Denis Naughten
Question:12 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the steps she is taking to support disadvantaged children in the classroom; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18069/10]
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 11, inclusive, answered orally.
Disadvantaged Status
The majority of schools include among their pupils, children with disadvantaged backgrounds. In general most schools address the individual needs of these children without recourse to additional targeted resources. Evidence has shown that disadvantage associated with poverty and social exclusion assumes a multiplier effect where the levels are highly concentrated in schools.
DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), the action plan for educational inclusion, provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and an integrated School Support Programme. As a result of the identification and review processes, 881 schools have been included in the School Support Programme under DEIS. These comprise 679 primary schools (urban and rural) and 202 second-level schools.
DEIS provides various supports for both primary and post primary schools. These include:
reduced pupil teacher ratio in primary schools in urban areas with most disadvantage;
allocation of administrative principal on lower figures than generally apply in primary schools in urban areas;
additional capitation funding based on level of disadvantage;
additional funding for schools books;
access to the School Meals Programme
access to numeracy/literacy supports and measures at primary level;
access to Home School Community Liaison services;
access to the School Completion Programme;
enhanced guidance counselling provision at post primary level;
access to planning supports;
provision for school library and librarian support in post primary schools with most disadvantage;
access to the Junior Certificate School Programme and Leaving Certificate Applied;
access to a range of professional development supports.
The renewed programme for Government reinforces my commitment to support children in DEIS schools. In particular the renewed commitment to the Junior Certificate Schools programme and the Leaving Certificate Applied will ensure that children attending the most disadvantaged Post Primary schools will continue to benefit from enhanced curricular relevance and choice as well as access to specific literacy and numeracy measures.
The main focus of my Department is to retain resources in schools participating in DEIS, as there is a need to focus targeted resources on the schools serving the most disadvantaged communities. This approach is in line with the broad thrust of the recommendations of the Comptroller and Auditor General which are set out in his report on Primary Disadvantage of 2006, which recommended that my Department should focus its educational disadvantage measures on those schools serving the most disadvantaged communities.
My Department is currently preparing for the next identification process to select schools for inclusion in DEIS. A Steering Group has been established and commenced work in January 2009 to identify the variables which best predict achievement in schools. A comprehensive consultation process to include relevant education stakeholders will be put in place before the end of 2010 to ensure that the identification process meets the needs and concerns of all stakeholders.
Schools Patronage
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:13 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will instruct her officials to recognise Educate Together as a patron at second level; if her officials will award the patronage of a new secondary school in Lucan, County Dublin, to Educate Together in view of the fact that there are five Educate Together primary schools in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18308/10]
The Deputy will be aware that Section 10 of the Education Act 1998 deals with the recognition of new schools and sets out the factors that I, as Minister, must take into account when considering such applications. My predecessor previously outlined to the House that given the changing nature of Irish society and the projected need for a number of post primary schools to open in the medium term, the Department is considering a number of broad policy issues regarding the establishment of new post-primary schools. As part of this, consideration is being given to the setting up of a new framework in relation to the establishment of new second-level schools and their patronage. New schools where only very initial planning has taken place will be considered in the context of this framework when it is established.
The second-level school at Lucan is the only such school where a VEC has already been informed about patronage. It is not the case that patronage of this school has been withdrawn from County Dublin VEC rather the position is that the issue will receive further consideration in the light of the new framework.
The consideration of this new framework is not delaying the site acquisition, planning, design and building of second-level schools in any way.
In addition to the County Dublin VEC, an application has been made by Educate Together in relation to the proposed new school in Lucan. Furthermore, a general application in relation to schools in developing areas has also been received from the Loreto Education Trust.
In view of the range of issues involved, it has not been possible to bring this matter to a conclusion as quickly as everyone concerned would have liked. However, it is my intention to finalise this matter and convey a decision to Educate Together and other relevant parties at the earliest date possible.
Special Educational Needs
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:14 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the provision she expects to make in the current year to meet the requirements as set out by the various school authorities in respect of extra special needs assistants, resource or special needs teachers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18319/10]
There has been unprecedented investment in providing supports for pupils with special needs in recent years and Special Education continues to be a key Government priority. Over €1 billion is being spent in supporting special educational provision this year.
The Deputy is aware that schools apply to the National Council for Special Education for supports for pupils with special educational needs such as resource teaching and special needs assistants. There are now about 20,000 adults in our schools working solely with pupils with special needs. This includes over 10,000 Special Needs Assistants (SNAs); 8,600 resource and learning support teachers; over 1,100 special school teachers and hundreds of other teachers in special classes. There has been no change to the policies which underpin the allocation of either SNA or resource teaching support to schools.
My Department continues to fund special school transport arrangements for pupils with special educational needs. Funding is also provided to schools to purchase assistive technology and/or specialist equipment. In addition, funding can be provided for school buildings to be adapted where necessary.
In 2005, all primary schools were allocated additional permanent teaching resources to assist schools in making provision for children with higher incidence special educational needs. Most pupils with high incidence special educational needs are included in ordinary classes with their peers and are supported by their class teacher. The curriculum is flexible so that teachers can cater for the needs of children of different abilities.
At post primary level, or where a primary pupil has a low incidence special educational need, schools may apply to the National Council for Special Education for an individual allocation of teaching support.
My Department has also responded to the need to provide teachers with continuing professional development in special education. This has been a key priority in recent years. The establishment of the Special Education Support Service (SESS) to provide expert support, professional development and training opportunities in special education for school staff has been very significant. Last year alone 23,602 training places were provided through the SESS.
I wish to emphasise that special education remains a key priority for my Department. I can assure the House that resources will continue to be allocated to schools to meet pupils' needs in line with my Department's policy.
Schools Patronage
Pat Rabbitte
Question:15 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills when she expects the ten schools that are shortlisted for a transfer of patronage to occur; if she will hold the plebiscite of the local communities involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18304/10]
The issue of the Catholic Church divesting itself of certain schools was originally explicitly raised by Archbishop Diarmuid Martin. In discussions on this matter, senior representatives of the Catholic Church and my Department agreed that it was essential to engage in planning for change. In order to advance the matter, my Department agreed that it would examine a number of initial locations to see what scope or options might exist for change of patronage in these cases. The particular focus was on identifying a sample number of areas of relatively stable demographics where the establishment of new schools was unlikely to emerge in the foreseeable future and where the provision is exclusively Catholic or where there is very limited diversity of provision at present. The aim is that these areas can then be used to trial the modalities by which the number of Catholic places and schools will be reduced and released for others.
The production of a potential list of locations by the Department will, of course, only be a first step. The decision on the identity of the particular Catholic school or schools that should close because of a surplus situation must ultimately rest with the patron and the Catholic community in the parish or parishes concerned. This means consultation within the parish or diocese, with the parent body of the schools and with the staff of the schools. Following any such identification by the Catholic community, there would then need to be consultation with the local community generally, including prospective patrons, on the future patronage of the identified schools. Officials in my Department are currently carrying out an assessment of 10 locations where changes to patronage may be warranted, given changed demographic profiles in recent decades. This assessment involved the initial identification of 10 locations and detailed work on these. However, it may be necessary to re-identify some further areas if some of the initial 10 locations appear not to be suitable. My Department has not yet completed this assessment. When the assessment is completed it is planned to establish a list of 10 locations where such change may be warranted. The aim is to complete the assessment within the next month with a view to publication of the list.
School Curriculum
Martin Ferris
Question:16 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the steps she will take in order to make science subjects more appealing to secondary school students in view of revelations that growing numbers of students are not taking any science subjects. [18316/10]
My Department is fully committed to strengthening the quality of science teaching and learning, promoting increased scientific literacy and encouraging more students, both girls and boys, to choose science subjects.
Science was introduced as a key component on the revised Primary School Curriculum and has been implemented in all schools since September 2003. An evaluation of implementation of the revised science curriculum by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment has indicated that students have very positive attitudes towards science, engaging in hands-on-science and working collaboratively with their friends in small groups.
A revised syllabus in Junior Certificate Science was introduced in 2003, supporting by an investment of €16m in resources and facilities, and it was examined for the first time in June 2006. The syllabus, with its hands-on investigative approach and its strong emphasis on scientific process skills, requires the completion of some 30 mandatory experiments. It is designed to enhance the attractiveness and relevance of the subject and encourage more students to continue the subject in senior cycle. The proportion of students who sat Science in the Junior Certificate 2009 is 87.2% compared with 87.5% the previous year and 87.3% in 2007.
In senior cycle, the proportion of students sitting Biology in the Leaving Certificate has increased substantially from 39.8% in 2002 to 51.8% in 2009. In Physics, participation was 15.6% in 2002 and 12.8% in 2009. In Chemistry, participation was 11.7% in 2002 and 13.6% in 2009. An important element of the Strategy for Science Technology and Innovation is to increase the proportions of students studying the physical sciences in senior cycle. Revised draft syllabuses in Physics, Chemistry and Biology have been developed by the NCCA which provided a strong focus on practical investigative approaches and practical assessment, as a follow on from the changes introduced at junior cycle in 2003. However, the Council is currently trialling assessment approaches in schools, prior to submitting its advice to my Department.
Some €2.1m per annum is allocated to the Discover Science and Engineering programme, funded by FORFAS, to promote the take up of science, technology, engineering and mathematics in schools and colleges, as well as an awareness of the importance of these disciplines in wider society. The programme includes activities under Science Week, Science clubs in schools, Science Excellence Awards, conferences and lectures, science quizzes and media initiatives. Discover Science also promotes measures to promote awareness of career options in science and engineering, and to disseminate information on role models in these areas. CareersPortal.ie, which is used widely as a guidance tool in schools, also provides information on science careers.
The BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition, now in its 47th year, attracted 1,616 applicant projects in 2010. These were screened to select 520 projects for the exhibition, and some 34,000 people visited the event, making it one of the largest of its kind in Europe. In addition, SciFest, a series of one day science fairs hosted by the Institutes of Technology, provides competitions, prize giving, science talks, laboratory demonstrations and opportunities for students to exhibit their work. The rapid increase in participation in SciFest, which is now being offered in each Institute of Technology is a clear indication of the interest and enthusiasm among students and teachers in the investigative approach to teaching and learning science.
I am aware of the recent ASTI report based on responses from 334 teachers of Junior Certificate science which indicates that 14% of schools have dropped a Leaving Certificate science subject from the curriculum this year, and indicates a teacher view that a further 20% are likely to drop a science subject next year. My Department's records indicate that 53 post-primary schools discontinued a science subject in the 2009/2010 school year while 10 schools introduced a new science subject to their curriculum in the same year. It is open to a school to apply for a curricular concession where it is unable to meet its curricular commitments within its approved allocation. Schools can also make an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeal Board. Some of the additional posts provided for in the renewed Programme for Government are also being used for increasing subject choice in post primary schools.
Departmental Funding
Seymour Crawford
Question:17 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if her attention has been drawn to the situation regarding the funding of Protestant schools, particularly in the Border area in view of the fact that much of this support has been removed; if she will assure this Deputy that consideration will be given to this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18071/10]
I am familiar with the issues raised by some members of the Protestant community concerning issues relating to Protestant fee-charging schools.
I wish to assure the Deputy that I am committed to supporting Protestant education, while at the same time ensuring that funding arrangements for schools under Protestant management are in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
Officials from my Department have been holding discussions with representatives of the Protestant community. I am committed to continuing this engagement, as I believe that these issues are best resolved collaboratively.
School Curriculum
Denis Naughten
Question:18 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills her views on the report of the expert group on future skills needs regarding the level of achievement in mathematics amongst students here; if she will implement the recommendations of the report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18070/10]
The OECD PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) 2006 survey of 15 years olds across 57 countries showed that Ireland's mean score in mathematics was not significantly different from the OECD average. We ranked 16th of 30 OECD countries and 22nd of 57 countries. There were fewer lower achievers and higher achievers than the OECD average, with the majority of pupils scoring in the mid range of achievement. When performance levels for mathematics in 2006 are compared with those in 2000 and 2003, there are no changes for Irish students.
The Report of the Expert Group calls for the introduction of bonus points for Higher Level Mathematics in the Leaving Certificate. I recently indicated my own view of the desirability of sending a clear signal to our second level students about the introduction of CAO bonus points for achievement in Leaving Certificate mathematics at higher level. Legally, the criteria for admission to higher education institutions are matters for decision by the institutions themselves. The Academic Councils of these institutions determine the admission arrangements for students. I have written to the President of the Irish Universities Association, the Chairman of Institutes of Technology Ireland and the President of the Dublin Institute of Technology asking them to give early and favourable consideration to the matter, in the context of a suitably devised bonus points system which will successfully encourage more students to study higher level maths.
My Department is addressing the issues highlighted in the Report through the Project Maths initiative, which is designed to encourage better understanding of Maths, to reinforce the practical relevance of maths to everyday life, and to ensure better continuity between primary and second level, and junior and senior cycle. Project Maths began in 24 second level schools in 2008, and will begin in all schools in 2010. The initiative is being supported by intensive investment in professional development for teachers. Some €5m is being invested in professional development for teachers this year, and a rolling programme of investment will continue in this area to at least 2013.
A Project Maths Implementation Support Group has been established as an industry/education partnership to examine and report to me on how best stakeholders from business, second level and higher education can work together to achieve the objectives of Project Maths. The Group is chaired by Mr Frank Turpin, former Education Manager in INTEL Ireland, and nominee of the Irish Business and Employer's Confederation on the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, and the group includes representation from the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs. The group is due to report to me at the end of May on:
awareness measures which promote positive attitudes to mathematics and encourage more students to consider careers in this area
how the partnership can add value to the teaching and learning approaches and support the curriculum in Project Maths
how best increased take-up of mathematics at higher level can be encouraged.
The Group's work includes examination of a range of reports relating to Mathematics including that of the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs. It is fully accepted that Ireland must move beyond "average" performance in Mathematics if Ireland is to keep pace with the demands of the Smart Economy.
Deirdre Clune
Question:19 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills her views on the results of a survey undertaken by the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland on science in second level schools which indicates that some schools have dropped science subjects from their school timetable or amalgamated higher and ordinary level science classes; the steps she will take to address this problem; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18189/10]
I am aware of the recent ASTI report referred to by the Deputy which is based on responses from 334 teachers of Junior Certificate science. It should be noted that school changes in subject offer is a regular occurrence. The data for schools discontinuing a science subject in the 2007/08 school year — before the increase in the pupil teacher ratio — is largely the same as the numbers discontinuing science in 2009/10.
Teacher allocations to all second level schools are approved annually by my Department in accordance with established rules based on recognised pupil enrolment. In accordance with these rules each school management authority is required to organise its subject options within the limit of its approved teacher allocation. The deployment of teaching staff in the school, the range of subjects offered and ultimately the quality of teaching and learning are in the first instance a matter for the school management authorities.
In accordance with existing arrangements, where a school management authority is unable to meet its curricular commitments within its approved allocation, my Department considers applications for additional short term support through curricular concessions. This concession is available as a short term support for teaching in specific curricular areas affected by circumstances which have not yet been possible to resolve through the normal planning and management processes.
The allocation processes also include appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. The Board of Management of a school can submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeal Board which was established specifically to adjudicate on appeals on staffing allocations in post-primary schools. This Board operates independently of my Department.
Some of the additional posts provided for in the renewed Programme for Government are also being used for increasing subject choice in post-primary schools. This is being achieved in two ways. Firstly, additional posts are being targeted at co-educational schools in single post-primary catchment areas to support wider subject choice. This approach recognises that such schools are under more pressure to provide a wider subject choice, including options in the physical sciences, than a single sex school.
Secondly, additional posts for the coming school year are being allocation to post-primary schools that decide to work together with other local post-primary schools to increase subject choice in a town or area. This is aimed at encouraging cooperation between schools and ensuring the best use of whatever resources are available given current constraints. Furthermore it can facilitate the introduction of a subject such as Physics or Chemistry in two or more schools through the recruitment of one teacher shared between them.
The issues around subject choice, including science, can also be considered further as part of the consultations with the education partners on the allocation of the remaining additional posts under the renewed Programme for Government.
My Department is committed to enhancing the teaching and learning of science in senior cycle, and increasing the proportion of students choosing the Physical Sciences. A comprehensive range of measures to achieve this objective are funded through the Discover Science and Engineering programme at both primary and second level. Revised curricula in science were implemented in 2003 in primary schools and in junior cycle for first examination in 2006. The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment has developed revised syllabuses for Leaving Certificate science, but is trialling assessment approaches in schools prior to submitting its advice to my Department.
Ministerial Meetings
Mary Upton
Question:20 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills her views on the audit of assets of the 18 religious teaching orders in view of the Ryan report; if the religious orders have agreed to the increased terms laid out by her; the way she expects the religious orders to raise a further €200 million in cash for the National Children’s Hospital in view of the audit of their assets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18280/10]
Eamon Gilmore
Question:28 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the outcome of her meeting on 15 April 2010 with religious congregations and with survivors of child abuse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16539/10]
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:145 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will report on his meeting with representatives of Catholic religious orders on 15 April 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16306/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 20, 145 and 28 together.
The Taoiseach and relevant Ministers, including myself, held separate meetings with representatives of the religious congregations and groups representing survivors of residential institutional child abuse on 15th April. The context of the meetings was the responses from the eighteen Congregations, that were party to the 2002 Indemnity Agreement, to the call for further substantial contributions following the publication of the Ryan Report and the Report of the Independent Panel appointed by the Government to report on the adequacy of the Congregations' statements of resources as a basis for assessing their resources. A Government Statement was issued following the meetings and the Report of the Panel together with the Congregations' individual responses were published on my Department's website.
At the meetings, the Taoiseach advised that the Government had considered the Panel's Report together with the individual responses from the Congregations to the call for further substantial contributions, along with a range of issues raised in the aftermath of the publication of the Ryan Report. The Government's view is that the overall costs in responding to residential institutional abuse, which are now projected to reach €1.36 billion, should be shared on a 50:50 basis between the taxpayer and the Congregations responsible for the running of residential institutions.
The Congregations are now offering significant additional contributions, which they have valued at €348.51m. While more detailed work and discussion is necessary with the Congregations in relation to the detail of their property offers, assuming these contributions are fully realised, the Congregations' collective contributions to date, when account is taken of the original €128m contribution under the 2002 Indemnity Agreement, amount to €476.51m. This leaves a target of over €200m to reach the 50% share of the overall projected costs, of some €680m.
The Government has requested that additional contributions be provided to the greatest degree possible in cash as a contribution to the planned National Children's Hospital.
The Government also announced its proposal to utilise the cash element of the Congregations' current offers of contributions, which will amount to some €110m over the next few years, to establish a Statutory Fund, in keeping with the all party Motion passed by Dáil Éireann, which supported the proposal for a Trust to be set up and managed by the State for the support of victims and to other education and welfare purposes.
Following on the original apology by the former Taoiseach in May 1999, a comprehensive range of measures were put in place in response to residential institutional child abuse. The Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse and the independent Residential Institutions Redress Scheme were established together with a National Counselling Services, family tracing service, education services and funding for support groups. The Government is satisfied that the arrangements put in place have benefited survivors and it does not propose to revise the arrangements. Conscious of the ongoing pain suffered by so many former residents the Government re-iterated its apology to them and its commitment to the full implementation of the recommendations of the Ryan Report. Officials will now engage with each of the Congregations in relation to their current offers and how the objective of a 50:50 sharing of the overall costs will be achieved. Following consultation with the Congregations and the former residents as to the exact nature of the fund, how it will operate and the uses to which it will be put, the arrangements for the Statutory Fund will be considered by the Government.
Legislative Programme
Emmet Stagg
Question:21 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills when she expects to publish the draft amendments for the Student Support Bill 2008 in order that Committee Stage can be taken; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18310/10]
I am re-assessing organisational options for the student grants administration function in the context of the Government's wider programme of public service reform. Possible options for a more significant centralisation of functions are being explored with a view to streamlining operations and maximising administrative efficiency.
This involves revisiting the proposals for administration currently provided for in the Student Support Bill. I would like to assure the Deputy that these proposed amendments are at an advanced stage of preparation and it is my intention to proceed with the Bill on this basis in the shortest possible timeframe.
School Curriculum
Arthur Morgan
Question:22 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills her views on whether the recent low uptake of science subjects by secondary school students is a direct result of cutbacks in this field which included the removal of the annual grant to support the teaching of physics and chemistry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18317/10]
While 53 post-primary schools discontinued a science subject in the 2009/10 school year and 10 schools introduced a new science subject to their curriculum in the same year, it should be noted that changes by individual schools in the range of subjects they offer is a regular occurrence. It is worth noting that the data for schools discontinuing a science subject in the 2007/08 school year — before the increase in the pupil teacher ratio — is largely the same as the numbers discontinuing science in 2009/10.
It is important therefore to look at the issues around the drop in science from both a pupil demand perspective and also in relation to the capacity of schools to offer science within their range of subjects.
On the demand side my Department is fully committed to strengthening the quality of science teaching and learning, promoting increased scientific literacy and encouraging more students to choose science subjects. An important element of the Strategy for Science Technology and Innovation is to increase the proportions of students studying the physical sciences in senior cycle.
I do recognise that teacher allocations set the parameters in relation to the number of subjects on offer in schools. However, the deployment of teaching staff in the school, the range of subjects offered and ultimately the quality of teaching and learning are in the first instance a matter for the school management authorities. If schools have difficulties with providing individual subjects (e.g through a retirement of a teacher in one of the subjects concerned) some short-term support is provided through the curricular concessions process to enable them to meet their curricular needs.
Some of the additional posts provided for in the renewed Programme for Government are also being used for increasing subject choice in post-primary schools. This is being achieved in two ways. Firstly, additional posts are being targeted at co-educational schools in single post-primary catchment areas to support wider subject choice. This approach recognises that such schools are under more pressure to provide a wider subject choice, including options in the physical sciences, than a single sex school.
Secondly, additional posts for the coming school year are being allocation to post-primary schools that decide to work together with other local post-primary schools to increase subject choice in a town or area. This is aimed at encouraging cooperation between schools and ensuring the best use of whatever resources are available given current constraints. Furthermore it can facilitate the introduction of a subject such as Physics or Chemistry in two or more schools through the recruitment of one teacher shared between them.
While certain grants (including the physics and chemistry grants) were abolished in previous budgets, the Renewed Programme for Government also commits to making an allocation to schools to fund school books, at primary and post-primary, and various programmes at post-primary level, including physics and chemistry. Payments will be made to schools in the coming months and in time for the commencement of the next school year in September.
The issues around subject choice, including science, can also be considered further as part of the consultations with the education partners on the allocation of the remaining additional posts under the renewed Programme for Government.
Question No. 23 answered with Question No. 8.
School Staffing
Seymour Crawford
Question:24 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will reconsider the decision regarding the abolition of the supply panel in view of the fact that this panel has been beneficial to the schools in which it operates over the past ten years such as at a school (details supplied) in County Monaghan; her views on the fact that there is no potential saving in ceasing this scheme in view of the fact that other teachers will have to be found when needed and the system will not be efficient; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18072/10]
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:32 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will review her decision to discontinue the teacher supply panel scheme. [18312/10]
Finian McGrath
Question:159 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if he will support the supply teachers panel scheme in 2010. [18519/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 24, 32 and 159 together.
The supply teacher scheme was initially set up at primary level over 15 years ago at a time when schools had difficulty getting substitute teachers. The supply scheme operates on the basis of an additional full-time teacher being allocated to a school to cover certified sick leave absences in that school and a cluster of neighbouring schools. If the teacher is not required on a given day to cover sick leave absences they generally assist with other work in their school such as administrative duties. There are 60 posts allocated to the scheme.
A value for money review of the Supply Teacher Scheme was published in July 2006. The review found that approximately 60% of these teachers' time was used to cover sick leave absences with the balance on various other school duties. This reflects the unpredictable nature of sick leave absences.
While there are benefits for schools in having these full-time teachers it is considered more cost effective to use the normal substitution arrangements that apply to all other schools to cover sick leave absences instead of having a cohort of full-time teachers ‘‘on call'' all the time in these schools to cover sick leave absences that may or may not arise.
The supply teacher scheme will cease from the start of the 2010/11 school year. The teachers concerned will be redeployed in accordance with the existing redeployment arrangements to other schools that have vacancies. It is expected that this measure will save €0.4m in 2010 and €1.1m in a full year.
School Curriculum
Arthur Morgan
Question:25 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills her views on whether it is appropriate for children in vocational education committee schools to be segregated during religious instruction; if she will reverse this policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18318/10]
The delivery of religious education and faith formation in the community national schools, in keeping with the ethos of the schools, is rooted in principles of inclusion and respect for the diversity of the community represented in the school — with faith formation in different faiths being provided in accordance with the wishes of parents. The overwhelming emphasis in the multi-belief programme is on inclusivity and children are taught a common programme together as a group for more than 80% of the time. Differentiation take place for short periods of faith-specific teaching as might happen in the teaching of any subject.
The multi-belief programme is being developed on an action research basis over the course of the pilot phase of this new primary school model. This method of curriculum development, which is being facilitated by County Dublin VEC, gives an opportunity for all involved, including the faith and belief communities, teachers and parents to share in addressing the practical classroom challenges involved. It means that different approaches can be trialled, assessed and adapted for the future based on experience. The multi-belief programme currently being delivered in the schools is therefore very much a work in progress to be tested over the duration of the research period.
Martin Ferris
Question:26 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if, in view of the provisions available to Gaelscoileanna to practice early total immersion education, this practice will be replicated in Gaeltacht schools; if she has any objection to Gaeltacht schools following suit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18315/10]
The present primary school curriculum affords primacy to the language of instruction of the school in the recommended timeframe for language teaching in English- and Irish-medium schools. It provides for two languages from the beginning of schooling, and sets out learning objectives for all subjects which should be promoted at 4 key stages of primary schooling — by the end of the infant cycle, second class, 4th class and 6th class. Irish-medium schools have traditionally delayed the introduction of the teaching of English for varying periods in order to expedite children's acquisition of Irish, the language of instruction of the school.
In making regulations to prescribe the primary curriculum, I will seek to balance the option to defer the teaching of English in Irish medium schools until the end of the first term in senior infants (subject to the approval of the school Board of Management, following consultation with patron, teachers and parents) with children's entitlement to access the full primary school curriculum, including English.
Recent research has highlighted the increasing diversity of the linguistic community in Gaeltacht areas. I am conscious of the needs of a growing proportion of children enrolling in Gaeltacht schools whose home language is not Irish. I propose to extend the same flexibility to Gaeltacht schools in planning their Irish and English curriculum as will be available to Irish-medium schools outside the Gaeltacht.
A school is required to ensure that its curriculum caters for the educational needs of all its students. I believe that the best educational interests of all children should be the primary consideration in planning the language curriculum for schools. The school plan for language should be developed in consultation with the individual school's stakeholders, including all parents
School Accommodation
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:27 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will review the decision not to open any new Gaelscoileanna in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18313/10]
Primary education has a pivotal role in the preservation and expansion of the first official language. The promotion of the Irish language has been an important aim of successive Irish Governments and its place in our education system has been consistently protected. This is reflected in the fact that in recent years a significant number of new gaelscoileanna have been recognised — 17 in total since 2005.
As the Deputy may be aware the Commission on School Accommodation is currently reviewing the procedures for the establishment of new primary schools. When my predecessor announced the commencement of the review he stated that no new primary schools would be established ahead of the completion of the review and the putting in place of revised procedures except in places where new schools are warranted because of increased demographics. The interim arrangements for the recognition of new primary schools, while the review of procedures is underway, provide that the Chairman of the Commission on School Accommodation would advise the Minister in cases where more than one patron expresses an interest in opening new schools in locations where new schools are required to meet demographic trends.
Forward Planning Section has carried out a study of the country to identify the areas where, due to demographic changes, there may be a requirement for significant additional accommodation in future years. This study indicated that for the school year 2009/10 there was no requirement for any new school entities based on demographic changes. This is not to say that certain locations were not experiencing an increase in the school going cohort. Following this detailed analysis it appeared prudent to plan for the establishment of new schools to commence operation in September 2010 to meet increasing demand in certain identified areas. There was detailed consultation during 2009 with all patrons in relation to the areas under consideration. In relation to most of these areas the view of the Gaelscoileanna movement was that there was not sufficient additional demand for all Irish provision to warrant the establishment of a new gaelscoil.
There was a specific application for the establishment of a new gaelscoil in Ratoath, Co Meath. However, after detailed analysis of the increase in pupil numbers for September this year and of the capacity in existing schools it was not necessary to establish a new school to cater for the demographic increase. My Department was satisfied that the existing schools can cater for the projected increase in demographics in September 2010. This situation will be reviewed for September 2011 in light of needs and consultation with the patron bodies.
Question No. 28 answered with Question No. 20.
School Transport
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:29 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills her plans in relation to promoting environmentally friendly school transport; her views on whether parents should be encouraged to use public school transport to bring children to schools instead of increasing carbon emissions by personally driving their children to school; if all efforts are made to ensure such transport is provided to children in need of this public service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18073/10]
One of the main objectives of the school transport scheme is to provide a basic level of service for children who live long distances from school and who might otherwise experience difficulty in attending regularly.
The school transport scheme, which is operated by Bus Éireann on my Department's behalf, facilitates the transportation of over 125,000 children to primary and post-primary schools each day including approximately 8,000 children with special educational needs. The allocation for school transport in 2010 is €186 million.
School transport is a very significant national operation involving about 42 million journeys and over 82 million kilometres on 6,000 routes every school year. This service is delivered using a mix of BE, both school transport and road passenger vehicles, private contractor vehicles including private operator scheduled services, and Dublin Bus, Irish Rail, DART and LUAS where practical. The scheme therefore encourages a significant reduction in daily usage of individual cars, and as a consequence also reduces carbon emissions by parents transporting their children to school.
In a new initiative announced in recent days Bus Éireann has partnered with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland to introduce eco-driving and other energy efficiency methods in order to benefit the environment and make energy savings. Bus Éireann has become a member of SEAI's Energy Exemplar Partnership Programme, which will see it introduce a number of energy management initiatives as part of the public sector target of a 33 per cent improvement in energy efficiency by 2020.
One of these initiatives, which Bus Éireann is currently piloting, is Eco-driving. Eco-driving is an internationally tested method of reducing vehicle fuel consumption by making adjustments to driving style and performance. Studies have shown that savings of between 5 and 20 per cent on fuel consumption can be achieved through eco-driving. In addition to reducing fuel consumption and vehicle emissions, Eco-driving can reduce vehicle operating costs including maintenance and depreciation costs.
In a wider context, the Government's Smarter Travel policy, which is led by my colleague the Minister for Transport, pursues the need to deliver a sustainable travel and transport system by 2020, including in relation to school travel.
Since the publication of the Smarter Travel Policy in February last year, work has begun on developing a national cycle competency accreditation for schoolchildren. In addition, a stakeholder advisory group has been set up in relation to the delivery of the Green Schools Travel Programme.
My colleague the Minister for Transport, continues to provide financial support for the Green Schools Travel Programme through the National Transport Authority. This programme reached 144,000 schoolchildren in 482 schools by the end of 2009 and yielded an average reduction of 22% in children travelling to school by car. The approved national programme aims to reach 260,000 school children by 2012.
School Curriculum
James Reilly
Question:30 Deputy James Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the way the innovation taskforce’s aim of substantially raising the levels of competence and attainment in mathematics and science so they feed into science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines at third and fourth level can be achieved if the teaching of science at second level is deteriorating as has been suggested in the recent survey of the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18190/10]
The report of the ASTI does not indicate that the teaching of science is deteriorating. However, it does show that 14% of schools have dropped a Leaving Certificate science subject from the curriculum this year, and teachers considered that a further 20% are likely to drop a science subject next year.
Teacher allocations to all second level schools are approved annually by my Department in accordance with established rules based on recognised pupil enrolment. In accordance with these rules each school management authority is required to organise its subject options within the limit of its approved teacher allocation. The deployment of teaching staff in the school, the range of subjects offered and ultimately the quality of teaching and learning are in the first instance a matter for the school management authorities. It is open to a school to apply for a curricular concession where it is unable to meet its curricular commitments within its approved allocation. Schools can also make an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeal Board.
It should be noted that school changes in subject offer is a regular occurrence, and the data for schools discontinuing a science subject in 2007/8 before the increase in the pupil teacher ratio, is largely the same as the numbers discontinuing science in 2009/10. In addition, the level of overall change between the number of schools not offering a science subject in 2005/6 and the position pertaining in 2009/10 is not significant.
The renewed Programme for Government provides for 500 teaching posts to schools over the next three years over and above additional posts that will arise due to demographic increases. Agreement has been reached on the allocation of 100 posts to the post-primary sector for the coming school year, 2010/11. Additional supports will be targeted at co-educational schools in single post-primary catchment areas and at schools that join together with other local post primary schools to increase subject choice in a town.
It is fully accepted that Ireland must boost performance in mathematics and science if it is to keep pace with changing needs in the knowledge society. A major programme of reform, under Project Maths, is under way at present in 24 schools, and will begin in all second level schools in September. The overall aim is to teach Mathematics in a way which promotes real understanding, where students can appreciate the relevance of what they are learning and its application to everyday life, and how mathematics can be used to solve problems. Project Maths is being supported by a comprehensive programme of investment in professional development for teachers which will continue until at least 2013. Some €5m is being invested in this area in 2010, building on a €3m investment in 2009. My Department has also established a Project Maths Implementation Support Group as an industry education partnership to examine and report to me on how best stakeholders from business, second level and higher education can work together to achieve the objectives of Project Maths. The Group is due to report to me by the end of May.
Recently, I indicated my own view of the desirability of sending a clear signal to our second level students about the introduction of CAO bonus points for achievement in Leaving Certificate mathematics at higher level. Legally, the criteria for admission to higher education institutions are matters for decision by the institutions themselves. I have written to the President of the Irish Universities Association, the Chairman of Institutes of Technology Ireland and the President of the Dublin Institute of Technology asking them to give early and favourable consideration to the award of bonus points, in the context of a suitably devised system which will successfully encourage more students to students to sit higher level maths in the leaving certificate. I look forward to their response in the matter.
Science was introduced as a key component on the revised Primary School Curriculum and has been implemented in all schools since September 2003. A revised syllabus in Junior Certificate Science was introduced in 2003, supported by an investment of €16m in resources and facilities, and it was examined for the first time in June 2006. The syllabus, with its hands-on investigative approach and its strong emphasis on scientific process skills, requires the completion of some 30 mandatory experiments. It is designed to enhance the attractiveness and relevance of the subject and encourage more students to continue the subject in senior cycle.
In senior cycle, revised draft syllabuses in Physics Chemistry and Biology have been developed by the NCCA which provide a strong focus on practical investigative approaches and practical assessment, as a follow on from the changes introduced at junior cycle in 2003. However, the Council is currently trialling assessment approaches in schools, prior to submitting its advice to my Department.
Some €2.1m per annum is allocated to the Discover Science and Engineering programme, funded by FORFAS, to promote the take up of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in schools and colleges, as well as an awareness of the importance of these disciplines in wider society. The remit of Discover Science and Engineering was recently extended to include mathematics, and its focus on this area will be further strengthened as part of its activities in the coming year.
State Examinations
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:31 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the procedures that have been put in place to ensure that the incident which occurred during the leaving certificate English examination in 2009, when paper II was accidentally distributed instead of paper I, will not occur again; if contingency plans are in place to ensure that any such incident will lead to minimal disruption to students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18074/10]
The State Examinations Commission was asked to investigate and report on the circumstances that required the rescheduling of the Leaving Certificate English exam and the measures needed to address any weaknesses identified and to minimise the risk of any future recurrence. The State Examinations Commission submitted its report to my predecessor on 3 July 2009, and this report, which contained a number of recommendations for process improvement, is available at www.education.ie.
In the state examinations, the superintendent's core responsibility is to safeguard the security and integrity of the examination papers. Superintendents are provided with detailed instructions, including in DVD format, to assist them in the discharge of their duties. Support and training is provided for any superintendents who have not engaged in this work before. There are clear and comprehensive documented procedures to be gone through to ensure that the correct paper is distributed for each session of the examination process. In addition to specific instructions to Superintendents regarding the need for vigilance in relation to the separate packets of examination papers for Leaving Certificate English Papers 1 and 2 in 2009, these involved;
colour coding of examination paper packets; green for morning and orange for afternoon,
clear labelling of all examination paper packets detailing the subject, date and time, centre number and question paper quantities;
checking by the superintendent of (i) the label (ii) the examination paper and (iii) that all the examination papers in the pack are for the correct session, and (iv) formal sign off that this is the case by the superintendent.
signed confirmation by two students in the examination centre that the examination paper packet is the correct one for each particular session and that the packet is intact.
In this case, none of the documented procedures were carried out correctly.
A range of measures are being implemented with effect from the 2010 examinations which will contribute significantly to reducing the risk of a future recurrence of the problem which gave rise to the wrong paper being distributed to students. However, it remains the case that the examinations system is heavily dependent on human input, and for that reason, the risk of error can never be entirely eliminated. The measures being taken in the matter include
Timetable Changes; any subject with two written examination papers will be scheduled on morning and afternoon sessions (these are colour coded differently and this should help ensure that the correct paper is distributed.)
Redesigned examination paper packets and packet labels to prioritise the key information and generally to reduce the risk that packets could be opened in error.
Each Superintendent will be partnered with another superintendent for the purposes of validating each other's packets of examinations papers to ensure that they each have the correct papers for the examination session about to commence. A candidate in the examination centre will then be asked to witness the opening of the packet of examination papers and to confirm that the packet has not been tampered with.
Face-Up Distribution of Examination Papers to Candidates enabling candidates to see immediately whether they have received the correct examination paper for the session, so that the Superintendent can be alerted in the event of an error
Enhanced training material and instructions for superintendents. This will include a set of Golden Rules for superintendents and clear directions on the action to take in the event of a problem arising.
A dedicated phone number for superintendents so that they contact the SEC immediately if there is any risk that the integrity of the examination has been compromised.
Question No. 32 answered with Question No. 24.
Higher Education Grants
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:33 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will reverse the decision in budget 2010 to remove eligibility to the student maintenance grant for those availing of the back to education allowance. [18311/10]
The Deputy will be aware that the current difficult economic circumstances have necessitated tough choices to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. In these circumstances, from September 2010, as announced in the Budget, all new applicants who are in receipt of the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA), and the VTOS allowances for those pursuing PLC courses, will be ineligible for student maintenance grants. The cost of the student services charge and any fees payable to colleges will continue to be met for eligible students by the Exchequer on their behalf.
Students currently in receipt of the BTEA or VTOS allowances and the maintenance grant will continue to be eligible for both payments for the duration of their current course provided they continue to meet the terms and conditions of the relevant grant schemes. Students progressing to a new course with effect from 2010/11 will no longer be eligible for student maintenance grants but can apply for assistance towards the cost of the student services charge and any fees payable.
It was decided to discontinue the practice of allowing students to hold both the BTEA or VTOS allowance and a student maintenance grant simultaneously as this represents a duplication of income support payments.
This measure was recommended in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes. Although BTEA students progressing to a new course or new applicants who are in receipt of the BTEA will no longer be able to hold the maintenance portion of the student grant in addition to the BTEA, they may still submit a student grant application to establish entitlement to payment of the student service charge or tuition fees from my Department.
Students who qualify for maintenance grants will continue to receive substantial grant funding, together with full support for payment of the student service charge. Those on particularly low incomes will also continue to receive a "top-up" in the special rate of maintenance grant.
Some €5m will continue to be made available through the access offices of third-level institutions to assist students in exceptional financial need through the Student Assistance Fund. The access offices themselves will also continue to provide support and advice to mature students to enable them to continue with their studies. The objective of the fund is to assist students in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise, due to their financial circumstances, be unable to continue their third level studies. Information on the fund is available from the access officer at a candidate's college.
State Examinations
Deirdre Clune
Question:34 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the steps she will take to address the ongoing concern about grade inflation at second and third level institutions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18188/10]
My predecessor recently asked officials, in conjunction with the relevant State bodies, to examine available evidence in relation to the question of trend increases in grade awards at second and third levels. Papers have been prepared in respect of the State Examinations and the higher education sector and are available on my Department's website. .
With regard to the State Examinations, while there has been a significant increase in the proportions scoring at grade AB and ABC at higher level in the Leaving Certificate between 1992 and 2009, most of the increase took place during the 1990s and grades have largely stabilised since the establishment of the State Examinations Commission (SEC) in 2003.
A range of issues can impact on grading in the certificate exams, including curriculum reform, introduction of second assessment components, investment in professional development for teachers, more exam-oriented teaching, and better information for teachers and students through improved internet access.
The SEC has an extensive range of quality assurance measures in place to ensure the validity and consistency of assessment. These include setting exams in the context of a published set of "Principles and Protocol for Preparation of Test Items", a manual for drafters and setters of questions and completion of assessment grids for each exam to ensure fair and balanced coverage of the syllabus, the development of a marking scheme to ensure consistency in the marking process, comprehensive training of examiners and advising examiners and publication of marking schemes and the chance for candidates to view their scripts to decide whether to appeal the result.
With regard to higher education, while the available data shows a trend of increasing award classifications in universities and institutes of technology over the last decade, this trend is not necessarily direct evidence of grade inflation. A number of contributory factors need to be considered, including deliberate decisions on assessment standards prompted by external examiner findings which were aimed at aligning Irish standards more closely with international norms. Improved and more explicit assessment methods, with the development of learning outcomes based approaches, and better prepared students are also arguably important factors. However, grade increases in higher education are also argued by some to be indicative of a relaxation of standards and this is a subject of debate across systems internationally.
The question of graduate quality is a wider and more fundamental one that goes beyond the grade inflation issue. In this context, a High Level Group is currently in the process of developing a new National Strategy for Higher Education. Questions around the quality of teaching and learning, the responsiveness of the higher education sector to broader economic and social needs, and the development of a resourcing base for meeting future demand in a manner that safeguards graduate quality are all being considered by the High Level Group, which is expected to finalise its report before the summer.
On the quality assurance front, I am introducing legislation to establish a new qualifications and quality assurance agency. This will bring a unified focus to external quality assurance in higher education, establish a closer link between quality assurance and the standards underpinning awards on the National Framework of Qualifications and provide for thematic quality reviews on a cross-institutional basis.
Redundancy Payments
Tom Hayes
Question:35 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation when redundancy payment will be awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18417/10]
My Department administers the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) in relation to redundancy matters on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. There are two types of payment made from the SIF — rebates to those employers who have paid statutory redundancy to eligible employees, and statutory lump sums to employees whose employers are insolvent and/or in receivership/liquidation.
I can confirm that my Department received a lump sum claim from the employee concerned on 23 April, 2010. This claim is awaiting processing. In respect of lump sum payments paid directly to employees, such as in this instance, the Section is, in general, processing claims dating from September 2009.
The impact on business of the severe economic circumstances currently pertaining has resulted in an unprecedented increase in the level of Redundancy Payment claims lodged with my Department. This has impacted significantly on the capacity to maintain the customer service targets that previously obtained. The scale of the challenge on the Redundancy side is evident from the statistics that show incoming redundancy claims in 2009 amounted to 77,001 which represents a threefold increase over the level of claims lodged in 2007 and earlier years. In 2007, claims received were of the order of 25,000.
Efforts continue to be made by my Department to deliver more acceptable turnaround processing times for Redundancy payments given the difficulties that this gives rise to for both individual employees and the business community. Measures already taken in the Department in 2009 to alleviate the pressures on the Payments area include:
almost doubling the number of staff through reassignment to a current level of 52 full time equivalents;
prioritisation of the Department's overtime budget towards staff in the Section to tackle the backlog outside normal hours;
establishment of a special call handling facility in NERA to deal with the huge volume of telephone calls from people and businesses concerned about their payments.
Better quality information relating to current processing times on the Department's website;
Engagement with the Revenue Commissioners to facilitate the offset of redundancy rebate payments by employers against existing outstanding tax liabilities which those employers owe to the Revenue Commissioners.
The backlog and waiting times remain at unacceptable levels. However, improvements are evident. The number of claims processed and paid by the Redundancy Payments Section in 2009 amounted to 50,664, an increase of 70% over 2008. In the first quarter of 2010, my Department processed 21,122 claims — an increase of over 151% on the previous first quarter in 2009. Claims processed in the month of March 2010 was the highest ever achieved in the Section with 8,168 claims processed in the month. In the year to date, inroads have been made on the backlog of claims on hand, which reduced from 41,168 at the end January 2010 to 37,054 at the end of March 2010.
Responsibility for the payment of redundancy and insolvency payments is due to be transferred to the Department of Social Protection. The intention is to transfer by Government order, the payment functions arising under the Redundancy Payment and Insolvency Payment schemes. In transferring the functions between Departments, it is the intention that this will operate seamlessly and without any adverse impact on the service levels being experienced by individuals or the business community awaiting payment of redundancy claims.
Job Creation
Joe Carey
Question:36 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the numbers of jobs that have been created in the mid-west region by the Industrial Development Authority in counties Clare, Limerick, and north Tipperary in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18466/10]
In the five year period 2005 to 2009 there were a total of 2,423 IDA supported jobs created in the Mid West region counties of Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary. Details of the number of those jobs created in each of the those counties in each of the years in question is set out in the tabular statement.
In addition, in the same period a total of 2,189 new jobs were created in the Shannon Free Zone. Details of the number of jobs created in the Zone in each of those years are also set out in the statement.
|
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
|
|
Limerick |
373 |
789 |
288 |
286 |
169 |
|
Clare |
134 |
42 |
22 |
139 |
116 |
|
North Tipperary |
38 |
5 |
9 |
13 |
0 |
|
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
|
|
Jobs Created |
450 |
549 |
354 |
576 |
260 |
Redundancy Payments
James Reilly
Question:37 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if a redundancy payment application from the social insurance fund will be prioritised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18488/10]
My Department administers the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) in relation to redundancy matters on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. There are two types of payment made from the SIF — rebates to those employers who have paid statutory redundancy to eligible employees, and statutory lump sums to employees whose employers are insolvent and/or in receivership/liquidation.
I can confirm that my Department received a lump sum claim for the individual concerned on 26 February 2010. This claim awaits processing. In respect of lump sum payments paid directly to employees, such as in this instance, the Section is, in general, processing claims dating from September 2009. In the interest of fairness and equity to all claimants, claims are dealt with in order of date of receipt.
The impact on business of the severe economic circumstances currently pertaining has resulted in an unprecedented increase in the level of Redundancy Payment claims lodged with my Department. This has impacted significantly on the capacity to maintain the customer service targets that previously obtained. The scale of the challenge on the Redundancy side is evident from the statistics that show incoming redundancy claims in 2009 amounted to 77,001 which represents a threefold increase over the level of claims lodged in 2007 and earlier years. In 2007, claims received were of the order of 25,000.
Efforts continue to be made by my Department to deliver more acceptable turnaround processing times for Redundancy payments given the difficulties that this gives rise to for both individual employees and the business community. Measures already taken in the Department in 2009 to alleviate the pressures on the Payments area include:
almost doubling the number of staff through reassignment to a current level of 52 full time equivalents;
prioritisation of the Department's overtime budget towards staff in the Section to tackle the backlog outside normal hours;
establishment of a special call handling facility in NERA to deal with the huge volume of telephone calls from people and businesses concerned about their payments.
Better quality information relating to current processing times on the Department's website;
Engagement with the Revenue Commissioners to facilitate the offset of redundancy rebate payments by employers against existing outstanding tax liabilities which those employers owe to the Revenue Commissioners.
The backlog and waiting times remain at unacceptable levels. However, improvements are evident. The number of claims processed and paid by the Redundancy Payments Section in 2009 amounted to 50,664, an increase of 70% over 2008. In the first quarter of 2010, my Department processed 21,122 claims — an increase of over 151% on the previous first quarter in 2009. Claims processed in the month of March 2010 was the highest ever achieved in the Section with 8,168 claims processed in the month. In the year to date, inroads have been made on the backlog of claims on hand, which reduced from 41,168 at the end January 2010 to 37,054 at the end of March 2010.
Responsibility for the payment of redundancy and insolvency payments is due to be transferred to the Department of Social Protection. The intention is to transfer by Government order, the payment functions arising under the Redundancy Payment and Insolvency Payment schemes. In transferring the functions between Departments, it is the intention that this will operate seamlessly and without any adverse impact on the service levels being experienced by individuals or the business community awaiting payment of redundancy claims.
State Agencies
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:38 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation further to Parliamentary Question No. 150 of 30 March 2010, if full details are now available. [18548/10]
The basic salary and emoluments granted to the chief executive officer of all of the Agencies under the aegis of my Department are sanctioned by the Department of Finance, and are set out in the table.
|
Agency |
August 2008 — Non PPC |
August2008 — PPC |
September 2008 — Non PPC |
September 2008 — PPC |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Competition Authority —Chairperson |
173,216 |
182,333 |
177,547 |
186,891 |
|
County Enterprise Boards |
70,043 – 91,736 |
N/A |
71,794 – 94,029 |
N/A |
|
Enterprise Ireland |
206,208 |
217,061 |
211,364 |
222,488 |
|
*Fás |
206,208 |
217,061 |
211,364 |
222,488 |
|
Forfás |
206,208 |
217,061 |
211,364 |
222,488 |
|
Health and Safety Authority |
147,036 |
154,775 |
150,712 |
158,644 |
|
IAASA |
126,588 |
133,250 |
129,752 |
136,581 |
|
IDA Ireland |
206,208 |
217,061 |
211,364 |
222,488 |
|
Labour Relations Commission |
164,968 |
173,650 |
177,547 |
186,891 |
|
National Consumer Agency |
164,968 |
173,650 |
177,547 |
186,891 |
|
NSAI |
147,290 |
155,042 |
150,973 |
158,919 |
|
Personal Injuries Assessment Board |
164,968 |
173,650 |
169,091 |
177,991 |
|
Science Foundation Ireland |
196,389 |
206,725 |
201,298 |
211,893 |
|
SFADCO |
147,290 |
155,042 |
150,973 |
158,919 |
*Responsibility for FÁS transferred to the Department of Education and Skills on 1st May 2010.
In addition to the above, the CEO of Science Foundation Ireland is paid an allowance in the nature of pay on a personal basis (as approved by the Department of Finance) in recognition of his international research experience and expertise.
The CEO's of a number of Agencies under the aegis of my Department are eligible to participate in a Performance Related Award Scheme approved by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, with the consent of the Minister for Finance. The Schemes, which are based on the Department of Finance's Guidelines on Performance Related Awards in non-commercial state bodies, provide for a maximum award of 20% of total remuneration. These Performance Related Awards have for the most part been suspended since March 2009.
CEOs of the following agencies under the aegis of my Department have the use or an allowance for the use of a car for official business:
Enterprise Ireland;
Personal Injuries Assessment Board;
Forfás;
NSAI;
IDA Ireland;
SFADCO.
Each CEO is a member of the superannuation scheme of their respective agency.
The issue of a voluntary pay cut is a matter for each post holder. However, in common with all other Public Servants the salaries of the CEO's at each of the agencies under my remit was reduced with effect from 1st January 2010.
Tax Code
Simon Coveney
Question:39 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Finance the tax treatment of sales of digital products that only exist in virtual form which are downloaded directly to hardware; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18385/10]
Simon Coveney
Question:40 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Finance if any international tax agreements apply for the sale of virtual goods by foreign companies to consumers here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18386/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 40 together.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the sale of virtual goods or digital products by companies may give rise to liabilities to either or both corporation tax and value-added tax (VAT) in the State.
In the case of corporation tax, a company which is resident for tax purposes in the State, or which is carrying on a trade in the State through a branch or agency, is liable to Irish corporation tax on profits derived from the sale by it, or by its branch or agency, of virtual goods or digital products. A company which is not resident in the State for corporation tax purposes, or which is not trading in the State through a branch or agency, has no liability to Irish corporation tax in respect of the sale of such goods or products, even where those goods or products are sold to Irish businesses or consumers.
Insofar as VAT is concerned, the supply of virtual goods or digital products is treated as the supply of a service, specifically an electronic service. Liability to VAT in respect of such services is dependent on whether the company that is supplying the services and the recipient of service is established in Ireland, another EU Member State or outside the EU; and whether the recipient is a business or a private consumer. The various positions are outlined as follows:
Liability to Irish VAT at 21% arises in the case where the company supplying the electronic services is established in Ireland and supplies the services to both businesses and private consumers in the State or to private consumers in other EU Member States. Irish VAT also arises in the case of supplies to Irish businesses by a company established in another Member State or in a country outside the EU, in this case the Irish business must self-account for VAT at 21% on the service under the reverse charge mechanism.
Liability to Irish VAT does not arise in the case of services supplied by an Irish registered business to private consumers resident outside the EU or to businesses located either in another EU Member State or outside the EU. In addition, where a company established in another Member State supplies the services to Irish private consumers, there is no liability to Irish VAT as VAT is accounted in that other Member State at the rate appropriate to that State.
I should note, however, that from 2015 onwards, under EU Council Directive 2008/8/EC, the supply of electronic services by EU registered business to EU consumers will be taxed in the country where the consumer is established and not the country of the supplier as is currently operated as outlined earlier. Suppliers will discharge their VAT obligations using a mini "one stop shop" scheme, which will enable them to fulfil their EU-wide VAT obligations in their home Member State. The VAT revenue from these services will then be transferred from the State of payment to the State where the customer is situated.
As regards the question of whether there are international tax agreements covering the sale of virtual goods by foreign companies to Irish consumers, there are no such agreements. However, EU Council Directive 2002/38/EC of 7 May 2002, which was transposed into Irish law by the Finance Act 2003, provided that where a non-EU business supplies electronically supplied services to a private consumer in any Member State, the place of supply for VAT purposes, and consequently the liability to account for VAT, is the place where the consumer normally resides.
In recognition of the compliance burden and administrative costs for non-EU established businesses to have to register for VAT in every Member State where they provide electronic services to private consumers, a special optional scheme was created which allows the non-EU supplier to choose one Member State in which to register for and pay VAT in respect of supplies to consumers in any Member State. Under this scheme the non-EU registered business continues to charge VAT at the rate applicable in which each consumer resides, however, VAT returns are only made to the Member State of registration, which then re-distributes the VAT receipts to other Member States in accordance with the amounts due as declared by the supplier.
Tax Collection
Billy Timmins
Question:41 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Finance the tax revenue received from a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18453/10]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the type of income from the source mentioned by the Deputy is aggregated in tax returns with other forms of income and cannot be distinguished in such a way as to provide a basis for compiling the information sought.
It should also be noted that the Revenue Commissioners have an obligation to observe the confidentiality of individual taxpayers and therefore, Revenue may be precluded from providing information on small groups of taxpayers, such as in this case.
State Agencies
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:42 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance if he will allocate additional funding to the customs services to purchase additional dogs in order to crackdown on the amount of drugs coming into here undetected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18481/10]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the Customs Service currently deploys 13 detector dog teams at strategic locations throughout the country. The dogs are used to detect drugs, tobacco and cash. Passive dogs are used as this allows for the screening of passengers as well as merchandise and baggage. The detector dog resource is part only of the Commissioners' response to the threat posed by drug smuggling. Intelligence gathering and co-operation at both national and international levels are also vitally important.
In keeping with their commitment to the Government's National Drug Strategy, the Commissioners have considerably enhanced their drug detection capability in recent years on a number of fronts. In respect of detector dog teams alone, the number of these has been increased from 6 in 1993, to 9 in 2003 and now stands at 13. They have also deployed two Revenue Customs Cutters and two mobile X-Ray scanning machines. This represents a considerable investment on the part of the State in the Customs Service in the fight against drug smuggling.
The Commissioners have advised me that the complement of detector dogs will be reviewed regularly as part of the ongoing process of risk assessment and resource allocation within the Office.
Public Sector Staff
Arthur Morgan
Question:43 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Finance the proposed reduction, by sector, in public sector numbers targeted in the draft public service agreement. [18499/10]
The draft Public Service Agreement, which is subject to ratification by the relevant public service trade unions, notes that reductions in public service staff numbers, along with a range of other initiatives in the area of revised work practices, redeployment etc., could contribute to a more efficient public service, and facilitate the Government's core objective of restoring the public finances to a sustainable position.
This approach is fully in line with the Government's multi-year fiscal consolidation strategy as set out in Budget 2010. In that context, and in particular in the Stability Programme Update of December 2009, the Government indicated the move to a new, more rigorous approach to controlling public service numbers, centring upon the establishment of an agreed annual numbers ceilings, to be managed in accordance with Employment Control Frameworks for each Ministerial Vote Group.
Specifically, the Government intends that overall Public Service numbers should be brought down over the period 2009-2012 broken down as indicated on a sectoral basis in the table.
|
Functional Classification |
Projected End – March 2009 |
Project End 2012 – Ceilings |
Difference |
|
Total Staff |
319,235 |
306,191 |
-13,044 |
|
Civil Service |
39,121 |
36,595 |
-2,526 |
|
Health Sector |
111,800 |
106,060 |
-5,740 |
|
Education |
94,757 |
94,754 |
-3 |
|
Justice |
15,677 |
14,746 |
-931 |
|
Defence |
11,169 |
10,706 |
-463 |
|
Local Authorities |
34,178 |
32,150 |
-2,028 |
|
NCSSBs |
12,533 |
11,179 |
-1,354 |
Note: Staff numbers are whole-time equivalents.
The precise ceilings in each area are subject to further Government consideration in certain cases and are, as always, subject to any future Government policy decisions and priorities in regard to public service provision.
National Asset Management Agency
Phil Hogan
Question:44 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Finance the properties in counties Waterford, Kilkenny and Carlow that have been transferred in the National Asset Management Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18515/10]
NAMA does not purchase property directly. NAMA purchases eligible loans from participating institutions and manages these loans with the intention of generating the best possible return for the taxpayer.
NAMA has the power to enforce security where a borrower whose loan has been transferred is in default. I am advised that to date there has not been enforcement of security by NAMA in respect of any loan.
Departmental Correspondence
Róisín Shortall
Question:45 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance when a document will be issued to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford. [18523/10]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they are in the process of examining the case and are awaiting a response from the solicitor acting on behalf of the persons concerned to a request for sight of the deed and other documentation.
Disabled Drivers
Michael Ring
Question:46 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be given approval to purchase a new vehicle under the disabled driver-disabled passenger tax relief scheme in view of the fact that their application was submitted to the Revenue Commissioners on 1 March 2010. [18529/10]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that an application form (DD1) was received in the Central Repayments Office, Monaghan from the named person on 2nd March 2010. The restriction date on the disposal of this applicant's previous vehicle is 8th May 2010. This restriction date appears on the Vehicle Registration Certificate. The policy is to issue the Letter of Authorisation, for the purchase of the new vehicle, 2 days prior to the date that the previous vehicle may be disposed of, as the Letter of Authorisation is valid from the date of issue. This Letter of Authorisation was issued on 5th May 2010.
Departmental Correspondence
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:47 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Finance his views on correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18541/10]
I have received the attached correspondence which deals with a number of matters in relation to the application of VAT to services provided by public bodies including local authorities.
I would like to point out in regard to deferring the implementation date of applying VAT on services provided by public bodies, that the European Court of Justice ruled, in the case C-544/07 against Ireland on 16 July 2009, that Ireland should amend its VAT legislation to provide that State and public bodies are in general subject to VAT. This case goes back to 2004 when infringement proceedings were taken by the European Commission against Ireland. Given the time that has passed since the Court's Judgement, and since the commencement of the case, it is imperative that the VAT implementation takes place as soon as possible. 1 July 2010 was chosen as the date of implementation of VAT in this regard in order to allow time to process the relevant legislation and for State and public bodies, including local authorities, to prepare for the change to their administrative systems. Indeed, since the Judgement issued the European Commission have corresponded with us on a number of occasions seeking updates on our progress as regards its implementation and we have informed them of the recent enactment of the Finance Act 2010. Consequently, in the circumstances any deferral of the implementation date is not at this stage realistically feasible.
Under the EU VAT Directive, treating local authorities and State bodies as not-for-profit organisations is not possible. The Directive provides distinct and separate regulation for not-for-profit bodies and State bodies, including local authorities. It is not possible to exempt from VAT any activity of a State body, including a local authority, or indeed any other business, simply because it is not making a profit.
The Revenue Commissioners are proceeding with implementing the new regime and liaising where possible with local authorities to ensure transition to the new VAT arrangements. While it is accepted that there may be initial teething problems, it is expected, as in the case of all tax legislation, that the State and public bodies comply with the new VAT rules from 1 July 2010.
Departmental Expenditure
Andrew Doyle
Question:48 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of Government run canteens operating in Government buildings in her Department and its agencies; the number of commercially run cafes or restaurants operating in Government buildings and in her Department and agencies; if there is a policy in her Department and its agencies to source the food served in the food outlet locally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18383/10]
There is one commercially run restaurant operating in my Department's headquarters, Hawkins House. The company source food largely from Irish Companies and the beef used is 100% traceable to the farm from which it was sourced. The company has implemented and maintains a quality management system to the standard of ISO 9001:2008. The position regarding the agencies is a matter for the agencies them selves. My Department is requesting them to reply directly to the Deputy in this regard.
Health Services
Dinny McGinley
Question:49 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Health and Children if there are plans to rationalise the Now Doc service in the western and north western regions; the implications, if any, for centres such as Gweedore, Mountcharles and other Now Doc locations in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18395/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Hospitals Building Programme
Joe Carey
Question:50 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the promised capital re-development of Ennis General Hospital, County Clare; when the project will commence and be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18467/10]
Joe Carey
Question:51 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children the services and staffing levels that will be available in Ennis General Hospital, County Clare, on completion of the promised capital re-development; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18468/10]
Joe Carey
Question:52 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children the role she envisages for Ennis General Hospital, County Clare, into the future; if it will continue to be regarded as an acute medical hospital; if the intensive care and high dependency unit will be maintained together with associated anaesthetic cover; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18471/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 50 to 52, inclusive, together.
The HSE has made significant progress on reconfiguring acute hospital and related services in the Mid West region informed by the Teamwork/Horwath Report and the Health Information and Quality Authority Report on Ennis, which was published in April 2009. These Reports highlighted the need for changes to be made in the organisation and provision of acute hospital services across the Mid West region as they found services there to be too fragmented, to carry increased risks for patients and staff and to be unsustainable in their present form.
The reconfiguration of services in the Mid-West Region has involved the cessation of 24-hour Accident and Emergency services at Ennis and Nenagh and the transfer of all planned and emergency in-patient surgery from the two hospitals to Limerick Regional Hospital. Ambulance and paramedic services in Clare and North Tipperary have been enhanced. Ennis and Nenagh hospitals now provide an urgent care/minor injuries service for 12 hours a day as part of a regional Accident and Emergency structure. These hospitals also now undertake an expanded range of day case surgery and diagnostic work.
The HSE's draft capital plan is currently under consideration and details of capital projects will be made available when the plan has been approved. As the Deputy will be aware, plans for services at individual hospitals, or regional networks of hospitals, are drawn up and implemented by the HSE, subject to overall Government policy, including policy on patient safety and quality care. I regret that due to industrial action I am not in a position to provide a substantive response to your Parliamentary Question. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Departmental Properties
James Bannon
Question:53 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the Health Service Executive is to be permitted to construct a primary care centre and HSE offices for Longford at Ballyminion, Farranyoogan, County Longford in the River Camlin flood plain area opposite Flancare industrial area, while there are many other locations in Longford town, such as the Axis centre, on an elevated site, which would be more suitable; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18476/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Adoption Services
Joe Carey
Question:54 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will intervene in and resolve the case of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18493/10]
It remains my intention to assist 20 named applicants to complete intercountry adoptions in respect of children from Vietnam on an exceptional basis and insofar as it is practicable in law. In communicating the decision to suspend the bilateral negotiations the Irish Government asked the Vietnamese Government whether it will be possible to proceed with these adoptions. The Vietnamese response was not definitive. The Government is attempting to put in place a mechanism in respect of these 20 applicants that safeguards against recent concerns raised in relation to intercountry adoption in Vietnam.
Hospital Accommodation
Finian McGrath
Question:55 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a matter (details supplied). [18501/10]
A new ward block to replace existing accommodation is being developed at the hospital. This facility will provide single room en-suite in-patient accommodation (100 rooms) and a dedicated day unit for people with CF, including 10 single day treatment rooms with en-suite sanitary facilities. . It is estimated that the construction, equipping and commissioning of this block will take approximately 18 months. The aim is to have this new facility operational as soon as possible in 2011. Clinical and infrastructural needs at St. Vincent's will determine the configuration of beds across various specialties. There has been no upper limit placed by the hospital or the HSE on the allocation of beds to a particular specialty.
Long-Term Illness Scheme
Billy Timmins
Question:56 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if, in view of the medical circumstances their request will be included in view of the fact that it is a new drug to enable them to continue this treatment which is working for them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18506/10]
Under the Long Term Illness (LTI) Scheme patients suffering from a prescribed disease or disability of a permanent or long-term nature are provided with drugs, medicines or medical and surgical appliances for the treatment of that disease or disability. I understand that the drug referred to by the Deputy is not required in the treatment of the person's qualifying illness under the LTI scheme; therefore, the drug is not available under that scheme. However, the person may have the drug dispensed under the General Medical Services Scheme, if she has a medical card, or the Drugs Payment Scheme. The Drugs Payment Scheme ensures that an individual or family will not pay more than €120 per month for their prescribed drugs and medicines.
Health Services
Dan Neville
Question:57 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18507/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Adoption Services
Liz McManus
Question:58 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the group of 20 couples who are in the process of adopting a child from Vietnam; the reason there has been a delay of one year to fulfil the commitment to process the applications of this group of 20 couples; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that Vietnam will be closing all adoptions in June 2010; if she will act swiftly to ensure the successful resolution of these 20 applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18517/10]
It remains my intention to assist 20 named applicants to complete intercountry adoptions in respect of children from Vietnam on an exceptional basis and insofar as it is practicable in law. In communicating the decision to suspend the bilateral negotiations the Irish Government asked the Vietnamese Government whether it will be possible to proceed with these adoptions. The Vietnamese response was not definitive. The Government is attempting to put in place a mechanism in respect of these 20 applicants that safeguards against recent concerns raised in relation to intercountry adoption in Vietnam.
In response to recent concerns that Vietnam may be considering a suspension of intercountry adoptions prior to the ratification of the Hague Convention, our Embassy in Vietnam clarified the position with officials of the Ministry of Justice in Vietnam. The Vietnamese authorities have advised that no suspension is planned.
Mental Health Services
Richard Bruton
Question:59 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the calls of an association (details supplied) to provide age appropriate mental health services for children and in particular to end the use of adult in-patient facilities for children, to develop adolescent community mental health teams, and to establish a national directory of services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18518/10]
The development of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) is a priority for the HSE. There are now 55 consultant led child and adolescent teams in place throughout the country and a further 8 teams are in development. During 2009 the bed capacity for children and adolescents almost doubled, bringing the total number of in-patient beds to 30. Construction is almost complete on two purpose built 20-bed units in Cork and Galway and work commenced recently on the Linn Dara Child andAdolescent Facility at Cherry Orchard, which will provide a day hospital as well as accommodation for mental health teams, administrative staff and training and library facilities.
In October 2009, the HSE launched the first annual report on CAMHS which provides comprehensive data on activity in the CAMHS services. The HSE now has baseline information which can be built on to improve performance and to assist in decisions regarding how mental health services are developed into the future. The appointment by the HSE of an Assistant National Director as national lead on Mental Health in November, 2009, is key to ensuring that the delivery of mental health services is in line with legislation and Government policy.
With regard to the admission of children to adult units, the position is that in June 2009 the Mental Health Commission issued an addendum to the code of practice relating to the admission of children under the Mental Health Act 2001 which provides that. No child under 16 years is to be admitted to an adult unit in an approved centre from 1st July 2009; No child under 17 years is to be admitted to an adult unit in an approved centre from 1st December 2010; and No child under 18 years is to be admitted to an adult unit in an approved centre from 1st December 2011. If, in exceptional circumstances, the admission of a child to an adult unit in an approved centre occurs, the approved centre is obliged to submit a detailed report to the Mental Health Commission outlining why the admission has taken place.
Public Hygiene
Noel Ahern
Question:60 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children if there are health regulations governing the practice of spitting in public on the street; if so, the way in which same is enforced and if it is enforced by environmental health inspectors or other; and if details of any enforcement action under her Department will be provided to this Deputy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18534/10]
There are no health regulations regarding spitting in public. Serious respiratory illnesses can be spread by coughing, sneezing and unclean hands. During the pandemic flu crisis, great emphasis was placed on respiratory hygiene and a public information campaign utilising the slogan ‘catch it, bin it, kill it' was undertaken to encourage the public to practice correct respiratory and hand hygiene practices when coughing and sneezing in order to prevent the spread of disease. I would encourage members of the public to continue to follow this advice and avoid spitting in public.
Hospital Procedures
Jack Wall
Question:61 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for a surgical procedure in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18550/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Hospital Services
Charlie O'Connor
Question:62 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on the completion of the review of X-rays at Tallaght Hospital, Dublin 24; if she will give assurances that action continues to be taken to restore confidence in the hospital and reassure patients and their families; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18559/10]
I welcome the completion of the process of reading and reporting on x-rays that were previously not read by consultant radiologists at the Adelaide and Meath Hospital incorporating the National Children's Hospital. No further delayed diagnoses were found other than the two initially identified. I am confident that the hospital is continuing to address the issues that arose in a way that will enhance confidence in the Hospital and thus reassure patients and their families.
The HSE announced on 18th March 2010 that Dr Maurice Hayes had agreed to chair a Review commissioned by Professor Drumm into the delay in reporting radiological examinations and the management of GP referral letters at the Adelaide and Meath Hospital, incorporating the National Children's Hospital.
This review is continuing and it would be inappropriate for me to make any further comment on the matters under review until such time as the review team has completed its report.
Hospital Procedures
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:63 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a surgical procedure will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18617/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Medical Cards
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:64 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18618/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Health Services
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:65 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Question No. 135 of 24 February 2010, when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive. [18622/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:66 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Question No. 105 of 4 November 2009, when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive. [18623/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:67 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Question No. 145 of 12 November 2009, when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive. [18624/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:68 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Question No. 69 of 25 February 2010, when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive. [18625/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:69 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Questions Nos. 70 and 71 of 25 February 2010, when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive. [18626/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:70 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent and frequency of school medical examination on a county basis in each of the past five years to date in 2010; the extent and nature of the diagnosis and follow up arising therefrom; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18627/10]
I regret that due to industrial action I am not in a position to provide a substantive response to your Parliamentary Question. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Pension Provisions
Willie O'Dea
Question:71 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to a reply to a parliamentary question in Dáil Éireann on 5 July 1973 (details supplied); the reason this commitment has not been adhered to; the steps he will take to alleviate the hardship which Aer Rianta pensioners who are suffering as a result of that commitment not being adhered to. [18391/10]
The superannuation issues raised by the Deputy have been examined in my Department on a number of occasions and the conclusion has always been that Aer Rianta (now Dublin Airport Authority) has complied with its obligations with regard to pension entitlements for its retired staff. My Department referred the issues to the Office of the Attorney General for advice in 2009. This advice confirms that Aer Rianta has complied with its superannuation obligations in accordance with the terms agreed at the time when staff accepted a contract of employment with Aer Rianta in 1974.
State Airports
Pat Breen
Question:72 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport when he expects the Lynxs cargo project at Shannon Airport to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18461/10]
Pat Breen
Question:73 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport further to Question No. 230 of 27 April 2010 the discussions he has had with the US authorities on the provision of US preclearance for air freight at Shannon Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18462/10]
Pat Breen
Question:74 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking to assist Shannon Airport to deal with the decline in passenger traffic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18465/10]
Joe Carey
Question:75 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport his plans to address the 15% decline in passengers numbers through Shannon Airport in 2009; the supports that he will offer Shannon Airport to develop new passenger and cargo business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18475/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 72 to 75, inclusive, together.
As the Deputies will be aware the Ireland-U.S. Preclearance Agreement signed by myself and the then U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff, on 17 November 2008, does not provide for the preclearance of cargo However, this is an issue that I raised with Secretary Chertoff at the time and later with his successor Janet Napolitano. Both were receptive to the opening of discussions on cargo preclearance from Ireland, once we had fully established passenger preclearance. As the Deputies will know passenger preclearance is already in operation at Shannon and is due to commence later this year in Dublin Airport with the opening of Terminal 2.
When passenger preclearance is fully established at both Airports I will consider the possibility of approaching the U.S. Authorities about cargo preclearance.
In 2009 the DAA concluded a memorandum of understanding with the Lynx Group, a global airport cargo facility company, to explore jointly the feasibility of developing a major cargo facility at Shannon Airport. The DAA's evaluation of the business case for the project has been received in my Department and is currently under consideration. The DAA has to operate to a commercial mandate and it does not have access to unlimited funds to undertake capital investment. Consideration of the best way to support the project will take account of the extent of potential investment by the DAA on foot of its evaluation of the business case and any support that could be provided by the State subject to compliance with EU state aid rules.
I am of course very conscious that Shannon Airport is going through challenging times in dealing with the downturn in the aviation sector that is having a negative impact on passenger throughput in the airport. As part of its commercial remit, the Shannon Airport Authority, in conjunction with the Dublin Airport Authority is responsible for addressing this issue. I have no specific responsibility for this matter but I know that both bodies are very proactive in this regard and that incentives are in place to encourage more traffic to and from the airport.
EU Funding
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:76 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the extent of EU funding received for the provision of road, rail, air and seaport transport facilities or installations in each of the past three years and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18482/10]
The information requested by the Deputy is being compiled and will be forwarded as soon as possible.
Garda Operations
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:77 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if Operation Slope is still active; the number of persons arrested and charged to date; the number of gardaí involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18483/10]
Operation Slope is an initiative to identify and tackle organised criminal gangs involved in the theft of ATM machines. It commenced in July 2009 and remains an active Garda operation involving a number of specialist Garda units, along with local personnel where incidents have occurred.
To date over 53 persons have been arrested. Incidents of thefts of ATM machines remain under active investigation and Investigation Files will be prepared for the Law Officers where this is considered appropriate.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:78 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if Operation Creeper is still active; the number of persons arrested and charged to date; the number of gardaí involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18484/10]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the initiative referred to by the Deputy was introduced in January, 2010 by the Assistant Commissioner, Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) in response to an increase in the number of burglary incidents recorded across the Garda Divisions comprising the DMR.
The main objective of this initiative is primarily, but not exclusively, to target those suspected of committing burglaries and the investigation and detection of such incidents, with particular emphasis in the DMR Northern, Southern and Western Garda Divisions.
An Inspector is tasked with the day-to-day running of the initiative which includes monitoring crime trends and coordinating resources. Four Sergeants and fourteen Gardaí have been allocated to the initiative from within the DMR.
I am also informed that since the initiative was put in place 45 persons have been arrested for burglary and other theft related offences, 40 of whom have been charged with related offences. Investigations are ongoing in respect of the remaining persons and, on completion, investigation files will be submitted to the Law Officers.
This initiative is continuing and is being closely monitored by senior Garda management.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:79 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if Operation Hybrid is still active; the number of persons arrested and charged to date; the number of gardaí involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18485/10]
I have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the matter referred to by the Deputy. I will contact the Deputy again when the report is to hand.
Citizenship Applications
Dan Neville
Question:80 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an application for naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick will be processed without further delay. [18413/10]
A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in November 2008.
All valid applications are dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants.The average processing time from application to decision is now at 26 months. More complicated cases can at times take more than the current average, while an element of straight forward cases can be dealt with in less than that timescale. Additional resources have been allocated to the Citizenship Division of my Department in order to reduce backlogs and provide a better quality service to all applicants. This has had a positive impact on processing times and has enabled certain categories of applicant to be dealt with more expeditiously. These include refugees, spouses of Irish citizens and minors. Officials in the Citizenship Division inform me that processing of the application is at an advanced stage and the file will be submitted to me for a decision in due course.
The length of time taken to process each application should not be classified as a delay, as the length of time taken for any application to be decided is purely a function of the time taken to carry out necessary checks. There is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved as applications for naturalisation must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria.
Dan Neville
Question:81 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an application for naturalisation will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [18426/10]
A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the first named person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in February 2008. Officials in the Citizenship Division inform me that processing of the application is in the final stages and the file will be submitted to me for a decision in the near future.
A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the second named person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in November 2008.
All valid applications are dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants.The average processing time from application to decision is now at 26 months. More complicated cases can at times take more than the current average, while an element of straight forward cases can be dealt with in less than that timescale.
The length of time taken to process each application should not be classified as a delay, as the length of time taken for any application to be decided is purely a function of the time taken to carry out necessary checks. There is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved as applications for naturalisation must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria.
Ulick Burke
Question:82 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the delay in processing an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick who applied for naturalisation in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18454/10]
A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in October 2008.
All valid applications are dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants.The average processing time from application to decision is now at 26 months. More complicated cases can at times take more than the current average, while an element of straight forward cases can be dealt with in less than that timescale. 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. Officials in the Citizenship Division inform me that processing of the application is at an advanced stage and the file will be submitted to me for a decision in due course.
The length of time taken to process each application should not be classified as a delay, as the length of time taken for any application to be decided is purely a function of the time taken to carry out necessary checks. There is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved as applications for naturalisation must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria.
Ulick Burke
Question:83 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the delay in processing a citizenship application (details supplied) in County Galway who applied for naturalisation in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18455/10]
An application from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in March 2009.
The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended, provides that the Minister may, in his absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation provided certain statutory conditions are fulfilled. One such condition is that the person in question intends in good faith to continue to reside in the State after naturalisation. In the application submitted, the person concerned answered Question 6.1 by stating that she did not intend to reside in the State after naturalisation, therefore she does not comply with this condition.
Consequently, the Citizenship Division of my Department have deemed her application ineligible. The person in question was informed of this decision in a letter issued to her on 10 March, 2009.
It is open to the person in question to re-submit the application to the Citizenship Division of my Department at any time.
Closed Circuit Television Systems
Enda Kenny
Question:84 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding approval of a closed circuit television system for Ballina town centre, County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18494/10]
The Community-based CCTV Scheme was launched in 2005 to provide financial assistance towards the capital costs of establishing a community CCTV system. The scheme also provides for pre-development (Stage 1) grants of up to €5,000 to enable potential applicants to investigate the need for CCTV in their area and to complete a detailed proposal. To date there have been two major rounds of this Scheme, in 2005 and 2007.
I am advised by Pobal, which administers the Scheme on behalf of my Department, that a Stage 1 grant of €5,000 was awarded to an organisation in Ballina in 2006 and that an application for Stage 2 funding was subsequently received in 2007. Following a thorough assessment of the application it was deemed not to have met a number of the qualifying criteria and was therefore not approved for funding. I am further advised that relevant feedback was provided to the unsuccessful applicant by Pobal in January 2008.
Child Abduction
Charles Flanagan
Question:85 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the concept of a Europe-wide hotline for missing children; if such an arrangement is envisaged for this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18498/10]
I am informed that the telephone number to which the Deputy refers has been reserved by the European Commission as a common missing children telephone hotline for the entire EU. It is made available by national telecoms regulators to organisations capable of providing such a service. This is therefore a matter primarily for the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg).
The Deputy may wish to note that following my request to the Garda Síochána Inspectorate to assess the need to establish a dedicated Missing Persons Unit within An Garda Síochána, including a response similar to Amber Alert, and to report their findings to me, the Inspectorate published its report last year. One of its main recommendations was that an emergency alert system for missing children, similar to the Amber Alert system in place in other countries, should be established.
I gave the go ahead for the implementation of this recommendation. An Garda Síochána is committed to its implementation, and they are currently exploring options to achieve the most appropriate structure to give effect to the recommendation, taking account of progress at international level in the development of alert systems for missing children.
Citizenship Applications
Finian McGrath
Question:86 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [18520/10]
I have been informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the person referred to by the Deputy made an application for residency on 1 March 2010, on the basis of their de facto relationship with an Irish citizen. Residency in the State based on being the partner of an Irish citizen is generally granted to persons who (1) are legally resident in the State and (2) who have supplied sufficient documentary evidence that their relationship has been of at least two years duration.
As this person had resided and worked in the State since 2001 without having obtained the appropriate permission to do so as required under our immigration laws, permission to remain on that basis was refused.
However, following full consideration of this person's particular case it was decided to grant her stamp 3 permission to remain in the State and the person in question was informed of this by letter dated 8 March 2010. She was also advised of the need to obtain a work permit should she intend to take up employment in the State
Pat Breen
Question:87 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for a certificate of naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18542/10]
A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in June 2008.
All valid applications are dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants.The average processing time from application to decision is now at 26 months. More complicated cases can at times take more than the current average, while an element of straight forward cases can be dealt with in less than that timescale. Officials in the Citizenship Division inform me that processing of the application has commenced and the file will be submitted to me for a decision in due course.
The length of time taken to process each application should not be classified as a delay, as the length of time taken for any application to be decided is purely a function of the time taken to carry out necessary checks. There is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved as applications for naturalisation must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria.
Garda Vetting
Billy Timmins
Question:88 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding Garda clearance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if their application will be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18567/10]
The Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) provides employment vetting for a large number of organisations in Ireland registered with the Gardaí for this purpose and which employ persons in a full-time, part-time, voluntary or training capacity to positions where they would have substantial, unsupervised access to children and/or vulnerable adults.
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that a vetting application in respect of the person referred to was received by the Garda Central Vetting Unit on 24 March 2010. The application is being processed at present and a response will issue in due course.
Citizenship Applications
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:89 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 150 of 11 February 2010 the position regarding an application for residency or citizenship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18614/10]
The person concerned has had his leave to remain in the State renewed for a further three year period, to 18 April 2013. This decision was conveyed in writing to the person concerned by letter dated 19 April 2010.
Passport Applications
Róisín Shortall
Question:90 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding a passport application in respect of persons (details supplied); and if he will ensure that the necessary paper work is passed to consulate officials. [18464/10]
Passports for two of the persons named were sent to the Irish Consulate in San Francisco by Diplomatic Courier on 22 April, 2010 and the third passport was sent on 29 April, 2010.
James Reilly
Question:91 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding an application for a passport in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he expects that this person will have their passport in time to allow them to travel on 15 May 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18525/10]
A passport application for the named person was registered with the Passport Office in Balbriggan on 14 April, 2010. As a direct result of industrial action, significant arrears of passport applications have arisen within the passport service. Every effort is being made to reduce the waiting time for applications, pending the resolution of the industrial action which is preventing the recruitment of temporary staff to address the seasonal surge in demand for passports.
Applications, other than those that are prioritised on the basis of demonstrable urgent humanitarian need, are being processed on a first come first served basis. It is presently taking up to twenty working days to process applications received through the Swiftpost system. At this rate, while I am unable to give an absolute guarantee because of the ongoing industrial action, the application in question is likely to be processed in time to allow the person concerned to collect their passport prior to travel. The Passport Service will be in contact with the person concerned in due course.
Overseas Development Aid
John Deasy
Question:92 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a charitable organisation (details supplied) received funding from Irish Aid or other State agencies; the amount of such funding each year from 2000 to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18563/10]
John Deasy
Question:93 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a charitable organisation (details supplied) has returned any funding received from Irish Aid or other State agencies; the amount of such funding returned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18564/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 92 and 93 together.
Co-operation with development Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) is a key element in the Government's aid programme, which is managed by Irish Aid in the Department of Foreign Affairs. The overarching goal of the aid programme is to contribute to the reduction and eventual eradication of global poverty and hunger. In this effort, we attach great importance to the role Irish NGOs are playing internationally in promoting good governance, transparency and accountability. It is clearly essential that the organisations involved must themselves operate at all times to the highest standards.
The International Community for Relief of Starvation and Suffering (ICROSS) was founded in Kenya in 1978 by a number of doctors from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. ICROSS Ireland was established in 1979 as a funding centre for ICROSS Kenya. There has been considerable media coverage in recent weeks of allegations about the operation of the charity ICROSS Kenya. Since 2000, Irish Aid has provided a total of €453,788 to ICROSS Ireland for four health care and HIV and AIDS projects in Kenya, implemented by ICROSS Kenya. The breakdown of the funding provided is as follows:
2000 — €69,836, 2002 — €20,000, 2004 — €137,988 2005 — €225,964
Following allegations of mismanagement within ICROSS in Kenya in 2006, Irish Aid carried out an investigation and sought additional detailed financial statements from ICROSS Ireland. As is normal practice during such investigations, Irish Aid suspended funding to ICROSS Ireland. A team from the Irish Aid Evaluation and Audit unit examined the financial statements in detail and travelled to Kenya in 2007 to carry out an audit and governance review.
The Evaluation and Audit unit were unable to establish assurance and verification of appropriate spending for the amount of €97,000 from the total allocations from Irish Aid to the charity. As a result, Irish Aid requested and received from ICROSS Ireland a full reimbursement of this amount. No further funding has been provided to ICROSS, which has not implemented a set of recommendations made by Irish Aid to improve governance and financial oversight at the charity.
I want to assure the Deputy that any allegation of the misuse of public funds is taken very seriously by Irish Aid. All allegations are fully investigated and appropriate actions taken to ensure that funds are either fully accounted for or recovered as necessary. Irish Aid has a code of practice for dealing with suspected fraud in partner organisations which is acted upon immediately. The Irish development NGOs have a very strong and well-earned reputation internationally for their professionalism and their effectiveness. The situation at ICROSS is extremely disappointing, but I want to emphasise that it is not reflective of the operation of Irish NGOs more generally.
Sports Funding
Dinny McGinley
Question:94 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport if an application for national lottery funding of other funding has been received from an organisation (details supplied) in respect of a project; when the application was received; if a grant has been approved; when this approval was sanctioned; if any moneys have been paid to date and if so, the amount; the stage to which the work at the project has progressed; and when is it planned that the project will be completed. [18393/10]
The club in question applied for funding under the 2007 and 2008 Sports Capital Programmes. These eligible applications were assessed and received grant funding under the programme of €750,000 in 2007 and €500,000 in 2008. These provisional allocations were made towards the new stadium in Stranorlar. The club was also successful under the 1999 programme and received a grant of €190,461 for Finn Park.
These grant allocations are subject to the terms and conditions of the Programme, which include the execution of a Deed of Covenant and Charge. A Deed provides, inter alia, for a refund of the grant in the event of the facility not continuing to be used for the purpose for which the grant was allocated. The Department’s legal adviser, the Chief State Solicitor’s Office (CSSO), deals with the grantee’s solicitor in executing this Deed. The club is awaiting a copy of their stamped lease to be returned from the Revenue Commissioners which will be forwarded to the CSSO in order to place a charge on it.
I understand that the contractor has completed some provisional site works and drainage and hopes to be back on site as soon as legalities are completed. As soon as these legalities are finalised and upon receipt of a valid tax clearance certificate from the organisation, my Department will be in a position to make a payment of almost €125k on foot of invoices already submitted by the organisation which have been examined and certified by the Department's technical advisers, the OPW.
Sports Capital Programme
John O'Mahony
Question:95 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the number of applications approved under the sports capital programme for 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 on a county basis in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18561/10]
John O'Mahony
Question:96 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the number of applications made under the sports capital programme for 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 on a county basis in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18562/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 96 together.
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table.
|
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
||||||
|
County |
Apps |
Grants |
Apps |
Grants |
Apps. |
Grants |
Apps |
Grants |
Apps |
Grants |
|
Carlow |
16 |
12 |
22 |
11 |
16 |
9 |
22 |
13 |
19 |
9 |
|
Cavan |
25 |
15 |
20 |
11 |
26 |
17 |
33 |
24 |
22 |
8 |
|
Clare |
25 |
19 |
33 |
21 |
29 |
20 |
60 |
32 |
61 |
24 |
|
Cork |
128 |
81 |
151 |
77 |
154 |
91 |
181 |
110 |
164 |
83 |
|
Donegal |
62 |
26 |
59 |
22 |
62 |
32 |
52 |
37 |
62 |
33 |
|
Dublin |
252 |
140 |
268 |
92 |
233 |
122 |
229 |
133 |
197 |
88 |
|
Galway |
73 |
39 |
100 |
35 |
90 |
50 |
96 |
56 |
112 |
46 |
|
Kerry |
90 |
50 |
81 |
43 |
86 |
64 |
81 |
62 |
82 |
37 |
|
Kildare |
44 |
27 |
44 |
16 |
33 |
19 |
38 |
17 |
44 |
21 |
|
Kilkenny |
25 |
18 |
26 |
17 |
36 |
21 |
40 |
24 |
36 |
17 |
|
Laois |
25 |
19 |
22 |
14 |
26 |
17 |
35 |
19 |
30 |
18 |
|
Leitrim |
27 |
10 |
23 |
9 |
28 |
13 |
23 |
13 |
25 |
9 |
|
Limerick |
45 |
28 |
59 |
35 |
58 |
42 |
82 |
48 |
77 |
35 |
|
Longford |
29 |
10 |
19 |
11 |
17 |
13 |
24 |
18 |
27 |
12 |
|
Louth |
37 |
22 |
42 |
21 |
37 |
21 |
47 |
27 |
39 |
20 |
|
Mayo |
50 |
23 |
53 |
19 |
50 |
29 |
61 |
43 |
59 |
29 |
|
Meath |
32 |
16 |
28 |
21 |
28 |
17 |
38 |
23 |
45 |
25 |
|
Monaghan |
26 |
17 |
39 |
14 |
35 |
21 |
35 |
19 |
32 |
14 |
|
Offaly |
29 |
17 |
35 |
25 |
29 |
22 |
41 |
32 |
25 |
13 |
|
Roscommon |
35 |
19 |
32 |
14 |
28 |
16 |
29 |
15 |
33 |
12 |
|
Sligo |
30 |
13 |
21 |
10 |
29 |
19 |
29 |
19 |
23 |
12 |
|
Tipperary |
54 |
27 |
56 |
25 |
59 |
35 |
81 |
50 |
64 |
36 |
|
Waterford |
41 |
29 |
39 |
21 |
43 |
23 |
42 |
26 |
41 |
24 |
|
Westmeath |
30 |
18 |
25 |
9 |
22 |
12 |
37 |
19 |
31 |
17 |
|
Wexford |
41 |
27 |
38 |
20 |
54 |
33 |
66 |
37 |
65 |
25 |
|
Wicklow |
33 |
15 |
27 |
15 |
30 |
19 |
31 |
19 |
39 |
18 |
|
TOTAL |
1,304 |
738 |
1,362 |
628 |
1,338 |
797 |
1,533 |
935 |
1,454 |
685 |
Scéimeanna na mBóithre
Dinny McGinley
Question:97 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Dinny McGinley den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil liúntas airgid curtha ar fáil i meastacháin na bliana seo le haghaidh scéimeanna na mbóithre áise, cad é méid an liúntais; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [18392/10]
Tá soláthar de €2m curtha ar fáil i Meastacháin mo Roinne do 2010 chun feabhsúcháin Ghaeltachta, ar a n-áirítear bóithre, muiroibreacha, grúpscéimeanna uisce, srl., a chur i gcrích. I gcomhthéacs na ngealltanas éagsúla atá ar láimh cheana i ndáil leis na feabhsúchain seo, níl cinneadh críochnúil déanta agam go fóill maidir le geallúintí nua a chruthú.
Irish Language
Ruairí Quinn
Question:98 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the expenditure per year by his Department for the preparatory course for Irish language lawyer-linguist positions in the European institutions run by institutions (details supplied) since the creation of the course; if he will outline per year the total money given to each institution for the running of the course; the number of students who gained employment in European institutions after completion of the preparatory course since its inception; the measures in place to ensure that students do not abuse the rent subsidy that is allocated to students undertaking the course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18411/10]
The recognition of Irish as an official working language of the European Union with effect from 1 January 2007 presented the EU Institutions with a significant recruitment challenge. The Government took a number of steps to assist the EU Institutions in meeting this challenge and to ensure the availability of sufficient numbers of qualified personnel to support the new status of Irish at the EU. These steps included the establishment in 2006 of a dedicated fund — the Advanced Irish Languages Skills Initiative — to provide funding for specialised Irish language third-level courses.
The recognition of Irish as an official and working EU language created in particular a need for lawyer-linguists proficient in the Irish language. In this regard, I am appreciative of the co-operation of the institutions referred to in the Deputy's Question in developing a short-term intensive course for lawyer-linguists. To date, this course has been provided in 2007, 2008 and 2009. It is intended to provide a further course in 2010 and in subsequent years depending on sufficient uptake, continuing demand and the availability of resources.
Having regard to the circumstances arising — particularly the urgent need to ensure that lawyer-linguists proficient in Irish became available as speedily as possible — it was agreed that each participant on the course would be paid a stipend, as well as accommodation expenses in the case of participants based outside Dublin. The payment of a stipend was intended to help compensate participants who would be unable to work while attending the course. The relevant institution provided my Department with detailed information in relation to the students who qualified for accommodation costs prior to funding being made available in this regard.
To date, 4 participants have gone on to secure employment with EU institutions, while I am advised that other participants from the 2009 course are currently within the recruitment process. The table sets out the total level of funding provided by my Department in respect of the lawyer-linguist course in the years 2007, 2008 and 2009, as well as the details regarding participant numbers requested by the Deputy.
|
Year |
Amount of funding provided by Department |
Number of participants |
Number of participants who successfully completed the course |
Number taking up EU posts to date |
|
€ |
||||
|
2007 |
142,627 |
7 |
6 |
2 |
|
2008 |
234,864 |
11 |
9 |
2 |
|
2009 |
364,713 |
26 |
18 |
0 |
Finally, I wish to reiterate that the provision of funding to support the status of Irish at the EU remains a priority. However, in view of the changed economic circumstances, the question of payment of a stipend and accommodation expenses is currently under review. I understand that the relevant institution has advised that it is not aware of any incidents of these payments having been abused in the past.
Rail Services
Joe Carey
Question:99 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will continue to support the provision of a rail stop at Crusheen, County Clare; if so, the communications he has had in relation to this matter since his appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18472/10]
The Deputy will be aware that I do not have primary responsibility for the provision of transport infrastructure. However, I am aware of a proposal that has been prepared by Irish Rail with regard to the development of a railway station at Crusheen and, in that context, I recently met with the Crusheen Rail Group. While I will keep the proposal under consideration, the Deputy will appreciate that, in the current economic climate, all project proposals must be assessed carefully in the context of the resources available to my Department.
Departmental Bodies
Róisín Shortall
Question:100 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 270 of 27 April 2010, the list of each implementing body; the number of places allocated and quotas assigned to each. [18531/10]
The list of implementing bodies for the Rural Social Scheme and the number of participant and supervisor places allocated to each body is set out in the table.
|
Implementing Body |
Participant Quota |
Supervisor Quota |
|
Avondhu/Blackwater Partnership Ltd. |
17 |
1 |
|
Ballyhoura Development Limited |
47 |
2 |
|
Breffni Integrated Limited |
80 |
4 |
|
Carlow County Development Partnership Ltd. |
18 |
1 |
|
Cill Dara ar Aghaidh Teoranta |
22 |
1 |
|
Clare Local Development Co. Ltd. |
117 |
6 |
|
Co. Wicklow Community Partnership T/A Co. Wicklow Partnership |
20 |
1 |
|
Comhar na nOileán Teoranta |
20 |
0 |
|
County Kilkenny LEADER Partnership Company Limited |
19 |
1 |
|
County Sligo LEADER Partnership Co. Ltd. |
124 |
6 |
|
Donegal Local Development Company Ltd. |
76 |
4 |
|
FORUM Connemara Ltd. |
14 |
1 |
|
Galway Rural Development Co. Ltd. |
156 |
8 |
|
Inishowen Development Partnership |
30 |
2 |
|
IRD Duhallow Ltd. |
58 |
3 |
|
Laois Community and Enterprise Development Co. Ltd. |
25 |
1 |
|
Leitrim Integrated Development Company Ltd. |
100 |
5 |
|
Longford Community Resources |
55 |
3 |
|
Louth LEADER Partnership |
10 |
0 |
|
Meath Community Rural & Social Development Partnership Ltd. |
16 |
1 |
|
Monaghan Integrated Development Limited |
40 |
2 |
|
North and East Kerry LEADER Partnership Teoranta |
89 |
5 |
|
Mayo North East LEADER Partnership Co. Teo. |
221 |
11 |
|
North Tipperary LEADER Partnership |
37 |
2 |
|
Offaly Integrated Local Development Company Ltd. |
52 |
3 |
|
Roscommon Integrated Development Company Ltd. |
149 |
7 |
|
South and East Cork Area Development |
8 |
1 |
|
South Kerry Development Partnership Ltd. |
138 |
7 |
|
South Tipperary Development Company Limited |
26 |
1 |
|
South West Mayo Development Company Ltd. |
191 |
10 |
|
Údarás na Gaeltachta |
437 |
21 |
|
Waterford LEADER Partnership Ltd. |
12 |
0 |
|
West Cork Development Partnership Ltd. |
68 |
3 |
|
West Limerick Resources |
36 |
2 |
|
Westmeath Community Development Ltd. |
33 |
2 |
|
Wexford Local Development |
39 |
2 |
|
Totals |
2,600 |
130 |
Social Welfare Benefits
Terence Flanagan
Question:101 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 13; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18418/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken in the HSE, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
Emmet Stagg
Question:102 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason for the delay in processing a rent allowance application under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare. [18431/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken in the HSE, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
Pension Provisions
Michael Ring
Question:103 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on application for contributory pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway. [18460/10]
A claim for State Pension (Contributory) submitted by the person concerned is currently being processed. He will be notified of the outcome of a decision on his entitlement in due course.
Proposed Legislation
Joe Carey
Question:104 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Social Protection when he will amend the Civil Registration Act 2004 to allow grieving Irish families whose loved ones died abroad to be able to register their deaths in this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18473/10]
It is intended to propose to make a number of amendments to the Civil Registration Act 2004 and, in this context, I will review the current provisions in relation to the registration in this country of deaths of Irish people which occur outside the State.
Pension Provisions
James Bannon
Question:105 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for a non-contributory old age pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18477/10]
State pension (non-contributory) is a means tested payment for persons over 66 years of age. All income is assessable as means and this includes cash income, private pensions, foreign pensions, the value of any property (excluding the claimant's own home) and the value of any investments, monies held in financial institutions and capital which the claimant or his/her spouse may have.
The person concerned was 66 years on 8 May 2009, he applied f or the pension on 5 August 2009. He has a private pension of €969.80 per annum, his spouse is a HSE employee with an annual income in 2009 of €49,481.28. Based on the joint income of himself and his spouse, his means were assessed at €484.14 per week, which exceeds the statutory limit for receipt of State pension non-contributory, currently €245.00 per week.
A decision letter issued to the person concerned on the 17 August 2009 outlining details in relation to the refusal of his claim.
He appealed the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 8 September 2009. His appeal was disallowed.
On 5 March 2010, the person concerned contacted my department asking that his entitlement to a State pension non-contributory be re-examined. His file is currently with a Social Welfare Inspector, who will arrange to interview him shortly to determine his current means. Following receipt of the Inspector's report, a decision will be made on his entitlement and he will be notified accordingly.
Richard Bruton
Question:106 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection the entitlements of self-employed persons with at least five years contribution to receive a social welfare pension [18478/10]
Pay related social insurance (PRSI) was extended to self employed people from April 1988, as Class S PRSI. Class S benefits cover a range of pensions including State pension (contributory).
At the same time, a concession was made to those who first started paying Class S insurance from April 1988, which allowed any previous social insurance record they may have had to be disregarded when eligibility for pension was being assessed, if it was more beneficial to the individual concerned. Self-employed people who commenced paying contributions after April 1988 are treated the same as other contributors.
Furthermore, a special half-rate pension for the self-employed was introduced in April 1999 which enabled people who were over age 56 at the time of the introduction of Class S PRSI in 1988, and who could not therefore meet the standard qualifying conditions, to receive a contributory pension.
To qualify for the special half-rate self-employed State pension (contributory) a self-employed person must have:
1. been aged 56 or over on 6 April 1988;
2. paid social insurance contributions as a self-employed person on or after this date; and
3. have at least 260 full-rate social insurance contributions paid on a compulsory basis since first starting to pay social insurance contributions as a self-employed person.
The personal rate and increases for a qualified adult and a qualified child are paid at 50% of the standard maximum rate.
For State pension (contributory) qualification purposes, Class S self-employment contributions are treated like any other full rate social insurance, although these contributions are not reckonable when calculating entitlement to State pension (transition).
In the case of a State pension (contributory) a person must satisfy certain qualifying conditions. The person must have:
1. entered into insurable employment before age 56;
2. have at least 260 weeks full-rate contributions paid; and
3. a yearly average of at least 10 contributions recorded (taking paid and credited PRSI Contributions into account) from 1953 or from the date of entry into insurance (whichever is the later) to the end of the last complete contribution year before reaching pension age.
In order to qualify for the maximum rate a yearly average of 48 contributions is required.
In the case of self-employed individuals, a further condition is that all outstanding liabilities incurred as a result of their self-employed activities must be fully discharged to the Revenue Commissioners.
An individual who fails to qualify for a State pension (contributory) pension, may apply for a State pension (non-contributory) which is a is means tested payment.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:107 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when a widows pension and bereavement grant will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18615/10]
A Bereavement Grant at the maximum rate of €850 has been awarded and a cheque will issue shortly. Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy in respect of Widow's Pension.
Social Welfare Appeals
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:108 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of eligibility for disability allowance in the case of a person (details supplied ) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18616/10]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, following receipt of the relevant Departmental papers including comments on the grounds of appeal, the appeal from the person concerned will be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
Róisín Shortall
Question:109 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection the number and percentage of social welfare appeals that were refused in 2008 and 2009; and if he has an estimate of the overall savings to the Exchequer arising from these refusals. [18628/10]
Róisín Shortall
Question:110 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection the average time of social welfare appeals that were refused in 2008 and 2009. [18632/10]
Róisín Shortall
Question:111 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection the target waiting time for social welfare appeals. [18633/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 109 to 111, inclusive, together.
The average time taken to process all appeals in 2009 was 24 weeks (22 weeks in 2008). That processing time reduces to 15.8 weeks (14.5 weeks in 2008) if allowance was made for the 25% most protracted cases. These figures cover all appeals, whether decided summarily or following an oral hearing. Separate figures are not maintained in respect of the processing times for appeals disallowed.
The number of appeals disallowed by Appeals Officers in 2008 and 2009 was 6,135 and 6,332 respectively. I am advised that the Social Welfare Appeals Office does not maintain an estimate of the savings to the Exchequer arising from the disallowance of these appeals. The processing time for appeals covers all phases of the appeal process including the submission by the Department of its comments on the grounds for the appeal, further examination by the Department's Medical Assessors in certain illness related cases, further investigation by Social Welfare Inspectors where required and circumstances may also arise where further information is sought from the appellant. I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that having regard to the various phases of the appeal process, the varying complexities of the matters appealed to them and the demand led nature of the workload, a definitive target time is not feasible.
To deal with the increased workload being experienced by the Social Welfare Appeals Office, two additional Appeals Officers were appointed during 2009. The possibility of assigning further additional resources on a temporary basis is currently under consideration.
In addition, changes have recently been made to processes in the Social Welfare Appeals Office with a view to achieving additional productivity. I am assured by the Chief Appeals Officer that she is keeping the outcome of these changes under continuous review to ensure the optimum throughput of appeals with full regard to due process in terms of the rights of appellants and adherence to the requirements of natural justice.
Defence Forces Equipment
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:112 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Defence his plans for aircraft replacement in the Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18486/10]
A very significant level of investment on Air Corps aircraft has taken place in recent years. The comprehensive investment programme included the delivery of eight Pilatus training aircraft at a total cost of €60m, the acquisition of two light utility EC 135 helicopters from Eurocopter S.A.S. at a cost of €12.8m, the acquisition of six utility AW 139 helicopters from AgustaWestland, Italy at a cost of €75m and a major mid life upgrade on the two CASA maritime patrol aircraft at a cost of €16.5m.
Continued investment in both the Air Corps and the Defence Forces generally will remain a key focus for me as Minister for Defence. However, it is imperative that the Department and Defence Forces look to whatever efficiencies can be made taking into account the current difficult economic environment and the overall financial envelope available to the Department for the acquisition of new equipment and for upgrading and refurbishment programmes over the coming years. The budgetary situation will dictate the level of funding available for new equipment and upgrades in that period and decisions will be made accordingly.
Departmental Agencies
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:113 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 356 of 30 March 2010, if full details are now available. [18546/10]
The agencies associated with the Department are the Civil Defence Board, the Army Pensions Board and the Board of Coiste an Asgard. The Army Pensions Board and the Board of Coiste an Asgard do not have a Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer of the Civil Defence Board is a serving civil servant at principal officer grade. The pay scales for principal officers appointed to the civil service prior to 1995 for the period in question are:
|
Principal Officer Pay Scale |
|
|
€ |
|
|
1/8/2008 |
84,066 – 103,982 |
|
1/9/2008 |
86,168 – 106,582 |
The arrangements that apply to the CEO of this agency in respect of reductions in salary and the payment of pension and other expenses are the same as for all civil service staff.
Motor Taxation
Richard Bruton
Question:114 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that persons who bought hybrid cars prior to July 2007 when the new regime of rating cars came in are left in a position where not only have they paid more for their cars but face a continuing penalty in having to pay motor tax at a higher rate; the steps he will take to ensure that such cars will be eligible for the same concession on motor tax as any other car with similar environmental features; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18396/10]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 334 of 5 May 2010, which outlines the position in relation to the new motor tax and VRT systems applying from 1 July 2008.
Game Sanctuaries
Thomas Byrne
Question:115 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans, whether by the direct legislation route or indirectly through the use of his power, to regulate or ban the shooting of game. [18420/10]
Thomas Byrne
Question:116 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to expand the numbers and sizes of game sanctuaries here. [18423/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 115 and 116 together.
Firstly, I wish to state that I have no plans to ban the shooting of game.
The Wildlife Acts 1976 and 2000 provide for the making of orders relating to the provision of open seasons for the hunting of protected birds and mammals. These orders are reviewed from time to time, taking account of the conservation needs of individual species. For example, during the freeze which occurred last winter, I considered it necessary to curtail the open season for waterfowl for approximately two weeks.
Although the hunting of birds is covered in general by the orders providing for open seasons, individual licences are required under Section 30 of the Wildlife Act 1976 (as amended) for hunting on foreshore, lakes and inland waters belonging to the State. While such licences are applicable to the hunting of fauna generally, they are in practice obtained for the hunting of wildfowl, and are subject to the provisions of the open season orders.
Wildfowl Sanctuaries around the country, where hunting of birds is prohibited, have been in place since 1979, under the Wildlife (Wild Birds) (Open Seasons) Order, 1979. I have no plans at this time to add to the number or size of Wildfowl Sanctuaries. Recreational hunting is also prohibited in Nature Reserves and in National Parks. I have no plans to increase the numbers of Nature Reserves or National Parks at this time.
Archaeological Sites
Thomas Byrne
Question:117 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the forthcoming procedure involved following the submission of the Tara complex to UNESCO for possible inclusion as a world heritage site; the benefits to the area if this application is successful; the land area involved; and the requirements on the local authority to amend its development plan if this application is successful. [18474/10]
The Tara Complex has been included in Ireland's new Tentative List of potential nominees to the World Heritage List submitted to UNESCO as part of the Royal Sites of Ireland series. The submission of the Tentative List to UNESCO is a different process to that of the nomination of a property to the World Heritage List. Such a nomination takes considerable time to prepare and each property nominated for inclusion on the World Heritage List is subject to evaluation by UNESCO, normally, over an 18 month period.
My Department is presently reviewing the strategy for advancing nominations to the World Heritage List. Consideration will be given to the order of the proposed nomination of properties on the Tentative List to the World Heritage List as part of this review.
The proposed nomination of the Tara Complex as part of the Royal Sites of Ireland series will require the preparation of comprehensive nomination documentation including a management plan for the property. Consideration of the land area involved and the need for any amendments to the County Development Plan will take place at that stage. Consultation with the relevant stakeholders including the local community will be an important part of the process.
World Heritage inscription brings increased international recognition for Ireland and increases public awareness of the outstanding universal value of the inscribed property. Inscription on the World Heritage List brings a potential increase in tourist activity around the property and the region.
The Deputy may also be aware of the Tara-Skryne Pilot Landscape Conservation Area project currently underway. The initiative is a partnership project between Meath County Council, the Heritage Council and my Department, working with the local community and all stakeholders in a collaborative and participative manner. The project will progress objectives and policies contained in the Meath County Development Plan 2007-2013 which seek to designate a Landscape Conservation Area for the Tara-Skryne Area under the Planning and Development Act, 2000. The overall aim is to develop a framework to manage change in a manner which will safeguard the character and values of this landscape. I understand that the draft boundary for such a designation by Meath County Council is now on public display.
Fire Stations
Pádraic McCormack
Question:118 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make funds available to Galway County Council to enable a fire brigade station to be set up in south Connemara, County Galway, to cover this area where recent fires have taken place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18480/10]
The provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of premises is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under section 10 of the Fire Services Act 1981. The Department's role is one of supporting and assisting fire authorities in delivering fire services through the provision of funding under the fire service capital programme and through setting of general policy. Further investment in the fire service in Galway will be considered under future capital programmes having regard to the existing facilities, the level of activity, the proximity of other fire stations, the fire authority's priorities and the totality of demands of other fire authorities on the limited funds available under the fire services capital programme.
Natural Heritage Areas
Andrew Doyle
Question:119 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will give details of the UN-mandated responsibilities and restrictions on local communities living in or adjacent to a world heritage site which will provide the guidance to his Department in its management of a site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18487/10]
The World Heritage Convention (the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage) was adopted by the General Conference of UNESCO on 16 November 1972. This Convention:
defines the kind of natural and cultural properties which can be considered for inscription on the World Heritage List;
sets out the duties of State Parties in identifying potential properties and their role in protecting and preserving them;
explains how the World Heritage Fund is to be used and managed; and
obliges State Parties to report regularly to the World Heritage Committee on the state of conservation of their World Heritage properties. Ireland ratified the Convention in 1991. Details of the Convention are available on the UNESCO website at http://whc.unesco.org/archive/convention-en.pdf .
The primary framework for the operation of the World Heritage Convention is provided by the Convention itself and the UNESCO Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention. The Guidelines aim to facilitate the implementation of the Convention and cover such subjects as:
Tentative Lists;
Criteria for assessment of outstanding universal value;
Protection and management;
the process for the inscription of properties on the World Heritage List, and
the process for monitoring the state of conservation of World Heritage properties.
The guidelines may be found on the UNESCO website at http://whc.unesco.org/en/guidelines.
Water and Sewerage Schemes
Dan Neville
Question:120 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding an application submitted by Limerick County Council for the hospital sewerage scheme. [18497/10]
I refer to Question Nos. 337 and 342 of the 5 May 2010 which outlined the position in relation to Limerick Sewerage Schemes.
Litter Pollution
Noel Ahern
Question:121 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding spitting in public on the street; the law regarding same; if it is prohibited under littering legislation or by-laws and if they are enforceable by local authority litter wardens; if the relevant legislation can be quoted; if details of any enforcement action under his Department will be provided to this Deputy; and if he will make a statement on the matter [18533/10]
The Litter Pollution Act 1997 defines litter as "a substance or object that, when deposited in a place other than a litter receptacle or other place lawfully designated for the deposit, is or is likely to become unsightly, deleterious, nauseous or unsanitary, whether by itself or with any other such substance or object, and regardless of its size or volume or the extent of the deposit". On this basis, it is considered that the spitting out of a substance, such as chewing gum, on the street, would be an offence under the Litter Pollution Act 1997, which could be the subject of enforcement action by designated litter wardens appointed by local authorities.
Departmental Correspondence
John O'Mahony
Question:122 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 125 of 4 March 2010, the reason a person (details supplied) in County Sligo has not been contacted by his Department; when his Department will contact this person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18535/10]
The case involving the person concerned is complex and has required the Department to obtain the professional advice of a number of experts, including legal counsel. The Department has been examining the advice received and expects to be in a position to write to the individual in the coming days.
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:123 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will consider a petition (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18540/10]
The Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009, which has now completed Committee Stage in the Seanad where it was introduced, proposes to give statutory effect to the recommendations of the Working Group that reviewed the management of dog breeding establishments. It defines a dog breeding establishment as a premises with not less than 6 bitches of 4 months old and capable of breeding. The Bill proposes that all dog breeding establishments be required to register with the relevant local authority, that they pay a registration fee and that they meet a minimum set of veterinary, welfare and other standards, together with some associated requirements.
The Hunting Association of Ireland (HAI) made submissions to me in relation to their activities. As a consequence and in recognition of the "not for profit" basis of these activities, and as communicated to the HAI directly and in response to representations on their behalf, I decided to provide an exemption in the legislation in respect of the payment of registration fees. The HAI has made clear that their premises operate in accordance with comprehensive and appropriate standards. Accordingly, I do not consider that this aspect of the proposed legislative regime should cause difficulty to their members. Regulations will be introduced following enactment of the Bill and these will be subject to consultation with interested parties, including the HAI. to meet the requirements of the legislation.
Departmental Expenditure
Charlie O'Connor
Question:124 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide additional resources to South Dublin County Council to allow for the provision and redevelopment of the playground at Tymon Park on the Tallaght side; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18557/10]
There are no proposals for a new playground grant scheme in 2010.
Environmental Policy
Charlie O'Connor
Question:125 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make a comprehensive statement on his policy to tackle climate change; if he will confirm the actions being taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18558/10]
I refer to the comprehensive statement which I made in presenting the third Carbon Budget to Dáil Éireann on 11 December 2009. In that statement, I introduced the carbon tax and the Climate Change Bill 2010 as two of the corner-stones that will shape and drive Ireland's response to climate change.
Putting a price on carbon, which is being achieved through the implementation of the carbon tax, is a key step in our continued efforts to move towards a low-carbon future. As indicated in the reply to Question no. 12 of 22 April 2010, work on drafting the Heads of the Climate Change Bill is at an advanced stage and I expect, following Government consideration, to be in a position to publish them shortly.
Planning Issues
Damien English
Question:126 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in the proposed issues paper on the retail planning guidelines, he will look at the potentially negative impact on employment in the retail and allied sectors of amending the retail planning guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18565/10]
Retail strategies are prepared by all planning authorities as part of their development plans. Given the considerable changes in economic and social development since the current Retail Planning Guidelines were published in 2001 and updated in 2005, particularly in relation to population and settlement patterns, it is important that the forward planning context for future retail development remains robust and realistic.
My Department is preparing an Issues Paper for publication shortly to provide an opportunity for stakeholders and interested parties to assist in identifying key issues to be considered in the context of preparing and drafting revised retail planning guidelines. Issues which could be raised through this initial consultation process could include potential employment or other impacts of any possible changes to the guidelines. I intend to issue the draft revised retail guidelines for public consultation before their finalisation later this year.
Building Regulations
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:127 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the extent to which the Building Control Act is effective to deal with the issues for which it was introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18619/10]
My Department understands that the issue to which the Question refers concerns the use of sub-standard materials in buildings. The national Building Regulations, which are operative since 1992, set out the legal requirements for the construction of new buildings and the extension of, material alteration to, and certain changes of, use of existing buildings. The comprehensive set of related Technical Guidance Documents provide detailed information on how to comply with the Regulations.
Part D of the Building Regulations deals with Materials and Workmanship. It stipulates that all works are to be carried out with proper materials and in a workmanlike manner. It defines proper materials as those materials which are fit for the use for which they are intended and for the conditions in which they are to be used. This includes materials which:
bear a CE Marking in accordance with the EU Construction Products Directive; or
comply with an appropriate harmonised standard, a European Technical approval or a national technical specification; or
comply with an appropriate Irish Standard or Irish Agrément Board Certificate or with an alternative national technical specification of another State which provides an equivalent level of safety and suitability.
A particular issue of concern in this regard is the use of pyrite in house construction and the position on this has been set out in replies to previous Questions and most recently in reply to Question No. 31 of 25 February 2010. The issue of pyrite was brought to the attention of my Department in mid 2007. Having consulted the statutory Building Regulations Advisory Body, my Department issued a circular letter (Ref. BC 6/2007) to each county manager and local building control authority on 16 August 2007 to bring this matter to their notice and to request co-operation in the enforcement of the relevant requirements set out in the circular. The circular also brought to their attention a notice issued by Fingal County Council on 26 July 2007 on this matter.
Following an intervention from my Department, the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) published a new amended Standard Recommendation on the use of aggregates as infill for civil engineering and road construction work. The new Standard Recommendation came into effect on 7 December 2007 and it is intended to address the quality standards of new homes and buildings insofar as problems relating to pyrite are concerned. My Department incorporated this NSAI Standard Recommendation into the relevant Technical Guidance Document (TGD-C) of the Building Regulations. A copy of the relevant amendment to TGD-C is available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie. My Department has also notified Local Authorities, the Construction Industry Federation, the Irish Home Builders' Association and other key stakeholders of the provisions of the amended TGD-C. In addition, I am aware that HomeBond has included the amended NSAI Standard Recommendation in their published 6th edition of the House Building Manual. I am satisfied that the measures outlined represent an appropriate response by my Department to this issue.
Responsibility for compliance with the Building Regulations is a matter for the owner or builder of a building. Enforcement of the Building Regulations is the responsibility of individual Building Control Authorities which are empowered to carry out inspections and initiate enforcement proceedings, where considered necessary. The resolution of problems arising between building owners and builders is a matter for the parties concerned, namely the building owner, the relevant developer and the builder's insurers. Where the construction of a building is the subject of a contract between the client and the builder enforcement is a civil matter.
Compliance with the building regulations is kept under constant review by my Department. I understand that the Building Regulations Advisory Body, which was established under the 1990 Building Control Act to advise me on matters relating to building regulations, has completed a report on enforcement of the regulations and that this report is to be submitted to me shortly. I expect this to be an important input to my Department's ongoing consideration of the building regulations regime.
Water and Sewerage Schemes
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:128 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 798 of 20 April 2010, the precise nature of the projects approved and rejected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18620/10]
A comprehensive range of new water services infrastructure has been approved for County Kildare in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2010 -2012 published last month. The Programme, which includes details of contracts currently at construction, contracts to start in the 2010 to 2012 period and schemes to advance through planning, is available in the Oireachtas Library.
The new Programme aims to prioritise projects that target environmental compliance issues and support economic and employment growth as envisaged in the Government's policy document Building Ireland's Smart Economy — A Framework for Sustainable Economic Revival. A key input to the development of the programme was the assessment of needs prepared by local authorities, including Kildare County Council, in response to my Department's request to the authorities in 2009 to review and prioritise their proposals for new capital works in their areas. These were subsequently appraised by my Department in the context of the funds available and key criteria that complemented those used by the authorities.
The contracts and schemes that were not included in the Programme on this occasion were those which did not feature highly on public health grounds or other environmental compliance requirements (for example, those relating to European Court of Justice proceedings, or those which were required in the context of the River Basin Management Plans, Shellfish Pollution Reduction Programmes, EPA Reports etc) and projects that were proposed simply for capacity expansion and which in the case of water supply can be deferred, in many cases, in favour of accelerated water conservation measures.
The Programme will be reviewed and updated annually to reflect any emerging priority projects. This is intended to deal with investment requirements arising, for example, from the clarification of appropriate treatment for certain agglomerations from the licensing and certification process for wastewater discharges being implemented by the EPA, or from the ongoing monitoring of drinking water standards which may highlight risks which need to be addressed.
Building Energy Ratings
Simon Coveney
Question:129 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 621 of 23 March 2010, if he has received complaints about the building energy rating software and its calculation of woodchip boilers in a final BER rating; if an installation of a woodchip boiler will negatively affect a BER rating; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18630/10]
The reply to Question Nos. 621, 622 and 623 of 23 March, 2010 outlines the position in relation to the calculation of energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions for purposes of the Building Energy Rating (BER) Scheme. My Department understands that the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), which is tasked with the administration of the scheme, has responded to a number of requests for clarification as to the treatment of wood-fuelled appliances for BER purposes.
Departmental Expenditure
Billy Timmins
Question:130 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18451/10]
Under Section 123 of the Broadcasting Act, 2009, with the approval of the Minister for Finance, I may pay RTÉ in respect of each financial year an amount equal to the total of receipts in that year in respect of broadcasting (TV) licence fees less (i) any expenses incurred in relation to the collection of those fees, and (ii) an amount being equal to 7% of these net television licence fee receipts, which is paid under Section 156 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) in respect of the Broadcasting Funding Scheme. This amount was increased from 5% to 7% under the 2009 Act. In effect, therefore, RTÉ is now being paid 93% of net television licence fee receipts on an annual basis.
The following table sets out details of funding available from television licence fees in the years 2006-2009.
|
Year |
TV Licence Fee Gross Proceeds |
|
€m |
|
|
2006 |
205.5 |
|
2007 |
217.3 |
|
2008 |
222.2 |
|
2009 |
222.6 |
Section 124(2) of the Broadcasting Act, 2009 provides that the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) shall, on an annual basis, carry out a review of RTÉ's performance. It further provides for the BAI to prepare and submit a report on its findings to me before 30th June each year. The BAI, on the basis of such a review, will make a recommendation on an annual licence fee modification if a modification is deemed appropriate. The calculation for this modification will take into account the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and any adjustment recommended by the BAI. When I receive the completed review I will consider if a change to the licence fee is warranted based on the BAI's recommendations.
Alternative Energy Projects
Liz McManus
Question:131 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason for the delayed announcement on the renewal energy feed in tariff price for miscanthus; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this REFIT price announcement was due in January 2010; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that the continued delay in announcing the REFIT price is putting the industry here in jeopardy with the potential loss of jobs; his views on whether miscanthus is an important growth industry if the target for biomass of 30% by 2015 is to be reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18527/10]
There was no commitment to announce a renewable energy feed in tariff (REFIT) price for biomass in January, 2010. My Department is working to finalise proposals in relation to REFIT prices for biomass CHP and biomass combustion (co-firing) in the context of the BioEnergy Roadmap, which will underpin the contribution of indigenous bioenergy and biomass to the National Renewable Energy targets for 2020. The national Renewable Energy Action Plan, which will set out Ireland's approach to meeting the targets, is being finalised for submission to the Commission by end June. Miscanthus is one of a number of energy crops currently being utilised in co-firing trials under way by ESB and Bord na Móna. The co-firing trials will contribute to overall assessments about the suitability and viability of the various energy crops as feed stock for the peat plant co-firing programme.
Departmental Agencies
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:132 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question No. 372 of 30 March 2010, if full details are now available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18544/10]
My Department is currently in the process of compiling the data sought by the Deputy and I will forward it to him as soon as possible.
Sustainable Energy Projects
Simon Coveney
Question:133 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question No. 665 of 23 March 2010, the price at which Sustainable Energy Ireland purchased software for the building energy rating system; if Sustainable Energy Ireland can edit this software to correct any glitches or anomalies that may arise; if Sustainable Energy Ireland have edited BER software at any point; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18631/10]
Building Energy Rating (BER) is a measure of the energy required to meet the annual energy use for space heating, water heating, ventilation and lighting in the home, calculated on the basis of a notional standard family with a standard pattern of occupancy.
The methodology used is the Dwelling Energy Assessment Procedure (DEAP). DEAP takes account of the energy required for space heating, ventilation, water heating and lighting, less savings from energy generation technologies. For standardised occupancy, it calculates both the total annual values and, the per square metre of total floor area of delivered energy consumption, primary energy consumption, carbon dioxide emissions and costs.
The methodology was defined by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) on the basis of prevailing methodologies and emerging international standards and following industry consultation. SEAI commissioned the DEAP software tool, which is issued free of charge through its website, to facilitate registered BER Assessors in the calculation and subsequent publication of energy ratings. DEAP is also used to demonstrate compliance with specific aspects of Part L of the Building Regulations for dwellings.
SEAI owns the full intellectual property rights within the software tool. The software was developed by Calyx Software (formerly Mentec), which was appointed following an Invitation To Tender process conducted through the Government's e-tenders service.
The specification of DEAP is subject to regular review as building practices change, new technologies are introduced to market and new developments in building energy calculation emerge. SEAI does not itself implement these changes within the software but rather specifies and manages the changes to be implemented by the appointed software vendor.
DEAP is enhanced on a phased basis to reflect revised technical requirements e.g. Building Regulations, and accommodate new and improved functionality. Total cost of development and maintenance of the DEAP software tool for the period 2006 to date is €306,292. Maintenance is included in the contract with Calyx to address any issues that arise with software operation.
Departmental Expenditure
Andrew Doyle
Question:134 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of Government-run canteens operating in Government buildings in his Department and its agencies; the number of commercially-run cafes or restaurants operating in Government buildings and in his Department and agencies; if there is a policy in his Department and its agencies to source the food served in the food outlet locally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18384/10]
Restaurants in Agriculture House, Dublin, Johnstown Castle, Wexford and Government Offices, Portlaoise, are operated by independent commercial companies.
The food sourced for these canteens is of Irish origin. The operation of such facilities in the State agencies under the aegis of my Department is a matter for the agencies themselves as part of their day-to-day activities.
Fisheries Protection
Joe McHugh
Question:135 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on fishermen’s concerns that seals are damaging fish stocks in area 6A; his further views on the Conservation of Seals (Scotland) Order 2007; the implications for Irish fish stocks of the presence of 350,000 seals off the Scottish coast; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18388/10]
I am aware of fishermen's concerns regarding the seal populations in and around our coasts. With regard to the role that the seal plays in the conservation of fish stocks, seals eat a wide array of fish and invertebrates. I am informed that their diet appears to vary considerably depending on location, time of year and the abundance of available prey.
Insofar as management of the national seal population is concerned, this is a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government under the Wildlife Acts, which are administered by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. The conservation of seals in Scottish waters is a matter for the Scottish Authorities, and I will not comment on the Conservation of Seals (Scotland) Order 2007.
Grant Payments
John O'Donoghue
Question:136 Deputy John O’Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when persons (details supplied) in County Kerry will receive arrears of REP scheme four payments. [18446/10]
For some time recently, the processing of REPS payments has been delayed in my Department's local offices in Kerry because two vacant supervisory posts remained unfilled in line with the Government's moratorium on recruitment and promotion in the civil service. My Department has now put arrangements in place to resolve the situation. This will enable the processing of claims to proceed and payments to issue without further delay.
John O'Donoghue
Question:137 Deputy John O’Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will receive their REP scheme four. [18450/10]
For some time recently, the processing of REPS payments has been delayed in my Department's local offices in Kerry because two vacant supervisory posts remained unfilled in line with the Government's moratorium on recruitment and promotion in the civil service. My Department has now put arrangements in place to resolve the situation. This will enable the processing of claims to proceed and payments to issue without further delay.
Denis Naughten
Question:138 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will receive their payment; the reason for the delay in same. [18470/10]
An official of my Department has been in direct contact with the person named regarding the dual claim of one land parcel under the 2009 Single Payment Scheme, following which the case is now being further reviewed. The person named will be advised of the outcome of the review shortly.
Farm Retirement Scheme
Dan Neville
Question:139 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18492/10]
Payment of the Early Retirement pension to the person named commenced on 28 February 2010. Arrears of pension backdated to 1 October 2009, the date of valid application, were included with the first payment.
Grant Payments
Paul Kehoe
Question:140 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding the REP scheme payment in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18511/10]
Payment will issue to the person named within ten working days.
Afforestation Programme
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:141 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the total area of land throughout the country currently owned by Coillte; the extent to which the entire area is under forestry or other development; the specific areas earmarked for or currently utilised for alternative purposes; the nature of any such projects current or proposed; the extent to which any such projects are in accordance with Coillte’s mission statement; the degree to which development plans in respect of Coillte property has evolved otherwise than in consort with the mission statement; the business plan or proposals under way or proposed in respect of Coillte; the plans if any to acquire or sell land or property; the extent to which any such proposals relate to decentralisation; the extent of negotiations, contracts, commitments or obligations implied or otherwise arising from developments in Coillte over the past ten years; the groups, bodies, agencies, personalities or other entities with which Coillte has had negotiations or discussions regarding the operation of future developments of Coillte; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18613/10]
The total area of land owned by Coillte is 426,500 hectares with an additional 3,000 hectares on long term lease and 12,500 hectares under the company's management through farm partnerships — this equates to 442,000 hectares. Some 80% of Coillte's land is under forestry. Details are not readily available as to areas specifically earmarked for or currently utilized for alternative purposes.
My Department has been fully apprised of Coillte's mission statement and development plans. Ensuring that specific projects are consistent with the Company's mission statement and development plans is an operational matter for the company, which was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act, 1988.
Under the provisions of Section 14 of the Forestry Act 1988, the company submits annually its plans for the sale and acquisition of property. The company's programme for 2010 has been submitted and I am not aware of any proposals in relation to decentralization in this context. Participation in negotiations, entry into contracts and other similar business activities are operational matters. Coillte interacts with a wide variety of public and private organizations. On a strategic level, Coillte is currently participating in the review of state forestry policy currently being undertaken by my Department. One element of this exercise is a review of Coillte's role, functions and operations. The Department of Finance and the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources are also participating in this review.
Grant Payments
John O'Mahony
Question:142 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their payment under REP scheme four; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18621/10]
REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007–13 and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before the first payments issue. Queries arose on the application from the person named and my officials requested that an amended plan be submitted. This plan was received on 12 April 2010 and my officials are currently carrying out the necessary administrative checks. If the amended plan is in order, payment will issue promptly once these checks have been completed.
Departmental Funding
Ruairí Quinn
Question:143 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will confirm reports from attendees at the labour market activation fund briefing on 18 March 2010 that two separate question and answer sessions took place due to the unexpected number of attendants; if she will confirm further reports that contrary to public procurement guidelines, questions were asked and responded to without all of the eligible bidders being present; if she will also confirm that none of the Departmental staff presiding over the meeting recorded the questions and answers and no questions and answers from this meeting were posted on the e-tenders website prior to the tenders expiration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18409/10]
As part of the call for proposals for funding under the Labour Market Activation Fund, an extensive Request for Tender (RFT) document was published. A paper was also commissioned from Forfás which provided extensive guidance to tenderers in preparing proposals for education and training provision which would meet the specific requirements detailed in the RFT document.
The public meeting on the 18th March was organised in order to allow interested parties the option of seeking information or clarification on the content of the published documents. The large number of attendees arriving for this meeting necessitated, for reasons of safety, the holding of an additional meeting for those who did not wish to attend the first session. These sessions took place in accordance with the principles of good procurement practice.
An additional information resource provided for prospective tenderers was a question and answer facility made available on the public procurement e-tenders website for the entire duration of the tendering process. In the main, the questions and answers arising under the principal themes covered at the information sessions on the 18th March were subsequently posted on this website. In addition, there was a continued opportunity for any prospective tenderer to pose any additional questions they wished and have them answered fully in the public domain. Almost one hundred questions were asked and answered on the e-tenders site, covering all aspects of the process in detail.
I am satisfied that more than sufficient information and clarification was provided, in addition to the two principal published documents, to guide all prospective tenderers, whether they attended the public briefings or not, in submitting proposals for support under the Activation Fund.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:144 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the consultation that took place with private and public sector organisations or associations concerning the labour market activation fund prior to its announcement in budget 2009; the name of each of the private sector and public sector organisations or associations with whom contact was made regarding the development of the labour market activation fund prior to its announcement in budget 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18410/10]
The key consultations, which took place before the December 2009 Budget, were between the relevant Ministers and their officials.
Question No. 145 answered with Question No. 20.
Schools Building Projects
Dinny McGinley
Question:146 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she has received an application for refurbishment and extension from a school (details supplied); when the application was made; the stage of the application; the nature and the details of the extension required; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18394/10]
The school to which the Deputy refers applied to my Department for capital funding for a large scale extension project in September 2005.
The application has been assessed in accordance with published prioritisation criteria for large scale projects and assigned a band 2 rating. However, the project has not yet progressed into architectural planning.
Information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works, including the project referred to by the Deputy, are now available on the Department's website at www.education.ie.
The priority attaching to individual projects is determined by published prioritisation criteria, which were formulated following consultation with the Education Partners. There are four band ratings under these criteria, each of which describes the extent of accommodation required and the urgency attaching to it. Band 1 is the highest priority rating and Band 4 is the lowest. Documents explaining the band rating system are also available on the Department's website.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction will be considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme. However, in view of the level of demand on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression the project at this time.
Appointments to State Boards
Ruairí Quinn
Question:147 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the selection procedure for appointing teacher training college board members on the Teaching Council; the reason all teacher training colleges in Ireland are not represented on the Teaching Council; the procedures that exist for colleges that are not represented on the Teaching Council to give input and gain insight into new requirements developed by the Teaching Council; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18406/10]
Ruairí Quinn
Question:149 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the appointment procedure for the two positions nominated by colleges of education on the Teaching Council; if she will outline the way that the third level bodies are selected for the nomination of two persons for the Teaching Council; if she will list all the colleges of education and specified third level bodies involved in nominating these combined four persons to the Teaching Council; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18408/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 147 and 149 together.
The composition of the Teaching Council, and selection and appointment of its members are provided for in the Teaching Council Act 2001. Section 8 of the Act provides for members of the Council to be appointed by the Minister and to include:
[Section 8(2)(c)]
2 persons nominated jointly by the following bodies:
(i) St. Patrick's College, Drumcondra, Dublin;
(ii) Church of Ireland College of Education, Rathmines, Dublin;
(iii) St. Mary's, Marino, Dublin;
(iv) Froebel College of Education, Sion Hill, Blackrock, County Dublin;
(v) Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick, And
[Section 8(2)(d)(xi)]
2 persons nominated jointly by the following bodies:
(i) National College of Art and Design;
(ii) National University of Ireland, Cork;
(iii) National University of Ireland, Dublin;
(iv) National University of Ireland, Galway;
(v) National University of Ireland, Maynooth;
(vi) Dublin University;
(vii) University of Limerick;
(viii) Dublin City University;
(ix) St. Catherine's College of Education for Home Economics, Sion Hill, Blackrock, County Dublin;
(x) St. Angela's College of Education, Sligo;
(xi) such other bodies, providing university or other higher education and training (within the meaning of the Qualifications (Education and Training) Act, 1999), as the Council shall determine,
The Act provided for the representation on the Teaching Council of institutions offering teacher training in the State at that time.
Following consultation with the Council, institutions may be added to, or deleted from these provisions.
Other institutions may, if they so wish, seek representation by inclusion under the provision in Section 8(2)(d)(xi) of the Act.
Regarding Selection Procedure(s), prior to the end of the term of office of a Council, the Director puts processes in place for the election or nomination of new members. The bodies at 8(2)(c) and 8(2)(d)(xi), are invited to submit the names of their agreed selection. It is a matter for the colleges to devise the selection process and the Council does not advise on the mechanism whereby this selection is to be undertaken.
It is Teaching Council policy to communicate and consult widely with stakeholders, including teacher educators. In practice this may mean that the Council might, for example, invite stakeholders to meetings, issue and seek feedback on draft policy documents on matters of relevance to their work and so on.
Departmental Funding
Ruairí Quinn
Question:148 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide the details of all private colleges that have received funding from the special education support service and the teaching education section of the Department of Education and Skills under the national development plan; the amount of funds which have been made available to the colleges; the tendering procedure that took place, if any, for the colleges to avail of these funds; the eligibility criteria for a college to apply for these funds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18407/10]
The Teacher Education Section of my Department directly funds Froebel College, Coláiste Mhuire, Marino Institute of Education and Church of Ireland College of Education in connection with the provision of programmes of initial teacher education leading to qualification as a primary teacher.
Froebel College, Church of Ireland College of Education and Coláiste Mhuire, MIE each provide a Bachelor of Education course. Froebel College and Coláiste Mhuire, MIE also provide an 18 month post graduate primary teacher education course.
My Department approves the annual intake of students to the initial teacher education programmes in these Colleges of Education and payment is made in accordance with student numbers. Froebel College and Coláiste Mhuire, MIE are funded to provide these courses by my Department via capitation grants and tuition fee grants.
The Church of Ireland College of Education is funded via tuition fee grants and on a budget grant basis. The grant paid represents the full cost of the approved staffing and the excess of expenditure over income in regard to maintenance and running costs.
The table below details the expenditure by my Department to each college for these courses:
|
Year |
Froebel |
Coláiste Mhuire, MIE |
Church of Ireland College of Education |
|
2009 |
3,023,897 |
4,742,392 |
2,528,259 |
|
2008 |
3,335,251 |
4,932,172 |
2,910,971 |
|
2007 |
2,942,498 |
4,159,376 |
2,481,350 |
Satisfactory attendance at an Irish language course in the Gaeltacht is a compulsory element of both the three year B.Ed. degree course and the 18 month postgraduate diploma course in primary teaching. The Irish language courses are provided by Gaeltacht summer colleges. My Department approves the course content and the students in the Colleges of Education decide which Gaeltacht college to attend. The Colleges submit their rolls as verification of the students' attendance and my Department pays grants directly to the management authorities of the Gaeltacht colleges.
The total amounts paid to the Colleges in recent years are detailed below:
|
Year |
€ |
|
2009 |
1,073,952 |
|
2008 |
1,062,982 |
|
2007 |
875,329 |
There are currently 5 colleges providing the approved course as follows: Coláiste Loch con Aortha, Radharc an Chláir, Coilleach, An Spidéal, Co. na Gaillimhe, Coláiste Isliomáin, Inis Meáin, Oileáin Arann, Co. na Gaillimhe, Coláiste Cholmcille(Gaoth Dobhair), Doire Beag, Leitir Ceanainn, Tir Chonaill, Co. Dhún na NGall, Coláiste Chiaráin, An Cheathrú Rua, Co. na Gaillimhe, Comharchumann Forbartha Chorca Dhuibhne Teo, Baile'n Fhirtéaraigh, Trá Lí, Co. Chiarraí
My Department also funds a number of programmes in the area of Special Educational Needs. One of these, the Combined Post-Graduate Diploma Programme of Continuing Professional Development for Teachers involved in Learning Support and Special Education, is provided by Church of Ireland College of Education (CICE) as well as a number of other Colleges across the country. The funding provided to CICE in 2009 to support the provision of this course amounted to €48,000.
In addition to the above, following receipt of a proposal in 2006 from St Patrick's College, Drumcondra and the Institute of Child Education and Psychology Europe (ICEPE), my Department has also funded the development of an online Certificate/Diploma in Education (Special/Inclusive Education). The development fund amounted to €421,500 paid out over 2006 and 2007. The development of this programme represented a positive development in providing widespread access to professional development in the area of inclusion of students with special educational needs for mainstream teachers, irrespective of geographical location.
None of the above were tendered for.
My Department also issued a tender in Autumn 2008, the primary purpose of which was to assemble an inventory of on-line programmes to be utilised by the Special Education Support Service (SESS) in the delivery of CPD for teachers of students with Special Educational Needs. This tender was entirely open to all providers and a number of tenders were received. ICEPE was the only organisation successful in having a number of courses recognised for utilisation by the SESS. Funding in this instance is provided in the form of partial subvention of participant fees. A total of €166,840 was paid out in 2009 towards the cost of participant fees.
Question No. 149 answered with Question No. 147.
Schools Building Projects
Pádraic McCormack
Question:150 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the provision of a new Gaelscoil for a school (details supplied) in County Galway in view of the fact that they have been waiting 15 years for accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18412/10]
The school to which the Deputy refers was one of a number of projects announced on the 16th February last to commence architectural planning in 2010.
A tender competition is currently underway for the appointment of a Project Manager\Design Team. When this competition is completed it is expected that planning permission will be lodged soon thereafter.
Tax Code
Finian McGrath
Question:151 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will support the case of a person (details supplied). [18422/10]
My officials are currently making arrangements for the issue of approximately 100,000 income levy certificates to teaching and non-teaching staff — both serving and retired who are paid through my Department's centralised payroll system.
I understand that the certificates will issue on a phased basis over the next few weeks.
Schools Recognition
Jack Wall
Question:152 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills her views in relation to correspondence (details supplied); her plans for the provision of secondary school education in the general area for the pupils; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18428/10]
My Department is aware of the accommodation issues at the school to which the Deputy refers. Notwithstanding the fact that the school has provisional recognition and that during this period it is the responsibility of the Patron to provide accommodation, my Department has been assisting the Patron in sourcing alternative suitable, cost effective accommodation. A proposal was recently put by my Department to the Patron in this regard and it is hoped that this proposal can form the basis of an accommodation solution for the school.
With regard to permanent recognition, the school applied to my Department for permanent recognition in October 2008, which was the 2008/09 school year.
When it applied for temporary recognition initially, the school supported its application with a projected enrolment of 232 pupils for the 2008/09 school year. The downward revision of projections by the school indicated that the enrolment would be 119 pupils for that school year. This is just over half of the original projection on which the Department's decision to recognise the school was taken. The actual enrolment for that school year was less again at 105 pupils.
The school's enrolment in the current school year is understood to be 140 pupils. This compares with an original projected enrolment from the school of 271 pupils and a subsequent downward revised enrolment by the school to 159 pupils. The actual enrolment is, therefore, 131 pupils less than originally expected.
Drops in enrolment of this magnitude are naturally of concern to the Department. Notwithstanding this, my Department has made it clear that it considers that the potential is there for a long term viable entity and it has extended the school's temporary recognition for a further three years to allow it the opportunity to develop its enrolments further on this basis. The question of permanent recognition for the school will be considered again at that time.
School Accommodation
Jack Wall
Question:153 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills her plans to provide Gael coláiste schools for secondary education for pupils who are attending the number of primary Gaelscoileanna in Kildare south at present; if she will provide transport facilities to such a secondary school; if a central Gael coláiste is envisaged; or her plans for secondary education through Irish in Kildare South. [18429/10]
The Forward Planning Section of the Department is in the process of carrying out detailed analysis of over 40 locations of highest population growth in order to identify the school accommodation requirements up to and including the school year 2014/2015. Given the increase in the birth rate in recent years the initial focus of this analysis is on primary school accommodation requirements and this will be followed by a more detailed analysis of post-primary accommodation requirements.
When the required reports have been completed for these initial identified areas the Forward Planning Section will continue to work on preparing reports on a priority basis for the remainder of the country. Overall school accommodation requirements in the South Kildare area, including the case for the provision of a new Irish language post-primary school, will be considered in this regard.
In addition to this detailed analysis of accommodation needs currently being carried out by the Forward Planning Section, the Department is also currently examining a number of broad policy issues regarding the establishment of new post-primary schools. As part of this, consideration is being given to the setting up of a new framework in relation to the establishment of new second level schools and their patronage.
School Transport
Olwyn Enright
Question:154 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if her attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if she will grant assistance for this person towards the cost of travel; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18489/10]
Under the terms of my Department's School Transport Scheme, a pupil with special needs will be eligible for school transport if s/he is attending the nearest recognised special class/special school or a recognised unit, that is or can be resourced, to meet the child's special educational needs under Department of Education and Science criteria.
The purpose of the School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Needs is to provide a reasonable level of transport service for children with a diagnosed disability and/or special educational need, who, because of the nature of their disability, may not be in a position to avail of a school bus service.
Where the provision of a reasonable level of transport service is not possible or where the costs of providing such a service is prohibitive, grant-aid towards the cost of private transport arrangements may be provided.
Bus Éireann has advised that the pupil referred to by the Deputy, in the details supplied, can be accommodated on an existing service, passing 1.6 kilometres from the home address, to the school attended. Therefore, it is considered that the payment of a grant does not arise in this case.
Schools Building Projects
Phil Hogan
Question:155 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills when funding will be allocated to a school (details supplied) in Kilkenny City; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18490/10]
I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers has made an application to my Department for large scale capital funding for an extension and refurbishment project. The application has been assessed in accordance with published prioritisation criteria for large scale projects and assigned a band 2 rating.
Information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works, including the project referred to by the Deputy, are now available on the Department's website at www.education.ie.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction will be considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme. However, in view of the level of demand on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression the project at this time.
Public Service Pay
Liz McManus
Question:156 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills further to pay reductions in the university sector, if she will agree to make an exemption for European Commission funded researchers in view of the fact that the Commission has stated that any reduction in salary is a breach of contract; if she will comment on the view that the Commission funding may cease if pay deductions continue to be made to funded researchers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18500/10]
The Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act 2009 has determined the criteria for reducing the pay of public servants with effect from 1 January 2010. In this Act, a "public servant" is defined as a person who is employed by, or who holds any office or other position in, a public service body. A public service body is defined as one which receives direct or indirect funding and to which a public service pension scheme exists, or applies, or may be made.
Under the terms of the Act, universities and institutes of technology (IOTs) are considered to be public service bodies. The Act does not distinguish between those employees who are members of a public service pension scheme and those who are not. Nor does it distinguish between those whose salaries are wholly paid from monies provided by the Exchequer and those whose salaries are funded from other sources.
The position is that all persons employed by a university or IOT, regardless of how their salaries are funded, and irrespective of whether or not they are members of a public service pension scheme, are by definition public servants within the meaning of the Act.
I understand that the researchers referred to by the Deputy are those in receipt of Marie Curie Fellowships from the European Commission. Although their salaries are funded by the European Commission, these researchers are hosted in a university or IOT and have their employment contract with that institution. It is for this reason that the pay reduction has been applied to the Marie Curie Fellows in the same way as it has to all other researchers and employees of these institutions.
Section 6 of the Act contains provision to allow the Minister for Finance to exempt either certain public servants, or classes or groups of public servants from the operation of the Act, either entirely or to such extent as the Minister considers appropriate in the event where exceptional circumstances exist.
I am aware that representations have been made for an exemption to be provided in the case of Marie Curie researchers. The Deputy will be aware however that any consideration in this case must take into account the wider implications of such an exemption for other staff in the institutions and across the public sector.
Schools Building Projects
Dinny McGinley
Question:157 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number and names of all primary schools in County Donegal that have applied for extensions, refurbishment or renovation grants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18502/10]
Information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works, including the Co. Donegal projects referred to by the Deputy, is now available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.
The priority attaching to individual projects is determined by published prioritisation criteria, which were formulated following consultation with the Education Partners. There are four band ratings under these criteria, each of which describes the extent of accommodation required and the urgency attaching to it. Band 1 is the highest priority rating and Band 4 is the lowest. Documents explaining the band rating system are also available on my Department's website.
For the Deputy's convenience, a list of 46 applications from Co. Donegal primary schools currently seeking major capital works building projects is set out for ease of reference.
|
County |
School Roll No. |
School Name |
Current Status |
Application For |
Provisional Band Rating |
|
Donegal |
01733B |
Ardara Mixed N S Ardara (Donegal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 3 |
|
Donegal |
03294L |
S N Caiseal Na Gcorr Gort A Choirce (Donegal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 3 |
|
Donegal |
04809A |
Scoil An Aingil Choimheadai An Cheididh (Donegal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Donegal |
09009Q |
Rockfield Ns, Ballyshannon, (Donegal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 4 |
|
Donegal |
11843O |
S N Neill Mor Killybegs (Donegal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 1 |
|
Donegal |
12077E |
Scoil Naomh Fiachra Letterkenny (Donegal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 1 |
|
Donegal |
15770K |
S N Naomh Naille Na Caologa (Donegal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 3 |
|
Donegal |
16138S |
Raphoe Central N S Raphoe (Donegal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 3 |
|
Donegal |
16608G |
Killybegs Common N S The Commons (Donegal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 3 |
|
Donegal |
16819T |
S N Gort An Choirce Leitir Ceanainn (Donegal) |
Application |
New School |
Band 2 |
|
Donegal |
16821G |
Clochar Padraig Naofa Carndonagh (Donegal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Donegal |
16837V |
S N Duchoraidh Duchoraidh (Donegal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 3 |
|
Donegal |
16850N |
St Garvan’S N.S. Drum Halla (Donegal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 3 |
|
Donegal |
17040G |
Sn Naomh Samhthann Drumdoit (Donegal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 3 |
|
Donegal |
17057A |
Dromcaoin Bealach Fheid Dromcaoin (Donegal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 3 |
|
Donegal |
17241Q |
S N Domhnach Mor Castlefin (Donegal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Donegal |
17260U |
Scoil An Leinbh Iosa Killymard (Donegal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Donegal |
17721H |
Scoil Treasa Naofa Malainn (Donegal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 3 |
|
Donegal |
17828C |
Scoil Adhamhnain Rathbhoth (Donegal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Donegal |
17945G |
Scoil Naomh Chaitriona, Ballyshannon |
Awaiting Appointment of Design Team |
New School |
Band 2 |
|
Donegal |
18058H |
Scoil Naomh Seosamh Rathdomhnaill (Donegal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 3 |
|
Donegal |
18129E |
Scoil Naomh Peadar (Donegal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Donegal |
18131O |
S N Muire Gan Smal Ard Aratha (Donegal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Donegal |
18251B |
Ayr Hill N S Ramelton Ramelton (Donegal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Donegal |
18286U |
S N Na Hacrai Ailt An Chorrain (Donegal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 3 |
|
Donegal |
18371L |
Scoil Mhuire An Craosloch (Donegal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
County |
School Roll No. |
School Name |
Current Status |
Application For |
Provisional Band Rating |
|
Donegal |
18520C |
Scoil Phadraig Rath Seinche (Donegal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Donegal |
18605K |
Scoil Naomh Padraig Boys Carndonagh (Donegal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Donegal |
18625Q |
Scoil Colmcille, Convent Road, Letterkenny |
Awaiting Appointment of Design Team |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 1 |
|
Donegal |
18737E |
Scoil Bhride, Conmhagh, Lifford, (Donegal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Donegal |
19009W |
Craanford N S Craanford (Donegal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 3 |
|
Donegal |
19228L |
S N Naomh Brid Na Dunaibh (Donegal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 3 |
|
Donegal |
19310T |
Scoil Naomh Earnan (Donegal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Donegal |
19313C |
Glenswilly National School, Newmills, Letterkenny |
Awaiting Appointment of Design Team |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 1 |
|
Donegal |
19518U |
S N Naomh Baoithin Sc Naomh Baoithin (Donegal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Donegal |
19686S |
St Macartans Central Bundoran (Donegal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 3 |
|
Donegal |
19927O |
Scoil Mhuire B & C, Stranorlar |
Awaiting Appointment of Design Team |
New School |
Band 1 |
|
Donegal |
19959E |
Scoil Naomh Fionan Whitecastle (Donegal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Donegal |
19967D |
Scoil Iosagain, Buncrana |
Awaiting Appointment of Design Team |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 1 |
|
Donegal |
20096E |
Gaelscoil Na Gceithre Maistri Baile Dun Na Ngall (Donegal) |
Application |
New School |
Band 2 |
|
Donegal |
20097G |
Gaelscoil Bhun Crannach Bun Crannach (Donegal) |
Application |
New School |
Band 2 |
|
Projects in Architectural Planning |
|||||
|
Donegal |
16672P |
St. Patricks Primary School, Lurgybrack, Co. Donegal. |
In advanced Architectural Planning |
1.1 |
Extension/Refurbishment |
|
Donegal |
18052S |
Scoil Mhuire gan Smal, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal. |
In advanced Architectural Planning |
1.1 |
Extension/Refurbishment |
|
Donegal |
18219F |
SN Chonaill, Machaire Chlochair, Bun Beag, Co. Dhun na nGall |
In advanced Architectural Planning |
2.1 |
Extension/Refurbishment |
|
Donegal |
19971R |
Gaelscoil Adhamhnain, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal. |
In advanced Architectural Planning |
1.1 |
Extension/Refurbishment |
|
Donegal |
20150H |
Holy Family NS, Ballyshannon, Donegal |
In advanced Architectural Planning |
1.4 |
Extension/Refurbishment |
Dan Neville
Question:158 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide funding in 2010 for the completion of a new school (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18509/10]
I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers has made an application to my Department for large scale capital funding. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a band 2.2 rating, reflecting the fact that the deficit in mainstream accommodation represents a significant proportion of the school's overall needs.
Information in respect of the current school building programme, along with all assessed applications for major capital works, including the project referred to by the Deputy, is now available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.
The priority attaching to individual projects is determined by published prioritisation criteria, which were formulated following consultation with the Education Partners. There are four band ratings under these criteria, each of which describes the extent of accommodation required and the urgency attaching to it. Band 1 is the highest priority rating and Band 4 is the lowest. Documents explaining the band rating system are also available on my Department's website.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. The Department is considering the most effective way of delivering this project, including examining the feasibility of allowing it to proceed as a Public Private Partnership project.
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.
Question No. 159 answered with Question No. 24.
State Examinations
Bobby Aylward
Question:160 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will arrange with her Department to have a leaving certificate issued to a person (details supplied) in respect of a subject which they repeated in 1986 and where the request has been submitted. [18521/10]
The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations, including organising the holding of examinations, making arrangements for the marking of work presented for examination and issuing the results of examinations.
In view of this, I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.
Question No. 161 withdrawn.
Special Educational Needs
Jack Wall
Question:162 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the basis upon which the assessment of a special education needs officer is made; if she will further indicate whether reports, educational reports, reports regarding discipline and school reports generally, are included in the assessment of the special education needs officer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18552/10]
As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of local special educational needs organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs supports. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.
I have arranged for the issues raised by the Deputy to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
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.
Jack Wall
Question:163 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if any proposals have been made or received in her Department by interested parties for an independent appeal mechanism for those parents who have seen their child’s special needs assistants withdrawn; the responses she has made to such; her plans regarding same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18553/10]
My Department has no record of having received specific proposals such as those set out by the Deputy.
The Deputy is aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) 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 educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.
Local SENOs are a valuable resource in assisting parents with regard to their child's special educational needs. 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 Deputy may also be aware that the NCSE has introduced an appeals process whereby schools and parents, where appropriate, may seek to appeal the decision of a SENO in relation to the allocation of resources. Information regarding the appeals process is available on the NCSE's website at www.ncse.ie.
Jack Wall
Question:164 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the means by which concerned parents or guardians can, if necessary by means of a freedom of information request, view reports of the assessment of their children by special education needs officers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18555/10]
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) became subject to the Freedom of Information (FOI) Acts 1997 and 2003 with effect from 31st May 2006. Applications to the NCSE under the FOI Acts will be dealt with in accordance with the legislation.
Further details on how to apply to the NCSE for information under the FOI Acts is available on the NCSE website at www.ncse.ie.
Parents/guardians may also contact their local Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO) directly to discuss their child's special educational needs using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.
Jack Wall
Question:165 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the research undertaken to date on the educational performance of children whose special needs assistants have been withdrawn and any related research on the consequences for classes in general following the withdrawal of an SNA from those students who needed them; if she will publish any interim reports from such research if it is being undertaken; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18560/10]
I wish to clarify that special needs assistants (SNAs) and teachers have separate yet complementary roles. SNAs provide care support to pupils with special educational needs who have been assessed as having such needs while teachers deliver education to the pupils.
It is not accurate to state that posts were withdrawn where students continued to need them. The terms and criteria for the SNA scheme have not changed and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) continues to allocate SNA posts where the criteria are met in line with the Department's policy. Following a review by the NCSE, a number of SNA posts were withdrawn where it was found that the posts were no longer required because the students had either left the school or had diminished care needs.
The issue of commissioning research along the lines proposed by the Deputy does not arise.
Schools Building Projects
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:166 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the degree to which her Department has advanced the various development stages in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare over the past 12 month period on a monthly basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18576/10]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:174 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will grant funding under large scale capital application to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare within the next six months; the likely anticipated timescale for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18584/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 166 and 174 together.
A proposal has been submitted to the Department by the authority of the school to which the Deputy refers to meet its long term accommodation needs. Further to a meeting with the then Minister for Education and Science, additional details were subsequently submitted by the school to the Department and these are now under consideration. The Department will be in contact with the school authority when a decision has been reached in this matter.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:167 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills when an application for large scale capital funding made 11 years ago will be awarded in the case of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; her views on whether this length of time is acceptable; her plans to address and progress this matter by June 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18577/10]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:169 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the full extent of progress made in each year since a large scale capital funding application was submitted to her Department in the case of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if she will grant same which was applied for ten years ago; the likely advancement of this application in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18579/10]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:175 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if a school (details supplied) in County Kildare will be granted funding under large scale capital funding application in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18585/10]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:177 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she or her Department deem it is acceptable that a school (details supplied) in County Kildare, which applied for large scale capital funding over nine years ago should still be waiting for same; the expected time frame for granting same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18587/10]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:180 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills when a school (details supplied) in County Kildare will be granted funding under the application for large scale capital funding in view of ongoing increased demands on the school regarding classroom accommodation and increased level of pupils; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18590/10]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:183 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she or her Department have received an application for funding for the provision of an extension at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; her plans to address same in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18593/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 167, 169, 175, 177, 180 and 183 together.
I can confirm that the schools to which the Deputy refers have made applications to my Department for large scale funding. The applications have been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale capital projects and assigned an appropriate band rating. Information in respect of the current school building programme along with assessed applications for major capital works, including the projects referred to by the Deputy, are now available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including projects for these schools, from initial design through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in the light of current competing demands on the capital budget of my Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of these projects at this time.
School Placement
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:168 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills when a school place will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare at a school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18578/10]
The question of enrolment in individual schools is the responsibility of the managerial authority of those schools. My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking places. This may result, however, in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.
It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998. In this regard a Board of Management may find it necessary to restrict enrolment to children from a particular area or a particular age group or, occasionally, on the basis of some other criterion. The criteria to be applied by schools in such circumstances are a matter for the schools themselves. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants.
Under section 15(2)(d) of the Education Act 1998, each school is legally obliged to disclose its enrolment policy and to ensure that as regards that policy that principles of equality and the rights of parents to send their children to a school of the parents choice are respected.
Section 29 of the Education Act 1998, provides parents with an appeal process where a Board of Management of a school or a person acting on behalf of the Board refuses enrolment to a student. Where a school refuses to enrol a pupil, the school is obliged to inform parents of their right under Section 29 of the Education Act 1998 to appeal that decision to either the relevant Vocational Educational Committee or to the Secretary General of my Department.
The National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) is the statutory agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The NEWB advises parents to apply to more than one school in order to assist in securing a school placement. The Board can be contacted at National Educational Welfare Board, National Headquarters, 16-22 Green Street, Dublin 7 or by telephone at 01-8738700.
Question No. 169 answered with Question No. 167.
Schools Building Projects
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:170 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the time elapsed to date since application for permanent classroom facilities was deemed required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; the number of school places required thereat; the precise schedule for meeting these requirements in terms of permanent structures and facilities; the number of schools in the county the requirements of which have been met in the period referred to; the number of school places accommodated in course thereof; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18580/10]
The brief for the project to which the Deputy refers is for a new 16 classroom school. A permanent site was acquired by the school authorities in 2005 and the project commenced architectural planning in 2006.
The project is currently at tender stage and assuming that no issues arise, the project will be authorised to proceed to the award of a contract in the coming months.
School Accommodation
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:171 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide the necessary temporary accommodation at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare to accommodate the extra 30 students anticipated for September 2010 enrolment which are in excess of the normal expectation thereby creating a further place requirement for 30 students; if her attention has been drawn to the situation; the degree to which she has responded or intends to respond; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18581/10]
I can confirm to the Deputy that the school to which he refers has applied to my Department for extra accommodation. All such applications are currently being assessed in my Department. A decision will issue to the school in question once the assessment of its application has been completed.
Schools Building Projects
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:172 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a school building project for a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18582/10]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the building project to which he refers has been on site since September 2009.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:173 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the full extent of progress made in each of the past 12 months to date of the advancement of a school building project (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18583/10]
In the last six months the project to which the Deputy refers has completed the detailed design stage and was authorised to proceed to tender. My officials are currently awaiting receipt of the Tender Report from the Board of Management.
Question No. 174 answered with Question No. 166.
Question No. 175 answered with Question No. 167.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:176 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills when an application for large scale capital funding was submitted to her Department by a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; her plans to progress same by June 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18586/10]
The school to which the Deputy refers originally applied to my Department for large scale capital funding in 2004. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale capital projects and assigned an appropriate band rating. Information in respect of the current school building programme along with assessed applications for major capital works, including the project referred to by the Deputy, is now available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including a project for the school in question, from initial design through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in the light of current competing demands on the capital budget of my Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
Question No. 177 answered with Question No. 167.
School Accommodation
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:178 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the likely time scale for the granting of funding to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare in view of increased demands on the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18588/10]
The school in question was allocated grant aid for the provision of 2 mainstream classrooms in 2009. The school management authority was advised that they had the option to purchase prefabs or build a permanent structure and they opted to build a permanent structure.
The school authority recently sought additional funding for the provision of a new sewerage treatment and percolation area which is a result of a planning permission condition. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that my Department has recently approved this additional funding.
Schools Building Projects
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:179 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the development since 9 November 2009 regarding the building project for the new national school at Kill, County Kildare; the degree of interaction with the various interests involved; the contacts made with local interests by the various bodies within his Department; the degree to which the matters specifically raised have been addressed or are in course thereof; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18589/10]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the completion contractor for the project to which he refers commenced on site in early April. With regard to the degree of interaction with the various interests involved; my officials have been constant contact with the school principal who has been fully appraised of the latest developments with regard to this project.
Question No. 180 answered with Question No. 167.
School Accommodation
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:181 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the progress to date regarding the building works at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18591/10]
The school in question received grant aid in 2007 to provide four resource rooms under my Department's Permanent Accommodation Scheme. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that construction works on the school have been completed recently.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:182 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the provision of permanent school buildings for students attending a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18592/10]
The school to which the Deputy refers has provisional recognition from my Department. During this period, it is the responsibility of the Patron to provide accommodation.
However, my Department is aware of the accommodation issues at the school and, notwithstanding the Patron's responsibilities in this matter, my Department has been assisting the Patron in sourcing suitable, cost effective accommodation. A proposal was recently put by my Department to the Patron in this regard and it is hoped that this proposal can form the basis of an accommodation solution for the school.
Question No. 183 answered with Question No. 167.
Schools Building Projects
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:184 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 1444 of 16 September 2009, the position regarding a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; when this matter is likely to proceed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18594/10]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the building project to which he refers has been on site since early January.
Departmental Funding
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:185 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application for major capital funding by a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18595/10]
As the Deputy has been previously informed, the school to which he refers has not applied to my Department for large scale capital funding and it indicated to my Department last year that it is not in need of such funding.
Schools Building Projects
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:186 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the progress made in the past six months in respect of a school building project (details supplied) in County Kildare; the degree to which the project is on schedule; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18596/10]
In the last six months the project to which the Deputy refers has completed the detailed design stage and has been authorised to proceed to tender.
Education Welfare Service
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:187 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which the relevant section of her Department has engaged in follow up support and report in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; the steps she has taken to facilitate the completion of their second level education; the action she will take to ensure that they are not abandoned without further support; if an evaluation has been completed, sought or provided for following the incident; if a review of their medication has been undertaken; if lessons can be learned and provisions made in the future for such cases having particular regard to replies to previous parliamentary questions on this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18597/10]
Under Section 29 of the Education Act 1998, where a school Board of Management permanently excludes a student from school, that decision may be appealed, either to the relevant Vocational Educational Committee in the first instance, or to the Secretary General of my Department. Only where an appeal has been upheld by a Section 29 committee may the Secretary General of my Department direct that a pupil be readmitted to a school.
No Section 29 appeal application has yet been received by my Department in respect of this child.
The National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) is the body which has statutory responsibility to assist parents in securing a school placement for their child. Where a student has been expelled, the NEWB will assist parents to find an alternative school placement for their child and may also offer advice to parents on taking a Section 29 appeal or as to the possibility of Home Tuition support being made available to the child pending the sourcing of a new school placement.
The NEWB have advised that they have been in contact with the family concerned regarding this case and are continuing to offer assistance and advice to them.
As outlined in my predecessor's reply of 9th February 2010, all primary and post primary schools have access to psychological assessments either directly through my Department's National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) or through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA) which is administered by NEPS.
I can confirm that my Department's National Educational Psychological Service has not received a request from Confey College school authorities in relation to this case. I can further inform you that a review of the pupil's medical condition and in particular his medication would fall outside the province of my Department, its agents and schools authorities and would be a matter for consideration by a qualified medical practitioner.
School Medical Examinations
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:188 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the extent and frequency of school medical examination on a county basis in each of the past five years to date in 2010; the extent and nature of the diagnosis and follow up arising therefrom; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18598/10]
My Department does not operate the schools medical examinations service and I am not therefore in a position to comment on the matters raised by the Deputy. It appears that these matters would be more appropriate to my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children.
Higher Education Grants
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:189 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the degree to which higher education grants have been paid up to date or otherwise by vocational education committees or local authorities on a county basis throughout the country to date in respect of the current year; those outstanding, if any, from previous years; the plans or provisions, if any to streamline, update and expedite the process in the coming year in view of the hardship caused by delays; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18599/10]
The table below details the latest information on the number of new applications awaiting decisions. The information has been supplied to my Department by the local authorities and the Vocational Education Committees. The information in relation to the applications outstanding from previous years is not available in the format requested by the Deputy as the process of paying third level or further education grants is a matter for the relevant local authority or VEC. The timing of payment varies between the 66 awarding bodies depending on a number of variables including the volume of applications received, staffing resources and whether or not properly completed application forms have been received.
Both VECs and local authorities are experiencing pressures due to the increased workload associated with the increased demand for student grants, particularly in the context of the recruitment moratorium in the public sector which, in some instances, will have impacted on the processing of grants. However, every effort is being made by these bodies to ensure that students get decisions on their grant applications and are paid as soon as possible.
Given the likelihood of further increases in the numbers of grant applications, my Department is working closely with local authorities, VECs and other relevant stakeholders to continue development of a number of initiatives to support more effective delivery of student grants, including service improvements in application, assessment and payments arrangements.
Work is currently being advanced on the development of a scaleable on-line applications facility in conjunction with a number of VECs and local authorities. Other measures include the introduction of a new, more simplified application form for 2010, earlier approval of the grant schemes, examination of the possible extension of the pilot electronic funds transfer (EFT) payments system introduced in 2009/2010 and the development of common annual renewal and re-assessment processes.
In addition, as part of the business process re-engineering exercise under way under the Transforming Public Services initiative, business process improvement techniques are being used to analyse ways in which the current assessment process can be handled more efficiently.
|
VEC |
Number of Applications awaiting Decisions |
Reason |
|
Carlow |
0 |
n/a |
|
Cavan |
72 |
As of March 5th 2010, no updated figure available. |
|
Clare |
106 |
outstanding documentation |
|
Cork City |
153 |
outstanding documentation |
|
Cork County |
739 |
outstanding documentation |
|
Donegal |
120 |
outstanding documentation |
|
Dublin County VEC |
505 |
outstanding documentation |
|
Dublin City |
467 |
outstanding documentation |
|
Dún Laoghaire |
20 |
outstanding documentation |
|
Galway County VEC |
34 |
outstanding documentation |
|
City of Galway VEC |
17 |
outstanding documentation |
|
Kerry |
51 |
outstanding documentation |
|
Kildare |
90 |
outstanding documentation |
|
Kilkenny |
82 |
outstanding documentation |
|
Laois |
75 |
outstanding documentation |
|
Leitrim |
24 |
outstanding documentation |
|
Limerick City |
6 |
outstanding documentation |
|
Limerick County |
89 |
outstanding documentation |
|
Longford |
10 |
outstanding documentation |
|
Louth |
7 |
outstanding documentation |
|
Mayo |
83 |
outstanding documentation |
|
Meath |
85 |
outstanding documentation |
|
Monaghan |
77 |
outstanding documentation |
|
Offaly |
2 |
outstanding documentation |
|
Roscommon |
4 |
outstanding documentation |
|
Sligo |
81 |
outstanding documentation |
|
Tipperary NR |
3 |
outstanding documentation |
|
Tipperary SR |
43 |
outstanding documentation |
|
Waterford City |
2 |
outstanding documentation |
|
Waterford County |
82 |
outstanding documentation |
|
Westmeath |
96 |
outstanding documentation |
|
Wexford |
18 |
outstanding documentation |
|
Wicklow VEC |
193 |
outstanding documentation |
|
Total |
3,436 |
It is understood from the awarding authorities that the applications awaiting decisions are largely late applications.
Apart from the pressures associated with the volume of applications, a significant number of outstanding grant applications are delayed because they're not completed fully. It is important to remind students and their parents to return all necessary supporting documentation as early as possible to help the awarding bodies make prompt decisions on entitlement.
|
Local Authority |
Number of Applications awaiting Decisions |
Reason |
|
Carlow |
17 |
Documentation outstanding |
|
Cavan |
48 |
Documentation outstanding |
|
Clare |
128 |
Documentation outstanding |
|
Cork City |
3 |
Late applications & documentation outstanding |
|
Cork Co |
560 |
555 documentation outstanding & 5 processing yet to commence |
|
Donegal |
69 |
Documentation outstanding |
|
Dublin City |
149 |
Documentation outstanding |
|
Dún Laoghaire |
9 |
Documentation outstanding |
|
Fingal Co Co |
54 |
Documentation outstanding |
|
Dublin South Co Co |
12 |
Documentation outstanding |
|
Galway Co |
319 |
Documentation outstanding |
|
Kerry |
20 |
Documentation outstanding |
|
Kildare |
13 |
Documentation outstanding |
|
Kilkenny |
19 |
Documentation outstanding |
|
Laois |
0 |
|
|
Leitrim |
12 |
Documentation outstanding |
|
Limerick City |
34 |
Documentation outstanding |
|
Limerick Co |
3 |
Documentation outstanding |
|
Longford |
23 |
Documentation outstanding |
|
Louth |
89 |
Documentation outstanding |
|
Mayo |
2 |
Documentation outstanding |
|
Meath |
22 |
Documentation outstanding |
|
Monaghan |
11 |
Documentation outstanding |
|
Offaly |
8 |
Processing yet to commence |
|
Roscommon |
15 |
Documentation outstanding |
|
Sligo |
32 |
Documentation outstanding |
|
Tipperary NR |
60 |
Documentation outstanding |
|
Tipperary SR |
37 |
Documentation outstanding |
|
Waterford City |
1 |
Processing yet to commence |
|
Waterford Co |
20 |
Documentation outstanding |
|
Westmeath |
42 |
Documentation outstanding |
|
Wexford |
48 |
Documentation outstanding |
|
Wicklow |
81 |
Documentation outstanding |
|
Total |
1,960 |
Special Educational Needs
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:190 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of special needs teachers and special needs assistants available at primary and secondary level schools in each county and or city throughout the country in 2010; the way this number has fluctuated on an annual basis over the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18600/10]
The information requested by the Deputy on the number of special needs teachers and special needs assistants employed at primary and second level throughout the country is not readily available in the requested format.
As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENO) for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.
The allocation for any school and any adjustments to that allocation depends on a number of factors such as the number of pupils with care/medical needs leaving, the number of new pupils, the changing needs of the pupils and any surplus identified. Furthermore, schools can make applications at any time with the result that the individual situation of any school can change and allocations are not static. The Deputy may wish to liaise directly with the NCSE in the context of his enquiry.
I want to take this opportunity to emphasise that children with special educational needs will continue to receive an education appropriate to their needs. The NCSE will continue to support schools, parents, children and teachers and resources will continue to be allocated to schools to meet children's needs in line with my Department's policy.
Capitation Grants
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:191 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the degree to which funding available to, or provided by her Department directly is likely to meet requirements at primary or second level on a county basis throughout the country in the current year; the extent to which this meets the requirements as set out by school authorities in total; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18601/10]
I wish to assure the Deputy that I am committed to ensuring that schools have adequate funding to cover their running costs.
The Deputy will be aware that the Renewed Programme for Government contains commitments to maintain capitation grants at current levels within the deflationary economic environment.
At primary level, schools currently receive, in ancillary and capitation grants, at least €355 per student. Enhanced rates are payable for students who are members of the Travelling community or who have special educational needs. At post-primary level, the combined capitation and school services support fund grants are €557 per student.
Budget 2010 also provides for an extra allocation available to primary and second level schools to allow schools to provide grant assistance for books, and for further allocations at second level to fund various programme grants.
Bullying in Schools
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:192 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the extent, if any, of incidents of school bullying brought to her attention of which she or her Department otherwise became aware at primary and second level, on a county basis throughout the country in each of the past five years to date in 2010; the procedures, if any, in place in each case by way of follow up; the steps that have been taken or are likely to be taken arising from any such follow up; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18602/10]
There is no requirement for local school authorities to report incidents or allegations of bullying to my Department, nor do I believe that this should be the case.
Under the Education Act 1998, legally, all schools are managed, on behalf of the school Patron or Trustees, by school Boards of Management that employ the teachers at the school. Whereas I, as Minister for Education and Science provide funding and policy direction for schools, neither I, as Minister, or my Department have the power to instruct schools to follow a particular course or direction with regards to individual complaint cases, other than in relation to appeals taken against refusal to enrol, suspension, or expulsion, under Section 29 of the Education Act.
In dealing with complaints the Department's role is to provide advice to parents and students on the operation of schools' complaints procedures and to clarify for parents and pupils how grievances and complaints against schools can be progressed.
Accordingly, responsibility for tackling bullying falls to the level of the individual school, as it is at local level that an effective anti-bullying climate must be established and at that level that actions should be taken to address allegations of bullying.
My Department does receive a number of complaints and queries from parents regarding matters such as bullying, involving schools. It important to highlight that in many instances, parents may be seeking guidance from the Department on how to resolve an issue or an alleged incident within a school.
In 2009 a total of 438 telephone or written complaints/queries were received from parents regarding bullying in schools.
To the end of April 2010 a total of 160 telephone or written complaints/queries have been received from parents regarding bullying in schools.
Details of complaints are not recorded on a county by county basis. As details of complaints for 2008 and previous years were not recorded by individual topic and nature of complaint, accurate statistical data on the number of complaints or queries received from parents in relation to bullying is not available for these years.
It should be noted that as the term bullying can be difficult to define prescriptively, complaints/queries logged under the category of bullying are done so based on the terminology used by the parent, as opposed to any judgement applied by staff as to the nature of the complaint.
I am, however, anxious to support schools in tackling bullying and it is for that reason that a number of supports have been put in place in recent years to assist schools in dealing with this important issue.
The Board of Management of each school is required to prepare a code of behaviour in accordance with Section 23 of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000. To assist schools in formulating such a code, the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) has developed guidelines for schools on Codes of Behaviour.
My Department further requires each school to have in place a policy which includes specific measures to deal with bullying behaviour, within the framework of an overall school code of behaviour and discipline. Such a code, developed through consultation with the whole school community and properly implemented, can be the most influential measure in countering bullying behaviour in schools.
The education of students in both primary and post-primary schools in relation to anti-bullying behaviour is part of the SPHE curriculum. SPHE is now a compulsory subject both at primary level and in the junior cycle of post-primary schools.
My Department has also issued guidelines as an aid to schools in devising measures to prevent and deal with instances of bullying behaviour and to increase awareness among school management authorities of their responsibilities in this regard. These guidelines were drawn up following consultation with representatives of school management, teachers and parents, and are sufficiently flexible to allow each school authority to adapt them to suit the particular needs of their school.
My Department has additionally published policy templates for post-primary schools in five key areas, including anti-bullying on its website of as part of our ongoing efforts in this regard. The template documents are not prescriptive, but rather highlight possible approaches and potential material for inclusion in school policies.
The anti-bullying policy template is based primarily on the key document Guidelines on Countering Bullying Behaviour. However, it does take account of more recent legislative and regulatory changes, and reference is also made to issues of contemporary concern such as the need to tackle text bullying, cyber-bullying and homophobic bullying.
|
Appeals in |
2009 |
2008 |
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
|
Post-Primary |
266 |
214 |
188 |
181 |
216 |
|
Primary |
124 |
171 |
195 |
85 |
84 |
|
Total |
390 |
385 |
383 |
266 |
300 |
|
Post Primary |
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Refusal to enrol |
Withdrawn |
Local Resolution |
Facilitator Resolution |
Upheld at Hearing |
Not Upheld at Hearing |
Totals |
|
2005 |
18 |
39 |
13 |
31 |
36 |
137 |
|
2006 |
25 |
8 |
3 |
30 |
27 |
93 |
|
2007 |
27 |
3 |
9 |
44 |
25 |
108 |
|
2008 |
16 |
16 |
22 |
30 |
45 |
129 |
|
2009 |
41 |
19 |
33 |
42 |
68 |
203 |
|
Total |
127 |
85 |
80 |
177 |
201 |
670 |
|
Refusal to enrol |
Withdrawn |
Local Resolution |
Facilitator Resolution |
Upheld at Hearing |
Not Upheld at Hearing |
Totals |
|
2005 |
7 |
10 |
15 |
24 |
14 |
70 |
|
2006 |
27 |
5 |
9 |
20 |
13 |
74 |
|
2007 |
35 |
17 |
48 |
28 |
60 |
188 |
|
2008 |
33 |
15 |
32 |
28 |
42 |
150 |
|
2009 |
30 |
12 |
14 |
19 |
40 |
115 |
|
Total |
132 |
59 |
118 |
119 |
169 |
597 |
|
Post primary |
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Expulsion |
Withdrawn |
Local Resolution |
Facilitator Resolution |
Upheld at Hearing |
Not Upheld at Hearing |
Totals |
|
2005 |
9 |
1 |
6 |
10 |
42 |
68 |
|
2006 |
9 |
2 |
9 |
21 |
43 |
84 |
|
2007 |
17 |
0 |
3 |
11 |
40 |
71 |
|
2008 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
19 |
46 |
72 |
|
2009 |
13 |
0 |
4 |
7 |
32 |
56 |
|
Total |
51 |
5 |
24 |
68 |
203 |
351 |
|
Expulsion |
Withdrawn |
Local Resolution |
Facilitator Resolution |
Upheld at Hearing |
Not Upheld at Hearing |
Totals |
|
2005 |
4 |
0 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
12 |
|
2006 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
3 |
7 |
|
2007 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
5 |
|
2008 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
6 |
12 |
|
2009 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
3 |
8 |
|
Total |
10 |
0 |
3 |
14 |
17 |
44 |
School Discipline
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:193 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of children expelled from primary or second level schools throughout the country, on a county basis, in each of the past five years to date; the follow up procedures or process in place for such cases; the extent of any such reports arising therefrom; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18603/10]
Under Section 15 of the Education Act 1998 it is the duty of the Board of Management to manage a school on behalf of the patron and for the benefit of the students and their parents. As part of its functions the board has a duty to publish the policy of the school relating to the expulsion and suspension of students.
Section 23 of the Education Welfare Act 2000 requires all schools to have in place a Code of Behaviour. It is the responsibility of the board to ensure that students are in compliance with this Code of Behaviour and to deal with disciplinary matters in the school in accordance with this code.
There is no requirement for local school authorities to report details of suspensions or expulsions to my Department, nor do I believe that this should be the case.
Under Section 29 of the Education Act 1998, where a school Board of Management permanently excludes a student from school, that decision may be appealed, either to the relevant Vocational Educational Committee in the first instance, or to the Secretary General of my Department.
Only where a Section 29 appeal is lodged with the Department of Education and Skills will my Department have a record of an expulsion. The following table details the number of Section 29 appeals which have been lodged in relation to expulsion for each of the past five full years to date. Statistical details are not recorded on a county by county basis.
Only where an appeal has been upheld by a committee may the Secretary General of my Department direct that a child be re-admitted to a school. In respect of cases which are not upheld, such cases are referred by my Department to the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) which is the body who have statutory responsibility to assist parents to secure a school placement for their child. The NEWB will assist parents to find an alternative school placement or advise them as to the availability of Home Tuition support for their child pending the sourcing of a new school placement.
|
Post primary |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Expulsion |
Withdrawn or Resolved prior to hearing |
Upheld at Hearing |
Not Upheld at Hearing |
Totals |
|
2005 |
16 |
10 |
42 |
68 |
|
2006 |
20 |
21 |
43 |
84 |
|
2007 |
20 |
11 |
40 |
71 |
|
2008 |
7 |
19 |
46 |
72 |
|
2009 |
17 |
7 |
32 |
56 |
|
Total |
80 |
68 |
203 |
351 |
|
Expulsion |
Withdrawn or Resolved |
Upheld at Hearing |
Not Upheld at Hearing |
Totals |
|
2005 |
6 |
3 |
3 |
12 |
|
2006 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
7 |
|
2007 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
5 |
|
2008 |
1 |
5 |
6 |
12 |
|
2009 |
3 |
2 |
3 |
8 |
|
Total |
13 |
14 |
17 |
44 |
Special Educational Needs
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:194 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of places available at primary and second level schools throughout the country, on a county basis, for children with autism, Asperger’s, attention deficit disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or similar learning difficulties as set out or required by local school authorities; the degree to which such requirements are likely to be met in the near future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18604/10]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:199 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of special needs places available throughout the country at primary or second level on a county basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18609/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 194 and 199 together.
Children with special educational needs, including the specific conditions mentioned by the Deputy, have a range of placement options available to them. The level and extent of resources provided to support pupils with special educational needs depend on the precise nature of the special educational need of the particular pupil. Supports can include the allocation of additional resource teaching support, special needs assistants, special school transport arrangements and grants for specialist equipment and/or assistive technology. School buildings may be adapted where necessary.
Many children with special needs, including those mentioned by the Deputy, attend mainstream schools alongside their peers. Depending on the extent of their special educational need, these children may receive support from the school's Learning Support teacher and/or additional tuition hours provided by a Resource teacher and/or support from a Special Needs Assistant.
Other children with such special educational needs attend a special class attached to a mainstream school while some children attend a special school. These children are supported through lower pupil teacher ratios and, where necessary, special needs assistants.
The enrolment of a child in a school is a matter in the first instance for the parents of the child and the Board of Management of a school. My Department has no role in relation to processing applications for enrolment in schools and therefore the information requested by the Deputy is not available within my Department.
The National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENOs), co-ordinates special needs education provision at local level. SENOs act as single points of contact for parents of students with special educational needs. SENOs work with schools to sanction additional special class provision as necessary.
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.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:195 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of resource or special needs teachers currently required at primary and or second level schools throughout the country, on a county basis, as set out by the various school authorities; the degree to which any outstanding requirements are likely to be met; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18605/10]
The overall national total number of whole time equivalent teaching posts allocated for special needs provision is just under 8,000 at Primary level and 2,775 at Post Primary level in the 2009/10 school year. The level of detail sought by the Deputy on a county basis would take some time to collate within my Department. My Department's Teacher Allocation Section is currently focused on the initial work for the allocation of staffing for the coming school year and I do not propose to divert them from this work at this key time in the allocation process.
The general allocation model was introduced in primary schools in September 2005 to ensure that each school has learning support/resource teaching support available to meet the needs of children with high incidence special educational needs. The allocation system under the general allocation model was linked to the school's enrolment in 2005 and it was decided not to review this aspect until the model had been in operation for three years. This review is now under way. The allocation to schools is however enhanced in the case of schools experiencing large increases in enrolment and which satisfy the conditions under my Department's Developing School Criteria.
Schools decide themselves how best to use this allocation based on the needs of the pupils and how to adjust their support in line with the changing needs of pupils as they mature. My Department provided a circular SP ED 02/05 to schools to assist them in deploying the General Allocation Model resources.
The Deputy will be aware that my Department's policy is to support the inclusive education of students with special educational needs across the schools system. In this context, a range of supports are provided to schools to enable them cater for pupils with special educational needs. The supports available include additional teaching support, special needs assistant support, school transport and grants for the purchase of teaching materials and specialised equipment.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs supports. 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.
Pupil-Teacher Ratio
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:196 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the degree to which pupil-teacher ratios in the classroom or class sizes have altered at primary schools throughout the country, on a county basis, in each of the past five years and to date in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18606/10]
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to class size is outlined below. Pupil Teacher Ratio in respect of all schools is currently only available at national level and not disaggregated by county or any other variable. The data for the current school year (2009/2010) are currently being compiled by my Department and the final outcome will be available later in the year. PTR at National Level is set out as follows:
2004/2005, 17.1.
2005/2006, 17.
2006/2007, 16.4.
2007/2008, 16.0.
2008/2009, 15.9.
|
Total Pupils |
No of Classes |
Average Class Size |
|
|
Carlow |
5,572 |
220 |
25.3 |
|
Cavan |
7,389 |
322 |
22.9 |
|
Clare |
11,641 |
504 |
23.1 |
|
Cork City |
13,653 |
596 |
22.9 |
|
Cork County |
36,011 |
1,463 |
24.6 |
|
Donegal |
17,126 |
750 |
22.8 |
|
Dublin City |
40,514 |
1,770 |
22.9 |
|
Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown |
15,613 |
605 |
25.8 |
|
Fingal |
23,251 |
866 |
26.8 |
|
Galway City |
5,623 |
242 |
23.2 |
|
Galway County |
17,084 |
796 |
21.5 |
|
Kerry |
14,340 |
614 |
23.4 |
|
Kildare |
21,290 |
794 |
26.8 |
|
Kilkenny |
9,193 |
374 |
24.6 |
|
Laois |
7,303 |
303 |
24.1 |
|
Leitrim |
2,982 |
139 |
21.5 |
|
Limerick City |
6,807 |
300 |
22.7 |
|
Limerick County |
12,678 |
539 |
23.5 |
|
Longford |
3,544 |
165 |
21.5 |
|
Louth |
12,575 |
499 |
25.2 |
|
Mayo |
13,226 |
633 |
20.9 |
|
Meath |
17,692 |
685 |
25.8 |
|
Monaghan |
6,165 |
266 |
23.2 |
|
Offaly |
8,024 |
336 |
23.9 |
|
Roscommon |
6,063 |
297 |
20.4 |
|
Sligo |
6,377 |
287 |
22.2 |
|
South Dublin |
26,208 |
1,063 |
24.7 |
|
Tipperary N.R. |
7,127 |
316 |
22.6 |
|
Tipperary S.R. |
9,261 |
397 |
23.3 |
|
Waterford City |
5,168 |
209 |
24.7 |
|
Waterford County |
6,550 |
273 |
24.0 |
|
Westmeath |
9,034 |
378 |
23.9 |
|
Wexford |
14871 |
596 |
25.0 |
|
Wicklow |
13,365 |
536 |
24.9 |
|
433,320 |
18,133 |
|
Total Pupils |
No. of Classes |
Average Class Size |
|
|
Carlow |
5,693 |
227 |
25.1 |
|
Cavan |
7,684 |
329 |
23.4 |
|
Clare |
11,793 |
507 |
23.3 |
|
Cork City |
13,547 |
594 |
22.8 |
|
Cork County |
36,956 |
1,478 |
25.0 |
|
Donegal |
17,246 |
754 |
22.9 |
|
Dublin City |
40,700 |
1,775 |
22.9 |
|
Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown |
15,612 |
607 |
25.7 |
|
Fingal |
24,491 |
906 |
27.0 |
|
Galway City |
5,735 |
245 |
23.4 |
|
Galway County |
17,415 |
810 |
21.5 |
|
Kerry |
14,455 |
625 |
23.1 |
|
Kildare |
22,070 |
828 |
26.7 |
|
Kilkenny |
9,274 |
378 |
24.5 |
|
Laois |
7,565 |
307 |
24.6 |
|
Leitrim |
2,971 |
140 |
21.2 |
|
Limerick City |
6,777 |
292 |
23.2 |
|
Limerick County |
12,809 |
543 |
23.6 |
|
Longford |
3,610 |
166 |
21.7 |
|
Louth |
13,337 |
521 |
25.6 |
|
Mayo |
13,190 |
629 |
21.0 |
|
Meath |
18,615 |
715 |
26.0 |
|
Monaghan |
6,242 |
267 |
23.4 |
|
Offaly |
8,263 |
342 |
24.2 |
|
Roscommon |
6,221 |
298 |
20.9 |
|
Sligo |
6,437 |
286 |
22.5 |
|
South Dublin |
26,578 |
1,080 |
24.6 |
|
Tipperary N.R. |
7,339 |
317 |
23.2 |
|
Tipperary S.R. |
9,224 |
397 |
23.2 |
|
Waterford City |
5,375 |
210 |
25.6 |
|
Waterford County |
6,723 |
274 |
24.5 |
|
Westmeath |
9,238 |
378 |
24.4 |
|
Wexford |
15,195 |
607 |
25.0 |
|
Wicklow |
13,580 |
535 |
25.4 |
|
441,960 |
18,367 |
|
Total Pupils |
No. of Classes |
Average Class Size |
|
|
Carlow |
5,993 |
235 |
25.5 |
|
Cavan |
8,040 |
335 |
24.0 |
|
Clare |
12,113 |
518 |
23.4 |
|
Cork City |
13,655 |
598 |
22.8 |
|
Cork County |
38,108 |
1,536 |
24.8 |
|
Donegal |
17,684 |
767 |
23.1 |
|
Dublin City |
40,891 |
1,798 |
22.7 |
|
Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown |
15,678 |
613 |
25.6 |
|
Fingal |
25,925 |
970 |
26.7 |
|
Galway City |
5,981 |
261 |
22.9 |
|
Galway County |
18,052 |
828 |
21.8 |
|
Kerry |
14,749 |
633 |
23.3 |
|
Kildare |
23,221 |
875 |
26.5 |
|
Kilkenny |
9,576 |
383 |
25.0 |
|
Laois |
7,985 |
321 |
24.9 |
|
Leitrim |
3,147 |
144 |
21.9 |
|
Limerick City |
6,888 |
299 |
23.0 |
|
Limerick County |
13,095 |
545 |
24.0 |
|
Longford |
3,859 |
177 |
21.8 |
|
Louth |
13,866 |
546 |
25.4 |
|
Mayo |
13,377 |
628 |
21.3 |
|
Meath |
19,707 |
764 |
25.8 |
|
Monaghan |
6,365 |
274 |
23.2 |
|
Offaly |
8,587 |
351 |
24.5 |
|
Roscommon |
6,428 |
309 |
20.8 |
|
Sligo |
6,572 |
290 |
22.7 |
|
South Dublin |
27,263 |
1,110 |
24.6 |
|
Tipperary N.R. |
7,566 |
323 |
23.4 |
|
Tipperary S.R. |
9,435 |
400 |
23.6 |
|
Waterford City |
5,606 |
221 |
25.4 |
|
Waterford County |
6,886 |
278 |
24.8 |
|
Westmeath |
9,553 |
395 |
24.2 |
|
Wexford |
15,618 |
625 |
25.0 |
|
Wicklow |
13,986 |
559 |
25.0 |
|
455,455 |
18,909 |
|
Total Pupils |
No. of Classes |
Average Class Size |
|
|
Carlow |
6,345 |
249 |
25.5 |
|
Cavan |
8,448 |
357 |
23.7 |
|
Clare |
12,499 |
534 |
23.4 |
|
Cork City |
13,715 |
607 |
22.6 |
|
Cork County |
39,583 |
1,602 |
24.7 |
|
Donegal |
18,065 |
790 |
22.9 |
|
Dublin City |
41,186 |
1,825 |
22.6 |
|
Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown |
15,608 |
620 |
25.2 |
|
Fingal |
27,313 |
1,037 |
26.3 |
|
Galway City |
6,218 |
273 |
22.8 |
|
Galway County |
18,718 |
854 |
21.9 |
|
Kerry |
15,086 |
649 |
23.2 |
|
Kildare |
24,488 |
931 |
26.3 |
|
Kilkenny |
9,796 |
397 |
24.7 |
|
Laois |
8,556 |
351 |
24.4 |
|
Leitrim |
3,280 |
152 |
21.6 |
|
Limerick City |
6,928 |
304 |
22.8 |
|
Limerick County |
13,496 |
563 |
24.0 |
|
Longford |
4,231 |
187 |
22.6 |
|
Louth |
14,477 |
580 |
25.0 |
|
Mayo |
13,738 |
638 |
21.5 |
|
Meath |
20,754 |
810 |
25.6 |
|
Monaghan |
6,561 |
280 |
23.4 |
|
Offaly |
8,883 |
368 |
24.1 |
|
Roscommon |
6,675 |
317 |
21.1 |
|
Sligo |
6,748 |
296 |
22.8 |
|
South Dublin |
28,049 |
1,165 |
24.1 |
|
Tipperary N.R. |
7,804 |
337 |
23.2 |
|
Tipperary S.R. |
9,588 |
412 |
23.3 |
|
Waterford City |
5,748 |
232 |
24.8 |
|
Waterford County |
7,199 |
294 |
24.5 |
|
Westmeath |
9,842 |
412 |
23.9 |
|
Wexford |
16,264 |
664 |
24.5 |
|
Wicklow |
14,381 |
578 |
24.9 |
|
470,270 |
19,665 |
|
Total Pupils |
No. of Classes |
Average Class Size |
|
|
Carlow |
6,594 |
260 |
25.4 |
|
Cavan |
8,839 |
371 |
23.8 |
|
Clare |
12,966 |
560 |
23.2 |
|
Cork City |
13,597 |
606 |
22.4 |
|
Cork County |
40,969 |
1,674 |
24.5 |
|
Donegal |
18,436 |
804 |
22.9 |
|
Dublin City |
40,966 |
1,837 |
22.3 |
|
Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown |
15,869 |
624 |
25.4 |
|
Fingal |
28,813 |
1,116 |
25.8 |
|
Galway City |
6,385 |
285 |
22.4 |
|
Galway County |
19,356 |
877 |
22.1 |
|
Kerry |
15,239 |
662 |
23.0 |
|
Kildare |
25,511 |
978 |
26.1 |
|
Kilkenny |
10,042 |
404 |
24.9 |
|
Laois |
9,075 |
371 |
24.5 |
|
Leitrim |
3,389 |
154 |
22.0 |
|
Limerick City |
6,887 |
310 |
22.2 |
|
Limerick County |
13,725 |
573 |
24.0 |
|
Longford |
4,486 |
194 |
23.1 |
|
Louth |
14,948 |
605 |
24.7 |
|
Mayo |
13,957 |
663 |
21.1 |
|
Meath |
21,721 |
847 |
25.6 |
|
Monaghan |
6,586 |
284 |
23.2 |
|
Offaly |
9,242 |
383 |
24.1 |
|
Roscommon |
6,900 |
326 |
21.2 |
|
Sligo |
6,841 |
305 |
22.4 |
|
South Dublin |
28,926 |
1,208 |
23.9 |
|
Tipperary N.R. |
7,876 |
349 |
22.6 |
|
Tipperary S.R. |
9,636 |
414 |
23.3 |
|
Waterford City |
5,868 |
237 |
24.8 |
|
Waterford County |
7,427 |
298 |
24.9 |
|
Westmeath |
10,036 |
421 |
23.8 |
|
Wexford |
16,740 |
692 |
24.2 |
|
Wicklow |
14,745 |
599 |
24.6 |
|
482,593 |
20,291 |
Radon Gas Levels
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:197 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the extent, if any, to which the threats of radon gas exists at either primary, second level schools or colleges throughout the country; the extent to which the issue has been dealt with to date or is likely to be dealt with in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18607/10]
My Department commenced a Radon Remediation Programme in 1998 when it commissioned the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) to conduct a survey of radon levels in all primary and post primary schools. Radon in third level colleges is a matter for the individual institutions.
The programme initially involved surveying radon levels in schools and subsequently carrying out mitigation works where appropriate. The programme is 100% funded by my Department.
All schools were advised of the programme and where excess radon levels were located, funding is provided to schools for the mitigation works. Follow-up monitoring also takes place to ensure that the remediation action has been successful.
The radon reference level set for the workplace under the "Radiological Protection Act, 1991 ((Ionising Radiation) Order, 2000" (Statutory Instrument 125 of 2000)) is 400 Bq/m3. Notwithstanding the fact that the statutory reference level is 400 Bq/m3, my Department provides funding for radon levels exceeding 200 Bq/m3.
Radon barriers are included in the design of all new school building projects.
Psychological Service
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:198 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which requests have been made on a county basis for psychological assessment and or follow up procedures at primary and second level schools here in each of the past five years and to date in 2010; the degree to which such requirements have been met; her plans to meet such requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18608/10]
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.
In common with many other psychological services and best international practice, NEPS encourages a staged assessment process, whereby each school takes responsibility for initial assessment, educational planning and remedial intervention, in consultation with their assigned NEPS psychologist. Only if there is a failure to make reasonable progress in spite of the school's best efforts, will a child be referred for individual psychological assessment. This system allows the psychologists to give early attention to urgent cases and also to help many more children indirectly than could be seen individually. It also ensures that children are not referred unnecessarily for psychological intervention.
The document "Special Needs Education — A Continuum of Support", which has been circulated to all primary school teachers, demonstrates this process which moves from simple classroom based interventions to more specialised and individual interventions. These guidelines describe a graduated problem solving model of assessment and intervention in schools and comprise three distinct school based processes which are summarised below:
1. Classroom Support — is an intervention which is co-ordinated by the Class Teacher and is carried out in the regular classroom,
2. School Support — is an assessment and intervention process which is usually co-ordinated by the learning support/resource teacher working alongside the class teacher. Interventions at this stage will be additional to those provided through classroom support.
3. School Support Plus — is generally characterised by the school requesting the involvement by the relevant external service in more detailed assessment and development of intervention programmes. This level of intervention is for children with complex and/or enduring needs and whose progress is considered inadequate, despite carefully planned interventions at previous levels.
The staged model recognises that pupils present with a wide range of issues and difficulties and allows for their amelioration and intervention at the level most appropriate to the particular need.
NEPS psychologists provide both support and development service to teachers in accommodating the various needs at levels 1 and 2 of the staged model and provide advice in relation to appropriate intervention in relation to unnamed pupils or groups of pupils as well as servicing the identified needs at individual named pupil at level 3 up to and including full psychological assessment. The input in respect of stages 1 and 2 is therefore not recorded at individual pupil level by NEPS. It should be noted that even at level 3 the assessment may take a variety of forms depending on the pupils needs.
I include, for the Deputy's information, an account of the number of individuals who have been brought to the specific attention of the NEPS service for the years 2004/05 to 2008/09 and to date in 2009/10 which constitute the type and level of response at stage 3 of the above continuum process. Regional surveys undertaken in recent years would suggest that some 7,000 additional cases annually are raised by teachers / school authorities with NEPS psychologists in respect of unnamed pupils for general advice on how best to attend to their needs without recourse to direct consultation with or assessment of the pupil or pupils in question.
NEPS also provides support to the State Examinations Commission in making recommendations for students applying for special accommodation under the Reasonable Accommodation for State Examinations (RACE) scheme mainly at Leaving Certificate level. These are included in the following data.
While I am satisfied that the level of service currently being provided by NEPS to the school community is sufficient to the tasks my Department is committed to the continued development of the Service. The Deputy will no doubt be aware of the undertaking within the Renewed Programme for Government to an overall expansion of NEPS psychologist numbers to 210, currently NEPS staffing numbers stand at 157.
I can inform the Deputy that my Department and the Public Appointments Service (PAS) is currently actively engaging with six prospective recruits to NEPS, from an existing recruitment panel, for assignment in the near future.
Furthermore a new recruitment competition was set in train in February by PAS in conjunction with my Department's Personnel Section in order to establish a new panel from which the remaining vacancies may be filled. The closing date for applications in this regard is now past and it is envisaged that the vetting, interviewing and empanelling of suitable applicants will be completed in time to recruit new psychologists for the beginning of the new school year. This targeted expansion will ultimately allow to the assignment of a NEPS psychologist to all primary and post-primary schools and pupils nationally and afford a level of enhancement of service to Special Needs Units and Schools regionally.
|
SCPA |
NEPS |
Total |
|
|
2004/05 |
3,475 |
7,502 |
10,977 |
|
2005/06 |
4,068 |
7,939 |
12,007 |
|
2006/07 |
4,426 |
8,917 |
13,343 |
|
2007/08 |
4,609 |
9,307 |
13,916 |
|
2008/09 |
2,694 |
11,551 |
14,245 |
|
2009/10 |
1,547 |
4,577 |
6,124 |
(*)The current counts of referrals to NEPS and RACE cases do not reflect an accurate an accurate position as the data will be updated before by the end of the academic year.
Question No. 199 answered with Question No. 194.
School Accommodation
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:200 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of children at primary and second level on a county basis here that are accommodated in prefabricated structures; the locations at which this has prevailed for the longest period; her plans, if any, to replace such buildings with permanent structures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18610/10]
In general, my Department approves the purchase or rental of prefabricated classrooms based on need at the time of application. My Department does not hold information on the numbers of pupils in individual schools who currently occupy temporary accommodation, this depends on the organisation of class groups by the school management within available accommodation and may vary from year to year.
A change in policy that has been implemented by my Department is to grant aid the purchase (rather than rental) of temporary accommodation where the need for such accommodation is likely to exist for more than 3 years. Furthermore, since July 2008, it is also policy to offer schools being approved for grant aid for temporary accommodation the option to use their capital grant aid to build a permanent classroom(s) rather than purchase a prefab. These policies will reduce the usage of temporary accommodation and, particularly, the incidence of long-term rental of prefabs.
In addition, my Department has engaged a specialist firm to develop new procedures and systems for the provision of temporary accommodation with a view to achieving best value for money. The review incorporates the development of standard specifications for temporary accommodation, the development of new contractual terms to incorporate buy-out and relocation options to cater for individual local circumstances and appropriately protect the interests of the Department and school authorities.
Schools Building Projects
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:201 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the intended expenditure on school or college buildings at primary, second or third level throughout the country in 2010; the extent to which this compares on an annual basis with each of the past five years and to date in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18611/10]
The intended expenditure on school buildings at primary and post-primary level and on third-level institutions in 2010 is contained in the table below. The capital spend in these three areas as of end April 2010 and from 2005-2009 is also as follows.
|
all figures in €m |
||
|---|---|---|
|
2010 Allocation |
End Apr 2010 Position |
|
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
Primary Level |
306.800 |
39.034 |
|
Post-Primary Level |
200.000 |
23.898 |
|
Third Level |
140.755 |
20.303 |
|
TOTAL |
647.555 |
83.235 |
|
all figures in €m |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Primary Level |
266.679 |
244.898 |
398.556 |
488.754 |
328.946 |
|
Post-Primary Level |
234.580 |
249.480 |
247.470 |
155.278 |
197.026 |
|
Third Level |
90.828 |
115.984 |
147.435 |
155.377 |
199.846 |
|
TOTAL |
592.087 |
610.362 |
793.461 |
799.409 |
725.818 |