Written Answers Nos. 274-297
274. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will guarantee that the Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology will not be privatised; his views on private funding interests for the institute. [3922/14]
View answer275. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide details of the staff pension fund in the Dún Laoghaire institute and give a guarantee that the staff pension fund is safe. [3923/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 274 and 275 together.
The position is that higher education institutions, including Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology (DLIADT), are autonomous statutory bodies for which the Governing Authority has responsibility for their day to day operational affairs, including the issue of generating non-Exchequer funding. My Department, or the Higher Education Authority (HEA), are not aware of any proposals regarding DLIADT moving to private college status. All eligible staff at DLIADT are members of the Education Sector Superannuation Scheme or if applicable the new Single Public Service Pension Scheme. These are Exchequer funded 'Pay as You Go" pension schemes and are not pension fund schemes.
276. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider adding a subject entitled politics and society to the senior education cycle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3949/14]
View answerI am very pleased to give the Deputy an update on Politics and Society. I have decided to include Politics and Society within the suite of subjects available to schools in the Leaving Certificate.
In the last fortnight, I wrote to the NCCA about this and have sought their advice on a number of issues which need to be addressed before the subject can be made available.
277. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to introduce an apprentice student service charge; the implications that the introduction of such a charge would have for the aircraft maintenance industry at Shannon Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3995/14]
View answerThe Annual Student Contribution is levied on apprentices and students attending Institutes of Technology. This contribution has been levied by Institutes of Technology in respect of apprentices since 2004, with FÁS/SOLAS paying 70% of the contribution and apprentices themselves paying the remainder. As part of Budget 2014, SOLAS will cease making this payment to the Institutes of Technology and apprentices themselves will pay the full pro rata Annual Student Contribution. Apprentices will pay the same contribution as students, apportioned for the time they spend in the Institutes. Unlike students, apprentices are paid a training allowances by SOLAS for phases of their training spent in Institutes of Technology. This allowance is equivalent to the wages they receive from their employers for on the job phases and is unaffected by the budgetary changes. Although apprentices are not eligible to receive student grants, the value of their training allowance would be greater than the maintenance available under the student grant scheme.
This decision was taken against a difficult budgetary background and there is no scope to re-visit it. There is no extra charge being levied on employers and I am confident that apprentices, who are in receipt of allowances and have invested time and effort to reach phase 4 and 6 of their apprenticeships, will see the value of the programme they are on and remain to completion.
278. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a late application will be granted in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 who was not informed by their awarding body of the need to reapply to Student Universal Support Ireland to continue to receive a higher education grant when progressing to an add-on year of their course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4034/14]
View answerOfficials in my Department have been informed by City of Dublin ETB that the student referred to by the Deputy was awarded a fees only grant in the academic year 2010/11 for a three year Level 7 course in Horticulture in Waterford IT.
The course being pursued by the student in the current academic year is an add-on Level 8 course in a different college and the student was required to submit a new grant application through the online system at www.susi.ie. The closing date for receipt of applications was 1 August 2013 and this was further extended to 19 November 2013.
Late applications may be accepted at the discretion of the awarding authority but not later that one month before the end of the academic year to which the application relates.
280. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the recourse available to suppliers of goods and services to school boards of management, who cannot get payment from the school board despite the Department having issued payments to the school board for these specified services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4039/14]
View answer281. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he is satisfied with the level of accountability, by school boards of management, to his Department for the expenditure of moneys allocated by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4040/14]
View answer282. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the fact that parents are not entitled to the minutes of board of management meetings from their local schools; if in view of recent controversies regarding transparency of boards, he is satisfied with this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4041/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 280 to 282, inclusive, together.
In accordance with the provisions of the Education Act 1998, the Board of Management is the body charged with the direct governance of a school. In general, the Board has the responsibility to ensure that the school operates efficiently and effectively. Boards of Management are required to comply with the provisions of the Education Act 1998, the relevant rules for schools and the terms of Circulars issued by my Department.
In accordance with section 18 of the Education Act 1998, schools are required to keep all proper and usual accounts and records of all moneys received by it or expenditure of such moneys incurred by it and must ensure that in each year all such accounts are properly audited or certified in accordance with best accounting practice. The Act further requires that such accounts shall be made available by the school for inspection by the Minister and by parents of students in the school, in so far as those accounts relate to moneys provided in accordance with Section 12 of the Act. Furthermore, the Board must satisfy itself that proper internal controls are in place for all financial transactions.
Generally, the Board of Management is responsible for contracts which exist between the Board of Management and the supplying contractor. For example where schools require temporary accommodation, the Board of Management is responsible for acquiring this accommodation and the rental contract is between the Board of Management and the supplying contractor. As the rental grant-aid is devolved to schools, it is a matter for school authorities to ensure that suppliers are paid in a timely manner.
It is a matter for each individual board to determine the information to be conveyed to parents, school staff and the school community. In doing so the board must be cognisant of its legal and other obligations in relation to, confidentiality, accuracy and security of all records and data held by the school.
283. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he is satisfied with the recourse available to parents of children in schools who wish to complain or appeal a decision of a board of management; if he will outline the options available to those parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4042/14]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that under the Education Act 1998, legally, all schools are managed by school Boards of Management, on behalf of the school patrons or trustees, and it is the Board of Management that employs the teachers at the school. Accordingly, whereas I provide funding and policy direction for schools, neither I nor the Department have legal powers to instruct schools to follow a particular course of direction with regards to individual complaint cases, or to investigate individual complaints except where the complaint involves a refused enrolment, expulsion or suspension, in accordance with Section 29 of the 1998 Education Act.
In dealing with parental complaints, my Department's role is to clarify for parents how their grievances and complaints against schools can be progressed. If a parent wishes to make a complaint against a teacher or school they should contact the relevant school authorities. The complaint procedures adopted by most schools are those that have been agreed between the teacher unions and school management bodies. Where a parent feels that the school's board of management has failed to investigate or adequately investigate their complaint, they should contact the Ombudsman for Children.
The Office of the Ombudsman for Children may independently investigate complaints about schools recognised with the Department of Education and Skills, provided the parent has firstly and fully followed the school's complaints procedures. The key criterion for any intervention by the Ombudsman for Children is that the action of the school has had a negative affect on a child. The office can be contacted at Ombudsman for Children's Office, Millennium House, 52-56 Great Strand Street, Dublin1, (Ph) 1800 20 20 40 or (01) 8656800, E-mail oco@oco.ie.
The Deputy will be aware that I am committed to publishing the arrangements for establishing a Parent and Student Charter. The purpose of the Charter is to strengthen the position of parents within the school system and to bring about a culture change in how schools engage with and involve parents (and students in an age related manner).
284. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a meeting took place in 2012 or 2013, on the proposed amalgamation of schools (details supplied) in County Galway; if he will outline the persons present at the meeting and the persons represented; if representatives of his Department attended the meeting; if representatives of the board of management of each school attended the meeting; the names of the persons who represented each school and their positions therein; if representatives of any other organisation attended the meeting; the outcome of the meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4043/14]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department did not attend a meeting in respect of the proposed amalgamation of the two schools, in question, in 2013. My Department did however meet with the school authorities, at their request, in July 2012. At this meeting, the school authorities gave details of their proposed future plans for the schools in question including the option of amalgamation. The school authorities were advised that any proposal to amalgamate schools must involve consultation with all of the relevant stakeholders and follow decisions taken at local level. In that regard, it was noted that whilst the decision making authority for any amalgamation belongs to the Patron of a school, this decision is subject to the approval of the Minister. The school authorities were also advised that any such request would need to clarify the implications of the amalgamation proposal, including any requests for capital funding.
In view of the requirement to confirm the names of the persons present at the meeting held in July 2012 and the persons they were representing, the further information sought by the Deputy in relation to the attendees concerned will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
285. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of students who withdrew from third level colleges during their first year in 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively; the amount it cost the Exchequer in State fees and third level grants; of these students, the number who re-registered in subsequent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4066/14]
View answerThe HEA does not have the exact data in the format requested. However, analysis of data in the HEA Student Record system of those progressing from 1st year to second year showed that for those who entered higher education in 2010/11 approximately 11% of Level 8 and approximately 29% of Level 6/7 new entrants did not progress to second year.
In the academic year 2013/14 it is estimated that, in respect of those students who are eligible for "free fees", the fee element paid by the Exchequer in respect of "free fees" will range from c. €370 - €450 (level 6/7 programmes) to an average of c. €3,300 Level 8 programmes (starting at c.€1,300 for some Level 8 programmes).
It is important to point out that students who repeat a year level are not eligible for "free fees" for the repeat year. The Student Contribution introduced in 2011/12 has increased the amount paid by the student towards the composite fee and reduced accordingly the amount paid by the Exchequer. The HEA reimburses the Institutions in respect of students who qualify for free fees. This funding is paid over to the Institutions in two moieties therefore the second moiety of free fees funding is not paid in respect of students who withdraw before the second semester.
The information in relation to students who dropped out of college is not available in the format requested. Students awarded a grant are paid the maintenance element, monthly in arrears, subject to confirmation and verification of attendance from the institution being attended.
286. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide, in tabular form, the broadband connection status of every primary and secondary school in Dublin north east and Dublin north central; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4067/14]
View answerThe Department does not maintain a list of schools with broadband connections by Dáil constituency. I am providing the Deputy with a list of all schools in Dublin. It should be noted that all post primary schools and those special schools that offer junior and senior cycle exams are due to be connected with 100Mbit/s shortly, if not already done so. Those schools that are listed as having no service are either schools that have refused a connection from the Department or new schools that are awaiting install.
|
Roll no. |
School Name |
Technology |
Bandwidth Down - Up to (Mbps) |
Expected Bandwidth Up - Up to (Mbps) |
|
70042L |
St. Kevin's Community College |
Wireless Local Loop (FWA) |
10 |
10 |
|
60081P |
Rockford Manor Secondary School |
DSL |
12 |
1 |
|
60470D |
Christian Brothers, Synge St. |
DSL |
12 |
1 |
|
60090Q |
Rathdown School |
Wireless Local Loop (FWA) |
12 |
1 |
|
60340N |
Loreto High School |
Wireless Local Loop (FWA) |
12 |
1 |
|
60571J |
Patrician College |
Wireless Local Loop (FWA) |
12 |
1 |
|
70160R |
St. Kevins College |
Wireless Local Loop (FWA) |
12 |
1 |
|
91342R |
Pobalscoil Neasáin |
Wireless Local Loop (FWA) |
8 |
8 |
|
60810B |
Loreto College |
Wireless Local Loop (FWA) |
8 |
8 |
|
81001I |
Newpark Comprehensive School |
Wireless Local Loop (FWA) |
12 |
1 |
|
60341P |
Sancta Maria College |
Cable |
100 |
7 |
|
60120W |
Mount Sackville Secondary School |
DSL |
2 |
1 |
|
70340T |
Liberties College |
DSL |
12 |
1 |
|
60853T |
Mount Carmel Secondary School |
DSL |
17 |
1 |
|
60240J |
Loreto College Foxrock |
DSL |
20 |
1 |
|
60121B |
Moyle Park College |
DSL |
10 |
1 |
|
60660I |
St Patricks Cathedral G.S |
DSL |
12 |
1 |
|
60990G |
Ardscoíl Éanna (Meanscoil Chroimghlinne) |
DSL |
15 |
1 |
|
60820E |
Loreto College |
DSL |
17 |
1 |
|
70040H |
Deansrath Community College |
DSL |
12 |
1 |
|
91324P |
Portmarnock Community School |
DSL |
12 |
1 |
|
76078Q |
Skerries Community College |
DSL |
15 |
1 |
|
70020B |
Grange Community College |
DSL |
2 |
1 |
|
76077O |
Larkin Community College |
DSL |
20 |
1 |
|
60180R |
Christian Brothers College |
DSL |
15 |
1 |
|
60342R |
Coláiste Éanna |
No service |
- |
- |
|
60361V |
St Raphaela's Secondary School |
No service |
- |
- |
|
60540V |
Catholic University School |
No service |
- |
- |
|
70300H |
Pearse College - Coláiste an Phiarsaigh |
No service |
- |
- |
|
76085N |
Gealcholáiste Reachrann |
No service |
- |
- |
|
76098W |
Coláiste Pobail Setanta (PHIBBLESTOWN COMMUNITY COLLEGE) |
No service |
- |
- |
|
76130P |
Luttrellstown Community College |
No service |
- |
- |
|
91305L |
Ballinteer Community School |
No service |
- |
- |
|
91316Q |
Blakestown Community School |
No service |
- |
- |
|
60070K |
Dominican College |
Wireless |
2 |
2 |
|
60140F |
Mount Anville Secondary School |
Wireless |
2 |
2 |
|
60520P |
Belvedere College S.J. |
Wireless |
2 |
2 |
|
70280E |
Rathmines College |
Wireless |
2 |
2 |
|
60310E |
Da La Salle College |
VDSL |
70 |
20 |
|
60430O |
St Pauls C.B.S. |
ULL |
2 |
2 |
|
60021U |
St Marys Secondary School |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60030V |
Blackrock College |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60040B |
Willow Park School |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60041D |
Coláiste Eoin |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60042F |
Coláiste Íosagáin |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60050E |
Oatlands College |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60092U |
Clonkeen College |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60100Q |
Castleknock College |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60130C |
Loreto Abbey Secondary School |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60160L |
Notre Dame Secondary School |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60250M |
Holy Child Secondary School |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60260P |
St Joseph Of Cluny Secondary School |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60262T |
St Laurence College |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60264A |
Coláiste Phádraig CBS |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60272W |
The Kings Hospital |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60290B |
St Pauls College |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60291D |
Árdscoil La Salle |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60300B |
Manor House School |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60320H |
St Columba's College |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60321J |
Rockbrook Park School |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60343T |
St Joseph's Secondary School |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60370W |
St. Fintan's High School |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60380C |
Santa Sabina Dominican College |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60381E |
Sutton Park School |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60383I |
Coláiste Choilm |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60390F |
St Josephs C.B.S. |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60400F |
St Vincents C.B.S. Glasnevin |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60410I |
C.B.S. James Street |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60420L |
Árdscoil Rís |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60440R |
O'Connell School |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60450U |
Coláiste Mhuire |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60471F |
St. David's C.B.S. |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60480G |
Meanscoil Iognáid Rís |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60481I |
St. Aidan's C.B.S. |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60490J |
C.B.S. Westland Row |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60491L |
St Declan's College |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60500J |
Marian College |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60510M |
St Johns College De La Salle |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60511O |
Beneavin De La Salle College |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60530S |
Gonzaga College |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60550B |
Chanel College |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60560E |
St Marys College |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60561G |
St Michaels College |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60562I |
Templeogue College |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60570H |
Terenure College |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60581M |
St Kevins College |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60590N |
St Conleths College |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60630W |
St Kilian's Deutsche Schule |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60640C |
Sandford Park School Ltd |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60650F |
St Andrews College |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60670L |
The High School |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60690R |
Dominican College |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60700R |
Scoil Chaitríona |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60710U |
Muckross Park College |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60720A |
Saint Dominic's Secondary School |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60732H |
Caritas College |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60741I |
St Michaels Secondary School |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60750J |
Holy Faith Secondary School |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60770P |
St Mary's Secondary School |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60791A |
St Marys Secondary School |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60800V |
Loreto College |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60840K |
Maryfield College |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60841M |
Rosary College |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60843Q |
St Josephs Secondary School |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60851P |
Assumption Secondary School |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60852R |
Mater Christi |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60860Q |
Our Ladys School |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60870T |
Our Lady Of Mercy College |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60871V |
Mercy College Coolock |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60872A |
Mercy Secondary School |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60890C |
St Louis High School |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60891E |
Jesus and Mary College |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60892G |
The Teresian School |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60910F |
Alexandra College |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60930L |
Rosemont School |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
60991I |
Our Lady Of Mercy Secondary School |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
61010U |
Wesley College |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
61020A |
Stratford College |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
68071G |
John Scottus Secondary School |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
70010V |
Balbriggan Community College |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
70021D |
Coláiste de hÍde |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
70030E |
Senior College Dunlaoghaire |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
70050K |
Dún Laoghaire Further Education Institute |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
70070Q |
College Of Further Education Dundrum |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
70080T |
Lucan Community College |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
70081V |
Coláiste Ghleann na hÁbhann |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
70090W |
Sallynoggin College of Further Education |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
70100W |
Coláiste Chilliain |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
70110C |
Stillorgan College of Further Education |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
70120F |
St Finians Community College |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
70121H |
Fingal Community College |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
70130I |
Greenhills College |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
70140L |
Firhouse Community College |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
70141N |
Mount Seskin Community College |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
70150O |
Cabra Community College |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
70170U |
Crumlin College Of Further Education |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
70180A |
Coláiste Eoin |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
70190D |
Coláiste Íde College of Further Education |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
70200D |
Ringsend College |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
70220J |
Inchicore College of Further Education |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
70230M |
Killester College of Further Education |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
70240P |
Kylemore College |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
70250S |
Marino College |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
70290H |
Ballsbridge College of Further Education |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
70310K |
Plunket College |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
70320N |
Whitehall House Senior College |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
70321P |
Margaret Aylward Community College |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
70330Q |
Coláiste Dhúlaigh |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
76065H |
Coláiste Cois Life |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
76092K |
PRESENTATION COLLEGE |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
76094O |
COLÁISTE DHÚLAIGH COLLEGE OF FURTHER EDUCATION |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
76097U |
ADAMSTOWN COMMUNITY COLLEGE |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
100 |
|
76104O |
Donabate Community College |
100Mbit/s |
100 |
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287. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he supports teaching in primary schools under the FÁS WPP1 programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4072/14]
View answerThe Work Placement Programmes (FAS WPP1 for graduates and WPP2 for non-graduates), along with the JobBridge National Internship Scheme are managed by the Department of Social Protection.
In November 2010, Circular Letter 66/2010 issued by my Department set out how schools could participate in the FAS Work Placement Programme, operated by the Department of Social Protection since January 2012. In October 2011 by way of Circular Letter 46/2011 my Department authorised recognised schools and vocational educational committees to participate in the National internship Scheme - JobBridge which is also operated and funded by the Department of Social Protection.
Participation in WPP and JobBridge is entirely voluntary and schools may apply for placements/internships in whichever area they deem appropriate. Participating schools must comply with Department of Social Protection requirements for Host Organisations and also with the guidelines issued by my Department. A placement/internship must not cause an existing member of staff to be displaced from the school or be used to fill a current vacancy in the school (including a vacancy in a post of responsibility).
These schemes provide an opportunity for the exchange of expertise and experience between the host organisation and those in a placement/internship. The Department of Social Protection has indicated that there are currently no placements related to teaching under the WPP.
288. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application to Student Universal Support Ireland in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; when a decision will be made; if he will expedite the application due to financial hardship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4081/14]
View answerOfficials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) that additional information has been requested from the student referred to by the Deputy. When the requested documentation is returned, the student will be notified directly of the outcome.
Where an individual applicant considers that he has been unjustly refused a student grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, 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 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 Grants Appeals Board. The relevant appeal form is available to download from http://www.studentfinance.ie/downloads/1375344221/2013_SGAB_appeal_form.pdf
289. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application to Student Universal Support Ireland in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; when a decision will be made; if he will expedite the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4082/14]
View answerOfficials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) that it is awaiting the final course acceptance form from the student in question to enable her grant application to be processed to finality. This has been requested from the student in writing. The assessment team in SUSI have tried to phone the applicant in order to request same but the number supplied would not connect.
290. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the specification for school building has changed in respect of walls and building where concrete slabs are used instead of block and brick for wall building purposes; if this change is now adopted for school buildings generally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4084/14]
View answerSchool buildings are constructed to the highest possible standard utilising many different methods of construction. Like all modern buildings, schools may be constructed from different building materials. Modern methods of construction such as steel frame, timber frame and precast panels are utilised as well as more traditional blockwork.
The specification of walls in school buildings are a matter for the Design Team on any school project, taking into account the Department's guidelines on appropriate forms of construction. The Department's guidelines are not proscriptive with regard to appropriate wall construction. Several alternative methods of wall construction are acceptable provided they meet the robustness and lifespan requirements of the guidelines. Steel frame with timber panel infill, precast concrete, concrete block work and brickwork have all been used on school buildings in recent years.
My Department will continue to use and develop a diverse range of delivery options to meet the need for additional school places. Each project is assessed on its own merits to determine the most efficient delivery mechanism as outlined above.
291. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has concerns regarding the manner of an appointment of a senior manager at Galway and Roscommon Education Training Board (details supplied); if he will investigate the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4126/14]
View answer292. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the position of director of schools exists within education and training boards; and if the chief executive officer and board of any ETB can sanction the creation of such a new post or any other such position without approval from his Department. [4128/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 291 and 292 together.
My Department has sought clarification from the Chief Executive of Galway and Roscommon ETB in this matter and I will arrange for a reply to issue to the Deputy once his response is received.
293. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the architect's report has been received by his Department from a person (details supplied) with respect to accommodation issues at a school; and when he expects a final decision on the matter will be made. [4131/14]
View answerMy Department is currently considering how the accommodation needs of the school, referred to by the Deputy, can be addressed. In that regard, the recent visit by my Department's technical staff will assist in that process. My Department expects to be in touch with the school shortly.
294. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will clarify the situation regarding an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4141/14]
View answerUnder my Department's student grant scheme, eligible candidates may receive funding provided they are attending an approved course at an approved institution as defined in the scheme. The student referred to by the Deputy is attending a course in a private institution.
An appeal was received by the Student Grants Appeals Board from the student. The appeal reply issued to the student on 22 January 2014.
Private colleges operated on a for-profit basis are not listed as approved institutions for student grant purposes. However, tax relief on tuition fees may be available for students attending courses in private colleges. Details in relation to this relief are available from the Revenue Commissioners. The Deputy will appreciate that in the absence of all of the relevant details that would be contained in an individual's application, it would not be possible to say if another student would qualify for a student grant.
295. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views regarding a submission in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4144/14]
View answerOfficials in my Department have been informed by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) that the application of the student referred to by the Deputy, is under review and the student will be notified shortly of the outcome.
296. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the eligibility for special rate of higher education grant in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4152/14]
View answerOfficials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) that the student referred to by the Deputy has been awarded a postgraduate fee contribution of €2,000 and is ineligible to have his fees paid up to the maximum fee limit.
Under the terms of the Student Grant Scheme 2013 postgraduate students who meet the qualifying conditions for the special rate of grant under the Student Grant Scheme will be eligible to have their post-graduate tuition fees paid up to the maximum fee limit of €6,270.
To qualify for the special rate of grant an applicant must meet the following conditions: (1). Reckonable income must not exceed €22,703. (2). On the 31st December of the relevant period the reckonable income must include an eligible long-term social welfare payment prescribed under the scheme. The Student Assistance Fund will continue to be made available through the access offices of third-level institutions to assist students in exceptional financial need.
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 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 Grants Appeals Board. The relevant appeal form is available to download from www.studentfinance.ie.
