Written Answers Nos. 87 - 94
87. Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason third level grant assistance has not been paid out to family (details supplied) in County Leitrim despite the fact they have submitted additional requested information on three occasions to Student Universal Support Ireland. [3640/13]
View answerIn relation to the first named candidate officials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland, that on 13th November 2012, a request for further documentation was issued to the student referred to by the Deputy. The documentation submitted was insufficient. When the requested documentation is returned the student will be notified directly of the outcome.
In relation to the second named candidate officials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland, that documents were received but were insufficient and on the 17th January 2013 a request for the 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.
88. Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason grant assistance has not been issued in respect of a person (details supplied) despite the fact that they have supplied the required information requested on a number of occasions. [3641/13]
View answerOfficials in my Department have confirmed with SUSI, the new centralised grant awarding authority, that the application of the student referred to by the Deputy is currently under review and SUSI will notify the student directly of the outcome.
89. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if any top up higher education grant is available in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3666/13]
View answerOfficials 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 awarded a postgraduate fee contribution based on the terms and conditions of the scheme. SUSI has confirmed that the applicant appealed their decision and letter on the appeal issued on 21st January, 2013.
Maintenance support is not available for students entering postgraduate courses in the academic year 2012/13. Students entering approved postgraduates courses who meet the qualifying conditions for the special rate of grant will be eligible to have their post-graduate tuition fees paid up to the maximum fee limit under the Student Grant Scheme.
Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down in writing by SUSI and remains of the view that the scheme has not been interpreted 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.
In addition to the student grant support is also available to students under the Student Assistance Fund which assists students in third-level institutions in exceptional financial need. 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.
90. Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Education and Skills if any decision has been made in respect of an application for a reading assistant for the Leaving Certificate in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3685/13]
View answerThe State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations.
In view of the above, I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to him.
91. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a retired teacher (details supplied) in County Mayo paid emergency tax on pension arrears and after retirement working as a temporary teacher; and if the person's days worked would be included for pension purposes. [3697/13]
View answerAn Official from my Department was in contact with the person referred to by the Deputy regarding the issues raised by him and they are now addressed.
92. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he or his officials met any representatives of the tobacco industry in the last six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3625/13]
View answerIn response to the Deputy’s question I can confirm that neither I nor any official from my Department met any representatives of the tobacco industry in the last six months.
93. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the position regarding a work permit in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3521/13]
View answerA green card permit application was refused in this instance on 21st September 2012. Following a successful appeal, which addressed the issues of concern in the refusal, a permit issued on 30th November 2012.
94. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the initiatives that may be taken to develop further co-operation and joint projects between private and public bodies working with businesses in order to support local job creation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3559/13]
View answerThe Action Plan for Jobs has been a cornerstone of Government policy in seeking to create a supportive operating environment where businesses can grow and generate jobs. The Action Plan recognises the role that public bodies play in supporting the private sector and communities to create jobs at a local level.
A number of significant activities which focused on supporting employment creation and retention at a local level were delivered over the course of 2012 under the Action Plan process. For example, within my own Department’s remit, over €18 million was allocated to the 35 County and City Enterprise Boards to provide a range of supports to micro-enterprises and entrepreneurs across the country.
My Department and its agencies engaged on an on-going basis with private sector bodies to progress specific initiatives that promote employment. For example, Enterprise Ireland has been working with its client companies to improve access to public procurement opportunities for SMEs, while my Department has worked with the business sector to progress a range of sectoral initiatives in areas such as access toi finance, manufacturing, and the green economy.
In June 2012, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Phil Hogan, launched a Local Government Sectoral Strategy to promote employment and support local enterprise. This Strategy outlines measures being taken by Local Authorities to assist enterprises in the areas of business charges, local enterprise supports, procurement, and local development and community-based initiatives.
In December 2012, the Minister of State for Tourism & Sport, Deputy Michael Ring, announced almost €26 million in new funding for local sports projects across the country. This was the first round of sports capital funding in four years. Many of the projects selected for funding under the programme will support local employment as sports facilities are improved and upgraded throughout the country.
Government agencies such as the Revenue Commissioners, County Enterprise Boards, Enterprise Ireland and Local Authorities also attend local events such as job fairs and exhibitions to provide advice to attendees.
Recognising the important role that local communities play in job creation, the Government will continue to support local development in 2013 through a range of initiatives such as these across various Departments.
