Written Answers Nos 328-344
328. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Education and Skills when he intends to make funding available for the provision of a new school and refurbishment of the existing building (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27969/13]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that planning permission has been recently obtained for an extension for the school referred to by the Deputy. As the Deputy will however be aware, my Department's over-riding objective is to ensure that every child has access to a physical school place and that our school system is in a position to cope with increasing pupil numbers. To ensure that this is achieved, the delivery of major school projects to meet significant demographic demands nationally will be the main focus for capital investment in schools in the coming years. The five year programme is focused on meeting those demographic needs. The area in which the school, in question, is located has not been identified as an area of significant demographic growth. In that context, it has not been possible to advance all applications for capital funding concurrently. All school building projects, including the project for the school in question, will continue to be advanced incrementally over time within the context of the funding available. However, in light of current competing demands on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible at this time to give an indicative timeframe for the construction of a new school building for the school.
329. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills the measures that are in place regarding the training of persons for the retail and hospitality sectors; his plans regarding the advancement of this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28019/13]
View answerFÁS, through its Training Centres, Contracted Training, Momentum Programme and its Community Training interventions, provides a wide and diverse portfolio of training interventions designed to provide learners with the appropriate retail skills, knowledge and competencies to avail of an extensive range of labour market opportunities within this sector. The portfolio of courses shown below is typical and indicative but not exclusive or exhaustive: Retail Sales, Retail Skills, Retail Skills - Health and Beauty, Retail Employability Skills, Sales and Digital Marketing, IT Technology Sales and Customer Care. Also, Skillnets, which is an industry led organisation, supports companies from any sector or region to engage in training by co-investing in the delivery of the training with member companies of its training networks. They work in partnership with enterprise, in particular SMEs, by supporting the development of flexible and effective training delivery methods.
IBEC Retail Skillnet: this IBEC Retail Skillnet network commenced in 1999 and was developed to address the needs of those operating in the Retail Sector. Consequently, a broad cross section of retail operators has been brought together to form a network which is representative of the sector. The IBEC Retail Skillnet program offers FETAC certified on-the-job training for retail staff. This training has been developed by retailers for retailers. Through the delivery of its training the network aims to increase productivity levels, improve customer service and product knowledge, introduce modern merchandising techniques, improve staff morale, and reduce turnover and absenteeism levels. IBEC Retail Skillnet currently offers ten Modules which are accredited by FETAC at Level 5. The network provides training materials to guide candidates through each of the modules. The training materials are considered best practice, providing up-to-date, relevant information on retailing.
In conjunction with Letterkenny Institute of Technology (LYIT) IBEC Retail Skillnet offer an innovative three-year programme leading to a degree in Retail Management Practice. This is delivered using a blended learning approach combining Work Based Learning, guest lecturers, e-learning and traditional classroom delivery. In addition to the degree programme, IBEC Retail Skillnet have also developed a Masters programme in Retail which will be launched in Autumn 2013. In addition IBEC Retail Skillnet now offers an opportunity to achieve retail based qualifications through a process of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). All the network's training programmes are open to job-seekers and in conjunction with the JobBridge programme suitable job-seeker candidates can avail of up to nine months' work-based training with member companies of the network. The Post Leaving Certificate programme operated mainly by Vocational Education Committees (VEC) also offer a number of one year full time retail and hospitality courses at levels 5 and 6 on the National Qualifications Framework. Fáilte Ireland has responsibility for the promotion and support of education and training for the tourism and hospitality industry and I understand it provides funding for the courses in Institutes of Technology.
330. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps he will take to expedite a decision in relation to an application for change of status in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath which would permit this school to become a co-ed vertical school from September 2013; if in view of the correspondence to date, this application can be finalised together with a decision on the applications for accommodation for the ASD preschool class and girl's toilet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28032/13]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that my Department has received correspondence from the school in question relating to a change of status proposal. This proposal also has implications for two other schools in the area. My Department has written to the Patron seeking clarification on a number of matters relating to the proposal. The matter will be considered further following receipt and consideration of the clarifications sought. The application for the additional accommodation will form part of this consideration.
331. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if it is possible for a State examinations student to be assessed under the disability access route to education for an academic year in which the application deadline has passed in cases where a medical diagnosis is delayed but ongoing, or is obtained just after the deadline; if not, if he intends to introduce a late registration facility to allow such students to avail of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28102/13]
View answerThe Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) is a third-level admissions scheme for students with a disability. The scheme is operated by a number of higher education institutions and not by my Department. Admissions to the institutions are regulated by the institutions themselves. The Deputy may wish to contact the Irish Universities Association in this instance. Further details in relation to the DARE scheme are also available at www.accesscollege.ie.
332. Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the Regulator of the National Lottery will be put in place; if he will give details of the remit of the regulator; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26775/13]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the National Lottery Act 2013 provides for the establishment of the office of Regulator of the National Lottery. The Act provides that the Regulator shall monitor and enforce compliance by the National Lottery operator with the Act and the licence. The Act also provides that the Regulator shall exercise his or her functions in such manner he or she considers the most likely to ensure that the National Lottery is run with all due propriety, that the interests of participants in the National Lottery are protected, and that the long term sustainability of the National Lottery is safeguarded. Subject to these considerations, the Act requires that the Regulator, in exercising his or her functions, seek to ensure that revenues allocated to good causes are as great as possible, subject to any terms in this regard contained in the licence. It is intended that the Regulator will be appointed before the end of 2013.
333. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if access to Maynooth Castle, Maynooth, County Kildare, will be made available all year round to the local community to facilitate interest groups and tours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27374/13]
View answerMaynooth Castle is one of 70 guided sites administered by the Office of Public Works (OPW). In 2013 the Castle is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from 30 May to 25 September from Wednesday to Sunday and on bank holidays. There is no admission charge to the site and visitor numbers for 2011 and 2012 were 9,444 and 13,852 respectively. Several other OPW managed sites, which have a guide service during the summer months, remain closed for the winter season This is primarily due to budgetary constraints. It is not possible in the current economic circumstances to extend the opening season at these locations. In order to address situations like this, I introduced the Communities Involvement Initiative in 2012, the aim of which was for local community-based groups, which had an interest in the development and promotion of heritage sites, to get involved on a non-commercial basis with OPW and, subject to certain criteria being met, to assist in the presentation of sites outside of the normal opening times. Last month, I again sought expressions of interest from local communities by way of the national press, this time under a new heading "Become a Friend of Irish Heritage". Proposals may still be submitted and I would encourage parties in the Maynooth area who wish to promote their local heritage to get in touch with the Office of Public Works.
334. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will establish an ombudsman for businesses, to investigate cases where a business feels it did not receive a fair run on a public tender and where the business feels that the award contract process was unfair. [27523/13]
View answerPublic procurement is the acquisition, whether under formal contract or not, of works, supplies and services by public bodies. National rules governing public procurement must comply with the relevant EU, WTO and national legal requirements and obligations. Of particular relevance are the rules on free movement of goods, freedom of establishment and freedom to provide services, as well as the principles deriving from these rules such as the principle of equal treatment; non-discrimination; mutual recognition; proportionality; and transparency. In this regard, all purchasing decisions by public bodies must conform to the EU Treaty principles, rules, and national guidelines. Businesses or individuals who feel that they have not been treated fairly during the course of a public procurement process may have recourse under the Remedies Directive (EU Directive 2007/66/EC) which provides for remedies in both the public sector and utilities sectors, for tenderers and others that have been harmed by breaches of the Public Contracts and Utilities Directives; this Directive has been transposed into Irish Law by regulations made under Statutory Instruments 130 of 2010 and 131 of 2010. Many of the practices provided for in that Directive are in place at national level through guidance documents issued by the National Public Procurement Policy Unit in my Department. These would include: Public Procurement Guidelines - Competitive Process 2004 in respect of the procurement of general services and supplies - highlighting the need for a competitive process in respect of contracts below the EU threshold values; Circular 10/10 - to require public bodies to promote participation of small and medium-sized enterprises in the award of public contracts; the Capital Works Management Framework - provides a suite of best practice guidance, standard contracts and generic template documents, which are available to download for all contracting authorities to provide a consistent approach to the management of public works and construction-related services projects; and Standardisation and simplification of tender documentation (for supplies and services). In order to reduce the costs involved in participating or conducting the procurement function, the National Procurement Service has published a suite of model tendering and contract documents which help businesses and buyers to reduce costs. All regulations, circulars, guidelines and standard forms (for general supplies and services) are available on the Government’s eTenders website at: www.eTenders.gov.ie. The Capital Works Management Framework documents are available on the Construction Procurement Reform website: www.constructionprocurement.gov.ie.
In terms of centralised procurement arrangements, the National Procurement Service (NPS) as a matter of course offers full debriefing to suppliers who have engaged in the procurement process. At these sessions contractors can raise any areas or issues of concern. The NPS is also fully compliant on the issue of contractors’ rights under the Remedies Directive. Such rights ensure full disclosure of relevant details regarding the awarding of a tender and the relative merits and characteristics of that tender versus those who were unsuccessful. The NPS has recently established a collaborative working group which brings together Employer Representative Bodies (IBEC, SFA, ISME etc.) and procurement stakeholders in the public service to discuss issues and areas of concern. The NPS is confident that the working group will help to inform the continued delivery of best practice by public sector Buyers through the procurement process. Finally I would point out that the area of Public Procurement is undergoing an extensive reform. While this reform is primarily aimed at delivering public services at a competitive cost, it will also focus on improving public procurement practices. This will ensure openness, and equality of opportunity for businesses including the SME sector.
335. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding a building (details supplied) in Dublin 15 owned by the Office of Public Works; the date on which the building was acquired by the OPW; the cost at which the building was acquired by the OPW; the financial outlay by the OPW or other Government authority in respect of this building since its acquisition; the ongoing annual cost of insuring and making secure this building; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a number of local voluntary and charitable organisations have made enquiries regarding the potential for using this building; the detail of any such enquiries made to the OPW or to him directly; if he will make this building available on a temporary basis to local voluntary and charitable organisations, pending a decision on the building’s long term future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27675/13]
View answerThe building was acquired in April 2002 at a cost of €1,358,620 (excl. VAT). The Probation and Welfare Service was originally earmarked to be located in this property. However, a subsequent decision was made by the Probation and Welfare Service not to locate to the property. As no alternate State requirement could be identified for this property, at that time, the OPW decided that the property was surplus to requirements and as part of the rationalisation programme it was placed on the market. While there have been expressions of interest in the purchase and/or leasing of the property, it remains on the market. As the property is State owned there are no insurance costs. The average annual costs are approximately €5,000 covering works to prevent any deterioration of the building, care and maintenance, general repairs and upkeep of the building. More recently the OPW engaged with the Department of Social Protection on the potential to provide a service but that Department has ruled out using this property. As the property remains on the market it would not be appropriate to enter into any licensing arrangement for community use at this time.
336. Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the portion of pension resulting from the payment of AVCs will be subject to the proposed public sector pension reduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27255/13]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, AVCs are private funding arrangements for augmentation of pension benefits which are facilitated by individual public service employers, in particular, in respect of payroll deduction. Benefits realised are paid by the AVC provider, not by the public service employer, and are, therefore, not subject to the Public Service Pension Reduction (PSPR). In those cases where AVC funds are utilised to purchase service in public service pension schemes, no distinction is made, for PSPR purposes, in respect of that part of the pension which is derived from the AVC transfer. This is consistent with the practice applying generally; i.e. since its introduction on 1 January 2011, the PSPR has applied and will continue to apply to affected public service pensions in an across-the-board fashion, with no distinction or exception being made in respect of any part of a pension which derives from a particular source, for example from purchased or transferred service.
337. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will itemise the recipients, including their location, of national lottery grants for this year to date and for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26779/13]
View answerAppendix 1 of the Revised Estimates for Public Services, which is published each year, gives a breakdown by Department of all the expenditure areas that are supported by the proceeds of the National Lottery.
In recent years, the total allocation for the relevant subheads has exceeded the amount available from the National Lottery surplus. Therefore, these subheads are now described as being part-funded by the National Lottery and the balance of the expenditure allocation for the subheads comes from normal Exchequer sources. Consequently, it is no longer feasible to compile a list of programmes or organisations that receive Lottery funding per se as it is now not possible to indicate the level of funding that they receive specifically from the Lottery. However, Appendix 1 of the REV sets out both the overall level of expenditure under these subheads and the level of funding which comes from the proceeds of the National Lottery. For example, in 2012, overall expenditure under these subheads was 333 million euro of which 220 million euro came from the proceeds of the National Lottery. Individual Government Departments with responsibility for expenditure that is part-funded by the National Lottery surplus publish details of such expenditure (including lists of recipient organisations and amounts involved) on their websites.
338. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding pensions for retired gardaí; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26836/13]
View answerThe Deputy raises the application of the Public Service Pension Reduction (PSPR) in those cases where public service pensioners are in receipt of both an occupational and State Pension. In this connection I would point out that as the statutory PRSI related State Pension is not paid by the employer it does not qualify as PAYE remuneration under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Acts. Any adjustment to existing PSPR rates and bands beyond the existing €12,000 exemption threshold, with a view to accommodating cases in which the public service pension is co-ordinated or integrated with the State Pension, would be complex and could not be guaranteed to produce equitable outcomes in all cases. The majority of public servants with integrated pensions are in receipt of small occupational pensions and so are not impacted by the PSPR measure to any significant degree. In relation to the matter of the PSPR and commercial state bodies, I would point out that the PSPR does not apply to the pensions of persons retired from such bodies as these are not part of the public service and their staff do not enjoy membership of public service pension schemes. The bodies in question have a commercial remit and their pay and pensions are not funded by the Exchequer. I understand the concerns outlined by various representatives about the impact of pension reductions on the lives of public service pensioners but given current economic circumstances the Government must take steps to ensure the economic survival of the State and this impacts across society. The Deputy may be aware I met recently with representatives of the Alliance of Retired Public Servants and indicated that it is my intention, as a matter of priority, to move towards reducing the burden of the PSPR, (with the initial focus on people in receipt of low pensions) at the earliest date economic progress permits. I appreciate that this is a matter of great importance to pensioners and I would envisage that developments in this regard would be the subject of ongoing bilateral discussions between my Department and Alliance representatives.
339. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when parking will be stopped in the lower yard of Dublin Castle by the Office of Public Works in recognition of the castle's historic importance; the other parking arrangements being put in place for staff of the Revenue Commissioners, Comptroller and Auditor General's office, OPW, an Garda Síochána, Chester Beatty Library and Assay Office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26962/13]
View answerThe Office of Public Works intends to reduce car parking in the lower yard of Dublin Castle incrementally over time until car parking is discontinued fully, other than on an exceptional basis. No particular alternative parking arrangements are being put in place for the entities mentioned.
340. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the work his Department is currently undertaking on various pieces of upcoming legislation, through a potential Bill to go through the Houses of the Oireachtas or through statutory instrument, to ensure Ireland is in compliance with the upcoming deadlines of directives from the European Union; the deadline in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27479/13]
View answerIn response to the Deputy’s question regarding the work currently being undertaken on upcoming legislation, through potential Bills to go through the Houses of the Oireachtas or through Statutory Instruments to ensure Ireland is in compliance with the upcoming deadlines of Directives from the European Union I wish to advise that the Department of Public Expenditure & Reform currently has no pending legislation in this area.
341. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an update on his action plan and the flood alleviation measures he has put in place in County Longford, particularly Clondra, where farmers have been devastated by the serious flooding. [27519/13]
View answerFlood risks within the Shannon basin are being addressed by the River Shannon Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Study which is a comprehensive assessment being carried out for the Office of Public Works (OPW) by Jacobs Engineering. A total of 66 areas along the Shannon, including Cloondara/Clondra have been designated as Areas for Further Assessment under the Study. The work on the CFRAM study is progressing well. Details of the CFRAM Study and regular updates can be found on www.cfram.ie or http://shannoncframstudy.ie. Operational control of water flows and levels on the Shannon is the responsibility of both the ESB and Waterways Ireland. With the co-operation of both bodies, the OPW plans to carry out a water level monitoring exercise, involving controlled raising and lowering of weir boards at selected locations, subject to favourable hydrological conditions. The situation is being monitored closely so that when suitable conditions prevail the exercise can proceed. The ESB has agreed also to a trial lowering of the Spring/early Summer target levels in Lough Ree to reduce somewhat the risk of summer flooding in the callows.
342. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide this Deputy with a copy of the new national lottery draft licence. [27572/13]
View answer343. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the monetary amount that would be provided to good causes under the new national lottery draft licence contractual obligations based on the 2012 National Lottery sales figures. [27573/13]
View answer344. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform based on the 2012 National Lottery's gross sales figure, if the monetary amount provided to good causes under the new draft lottery licence will be greater or less than the amount paid in 2012 under the current licence arrangements. [27574/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 342 to 344, inclusive, together.
Key information regarding the competitive process in relation to the next National Lottery licence has been made publicly available, most recently on the commencement of the competition on 30 May 2013. However, the detailed technical and legal documentation regarding the process will be made available only to bidding parties. As I have previously advised the Deputy, my officials are available to brief her and other opposition spokespersons on the competitive process. The National Lottery Act 2013, which was enacted recently, provides for the publication of details of the National Lottery licence. This is a new development in that the practice to date has been not to publish the licence. Details of the licence will be published once the competitive process has concluded and the new licensee is in place. Under the next licence, annual contributions for good causes will be set at 65% of Gross Gaming Revenues (sales less prizes). This will offer the holder of the next licensee greater flexibility and scope for the growth and development of lottery games and distribution channels. It is envisaged that sales of National Lottery tickets will increase under the next licence, which will in turn lead to increased funding for Good Causes. An Post National Lottery Company recently published its Annual Report and Accounts for 2012. This Report contains detailed information including the sales achieved by the Company and the funds allocated to prizes in 2012. Using this published information, it is possible to calculate the level of funding which would have accrued to Good Causes had the formula which will apply under the next licence applied in 2012. The new basis on which the Good Causes formula will be calculated will only apply under the next licence. Given that the parameters under which the next licence will operate are changing, application of the formula to the 2012 data is not particularly informative.
