Joan Burton
Question:12 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will reconsider offering Mandarin as a leaving certificate subject; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23733/10]
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.
School Curriculum
I am aware of the comments of my colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, in relation to Chinese in the Leaving Certificate. I am also aware of the importance of Chinese language learning in promoting trade and development between Ireland and China as part of the Asia Strategy.
Post graduate and honours degree level programmes in Chinese are offered in University College Cork, and honours degree level programmes are provided in University College Dublin, Dublin City University and the Dublin Institute of Technology.
The Institutes for Chinese Studies in University College Dublin and in University College Cork both offer programmes in Chinese in partnership with the Confucius Institute. These colleges also offer tuition on an outreach basis to schools in their locality. The feedback from this initiative is very positive. My Department will continue to work closely with the colleges and the Confucius Institutes to support and progress this initiative, to the extent that the funding from the Confucius Institutes will allow.
Overall there are a range of foreign languages available on the curriculum in schools -- French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Japanese and Arabic. A post Primary Languages Initiative is in place since 2000 with the objective of diversifying language provision in schools, focusing particularly on Spanish, Italian, Japanese and Russian.
Experience to date has been that while students appreciate the opportunity to learn new languages, and are making good progress, the overall take-up remains low, and it is extremely difficult to develop a capacity and cadre of teachers within the existing system who are capable of teaching the new languages. For example, Japanese continues to be provided through the provision of "bought in" additional services provided by Japanese language assistants. Although third level programmes offering degrees in Japanese are being provided, it has not resulted in qualified teachers of Japanese gaining employment in schools, or in schools prioritising Japanese as a subject within their approved quota of teaching resources.
The Government is prioritising an agenda of curriculum reform in science and maths and improving innovation capacity in second level schools. The funds currently available in this difficult budgetary context do not allow for the inclusion of additional languages in the curriculum at present. However, I will keep the matter under review.
Schools Patronage
Ciaran Lynch
Question:13 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if, in view of the recent statements on diversification of patronage in primary schools in Dáil Éireann, she has reflected on the comments made therein; her views on the need to hold a wider debate on the future of our patronage system and establish a national forum on patronage in primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23721/10]
I consider that the debate that we participated in this House two weeks ago was, as I said in my closing remarks, informed, informative, balanced and sincere. The real message I have garnered from the debate is that primary school patrons provide education in the best interests of children. As the Minister for Education and Skills, my role is to ensure this situation continues and I look forward to determining how to advance the matter. In my opening statement two weeks ago I highlighted three developments underway.
The first relates to the development of a new type of primary school and I envisage that this development will be discussed in detail in this House with the publication of a Bill for consideration that will include provisions for the statutory underpinning of new Community National Schools.
The second relates to new arrangements for the recognition of new primary schools. I am awaiting advice from the Commission on School Accommodation which I expect to receive in the next month or so.
The third relates to the potential for the Catholic Church to divest patronage in some schools. My Department is examining a number of initial locations to see what scope or options might exist for a change of patronage in these cases. The aim is to complete the assessment within the next month with a view to publication of the list.
I recognise there is a need to continue to seek the input and views of a wide cross section of contemporary Ireland on the relevant issues. I prefer to advance consideration and trialling of the practical issues at this stage so that specific proposals can be developed and issues identified rather than a more general and theoretical discussion at this point.
I am committed to further consultation with the education partners and the wider public. Two weeks ago in this House, I listened to the Deputies' opinions on the nature of consultation and I wish to continue to reflect on these views as the work underway is advanced and various stages of it completed.
Higher Education Grants
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:14 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will review the process of proving independent residency for independent mature students applications, in view of the fact that many applying for funding have been living in rented accommodation for a number of years, but through no fault of their own can not provide the required documentation to prove same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23649/10]
For student grants purposes, students are categorised according to their circumstances either as students dependent on parents or a legal guardian, or as independent mature students. An independent mature student is defined as a mature student who was not ordinarily resident with his or her parents or legal guardian from the October preceding entry to an approved course.
When assessing the means of students other than independent mature students, the schemes specify that parental income or legal guardian's income must be taken into account. Independent mature students, on the other hand, are assessed without reference to their parents' income or that of a legal guardian. The reckonable income of an independent mature student is that of the candidate only and of his or her spouse where appropriate.
In order to establish a candidate's status as an independent mature student, documentary evidence is required as proof of a candidate's address from 1st October of the year preceding entry into college. In considering whether a mature student meets the conditions to be assessed independently of his or her parents, awarding authorities are obliged to satisfy themselves beyond doubt that an acceptable degree of proof of independent living in the relevant period has been submitted by the grant applicant.
The documentary evidence normally required by a local authority or VEC to establish independent residence includes utility bills, such as telephone, gas or electricity bill, evidence of registration with the Private Residential Tenancies Board or official documentation received at the address, for example, from a Government Department.
In exceptional circumstances, where it is not possible to produce such proofs of residence in the relevant period for demonstrable reasons, the awarding authority may, at its discretion, agree to accept other documentary evidence that provides an acceptable degree of proof of independent living in the relevant period. For example, while an affidavit, if accompanied by other supporting documentation, may be considered as evidence of independent living, an affidavit in isolation is not considered acceptable as sole proof of residency.
My Department has reviewed the requirements for establishing independent residency and is satisfied that the current practice in this regard is both reasonable and appropriate.
Proposed Legislation
Michael D. Higgins
Question:15 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills when she expects to publish the Education (Patronage) Bill 2010 in order that the community national school model can be given a statutory basis upon which to operate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23726/10]
As outlined in the Government Legislative Programme, the Education (Patronage) Bill 2010 is to be published during the current session.
The Community National School primary school model involves individual VEC's acting as Patron in line with the practice that applies in the primary system generally and the draft legislation which I propose to introduce to the Dáil very shortly will give statutory effect to these arrangements. The legislative proposals will also underpin the independent status of a primary school Board of Management established by a VEC.
Pending enactment of the Bill, I as Minister for Education and Skills, am acting for the interim period as patron of the five Community National Schools established to date — Scoil Choilm, Scoil Ghráínne and Scoil Chormaic in County Dublin, Naas Community National School in County Kildare and Árd Rí Community National School in County Meath.
The development of the Community National School model of primary school is a response to the level of societal diversity and demographic change which is underway in this country. It represents an additional patronage option which will sit alongside the established patrons in the primary system as an option for parents who, increasingly, seek greater choice in school type for their children. As noted in this House during the recent statements on the Diversification of Primary School Provision, the discussion on the draft legislation will be an opportunity to explore the many issue that arise in relation to this new patronage model. I look forward to that debate.
Teacher Education
Joanna Tuffy
Question:16 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the reasons it has been decided to move the Froebel College of Education from Blackrock, County Dublin to NUI Maynooth, County Kildare in September 2013; the location at which the new purpose-built Froebel centre for early childhood and primary education will be on the university campus; if additional staff, both academic and administrative, will be required; the capital cost and the subsequent operating costs of the new purpose-built building; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23709/10]
Froebel College of Education in Blackrock, Co. Dublin was established by the Dominican Sisters in 1943. Currently Froebel College of Education is funded by my Department for its initial primary teacher education programmes. The management and trustees of Froebel College of Education have entered into discussions with the National University of Maynooth with a view to the work of the College becoming part of the University's operations and an announcement to this effect was recently made.
The College is a private institution and is free to enter into such talks and my Department has no objection in principle to the planned move. My Department has advised both institutions that such a move must meet the requirements of the Universities Act 1997, and that the Higher Education Authority should be consulted with regard to the requirements. It is understood that discussions in this regard are ongoing.
It is proposed that a "Froebel Department of Early Childhood and Primary Education" be established at the University and that all of the student teachers from Froebel College will move to the University campus. I understand that NUIM proposes to build a new facility on campus to facilitate the incorporation of the College. The details of the capital build and the financing and staffing arrangements have yet to be finalised.
Schools Building Projects
Seymour Crawford
Question:17 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills when permission will be given to a school (details supplied) in County Monaghan to allow them to go ahead with restructuring and extension for the sake of health and safety; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23646/10]
The school referred to by the Deputy has a building project at an advanced stage of architectural planning to extend and refurbish the existing school. The project has a priority band rating of 2.1.
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 for 2011 and subsequent years. 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.
In the meantime, however, it is open to the school authority to apply to the Planning and Building Unit of my Department for emergency works funding for capital works of an urgent nature. Grants from this fund are available for very urgent works, primarily of a major health and safety nature, to schools that require them.
School Transport
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:18 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if there will be any increase in the school bus fee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23813/10]
The arrangements currently in place for school transport annual charges, namely €300 per eligible and concessionary post primary pupil, €200 for concessionary primary pupil and a maximum family charge of €650 will remain in place for the 2010/2011 school year. As the Deputy will be aware eligible primary children and children with special educational needs are currently transported free of charge.
The Deputy will also be aware that the McCarthy report made recommendations to levy charges, at both primary and post primary level, at a rate of €500 per annum per child or 50% of the full economic cost of providing the service, with the exemption for social welfare recipients continuing to apply.
The recommendations in the McCarthy report fall to be considered as part of the annual estimates and budget process. It would not be appropriate to comment specifically on whether any of these recommendations or indeed other expenditure issues will be included in next years estimates and budget prior to Government consideration and decisions on estimates 2011.
FÁS Training Programmes
David Stanton
Question:19 Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 61 of 9 March 2010, the number of apprentices who were made redundant in 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010 respectively; the number who are receiving off or on the job training; the number currently awaiting employment placements; if the new redundant apprentice placement scheme 2010 which was due to replace the temporary employer based redundant apprentice rotation scheme in operation since 2009 has been introduced by FÁS; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21699/10]
David Stanton
Question:29 Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 61 of 9 March 2010 the number of redundant apprentices who have been registered for four years, have completed phases 1-7 of their apprenticeships but not the required four years in employment as an apprentice in their specified trade and are currently registered with FÁS awaiting completion of their apprenticeship; the number who have been contacted by FÁS to submit a portfolio of evidence under recognition of prior learning; the number of these who have been considered for and awarded an advanced craft certificate by the national apprenticeship advisory sub-committee; the number who have been awarded this certificate to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21700/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 19 and 29 together.
The number of apprentices made redundant in 2008 was 2,481, the number in 2009 was 3,791 and to date in 2010 the number is 892. In total there are 7,164 redundant apprentices of whom almost 4,500 are eligible for FÁS initiatives when taking into account those who have not successfully completed training assessment exams to date. A wide range of measures has been initiated through FÁS to support over 4,600 redundant apprentices to progress their apprenticeships in 2010. These are in addition to measures which in 2009 supported over 3,200 redundant apprentices.
The following measures have been initiated by FÁS to support redundant apprentices:
1. FÁS has put in place an interim measure whereby redundant apprentices may progress to the next off-the-job training phase of their apprenticeship, in line with current scheduling criteria. In 2009, over 2,400 redundant apprentices were provided with off-the-job training. To date in 2010, 2,523 redundant apprentices commenced off-the-job training and of these 1,251 have completed phase 4 and phase 6 off-the-job training in the Institutes of Technology and Colleges of Further Education.
2. FÁS in 2009 introduced a temporary Employer Based Redundant Apprentice Rotation Scheme for apprentices made redundant in the Construction Industry whereby the vacancy arising from the release of the employed apprentice to a scheduled phase 4 and phase 6 off-the-job training phase was filled by a redundant apprentice who thereby gained on-the-job training. Over 460 redundant apprentices completed Phase 3, 5 and 7 on-the-job training and assessments with employers under this Scheme in 2009.The Redundant Apprentices Placement Scheme is to replace the Rotation Scheme for 2010. The scheme with an allocation for 2010 of almost €4m will provide up to 750 apprentices with the opportunity to complete their on-the-job training at Phases 3 and 5 with the support of employers with a proven past record of providing consistent systematic training.
3. A joint ESB Networks / FÁS programme commenced in March 2009 where on-the-job training with ESB Networks is provided to eligible redundant apprentices at Phases 5 and 7 of their apprenticeship. This programme will provide up to 400 places over a period of 18 months and is funded by ESB Networks. To date 236 (104 Phase 5 and 132 Phase 7) redundant apprentices have completed training, 99 (53 Phase 5 and 46 Phase 7) are currently in training and a further 65 Phase 7 redundant apprentices will commence in July 2010.
4. FÁS and the Institutes of Technology have agreed the PP5 programme for redundant apprentices who have successfully completed Phases 1-4 of their apprenticeship and where an on or off-the-job training opportunity is not currently available. The programme has both a Construction Stream and an Engineering Stream, with a number of core skills modules related to apprenticeship and a number of electives in specific skills. The programme provides apprentices with a Level 5 FETAC award and allows for access and transfer of credits to other post-apprenticeship programmes. The Institutes of Technology are currently providing training to eligible redundant apprentices who responded to invitations issued in January 2010.
5. FÁS has also developed Phase 7-equivalent assessments for redundant apprentices at the final phase of their apprenticeship in the trades of Carpentry & Joinery, Electrical, Plumbing, Brick & Stonelaying and Plastering. To date, 39 redundant apprentices have completed assessments, 30 are currently undertaking assessment, and FÁS is inviting a further 351 to undertake Phase 7 assessments.
6. Redundant apprentices registered for 4 years who have successfully completed all Phases 1-7 of their apprenticeship, but have not yet completed the required 4 years in employment as an apprentice in the specified trade, will be contacted by FÁS to submit a portfolio of evidence under Recognition of Prior Learning for consideration by the National Apprenticeship Advisory Sub-Committee for the award of the Advanced Craft Certificate.
7. Redundant apprentices may also avail of existing trade-related specific skills training courses to enhance their employable skills. They may also avail of the range of trade-related evening courses available in FÁS Training Centres.
8. Under the EU Leonardo da Vinci III Lifelong Learning Programme, Leargas in collaboration with FÁS, has supported 45 apprentices to date to complete their final on-the-job work placement in companies abroad. 36 redundant apprentices are scheduled for on-the-job work placements by the end of 2010 and a further 15 during the first half of 2011.
In relation to the Deputy's more specific queries I am informed by FÁS that:—
the number of apprentices registered for 4 years with Phases 1-7 completed is 266;
216 apprentices have been contacted by FÁS to submit a portfolio of evidence under recognition of prior learning;
44 apprentices have been considered for the Advanced Craft Certificate by the National Apprentice Advisory Sub-Committee with 26 being approved.
Telecommunications Services
Simon Coveney
Question:20 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of primary and secondary schools that do not have a functioning broadband connection. [23095/10]
Currently over 97% of all schools are availing of the broadband service. Of the remaining 3% there are 59 schools who have opted out of the scheme and the remaining schools are awaiting installation in the coming months as part of the roll out of new broadband for schools contracts.
At any point in time there will be schools which are part of the schools broadband programme without a broadband connection due to technology problems (e.g. line of sight, building works, phone lines deteriorating) the numbers for which are constantly changing. All faults are resolved in the quickest time possible.
There are a number of schools i.e. 32 which are presently without a connection due to transferring from Smart Satellite System which was discontinued at the end of May 2010 (Smart Satellite was acquired by Digiweb in December 2009). An additional 14 schools which are a combination of new schools and schools where a fault has developed are without connection. In order to connect these schools new equipment i.e. a router, is required. My Department is awaiting delivery of this equipment which is scheduled for the middle of June. There has been a delay in delivery which the suppliers have indicated is due to a component shortage in the industry in general.
Special Educational Needs
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:21 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which the relevant section of her Department provides assistance, direction and advice to the parents of children with behavioural problems or special need who for whatever reason may have lost their place at primary or second level schools; if the relevant section initiates contact with the school authorities or the parents with a view to offering assistance in such situations; the number of such occurrences in the past 12 months; the degree to which a satisfactory or alternative provision was made; the extent to which the education of the children involved was provided for; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23747/10]
The Education (Welfare) Act, 2000, established the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) with statutory responsibility to ensure that each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education. The remit of the Board was expanded in 2009 to include responsibility for the Visiting Teacher Service for Travellers (VTST), the Home School Community Liaison Service (HSCL) and the School Completion Programme (SCP) as well as the National Educational Welfare Service (EWS) under one common management team. The new integrated approach will provide for better targeting of children who are not benefiting from education and it will ensure that these children are properly supported to maximise their educational potential. It also provides new opportunities for enhanced support for parents and families.
The Board's network of Educational Welfare Officers (EWOs) is the means by which the Board delivers on its statutory remit to ensure that each child attends and benefits from education. EWOs work with approximately 8,000 children each year, who are reported as having serious school attendance or school placement difficulties or who have been expelled from schools. They work closely with the family, the school and other support services to address the particular issues for each child. The needs of children can vary considerably from those who are not attending school to those for whom there is no school place, while in other cases, placement in an alternative education programme like Youthreach may be more appropriate.
The general functions of the Board are to ensure that each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education. The NEWB has a key role in supporting parents where there are problems with school placement or attendance difficulties of their children in school. In addition the NEWB has, in the past, issued information leaflets to parents and run public awareness campaigns to raise the profile of school attendance. It also operates an Education Helpline to provide information on attendance and related matters.
Where difficulties with school placement include issues of special educational need staff of the Board and the National Council for Special Education have developed operational protocols to ensure that these difficulties are resolved.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible for the provision of a range of educational services at local and national level for students with special educational needs. In particular, its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENOs) co-ordinates special needs education provision at local level and arranges for the delivery of special educational services. They act as single points of contact for parents of students with special educational needs. Another specific function of the SENO is to identify appropriate educational placements for children with special educational needs. My Department encourages parents and school authorities to engage locally regarding pupils' education. 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.
Section 29 of the Education Act 1998 provides for an appeal by a parent or guardian to the Secretary General of my Department, or, in the case of a Vocational Educational Committee (VEC) school, to the VEC in the first instance; where a Board of Management of a school, or a person acting on behalf of the Board, permanently excludes a student, or suspends a student for a period greater than 20 days.
In relation to appeals lodged with the Secretary General of my Department, only where an appeal under Section 29 is upheld can the Secretary General of my Department direct a school to re-instate a pupil. In 2009, 72 Section 29 Appeals, lodged with the Secretary General were completed, broken down between primary and post primary schools as follows:
Permanent Exclusion 64 (Post Primary 56) (Primary 8);
Suspensions 8 (Post Primary 7) (Primary 1).
The NEWB's ‘Developing a Code of Behaviour: Guidelines for Schools' has been issued to all schools and are part of the Board's overall strategy to support school attendance and participation. They have been issued in compliance with section 23 of the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000, which legally obliges each school to have a Code that is available to students and parents.
The school Code of Behaviour is the set of programmes, practices and procedures that together form the school's plan for helping students in the school to behave well and learn well. The Code of Behaviour helps the school community to promote the policies, procedures and practices that encourage good behaviour and prevent unacceptable behaviour. The NEWB Guidelines recognise the importance of the leadership of Boards of Management and Principals and they place a welcome emphasis on the value of engaging everyone in the school community, including teachers, parents and pupils in the task of shaping the school environment and making it a positive place for teaching and learning.
The Deputy will be aware that my Department operates a Home Tuition Scheme which allocates funding to parents to provide tuition at home for children who, for a number of reasons such as chronic illness, are unable to attend school. The scheme funds tuition for children awaiting a suitable educational placement where a school-based placement is not available. Information on the scheme including criteria for eligibility for tuition is detailed annually by circular to schools and parents.The home tuition scheme facilitates ongoing minimum education until a suitable long term solution is put in place by the Board.
Emmet Stagg
Question:22 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will examine the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare. [23647/10]
I wish to confirm for the Deputy that the school's Learning Support/Resource teacher is currently providing 2.5 hours resource teaching support per week to the pupil in question. In addition, the pupil is also supported in the classroom through the special needs assistant scheme.
All primary schools were allocated Learning Support/Resource Teaching support through the General Allocation Model. These teaching resources were provided in order to enable schools provide additional teaching support to pupils who have learning support needs or who have been assessed as having a high incidence disability. I understand that the pupil's special educational needs fall to be supported from the General Allocation Model.
Prior to the introduction of the General Allocation Model, schools had to apply for additional teaching support for each pupil with an assessed disability. However, the introduction of the General Allocation Model means that schools no longer have to make applications for additional teaching support for pupils with a high incidence disability as the Learning Support/Resource teachers are already available in the school.
Departmental Reports
Willie Penrose
Question:23 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will make a statement on the findings of the report commissioned by her Department on the FÁS science challenge programme. [19179/10]
In late 2008, as Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, a number of matters came to my attention with regard to the FÁS Science Challenge Initiative and I commissioned a review of this programme.
The review concluded that the Initiative had been of some benefit to the personal and career development of some of its participants and had resulted in beneficial links between institutions in the United States and those in Ireland. However, as a FÁS-run programme the review also found that the Initiative was outside the main remit of the Agency and in itself had not represented best value for money on the basis of efficiency, effectiveness and economy. The review also concluded that there was no evidence to show that the Initiative had contributed to the systemic goals of the Government's Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation 2006-13.
Given these conclusions and the need for FÁS to concentrate on its core remit of providing training and employment opportunities, I directed my then Department to make the necessary arrangements for the commencement of the orderly wind down of the Science Challenge Initiative once all existing commitments for the 2008/2009 academic year had been met. This has now been carried out.
Ministerial Responsibilities
Willie Penrose
Question:24 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the progress made to date with regard to the transfer to other Departments of responsibility for some of the functions of FÁS; when it is expected that this process will be completed; if legislation will be required; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19178/10]
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:162 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she shares the concerns of the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association that the recent departmental division of FÁS including the allocation of certain responsibilities to his Department will serve to fragment and dilute the services available. [15486/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 162 and 24 together.
In his speech in the Dáil on 23 March the Taoiseach announced a number of Ministerial and Departmental changes designed to ensure closer alignment of the Government's economic objectives to the administrative functions of its departments and agencies. As part of these changes the Employment Programmes and Services and Skills Training (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order of 2010, which came into force on 1 May 2010, reallocated responsibility for FÁS as an Agency and its funding related to training and skills from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation to my Department. Responsibility for the employment service and community service activities of FÁS and its related funding has also transferred to my Department. However, it is proposed that the Department of Social Protection will assume funding and overall responsibility of FÁS employment and community services once the primary legislation necessary to achieve this has been enacted. It is hoped that this legislation will be passed before the summer recess.
Looking further ahead, my colleague the Minister for Social Protection intends to bring forward more detailed legislative proposals at an early date to provide for the full integration of the employment services and community services programmes of FÁS with his Department.
Higher Education Grants
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:25 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will account for the some 3,436 grant applicants who still have not received their grant for the current academic year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23812/10]
The 3,436 grant applications referred to by the Deputy relates to the number of new applications awaiting decisions under the maintenance grant schemes administered by the Vocational Education Committees as at 6th May, 2010. This figure has been reduced by some 35% to 2,240 in the intervening period.
It is understood from the awarding authorities that the applications awaiting decisions are largely late applications and or where students haven't submitted further documentation. The following table details the latest information on the number of new applications awaiting decisions. The information has been supplied to my Department by the Vocational Education Committees.
|
VEC |
Number of applications outstanding as of 28/5/10 |
|
Carlow |
1 |
|
Cavan |
4 |
|
Clare |
95 |
|
Cork City |
32 |
|
Cork County |
550 |
|
Donegal |
18 |
|
Dublin County VEC |
404 |
|
Dublin City |
415 |
|
Dun Laoghaire |
5 |
|
Galway County VEC |
25 |
|
City of Galway VEC |
17 |
|
Kerry |
44 |
|
Kildare |
0 |
|
Kilkenny |
82 |
|
Laois |
69 |
|
Leitrim |
23 |
|
Limerick City |
6 |
|
Limerick County |
84 |
|
Longford |
10 |
|
Louth |
5 |
|
Mayo |
71 |
|
Meath |
2 |
|
Monaghan |
77 |
|
Offaly |
0 |
|
Roscommon |
1 |
|
Sligo |
15 |
|
Tipperary NR |
0 |
|
Tipperary SR |
0 |
|
Waterford City |
10 |
|
Waterford County |
74 |
|
Westmeath |
97 |
|
Wexford |
0 |
|
Wicklow VEC |
4 |
|
Total |
2,240 |
It is understood from the awarding authorities that the applications still outstanding are mainly students who have not responded to further requests from the LA/VEC's to provide further information.
Schools Building Projects
Martin Ferris
Question:26 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills when a school (details supplied) in County Kerry will receive funding for needed renovations. [23819/10]
The school to which the Deputy refers has applied for large scale capital funding for a new school. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a band rating of 2.2.
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 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 next step with this project is for a design team to be appointed. On 16 February last, details of large scale capital projects where design teams will be appointed in this year under my Department's Capital programme for 2010 were announced. It was not possible to include this project in this announcement.
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. 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.
FÁS Training Programmes
Seymour Crawford
Question:27 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the effort being made to ensure that persons are trained and skilled for the jobs available; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that in the meat industry qualified boners still have to be brought in from abroad in spite of the fact that there are 450,000 unemployed persons here; if her further attention has been drawn to the fact that the same situation exists whereby persons are not trained for the skills and needs of the manufacturing industry when again personnel have to be brought in from abroad to fill the vacancies; if she will ensure that either colleges or FÁS provide the necessary training for these vacancies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23645/10]
The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) advises the Government on current and future skills needs and on other labour market issues that impact on Ireland's enterprise and employment growth. The Group brings together industry, academia and State agencies in identifying the overall skills requirements in the economy. My Department and its education and training agencies are represented on the Group and the Group's research and reports provide a valuable input to the development and amendment of course curricula.
The EGFSN annually produces the National Skills Bulletin, which identifies skills shortages in the economy each year. Given the sharp rise in unemployment, there is an excess supply of labour in Ireland at present. As a result, no significant labour shortages have been identified in 2010. However, the incidence of skills shortages is very low. These relate to a small number of posts and are confined to specialists within an occupation (e.g. electrical engineers with an expertise in high voltage grids), senior positions (e.g. senior software developer), niche areas (e.g. telesales with Nordic languages) and a specific skill mix (e.g. ICT and business).
Current Government policy is not to issue new employment permits to persons from outside the State where the salary is less than €30,000. This includes those employed in the meat industry sector. New permit applications are only issued on an exceptional basis where employers have been unsuccessful in their genuine efforts to recruit suitable candidates from within the labour force of the European Economic Area. That is why only 12 new permits have been issued this year for butchers and boners compared with the 297 that were issued in 2008.
The State's education and training providers routinely engage with industry in the design and development of new courses to ensure that they are a wide range of courses relevant to the skill needs of enterprises including those in the manufacturing and meat processing sectors.
For instance, FÁS has developed a number of training and assessment programmes such as beef abattoir worker, pig meat abattoir worker and pig/meat deboner. FÁS has also developed in conjunction with legislative bodies and industry stakeholders, a new Irish standard for Animal Welfare in Meat Processing that is recognised by An Bord Bia and is essential for all plants handling live animals.
My Department is also providing grant aid support this year of €112,000 to the craft-butchering sector through the current Skillnets Training Networks Programme. This is the continuation of a long-standing supportive relationship to develop and upskill those employed in the sector.
In terms of education both the Higher and Further education sectors are providing participants with specific skills to enhance their prospects of securing lasting, full-time employment, or progression to other studies. Examples of such programmes include the plc programme, VTOS, Youthreach and third and fourth level provision delivered through the Institutes of Technology and the Universities.
In addition, 1,800 unemployed people were supported to embark on part-time undergraduate and postgraduate programmes from September 2009 in areas that support the goals of the ‘Smart Economy' and identified by the EGFSN as being relevant to the skills needs of the manufacturing and internationally traded services sector. A preliminary analysis by the HEA of information received to date from participating institutions shows that some 50% of participants were previously employed in the engineering, manufacturing or construction sectors. 55% of participants indicated that their motivation for undertaking the programme was to enhance their career prospects.
Pupil-Teacher Ratio
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:28 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which it is expected to meet in full the required complement of teachers at primary and second level in all areas throughout the country in line with requirements as set out by existing criteria and school authorities, having particular regard to enrolments and projected enrolments; if class sizes or pupil-teacher ratio in the classroom is likely to be detrimentally affected; if so, the extent of same; if any particular provision is likely to be made to make special provision to address emerging social or economic issues in view of the need to enhance educational opportunity and quality in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23748/10]
The criteria used for the allocation of teachers to schools is published annually on my Department's website.
In terms of the position at individual school level the key factor for determining the level of resources provided by my Department is the pupil enrolment at 30 September. The final position for any one school will depend on a number of other factors such as the allocation of support teachers, additional posts for schools that are developing rapidly and posts allocated as a result of the appeals processes. The final number of teachers for the coming school year will not be known until the allocation process is fully completed around November 2010.
Pupil numbers at both primary and post-primary level continue to increase and this results in an increased requirement for additional teachers for the foreseeable future. The renewed Programme for Government contains a commitment to no further increase in the pupil teacher ratio in primary and second level schools for the lifetime of this Government and also the provision of 500 additional teaching posts between primary and second levels over a three year period. The first tranches of these additional posts have been allocated to schools following consultations with the education partners.
Extensive statistical information is available on my Department's website in relation to class sizes and pupil teacher ratios. It is early to speculate at this stage on the pupil teacher ratio trend for the 2010-2011 school year. However I would not expect it to be significantly different from recent years because, notwithstanding the general moratorium on public sector recruitment, the Government has agreed to allow schools to increase their teacher numbers to cater for demographic growth.
It is also important to note that from an educational perspective numerous influential reports have highlighted the fact that teacher quality is the single most important factor — far and above anything else — in improving educational outcomes for children.
Question No. 29 answered with Question No. 19.
Pension Provisions
Leo Varadkar
Question:30 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will accept the recommendation of the Labour Court regarding pensions for community employment scheme supervisors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19238/10]
Further to the answer given to the Deputy on 18 May 2010, I can confirm that my Department is considering with FÁS the implications of the Labour Court recommendation.
School Transport
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:31 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills her views on whether an increase in the school bus fee will adversely affect parents ability to pay to get their children to school; her further views on whether an increase to the school bus fee will go against her commitments to reduce carbon emission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23815/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that the arrangements currently in place for school transport annual charges, namely €300 per eligible and concessionary post primary pupil, €200 for concessionary primary pupil, or a maximum family charge of €650 will remain in place for the 2010/2011 school year.
Discussions on the 2011 estimates have begun and the recommendations in the McCarthy report, including school transport charges, will be considered as part of this process. Any changes to the school transport charges will continue to take account of children where the family is in possession of a valid medical card.
The Deputy will also be aware that the McCarthy report made recommendations to levy charges, at both primary and post primary level, at a rate of €500 per annum per child or 50% of the full economic cost of providing the service. The exemption for social welfare recipients would continue to apply.
A maximum family rate of €650 also applies. The total contribution of charges from parents in 2009 still only represents about 7% of the overall expenditure for school transport.
The current school transport charges compare very favourably with the charges being levied in respect privately contracted school bus services. While the charges vary, some parents are paying between €20 and €25 per child per week which equates to €732 and €915 per primary child per school year and €668 and €835 per post primary child per school year.
Given the significant investment by the State in this scheme — €186 million in 2010 — and in order to ensure optimum efficiency it is a matter of concern for the Department that some parents of eligible children would be allocated tickets, thereby reserving individual seats for each child, and then subsequently do not make full use of these seats daily during the full school year. The focus of any changes would be on ensuring optimum efficiency and regular usage of the services provided.
The school transport service is delivered using a mix of Bus Éireann, 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, 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 schoolchildren by 2012.
Community Employment Schemes
Leo Varadkar
Question:32 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of persons participating in community employment schemes; the numbers of same who are in receipt of other social welfare payments including the one-parent family payment, disability allowance, disability benefit and deserted wives’ benefit; her plans to review the practice of paying double payments in this way; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19640/10]
Community Employment (CE) is an active labour market programme designed to provide eligible long term unemployed people and other disadvantaged persons with an opportunity to engage in useful work within their communities on a fixed term basis. CE helps unemployed people to re-enter the active workforce by breaking their experience of unemployment through a return to work routine and to assist them the enhance/develop both their technical and personal skills.
The number of persons currently participating on CE Schemes is 23,102 including Supervisors. Of these, 9,860 are in receipt of other Social Welfare benefits. The reviewing of these allowances is a budgetary matter.
A breakdown of these payments is contained in the table.
|
Description |
No. |
|
Those in receipt of FÁS-funded CE allowances only |
11,814 |
|
Blind Pension |
17 |
|
Disability Allowance |
2,252 |
|
Illness Benefit |
896 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
1,683 |
|
One Parent Family Payment |
4,828 |
|
Deserted Wife’s Benefit |
184 |
|
Participants Total |
21,674 |
|
Supervisors |
1,428 |
|
Overall Total |
23,102 |
School Staffing
Arthur Morgan
Question:33 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the steps that she will take to reduce the number of school principals who intend to retire early. [23816/10]
Under the superannuation provision for teachers, any teacher including a principal may retire voluntarily on pension at any time throughout the school-year provided s/he has accrued the necessary pensionable service and has reached the specified age threshold. Teachers including principals, other than those who are new entrants as defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004, must retire at the end of the school year in which age 65 is reached. Teachers are required to give 3 months advance notice to the management authorities of the school of their intention to retire. The superannuation provisions in regard to retirement on pension are of general application.
School Curriculum
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:34 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the steps that are being taken to ensure that the relationships and sexuality education curriculum is rolled out in full to all leaving certificate students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23814/10]
Social Personal and Health Education (SPHE) is a mandatory programme for junior cycle since September 2003. In addition, all schools are required to have an RSE programme at senior cycle.
Schools are currently supported in the implementation of RSE by the SPHE and RSE Support Services which are provided in collaboration with the health sector. The supports available to schools include guidelines on policy development, curricula and teacher guidelines, comprehensive resource manuals, and teacher training.
In 2008 the report "RSE in the context of SPHE : An assessment of the Challenges to the Full Implementation of the Programme in Post-primary Schools" published jointly by the Crisis Pregnancy Agency and my Department was launched. The report highlighted widespread support for both the broad principles and the content of the SPHE and RSE programme from teachers, parents and health professionals and strong levels of interest and support from parents and students as to the importance of RSE in schools. The report also demonstrated increasing levels of implementation compared with earlier studies, with 90% of schools teaching RSE at some level. However, levels of implementation significantly reduced in senior cycle, with 43% and 48% of schools indicating that RSE was not taught in Leaving Certificate Year 1 and Leaving Certificate Year 2 respectively.
The report also indicated that some topics such as contraception, sexually transmitted infections and sexual orientation were inconsistently treated in schools.
Following this, my Department issued a circular to all schools reminding them of the obligation to provide SPHE in all classes each year at junior cycle and to provide an RSE programme in senior cycle, and re-stating the supports and resources available for this.
A further Lifeskills Survey was issued to all schools for completion in 2009 seeking information on various aspects of social personal and health education. To date, the responses have been completed by 459 schools and indicate that RSE is being implemented in 85-87% of schools in junior cycle, and in 53-59% of schools in senior cycle. In the meantime, lesson plans linked to a DVD resource on contraception, sexually transmitted infections and sexual orientation, have been developed for schools in collaboration with the Health Services Executive and the Crisis Pregnancy Agency to ensure consistency of treatment of these issues within RSE.
My Department plans to issue a further reminder to all schools on this issue in September. Evaluation of Social Personal and Health Education and RSE in schools by my Department's Inspectorate has also been strengthened, both through subject inspections and whole school evaluation.
School Staffing
Arthur Morgan
Question:35 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the steps that are being taken to address an issue whereby many secondary schools will reopen in September 2010 without year heads due to the ban on filling middle management positions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23817/10]
When the moratorium was introduced the Government exempted Principal and Deputy Principal appointments in all primary and post-primary schools and these continue to be replaced in the normal manner. The impact of the moratorium is therefore limited to the Assistant Principal and Special Duties allowances payable to teachers on promotion.
I am conscious that the impact of the moratorium on middle management posts has applied unevenly in schools depending on the level of retirements. Discussions are ongoing with the Department of Finance in relation to some limited alleviation for schools that are acutely affected by the impact of the moratorium. Schools will be advised of the outcome of the discussions at the earliest possible stage so that they can plan ahead for the coming school year.
It is a matter for school authorities to re-organise and prioritise, as best as possible, the appropriate duties for post of responsibility holders in the context of implementing the moratorium.
Redundancy Payments
Kieran O'Donnell
Question:36 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation when a person (details supplied) in County Limerick will receive their redundancy lump sum payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23844/10]
My Department administers the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) in relation to redundancy matters on behalf of the Department of Social Protection. 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 23 April, 2010. This claim awaits processing. In respect of redundancy lump sum payments paid directly to employees, such as in this instance, the Section is, in general, processing claims dating from September/October 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. On the Redundancy side the scale of the challenge 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. I should point out that my Department has, in 2009, processed 50,664 claims, up 70% on 2008. During the period 1 January 2010 to 30 April, 2010, 23,593 claims were received and 27,592 were processed. In the year to date, inroads have been made on the backlog of claims on hand, which reduced from 41,168 at the end of January to 36,333 at the end of April 2010.
Responsibility for the payment functions arising under the Redundancy and Insolvency payment schemes is due to be transferred to the Department of Social Protection with effect from 1 January 2011. 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.
Departmental Expenditure
Noel Coonan
Question:37 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the amount he will spend on converting Department titles and websites, headed paper, application forms, information booklets, wall charts and so on as a result of the recent changes in several Department titles; the length of time this will take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23866/10]
As the Deputy will be aware, the name of my Department was officially changed on 2nd May last. The estimated costs associated with this name change are anticipated to be in the region of €10,000. This includes the costs of stationery, signage and changes to my Department's website. Every effort has been made to keep these costs, which will be provided from within my Department's existing resources, to a minimum. Where possible, work associated with the name change has been undertaken in-house, by the staff in my Department.
The vast majority of these tasks, associated with my Department's name change, have already been completed, and any outstanding work will be completed over the coming weeks.
Redundancy Payments
Noel Coonan
Question:38 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation when an application for redundancy will be finalised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23880/10]
I can advise the Deputy that my Department received a statutory redundancy lump sum claim in respect of the individual concerned in September 2009. This claim has been processed and payment of the amount due to the individual was issued by my Department on 31 March 2010.
Departmental Funding
Michael Ring
Question:39 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if funding is available for the building and setting up of a language school or college; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23911/10]
While my Department does not provide capital funding towards the building or setting up of language schools, Enterprise Ireland is responsible for the promotion of Ireland's higher education sector in overseas markets under the Education Ireland brand. The sector comprises universities, institutes of technology and private colleges offering HETAC (Higher Education Training Awards Council) approved degrees. Supports available include management development group programmes, training, feasibility studies and research and development.
Education Ireland's mandate includes the following goals and objectives: · To promote Ireland as a quality destination for students and trainees.
To promote and support the international activities of Irish education institutions.
To act as a national point of contact and referral to and from Irish suppliers of education services and the international market place.
To promote Irish education expertise as a valuable resource for international institutions, development agencies and governments.
To liaise with education interests and government to identify and remove barriers to the development of the international education sector.
Health and Safety Regulations
Jack Wall
Question:40 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if an investigation has taken place regarding an industrial accident (details supplied), and if so, the up to date position of same; if a report has been completed in relation to the incident; if the report is available to the affected person; if the matter was investigated, the reason the affected person was not contacted or questioned in relation to the report; the action the person can take to ensure that their case is determined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23945/10]
The enforcement of the statutory occupational health and safety code is a function assigned to the Health and Safety Authority which is an independent agency established under the Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. The Authority is independent in the carrying out of its investigation and prosecutorial functions and the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation has no operational responsibility with respect to those functions.
For the Deputy's information, all accidents in workplaces resulting in situations where people cannot perform their work for more than 3 days following the accident are reportable to the Health and Safety Authority by the relevant employer. If the case mentioned by the Deputy falls within this category, the employer is obliged to report it. The Workplace Contact Unit is the Authority's primary point of contact for reporting workplace fatalities, accidents and serious incidents—
Workplace Contact Unit
The Metropolitan Building,
James Joyce Street,
Dublin 1,
Tel: lo-call 1890 289 389
Email: wcu@hsa.ie
Tax Code
Michael Ring
Question:41 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance when a claim for one parent family credit will be finalised in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 in view of the fact that documentation in support of the claim has been submitted to the Revenue Commissioners. [23846/10]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they have now received documentary evidence in support of the claim. An amended certificate of tax credits and standard rate cut-off point will issue shortly granting the one-parent family tax credit and additional rate band to the individual in question.
Richard Bruton
Question:42 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Revenue is disallowing tax relief on investment houses that are not registered with the Private Residential Tenancies Board; if he is satisfied that those affected were given sufficient information on the proposed changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23897/10]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that, with effect from 1 January 2006, relief for interest on borrowed money applied in the purchase, improvement or repair of a rented residential premises and relief for qualifying expenditure incurred under the Countrywide Refurbishment Scheme is denied unless the claimant can show that the registration requirements of Part 7 of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 have been complied with in respect of all tenancies which relate to the premises in question. In relation to relief for interest, the registrations requirements must be complied with for all tenancies that exist for the premises for the year the relief is claimed.
These measures were introduced by Finance Act 2006 and followed from a commitment given at the time of the debates on the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 that entitlement to any tax incentives or reliefs should be dependent on compliance with the applicable regulatory controls and to the registering of tenancies with the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB).
I understand that Revenue advertised these changes in the national newspapers in September 2006. I am also advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they have provided relevant information on these measures in a number of publications, for example, Tax Briefing 63, A Guide to the Countrywide Refurbishment Scheme, Revenue eBrief No. 54/2007 and Revenue's Guide to Rental Income (IT 70). These publications are available from the Revenue website.
Freedom of Information
Pat Rabbitte
Question:43 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Finance his plans to make the Commissioners of Irish Lights amenable to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23898/10]
There are three General Lighthouse Authorities (GLA's ), which are responsible for providing and maintaining Aids-To Navigation in the UK and Ireland. The three GLA's are Commissioners for Irish Lights (responsible for the 32 counties of Ireland), Trinity House Lighthouse Service (responsible for England and Wales) and the Northern Lighthouse Board (responsible for Scotland and the Isle of Man). The functions of the GLA's are governed by the Merchant Shipping Act 1894, an act of the UK parliament.
The entire system of lights around the coasts of Britain and Ireland is administered as a single financial unit, known as the General Lighthouse Fund (GLF). The GLF is controlled by the UK Department for Transport. As a result, the three GLA's are under it's aegis. Due to this unique link, the Aids-to Navigation Division of the Department of Transport monitors, but does not control the activities of CIL. In view of these reporting and funding arrangements it is not appropriate at this time to bring the Commissioners for Irish Lights in under the FOI Act.
Tax Code
Lucinda Creighton
Question:44 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Finance the reason an application by a new company (details supplied) to register for VAT has taken more than four weeks; when a VAT registration number will issue in the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23925/10]
Lucinda Creighton
Question:45 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Finance the current average processing time for a VAT registration; the way this compares to the same time a year ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23926/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 44 and 45 together.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the application dated 7 May 2010 was received by Revenue on 18 May 2010. On 20 May, a letter issued to the agent confirming that the company had been registered for Corporation Tax and that the VAT application was currently being processed. On examination of the application, further information is required to complete the VAT registration. A letter to this effect issued to the agent on 1 June 2010.
Revenue's Customer Service Standards, published in August 2009, sets a target to register 100% of VAT registrations within 10 working days. The 10 working day standard for VAT registrations takes into account an extra level of scrutiny carried out by Revenue to ensure that the VAT registration is in respect of a legitimate business.
In the period March to April 2009, 93% of VAT Registrations were dealt with within 10 working days. During the corresponding period in 2010, 94% of VAT Registrations were dealt with within 10 working days.
Carbon Tax
Róisín Shortall
Question:46 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the way in which the carbon tax has been applied to consumers bills; the reason this tax is applied to the standard charge and unit rate with an additional VAT rate charged on top of this total; if this is a form of double taxation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23939/10]
Noel Ahern
Question:48 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Finance in respect of carbon tax on ESB and Bord Gáis products, the guidance that was given to these utilities on the way carbon tax should be raised; the reason that VAT is being charged on carbon tax; if this tax on tax principle has been approved by Cabinet; if there has been discussions between Departments on the principle; if in the interest of fairness and in order to achieve public acceptance and understanding for carbon taxes general, if this tax on tax principle can be dropped; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24070/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 46 and 48 together.
I announced in the Budget that a carbon tax at a rate €15 per tonne would be introduced on fossil fuels. It should be noted that a carbon tax came into effect on 10 December 2009 in respect of petrol and auto-diesel and from 1 May 2010 to kerosene, marked gas oil (also known as ‘green diesel' or ‘agricultural diesel'), liquid petroleum gas (LPG), fuel oil and natural gas. The application of the tax to coal and commercial peat is subject to a Commencement Order.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that in accordance with section 10(1) of the Value-Added Tax Act 1972 (as amended), the amount on which Value-Added Tax is chargeable is the total consideration receivable by the supplier, "including all taxes, commissions, costs and charges whatsoever" but not including the Value-Added Tax itself.
VAT is an EU-wide tax and Irish VAT law must comply with the EU VAT Directives. Article 78 of EU Council Directive 2006/112/EC provides that the taxable amount shall include "taxes, duties, levies and charges, excluding the VAT itself".
Accordingly, it is correct to include any carbon tax element of a gas bill in the amount on which VAT is chargeable. The same situation applies in the case of other excises, including for example excises on petrol, auto-diesel, tobacco and alcohol products.
A Guide to Natural Gas Carbon Tax has been issued by the Revenue Commissioners and there were consultations on all aspects of the tax with natural gas suppliers in preparation for its implementation. In addition, guidance in relation to the VAT treatment of the total consideration receivable by a supplier is set out in the VAT Guide. Both publications are available on the Revenue website — www.revenue.ie.
Financial Services Regulation
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:47 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Finance if he will give consideration to the proposals (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24032/10]
The proposals to which the Deputy refers are in the main a reproduction of the material supplied by the Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) to its member credit unions as part of its current campaign in relation to amendments to Section 35 of the Credit Union Act 1997 contained in the Central Bank Reform Bill 2010 and to the transposition by Ireland of the Consumer Credit Directive. I understand that the intention of the campaign is that all members of the House are to be lobbied on these issues.
The ILCU campaign material makes a number of points. I met with the credit union representative bodies last week and I am listening to their concerns. Arising from those meetings, my Department, in conjunction with the Registrar of Credit Unions, is examining the scope for linking more closely the powers conferred by the new Section 35A to the framework required for implementing the new rescheduling arrangements. I will be meeting the representative bodies again within the next week or so to outline the results of that examination.
When the Central Bank Reform Bill 2010 was published on 30 March this year, ILCU welcomed the new initiative in its press release that day stating ‘This new arrangement is good for our members and good for credit unions'. ILCU has since formed a different view. That is, of course, its right. The credit union sector is not immune to the economic downturn. It needs to be safeguarded to ensure that it can continue to provide assistance to its members in the current difficult economic climate while at the same time lending only within its capacity to do so. The Government's intention is to facilitate relaxation of the lending limits in conjunction with appropriate regulation of the sector to achieve this objective.
In my address to the ILCU Conference in April 2009, I expressed my wish to help members who are experiencing difficulty in meeting loan repayments due to unfavourable changes in their financial circumstances in the current economic environment. I stated that any solution would be subject to the over-arching consideration that the financial position of a credit union is not undermined, the security of members' savings is maintained and accurate reporting of the financial status of a credit union is not jeopardised. Re-scheduling of repayments to a level which is affordable to members should be possible in carefully monitored and controlled circumstances. Of course, each credit union must fully and properly recognise arrears situations where they exist. Where members are in difficulty the process of facilitating them must be transparent to board members and regulators so that a credit union is never in doubt as to its own position. This continues to be my view and the proposed amendment to Section 35 seeks to achieve the desired result.
The credit union sector has been seeking relaxation of the Section 35 lending limits in an effort to facilitate borrowers who have run into difficulties in repaying their loans and need to have them rescheduled to allow for repayment over a longer period of time. The lending limits are set in primary legislation. Together with the measures to balance the increased flexibility in relation to rescheduling, they must apply to all credit unions in a uniform way. However, as I have indicated above, my Department and the Registrar are exploring ways of meeting the key concerns of the representative bodies.
Also, as I indicated to the House during the second stage debate on the Bill, the Registrar of Credit Unions will take a balanced and proportionate approach to the implementation of any new Section 35 requirements and he has set out for the credit union representative groups transitional arrangements and clarifications on the implementation approach. The Registrar has already indicated that these include transitional arrangements for a 15% provisioning requirement up to 30 September 2011, trial periods, exceptions with regard to top-up loans and relaxation of the 100% provisioning requirement in respect of rescheduled loans which have missed two or more payments. The transitional arrangements will help to ease the position for credit unions in the current financial year and the next financial year ending in September 2011. They will also allow time for credit unions to adjust to the new regime. Overall, the Registrar will take account of individual circumstances in credit unions in exercising the powers being given to him in the Bill. I want to assure the Deputy that there is no question of a ’one size fits all’ approach as is being suggested by the League.
It is not correct to say that the Registrar has the necessary powers under existing legislation. He does not have the power to impose conditions across the sector and it would not be prudent to await the outcome of the strategic review. While the review itself is planned to be completed by March 2011, any primary legislation arising would require some considerable further time to implement. As I have indicated already, the credit union sector needs to be safeguarded further now to ensure that it can continue to provide assistance to its members in the current difficult economic climate while at the same time lending only within its capacity to do so.
As indicated by the Registrar during his appearance last week before the Joint Committee on Economic Regulatory Affairs, a Regulatory Impact Assessment within the meaning of the term as set out in the Better Regulation Guidelines prepared by the Department of the Taoiseach was not carried out. However, as he also indicated, an internal analysis was carried out. This examined the level of provisions which are held against rescheduled loans. The Registrar indicated that he will make this analysis available to the Joint Committee. I will ask the Registrar to furnish the Deputy with a copy of any material which he provides to the Joint Committee in this regard.
Contrary to suggestions now being made, there was extensive and detailed consultation on the measures now being brought forward. Following general discussions in early 2009, the detailed views of credit union representative groups on the Section 35 issue were sought and obtained in the summer of 2009. The provisions to be included in the requirements to be made by the Registrar have already undergone considerable adjustment following discussions between the Registrar of Credit Unions and both credit union representative bodies.
Concerns have been raised in relation to the need for the Registrar of Credit Unions to consult with the representative bodies before introducing requirements. As a matter of general practice, the Registrar consults with the credit union representative bodies before introducing regulations or requirements in relation to any aspect of credit union regulation and I understand that he intends to continue with this approach. However, the independent position of the Registrar of Credit Unions in carrying out the duty of financial regulation is not open to question and the Registrar has the statutory powers and responsibility to introduce, if necessary without consultation, regulatory requirements in the interests of the well-being and stability of the sector. For this good reason, a requirement for the Registrar to consult with the sector is not included in the legislation. Neither is it appropriate to provide for an appeals mechanism. Such a device would render the provisions ineffective and inoperable as decisions of the Registrar would become subject to constant review.
There is a balance to be struck between meeting members' needs to reschedule loans and ensuring the stability of the credit union sector overall. We are not seeking to have a credit union sector which is over-regulated. However, we must act now in a prudent and preventative manner. It is in the interests of every credit union in the country that the stability of the sector is safeguarded. The proposals being brought forward in connection with the Bill will achieve this fundamental aim.
The Consumer Credit Directive establishes a harmonised legal framework in the European Union for the provision of consumer credit ranging from 200 euro up to 75,000 euro. (It does not apply to mortgages). It replaces a 1987 Directive (87/102/EEC), which laid down minimum rules for consumer credit arrangements within the EU.
In consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, my Department is currently preparing the draft Statutory Instrument, which will transpose the Directive into Irish Law. It is intended that the legislation will be finalised by 11 June 2010. The Directive will take effect from that day.
I believe that the Directive enhances the strong regulatory regime underpinning consumer protection, and as such, I have decided that credit unions should be subject to its full application.
However, following consultation with representatives of the Credit Union movement, I am aware that the credit unions will require some time to upgrade their systems and train staff, so that they can effect compliance with all the requirements of the Directive. Consequently, I have adopted the discretion allowed for under Article 2.5 applying limited provisions of the Directive to them until 11 December 2011, after which date, the full Directive will take effect.
Notification of my decision to adopt this discretion was published on my Department's website on 21 May 2010 and both credit union representative bodies were informed of my decision by e-mail on that date.
Question No. 48 answered with Question No. 46.
Tax Code
Charlie O'Connor
Question:49 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether the exclusion of the local authority charge from section 97(2) of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 is inequitable; if he does not consider it to be inequitable, the reasons for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24074/10]
Under the provisions of the Tax Acts, a person in receipt of rental income is assessed to income tax on the net amount of the rents received (i.e. the gross rents less allowable expenses incurred in earning those rents). In computing the net amount of the rents received, only those deductions that are specified in section 97(2) of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 are allowable. The main deductible expenses are: · Any rent payable by the landlord in the case of a sub-lease;
The cost to the landlord of any goods provided or services rendered to a tenant;
The cost of maintenance, repairs, insurance and management of the property;
Interest on borrowed money used to purchase, improve or repair the property; and
Payment of local authority rates in the case of rateable properties used for commercial purposes.
As payment of the new local authority charge for residential properties is not included on the list of allowable deductions, it is not an allowable expense in computing taxable rental income.
This issue like all proposals for new tax or expenditure measures will fall to be considered in the context of ongoing development of budgetary and economic policy.
Mental Health Services
Bernard Allen
Question:50 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a 34 year old person who suffers from a personality disorder has been refused admission to hospital due to the fact a personality disorder does not come under the Mental Health Act; and the further reason this person cannot be given admission to a psychiatric hospital here and at the same time cannot get treatment abroad under the National Treatment Purchase Fund since there are no residential centres here to help persons with personality disorders as exist in the United Kingdom. [23845/10]
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
Tom Hayes
Question:51 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children if dental treatment will be completed under the dental treatment service scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23856/10]
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.
Services for People with Disabilities
Finian McGrath
Question:52 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason respite services at St. Michael’s House, Dublin 9 are being cut in summer in 2010. [23860/10]
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
Noel Coonan
Question:53 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the proposed centralisation of the medical card section in Nenagh, County Tipperary to a centralised unit in Dublin; if the transfer has taken place; if not, the reason for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23863/10]
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.
Nursing Home Subventions
Noel Coonan
Question:54 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for nursing home subvention fair care in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; if she will detail the current payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23877/10]
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 Inspections
Noel Coonan
Question:55 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of Health Information and Quality Authority inspections carried out in hospitals and nursing homes in north Tipperary this year; the results of these inspections; the number of establishments that have not received an inspection to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23878/10]
The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) is given statutory responsibility for the inspection of hospitals under the Health Act, 2007. I have been informed by the Authority that it continues to monitor compliance with National Hygiene Services Quality Standards. This takes the form of ongoing unannounced visits to randomly selected acute hospitals, with this series of inspections focusing specifically on the day to day delivery of hygiene services, particularly in the areas of cleanliness, hand hygiene and waste and linen management practices. Following each visit, a detailed report is provided to each hospital to inform them of areas of strength and areas for further improvement. These reports are published on the HIQA website to provide patients and the public with detailed information on the hygiene services in each hospital. No reports have been published for hospitals in Tipperary North in 2010.
Under the Health Act, 2007, statutory responsibility is given to the Chief Inspector of Social Services, part of HIQA for inspecting and registering of residential services for children, older people and people with disabilities. I have been informed by HIQA that between 1 January and 28 May 2010, the Authority undertook a total of 11 inspections in 10 designated centres for older people in Tipperary North. There are 7 centres which have not yet been inspected in Tipperary North. With regard to the findings of HIQA inspections, all inspection reports are available for download from www.hiqa.ie. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on the results of individual inspections.
Social Welfare Benefits
Noel Coonan
Question:56 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Health and Children if application forms are available for the back to school clothing and footwear scheme; the locations at which the forms are available; the person who will be processing same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23879/10]
I understand that the majority of applicants who received a payment under the back to school clothing and footwear scheme in 2009, will automatically be issued with an application form for 2010. Following this, I am informed that the HSE also intend making the application form available through their website (www.hse.ie) and the relevant local health offices nationwide.
With regards to the processing of applications under this scheme, 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
Noel Coonan
Question:57 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of the recent cutbacks in dental services to medical card holders; the advice that should be given to persons in urgent need of treatment for gum disease, extraction and so on who are refused free treatment and unable to pay the relevant fees; if alternative help or service is available from community welfare officers, Health Service Executive dental service or elsewhere; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23881/10]
The Government's decision to limit the funding available to the Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) was made in view of the current position of the public finances and the 60% increase in expenditure in the DTSS over the past five years. The Health Service Executive (HSE) has introduced measures to contain DTSS expenditure at the 2008 level of approximately €63 million.
Under the new measures the range of treatments available are being prioritised. Some treatments which had previously been available in the Scheme, for example, dental cleaning and polishing have been suspended. Other treatments, such as oral examinations and fillings, will continue to be provided but will be limited in number or frequency. More complex, non-routine treatments, such as protracted periodontal treatments, will be available only in the case of clinical emergencies. These measures have been introduced to protect access to emergency dental care for medical card holders and to safeguard services for children and special needs groups. The HSE will monitor the ongoing effect of these changes from a clinical and budgetary perspective. The dental and oral health services currently provided through the HSE Public Dental Service will not be affected by these changes to the DTSS.
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 specific information concerning the operation of HSE services as 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
Mary Upton
Question:58 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will request the Adoption Board to grant declarations to prospective adoptive parents for two years instead of the one-year rule that now applies; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that it is becoming increasingly difficult for families wishing to adopt to meet all the criteria within the one-year window and consequently many families are frustrated by the bureaucracy attached to the process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23886/10]
The Adoption Bill, 2009, is designed to give force of law to the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption. The new legislation, which incorporates the provisions of the Hague Convention, is designed to provide a framework to ensure that appropriate procedures have been followed and that all adoptions are effected in the best interests of the child. Future intercountry adoption arrangements will be governed by the terms of the Adoption Bill 2009 when enacted.
Section 41(1) of the Adoption Bill, 2009, deals with the expiration of Declarations of Eligibility and Suitability. Under the new legislation, declarations will be valid for 24 months from the date of issuance with the possibility of a further 12 month extension.
Health Services
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:59 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has met with a group (details supplied); the outcome of her meeting with the group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23889/10]
The Minister for Health and Children and I met with the Jack and Jill Foundation on Tuesday last, 1st June 2010. We discussed a range of issues including the report "There's no place like Home". The HSE currently provides in excess of €500,000 to the Jack and Jill Foundation for the provision of services. Many children availing of services provided by Jack and Jill Foundation also avail of other community based health supports and disability services provided by the HSE. The HSE will continue to work with the Jack and Jill Foundation to develop services for these children.
Finian McGrath
Question:60 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a matter (details supplied). [23909/10]
I regret 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, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Services for People with Disabilities
Trevor Sargent
Question:61 Deputy Trevor Sargent asked the Minister for Health and Children when adults and children will be afforded the right to an assessment under the Disability Act 2005; if funding will be attached to such assessments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23915/10]
Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 was commenced on 1 June 2007 in respect of children aged under 5; this includes an independent assessment of health and education needs. In October 2008 the Government decided, in the light of financial circumstances, to defer further implementation of the Act and the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act 2004. No alternative timescales for full implementation of Part 2 of the Act have been developed to date.
Mental Health Services
Trevor Sargent
Question:62 Deputy Trevor Sargent asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made to date in the implementation of A Vision for Change since the beginning of 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23917/10]
An Independent Monitoring Group reports annually to me on the progress made towards implementing the recommendations in ‘A Vision for Change’. I expect to receive the Group’s report for 2009 in the coming weeks. Progress made in 2010 will be reported on in 2011.
Health Services
Kieran O'Donnell
Question:63 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will reverse the decision to withdraw funding of €1.08 million for a service (details supplied) in County Limerick; her views on the resultant closure of respite services to 63 persons and the curtailment of services to a further 45 residents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23933/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that the issues raised by him relate to the provision of services which is a matter for the Health Service Executive. Due to the ongoing industrial action, it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. However, I understand the HSE informed my Department that it plans to maintain access to appropriate treatments and services for clients during 2010 despite the current resource pressures. The HSE is aware of the challenges which the reduction in allocations will present to organisations in ensuring they meet the needs of service users and in planning for emergencies that arise throughout the year. It also recognises that maintaining service levels within available resources will require significant levels of co-operation, change, flexibility and creativity. All disability service providers in the Limerick area have been requested to advise and discuss, with HSE management, challenges they are experiencing, prior to cuts/changes to service provision being implemented. There are also plans to develop a local forum of all service providers (both physical and sensory and intellectual disability), with a focus on the needs of service users now and in the future.
Medical Cards
Ciaran Lynch
Question:64 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will grant an oral hearing to a person (details supplied) in County Cork regarding their appeal for a full medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23944/10]
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 Waiting Lists
Deirdre Clune
Question:65 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the closure of St. Joseph’s ward at Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, Dublin 12, is resulting in lengthy waiting lists for children in need of vital orthopaedic surgery; the steps she will take to resolve this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23946/10]
Our Lady's Children's Hospital is committed to providing the full level of services that it promised in its 2010 Service Plan. It is addressing the challenge of delivering a high quality service to its patients, while remaining within budget. This may involve decisions in relation to the closure of wards or other services.
However, the number of patients on the orthopaedic waiting list at the hospital has reduced by 39% since May 2009. At that time, there were 287 patients on the orthopaedic waiting list. In May 2010, this number has reduced significantly to 174 patients.
In May 2010, the HSE announced its intention to relocate orthopaedic services, including elective in-patient, rehabilitation trauma and day surgery, from St. Mary's Orthopaedic Hospital to the South Infirmary/Victoria University Hospital, Cork. It is also intended, following the move, to recommence orthopaedic surgery for children locally. Currently all orthopaedic surgery for children from the southern region is carried out at Our Lady's Children's Hospital in Crumlin.
The HSE is working closely with all three paediatric hospitals in Dublin to ensure that the resources available for orthopaedic surgery are deployed to the best effect and to minimise waiting times for all children. The HSE is also engaged on a project to maximise theatre utilisation across the three paediatric hospital sites. This is intended to assist further in the improvement of waiting times for orthopaedic surgery.
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:66 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health and Children when surgery will be arranged for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23954/10]
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 like to invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Services for People with Disabilities
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:67 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will consider correspondence (details supplied) regarding funding for an organisation providing disability services and supports in County Kildare and west Wicklow; if she will have the circumstances reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23956/10]
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 Waiting Lists
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:68 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on whether there should be time limits on delays for appointments and treatment; if so, her further views on same; if she will indicate the progress that has been made in achieving targets, particularly in the orthopaedic area. [24003/10]
The improvement of access to outpatient services, a key access point to the acute hospital system and involving over three million attendances annually, is a priority for the health service. It is essential that people are afforded timely access to outpatient services when they require them and that these services function effectively as part of an integrated acute hospital and primary care system.
The HSE is engaged in a number of measures to improve access to and the efficiency of outpatient services. The principal aims of the National Outpatient Department Service Improvement Programme are to:
Increase the number of new patients seen;
Reduce the numbers who do not attend for scheduled appointments (DNAs);
Reduce waiting times for patients; and
Ensure that all patients are seen within 30 minutes of their appointment time.
The HSE is focusing on increasing new attendances in four specialties in 2010: orthopaedics, dermatology, rheumatology and neurology.
The HSE's 2010 National Service Plan contains performance targets for OPD services of a 1:2 new-to-return patient ratio and a non-attendance rate of not more than 10%. In its Service Plan, at my request, the HSE is also committed to the development of new indicators, with the National Treatment Purchase Fund, to measure median waiting time from:
GP referral to attendance at outpatient;
Outpatient attendance to admission where this is indicated; and
GP referral to hospital admission.
Outpatient waiting list data is currently collected primarily at individual hospital level. The HSE is therefore working to develop a system which will provide standardised and comparable national outpatient waiting list data, by hospital and specialty. The availability of such information will facilitate clinicians and health service managers in further improving the performance of outpatient services.
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:69 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on correspondence relating to a child (details supplied) in County Kildare who is awaiting assessment and treatment of their ADHD; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24031/10]
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:70 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24054/10]
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:71 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24055/10]
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.
Children in Care
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:72 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if and when the child of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 will be returned to their parent; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24056/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Frank Feighan
Question:73 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that an appointment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon. [24057/10]
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. However, I would like to advise the Deputy that the scheduling of patients for hospital treatment is a matter for the consultant concerned in each case and is determined on the basis of clinical need. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant involved.
Health Service Staff
Michael Ring
Question:74 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of Health Service Executive area operations managers that have been appointed; the number being advertised for throughout the country in regard to the introduction of integrated services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24064/10]
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
Frank Feighan
Question:75 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide an update regarding the provision of the new community hospital in Ballinamore, County Leitrim; when it is envisaged work will commence on this new hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24065/10]
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.
Health Services
Finian McGrath
Question:76 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied). [24067/10]
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.
Crime Levels
Joe Carey
Question:77 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of cases brought to court by the Director of Public Prosecutions; the number of convictions under section 247(3) of the Children Act 2001 for the years since the Act has been enabled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23853/10]
The Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. I have requested the CSO to provide relevant statistics directly to the Deputy.
Garda Training
Noel Coonan
Question:78 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the proposed development of land in north Tipperary purchased by a group (details supplied) will become operational for tactical training as planned; the cost of the development; the timeframe for the commencement and completion of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23868/10]
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the development of the site referred to by the Deputy is at the initial general planning stage and the Garda authorities, in consultation with the Office of Public Works (OPW), are advancing their plans for the property. A brief of requirements for Phase 1 has been drawn up by the Garda Síochána and recently forwarded to the OPW. Following the development of the brief a programme for delivery of the project will be drawn up. As the proposals are still at a very early development stage, and are dependent on the availability of resources, it is not possible to give a timeframe for completion
Garda Vetting
Mary Upton
Question:79 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will expedite a request for Garda clearance in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6W; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23885/10]
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that vetting applications in respect of the persons referred to have been received by the Garda Central Vetting Unit. The applications are being processed at present and a response will issue as soon as possible.
Refugee Status
Joe Costello
Question:80 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will address the applications of persons (details supplied) together; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23891/10]
The first named person has been granted a declaration of refugee status. This decision was conveyed in writing to the first named person by letter dated 15 September 2009. This communication advised the first named person of the rights and entitlements accompanying such status.
The second named person applied for asylum on 23 February 2006. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), the second named person was entitled to remain in the State until his application for asylum was decided. His asylum application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the second named person was notified, by letter dated 14 August 2009, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against him. In addition, he was notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006).
The second named person has submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations and this application is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the second named person will be notified in writing of the outcome.
In the event that the application for Subsidiary Protection is refused, the position in the State of the second named person will then be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the second named person.
Asylum Applications
Joe Costello
Question:81 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in processing an application for asylum in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23894/10]
If an application for asylum has been made by the person concerned, I would like to make the Deputy aware that it is not the practice to comment on asylum applications that are pending.
Legislative Programme
Pat Rabbitte
Question:82 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made to date of the Spent Convictions Bill 2007; when he expects it to be brought to Committee Stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23920/10]
The Spent Convictions Bill 2007 completed Second Stage on 18 December 2008.
The Deputy will recall that the Bill was introduced as a Private Members Bill by my colleague, Mr Barry Andrews TD, when he was still a backbencher in October 2007. Subsequently, in early 2008, the Government agreed to progress it as a Government Bill.
Several issues were identified by Minister Andrews and by Opposition speakers during the Second Stage debate which are likely to require amendment. My Department has, in addition, undertaken a detailed review of the Bill. I am now awaiting advice on a range of amendments to be brought forward at Committee Stage. However, I am unable to say at this point when the Committee and remaining Stages will take place.
Prison Accommodation
Pat Rabbitte
Question:83 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps that have been taken by the Irish Prison Service and himself to ensure the same access to services by prisoners in the Dóchas Centre, Dublin, with the increase in numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23921/10]
The Dóchas Centre, which accommodates the majority of female prisoners in Ireland, was purpose built and specifically designed for women and has a full range of rehabilitative programmes and courses available for the female prisoners accommodated there.
All sentenced and remand prisoners in the Dóchas Centre continue to have access to a wide range of services and facilities — including medical, psychological, psychiatric, dentistry, chaplaincy, educational, work training, library and recreational. The level of access has not changed for prisoners who seek these services.
Asylum Applications
Brian O'Shea
Question:84 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for leave to remain in the State in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23947/10]
The person concerned applied for asylum on 25 March 2008. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), the person concerned was entitled to remain in the State until his application for asylum was decided. His asylum application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 18 January 2010, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against him. In addition, he was notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006).
The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations and this application is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
In the event that the application for Subsidiary Protection is refused, the position in the State of the person concerned will then be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.
Brian O'Shea
Question:85 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for leave to remain in the State in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23948/10]
On the basis of the information supplied by the Deputy, I regret that it is not possible to provide a response to his Question. If the Deputy wishes to re-submit his Question with the correct reference number included, I would be happy to provide the requested information.
Brian O'Shea
Question:86 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for leave to remain in the State in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23949/10]
The person concerned applied for asylum on 8 October 2007. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), the person concerned was entitled to remain in the State until his application for asylum was decided. His asylum application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 16 February 2009, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against him. In addition, he was notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006).
The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations and this application is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
In the event that the application for Subsidiary Protection is refused, the position in the State of the person concerned will then be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.
Brian O'Shea
Question:87 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for leave to remain in the State in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23950/10]
The person concerned applied for asylum on 1 June 2006. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), the person concerned was entitled to remain in the State until his application for asylum was decided. His asylum application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 29 January 2008, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against him. In addition, he was notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006).
The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations and this application is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
In the event that the application for Subsidiary Protection is refused, the position in the State of the person concerned will then be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.
Citizenship Applications
Brian O'Shea
Question:88 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23951/10]
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 2005 and I decided in my absolute discretion not to grant a certificate of naturalisation. The person in question was informed of this decision and the reasons for refusal in a letter issued to her on 6 April, 2009.
It is open to the person concerned to lodge a new application for a certificate of naturalisation with the Citizenship Division of my Department at any time however, she should bear in mind the reasons for refusal of her previous application.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:89 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24005/10]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question 169 on 13 May, 2010. The position remains as stated.
Residency Permits
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:90 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24035/10]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Dáil Question No: 120 of 22nd April 2010. The fact remains that this person's case falls under the Dublin II Regulation, (Council Regulation (EC) No. 343/2003). The Dublin II Regulation, is intended to prevent the phenomenon of ‘asylum shopping' across Europe and sets out criteria for determining which Regulation State is responsible for examining an asylum application where applications have been lodged in more than one Regulation State. At the same time, it guarantees applicants that one State will process their application, thereby preventing the creation of ‘refugees in orbit', a situation which had previously pertained in Europe.
The Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner, (ORAC), in accordance with the terms of the Dublin II Regulation, determined that Belgium is responsible for examining this person's asylum application, as they had previously made an asylum application there. Belgium has accepted responsibility in this case and I intend to proceed with the transfer in question. This person was requested to present herself to the Garda National Immigration Bureau on 20/04/2010, she failed to do so and is currently evading her Transfer Order. She should make herself known to them without further delay so that arrangements can be made for her transfer to Belgium.
Citizenship Applications
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:91 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; if he will confirm receipt of application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24036/10]
Officials in the Citizenship section of my Department inform me that there is no record of an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:92 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for citizenship and residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24037/10]
Officials in the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) inform me that there is no record of an application for a certificate of naturalisation or for long term residency from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question.
Visa Applications
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:93 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if permission will be given to the spouse of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare to re-enter this country where they have lived for seven years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24038/10]
Where an applicant is the spouse of a non-EEA national who is in possession of a valid work permit and has been in employment for at least twelve months prior to the date of application, it is open to such an applicant resident outside the State, and who is visa required, to apply to their nearest Irish Embassy or Consulate for the appropriate visa.
Each visa application is considered on its individual merits, the onus resting with the applicant to satisfy the Visa Officer as to why a visa should be granted. Comprehensive information on making a visa application is available on the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (www.inis.gov.ie).
Residency Permits
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:94 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24039/10]
Officials in the Long Term Residency section of my Department inform me that a decision issued to the person concerned on 14 May 2010.
Asylum Applications
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:95 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24040/10]
The person concerned applied for asylum on 30 March 2000. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), the person concerned was entitled to remain in the State until his application for asylum was decided. His asylum application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 13 May 2002, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against him. Representations were submitted by the person concerned at that time.
Following consideration of his case, under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, a Deportation Order was signed in respect of the person concerned on 28 October 2003. Notice of this Order was served by registered letter dated 4 December 2003 which placed a legal requirement on the person concerned to present himself at the Offices of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) on 11 December 2003 in order to make travel arrangements for his deportation from the State.
The person concerned initiated Judicial Review proceedings, challenging the decision of the Minister to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. Based on the decision of the Supreme Court in the ‘Nwole' case, these proceedings were ultimately ‘settled' which resulted in the Deportation Order being quashed.
On 15 December 2008, in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was again advised that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should not have a Deportation Order made against him. Further representations were received on behalf of the person concerned at that time.
The person concerned was subsequently notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006).
The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations and this application is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
In the event that the Subsidiary Protection application is refused, the case file of the person concerned, including all representations submitted, will then be considered under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. When this latter consideration has been completed, the case file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.
Citizenship Applications
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:96 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24041/10]
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 August 2005 and I decided in my absolute discretion to grant a certificate of naturalisation. The person in question was informed of this decision in a letter issued to him via his legal representatives on 6 February, 2008.
A certificate of naturalisation issued to the person in question by registered post via his legal representatives on 7 March, 2008.
Asylum Applications
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:97 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24042/10]
I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the person referred to by the Deputy made a Family Reunification Application in respect of her husband in July 2009.
The application was forwarded to the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner as required under Section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996.
The investigation was completed in November 2009 and a report was forwarded to INIS.
There are currently some issues that need to be resolved with regard to the application and INIS will be in contact with the person referred to in due course.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:98 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for leave to remain in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24043/10]
I wish to inform the Deputy that the person to whom he refers applied for asylum on 18 August, 2003. This application was refused by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner on 13 May, 2004 and that decision was upheld by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal on 19 August, 2004.
The person's case is currently being examined in accordance with section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999. The person in question will be contacted directly and informed of any decisions made regarding his status in the State in due course.
Citizenship Applications
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:99 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for refusal of grant of citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24044/10]
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 May 2007 and I decided in my absolute discretion not to grant a certificate of naturalisation. The person in question was informed of this decision and the reasons for refusal in a letter issued to him on 15 December, 2009.
It is open to the person concerned to lodge a new application for a certificate of naturalisation with the Citizenship Division of my Department at any time, however, he should bear in mind the reasons for refusal of his previous application.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:100 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for citizenship and family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24045/10]
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 2007.
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 straightforward cases can be dealt with in less than that timescale. Officials in the Citizenship Division inform me that further processing of the application is ongoing 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.
I am informed that there is a discrepancy between the address the Deputy has provided and the address my Department holds on file. It is the responsibility of the applicant to keep my Department informed of any change of address in writing.
I am also informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that there is no record of an application for family reunification from the person concerned.
Asylum Applications
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:101 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 was imprisoned for 51 days in view of the fact that he had not committed any offence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24046/10]
I have sought a report on the matter from the relevant officials in the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS). When I have received this report, I will then write to the Deputy directly.
Deportation Orders
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:102 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24047/10]
The person concerned has no application for residency pending in my department.
The person concerned is the subject of a Deportation Order following a comprehensive and thorough examination of his asylum claim, his application for subsidiary protection and his application to remain temporarily in the State.
The effect of the Deportation Order is that the person concerned must leave the State and remain thereafter out of the State.
The enforcement of the Deportation Order is an operational matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau.
Asylum Applications
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:103 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency and request for self-catering accommodation in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24048/10]
In respect of the first part of the question, the person concerned applied for asylum on 26 November 2004. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 25 August 2006, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should not have a Deportation Order made against him. Representations were submitted on behalf of the person concerned at that time.
The person concerned initiated Judicial Review Proceedings in the High Court, challenging the decision of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal in his case. The High Court refused the Judicial Review Leave Application with the consequence that the earlier decisions of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal and the Minister stood.
By letter dated 21 January 2009, the person concerned was notified of his entitlement to submit an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State. He was also invited to update his earlier representations to the Minister. Updated representations were submitted on behalf of the person concerned as was an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State. The application for Subsidiary Protection is under consideration at present. When this consideration has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
In respect of the second part of the question, the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers in accordance with the Government policy of direct provision. In addition to direct provision accommodation, the RIA has a very small number of self-catering units which are designated solely for serious medical and special needs cases. The person referred to in the question has not written to RIA requesting a transfer to self-catering accommodation nor have any medical or other documents been provided to RIA which would merit an examination of his accommodation provision on the basis of any medical or special need.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:104 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the procedure to be followed in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24049/10]
The person concerned applied for asylum on 29 August 2005. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), the person concerned was entitled to remain in the State until her application for asylum was decided. Her asylum application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Arising from the refusal of her asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 31 March 2006, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against her. Representations were submitted on behalf of the person concerned at that time.
Following the consideration of her case under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, a Deportation Order was signed in respect of the person concerned on 25 November 2008. This Order was subsequently revoked and the person concerned was permitted to make an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006).
The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations and this application is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
In the event that the application for Subsidiary Protection is refused, the position in the State of the person concerned will then be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.
Travel Documents
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:105 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a temporary travel document can issue to a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24050/10]
I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that no application for a temporary travel document has been received from the person in question to-date.
In exceptional cases an application for an Irish temporary travel document may be considered from a person who has been granted leave to remain in the State and who does not possess a passport. In all cases, INIS must be satisfied that there is no alternative open to the applicant before an Irish temporary travel document will issue. The possession of a passport is by far the most secure and easy manner for non nationals living in this State to travel. The person concerned has to show that they have made reasonable and formal efforts to obtain a national passport and that it has been formally and unreasonably refused. Provision of original correspondence from the relevant consular authorities is an essential component when considering any temporary travel document application.
It is open to the person in question to submit an application for a temporary travel document accompanied by the relevant supporting documentation to the Travel Document Unit of INIS which is located at 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2. Full information in this regard and the application form are available on the INIS website which is www.inis.gov.ie
Family Reunification
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:106 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for family reunification in the case of the spouse of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24051/10]
The person concerned has been granted leave to remain in the State for a three year period, to 20 August 2011. This decision was conveyed in writing to the person concerned by letter dated 20 August 2008 (re-issued on 6 August 2009).
The Deputy might wish to note that the position in the State of the person concerned is not such as would enable her to make an application for family reunification. Access to family reunification is confined to persons recognised as refugees or with subsidiary protection status.
Travel Documents
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:107 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a temporary travel document can issue to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24052/10]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:108 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the procedures to be followed to obtain a temporary travel document on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24053/10]
I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the procedures to be followed when applying for a temporary travel document are outlined on the website,www.inis.gov.ie where the application form and details of how to apply for a temporary travel document are all available under the headings of “Immigration” and “Travel Documents”.
The person concerned was granted temporary leave to remain in the State in August 2008 for a period of 3 years. In exceptional cases an application for an Irish temporary travel document may be considered from a person who has been granted leave to remain in the State and does not possess a passport. In all cases, INIS must be satisfied that there is no alternative open to the applicant before an Irish temporary travel document will issue. The possession of a passport is by far the most secure and easy manner for non nationals living in this State to travel. The person concerned has to show that they have made reasonable and formal efforts to obtain a national passport and that it has been formally and unreasonably refused. Provision of original correspondence from the relevant consular authorities is an essential component when considering any temporary travel document application.
I am informed by the Travel Document Unit of INIS that the person concerned has applied on at least 3 previous occasions for a temporary travel document. All previous applications were refused as the applications received were not accompanied with the requisite original correspondence from their own consular authorities.
It remains open to the person in question to submit a new application for a temporary travel document accompanied by the relevant supporting documentation to the Travel Document Unit of INIS which is located at 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2.
Residency Permits
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:109 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 99 of 14 May 2009, the reason that a card was taken by the immigration service and not returned or renewed when the applicant presented for renewal of stamp 4; when the application for renewal was made the process was stopped and has not progressed since; if he will outline the procedure to be followed in view of the fact that the expired card has been retained by the authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24059/10]
I wish to inform the Deputy that the person to whom he refers was granted permission to remain in the State in March of 2002 under the arrangements then in place for the non-EEA parents of Irish citizen children. The most recent permission to remain granted to the person in question expired on 6 April, 2009.
I am informed that the person concerned presented at the offices of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) on 2 February, 2010 but was not in possession of a valid passport and was unable to provide satisfactory evidence of having been continuously resident in the State. Consequently, the person in question was advised to write to my Department at INIS, PO Box 10003, Dublin 2, but, to date, has failed to do so. I am further advised that as the registration card issued by the GNIB to the person concerned, and which she presented on 2 February, 2010 had expired, it was retained by GNIB in accordance with standard procedures.
The person concerned is advised to contact my Department at the address provided in order to clarify the issues raised with her by the Garda National Immigration Bureau. Any correspondence received will be assessed by the relevant officials and the person concerned will be contacted directly and informed of any decisions made regarding her status in the State.
Tom Hayes
Question:110 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for stamp 4 submitted in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24068/10]
Officials in the Long Term Residency section of my Department inform me that a decision issued to the person concerned on 12 May 2010.
Registration of Births
Michael Creed
Question:111 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will expedite a foreign births registration application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23849/10]
The two applications for foreign births registration were received in the Cork Passport Office on 31 March 2010. The applications were incomplete and there was a need for extra documentation. When the applications were complete, they were processed in the normal manner.
The applications for Irish citizenship in respect of the two individuals have been approved and they were entered on the Foreign Births Register on 31st May 2010.
Middle East Conflict
Michael D. Higgins
Question:112 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on reports of killings, overnight, aboard a flotilla seeking to bring humanitarian aid to Gaza, included in which were Irish civilians; if he will report on his meeting with the Israeli ambassador due to have taken place on Monday 31 May; if he will suggest a common EU response to this action and discuss such with his colleague Ministers across the EU; his further views on whether diplomatic sanctions are a possible response; and if so, if he will outline those sanctions which he proposes. [24076/10]
I have reported to the House in detail on the questions raised by the Deputy, in the special debate held on Tuesday 1 June. I made clear the Government's condemnation of the use of military force which has led to the deaths of an estimated ten persons. I also reported on my meeting with the Israeli Ambassador in which I conveyed the Government's views through him to his authorities. Further to that debate, I welcomed on 2 June the decision of the Israeli Government to release immediately all those detained on the ships, some of whom have already begun to depart Israel. I repeated my call to Israel to allow the MV Rachel Corrie, which is still at sea, to deliver its cargo unhindered to Gaza.
EU High Representative Ashton has made a number of public statements on these events, including clearly condemning the use of violence and demanding an immediate, full and impartial inquiry into the events, which I welcome. The EU Presidency in Israel has also been active in relation to the consular protection of those detained. I have asked High Representative Ashton to facilitate a discussion on this issue at the next Foreign Affairs Council on 14 June. I am also in contact with my EU colleagues on the matter.
Legislative Programme
Trevor Sargent
Question:113 Deputy Trevor Sargent asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when a review of the Disability Act 2005 is due to take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23914/10]
Section 6 of the Disability Act 2005 requires a review of the operation of the Act to be carried out not later than five years after its commencement. The review is underway at present.
International Agreements
Trevor Sargent
Question:114 Deputy Trevor Sargent asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when Ireland will ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Disabled People; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23916/10]
It is the Government's intention to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as quickly as possible, taking into account the need to ensure that all necessary legislative and administrative requirements under the Convention are being met. Work on what is involved by way of implementation of the various provisions in the Convention, which are extensive, continues in the relevant Departments.
Departmental Expenditure
Noel Coonan
Question:115 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount he anticipates that he will spend on converting Department titles on websites, headed paper, application forms, information booklets, wall charts and so on as a result of the recent changes in several Department titles; the length of time this will take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23864/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that the transfer of responsibility for social inclusion policy and family policy from the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the transfer of responsibility for equality, integration, human rights and disability from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform to the newly established Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht has now taken place. The title of the Department has now also changed and an Order has been made in this regard. The Order cites that my Department's title is the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs with effect from 2 June 2010.
In relation to the Deputy's specific query regarding the amount it is anticipated that my Department will spend on converting Department titles on websites, headed paper, application forms, information booklets, wall charts and so on as a result of the recent changes in several Department titles, it is not possible at this stage to quantify the amount in question. I can confirm, however, to the Deputy that it is my intention that all stationery currently held by my Department will be used to the greatest extent feasible. I have also directed my officials to ensure that any costs arising due to the name change of my Department are kept to a minimum and are met from within existing resources.
Departmental Programmes
Michael Ring
Question:116 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding the review of a scheme (details supplied). [23888/10]
Funding contracts under the scheme referred to by the Deputy are due to expire on 31 December 2010. Officials in my Department are currently carrying out a review to evaluate the scheme and to make recommendations for the future. The organisations involved in the scheme are being consulted as part of the review process. On the basis of the findings of the review, I will consider the options available to me at the appropriate time.
Social Welfare Appeals
Damien English
Question:117 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on an appeal regarding jobseeker’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23855/10]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that Office. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Social Welfare Services on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received the appeal in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration.
There has been a 46% increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office in 2009 when compared to 2008, which in itself was 27% greater than the numbers received in 2007. There has been an increase of a further 46% in the number of appeals received in the first quarter of 2010. These increases have caused delays in the processing of appeals. 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.
Social Welfare Benefits
Finian McGrath
Question:118 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will support the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin. [23857/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken in the HSE, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
Departmental Staff
Noel Coonan
Question:119 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Social Protection if social welfare offices (details supplied) in County Tipperary have taken on extra staff to deal with the increase in workload; the number of applications received for unemployment assistance benefit in the local offices in 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; the number of staff in each office each year to deal with the applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23869/10]
The number of posts allocated to Thurles Local Office since June 2008 is as follows:
|
Date |
Number |
|
June 2008 |
17.6 |
|
June 2009 |
19.2 |
|
June 2010 |
22.5 |
Thurles local office is the parent office for Roscrea and Nenagh which are branch offices operating under a contract for service to the Department. All decisions relating to the two branch offices are made in this parent office. Branch office managers are responsible for recruiting their own staff. However, officials of the Department meet with the Branch Managers' Association on a periodic basis to discuss operational issues including staffing. The branch office manager's annual performance assessment, which is undertaken by management from the parent local office, involves an evaluation of the staffing levels to ensure that service requirements are being met. The number of staff in Roscrea Branch Office and Nenagh Branch Office since 2008 is as follows:
|
Branch Office |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
|
Roscrea |
3 Full time + 4 Part time |
3 Full time + 4 Part-time |
2 Full time + 4 Part-time |
|
Nenagh |
4 Full time |
5 Full-time |
6 Full-time |
Table 1 shows the number of claims for jobseeker's allowance and jobseeker's benefit received in Thurles Local Office and in Nenagh and Roscrea Branch Offices between January 2008 and 15 May 2010.
|
2008 |
NENAGH |
ROSCREA |
THURLES |
|
JA |
1,157 |
589 |
1,043 |
|
JB |
1,966 |
1,145 |
2,014 |
|
JBCO |
126 |
61 |
107 |
|
Total |
3,249 |
1,795 |
3,164 |
|
2009 |
NENAGH |
ROSCREA |
THURLES |
|
JA |
1,806 |
903 |
1,903 |
|
JB |
2,769 |
969 |
2,633 |
|
JBCO |
190 |
94 |
165 |
|
Total |
4,765 |
1,966 |
4,701 |
|
2010 (to May 15th ) |
NENAGH |
ROSCREA |
THURLES |
|
JA |
773 |
333 |
693 |
|
JB |
898 |
361 |
816 |
|
JBCO |
101 |
42 |
45 |
|
Total |
1,772 |
736 |
1,554 |
Anti-Poverty Strategy
Noel Coonan
Question:120 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Social Protection the percentage increase in the number of persons in Tipperary North who have availed of money advice and budgeting services to date in 2010; the number seen in total in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23875/10]
The number of people in North Tipperary who have availed of the services of the Money Advice and Budgeting Service in Quarter 1 2009 and Quarter 1 2010 is outlined in the table.
|
Year |
New Clients in North Tipperary MABS |
|
Quarter 1 2009 |
105 |
|
Quarter 1 2010 |
134 |
This represents a 27.6% increase in new clients in the first quarter of 2010 compared with the same period in 2009. In 2009 as a whole, a total of 311 new clients were seen by the service. As the Deputy is aware, an additional part-time money advisor was appointed in North Tipperary MABS on 23 November 2009. I am satisfied that the additional resources provided to North Tipperary MABS will assist them to meet the demand for their services.
Social Welfare Benefits
Noel Coonan
Question:121 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications in north Tipperary for farm assist in 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; the number of applications approved in these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23882/10]
The number of farm assist applications in each of the offices in North Tipperary is as follows:
|
2008 |
2009 |
16 May 2010 |
|
|
Nenagh |
7 |
32 |
18 |
|
Thurles |
8 |
27 |
15 |
|
Roscrea |
3 |
1 |
0 |
The number of applications which were approved is not readily available. However, for comparison purposes, the following table shows the total number of claims in payment in Tipperary North and South:
|
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
|
|
Tipperary North |
105 |
110 |
152 |
|
Tipperary South |
85 |
86 |
137 |
Social Welfare Appeals
Michael D'Arcy
Question:122 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Social Protection when an oral hearing will take place in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford who has appealed the refusal of their carer’s allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23884/10]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned has been referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in the case. The person concerned will be informed when arrangements have been made. 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.
Social Welfare Benefits
Terence Flanagan
Question:123 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. [23913/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken in the HSE, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
Michael Creed
Question:124 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has had their mortgage supplement reduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23924/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken in the HSE, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
Departmental Expenditure
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:125 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Social Protection the cost of the supplementary welfare exceptional needs payment annually since 2006 and to date in 2010; the cost of the travel element in those costs annually since 2006 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23940/10]
The information which the Deputy requested is shown in the tabular statement.
|
Year |
ENPs for Travel Costs |
Total ENP Expenditure** |
|
€000 |
€000 |
|
|
2006 |
2,332 |
61,138 |
|
2007 |
2,452 |
69,828 |
|
2008 |
2,805 |
82,254 |
|
2009 |
2,598 |
75,210 |
|
2010* |
946 |
29,213 |
*To 28 May 2010.
**Includes urgent needs payments.
Social Welfare Appeals
Brendan Howlin
Question:126 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a jobseeker’s allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23958/10]
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 that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
Social Welfare Benefits
Olwyn Enright
Question:127 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of one-parent families where the youngest child is 13 years old or over and currently in receipt of the one-parent family payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23961/10]
Olwyn Enright
Question:128 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of one-parent families where the youngest child is ten years old and currently in receipt of the one-parent family payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23962/10]
Olwyn Enright
Question:129 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of one-parent families where the youngest child is nine years old and currently in receipt of the one-parent family payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23963/10]
Olwyn Enright
Question:130 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of one-parent families where the youngest child is eight years old and currently in receipt of the one-parent family payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23964/10]
Olwyn Enright
Question:131 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of one-parent families where the youngest child is seven years old and currently in receipt of the one-parent family payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23965/10]
Olwyn Enright
Question:132 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of one-parent families where the youngest child is six years old and currently in receipt of the one-parent family payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23966/10]
Olwyn Enright
Question:133 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of one-parent families where the youngest child is five years old and currently in receipt of the one-parent family payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23967/10]
Olwyn Enright
Question:134 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of one-parent families where the youngest child is four years old and currently in receipt of the one-parent family payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23968/10]
Olwyn Enright
Question:135 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of one-parent families where the youngest child is three years old and currently in receipt of the one-parent family payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23969/10]
Olwyn Enright
Question:136 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of one-parent families where the youngest child is two years old and currently in receipt of the one-parent family payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23970/10]
Olwyn Enright
Question:137 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of one-parent families where the youngest child is one year old and currently in receipt of the one-parent family payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23971/10]
Olwyn Enright
Question:138 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of one-parent families where the youngest child is under one year old and currently in receipt of the one-parent family payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23972/10]
Olwyn Enright
Question:139 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social Protection the savings he has calculated that will be made from the proposed change to the one-parent family payment of the years 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 in tabular form. [23973/10]
Olwyn Enright
Question:142 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of one-parent families where the youngest child is two years old and currently in receipt of one-parent family payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24029/10]
Olwyn Enright
Question:143 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of one-parent families where the youngest child is 11 years old and currently in receipt of one-parent family payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24030/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 127 to 139, inclusive, 142 and 143 together.
The details of the number of recipients of the One-Parent Family Payment (OFP) by the age of their youngest child as at September 2009 (the most recent data available) is set out in the table.
|
Age of the youngest child |
Number of OFP recipients |
|
0 |
5,098 |
|
1 |
8,920 |
|
2 |
8,420 |
|
3 |
7,319 |
|
4 |
6,896 |
|
5 |
6,372 |
|
6 |
6,027 |
|
7 |
5,570 |
|
8 |
5,005 |
|
9 |
4,485 |
|
10 |
4,088 |
|
11 |
3,699 |
|
12 |
3,376 |
|
13 |
2,802 |
|
14 |
2,597 |
|
15 |
2,301 |
|
16 |
2,234 |
|
17 |
2,140 |
|
18 |
1,022 |
|
19 |
533 |
|
20 |
353 |
|
21 |
159 |
|
22 |
52 |
|
Total |
89,468 |
The estimated savings that will arise from the implementation of the proposed changes to the One-Parent Family Payment will arise mainly in the long-term.
The details of these savings are as follows:
|
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
|
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
|
Total |
1.1 |
5.5 |
12.5 |
20.7 |
26.2 |
32.5 |
39.1 |
Social Welfare Appeals
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:140 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if consideration has been given to the household outgoings, including mortgage repayments of €1,800 per month in the case of refusal by the Department of disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23999/10]
The person concerned applied for disability allowance on 27 August 2009. He was assessed with weekly means of €437.52 based on his spouse's earnings from insurable employment. As this exceeded the then statutory limit of €339.90 per week for payment of disability allowance his claim was refused.
Means are assessed on the claimant's own means and that of their spouse/partner subject to certain exceptions laid down in legislation. Mortgage repayments are not included in these exceptions and are therefore not deductible when assessing means. A letter issued to the person concerned on 7 December 2009 notifying him of this decision and advising him of his right of appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals office within 21 days.
The person subsequently lodged an appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. Based on the evidence presented the Appeals Officer found that the person failed to show that his means did not exceed the statutory limit applicable and the appeal was disallowed. The Appeal's Officer advised the person of his decision in writing on 20 May 2010. An Appeals Officer's decision is final and conclusive in the absence of any fresh facts or evidence.
Social Welfare Benefits
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:141 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the way overpayment in respect of rent support was determined in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24001/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken in the HSE, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
Questions Nos. 142 and 143 answered with Question No. 127.
Departmental Expenditure
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:144 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence if a contractor has been appointed for the engine room measurement, alarm and control system with the Naval Service; the name of the successful contractor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24002/10]
The contract for the refit of the engine room measurement, alarm and control system on Service ships was awarded to Kongsberg Maritime Ltd. The contract was awarded on 22 February, 2010. The competition was advertised on the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) and was carried out in accordance with National and EU public procurement guidelines.
Fire Stations
Noel Coonan
Question:145 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when an application for funding for a new fire station facility (details supplied) in County Tipperary will be approved; the timeframe for the provision of the funding; the reason for the delay in providing funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23870/10]
Approval in principle to extend the fire station in Templemore was notified to North Tipperary County Council in 2007 and the matter will be further considered in the Department on receipt of detailed design plans for the project.
Further investment in the fire service in North Tipperary will be considered under future capital programmes within the constraints on available resources and will have regard to the fire authority's priorities, the spread of existing facilities and the totality of demands from other fire authorities for available funding.
Planning Issues
Phil Hogan
Question:146 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the counties that are subject to planning investigations; when they are likely to report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23901/10]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 791 of 20 April 2010. I will shortly finalise the scope and terms of reference for the review.
Special Areas of Conservation
Michael Ring
Question:147 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide a list and maps of the exact bogs in County Mayo where non-commercial turf cutting must cease following the ending of the derogation granted in 1999. [24062/10]
The derogation given in 1999 to allow a continuation of turf-cutting by land owners and turbary right owners for their own domestic use has now elapsed for two Special Areas of Conservation located in Co. Mayo. These are Flughany Bog SAC and River Moy SAC. The areas in the River Moy SAC where turf cutting restrictions apply from this year are those bogs previously designated as part of the Derrynabrock Bog and Tawnaghbeg Bog SACs which have now been subsumed into the larger River Moy SAC. I will have maps of these bog sites made available to the Deputy.
Denis Naughten
Question:148 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he intends to publish the interdepartmental report on turf cutting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24063/10]
I intend to make the report available in the coming days.
Non-Principal Private Residences
Charlie O'Connor
Question:149 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to a possible discrepancy in Parliamentary Question No. 199 of 13 May 2010 which noted that 306,790 non-principal private residences were registered to 14,305 non-resident owners, which equates to an average of 21.44 accommodation units per property owner, compared to other figures given by him which stated that 314,000 NPPRs were registered in 2009 to 116,577 owners, which equates to an average of 2.01 accommodation units per property owner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24075/10]
The table that followed my response to Parliamentary Question No. 199 of 13 May 2010 provides the total number of non-principal private residences registered in each local authority area as at 3 March 2010 (306,790 nationwide) and the number of that total registered to non-resident owners in each local authority area (14,305 nationwide). To remove any possible ambiguity, the table hereunder clarifies the number of properties registered to non-resident owners as at 3 March 2010.
As at 2 June 2010, there were a total of 310,096 non-principal private residences registered and some €63.2m raised nationally in respect of the 2009 charge.
|
Non-Resident Owners as at 3 March 2010 |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Total No. of NPPRs |
No. of properties in each area registered to non-resident owners |
|
|
Carlow County Council |
3,042 |
65 |
|
Cavan County Council |
3,864 |
237 |
|
Clare County Council |
9,194 |
337 |
|
Cork City Council |
11,818 |
186 |
|
Cork County Council |
25,550 |
1203 |
|
Donegal County Council |
13,574 |
4670 |
|
Dublin City Council |
55,663 |
1213 |
|
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council |
13,741 |
548 |
|
Fingal County Council |
14,780 |
390 |
|
Galway City Council |
10,618 |
171 |
|
Galway County Council |
9,327 |
490 |
|
Kerry County Council |
13,916 |
862 |
|
Kildare County Council |
9,377 |
142 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
4,152 |
95 |
|
Laois County Council |
3,000 |
53 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
2,795 |
207 |
|
Limerick City Council |
5,999 |
62 |
|
Limerick County Council |
6,597 |
172 |
|
Longford County Council |
2,598 |
72 |
|
Louth County Council |
5,336 |
236 |
|
Mayo County Council |
9,753 |
794 |
|
Meath County Council |
6,481 |
191 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
2,151 |
111 |
|
North Tipperary County Council |
3,379 |
84 |
|
Offaly County Council |
2,923 |
49 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
3,886 |
168 |
|
Sligo County Council |
5,330 |
343 |
|
South Dublin County Council |
10,995 |
259 |
|
South Tipperary County Council |
4,391 |
123 |
|
Waterford City Council |
4,420 |
44 |
|
Waterford County Council |
4,091 |
150 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
5,296 |
90 |
|
Wexford County Council |
11,970 |
247 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
6,783 |
241 |
|
Grand Total |
306,790 |
14,305 |
Telecommunications Services
Michael Ring
Question:150 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason an area (details supplied) in County Mayo is not included in the national broadband scheme in view of the fact that there is no fixed line broadband available there. [23847/10]
Prior to the commencement of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) a detailed mapping exercise was carried out to help determine those areas that would be included in the scheme and those which, by virtue of being already substantially served by existing broadband suppliers, could not be included.
EU State aid and competition rules govern how states can intervene in areas where there are existing service providers operating. Accordingly, the NBS is prohibited from providing a service in served areas where to do so would give rise to an unacceptable level of market distortion.
That mapping exercise found that at least one existing broadband supplier was already active in the area referred to in the Deputy's Question and consequently the locality was excluded from the Scheme. Details of broadband services available in each county can be found on ComReg's website at www.callcosts.ie
It continues to be a priority of the Government that there will be broadband coverage across the entire country. However, despite Government and private investment in broadband, I am aware that there continues to be a small percentage of premises throughout the country that will not be capable of receiving broadband services. This is primarily due to technical and other reasons (suitability of a telephone line, distance from an enabled exchange, no line of sight etc.).
The European Commission has set aside a portion of the European Economic Recovery Programme (EERP) funding for rural broadband initiatives. My Department is currently considering the design and implementation of a scheme which would use this funding to address the issue of basic broadband availability to un-served rural premises outside of the NBS areas. This work will include the identification of premises not capable of receiving broadband. It is hoped to commence this scheme in late 2010 and have it completed by 2012. As the scheme is only at the design stage, there is no application process at this juncture. Information in relation to acceptance of applications and the process of qualification under the scheme will be made available in due course when the scheme is launched.
Alternative Energy Projects
Paul Kehoe
Question:151 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in response to the much anticipated announcement of REFIT III and in view of what happened subsequent to the announcement of REFIT II (details supplied); on what date will his Department send REFIT III to the EU Commission for State aid clearance. [23974/10]
Paul Kehoe
Question:152 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if it is his intention to allow time for consultation with the stakeholders in the REFIT III scheme prior to sending it for state aid clearance. [23975/10]
Paul Kehoe
Question:153 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the time line for the implementation of the support scheme REFIT III on the occasion of state aid clearance from the EU. [23976/10]
I propose to take Question Nos. 151 to 153, inclusive, together.
In September 2007, my Department obtained State Aid clearance from the EU to run a renewable energy feed in tariff scheme (REFIT) for the wind, small hydro, landfill gas and biomass combustion sectors. Under the terms of the State Aid clearance, new applications could be accepted into the scheme until 31 December 2009. The Department is currently in the process of preparing a new state aid application to extend the time period of the original REFIT scheme to cover new renewable generation commensurate with meeting our renewable energy target under Directive 2009/28/EC. As part of this process, an internal review of the terms and conditions of the scheme is being finalised.
Once the application for extension of the original REFIT scheme has been submitted to the European Commission, applications for REFIT for additional sectors including offshore wind, wave and tidal (ocean), Anaerobic Digestion/Combined Heat and power and biomass combustion including biomass co-firing will be submitted to the Commission. The tariffs for bio-energy were recently announced following consultation with all relevant stakeholders. New REFIT applications will be processed without delay following State Aid clearance.
Paul Kehoe
Question:154 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the action being taken by the regulator and the distribution system operator (details supplied) to ensure the development of the smart grid to allow small renewable generators, less than 5 MW, non-firm access to the distribution network rather than pay for costly reinforcements that prevent these projects from proceeding to the distribution network as is currently the case. [23977/10]
The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) published a decision in 2009 that allows for certain renewable, small and low carbon generators to connect to the transmission and distribution grids without going through the full rigours of the ‘Gate' process. This includes small projects, research and development projects and those that qualify as they are deemed to provide benefits of a public nature that merit qualification. This policy facilitates renewable generators including small bio-energy, wave and tidal generators. ESB Networks and EirGrid are taking full account of this decision in network and grid planning and roll out.
The CER Decision Paper (CER 09/099) was published on 24 July 2009 and is called ‘Treatment of Small, Renewable and Low Carbon Renewable Generators outside the GPA'. It is available on the CER's website.
Departmental Schemes
Michael Moynihan
Question:155 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding an appeal to the aid scheme for crops damaged by frost in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [23957/10]
I introduced this Scheme to provide some compensation to growers for damage to potatoes and root vegetables caused by frost in January of this year. The Scheme is aimed at providing a limited and targeted financial contribution to those growers who suffered significant losses of produce due to frost damage.
The application for financial assistance from the person named was rejected, as the crop was not evident at the time of inspection as per paragraph 3 of the Terms & Conditions. The person named was advised of this decision by letter dated 13 April and was also advised for his right to appeal the decision.
As of this date, no appeal has been received from the person named.
FÁS Training Programmes
Noel Coonan
Question:156 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of persons in the constituency of Tipperary north waiting on FÁS training schemes; the waiting time for persons due to start these schemes; if the number of staff working in FÁS offices in north Tipperary has increased over the past year; the increase in the numbers of clients seeking assistance this year over the past year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23867/10]
I understand that there are 151 persons currently in line to take up training courses delivered through FÁS in North Tipperary. Training courses held in North Tipperary are delivered by contracted trainers and are operated subject to demand. Waiting times for courses vary depending on the nature of the training provided.
The Live Register figures for the North Tipperary area since November 2008 have increased by over three thousand persons as at March 2010 and this is reflected in the increased demand for FÁS services where for the past two years, 2008 and 2009, there have been a total of 3542 new registrations at FÁS Employment Service offices in North Tipperary.
The staffing of FÁS offices is a day-to-day matter for the Agency as provided for in the Labour Services Act, 1987 and the Labour Services (Amendment) Act, 2009.
Equal Opportunities Employment
Trevor Sargent
Question:157 Deputy Trevor Sargent asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the supports that are currently in place for graduates with disabilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23918/10]
Under the Government's mainstreaming policy a range of schemes and grants are provided by FÁS to assist people with disabilities, including graduates, to promote their employment prospects in the open labour market.
In this regard the recently launched FÁS Work Placement Programme is open to all unemployed people, including graduates with disabilities. The programme provides the opportunity to obtain 6 months work experience while on placement with a company. While on the work placement participants retain their social welfare status and entitlements.
FÁS provides funding for two programmes that have been developed by the Association for Higher Education Access and Delivery and are aimed at graduates with a disability. The Association is an independent non-profit organisation that has worked over the last 20 years to promote full access and participation for graduates.
The first programme, the Willing Able Mentoring Programme, aims to bring graduates and employers together and promote accessibility to the labour market for graduates with a disability. This programme is designed as a mentored work placement programme by providing a support system to management, staff and graduates to promote the inclusion of people with a disability in the workplace. The current proposals also include disability related support to employers participating in the FÁS Work Placement Programme.
The second programme, Get Ahead: Get Ready for Work Programme 2010, builds life long career skills for graduates with a disability, enabling them to deal with a labour market that demands mobility. It also promotes disability awareness among professionals, informing careers advisers on disability issues to allow them to offer a more inclusive service.
Trevor Sargent
Question:158 Deputy Trevor Sargent asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the work programme of the FÁS national advisory group on disability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23919/10]
Responsibility for FÁS and all of its functions in regard to employment services, community programmes, skills and training programmes have recently been transferred to my Department under the transfer of functions between Government Departments announced by an Taoiseach in March, 2010. Subject to the enactment of legislation, it is intended that responsibility for employment services and community programmes will further transfer from this Department to the Department of Social Protection as soon as possible.
Pending the implementation of these changes, the FÁS National Advisory Committee on Disability has agreed to postpone its Summer-time meeting until 12th October, 2010, when it is hoped that the work plan of the committee can be revisited in the light of the new reporting structures that it is intended will have been implemented in the meantime.
Redundancy Payments
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:159 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the reason persons (details supplied) in County Limerick were not awarded the additional three weeks redundancy entitlements following a Labour Court recommendation when 42 of their co-workers were awarded same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23959/10]
In November 2004 the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment announced a policy change to the Job Initiative Programme that provided for contracts to be renewed for participants who wished to remain on the scheme thus removing the requirement for participants to leave. This policy change brought about an amendment to the rules regarding redundancy payments and allowed for the payment of enhanced redundancy to persons made redundant after November 2004.
I understand that the matter in question relates to persons employed under a Job Initiative Scheme who were made redundant in November 2003, prior to the rule change, and therefore they would not have an entitlement to an enhanced redundancy payment.
Residential Institutions Redress Scheme
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:160 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Questions Nos 106 and 107 of 27 April 2010, the subject matter of her meeting with the representatives of Catholic religious orders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18788/10]
The Taoiseach and relevant Ministers, including myself, met with representatives of the religious Congregations that were party to the 2002 Indemnity Agreement, on 15th April. The context of the meeting was their responses 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 meeting and the Report of the Panel together with the Congregations' individual responses were published on my Department's website.
At the meeting, the Taoiseach advised that the Government's view was that it would be a fair and reasonable outcome in all the circumstances for the State and those responsible for the residential institutions, to meet the final costs of responding to residential institutional abuse, which are estimated to reach some €1.36bn, on a 50:50 basis.
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 €128 million contribution under the 2002 Indemnity Agreement, amount to €476.51m. This leaves a target of over €200 million 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 €110 million over the next few years, to establish a Statutory Fund, in keeping with the all party Motion passed by Dáil Éireann, supporting the proposal for a Trust for the support of victims and to other education and welfare purposes.
Officials are engaging 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.
Labour Market Activation Fund
Arthur Morgan
Question:161 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills when the labour market activation fund will make calls for proposals in view of the fact that it has been more than five months since the establishment of the fund was announced and the call for proposals was supposed to take place in the first quarter of 2010; the length of time that interested parties will have to express interest in view of the fact that it was originally expected that proposals would come on stream in the middle of 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19064/10]
Following an open tender competition in which 370 tenders were received, I announced on Tuesday details of Activation Fund support for 26 different organisations across the private, not-for-profit and public sectors for 6,500 additional training and education places in programmes for priority groups of the unemployed. These programmes will be coming on stream from this month onwards.
Question No. 162 answered with Question No. 24.
Bullying in Schools
P. J. Sheehan
Question:163 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills his plans to introduce legislation regarding bullying in schools following the death of a student (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23854/10]
I am aware of the case referred to by the Deputy. It has clearly been a very tragic and difficult period for the family in question.
Section 23 of the Education Welfare Act 2000 requires all schools to have in place a Code of Behaviour. The Act further requires that such a code be prepared in accordance with the guidelines of the National Education Welfare Board (NEWB).
These guidelines were issued to schools in 2008 and make it clear that each school must have policies to prevent or address bullying. Accordingly, all schools must have in place a policy which includes specific measures to deal with bullying behaviour, within the framework of its 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.
I have no plans to introduce additional legislation as suggested by the Deputy. I am, however, intent on supporting schools in tackling bullying. In this regard, a number measures and supports have been put in place in recent years.
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.
My Department has 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.
In 2007 my Department published, on its website, policy templates for post-primary schools in five key areas, including anti-bullying. The template documents are not prescriptive, but rather highlight possible approaches and potential material for inclusion in school policies and take account of more recent legislative and regulatory changes. Reference is also made to issues of contemporary concern such as the need to tackle text bullying, cyber-bullying and homophobic bullying.
The National Behaviour Support Service (NBSS) was established in 2006 in response to the recommendation in "School Matters", the report of the Task Force on Student Behaviour in Second Level Schools. The NBSS is currently working with over 70 Post Primary Schools to promote and support positive student behaviour.
The National Centre for Technology in Education's Webwise Internet Safety initiative includes an integrated educational programme with the following elements:
1. The development of an integrated educational programme in partnership with the SPHE Support Service called — Be Safe_Be Webwise, which is delivered in the context of the SPHE module on Personal Safety by the SPHE Second Level Support Service.
2. Delivery of Internet Safety Seminars for parents in schools in partnership with the National Parents Council Primary.
3. Provision of Internet safety continuing professional development training for teachers.
4. The Watch Your Space awareness campaign, which was launched in February 2007 seeks to raise awareness and promote safe, responsible practice by young people when online. The campaign has a strong peer-to-peer perspective and centres on an interactive online service, www.watchyourspace.ie developed by the NCTE. This site offers practical tips and advice and supports teenagers who use the web. A key feature is the advice given from teenagers to teenagers on how to cope with the fall-out from abuses and misuse of social networking and picture -sharing websites.
The education of students in both primary and post-primary schools in relation to anti-bullying behaviour is also part of the SPHE curriculum. SPHE is now a compulsory subject both at primary level and in the junior cycle of post-primary schools.
School Accommodation
Noel Coonan
Question:164 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the provision of a primary school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; his views on a submission sent to him via e-mail outlining the reason there is a need for a school in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23862/10]
The Forward Planning Section of my Department is in the process of carrying out a 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. When the required reports have been completed for these initial areas selected the Forward Planning Section will continue to work on preparing reports on a priority basis for the remainder of the country. Overall primary accommodation requirements in Tipperary, including the area referred to by the Deputy will be considered in this regard.
Departmental Expenditure
Noel Coonan
Question:165 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the amount he anticipates that he will spend on converting Department titles on websites, headed paper, application forms, information booklets, wall charts and so on as a result of the recent changes in several Department titles; the length of time this will take; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23865/10]
My Department is mindful of the need to keep all costs in respect of the change in title of my Department to a minimum. Many of the changes required have already been effected and a table of costings is currently being compiled. Information in relation to all relevant costs will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
Schools Building Projects
Noel Coonan
Question:166 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application for building works in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when he expects a decision to be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23871/10]
I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers made an application to my Department for large scale capital funding for an extension. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a band 2.4 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 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 next step with this project is for a design team to be appointed. On 16 February last, details of large scale capital projects proceeding under my Department's Capital programme for 2010 were announced. It was not possible to include this project in that announcement.
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. 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.
Noel Coonan
Question:167 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a capital project at a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when the project will move to the next stage; the reasons for the delay in progressing the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23872/10]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the project to which the Deputy refers was included in the announcement on 16 February of projects progressing to tender and construction. The project is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. A Stage 2b submission was received in my Department in May 2010 and comments issued to the VEC earlier this week requiring some revisions to the tender documentation. My Department is currently awaiting written confirmation from the VEC and the design team with regard to the necessary revisions. When confirmation is received that these revisions are complete the project will be authorised to progress to tender.
Noel Coonan
Question:168 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application for a refurbishment and extension project in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the timeframe for completion of works; the works to be carried out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23873/10]
Noel Coonan
Question:169 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a school building project (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the reason for the delay in processing this application; the reason the project has been put on hold; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23874/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 168 and 169 together.
I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers made an application to my Department for large scale capital funding for an extension. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a band 2.1 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 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 next step with this project is for a design team to be appointed. On 16 February last, details of large scale capital projects proceeding under my Department's Capital programme for 2010 were announced. It was not possible to include this project in that announcement. 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. 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.
Noel Coonan
Question:170 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary which has applied for major capital funding; the timeframe for completion of works; the works to be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23876/10]
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. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a band 3.1 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 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 next step with this project is for a design team to be appointed. On 16 February last, details of large scale capital projects proceeding under my Department's Capital programme for 2010 were announced. It was not possible to include this project in that announcement. 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. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
School Staffing
Noel Coonan
Question:171 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of teachers currently employed within primary and post-primary schools in north Tipperary; if there will be an increase or decrease in teachers employed starting in September 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23883/10]
My Department publishes extensive statistical information on its website in relation to schools. This includes information relating to teacher allocations at primary and post-primary level published for the 2009/10 school year. The Deputy will be aware that teacher allocations to schools typically increase or decrease depending on pupil enrolment. In terms of the position at individual school level the key factor for determining the level of resources provided by my Department is the pupil enrolment at 30 September. The final position for the 2010/11 school year for any one school will depend on a number of other factors such as the allocation of support teachers, additional posts for schools that are developing rapidly and posts allocated as a result of the appeals processes. The final number of additional teachers for the coming school year will not be known until the allocation process is fully completed around November 2010.
Pupil numbers at both primary and post-primary level continue to increase and this results in an increased requirement for additional teachers for the foreseeable future. The renewed Programme for Government contains a commitment to no further increase in the pupil teacher ratio in primary and second level schools for the lifetime of this Government and also the provision of 500 additional teaching posts between primary and second levels over a three year period. The first tranches of these additional posts have been allocated to schools following consultations with the education partners.
Special Educational Needs
Ruairí Quinn
Question:172 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will reverse the decision to remove four special needs assistants posts at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 2; if she will consider the importance of these posts to the well-being of children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23908/10]
As the Deputy will be aware, 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 to schools to support children with special needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. I have arranged for the details supplied 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.
School Staffing
Deirdre Clune
Question:173 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she is in receipt of an appeal for a staff level review in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Cork; if she is in a position to grant this request; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23942/10]
It is open to any Board of Management to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeal Board. Details of the criteria for appeal are contained in the staffing schedule, Circular 0021/2010 which is available on my Department's website. I understand that the school referred to by the Deputy has submitted an appeal to the Primary Staffing Appeal Board. The school will be notified of the outcome of the appeal in the normal way. The Appeal Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
School Curriculum
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:174 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will consider recommending a publication (details supplied) to the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, for inclusion on the list of prescribed works for study at leaving certificate level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23955/10]
Advice on prescribed material for the Junior and Leaving Cert exams is submitted to my Department by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment. No texts are prescribed for study by students preparing for Junior Certificate English. The syllabus allows for an open course, in which teachers are free to choose a range of texts which they consider appropriate for their students. Texts for inclusion in the lists of prescribed works for study at Leaving Certificate level are chosen by a sub-committee of the course committee for senior cycle English, which in turn ratifies the final selection for each year. The work is managed by the education officer for English and the poetry in question has been passed to him for consideration by the committee.
The NCCA regularly receives texts and recommendations about texts for inclusion in courses and they are grateful that authors, teachers and others take such an active interest in the literature they would like to see our young people study. Each of these submissions is considered carefully by the relevant committee or sub-committee. Prescribed texts are notified to schools a number of years in advance and must be notified in time to ensure that educational publishers are in a position to provide an adequate supply of texts. At this stage, prose and poetry have been prescribed for Leaving Certificate English up to and including the 2014 examinations.
Schools Building Projects
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:175 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills when it is likely that 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; if he or his Department consider that this length of time is acceptable; his plans to address and progress this matter by June 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23979/10]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:177 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the full extent of progress in each year since a large scale capital funding application was submitted to his Department in the case of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if he 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. [23981/10]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:183 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 the large scale capital funding application in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23987/10]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:185 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if he and or his Department deem it acceptable that a school (details supplied) in County Kildare which applied for large scale capital funding more than nine years ago should still be waiting for same; the expected timeframe for granting of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23989/10]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:188 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 funding in view of ongoing increased demands on the school with regard to classroom accommodation and increased level of pupils; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23992/10]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:191 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; his plans to address same in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23995/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 175, 177, 183, 185, 188 and 191 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 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.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:176 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the degree, if any, to which she and her Department have advanced the various developmental 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. [23980/10]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:182 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if it is intended to grant funding under the 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. [23986/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 176 and 182 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. This proposal is under consideration and decision will issue to the school authority in due course.
Question No. 177 answered with Question No. 175.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:178 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the time that has elapsed to date since the application for permanent classroom facilities was deemed required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; the number of school places currently required there at; 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. [23982/10]
Architectural planning for the project to which the Deputy refers commenced in 2006. The brief is for a new 16 classroom school.
My Department is currently awaiting receipt of the Supplementary Tender Report. When this report is received and approved, assuming that no issues arise, the project will progress to construction. Once on site it is envisaged that the project will take 12 months to complete.
Seventeen major building projects have been completed in Kildare since the beginning of 2006.
School Accommodation
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:179 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 there by creating a further place requirement for 30 students; if his attention has been drawn to the situation; the degree to which he has responded or intends to respond; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23983/10]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that my Department recently approved the provision of additional accommodation — 3 x 49m2 mainstream classrooms at this school. It is open to the school authorities to utilise this grant to purchase temporary accommodation or build a permanent structure. The school authorities were advised of this by letter on 25th May.
Schools Building Projects
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:180 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. [23984/10]
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:181 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the full extent of progress in each of the past 12 months to date of the advancement of the school building project in Kildare, County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23985/10]
The tender report for the proposed extension project at the school to which the Deputy refers has been recently received in my Department and is currently being assessed. When the tender report is approved, assuming that no issues arise, the project will progress to construction. Once the project goes on site it is envisaged that it will take twelve months to complete.
Question No. 182 answered with Question No. 176.
Question No. 183 answered with Question No. 175.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:184 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills when an application for large scale capital funding was submitted to his Department in the case of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; his plans to progress same by September 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23988/10]
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. 185 answered with Question No. 175.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:186 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the likely timescale for granting of funding to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare in view of the increased demands on the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23990/10]
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. Construction of the two classrooms commenced in November 2009. 70% of the grant has been paid to the school.
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. The remainder of the grant will be paid when the project is completed and the necessary documents finalised and considered by my Department.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:187 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the precise development since the 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 responsible 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. [23991/10]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the completion contractor for the project to which he refers commenced work on site in early April 2010.
With regard to the degree of interaction with the various interests involved, officials in my Department have been constant contact with the school principal who has been fully appraised of the latest developments with regard to this project.
Question No. 188 answered with Question No. 175.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:189 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the progress made to date regarding the building works at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23993/10]
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:190 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. [23994/10]
The school to which the Deputy refers has temporary recognition from my Department. Schools with temporary recognition are not entitled to capital funding. Accommodation remains the responsibility of a Patron until permanent recognition has been given and until my Department is in a position to make capital funding available for a permanent building subject to competing demands on available funding.
However, my Department is aware of the accommodation issues at the school in question 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 put by my Department to the Patron in this regard and it is hoped that this proposal can form the basis of an interim accommodation solution for the school.
Question No. 191 answered with Question No. 175.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:192 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application for an extension to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare in view of the fact that stage 2b was submitted by the school to her Department some time ago; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23996/10]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the construction phase for this project commenced in January this year.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:193 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. [23997/10]
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 has indicated to my Department that it is not in need of such funding.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:194 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the progress in the past six months of a building project in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; the degree to which the project is on schedule; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23998/10]
Tenders will be invited shortly for the new school referred to by the Deputy. Following completion of the tender stage, assuming no issues arise, the project will progress to construction. Once the project goes on site it is envisaged that it will take 12 months to complete.
Special Educational Needs
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. [24006/10]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:211 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the extent of additional educational facilities other than those previously announced likely to be provided by her Department over the next three years with particular reference to children affected by autism, Asperger’s, ADD and ADHD; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24022/10]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:217 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, ADD, ADHD or similar learning difficulties catered for to the extent 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. [24028/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 195, 211 and 217 together.
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 schools and parents of students with special educational needs. Where a need for additional specialist settings is identified, SENOs work with schools to sanction the required special class provision.
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.
Children with special educational needs, including the specific conditions mentioned by the Deputy, have a range of placement options available to them. 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. Resource teaching hours are sanctioned by the SENO in line with the assessed disability of the pupils concerned. 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 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.
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.
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.
School Enrolments
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:196 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she has evaluated primary and second level school requirements in respect of the area of County Kildare near Enfield; if she intends to make any proposals arising from same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24007/10]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:197 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills to indicate if she evaluated primary and second level school requirements in respect of Sallins, County Kildare; if she intends to make any proposals arising from same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24008/10]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:198 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she has evaluated primary and second level school requirements in respect of Straffan, County Kildare; if she plans to make any proposals arising from same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24009/10]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:199 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she has evaluated primary and second level school requirements in respect of Kilcock, County Kildare; if she plans to make any proposals arising from same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24010/10]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:200 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she has evaluated primary and second level school requirements in respect of Naas, County Kildare; if she plans to make any proposals arising from same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24011/10]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:201 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she has evaluated primary and second level school requirements in respect of Celbridge, County Kildare; if she plans to make any proposals arising from same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24012/10]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:202 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she has evaluated primary and second level school requirements in respect of Leixlip, County Kildare; if she plans to make any proposals arising from same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24013/10]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:208 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which she or her Department have evaluated the primary and second level school needs at Leixlip, County Kildare with particular reference to the need to provide extra facilities as required by the schools in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24019/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 196 to 202, inclusive, and 208 together.
The Forward Planning Section of my Department 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 school provision at both primary and post-primary levels over the coming years. This study has been conducted using data from the Central Statistics Office, the General Register Office and the Department of Social & Family Affairs with reference to recent schools' enrolment data. The study indicates that the requirement for additional primary provision in the coming years is likely to be greatest in more than 40 identified locations across the country based on significant changes to the demographics of those areas. The Celbridge area (including Straffan) and the Naas area (including Sallins) are included in these initial identified areas.
Forward Planning Section is in the process of carrying out detailed analysis and reports for each of these locations in order to identify the school accommodation requirements for each area up to and including the school year 2014/2015. Reports have been completed for the Celbridge area (which includes Straffan) and the Naas area (which includes Sallins). When the required reports have been completed for all the initial identified areas 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 each area referred to by the Deputy will be analysed as part of this process.
The Deputy may be aware that, as a result of Forward Planning Section's analysis, it has been decided to commence new primary schools in seven identified areas in September 2010 to cater for increased demographics. Naas has been identified as one of these areas and a new Community National School will commence for the coming school year.
The progression of all large scale building projects arising from the analysis of school accommodation needs will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
Schools Building Projects
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:203 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the total intended expenditure on school or college buildings at primary, second or third level 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. [24014/10]
The total intended capital expenditure at primary, post-primary and third level in 2010 is outlined in the following table. The table also provides the spend at all three levels from 2005-2009.
|
* all figures in €m* |
|
|---|---|
|
2010 Allocation |
|
|
€ |
|
|
Primary Level |
306.800 |
|
Post-Primary Level |
200.000 |
|
Third Level |
127.055 |
|
TOTAL |
633.855 |
*(Third-Level 2010 allocation has been revised accordingly, taking into account transfer of functions to Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation)*.
|
* 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 |
Psychological Service
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:204 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of outstanding requests for psychological assessment currently in hand at the various schools throughout the country on a county basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24015/10]
The Deputy will be aware that 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.
NEPS does not keep waiting lists for assessments of children but in common with other psychological services 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.
The introduction of the General Allocation model for primary schools in 2005/06 means that children with high incidence special needs can get access to extra support without having to undergo an individual assessment.
Children who manifest very special or urgent needs in school and who have not been previously assessed by a psychologist and are brought to the attention of a NEPS psychologist by the Principal teacher will usually be assessed by the psychologist within that school term. Normally, principals of schools prioritise those children in need of psychological assessment in consultation with the assigned psychologist.
In the case of schools that do not currently have dedicated NEPS psychologists assigned to them, as I already mentioned, such schools have access to psychological assessments through the SCPA. Under this Scheme, schools can commission assessments from a member of the panel of private practitioners approved by NEPS, and NEPS will pay the fees directly to the psychologist concerned.
Should school authorities have specific difficulties with regard any of the foregoing I would suggest that they should contact the relevant local NEPS Regional Director, for whom contact details are also available on my Department's website.
School Accommodation
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:205 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 throughout the country currently accommodated in prefabricated structures; the locations at which this has prevailed for the longest period; her plans, if any, to replace these buildings in such instances with permanent structures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24016/10]
As I outlined to the Deputy on 6th May, 2010, 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.
Schools Building Projects
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:206 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the primary and post primary schools in Naas, County Kildare which have sought or are seeking extensions, upgrading or provision of new or alternative facilities on existing or alternative sites in the past five years; when the request for such facilities was first made; the extent to which provision has been made to date; the nature of the current accommodation where provision has not yet been made; when she expects to be in a position to meet outstanding requirements. [24017/10]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:207 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the extent of the primary and post-primary school requirements at Maynooth, County Kildare; the need for accommodation and or other facilities in accordance with the growing population; the extent to which she has identified optimum size of the need for growth in all such schools; her plans to meet these requirements in full in the near future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24018/10]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:209 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the primary and post primary schools in Kilcock, County Kildare which have sought or are seeking extensions, upgrading or provision of new alternative facilities on existing or alternative sites in the past five years; when the request for such facilities was first made; the extent to which provision has been made to date; the nature of the current accommodation, where provision has not yet been made; when she expects to be in a position to meet outstanding requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24020/10]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:212 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools in north Kildare at primary level currently recorded with accommodation insufficient to the needs based on enrolments; her plans to address this issue in the near future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24023/10]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:213 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the primary and post-primary schools in Clane, County Kildare which have sought or are seeking extensions, upgrading or provision of new or alternative facilities on existing or alternative sites in the past five years; when the request for such facilities was first made; the extent to which provision has been made to date; the nature of the current accommodation, where provision has not yet been made; when she expects to be in a position to meet outstanding requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24024/10]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:214 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the primary and post-primary schools in Celbridge, County Kildare which have sought or are seeking extensions, upgrading or provision of new or alternative facilities on existing or alternative sites in the past five years; when the request for such facilities was first made; the extent to which provision has been made to date; the nature of the current accommodation, where provision has not yet been made; when she expects to be in a position to meet outstanding requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24025/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 206, 207, 209, and 212 to 214, inclusive, together.
Information in respect of the current school building programme, along with all assessed applications for major capital works and the status of these applications, is available on my Department's website at www.education.ie. However, for the convenience of the Deputy, I am attaching two lists which set out details of school building projects for County Kildare, including the specific areas mentioned by the Deputy.
List A details applications for major capital works from primary and post primary schools in Kildare which are currently at application stage.
List B contains details of building projects in Kildare that are advancing under my Department's Capital Programme and which are at various stages of delivery.
Details of building projects delivered in Kildare schools over the past 5 years are also included.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including projects for the schools at application stage in Kildare, 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, due to the level of demand on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of these projects at this time.
It is open to any school to apply for temporary accommodation pending the delivery of a building project if it is needed.
|
County |
Roll No |
School Name |
Current Status |
Band Rating |
Project |
Application Date |
|
Kildare |
01821V |
S N Rath Mor, Naas |
Application |
Band 1 |
New School |
03/11/1999 |
|
Kildare |
06209J |
Athy Model School, Athy |
Design Team to be appointed |
Band 1 |
New School |
30/09/2005 |
|
Kildare |
11893G |
St Davids NS., Naas |
Application |
Band 2 |
New School |
24/02/2000 |
|
Kildare |
13328I |
Newbridge 2 N S |
Application |
Band 2 |
Extension/Refurbishment |
15/05/2008 |
|
Kildare |
13902O |
Hewetsons N S, Clane |
Application |
Band 2 |
Extension/Refurb |
13/02/2001 |
|
Kildare |
15040T |
Mercy Convent NS, Naas |
Design Team to be appointed |
Band 1 |
Extension/Refurb |
01/10/2004 |
|
Kildare |
15599D |
St Brigids Primary School Kildare Town (Kildare) |
Application |
Band 3 |
Extension/Refurb |
21/10/1999 |
|
Kildare |
15769C |
Monasterevan Convent, Monasterevan |
Application |
Band 3 |
Extension/Refurb |
17/04/2000 |
|
Kildare |
15870O |
Scoil Chonnla Phadraig, Newbridge |
Application |
Band 2 |
Extension/Refurb |
07/02/2001 |
|
Kildare |
15957D |
St Patrick’s Boys NS, Rathangan |
Design Team to be appointed |
Band 2 |
Extension/Refurb |
01/04/1999 |
|
Kildare |
16302F |
St Brigids N S, Ballysax |
Application |
Band 2 |
Extension/Refurb |
17/05/2005 |
|
Kildare |
16706G |
St Josephs BNS, Kilcock |
Application |
Band 2 |
Extension/Refurb |
24/06/2002 |
|
Kildare |
16707I |
Scoil Naisiunta Naomh Pheadar, Monasterevan |
Application |
Band 2 |
New School |
24/11/1999 |
|
Kildare |
16817P |
Brannoxtown N S, Brannockstown |
Application |
Band 2 |
New School |
21/05/2001 |
|
Kildare |
16845U |
Rathcoffey N S, Rathcoffey |
Application |
Band 2 |
Extension/Refurb |
01/10/2004 |
|
Kildare |
17254C |
St Corban’s Primary School, Naas |
Design Team to be appointed |
Band 1 |
Extension/Refurb |
07/06/2000 |
|
Kildare |
17341U |
Maynooth Boys’ NS |
Design Team to be appointed |
Band 1 |
Extension/Refurb |
01/11/2006 |
|
Kildare |
17650K |
Scoil Ide Naofa, Kilmead |
Application |
Band 2 |
Extension/Refurb |
04/06/2009 |
|
Kildare |
17872F |
St Conleths And Marys N S, Newbridge |
Application |
Band 2 |
Extension/Refurb |
03/10/2001 |
|
County |
Roll No |
School Name |
Current Status |
Band Rating |
Project |
Application Date |
|
Kildare |
17873H |
S N Connlaodh Naofa N, Newbridge |
Application |
Band 2 |
Extension/Refurb |
13/02/2007 |
|
Kildare |
17931S |
S N Brighde, Ticknevin |
Application |
Band 2 |
Extension/Refurb |
24/06/1999 |
|
Kildare |
17968S |
Ursaille Naofa Teach, An Da Mhile |
Application |
Band 2 |
New School |
21/10/1999 |
|
Kildare |
18063A |
S N Naomh Lorcain, Levitstown |
Application |
Band 3 |
Extension/Refurb |
27/07/2001 |
|
Kildare |
18093J |
S N Cloch Rinnce Cloch Rinnce (Kildare) |
Application |
Band 1 |
Extension/Refurb |
13/11/2006 |
|
Kildare |
18096P |
Cross And Passion College Kilcullen (Kildare) |
Application |
Band 2 |
Extension/refurb |
05/12/2007 |
|
Kildare |
18130M |
St Patricks NS, Johnstownbridge |
Application |
Band 2 |
Extension/Refurb |
01/10/2004 |
|
Kildare |
18288B |
Scoil Mhichil Naofa, Athy |
Application |
Band 2 |
Extension/Refurb |
20/04/2001 |
|
Kildare |
18430B |
S N Baile, Robertstown, |
Application |
Band 2 |
Extension/Refurbishment |
16/04/2008 |
|
Kildare |
18445O |
S N Scoil Treasa, Kilshanroe |
Application |
Band 2 |
Extension/Refurb |
14/09/2006 |
|
Kildare |
18449W |
St Conleths N S, Derrinturn |
Application |
Band 3 |
Extension/Refurb |
20/03/2002 |
|
Kildare |
18644U |
Straffan N S, Straffan |
Application |
Band 1 |
Extension/Refurb |
03/05/2006 |
|
Kildare |
18650P |
Newtown NS, Enfield |
Application |
Band 2 |
Extension/Refurb |
01/10/2004 |
|
Kildare |
18666H |
Tiremohan National School, Donadea, Naas |
Application |
Band 1 |
Extension/Refurb |
02/12/1999 |
|
Kildare |
19675N |
St Brigids N S, Kilcullen |
Application |
Band 1 |
Special Needs |
21/05/2001 |
|
County |
Roll No |
School Name |
Current Status |
Band Rating |
Project |
Application Date |
|
Kildare |
19794V |
Scoil Mochua, Aghards, Celbridge |
Application |
Band 1 |
Extension/Refurb |
12/06/2008 |
|
Kildare |
19797E |
Scoil Naisiunta Bhride Prosperous Road, |
Application |
Band 1 |
Extension/Refurb |
30/04/2007 |
|
Kildare |
20257C |
Sc Naomh Padraig, Celbridge |
Design Team to be appointed |
Band 1 |
New School |
18/10/2007 |
|
Kildare |
61681V |
Patrician Secondary School, Newbridge |
Application |
Band 2 |
Extension |
31/10/2008 |
|
Kildare |
61690W |
Cross And Passion College Kilcullen (Kildare) |
Application |
Band 2 |
Extension/Refurb |
21/10/2002 |
|
Kildare |
70660O |
Curragh Post-Primary School Mcswiney Road, Curragh |
Application |
Band 2 |
New School |
09/07/1999 |
|
Kildare |
70670R |
Colaiste Lorcain, Castledermot |
Application |
Band 2 |
Extension/Refurb |
26/05/1999 |
|
Kildare |
70680U |
St. Conleths Vocational School, Newbridge |
Design Team to be appointed |
Band 1 |
Extension/Refurb |
15/10/1999 |
|
Kildare |
70710D |
St Patrick’S Community College, Naas |
Application |
Band 2 |
New School |
23/06/2004 |
|
Kildare |
91371B |
Leixlip Community School, Celbridge Road |
Application |
Band 1 |
Extension/Refurb |
30/10/2007 |
|
Roll No. |
School Name |
Status |
Application For |
Application Date |
|
09414C |
St Laurence’s NS, Crookstown |
In early Architectural Planning |
New School |
18/10/2000 |
|
16705E |
Scoil Pádraig Naofa, St John’s Lane, Athy, Co Kildare — Phase 2 |
Awaiting Design Team Appointment |
Major extension |
28/03/2001 |
|
18018S |
Bunscoil Bhride NS Rathangan |
In advanced Architectural Planning |
Extension/Refurbishment |
26/11/2002 |
|
18988G |
St Raphael’s Special Sch, Celbridge, Co Kidare |
In early Architectural Planning |
New School |
26/10/1999 |
|
19277B |
St Anne’s Special School, The Curragh |
Awaiting Design Team Appointment |
Extension/refurbishment |
22/05/2002 |
|
19796C |
St Patrick’s Boys NS, Clane |
Awaiting Design Team Appointment |
Extension/refurbishment |
09/06/2005 |
|
20192A |
Scoil Átha Í, Athy |
Awaiting Design Team Appointment |
Extension |
01/05/2007 |
|
20271T |
Scoil na Naomh Uilig, Phase 2 Rickardstown, Newbridge, Co Kildare |
Awaiting Design Team Appointment |
Major extension |
12/06/2007 |
|
70700A |
Maynooth Post-Primary School, Moyglare Road, Maynooth |
Awaiting Design Team Appointment |
Extension/refurbishment |
03/07/2007 |
|
17064U |
Scoil Phadraig, Ballylinan, Athy |
Progressing to Tender |
New School |
25/05/2000 |
|
20114D |
Scoil Brid, Naas |
Progressing to Tender |
Extension/refurbishment |
22/01/2008 |
|
11976K |
Scoil Choca Naofa, Kilcock, Co. Kildare |
Tender Stage — Progressing to Construction |
Extension/refurbishment |
23/12/1999 |
|
17674B |
SN Aine Naofa, Ard Cloc, Straffan |
Tender Stage — Progressing to Construction |
New School |
13/09/2009 |
|
20058T |
Sc Uí Fhiach, Maynooth |
Tender Stage — Progressing to Construction |
New School |
01/10/2000 |
|
13350A |
Scoil Bhride, Athgarvan |
In Construction |
Extension/refurbishment |
19/06/1997 |
|
16345A |
Scoil Bhride, Nurney, Co. Kildare |
In Construction |
New School |
28/07/1999 |
|
17662R |
Scoil Bhride Kill NS |
In Construction |
New School |
04/11/1999 |
|
18654A |
Caragh NS, Naas |
In Construction |
Extension/refurbishment |
09/09/1999 |
|
61710C |
Meánscoil Iognáid Ris, Naas |
In Construction |
Extension/refurbishment |
09/07/1999 |
|
Roll No. |
School |
Completion Year |
|
20271T |
Scoil na Naomh Uilig, Rickardstown, Newbridge (Phase I) |
2010 |
|
00779U |
Presentation Convent, Maynooth |
2010 |
|
70650L |
Athy Community College (St. Bridgets Post Primary School) |
2010 |
|
20177E |
Newbridge Educate Together |
2009 |
|
20023A |
Gaelscoil Chill Dara |
2009 |
|
20159C |
Gaelscoil Nas Na Riogh — Piper’s Hill |
2009 |
|
20192A |
Scoil Atha Í, Athy (Athy B) |
2009 |
|
08099P |
St Laurence’s NS, Sallins |
2008 |
|
16705E |
Athy |
2008 |
|
19786W |
Castledermot Mixed NS |
2008 |
|
20159C |
Gaelscoil Nas na Riogh, Naas |
2008 |
|
20257C |
Scoil Naomh Padraig, Celbridge |
2008 |
|
20292E |
Maynooth Educate Together |
2008 |
|
13328I |
St. Patrick’s NS, Newbridge, Co. Kildare |
2007 |
|
19897I |
Scoil Uí Riada Kilcock |
2007 |
|
61630E |
Scoil Eoin/Mhuire |
2007 |
|
61680T |
Newbridge College |
2007 |
|
70700P |
Maynooth Post Primary School |
2007 |
|
70720G |
St Farnan’s Post Primary School Prosperous |
2007 |
|
15456E |
Ballyshannon NS, Ballyshannon, Kilcullen, Co Kildare |
2006 |
|
16777G |
SN Naomh Mhuire, Donadea, Naas |
2006 |
|
18093J |
SN Cloch Rinnce, Cloch rinnce, Magh Bhealaigh |
2006 |
|
18430B |
SN Baile Roibeaird, Baile Riobearid, Nas na Rí |
2006 |
|
18515J |
Prosperous N.S., Naas |
2006 |
|
20114D |
Scoil Brid, Naas |
2006 |
|
70730J |
Ard Scoil Rath Iomgháin Rathangan |
2006 |
|
01821V |
SN Rath Mor, Naas |
2005 |
|
08099P |
Sallins N.S. |
2005 |
|
18551N |
Scoil an Mainistreac, Celbridge |
2005 |
|
19794V |
Aghards N.S., Celbridge |
2005 |
|
61710C |
Meanscoil Iognaid Ris, Naas |
2005 |
|
61730I |
Coláiste Naomh Mhuire, Naas |
2005 |
Question No. 208 answered with Question No. 196.
Question No. 209 answered with Question No. 206.
Higher Education Grants
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:210 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 2010; the number outstanding from previous years; her plans 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. [24021/10]
The following table 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.
I am very conscious of the difficulties created both for grant awarding authorities and for individual students following the unprecedented surge in student grant applications in 2009. Therefore, I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I have prioritised a range of initiatives to facilitate speedier processing of grant applications in 2010.
This includes the introduction of a new, greatly simplified, application form and explanatory notes, which were made available on the studentfinance.ie website in recent weeks, considerably ahead of last year's timeframe. In addition, I published the grant schemes for 2010 last week, some months ahead of the publication date last year.
My Department is currently working closely with the VECs and local authorities to advance development of a scaleable on-line application facility for which tenders have already been sought. My Department is also examining the possibilities for a further roll-out of payments to students by way of electronic funds transfer which proved very successful in the pilot phase in 2009/10.
The issue of cash flow for grant awarding authorities has also been addressed by my Department through the introduction of an advance payment arrangement.
Taken together, I am hopeful that all of these measures should serve to assist awarding authorities in the earlier and more efficient processing of student grants this year.
|
VEC |
Number of applications outstanding as of 28/5/10 |
|
Carlow |
1 |
|
Cavan |
4 |
|
Clare |
95 |
|
Cork City |
32 |
|
Cork County |
550 |
|
Donegal |
18 |
|
Dublin County VEC |
404 |
|
Dublin City |
415 |
|
Dun Laoghaire |
5 |
|
Galway County VEC |
25 |
|
City of Galway VEC |
17 |
|
Kerry |
44 |
|
Kildare |
0 |
|
Kilkenny |
82 |
|
Laois |
69 |
|
Leitrim |
23 |
|
Limerick City |
6 |
|
Limerick County |
84 |
|
Longford |
10 |
|
Louth |
5 |
|
Mayo |
71 |
|
Meath |
2 |
|
Monaghan |
77 |
|
Offaly |
0 |
|
Roscommon |
1 |
|
Sligo |
15 |
|
Tipperary NR |
0 |
|
Tipperary SR |
0 |
|
Waterford City |
10 |
|
Waterford County |
74 |
|
Westmeath |
97 |
|
Wexford |
0 |
|
Wicklow VEC |
4 |
|
Total |
2,240 |
|
Local Authority |
Number of applications outstanding as of 28/5/10 |
|
Carlow |
1 |
|
Cavan |
37 |
|
Clare |
110 |
|
Cork City |
1 |
|
Cork Co |
42 |
|
Donegal |
0 |
|
Dublin City |
73 |
|
Dun Laoghaire |
0 |
|
Fingal Co Co |
4 |
|
Dublin South Co Co |
1 |
|
Galway Co |
209 |
|
Kerry |
0 |
|
Kildare |
3 |
|
Kilkenny |
0 |
|
Laois |
0 |
|
Leitrim |
10 |
|
Limerick City |
21 |
|
Limerick Co |
0 |
|
Longford |
12 |
|
Louth |
2 |
|
Mayo |
1 |
|
Meath |
8 |
|
Monaghan |
8 |
|
Offaly |
17 |
|
Roscommon |
15 |
|
Sligo |
23 |
|
Tipperary NR |
38 |
|
Tipperary SR |
1 |
|
Waterford City |
0 |
|
Waterford Co |
10 |
|
Westmeath |
11 |
|
Wexford |
0 |
|
Wicklow |
0 |
|
Total |
658 |
Question No. 211 answered with Question No. 195.
Questions Nos. 212 to 214, inclusive, answered with Question No. 206.
Bullying in Schools
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:215 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 or of which she and/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 and to date this year, the procedures put in place in each case by way of follow up; the degree to which steps 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. [24026/10]
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 who employ the teachers at the school. Whereas as 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 May 2010 a total of 222 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 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.
Schools Building Projects
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:216 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which she expects to meet requests as set out within the school building programme in the current year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24027/10]
Full details of my Department's Capital Programme are available on my Department's website, www.education.ie. This includes details of:
Projects on site or progressing to tender and construction in 2009/10;
Projects in Architectural Planning; and
Applications for Major Capital Works.
Information presented on the website is updated periodically. Details of how large scale projects are prioritised for progression are also published on the website. The Deputy will also be aware that, in February, my predecessor announced a major programme of additional projects to progress to tender and construction. The tabular statement includes details in respect of those projects.
|
County |
Roll No. |
School Name |
Project |
|
Cork |
17609N |
Rathcormac NS, Rathcormac |
New school |
|
Cork |
17667E |
SN Pádraig Naofa, Whitechurch |
Extension/refurbishment |
|
Cork |
81008W |
Ashton Comprehensive School, Blackrock Road |
New school |
|
Donegal |
18052S |
Scoil Mhuire gan Smál, Letterkenny |
Extension/refurbishment |
|
Donegal |
19971R |
Gaelscoil Adhamhnain, Letterkenny |
Extension/refurbishment |
|
Donegal |
16672P |
St Patrick’s Primary School, Lurgybrack |
Extension/refurbishment |
|
Dublin |
19474D & 19742C |
St Colmcille’s Junior and Senior NS, Knocklyon, Templeogue, Dublin 16 |
New school |
|
Dublin |
19878E |
Ballycragh NS, Ballycragh, Firhouse, Tallaght, Dublin 24 |
New school |
|
Dublin |
76062B |
Castleknock Community College, Carpenterstown Road, Castleknock, Dulbin 15 |
Extension/refurbishment |
|
Dublin |
00697S |
St. Brigid’s NS, Castleknock |
Extension/refurbishment |
|
Dublin |
18451J |
Scoil Lorcain, Eaton Square, Monkstown |
Extension/refurbishment |
|
Galway |
19795A |
Tirellan Heights NS, Headford Road, Galway |
Extension/refurbishment |
|
Galway |
20199O |
Oughterard NS, Oughterard |
New school |
|
Galway |
08512U |
Iomair NS, Killimor |
New school |
|
Galway |
12706J |
SN Sailearna, Indreabhán |
Extension/refurbishment |
|
Kerry |
20197K |
Kenmare NS, Kenmare |
New school |
|
Kildare |
17064U |
Scoil Pádraig, Ballylinan, Athy |
New school |
|
Laois |
17671M |
Scoil Chomhgain Naofa, Killeshin |
Extension/refurbishment |
|
Limerick |
64240G |
St Munchin’s College, Limerick City |
Extension/refurbishment |
|
Louth |
63920A |
Dundalk Grammar School, The Crescent |
Extension/refurbishment |
|
Mayo |
20142I |
Scoil Íosa, Ballyhaunis |
Extension/refurbishment |
|
Sligo |
19495L |
Carbury NS, The Mall |
New school |
|
Tipperary |
72370P |
Borrisokane VS, Tipperary |
Extension/refurbishment |
|
Tipperary |
65470F |
Ursuline Convent, Thurles |
Extension/refurbishment |
|
Tipperary |
65240L |
Scoil Mhuire Presentation Secondary School, Thurles |
Extension/refurbishment |
|
Wexford |
17017L |
SN Phádraig, Crossabeg |
Extension/refurbishment |
|
Wicklow |
19522L |
St Catherine’s Secondary School, Newcastle |
New school |
|
County |
Roll No. |
School Name |
Project |
|
Carlow |
17501Q |
Bennykerry NS, Bennykerry |
New school |
|
Cork |
62690E |
Scoil Mhuire, 2 Sydney Place, Wellington Road |
Extension/refurbishment |
|
Cork |
18279A |
St Mary’s NS, Waterpark, Carrigaline |
Extension/refurbishment |
|
Cork |
13450F |
Rushbrook NS, Cobh |
New school |
|
Donegal |
18219F |
SN Chonaill, Machaire Chlochair, Bun Beag |
Extension/refurbishment |
|
Dublin |
60860Q |
Our Lady’s School, Templeogue |
Extension/refurbishment |
|
Dublin |
19006Q and 17936F |
Eoin Baisde B Sois and Eoin Baisde Snr, Clontarf |
Extension/refurbishment |
|
Dublin |
19374W |
Garran Mhuire, Goatstown, Dublin 14 |
New school |
|
Galway |
19506N |
Cappataggle Central School, Ballinasloe |
Extension/refurbishment |
|
Kerry |
61440W |
St Mary’s CBS Tralee |
Extension/refurbishment |
|
Kerry |
17646T |
SN Uaimh Bhreanainn, Kenmare |
Extension/refurbishment |
|
Kilkenny |
61580P |
Loreto Secondary School, Granges Road |
Extension/refurbishment |
|
Laois |
14260F |
Abbeyleix Sth NS, Abbeyleix |
New school |
|
Laois |
20071L |
Scoil Bhríde, Rathdowney |
Extension/refurbishment |
|
Limerick |
18991S |
JFK Memorial School, Ennis Rd |
New school |
|
Longford |
20128O |
St Matthew’s Mixed NS, Ballymahon |
Extension/refurbishment |
|
Meath |
17213L |
SN Mhuire, Ma Nealta, Ceannanus Mór |
New school |
|
Offaly |
17637S |
SN Sheosaimh Naofa, Beal Atha na gCarr, Tullamore |
New school |
|
Offaly |
18267Q |
Croinchoill NS, Birr |
Extension/refurbishment |
|
Sligo |
65170Q |
Summerhill College, Sligo |
New school |
|
Tipperary |
72440K |
Nenagh VS, Nenagh |
Extension/refurbishment |
|
Waterford |
64970U |
Presentation Secondary School, Waterford City |
New school |
|
Westmeath |
63290Q |
Loreto College, Mullingar |
Extension/refurbishment |
|
Wicklow |
20016D |
Gaelscoil UÍ Cheadaigh, Bray |
Extension/refurbishment |
|
Wicklow |
09760V |
Powerscourt NS, Powerscourt, Enniskerry |
New school |
Question No. 217 answered with Question No. 195.
Special Educational Needs
Noel Ahern
Question:218 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 231 of 13 May 2010 and previous parliamentary questions relating to a person (details supplied) in need of home tuition, if the offer of five hours per week can be increased; the reason ten or 20 hours were not approved; if assessment and the need of this person have been taken into account; if the approval date can be backdated; and if an analysis of hours granted can be given to detail the number of pupils and the percentage that have five hours, 10 hours and 20 hours per week. [24033/10]
The Deputy will be aware that the home tuition scheme provides funding to parents to provide education at home for children who, for a number of reasons such as chronic illness, are unable to attend school. The scheme was extended in recent years to facilitate tuition for children awaiting a suitable educational placement and also to provide early educational intervention for preschool children with autism.
The maximum allocation for children eligible for tuition where their medical condition impacts their ability to attend school is 10 hours per week and the allocation is based on attendance levels. The application for home tuition for the child in question was made in this context on 17th May 2010 and approval was granted on 24th May 2010. There is no facility to sanction tuition retrospectively. I have arranged for the statistics on the scheme requested by the Deputy to be forwarded to him.
Literacy Levels
Róisín Shortall
Question:219 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 256 of 26 May 2010, and in view of the success of the demonstration library programme addressing literacy difficulties, if she will give a commitment to renew the contracts of the existing 30 librarians who are critical to the success of this project. [24058/10]
My Department funds four maintenance grant schemes for third level and further education students which are administered by the Local Authorities and the Vocational Education Committees. The Higher Education Grant Scheme operates under the Local Authorities (Higher Education Grants) Acts, 1968 to 1992. Students who are entering approved courses for the first time are eligible for maintenance grants where they satisfy the relevant conditions as to age, residence, means and nationality.
The Third Level maintenance grant schemes were extended to provide maintenance grants to eligible students pursuing approved full-time undergraduate courses of at least two years duration (pursued in a university or a third level institution which is maintained or assisted by recurrent grants from public funds) in other EU Member States with effect from the 1996/97 academic year. The extension of the Schemes at that time did not include courses at postgraduate level within EU or to undergraduate courses outside the EU and, accordingly, there is no grant aid available under my Department's student grant schemes for students pursuing studies outside of the EU.
Higher Education Grants
Finian McGrath
Question:220 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will advise and support a matter (details supplied). [24060/10]
My Department funds four maintenance grant schemes for third level and further education students which are administered by the Local Authorities and the Vocational Education Committees. The Higher Education Grant Scheme operates under the Local Authorities (Higher Education Grants) Acts, 1968 to 1992. Students who are entering approved courses for the first time are eligible for maintenance grants where they satisfy the relevant conditions as to age, residence, means and nationality.
The Third Level maintenance grant schemes were extended to provide maintenance grants to eligible students pursuing approved full-time undergraduate courses of at least two years duration (pursued in a university or a third level institution which is maintained or assisted by recurrent grants from public funds) in other EU Member States with effect from the 1996/97 academic year. The extension of the Schemes at that time did not include courses at postgraduate level within EU or to undergraduate courses outside the EU and, accordingly, there is no grant aid available under my Department's student grant schemes for students pursuing studies outside of the EU.
Schools Building Projects
Frank Feighan
Question:221 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide an update on the provision of new community school in Ballinamore, County Leitrim; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24066/10]
The new post primary school at Ballinamore, County Leitrim, is one of eight schools which were approved for inclusion in the 3rd Bundle of schools to be procured via Public Private Partnership. This bundle is in the pre procurement stage. Detailed output specifications and Public Sector Benchmark (PSB) are being finalised and outline planning permission has been received in respect of the eight schools. Following completion of the pre procurement process, the Bundle will be ready for hand-over to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) for procurement. The indicative timeframe for the delivery of a PPP school currently stands at approximately 4 years from the date the Bundle is announced.
Higher Education Grants
Noel Ahern
Question:222 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will clarify the position regarding a person (details supplied) in County Limerick and outline the financial assistance which will be available to them in respect of the 2010-11 academic year. [24069/10]
The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the relevant assessing authority, i.e. the applicant's local authority or VEC. An applicant may appeal the decision to the relevant local authority or VEC. Where the assessing authority decides to reject the appeal, the applicant may appeal this decision to my Department by submitting an appeal form outlining clearly the grounds for the appeal. No appeal has been received by my Department to date from the candidate referred to by the Deputy.
The candidate referred to by the Deputy should apply to his local VEC to establish his entitlement to maintenance grant for 2010/2011 academic year.
School Transport
Charlie O'Connor
Question:223 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will make contact with a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24 in respect of its concerns that the transport service for pupils from the Traveller community may be withdrawn; if she will give assurances in relation to this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24073/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that the exceptional school transport arrangements, which heretofore have been made available to Traveller children only, have been reviewed in line with the Report and Recommendations contained in the Traveller Education Strategy published in 2006. This Strategy was finalised following a comprehensive consultative process and was overseen by a group which included representation from three national Traveller organisations. The strategy recommended that both primary and post primary Traveller children should use the mainstream school transport scheme in operation at present. Only in exceptional circumstances, based on special needs, should special transport be provided as a positive action measure.
I would emphasise that, in order to provide as much lead in and communication time as possible, my officials set out the Department's intentions on this recommendation and the proposed phasing in of this recommendation at the Traveller Education Strategy Advisory and Consultative Forum in November 2009 and January 2010. Letters were subsequently issued to all schools with exceptional transport arrangements in February 2010 and the Society of St Vincent de Paul which was involved in the organisation of some services. In addition, the Visiting Teachers for Travellers were provided with detailed briefing on the proposed changes to support their communication work with schools and parents.
These changes will mean for all schools involved, including the school referred to by the Deputy, that:
From the commencement of the 2010/2011 school year, the general terms of the school transport scheme are being implemented for Traveller pupils newly entering primary and post primary level, including siblings of the current group;
The current exceptional arrangements for a number of children already attending primary and post primary schools who do not meet the distance criteria will cease at the beginning of the 2010/2011 school year;
All children who meet the distance criteria will continue to be transported to their school of attendance (and this may not be their nearest school) until they complete their schooling at that school;
Transport Services will be retained where there are four eligible children, which is three less than is generally applied;
In cases where the minimum number of four is not met and these children cannot be facilitated on other services, these children will be eligible for a school transport grant, given that they meet the distance criteria;
Visiting Teachers for Travellers (VTTs) may also identify on an exceptional basis the minimal number of cases where unique school transport arrangements may be required and an application form has been devised for this purpose.
Bus Éireann, which operates the general school transport scheme on behalf of the Department, will in future manage all school transport arrangements for Traveller children. Bus Éireann is currently assessing the eligibility of the Traveller children identified in terms of the distance criteria and this process will determine the number of children involved.
The Visiting Teachers for Travellers have been requested to compile evidence on any adverse effects on school attendance in the normal course of their work and will report to the Department's Traveller Implementation Group.