Clare Daly
Question:67. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department paid Bus Éireann less for the administration of school transport in 2011 to present day. [16926/14]
View answerSchool Transport Administration
Questions (67)
Written answers
The Deputy's question is somewhat unclear. I assume the Deputy is referring to the amount of the transport management charge. For completeness, the amount of this charge in respect of the years 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 is as follows: Some €18.465m (2008), €18.715m (2009), €18.2m (2010), €16.7m (2011), €15m (2012) and €15m (2013). The amounts in question take account of the element of the transport management charge rebated by Bus Éireann to the Department.
School Transport Administration
Questions (68)
Clare Daly
Question:68. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if zero based accounting methods are used in the administration of school transport. [16927/14]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised by Bus Éireann that zero based accounting methods are not used in the administration of school transport.
Schools Building Projects Status
Questions (69)
Paul Connaughton
Question:69. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a general purpose room and third additional classroom were not granted for a school (details supplied) in County Galway as part of a recent school building plan for the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16958/14]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to advise the Deputy that the school, to which he refers, has submitted an application for devolved funding for additional accommodation including four mainstream classrooms, two SET rooms and a larger GP room to meet projected future expansion to 2017/18. Given the current financial constraints within which my Department is operating, the position is that priority is being given to school applications for essential mainstream classroom and special education accommodation. In that context, my Department has advised the school concerned that it is not in a position to provide funding for a larger GP room at this time. However, I am pleased to advise the Deputy that my Department approved significant funding for the provision of two en-suite mainstream classrooms, resource accommodation and special needs facilities to meet increasing enrolments at the school in question. This level of additional accommodation will meet the schools accommodation needs. It was noted that the school advised as part of its application that 'our school is the school of choice for many parents in the environs beyond our catchment'. It is important that school size is monitored and that a balance is preserved among all schools in catchment areas and across catchment areas to ensure that one school is not expanding at the expense or the viability of another school. This may sometimes result in children not being offered a place in their school of first choice.
Third Level Fees
Questions (70)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:70. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the fact that the economic think tank has recommended that the Government should reverse cuts to third level education and eventually reduce student fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16966/14]
View answerWritten answers
The recommendations contained in the recent report referred to by the Deputy are relevant to the work which is ongoing between my Department and the Higher Education Authority (HEA) in relation to the future funding policy for higher education. This builds upon the substantial amount of work already undertaken by the HEA. The objective is to identify a range of approaches that, combined, will achieve a sustainable funding base to address the continual expansion of the sector while protecting the quality of education. I have asked that this report be considered in that context.
Questions Nos. 71 and 72 answered with Question No. 58.