schools, fee paying or non-fee paying second level schools, third level institutions, Universities or third world charities. In addition the arrangement for granting the relief is dependent on the donors tax status i.e. PAYE only donor where the charity or approved body claims the relief, self assessed donor where the individual claims the relief and a company donor where the donation is claimed as if it were a trading expense.
The following table sets out figures of the estimated cost to the Exchequer of tax relief on donations to approved bodies and eligible charities within the meaning of Section 848A of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997 in so far as they are available for the years 2003 to 2007.
|
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
|
PAYE |
21.4 |
14.8 |
15.6 |
28.5 |
25.3 |
|
Self-Employed |
7.2 |
11.1 |
18.3 |
N/A |
N/A |
I am advised by Revenue that they are not in a position to provide data for 2006 to 2008 in respect of self-employed donors, as the tax returns for those years are either being processed currently or not yet due. In respect of PAYE donors for 2008 the claims by the approved bodies are not yet due.
There were no recorded claims for tax relief on donations to approved bodies by companies with accounting periods ending in 2006. As data on donations made by companies were not captured in corporate tax returns for accounting periods ending in years prior to 2006 there is, therefore, no basis on which an estimate of the associated costs to the Exchequer can be compiled for those years.
Joan Burton
Question:66 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the number of claims under sections 847A and 848A of the Taxes Consolidated Act audited in the years 2003 to 2007 inclusive with a summary of the findings. [26413/08]
Section 847A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 governs the scheme for tax relief on donations to certain sports bodies and section 848A governs the operation of the scheme for tax relief on donations to eligible charities and other approved bodies.
I am advised by Revenue that the precise arrangements for allowing tax relief on donations under both sections depends on whether the donor is a PAYE taxpayer, an individual who is subject to self-assessment or a company. In the case of donors who are PAYE taxpayers, the relief is given on a "grossed up" basis to the eligible body (rather than by way of a separate claim to tax relief by the donor). In this instance the claim for refund is made to Revenue by the eligible body. In the case of a self-assessed donor, that individual claims the relief in his/her income tax return and there is no grossing up arrangement. In the case of a company, it will claim a deduction for the donation as if it were a trading expense.
In processing claims by eligible bodies, Revenue carries out routine checks commensurate with the risk involved. These checks include a sampling of the claims and declarations made by the donors to verify the accuracy of the information contained therein.
The veracity of claims by both donors and eligible bodies may also be checked as part of the audit process undertaken by Revenue. However, as many Revenue audits cover more than one tax and more than one issue it is not possible to provide statistics in relation to the number of cases where Revenue auditors specifically looked at Section 847A/848A claims in particular cases. Where a case is selected for audit the auditor will usually take the opportunity to look at many aspects of compliance, including Sections 847A and 848A claims if they are applicable to the case, but no separate statistics are kept as regards the nature of the aspects examined.
Notwithstanding the absence of statistics in relation to the audit of claims under sections 847A and 848A, I am advised by Revenue that they have no indications of any significant problems with the operation of these tax reliefs.
Revenue Commissioners’ Staff.
Joan Burton
Question:67 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide an aged basis analysis of serving Revenue Commissioner staff for the grades (details supplied) by sex. [26414/08]
The information requested by the Deputy has been set out by the Revenue Commissioners in the table. I am advised by the Commissioners that according to their figures approximately 60% of their overall staff are female. As can be seen from the data below 38% of the grades of HEO and above are female.
|
Gender |
Range |
Principal |
AP |
HEO |
Grand Total |
|
Female |
18-24 |
1 |
1 |
||
|
25-30 |
2 |
19 |
21 |
||
|
31-40 |
5 |
13 |
75 |
93 |
|
|
41-50 |
8 |
48 |
211 |
267 |
|
|
51-60 |
15 |
65 |
213 |
293 |
|
|
61-65 |
2 |
4 |
10 |
16 |
|
|
Female Total |
30 |
132 |
529 |
691 |
|
|
Male |
25-30 |
2 |
11 |
13 |
|
|
31-40 |
2 |
11 |
53 |
66 |
|
|
41-50 |
30 |
97 |
283 |
410 |
|
|
51-60 |
84 |
246 |
248 |
578 |
|
|
61-65 |
11 |
12 |
31 |
54 |
|
|
Male Total |
127 |
368 |
626 |
1,121 |
|
|
Grand Total |
157 |
500 |
1,155 |
1,812 |
Ownership of Lands.
John Cregan
Question:68 Deputy John Cregan asked the Minister for Finance if he will adjudicate on the ownership of lands (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26427/08]
A number of interested parties have made applications for property allegedly transferred by or agreed to be sold by a Company now dissolved. The parties have been advised by the Chief State Solicitor's Office that they need to clarify their respective titles and reach a consensus between them before consideration can be given to a waiver application under Section 31 of the State Property Act 1954.
The Minister does not adjudicate on the applicants claims to entitlement to ownership of lands in these circumstances.
Tax Code.
Frank Feighan
Question:69 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Finance the reason a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon has not received their notice of tax assessments for 2003 despite the fact that all relevant information has been lodged with the Revenue Commissioners, Galway for some time and has been re-submitted again by registered post due to original documents being mislaid. [26446/08]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they have no record of receipt of the tax return in question prior to its receipt by registered post. A P21 PAYE balancing statement for the tax year 2003 issued to the person concerned on 26 June 2008 and an associated overpayment of tax was made on 30 June 2008.
Decentralisation Programme.
Richard Bruton
Question:70 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons who have been moved by his Department and its agencies to date; the percentage this represents of the original target; and if he will provide in tabular form for each of the locations, the staff who have been moved, the staff who have been assigned but not moved and the number of the staff originally designated for a move, who have opted to stay in Dublin, who have been assigned new duties. [26471/08]
The following is the information requested by the Deputy in tabular form for my Department and the agencies under the aegis of my Department. The decentralisation programme operates on a voluntary basis only and no staff were designated to move to any location unless they volunteered. However a number of staff whose posts were designated for decentralisation have been assigned new duties.
|
Location |
Number of posts designated to move |
Number of staff who have moved |
Percentage |
Number of staff assigned awaiting a move |
|
Tullamore |
130 |
125 |
96% |
0 |
|
Naas |
30 |
0 |
0% |
26 |
|
Location |
Number of posts designated to move |
Number of staff who have moved |
Percentage |
Number of staff assigned awaiting a move |
|
% |
||||
|
Newcastle West |
50 |
49 |
98 |
2 |
|
Kilrush |
50 |
57 |
114 |
0 |
|
Listowel |
50 |
52 |
104 |
0 |
|
Athy |
250 |
63 |
25.2 |
8 |
|
Navan |
Up to 100 |
96 |
96 |
2 |
|
Kildare |
380 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Location |
Number of posts designated to move |
Number of staff whohave moved |
Percentage |
Number of staff assigned awaiting a move |
|
% |
||||
|
Trim |
333 |
29 |
9 |
210 |
|
Claremorris |
142 |
29 |
20 |
4 |
|
Kanturk |
88 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
Location |
Number of posts designated to move |
Number of staff who have moved |
Percentage |
Number of staff assigned awaiting a move |
|
Youghal |
100 |
0 |
0% |
12 |
|
Location |
Number of posts designated to move |
Number of staff who have moved |
Percentage |
Number of staff assigned awaiting a move |
|
Youghal |
100 |
0 |
0% |
15 |
Efficiency Reviews.
Richard Bruton
Question:71 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the proposals which have been put forward under the efficiency review 2008 initiated on budget day 2008 by his Department and agencies operating under his Department; and the aggregate savings to be made by implementation of these savings in 2008 and in the full year for 2009. [26490/08]
In line with my predecessor's Budget 2008 announcement, the Department of Finance has engaged in the efficiency review exercise on the same basis as all other Government Departments, with a view to identifying possible savings on administrative spending. The exercise has included the bodies within the aegis of my Department. The issues arising in this context are currently being considered in the context of preparation of the 2009 Estimates.
Child Care Services.
Denis Naughten
Question:72 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of trafficked children receiving full health care services including psychological care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26350/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Billy Timmins
Question:73 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to respite for a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if the decision in this case will be reversed and a week allocated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26358/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:74 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an appeal in respect of an application for domiciliary care allowance for a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26365/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Michael Ring
Question:75 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be transferred to Merlin Park Hospital. [26380/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Deirdre Clune
Question:76 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children (details supplied) who are on a waiting list for assessment; the number waiting for treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26423/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Community Care.
James Reilly
Question:77 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath and plans to move them to a more suitable setting in a community facility as their family are concerned for their welfare and feel they need to be transferred as soon as possible to facilities in the community which are more appropriate for their continuing care; the progress of relocating patients with an intellectual disability or autism from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements in older buildings for example; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26426/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Nursing Home Subventions.
Willie Penrose
Question:78 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children when the commitment she gave to introduce the fair deal programme will be implemented; the action that will be taken in relation to the funding that was provided for this scheme to commence in the interim; if it is being diverted to alternative uses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26433/08]
The Bill providing for the Fair Deal scheme is being finalised by the Office of the Attorney General at present. The legislation is complex and requires careful drafting in order to ensure that the interests of older people requiring residential care are fully protected.
My colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, intends to publish the Bill as soon as possible following finalisation by the Attorney General and Government approval, and to bring the legislation through the Houses of the Oireachtas thereafter. As the timeframe for bringing the legislation through both Houses is contingent upon finalisation of the Bill, a more definitive answer is not possible at this stage.
The Minister has considered carefully the question of allowing some of the funding allocated for Fair Deal to be used for nursing home subvention and her officials are now discussing this matter with the Department of Finance. As soon as a decision is reached, it will be announced. However, it should be borne in mind that the Government already allocated additional funding of €20 million for Nursing Home Subvention in 2006 and Budget 2007 provided a further €85 million — this is an increase of €105 million in nursing home subvention in two years.
Services for People with Disabilities.
Michael Creed
Question:79 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the failure of the Health Service Executive to provide a day care service for students with special needs who have finished their schooling on reaching 18 years of age at a special school in County Cork; if she will ensure that these most vulnerable persons will not be the victims of inadequate funding from the HSE; her views on the circumstances of a student (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26438/08]
The 2008 Service Plan, developed by the HSE and approved by the Minister for Health and Children, included €50m for the development of additional disability services. The standard expenditure sanction issued to the HSE for 2008 stipulated that the prior approval of the Department of Health and Children and the Department of Finance would be required in the event of any proposal to spend this money for any other purpose.
Clearly, it is essential that the HSE lives within its overall budget for the year. It needs to manage its activity levels and cost drivers appropriately to achieve this and I do not believe it is desirable to resort to using development funding to offset expenditure pressures arising in respect of ongoing health services.
The HSE is currently reviewing its overall financial position for the year and roll-out of planned developments in disability services is being considered in that context. I have been in communication with the HSE with a view to an early determination on the matter.
The HSE has informed my Department that it plans to release €20m of the €50m additional funding for Disability Services.
The Deputy's specific question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal services, which are the responsibility of the Health Services Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.
Dan Neville
Question:80 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement regarding a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [26444/08]
The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and the information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Executive. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.
National Treatment Purchase Fund.
Dan Neville
Question:81 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people on the waiting list for National Treatment Purchase Fund procedures in County Limerick. [26445/08]
Statutory responsibility for the collection, collation and validation of data on waiting times and numbers of persons waiting for hospital treatment rests with the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF). My Department has, therefore, asked the Chief Executive of the NTPF to reply directly to the Deputy in relation to the information requested.
Health Services.
Denis Naughten
Question:82 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in approving a lease (details supplied) in County Westmeath; when this lease will be approved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26453/08]
The provision of the appropriate infrastructure to facilitate the delivery of primary care services is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter raised by the Deputy investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
Services for People with Disabilities.
Richard Bruton
Question:83 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will clarify if the €50 million assigned to improve disability service will be spent for the that purpose; the agencies that will receive the allocations and the respective improvements that it will fund; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that agencies are having to inform clients that expected services will not be available as in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26455/08]
The 2008 Service Plan, developed by the HSE and approved by the Minister for Health and Children, included €50m for the development of additional disability services. The standard expenditure sanction issued to the HSE for 2008 stipulated that the prior approval of the Department of Health and Children and the Department of Finance would only be required in the event of any proposal to spend this money for any other purpose.
Clearly, it is essential that the HSE lives within its overall budget for the year. It needs to manage its activity levels and cost drivers appropriately to achieve this and I do not believe it is desirable to resort to using development funding to offset expenditure pressures arising in respect of ongoing health services.
The HSE is currently reviewing its overall financial position for the year and roll — out of planned developments in disability services is being considered in that context. I have been in communication with the HSE with a view to an early determination on the matter. The HSE has informed my Department that it plans to release €20m of the €50m additional funding for Disability Services.
The Deputy's specific question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal services, which are the responsibility of the Health Services Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Waiting Lists.
Michael Ring
Question:84 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be called to Galway for an MRI scan. [26460/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Pharmacy Regulations.
Pádraic McCormack
Question:85 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Health and Children the situation regarding the legislation governing pharmacy practice for non-EU graduates; when it is proposed to have this matter finalised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26461/08]
The Pharmacy Act 2007 is being commenced in three stages. The first stage of the process involved the establishment of a Council of the new Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland, the second stage will put in place a new registration regime for pharmacists and pharmacies, and the third stage will deal with complaints, inquiries and fitness to practice provisions. As part of the second stage, which I hope to finalise later this year, a new process for the recognition and registration of non-EU\EEA qualified pharmacists will be put in place.
Decentralisation Programme.
Richard Bruton
Question:86 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons who have been moved by her Department and its agencies to date; the percentage this represents of the original target; and if she will provide in tabular form for each of the locations, the staff who have been moved, the staff who have been assigned but not moved and the number of the staff originally designated for a move, who have opted to stay in Dublin, who have been assigned new duties. [26473/08]
As the Deputy will be aware my Department is not one of the Departments scheduled for decentralisation under the Government's Decentralisation Programme. To date fifty-four civil servants have transferred to decentralising Departments from my Department. Further details in respect of the transfer of these officers are available from the decentralising Departments.
Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.
Michael Ring
Question:87 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the family of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo have not been approved for payment under the health repayment scheme. [26478/08]
The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and the information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Executive. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.
Efficiency Reviews.
Richard Bruton
Question:88 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the proposals which have been put forward under the efficiency review 2008 initiated on budget day 2008 by her Department and agencies operating under her Department; and the aggregate savings to be made by implementation of these savings in 2008 and in the full year for 2009. [26492/08]
In the context of the Efficiency Review announced by the then Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, Mr. Brian Cowen,T.D. in his 2008 Budget Speech, my Department has been examining various areas where potential savings and efficiencies can be achieved.
In relation to Bodies under the aegis of my Department the position is that agencies (other than the HSE and HIQA) are predominantly small in terms of organisational size and expenditure, and a number are self-funding.
A comprehensive independent review of health organisations (Audit of Structures and Functions in the Health System) was published in 2003. Considerable rationalisation has already taken place under the 2004 and 2007 Health Acts, and other changes are already planned, as follows:
The National Cancer Screening Service Board and the National Cancer Registry are to be subsumed into the HSE as part of the Cancer Control Programme;
The National Council for the Ageing and older People is to be mainstreamed into the newly-established Office for Older People;
the Medical Practitioners' Act 2007, provides for the dissolution of the Post Graduate Medical & Dental Board and the streamlining of the Board's functions to the HSE, Medical/Dental Councils, as appropriate;
the functions of the National Council for the Professional Development of Nursing and Midwifery are to be subsumed by An Bord Altranais and the HSE once the proposed new Nursing and Midwifery Bill is passed; and
the National Social Work Qualification Board is due to be streamlined into the National Council for Health and Social Care Professions in the next year or so.
The potential for further streamlining and/or rationalisation is being considered in the context of the Efficiency Review referred to above, and will also arise in the context of our response to the OECD Review of the Irish Public Service ("Toward an Integrated Public Service"), which was recently published.
Efficiencies are already being implemented by agencies within the health sector in the areas of procurement, business processes, and outsourcing. Additional benefits might also accrue from sharing of functions, and my Department is considering how the necessary co-ordination might be applied to allow such possibilities to be exploited.
Within my Department we have identified the following as having the potential to deliver further savings and/or efficiencies:
an increased use of on-line, rather than hard-copy (paper) publishing;
in collaboration with the Office of Public Works, we are participating in the Staff Energy Awareness Campaign (Optimising Power @ Work) which has a target to reduce Carbon Dioxide emissions by a minimum of 15% per annum;
we have reduced the hours during which Hawkins House is open over weekends, thus reducing staff costs;
we are examining how we might reduce the levels of absenteeism among our staff,and will proactively manage this area;
we will review our postal and telecommunications spend to obtain the best possible deal for our mobile and other phone and telecoms services;
My Department is also examining potential savings through increased use of collective or shared procurement arrangements from shared finance, payroll, ICT and some HR arrangements, but it is likely that these would require central direction and co-ordination if they are to be applied across Departments.
Services for People with Disabilities.
David Stanton
Question:89 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children when funding will be released by her Department and the Health Service Executive to enable service providers to offer adult day places and training places for people with disabilities who are more than 18 years of age and are no longer eligible for enrolment in special schools; the amount of such funding that was released in 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26496/08]
The 2008 Service Plan, developed by the HSE and approved by the Minister for Health and Children, included €50m for the development of additional disability services. The standard expenditure sanction issued to the HSE for 2008 stipulated that the prior approval of the Department of Health and Children and the Department of Finance would only be required in the event of any proposal to spend this money for any other purpose. Clearly, it is essential that the HSE lives within its overall budget for the year. It needs to manage its activity levels and cost drivers appropriately to achieve this and I do not believe it is desirable to resort to using development funding to offset expenditure pressures arising in respect of ongoing health services.
The HSE is currently reviewing its overall financial position for the year and roll — out of planned developments in disability services is being considered in that context. I have been in communication with the HSE with a view to an early determination on the matter. The HSE has informed my Department that it plans to release €20m of the €50m additional funding for Disability Services. The Deputy's specific question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Service Staff.
Michael Ring
Question:90 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the Health Service Executive west has failed to honour a legally binding Employment Appeals Tribunal agreement and pay the settlement in the case of a person (details supplied). [26499/08]
Michael Ring
Question:91 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has satisfied herself that public money is not being wasted by the Health Service Executive in their actions against a person (details supplied) and the mounting legal costs in this case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26500/08]
Michael Ring
Question:92 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the person or persons with the Health Service Executive who are instructing a solicitor (details supplied) on behalf of the HSE; and the costs of same. [26501/08]
Michael Ring
Question:93 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the costs of an action being taken by the Health Service Executive against a person (details supplied) giving details of the costs of the two investigations into this matter. [26502/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 90 to 93, inclusive, together.
The Health Service Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular questions raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to examine the issues raised by the Deputy, and to furnish me with a report containing the relevant information as soon as possible. I will be in further communication with the Deputy as soon as this information is provided to me.
Michael Ring
Question:94 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason her Department failed to endorse employment guidelines for psychologists in the health service as set out by a professional body, the Psychological Society of Ireland in 1987; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26503/08]
Under Section 18 of the Health Act, 1970, qualifications for the employment of clinical psychologist and psychologist community care grades were declared by the Minister for Health and Children, in consultation with the relevant professional organisation for psychologists in Ireland.
My Department has met, and been in correspondence with, the Psychological Society of Ireland on many occasions in the past to discuss issues of relevance, including the professional qualifications required for psychology posts in the health service. Updated qualifications for clinical psychologist and psychologist community care grades were subsequently declared by my predecessor in 2002, in line with the professional standards considered appropriate by my Department and the relevant professional organisation.
Michael Ring
Question:95 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the Health Service Executive withdrew a busy child mental health service in ADHD and refused to process a new permanent senior post in child psychiatry in County Mayo in March 2004 (details supplied), which would have provided an ongoing ADHD service; the repercussions for the families of children with ADHD of these actions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26504/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The Executive, therefore, is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Michael Ring
Question:96 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will explain the action of the Health Service Executive in withdrawing a service in view of the lack of services in child and adolescent mental health (details supplied). [26505/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The Executive, therefore, is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Services.
Olwyn Enright
Question:97 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the response structures in place in hospitals when a MRSA case is detected; if each hospital has its own plan; if there is national policy of best practice, the way same is monitored; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26511/08]
I would like to assure the Deputy that tackling Healthcare Associated Infections (HCAIs), including MRSA, continues to be a priority for the Government and for the Health Service Executive (HSE). The Strategy for the control of Antimicrobial Resistance in Ireland (SARI) was launched in 2001. This strategy, which is based upon best international practice, represents a road map for tackling antibiotic resistance as well as HCAIs. Guidelines on The Control and Prevention of MRSA in Hospitals and in the Community were produced by a SARI Infection Control Subcommittee in 2005. In drawing up these guidelines, the subcommittee reviewed the 1995 Irish Guidelines and utilised guidelines produced in other countries including the UK, USA, New Zealand and the Netherlands. Responsibility for the implementation of these guidelines rests with individuals, hospital executives and, ultimately, the HSE.
The HSE launched a National Infection Control Action Plan in March 2007. An Infection Control Steering Group is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the plan. Over the next five years, the HSE aims to reduce HCAIs by 20%, MRSA infections by 30% and antibiotic consumption by 20%. Achievement of these targets will benefit all patients who are at risk. The Steering Group is supported by eight Local Implementation Teams which will ensure that all local facilities are focused on achieving the national targets. A new National Surveillance System has recently been established by the HSE to collect data and provide information on a quarterly basis on four key areas, to monitor HCAIs in our health system:
1. Staphylococcus bacteraemia (blood stream infections);
2. Antibiotic consumption;
3. Alcohol gel use;
4. MRSA Surveillance in Intensive Care Units, from 2008 onwards.
This data (excluding MRSA in ICUs) has been compiled and published for 2006 and 2007. The report represents a significant step forward in terms of providing essential data that will serve as a benchmark for assessing progress in the future. I firmly believe that you cannot manage what you do not measure. We have now with this system begun a very useful measurement process.
The results so far show some improvement in 2007 over 2006. The overall S. Aureus bloodstream infection rate was lower in 2007 (0.36) compared to 2006 (0.37). The overall proportion of MRSA was also lower in 2007 (38.5%) compared to 2006 (42.4%). The overall acute in-patient antibiotic consumption rate is marginally up in 2007 over the 2006 rate by 2.4%. The overall alcohol gel use is up by a significant 50%. This data has many limitations that does not allow for direct comparison between hospitals. Also, areas like the antibiotic prescribing are calculated on a bed-days usage basis and are affected by the different procedures and data collection and processing systems applied in hospitals. However, the results are soundly based and will provide a good benchmark to enable us to measure the progress of each hospital. From now on, this data will be available on a quarterly basis. Data available from the EARSS Report Quarter 1 of 2008 indicates that the proportion of MRSA was at the same level as overall for 2007.
Since 2006, over 30 new staff in posts of Senior Pharmacists, Senior Infection Control Nurses and Surveillance Scientists have been appointed specifically to enhance infection control. I have instructed the HSE that designated private beds should be used for isolation purposes where required for patients who contract HCAIs. New environmental building guidelines to inform infection control policy in all new builds and refurbishments are expected to be published by the HSE later this month.
The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) undertook a comprehensive review of hygiene in our acute hospitals in 2007 and published its report last November. The report represents a thorough assessment of how hygiene services are provided and managed in 51 HSE-funded acute care hospitals. This allows individual hospitals identify strengths and areas for improvement. HIQA is following up on this review to ensure that deficits identified during that process are rectified and the Authority will be undertaking a further national review this Autumn. In addition, on 3rd June HIQA published draft Infection Prevention and Control Standards for public consultation. When finalised, these, along with the National Hygiene Standards, will provide a comprehensive framework to control infection in all healthcare settings.
While accepting that not all HCAIs are preventable, I am satisfied that significant steps are being taken to reduce the rates of HCAIs generally and to treat them promptly when they occur.
Olwyn Enright
Question:98 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children who have received orthodontic treatment from the Health Service Executive each year for the past three years in each county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26512/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the funding, management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Olwyn Enright
Question:99 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the projects being assessed or examined for inclusion on a site (details supplied) in County Laois being developed by the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26513/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The Executive, therefore, is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Service Staff.
Joan Burton
Question:100 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of staff in her Department, who have received or are receiving support to participate in post graduate educational courses in the years 2004 to 2008, inclusive. [26988/08]
A total of 38 staff of my Department received or are receiving support for post-graduate educational courses between 2004 to 2008 inclusive.
Decentralisation Programme.
Richard Bruton
Question:101 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons who have been moved by his Department and its agencies to date; the percentage this represents of the original target; and if he will provide in tabular form for each of the locations, the staff who have been moved, the staff who have been assigned but not moved and the number of the staff originally designated for a move, who have opted to stay in Dublin, who have been assigned new duties. [26476/08]
Work was completed in respect of the decentralisation of 50 Departmental and Road Safety Authority (RSA) staff in July 2007. The decentralisation of 10 posts from the Department's Road Haulage functions and 40 RSA posts to Loughrea was among the priority moves in the programme. This represents 10% of the original target of 497 posts.
In relation to Drogheda, The original proposal to move 37 posts to that location was recently reviewed in the context of an efficiency review by my Department. I considered that decentralising a combination of safety investigation functions, the Railway Safety Commission (which was to relocated originally to Ballinasloe), and other areas to bring the numbers up to the total requirement of 37 for Drogheda offers greater potential for operational efficiency as well as value for money.
The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has recruited 36 staff for Shannon and are now located there, representing a further 7% of the original overall target. The decentralisation of 110 posts in the National Roads Authority (NRA) to Ballinasloe and 200 posts from the CIE group to Mitchelstown is also being progressed.
The breakdown in relation to the locations involved is as follows:
|
Location |
Department/Agency |
Target |
Staff who have been moved |
Staff Assigned but not moved |
Staff designated to be moved who are now remaining in Dublin |
|
Loughrea |
RSA |
40 |
40 |
0 |
0 |
|
Loughrea |
Department, Road Haulage |
10 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
|
Ballinasloe |
National Roads Authority |
110 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Shannon |
Irish Aviation Authority |
400 |
36 |
0 |
0 |
|
Mitchelstown |
CIE Group |
200 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Drogheda (See text above) |
Combination of Safety-related functions (Air, Rail and Maritime) |
37 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Efficiency Reviews.
Richard Bruton
Question:102 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the proposals which have been put forward under the efficiency review 2008 initiated on budget day 2008 by his Department and agencies operating under his Department; and the aggregate savings to be made by implementation of these savings in 2008 and in the full year for 2009. [26495/08]
The following proposals were included in my Department's report to the Department of Finance regarding the efficiency review of administrative expenditure:
1. Replacement of the current system for telecommunications with local authority motor tax offices (Eircom frame relay system) by use of spare capacity on the Government Virtual Private Network
2. Move to online entry of change of ownership information by approved motor dealers
3. Consolidation of Departmental headquarters accommodation from six buildings to three
4. Introduction of low value purchase cards to reduce invoice processing overheads
5. Review of mobile phone policy and practices
6. Review of road transport operator licensing fees in line with the consumer price index
7. Consolidation of IT hardware and measures to reduce paper use
8. Introduction of online application system for ship's radio licences, ship's radio operator certificates and electronic programmed indicating radio beacons
9. Review of merchant shipping fees in line with consumer price index
10. Full implementation of electronic requisitioning, invoice approval and revised budgetary systems
11. Miscellaneous minor cost-cutting measures
12. Targeted reductions in funding allocated for administrative costs in the Commission for Aviation Regulation, Dublin Transportation Office, National Roads Authority and Railway Procurement Agency.
Full implementation of all these measures, with the exception of item 8 which is now being considered as part of a wider project, is anticipated by 2010 with an estimated aggregate annual saving of approximately €2 million. Due to up-front implementation costs and the lead-in time on these proposals, no significant savings are expected to accrue in 2008. The aggregate savings estimated for 2009 are €1,326,000.
Departmental Staff.
Joan Burton
Question:103 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport the number of staff in his Department who have received or are receiving support to participate in post graduate educational courses in the years 2004 to 2008 inclusive. [26991/08]
I am providing the information requested by Deputy Burton on an academic year basis as follows:
Academic year beginning in 2004 — 8 staff;
Academic year beginning in 2005 — 10 staff;
Academic year beginning in 2006 — 16 staff;
Academic year beginning in 2007 — 8 staff;
Academic year beginning in 2008 — not yet finalised.
Decentralisation Programme.
Richard Bruton
Question:104 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of persons who have been moved by his Department and its agencies to date; the percentage this represents of the original target; and if he will provide in tabular form for each of the locations, the staff who have been moved, the staff who have been assigned but not moved and the number of the staff originally designated for a move, who have opted to stay in Dublin, who have been assigned new duties. [26472/08]
Under the Government's decentralisation programme, the Development Cooperation Directorate of the Department of Foreign Affairs, which is Irish Aid's Headquarters, is decentralising to Limerick. Following sanction by the Department of Finance of additional posts for DCD, the total number of posts decentralising to Limerick has increased from the original figure of 124 agreed by Government to 138.
Good progress has been made and personnel have either been assigned to, or identified for, 112 posts or approximately 81% of the 138 posts scheduled to transfer to Limerick. The remaining 26 posts largely comprise the Development Specialist grades. The recent agreement involving the trade union IMPACT and the Departments of Finance and Foreign Affairs, provide a basis upon which the Development Specialist grades will transfer to the new Irish Aid headquarters in Limerick.
An advance party has already decentralised to interim office premises in Limerick, with 60 officers currently in place. It is expected that the remaining staff of Irish Aid will transfer to Limerick between now and autumn 2008, on completion and fit-out of the new permanent offices.
The detailed information requested by the Deputy in regard to the 112 posts currently assigned to, or identified for, Irish Aid in Limerick is conveyed in tabular format:
|
Number |
|
|
Number of staff already transferred to Irish Aid Limerick |
60 |
|
Number of staff assigned to Irish Aid, Dublin but not yet moved to Limerick |
22 |
|
Number of staff originally designated to move who opted to stay in Dublin and have been assigned new duties |
0 |
|
Number of staff elsewhere in this Department yet to transfer to Irish Aid |
11 |
|
Number of staff, from other Departments in provincial locations, yet to be assigned to Irish Aid |
19 |
Efficiency Reviews.
Richard Bruton
Question:105 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the proposals which have been put forward under the efficiency review 2008, as initiated on budget day 2008, by his Department and agencies operating under his Department; and the aggregate savings to be made by implementation of these savings in 2008 and in the full year for 2009. [26491/08]
In Budget 2008, the then Tánaiste and Minister for Finance announced that the Government agreed to an efficiency review of administrative spending across all Departments. As part of this process, Departments were required to examine their administrative spending and to provide specific proposals for savings to the Department of Finance. My Department has submitted relevant proposals to the Department of Finance for review.
I expect that the question of the publication of the outcome of the review exercise, and its implications for public expenditure in 2008 and 2009, will be considered by the Government in due course.
Departmental Staff.
David Stanton
Question:106 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of personnel working in his Department at the respective grades; the number of vacancies at present in his Department and the grades of each; his plans to fill such vacancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26497/08]
The following table sets out the number of staff broken down by grade/position working in my Department and the number of vacancies currently being carried. The figure of 1,242 excludes approximately 300 staff who are recruited locally to work in our Missions abroad, as well as 90 Temporary Clerical Officers engaged by the Passport Office on fixed term contracts to help meet the increased demand for passports in the lead up to, and during, the busy summer period. The figure also excludes 14 Ministerial Private Office staff (Special Advisers, Personal Assistants, Personal Secretaries and Civilian Drivers) appointed by the Minister and the two Ministers of State.
|
Grade/Position |
Number serving |
Vacancies |
|
Assistant Secretary upwards |
51 |
2 |
|
Principal Officer/Counsellor |
84 |
0 |
|
Assistant Principal Officer/First Secretary |
168 |
0 |
|
Third Secretary/Administrative Officer/Higher Executive Officer |
175 |
3 |
|
Executive Officer/Staff Officer |
144 |
2 |
|
Clerical Officer |
485 |
5 |
|
Development Specialist |
40 |
8 |
|
Services Officer |
28 |
0 |
|
Cleaner |
17 |
0 |
|
Nightwatchperson |
3 |
0 |
|
Officers from other Departments assigned to work in our Missions abroad |
44 |
0 |
|
Total |
1,242 |
20 |
The situation regarding staffing levels in the Department is kept under regular review. A monthly report is submitted to the Department of Finance detailing the number of staff employed by the Department and the number of vacancies on hand. As the Deputy will appreciate, the figure for the number of vacancies being carried by the Department is constantly evolving. The current figure for the number of vacancies is of the order of 20.
It is the practice of my Department to operate as close as possible to its full complement of staff and to keep the number of vacancies to a minimum. A competition is underway at present to set up a panel from which vacancies in the Development Specialist grades will be filled. In addition, the Public Appointments Service is currently organising a competition for the Third Secretary entry grade.
Joan Burton
Question:107 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of staff in his Department, who have received or are receiving support to participate in post-graduate educational courses in the years 2004 to 2008, inclusive. [26987/08]
The following table shows the numbers of staff from my Department who received support, or are receiving support, for post-graduate educational courses for the period in question. These figures are in respect of Masters and PhD programmes.
|
Academic Year |
No. |
|
2004-2005 |
16 |
|
2005-2006 |
19 |
|
2006-2007 |
17 |
|
2007-2008 |
13 |
Employment Support Services.
Kathleen Lynch
Question:108 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of employees with a disability being supported by the wage subsidy scheme; if she is satisfied with the uptake of the scheme; the measures in place to alert employers to the scheme and to encourage greater participation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26370/08]
The Wage Subsidy Scheme is operated by FÁS on behalf of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The Scheme is available to all employers (except public service employers and/or any employers or schemes where wages are funded by FÁS) in the State who provide a minimum of 21 hours of employment per week to disabled workers. The objective of the scheme is to increase the number of persons with a disability in employment, and as far as practicable provide a level playing field for them in seeking out, or remaining in employment. There are currently 575 participants on the Wage Subsidy Scheme as of June 30 2008.
An independent consultancy review has been commissioned by my Department to examine the efficiency and cost effectiveness of the operation of the Wage Subsidy Scheme over the initial pilot phase. The objective of the review is to assess the operation and the impact of the scheme, and to identify areas which can be built upon to ensure that the scheme achieves maximum effect in meeting the objectives of:
facilitating people with disabilities to enter full-time paid employment in the open labour market
encouraging employers, in both sheltered and mainstream settings, to employ people with disabilities
giving people with disabilities the opportunity to experience open labour market employment.
This is with a view to rolling out the initiative into a full programme aimed at providing ongoing incentives for both employers and people with disabilities in the open labour market.
The review has recently been completed and is now being considered by my Department in consultation with FÁS. The findings of this review will inform the Department and FÁS on how the effectiveness of the scheme may be enhanced in the future as an incentive to both employers and disabled employees.
Joan Burton
Question:109 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will provide a breakdown for 2005 to 2008, on a county basis, of the number of recipients of one parent family allowance from the Department of Social and Family Affairs on employment schemes and the type of scheme; if she will provide, in respect of community employment schemes, an analysis of the time spent on schemes by participants registered in each year between 2005 and 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26401/08]
FÁS as an agency of my Department operates two employment schemes namely Community Employment (CE) and Job Initiative (JI). Community Employment (CE) is an active labour market programme designed to provide eligible long term unemployed people and other disadvantaged persons with an opportunity to engage in useful work within their communities on a fixed term basis. The programme helps unemployed people to progress to the open labour market by breaking their experience of unemployment through a return to work routine and assists them in enhancing/developing both their technical and personal skills.
The Job Initiative (JI) programme provides full time employment for people who are 35 years of age or over, unemployed for 5 years or more, and in receipt of Social Welfare payments over that period. The main purpose of the programme is to assist long-term unemployed people to prepare for work opportunities by providing participants with work experience, training and development opportunities.
In relation to the information sought by the Deputy the following tables provide a breakdown of the number of recipients of one parent family allowance from the Department of Social and Family Affairs on Community Employment Schemes and Job Initiative Programmes on a county basis for the years 2005 to 2008. Table 3 provides an analysis of the time spent on Community Employment Schemes by participants registered in each year between 2005 and 2008.
|
County |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
June 2008 |
|
Dublin 1 |
199 |
197 |
179 |
167 |
|
Dublin 2 |
139 |
135 |
126 |
140 |
|
Dublin 3 |
52 |
38 |
65 |
61 |
|
Dublin 4 |
4 |
8 |
15 |
14 |
|
Dublin 5 |
132 |
121 |
108 |
100 |
|
Dublin 6 |
17 |
16 |
21 |
18 |
|
Dublin 7 |
124 |
105 |
80 |
78 |
|
Dublin 8 |
264 |
210 |
259 |
228 |
|
Dublin 9 |
41 |
25 |
39 |
47 |
|
Dublin 10 |
76 |
72 |
59 |
57 |
|
Dublin 11 |
307 |
286 |
251 |
209 |
|
Dublin 12 |
98 |
83 |
95 |
104 |
|
Dublin 13 |
23 |
15 |
19 |
18 |
|
Dublin 14 |
28 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Dublin 15 |
122 |
127 |
106 |
114 |
|
Dublin 16 |
9 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
|
Dublin 17 |
171 |
168 |
136 |
134 |
|
Dublin 18 |
55 |
22 |
40 |
39 |
|
Dublin 20 |
25 |
16 |
31 |
19 |
|
Dublin 22 |
135 |
141 |
106 |
92 |
|
Dublin 24 |
243 |
229 |
220 |
220 |
|
Dublin West |
4 |
9 |
||
|
Dunlaoghaire/Rathdown |
61 |
69 |
66 |
66 |
|
Dublin North County/Fingal |
84 |
72 |
71 |
80 |
|
Carlow |
73 |
67 |
73 |
72 |
|
Cavan |
32 |
32 |
31 |
31 |
|
Clare |
116 |
108 |
123 |
123 |
|
Cork City |
331 |
299 |
265 |
255 |
|
Cork County |
183 |
172 |
161 |
161 |
|
Donegal |
172 |
175 |
193 |
196 |
|
Galway City |
72 |
56 |
49 |
51 |
|
Galway County |
104 |
92 |
112 |
129 |
|
Kerry |
177 |
159 |
186 |
200 |
|
Kildare |
146 |
134 |
135 |
137 |
|
Kilkenny |
70 |
81 |
75 |
74 |
|
Laois |
62 |
57 |
51 |
55 |
|
Leitrim |
21 |
24 |
24 |
19 |
|
Limerick City |
229 |
194 |
173 |
165 |
|
Limerick County |
74 |
76 |
72 |
65 |
|
Longford |
65 |
66 |
69 |
72 |
|
Louth |
232 |
200 |
208 |
218 |
|
Mayo |
115 |
128 |
112 |
116 |
|
Meath |
96 |
93 |
88 |
84 |
|
Monaghan |
59 |
58 |
78 |
74 |
|
Offaly |
63 |
73 |
67 |
60 |
|
Roscommon |
36 |
37 |
40 |
30 |
|
Sligo |
95 |
92 |
82 |
74 |
|
Tipperary (North Riding) |
58 |
53 |
61 |
60 |
|
Tipperary (South Riding) |
121 |
125 |
121 |
119 |
|
Waterford City |
118 |
113 |
109 |
78 |
|
Waterford County |
39 |
28 |
32 |
30 |
|
Westmeath |
122 |
99 |
103 |
103 |
|
Wexford |
173 |
159 |
158 |
169 |
|
Wicklow |
159 |
133 |
143 |
149 |
|
Total |
5,826 |
5,354 |
5,294 |
5,183 |
Job Losses.
Olwyn Enright
Question:110 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the actions or proposals by her Department, in conjunction with all relevant agencies, that have been put in place to address the growing number of job losses in the midlands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26418/08]
FÁS provides an integrated support service for anyone made redundant. This involves information sessions, skills analysis, training/retraining courses and job placement.
Specifically, FÁS is implementing a range of short and medium term actions for those affected by the increase in unemployment and the construction slowdown such as:
putting in place training to upskill construction workers in relation to emerging needs
business training and mentoring for workers from larger enterprises entering self-employment
developing measures to ensure continuity in the apprenticeship system
promoting access for mobile workers to construction jobs elsewhere in the EU, including the UK.
FÁS is also working through its own Employment Service and with the Local Employment Service provided by Area Based Partnerships to provide increased interviewing and caseload management capacity to respond to the increased numbers on the Live Register. In the delivery of these services, FÁS liaises with other relevant agencies such as Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, the City/County Enterprise Boards and the Department of Social and Family Affairs. The development agencies have a range of supports to help companies to undertake innovation projects in the Midlands region, which are seen as key to future economic success.
Developments launched recently throughout the Midlands, which will generate jobs, include:
Plans for significant new town centre developments in Mullingar and Tullamore.
Athlone Institute of Technology recently commenced the construction of a new €36m Engineering building and Athlone IT are examining the possibility of a new Research & Incubation Campus adjacent to the college.
Rosderra Meats is to rebuild its newly acquired factory and anticipate 120 new jobs within 18 months in Edenderry.
Decentralisation Programme.
Richard Bruton
Question:111 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of persons who have been moved by her Department and its agencies to date; the percentage this represents of the original target; and if she will provide in tabular form for each of the locations, the staff who have been moved, the staff who have been assigned but not moved and the number of staff originally designated for a move but who opted to stay in Dublin who have been assigned new duties. [26469/08]
The information the Deputy requested is contained in the following table:
|
Dept/Agency |
Location |
Target as per Government Decision |
Decentralised |
% of original target |
Assigned not moved |
Opted to stay in Dublin |
|
Enterprise, Trade & Employment |
Carlow |
A minimum of 250 |
101 |
40.4% |
49 |
n/a |
|
National Consumer Agency |
Cork |
80 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
0 |
|
NSAI |
Arklow |
123 |
0 |
0% |
10 |
113 |
|
FÁS |
Birr, Co Offaly |
400 |
23 |
5.75% |
61 |
316 |
|
Enterprise Ireland (EI) |
Shannon |
300 |
0 |
0 |
n/a |
n/a |
|
Health and Safety Authority (HAS) |
Thomastown (The HSA currently has an interim office in Kilkenny city housing 25 staff) |
110 |
25 |
23% |
25 |
60 |
In the case of the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA), a decision was made prior to its establishment that it would be located in Naas, Co Kildare. Having been established in December 2005 it moved to new offices at Naas, in January 2006. All IAASA staff have been based in its offices in Naas since its establishment, and as such the Authority is fully decentralised.
In parallel with the decentralisation process, as recently outlined by the Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment in the Dáil, Enterprise Ireland has been strengthening its regional focus in recent years and now has a major new presence in the Shannon Region in addition to its eight other regional offices. EI now has a major presence in the Shannon region. EI has established its new National Regional Development Headquarters in Shannon and has established the County Enterprise Support Unit in Shannon.
Currently there are 40 staff working in our Shannon office and it is expected that approximately 65 EI staff will be in place in Shannon over the coming months. A senior manager has been appointed as Head of Regions and Entrepreneurship to oversee the establishment of the EI presence in the Mid-West Region. EI managers with responsibility for the County Enterprise Co-ordination Unit and EI Regional Development strategy as well as the Regional Director with responsibility for the Mid West Regional are now in place in our Shannon office. As part of EI's regional strategy, these six posts were assigned to the new office in Shannon from Dublin. EI has leased high-spec office space in Westpark, Shannon, to accommodate this new Regional HQ.
Efficiency Reviews.
Richard Bruton
Question:112 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the proposals which have been put forward under the efficiency review 2008, as initiated on budget day 2008, by her Department and agencies operating under her Department; and the aggregate savings to be made by implementation of these savings in 2008 and in the full year for 2009. [26488/08]
In his Budget speech on 5 December 2007, the Minister for Finance announced that the Government had agreed to an Efficiency Review of administrative spending across the public service, with a view to reducing the cost of existing levels of service for 2009. It was further announced that proposals submitted by Departments would be reviewed within the Department of Finance, who would report to the Government on the issue.
As the outcome of the Efficiency Review is still being considered by the Department of Finance and by the Government, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the matter at this stage.
Departmental Staff.
Joan Burton
Question:113 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of staff in her Department who have received or are receiving support to participate in post-graduate educational courses in the years 2004 to 2008, inclusive. [26985/08]
The position is that within my Department thirty-three staff have received or are receiving support to participate in post graduate educational programmes in the years 2004 to 2008 inclusive. This number includes Higher Diploma, Masters and Doctorate Programmes.
Decentralisation Programme.
Richard Bruton
Question:114 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of persons who have been moved by his Department and its agencies to date; the percentage this represents of the original target; and if he will provide in tabular form, for each of the locations, the staff who have been moved, the staff who have been assigned but not moved and the number of staff originally designated for a move but who opted to stay in Dublin who have been assigned new duties. [26464/08]
Following the announcement of the Government's decentralisation programme in the 2004 Budget, the Department, which has a staff of 130 excluding the National Archives, was designated an "early mover" by the Decentralisation Implementation Group (DIG). To date, 77 members of staff have relocated to temporary accommodation in Fossa, Killarney, in three tranches, 45 in September 2006, 25 in July 2007 and 7 in May and June 2008. This represents 59% of the original target.
A further 8 staff have been assigned to posts in the Department in Dublin which will transfer in due course to the Department's new headquarters in Killarney. Of the staff in the Department who originally indicated their willingness to relocate, four have opted to stay in Dublin. Such staff will transfer to other Departments remaining in Dublin.
No staff from the State Agencies under the aegis of my Department, namely the Irish Sports Council, the Arts Council and Fáilte Ireland, have yet decentralised to any of the three designated locations, Killarney, Kilkenny or Mallow. Although these agencies have not been designated as "early movers" they have decentralisation implementation plans in place that are under constant review. The Office of Public Works (OPW) is currently assessing a number of options in respect of suitable locations and properties for these agencies in their designated locations.
The following table outlines the current position in respect of my Department and its Agencies.
|
Actions Taken |
DAST |
Fáilte Ireland |
Irish Sports Council |
Arts Council |
|
Total number of staff moved to date |
77 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Staff assigned and not yet moved |
8 |
3 |
17 |
15 |
|
Number of the staff originally designated for a move, who have opted to stay in Dublin |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Efficiency Reviews.
Richard Bruton
Question:115 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the proposals which have been put forward under the efficiency review 2008, as initiated on budget day 2008, by his Department and agencies operating under his Department; and the aggregate savings to be made by implementation of these savings in 2008 and in the full year for 2009. [26483/08]
In line with the efficiency review of administrative expenditure announced by the Minister for Finance in his Budget speech last December, my Department has sent a report to the Department of Finance with specific proposals to achieve administrative savings. I understand that the Department of Finance will consider this report and bring proposals to Government in due course in the context of budgetary consideration for 2008 and 2009.
Departmental Staff.
Joan Burton
Question:116 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of staff in his Department who have received or are receiving support to participate in post-graduate educational courses in the years 2004 to 2008, inclusive. [26980/08]
In the period 2004-2008 the Department financed, or part-financed, the participation of 24 members of staff, including staff of the National Archives which forms part of the Department, in post graduate educational courses. This figure includes three members of staff currently in receipt of financial support for post graduate education.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Joan Burton
Question:117 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will provide a breakdown of the recipients of rent allowance nationally and in Dublin 15 by nationality and status, that is, lone parents, married couples, married couples with no children, single people with no children and others for 2005 to 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26400/08]
The following table shows the number of recipients of rent supplement nationally and in the Dublin 15 area by nationality. A breakdown of the number of recipients on rent supplement by household composition is not available.
|
Dublin 15 |
Nationally |
|||||||
|
Nationality |
End 2005 |
End 2006 |
End 2007 |
27/06/2008 |
End 2005 |
End 2006 |
End 2007 |
27/06/2008 |
|
Afghanistan |
14 |
12 |
14 |
12 |
53 |
64 |
77 |
81 |
|
Albania |
24 |
25 |
27 |
26 |
122 |
129 |
110 |
116 |
|
Algeria |
18 |
17 |
14 |
15 |
368 |
341 |
320 |
318 |
|
Angola |
29 |
30 |
25 |
25 |
211 |
205 |
178 |
183 |
|
Argentina |
— |
— |
— |
— |
2 |
3 |
5 |
4 |
|
Armenia |
2 |
2 |
3 |
2 |
23 |
25 |
28 |
23 |
|
Australia |
— |
— |
— |
— |
12 |
10 |
17 |
18 |
|
Austria |
— |
— |
— |
— |
18 |
19 |
19 |
25 |
|
Azerbaijan |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
12 |
11 |
9 |
11 |
|
Bahamas |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Bahrain |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
— |
— |
|
Bangladesh |
1 |
— |
— |
1 |
16 |
24 |
21 |
22 |
|
Belarus |
4 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
47 |
43 |
38 |
40 |
|
Belgium |
1 |
1 |
3 |
1 |
36 |
36 |
37 |
43 |
|
Benin |
1 |
1 |
1 |
— |
10 |
11 |
7 |
7 |
|
Bhutan |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
2 |
2 |
— |
|
Bosnia |
68 |
62 |
58 |
55 |
133 |
121 |
107 |
96 |
|
Brazil |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
24 |
22 |
35 |
44 |
|
Bulgaria |
3 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
74 |
57 |
56 |
58 |
|
Burkina Faso Upper Volta |
— |
— |
— |
— |
4 |
4 |
4 |
3 |
|
Burma |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
15 |
16 |
19 |
22 |
|
Burundi |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
16 |
15 |
17 |
15 |
|
Cameroon |
20 |
20 |
19 |
19 |
220 |
213 |
195 |
184 |
|
Canada |
— |
— |
— |
— |
26 |
25 |
36 |
34 |
|
Chad |
— |
— |
— |
— |
2 |
4 |
2 |
4 |
|
Channel Islands |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
— |
— |
|
Chechnya |
7 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
23 |
27 |
26 |
27 |
|
Chile |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
China |
5 |
5 |
9 |
10 |
50 |
57 |
58 |
67 |
|
Colombia |
— |
— |
1 |
— |
2 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
Comors |
— |
1 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
5 |
6 |
5 |
|
Congo |
70 |
80 |
79 |
79 |
462 |
478 |
470 |
470 |
|
Croatia |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
128 |
110 |
91 |
91 |
|
Cuba |
— |
— |
— |
— |
16 |
17 |
15 |
15 |
|
Cyprus |
— |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
Czech Republic |
3 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
135 |
198 |
265 |
314 |
|
Denmark |
— |
1 |
— |
— |
7 |
12 |
9 |
9 |
|
Dominican Republic |
1 |
1 |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
— |
— |
|
Ecuador |
— |
— |
— |
— |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Egypt |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
43 |
39 |
43 |
41 |
|
El Salvador |
— |
— |
— |
— |
4 |
4 |
6 |
9 |
|
England |
3 |
5 |
6 |
9 |
308 |
459 |
666 |
816 |
|
Eritrea |
— |
— |
1 |
— |
12 |
15 |
— |
49 |
|
Estonia |
11 |
11 |
11 |
12 |
74 |
94 |
111 |
132 |
|
Ethiopia |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
27 |
38 |
41 |
47 |
|
Fiji |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
— |
— |
— |
|
Finland |
— |
— |
— |
— |
11 |
10 |
15 |
14 |
|
France |
4 |
6 |
8 |
7 |
140 |
160 |
161 |
172 |
|
Gabon |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
2 |
— |
|
Gambia |
1 |
— |
— |
— |
7 |
9 |
16 |
15 |
|
Georgia |
6 |
6 |
4 |
4 |
122 |
139 |
127 |
122 |
|
Germany |
1 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
206 |
208 |
231 |
241 |
|
Ghana |
15 |
23 |
19 |
17 |
266 |
244 |
199 |
195 |
|
Greece |
— |
— |
2 |
3 |
13 |
10 |
17 |
20 |
|
Grenada |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Guatemala |
— |
— |
— |
— |
5 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
|
Guinea |
3 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
28 |
30 |
36 |
35 |
|
Guinea-Bissau |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Guyana |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Honduras |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Hong Kong |
— |
— |
— |
— |
2 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
|
Hungary |
— |
1 |
2 |
1 |
15 |
21 |
39 |
58 |
|
Iceland |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
India |
1 |
— |
1 |
1 |
10 |
10 |
15 |
14 |
|
Indonesia |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
|
Iran |
9 |
11 |
13 |
15 |
105 |
142 |
158 |
168 |
|
Iraq |
9 |
10 |
19 |
19 |
168 |
193 |
251 |
272 |
|
Ireland |
631 |
678 |
742 |
785 |
35,046 |
36,253 |
36,892 |
39,396 |
|
Israel |
1 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
15 |
16 |
16 |
16 |
|
Italy |
8 |
5 |
4 |
2 |
110 |
101 |
102 |
123 |
|
Ivory Coast |
12 |
16 |
15 |
14 |
59 |
57 |
61 |
57 |
|
Jamaica |
1 |
5 |
4 |
3 |
16 |
22 |
18 |
16 |
|
Japan |
— |
— |
— |
— |
2 |
3 |
5 |
6 |
|
Jordan |
— |
— |
— |
— |
8 |
10 |
6 |
9 |
|
Kazakhstan |
9 |
14 |
11 |
11 |
53 |
52 |
41 |
45 |
|
Kenya |
7 |
8 |
3 |
3 |
101 |
100 |
82 |
72 |
|
Kosovo |
19 |
16 |
20 |
22 |
122 |
126 |
116 |
119 |
|
Kuwait |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
9 |
23 |
31 |
34 |
|
Kyrgyzstan |
2 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
10 |
10 |
8 |
10 |
|
Latvia |
11 |
20 |
27 |
32 |
157 |
247 |
390 |
525 |
|
Lebanon |
3 |
3 |
— |
— |
20 |
17 |
16 |
16 |
|
Lesotho |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
Liberia |
1 |
1 |
1 |
— |
15 |
15 |
13 |
13 |
|
Libya |
8 |
9 |
8 |
9 |
135 |
121 |
118 |
118 |
|
Lithuania |
28 |
46 |
61 |
78 |
262 |
407 |
600 |
815 |
|
Luxembourg |
— |
— |
— |
— |
3 |
7 |
5 |
6 |
|
Macao |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
7 |
6 |
5 |
5 |
|
Macedonia |
1 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
|
Malawi |
1 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
5 |
7 |
5 |
6 |
|
Malaysia |
— |
1 |
1 |
1 |
7 |
12 |
11 |
12 |
|
Maldives |
9 |
7 |
8 |
1 |
40 |
29 |
26 |
14 |
|
Malta |
— |
— |
— |
— |
10 |
15 |
14 |
16 |
|
Mauritania |
— |
— |
— |
— |
3 |
4 |
3 |
3 |
|
Mauritus |
— |
— |
— |
— |
2 |
5 |
4 |
3 |
|
Mexico |
— |
— |
— |
— |
3 |
3 |
1 |
— |
|
Moldova |
58 |
49 |
38 |
44 |
303 |
253 |
208 |
221 |
|
Mongolia |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
5 |
3 |
3 |
7 |
|
Morocco |
1 |
— |
— |
1 |
27 |
28 |
28 |
33 |
|
Mozambique |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
|
Myanmar |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
— |
1 |
|
Nepal |
— |
— |
— |
— |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
|
Netherlands |
3 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
81 |
88 |
108 |
113 |
|
Netherlands Antilles |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
New Zealand |
— |
— |
— |
— |
5 |
7 |
7 |
7 |
|
Niger |
5 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
20 |
16 |
11 |
12 |
|
Nigeria |
871 |
771 |
612 |
570 |
4,766 |
4,028 |
3,222 |
3,024 |
|
Northern Ireland |
1 |
1 |
— |
— |
126 |
131 |
143 |
169 |
|
Norway |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
6 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
|
Pakistan |
17 |
19 |
17 |
15 |
125 |
138 |
144 |
160 |
|
Palestine |
3 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
37 |
46 |
33 |
36 |
|
Peru |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
2 |
4 |
2 |
|
Philippines |
1 |
1 |
1 |
— |
24 |
30 |
35 |
34 |
|
Poland |
31 |
38 |
58 |
81 |
234 |
443 |
1,009 |
1,950 |
|
Portugal |
3 |
2 |
5 |
4 |
61 |
87 |
91 |
108 |
|
Republic Of Korea |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Romania |
192 |
175 |
154 |
172 |
1,278 |
1,150 |
1,088 |
1,130 |
|
Russia |
38 |
31 |
23 |
24 |
364 |
302 |
278 |
275 |
|
Rwanda |
7 |
8 |
7 |
4 |
51 |
49 |
47 |
41 |
|
Saudi Arabia |
— |
1 |
1 |
1 |
— |
1 |
2 |
2 |
|
Scotland |
1 |
1 |
— |
— |
102 |
113 |
122 |
146 |
|
Senegal |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Serbia |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
11 |
8 |
10 |
8 |
|
Seychelles & Dep |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Sierra Leone |
15 |
13 |
10 |
9 |
99 |
95 |
85 |
81 |
|
Singapore |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
— |
— |
— |
|
Slovakia |
3 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
27 |
117 |
245 |
332 |
|
Slovenia |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
3 |
2 |
3 |
|
Somalia |
32 |
35 |
33 |
37 |
353 |
397 |
417 |
450 |
|
South Africa |
18 |
17 |
17 |
15 |
192 |
198 |
200 |
217 |
|
Spain |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
158 |
138 |
136 |
139 |
|
Sri Lanka |
— |
— |
— |
— |
10 |
8 |
6 |
11 |
|
St Lucia |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Sudan |
6 |
12 |
12 |
16 |
131 |
224 |
254 |
294 |
|
Suirinam |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Swaziland |
1 |
— |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
4 |
4 |
|
Sweden |
2 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
25 |
24 |
25 |
26 |
|
Switzerland |
— |
— |
— |
— |
2 |
4 |
6 |
4 |
|
Syria |
— |
1 |
— |
1 |
18 |
18 |
20 |
22 |
|
Taiwan |
— |
— |
— |
— |
2 |
1 |
1 |
— |
|
Tajikistan |
1 |
— |
— |
— |
5 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
|
Tanzania |
— |
1 |
1 |
1 |
8 |
10 |
10 |
9 |
|
Thailand |
1 |
1 |
— |
— |
7 |
10 |
7 |
11 |
|
Togo |
4 |
6 |
6 |
5 |
57 |
65 |
66 |
65 |
|
Tonga |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
— |
— |
— |
|
Trinidad & Tobago |
— |
— |
— |
— |
2 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
|
Tunisia |
1 |
1 |
— |
— |
10 |
7 |
11 |
13 |
|
Turkey |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
23 |
18 |
21 |
21 |
|
Uganda |
2 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
33 |
36 |
37 |
35 |
|
Ukraine |
53 |
45 |
40 |
38 |
321 |
281 |
256 |
255 |
|
United Arab Emirates |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
— |
— |
|
United Kingdom |
47 |
38 |
36 |
34 |
2,865 |
2,853 |
2,920 |
3,061 |
|
United States Minor Outlying I |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
— |
— |
|
USA |
2 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
112 |
125 |
123 |
137 |
|
Uzbekistan |
4 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
33 |
30 |
28 |
29 |
|
Venezuela |
1 |
— |
— |
— |
3 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Vietnam |
4 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
33 |
29 |
31 |
28 |
|
Wales |
— |
— |
— |
— |
13 |
20 |
23 |
27 |
|
Yemen |
— |
— |
— |
— |
3 |
2 |
38 |
1 |
|
Yugoslavia |
7 |
8 |
7 |
7 |
37 |
38 |
26 |
25 |
|
Zaire |
15 |
12 |
12 |
10 |
66 |
55 |
51 |
48 |
|
Zambia |
3 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
40 |
36 |
36 |
37 |
|
Zimbabwe |
12 |
11 |
7 |
6 |
121 |
126 |
127 |
130 |
|
Unknown |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
4 |
6 |
6 |
7 |
|
Coded As “Other” |
265 |
222 |
170 |
140 |
7,645 |
6,110 |
4,869 |
4,298 |
|
Total |
2,843 |
2,762 |
2,594 |
2,623 |
60,176 |
59,861 |
59,726 |
63,569 |
James Bannon
Question:118 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath who sought an increase in their disability allowance has, on foot of the request, been deemed ineligible for an allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26371/08]
Disability Allowance is a weekly Allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged over 16 and under 66. The disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to both medical assessment and a means test.
The person concerned made an application for disability allowance on 30 May 2007. He was deemed medically suitable for disability allowance. The person concerned was visited by the Social Welfare Inspector who assessed weekly means from an occupational pension paid to him of €512.98 per week. As this exceeded the statutory limit of €197.80 per week, he was refused disability allowance on 4 June 2008. The person concerned was formally notified of this decision by letter and of his right of appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
Following your recent representations, his disability allowance claim was reviewed by the Department. He was assessed with means of €510.00 per week which still exceeded the statutory limit of €197.80 per week. Refusal to grant disability allowance was upheld. The person concerned still has a right to appeal this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office if he is dissatisfied with this decision.
Departmental Expenditure.
Joan Burton
Question:119 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will provide a monthly schedule for 2008 of the planned expenditure under each subheading as set out in the revised Estimates for Public Services Vote 38, and the actual expenditure for each heading for February 2008, March 2008, April 2008 and May 2008; and if she will provide the expected monthly income to the social insurance fund for each month in 2008 and the actual income received for February, March, April and May 2008. [26407/08]
Joan Burton
Question:120 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will, in future, publish on a monthly basis, on her Department’s website, the monthly outcome of income and expenditure under Vote 38 and, in particular, publish a complete monthly analysis of income and expenditure of the social insurance fund. [26408/08]
The information requested is given in the following tabular statements. Table A sets out the 2008 monthly schedule of planned expenditure for Vote 38 and Table B sets out the corresponding expenditure and income schedule for the Social Insurance Fund. Given the demand led nature of the Department's schemes and the difficulties associated with scheduling expenditure on weekly schemes into a monthly framework, these profiles are indicative only.
Tables C and D show actual expenditure incurred and income received in the first four months of the year for Vote 38 and the Social Insurance Fund, respectively. Full expenditure data for the month of May is not yet available. I do not propose publishing this information on the Department's website.
|
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
TOTAL |
||
|
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
||
|
ADMINISTRATION |
||||||||||||||
|
A.1 |
Salaries etc. |
16,069 |
17,820 |
16,685 |
16,355 |
23,304 |
16,783 |
16,039 |
17,968 |
17,416 |
23,738 |
17,578 |
17,189 |
216,944 |
|
A.2 |
Travel & Subsistence |
320 |
379 |
450 |
433 |
447 |
500 |
418 |
379 |
466 |
470 |
494 |
819 |
5,575 |
|
A.3 |
Incidental Expenses |
769 |
679 |
774 |
757 |
766 |
788 |
748 |
706 |
991 |
816 |
956 |
10,196 |
18,946 |
|
A.4 |
Postal & Telecommunications |
372 |
1,547 |
2,105 |
1,135 |
1,243 |
1,965 |
1,109 |
1,195 |
1,943 |
1,267 |
1,431 |
3,165 |
18,477 |
|
A.5 |
Office Machinery |
816 |
1,378 |
2,831 |
2,345 |
4,937 |
2,453 |
1,895 |
1,266 |
3,177 |
2,100 |
3,358 |
5,828 |
32,384 |
|
A.6 |
Office Premises Expenses |
569 |
634 |
619 |
497 |
490 |
746 |
972 |
607 |
906 |
1,030 |
733 |
1,504 |
9,307 |
|
A.7 |
Consultancy Services |
0 |
68 |
94 |
53 |
53 |
94 |
53 |
53 |
53 |
94 |
1,228 |
1,628 |
3,471 |
|
A.8 |
Agency Services |
2,779 |
10,279 |
2,822 |
2,801 |
10,322 |
2,716 |
2,818 |
10,826 |
2,751 |
2,682 |
11,206 |
7,254 |
69,256 |
|
A.9 |
eGov. — REACH |
653 |
548 |
2,150 |
603 |
580 |
2,264 |
605 |
565 |
2,122 |
655 |
570 |
2,315 |
13,630 |
|
A.10 |
Value for Money and Policy Reviews |
29 |
29 |
29 |
29 |
29 |
29 |
28 |
29 |
28 |
27 |
28 |
26 |
340 |
|
A.11 |
eGovernment Related Projects |
21 |
16 |
85 |
635 |
658 |
1,370 |
892 |
1,301 |
792 |
1,922 |
1,272 |
2,266 |
11,230 |
|
sub-total |
22,397 |
33,377 |
28,644 |
25,643 |
42,829 |
29,708 |
25,577 |
34,895 |
30,645 |
34,801 |
38,854 |
52,190 |
399,560 |
|
|
SOCIAL ASSISTANCE |
||||||||||||||
|
B |
State Pension (Non-Con) |
70,599 |
95,252 |
71,539 |
74,614 |
90,023 |
73,260 |
75,096 |
88,166 |
74,633 |
87,918 |
74,454 |
88,456 |
964,010 |
|
C |
Blind Pension |
1,183 |
1,565 |
1,193 |
1,230 |
1,483 |
1,208 |
1,239 |
1,461 |
1,220 |
1,450 |
1,219 |
1,429 |
15,880 |
|
D |
Child Benefit |
187,900 |
191,900 |
191,200 |
199,700 |
218,000 |
211,200 |
193,800 |
207,000 |
204,500 |
211,600 |
222,700 |
229,700 |
2,469,200 |
|
E |
Jobseekers Allowance |
85,086 |
78,987 |
75,761 |
84,135 |
85,572 |
77,153 |
94,425 |
84,174 |
87,152 |
88,079 |
76,953 |
102,323 |
1,019,800 |
|
F |
Farm Assist Scheme |
7,225 |
6,301 |
5,884 |
5,922 |
7,162 |
5,838 |
6,864 |
6,293 |
5,939 |
7,168 |
5,829 |
14,855 |
85,280 |
|
G |
Employment Support Services |
15,074 |
14,003 |
16,150 |
13,696 |
16,661 |
7,310 |
7,484 |
7,909 |
13,842 |
16,369 |
14,806 |
18,258 |
161,562 |
|
H |
Pre-Retirement Allowance |
11,560 |
9,851 |
9,792 |
10,272 |
11,951 |
10,027 |
12,711 |
10,402 |
10,611 |
12,319 |
10,146 |
14,018 |
133,660 |
|
I |
One Parent Family Payment |
94,752 |
79,496 |
79,381 |
79,616 |
99,015 |
81,558 |
99,995 |
84,173 |
83,399 |
101,510 |
83,065 |
116,190 |
1,082,150 |
|
J |
Widows’, Widowers’ & Guardians (Non-Con) |
1,884 |
2,429 |
2,035 |
2,015 |
2,406 |
1,954 |
1,995 |
2,331 |
1,978 |
2,317 |
1,981 |
2,325 |
25,650 |
|
K |
Social Assistance Allowances |
603 |
587 |
539 |
528 |
637 |
517 |
606 |
532 |
507 |
603 |
496 |
655 |
6,810 |
|
L |
Family Income Supplement |
16,003 |
13,709 |
13,775 |
13,943 |
16,896 |
14,018 |
17,409 |
14,270 |
14,805 |
17,928 |
15,211 |
20,233 |
188,200 |
|
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
TOTAL |
||
|
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
||
|
M |
Carer’s Allowance |
32,115 |
30,537 |
28,682 |
29,149 |
35,816 |
29,885 |
35,475 |
32,546 |
31,626 |
38,539 |
32,608 |
55,322 |
412,300 |
|
N |
Supplementary Welfare Allowances |
60,548 |
57,260 |
57,462 |
57,993 |
60,953 |
67,834 |
80,401 |
66,352 |
62,189 |
61,133 |
55,498 |
84,908 |
772,531 |
|
O |
Disability Allowance |
87,188 |
82,702 |
73,392 |
91,038 |
79,297 |
77,084 |
94,278 |
78,921 |
78,992 |
95,049 |
78,501 |
109,348 |
1,025,790 |
|
P |
Respite Care Grant |
668 |
1,083 |
813 |
687 |
448 |
66,696 |
8,978 |
4,023 |
3,081 |
2,085 |
2,018 |
1,220 |
91,800 |
|
Q |
Free Schemes (Assistance) |
34,938 |
27,484 |
27,627 |
22,037 |
15,493 |
15,338 |
15,503 |
15,172 |
17,780 |
33,298 |
29,668 |
33,628 |
287,966 |
|
R |
Money Advice and Budgeting Service |
7,985 |
40 |
110 |
54 |
50 |
240 |
8,116 |
40 |
75 |
290 |
350 |
600 |
17,950 |
|
S |
Grant to Family Support Agency |
971 |
1,248 |
1,089 |
1,051 |
1,844 |
7,939 |
4,422 |
2,863 |
2,668 |
4,769 |
5,498 |
5,019 |
39,380 |
|
T.1 |
Grant to Combat Poverty Agency (Grant-in-Aid) |
200 |
200 |
528 |
360 |
350 |
410 |
400 |
250 |
347 |
400 |
500 |
623 |
4,568 |
|
T.2 |
EU Programme — Employment & Social Solidarity |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
40 |
0 |
0 |
40 |
0 |
0 |
43 |
123 |
|
U |
Grant to Citizens Information Board |
6,000 |
2,000 |
1,750 |
3,500 |
1,750 |
2,000 |
3,500 |
2,000 |
2,000 |
3,500 |
2,000 |
954 |
30,954 |
|
V. |
Dormant Accounts — Econ/Soc Disadvantage |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1,000 |
1,000 |
|
W |
Miscellaneous Services |
13,793 |
3,974 |
1,325 |
1,549 |
385 |
447 |
280 |
3,896 |
2,188 |
3,291 |
3,414 |
2,711 |
37,253 |
|
GROSS TOTAL |
758,672 |
733,985 |
688,671 |
718,732 |
789,021 |
781,664 |
788,554 |
747,669 |
730,218 |
824,416 |
755,769 |
956,008 |
9,273,377 |
|
|
Deduct: |
||||||||||||||
|
X |
Appropiations-in-Aid |
16,420 |
16,346 |
16,521 |
16,331 |
16,405 |
16,473 |
16,233 |
16,274 |
16,569 |
16,232 |
16,279 |
17,447 |
197,530 |
|
NET TOTAL |
742,252 |
717,639 |
672,150 |
702,401 |
772,616 |
765,191 |
772,321 |
731,395 |
713,649 |
808,184 |
739,490 |
938,561 |
9,075,847 |
|
|
TOTAL CAPITAL |
333 |
333 |
1,518 |
1,383 |
3,030 |
1,056 |
1,152 |
886 |
1,602 |
1,020 |
1,584 |
1,573 |
15,470 |
|
|
TOTAL CURRENT |
741,919 |
717,306 |
670,632 |
701,018 |
769,586 |
764,135 |
771,169 |
730,509 |
712,047 |
807,164 |
737,906 |
936,988 |
9,060,377 |
* The monthly figures are indicative only — in demand-led schemes actual expenditure will vary from this profile.
|
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
TOTAL |
|
|
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
|
|
INCOME: |
|||||||||||||
|
Income from Contributions |
650,000 |
800,000 |
670,000 |
690,000 |
660,000 |
620,000 |
680,000 |
640,000 |
630,000 |
690,000 |
879,000 |
640,000 |
8,249,000 |
|
Income from Investments |
12,933 |
12,933 |
12,933 |
12,933 |
12,933 |
12,933 |
12,933 |
12,933 |
12,933 |
12,933 |
12,933 |
12,937 |
155,200 |
|
Rent |
0 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
9 |
0 |
0 |
19 |
|
Receipts: Reciprocal Arrangements |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
49 |
49 |
|
TOTAL INCOME |
662,933 |
812,933 |
682,933 |
702,943 |
672,933 |
632,933 |
692,933 |
652,933 |
642,933 |
702,942 |
891,933 |
652,986 |
8,404,268 |
|
EXPENDITURE: |
|||||||||||||
|
Illness Benefit |
68,955 |
68,321 |
69,632 |
67,987 |
75,483 |
63,009 |
75,231 |
67,744 |
71,574 |
74,515 |
65,082 |
65,747 |
833,280 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
59,532 |
54,218 |
51,608 |
51,292 |
62,738 |
50,653 |
61,335 |
51,781 |
50,882 |
61,737 |
50,542 |
69,682 |
676,000 |
|
Occupational Injuries Benefit |
9,971 |
8,773 |
8,630 |
8,688 |
10,097 |
8,457 |
9,944 |
8,608 |
8,560 |
9,945 |
8,347 |
10,870 |
110,890 |
|
Maternity Benefit |
20,655 |
19,555 |
23,586 |
18,472 |
21,950 |
17,235 |
17,689 |
19,442 |
24,104 |
19,334 |
18,775 |
53,303 |
274,100 |
|
Health & Safety Benefit |
41 |
48 |
57 |
50 |
61 |
50 |
56 |
58 |
73 |
61 |
61 |
-56 |
560 |
|
Adoptive Benefit |
99 |
114 |
134 |
115 |
120 |
98 |
110 |
123 |
137 |
128 |
117 |
145 |
1,440 |
|
Treatment Benefit |
5,506 |
6,443 |
6,958 |
6,185 |
5,980 |
7,195 |
6,917 |
6,895 |
21,440 |
6,848 |
6,464 |
8,069 |
94,900 |
|
State Pension (Con) |
222,879 |
296,395 |
224,936 |
232,092 |
283,342 |
229,299 |
232,766 |
280,491 |
231,920 |
279,690 |
231,716 |
273,374 |
3,018,900 |
|
State Pension (Trans) |
7,995 |
7,312 |
6,096 |
6,165 |
7,204 |
6,392 |
8,158 |
6,594 |
6,202 |
7,299 |
6,207 |
7,926 |
83,550 |
|
Jobseekers Benefit |
59,337 |
52,836 |
49,096 |
49,284 |
53,493 |
45,209 |
57,920 |
55,068 |
46,474 |
51,799 |
42,565 |
51,439 |
614,520 |
|
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
TOTAL |
|
|
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
|
|
Widow’s, Widower’s and Guardians (Con) |
95,163 |
121,535 |
100,731 |
99,600 |
120,674 |
98,053 |
100,005 |
119,533 |
99,887 |
118,963 |
100,031 |
117,895 |
1,292,070 |
|
Widowed Parent Grant |
296 |
562 |
349 |
627 |
333 |
506 |
811 |
1,059 |
448 |
488 |
507 |
614 |
6,600 |
|
Deserted Wifes Benefit |
9,063 |
8,621 |
8,031 |
7,926 |
9,600 |
7,691 |
9,174 |
7,925 |
7,636 |
9,172 |
7,527 |
10,214 |
102,580 |
|
Carer’s Benefit |
2,935 |
2,341 |
2,328 |
2,317 |
2,880 |
2,319 |
2,877 |
2,297 |
2,285 |
2,808 |
2,238 |
3,855 |
31,480 |
|
Bereavement Grant |
958 |
1,477 |
1,227 |
1,264 |
1,759 |
1,934 |
1,429 |
1,557 |
1,016 |
1,438 |
1,977 |
964 |
17,000 |
|
Free Schemes (Insurance) |
28,692 |
24,895 |
24,204 |
20,272 |
16,799 |
13,260 |
15,668 |
16,039 |
18,570 |
26,370 |
23,618 |
25,628 |
254,015 |
|
Redundancy & Insolvency |
14,309 |
14,309 |
14,309 |
14,309 |
14,309 |
14,309 |
14,309 |
14,309 |
14,309 |
14,309 |
14,309 |
14,301 |
171,700 |
|
Administration |
16,843 |
16,763 |
34,406 |
16,763 |
16,763 |
34,406 |
16,763 |
16,763 |
34,406 |
17,476 |
16,763 |
34,452 |
272,567 |
|
TOTAL EXPENDITURE |
623,229 |
704,518 |
626,318 |
603,408 |
703,585 |
600,075 |
631,162 |
676,286 |
639,923 |
702,380 |
596,846 |
748,422 |
7,856,152 |
|
EXCESS OF INCOME OVER |
|||||||||||||
|
EXPENDITURE |
39,704 |
108,415 |
56,615 |
99,535 |
-30,652 |
32,858 |
61,771 |
-23,353 |
3,010 |
562 |
295,087 |
-95,436 |
548,116 |
|
Add: |
|||||||||||||
|
Amount of Fund surplus |
|||||||||||||
|
as at 31 December 2007 |
3,630,800 |
3,630,800 |
|||||||||||
|
CUMULATIVE FUND SURPLUS |
3,670,504 |
3,778,919 |
3,835,534 |
3,935,069 |
3,904,417 |
3,937,275 |
3,999,046 |
3,975,693 |
3,978,703 |
3,979,265 |
4,274,352 |
4,178,916 |
4,178,916 |
* The monthly figures are indicative only — in demand-led schemes actual monthly expenditure will vary from the above profiles.
|
Subhead |
Expenditure to April |
|
€ |
|
|
A1 Salaries, Wages & Allowances |
66,288,782 |
|
A2 Travel & Subsistence |
1,170,475 |
|
A3 Incidental Expenses |
2,289,846 |
|
A4 Postal & Telecommunications |
4,714,760 |
|
A5 Office Machinery/Office Supplies |
10,817,988 |
|
A6 Office Premises Expenses |
2,263,309 |
|
A7 Consultancy Services |
62,876 |
|
A8 Payment for Agency Services |
18,893,067 |
|
A9 eGovernment — REACH |
3,760,469 |
|
A10 Value for Money & Policy Reviews |
48,822 |
|
A11 e-Government Related Projects |
102,012 |
|
ADMINISTRATION SUBTOTAL |
110,412,406 |
|
B State Pension (Non-Con) |
310,621,965 |
|
C Blind Pension |
5,279,471 |
|
D Child Benefit |
781,514,602 |
|
E Jobseeker’s Allowance |
328,997,129 |
|
F Farm Assist Scheme |
27,064,113 |
|
G Employment Support Services |
60,009,437 |
|
H Pre-Retirement Allowance |
39,929,165 |
|
I One-Parent Family Payment |
332,448,102 |
|
J Widow(er)s & Guardians Payment |
8,144,309 |
|
K Social Assistance & Other Allowances |
2,214,560 |
|
L Family Income Supplement |
53,200,772 |
|
M Carers Allowance |
128,438,595 |
|
N Supplementary Welfare Allowances |
247,768,025 |
|
O Disability Allowance |
331,945,889 |
|
P Respite Care Grant |
2,482,716 |
|
Q Free Schemes (Assistance) |
127,633,086 |
|
R Money Advice & Budgeting Service |
8,012,925 |
|
S Grant to Family Support Agency |
4,358,505 |
|
T1 Grant to the Combat Poverty Agency |
980,638 |
|
T2 EU Programme (PROGRESS) 2007-2013 |
240 |
|
U Grant to Comhairle |
12,500,000 |
|
V Dormant Accounts — Economic & Social Disadvantage |
0 |
|
W Miscellaneous Services |
21,493,721 |
|
Losses |
0 |
|
GROSS TOTAL |
2,945,450,371 |
|
DEDUCT |
|
|
X Appropriations-in-Aid |
-67,390,453 |
|
NET TOTAL |
2,878,059,918 |
|
Scheme |
Income / Expenditure to April |
|
€ |
|
|
INCOME |
|
|
Income from Contributions |
2,792,091,837 |
|
Income from Investments |
78,162,938 |
|
Rent |
9,523 |
|
Reciprocal Arrangements |
0 |
|
TOTAL RECEIPTS |
2,870,264,298 |
|
EXPENDITURE |
|
|
Illness Benefit |
278,011,442 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
217,490,209 |
|
Occupational Injuries Benefits |
35,428,017 |
|
Maternity Benefit |
98,999,869 |
|
Health & Safety Benefit |
184,558 |
|
Adoptive Benefit |
476,842 |
|
Treatment Benefits |
23,875,236 |
|
State (Con) Pension |
989,741,512 |
|
State Pension (Transition) |
28,207,139 |
|
Jobseeker’s Benefit |
246,186,680 |
|
Widow(er)s & Guardians (Con) Payment |
421,315,770 |
|
Widowed Parent Grant |
1,885,139 |
|
Deserted Wife’s Benefit |
34,041,184 |
|
Carer’s Benefit |
16,247,805 |
|
Bereavement Grant |
6,309,453 |
|
Free Schemes (Insurance) |
101,616,723 |
|
Redundancy & Insolvency Payments |
58,863,332 |
|
Administration Expenses |
83,745,634 |
|
TOTAL PAYMENTS |
2,642,626,544 |
|
Excess of Income over Expenditure |
227,637,753 |
|
Fund Surplus at end 2007 (Provisional) |
3,630,800,000 |
|
Cumulative Fund Surplus |
3,858,437,753 |
Social Welfare Appeals.
Michael Ring
Question:121 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an appeal for carer’s allowance will be finalised for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [26462/08]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the appeal from the person concerned has been referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing. The person concerned will be informed when arrangements have been made.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
Departmental Staff.
Richard Bruton
Question:122 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons who have been moved by her Department and its agencies to date; the percentage this represents of the original target; and if she will provide in tabular form, for each of the locations, the staff who have been moved, the staff who have been assigned but not moved and the number of staff originally designated for a move but who opted to stay in Dublin who have been assigned new duties. [26475/08]
Under the Government's current decentralisation programme for the civil and public service, some 1,200 posts comprising the Department's headquarter sections and the Social Welfare Appeals Office are relocating to 6 locations — Sligo, Carrick-on-Shannon, Donegal Town, Buncrana, Carrickmacross and Drogheda. In addition, the Combat Poverty Agency (CPA) and Citizens Information Board (CIB) are scheduled to relocate to Monaghan and Drogheda, respectively, under the programme.
To date, 207 posts have relocated from the Department's Dublin Offices to Carrick-on-Shannon and Sligo — 135 posts to Carrick-on-Shannon which represents 60% of the original target and 72 posts to Sligo which represents 72% of the original target. In addition, the Department has decentralised offices in Longford, Sligo, Letterkenny, Waterford, Dundalk and Roscommon and some 210 employees have transferred to these offices and other offices of the Department to fill vacancies created by the current decentralisation programme. Furthermore, a total of 238 employees of the Department have transferred to other Government Departments for the purposes of their decentralisation programmes.
The following table outlines the data requested:
|
Location |
No. transferred to new location |
No. who have accepted offers of transfer |
No. who have been redeployed to other posts in Dublin |
|
Buncrana |
0 |
18 |
0 |
|
Carrickmacross |
0 |
38 |
0 |
|
Carrick-on-Shannon |
135 |
138 |
101 |
|
Donegal Town |
0 |
52 |
0 |
|
Drogheda — HQ |
0 |
154 |
0 |
|
Drogheda — ICT |
0 |
34 |
0 |
|
Sligo |
72 |
72 |
54 |
|
Location |
No. transferred to new location |
No. who have relocation clauses in contracts |
No. who have been re-deployed to other posts in Dublin |
|
Drogheda — CIB |
0 |
26 |
0 |
|
Monaghan — CPA |
0 |
6 |
0 |
Social Welfare Benefits.
Michael Ring
Question:123 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason jobseeker’s benefit has been reduced for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [26477/08]
One of the qualifying conditions for entitlement to jobseeker's benefit is that the claimant must have sustained a substantial loss of employment and earnings. This occurs where a person has lost at least one day's work per week in comparison with their normal level of employment, together with a reduction in earnings. When making a decision as to whether a person has sustained a substantial loss of employment the Deciding Officer examines their work pattern over a representative period.
The person concerned was employed on an infrequent and irregular basis when she previously claimed jobseeker's benefit. She was awarded benefit for any day of unemployment in the course of that claim. Her entitlement to jobseeker's benefit exhausted on 18 March 2008. However, she made a further claim for the benefit on 31 March 2008 and she had sufficient contributions paid to re-qualify for jobseeker's benefit. A Deciding Officer, having examined her work pattern in the previous year, determined that her normal level of employment is 3 days per week. She is, therefore, entitled to a jobseeker's benefit payment, for days of unemployment, in weeks where she works for less than 3 days.
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.
Efficiency Reviews.
Richard Bruton
Question:124 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the proposals which have been put forward under the efficiency review 2008, as initiated on budget day 2008, by her Department and agencies operating under her Department; and the aggregate savings to be made by implementation of these savings in 2008 and in the full year for 2009. [26494/08]
A wide ranging review of the operations of the Department and the bodies under its aegis was undertaken by a group of officials of the Department. The group brought forward a number of proposals, some of which have been finalised and are in the course of being implemented while others require further consideration and development. This ongoing process will inform the development of the 2009 Estimates for my Department.
Departmental Staff.
Joan Burton
Question:125 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of staff in her Department who have received or are receiving support to participate in post-graduate educational courses in the years 2004 to 2008 inclusive. [26990/08]
The number of staff in my Department who have received or are receiving support to participate in post graduate educational courses in the years 2004 to 2008 inclusive is 51 people. The breakdown of this figure is as follows:
|
Academic year |
No. of staff |
|
2003/2004 |
8 |
|
2004/2005 |
19 |
|
2005/2006 |
9 |
|
2006/2007 |
5 |
|
2007/2008 |
10 |
Decentralisation Programme.
Richard Bruton
Question:126 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of persons who have been moved by his Department and its agencies to date; the percentage this represents of the original target; and if he will provide in tabular form for each of the locations, the staff who have been moved, the staff who have been assigned but not moved and the number of the staff originally designated for a move, who have opted to stay in Dublin, who have been assigned new duties. [26466/08]
In relation to my own Department, it is envisaged that its new headquarters building will be in place in Charlestown, Co Mayo, in late 2010. In the meantime, posts have been relocated to an interim location in Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo, as detailed below. The relocation of posts to Na Forbacha, Co Galway, is complete. Pobal has relocated 25 of the 40 posts assigned to Clifden, Co. Galway. In relation to Foras na Gaeilge, the approval of the first tranche of posts for location to Gaoth Dobhair is being pursued in a North/South framework. The details sought by the Deputy are set out in the following table:
|
Location |
Number moved |
% of original target |
Assigned but not yet moved |
Assigned but opting not to move |
|
% |
||||
|
Tubbercurry (interim location pending construction of HQ building in Charlestown) |
101 |
72 |
9 |
2 |
|
Na Forbacha |
11 |
100 |
0 |
0 |
|
Clifden |
25 |
62.5 |
0 |
0 |
|
Gaoth Dobhair |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Efficiency Reviews.
Richard Bruton
Question:127 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the proposals which have been put forward under the efficiency review 2008 initiated on budget day 2008 by his Department and agencies operating under his Department; and the aggregate savings to be made by implementation of these savings in 2008 and in the full year for 2009. [26485/08]
As the Deputy is aware, on foot of an announcement in the 2008 Budget of an efficiency review of administrative spending across the public service, each Department was required to examine such spending, both within its own ambit and of bodies under its aegis, and to provide proposals for administrative savings to the Department of Finance. My Department provided proposals in this regard in March last, which are being considered by the Department of Finance. The Deputy will appreciate that as the proposals remain part of the deliberative process, and are being considered in the context of the preparation of the 2009 Estimates, it would not be appropriate for me to make any such proposals public.
Departmental Staff.
Joan Burton
Question:128 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of staff in his Department who have received or are receiving support to participate in post-graduate educational courses in the years 2004 to 2008 inclusive. [26982/08]
Support has been made available to staff in my Department to participate in a range of educational courses provided by 3rd level institutions during the period 2004-08. Details of the number of staff involved on an annual basis are set out in the table.
|
Year |
Total |
|
2004 |
20 |
|
2005 |
20 |
|
2006 |
12 |
|
2007 |
7 |
|
2008 |
5 |
Milk Quota.
Phil Hogan
Question:129 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if additional milk will be allocated to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow under the national reserve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26356/08]
Allocations of milk quota from the National Reserve are granted on the basis of recommendations from the Milk Quota Appeals Tribunal. The Tribunal examines and makes recommendations on applications for additional quota from individual producers.
The named person submitted an application in the Hardship category for the 2007/2008 milk quota year. The Tribunal considered this application on 8th January last, and recommended an allocation of 5,000 litres. Notification has been issued to the named person and his Co-Operative. Friday 27th June last was the closing date for the receipt in my Department of applications in respect of the Hardship Scheme for the 2008/2009 milk quota year. If the named person has submitted an application to the current scheme he will receive an acknowledgement when his application is processed.
Grant Payments.
Billy Timmins
Question:130 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow who is anxious to be granted their forestry premium; if this will be granted as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26359/08]
The application in question is currently under evaluation and will be subject to a field inspection. I have asked my officials to expedite consideration of the case.
Question No. 131 withdrawn.
Land Reclassification.
Michael Ring
Question:132 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason shares on commonage have not been attributed to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo by the Land Commission in view of the fact that they should be rightfully theirs; if somebody from his Department or the Land Commission will call to this person to resolve this issue; and the reason somebody has not called to them in view of the fact that promises were made to this effect. [26421/08]
An official from my Department has been in communication with the person named and with a firm of Solicitors acting on his behalf, setting out details of the commonage shares on hands and their origin. My Department's position is that the person named has a claim to only one of the shares and not three shares as claimed by him. It is the view of my officials that it would be best if a meeting with the person named now took place in the presence of his solicitor. The person named should have his solicitor contact my officials in this regard.
Decentralisation Programme.
Richard Bruton
Question:133 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of persons who have been moved by his Department and its agencies to date; the percentage this represents of the original target; and if he will provide in tabular form for each of the locations, the staff who have been moved, the staff who have been assigned but not moved and the number of the staff originally designated for a move, who have opted to stay in Dublin, who have been assigned new duties. [26463/08]
The information requested is set out in tabular form.
|
Office |
Location |
Posts |
Number moved |
% of original target |
Number assigned, not yet moved |
|
% |
|||||
|
Department HQ |
Portlaoise |
600 |
274 |
46 |
96 |
|
Fisheries |
Clonakilty |
90 |
81 |
90 |
— |
|
Cork local offices |
Fermoy |
Up to 100 |
0 |
0 |
25 |
|
Cork Labs (3) & Limerick Labs (2) |
Macroom |
Up to 100 |
0 |
0 |
25 |
|
Bord Bia |
Enniscorthy |
76 |
0 |
0 |
15* |
|
Bord Iascaigh Mhara |
Clonakilty |
95 |
0 |
0 |
22* |
*At end February 2008.
Up to the end of June 2008, 31 staff opting to stay in Dublin have been assigned to posts with other Departments and Offices that are remaining in Dublin.
Efficiency Reviews.
Richard Bruton
Question:134 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the proposals which have been put forward under the efficiency review 2008 initiated on budget day 2008 by his Department and agencies operating under his Department; and the aggregate savings to be made by implementation of these savings in 2008 and in the full year for 2009. [26482/08]
My Department is engaged in on-going efforts to improve efficiency and has reduced staff numbers significantly in recent years. As part of the most recent Efficiency Review, my Department again reviewed all aspects of expenditure with a view to identifying possible savings on administrative spending. The exercise has included the bodies within the aegis of my Department. I will be considering specific proposals, including the possibility of further staff savings, in the context of the on-going review of expenditure in 2008 and the preparation of the 2009 Estimate for my Department.
Departmental Staff.
Joan Burton
Question:135 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of staff in his Department who have received or are receiving support to participate in post-graduate educational courses in the years 2004 to 2008, inclusive. [26979/08]
During the years 2004 to 2008, 133 staff in the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food either received or are currently receiving support to participate in post graduate educational courses.
Joan Burton
Question:136 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will publish copies of all Masters and PhD. theses on his Department’s website as they were paid for from the public purse; and, if in the interim, he will provide this Deputy with copies of the completed research paid for by the State. [26406/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, a large number of students take Masters by research and PhD programmes in our higher education institutions (HEIs). The precise breakdown between those that are publicly funded and those that are not is not readily available. However, as regards the theses arising from such programmes, these are traditionally retained in hard copy in academic libraries in HEIs and are readily accessible by staff and students. Other members of the public can access these works by making the appropriate arrangements with the institution.
Recently, the research funding agencies have begun the implementation of an ‘open access' policy for publicly funded research. The Higher Education Authority (HEA) has developed a policy on Open Access which will be implemented for all future research funding calls. Where a research publication arises in whole or in part from HEA-funded research, researchers will now also be required to file their published research papers in an open access repository as soon as is practical, but within six calendar months at the latest.
In Ireland other agencies that have also adopted an Open Access Policy include the Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering and Technology (IRCSET), Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and The Health Research Board (HRB).
In a project funded under Cycle 1 of the Strategic Initiative Fund, a number of Irish universities have developed open access repositories of their own and are now engaged in the development of a national open access repository system by connecting the repositories of each participating institution for fuller public accessibility and to increase exposure of Irish University published research. Aside from its benefit to the academic and research community, the move towards open access will make theses and other research outcomes generally available to the interested public.
As the deputy will further appreciate, the extent of the material sought is very broad and extends beyond the remit of my Department. If the Deputy could be more specific, the relevant funding agency or agencies would, I am sure, be in a position to facilitate her request.
Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:137 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 157 of 5 June 2008, the reason data collected for the academic year 2007-08 regarding students registered on the primary school census and the post-primary database returns, including newcomer children, is not available within the same academic year; if then it has relevance to monitoring outcomes in the academic year to which the data refers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26107/08]
The Annual Census of Primary Schools is a paper-based census. Schools are requested to make their returns by 31st October each year. In the 2007/2008 school year 3,282 ordinary and special primary schools made returns. All returns must be logged as received, checked and in some cases corrected with the input of the school Principal. These returns must then be keyed into a database, and various cross checks and validations must be performed to ensure the integrity of the data. Given the number of schools and returns involved, this process takes many months. In addition some schools can be quite late in making their returns, which can lead to a delay in processing. The information collected is used for payment of some grants, and for statistical purposes including calculating average class sizes.
Work on the development of a Learner Database at Primary Level is continuing. The timing of the implementation of the Database depends on available resources and the management of competing priorities. However, in line with the Programme of Government and the Data Strategy of my Department, and taking advantage of the existing Education Services Interactive (esinet) portal already used by schools to access the On-Line Claims System, I am fully committed to the development of such a Database as a means of better quality information on pupils as well as reducing the administrative burden on schools and significantly reducing the processing time required for the Annual Census.
The Post-Primary Pupils Database (PPPDB) holds basic information on each pupil attending a post primary school. In October of each year, all post primary schools make a return to my Department detailing their enrolments for the year. This is known as the "October Return" and it is used to populate my Department's Post Primary Pupils Database. In the school year 2007/08, 731 schools made returns. The "October Return" gives a snapshot of school enrolments by Programme level (Junior Cert, Leaving Cert, Class Year) as at 30th September each year. Detailed information on the subject choice of each student is also collected.
A good overview of the type of information collected can be gained by looking at the Second-Level Education section of my Department's Annual Statistical Report. Much of the data in that section of the annual report is taken directly from the Post-Primary Pupils Database.
The in-house processing of the October Returns and the provision of a ‘Helpdesk' facility for schools is carried out by the Post Primary Pupils Data Section of my Department. The data returned by each school needs to be checked and collated. Processing of the October Returns commences in October of each year and is normally completed around May of the following year. For 2007/2008 there were approximately 336,000 pupils on returns from 731 schools. While provisional figures on overall total enrolments for the school year are available at this stage it takes a number of weeks to prepare the data for publication.
Data for individual schools become available throughout the process as their returns are received, checked and collated. Data from these schools may be used by my Department for a number of tasks, which impact directly on schools and their pupils, including: payment of per capita grants to voluntary secondary schools; determination of the provisional teacher allocations for all sectors i.e. Secondary, Vocational, Community and Comprehensive.
Special Educational Needs.
Billy Timmins
Question:138 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to home tuition hours for a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if in view of the fact that the special needs assistant is familiar with the person, the SNA will be allocated the hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26357/08]
The Deputy will be aware the July Education Programme is available to all special schools and mainstream primary schools with special classes catering for children with autism who choose to extend their education services through the month of July. My Department also provides for a July Programme for pupils with a severe/profound general learning disability. My Department encourages all eligible schools to participate in this initiative in the interest of the children in question. There has been a steady increase in the number of schools offering the programme since it was introduced in 2001 when relevant schools were circulated with details.
Where school based provision is not feasible, home based provision may be grant aided. As home tuition takes place outside of the normal school framework, there is need to ensure that tuition providers are appropriately qualified to give education to the children concerned. My Department's qualification preference is for a fully qualified teacher. Where parents cannot recruit a fully qualified teacher, then some alternative qualifications are acceptable including certain Montessori qualifications. Details in this regard are published on my Department's web site.
Schools Building Projects.
Finian McGrath
Question:139 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation with regards to funding for a school (details supplied) in County Sligo. [26362/08]
The project to which the Deputy refers is currently at advanced stage of architectural planning. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
Finian McGrath
Question:140 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation with regards to the provision for a new school (details supplied) in County Sligo. [26363/08]
The project to which the Deputy refers is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning. The Professional and Technical Staff of my Department are currently examining a submission received from the Design Team.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
David Stanton
Question:141 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science further to a letter from this Deputy in relation to provision of funding for an extra prefabricated building for a school (details supplied) in County Cork; the progress that has been made in regard to this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26366/08]
A reply to the letter to which the Deputy refers to has been forwarded to the Deputy's office this week outlining the position in relation to funding for the school to which the Deputy refers to. It is not possible on this occasion to fund the request for the extra accommodation, as sanction has not been given for the extra teacher for the school to which the Deputy refers to, for the coming school year. It is of course open to the school to apply for funding in 2009, should sanction for the extra teacher be given, and a letter to this effect has issued to the school authorities.
School Staffing.
Bobby Aylward
Question:142 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will review the decision of his Department to refuse an additional teacher for a national school (details supplied) in County Carlow where they had 47 children on the roll in September 2007 for the coming school term; if he will take into consideration that in fact another child had applied for enrolment to the school on 1 September 2007 but due to the fact that the child’s parents were delayed in returning from England they were unable to attend within the month of September. [26422/08]
The mainstream staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30th September of the previous school year. The actual number of mainstream posts sanctioned is determined by reference to a staffing schedule which is issued to all primary schools each year. Posts allocated on the basis of this staffing schedule are specifically for mainstream classes and should be deployed accordingly. School authorities are requested to ensure that the number of pupils in any class is kept as low as possible, taking all relevant contextual factors into account (e.g. classroom accommodation, fluctuating enrolment). In particular, school authorities should ensure that there is an equitable distribution of pupils in mainstream classes and that the differential between the largest and smallest classes is kept to a minimum.
Data submitted to my Department by the Board of Management of the school referred to by the Deputy indicates that the enrolment in the school on 30th September 2006 was 49 pupils. In accordance with the staffing schedule (Circular 0020/2007), which is available on my Department's website at www.education.ie, the mainstream staffing in the school for the 2007/08 school year is a Principal and 2 mainstream class teachers.
According to data submitted to my Department by the Board of Management the enrolment in the school on 30th September 2007 was 47 pupils. In accordance with the staffing schedule (Circular 0010/2008), which is also available on my Department's website at www.education.ie and a hard copy of which has been issued to all primary schools, the mainstream staffing in the school for the 2008/09 school year will be a Principal and 1 mainstream class teacher.
Within the terms of the staffing arrangements for primary schools there is provision for additional posts, referred to as developing school posts, to be assigned to schools on the basis of projected enrolments for the next school year. Under these arrangements, a developing school post may be sanctioned provisionally where the projected enrolment at 30th September of the school year in question equals or exceeds a specified figure. If the specified figure is not achieved on 30th September, sanction for the post is withdrawn.
It is open to the Board of Management to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeal Board which was established to adjudicate on appeals on mainstream staffing allocations in primary schools. Details of the criteria and application dates for appeal are contained in the staffing schedule. The criteria are also available in Circular 0024/2007 (Appeal Board for Mainstream Staffing in Primary Schools) which is available on my Department's website.
The staffing of the school for the 2008/2009 school year was considered by the Appeal Board on 20 May, 2008. The Board, having considered the appeal with regard to the criteria outlined in Circular 0024/2007, was satisfied that a departure from the staffing schedule is not warranted in this case. The Board of Management of the school was notified in writing of the decision of the Appeal Board on 23 May 2008. The Appeal Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
Schools Building Projects.
Denis Naughten
Question:143 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science further to a meeting regarding a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon, the steps which have been taken to date to address the outstanding issues as outlined in meeting minutes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26435/08]
My Department is in the process of assessing the long term needs of the school. This involves, among other things, an examination of the demographics of the area together with any proposed housing developments. When a decision is taken in this matter, it will be communicated directly to the Board of Management. Any resulting building project will be considered for advancement in the context of the multi-annual school building and modernisation programme, the resources available and the priority attaching to the project under the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects.
Special Educational Needs.
Michael Creed
Question:144 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes he proposes to deal with applications by parents seeking ABA educational facilities for their autistic children; if he proposes to change the manner in which his Department has dealt with these cases to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26440/08]
The Deputy will be aware of the Government's commitment to ensuring that all children with special educational needs, including those with autism, can have access to an education appropriate to their needs preferably in school settings through the primary and post primary school network. This facilitates access to individualised education programmes, fully qualified professional teachers, special needs assistants and the appropriate school curriculum.
Children in these classes benefit from having fully-qualified teachers who have access to training in a range of autism-specific interventions, including ABA, TEACCH and PECS. These students have the option, where appropriate, of full/partial integration and interaction with other pupils. Funding is also provided for assistive technology and specialist equipment as required and special school transport arrangements may also be put in place. The establishment of a network of autism-specific special classes in schools across the country to cater children with autism has been a key educational priority in recent years. In excess of 315 classes have now been approved around the country.
An ABA pilot scheme was established in the absence of this network of special classes in our schools. The Deputy will be aware that the Programme for Government commits to the long-term funding for the centres that are currently in the ABA pilot scheme subject to agreement with my Department on standards that will enable them to be supported as primary schools for children with autism. As discussions in this regard are ongoing between officials in my Department and groups representing the centres participating in the scheme the Deputy will appreciate that I can not comment further on this issue.
Schools Building Projects.
Pat Breen
Question:145 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will report on the status of a school building project (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26447/08]
Pat Breen
Question:147 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will report on the status of a school building project (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26449/08]
Pat Breen
Question:148 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will report on the status of a school building project (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26450/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 145, 147 and 148 together.
The schools to which the Deputy refers have applied to my Department for large scale capital funding for the provision of ancillary accommodation. The development of building projects for these schools is at an early stage. The progression of all large scale building projects from the initial design stage through to the construction phase, including these projects, will be considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of these projects at this time.
Pat Breen
Question:146 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science if the will report on the status of a school building project (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26448/08]
The school to which the Deputy refers applied to my Department for large scale capital funding for an extension project. The project had progressed to the advanced stages of architectural planning. However, due to a significant decline in enrolments, the accommodation brief has to be re-visited and revised.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the Department's capital budget from higher Band rated projects, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
Question Nos. 147 and 148 answered with Question No. 145.
Michael Ring
Question:149 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will give the final approval for a building project at a school (details supplied) in County Mayo to proceed. [26457/08]
The project to which the Deputy refers is currently at an early stage of architectural planning. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project will be considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
Decentralisation Programme.
Richard Bruton
Question:150 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of persons who have been moved by his Department and its agencies to date; the percentage this represents of the original target; and if he will provide in tabular form for each of the locations, the staff who have been moved, the staff who have been assigned but not moved and the number of the staff originally designated for a move, who have opted to stay in Dublin, who have been assigned new duties. [26468/08]
The details requested by the Deputy in relation to my Department are shown in the following table. None of the agencies under the aegis of my Department that are included in the programme of decentralisation have relocated posts to date.
|
Athlone |
|
|
Target number to decentralise — 2003: |
100 |
|
Number to decentralise based on staffing of relevant sections — 2008: |
93 |
|
All grades |
No of posts |
Number assigned and moved |
Number assigned — not moved |
Number to be assigned |
|
93.00 |
71.50 |
3.00 |
18.50 |
|
Notes |
|
|
Number assigned — not moved: |
these officers will relocate to Athlone in July 2008 |
|
Number to be assigned: |
this information is included as transfer arrangements are underway for these officers who will transfer directly to Athlone in the coming weeks. |
|
Number of staff who were assigned to posts in Dublin decentralising to Athlone at 31 December 2005 who opted to remain in Dublin and who have since been re-assigned to other duties in Dublin (with Department of Education & Science and with other departments): |
37.40 wholetime equivalents. |
|
Mullingar |
|
|
Target no to decentralise — 2003: |
300 |
|
Number to decentralise based on staffing of relevant sections — 2008: |
302 |
|
All grades |
No. of posts |
number assigned and moved |
number assigned — not moved |
|
302.00 |
7.00 |
116.00 |
|
Number of staff who were assigned to posts in Dublin decentralising to Mullingar at 31 December 2005 who opted to remain in Dublin and who have since been re-assigned to other duties in Dublin (with Department of Education & Science and with other departments) in order to facilitate the assignment of officers wishing to decentralise to Mullingar bound posts: |
37.60 wholetime equivalents. |
Early School Leavers.
John Deasy
Question:151 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the most recent figures from the Central Statistics Office show that the south-east region has the highest rate of early school leavers and the second lowest rate of participation in full-time education; the measures he proposes to remedy this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26479/08]
My Department has adopted a broad-based approach to tackling early school-leaving.
The Education (Welfare) Act, 2000 established the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) as the 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 recognized school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education. The Board operates through 5 regional teams, with bases in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford. A service is provided from 26 locations nationwide.
Educational Welfare Officers (EWOs) are appointed and deployed throughout the country to discharge the Board's functions locally. EWOs employ a welfare oriented approach in the interests of the children and young people who do not attend school regularly, working collaboratively with schools and other agencies in meeting the needs of the children and the young people concerned. It is encouraging to note research findings that attendance at school in the areas where EWOs are working intensively improved by 4% in 2004/05 compared with the previous year.
Enhancing attendance, progression, retention and attainment are central to DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), the action plan for educational inclusion, which is being implemented at present. This is the first time that an integrated educational inclusion strategy has been developed for 3-18 year olds in the State. DEIS represents a shift in emphasis away from individual initiatives, each addressing particular problems, to a multifaceted and more integrated approach. Additional supports are being targeted at children in the most disadvantaged schools to encourage them to stay in school.
The key principle of early intervention, to identify and help children at risk of leaving school early, is a major component of the Plan. In fact, in addition to the NEWB, there are currently in excess of 620 staff within the education sector in education disadvantage programmes of which over 130 are additional posts allocated under DEIS and a new integrated School Support Programme (SSP). The SSP incorporating the School Completion Programme (SCP) and the Home School Community Liaison Scheme (HSCL) is a preventative measure designed to combat issues of poor attendance and early school leaving.
Working with parents to promote school attendance and retention is an important part of the work of the Home School Community Liaison Scheme (HSCL). In addition to this, the School Completion Programme is developing strong links between primary and post-primary schools in disadvantaged areas. These are two preventative measures designed to combat issues of poor attendance and early school leaving. Children at risk of early school leaving are targeted under the School Completion Programme for a variety of extra supports aimed at encouraging them to stay in school. The supports cover both educational and non-educational interventions and are provided during and outside of school time. The Home School Community Liaison Scheme works to involve parents in their children's education which is a crucial component in convincing young people of the value of education.
Under DEIS, a continuing emphasis will be placed on the development of effective transfer programmes for pupils making the transition to second-level, by building on the existing work of HSCL scheme and the School Completion Programme in this area. Initiatives such as Familiarisation Days and week-long transfer programmes for new entrants to second level have been shown to have very positive results in helping children to make a smooth transition to their new school. Other measures facilitated through the DEIS action plan include extending access to Schools' Business Partnerships, school meals, guidance counselling and student councils. Increased integration is also being promoted between the work of second level schools and centres catering for young early school leavers, particularly Youthreach Centres and Senior Traveller Training centres. This Government has shown a sustained commitment to providing greater opportunities in the further education sector by supporting second chance educational opportunities for young people who leave school.
The range of curricula available to students has also been extended to include the Junior Certificate Schools Programme, the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme and the Leaving Certificate Applied Programme. These options provide an alternative for many children who might otherwise opt out of formal education at an early stage.
In relation to the Deputy's particular question, the south east region falls into the Leinster South Regional Area of the NEWB. 13 EWOs and 2 Senior Educational Welfare Officers (SEWOs) and 1 Regional Manager are deployed in the Leinster South region. Under Towards 2016 provision was made for an additional 100 posts, in total for the NEWB and the National Educational Psychological Service, by the end of 2009, to help further address absenteeism, early school leaving, behavioural problems and special needs. In 2007, 15 of these posts were sanctioned for the NEWB and I am pleased to inform the Deputy that one of the 15 new posts was sanctioned for the Waterford (part city)/South Wexford area.
Section 29 of the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000 provides for the establishment and maintenance by the NEWB of a register of young persons aged 16 and 17 who leave school to take up employment. The purpose of the register is to ensure that the young people concerned continue to participate in education until they reach 18 years of age. The NEWB will in the near future conclude the establishment of the register. At present early school leavers who contact the NEWB directly are recorded by the Board.
Work is ongoing to develop appropriate protocols for all agencies and services to work together and to ensure that optimum use is made of the resources deployed. I would like to assure the Deputy that through increased investment and improved services this government is determined to optimise access, participation and educational outcomes at every level of the system. It will continue to do all that is possible to ensure that every child gets all the opportunities and support they need to enable them to achieve their potential and participate fully in education.
John Deasy
Question:152 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the most recent figures from the Central Statistics Office show that the south-east region has one of the lowest percentages of persons with a third level qualification; the measures he proposes to remedy this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26480/08]
John Deasy
Question:153 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on whether the educational disadvantage being suffered by the south-east region, as revealed by the latest figures produced by the Central Statistics Office, demonstrates the need for a university for the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26481/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 152 and 153 together.
The proportion of persons with a third level qualification in any given region does not necessarily correlate with the proportion of the population from that region that continue their studies to third level. There are a number of factors influencing the location in which a person with a third level qualification may chose to live, including for example the concentration of jobs available in high population centres.
Third level participation rates by region are not currently available. However participation rates by county are available from national studies of new entrants to higher education, which are commissioned by the HEA at six-yearly intervals. The most recent survey of this type was conducted in 2004 and it shows significant increases in participation rates over 1998 for all the counties in the south east region. For example, Waterford's participation rate increased from 41.2% in 1998 to 48.7% in 2004.
My Department has received applications from three Institutes of Technology, including Waterford IT, for designation as universities. I am considering the appropriate next steps in relation to all the applications for designation on hands, having regard to the need to build on our strengths and to provide an environment where all our higher education institutions can develop in a way that best serves the country as a whole and the regions where they are based.
Efficiency Reviews.
Richard Bruton
Question:154 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals which have been put forward under the efficiency review 2008 initiated on budget day 2008 by his Department and agencies operating under his Department; and the aggregate savings to be made by implementation of these savings in 2008 and in the full year for 2009. [26487/08]
As the Deputy is aware, following the Minister for Finance's announcement in Budget 2008, my Department and bodies under the remit of my Department undertook an Efficiency Review. This is now being considered in the context of the preparation of the 2009 Estimates.
Schools Building Projects.
Liz McManus
Question:155 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science when a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow will get approval to start work on their new school. [26498/08]
The school to which the Deputy refers has applied to my Department for capital funding for an extension project. The project is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. The progression of all major building projects, including this project, through to construction phase will be considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department and with the level of activity in the School Building Programme, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the further progression of the project at this time.
Youthreach Programme.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:156 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department will roll-out the special education needs initiative to all Youthreach centres in County Kerry, which are recognised centres of education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26506/08]
Youthreach is designed to offer two years integrated education, training and work experience for young people aged 15 — 20 who have left school early without achieving qualifications. The programme, which is managed by VECs at local level, is available in 100 centres nationally and caters for almost 3,700 learners.
In 2007 my Department introduced the Special Education Needs Initiative (SENI) to address special educational needs and provide the necessary supports for learners in Youthreach centres. The SENI was introduced to 25 groups of 25 learners across 20 Youthreach centres.
The SENI involves a general allocation model similar to that introduced in the primary sector in September 2005. It is team based and caters mainly for students with high incidence needs. The SENI provides for the allocation of increased staffing hours (from 4,200 to 5,700 hours per group per year) to deal with the special needs and disabilities of all the students.
Additional training was provided to staff in the centres to enable the introduction, on a centre team basis, of a range of professional practices to support students with special educational needs/disabilities. This training followed on from the national introductory training programme introduced into all centres in 2006. In addition, the 20 centres have access to a password protected internet site containing guidelines, tailored training programmes and other materials.
During 2007, an evaluation was carried out of the SENI to determine its suitability and effectiveness for the learners. The findings of this evaluation were generally positive and found the new initiative to be meeting the needs of learners. The evaluation recommended full integration of the SENI into each centre. My Department is currently examining the possibility of rolling out the SENI to other Youthreach centres, subject to the availability of funding.
Schools Building Projects.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:157 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will approve an extension to a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26507/08]
An application to extend the existing temporary accommodation has been received from the school referred to by the Deputy. This proposal is under review in my Department.
An application for a new school building on a greenfield site had been made by the school and an initial assessment of the long term requirements were that an 8 classroom school would be required.
The progression of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to tender and construction, including this project, will be considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's Multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
School Staffing.
Olwyn Enright
Question:158 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if the position of administrative principal will be retained in a school (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26514/08]
The staffing of a special school is determined by reference to the recommendations outlined in the Report of the Special Education Review Committee, 1993, also known as the SERC Report. In accordance with SERC, the staffing level in the school in question should be a teaching principal and two class teachers. In recognition of the extent of planning work associated with setting up a new school, the Department permitted the principal to operate in an administrative capacity to ensure the successful establishment of the school. The school is now well established and the administrative status of the principal will discontinue for the 2008/2009 school year when the principal will return to teaching duties. The Department initially advised the school of this arrangement in a letter dated 16th August, 2007. However, in recognition of the complexity of the special educational needs of the pupils in the school, the National Council for Special Education has approved a temporary teacher in the school for the 2008/2009 school year.
The overall number of teaching staff in the school for the 2008/2009 school year will therefore remain the same as in 2007/2008.
Olwyn Enright
Question:159 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if the position of administrative principal will be retained in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26515/08]
The staffing of a special school is determined by reference to the recommendations outlined in the Report of the Special Education Review Committee, 1993, also known as the SERC Report. In accordance with SERC, the staffing level in the school in question should be a teaching principal and one class teacher. In recognition of the extent of planning work associated with setting up a new school, the Department permitted the principal to operate in an administrative capacity to ensure the successful establishment of the school. The school is now well established and the administrative status of the principal will discontinue for the 2008/2009 school year when the principal will return to teaching duties. The Department initially advised the school of this arrangement in a letter dated 15th August, 2007. However, in recognition of the complexity of the special educational needs of the pupils in the school, the National Council for Special Education has approved a temporary teacher in the school for the 2008/2009 school year.
The overall number of teaching staff in the school for the 2008/2009 school year will therefore remain the same as in 2007/2008. The Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO) confirmed the position with the school authorities on 1st July, 2008.
Schools Refurbishment.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:160 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when the upgrading and refurbishment works at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare are expected to be completed in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26539/08]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that construction of an extension to the school in question is underway. The question of the provision of additional accommodation over and above that currently being provided is under consideration in my Department and will be finalised shortly.
Schools Building Projects.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:161 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has received further documentation or information regarding the proposed new national school facilities at Ardclough, County Kildare; his plans to progress same in the next 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26540/08]
The project to which the Deputy refers is currently at early architectural planning. A stage 2(a) submission, Developed Sketch Design, has recently been received in my Department. Officials from my Department are currently examining the Stage submission. The progression of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to tender and construction, including this project, will be considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's Multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:162 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when he received an application for large scale capital funding for the provision of proposed new primary school facilities at Straffan, County Kildare; if this matter will be progressed in the next six months in view of the increased population of the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26541/08]
An application for large scale capital funding at the school in question has been received. The commencement and progression of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to construction phase, including this project, will be considered in the context of my Department's Multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:163 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a project at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; his plans to progress same by the end of 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26542/08]
An extension project for the school in question is at an advance stage of architectural planning. The commencement and progression of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to construction phase, including this project, will be considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's Multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. I am currently reviewing with my officials the Department's spending plans for this year, I am in the middle of this process and it will not be complete for some time. I will not be making decision on any further capital expenditure until that process is completed. When this is done the school management will be informed of the position without delay.
School Accommodation.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:164 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 257 of 21 May 2008, the position regarding a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26543/08]
Officials from my Department have recently received the Stage 3 submission (i.e. Developed Sketch Scheme) from the school's Design Team. The Stage 3 submission has been referred to the Technical Staff of my Department for their observations. It is expected that a review meeting will be organised between the Board of Management, its Design Team and the Department to assess the submission in due course.
As is the case with all large capital projects currently on hand within the Developing Areas Unit, its progression will be considered in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
Schools Building Projects.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:165 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a project at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; his plans to progress same by the end of 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26544/08]
A tender report in respect of the school to which the Deputy refers has been received by the Department.
As is the case with all large capital projects currently on hand within the Unit, its progression will be considered in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. I am not in a position to say at this stage when construction is likely to commence on the project in question.
School Accommodation.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:166 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 256 of 21 May 2008, the position regarding a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26545/08]
The project at the school referred to by the Deputy is currently at stage 3 of the architectural planning process. The Client for this project is the School's Board of Management. The stage 3 submission is currently being reviewed by the Client's design team in advance of being referred to my Department for approval.
Schools Building Projects.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:167 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will grant an application for major capital funding to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare within the next nine months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26546/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:169 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will grant an application for major capital funding to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare before the end of 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26548/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 167 and 169 together.
I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department is in receipt of applications for large scale capital funding from the schools to which he refers. The projects have been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects. Progress on the proposed works will be considered on an ongoing basis in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
School Accommodation.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:168 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will review the decision to refuse additional funding to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare on foot of his response to Parliamentary Question No. 250 of 21 May 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26547/08]
In 2007 the school in question received approval to build additional classrooms under the devolved Permanent Accommodation Scheme (PAS).
The purpose of the PAS is to devolve funding to individual school authorities to undertake building works which will address the school's long term accommodation needs. Under the terms of the Scheme, school authorities are empowered to manage these works with guidance from and minimal interaction with the Department. Devolving funding to school management authorities allows them to have control of their projects, assists in moving projects more quickly to tender and construction and can also deliver better value for money.
The scheme is not intended to leave schools with significant fund-raising needs; rather the terms of the Scheme require the schools to tailor the scope of capital works commissioned to the available funding. The decision on whether to continue participating in the scheme or to drop out, if the scope of build is more than the funding envelope permits, is a matter for each school authority.
The Board of Management submitted an appeal for additional funding. Following assessment of the application from this school and in light of the large number of projects seeking funding from my Department from the budget allocated and in line with the original intention of the scheme, unfortunately, it was not possible to provide additional funding on this occasion.
They were advised to use the grant to achieve the maximum accommodation possible taking into consideration the extra cost which has arisen. In the current economic climate and with considerable demands on the capital budget of my Department, it is not possible to approve such significant increases in the amounts grant aided to schools. It is the responsibility of the school authorities to manage the resources allocated to them to ensure maximum value for money and to control costs.
Question No. 169 answered with Question No. 167.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:170 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which it is expected his Department will respond to meet the classroom accommodation needs at primary and second level schools here and in respect of which pre-election commitments were made in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26549/08]
As part of the Programme for Government, a Developing Areas Unit was set up in my Department to focus on the school accommodation needs of rapidly developing areas. The main emphasis in 2008 is on providing sufficient school places in these developing areas, as well as delivering improvements in the quality and extent of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country.
In this context, my Department has assessed the needs in these areas and additional accommodation is being delivered to meet those needs for the 2008/2009 school year. 26 new school buildings are being provided in these areas.
Special Educational Needs.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:171 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the degree to which it is intended or expected to provide or improve facilities for children with autism at mainstream schools here with particular reference to positive indications given prior to the general election in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26550/08]
The Deputy will be aware of the Government's ongoing commitment to ensuring that all children with special educational needs, including those with autism, can have access to an education appropriate to their needs preferably in school settings through the primary and post primary school network. This facilitates access to individualised education programmes, fully qualified professional teachers, special needs assistants and the appropriate school curriculum.
Many children with autism are fully integrated into mainstream classes. The National Council for Special Education provides additional resource teaching hours and special needs assistant support to schools in respect of fully integrated enrolled students with autism.
Some students with autism require further support in school. The establishment of a network of autism-specific special classes in schools across the country to cater for these children with autism has been a key educational priority in recent years. In excess of 315 classes, an increase of 106 since May 2007 have now been approved around the country at primary and post primary level, including many in special schools. The National Council for Special Education will continue to establish more classes as required.
Children in these classes benefit from having a reduced pupil-teacher ratio of 6:1; fully-qualified teachers who have access to training in a range of autism-specific interventions, including Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA), the Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH) and the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and there is a minimum of 2 special needs assistants in each class. Other special needs assistant posts may be allocated in line with the needs of the enrolled children. These students have the option, where appropriate, of full/partial integration and interaction with other pupils. Funding is also provided for assistive technology and specialist equipment as required and special school transport arrangements may also be put in place.
My Department has put in place a training programme for teachers in autism-specific interventions including TEACCH, PECS and ABA through the Special Education Support Service. A recent initiative has been the expansion of this service to enable it to recruit a behavioural specialist support team, led by a person with a PhD in ABA.
Schools Building Projects.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:172 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when he received an application for major capital funding or other funding from a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; when he expects to grant same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26551/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:173 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to an application for major funding or other funding made by a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26552/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:174 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if a decision on an application for major capital funding or other funding will be made before the end of 2008 in the case of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26553/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:175 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when an application for major capital funding or other funding will be granted at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; the expected timeframe for same in view of the increased population in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26554/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:176 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in the past eight months regarding an application for major capital or other funding at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; when it is expected he will review this application again; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26555/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:177 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will grant an application for major capital funding or other funding to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26556/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:178 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when he received an application for major capital funding or other funding from a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; when same is expected to be granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26557/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 172 to 178, inclusive, together.
I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department is in receipt of applications for large scale capital funding from the schools to which he refers. The projects have been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects. Progress on the proposed works will be considered on an ongoing basis in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation programme.
However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of these projects at this time.
Special Educational Needs.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:179 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when it is expected that speech and language therapy and other special requirements will be met in full at all primary schools throughout County Kildare in the short to medium term; the degree to which he has received requests from the relevant school authorities in this regard; when it is intended to respond; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26558/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, the provision of therapy services is a matter for the Health Services Executive and funding is provided to the HSE for such purposes. The Deputy may wish to raise the matter with my colleague the Minister for Health and Children or directly with the Health Service Executive.
School Staffing.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:180 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which it is intended to reduce class sizes at primary school level at all schools here in accordance with an indication given to the public in 2007; when it is expected that such action will take effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26559/08]
The Programme for Government sets out the overarching policy position in relation to the provision of additional teachers and on reductions in class size over the life of the Government.
The Programme contains a commitment to increase the number of primary teachers by at least 4000 and on that basis to make further progress on reducing class sizes.
Budget 2008 provided my Department with €4.6 billion or €380 million extra for teacher pay and pensions. This was a very substantial level of additional investment in the terms of the economic environment on which the budget was based. That allocation provides for paying for over 2000 extra primary teachers more than the number in schools when the Government took office last Summer. It covers the additional teachers that went into schools last September for the previously announced reduction to a 27 to 1 based staffing schedule along with additional teachers this school year and in the coming school year to meet increasing enrolments, to provide for special needs and the language requirements of newcomer children.
This means that in terms of the overall commitment to provide at least 4000 additional teachers the Government in its first two years in office will be well ahead of target.
All Programme for Government commitments to improve public services including those relating to class size are contingent on the economic and budgetary environment and the need for prudent expenditure and fiscal management. Even since the presentation of Budget 2008 last December there have been significant alterations in the external and domestic environment. In that context any reasonable observer would regard the fact that the Government has already taken measures that will see the allocation of over 2000 additional teachers to primary schools as a considerable investment all things considered.
Schools Building Projects.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:181 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the provision of the new primary school at Kill, County Kildare; the full extent to which accommodation, planning and scale needs have been agreed; when it is expected the project will get underway; the anticipated date by which the school is expected to become operational or ready for occupation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26560/08]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that written approval of the Stage 2(a) submission (Developed Sketch Scheme) issued to the design team on the project in question on 23rd April 2008. The Stage 2(b) submission (Detailed Design) is due to be submitted to my Department on 18th August 2008.
The application for Planning Permission issued to the Local Authority on 25 June 2008. The progression of this and all large capital building projects in my Department will be considered in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
School Accommodation.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:182 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent of primary and second level accommodation requirements currently evident or expected throughout County Kildare; the extent to which it is intended to meet these requirements in full or in part in the short to medium term; the degree to which class size reductions are expected to take place in tandem with the provision of extra accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26561/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:183 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the degree to which his Department has examined primary and second level school accommodation requirements at Clane, County Kildare; the extent to which this includes class size reduction in accordance with indications given previously; his proposals to meet such commitments in full or in part in the short or medium term; the extent of the proposals to meet such requirements at this juncture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26562/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:185 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which he has evaluated the primary and second level school needs at Leixlip, County Kildare with particular reference to the need to provide extra facilities and reduce class sizes in accordance with commitments made in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26564/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 182, 183 and 185 together.
The Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in any given area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places. This approach ensures that the use of existing accommodation is maximised and that the development and support of one school over others does not occur.
As part of the Programme for Government, a Developing Areas Unit was set up recently in the Department to focus on the school accommodation needs of rapidly developing areas. The main emphasis in 2008 is on providing sufficient school places in these developing areas, as well as delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country.
In addition Forward Planning Section of the Department is in the process of identifying the areas where significant additional accommodation will be required at primary and post-primary level for 2009 and onwards including the areas referred to by the Deputy.
Factors under consideration include population growth, demographic trends, current and projected enrolments, recent and planned housing developments and capacity of existing schools to meet demand for places. Having considered these factors decisions will be taken on the means by which emerging needs will be met within an area.
The Programme for Government sets out the overarching policy position in relation to the provision of additional teachers and on reductions in class size over the life of the Government.
The Programme contains a commitment to increase the number of primary teachers by at least 4000 and on that basis to make further progress on reducing class sizes.
Budget 2008 provided my Department with €4.6 billion or €380 million extra for teacher pay and pensions. This was a very substantial level of additional investment in the terms of the economic environment on which the budget was based. That allocation provides for paying for over 2000 extra primary teachers more than the number in schools when the Government took office last Summer. It covers the additional teachers that went into schools last September for the previously announced reduction to a 27 to 1 based staffing schedule along with additional teachers this school year and in the coming school year to meet increasing enrolments, to provide for special needs and the language requirements of newcomer children.
This means that in terms of the overall commitment to provide at least 4000 additional teachers the Government in its first two years in office will be well ahead of target.
All Programme for Government commitments to improve public services including those relating to class size are contingent on the economic and budgetary environment and the need for prudent expenditure and fiscal management. Even since the presentation of Budget 2008 last December there have been significant alterations in the external and domestic environment. In that context any reasonable observer would regard the fact that the Government has already taken measures that will see the allocation of over 2000 additional teachers to primary schools as a considerable investment all things considered.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:184 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which he has examined the primary and second level school needs in terms of accommodation and class size reduction at Kilcock, County Kildare; the extent to which it is expected to meet these requirements in full or in part in 2008; the extra accommodation intended; when this is expected to become available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26563/08]
As part of the Programme for Government, a Developing Areas Unit was set up recently in my Department to focus on the school accommodation needs of rapidly developing areas, including Kilcock. The main emphasis in 2008 is on providing sufficient school places in these developing areas, as well as delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country.
In this context, the status of all schools in these centres is being assessed as part of an overall delivery plan, which is currently being formulated within the Developing Areas Unit. As is the case with all large capital projects currently on hand within the Unit, their progression will be considered in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
Question No. 185 answered with Question No. 182.
School Accommodation.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:186 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the degree to which his attention has been drawn to the need to provide extra accommodation at primary and second level schools in Celbridge, County Kildare, with particular reference to the need to respond to the population increase in terms of extra or alternative school accommodation, and bearing in mind the need to reduce class sizes in accordance with indications given prior to the general election in 2007; the extent to which he expects to respond positively to these needs in each case in the short to medium term; when he expects to conclude on these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26565/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:187 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which an evaluation has been carried out toward identifying optimum primary and second level school needs including extra accommodation and reduction in class sizes at Maynooth, County Kildare; his proposals to meet requirements in the short to medium term with particular reference to the need to meet such needs as required; his intentions to deliver on such projects in the next 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26566/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 186 and 187 together.
As part of the Programme for Government, a Developing Areas Unit was set up recently in my Department to focus on the school accommodation needs of rapidly developing areas, including Celbridge and Maynooth. The main emphasis in 2008 is on providing sufficient school places in these developing areas, as well as delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country.
In this context, the status of all schools in Celbridge and Maynooth are being assessed as part of the overall delivery plans for each area which are currently being formulated within the Developing Areas Unit. Any decision to progress projects in these areas will be considered in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:188 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science his proposals to address the issue of class size and classroom accommodation at primary and second level at Naas, County Kildare; the extent to which it is expected to approve the respective projects pending; if his attention has been drawn to the degree of urgency in respect of each project in view of the population increase in the area and the need to meet commitments made prior to the general election in 2007 wherein it was understood that specific targets would be met within a short period; if his attention has further been drawn to the time factor involved since some of these projects were first brought to his attention; if he will give instructions to advance the most urgently required projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26567/08]
As part of the Programme for Government, a Developing Areas Unit was set up recently in my Department to focus on the school accommodation needs of rapidly developing areas, including Naas. The main emphasis in 2008 is on providing sufficient school places in these developing areas, as well as delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country.
In this context, the status of all schools in these centres is being assessed as part of an overall delivery plan, which is currently being formulated within the Developing Areas Unit. As is the case with all large capital projects currently on hand within the Unit, their progression will be considered in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:189 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which it is expected to provide permanent classroom accommodation at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; the extent of the preparatory work including planning permission and scale of the project; when it is expected to make the necessary financial allocation to allow the project to proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26568/08]
I wish to inform the Deputy that the construction phase of the project to deliver new classroom accommodation for the school in question is ongoing and that, in fact, the works commenced as far back as 31 March 2008.
Initially, 10 new classrooms will be delivered in August 2008, ready for the 2008/2009 school year. The second phase will see the construction of a further 16-classroom facility, which the school will occupy from September 2009 onwards.
Departmental Staff.
Joan Burton
Question:190 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of staff in his Department who have received or are receiving support to participate in post-graduate educational courses in the years 2004 to 2008 inclusive. [26984/08]
The information requested by the Deputy is contained in the following tabular statement.
The following tabular statement gives details of the number of staff at the Department of Education & Science that have received or are in receipt of financial support for Post Graduate Educational courses from 2004 to 2008.
|
2003/04 |
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
2006/07 |
2007/08 |
|
26 |
21 |
25 |
27 |
21 |
Army Barracks.
Willie Penrose
Question:191 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Defence if there is a barrack rationalisation group in existence; if so, the terms of reference this group is operating under; if, in the context thereof, he will confirm the only artillery barracks here which is the home of the 4th Field Artillery Regiment and based at Columb Barracks, Mullingar, County Westmeath has not being considered by the said rationalisation group; if he will further confirm that there is no threat to the long-term future of Collumb Barracks, Mullingar, as an important military establishment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26430/08]
A Working Group, comprising civil and military representatives, was established in July 2004 to review the Department's existing property portfolio, taking account of White Paper implementation, the reorganisation of the Reserve Defence Force and current military requirements, and to make recommendations accordingly.
All properties within my Department's property portfolio were considered by this group. The Working Group identified a number of properties, mainly former training areas and RDF facilities, as being surplus to requirement. My Department is in the process of disposing of these properties. However, the Working Group made no recommendation concerning Columb Barracks, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath.
While there is no working group in existence, the Property portfolio managed by my Department is kept under constant review and any additional properties identified as surplus to military requirements will be disposed of and the funding invested to meet the equipment and infrastructure needs of the Defence Forces.
Overseas Missions.
Denis Naughten
Question:192 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide the funds required to ensure that all those who have served overseas are presented with a medal to commemorate fifty years of Irish participation with the UN; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26451/08]
In general terms, medals are currently awarded to members of the Defence Forces on the basis of various criteria such as their length of service, for service overseas and for acts of bravery associated with such service both at home and overseas.
Members who serve overseas, subject to certain criteria, are currently eligible for the award of the UN Peacekeepers Medal. This medal is only awarded once to any one individual, irrespective of the number of overseas missions that they complete during their career.
In addition to the Peacekeepers Medal, a member who serves overseas may also be eligible for the award of a mission-specific medal. Such medals are awarded by the mission organisers, for example, the United Nations, who also set the qualifying criteria for the award.
There is no immediate plan to add to the range of medals that are available in respect of overseas service. The question of creating a commemorative award to mark 50 years of Defence Forces participation in United Nations peacekeeping is being considered by the Medals Review Group that is currently reviewing medals policies for the Defence Forces. This Group is expected to report before the year end.
Decentralisation Programme.
Richard Bruton
Question:193 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Defence the number of persons who have been moved by his Department and its agencies to date; the percentage this represents of the original target; and if he will provide in tabular form for each of the locations, the staff who have been moved, the staff who have been assigned but not moved and the number of the staff originally designated for a move, who have opted to stay in Dublin, who have been assigned new duties. [26467/08]
The Deputy will be aware that the Government decision on decentralisation provides for the transfer of my Department's Dublin-based civil service staff, together with a number of military personnel, to Newbridge, Co. Kildare and the transfer of Defence Force Headquarters (DFHQ) to the Curragh.
Approximately 83% of clerical/administrative staff are now in place in preparation for the move to Newbridge. This has largely been achieved through a combination of staff volunteering to decentralise to Newbridge and agreed, bilateral transfers of staff with other government departments and offices.
The total number of personnel to be decentralised to Newbridge will be 244 (including 43 military). Approximately 410 military personnel will be decentralising to the Curragh.
No staff have been moved to date, pending availability of accommodation at Newbridge and the Curragh. I am advised by the OPW that the building in Newbridge is now under construction and will be completed by December 2009. Tenders will shortly be sought for the construction of accommodation in the Curragh — the current estimate is that it will be ready for occupation by the end of 2010.
Efficiency Reviews.
Richard Bruton
Question:194 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Defence the proposals which have been put forward under the Efficiency Review 2008 initiated on Budget Day 2008 by his Department and agencies operating under his Department; and the aggregate savings to be made by implementation of these savings in 2008 and in the full year for 2009. [26486/08]
In line with the Budget 2008 announcement, my Department has engaged in the efficiency review exercise with a view to identifying possible savings on administrative spending.
The issues arising on foot of this exercise are currently being considered in the context of preparation of the 2009 estimates.
Hazardous Waste.
Deirdre Clune
Question:195 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Defence his plans to carry out health screening for staff of his Department, members of the Navy and members of the Naval Reserve who worked on Haulbowline Island and their families to confirm that their health has not been damaged by they themselves or close family members working in close proximity to dangerous waste materials; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26509/08]
The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is responsible for the remediation of the former ISPAT site. In view of the concerns being raised about the site, my Department has instructed a contractor to conduct soil and air analysis. This analysis is independent of any other analysis being carried out. There are a number of air monitors at the Naval base that were put in place as a precaution to alarm if contamination is detected. To date no alarms have been noted. This Department continues to accept the assurances of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government that there are no risks arising from the presence of the waste material. It is expected that our survey will confirm this.
Departmental Staff.
Joan Burton
Question:196 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Defence the number of staff in his Department who have received or are receiving support to participate in postgraduate educational courses in the years 2004 to 2008, inclusive. [26983/08]
A total of seven members of staff of the Department of Defence have received support to participate in postgraduate educational courses in the years 2004 to 2008. This figure includes one member of staff whose course is in progress.
Human Trafficking.
Denis Naughten
Question:197 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of children granted temporary stay on the grounds of their having been trafficked; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26349/08]
Any child, who presents to an Immigration Officer and is unaccompanied or in the company of a person whom the Immigration Officer is not satisfied to be their guardian or have lawful custody of the said child is dealt with in accordance with section 8(5) of the Refugee Act 1996 as amended, which states:
Where it appears to an Immigration Officer or an authorised officer that a child under the age of 18 years who has either arrived at the frontiers of the State or has entered the State, is not in the custody of any person, the officer shall, as soon as practicable, so inform the Health Board in whose functional area the child is and thereupon the provisions of the Child Care Act, 1991 shall apply in relation to the child.
The Health Service Executive, acting in loco parentis, can make application to my Department for humanitarian leave for a child to remain in the State. Alternatively, the child, also through the Health Service Executive, may make application for asylum to the Refugee Applications Commissioner. Under the Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008, which came into force on 7 June 2008, my Department has introduced administrative immigration arrangements for the protection of victims of human trafficking. To date, no minors have been dealt with by the Garda Síochána under these new procedures.
Denis Naughten
Question:198 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of trafficked children in education and training programmes, in particular, those attending secondary school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26351/08]
I am advised by the Department of Education and Science that children under the age of 18 can attend primary and post-primary schools. Data is available on the nationality of students in post-primary schools. There are over 160 nationalities represented in post-primary schools in 2007-08. Such data is not available for primary schools. There is no data available that would identify children who are trafficked. The Department of Education and Science does not seek such data from schools. Schools do not seek to categorise students. The Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008 which came into force from 7 June 2008 creates an offence of recruiting, transporting, transferring to another person, harbouring or causing the entry into, travel within or departure from the State of an adult or child for the specific purpose of the trafficked person's sexual or labour exploitation or removal of his or her organs. The Act also makes it an offence to sell or offer for sale or to purchase or offer to purchase any person for any purpose. Penalties of up to life imprisonment apply in respect of these offences. In the context of this legislation work has commenced, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, on developing a data strategy to capture, amongst other things, details of services availed of by victims of human trafficking as defined in the Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008. This Data Strategy is part of the co-ordinated, comprehensive and holistic response to human trafficking under way in my Department.
Denis Naughten
Question:199 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of trafficked children receiving legal aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26352/08]
Legal aid may be granted in criminal or civil cases. Criminal legal aid is granted to persons charged before the Courts. The Criminal Justice (Legal Aid) Act 1962 provides that free legal aid may be granted, in certain circumstances, for the defence of persons of insufficient means in criminal proceedings. The legislation does not distinguish between adults and children. Consequently, where a child is the defendant in a criminal case s/he is entitled to seek legal aid under the provisions of the above mentioned legislation. However, it is highly unlikely that a child would be charged with human trafficking. Furthermore, criminal legal aid does not arise in the case of victims. My Department has no involvement in the day-to-day running of the Scheme, the granting of legal aid or assignment of lawyers. These matters are handled entirely by the courts. The Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008 which came into force from 7 June 2008 creates an offence of recruiting, transporting, transferring to another person, harbouring or causing the entry into, travel within or departure from the State of a person for the specific purpose of the trafficked person's sexual or labour exploitation or removal of his or her organs. The Act also makes it an offence to sell or offer for sale or to purchase or offer to purchase any person for any purpose. Penalties of up to life imprisonment apply in respect of these offences. The question of legal and other forms of assistance, for both adult and children victims of human trafficking as defined by the Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008, is being examined as part of the co-ordinated, comprehensive and holistic anti-human trafficking strategy being developed in my Department.
Denis Naughten
Question:200 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount paid in compensation to children who are the victims of trafficking in every year since 2000 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26353/08]
Denis Naughten
Question:201 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average amount paid in compensation to a trafficked child in each year since 2000 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26354/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 200 and 201 together.
The payment of compensation to children who are the victims of trafficking is a matter for the Courts. In accordance with Section 4(3) of the Courts Service Act 1998 the Courts Service is independent in the performance of its functions.
Human Rights Issues.
Denis Naughten
Question:202 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the budget allocated to prevent human trafficking with specific reference to child trafficking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26355/08]
Legislative, administrative and operational, enforcement and monitoring measures have been put in place to provide a comprehensive, holistic and effective response to the heinous crime of trafficking in human beings.
On the legislative front, the Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008 is fully operational since 7 June, 2008. The Act creates offences of trafficking in children and adults for the purpose of sexual or labour exploitation or the removal of their organs. It also makes it an offence to sell or offer for sale or to purchase or offer to purchase any person for any purpose. Penalties of up to life imprisonment apply in respect of these offences.
Enactment of this legislation brings Ireland into compliance with the criminal law/law enforcement elements of the EU Framework Decision on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings; and the UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons especially Women and Children.
Section 124 of the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill provides for a period of recovery and reflection of 45 days in the State for alleged victims of trafficking and also, in circumstances where the person trafficked wishes to assist the Gardaí in any investigation or prosecution in relation to the alleged trafficking, a further six months period of residence, renewable, to enable him or her to do so. An administrative framework, reflecting the provisions in the Bill, was introduced on 7 June 2008 to provide for the period of recovery, reflection and residency in the State during the period between the enactment of the Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008 and the full enactment of the provisions in the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill.
On the administrative front, an Interdepartmental High Level Group has also been established to recommend to me the most appropriate and effective responses to trafficking in human beings. Furthermore, an Anti-Human Trafficking Unit has been established in my Department under the Stewardship of an Executive Director. The role of the Unit is to ensure that the State's response to trafficking in human beings is coordinated, comprehensive and holistic. A National Action Plan to Prevent and Tackle Trafficking in Human Beings will be approved by the High Level Group for submission to me, with a view to publication by the end of the year. Roundtable discussions chaired by the Executive Director of The Anti-Human Trafficking Unit are being held with Government and non-governmental organisations on a quarterly basis.
In addition, five interdisciplinary Working Groups have been established to progress matters and, in turn, report to the High Level Group. The Working Groups will deal with: Development of a National Referral Mechanism; Awareness Raising and Training; Child Trafficking; Labour Exploitation Issues; Sexual Exploitation Issues.
Ireland has taken a lead role in a human trafficking initiative know as the G6 Human trafficking Initiative, which includes the UK, Poland, Italy, France, Spain and the Netherlands along with Interpol, Europol and Eurojust. The most recent meeting of the G6 took place on the 20th of June. Ireland has recommended a particular focus on trafficking of children in the course of the G6 initiative. As part of this initiative the Garda Síochána has commenced an operation designed to prevent the trafficking of minors in to, out of, and within the State, to ensure the welfare of suspected victims of such criminal activity is adequately provided for, and to commence prosecutions where criminal activity of the nature concerned has been detected. An awareness-raising campaign throughout the participating countries — led by Ireland — is also planned under this initiative.
Ireland is participating in an operation, Pentameter 2, launched by the UK. One of the main objectives of the operation is to raise awareness of the scale of the problem of trafficking of human beings for the purposes of sexual exploitation, particularly among those who avail of sexual services. The operation assists awareness raising in showing Ireland and the UK as locations which are hostile to human trafficking. As part of Operation Pentameter a poster-campaign was launched in both Ireland and the UK to encourage victims of human trafficking to report their plight to State authorities. The Garda Síochána are taking a pro-active approach in Operation Pentameter to address the need for a coordinated approach to human trafficking with the Common Travel Area which operates between the UK and Ireland. This cooperation is taking place in a number of ways, including intelligence sharing, joint training exercises and operational cooperation where investigations have a cross-border, UK/Ireland, dimension.
Immigration border controls are maintained by the Garda National Immigration Bureau and a number of traffickers and victims of traffickers have been identified through the rigorous enforcement of immigration legislation. Joint operations, in association with the UK Immigration Service, continue to be part of immigration policy to prevent and detect possible abuses of the Common Travel Area (CTA), by means of illegal immigration and associated criminality.
There are currently over 275 personnel, Garda and civilian, allocated to the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB). Personnel attached to GNIB have received training in the investigation of human trafficking at international level. The work undertaken by the Garda Síochána in relation to human trafficking is assisted by a network of members of the Garda Síochána who are employed as liaison officers in major cities in a number of EU Member States and in international organisations such as Europol and Interpol.
The Garda Síochána had developed its own human trafficking related training course with such training having been delivered to about one hundred and fifty participants in 2006/2007. Arising from Ireland's involvement in Operation Pentameter a number of officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland have also participated in the training courses by the Garda Síochána Training College.
In terms of cooperation, within this jurisdiction GNIB continues to liaise with Government and non-governmental agencies, including Ruhama and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to ensure the exchange of information regarding suspected trafficking in human beings. In recognising the needs of victims of trafficking, Garda Liaison Officers have been appointed to various non-governmental organisations.
Funding for the human trafficking activities outlined is paid for as part of the general expenditure from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and Garda Votes and does not require specific ear marked expenditure.
Asylum Applications.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:203 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of asylum seekers deported in the past 24 months; the number of people of each nationality who were deported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26368/08]
I refer the Deputy to the following table which shows the number of failed asylum seekers who were deported between the dates of 1 July 2006 and 30 June 2008 and the nationality of those who were deported.
|
Nationality |
Total Removed |
|
Nigeria |
88 |
|
China |
55 |
|
Romania |
22 |
|
Moldova |
20 |
|
Croatia |
10 |
|
Georgia |
9 |
|
Kosovo |
9 |
|
Russia |
6 |
|
South Africa |
5 |
|
Ukraine |
4 |
|
Ghana |
3 |
|
Morocco |
3 |
|
Albania |
2 |
|
Algeria |
2 |
|
Belarus |
2 |
|
Poland |
2 |
|
Turkey |
2 |
|
America |
1 |
|
Armenia |
1 |
|
Egypt |
1 |
|
Gambia |
1 |
|
India |
1 |
|
Iraq |
1 |
|
Ivory Coast |
1 |
|
Kazakhstan |
1 |
|
Malaysia |
1 |
|
Mongolia |
1 |
|
Sierra Leone |
1 |
|
Total |
255 |
Garda Stations.
Pat Breen
Question:204 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 401 of 27 May 2008, the number of burglaries recorded at Garda stations in County Clare for the years 2005, 2006, 2007 and from 27 May 2008 to date in 2008; the number of detentions that resulted from these burglaries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26381/08]
I am informed that, in response to the Deputy's Question No. 401 of 27 May 2008, the Central Statistics Office have been in direct contact with him and supplied the information requested. I have requested the CSO to provide the further statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.
Pat Breen
Question:205 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of full-time Garda stations in County Clare; the number of part-time Garda stations in the county; the hours of operation of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26382/08]
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the opening hours of each Garda Station in the Clare Garda Division are as set out in the table.
|
Station |
24hr |
Mon-Fri |
Sat |
Sun |
Call Diversion |
|
Ennis |
Yes |
||||
|
Crusheen |
No |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
12pm-2pm |
Ennis |
|
Lissycasey |
No |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
12pm-2pm |
Ennis |
|
Newmarket On Fergus |
No |
10am-1pm, 2pm-6pm |
10am-1pm, 6pm-9pm |
10am-1pm, 6pm-9pm |
Ennis |
|
Quin |
No |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
12pm-2pm |
Ennis |
|
Shannon |
Yes |
||||
|
Sixmilebridge |
No |
10am-1pm, 2pm-6pm |
10am-1pm, 6pm-9pm |
10am-1pm, 6pm-9pm |
Ennis |
|
Kilrush |
Yes |
||||
|
Carrigaholt |
No |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
Kilrush |
|
Doonbeg |
No |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
Kilrush |
|
Kilmihil |
No |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
Kilrush |
|
Labasheeda |
No |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
Kilrush |
|
Kildysart |
No |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
Kilrush |
|
Kilkee |
No |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
Kilrush |
|
Killaloe |
Yes |
||||
|
Broadford |
No |
2.30pm-4.30pm |
2.30pm-4.30pm |
Closed |
Killaloe |
|
Newport |
No |
10am-12.30pm |
Closed |
Closed |
Killaloe |
|
Scariff |
No |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
Killaloe |
|
Mountshannon |
No |
7.30pm-8.30pm |
7.30pm-8.30pm |
Closed |
Killaloe |
|
Tulla |
No |
2.30pm-3.30pm |
2.30pm-3.30pm |
Closed |
Killaloe |
|
Rearcross |
No |
2.30-4.30pm |
Closed |
Closed |
Killaloe |
|
Ennistymon |
Yes |
||||
|
Ballyvaughan |
No |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
Ennistymon |
|
Corofin |
No |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
Ennistymon |
|
Inagh |
No |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
Ennistymon |
|
Lahinch |
No |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
Ennistymon |
|
Lisdoonvarna |
No |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
Ennistymon |
|
Miltown Malbay |
No |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
Ennistymon |
The opening hours of non 24 hour stations are dependent on manpower availability. The extension of the current opening hours would necessitate the employment of Garda personnel on indoor administrative duties. Such personnel can be utilised more effectively in providing a visible Garda presence on outdoor policing duties.
It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking all relevant factors into account. In that regard, the needs of the Garda Division referred to by the Deputy will be fully considered by the Commissioner within the overall context of the needs of Garda Divisions throughout the country.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:206 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on progress being made, within the remit of his Department, regarding the need for the redevelopment of Tallaght Garda Station, Dublin 24; the contacts he has made in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26385/08]
The Garda accommodation programme is based on agreed priorities established by An Garda Síochána and it is brought forward in close cooperation with the Office of Public Works (OPW), which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. Officials from my Department, the Office of Public Works and the Garda Síochána have regular meetings to oversee the various projects. In addition, a high-level strategic Garda Accommodation Board with members drawn from my Department, the OPW and An Garda Síochána has been established to carry out a review of Garda accommodation with a view to preparing a short and longer term strategy for all accommodation. On a practical level, and with the introduction of various provisions of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, project management matters and maintenance issues are dealt with directly between the agencies involved which has led to improved efficiencies and reduced administrative overheads.
I have been advised by the Garda authorities that it is planned to build a new station on the existing Garda station site at Tallaght to incorporate additional station facilities to meet all operational requirements including the Divisional Headquarters for the Dublin Metropolitan Region South. I am further advised that the Office of Public Works is currently carrying out a feasibility study on the existing site which is expected to be finalised within the next number of weeks.
Decentralisation Programme.
Richard Bruton
Question:207 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons who have been moved by his Department and its agencies to date; the percentage this represents of the original target; and if he will provide in tabular form for each of the locations, the staff who have been moved, the staff who have been assigned but not moved and the number of the staff originally designated for a move, who have opted to stay in Dublin, who have been assigned new duties. [26474/08]
Under my Department's decentralisation programme, nine hundred and forty one posts are scheduled to relocate from Dublin to seven different provincial locations. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that, to-date, five hundred and twenty-two staff have moved and have taken up duty. This represents 55% of the target numbers and my Department now has a presence in all of the seven decentralised locations.
The table sets out the details requested.
|
Organisation |
No of posts to move |
Nos. moved |
Nos. assigned yet to move |
Nos. re-assigned in Dublin |
|
Office of the Data Protection Commissioner |
23 |
23 |
0 |
12 |
|
Equality Tribunal |
42 |
0 |
13 |
0 |
|
Sections of Garda HQ |
||||
|
(1) Garda Central Vetting Unit |
66 |
66 |
0 |
19 |
|
(2) Fixed Charge Processing Section |
67 |
67 |
0 |
45 |
|
Irish Naturalisation Immigration Service |
186 |
50 |
2 |
0 |
|
Private Security Authority |
41 |
41 |
0 |
0 |
|
Irish Prison Service |
141 |
119 |
3 |
84 |
|
Property Registration Authority |
230 |
80 |
45 |
0 |
|
National Property Services Regulatory Authority |
10 |
9 |
0 |
0 |
|
Garda Civilian Human Resources Directorate |
38 |
35 |
3 |
3 |
|
Office of the Director of Probation Service |
18 |
15 |
0 |
0 |
|
Coroners Service |
6 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
|
Equality Authority |
50 |
15 |
5 |
1 |
|
Garda Ombudsman Commission |
23 |
0 |
5 |
0 |
Efficiency Reviews.
Richard Bruton
Question:208 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the proposals which have been put forward under the efficiency review 2008 initiated on budget day 2008 by his Department and agencies operating under his Department; and the aggregate savings to be made by implementation of these savings in 2008 and in the full year for 2009. [26493/08]
Following the Budget 2008 announcement, my Department has engaged in the efficiency review exercise, with a view to identifying possible savings on administrative spending. This exercise has included the bodies under the aegis of my Department and the issues arising are currently being considered in the context of the preparation of the 2009 Estimates.
Refugee Status.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:209 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26517/08]
The person referred to by the Deputy first applied for Asylum on 25/9/2003. This claim was assessed by the Refugee Applications Commissioner who concluded that the person concerned did not meet the criteria for recognition as a refugee. The applicant appealed this recommendation but failed to attend her appeal hearing. The Minister issued his decision to the applicant by letter dated 09/03/2005.
Subsequently, the applicant applied to my Department under section 17(7) of the Refugee Act, 1996 to be readmitted to the asylum process. My Department's Ministerial Decisions Unit examined the details of same and concluded that the applicant should be readmitted to the asylum process. The person referred to by the Deputy reapplied for asylum on 27/11/2007. The claim was assessed by the Refugee Applications Commissioner who concluded that the person concerned did not meet the criteria for recognition as a refugee.
The Commissioner's recommendation was communicated to her by letter dated 14/05/08. This communication advised the person of her entitlement to appeal the Commissioner's recommendation to the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. The applicant failed to do so within the statutory time limit.
In accordance with the normal procedures, the applicant's file has been forwarded to my Department's Ministerial Decisions Unit for final processing of the Asylum claim. A letter will issue to her from my Department advising her formally that her asylum claim has been rejected and affording her three options as follows:
1. Return home voluntarily
2. Consent to the making of a deportation order, or
3. Make written representations to me within 15 working days for temporary leave to remain in the State and/or make an application for subsidiary protection under the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (SI No. 518 of 2006).
Asylum Applications.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:210 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to residency status in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26518/08]
I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 230 of Thursday, 24 April 2008 and the written Reply to that Question.
The person concerned arrived in the State on 2 April 2004 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 17 January 2006, 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 leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned.
The person concerned also made an application for residency in the State on the basis of being the spouse of an EU National. However, following consideration of this application, under the provisions of the European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) Regulations 2006, a decision was made to refuse the application. The person concerned was notified of this decision by letter dated 21 August 2006.
The case file of the person concerned now falls to be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended). All representations submitted by and on behalf of the person concerned will be fully considered, under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, before the file is passed to me for decision.
The documentation submitted to my Department by the wife of the person concerned was returned to the legal representative of the person concerned, accompanied by a letter dated 7 January 2008.
Citizenship Applications.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:211 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected position in regard to residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Longford who has applied for naturalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26519/08]
Officials in the Citizenship Section inform me that processing of the application from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question has commenced and the file will be forwarded to me for a decision in the coming months.
I will inform the person in question when I have reached a decision on the matter.
Asylum Applications.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:212 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected position in regard to residency status in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26520/08]
The first named person concerned arrived in the State on 30 July 2004 and applied for asylum. Her asylum application was refused following consideration of the case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the first named person concerned was informed, by letter dated 29 December 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 leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations have been submitted on behalf of the first named person concerned and will be fully considered, under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, before the file is passed to me for decision.
The second named person concerned arrived in the State on 18 December 2000 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the second named person concerned was informed, by letter dated 26 November 2002, 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 leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Following the consideration of his case under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, as an exceptional measure and subject to certain stated conditions, the second named person concerned was granted temporary leave to remain in the State for a three year period, to 9 July 2010. The second named person concerned was notified of this decision by letter dated 9 July 2007.
Citizenship Applications.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:213 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to the application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26521/08]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person concerned was received in the Citizenship section of my Department in July 2005 and I decided to refuse the application. The reason for my decision was disclosed to the applicant in a letter dated 1 July 2008.
It is open to the person in question to lodge a new application if and when he is in a position to satisfy the statutory requirements applicable at that time.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:214 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26522/08]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Section of my Department in April 2007.
Officials in that Section are currently processing applications received in January 2006 and have approximately 9,500 applications on hand to be dealt with before that of the person in question. These are generally dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants.
However, I understand that the person concerned is a refugee. In accordance with the Government's obligations under the United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, every effort is made to ensure that applications from persons with refugee status are dealt with as quickly as possible, having regard to the general volume of applications on hand.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:215 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26523/08]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 7 March 2002 and applied for asylum. Her application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 15 May 2003, 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 leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations were submitted on behalf of the person concerned at that time.
On 21 March 2005 the person concerned submitted an application under the revised arrangements for non-national parents of Irish born children born in the State before 1 January 2005, commonly referred to as the IBC/05 scheme. This application was refused as the child referred to in the application of the person concerned was born in February 2005. The decision to refuse this application was conveyed in writing to the person concerned by letter dated 7 September 2005.
On 19 April 2007 an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State was submitted on behalf of the person concerned. This application is under consideration at present and when a decision has been made, this will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.
In the event that the Subsidiary Protection application is refused, the case file of the person concerned, including all representations submitted, will then be considered under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. When this latter consideration has been completed, the case file of the person concerned is passed to me for decision.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:216 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26524/08]
The first named person concerned arrived in the State on 6 August 2002, accompanied by her three children, and applied for asylum. Her application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the first named person concerned was informed, by letter dated 19 June 2003, that the Minister proposed to make deportation orders in respect of her and her three children. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of deportation orders or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she and her three children should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations were submitted on behalf of the first named person concerned and her children at that time.
The first named person concerned subsequently initiated Judicial Review Proceedings, on behalf of her three children, and, in late 2007, these Proceedings were settled. The Terms of Settlement included a provision that would enable the three children of the first named person concerned to lodge individual asylum applications in their own right and they duly did, on 8 January 2008. The three children have had their cases investigated by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner who has concluded, in each individual case, that the three children did not meet the criteria for recognition as a refugee. The three children have initiated Judicial Review Proceedings against these determinations and these Proceedings are ongoing. In the circumstances, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the cases of the three children referred to in the Deputy's Question.
The case of the first named person concerned falls to be dealt with under the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended). All representations submitted by and on behalf of the first named person concerned will be fully considered, under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, before the file is passed to me for decision.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:217 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an application for residency status will be reviewed in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 2; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26526/08]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 14 June 2007 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner. The determination of the Refugee Applications Commissioner was conveyed in writing to the person concerned by letter dated 23 January 2008. This communication advised the person concerned of his entitlement, within a stated timeframe, to appeal this determination to the Refugee Appeals Tribunal but the person concerned chose not to do so.
On 12 March 2008, the person concerned formally withdrew from the asylum process and indicated a wish to return voluntarily to his country of origin, following which contact was established with the Office of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) with a view to the necessary voluntary return arrangements being made. However, despite my Department and the IOM approving the voluntary return request of the person concerned, the IOM advised my Department, by a communication dated 23 June 2008, that it had lost contact with the person concerned and, as such, it could not proceed with his voluntary return arrangement. The person concerned should note that this option remains open to him should he decide to pursue same.
Based on the recommendation of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the voluntary withdrawal of the person concerned from the asylum process, and in accordance with the appropriate provisions of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) and the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 28 March 2008, that the Minister was refusing him a declaration of refugee status and also proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. In line with legal and procedural requirements, the person concerned was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. In addition, he was notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006). On 7 April 2007, an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State was received from the person concerned as was an application for leave to remain temporarily in the State.
The Subsidiary Protection application will be considered first. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
In the event that the Subsidiary Protection application is refused, the case file of the person concerned, including all representations submitted, will then be considered under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. When this latter consideration has been completed, the case file of the person concerned is passed to me for decision.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:218 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will reconsider the refusal of residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26527/08]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 7 March 2007 and applied for asylum. Her application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 19 June 2008, 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 leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. In addition, she was notified of her entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006). While, to date, no response has been received in my Department to this letter, it might be noted that the 15 working day period referred to has not yet elapsed.
The case file of the person concerned will be considered further upon receipt of a response to my Department's letter of 19 June 2008.
Asylum Support Services.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:219 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a transfer to more appropriate accommodation will be made in the case of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26528/08]
The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers in accordance with the Government policy of direct provision and dispersal.
By way of background, the Deputy may wish to note that the mother and four of the children referred to in the details supplied made applications for asylum at the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC) on 23 May, 2007 and were initially accommodated at Kilmacud Reception Centre. The husband referred to in the details supplied made a separate application for asylum on 30 May, 2007 and was accommodated at Balseskin Reception Centre before being transferred to join his wife and family at Kilmacud Reception Centre on 8 May, 2007. As RIA's reception centres are mainly used for reception purposes and in accordance with the Government policy of dispersal, the family were transferred to Clondalkin Towers accommodation centre on 15 June, 2008. The youngest child was born on 4 April, 2008 and registered with the ORAC on 3 June, 2008.
Due to the size of the family and the demand on direct provision accommodation across its portfolio, the RIA has had some difficulty sourcing suitable accommodation in this case. However, I can inform the Deputy that suitable accommodation, consisting of a three room suite with en suite facilities has now been identified and the family is currently moving to this accommodation.
Deportation Orders.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:220 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3; if he will consider extended residency in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26529/08]
I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 843 of Tuesday 17 June 2008 and the written Reply to that Question.
The person concerned arrived in the State on 16 May 2000 and applied for asylum. Her application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 29 July 2002, 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 leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State.
Following consideration of her case under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, a deportation order was signed in respect of the person concerned on 5 August 2003. The deportation order was served on the person concerned, by letter dated 18 September 2003. This communication advised the person concerned of the requirement that she present herself at the Offices of the Garda National Immigration Bureau on a designated date and time to make arrangements for her removal from the State. The person concerned failed to present at the Offices of the Garda National Immigration Bureau on the appointed date and was therefore classified as an ‘evader'.
On 7 September 2007 an application was received on behalf of the person concerned for the revocation of the deportation order, in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 (11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended). This application is under consideration at present and when a decision on this application has been made, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:221 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will again review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26531/08]
I would refer the Deputy to the Reply my predecessor gave to his Dáil Question No. 209 of Thursday 6th March 2008. The status of the person concerned remains as set out in that reply. The person concerned has continued to meet the presentation requirements of the Garda National Immigration Bureau and is due to present again shortly.
Asylum Applications.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:222 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26532/08]
It is not the practice to comment in detail on individual asylum applications. As the Deputy will be aware, applications for refugee status in the State are determined by an independent process comprising the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal which make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted.
A final decision on each application is made following receipt of the recommendation of the Refugee Applications Commissioner or the decision of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, as appropriate.
With regard to the second named person, in accordance with section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, the person was informed by letter dated 11 May 2006 of a proposal to make a deportation order and was given the options to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations setting out the reasons why the person concerned should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations have been submitted on behalf of the person and will be fully considered under section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 and section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 on the prohibition of refoulement before the file is passed to me for decision.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:223 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26533/08]
It is not the practice to comment in detail on individual asylum applications. As the Deputy will be aware, applications for refugee status in the State are determined by an independent process comprising the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal which make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted.
A final decision on each application is made following receipt of the recommendation of the Refugee Applications Commissioner or the decision of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, as appropriate.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:224 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to family reunification or approved extended residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26535/08]
It is not the practice to comment in detail on individual asylum applications. As the Deputy will be aware, applications for refugee status in the State are determined by an independent process comprising the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal which make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted.
A final decision on each application is made following receipt of the recommendation of the Refugee Applications Commissioner or the decision of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, as appropriate.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:225 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if extended residency will be approved in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26536/08]
It is not the practice to comment in detail on individual asylum applications. As the Deputy will be aware, applications for refugee status in the State are determined by an independent process comprising the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal which make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted. A final decision on each application is made following receipt of the recommendation of the Refugee Applications Commissioner or the decision of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, as appropriate.
Refugee Status.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:226 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to the application for family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26537/08]
The person in question made a Family Reunification application on behalf of his wife in May 2007 and on behalf of his daughter in July 2007.
The application was forwarded to the Refugee Applications Commissioner for investigation as required under Section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996. This investigation is completed and the Commissioner has forwarded a report to my Department.
This application will now be considered by my Department and a decision will issue in due course.
Citizenship Applications.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:227 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to the application for naturalisation in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; when these applications are expected to be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26538/08]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I have recently approved these applications. The Citizenship Section of my department will shortly be writing to the persons concerned informing them of my decision. They will also be advised of the formalities to be completed before certificates of naturalisation can issue. Once such matters are completed, certificates of naturalisation will issue as soon as possible thereafter.
Departmental Staff.
Joan Burton
Question:228 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of staff in his Department who have received or are receiving support to participate in post graduate educational courses in the years 2004 to 2008 inclusive. [26989/08]
The number of staff in the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform who have received or are receiving support to participate in post graduate educational courses in the years 2004 to 2008 is as follows:
|
Year |
Number |
|
2004/05 |
10 |
|
2005/06 |
7 |
|
2006/07 |
12 |
|
2007/08 |
16 |
|
Total |
45 |
Departmental Expenditure.
Ciaran Lynch
Question:229 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the cost of promotion, advertising and publicity campaigns carried out by his Department since his appointment; if he will itemise and state the purpose for each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26361/08]
Details of promotion, advertising and publicity campaigns carried out by my Department since my appointment, to promote awareness and behaviour change or provide information, are set out in the following table.
|
Promotion / Advertising / Publicity Campaign |
Expenditure to date (to nearest 100) |
|
€ |
|
|
Climate Change Awareness Campaign |
2,737,600 |
|
Fire Safety Awareness |
432,800 |
|
Notice Nature (Public Awareness Campaign on Biodiversity) |
204,500 |
|
Register of Electors Awareness Campaign |
167,900 |
|
Race Against Waste |
84,700 |
|
Advertising of designation of Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protected Areas |
61,600 |
|
Species Protection Advertisements |
26,300 |
|
National Inventory of Architectural Heritage Awareness Campaign |
26,100 |
|
Advertising and Publicity Expenditure on Anti-Litter Initiatives |
23,300 |
|
Advertising Call for Submissions on “Increasing Affordable Housing Supply” Report |
5,100 |
|
Information on Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability |
5,000 |
|
National Tidy Towns Competition |
3,000 |
Local Authority Funding.
Dan Neville
Question:230 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department will pay out moneys due to a group (details supplied) in County Limerick. [26364/08]
A revised application by Limerick County Council for approval to purchase the dwelling in question under the Capital Assistance Scheme was received in my Department in June 2008. This is being examined at present and a decision will be made as soon as possible.
Appointments to State Boards.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:231 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the name, relevant qualifications and process by which each person appointed to a State board operating under the aegis of his Department was appointed since 2003 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26369/08]
A number of different statutory processes are involved in appointments to State boards. In some cases statutory selection procedures must be followed or nominations must be sought from independent nominating panels before appointments are made by the Government or by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. In other cases only particular public office holders may be appointed to certain boards. In a number of situations, only some appointments to the body concerned are made by the Minister, or appointments are made with the consent the Minister for Finance or following consultation with the Minister for Finance or Minister for Education and Science, as appropriate.
In the context of the above, the following table sets out relevant information in respect of all persons appointed to the state boards under the aegis of my Department since 2003. All of the persons concerned are not currently serving board members. Under the heading in the table relating to relevant qualifications information is provided as to the person's representative role or profession, as appropriate, rather than the person's academic qualifications. The boards of An Bord Pleanála and the Environmental Protection Agency are executive in nature and the members are full-time salaried positions.
|
Name of State Body |
Name of Appointee |
Relevant Qualifications |
Appointment Process |
|
Affordable Homes Partnership |
Des Geraghty |
Former President and member of ICTU Executive Committee. Also a member of the housing forum. Lifelong involvement in housing issues, with particular role in Sustaining Progress Affordable Housing Initiative. |
Ministerial appointment |
|
Mary Higgins |
Management/social policy consultant, former Director of the Homeless Agency in Dublin |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Prof Mary Lambkin |
Prof. Of Marketing, UCD Business Schools |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Mary Mooney |
Former Councillor |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Joe Horan |
Manager, South Dublin County Council |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Owen Keegan |
Manager, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
David O’Connor |
Manager, Fingal County Council |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
John Tierney |
Manager, Dublin City Council & former Manager, Fingal County Council |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Conn Murray |
Manager, Louth County Council |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Catherine Gorman |
Project Co-ordinator in City Housing Initiative |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
John O’Connor |
Chief Executive, Affordable Homes Partnership |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Maureen Lynott |
Management Consultant, Chair of Ballymun Regeneration Ltd |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
John Fitzgerald |
Former Manager, Dublin City Council |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Derek Brady |
Former Manager, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
An Bord Pleanála |
John O’Connor |
Nominee of Prescribed Selection Committee |
Government appointment |
|
Conall Boland |
Representative of prescribed panel |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Tom O’Connor |
Officer of the Board (temporary appointment) |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Jane Doyle |
Representative of prescribed panel |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Karl Kent |
Representative of prescribed panel |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Angela Tunney |
Representative of prescribed panel |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Mary McMahon |
Representative of prescribed panel |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Brian Swift |
Representative of prescribed panel |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Brian Hunt |
Representative of prescribed panel |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Margaret Byrne |
Representative of the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Mary Bryan |
Representative of prescribed panel |
Ministerial appointment |
|
Name of State Body |
Name of Appointee |
Relevant Qualifications |
Appointment Process |
|
Building Regulations Advisory Body |
Gerard Grogan |
Representative of the former Tánaiste |
Ministerial appointment |
|
Sean Balfe |
Representative of the Irish Agrément Board |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Rose Kenny |
Representative of the City & County Managers’ Association |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Gerry Farrell |
Representative of the Building Materials Federation — IBEC |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Erik Koornneff |
Representative of the National Disability Authority |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Prof. Owen Lewis |
Professor of Architecture, UCD |
Ministerial Appointment |
|
|
Maria Melia |
Representative of the Chief Fire Officers Assocation |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Ann Mills |
Representative of the City & County Engineers Assocation |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Caitriona Carter |
Representative of the Construction Industry Federation |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Ciaran McNamara |
Representative of the City & County Managers’ Association |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Johnny McGettigan |
Representative of the Irish Building Control Institute |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Yvonne Wylde |
Representative of the National Standards Authority of Ireland |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Minka Louise McInerney |
Representative of the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Krystyna Rawicz |
Representative of the Society of Chartered Surveyors |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Emer O’Siochrú |
Representative of An Taisce |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Denise Germaine |
Representative of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Angela Kerins |
Representative of the National Disability Authority |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Dr. Eugene Farrell |
Representative of Home Bond |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Gary Treanor |
Representative of the Irish Timber Frame Manufacturers’ Association |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Jim Keogh |
Representative of the Electro-Technical Council of Ireland |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Gerard Carroll |
Representative of the Commissioner of An Garda Siochana |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Michael Browne |
Representative of the National Standards Authority of Ireland |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Chris O’Grady |
Representative of the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Patrick Minogue |
Representative of the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Mark McAuley |
Representative of the Building Materials Federation — IBEC |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Brain McKeon |
Representative of the Construction Industry Federation |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Sarah Neary |
Representative of the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Jack Callanan |
Representative of the National Disability Authority |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Jacqui Donnelly |
Representative of the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Jimmy Keogan |
Representative of the City & County Managers’ Association |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Noel Carroll |
Representative of the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government |
Ministerial appointment |
|
Name of State Body |
Name of Appointee |
Relevant Qualifications |
Appointment Process |
|
An Chomhairle Leabharlanna |
Cllr Mark Dearey |
Councillor |
Ministerial appointment |
|
Cllr Pat McMahon |
Councillor |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Cllr Cora Long |
Councillor |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Cllr Des Hurley |
Representative of the Association of County & City Councils |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Cllr Michael Abbey |
Representative of the Local Authority Members Association |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Cllr Jim Darcy |
Representative of the Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Deirdre Ellis-King |
Representative of the Library Association of Ireland |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Ruth Flanagan |
Representative of the Library Association of Ireland |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Colette O’Flaherty |
Representative of the Board of the National Library of Ireland |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Robin Adams |
Representative of the Board of Trinity College Dublin |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Jim Foran |
Representative of the Higher Education Authority |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Paul Sheehan |
Representative of the Higher Education Authority |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Geraldine Moloney |
Representative of the Higher Education Authority |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Sean Ryan |
Business (Book Trade) |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Cllr Denis Bourke |
Councillor |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Cllr Luie McEntire |
Representative of the General Council of County Councils |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Cllr Laurence O’Neill |
Representative of the Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Dónall Ó Luanaigh |
Representative of the Council of Trustees of the National Library of Ireland |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
John Fitzgerald |
Representative of the Higher Education Authority |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Beatrice Doran |
Representative of the Higher Education Authority |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Richard Lennon |
Representative of the Higher Education Authority |
Ministerial appointment |
|
Name of State Body |
Name of Appointee |
Relevant Qualifications |
Appointment Process |
|
Comhar |
Christine Croton |
Representative of Bird Watch Ireland |
Ministerial appointment |
|
Tom O’Mahony |
Representative of the Environmental Network of Government Departments |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Tony Larkin |
Representative of the County and City Managers’ Association |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Laura Burke |
Representative of the Environmental Protection Agency |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Therese Ridge |
Representative of the General Council of County Councils |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Ruaidhri Deasy |
Representative of the Irish Farmers’ Association |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Emer Dunne |
Representative of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers’ Association |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Niamh Hunt |
Representative of the Chambers of Commerce of Ireland |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Paula Carey |
Representative of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Elaine Nevin |
Representative of ECO-UNESCO |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Aoife Cassidy |
Representative of Keep Ireland Open |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Richard Douthwaite |
Representative of the Irish Doctors’ Environmental Association / Environmental Ecological NGO Core Funding Ltd |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Pat Finnegan |
Representative of the Environmental Ecological NGO Core Funding Ltd |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Ornagh Darcy |
Representative of the Irish Rural Dwellers Association |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Billy Murphy |
Representative of Planet |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Catriona Maguire |
Representative of Friends of the Earth |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Carmel Sheridan |
Representative of the Royal Dublin Society |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Emer Colleran |
Representative of the Royal Irish Academy |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Matthew Seebach |
Representative of the National Youth Council of Ireland |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Frank Convery |
Professor |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Ethna Diver |
Representative of the Council of Directors of the Institutes of Technology |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Noel Keyes |
Representative of the Heritage Council |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Liam Berney |
Representative of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Anja Murray |
Representative of the Environmental Ecological NGO Core Funding Ltd. |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Judy Dunne |
Representative of the Consumers Association of Ireland |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Kevin Codd |
Representative of the Conference of Religious in Ireland |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Donal Buckley |
Representative of the Irish Business and Employers Confederation |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Richard Moles |
Representative of the Environmental Sciences Association of Ireland |
Ministerial appointment |
|
Name of State Body |
Name of Appointee |
Relevant Qualifications |
Appointment Process |
|
Designated Areas Appeals Advisory Board |
Sean Duignan |
Former Journalist, Broadcaster & Government Press Secretary |
Ministerial appointment |
|
Dublin Docklands Development Authority |
Donal O’Connor |
Senior Partner, PricewaterhouseCooper |
Ministerial appointment |
|
Donal Curtin |
Accountant |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Brendan Malone |
Accountant |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Mary Moylan |
Representative of the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Niamh O’Sullivan |
Civil Engineer |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Niall Coveney |
Acccountant |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Catherine Mullarkey |
Consultant |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Sheila O’Donnell |
Architect |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Mark Griffin |
Representative of the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Environmental Protection Agency |
Dara Lynott |
Not available |
Government appointment |
|
Laura Burke |
Not available |
Government appointment |
|
|
Larry Stapleton |
Not available |
Government appointment |
|
|
Padraic Larkin |
Not available |
Government appointment |
|
|
Fire Services Council |
Anne Costello |
Representative of the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government |
Ministerial appointment |
|
Attracta McKay |
Assistant Chief Fire Officer |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Brendan Mahon |
Representative of the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Brendan McCoy |
Retained Firefighter |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Donal Connolly |
Retired County Manager |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Enda Nolan |
Councillor |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Frances Murray |
Assistant Chief Fire Officer |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Frank Dennison |
Retired Assistant Chief Fire Officer |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Gus Byrne |
Councillor |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Jim Byrne |
Businessman |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Jim Dunphy |
Chief Fire Officer |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
John L’Estrange |
Retired 3rd. Officer |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Majella Dempsey |
Regional Development Officer with the Junior Science Support Service |
Ministerial appointment |
|
Name of State Body |
Name of Appointee |
Relevant Qualifications |
Appointment Process |
|
Margaret Adams |
Councillor |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Mary Bohan |
Councillor |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Stephen Brady |
HR Manager, Dublin Fire Brigade |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Teddy O Connor |
Retained Firefighter |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Teresa White |
Assistant County Manager |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Tony Gleeson |
Retired Chief Fire Officer |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Heritage Council |
Tom O’Dwyer |
Chairperson of Teagasc; Former Chef de Cabinet to two Irish European Commissioners and Former Director General in European Commission |
Ministerial appointment |
|
Betty Coffey |
Former Cathaoirleach of Dunlaoghaire Rathdown County Council, former member Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company, former member of EU Committee of the Regions |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Billy Colfer |
President of Wexford Historical Society, Chairman of several heritage groups |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Prof. Gabriel Cooney |
Associate Professor, UCD and Head of The Department of Archaeology 2001-2004. |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Ted Creedon |
Broadcaster with archaeological experience |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Brendan Dunford |
Coordinator of LIFE nature project, Burren and expertise in integration of agriculture and natural heritage |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Deirdre Ellis-King |
Dublin City Librarian |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Donal Enright |
Representative of the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Dr. Caro-lynne Ferris |
Countryside Access and Activities Network, Northern Ireland |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Rhonwen Hayes |
Artist and Musician |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Maurice Hurley |
Cork City Archaeologist; Ex-Chair of the Institute of Archaeologists of Ireland |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Mary Keenan |
Landscape Horticulturist; Past President, Tree Council of Ireland |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Noel Keyes |
Former Cathaoirleach, Bray Town Council; Chairman Wicklow Heritage Forum |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Martina Moloney |
Galway County Manager; Former Louth County Manager |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Nioclás Ó Conchubhair |
Gaeltacht/Irish language heritage expertise; former Senator and member of Galway County Council |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Finola Reid |
Landscaping and gardening expert with particular expertise in historic gardens |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Virginia Teehan |
Director of Hunt Museum; Archivist |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
AnneMarie Caulfield |
Representative of the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Conor Newman |
Department of Archaeology, NUI Galway; Director of the Discovery Programme Tara Survey; Editor of the Journal of Irish Archaeology |
Ministerial appointment |
|
Name of State Body |
Name of Appointee |
Relevant Qualifications |
Appointment Process |
|
Housing Finance Agency (HFA) |
Edward Coffey |
Retired Business Executive |
Ministerial appointment |
|
Dr Ian d’Alton |
Chief Executive Officer, HFA |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Fr. Pat Coogan |
Managing Director Respond! |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Mr. M.D. Hayes |
Civil Engineer |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Jackie McGuire |
County Manager |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Philip Nugent |
Representative of the Department of the Environment Heritage and Local Government |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Clodagh Henegan |
Representative of South Dublin County Council |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Anthony Vesey |
Councillor |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Aine Stapleton |
Representative of the Department of Finance |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Julia Carmichael |
Councillor |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Pat Doyle |
Former Councillor |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Eddie Wade |
Councillor |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
James Hehir |
Former Managing Director, HFA |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Maria Graham |
Representative of the Department of the Environment Heritage and Local Government |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Irish Water Safety Association |
Frank Nolan Chairman |
Water Safety volunteer |
Ministerial appointment |
|
Kathryn Byrne |
MD of a PR consultancy |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Breda Collins |
Representative of local water safety interests |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Michael Cuddihy |
Representative of local water safety interests |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Jim Lawlor |
Businessman with interest in marketing and promotion |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Brendan McGrath |
Representative of local water safety interests |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Michael Murphy |
Representative of local water safety interests |
Ministerial appointment |
|
Name of State Body |
Name of Appointee |
Relevant Qualifications |
Appointment Process |
|
Martin O’Sullivan |
Representative of local water safety interests |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Brian Farrell |
Harbour Master |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Martin Condon |
Representative of the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Martina Moloney |
Representative of the City & County Managers’ Association |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Kevin Ring |
Representative of the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Laurence Kelly |
Representative of the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Anne Ryan |
Water Safety volunteer |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
John Considine |
Local authority official |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Limerick Northside Regeneration Agency |
John Fitzgerald |
Chairperson |
Ministerial appointment |
|
Brendan Kenny |
Interim CEO |
Required under the Agency’s Establishment Order |
|
|
Eddie Lewis |
Representative of the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Kathleen Stack |
Representative of the Department of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Pat McSitric |
Representative of the Department of Education & Science |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Michelle Shannon |
Representative of the Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform representative |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Mary Moloney |
Representative of the Department of Social & Family Affairs |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Tom Mackey |
Limerick City Manager |
Required under the Agency’s Establishment Order |
|
|
Alec Fleming |
Clare County Manager |
Required under the Agency’s Establishment Order |
|
|
Ned Gleeson |
Limerick County Manager |
Required under the Agency’s Establishment Order |
|
|
Willie Keane |
An Garda Síochána representative |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Pat Fitzgerald |
Health Service Executive representative |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Anne Cremin |
Community representative |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Paddy Flannery |
Community representative |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Michael Tiernan |
Business community representative |
Ministerial appointment |
|
Name of State Body |
Name of Appointee |
Relevant Qualifications |
Appointment Process |
|
Limerick Southside Regeneration Agency |
John Fitzgerald |
Chairperson |
Ministerial appointment |
|
Brendan Kenny |
Interim CEO |
Required under the Agency’s Establishment Order |
|
|
Eddie Lewis |
Representative of the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Kathleen Stack |
Representative of the Department of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Pat McSitric |
Representative of the Department of Education & Science |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Michelle Shannon |
Representative of the Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Mary Moloney |
Representative of the Department of Social & Family Affairs |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Tom Mackey |
Limerick City Manager |
Required under the Agency’s Establishment Order |
|
|
Alec Fleming |
Clare County Manager |
Required under the Agency’s Establishment Order |
|
|
Ned Gleeson |
Limerick County Manager |
Required under the Agency’s Establishment Order |
|
|
Willie Keane |
An Garda Síochána representative |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Pat Fitzgerald |
Health Service Executive representative |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Fr. Pat Hogan |
Community representative |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Ann Kavanagh |
Community representative |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Liam McElligott |
Business community representative |
Ministerial appointment |
|
Name of State Body |
Name of Appointee |
Relevant Qualifications |
Appointment Process |
|
Local Government Computer Services Board (LGCSB) |
S Carey |
Assistant City Manager Dublin City Council |
LGCSB Council appointment |
|
A McGuinness |
County Manager Westmeath County Council |
LGCSB Council appointment |
|
|
D Connolly |
County Manager Waterford County Council |
LGCSB Council appointment |
|
|
Eddie Sheehy |
County Manager Wicklow County Council |
LGCSB Council appointment |
|
|
T Dowling |
County Manager Meath County Council |
LGCSB Council appointment |
|
|
J Tiernan |
County Manager Roscommon County Council |
LGCSB Council appointment |
|
|
D Nelson |
County Manager Monaghan County Council |
LGCSB Council appointment |
|
|
Alex Fleming |
County Manager Clare County Council |
LGCSB Council appointment |
|
|
Fred Bradley |
Representative of the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
John Fitzgerald |
Representative of the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Patricia Tyrrell |
Representative of the Department of Finance |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
H Kearns |
County Manager Sligo County Council |
LGCSB Council appointment |
|
|
J Crockett |
County Manager Carlow County Council |
LGCSB Council appointment |
|
|
M Riordan |
County Manager Kerry County Council |
LGCSB Council appointment |
|
|
N Sweeney |
County Manager Offaly County Council |
LGCSB Council appointment |
|
|
J McGrath |
City Manager Galway City Council |
LGCSB Council appointment |
|
|
R O’Dwyer |
County Manager Waterford County Manager |
LGCSB Council appointment |
|
|
Catherine Curley |
Representative of the Department of Finance |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Owen Keegan |
County Manager DLR County Council |
LGCSB Council appointment |
|
|
Peter Carey |
County Manager Laois County Council |
LGCSB Council appointment |
|
|
John Kelleher |
Representative of the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Frank Gallagher |
Representative of the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
P Maguire |
Assistant City Manager Dublin City Council |
LGCSB Council appointment |
|
|
Tim Caffrey |
County Manager Longford County Council |
LGCSB Council appointment |
|
|
Laurence Kelly |
Representative of the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Paul McDonald |
Representative of the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government |
Ministerial appointment |
|
Name of State Body |
Name of Appointee |
Relevant Qualifications |
Appointment Process |
|
Local Government Management Services Board (LGMSB) |
Kevin Cullen |
Representative of the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government |
Ministerial appointment |
|
Aidan Kinch |
Representative of the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Jim Lillis |
Representative of the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Joe Allen |
Representative of the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Peter Greene |
Representative of the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Martha Doyle |
Representative of the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
N Gleeson |
Local Authority Manager/Assistant Manager |
LGMSB Council appointment |
|
|
E Breen |
Local Authority Manager/Assistant Manager |
LGMSB Council appointment |
|
|
T Ó Niadh |
Local Authority Manager/Assistant Manager |
LGMSB Council appointment |
|
|
J Tierney |
Local Authority Manager/Assistant Manager |
LGMSB Council appointment |
|
Name of State Body |
Name of Appointee |
Relevant Qualifications |
Appointment Process |
|
D McLoughlin |
Local Authority Manager/Assistant Manager |
LGMSB Council appointment |
|
|
N O’Connor |
Local Authority Manager/Assistant Manager |
LGMSB Council appointment |
|
|
F Kelly |
Local Authority Manager/Assistant Manager |
LGMSB Council appointment |
|
|
D Mahon |
Local Authority Manager/Assistant Manager |
LGMSB Council appointment |
|
|
T Mackey |
Local Authority Manager/Assistant Manager |
LGMSB Council appointment |
|
|
C Murray |
Local Authority Manager/Assistant Manager |
LGMSB Council appointment |
|
|
M Moloney |
Local Authority Manager/Assistant Manager |
LGMSB Council appointment |
|
|
J Keyes |
Local Authority Manager/Assistant Manager |
LGMSB Council appointment |
|
|
M Malone |
Local Authority Manager/Assistant Manager |
LGMSB Council appointment |
|
|
A Fleming |
Local Authority Manager/Assistant Manager |
LGMSB Council appointment |
|
|
M McLoone |
Local Authority Manager/Assistant Manager |
LGMSB Council appointment |
|
|
E Sheehy |
Local Authority Manager/Assistant Manager |
LGMSB Council appointment |
|
|
P J Gavin |
Local Authority Manager/Assistant Manager |
LGMSB Council appointment |
|
|
D Nelson |
Local Authority Manager/Assistant Manager |
LGMSB Council appointment |
|
|
J Maguire |
Local Authority Manager/Assistant Manager |
LGMSB Council appointment |
|
|
D O’Connor |
Local Authority Manager/Assistant Manager |
LGMSB Council appointment |
|
|
National Building Agency (NBA) |
Rich Howlin |
Company Director |
Ministerial appointment |
|
Gordon P Richards |
Managing Director NBA |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
John McCloskey |
Company Director |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Mary Nevin |
Property Sales Negotiator |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Gus Byrne |
Retired Ambulance Driver |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
John McCarthy |
Representative of theDepartment of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Eddie Breen |
County Manager,Wexford County Council |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Bernie Lowe |
Engineer |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
P J Kavanagh |
Farmer |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Michael D Hayes |
Civil Engineer |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Gráinne Shaffrey |
Architect |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Deirdre Forde |
Councillor |
Ministerial appointment |
|
Name of State Body |
Name of Appointee |
Relevant Qualifications |
Appointment Process |
|
Private Residential Tenancies Board |
Tom Dunne |
Academic DIT |
Ministerial appointment |
|
Anne Colley |
Solicitor |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Orla Coyne |
Solicitor |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Liam Gleeson |
Representative of the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Aideen Hayden |
Solicitor — Threshold |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Mary Heaslip |
Auctioneer/Valuer |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Ciaran Mc Namara |
A/City Manager |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Fintan Mc Namara |
CEO/IPAV |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Dr. Eoin O Sullivan |
Academic TCD |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Dervla Quinn |
Solicitor |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Dr Bairbre Redmond |
Academic UCD |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Thomas J Reilly |
IPOA(Irish Property Owners Assoc.) |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Tony Taaffe |
Solicitor |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Cian O Lionain |
Representative of the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Conn Murray |
City Manager |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
James Bridgeman |
CI Arbitrators |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Sheila Mc Mahon |
Representative of the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Marjorie Murphy |
Solicitor |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Liam O Donnell |
IPAV |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Pat Riney |
IAVI |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Vincent P Martin |
Barrister/Councillor |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Dessie Larkin |
Councillor |
Ministerial appointment |
|
Name of State Body |
Name of Appointee |
Relevant Qualifications |
Appointment Process |
|
Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland |
Dr. Francis J. Mulligan |
Vice President, National University of Ireland, St. Patricks College, Maynooth. |
Ministerial appointment |
|
Prof. Eugene Kennedy |
Vice-President for Research, Dublin City University, Dublin 9. |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Darina Muckian |
Scientist, Member of Stop Thorp Alliance, Dundalk (STAD) |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Prof. Kieran R. Byrne |
Director, Waterford Institute of Technology, Cork Road, Waterford. |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Frank Turvey |
Former Deputy Chief Executive of the RPII. |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Darina Muckian |
Scientist, Member of Stop Thorp Alliance, Dundalk (STAD) |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Adi Roche |
Executive Director of the Chernobyl Childrens’ Project. |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
James Fitzmaurice |
Managing Editor of Wicklow Times, Kildare Times & Carlow Times. |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Nuala Ahern |
Environmental Policy Analyst and Writer on ecology and psychology |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Dr. Seán Darby |
Representative of the Royle College of Surgeons of Ireland |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Dr. Patrick Gilligan |
Representative of the Association of Physical Sciences in Medicine |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Dr. Patrick Connellan |
Representative of the Irish Dental Council |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Fionnuala Barker |
Representative of the Irish Nuclear Medicine Association |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Dr. Niall McEniff |
Representative of the Royle College of Surgeons of Ireland |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Dr. Kevin Kelleher |
Representative of the Health Service Executive |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Dr. Michael Hurley |
Representative of the Irish Medical Council |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Rent Tribunal |
Moya Quinlan |
Solicitor |
Ministerial appointment |
|
Mary Doyle |
Valuer |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Louise Moloney |
Solicitor |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Kieran Buckley |
Solicitor |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Morette Kinsella |
Solicitor |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Bill Stanbridge |
Valuer |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Fred Devlin |
Valuer |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
John Leddin |
Valuer |
Ministerial appointment |
|
|
Joe McPeake |
Valuer |
Ministerial appointment |
Housing Aid for the Elderly.
Dan Neville
Question:232 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will provide extra funding to the local authorities in respect of housing aid for the elderly grant scheme, the housing adaptation grant and the mobility aid housing grant scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26376/08]
The administration of the Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability is a matter for individual local authorities.
My Department made a combined capital allocation to all local authorities on 21 May for the operation of the schemes in private houses in 2008. The schemes are funded by 80% recoupment available from my Department, together with 20% contribution from the resources of the local authority. It is a matter for each local authority to decide on the level of funding to be provided for the schemes from within the combined allocation notified to them and to manage the operation of the schemes from within this allocation.
Requests by any local authorities for additional funding for the operation of the schemes are dealt with by my Department in the context of the reallocation of surplus resources from other authorities and, as such, allocations provided to local authorities are generally revised during the course of the year where expenditure is higher or lower than anticipated. Applications from authorities for additional funding will be considered by my Department in the light of any savings emerging later in the year in other local authority areas.
Local Authority Staff.
Joan Burton
Question:233 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will direct all local authorities to provide for current and future pension liabilities in their annual accounts from 2009 onwards in accordance with the provisions of IAS19/FRS 17. [26404/08]
Local Authorities accounting requirements are set out in a Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting in Ireland issued under the Local Government Act 2001. The provisions of FRS 17 do not specifically form part of this code of practice.
My Department is, however, considering the implications of FRS 17, and the case for specifically incorporating it into the code of practice, and will be consulting further with the Department of Finance on the matter.
Alternative Energy Projects.
Michael Creed
Question:234 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 399, of 24 June 2008, if he will reconsider his response as the intent of the question is not to seek grant aid for solar panels but rather permission to install solar panels in listed buildings where grant aid has been approved for other works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26439/08]
Part 1 of Schedule 2 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) sets out over 50 classes of development which are exempted from planning permission, including certain micro-renewable technologies such as solar panels. Article 9 of the Regulations provides that where the carrying out of development that is otherwise exempt could have one or other of a number of listed effects, such as impacts on sites or objects of archaeological, geological or historical interest, it is not exempted development. The provision of grant assistance for the installation of solar panels has no impact on the planning status of such a development.
Decentralisation Programme.
Richard Bruton
Question:235 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of persons who have been moved by his Department and its agencies to date; the percentage this represents of the original target; and if he will provide in tabular form for each of the locations, the staff who have been moved, the staff who have been assigned but not moved and the number of the staff originally designated for a move, who have opted to stay in Dublin, who have been assigned new duties. [26470/08]
Under the decentralisation programme, all Dublin based operations of my Department are being decentralised, with the exception of Met Éireann, ENFO, the Private Residential Tenancies Board and a co-ordination unit which it is proposed to retain in Dublin to assist with the Department's Dáil and other business. A total of 682 Dublin based posts will be transferred to four locations in the South East: Wexford (270 posts); Waterford (225 posts); New Ross (125 posts) and Kilkenny (62 posts).
In addition, 101 posts in the Local Government Computer Services Board (LGCSB) and 63 posts in the NBA (National Building Agency) are being decentralised to Drogheda and Wexford respectively. Progress to date can be summarised as follows:
|
Location |
Posts |
Already Decentralised |
% of total |
|
Wexford |
270 |
46 |
17 |
|
Waterford |
225 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
New Ross |
125 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Kilkenny |
62 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
LGCSB |
101 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
NBA |
63 |
Nil |
Nil |
At 20 June, 2008, 346 staff were available to the Department, of which 213 are now in situ in the Department, for the 682 posts being decentralised.
The Department's new Headquarters in Wexford is under construction and is expected to be completed by end December, 2008. The accommodation will be ready for occupation from February, 2009 and the Department will then transfer the staff complement into these offices on a phased basis from Q1, 2009; 212 staff are available for the 270 posts being decentralised (79% of the numbers required) and 144 staff are now in situ in the Department. An advance office was established in Wexford in June, 2007 and 46 staff are assigned to it. My Department is facilitating the transfer of staff to other decentralising Departments and also releasing staff who have opted to remain in Dublin to Departments under the Dublin Arrangements.
Efficiency Reviews.
Richard Bruton
Question:236 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the proposals which have been put forward under the efficiency review 2008 initiated on budget day 2008 by his Department and agencies operating under his Department; and the aggregate savings to be made by implementation of these savings in 2008 and in the full year for 2009. [26489/08]
Arising from the Budget Day announcement by the Minister for Finance, an efficiency review of all administrative spending has been conducted by my Department including agencies under the aegis of the Department. The results of the review have been communicated to the Department of Finance. The issues arising in this context are included in the consideration of expenditure estimates in respect of 2008 and 2009.
Departmental Staff.
Deirdre Clune
Question:237 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to carry out health screening for staff of his Department and contract staff who worked on Haulbowline Island and their families to confirm that their health has not been damaged by they themselves or close family members working in close proximity to dangerous waste materials; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26510/08]
Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, it is the duty of each employer to ensure that health surveillance is made available for every employee appropriate to the health and safety risks that may be incurred at the workplace. Significant hazards must be reported, in this context, to the Health and Safety Manager.
In relation to the former Irish Ispat site at Haulbowline, a comprehensive site investigation was conducted on the site in 2005 by consultants, White Young Green, who concluded that, while there is significant contamination of the site, it posed no immediate threats to human health or the environment in the area. Staff of the Department, or others acting on its behalf, wear the appropriate personal protection equipment (PPE) when out on site.
As part of my Department's continued support of health promotion in the workplace, a health-screening programme is made available to all staff and their spouses or partners on a biennial basis. A programme of this nature is currently underway for all staff in the Department.
Joan Burton
Question:238 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of staff in his Department who have received or are receiving support to participate in postgraduate educational courses in the years 2004 to 2008 inclusive. [26986/08]
The numbers of staff in my Department, who have received or are receiving support to participate in postgraduate educational courses in the years 2004 to 2008 inclusive are set out in the table. Postgraduate educational courses include Higher Diplomas, Masters and Doctorates.
|
Year |
Number |
|
Academic year 2004/2005 |
24 |
|
Academic year 2005/2006 |
30 |
|
Academic year 2006/2007 |
33 |
|
Academic year 2007/2008 |
29 |
Departmental Bodies.
Michael Ring
Question:239 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the proposals in relation to the possible amalgamation of fisheries boards (details supplied); if the amalgamation proceeds, the location where the headquarters of the new board will be; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26372/08]
As I have previously advised the House, in response to a call from the Fisheries Boards' Chairpersons late last year for a somewhat different approach to restructuring of the boards, I requested that they develop an agreed proposal for my consideration. This was presented to me in early May. Having considered the most appropriate way of progressing in terms of streamlining the sector, it is now my intention to seek Government approval, in the very near future, for proposals to restructure the sector. As the Deputy will appreciate, I cannot pre-empt the outcome of the Government's consideration of this matter.
Alternative Energy Projects.
David Stanton
Question:240 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has examined the possibility of supporting the introduction of top-up electrical charging points in towns and cities across the State; his views on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26386/08]
Electrical vehicles, including hybrid-electric, plug in hybrid, or battery electric, offer an increasingly realistic solution in terms of reducing both Greenhouse Gas Emissions from transport, and dependence on imported fossil fuels. There has been very significant global investment in research and development in this field over decades and the technology is now maturing to a point where large scale commercial deployment is looking feasible in the medium term.
Sustainable Energy Ireland has recently published reports on Hybrid Electrical Vehicles and Battery Electric Vehicles. These reports focus on potential measures that might be used to stimulate uptake in Ireland and make a series of recommendations with regard to how this might be best accomplished. These provide a useful template for the way forward and will be considered as part of the work of my Department's Renewable Energy Development Group and in the Sustainable Transport and Travel Action Plan currently being finalised by my colleague, the Minister for Transport. I recently launched an event marking the decision by Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council to install a pilot project for plug in parking/charging facilities.
Prospecting Licences.
Michael Ring
Question:241 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when he will make a decision on a project (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26378/08]
An application for a prospecting licence has been made to the Minister by the company in question. The application is being considered by the Minister and he will make a decision on it in due course.
Decentralisation Programme.
Richard Bruton
Question:242 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of persons who have been moved by his Department and its agencies to date; the percentage this represents of the original target; and if he will provide in tabular form for each of the locations, the staff who have been moved, the staff who have been assigned but not moved and the number of the staff originally designated for a move, who have opted to stay in Dublin, who have been assigned new duties. [26465/08]
The Government's Decentralisation Programme involves the relocation of my Department's headquarters to Cavan and the relocation of three bodies under its aegis, namely Sustainable Energy Ireland to Dundalk, Ordnance Survey Ireland to Dungarvan and the Central Fisheries Board to Carrick-on-Shannon.
A breakdown of the information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table:
|
Organisation |
Location |
Number of Posts |
Staff moved to date |
% Staff moved to date |
Staff assigned, but not moved |
Number of Staff (who opted to stay in Dublin) who have been assigned new duties |
|
Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources |
Cavan |
300 |
50 |
17% |
71 |
61 |
|
Central Fisheries Board |
Carrick-on-Shannon |
62 |
0 |
0% |
35 |
0 |
|
Ordnance Survey Ireland |
Dungarvan |
199 |
0 |
0% |
72 |
0 |
|
Sustainable Energy Ireland |
Dundalk |
38 |
2 |
5% |
22 |
0 |
Efficiency Reviews.
Richard Bruton
Question:243 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the proposals which have been put forward under the efficiency review 2008, initiated on budget day 2008, by his Department and agencies operating under his Department; and the aggregate savings to be made by implementation of these savings in 2008 and in the full year for 2009. [26484/08]
In Budget 2008, the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance announced the requirement for all Government Departments to examine all administrative spending under their aegis with a view to producing efficiency savings. The review in my Department covered all spending areas including the non-commercial State Bodies under the aegis of my Department, with no area being regarded as exempt from critical scrutiny with a view to realising efficiencies. The review was submitted to the Department of Finance in March and is currently under consideration in that Department.
Departmental Staff.
Joan Burton
Question:244 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of staff in his Department who have received or are receiving support to participate in postgraduate educational courses in the years 2004 to 2008, inclusive. [26981/08]
The information sought by the Deputy is set out in the following table:
|
Course Type |
Staff Numbers |
|
Academic Year 2004/2005 |
|
|
Masters |
15 |
|
PhD |
1 |
|
Doctorate |
1 |
|
Academic Year 2005/2006 |
|
|
Masters |
5 |
|
PhD |
1 |
|
Doctorate |
1 |
|
Academic Year 2006/2007 |
|
|
Masters |
3 |
|
PhD |
1 |
|
Doctorate |
1 |
|
Academic Year 2007/2008 |
|
|
Masters |
3 |
|
PhD |
0 |
|
Doctorate |
2 |
Where courses ran for more than one academic year, staff members would have benefited from the refund of fees facility in each of their year of study.