Written Answers Nos. 93-97
93. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Skills in respect of the July provision scheme, the reason resource hours are granted collectively to siblings regardless of their individual diagnosis and special educational needs; if he will review this practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29845/13]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department's Information Note for Home Based July Provision notes that allocations to siblings are reflective of the school grouping principle. This is where one teacher is allocated to a class of six pupils at the appropriate educational level, primary or post primary. Accordingly it is considered appropriate, as in a school situation, that a tutor can provide tuition at the appropriate educational level to more than one sibling at that level simultaneously in the home.The age or ability of siblings is reflected in their education level as determined by education and health professionals. In general where a child is receiving their education in a class setting with other children of mixed age and ability, this should carry through to their July Provision. Whilst the timeframe is short my officials will endeavour to process any appeals or queries expeditiously.
94. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of Student Universal Support Ireland grant applications for 2012/2013 that have yet to be completed; the numbers who still have to submit information; the number with information submitted and processed; the date on which the 2012/2013 applications will be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29849/13]
View answerI understand from Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) that, as at close of business on 16th June 2013, it has received 69,685 student grant applications. Of these 69,553 have been processed to completion. The final 132 cases, most of which are awaiting final elements of documentation from students, are expected to be closed out in the coming week.
95. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a Student Universal Support Ireland application (details supplied) will be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29850/13]
View answerOfficials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) that, in the case of the student in question, his grant application was refused. The student appealed this decision to the appeals officer in SUSI and the original decision was upheld. A letter outlining the position issued to the student on the 30th May, 2013.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.
96. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a person (details supplied) in County Kerry may expect to receive the remaining allotment of their educational grant. [29855/13]
View answerThe Education Finance Board (EFB) was financed by the €12.7 million contribution provided by the religious congregations under the 2002 Indemnity Agreement specifically earmarked for educational support for former residents and their families. In November 2011 the EFB indicated that it expected that the funds available to it would be fully allocated on applications already received and accordingly it publicised that it would not be in a position to process any applications received after 30th November, 2011. The EFB was dissolved with effect from 29th March 2013 and its remaining functions were taken over by the new Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Board (RISF). The RISF has been established to oversee the use of the cash contributions of up to €110 million, pledged by the religious congregations, to support the needs of survivors of institutional child abuse, across a range of services, including mental health services, health and personal social services, education and housing services. Eligibility to receive support from the Fund is restricted to those 15,000 former residents who have received awards from the Residential Institutions Redress Board or equivalent Court awards. The Board held its inaugural meeting on 27th March and has commenced work on the arrangements to be put in place for the operation of the Fund. Further publicity will be undertaken as the work of the Board progresses and a website with detailed information on the Fund's services will be developed. Due to confidentiality restrictions I am not in a position to comment on any individual application to the EFB. I have however arranged to have the Deputy's query regarding the specific individual forwarded to the RISF Board requesting that it respond directly to him in relation thereto.
97. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna cén uair a réiteofar an fhadhb maidir leis na teorainneacha idir dhá eagraíocht (sonraí tugtha); agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [29861/13]
View answerBhuail oifigigh as mo Roinn le hionadaithe ón Institiúid le déanaí agus tháinig siad ar chomhaontú maidir leis an mbeart a theastaíonn. Déanfaidh mo Roinnse socruithe go gairid chun an fál teorann a fháil athailínithe.
