Written Answers Nos. 87-92
87. Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a refurbishment project for a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the timeframe for completion of works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49643/13]
View answerThe School referred to by the Deputy made an application to my Department for refurbishment works to their canteen. The application concerned was not successful as my Department's priority at this time is focused on providing direct classroom accommodation. I refer the Deputy however to my announcement on 7th November, to the re-introduction of the Summer Works Scheme for 2014. Funding from the Scheme will allow eligible schools to carry out small and medium scale building works that will improve and upgrade existing school buildings. It is open therefore to the school, referred to by the Deputy, to make an application if it so wishes under the scheme for the works referred to. Applications will be assessed in accordance with availability of funding on a top down basis in accordance with the prioritisation criteria, which are available on my Department's Summer Works 2014 Circular.
88. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Education and Skills regarding circular letters 24 and 25/2008, which of the former vocational education committees have contacted and which have not contacted all current and former employees regarding their entitlement to participate in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49653/13]
View answer89. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Education and Skills regarding circular letters 24 and 25/2008, the number of current and former employees of each of the former vocational education committees who have taken up the option to participate in the scheme since the issue of these circulars; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49654/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 88 and 89 together.
The information sought by the Deputy is not collated by my Department as the administration of business in the former VECs is a matter for each individual Education and Training Board (ETB) to address.
90. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a special needs assistant who has been made redundant may take up substitute work without having to repay any part of a redundancy payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49693/13]
View answerThe detailed arrangements regarding supplementary assignment arrangements for SNAs for the 2013/2014 school year are set out in Departmental Circular 0037/2013 which issued on 1 July 2013 and which is available on the Department's website at the following address: http://www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active-Circulars/cl0037_2013.pdf.
With effect from 1 May 2013 once an SNA with a minimum of one year's service is notified by his/her employer that he/she is to be made redundant then he/she shall be deemed to be a member of a Supplementary Assignment Panel for SNAs. With the exception of SNAs who have been re-employed in other schools or who have chosen to opt out of the panel in accordance with the terms of Paragraph 39 of the circular, all SNAs who have been made redundant since 1 May 2013 are members of the SNA Supplementary Assignment Panel.
Paragraph 18 of Circular 37/2013 indicates that Supplementary Assignment Panel rules do not apply to the filling of substitute or "cover" vacancies i.e. Maternity Leave, Sick Leave, Career Breaks etc.
Accordingly, a person who is employed as a substitute SNA will not have to re-imburse the Department in respect of any redundancy compensation payment that they may have received, or may be entitled to receive.
91. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the construction of a school extension (details supplied) in County Waterford ; when he expects the project to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49695/13]
View answerResponsibility for the delivery of an extension to the school referred to by the Deputy has been devolved to Kilkenny & Carlow Education and Training Board (ETB).
I understand the Design Team appointed by the ETB are currently completing the Stage 2a Submission (Developed Sketch Design) and, when complete, consideration will be given to allowing the ETB proceed to Stage 2b - Detailed Design, which involves obtaining planning permission, fire certificate and disability access certificate and the completion of tender documents.
92. Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a temporary site has been sought for the Gaelcholáiste to serve the general Ballinteer-Stepaside area that will commence operation in 2014 under the patronage of An Foras Pátrúnachta na Scoileanna Lán Ghaeilge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49745/13]
View answerMy Department is working with the patron of the school in question to identify and secure suitable accommodation for the schools start up in 2014.
