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Tuesday, 12 Feb 2013

Written Answers Nos. 273-295

School Transport Provision

Questions (273)

Pat Deering

Question:

273. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he intends reviewing the school transport system following last year's complications when siblings are transported to different schools and where children are walking up to two miles to get the bus while a bus to another school passes their home. [6925/13]

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Written answers

I take it that the Deputy is referring to post primary school transport provision.

The Deputy will be aware from previous correspondence with my Office that the changes introduced will result in a more efficient and cost effective scheme, particularly when the five year transitional transport arrangements have been completed.

While it is the prerogative of parents to send their children to the school of their choice, eligibility for school transport is to the nearest school, having regard for ethos and language.

At a time when this country is experiencing serious financial difficulties I regret that I cannot reverse the changes to post primary school transport.

Higher Education Institutions

Questions (274)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

274. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views (details supplied) regarding the Springboard Innovation Academy Business Hub; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6926/13]

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Written answers

I would like to thank the Deputy for the information provided in relation to the proposed Springboard Innovation Academy Business Hub.

Higher education institutions have an important role to play in developing Ireland's innovative capacity, and supporting the development of new ideas and products. Over the last numbers of years, institutions have developed specific programmes in innovation and entrepreneurship and, with support from Enterprise Ireland, a network of innovation centres and technology transfer offices has been established across the higher education sector. These centres and offices provide expert advice, business supports, tailored facilities and access to businesses and investors. The continuation and further development of these facilities and supports is an important element in our pursuit of a knowledge-based economy.

State Examinations

Questions (275)

Eamonn Maloney

Question:

275. Deputy Eamonn Maloney asked the Minister for Education and Skills the payment his Department receives from the private companies who reprint, for sale, the junior and leaving certificate exam papers. [6937/13]

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Written answers

The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations.

In view of the above, I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.

Schools Building Projects Status

Questions (276)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

276. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide a progress report on the efforts of a school (details supplied) in County Galway to secure funding for a new school building in Oranmore. [7010/13]

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Written answers

The process of acquiring a site for the new school building for the school, to which the Deputy refers, is at an advanced stage. It is intended that the school project concerned, which is included on the Five Year Capital Investment programme announced in March 2012, will progress to construction in 2015/16.

Schools Building Projects Status

Questions (277)

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

277. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he received an application in respect of a new building for a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the stage at which the application is currently at; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7013/13]

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Written answers

The building project referred to by the Deputy is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning.

The Design Team are currently working on the completion of Stage 2b of the project which includes Planning Permission, Fire Certification and the Disability Access Certificate. Planning permission was recently granted by the Local Authority.

Due to competing demands on my Department's capital budget, imposed by the need to prioritise the limited funding available for the provision of additional school accommodation to meet increasing demographic requirements, it was not possible to include this project in the five year construction programme announced last March.

Schools which have not been included in the five year construction programme, but which were announced for initial inclusion in the building programme continue to be progressed to final planning stages in anticipation of the possibility of further funds being available to my Department in future years. The project referred to by the Deputy remains available to be considered for further progression in that context.

Student Grant Scheme Payments

Questions (278)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

278. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a special rate of maintenance grant, top up grant, will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry. [7018/13]

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Written answers

Officials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) that the student referred to by the Deputy was awarded a postgraduate fee contribution for the 2012/13 academic year in accordance with the terms and conditions of the student grant scheme as they refer to her particular circumstances.

Maintenance support is not available for students entering postgraduate courses in the academic year 2012/13 and, to qualify for tuition fees up to the maximum fee limit students must be in receipt of a specified qualifying State payment.

I understand that the student in question is not in receipt of such a payment.

I also understand that the student appealed the decision on her grant to SUSI who upheld it original decision and this was communicated to the student by letter dated 31st January, 2013.

Where an 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 Grants Appeals Board. The relevant appeal form will be available on request from SUSI.

Land Acquisition

Questions (279)

Tom Barry

Question:

279. Deputy Tom Barry asked the Minister for Education and Skills the agreed land prices per hectare for lands purchased for schools in the Munster area, on a county basis, over the past five years. [7021/13]

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Written answers

The information sought by the Deputy is not readily available in the format requested by the Deputy. However, I will forward on information to the Deputy at an early date. In the meantime, the Deputy will wish to be aware that land prices can vary considerably according to location. Furthermore, specific features such as location of services, topography or proximity to other facilities, e.g. sports facilities, may impact on the price of a particular site.

In addition, given the commercial sensitivities associated with land acquisitions and the need to avoid undermining my Department's negotiating position in a number of ongoing negotiations with landowners, where my officials are striving to achieve best value for money in relation to land acquisitions, I will not be in a position to provide all the information the Deputy has requested.

Student Grant Scheme Applications

Questions (280)

Paul Connaughton

Question:

280. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a decision will issue regarding an application for student grants in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7030/13]

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Written answers

Officials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland that the application from the first named student is being reviewed and SUSI will notify the student directly of the outcome as soon as possible.

I understand that the second named student has been awarded a grant and an award letter issued on 7th February, 2013.

Student Grant Scheme Applications

Questions (281)

Dara Calleary

Question:

281. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a review of a student grant application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be assessed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7053/13]

View answer

Written answers

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 18th January, 2013.

Student Grant Scheme Appeals

Questions (282)

Tom Fleming

Question:

282. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review a student grant appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; if he will ensure that this appeal is processed at the earliest possible date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7084/13]

View answer

Written answers

Officials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland that the application from the student in question is under review.

On 11 January 2013, a request for further documentation was issued to the student. When the requested documentation is returned the student will be notified directly of the outcome.

Student Grant Scheme Eligibility

Questions (283)

Dara Calleary

Question:

283. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills the provisions that are in place for the adjudicating of grant applications for independent students, aged under 23 years (details supplied); his views on the matter regarding proof of estrangement from parents' such students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7094/13]

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Written answers

In recognition of the fact that a student under 23 years of age can be estranged from his/her parents, it is possible under the student grant scheme, as an exceptional measure, for such a candidate to be assessed without reference to his/her parents/guardians income or address.

However, compelling independent evidence of estrangement must be provided to the grant awarding authority to enable this. The type of independent evidence includes a letter from a social worker or other appropriate officer of the Health Service Executive explaining the circumstances of the estrangement. Confirmation that a candidate is living separately from his/her parents/guardians is not sufficient.

If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a student grant, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to SUSI.

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.

Student Grant Scheme Applications

Questions (284)

Tom Fleming

Question:

284. 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. [7107/13]

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Written answers

Officials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI), that supporting documentation requested from the student referred to by the Deputy on 13th December, 2012 is still outstanding.

SUSI is currently contacting all applicants where documentation is outstanding - in the majority of cases, for more than six weeks - to provide a final opportunity to submit the documentation so that the applications for 2012/2013 can be closed out before the end of February. Support for students to complete their applications has been put in place.

A letter in this regard issued to the student in question on 7th February 2013.

Student Grant Scheme Applications

Questions (285)

Seán Fleming

Question:

285. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a Student Universal Support Ireland grant will be awarded in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7108/13]

View answer

Written answers

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 8th February 2013.

Student Grant Scheme Applications

Questions (286)

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

286. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will outline the reasons for the delay in processing a student grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; if he will confirm that the person concerned will be considered an independent applicant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7113/13]

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Written answers

Officials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland that the student referred to by the Deputy has been assessed as an independent applicant and has been awarded a grant. The grant award letter issued on 6th February.

Student Grant Scheme Applications

Questions (287)

Seán Fleming

Question:

287. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the provision of information for applicants for third level grants when no independent evidence can be provided in relation to their place of residence during relevant periods of time; if a sworn affidavit will be adequate in these cases where no other independent documentation exist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7125/13]

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Written answers

In considering whether a student meets the conditions to be assessed independently of his or her parents, grant 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

In exceptional circumstances, where it is not possible to produce such proofs of residence for demonstrable reasons, the awarding body may, at its discretion, agree to accept other documentary evidence that provides an acceptable degree of proof of independent living. 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. Individual circumstances should be discussed by an applicant with the grant awarding authority.

If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a student grant, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to their awarding body.

Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by their awarding body, 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.

Student Grant Scheme Applications

Questions (288)

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

288. Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a determination will be made in regard to a grant application for a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7143/13]

View answer

Written answers

Officials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland, that on 1st February 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.

Student Grant Scheme Applications

Questions (289)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

289. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the percentage of student grant applications refused in 2012/2013; the percentage rate of refusal over the past four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7156/13]

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Written answers

I understand from data supplied by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) that of the new student grant applications processed to date to completion, some 23% were refused in respect of the 2012/13 academic year.

A survey completed by the 66 grant awarding authorities (33 local authorities and 33 VECs) in January each year provides details in relation to processing of grant applications as at the third week in January. Data compiled from this survey shows that of new applications processed to completion at that time in each of the previous four academic years some 17% were refused in 2011/12, some 20% in 2010/11, some 15% in 2009/10 and some 15% in 2008/09. This data has been compiled from data supplied to my Department by the 66 grant awarding authorities.

It should be noted that the data supplied by SUSI in relation to new applications in the 2012/13 academic year is not directly comparable as the SUSI data is at a more advanced time in the academic year.

Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Questions (290)

Robert Troy

Question:

290. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans for the education of children with autism; if he intends to support schools who exclusively cater for children with autism or if he envisages more units being attached to main stream schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7163/13]

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Written answers

My Department strives to ensure that a continuum of special education provision is available as required for children with special educational needs. In line with this approach the policy is to promote a child-centred approach to education of all children with special educational needs including those with autism. As each child with autism is unique they should have access to a range of different approaches to meet their individual needs.

Children with autism present with a wide range of needs. Some children are capable of being fully integrated into mainstream schools with additional teaching and/or care assistance. Many are best enrolled in autism-specific classes where more intensive and supportive interventions are required. Some may move from one setting to another as they get older and differing needs/strengths/abilities emerge.

The Deputy will be aware that the establishment of a network of autism-specific special classes in schools across the country to cater for children with autism has been a key educational priority in recent years.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of local special educational needs organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs supports, including the establishment of special classes in various geographical areas as required. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. My Department supports provision in some 540 special classes for autism attached to mainstream and special schools and 18 special schools for children with autism throughout the State which cater for the educational needs of over 5,000 children with autism. The NCSE will continue to establish more classes, as required.

Higher Education Institutions

Questions (291)

John McGuinness

Question:

291. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the issues raised in correspondence signed by the president of the Institute of Technology, Tallaght, Dublin, and the chairman of the governing body of the Institute of Technology, Tallaght, relative to the capital spending postponements announced by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7184/13]

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Written answers

The deferment of the planned PPP projects at the Institute of Technology in Tallaght in November 2011 was part of a Government decision to concentrate educational capital spending on delivering school accommodation required to meet to the needs of rapid demographic growth. The decision was informed by the need to prioritise resources in a difficult fiscal situation. Within the higher education sector, provision could only be made for legally binding contractual commitments. As a result unfortunately the planned PPP projects at the Institute of Technology at Tallaght, which had not reached the point of being contractual commitments, had to be deferred.

My Department has contributed €1m towards the costs of enabling works that had been undertaken by the Institute up to the end 2011. These include a number of site improvement works that enhance the overall functionality of the campus.

Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Questions (292)

Robert Troy

Question:

292. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will instruct his building unit to engage with the board of management of a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath who are faced with the reality of relocation as the foundation which owns the building are planning to sell their property following the closure of the adult services on site. [7190/13]

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Written answers

I wish to advise the Deputy that officials in the Planning and Building Unit are liaising with colleagues in my Department's Special Education Section in relation to the matter to which he refers. My officials will be in further contact with the school authorities shortly.

Teacher Training Provision

Questions (293)

Pat Breen

Question:

293. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on the introduction of a charge in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7221/13]

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Written answers

As part of the Government's budgetary considerations and the Comprehensive Expenditure Review carried out in 2011, a decision was made to abolish payments by this Department towards the cost of attendance at Gaeltacht courses by students commencing their programme of primary initial teacher education. The decision came into effect for the 2012/13 academic year. As the Deputy will be aware, priority is being given to protecting resources for front line services in the coming years.

However, to assist with the costs of the Gaeltacht placement, primary initial education students who are in receipt of a student grant which includes a 100% fee grant, or who would have qualified for a full fee grant but for the Free Fees Schemes, can apply for funding towards travel and accommodation costs under the field trip element of a fee grant, subject to the normal terms and conditions of the student grant scheme. Apart from the student grant system, in circumstances of particular need students may apply for support 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.

School Patronage

Questions (294)

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

294. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of negotiations regarding a new Educate Together school (details supplied) in Dublin 8. [7223/13]

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Written answers

I am aware of the considerable demand for the provision of multi-denominational primary school places in the area referred to by the Deputy and that this demand has grown over the last number of years.

I can confirm to the Deputy 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.

Bullying in Schools

Questions (295)

Joe McHugh

Question:

295. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Skills with reference to the first National Action Plan on Bullying, if he envisages a role for the Health Service Executive within the implementation group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7228/13]

View answer

Written answers

On Tuesday 29th of January Minister Fitzgerald and I published the Action Plan on Bullying. I have broadly accepted the twelve proposed actions and have ring-fenced €500,000 to support implementation this year.

The anti-bullying working group also recommended the establishment of an Implementation Group to oversee the implementation of accepted actions and recommendations set out in the action plan. I have asked my officials to consider what structure is necessary to support this initiative and other related initiatives, including the new Well-Being in Post-Primary Schools: Guidelines for Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention (2013). I am most anxious to see co-operation and shared endeavour across all government departments and agencies including the HSE in tackling the very serious issues involved.

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