Wednesday, 16 Jan 2013

Written Answers Nos. 264-287

Schools Building Projects Status

Questions (264)

Noel Grealish

Question:

264. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools approved to go to construction in 2010, 2011 and 2012; the number of schools approved building extensions in 2010, 2011 and 2012; the number of each of these projects that have gone to consolidation over payment and the number of projects gone to arbitration over payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58158/12]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The number of schools which had major projects that commenced construction in 2010, 2011 and 2012 was 45, 65 and 39 respectively. All of these projects progressed under the new Public Works Contract(s). This form of contract includes a clause to allow the contracting parties (i.e. the Contractor or the Employer) to refer disputes to Conciliation and if necessary to Arbitration. Three of these projects were referred to conciliation. One of which was subsequently withdrawn from conciliation. To date none of these projects have been referred to arbitration. For the Deputy's convenience I have attached details of the projects.

Schools gone to conciliation or arbitration from 2010-2012

County	Roll	School Name & Address	Brief	Column1
Carlow	18363M	SN Muire gan Smal, Green Lane	Extension/Refurbishment
Cavan	06998Q	SN Tulach a Mhile, Corlough	New School
Cavan	61060M	St Patrick's College, Cavan, Co. Cavan	New School
Cork	20105C	Star of the Sea Primary School, Passage West	New School
Donegal	18219F	SN Chonaill, Machaire Chlochair, Bun Beag	Extension/Refurbishment
Donegal	71240U	Stranorlar Vocational School (Finn Valley College)	New School
Donegal	91409A	Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair, Derrybeg, Letterkenny	Extension/Refurbishment
Dublin City	16964F	Scoil Mhuire Ogh 1, Loreto College, Crumlin Rd, Dublin 12	Extension/Refurbishment
Dublin City	20139T	Inchicore NS, Sarsfield Road, Dublin 10	Extension/Refurbishment
Dublin Fingal	19898K	Gaelscoil an Duinnigh, Feltrim, Swords	New School
Dublin Fingal	20095C	Gaelscoil Bhrian Bóroimhe (see also 20145O)	New School
Dublin Fingal	20145O	Swords Educate Together NS (see also 20095C)	New School
Dublin Fingal	60010P	Loreto Secondary School, Balbriggan	Extension/Refurbishment
Dublin Fingal	76104O	Donabate Community College	New School
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown	60860Q	Our Lady's School, Templeogue Road, Terenure, Dublin 6W	Extension/Refurbishment
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown	70030E	Senior College, Dún Laoghaire, Eblana Avenue, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin	Extension/Refurbishment
Galway City	62970K	Coláiste Iognáid SJ Bothar na Mara	Extension/Refurbishment
Kerry	20196I	Ballybunion NS	New School
Kildare	11976K	Scoil Choca Naofa, Kilcock, Co. Kildare	Extension/Refurbishment
Kildare	13350A	Scoil Bhride, Athgarvan	Extension/Refurbishment
Kildare	16345A	Scoil Bhride, Nurney, Co. Kildare	New School
Kildare	17662R	Scoil Bhride NS, Kill	New School
Kildare	17674B	SN Aine Naofa, Ard Cloc, Straffan	New School	Referred to Conciliation
Kildare	18654A	Caragh NS, Naas	Extension/Refurbishment
Kildare	20058T	Sc Ua Fhiach, Maynooth	New School
Kilkenny	15160G	Marymount N.S., The Rower, Inistioge	Extension/Refurbishment
Laois	14260F	Abbeyleix Sth NS, Abbeyleix	New School
Limerick	13026P	Kilfinane National School	New School
Limerick City	18991S	JFK Memorial School, Ennis Road	New School
Longford	71690F	Ballymahon Vocational School	Extension/Refurbishment
Louth	18069M	Naomh Seosamh, Mell, Drogheda	New School
Louth	20205G	St Mary's Parish School, Drogheda	Extension/Refurbishment
Mayo	20046M	Gaelscoil Na Cruaiche, Cathair na Mart, Co. Mayo	New School
Meath	19253K	Scoil Naomh Barra, Wilkinstown	Extension/Refurbishment
Meath	20180Q	Scoil Eoin National School, Navan	New School
Monaghan	18028V	Corr a Chrainn NS, Corr a Chrainn	Extension/Refurbishment
Offaly	17637S	SN Sheosaimh Naofa, Béal Átha na gCarr, Tullamore	New School
Offaly	65610S	Colaiste Choilm, O'Moore Street, Tullamore, Co Offaly	New School
Roscommon	65100S	Scoil Mhuire, Strokestown, Co Roscommon	Extension/Refurbishment
Waterford	19629G	Holy Cross School, Ballycarnane, Tramore	New School
Waterford	20076V	Bunscoil Bhothar na Naomh, Lismore	Extension/Refurbishment
Wexford	71630K	Vocational College, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford	Extension/Refurbishment
Wicklow	10111O	Lacken National School, Lacken, Blessington, Co Wicklow	New School
Wicklow	20016D	Gaelscoil Ua Cheadaigh, Bray	Extension/Refurbishment
Wicklow	61800D	Presentation College, Bray	New School
Total			45

County	Roll	School Name & Address	Brief	Column1
Carlow	17127S	St. Joseph's NS, Hacketstown	Extension/Refurbishment
Carlow	17501Q	Bennekerry NS, Bennykerry	New School
Cork	13450F	Rushbrooke NS, Cobh	New School
Cork	16746S	Ballygarvan NS	New School
Cork	17667E	SN Pádraig Naofa, Whitechurch	Extension/Refurbishment
Cork	18279A	St. Mary's NS, Waterpark, Carrigaline	Extension/Refurbishment
Donegal	18052S	Scoil Mhuire gan Smal, Letterkenny	Extension/Refurbishment
Dublin City	17936F	Scoil Eoin Baisde Snr, Clontarf (see also 19006Q)	Extension/Refurbishment
Dublin City	19006Q	Scoil Eoin Baisde B Sois, Clontarf (see also 17936F)	Extension/Refurbishment
Dublin City	19373U	St. Michael's House Special School, Kish House, Greendale Road, Kilbarrack, Dublin 5	Extension/Refurbishment
Dublin City	60450U	Coláiste Mhuire, CID campus, Cabra, Dublin 7	New School
Dublin Fingal	00697S	St. Brigid's NS, Castleknock, Dublin 15	Extension/Refurbishment
Dublin Fingal	15315J	St. George's NS, Naul Road, Balbriggan, Dublin 15	Extension/Refurbishment
Dublin Fingal	20161M	Donabate\Portrane Educate Together	New School
Dublin Fingal	20201V	Tyrrelstown Educate Together	New School
Dublin Fingal	20252P	GS Bhaile Brigán, Castlelands, Balbriggan (See also 20282B)	Extension/Refurbishment
Dublin Fingal	20282B	Bracken Educate Together, Castlelands, Balbriggan (See also 20252P)	Extension/Refurbishment
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown	19374W	Garran Mhuire, Goatstown, Dublin 14	Extension/Refurbishment
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown	19474D	St. Colmcille's Junior NS, Knocklyon, Templeogue, Dublin 16 (Linked to 19742C)	New School
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown	19742C	St. Colmcille's Senior NS, Knocklyon, Templeogue, Dublin 16 (Linked to 19474D)	New School
Galway	08512U	Iomair NS, Killimor	New School
Galway	19506N	Cappataggle Central School, Ballinasloe	Extension/Refurbishment
Galway City	19858V	Gaelscoil Dara, Galway City	New School
Kerry	17646T	O'Brennan NS, Kielduff, Tralee	New School
Kerry	20197K	Kenmare NS, Kenmare	New School
Kerry	61440W	St Mary's CBS, Tralee	Extension\refurbishment
Kildare	06209J	Athy Model NS (See also 16705E and 20192A)	Extension/Refurbishment
Kildare	16705E	Scoil Phadraig Naofa, Athy (See also 06209J and 20192A)	New School
Kildare	18018S	Scoil Bhride NS, Rathangan	Extension/Refurbishment
Kildare	20114D	Scoil Brid, Naas	Extension/Refurbishment
Kildare	20192A	Scoil Átha Í, Athy (See also 06209J and 16705E)	Extension/Refurbishment
Kildare	20271T	Scoil na Naomh Uilig, Rickardstown, Newbridge (Phase II)	Extension/Refurbishment
Kilkenny	61580P	Loreto Secondary School, Granges Road	Extension/Refurbishment
Laois	07442U	Convent of Mercy NS, Borris in Ossory	New School
Laois	17617M	Scoil Chomhgain Naofa, Killeshin	New School
Laois	20071L	Scoil Bhríde, Rathdowney	Extension/Refurbishment
Limerick City	19587Q	St. Augustine's Youth Encounter Project	Extension/Refurbishment
Louth	20294I	Aston Village Educate Together, Drogheda	Extension/Refurbishment
Louth	20349H	Scoil Oilibheir Naofa, Drogheda	New School
Louth	63920A	Dundalk Grammar School, The Crescent	Extension/Refurbishment
Mayo	20142I	Scoil Aosa, Abbeyquarter, Ballyhaunis	Extension/Refurbishment
Meath	17213L	SN Mhuire, Ma Nealta, Ceannanas Mór	New School
Meath	17821L	Scoil Nais Mhuire Naofa, Enfield, Co Meath	New School
Meath	20215J	St. Paul's NS, Ratoath	New School
Meath	63870L	Drogheda Grammar School	Extension/Refurbishment
Meath	76103M	Colaiste Na hInse, Laytown	New School
Monaghan	19936P	Gaelscoil Ultain, Monaghan Town (Linked to 76091I and 76095Q)	New School
Monaghan	76091I	Gaelcholáiste Oiriall, Monaghan Town (Linked to 19936P and 76095Q)	New School
Monaghan	76095Q	Monaghan Institute of Further Education and Training (MIFET) - Linked to 19936P and 76091I)	New School
Offaly	18267Q	Croinchoill NS, Birr	Extension/Refurbishment
Roscommon	65100S	Scoil Mhuire, Strokestown, Co Roscommon	Extension/Refurbishment
Sligo	19495L	Carbury NS, The Mall	New School
Sligo	65170Q	Summerhill College, Sligo	New School
South Dublin	20274C	Esker ET, Adamstown, Lucan	Extension/Refurbishment
South Dublin	20303G	Lucan East Educate Together, Clonburris	Extension/Refurbishment
Tipperary NR	15696B	Silvermines National School	New School
Tipperary NR	65470F	Ursuline Convent, Thurles	Extension/Refurbishment
Tipperary NR	72370P	Borrisokane Community College, Tipperary	Extension/Refurbishment
Tipperary NR	72440K	Nenagh VS, Nenagh	Extension/Refurbishment
Tipperary SR	72430H	Scoil Ruaine Killenaule	Extension/Refurbishment
Waterford City	64970U	Coláiste na Maighdine, Presentation Secondary School, Waterford City	New School
Westmeath	63290Q	Loreto College, Mullingar	Extension/Refurbishment
Wexford	17017L	SN Phádraig, Crossabeg	Extension/Refurbishment
Wexford	76127D	Gorey Community College	New School
Wicklow	09760V	Powerscourt NS, Powerscourt, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow	New School	Referred to Conciliation
Total			65

County	Roll	School Name & Address	Brief	Column1
Cavan	18857O	Carraigabruise NS, Virginia	Extension/Refurbishment
Clare	15042A	Ennis NS	New School
Cork	17609N	Rathcormac NS, Rathcormac	New School
Cork	19839R	Gaelscoil Ua Riordáin, Ballincollig	New School	Referred to Conciliation but subsequently withdrawn
Cork City	62690E	Scoil Mhuire, 2 Sydney Place, Wellington Road	Extension/Refurbishment
Cork City	81008W	Ashton Comprehensive School, Blackrock Road	New School
Donegal	16672P	St. Patrick's NS, Lurgybrack	Extension/Refurbishment
Donegal	19971R	Gaelscoil Adhamanain, Letterkenny	New School
Dublin City	20139T	Inchicore NS, Sarsfield Road, Dublin 10	Extension/Refurbishment
Dublin Fingal	76213T	Lusk Community College	New School
Dublin Fingal	16675V	Mulhuddart National School	New School
Dublin Fingal	18046A	Scoil Bhride Boys NS, Blanchardstown (Linked to 18047C)	New School
Dublin Fingal	18047C	Scoil Bhride Girls NS, Blanchardstown (Linked to 18046A)	New School
Dublin Fingal	20241K	Scoil Choilm, Diswellstown,Porterstown (See also 76130P)	Extension/Refurbishment
Dublin Fingal	20269J	New 16cr school an enhanced community facility in Flemington, Balbriggan	New School
Dublin Fingal	20302E	Thornleigh Educate Together National School, Thornleigh Green, Swords	Extension/Refurbishment
Dublin Fingal	20307O	Skerries Educate Together NS, Kelly's Bay	Extension/Refurbishment
Dublin Fingal	20348F	Holywell ET, Swords	New School
Dublin Fingal	76130P	Luttrellstown CC (See also 20241K)	New School
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown	70030E	Senior College, Dún Laoghaire, Eblana Avenue, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin	Extension/Refurbishment
Galway	20199O	Scoil Náisiúnta Uachtar Árd, Oughterard	New School
Galway City	19795A	Tirellan Heights NS, Headford Road, Galway	Extension/Refurbishment
Galway City	62970K	Coláiste Iognáid SJ Bothar na Mara	Extension/Refurbishment
Kildare	17064U	Scoil Phadraig, Ballylinan, Athy	New School
Laois	14838N	Maryborough CoI NS (see also 20347D & 20081O)	New School
Laois	15556I	Portarlington Convent NS	Extension/Refurbishment
Laois	20081O	Gaelscoil Portlaoise (see also 20347D & 14838N)	New School
Laois	20347D	Portlaoise Educate Together (see also 20081O & 14838N)	New School
Limerick	13026P	Kilfinane National School	New School
Limerick City	64201T	Ardscoil Ris, North Circular Rd, Limerick	Extension/Refurbishment
Limerick City	64240G	St. Munchin's College, Limerick City	Extension/Refurbishment
Meath	76173K	Coláiste na Mí, Navan	New School
Meath	20179I	St. Stephen's NS, Navan	New School
Meath	71960I	Dunshaughlin CC	Extension/Refurbishment
South Dublin	19817H	St. Mary's NS, Airlie Heights, Woodlawn, Lucan	Extension/Refurbishment
South Dublin	19878E	Ballycragh NS, Ballycragh, Firhouse, Tallaght, Dublin 24	New School
South Dublin	20223I	Gaelscoil Eiscir Riada, Lucan	New School
Wexford	20057R	Gaelscoil Inis Corthaidh, Enniscorthy	New School
Wexford	20165U	Gaelscoil Mhiosolog, Gorey	Extension/Refurbishment
Total			39

Student Grant Scheme Payments

Questions (265)

Charles Flanagan

Question:

265. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will clarify the amount a student (details supplied) in County Laois will receive in their maintenance grant from Student Universal Support Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58164/12]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

Maintenance support is not available for students entering postgraduate courses in the academic year 2012/13.

Officials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) that issued a grant award letter to the student in question on 14 November 2011. His application was subsequently reviewed and a revised award letter issued providing him with revised grant details in postgraduate fee contribution of €2,000.

If the applicant considers that the grant awarded is not the correct one, he may appeal, in the first instance, to SUSI. The 30 day period provided for the submission of an appeal may be extended for a further period of 30 days if the appeals officer is satisfied that the person has given reasonable cause to so extend.

Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by SUSI, and remains of the view that SUSI has not interpreted the scheme correctly in his/her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to the Student Grant Appeals Board. The relevant appeal form will be available on request from SUSI.

The Student Assistance Fund will continue to be made available through the access offices of third-level institutions to assist students in exceptional financial need.

Site Acquisitions

Questions (266)

Andrew Doyle

Question:

266. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if a site has been identified yet; the time frame for construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58166/12]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department is working closely with the relevant Local Authority in relation to identifying and acquiring a suitable site for the provision of permanent accommodation for the school to which he has referred. Given the sensitivities associated with land acquisitions generally, I am not in a position to comment further at this point in time in relation to the site acquisition.

As the Deputy may be aware, the provision of a new school building for the school in question is included in the 5 Year School Building Programme that I announced in March 2012 as a major school project that will commence construction over the duration of the Programme.

Third Level Qualifications Data

Questions (267)

Arthur Spring

Question:

267. Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Education and Skills the percentage of persons aged between 20 and 40 who hold a third level qualification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58169/12]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

As per the results from the most recent 2011 census conducted by the Central Statistics Office, there are approximately 35.5% (427,498 of 1,203,174) of the population between the ages of 20 and 40 who hold a third level qualification of Ordinary Bachelor Degree or National diploma or higher.

Third Level Qualifications Data

Questions (268)

Arthur Spring

Question:

268. Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Education and Skills the percentage of people aged 15 years and over in County Kerry who hold a third level qualification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58170/12]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

As per the results from the most recent 2011 census conducted by the Central Statistics Office, just over 20,012 people from a population of 99,314 over the age of 15, or 20.2% held a third level qualification of Ordinary Bachelor Degree or National Diploma or higher in County Kerry.

School Accommodation

Questions (269)

Gerry Adams

Question:

269. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is a problem with the school building (details supplied) in County Louth, it is not appropriate for the numbers attending and there is a serious traffic management problem in close vicinity to the school; the measures he will take to address these problems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58174/12]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department received correspondence from the school authorities in June 2012 relating to the matters to which he refers. The school stated that they had drawn up a plan for the development of the school, including proposals to address traffic management issues. However, the development would require the acquisition of additional land adjacent to the school which is owned by the local authority.

My Department's position, in general, is that lands adjacent to existing schools should, where possible, be protected for possible future educational use to allow for expansion of these schools, if required, subject to site suitability and agreement of the various stakeholders. In the case referred to by the Deputy, this would not preclude the local authority developing this land to address any traffic management issues.

I also wish to advise the Deputy that in May 2012, my Department sanctioned a grant to the school to facilitate the construction of two permanent classrooms to replace rented prefab accommodation. I understand that construction work on this project commenced in November last.

Student Grant Scheme Eligibility

Questions (270)

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

270. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will change the student grant scheme so that mortgage repayments are considered in the means test for grant eligibility as many families have suffered drastic reductions in income while substantial mortgage payments have not reduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1001/13]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The assessment of means under my Department's student grant scheme is based on gross income from all sources. Therefore, all income is assessed from the same starting point, eliminating any distortion which might arise from different spending decisions. I have no plans at present to change this arrangement in respect of the determination of income for grant purposes.

Universities Global Rankings

Questions (271)

Terence Flanagan

Question:

271. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the position of Irish universities in global league tables (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1014/13]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

Irish universities' positions in the Times Higher Education rankings has remained relatively stable this year which show that Ireland still has 2 universities in the top 200; 2 in the top 350 and another university in the top 400. Two of these universities, Trinity College Dublin and National University Ireland Galway have improved their relative ranking positions in the last year. While UCD's relative ranking has fallen, their overall point score is higher than last year.

There are a multitude of ranking systems each of which has their own particular methodology and bias and it is important not to place too much reliance on these systems as an indicator of system quality. While some higher education systems have invested heavily in elite institutions and adopted a policy of differentiated support for different tiers of institutions, in Ireland our focus is on advancing performance across an accessible and diverse system of institutions. This policy is paying dividends for Ireland's growing competitiveness and we are now ranked 1st Globally by the IMD World Competitiveness survey for availability of skilled labour due to our impressive ranking of first in EU and fourth in OECD for higher education attainment rates of our 25-34 year olds.

Student Grant Scheme Application Numbers

Questions (272)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

272. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of students currently waiting for their applications for a higher education grant to be finalised throughout the country; the number of students from County Tipperary currently waiting for their applications for a higher education grant to be finalised; if Student Universal Support Ireland has given his office an explanation as to the reason so many applicants are being asked for information that has already been submitted; the number of students that have been approved for a higher education grant currently waiting for payment to be made; if he is satisfied with the efficiency of the SUSI Office in view of the fact that many students are still awaiting a decision in January; the efforts he will make to ensure that payments are finalised without further delay; the efforts he will make to ensure that there is not a repeat of this situation next year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1018/13]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The following table provides a breakdown of the processing position of student grant applications received by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) on a county basis. The data provided is at a point in time on 15 January, 2013. It gives the position for student grant applications for attendance at both further and higher education. This data has been provided to my Department by SUSI.

SUSI is continuing to make payments on a weekly basis to ensure students can get paid their grant as expeditiously as possible, once they have been awarded a grant. Those awarded a grant must supply bank account details and confirmation of registration must be received from the institution in order for the first instalment to be paid.

Following initial submission of a grant application, students progressing to the next stage of the assessment process are issued with a checklist of documentary evidence which they need to provide in order to complete their application. This checklist is tailored from the specific information provided on the student's application. The checklist outlines the supporting documentation required and where this documentation can be sourced.

SUSI may, on receipt of this documentation, require further additional documents to determine eligibility. This arises for a variety of reasons. It may emerge, as a result of the documentation provided, that something was omitted from the student's initial on-line application or that further clarification on information provided is needed. In a small number of cases it may emerge that a document that is needed in support of the application was not requested at provisional assessment stage. The Deputy will appreciate that in the context of SUSI having received in excess of 67,000 applications that some errors may inevitably arise when handling a high volume of applications within a relatively short timeframe.

An external review of SUSI's business processes will be put in place in the coming weeks to inform improvements in the system for the 2013/14 academic year.

SUSI - Applications - Processing Position by County

County	Total applications received	Incomplete Applications	Applications where all requested documentation submitted	Awarded	Refused/Cancelled	Applications currently with SUSI for processing	Maintenance Payments	Fees only awards approved
Carlow	975	292	683	454	218	11	259	108
Cavan	1332	384	948	621	313	14	433	86
Clare	1787	544	1243	855	370	18	517	155
Cork	6896	2209	4687	2939	1696	51	1804	606
Donegal	2913	835	2078	1444	603	31	913	300
Dublin	14142	4947	9195	5209	3852	134	2994	1140
Galway	4440	1405	3035	1999	1000	35	1144	455
Kerry	2492	748	1744	1137	578	29	721	218
Kildare	2717	839	1878	1107	741	30	698	209
Kilkenny	1395	419	976	629	335	12	393	127
Laois	1061	305	756	507	231	18	312	98
Leitrim	644	203	441	293	140	8	182	55
Limerick	2861	960	1901	1250	628	23	729	310
Longford	757	218	539	352	182	5	231	66
Louth	2166	667	1499	964	510	25	603	196
Mayo	2495	762	1733	1188	523	21	729	221
Meath	2435	753	1682	1063	596	23	701	157
Monaghan	1115	326	789	530	247	12	355	73
Offaly	1242	341	901	607	286	8	399	110
Roscommon	1179	340	839	560	263	16	355	96
Sligo	1222	419	803	528	265	10	301	119
Tipperary	2651	764	1887	1236	630	20	769	254
Waterford	1918	540	1378	858	507	13	487	221
Westmeath	1676	477	1199	786	403	10	507	149
Wexford	2351	620	1731	1163	546	22	733	210
Wicklow	1945	566	1379	852	520	7	564	126
Outside Ireland	545	212	333	145	179	13	65	32
Totals	67,352	21,095	46,257	29,276 *	16,362	619	17,898 **	5,897

* This figure includes some 1,134 provisionally awarded awaiting final course acceptance and some 5,897 students awarded a "fees only grant".

** This figure does not include some 1,586 students who will be paid their student grants on 18 January, 2013.

Student Grant Scheme Appeals

Questions (273)

Charles Flanagan

Question:

273. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a decision will issue on a student grant application appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1048/13]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

Officials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland that in the case of the student referred to by the Deputy, her student grant application was appealed to the appeals officer in SUSI and the original decision was overturned.

On that basis, a letter issued to the student on 10 January 2013 confirming that her application is currently being reassessed.

Student Grant Scheme Applications

Questions (274)

Tom Fleming

Question:

274. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a decision will issue in relation to a student grant application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1054/13]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

Officials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland that further supporting documentation was requested from the student referred to by the Deputy. The documentation was received on 14 January 2013 and is currently under consideration. When the analysis is complete the student will be notified directly of the outcome.

Student Grant Scheme Applications

Questions (275)

Tom Fleming

Question:

275. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a decision will issue on a student grant application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1055/13]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

Officials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland that the student referred to by the Deputy has been awarded a grant and an award letter issued on 8 January 2013.

Student Grant Scheme Appeals

Questions (276)

Tom Fleming

Question:

276. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a decision will issue in relation to a student grant appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1056/13]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

Officials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland that the grant application of the student referred to by the Deputy for the 2012/13 academic year was refused. SUSI has confirmed that the applicant appealed the decision and that it issued a letter on the appeal on 20 December, 2012.

Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by SUSI, and remains of the view that SUSI has not interpreted the scheme correctly in his/her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to the independent Student Grant Appeals Board. The relevant appeal form will be available on request from SUSI.

Question No. 277 answered with Question No. 228.

Question No. 278 answered with Question No. 246.

Vocational Education Committees Amalgamation

Questions (279)

John McGuinness

Question:

279. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills the arrangements if any that are in place to accommodate staff from Kilkenny Vocational Education Committee in their daily travel and subsistence arrangements to the new amalgamated service located in Carlow; if a redundancy package will be available for those who wish to opt out; if options such as transfers to local authorities or local revenue or other local Government offices will be considered; if amalgamation and its knock on impact on the lives of the employees having to comply have been considered; if discussions regarding options have been taken place with all concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1116/13]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

In October of 2011, I announced and published the headquarter locations where VECs are being merged as a result of the Government decision to reduce the number of VECs from 33 to 16. In relation to the specific merger of Co. Carlow VEC and Co. Kilkenny VEC as you know I have decided that the headquarters of the Education and Training Board will be in Carlow. Consultations with all of the stakeholders are underway in relation to the implementation of this Government decision. Redeployment of staff from Kilkenny to Carlow is possible under the terms of the Croke Park Agreement. However, I expect that the office in Kilkenny will remain open for some time and that the approach to redeployment will be measured and considered.

It will be a matter for the CEO of the new Education and Training Board to work through and judge what the best approach is to ensure the optimum approach to service delivery. The establishment of SOLAS is also likely to have a bearing on the precise arrangements to be made.

I want to make clear that my Department will not be forcing any one size fits all approach to staff deployment and office accommodation by the new Education and Training Boards. We will be receptive to any reasonable and sensible arrangements that are the best fit for the needs of the areas served by the new board.

Finally, I would like to inform the Deputy that at the present time there are no schemes for early retirement or voluntary redundancy open to VEC staff other than the Cost Neutral Early Retirement Scheme which was introduced in early 2005. The introduction of such schemes for the public service is a matter for the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in the first instance.

Student Grant Scheme Applications

Questions (280)

John McGuinness

Question:

280. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a grant application submitted to Student Universal Support Ireland in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be approved and paid as a matter of urgency. [1126/13]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

Officials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland that on 15 January 2013, a request for further documentation was issued to the student referred to by the Deputy. As soon as the requested documentation is received, the student will be notified directly of the outcome.

Student Grant Scheme Delays

Questions (281)

John McGuinness

Question:

281. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills if an application to Student Universal Support Ireland will be expedited and approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny as all information requested has now been submitted. [1129/13]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

Officials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland that, in the case of the student referred to by the Deputy, a review of the application is currently being undertaken due to a change of circumstances. Further documentation may be required in support of the reassessment and SUSI will contact the applicant directly in that regard.

Student Grant Scheme Delays

Questions (282)

Tom Fleming

Question:

282. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a student grant will issue in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1152/13]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

Officials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland that on 3 January 2013, a request for further documentation was issued to the student referred to by the Deputy. When the requested documentation is returned the student will be notified directly of the outcome.

Students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. Information on the fund is available through the Access Officer in the third level institution attended. The Access Officers themselves will also continue to provide support and advice to students to enable them to continue with their studies.

Student Grant Scheme Delays

Questions (283)

Barry Cowen

Question:

283. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a person (details supplied) in County Laois may expect a decision on an application for student grant. [1207/13]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

Officials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland, that on 14 December 2012, a request for further documentation was issued to the student referred to by the Deputy. When the requested documentation is returned the student will be notified directly of the outcome.

Student Grant Scheme Application Numbers

Questions (284, 285, 286, 287, 323, 351)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

284. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of student grants broken down on a county basis approved to date by the higher education grant Student Universal Support Ireland system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1213/13]

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

285. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of students broken down on a county basis that have been approved for a student grant by Student Universal Support Ireland and who have begun to receive their payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1214/13]

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

286. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of students grants broken down on a county basis that have yet to be approved by the Higher Education grant Student Universal Support Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1215/13]

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

287. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of grants broken down on a county basis that have been refused by Student Universal Support Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1216/13]

Gerry Adams

Question:

323. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an updated list, in tabular form, of the numbers of students on a county basis that have received from Student Universal Support Ireland payment of their third level grant or notification of when it is to be paid; the number that have actually received payment; the number of applications that have been received from County Louth in total; the number that have been rejected; and the number that have yet to be processed. [1540/13]

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

351. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an updated list, in tabular form, from 11 January 2013, the number of students on a county basis who have received from Student Universal Support Ireland payment of their third level grant or notification of when it is to be paid and the numbers of students on a county basis who have still to have their grant application approved. [2011/13]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 284 to 287, inclusive, 323 and 351 together.

The following table provides a breakdown of the processing position on a county basis of student grant applications received by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). The data provided is at a point in time on 15 January, 2013. It gives the position for student grant applications for attendance at both further and higher education. This data has been provided to my Department by SUSI.

SUSI is continuing to make payments on a weekly basis to ensure students can get paid their grant as expeditiously as possible, once they have been awarded a grant. Those awarded a grant must supply bank account details and confirmation of registration must be received from the institution in order for the first instalment to be paid.

SUSI - Applications - Processing Position by County

County	Total applications received	Incomplete Applications	Applications where all requested documentation submitted	Awarded	Refused/Cancelled	Applications currently with SUSI for processing	Maintenance Payments	Fees only awards approved
Carlow	975	292	683	454	218	11	259	108
Cavan	1332	384	948	621	313	14	433	86
Clare	1787	544	1243	855	370	18	517	155
Cork	6896	2209	4687	2939	1696	51	1804	606
Donegal	2913	835	2078	1444	603	31	913	300
Dublin	14142	4947	9195	5209	3852	134	2994	1140
Galway	4440	1405	3035	1999	1000	35	1144	455
Kerry	2492	748	1744	1137	578	29	721	218
Kildare	2717	839	1878	1107	741	30	698	209
Kilkenny	1395	419	976	629	335	12	393	127
Laois	1061	305	756	507	231	18	312	98
Leitrim	644	203	441	293	140	8	182	55
Limerick	2861	960	1901	1250	628	23	729	310
Longford	757	218	539	352	182	5	231	66
Louth	2166	667	1499	964	510	25	603	196
Mayo	2495	762	1733	1188	523	21	729	221
Meath	2435	753	1682	1063	596	23	701	157
Monaghan	1115	326	789	530	247	12	355	73
Offaly	1242	341	901	607	286	8	399	110
Roscommon	1179	340	839	560	263	16	355	96
Sligo	1222	419	803	528	265	10	301	119
Tipperary	2651	764	1887	1236	630	20	769	254
Waterford	1918	540	1378	858	507	13	487	221
Westmeath	1676	477	1199	786	403	10	507	149
Wexford	2351	620	1731	1163	546	22	733	210
Wicklow	1945	566	1379	852	520	7	564	126
Outside Ireland	545	212	333	145	179	13	65	32
Totals	67,352	21,095	46,257	29,276 *	16,362	619	17,898 **	5,897

* This figure includes some 1,134 provisionally awarded awaiting final course acceptance and some 5,897 students awarded a "fees only grant".

** This figure does not include some 1,586 students who will be paid their student grants on 18 January, 2013.