Written Answers Nos. 170-192
170. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the most successful initiatives taken by Government in the past three years to regenerate growth and job creation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16804/14]
View answerThe Government places a high priority on job creation and the recent labour market figures are very positive in this regard. Employment growth of 2.4% in 2013 marked an end to five consecutive years of employment declines. Employment levels have now returned to those last seen in Q4 2010.
These positive trends demonstrate the effectiveness of recent labour market initiatives taken by the Government. The 2012 Action Plan for Jobs initiated over 270 measures to promote job creation across all sectors of the Irish economy. Initiatives included launching a new development capital scheme aimed at addressing a funding gap for mid-sized, high-growth indigenous companies; extending the corporation tax exemption for start-up companies; and the creation of a micro finance fund and a targeted temporary partial credit guarantee for SMEs.
The 2013 Action Plan for Jobs built on the success of these measures by initiating a range of new reforms such as the creation of a single licensing application for the retail sector in order to reduce the compliance burden of the industry; increasing computing programme places, reskilling workshops and conversion courses; investing heavily in new research facilities for big data; introducing an online trading voucher to the value of €2,500 to help get more SMEs trading online; and the introduction of the JobsPlus incentive scheme to encourage businesses to recruit the long-term unemployed.
Budget 2013 introduced the Ten-Point Tax Reform Plan to support SMEs to improve cash flow, access to funding and to lower costs and administrative burdens facing SMEs. Provision of NPRF-backed equity investment, credit provision and restructuring/recovery investment funds for SMEs also contributed to boosting employment in the sector. Most recently, in Budget 2014, a €500 million pro-jobs package was introduced, with targeted measures for the different sectors of the economy. Under the 2011 Jobs initiative the VAT rate was reduced for the hospitality sector, and the Government continued this measure in Budget 2014. The Home Renovation Incentive was introduced providing homeowners with tax relief on repair, renovation or improvement work. To support entrepreneurs the Start Your Own Business initiative was introduced which provides an income tax exemption of €40,000 on the profits of a new business started by an unemployed individual. To support the labour-intensive tourism industry, the air travel tax was removed.
Building on the measures introduced in previous Budgets and action plans, the Government's recent Action Plan for Jobs 2014 sets out sectoral priorities and quantifiable actions to support sectors with employment growth potential (Agri-Food, ICT, international financial services), sectors of emerging opportunity (Green economy, creative industries, aviation and health care services) and mature sectors (tourism, retail, construction).
The job creation measures initiated by this Government over the last three years have helped promote the recent employment recovery and - along with new reform initiatives - will help ensure the Government's medium-term goal of ensuring a return to full employment.
172. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which insurance costs here are comparable with those in other European and adjoining jurisdictions, with particular reference to the need to competitiveness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16822/14]
View answerNeither my Department nor the Central Bank of Ireland maintains information on the costs of insurance in Ireland. Neither do we hold information on insurance costs across the European Union.
The calculation of annual premium rates is a commercial decision for the insurance company in question. It should be noted that the ability of the Government to influence the competitiveness of insurance costs is limited as Insurance companies are required under European law to price in accordance with risk and neither I, as Minister for Finance, nor the Central Bank of Ireland have the power to direct insurance companies on the pricing of insurance products.
While competition in the market place acts as the best constraint on insurance costs, insurance companies have to be conscious of their prudential obligations and are required by the Central Bank of Ireland to meet their capital requirements on an ongoing basis in order to ensure the sustainability of their business. In circumstances where they are exposed to a high level of claims, it is possible that their capital position can be effected with a consequential effect on prices. In this regard, it should be noted that the new prudential regime for insurers across the EU known as Solvency II, which will come into force from the start of 2016, will place a greater emphasis on the need to price risk appropriately than the existing regime, and will in turn require insurance companies to be more conscious of their pricing policy. This will benefit the consumer in many instances. However, in circumstances where there has been a significant increase in claims, it is possible that there will be higher premiums.
It is worth noting that past initiatives, in particular the establishment of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board and legislation to improve road safety which has reduced accidents significantly, continue to make a major contribution to keeping insurance costs at a reasonable level. Finally, a significant contributing factor to a more competitive market has been the introduction of greater transparency in the price of insurance products enabling cost comparisons be carried out e.g. the National Consumers Agency's focus on providing information to consumers on financial service products including insurance on the "Its your Money" website (www.itsyourmoney.ie). This allows consumers to respond to price changes and shop around.
173. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Finance when a P21 will issue to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; if another statement will be provided in the interim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16826/14]
View answerI am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the person in question has been successful in obtaining his P60 certificate from his former employer. Following receipt of the requested details, Revenue have arranged for the issue of a P21 PAYE Balancing Statement for the year 2012. The P21 will issue in the coming days.
174. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance if he will ensure that when a communication in relation to wrongdoing is received in his Department, it will be deemed to have come to his attention; if he will confirm that, while he is not expected personally to exercise the function of dealing with wrongdoing, he is responsible for ensuring the function is exercised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17104/14]
View answerIt is important to make clear to the Deputy that any person who alleges criminal wrongdoing should, as a matter of course, immediately bring their concerns to An Garda Síochána in the first instance. I would however like to assure the Deputy that when a communication is addressed to me similar to the one described, that appropriate action is taken both at a Ministerial and official level commensurate with the nature of the communication received.
175. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills if redundancy payment will be granted in respect of persons (details supplied). [16161/14]
View answerI understand from SOLAS that following the closure of a Local Training Initiative in 2012, Statutory Redundancy was paid to the persons involved. Local Training Initiatives are funded through SOLAS and managed and operated by local groups. The staff are employed by these groups and my Department does not have a direct role in relation to staff and employment issues relating to these bodies. However, guidance has been sought by SOLAS on the payment of enhanced redundancy and the matter is being reviewed in my Department.
176. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to restore the SOLAS weekly training allowance for persons with disabilities to €31.80 per week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16343/14]
View answer177. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will restore the SOLAS training allowance of €31.80 per week to allow persons with disabilities to access training courses. [16369/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 176 and 177 together. The payment of an additional training allowance of €31.80 per week for the long term unemployed was introduced during a period of high employment levels as an incentive for the long term unemployed to participate in FÁS (now SOLAS) training courses. The payment of this allowance was later extended to those persons in receipt of social welfare disability payments to introduce equality of treatment for all people in FAS training. The payment was reduced from €31.80 per week to €20 per week as part of Budget 2011. In the present economic situation this incentive is no longer considered appropriate and as part of Budget 2014 it was decided to cease this payment for all SOLAS participants commencing courses after 1st January 2014. This change does not apply to persons who commenced a course prior to January 2014 who will continue to receive the long term unemployed bonus payment for the duration of their course. This is a decision taken in the context of the overall savings this Department had to find for 2014 and future years. It was taken against a difficult budgetary background and there is no scope to re-visit it.
178. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if in relation to teachers pay scales, his position where a primary teacher that was made permanent in 2008 and is teaching in one part of the country and wants to move home to another part of the country and if they were to give up their permanent position and move home and take up a new job the difference in their permanency entitlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16736/14]
View answerIn 2012 a public service-wide review of pay and allowances was carried out by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. As a result of the review, qualification allowances and certain other premium payments were abolished with effect from 1st February 2012. Department of Education and Skills Circular 0008/2013 outlines the effect of this decision on teachers. The Circular was agreed under the auspices of the Teachers' Conciliation Council, a body established in accordance with the terms of the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme for Teachers. The Council is composed of representatives of the teacher representative bodies, school management, the Department of Education and Skills and Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, chaired by an official of the Labour Relations Commission. In this regard specific allowances payable to teachers were withdrawn for new beneficiaries from 1 February 2012. Where a teacher held such an allowance on 31 January 2012 they will continue to be paid that allowance unless he/she ceases the post, in which case the teacher will lose his/her entitlement. Whilst the allowances change is the main entitlement loss for many teachers any individual contemplating such a move should be aware of all relevant payroll circulars which are available on my Department's website.
179. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a course in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16807/14]
View answerThis is a day to day operational matter for SOLAS. I have asked SOLAS to contact the individual in question to discuss the apprenticeship options available to him.
180. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15965/14]
View answerThe school to which the Deputy refers has been approved devolved funding to replace temporary accommodation. A further request for capital funding to provide additional car parking spaces on the school site in question has also been submitted. Further information requested by my Department has been received and this is currently being assessed. A decision will be conveyed to the school authorities when this process has been finalised.
181. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills if consideration will be given to make funding available for specific works in a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16014/14]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that on 20th March last I announced that 386 schools have been approved funding under the Summer Works Scheme to undertake school improvement works. This first round of funding will allow schools to carry out small and medium scale building works across three categories of projects - Gas, Electrical and Mechanical. The assessment of applications, under further categories (Categories 5 to 10) on a top down basis in accordance with the prioritisation criteria outlined in the governing Circular Letter for the Scheme, including the application in question, is continuing. It is my intention to publish a list of successful applicants under a second round of the Scheme in the coming weeks.
182. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of motor vehicles in the possession of his Department or agencies of his Department that are not required to hold motor tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16026/14]
View answer183. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of motor vehicles in the possession of his Department or agencies of his Department that do not hold an insurance policy; the manner in which insurance claims arising in respect of vehicles in the possession of his Department or its agencies are handled; the number of insurance claims paid on behalf of his Department in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16042/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 182 and 183 together.
There are no official cars available to staff in my Department. With regard to bodies under the aegis of my Department, SOLAS has four vehicles in its possession. One is a car used by the Chief Executive Officer which is insured by a commercial company. The remaining three are light commercial vehicles attached to training centres which are not insured and claims relating to these vehicles are handled by the State Claims Agency on behalf of SOLAS. All vehicles are required to be taxed. No insurance claims were paid on behalf of SOLAS in respect of these vehicles in the last five years. An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta (COGG) has one vehicle (van) which acts as a mobile library. This vehicle is insured by a commercial company and is required to be taxed.
184. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of third level training places available for the teaching of physical education; the current number of PE teachers at post-primary level; the number of new PE teachers who have qualified in Ireland in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16073/14]
View answer185. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Skills the measures his Department has taken to ensure there will be sufficient physical education teachers, resources and facilities available in our post-primary schools to match the increase in pupil numbers expected over the coming years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16074/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 184 and 185 together. I understand from the Teaching Council, the statutory body for registration of teachers, that the current number of post primary teachers registered on the basis of qualifications in PE stands at about 2100. Further data on the number of teachers registered on the basis of recognised PE qualifications in Ireland in recent years is shown in the following table. My Department is not involved in allocating places on third level PE courses and therefore I do not have information to hand on the current number of places. However the data in the table shows an increasing trend. This Government remains committed to protecting and enhancing the educational experience of children. Despite the difficult economic climate, my Department has been able to protect frontline education services in 2014 by identifying sufficient expenditure savings and efficiencies. This includes provision for additional teachers in primary and post primary schools as well as additional resource teachers for children with special educational needs as announced in Budget 2014. In the coming years, significant increases are expected in the number of school going children. In relation to facilities, generally, the delivery of major school projects to meet significant demographic demands nationally will be the main focus for capital investment in schools in the coming years. My Department's Five Year Construction Plan is focused on meeting those demographic needs and sets out the school projects that are planned to proceed to construction over the duration of the Plan. Alongside the building of infrastructure, we are also preparing for the need to have more teachers in the system. I have asked the Teaching Council to examine the matter of teacher supply and I expect to receive an initial report from the Council later in the year.
Number of teachers registered on the basis of recognised PE qualifications in Ireland
|
REGISTRATION YEARS |
NUMBER OF TEACHERS |
|
2009/2010 |
81 |
|
2010/2011 |
154 |
|
2011/2012 |
180 |
|
2012/2013 |
220 |
|
2013/2014** |
356 |
** 2013/2014 was the year in which mandatory registration came into effect and many teachers who had not previously registered applied for registration.
186. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department has conducted any assessment or audit of the physical education facilities and teaching resources available in post-primary schools; if his Department sees the need, in view of obesity problems among Irish schoolchildren, for such an audit to be carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16075/14]
View answerMy Department has not conducted an audit of P.E. facilities or resources in post primary schools, nor are there plans for such an audit. New post primary schools that are constructed as part of my Department's school building programme, include provision for facilities such as P.E. halls, general purpose rooms and outdoor hard play areas such as basketball courts. Other facilities, such as outdoor pitches, are provided where this is appropriate and within the context of available resources. Many post primary schools also use adjacent local and community facilities, including public parks, playing fields and swimming pools. Due to current financial constraints, it is not possible at this time to approve applications from existing post primary schools for additional P.E. facilities as priority is given to essential mainstream classroom accommodation. The current P.E. curriculum has been designed on the basis that sports facilities in schools, or that are accessible by schools, may vary. New specifications for PE are currently being finalised by the NCCA for both Junior Cycle and Senior Cycle.
The implementation of the P.E. curriculum is only one element of the important work that is being undertaken by post primary schools in relation to tackling obesity and promoting a 'Healthy Ireland'. It is complemented by an emphasis on general well-being and healthy eating through Social, Personal and Health Education, healthy eating policies, initiatives such as the Active Schools Flag, extra-curricular activities, the 'sport for all day', and physical education teacher professional networks. If the work of schools in promoting physical activity is to be effective it has to be complemented by the efforts of parents, communities and wider society. This is one of the key messages in the 'Get Active' Framework which was launched by the Taoiseach in October 2013.
187. Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will reconsider Kilternan, County Dublin as a greenfield site for the building of a new secondary school based on its expanding population and potential to serve the wider localities of Dundrum-Ballinteer, Leopardstown-Foxrock, Enniskerry and the local community of Sandyford-Glencullen-Kilternan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16122/14]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, I recently announced the provision of a 1,000-pupil post-primary school for the Ballinteer-Stepaside feeder area. This school will commence operation in September 2016. Also a 500-pupil Gaelcholáiste is opening in September 2014 to serve this general area. In addition a new 1,000-pupil post-primary school is being established in 2016 in the north Wicklow area. These schools are being established to cater for defined feeder areas. The optimum location for the schools will be decided upon on this basis, subject to site availability.
188. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna cén dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir le seomraí ranga buana breise a chur ar fáil do scoil (sonraí tugtha); cén fáth nach bhfuil airgead ceadaithe chun síneadh a chur leis an scoil seo, á chur san áireamh go bhfuil cead pleanála faighte don togra seo agus go bhfuil fíorghá leis; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [16128/14]
View answerTá sé i gceist foirgneamh nua scoile, ar láithreán úrnua, a sholáthar don scoil dá dtagraíonn an Teachta agus tá an tionscadal san áireamh i gClár Tógála Chúig Bliana mo Roinne. Tá m'oifigigh tar éis bheith ag obair go dlúth le hoifigigh as Comhairle Cathrach na Gaillimhe i dtaca le suíomh oiriúnach a shainaithint agus a fháil do chóiríocht nua scoile don scoil dá dtagraíonn sé. Táim in ann a dheimhniú go bhfuil suíomh oiriúnach sainaitheanta agus go bhfuil próiseas éadála an tsuímh dulta ar aghaidh go maith. Ina leith sin, is mian liom a chur in iúl don Teachta chomh maith gur fios don scoil dá dtagraíonn sé an chaoi ina bhfuil an scéal. I bhfianaise na n-íogaireachtaí a bhaineann le héadáil talún go ginearálta, nílim in ann aon ráiteas eile a thabhairt maidir le héadáil an tsuímh ag an dtráth seo. Is féidir liom a dheimhniú, áfach, go mbeidh oifigigh as mo Roinnse i dteagmháil arís le húdarás na scoile a luaithe a bheidh an suíomh faighte.
189. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna cén méid airgid a caitheadh in 2013 ar aistriú doiciméad ó Bhéarla go Gaeilge nó ó Ghaeilge go Béarla, agus ó theangacha eile go Béarla agus ó Bhéarla go teangacha eile, faoi seach; cad ba chaiteachas iomlán riaracháin na Roinne sa bhliain 2013; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [16134/14]
View answerDe réir coras bainistíochta airgeadais (FMS) na Roinne, chaith mo Roinn €107,521.26 ar aistriúcháin ó Bhéarla go Gaeilge agus ó Ghaeilge go Béarla in 2013. San mbliain céanna chaith mo Roinn €123 ar aistriúcháin ó Bhéarla go teangacha eile agus ó theangacha eile go Béarla.
Ba é €87,480,000 méid iomlán caiteachas riaracháin na Roinne don bhliain 2013.
190. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way in which July provision is being facilitated in a school (details supplied), including ensuring that parents are not penalised for failing to find a fully qualified teacher for this purpose, in view of the fact that the number of such teachers is very scarce; if he will address the restrictions on who may be hired, considering SNAs are capable of carrying out this work; if he will further address the fact that these restrictions could lead to a family not being able to find a teacher and a child losing out on crucial teaching time; and his views on whether it is fair to have a July provision teacher divided between two children when those two children are in the same family and the tuition cannot easily be split between them where they have different needs. [16196/14]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that July Provision is available to all special schools and mainstream primary schools with special classes catering for children with autism that choose to extend their education services through the month of July. My Department also provides July Provision for pupils with a severe/profound general learning disability. Where school based provision is not feasible, home based provision may be grant aided. The school in question has not applied to participate in the scheme. Where a school chooses not to extend their services for July, eligible children in the school will be granted home based July Provision, on application. As the home based provision takes place outside the usual school structure it is important that home tutors are qualified to provide an educational programme. It is appropriate therefore that the qualification standard in the Home Based July Provision generally reflects that required in a school environment. Home tutors should be fully qualified teachers who are registered with the Teaching Council of Ireland. When it is not possible to recruit a fully qualified teacher then consideration will be given to the engagement of a tutor who is registered with the Teaching Council and has a primary degree (minimum level 7 FETAC) in a relevant area including e.g. psychology. If an SNA meets these standards they can also be considered in this context. Under the terms of the home based scheme, allocations to siblings are reflective of the school grouping principle. The pupil teacher ratio in school settings can result in one teacher being allocated to a class of six pupils with children of mixed age and ability at the appropriate educational level, primary or post primary. Accordingly, it is considered appropriate, as in a school situation, that a tutor can provide tuition at the appropriate educational level to more than one sibling at that level simultaneously in the home. However, in recognition of the differing needs of some siblings, separate allocations can be considered on a case by case basis. Applications in this regard will require supporting documentation including professional reports from a psychologist or a letter from the principal of the school detailing the existing arrangements currently in place for the respective children and providing sound reasons why they cannot be tutored together in the home.
191. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department has received an application from a school (details supplied) in County Kildare for a devolved building project; if he will expedite its approval in view of the urgency of the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16197/14]
View answerI can confirm that my Department has received an application for capital funding from the school referred to by the Deputy. The application is currently being considered and a decision will be conveyed to the school authority as soon as this process is completed.
192. Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the sources of funding available to a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary for health and safety works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16233/14]
View answerIt is open to the management authority of the school in question to apply for funding under my Department's Emergency Works Scheme to address Health & Safety issues in their school building, if they consider that the application is in accordance with the term and conditions of the Emergency Works Scheme. Any application received will be considered and the School Authority will be informed of the outcome.
