Written Answers Nos. 65-75
65. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will respond to the recommendation of the Ombudsman for Children who in October 2012 called for the issuing of a policy document on educating children with autism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6045/14]
View answerIn correspondence with the Ombudsman for Children, my Department was encouraged to issue a comprehensive policy document on educating children with autism. This reflected a proposal which my Department made last year to bring together all of the facets of the policy on the education of children with autism into one document which was intended to bring further clarity to my Department's policies in this area. However in the interim I requested the National Council Special Education (NCSE) to bring forward new policy advice on the education of children with autism. The NCSE have advised my Department that the Policy Advice will be delivered in the spring of 2015 and will draw upon findings gathered from an extensive consultation process which has already commenced. The advice will also draw upon the research commissioned by the NCSE as well as any other research which may be available and which the NCSE considers merits consideration. It will be open to all interested parties to contribute to the consultation process and I expect that the NCSE final report will reflect the broadest possible range of views and provide recommendations which will assist the development of policy for future years. In the light of this development I see no merit in revising the existing format of the current policy in advance of the publication of the new policy advice.
66. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide a list of all NGOs in receipt of funding/grants from his Department in each of the past five years; and the NGOs, if any, in receipt of funding/grants from his Department over the past five years that are bound by a service level agreement. [6049/14]
View answerRecipients of grant funding and other payments from my Department are not mainly indexed by whether the recipients have Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) status. It is not, therefore, possible to provide a fully definitive listing of payments to NGOs over the past five years, without assigning very significant administrative resources to this task. However, the table, produced following a summary examination of payments made from the Department's financial management system, does provide details of bodies regarded as NGOs, or as having status analogous to NGOs, that were paid directly from the financial management system in the last five years. The listing does not include other bodies that may have received Departmental funding indirectly, e.g. from a body that itself is in receipt of direct Voted funding. While it is not possible in the time available to detail the specific nature of the funding and accounting arrangements in place between the bodies listed in the table and the Department, there would in general be a number of conditions attached to the receipt of Departmental funding. Such conditionality would generally take the form of requirements to comply with a range of criteria. These would include:
- Evidence of meeting scheme/programme eligibility requirements;
- Reporting of both projected and actual expenditure;
- Providing details of activity levels as well as qualitative assessments of activities or programme impacts;
- Various accounting terms and conditions, including required production of invoices received and paid and outlining services provided, retention of receipts, production of independently audited accounts.If the Deputy wishes to obtain further information regarding any of the bodies listed in the table I will arrange for this information to be provided.
|
ORGANISATION NAME |
|
ACAMH (ASSOCIATION FOR CHILD AND ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH) |
|
AGE ACTION IRELAND |
|
ALLIANCE VICTIMS SUPPORT GROUP |
|
BARNARDOS |
|
BELONG TO |
|
BUSINESS IN THE COMMUNITY IRELAND |
|
CAMARA |
|
CENTRE FOR CROSS BODIES STUDIES |
|
CHILDRENS BOOKS IRELAND |
|
CINEMAGIC |
|
CO-OPERATION IRELAND |
|
COVENTRY IRISH SOCIETY |
|
DUBLIN EMPLOYMENT PACT |
|
EUROPEAN AGENCY FOR DEVELOPMENT IN SPECIAL NEEDS EDUCATION |
|
EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION FOR INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION |
|
EUROPEAN MOVEMENT IRELAND |
|
FOCUS IRELAND |
|
GLEN |
|
GLOR NA NGAEL |
|
HARINGEY IRISH CULTURAL AND COMMUNITY CARE |
|
HOLOCAUST EDUCATIONAL TRUST OF IRELAND |
|
INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AND EUROPEAN AFFAIRS |
|
IRISH COMMUNITY CARE |
|
IRISH COUNCIL FOR OVERSEAS STUDENTS |
|
IRISH IN BRITAIN |
|
IRISH NATIONAL ORGANISATION OF THE UNEMPLOYED |
|
IRISH SURVIVORS OF CHILDHOOD ABUSE (SOCA) |
|
IRISH SURVIVORS OF INSTITUTIONAL ABUSE INTERNATIONAL |
|
JUSTICE AND HEALING FOR INSTITUTIONAL ABUSE |
|
LONDON IRISH CENTRE CHARITY |
|
NALA NATIONAL ADULT LITERACY AGENCY |
|
RASP LTD |
|
RIGHT OF PLACE |
|
SAOL PROJECT LTD |
|
THE PUSHKIN TRUST |
|
WASHINGTON IRELAND PROGRAMME |
67. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the religious ethos in schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6057/14]
View answerReligious education is one of the seven curricular areas of the Primary Curriculum and schools are currently required to allocate thirty minutes per day for religious education. There are no plans to alter the amount of time allocated to the teaching of religion in primary schools. However, we must respond to the changes in Irish society and in this context I established the Forum on Patronage and Pluralism to look at how schools can cater for diversity and ensure an inclusive and respectful environment for all their pupils. Work is continuing on the follow-up to the Report of the Advisory Group to the Forum, which contains a wide range of recommendations aimed at ensuring that Irish schools cater for the diversity in society. The Report does not recommend that Holy Communion and Confirmation preparations are removed from the school day. However, the Group had concerns about the amount of time which can end up being devoted to sacramental preparation and they recommend that it should not be allowed to encroach on time allocated for the general curriculum. They also recommend on-going discussion with parents and clergy with regard to the role of the parish in sacramental preparation. As part of my Action Plan in response to the Report of the Advisory Group, I recently conducted a further consultation process to give parents, in particular, an opportunity to give their views on the Group's recommendations on how schools can become more inclusive. In accordance with the Programme for Government commitment, the submissions received, together with the Forum Report findings and recommendations, are now being considered with a view to developing a White Paper outlining Government policy in this area.
68. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a school (details supplied) in County Meath is not eligible to receive funding under the book rental scheme; if he will revisit this decision in view of the fact that this is a new school and has associated increased costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6070/14]
View answerThe Department will continue to provide a book grant as usual to all primary schools. This grant, can be utilised for the purposes of updating or expanding a school's existing book rental scheme. I want to commend all schools that have used it to help build up book rental schemes over the years. Their efforts mean that the high costs of school books is being significantly reduced for parents. At my request, the National Parents' Council surveyed the views of their members in relation to currently operating book rental schemes. Parents have reported that where book rental schemes operate, they are open to all parents in 95% of cases, and that the cost per child is under €40 per year in a considerable majority of schools. Perhaps most tellingly, the survey has found that 93% of parents believe that book rental schemes help with the costs of educating a child. Ensuring that book rental schemes are available to all parents must therefore clearly be our aim. I understand that it feels unfair to those schools who have invested time and money to establish such schemes, that they now cannot benefit from the additional funding which was secured as part of the Budget. Of course it is unfair, but equally, the status quo was deeply unfair on many parents. The parents who had no access whatsoever to book rental schemes needed more support. With the limited funding available, I believe that targeting this funding - to make sure that every parent in Ireland has access to some level of a book rental scheme - was the greatest good that could be achieved. The Department is contacting primary schools that do not currently operate a book rental scheme to advise them of the application process. The school referred to by the Deputy indicated in the Primary School Census 2013 that they currently operate a book rental/loan scheme and will not therefore qualify for funding.
69. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a building project in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Dublin. [6109/14]
View answerResponsibility for the delivery of the school referred to by the Deputy has been devolved to the Office of Public Works (OPW). I understand that following a recent tender competition the OPW has issued a "Letter of Intent" to the apparently successful tenderer.
70. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to include Irish politics on the curriculum of primary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6154/14]
View answerSocial, personal and health education (SPHE) already provides particular opportunities in the primary sector to foster the personal development of children and help them become active and responsible citizens. From infant classes right up through to sixth class the theme of developing citizenship is examined. Areas such as "My School Community", "Living in the local community" and "Environmental Care" are examined and developed throughout the primary school cycle.
71. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an update regarding the handing over of a disused Garda station to a community project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5908/14]
View answerThe Commissioners of Public Works have written to the Castletownshend Community Association confirming that they are prepared to licence the former station to this community group. The licence is currently being drafted and will be forwarded to the group in due course.
72. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will ensure that the Office of Public Works ceases co-operating with the redevelopment of the Irish Jewish Museum until the board engages in a meaningful way with local residents in the vicinity of the museum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5931/14]
View answer73. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide this Deputy with a copy of all records, documents, contacts and communications with external bodies related to the design work and support provided by the Office of Public Works to the Irish Jewish Museum redevelopment project, along with an itemised list of hourly staff work on the project with name, job title and grade and specific work, along with any billing documentation and engagements with external contractors; if he will provide a list of each meeting with representatives of the Irish Jewish Museum as well as minutes, correspondence or records of meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5932/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 72 and 73 together.
At the request of An Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern TD, the Office of Public Works (OPW) provided professional support to the Irish Jewish Museum in relation to its proposed redevelopment of the Museum premises up to planning permission. Arising from a recent decision of An Bord Pleanala, planning permission has been granted.
The involvement of OPW with this project spans a number of years. Given the breadth of the Deputy's request, it will take time and resources to collate all the information sought. OPW will revert directly to the Deputy when all the material has been assembled.
74. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans for the historic Magazine Fort in the Phoenix Park. [5753/14]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW) undertakes minor maintenance works at the Magazine Fort in the Phoenix Park to protect and conserve fabric. In time, when funding allows, the Office plans to undertake works which will, at the very least, facilitate visitor access.
75. Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide a breakdown of the various Office of Public Works tourism and heritage sites in Wicklow along with their corresponding footfall figures for the four quarters in 2011, 2012 and 2013; the funding that each site receives including funding allocated for 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6033/14]
View answerThe Office of Public Works has responsibility for 24 National Monument sites and 1 National Botanic Garden site in Co. Wicklow. A full list of these sites is provided below.
|
- |
National Monument Site |
Description |
Guide Service |
Footfall |
|
1 |
Aghowle |
Church & Cross |
No |
Not available |
|
2 |
Piper's Stones |
Stone Circle |
No |
Not available |
|
3 |
Baltinglass Abbey |
Abbey |
No |
Not available |
|
4 |
Crossoona Rath |
Ringfort & Ogham Stone |
No |
Not available |
|
5 |
Glendalough |
Cathedral, Round Tower, Churches, Priory, Crosses, Ringfort, hut site & cave (St. Kevin) |
Yes, fulltime |
See breakdown below for years 2011 - 2013 |
|
6 |
St. Mark's Cross |
High Cross |
No |
Not available |
|
7 |
Castleruddery |
Motte |
No |
Not available |
|
8 |
Castleruddery |
Stone Circle |
No |
Not available |
|
9 |
Castletimon |
Ogham Stone |
No |
Not available |
|
10 |
Rathturtle |
Ringfort |
No |
Not available |
|
11 |
Dwyer-McAllister Cottage |
House & Historical Associations |
No. Access provided during season by local Caretaker / Keyholder |
1,500 approx (estimate only) |
|
12 |
Fassaroe |
Cross |
No |
Not available |
|
13 |
Kilcoole |
Church |
No |
Not available |
|
14 |
Kilcroney |
Church |
No |
Not available |
|
15 |
Kindlestown |
Castle |
No |
Not available |
|
16 |
Lemonstown |
Motte |
No |
Not available |
|
17 |
Moylisha |
Wedge Tomb |
No |
Not available |
|
18 |
Raheenaclug (Bray) |
Church |
No |
Not available |
|
19 |
Baltinglass Hill |
Passage Tomb & Hillfort |
No |
Not available |
|
20 |
Rathgall |
Hill Fort |
No |
Not available |
|
21 |
Seefin |
Passage Tomb |
No |
Not available |
|
22 |
Threecastles Church |
Castle |
No |
Not available |
|
23 |
Tornant Lower |
Ringfort & Barrows |
No |
Not available |
|
24 |
Downsmill |
Church |
No |
Not available |
|
- |
Non National Monument Site |
Description |
Guide Service |
Footfall |
|
25 |
National Botanic Garden, Kimacurragh |
Garden |
Yes, seasonal |
33,795 in 2013 See breakdown below for years 2011 - 2013 |
Sites without a formal Visitor / Guide service available may, in many cases, be accessed relatively freely. For example, the Dwyer Mc Allister Cottage (No 11), is opened during the summer months by a local Caretaker/Keyholder and free access provided to all visitors, though these numbers are not accurately recorded. In some cases where site ownership is in private hands for example and where the Office of Public Works acts as Guardian of the National Monument under the provisions of the relevant legislation, access may be curtailed or prohibited by landowners. I am not in a position within the time available to give a full breakdown of sites where this is the case but if the Deputy wishes to correspond with me directly in relation to that, my officials will source those details for her.
Glendalough Visitor Centre.
The iconic site of Glendalough attracts a large number of visitors to the County. This site offers a fully accessible Visitor Centre with a guide presence and provides a year round service. Not all visitors to Glendalough enter the Visitor Centre however and some choose to experience the Monastic site and its surrounds without using the formal facilities; therefore a significant proportion of the visitors to the site are not recorded and, in reality, the numbers at Glendalough are larger than indicated.
Recorded Visitor numbers to Glendalough for the years 2011 to 2013, broken down by Quarter are:
|
Year |
Qtr 1 |
Qtr 2 |
Qtr 3 |
Qtr 4 |
Total |
|
2011 |
6,380 |
27,042 |
37,670 |
9,634 |
80,726 |
|
2012 |
6,944 |
28,627 |
36,940 |
7,472 |
79,983 |
|
2013 |
7,782 |
29,347 |
34,904 |
8,889 |
80,922 |
National Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh
The National Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh at Kilbride is open to the public year round. Guided service is provided during the summer months. The visitor figures are recorded only for those Quarters when Guides are present onsite; estimates only are available for other periods during the year:
|
Year |
Qtr 1 |
Qtr 2 |
Qtr 3 |
Qtr 4 |
Total |
|
2011 |
2,500 |
28,325 |
23,175 |
2,500 |
56,500 |
|
2012 |
2,500 |
19,590 |
13,029 |
2,500 |
40,619 |
|
2013 |
2,500 |
15,837 |
12,958 |
2,500 |
33,795 |
National Monuments sites in the care of the OPW are not budgeted separately and costs arising are met from the funding allocated to the OPW vote.
