Written Answers Nos. 338-359
338. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding plans to cut the assignment of visiting teachers for blind children in mainstream primary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46812/13]
View answerThe Visiting Teacher Service for children with visual and hearing impairment (VTHVI) provides assistance for children who are deaf/hard of hearing and children who are blind/visually impaired. There are currently no plans in place to cut this service. In May 2013 the National Council for Special Education brought forward policy advice in which it recommended that the service should be reviewed. Accordingly, my Department has recently announced an independent review of this service in line with the NCSE recommendations.
The review will be conducted by two independent reviewers who are tasked to review the role and function of the Visiting Teacher Service with a view to the making of recommendations for consideration to my Department in relation to the efficient and coordinated delivery of the services that the Visiting Teachers service currently provides.
It is anticipated that the review will be concluded by the end of February 2014.
339. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will sanction the extension of a morning school bus route (details supplied) in County Kerry which will incur no additional cost to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46880/13]
View answerBus Éireann operates the school transport services on behalf of my Department.
Primary school transport routes are planned so that, as far as possible, no eligible child will have more than 2.4 kilometres to travel to or from a pick-up point.
Home pick-ups were never envisaged as being part of the School Transport Scheme. Bus Éireann has also confirmed that an extension to the current service will incur additional cost.
341. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Skills the outcome of the mini-tender held in August for broadband for schools; the winners of contracts; the relevant schools; the relevant values of each contract and the minimum technical performance criteria in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47006/13]
View answerUnder the Schools Broadband Access Programme the Department provides for the supply of internet connectivity for all recognised primary and post primary schools. All contracts under the Schools Broadband Access Programme were re-tendered last year under a public procurement competition. As a result of this the number of service providers has been expanded from 6 to 13 with the aim of ensuring that satisfactory solutions would be awarded to schools.
Where schools were awarded slow DSL solutions or satellite solutions, the contracts were for one year only and the schools were re-tendered for last August. In total 414 schools were re-tendered by way of a mini competition under the framework that was set up in 2012. Of those 414 schools, the Minister has awarded improved solutions to 295 schools. The list of awards is in the following table. The Minister is not in a position to announce the value of these contracts due to commercial sensitivity. Officials are currently reviewing the situation in relation to the remaining 119 schools and a further mini competition is likely in the new year in relation to some or all of these schools.
342. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will justify the discrimination proposed in respect of charging FÁS apprentices a fee for the time they spend in institutes of technology, an amount which can range from €540 to almost €2,000 depending on the type of apprenticeship, even though no such fees are required by CAO applicants. [47050/13]
View answer343. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps he has taken to ensure a strong uptake in apprenticeships; and the way his plan to charge fees when the apprentice attends an institute of technology could possibly be deemed to contribute to access and opportunity. [47051/13]
View answer350. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide full details of the budget 2014 changes to the tuition fees for apprentices; the estimated number of apprentices these changes will impact upon next year; the basis for this decision in view of the inequality of treatment for apprentices relative to third level students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47182/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 342, 343 and 350 together.
My Department is currently carrying out a review of the Irish Apprenticeship training model, with a view to providing an updated model of training that delivers the necessary skilled workforce to service the needs of a rapidly changing economy and to ensure an appropriate balance between supply and demand. The numbers in apprenticeship are currently entirely demand driven and are determined by the numbers taken on as apprentices by employers. Apprentices are paid a training allowances by SOLAS for phases of their training spent off the job. This allowance is equivalent to the wages they receive from their employers for on the job phases and is unaffected by the budgetary changes.
There is no inequality of treatment between apprentices and other students in Institutes of Technology. The Annual Student Contribution is levied on students attending Institutes of Technology. The amount due by apprentices is calculated on a pro rata basis of the time which they spend in Institutes of Technology during the academic year. This is typically one third of the Annual Student Contribution paid by students attending for the full academic year but it can be greater for certain trades where longer periods are spent in Institutes of Technology. Since 2004, FÁS/SOLAS has paid a part of the Annual Student Contribution due in respect of apprentices, with apprentices themselves paying the part of the contribution relating to examination fees. As part of Budget 2014, SOLAS will cease making payments to Institutes of Technology and apprentices will pay the full pro rata Annual Student Contribution.
In 2014, 2,704 places have been made available in Institutes of Technology for apprentices in the fourth and sixth phases of their apprenticeship.
344. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide in tabular form the partial year and the full year monetary effect of his Department's budget 2014 reductions to expenditure. [47075/13]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is contained in the following table.
|
Savings Measure |
2014 |
F/Year |
|
Reduction in allocation to Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) |
€25m |
0 |
|
Abolish €20 long-term unemployment bonus paid to FAS, VTOS and Youthreach participants (new entrants) |
€2m |
€7m |
|
Require FAS apprentices to pay pro-rata Student Services Charge proportionate to the percentage of time they spend in IOTs. |
€1m |
€1m |
|
Savings arising from adjustments in cases where FAS training course participants can receive concurrent DES and DSP payments. |
€5m |
€5m |
345. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of early retirements from the post-primary education full-time teaching pool in each of the past seven years, 2006 to 2012, inclusive. [47098/13]
View answer346. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of early retirements from the primary education full-time teaching pool in each of the past seven years, 2006 to 2012, inclusive. [47099/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 345 and 346 together.
The following table shows the number of primary, secondary, community and comprehensive school teachers who retired and were awarded pensions, other than on reaching mandatory retirement age, for each of the calendar years 2006 - 2012. The figures for second level teachers do not include pensioned VEC teachers where the retirement awards were made by the relevant VEC.
|
Year |
Primary Teachers |
Secondary/C&C Teachers |
|
2006 |
533 |
455 |
|
2007 |
556 |
588 |
|
2008 |
554 |
508 |
|
2009 |
969 |
759 |
|
2010 |
687 |
610 |
|
2011 |
1052 |
709 |
|
2012 |
945 |
731 |
347. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of persons who availed of third-level courses subsidised under the Springboard initiative in 2011 and 2012. [47100/13]
View answerThe Springboard programme strategically targets funding of free part-time flexible higher education courses for unemployed and previously self-employed people in areas where there are identified labour market skills shortages or employment opportunities.
4,956 people enrolled on programmes under the first round of Springboard in 2011 and 5,575 people enrolled on programmes under the second phase of the initiative in 2012. A full set of detailed data tables for Springboard 2011 and 2012 is available at http://www.springboardcourses.ie/docs/DataTablesFINAL.pdf.
An additional 6,000 places are currently being rolled out under Springboard 2013, which was launched in June 2013. Further information on the courses is available at the dedicated information and applications website www.springboardcourses.ie.
348. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason when calculating distance to college to determine adjacent or non-adjacent grant rates, Student Universal Support Ireland is using old regional roads which do not correspond to the normal route taken, encouraging persons to avoid roads with tolls (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47103/13]
View answerOfficials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support that in the case of the student referred to by the Deputy the application is currently being reviewed and the student will be notified directly of the outcome.
The distance measurement for student grant rates is governed by Article 27(3)(a) and (b) of the Student Grant Scheme 2012. This provides that the relevant distance will be measured in line with agreed guidelines.
The guidelines require that the shortest most direct route between the applicant's normal residence and the institution being attended should apply and that, in determining the shortest most direct route, the relevant awarding authority shall establish:
- the method for measuring a route;
- the factors to be taken into account in establishing and measuring a route.
The awarding authority's criteria for measuring a route must be accessible, particularly to the applicant, the appeals officer and the Student Grants Appeals Board.
If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a student grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, 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 Grants Appeals Board. The appeals form is available to download at http://www.studentfinance.ie/downloads/1375344221/2013_SGAB_appeal_form.pdf.
349. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider the position of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare, which is on the five-year building programme, for the 2014 building list. [47125/13]
View answerThe building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning. It has been included in the 5 year construction programme with a scheduled construction commencement in 2015/16.
The Design Team is currently working on the Stage 2(b) submission which includes the securing of all statutory approvals and completion of tender documents. Once complete the design team will submit the stage 2(b) report to my Department for consideration. Following receipt and review of the Stage 2b submission the Department will be in touch with the school as to the timescale for the further progression of this project.
The Construction Programme specific to 2014 will be announced later this year.
351. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the criteria used by Departments for the development and publication of regulatory impact assessments. [45626/13]
View answerDepartments have responsibility for conducting and preparing regulatory impact assessments (RIAs). The criteria for the development of RIAs are set out comprehensively in the Revised RIA Guidelines (2009), published by the Department of the Taoiseach on its website. RIAs are required to be published by Departments.
352. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will examine the pension paid to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46048/13]
View answerI understand the underlying issue relates to a provision known as ‘Allocation of Pension’.
The Superannuation Act 1956 (section 3), and the Superannuation (Allocation of Pension) Regulations 1957 (S.I. 20 of 1957), make provision for an established Civil Servant to surrender (or allocate) part of his or her own pension to provide a pension for a nominated beneficiary. Allocation of pension may be made only by a Civil Servant retiring on pension and may be made in favour of one beneficiary only. The beneficiary may be a spouse, or a specified dependent relative nominated by the scheme member.
Notice of allocation must be given more than six calendar months before the date of retirement. Having lodged a valid notice of allocation, the member is required not earlier than four months before the date of retirement to undergo a medical examination by a doctor nominated by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (previously the Minister for Finance). If the notice of allocation is in order and the Minister decides that the member is of sound health, the member will be notified accordingly and the allocation will be valid and will become effective at midnight on the date of retirement, provided the beneficiary is then alive.
The provision for allocation of pension was introduced at a time when there was no specific provision in the Civil Service Superannuation Code to award survivors’ benefits on the death of a serving or retired officer. A scheme to provide for such benefits was, however, subsequently introduced with effect from 23 July 1968 called the Widows’ and Children’s Contributory Pension Scheme (now the Spouses’ and Children’s Contributory Pension Scheme).
With regard to the specific case in question, it has been confirmed that the scheme member did not make an application for Allocation of Pension. The scheme member was a member of the relevant Spouses' and Children's Superannuation Scheme. In the circumstances of this case this meant that, upon the subsequent death of the scheme member, survivor pensions became, upon application, payable to the scheme member's spouse and his dependant. Any queries relating to the latter's entitlements under the Social Welfare code, such as ‘free travel’, would be a matter for the Minister for Social Protection.
353. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to his 4 July 2013 announcement on the disposal of closed Garda stations the position regarding the plan; if estate agents have been appointed for all of the lots identified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46232/13]
View answerThe appointment of estate agents to manage the disposal of the former Garda stations is progressing. Estate agents have been selected and the OPW await formal acceptance of contracts in order to proceed with selling the properties on the open market.
354. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of closed Garda stations that have been transferred to or leased to community groups throughout the country for community facilities; the number of groups with whom the Office of Public Works is currently engaging regarding such proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46233/13]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW) has assigned 10 former Garda stations for use by community groups based on detailed written submissions received. These assignments will be by way of a licence for a period of 2-5 years initially with the option of renewal at the end of the term.
The OPW is engaging with various community groups around the country in relation to expressions of interest and/or submissions received for use of a further 35 such properties.
It should be noted that in some cases the OPW has offered community groups accommodation, which has then been turned down on the basis of alternative accommodation being provided by other sources locally.
355. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number and location of buildings transferred from the National Asset Management Agency to the Office of Public Works; and the cost of maintaining or repairing these buildings. [46274/13]
View answerNAMA was set up to acquire loans from certain financial institutions and it does not take ownership of properties. No properties have been transferred from the National Assets Management Agency to the Office of Public Works.
356. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when approval will be given for stage 2 of the flood alleviation works between Carnmore and Claregalway, as all documents are currently with the Office of Public Works for approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46366/13]
View answerIt is expected that the Clare River (Claregalway) Drainage Scheme, which encompasses alleviation works between Carnmore and Claregalway, will be submitted shortly to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for statutory approval to proceed to construction.
If approval is received, it is expected that construction will commence before the end of the year in areas that do not have particular environmental or weather constraints.
357. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide a breakdown of the cost per Civil Service employee of office space; and the way this compares to similar figures in the private sector. [46371/13]
View answerThe Commissioners of Public Works' office estate consists of a very diverse array of buildings ranging from National Cultural Institutions to Garda Stations, to the State Laboratory. All provide accommodation to a wide range of employees serving a variety of public and non-public functions, and within that estate there is a wide range of accommodation types. Office accommodation is located in a mix of first, second and third generation buildings which, due to their design can provide varying degrees of efficiency in terms of usage. Heritage and protected structures also pose unique challenges in terms of achieving the most efficient use of space.
Given the current mix of space types and uses, it is not possible to provide meaningful figures for comparison purposes.
358. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide figures for the past three years for which data are available of the occupancy rate of property owned by Departments. [46372/13]
View answerThe Commissioners of Public Works' owned estate consists of a wide variety of properties which serve a variety of functions, ranging through office space, public offices, museum and gallery space, heritage properties open to the public, Garda Stations etc. These properties are actively managed by the Commissioners to ensure optimal occupancy at all times.
At present, three buildings classified as office accommodation are unoccupied, a small number of properties such as former customs posts are unoccupied and in addition, there are approximately 130 recently closed Garda Stations. The Commissioners are in the process of disposing of such former Stations to other State bodies, selling them on the open market, or allocating them to community groups.
359. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has considered asking those responsible for public sector pension schemes to make a contribution to the jobs initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46419/13]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, public service pensions are funded on a pay-as-you-go basis by the public purse which already funds a wide range of employment initiatives.
Public service pensions have been reduced by the Public Service Pension Reduction (PSPR) which was introduced in January 2011 under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2010. In July 2013, the rates of PSPR for some pensioners were increased and PSPR was extended to certain pensions not previously impacted.
The effect of the PSPR and of these changes in 2013 has been to leave more funds available for other public expenditure including employment support measures.
