Written Answers Nos. 180-201
180. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide for each of 2011, 2012 and 2013 the total paid by the National Asset Management Agency to providers of asset search and verification services. [27370/14]
View answerI am advised by NAMA that the total cost of asset searches to date is €1.55m. The breakdown by year is as follows:
|
Year |
Amount |
|
2014 YTD |
€116,000 |
|
2013 |
€760,000 |
|
2012 |
€496,000 |
|
2011 |
€176,000 |
181. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance further to the announcement by the National Asset Management Agency to build 4,500 new homes in Dublin by 2016, if he will confirm the number of homes completed to date; the number actively being constructed at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27371/14]
View answerNAMA has said that it expects to fund the delivery of 4,500 houses and apartments to serve the Greater Dublin Area in the period from 2014 to end-2016. Of this total, 334 properties have been completed to date in 2014, 1,523 are currently under construction with the balance at the pre-construction or planning stage and are expected to be constructed in 2015 and 2016. These properties are in addition to the 862 houses and apartments funded to completion by NAMA in the Dublin area in the period up to end-2013.
182. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills regarding the policy underlining his Department's remit to provide specialist preschool and after-school care for children if any research or studies have been conducted to establish the value of applied behavioural analysis, ABA, to certain children with special needs; if there are any findings on the effects of transferring children from ABA environments to mainstream non-ABA environments; if any policy guidelines have been developed to cover such transfers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26617/14]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware my Department's position is that as each child with autism is unique, they should have access to a range of different approaches to meet their individual needs. Applied Behavioural Analysis, or ABA, is one of the approaches used in special classes for children with autism.
The use of ABA as part of the range of interventions is particularly useful for addressing behavioural issues. My Department supports the use of ABA and training is provided for teachers in its use. However, the Department does not accept, based on research, advice and best practice, that ABA should be the only approach used. As children differ significantly from one another and as children's needs vary and change over time, it is not possible to impose a method or approach that will work for all children with autism. This child centred approach is based on advice received from international experts on autism, NEPS, the Inspectorate and the report of the Irish Task Force on Autism.
My Department has not in the past developed guidelines relating to the transitioning of children from ABA environments to non-ABA mainstream environments. However, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is currently preparing Policy Advice on the Educational Provision for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The NCSE has 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. Many studies have been conducted on the value of ABA and if the Deputy is aware of specific research on transitioning which she feels would be of benefit to NCSE in the preparation of the advice she should bring it to their attention directly.
I am aware that a number of parents continue to hold a view that my Department should support ABA where it is shown to be successful. As I have already stated, my Department supports the use of ABA, but not where it is exclusive of other interventions. 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.
183. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills how the tendering system introduced by Bus Éireann for its school routes works; if there has been any consultation with smaller bus operators regarding this system; the measures in place to ensure all bus routes are divided equally among bus operators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26624/14]
View answerBus Éireann, which operates the School Transport Scheme on behalf of my Department, has advised that the tendering procedure used for the provision of school transport services is a competitive procurement process conducted in accordance with the negotiated procedure under Directive 2004/17/EC. Due to the nature, volume and complexities of the School Transport Scheme, there is a requirement to establish panels of suitably pre-qualified potential service providers in each School Transport local office so that they may be invited to tender for the provision of services on School Transport Scheme routes (i.e. Operating Boards) in an efficient and effective manner. These Qualification Panels are established on a county basis and on the basis of the vehicle types required.
Under the process, Bus Éireann advertises the establishment of a qualification system each year in respect of a percentage of the Operating Boards. Compliant applicants are evaluated against published selection criteria and successful applicants are admitted to their selected Qualification Panels. Operators can apply to qualify to a Qualification Panel(s) at any time during the term of the Qualification Panel(s).
When requirements for school transport services arise during the term of the Qualification Panels, service providers on the relevant Qualification Panels may be invited to submit a tender for those services. Compliant tenders are evaluated against published award criteria and a contract is awarded to the most economically advantageous tender. Successful tenderers are awarded a contract for up to five years, subject to an annual review.
184. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a second redress scheme will be introduced for those survivors of institutional abuse who, for various reasons, did not avail of the Residential Institutions Redress Board. [26815/14]
View answerThe Residential Institutions Redress Board was established in December 2002 under the Residential Institutions Redress Act, 2002 to make fair and reasonable financial awards to victims of institutional childhood abuse. Applicants had a period of up to 3 years in which to submit an application to the Redress Board, that is until 15th December 2005 during which time the Board undertook an extensive advertising campaign. However, section 8 of the Act allowed the Board to extend the period for receipt of an application where it considered that there were exceptional circumstances.
The Residential Institutions Redress Amendment Act, 2011 removed the Board's power to accept late applications received on or after the 17th September 2011. The Board received 2,766 late applications of which it has allowed 2,191, bringing the total number of applications received to 16,623. Having finalised 16,480 applications by end May 2014, the Board had 143 applications and 1 late submission to consider. When introducing the 2011 Amendment Act, the Government was satisfied that sufficient time had been given to potential applicants to apply to the Redress Board. I have no plans to introduce a second redress scheme.
185. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will address a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding a training centre in Cork city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27317/14]
View answerCommunity Training Centres (CTCs) are funded through SOLAS and the Education and Training Boards. They are managed and operated by independent local Boards of Management. The staff are employed by these groups and my Department does not have a direct role in staffing and employment issues relating to these bodies.
Guidance has been sought by SOLAS on the payment of enhanced redundancy to employees of CTCs and the matter is being reviewed in the Department. The matter has also been referred to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for consideration. I understand from the Cork Education and Training Board that the decision to close the Community Training Centre referred to by the Deputy was taken by the CTC Board of Management and that statutory redundancy was paid to the former employees.
186. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the method of funding for a State agency (details supplied); and if this funding has been sourced from moneys set aside for victims of industrial abuse. [26625/14]
View answerCaranua, the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Board was established under the Residential Institution Statutory Act, 2012, to oversee the use of the cash contributions of up to €110 million, pledged by the religious congregations, to support the needs of survivors of institutional child abuse. Contributions from congregations are deposited in the special investment account opened by the National Treasury Management Agency in accordance with section 29 of the 2010 Act. Some €77m comprising contributions and associated interest have been lodged to this account to date. In accordance with section 30 of the Act, expenditure incurred by Caranua in the performance of its functions is met from the investment account. Caranua requests the Agency to forward sums as required to meet its expenditure.
187. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans for a centre (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if the lease on the premises will be renewed at the end of July; if new admissions have been accepted for September; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26628/14]
View answer210. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the future of special needs school services provided by an association (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27004/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 187 and 210 together.
The Board of Management (BOM) of the school in question advised my Department that the school will continue in its current locations until the end of June, 2015. My Department has confirmed its willingness to provide grant aid to the BOM to facilitate it renting the premises referred to for the coming school year. My officials and the NCSE are in regular contact with this school and the Association and will continue to work with them on future provision in the county.
188. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress to date in the determination of an appeal for a higher education grant in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26650/14]
View answerOfficials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) that the grant application of the student referred to by the Deputy was refused. The student appealed to the Appeals Officer in SUSI and a letter issued on the 26th May 2014, upholding the original decision.
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 Grant Appeals Board. Applicants have up to 30 days within which to appeal a SUSI decision to the Appeals Board and the Appeals Board has discretion to extend the appeals period by a further 30 days. The relevant appeal form is available to download from http://www.studentfinance.ie/downloads/1375344221/2013_SGAB_appeal_form.pdf.
189. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason school secretaries in DEIS schools are recognised by his Department and paid directly by it, whereas school secretaries in other schools are not; his plans to change this to ensure that all school secretaries are treated and paid equally; his plans to give the same equality and structure in the workplace to school secretaries as has been given to special needs assistants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26652/14]
View answerA Clerk Typist Scheme for the employment of secretaries in primary and secondary schools was initiated in 1978 as part of the then Government's job-creation programme. While a small number of secretaries employed under the 1978 scheme remain in schools, the scheme is being phased out - no new posts are being created and posts which fall vacant are not being filled.
The 1978 scheme has been superseded by a more extensive grant scheme which was introduced under the PESP agreement of 1992. The majority of primary and voluntary secondary schools in the Free Education Scheme now receive capitation grant assistance to provide for secretarial (and/or caretaking) services. Within the capitation grant schemes, the level and extent of services provided is a matter for the school authorities who, through the discretion afforded under the scheme, apply diverse arrangements for secretarial services as resources permit. My Department does not stipulate any rules concerning how secretarial services are to be obtained by the school. It is a matter for the individual school to decide how best to apply the funding to suit the school's particular needs. Secretaries employed by schools using grant funding are employees of the individual school and my Department therefore does not have any role in determining the pay and conditions under which they are engaged. These are matters to be agreed between the staff concerned and the school authorities.
Notwithstanding the above, a forum was established involving my Department, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, IMPACT and SIPTU to examine the factual position in schools regarding the terms and conditions of employment (including pay) of school secretaries. This task was completed. However, due to the very serious budgetary and financial position that the State still finds itself in, it is not possible to progress to the second element of the forum's tasks i.e. discussion on the introduction of an interim minimum pay rate. However, the parties have agreed to consider any appropriate measures in relation to the pay of school secretaries which can be introduced in the event that any review of the Public Service Agreements recommends changes to the benefit of those public servants earning €35,000 or less per annum. This is currently the priority for the Forum and discussions are ongoing.
190. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills when funding will be made available for a new school (details supplied). [26681/14]
View answerThe major school building project referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. The Stage 2(b) submission (Detailed Design) has been approved by the Department, however, as the project was not included in the Department's Five Year Building Programme, the project was not authorised to proceed to tender.
Due to competing demands on my Department's capital budget, imposed by the need to prioritise the limited funding available for the provision of additional school accommodation to meet increasing demographic requirements, it was not possible to include the project referred to by the Deputy in the five year construction programme. School building projects, including the project referred to by the Deputy, which have been initiated but not included in the current five year construction programme continue to be progressed to final planning stages of architectural planning in anticipation of the possibility of further funds being available to my Department in the future. The project for the school referred to by the Deputy remains available to be considered for progression in that context.
191. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to a letter about funding under the emergency works scheme advising that funding was granted to a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath which was subsequently withdrawn with an apology for the error; the steps the school can take to appeal this funding decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26692/14]
View answerAn approval letter was issued to the Management Authority of the school referred to by the Deputy on 8th May 2013 advising them that they had been approved €12,750 under my Department's Emergency Works Scheme to enable them address dampness and mildew issues at their school building. All approved funding was paid to the school authority on the 11th October 2013 and no funding was withdrawn. The school in question did request additional funding but this was not approved as the additional works carried out were outside the terms of the original grant approval and the Emergency Works Scheme. The School Authority have been informed of this decision.
192. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Education and Skills what is the definition of a payment from any other Government Department or State agency with regard to reckonable income under section F of the Student Universal Support Ireland application form for a student grant; and if it includes payments under the rental accommodation scheme. [26709/14]
View answer193. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if payments under the rental accommodation scheme or rent supplement are regarded as income by Student Universal Support Ireland for the purposes of means testing an applicant for a higher education grant. [26710/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 192 and 193 together.
The assessment of means under my Department's student grant scheme is based on gross income from all sources. Where the student, their parents, legal guardian, spouse, civil partner or cohabitant, as applicable, get a payment from any other government department or state agency details must be submitted as part of the grant application process. The types of payments include community employment scheme, supplementary welfare allowance, rent allowance, mortgage interest allowance.
194. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on a summer works application from a school (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26717/14]
View answerI can confirm that the school referred to by the Deputy submitted an application for window replacement under the 2014 Summer Works Scheme. The Deputy will be aware that I recently announced details of the schools that will receive Summer Works Scheme funding in 2014 in respect of applications submitted for Categories 1 to 6 i.e. Gas, Electrical, Mechanical, Toilet Facilities and Roof Works projects. In total, I have approved the spending of more than €70 million on the Summer Works Scheme to allow over 770 schools undertake improvement works during the summer months.
Commensurate with the level of funding set aside for the Scheme, applications were assessed on a top down basis in accordance with the prioritisation criteria outlined in the Circular accompanying the Scheme. Unfortunately, due to the scale of demand for funding under the Scheme, it was not possible to grant aid all applications including those received for windows. However, in accordance with the Scheme's Circular, the application from the school to which the Deputy refers will be retained and will be prioritised for consideration under any further rounds of the Summer Works Scheme in the future, subject to availability of funding.
195. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason supplementary welfare allowance is not included as one of the eligible payments listed in schedule 2 for the special rate of maintenance; if this omission will be rectified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26738/14]
View answerPersons in receipt of the supplementary welfare allowance may apply for a student grant. Assuming that students satisfy all of the relevant terms and conditions of the student grant scheme, eligible students on this payment qualify for the standard rate of grant and student contribution or fees where applicable. Supplementary welfare allowance is not an eligible payment for the special rate of grant because it is considered to be a short-term payment. I have no plans at present to extend the student grant scheme to include it as an eligible payment.
196. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of general nursing CAO places offered by Dublin City University in 2009 to 2013, inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26840/14]
View answerThe number of places on Nursing Programmes at DCU is tightly regulated and guided by the Nursing Board. The Nursing Careers Centre (managed by An Bord Altranais) publish an annual guide for Nursing applicants - "Nursing/Midwifery - A career for you" with full information on the number of Nursing places available per year in each Higher Education Institute. I attach details of the number of general nursing CAO places offered by Dublin City University in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013, as requested by the deputy.
|
Programme - Year |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
|
DC215 BSc in Nursing (General) |
68 |
73 |
79 |
71 |
71 |
|
DC225 Mature Code - BSc in Nursing (General) |
16 |
10 |
13 |
12 |
18 |
|
Total Number of CAO Acceptances |
84 |
83 |
92 |
83 |
89 |
197. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will direct the City of Dublin Education and Training Board to reverse its decision to end the funding for the adult literacy organiser post at the TARGET project in Donaghmede, Dublin 13 when the current post holder retires; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26859/14]
View answerThis is an operational matter for the City of Dublin Education and Training Board (CDETB). However, it should be noted that the post referred to by the Deputy is subject to the moratorium on recruitment and promotion applicable to the civil and public service and my understanding is that the ETB is not in a position to fill the post.
198. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide details and a detailed breakdown of the total spend since its establishment of Qualifications and Quality Ireland on external consultants, external advisers, hotels and other expenses associated with training for staff, invited speakers to address staff meetings, legal and other professional fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26861/14]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) was established in November 2012. In the 20 month period since its establishment, QQI has incurred the following expenditure.
External consultants and professional services expenditure was as follows: €5,748 outsourced fixed asset maintenance; €8,925 related to project management advice and support; €14,365 related to single expert for EQF NCP Grant; €9,791 related to public service pension advices; €13,961 related to architect fees and flood damage; €54,796, public relations and media management; €18,250 related to branding and design services; €54,769 related to policy development and implementation support; €385,532 related to ICT; €9,841 other.
Audit costs amounted to €93,151 of which €62,040 were auditor fees paid to the Comptroller and Auditor General in respect of the audits of the cessation accounts for QQI's legacy bodies, HETAC, FETAC and the NQAI, and outstanding fees for the 2012 audits of the legacy agencies.
Accountancy fees amounted to €358,647. QQI's accountancy services are largely outsourced. In 2013 there were three sets of cessation accounts to be prepared. These services were also required for the support of the C&AG audits of the cessation accounts of HETAC, FETAC and NQAI. Accountancy services were also required for the establishment of QQI which included the introduction of a new accountancy package. There were two legacy accountancy firms in place until June 2013 and following a tendering process new accountants were appointed in September 2013 who now provide routine end-of-month services, preparation of the annual financial statements, preparation of the annual C&G audit file and resources to cover for staff on long term absences. Also included under accountancy is the outsourced payroll services. Other costs incurred included additions to the accountancy system to streamline processes including SEPA payments and file uploads that had been carried out manually.
Legal Fees amounted to €61,718 of which €31,660 related to legacy fees relating to a High Court hearing.
Staff Development costs amounted to €149,615. This comprised €133,597 for training and development (including €9,328 for hotel expenses associated with venues for all-staff events and an on-going development programme for the senior management team) and €16,017 for educational assistance.
With regard to costs arising from speakers to address staff meetings, QQI recently engaged a professional speaker to organise and deliver a full-day course for all staff, which was delivered for three days. While QQI has not yet been invoiced for this service, it is understood the cost will be in the region of €7,000 to €8,000.
199. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding primary schools which finish earlier than the advised year end (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26872/14]
View answerThe provisions in relation to the minimum school hours and days for primary schools are set out in my Department's "Time in School" Circular 11/95. This provides that the minimum number of teaching days per school year is 183 full school days for primary schools. The circular provides that this minimum number must be adhered to by all primary schools and for all classes within schools. Under the provisions of the Education Act, 1998, the Board of Management is the body charged with the direct governance of a school. Decisions in relation to the school's closing date are, subject to adherence with the requirements above, dealt with at local school level and any concerns relating to same should be addressed to the relevant school authorities.
200. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason qualified special needs assistants with less than one year's work experience are discriminated against by Circular 0044/2014 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26880/14]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, a new set of proposals for a public service agreement were put forward by the Labour Relations Commission which now form the Public Service Stability Agreement 2013-2016 (the Haddington Road Agreement). One aspect of this Agreement relates to supplementary assignment arrangements for Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) and as both Unions that represent SNAs namely, SIPTU and IMPACT, have signed up to the Haddington Road Agreement, my Department has implemented supplementary assignment arrangements for SNAs.
The first part of the LRC proposals for supplementary assignment arrangements for SNAs outlines that the supplementary assignment arrangements only apply to current SNAs who are notified that they are to be made redundant. Accordingly, the purpose of these arrangements is to facilitate eligible SNAs who are being made redundant by one employer in filling SNA vacancies that may become available in another school / ETB.
The detailed supplementary assignment arrangements for Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) for the 2014/2015 school year are set out in Departmental Circular 0044/2014 which issued on 12 May 2014 and which is available on the Department's website at the following address: http://www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active-Circulars/cl0044_2014.pdf. With effect from 1 May 2013 once an SNA with a minimum of one year's service (Service in a substitute capacity i.e. covering for maternity leave, sick leave, career breaks, job-sharing etc. does not count) is notified by his/her employer that s/he is to be made redundant then s/he shall be deemed to be a member of a supplementary assignment panel for SNAs.
With the exception of SNAs who have been re-employed on permanent contracts or have chosen to opt out of the panel in accordance with the terms of Paragraph 6 of the circular, all SNAs who have been made redundant since 1 May 2013 are members of the SNA Supplementary Assignment Panel. It should be noted that this does not prevent any person, including SNAs who are working in temporary or cover positions, or SNAs with less than one year's service, from applying for SNA vacancies but employers are obliged to give precedence to applicants who are members of the SNA Supplementary Assignment Panel. When an employer has a vacancy to fill, they must undertake the recruitment process in accordance with the provisions outlined in paragraphs 12-18 of Circular 44/2014.
As the LRC proposals are part of a wider public-sector pay agreement that represent compromises by both employers and unions, I do not have the ability to alter the terms of that agreement.
Finally, my Department has set up a dedicated e-mail address to deal with all queries in relation to the SNA Supplementary Assignment Panel and any queries in respect of the operation of the Panel can be directed to this dedicated e-mail address: snasupplementpanel@education.gov.ie.
201. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the application of a school in Dublin (details supplied) for a site to build, as its current location is unsuitable as it is on a licensed premises and has no disabled access; if a new site has been identified following the rejection of the site on Oldcourt Road; and the status of the funding allocated for building. [26896/14]
View answerMy Department is working closely with the relevant Local Authority in relation to acquiring a suitable site for the school referred to by the Deputy. Due to sensitivities associated with land acquisitions generally, it is not possible to provide the Deputy with further information in relation to the ongoing work to acquire a site for the school at this time.
