Written Answers Nos. 254-272
254. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total number of temporary or prefabricated school buildings at primary and second level currently in use and likely to be replaced in the next two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42452/13]
View answerA list of Primary and Post Primary Schools currently renting temporary accommodation on a county by county basis, is attached for the Deputy's attention. Schools that are included on my Department's 5 Year Capital Programme, Public Private Partnership (PPP) Programme and Prefabs Replacement Initiatives are highlighted as these will have their temporary accommodation replaced with permanent buildings. Please note that one prefab unit may consist of one or more classrooms and/or ancillary accommodation.
Historical information in relation to schools operating in purchased prefabs is not readily available.
The table is available as attachment Q254.xls at the top of the web page.
256. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total number of school building projects country wide that have come to a halt or have been impeded in the course of construction resulting in delays in each of the past four years to date; the most common cause of such delays; the measures, if any, put in place or to be put in place to address such issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42454/13]
View answerIn 2010, the contract for one school building project ended prematurely due to the insolvency of the main contractor. In 2011, 14 projects encountered delays or ended prematurely due to insolvency events related to a main contractor.
In 2012, the contract for one school building project ended prematurely due to the insolvency of the main contractor and one school building project was terminated due to the contractor's default. To date in 2013, there have been no school building projects which have ended prematurely.
Details in respect of each of these projects are listed in the table.
The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (D/PER) has responsibility for implementing national policy on public procurement, particularly in relation to construction procurement. The Capital Works Management Framework developed by D/PER, allows for various bond and guarantee options designed to protect the Contracting Authority/Employer from issues such as contractor insolvencies. These options include retention deductions, performance bonds and parent company guarantees. The majority of major projects in the Education Sector operate using a combination of a performance bond and retention deductions. On occasion a parent company guarantee may also be sought.
Retention deductions allow the Contracting Authority to retain a proportion of the value of work done as security for the cost of remedying defects which become evident before the end of the Defects Period, should the Contractor fail to rectify them.
A performance bond is issued by a guarantor or surety (authorised to do guarantee business) to guarantee that in the event of a Contractor's default, proven losses under the Contract can be recouped. In essence, the guarantor undertakes to be answerable for losses (up to the limit of the Bond) suffered by the Contracting Authority if the Contractor's obligations are not performed in accordance with the Contract; this includes a situation where the Contractor becomes insolvent during the Contract. The value of the bond required for a project is determined at tender stage according to guidelines issued by D/PER, having due regard to the estimated cost of the project.
The Public Works Contracts contain clauses which deal with a contractor's default such as an insolvency event. When a contractor becomes insolvent, all costs incurred by the Contracting Authority/Employer on foot of the contractor's default, can be offset against monies held on the contractor plus costs up to the value of the performance bond. The circumstances surrounding each insolvency event varies from project to project. In cases of insolvency, the size of a project, its value, discussions with the surety, legal advice, the quality of the works done at the time the insolvency event occurs and the relative state of completion of the works have to be taken into account when appointing a completion contractor. In all circumstances the appointment of a contractor to complete the works has to have due regard for national guidelines and EU procurement directives.
School Building Projects involving delays related to insolvency events or termination of contracts 2010 - 2013.
|
County |
Roll Number |
School Name |
Year in which issue arose |
Current Status (Oct 2013) |
|
Kilkenny |
61580P |
Loreto Secondary School, Granges Road* |
2012 |
Under Construction by replacement Contractor |
|
Kildare |
17674B |
SN Aine Naofa, Ard Cloc, Straffan |
2012 |
Contract Terminated. Construction completed by replacement Contractor |
|
Dublin City |
20139T |
Inchicore NS, Sarsfield Road, Dublin 10 |
2011 |
Under Construction by replacement Contractor |
|
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown |
70030E |
Senior College, Dún Laoghaire, Eblana Avenue, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin |
2011 |
Under Construction by replacement Contractor |
|
Galway City |
62970K |
Coláiste Iognáid SJ Bothar na Mara |
2011 |
Under Construction by replacement Contractor |
|
Limerick |
13026P |
Kilfinane National School |
2011 |
Construction completed by replacement Contractor |
|
Limerick City |
64201T |
Ardscoil Ris, North Circular Rd, Limerick |
2011 |
Under Construction by replacement Contractor |
|
Roscommon |
65100S |
Scoil Mhuire, Strokestown, Co Roscommon |
2011 |
Construction completed by replacement Contractor |
|
Wicklow |
76099B |
Wicklow Town |
2011 |
***Construction Completed (Schools PPP Bundle 2) |
|
Limerick |
76093M |
Scoil Ide agus Iosef Abbeyfeale |
2011 |
***Construction Completed (Schools PPP Bundle 2) |
|
Cork |
76090G |
Bantry CC |
2011 |
***Construction Completed (Schools PPP Bundle 2) |
|
Cork |
20001N |
Gaelscoil Beanntraí |
2011 |
***Construction Completed (Schools PPP Bundle 2) |
|
Kildare |
91530S |
Kildare Community School |
2011 |
***Construction Completed (Schools PPP Bundle 2) |
|
Meath |
91517D |
Athboy Community School |
2011 |
***Construction Completed (Schools PPP Bundle 2) |
|
Dublin Fingal |
761040 |
Donabate Community College, Donabate, Co Dublin |
2011 |
**Construction completed by second party of joint venture |
|
Meath |
76103M |
Coláiste na hInse, Laytown |
2011 |
**Construction completed by second party of joint venture |
|
Offaly |
17523D |
SN Cronain Naofa, Dromakeenan |
2010 |
Construction completed by replacement Contractor |
260. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if, in the context of discussions he or the Department has had with the patrons of fee-paying schools, it has been established that measures likely to force such schools into the public sector are unlikely to achieve any savings either to the Exchequer or to the parents of children attending, notwithstanding the fact that such parents are generally in the high tax bracket; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42458/13]
View answer262. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he continues to have dialogue with the authorities of fee-paying schools in an effort to address their concerns and any issues arising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42460/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 260 and 262 together.
I recently met with the Joint Managerial Body and representatives of fee charging schools. The meeting afforded them an opportunity to articulate their views on a range of issues concerning their schools.
A number of fee charging schools have made contact with the Department and the level of engagement to date varies from school to school.
Where the authorities of a school approach the Department about entering the Free Education scheme it is because they are concerned about the future viability of the school and wish to explore all options in considering the future of the school.
I have made it clear that the Department will engage constructively with any fee charging school that is considering how best to secure its future. I expect that a minority of fee charging schools will wish to engage with the Department in planning for their future.
Any approach to the Department will be considered on an individual school by school basis, taking account of the significance of the provision concerned in terms of diversity and overall demand for school places in the locality served by a school.
In December 2011 I announced that an analysis of fee income in the 55 fee charging schools would be carried out. This was in order to inform future policy decisions about the nature and extent of exchequer funding provided to fee charging schools.
The report "Fee Charging Schools - Analysis of Fee Income" was published in January 2013, is an analysis of the funding position of the 55 schools which charge fees; it is not an audit. It shows the funds available to these schools through charging fees, which are not available to secondary schools in the Free Scheme. The Report shows that fee charging schools have a discretionary income of €81.3m that would not be available to similar sized schools (i.e. size as determined by enrolment) in the Free Scheme.
The Report is available on the Department's website at http://www.education.ie//en/Publications/Education-Reports/Fee-Paying-Schools-Analysis-of-Fee-Income.pdf
264. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which school drop-out rates in respect of primary, second and third level education continue to be monitored with a view to addressing social or economic causes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42462/13]
View answerAt second level there were 55,253 first time enrolments to the first year of the junior cycle programme in second level schools in 2005. Of this initial cohort, 95.89% sat the Junior Certificate Exams in 2008 or 2009 and 89.49% sat the Leaving Certificate Exams in 2010 or 2011. This is based on the sixth published report, by the Department of Education and Skills, on school retention in Ireland, which consists of a detailed analysis of the records held in the Department's Post-Primary Pupils Database for the cohort of entrants to the first year of the junior cycle in the years 2005 and 2006, who sat the Leaving Certificate Examinations in the years from 2010 to 2012. It is also important to note that while the analysis allows for movement of pupils between schools it does not enable the tracking of those who leave State-aided schools including publicly funded fee-paying schools and move to non-aided second-level education providers.
There is currently no national data available on retention of pupils at primary level.
Enhancing attendance, progression, retention and attainment are central elements of DEIS, the Action Plan for Educational Inclusion. DEIS is part of a continuum of interventions delivered by my Department to address educational disadvantage including early school leaving from preschool through second-level education. This includes Second-Chance education and training and access measures to increase participation in further and higher education for the minority of our young people who, for various reasons, leave education early without the knowledge and skills they need to support them in later life. A further element of this continuum is the ongoing development of provision for pupils with special educational needs.
It is particularly encouraging to see the retention rate in DEIS schools increase substantially, from 68.2% for the 2001 cohort to 80.1% for the 2005 cohort. The retention rates of pupils who entered the first year of the junior cycle in 2005 and 2006, which coincides with the introduction of DEIS, represents the first cohort of students to have DEIS resources available to them throughout their second level education.
The National Educational Welfare Board, under the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, has developed a new Integrated Model of Service Delivery called 'One Child, One Team, One Plan'. This plan will integrate the overall Educational Welfare Service with the key DEIS supports of the Home School Community Liaison Service and the School Completion Programme. The overall objective it to provide for earlier response rates and assist in achieving better outcomes for children at risk of early school leaving. I am informed that a comprehensive practice model testing phase is planned before it is mainstreamed as the practice for all schools in 2014.
At third level the Higher Education Authority, which is responsible for the collection of data on student progression, is currently working on an analysis of retention rates in the universities and institutes of technology. This has only recently become possible due to a full population of SRS (Student Record System) data becoming available for a period spanning five years. The HEA does not have information for the 2012/2013 or 2011/2012 academic years and is currently collating data for the 2010/11 academic year which it is hoped will be available by the middle of November.
There are a range of factors that impact on participation and progression in higher education including economic, social and cultural issues, prior academic attainment and teacher and parental expectations. The most recent report by the HEA on retention entitled, 'A study of Progression in Higher Education', was published in 2010 and is available on the HEA website.
Higher education institutions have a wide range of supports in place to improve retention of students in their institutions. The HEA study and other research has also highlighted that undergraduate first years are most at risk of non-progression. The new National Forum for the enhancement of Teaching and Learning that I established late last year is looking at the undergraduate student experience in first year and how that may be improved on a system wide basis. Their work should improve quality outcomes for students at that difficult transition period.
The work of the Transition reform group chaired by the Secretary General of my Department should also contribute to improvements in students' quality outcomes. A key commitment has been made by the higher education institutions to reduce the number of level 8 programmes offered through the CAO and broadening them. This should help school leavers better navigate the entry routes into higher education system when making the important choice about what programme to undertake. They will also be exposed to a broader first year experience. This change when implemented should help to reduce the number of school leavers making the wrong choice about what course of study to undertake and help to reduce non-progression and completion.
265. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which reports of school bullying are continuously monitored in all primary and second level schools throughout the country; the extent to which improved early alert and follow up systems have been put in place to address these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42463/13]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that I recently published new anti-bullying procedures for all primary and post primary schools. These new procedures have been developed following consultation with the relevant education partners and replace guidelines that were issued to schools in 1993.
The procedures are designed to give direction and guidance to school authorities and school personnel in preventing and tackling school-based bullying behaviour amongst its pupils. They include specific requirements in relation to the use of prevention and education strategies and the consistent investigation, follow up and recording of bullying behaviour.
The procedures also include important new oversight arrangements that involve the school Principal reporting regularly to the Board of Management and a requirement for the Board to undertake an annual review of the school's anti- bullying policy and its implementation. Confirmation that the annual review has been completed must be provided to the parents association and published on the school website.
All schools are now required to immediately commence the necessary arrangements for developing and formally adopting an anti-bullying policy that fully complies with the requirements of the new procedures. This is expected to be completed by each school as early as possible in the 2013/14 school year but in any event by no later than the end of the second term of the 2013/14 school year.
266. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department collates figures for teacher absenteeism in primary and secondary schools; and the way this information is collated and the headline results generated. [42526/13]
View answerTeachers in primary secondary and community/comprehensive schools are employed by the managerial authorities of the schools and paid salary by my Department on their behalf. The absences of teachers are recorded by the managerial authorities of the schools using the on line claim system. The information recorded is retained on my Departments database and is used to ensure the correct payment of teachers for their attendance in schools.
The information is also used to ensure that the rules applicable to the various types of leave granted to teachers such as sick leave and maternity leave are adhered to on an ongoing basis.
The managerial authorities of schools can obtain information from the database to monitor absenteeism of teachers employed by them on sick leave on an ongoing basis. The Department of Expenditure and Reform is provided annually with information on the absenteeism rates of teachers on sick leave with a view to monitoring trends in absenteeism across the public sector.
267. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to a study carried out by the Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Education and Training Board on teacher absenteeism; his views on the finding of the report which indicated that the average rate of absenteeism was 3.4%; and the way these findings compare with other similar studies that he may be aware of carried out by other relevant authorities across the State. [42527/13]
View answerThe average rate of absenteeism on my Department's payroll due to sickness in the 2011/2012 school year was 3.4% among primary teachers and 3.8% among post primary teachers. The Department of Expenditure and Reform monitor trends in sick leave absenteeism across the public sector. The reported absenteeism rates for 2012 in the other sectors range from 2.7% in the Defence sector to 4.8% in the Health Sector, with rates of 4.6% in the Civil Service and 4.7% in the Local Government sector. My Department has put in place an Occupational Health Strategy as a supportive resource for teachers to promote their health in the workplace with a focus primarily on prevention rather than cure. The Occupational Health Strategy comprises of the Employee Assistance Service and Occupational Health Service. The Employee Assistance Service incorporates confidential counselling on issues such as health, relationships, bereavement, stress, conflict, critical incident and trauma. The Occupational Health Service incorporates pre-employment health assessments, sickness absence referrals, medical assessments of fitness for work and ill health retirement assessments.
In accordance with the Public Service Reform Programme new sick leave provisions have been agreed and are currently being implemented across the public service.
269. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide in tabular form by county a breakdown of security and maintenance costs of closed Garda stations; the current use of each station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41793/13]
View answerFormer Garda stations remain the property of the Office of Public Works until they are allocated for other state use, disposed of, or identified for community use. These properties remain assets of the State and OPW as owners has responsibility to secure and protect these properties. Much of the expenditure outlined on the attached table related to the initial securing of the closed Garda Stations.
The figures for the current/future usage of these properties are shown in Table 1. The security and maintenance costs are shown in Table 2.
Table 1
|
County |
Garda Station |
Current Usage |
|
Carlow |
Leighlinbridge |
An Garda Síochána – Garda residence occupied. |
|
Cavan |
Bawnboy |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Cavan |
Finea |
Advertised for disposal. |
|
Cavan |
Stradone |
Retention requested by An Garda Síochána. |
|
Cavan |
Tullyvin |
Advertised for disposal. |
|
Clare |
Broadford |
Advertised for disposal. |
|
Clare |
Carrigaholt |
An Garda Síochána – Garda residence occupied. |
|
Clare |
Doonbeg |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Clare |
Inagh |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Clare |
Killaloe |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Clare |
Kilmihill |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Clare |
Labasheeda |
Advertised for disposal. |
|
Clare |
Lahinch |
An Garda Síochána – Garda residence occupied. |
|
Clare |
Mountshannon |
An Garda Síochána – Garda residence occupied. |
|
Clare |
Quin |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Cork |
Adrigole |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Cork |
Ballinaspittle |
An Garda Síochána – Garda residence occupied. |
|
Cork |
Ballyfeard |
An Garda Síochána – Garda residence occupied. |
|
Cork |
Ballygurteen |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Cork |
Castletownshend |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Cork |
Glenville |
An Garda Síochána – Garda residence occupied. |
|
Cork |
Goleen |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Cork |
Inchigeela |
Advertised for disposal. |
|
Cork |
Knocknagree |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Cork |
Mallow Road |
Advertised for disposal. |
|
Cork |
McCurtain Street |
Other State usage being considered. |
|
Cork |
Meelin |
Advertised for disposal. |
|
Cork |
Rathduff |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Donegal |
Anagary |
Leased - will be surrendered. |
|
Donegal |
Bunbeg |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Donegal |
Buncrana |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Donegal |
Churchill |
Other State usage being considered. |
|
Donegal |
Culdaff |
An Garda Síochána – Garda residence occupied. |
|
Donegal |
Doochary |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Donegal |
Dunkineely |
An Garda Síochána – Garda residence occupied. |
|
Donegal |
Glencolumbkille |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Donegal |
Malin |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Donegal |
Cloghan |
Advertised for disposal. |
|
Dublin |
Dalkey |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Dublin |
Harcourt Terrace |
Assigned for other State use. |
|
Dublin |
Kill O The Grange |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Dublin |
Rush |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Dublin |
Stepaside |
Other State usage being considered. |
|
Dublin |
Whitehall |
Assigned for other State use. |
|
Galway |
Ballymoe |
Other State usage being considered. |
|
Galway |
Corrandulla |
Other State usage being considered. |
|
Galway |
Kilchreest |
An Garda Síochána – Garda residence occupied. |
|
Galway |
Kilcolgan |
An Garda Síochána – Garda residence occupied. |
|
Galway |
Kilconly |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Galway |
Kiltullagh |
An Garda Síochána – Garda residence occupied. |
|
Galway |
Leenane |
Other State usage being considered. |
|
Galway |
Lettermore |
Advertised for disposal. |
|
Galway |
Menlough |
An Garda Síochána – Garda residence occupied. |
|
Galway |
New Inn |
An Garda Síochána – Garda residence occupied. |
|
Galway |
Shanaglish |
Other State usage being considered. |
|
Galway |
Tynagh |
An Garda Síochána – Garda residence occupied. |
|
Kerry |
Abbeydorney |
An Garda Síochána – Garda residence occupied. |
|
Kerry |
An Clochan |
An Garda Síochána – Garda residence occupied. |
|
Kerry |
Ballinaskelligs |
Assigned to Community. |
|
Kerry |
Ballylongford |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Kerry |
Beaufort |
Assigned to Community. |
|
Kerry |
Brosna |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Kerry |
Camp |
An Garda Síochána – Garda residence occupied. |
|
Kerry |
Castleisland |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Kerry |
Fenit |
An Garda Síochána – Garda residence occupied. |
|
Kerry |
Kilgarvan |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Kerry |
Lauragh |
Leased - will be surrendered. |
|
Kerry |
Moyvane |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Kerry |
Valentia Island |
Being used by the Irish Coast Guard. |
|
Kildare |
Ballymore-Eustace |
Leased - will be surrendered. |
|
Kildare |
Ballytore |
An Garda Síochána – Garda residence occupied. |
|
Kildare |
Kill |
Other State usage being considered. |
|
Kilkenny |
Ballyragget |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Kilkenny |
Castlecomer |
Assigned for other State use. |
|
Kilkenny |
Inistioge |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Kilkenny |
Johnstown |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Laois |
Ballacolla |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Laois |
Ballinakill |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Laois |
Borris-in-Ossory |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Leitrim |
Cloone |
Advertised for disposal. |
|
Leitrim |
Dromahair |
Assigned to Community. |
|
Leitrim |
Dromod |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Leitrim |
Drumkeeran |
Advertised for disposal. |
|
Leitrim |
Glenfarne |
An Garda Síochána – Garda residence occupied. |
|
Leitrim |
Keshcarrigan |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Leitrim |
Kiltyclogher |
Advertised for disposal. |
|
Limerick |
Castletown Conyers |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Limerick |
Doon |
Advertised for disposal. |
|
Limerick |
Edward Street |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Limerick |
Galbally |
An Garda Síochána – Garda residence occupied. |
|
Limerick |
Kilfinnane |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Limerick |
Kilmeedy |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Limerick |
Mayorstone Park |
Other State usage being considered. |
|
Limerick |
Shanagolden |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Limerick |
Tournafolla |
Advertised for disposal. |
|
Longford |
Ardagh |
Advertised for disposal. |
|
Longford |
Ballinalee |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Longford |
Newtowncashel |
Advertised for disposal. |
|
Mayo |
Ballina |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Mayo |
Ballycastle |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Mayo |
Ballyglass |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Mayo |
Ballyvary Site |
Advertised for disposal. |
|
Mayo |
Bellacorrick |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Mayo |
Blacksod |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Mayo |
Glenisland |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Mayo |
Hollymount |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Mayo |
Lahardane |
Advertised for disposal. |
|
Mayo |
Mulranny |
Assigned to Community. |
|
Mayo |
Tourmakeady |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Meath |
Crossakiel |
Advertised for disposal. |
|
Meath |
Kilmessan |
Advertised for disposal. |
|
Meath |
Longwood |
Advertised for disposal. |
|
Monaghan |
Clontibret GS |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Monaghan |
Corrinshigagh |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Monaghan |
Newbliss |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Monaghan |
Shantonagh |
Leased - will be surrendered. |
|
Monaghan |
Scottstown |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Monaghan |
Smithborough |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Offaly |
Geashill |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Offaly |
Shannonbridge |
An Garda Síochána – Garda residence occupied. |
|
Roscommon |
Ballintubber |
Advertised for disposal. |
|
Roscommon |
Ballyfarnon |
An Garda Síochána – Garda residence occupied. |
|
Roscommon |
Ballyforan |
Advertised for disposal. |
|
Roscommon |
Cootehall |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Roscommon |
Knockcroghery |
Advertised for disposal. |
|
Roscommon |
Loughglynn |
Assigned for other State use. |
|
Roscommon |
Tarmonbarry |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Sligo |
Aclare |
Advertised for disposal. |
|
Sligo |
Ballymote |
Assigned to Community. |
|
Sligo |
Bunnanadden |
Leased - will be surrendered. |
|
Sligo |
Cliffoney |
Assigned to Community. |
|
Sligo |
Easkey |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Tipperary |
Ballinderry |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Tipperary |
Ballinure |
Advertised for disposal. |
|
Tipperary |
Dundrum |
Advertised for disposal. |
|
Tipperary |
Grangemockler |
Advertised for disposal. |
|
Tipperary |
Lorrha |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Tipperary |
New Inn |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Tipperary |
Rearcross |
Leased - will be surrendered. |
|
Tipperary |
Terryglass |
Leased - will be surrendered. |
|
Waterford |
Ballyduff |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Waterford |
Dunmore East |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Waterford |
Stradbally |
Leased - will be surrendered. |
|
Westmeath |
Ballinahowen |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Westmeath |
Ballymore |
Advertised for disposal. |
|
Westmeath |
Castletown Geoghegan |
An Garda Síochána – Garda residence occupied. |
|
Westmeath |
Rathowen |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Wexford |
Baldwinstown |
Advertised for disposal. |
|
Wexford |
Ballywilliam |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Wexford |
Kiltealy |
Advertised for disposal. |
|
Wicklow |
Donard |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
|
Wicklow |
Hollywood |
Future use of this property under consideration. |
Summary
Advertised for disposal: 31
Future use of property under consideration: 67
Assigned for other State use: 4
Leased - will be surrendered: 8
Other State usage being considered: 9
"Retention requested by An Garda Síochána – Garda residence occupied": 25
Assigned to Community: 6
Being used by the Irish Coast Guard: 1
Retention requested by An Garda Síochána: 1
Total: 152
Table 2
|
Maintenance and Security Costs |
|
|
County |
Cost € |
|
Carlow |
€244.00 |
|
Cavan |
€4,918.38 |
|
Clare |
€12,470.50 |
|
Cork |
€11,533.47 |
|
Donegal |
€8,702.24 |
|
Dublin |
€35,489.56 |
|
Galway |
€6,349.31 |
|
Kerry |
€19,106.07 |
|
Kildare |
€1,100.00 |
|
Kilkenny |
€9,023.47 |
|
Laois |
€6,795.47 |
|
Leitrim |
€20,343.45 |
|
Limerick |
€3,720.73 |
|
Longford |
€1,228.00 |
|
Mayo |
€3,334.75 |
|
Meath |
€4,367.58 |
|
Monaghan |
€5,998.68 |
|
Offaly |
€4,725.05 |
|
Roscommon |
€8,036.18 |
|
Sligo |
€13,823.60 |
|
Tipperary |
€960.43 |
|
Waterford |
€3,812.01 |
|
Wicklow |
€5,725.03 |
|
Westmeath |
€2,457.28 |
|
Wexford |
€17,035.22 |
|
€191,807.96 |
270. Deputy Áine Collins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in view of the fact that the new freedom of information Act will now include organisations that are currently substantially funded by the State, if this will include voluntary housing agencies. [41802/13]
View answerThe Freedom of Information Bill 2013, which I am currently sponsoring, passed Second Stage in the Dail last Thursday (3 October 2013).
The Bill as currently drafted provides at Section 7 for the application of FOI to non-public bodies which are in receipt of significant funding from the State. This will be progressed in due course by way of Ministerial Order subject to consultation with the relevant Departments to agree on criteria to select bodies which are a priority for bringing within the FOI regime.
I cannot, however, say at this stage whether voluntary housing agencies might be made subject to FOI under the new Bill, when enacted.
271. 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; if he will review the current opening times with a view to easier access for the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41841/13]
View answerMaynooth Castle is one of 70 visitor sites administered by the Office of Public Works (OPW). In 2013, the Castle was originally scheduled to open from 30th May – 25th September but the closing date was extended to 29th September to coincide with the holding of the Maynooth festival.
The opening and presentation of the Castle to visitors is undertaken by a number of seasonal guides operating under a roster system. Due to budgetary and staffing constraints, the presentation of the Castle, like many other OPW heritage sites, is generally confined to the summer tourist season. Regretfully, no changes can be made to the existing arrangements while the current economic conditions prevail.
While heritage sites are administered by the State on behalf of all citizens, there are limitations on what can be achieved. The OPW would like to have all of its heritage sites open throughout the year but this simply is not possible. The current difficulties can only be addressed if local communities get actively involved with the OPW in the presentation of sites. In 2012, I introduced a strategy whereby local communities could work with OPW in making heritage sites more accessible to the public, and I sought expressions from interested parties. Earlier this year, I again sought applications from local communities to participate in such a scheme. Community groups in the Maynooth area, who are interested in promoting their local heritage, should be encouraged to make an application.
272. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if details held by the Garda on those persons guilty of sex offences and who are subject to the requirements of the Sex Offenders Act 2001 will be made subject to freedom of information legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42031/13]
View answerThe Freedom of Information Bill 2013, which I am currently sponsoring, passed Second Stage in the Dail last Thursday (3 October 2013).
The Bill as currently drafted provides, in accordance with the Programme for Government and the Government decision of July 2012 on the General Scheme of the Bill, that An Garda Síochána will be subject to freedom of information in relation to its administrative records subject to security exemptions.
Under Schedule 1, Part 1 of the Bill as drafted, An Garda Síochána will be exempt from FOI, “other than insofar as it relates to administrative records relating to human resources, or finance or procurement matters”.
Information on persons subject to the requirements of the Sex Offenders Act 2001 will not, therefore, be potentially available for release under FOI.
