Written Answers Nos 61-81
61. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if the Revenue Commissioners are prepared to enter into a workable arrangement by way of deferred payments in respect of arrears of income tax in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6537/13]
View answerI am informed by Revenue that the Collector-General’s Division has already accepted proposals from the persons in question to meet their outstanding tax liabilities by way of deferred payments. The phased payment arrangement was agreed with the persons on submission of outstanding tax returns. It must be remembered that the granting of an instalment arrangement is not something to which a taxpayer is entitled as a matter of right, and accordingly, it is very important that the persons in question organise their financial affairs in such a fashion as to ensure that the terms of the arrangement are honoured, which includes in particular capacity to pay current taxes.
Revenue has confirmed that it will not commence any debt recovery proceedings for the duration of the arrangement providing the persons in question adhere to the terms as agreed.
62. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Finance the number of retired public sector workers on pensions within his Department or any office/body under his aegis who have been re-instated in other positions within the public sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6760/13]
View answerIn response to the Deputy’s question, information regarding my Department in relation to the number of retired public servants who have been re-hired is detailed in the Appropriation Accounts. The Appropriation Accounts are available online at www.audgen.gov.ie I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that having examined their Personnel records, Declarations received following the implementation of the Public Service Pension Related Deduction, and Declarations under Section 51 (Duty to make declarations, etc.) of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012, that they have one such case, a retired member of the Defence Force who is currently employed by Revenue Commissioners. He is in receipt of a Defence Forces Pension. They have no record of any other such case.
I have been advised by the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) that it is not aware of any retired NTMA employees in receipt of pensions who have been re-employed in other positions within the public sector.
63. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a group (details supplied) in Dublin 8 will receive confirmation that they will be able to open a new multi-denominational school for their area in September 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6365/13]
View answer69. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has spoken with the patron of education of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 8, which is due to amalgamate, about the future of this school building; and if it is possible to transfer it to the patronage of the Portobello branch of Educate Together. [6426/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 63 and 69 together.
I am aware of the considerable demand for the provision of multi-denominational primary school places in the area referred to by the Deputies and that this demand has grown over the last number of years.
I can confirm to the Deputies that discussions are ongoing between my Department and the authorities of an existing school in this area with a view to making a school building available for an alternative school patron. It is my Department's wish to be able to conclude these discussions in sufficient time to allow the multi-denominational school concerned to commence at the start of the new school year this coming September.
64. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason students in receipt of a bursary from a college are still entitled to a full third level maintenance grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6384/13]
View answerThe principal support available to a student in financial terms is provided under the student grant scheme, which makes available means-tested financial assistance to less well-off students. The main objective of the student grant scheme is to provide aid to students, who otherwise might not be able to afford to attend college. The scheme is intended to make a contribution to the cost of going to further and higher education. A student must satisfy all of the terms and conditions of the student grant scheme to be eligible for a grant. Bursaries from a college are generally awarded in recognition of merit and provide certain students with support which can cover gaps between the amount of financial aid a student needs to attend college and any available government assistance that he or she is eligible for. For this reason, it would not be appropriate to penalise such students by removing them from the grant system.
65. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the financial assistance options that may be open to a student (details supplied) in view of his or her unique personal circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6392/13]
View answerIn addition to financial support for the student for his fees under the student grant scheme, the Fund for Students with Disabilities provides funding to higher education institutions for the provision of services and supports for full-time students with disabilities. The Student Assistance Fund also continues to be made available to third-level institutions to assist students in exceptional financial need. The student in question can apply to the access officer in his institution for assistance under these funds.
66. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the efforts he is making to increase the number of male teachers in schools here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6393/13]
View answerI am aware that there are far more women than men entering the teaching profession, particularly at primary level. This is an international phenomenon. I believe that it is important to attract men into teaching for a number of reasons, not least of which is the positive role models that teachers provide in children's lives and the desirability of having both male and female role models in our schools.
I also believe that teaching is an attractive profession for both men and women. Teaching is fulfilling work which makes a huge social contribution. Following the Report of the Primary Education Committee, 'Males into Primary Teaching' in 2005, a coordinated promotion campaign to encourage boys as well as girls to enter primary teaching was undertaken. This campaign promoted the rewards of being a teacher such as the value to society, work/life balance, career satisfaction, diversity of skills, professional development, conditions of employment and job security. One of the key functions of the Teaching Council is to promote teaching as a profession. It uses a variety of methods including promoting the Codes of Professional Conduct for Teachers, career exhibitions and the development of a website as an online resource for guidance counsellors, careers officers and those who may be considering teaching as a profession. The Teaching Council also produced a DVD, entitled Croí na Múinteoireachta which celebrates the quality of teaching in Ireland and affirms the valuable role that teachers play in enabling learners to reach their potential and in preparing young people for life. The Council has regard to the desirability of attracting males into the profession and has made public statements aimed at encouraging same in the past.
In recent years, there is an underlying trend of increase in the proportion of males entering primary initial teacher education programmes. According to statistics provided by the colleges of education, male entrants to the primary B.Ed in 2012 make up 24% of the cohort, compared to just 17% in 2007 and 11% in 2005. Data taken from my Department's payroll shows increases from 2003 to 2012 in recruitment of male teachers at primary (from c.15% to c.23%) and post primary levels (from c. 25% to 37%).
67. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a student (details supplied) in County Mayo will have his higher education grant processed and granted; if he will expedite this application due to the fact that the student has returned his completed application on a number of occasions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6407/13]
View answerOfficials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland, that on 28th 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.
68. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding funding for an extension to a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6414/13]
View answerInformation in respect of the current status of all assessed applications for major capital works, including an application from the school referred to by the Deputy is available on my Department's website at www.education.ie, which is updated regularly throughout the year.
The 5 Year Construction Plan that I announced on 9 March 2012 last, together with my recent announcement of the 50 school projects which are scheduled for construction in 2013 , outlines the major school projects that will commence construction over the duration of the Plan. Details of these projects are also contained on the website. The primary aim at the core of the Five Year Plan is focussed on meeting demographic demands to ensure that every child will have access to a physical school place and that our school system is in a position to cope with increasing pupil numbers.
Due to competing demands on my Department's capital budget, imposed by the need to prioritise the limited funding available for the provision of essential additional school accommodation to meet increasing demographic requirements, it was not possible to include the project referred to by the Deputy in the five year construction programme announced. It is noted that enrolments at the school referred to by the Deputy have remained fairly steady over the past number of years. School building projects currently in architectural planning, including those projects not included in the five year programme, will continue to be advanced incrementally over time within the context of the funding available. Projects that are at application stage can only be considered for advancement in the context of the demographic challenges set out above.
The Deputy might wish to note that since 2005, under the summer works and emergency works schemes, my Department has provided funding in excess of €882,400 for various improvements to the school building including the replacement of windows, roof repairs, mechanical and heating improvements. Funding in excess of €1.6m towards the provision of a new PE Hall was also provided to the school during the period 2007/2008. This funding is in addition to an extension provided at the school in 1999 comprising specialist rooms and ancillary accommodation which was grant aided by my Department to the equivalent of €1,178,282.
70. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide the number of appeals to the student grant appeal board for the 2012/13 academic year; the information in respect of decisions appealed in respect of each grant awarding authority; a breakdown of these appeals in relation to the number of decisions in respect of each grant awarding authority that were confirmed or amended; the total amount of grants approved by the student grant appeals board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6435/13]
View answerAt the close of business on 6 February, 2013 the Student grant Appeals Board has received 157 appeals for the 2012/13 academic year. 89 of these have been considered to date of which 10 were overturned. A further 40 appeals are scheduled for consideration by the Appeals Board on 13 February next. The remainder are expected to be scheduled for hearing on 12 March, 2013. The statistical data requested by the Deputy in relation to these appeals is contained in the following table. Appeals are received on an on-going basis throughout the academic year. They are considered by the Appeals Board as quickly as possible and within the maximum 60 days prescribed by the Student Support Act, 2011.
Breakdown of decisions of the independent Student Grants Appeals Board for the 2012/13 academic year up to and including the sitting of 15 January 2013
|
Total no. of appeals received and considered |
Decision upheld |
Decision overturned |
*Referred back to AA for further action |
Referred back to student for further action |
|
89 |
54 |
10 |
23 |
2 |
*Generally referred back to an awarding authority (AA) to consider a change in a student’s circumstances.
Breakdown of appeals to independent Student Grants Appeals Board by County for the 2012/13 academic year up to and including 6 February 2013
|
Grant Awarding Authority |
No. of Appeals |
Decision |
No. of decisions by category |
|
Cavan VEC |
1 |
Overturned |
1 |
|
Clare County Council |
1 |
Upheld |
1 |
|
Cork City VEC |
1 |
Upheld |
1 |
|
Cork County VEC |
1 |
Upheld |
1 |
|
Dublin County VEC |
1 |
Upheld |
1 |
|
Limerick City Council |
1 |
Upheld |
1 |
|
Limerick County Council |
1 |
Upheld |
1 |
|
Limerick County VEC |
1 |
Upheld |
1 |
|
Longford VEC |
1 |
Referred back to AA. |
1 |
|
Mayo County Council |
2 |
Overturned |
1 |
|
Upheld |
1 |
||
|
Mayo VEC |
1 |
Due for consideration 13/2/13 |
|
|
Meath County Council |
2 |
Overturned |
1 |
|
Upheld |
1 |
||
|
Meath VEC |
1 |
Upheld |
1 |
|
North Tipperary VEC |
1 |
Overturned |
1 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
1 |
Referred back to AA |
1 |
|
*SUSI |
62 |
Overturned |
4 |
|
Referred back to AA. |
17 |
||
|
Referred back to student |
1 |
||
|
Upheld |
40 |
||
|
37 |
Due for consideration on 13/2/13 |
||
|
28 |
Due for consideration on 12/3/13 |
||
|
Tipperary North Co Co |
2 |
Referred back to student |
1 |
|
Upheld |
1 |
||
|
Westmeath County Council |
1 |
Due for consideration 13/2/13 |
|
|
Tipperary South Co Co |
1 |
Upheld |
1 |
|
Wexford VEC |
5 |
Referred back to AA. |
2 |
|
Overturned |
1 |
||
|
Upheld |
2 |
||
|
1 |
Due for consideration 13/2/13 |
||
|
Wicklow County Council |
3 |
Overturned |
1 |
|
Referred back to AA. |
2 |
||
|
Total |
157 |
Total |
89 |
* For the 2012/13 academic year, SUSI, the new centralised grant awarding authority, is dealing with all new grant applications, which this year amount to in excess of 67,000. The majority of appeals generally arise in the first year of application. Appeals to the other grant awarding authorities relate to grant renewals.
71. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will issue a student grant, as a matter of urgency, in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6436/13]
View answerOfficials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland, that on 7th January 2013, a request for further documentation was issued to the student in question. When the requested documentation is returned the student will be notified directly of the outcome.
72. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Education and Skills in view of the fact that schools depend so much nowadays on the Internet as a school resource that a greater bandwidth be made available for a school (details supplied) in east Cork. [6448/13]
View answerUnder the Schools Broadband Access Programme the Department provides for the supply of internet connectivity for all recognised primary schools. All contracts under the Schools Broadband Access Programme were recently re-tendered under a public procurement competition. As a result of this the number of service providers has been expanded from 6 to 13 with the aim of ensuring that where available that a preferred solutions would be awarded to a school. These contracts were signed in the summer and the migration of schools onto the new services is currently underway.
The Department is aware of the difficulty that some schools, such as Kilcredan National School have with their broadband service. Through the public procurement process the Department has sought as far as possible to reduce the reliance on satellite services and the number of schools reliant on a satellite connection has fallen from approximately 1,800 in 2005 to approximately 250 at present. Satellite connections and some other slower connections have only been awarded where no other solution was proposed and contracts for these connections have only been awarded for one year. These schools will be re-tendered next summer and in the interim the Department will liaise with service providers to try and ensure that where possible improved connections will be made available.
73. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills his position in relation to PRSI contribution credits in respect of the holiday pay of part-time temporary teachers; if he will acknowledge that PRSI should be paid on all pay including accrued holiday pay; if he will acknowledge that his Department has not fully implemented such measures and as such teachers earning accrued holiday pay are missing out on PRSI contributions credits that will affect any future social welfare benefit claims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6449/13]
View answerIn the case of teachers who obtain part-time hours in a casual /non casual capacity in post primary schools, the rate of pay is based on the annual rates of pay divided by 735 hours (maximum teaching contact hours per annum) to get an hourly rate, as opposed to the annual rate of pay divided by 365 and multiplied by the hours worked plus 8% holiday pay. This ensures that qualified part-time teachers are paid the equivalent of the full time rate of pay over the shorter period of time. The rate was agreed in negotiations with the teacher unions. PRSI contributions are deducted for periods of employment. Part time casual and non-casual teachers are not employed during school holiday periods and therefore PRSI contributions are not paid for these periods.
74. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to a student grant application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; if he will confirm if maintenance is payable in this instance; if he will confirm the correct position with regards to the payment of maintenance for those on long-term back to education allowance; the reason for the mix-up in this instance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6469/13]
View answerFrom September 2010, all new applicants in receipt of the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA), and the VTOS allowances for those pursuing PLC courses, are no longer eligible for maintenance support under the student grant scheme. However, the cost of the student services charge and tuition fees payable to colleges continues to be met for eligible students by the Exchequer on their behalf.
Officials in my Department have been informed by Student Universal Support Ireland that the grant award letter that issued to the student referred to by the Deputy was sent in error. A revised award letter will issue to the applicant in the coming days to reflect the student's correct entitlement. 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.
SUSI have quality assurance measures in place which monitors on an on-going basis whether applications are being assessed correctly and in accordance with the terms of the Student Grant Scheme 2012 and the Student Support Regulations 2012. A quality assurance team performs regular reviews on application outcomes. This may result in a change of decision and these instances are regrettable. The quality assurance measures are in place to identify, reduce and eliminate errors in the administration by SUSI of the Student Grant Scheme.
75. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has given any consideration to expanding the role of special needs assistants in schools throughout the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6490/13]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that my Department has published a Value for Money (VFM) and Policy Analysis Review of the Special Needs Assistant scheme. This review is available on my Departments website: www.education.gov.ie. The Review has shown that the SNA Scheme has been successful in supporting schools in meeting the needs of students with disabilities who also have significant care needs. However, the review also found that the allocation process is generally not well understood within schools and by parents nor is the purpose of the Scheme fully understood. The review recommended that the SNA scheme should be restated to ensure an efficient allocation of SNA resources and to clarify the 'care' nature of the SNA role for parents, schools and professionals. However, the review did not recommend expanding the role of the SNA. My Department has established a working group which is presently implementing the recommendations of the SNA Value for Money report.
I can also advise the Deputy that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has a formal role under the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act, 2004 to advise me as Minister in relation to any matter relating to the education of children and others with disabilities. The NCSE have been asked to provide comprehensive policy advice on how the education system can best support children with special educational needs. This advice will guide the preparation of a plan on how aspects of EPSEN can be implemented, including the prioritising of access to children with special needs to an individual education plan. I can advise that this advice will consider:
- the identification and assessment of children with special needs;
- the nature of supports provided for children;
- the way in which supports are allocated to schools; and
- how these supports are configured.
The advice from the NCSE is expected in the coming months. It is my intention that the significant resources to support children with Special Educational Needs are deployed to ensure the best possible outcomes for students. The advice will be a key input into achieving this goal.
76. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Skills in which States of the United States is an Irish Primary teaching qualification recognised as a valid teaching qualification. [6510/13]
View answerMy Department does not hold the information requested by the Deputy. The Teaching Council is the body with statutory authority and responsibility for the registration of teachers in this State. Recognition of teachers in the United States is a matter for the governing authorities there.
77. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide in tabular form an up to date breakdown of third level students, on a county basis, who have had a maintenance grant application accepted by Student Universal Support Ireland but have still to receive payment; the number of students who have appealed the decision of SUSI and are awaiting the outcome of the decision; and the numbers of students who are still waiting to have an appeal heard. [6566/13]
View answerAs requested by the Deputy, I am providing a breakdown of the 1,833 third level students on a county basis who have been awarded a maintenance grant and are now due to be paid by Student Universal Support Ireland. This data has been supplied to my Department by Student Universal Support Ireland. 781 PLC students are also due to be paid. The majority of these students currently awaiting payment will be paid within the next two weeks, depending on their submission of bank account details.
As at the 6th February, 2013 Student Universal Support Ireland had received some 4,892 appeals. Of these, decisions have been made in 4,057 cases and have yet to be made on the remaining 835. I understand that staff have been reassigned to the processing of appeals to ensure that students get decisions in a timely manner.
Higher Education Students not yet paid as at 6th February
|
Carlow |
27 |
|
Cavan |
27 |
|
Clare |
56 |
|
Cork |
198 |
|
Donegal |
99 |
|
Dublin |
325 |
|
Galway |
152 |
|
Kerry |
79 |
|
Kildare |
66 |
|
Kilkenny |
34 |
|
Laois |
25 |
|
Leitrim |
16 |
|
Limerick |
93 |
|
Longford |
23 |
|
Louth |
55 |
|
Mayo |
81 |
|
Meath |
62 |
|
Monaghan |
34 |
|
Offaly |
34 |
|
Roscommon |
44 |
|
Sligo |
46 |
|
Tipperary |
69 |
|
Waterford |
42 |
|
Westmeath |
40 |
|
Wexford |
54 |
|
Wicklow |
46 |
|
Outside of Ireland |
6 |
|
Total |
1833 |
78. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a health and safety issue at a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6572/13]
View answerThe management authorities of the school referred to by the Deputy submitted an application recently for funding under my Department's Emergency Works Scheme to carry out various improvement works at their school. As the scope of works for which funding is sought is outside the terms of the scheme they cannot be considered for funding. The management authority of the school has been informed of this decision. The school has been advised to submit a scaled down application to address the immediate health & safety issues and as soon as this application is received it will be assessed and the school authorities notified of the outcome.
79. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of retired public sector workers on pensions who have been re-instated in other positions within the public sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6405/13]
View answerIn response to the Deputy’s question the Public Appointments Service (PAS), in the course of running recruitment competitions for the public service, avails, inter alia, of trained and experienced retired public servants as interviewers, assessors and as decisions arbitrators. At any given time, PAS would have approximately sixty active on their database that would be used from time to time for short periods. For this work, retired members are paid on a fee-per-day basis and are subject to tax and other relevant deductions. The fees are linked to pre-retirement grades and take account of the principal of pension abatement. These positions are not advertised but any trained professionals can apply to PAS to be placed on the database for our selection boards.
The outgoing Chairman of the Public Appointments Service Board, who is a former Civil Servant, was reappointed by me in September 2011.
The Chairperson of the PAS Internal Audit Committee is also a former Public Servant and was appointed by the former Chief Executive of PAS on the basis of her experience in the area of corporate governance.
The Office of Public Works has engaged the services of a former member of staff for the period of the EU Presidency. This person was selected because of previous experience of EU Presidencies and other important events. The abatement principle was considered to be a cost effective way of contributing to the smooth running of all EU Presidency events in Dublin Castle.
There are no other retired public sector workers currently on my Department's payroll.
80. Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will consider extending the incentivised career breaks, currently being offered to gardaí, to the wider Civil Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6465/13]
View answer81. Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if there are any proposals to introduce incentivised career breaks to the wider Civil Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6506/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 80 and 81 together.
The Government is committed to developing a leaner, more efficient Public Service. To this end, the Government has decided to accelerate the reduction in Public Service numbers in order to achieve the previous end 2015 target of 282,500 by end 2014 instead.
Greater efficiencies in the way the Public Service is going about its business means that some posts have been identified by Departments as surplus. Where surplus staff cannot be redeployed, a range of exit mechanisms will be considered on a sector by sector basis including incentivised career breaks, where appropriate.
