Brendan Griffin
Question:197. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Finance his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding capital gains tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17775/14]
View answerTax Code
Questions (197)
Written answers
It would appear that the net point being suggested in the correspondence is that capital gains tax relief be introduced for farmers in respect of the sale by them of certain shares in a food company, where the proceeds of sale are used to make capital investments in their farms.
The current rate of capital gains tax was set in Budget 2013 as part of an overall budgetary strategy to generate necessary additional tax revenue. The taxation of capital is preferable from the point of view of its impact on the economy to an increase in employment taxes such as income tax.
Farmers who sell shares in order to make capital investments in their farms are no different to any other taxpayers who may decide to sell shares or other assets. It is not, therefore, appropriate or justifiable to single out farmers for special treatment over and above other taxpayers. It is important to bear in mind that it is only an actual chargeable gain that is subject to capital gains tax, not the entire consideration that is derived from a sale of shares. In addition, a farmer can sell shares and make a gain of €1,270 each year without incurring any capital gains tax. (€1,270 is the annual capital gains tax exemption for individuals).
However, matters to do with capital gains tax and farmers are likely to feature in the Agri-taxation review which I announced in the budget and which is currently underway.
Financial Services Regulation
Questions (198)
Pearse Doherty
Question:198. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the legal impediment or other obstacle that exists to prevent the Central Bank of Ireland releasing the number of mis-sold payment protection insurance policies for each bank. [17804/14]
View answerWritten answers
The Central Bank has informed me that, in accordance with section 33AK of the Central Bank Act 1942, the Central Bank is prohibited from disclosing confidential information concerning the business of a credit institution otherwise than in accordance with the Supervisory Directives (which include the Directive 2013/36/EU).
On the issue more generally, the Central Bank issued a report on 7 March 2014 on the review into the sales of Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) by eleven credit institutions.
Inspections by the Central Bank in 2011 raised concerns that credit institutions had not complied with the Consumer Protection Code (the Code) during the PPI sales process and therefore the eleven credit institutions were instructed to review their sales of PPI for compliance with the Code. The review focused on the sale of PPI from 1 July 2007, the date when the Code came into full effect.
€67.4 million (including interest of €4.9 million) is being refunded to approximately 77,000 policyholders who were sold PPI since 1 July 2007. This represents 22% of the 354,000 PPI sales included in this review. Refunds are paid in cases where credit institutions did not comply with the Code when selling PPI or could not demonstrate compliance with the Code.
The summary report, along with a Q&A document are available on the Central Bank website at the links below:
http://www.centralbank.ie/press-area/press-releases/Pages/CentralBankreportsonthePaymentProtectionInsurancereview.aspx
IBRC Staff
Questions (199)
Eoghan Murphy
Question:199. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if the better than expected sale of Irish Bank Resolution Corporation assets will result in improved redundancy conditions for former staff of IBRC, as originally provided for upon the establishment of IBRC and prior to these terms being changed to facilitate the wind-down of IBRC. [17809/14]
View answerWritten answers
I have been advised by the Special Liquidators that, as in any liquidation, the employees of IBRC were entitled to apply for a statutory redundancy payment, a payment in respect of accrued but unused annual leave and a statutory notice payment, subject to the limits prescribed by statute. The Special Liquidators confirm that employees have now received these payments.
The option to support the previous severance terms of employees is not a choice available to the Special Liquidators as the level of redundancy payments for employees is prescribed by statute.
Financial Services Ombudsman
Questions (200)
Michael McGrath
Question:200. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the person responsible for ensuring that the decisions of the Financial Services Ombudsman in respect of individual cases are implemented by the financial service providers concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17817/14]
View answerWritten answers
Firstly, I must point out that the Financial Services Ombudsman (FSO) is independent in the carrying out of his duties. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on how he performs his duties.
Where the FSO has issued findings including a direction requiring action by the Financial Services Provider (FSP), the FSO has informed me that, to date, there has been a very high rate of compliance with those directions. In a small number of cases the FSO is usually notified by the complainant when a direction in a finding is not complied with. In such cases and on being notified, the FSO follows up with the FSP to require compliance.
In some instances, despite follow up by the FSO, a FSP may fail to comply. This can be for a variety of reasons including where the FSP may no longer be trading. Under Section 57CJ of the Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland Act 2004, enforcement proceedings may be brought in the Circuit Court by either the FSO or the complainant for an enforcement order in respect of any direction not complied with.
In exercising its statutory discretion as to whether to bring such enforcement proceedings, the FSO considers a number of factors including the likelihood of whether such action will bring about actual compliance with the Finding, taking into account the status of the FSP and the likely resources and costs involved.
Motor Industry
Questions (201)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:201. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider a car swappage scheme which would hopefully have the effect of improving sales; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17858/14]
View answerWritten answers
In their 2014 pre-Budget submissions, SIMI called for the introduction of a "swappage scheme" to support the car industry. The proposal was considered at the time but given budgetary constraints was not proceeded with.
It is open to the industry to bring forward such proposals for consideration in Budget 2015. However, in this context, the Deputy will be aware that car sales figures for the first three months of this year have been over 26% higher than the same period in 2013, suggesting the industry is showing signs of recovery.
Tax Forms
Questions (202)
Dan Neville
Question:202. Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Finance if he will issue an official notice of the tax assessment for 2012 and 2013 in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17875/14]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that, according to their records, the person concerned is neither self employed nor has he held an employment in the last ten years. Revenue is not in a position to issue notices of assessment until the person in question makes a tax return. However, depending on the circumstances it may be that some other form of evidence will be acceptable to the HSE. If the person wishes, he can contact Margaret Kennedy at 061 402143 to see if matters can be advanced.
Tax Exemptions
Questions (203)
Clare Daly
Question:203. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Finance the reason a company (details supplied) which operates commercially with corporate membership and has almost €1 million on deposit upon which no tax was paid as a result of the fact that it has charitable status and yet other companies in the same business offering the same service pay tax on profits and have not been awarded charitable status. [17879/14]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised by Revenue that for reasons of taxpayer confidentiality it cannot comment upon the tax affairs of individual bodies.
However, Revenue has also informed me that in order to avail of a charitable tax exemption a body or trust must be established for charitable purposes only and must apply all of its income to charitable purposes.
I am assured that procedures are in place to ensure that the exemption is only granted to bodies that meet the necessary criteria. Furthermore, bodies granted an exemption are subjected to periodic review to ensure that they continue to comply with the terms of that exemption. All relevant matters are taken into account in the context of such reviews.
Financial Services Ombudsman Staff
Questions (204)
Clare Daly
Question:204. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Finance if he is satisfied that the Financial Services Ombudsman's office is made up of those with connections to the financial institutions that they are charged with overseeing; and his views on whether a completely independent body should be established. [17911/14]
View answerWritten answers
The Financial Services Ombudsman s Bureau was established under the Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland Act, 2004. The legislation provides for an independent, impartial investigation and resolution of disputes between consumers and Financial Service Providers.
I have been advised by the Financial Services Ombudsman that the staff of the Bureau is composed of persons from a broad variety of backgrounds who have relevant experience, including those with financial industry experience.
Under the applicable legislation, when dealing with complaints made to him, the Ombudsman and all staff of the Bureau are required to perform the functions imposed and exercise the powers conferred by the legislation free from interference from any other person. According to the legislation, when dealing with a particular complaint, the staff are required to act in an informal manner and according to equity, good conscience and the substantial merits of the complaint without regard to technicality or legal form.
The Ombudsman is satisfied that he and all Bureau staff are duly appointed in accordance with the statutory requirements and exercise their powers and duties in an independent, fair and impartial manner. He has assured me that no conflict of interests (real or perceived) affect findings issued.
If parties to a complaint are not satisfied with a finding, they have a right of appeal to the High Court or may pursue Judicial Review proceedings.
Consumer Protection
Questions (205)
Michael McGrath
Question:205. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance with regard to the law governing so-called pyramid investment schemes; his views on whether the law provides adequate protection for consumers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17957/14]
View answerWritten answers
The Markets in Financial Instruments Directive regime provides common consumer protection in relation to investment services and financial markets throughout the European Union. The nature of individual investment products is often complicated and it is prudent for non expert investors to take professional advice.
In advance of investing in investment products consumers should ensure that the person or firm is authorised by the Central Bank of Ireland. Details are available on the Central Bank's website as follows: http://registers.centralbank.ie/. If consumers deal with a person or firm that is not authorised, they are not eligible for compensation from the Investor Compensation Scheme. If the Deputy is aware of fraudulent activity, he should bring it to the attention of An Garda Síochána.
Deposit Protection Scheme
Questions (206)
Michael McGrath
Question:206. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of deposits covered by the deposit guarantee scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17958/14]
View answerWritten answers
The Central Bank of Ireland is responsible for the operation of the Deposit Protection (Guarantee) Scheme (DGS), which covers licensed credit institutions operating in the State. Each credit institution covered by the DGS is required to maintain a balance in the Deposit Protection Account (DPA) equivalent to 0.2% of their total deposits in order to fund the DGS. I am advised by the Central Bank that it currently collects data relating to the total deposits of credit institutions so that it can calculate their contributions to the DPA. The Central Bank tells me the figure for total deposits in the financial sector in Ireland is €465 billion at end February 2014.
The level of deposits actually covered by the DGS scheme would be significantly lower than total deposits. For example, only amounts up to €100,000 are covered per eligible depositor and various deposits are excluded from coverage, such as deposits by financial institutions and insurers, large companies and inter-bank deposits.
The new EU Directive on Deposit Guarantee Schemes which will come into effect in mid 2015 requires that all credit institutions mark deposits in such a way that allows for the immediate identification of deposits that are eligible for protection under the Deposit Guarantee Scheme. The Central Bank is currently working with credit institutions to meet the requirements of the Directive.
National Car Test
Questions (207)
Jerry Buttimer
Question:207. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the VRT inspection regime which is currently operating at 25 national car test centres; if he will consider extending the facility so that it can be provided at all NCT centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17992/14]
View answerWritten answers
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that Section 131, Finance Act 1992 provides that the Commissioners may appoint a competent person to carry out certain functions relating to the registration of vehicles in the State. With effect from 1 September 2010, Applus Car Testing Service Limited was appointed as the competent person to carry out these VRT-related functions through their network of National Car Test Service Centres (NCTS).
The NCTS carry out VRT pre-registration examinations at 26 centres around the State. While opening times in these centres vary and are based on the levels of demand, there is a flexibility that allows the centres to open for additional hours or days to meet the level of increased demand. In the years since the NCTS centres were assigned the VRT functions, a number of centres have increased their VRT capacity and a number of supplementary centres have been added to the list of centres dealing with VRT (Donegal town, Carrick-on-Shannon and Ballinasloe). Of these, 3 provide 7-day coverage, 1 provides 6-day coverage, 18 provide 5-day coverage and 4 provide 2-day coverage. As of 11 April 2014, the average lead time for appointments at NCTS Centres is 6.92 days (though it should be noted there can be little or no waiting time where bookings are made directly at the NCTS Centres and a place is available through cancellation).
In the early months of the operation of the new system Revenue and the NCTS faced some challenges in relation to the delays in getting appointments. In recognition that there was a unique requirement for authorised motor dealers, in March 2011 Revenue provided electronic facilities for the registration of used vehicles that have been subjected to a pre-registration examination. The pre-registration examination is restricted to motor dealers and allows a motor dealer to have vehicles pre-inspected, entered onto the Revenue computer system and then registered on-line as sales are made. An appointment for pre-inspection can be made in person at an NCTS Centre, through the centralised booking service using a national local rate number, through the Applus web-based booking system or by fax or post. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that approximately 50% of all used vehicles registered by motor dealers in 2013 used this system and the lead time for bookings is less than 5 days. The Revenue Commissioners are actively encouraging use of this system to ensure that those businesses involved in the motor trade do not suffer delays when it comes to registering vehicles. More details of this important facility can be accessed at the following link:
http://www.revenue.ie/en/tax/vrt/pre-registration-inspections-faqs.html
The deputy may also be aware that there has been a surge in vehicle registrations since the beginning of the year that is reflected in both new and used car sales. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that they are acutely aware that this demand puts pressure on motor dealers and that they are actively working with NCTS management to ensure that this demand is met. The NCTS is providing additional capacity by extending opening hours or providing additional days in those centres where there are delays and Revenue is confident that the coverage and measures that are in place will ensure the continuing provision of an efficient and effective service. At the moment, Revenue is satisfied that there is no requirement to extend the VRT facility to all NCT centres but is monitoring the situation on an on-going basis.
Tax Yield
Questions (208)
Eoghan Murphy
Question:208. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide figures on the expected loss to the Exchequer in income tax if the entry point to the marginal rate of tax is increased by €10,000; if he will provide figures on the way the potential increase in a person’s disposable income as a result of such a change might be distributed within the economy, for example, the amount that might be returned to the Exchequer through indirect taxation, and at what amount; what the anticipated impact on employment might be; the expected changes in the national deficit, and in the general Government debt position; and if he will provide these forecasts at every additional hypothetical increase of €10,000 in the entry point to the marginal rate until that entry point is €82,800. [18042/14]
View answerWritten answers
I assume that the Deputy refers to an extension of the standard rate income tax band, which would apply similarly to single and widowed persons, as well as to single person child carers. The proposed extension to the standard rate band is assumed to also apply to married couples and civil partnerships. On this basis, I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the full year cost to the Exchequer, estimated by reference to 2014 incomes, of increasing the standard rate tax band by €10,000, €20,000, €30,000, €40,000 and €50,000, while also maintaining the current monetary differences between the single persons standard rate band and the various other classes of tax bands, is as follows:
|
Proposed Increase |
Estimated Cost € Billion |
|
€10,000 |
1.3 |
|
€20,000 |
2 |
|
€30,000 |
2.5 |
|
€40,000 |
2.8 |
|
€50,000 |
3 |
These figures are estimates for 2014, using the latest actual data for the year 2011 adjusted as necessary for income and employment trends in the interim. They are provisional and may be revised. A married couple or civil partners who have elected or have been deemed to have elected for joint assessment are counted as one tax unit.
In assessing the potential impact on the economy of such a measure, research produced by the ESRI as part of the Medium-Term Review: 2013-2020 of July 2013 (p 117-118) is informative. Using the HERMES macroeconomic model, the ESRI tested the economic impact of an adjustment in income tax rates such that it would yield an additional €1 billion income tax in the first year of the adjustment, with the rate unchanged thereafter. The results of the research suggest an income tax multiplier of 0.4 that is, a €1 billion change in income tax affects GDP by about €400 million. Employment would be impacted by about 0.1 per cent in the first year and 0.5 per cent over the forecast horizon.
The relatively low multiplier likely reflects the open nature of Ireland's economy and the fact that increased demand would 'leak out' through imports to a certain extent. The simulations also include the assumption that some part of a reduced tax burden would be saved rather than spent by households. The simulations suggest that the annual deficit would increase by 0.5 percentage points of GDP and general government debt by just over 2 per cent of GDP, over a six-year horizon.
Bank IT Systems
Questions (209)
Seán Kyne
Question:209. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Finance in view of how central to the economy and everyday lives of all citizens the effective operation of the day-to-day banking IT system is across the financial institutions, if there is effective oversight in place to ensure a minimum standard of operation, particularly in consideration of huge disruption that arises when such systems malfunction. [18058/14]
View answerWritten answers
Customers have a legitimate expectation of high quality, uninterrupted services, whether provided through traditional or online channels. It is my role as Minister for Finance to put in place an appropriate legislative framework for the regulation of the financial services sector. The Central Bank is responsible for prudential supervision and financial regulation including consumer protection. The Financial Services Ombudsman is an independent office established to deal with consumer complaints about their dealings with financial institutions. Therefore, I believe that we have a robust regulatory framework in Ireland to deal with issues such as computer problems that may affect customers of banks operating here.
The Central Bank has informed me that it expects all firms to have adequate systems and controls in place and where issues that impact customers arise they should be addressed and rectified urgently, particularly as customers are increasingly using and becoming dependent on online and mobile banking services.
In this regard, the Central Bank expects firms to communicate clearly and promptly with affected customers when a technical incident occurs, including details of the impacted service, details of alternative access to services and an undertaking that identifiable loss will be remediated. The Central Bank's expectations have been communicated to banks and are provided for in the Consumer Protection Code as follows: section 2.4 of the Consumer Protection Code 2012 provides that a regulated entity must ensure that in all its dealings with customers and within the context of its authorisation it has and employs effectively the resources, policies and procedures, systems and control checks, including compliance checks, and staff training that are necessary for compliance with this Code.
Section 10.2 also provides that a regulated entity must resolve all errors speedily and no later than six months after the date the error was first discovered, including: a) correcting any systems failures; b) ensuring effective controls are implemented to prevent any recurrence of the identified error; c) effecting a refund (with appropriate interest) to all consumers who have been affected by the error, where possible; and d) notifying all affected consumers, both current and former, in a timely manner, of any error that has impacted or may impact negatively on the cost of the service, or the value of the product, provided, where possible.
In addition to these requirements, the payments system is monitored by the Irish Payments Services Organisation (IPSO). IPSO, in conjunction with the Central Bank, has implemented an annual Risk Assessment exercise with the Clearing Banks. This annual process assesses the risk management capabilities across the Banks in relation to payments activities. The submissions from the Banks are externally validated.
Question No. 210 answered with Question No. 195.
Momentum Programme
Questions (211)
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:211. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of persons availing of training and education projects under the momentum programme since its establishment in 2013 and to date in 2014. [17413/14]
View answerWritten answers
This is a day to day operational matter for SOLAS who manage the Momentum programme.I understand from SOLAS that 6,061 participants started Momentum projects in 2013. 396 have started in 2014 to date.
SOLAS Training and Education Programmes Places
Questions (212)
Bernard Durkan
Question:212. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if and when a place on a FÁS course will be offered in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17546/14]
View answerWritten answers
This is an operational matter for SOLAS. SOLAS have been requested to provide the information directly to the Deputy.
Special Educational Needs Service Provision
Questions (213)
Dara Calleary
Question:213. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a student (details supplied) in County Mayo does not have access to a special needs assistant in secondary school despite having an SNA at primary level; his views on whether this student should have an SNA with a braille qualification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17298/14]
View answerWritten answers
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) for allocating resource teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. I understand that the pupil in question has access to SNA support in school.
Circular 0030/2014, which issued to schools on 10th April 2014, sets out my Department's policy in relation to the SNA scheme. The Circular explains that children with acute sensory impairment such as visual or hearing impairment have particular and distinct care needs which are of a non teaching nature. For pupils with visual impairment, SNAs may assist in the preparation of Braille materials, tactical graphics, assistive technology equipment, large print assists, and also assist with orientation and mobility throughout the school day.
The recruitment and deployment of SNAs within schools are matters for the individual Principal/Board of Management. SNAs should be deployed by the school in a manner which best meets the care support requirements of the children enrolled in the school for whom SNA support has been allocated. It is a matter for schools to allocate support as required, and on the basis of individual need, which allows schools flexibility in how the SNA support is utilised. My Department encourages parents and school authorities to engage locally regarding pupils' education. Should a parent be dissatisfied with the manner in which the resources or facilities which have been provided to support their child's education are being applied in school, they should raise this matter directly with their school Principal or the Board of Management of the school. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.
School Curriculum
Questions (214, 216, 217, 218, 219)
Jonathan O'Brien
Question:214. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans for curriculum reform. [17311/14]
View answerJonathan O'Brien
Question:216. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to introduce legal studies as a leaving certificate subject. [17313/14]
View answerJonathan O'Brien
Question:217. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the date on which the National Council of Curriculum and Assessment will provide recommendations on changes to the curriculum; and the timeframe for implementation of these changes. [17314/14]
View answerJonathan O'Brien
Question:218. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to introduce media and communications as a leaving certificate subject. [17315/14]
View answerJonathan O'Brien
Question:219. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the subjects on which the National Council of Curriculum and Assessment has advised curriculum reform during the past four years. [17316/14]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 214 and 216 to 219, inclusive, together.
The focus of my work on curriculum reform spans primary, junior cycle and senior cycle. There are a number of immediate areas of national priority.
At primary the NCCA is currently working on the development of an integrated language curriculum for infants to 2nd class. I expect to receive advice on this in the autumn.
At Junior Cycle I published the Framework for Junior Cycle in October 2012. This document sets out my vision for reform in Junior Cycle. In January this year, having heard the concerns of the partners, I slowed the pace of implementation from that specified in the Framework document. The NCCA is preparing, on a phased basis, specifications in all 21 subjects. English is completed and now the NCCA is concentrating on Science, Business Studies and Irish and will later concentrate on the other subjects. I expect to receive the Junior Cycle Science specification later this year.
At both primary and post primary I have prioritised literacy and numeracy as key skills for all students. Complementing the Literacy and Numeracy strategy has been the recent implementation of new specifications in maths at junior and senior cycle - known as Project Maths.
In addition I have also prioritised Politics and Society as a new Leaving Certificate subject and the NCCA is to provide me with advice on this subject. At senior cycle the NCCA has revised senior cycle specifications in Biology, Chemistry and Physics and these have been sent to me in the last week. In addition, the NCCA is developing new specifications in PE and Applied Mathematics and working on Art, Economics, Agricultural Science and Home Economics among others.
I have no plans to introduce legal studies or media and communications as additional syllabi at senior cycle. However, the new Junior Cycle does give schools the scope to develop short courses. Some short courses will be developed by the NCCA and can be used 'off the shelf' by schools in their junior cycle programme. Schools can also develop their own short courses locally in accordance with guidance provided by the NCCA.
The NCCA's main remit is to advise me on curriculum and assessment in line with Government policy. Since April 2010, the NCCA has advised me on Senior Cycle curriculum reform for Mathematics, Politics and Society, Irish (oral assessment), Biology, Chemistry, Physics and short courses in Enterprise and in Psychology. At Junior Cycle the NCCA published "Towards a Framework for Junior Cycle" (2011). The Council has also provided a specification for Junior Cycle English.
School Curriculum
Questions (215)
Jonathan O'Brien
Question:215. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of curriculum advisers he has employed to advise on the issue of curriculum reform; their names and job titles; and if they are employees of his Department or the National Council of Curriculum and Assessment. [17312/14]
View answerWritten answers
I have employed no additional curriculum advisers. There are a significant number of officials within my Department who advise me on the many and varied aspects of policy development, including curriculum. In addition, my Inspectorate also provides advice on a range of educational issues.
The NCCA, as set out in section 41 (1) (a) and (b) of the Education Act 1998, advises me "on matters relating to the curriculum for early childhood education, primary and post-primary schools, and the assessment procedures employed in schools and examinations on subjects which are part of the curriculum".
The NCCA recruits Education Officers with specialist expertise, on a rolling basis, based on the NCCA's plan of work, to develop programmes, subject specifications and other curricular components. The NCCA works through a consultative process which allows an opportunity for all interested parties to share their views. Therefore the names, job titles and numbers of education officers employed temporarily by the NCCA can vary from year to year depending on the particular curricular reform agenda. A list of the current education officers employed by the NCCA will be forwarded to the Deputy.
Questions Nos. 216 to 219, inclusive, answered with Question No. 214.