Written Answers Nos. 70-104
70. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress that has been made on increasing the numbers of international students studying here, as committed to in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29231/14]
View answerThe Government is strongly committed to promoting Ireland as a centre for international education through implementation of Investing in Global Relationships: Ireland's International Education Strategy and rollout of the Education in Ireland brand internationally by Enterprise Ireland. Since the publication of the strategy, there has been 36% growth in full-time non-EEA students in institutions reporting data to the HEA. The first Higher Education System Performance report published by the HEA notes that "the higher education system is broadly on target to have international students accounting for 15% of total full-time student numbers by 2020." The HEA also indicates that the system is showing strong alignment with the priority markets set by the High Level Group on International Education, with 45% of international students coming from priority markets. Particular progress continues to be made in the United States, where Ireland is in the top ten destinations for American students and the top small country destination and Brazil, where we have attracted 3% of all scholarship students under the Science Without Borders programme, again making us the top small country destination.
A mid-term review of the international education strategy is being undertaken by my Department and will be published later in the year.
71. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will report on the serious allegations which have been brought to his attention of illegal or hidden economic activity on some building sites associated with the education capital development programme. [29229/14]
View answerIn relation to one of the sites recently brought to my attention I understand that officials from Social Protection, Revenue and NERA carried out a site inspection at the end of May and I understand that Social Protection will be taking appropriate follow-up action arising. As the Deputy is aware my Department appointed Contractors Administration Services (CAS), to conduct random audits on school building projects. CAS have been requested to carry out an audit of the other site which has been brought to my attention and should irregularities be uncovered in terms of non-compliance with relevant employment law, enforcement and prosecution falls under the remit of NERA and my Department will report any discrepancies found to it. If the audit uncovers any other matters of concern regarding tax compliance or social welfare fraud, such matters will be referred to either the Revenue Commissioners and/or the Department of Social Protection as appropriate.
72. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills when An Grianán Institution was added to schedule A of the Residential Institutions Redress Act; the rationale for its late inclusion; the actions taken at the time by his Department and the RIRB to advertise and make known to survivors that An Grianán was now included; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some women were not made aware of this change and therefore were too late in applying for the redress scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29005/14]
View answerAn Grianán Training Centre was included in the original Schedule to the Residential Institutions Redress Act, 2002 which specified the institutions for the purposes of the Redress Scheme. Applicants had a period of up to 3 years, until 15 December 2005, to apply to the Redress Board. However, section 8 of the 2002 Act allowed the Board to extend this period in exceptional circumstances. This power to accept late applications was removed by the Residential Institutions Redress Amendment Act, 2011, with effect from 17th September 2011.
By this date, over 5 and half years after the initial closing date, the Board had received 2,766 late applications. The Board undertook an extensive advertising campaign, using press, television and radio advertising. It also held information days and distributed leaflets and pamphlets. It also advertised the final date for receipt of late applications in 2011.
73. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on the work of his Department in conjunction with the National Council for Special Education in producing a consistent national policy on the education of children with autism. [29230/14]
View answerLast year, at my request, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) commenced preparation of policy advice on the education of children with autism. The advice will be delivered in the spring of 2015 and will draw upon findings gathered from the extensive consultation process with parents, schools, professional service providers and other stakeholders which has already commenced and which is ongoing. The advice will also draw upon new research commissioned by the NCSE for this purpose, as well as any other research which may be available and which the NCSE may wish to consideration. The research commissioned by NCSE is currently under review. I would encourage all interested parties to contribute to the on-going consultation process for the policy advice. 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.
74. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the pupil-teacher ratio in private schools will be reduced to ensure equality between fee-paying and non-fee-paying schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29368/14]
View answerThe Government's focus in recent years has been on operating a budgetary programme that is designed to return the Government finances to a sustainable basis. One aspect of the budgetary decisions was to increase the pupil teacher ratio for fee-charging schools. This reflects the fact that fee-charging schools have resources, through fees charged, to employ teachers privately. Given that this is not an option that is available to schools in the free education scheme many would view this approach as more equitable than the approach suggested by the Deputy. The main priority for any additional resources for the foreseeable future will be to cater for the continuing increase in demographics at all levels in the education system.
75. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans for a new secondary school in Swords, in view of the current and projected population; the likely timescale for delivery of same; and the planned improvements in the existing secondary schools. [29370/14]
View answerIn June 2011, I announced that some 20 new post-primary schools would be established across the country up to 2016 to meet demographic needs. This announcement did not include a new post-primary school for Swords. My Department is currently reviewing demographics on a nationwide basis, which will include the Swords area, to determine where additional post-primary schools will be needed from 2016 onwards and to ensure that any such accommodation is provided in a timely manner.
In the meantime, an extension project for St. Finian's Community College in Swords is included in my Department's five year construction plan. This will provide an additional 400 places for the Swords area when completed. It is open to any of the other post-primary schools in the area to apply for capital funding if they have particular needs.
76. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 24 of 29 May 2014 and the subsequent completion of the school year at primary and secondary level, if he will report on the progress to implement the new, updated and more comprehensive anti-bullying policy; if he will outline his Department's role in ensuring its speedy implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29374/14]
View answerWhen the new anti-bullying procedures for schools were published last September, it was acknowledged that schools would need time to develop an anti-bullying policy in line with the new procedures. Accordingly the accompanying circular allowed schools a period up to the Easter break of this year to make the necessary arrangements, including consultations with the school community, for developing and formally adopting an anti-bullying policy which fully complies with the requirements of the procedures. My Department's Inspectorate will now, as part of its inspection of schools, be specifically examining schools compliance with the new anti-bullying procedures including the actions taken to create a positive school culture and to prevent and tackle bullying. The work of the Department's Inspectorate in the school inspection process will give a better overview on how well the new procedures are being implemented at school level. This is an issue that parents and parent associations can also raise directly with their school.
77. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has examined the possibility of making leaving certificate results available earlier in order to provide students with more time to prepare for the transition to third level, especially considering the lack of affordable rental accommodation for students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29407/14]
View answerI am advised by the State Examinations Commission that the Leaving Certificate results are issued 7.5 weeks after the written examinations in June. Following each days examinations the candidates' scripts are returned to the SEC offices before being despatched to the examining team for marking. The marking schemes must be finalised and examiners trained before commencing to mark. Each examiner's work is monitored by a more experienced examiner to ensure that they are correctly applying the marking scheme. The marked scripts are then returned to the SEC in order to process the final grades, which includes the collation of marks for the different components, such as the oral, aural and written paper in a language subject. I am advised by the SEC that due to the significant logistics involved and the need for the highest possible levels of quality assurance it is not possible to issue the results any sooner.
78. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will act on the calls by the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals for a State-wide audit of teachers in order to ensure sufficient numbers for priority subject in the future. [29404/14]
View answerI have already asked the Teaching Council, the professional standards body for teachers, for advice on the matter of teacher supply and demand. The Council is currently working to provide that advice with the overall goal of ensuring that there is timely information to inform the system generally and for planning in my Department. The Teaching Council has approved a roadmap and will establish a Technical Working Group to pilot a draft model of teacher supply. The Teaching Council also intends to establish a Consultative Forum for stakeholders which will offer advice and feedback on proposals developed by the Technical Working Group.
I expect to receive an initial report from the Teaching Council later in the year.
79. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans for increasing special needs resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29402/14]
View answerIn 2013 my Department spent some €1.3 billion supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs. This represents approximately 15% of the entire budget of my Department. This Government has continued to protect resources for Special Education and in some areas there have been increases in 2014, despite the ongoing severe financial position continuing to face the country. An initial allocation of over 10,900 Special Needs Assistants have been allocated for the 2014/15 school year and over 11,000 Learning Support and Resource Teachers will be in place in the coming school year. Next year there will also be over 860 Special Classes attached to mainstream schools. More resources than ever before are being provided to ensure that the educational requirements of children with special needs can continue to be met in schools and that as many children as possible can be educated with their peers in mainstream education.
80. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he expects to be in a position to meet the full requirement in respect of special needs teachers and special needs assistants in all schools throughout the country in the coming year, with particular reference to the need to address those areas most seriously affected by demographic trends; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29372/14]
View answerExpenditure supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs was some €1.3bn in 2013, which represents approximately 15% of the entire budget of my Department. These resources have been protected, or in some areas have been increased in 2014 to take into account increased demand and demographic growth, despite the ongoing severe financial position and a requirement to make expenditure savings across a range of areas. This year provision is being made for up to 10,965 Special Needs Assistants (SNAs), of whom over 10,900 SNAs are initially being allocated to schools in September, along with over 11,000 Learning Support and Resource Teachers. More resources than ever before are being provided to ensure that the educational requirements of children with special needs can continue to be met at primary and second level and that as many children as possible can be educated with their peers in mainstream education.
81. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills when Gaelscoil Phádraig will gain access to Archbishop Mc Quaid national school in Loughlinstown, which was allocated to it in 2005 by his Department; if he will ensure that Ballyowen Meadows Special School moves to its new premises without delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29398/14]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that it is my Department's intention to provide improved accommodation for Gaelscoil Phádraig in the building currently occupied by Ballyowen Meadows Special School. This building will be vacated following the completion of the building project to construct a new school for Ballyowen Meadows. Planning Permission for the new Ballyowen Meadows school project was lodged with the local authority in March and a decision is due at the end of July. The building project is listed on the Five Year Construction Programme announced in 2012 and is at an advanced stage of the architectural planning process. Subject to no issues arising, it is expected that the project will proceed to construction in late 2014/early 2015.
82. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools at both primary and secondary level that have adequate facilities to implement the PE curriculum in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29400/14]
View answerThe specific information sought by the Deputy is not readily available. However, I wish to assure the Deputy that my Department fully recognises the key role of physical exercise within the school environment and continues to respond to the need to improve PE facilities for all pupils attending schools within the constraints of the available funding. I also wish to advise the Deputy that the Physical Education curriculum has been designed on the basis that facilities in schools may vary. Many primary schools have a general purpose room and practically all schools have outdoor play areas which are used for teaching different aspects of the P.E. programme. A similar situation with sports halls and outdoor facilities applies at second level. In addition, many schools use adjacent local facilities, including public parks, playing fields and swimming pools. The provision of playspace, where site conditions and circumstances allow, is one of the issues considered in the architectural design of new schools and major extensions. My Department's design guidelines for schools include guidance in the provision of P.E. Halls, general purpose rooms and outdoor hard play areas such as basketball courts.
83. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he and his Department will conduct an audit of teaching resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29396/14]
View answerThe Government has prioritised, as best as possible, the filling of front-line posts in the Education sector within the constraints of the Employment Control Framework. Unlike most other areas of the public service teaching vacancies are being filled in accordance with published Department criteria. The main priority for the foreseeable future is targeting resources to cater for the continuing increase in demographics at all levels in the education system. I have already asked the Teaching Council, the professional standards body for teachers, for advice on the matter of teacher supply and demand. The Council is currently working to provide that advice with the overall goal of ensuring that there is timely information to inform the system generally and for planning in my Department. The Teaching Council has approved a roadmap and will establish a Technical Working Group to pilot a draft model of teacher supply. The Teaching Council also intends to establish a Consultative Forum for stakeholders which will offer advice and feedback on proposals developed by the Technical Working Group. I expect to receive an initial report from the Teaching Council later in the year.
84. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on whether the number of additional accommodation approvals and the number of projects to go to construction under the five-year plan are adequate for County Kildare in view of its sustained high population growth rate and the fact that its pupil-teacher ratio is among the highest in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29371/14]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that County Kildare has been identified as an area of significant demographic growth. My Department's 5 Year Plan prioritises major school projects to meet this demand. During the period 2012 -2016, eleven new schools are being provided across the County together with 14 major extension projects. My Department will also consider applications from individual schools for devolved funding to meet an immediate accommodation requirement because of increased enrolments or where an additional teacher has been appointed. My Department will continue to analyse demographic trends and to monitor enrolments in all areas to determine the level of additional school provision which may be required into the future and to ensure that this is provided in a timely manner. Any further increased provision required for Kildare will be considered in this context. I also wish to advise the Deputy that there are a thousand more teachers employed in schools around the country this school year, than there was the year before. Despite the difficult financial circumstances, we prioritised education so that the number of teachers we have in the system has also grown in order to protect pupil teacher ratios.
85. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of applications made to Caranua to date; the number of payments made to applicants; and if he is satisfied with the speed at which progress is being made. [29406/14]
View answerI understand that by 30th June, Caranua had received 2,921 applications and had made 368 payments in respect of 118 applicants. The first stage of the application process involves verifying an applicant's eligibility and proof of identity. Once confirmed applicants are contacted by one of Caranua's Application Advisers, who discusses their needs and how Caranua can meet those needs. While some applicants may know exactly what they want to apply for, in other cases it may involve several conversations with their Application Advisor and they may access a number of services. I am aware that there has been a delay in processing applications, which has arisen due to the number of applications and calls received being higher than expected and the time taken to recruit staff. Caranua's four Application Advisors are in place since late May and my Department has recently approved Caranua's request to engage an Agency to provide temporary additional resources to address the backlog.
Value of 368 Payments made by Caranua by 30th June in respect of 118 applicants
|
- |
Health and wellbeing |
Housing |
Education |
Total |
|
Payment value |
€108,088.92 |
€305,980.14 |
€59,101.46 |
€473,170.52 |
86. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the operation of Student Universal Support Ireland in order to ensure those who fall outside the rigid application of the organisation's rules are entitled to SUSI assistance, especially those who would be entitled to the special rate of grant based on income but do not qualify as they are not in receipt of a long-term social welfare payment on the grounds of hardship. [29405/14]
View answerStudent Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) administers the Student Grant Scheme on behalf of my Department. The Student Grant Scheme provides that in order to qualify for the special rate of grant an applicant must meet the following conditions:
1. Reckonable income must not exceed €22,703.
2. On the 31st December of the relevant period the reckonable income must include an eligible long-term payment prescribed under the scheme. It is not proposed, at present, to change the current terms and conditions in respect of the special rates of maintenance grant. However, students in third-level institutions who can demonstrate exceptional financial need can apply through the Access Officer in the third level institution attended for additional assistance under the Student Assistance Fund.
87. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will outline the progress on securing new premises and establishing new schools (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29375/14]
View answerA building project for the first school to which the Deputy refers is currently in architectural planning. An application for planning permission is currently being prepared and this will be submitted to the local authority shortly. This building project has been included on the Department's 5 year construction plan and my Department will be in contact with the school shortly regarding further progression of the project. The second school to which the Deputy refers is a new school commencing operation in September 2014. Start-up accommodation has been secured for the school. Plans for permanent accommodation will be considered in due course. In line with the Report of the New Schools Establishment Group on patronage for new primary schools for September 2014, which is published on my Department's website, my Department will consider the establishment of a further single stream primary school in 2015 under the patronage model referred to in the details supplied by the Deputy.
88. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of small schools expected to lose a teacher in 2014-15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29397/14]
View answer39 small primary schools are losing a classroom post for the coming school year due to the increased pupil thresholds announced in Budget 2012. The loss of a classroom post in 12 of these schools is due to the final phase of the Budget 2012 measure. The loss of a classroom post in each of the other 27 schools is due to the effect of the earlier phase of the Budget 2012 measure combined with a reduction in enrolments. Schools of all sizes, including small schools, can also gain or lose a classroom post due entirely to changes in their enrolments. The final overall position in relation to staffing will be known in the Autumn.
89. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he agrees that, as a trained professional, the class teacher in a primary or secondary school is best placed to judge whether the appointment of a special needs assistant is necessary to assist a child in his or her journey through the education system; and the role of the class teacher in the current system of allocating SNAs. [29399/14]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) for allocating a quantum of Special Needs Assistant (SNA) support for each school annually, taking into account the assessed care needs of qualifying children. My Department recently issued Circular 30/2014, which sets out the purpose of the Special Needs Assistant Scheme. This Circular also restates the role of the Classroom Teacher in the context of educating pupils with special educational needs. Section 22 (1) of the Education Act 1998 states the primacy of the teacher in the education and personal development of students in schools. The classroom teacher is responsible for educating all pupils in his/her class, including any pupil with a special educational need. The class teacher has primary responsibility for the progress and care of all pupils in his/her classroom, including pupils with special educational needs. In providing for a child's care needs, the class teacher may be supported by SNA provision, where necessary. Section 20 1 (F) of the EPSEN Act affords statutory provision to the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) to assess and review the resources required in relation to special educational provision. In doing so, the NCSE takes into account professional assessments of care needs, but also considers the whole school environment, observation of a child's interaction in the classroom, and the views of the child's parents, teachers, and National Educational Psychologists, as necessary. The views of a child's teacher may therefore be taken into account as part of the consideration and assessment process for deciding on the level of SNA support required. However, it is a matter for the NCSE to review the resources required in a school to support the care needs of qualifying children.
90. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Education and Skills the timeline for the reform of the allocation of teaching resources for students with special educational needs; when he expects this new model to be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29391/14]
View answerThe National Council for Special Education published its Report on a Proposed New Model for Allocating Teachers for Students with Special Educational Needs on 18th June 2014. The report recommends that a new allocation model should be developed, based on a schools educational profile, while also providing a baseline allocation to every mainstream school in order to support inclusion. It was recommended that the school profile should take into account details of the number of students with complex needs attending, percentages of students performing below a certain threshold on standardised tests, and the social context of a school. To assist with the process of considering the report recommendations, my Department will begin to gather information required to develop the proposed new model. This will review how the proposed model will impact on schools. There will also be full and comprehensive consultation with stakeholders and education partners, including the parents of special needs children. I would hope that this work can be completed by the Autumn.
91. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the recent National Council for Special Education report on allocations of special needs resources; and his plans on foot of same [29403/14]
View answerThe National Council for Special Education published its Report on a Proposed New Model for Allocating Teachers for Students with Special Educational Needs on 18th June 2014. The report recommends that a new allocation model should be developed, based on a schools educational profile, while also providing a baseline allocation to every mainstream school in order to support inclusion. It was recommended that the school profile should take into account details of the number of students with complex needs attending, percentages of students performing below a certain threshold on standardised tests, and the social context of a school. To assist with the process of considering the report recommendations, my Department will begin to gather information required to develop the proposed new model. This will review how the proposed model will impact on schools. There will also be full and comprehensive consultation with stakeholders and education partners, including the parents of special needs children. I would hope that this work can be completed by the Autumn.
94. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Taoiseach if he will provide in tabular form the total number of sick days taken by staff in his Department in 2011, 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014, further broken down by uncertified, certified and long-term absence leave. [28968/14]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy regarding sick absence statistics for the staff in my Department in the years 2011, 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014 is set out in the following table. The figures are based on the full-time equivalent staff working in the Department at the end of each year and to date in 2014.
|
Year |
Total number of sick days take by staff in the Department |
Number of USK days taken by staff in the Department |
Number of CSK days taken by staff in the Department |
Number of long term sick absence days in the Department |
|
2011 |
1,402.6 |
87.43 |
1,315.17 |
862.17 |
|
2012 |
1,137.5 |
98.5 |
1,039 |
601.5 |
|
2013 |
829.15 |
90 |
739.15 |
280 |
|
to date in 2014 |
460.72 |
45.5 |
415.22 |
238 |
As per the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform circular 6/2014 on sick absence, "a civil servant is considered to be on a long term sick absence if the absence is of four weeks or greater".
USK = self-certified (uncertified) sick absence
CSK = certified sick absence
95. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach if he will provide in tabular form all external consultant reports commissioned by his Department for each year since March 2011; the costs per report; the company involved; the title of the report; and the publication date. [28969/14]
View answerThe following table details the reports commissioned by my Department since March 2011.
|
Report Name |
Company |
Completed |
Cost |
|
IT Security Assessment (For Internal use only) |
Ward Solutions |
January 2011 |
€2,632 |
|
ORP Workshops & Reports |
Towers Watson (Ireland) Ltd |
November 2011 |
€12,100 |
|
eCabinet Security Assessment (For Internal use only) |
RITS |
December 2011 |
€11,495 |
|
Microsoft License Solution Analysis (For Internal use only) |
Sam360 (trading as Smart License Ltd) |
December 2013 |
€2,560 |
|
Total |
- |
- |
€28,787 |
96. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Taoiseach the current members of the interdepartmental working group on alcohol sponsorship of sport; the dates of each of the meetings of the working group; the target month for the working group to report to Government; and the work that has been carried out to date by the group. [28970/14]
View answerThe Interdepartmental Working Group on Alcohol Sponsorship of Sport has met on two occasions, 10 December 2013 and 28 February 2014. Members comprise officials from the following Departments: Taoiseach (Chair), Health, Public Expenditure and Reform, Finance, Social Protection, Transport, Tourism and Sport, Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Children and Youth Affairs, and Education and Skills.
Following a review of available evidence, the Working Group identified information gaps, and subsequently organised a consultation process starting on 16 May, seeking relevant information from interested parties. 18 submissions have been received. The Group has been asked to report its findings to the Cabinet Committee on Social Policy before the end of the year and the submissions will form an important input to the Group's work from now on.
97. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach if he raised the case of the hooded men with the British Prime Minister, David Cameron, during the Brussels EU summit. [28975/14]
View answer100. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach if he discussed with the British Prime Minister, David Cameron, the current negotiations to resolve outstanding issues arising out of the Good Friday Agreement and subsequent issues. [28979/14]
View answer101. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach if he took the opportunity to discuss with the British Prime Minister, David Cameron, the Ballymurphy, Pat Finucane and other legacy issues. [28980/14]
View answer102. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach if he discussed with the British Prime Minister the role of the Irish and British Governments in contributing to a resolution of matters raised during the Haass talks. [28981/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 97 and 100 to 102, inclusive, together.
I spoke briefly with Prime Minister Cameron en marge at the recent Brussels EU summit meeting and again by telephone over the weekend. The focus of our most recent discussions has been on the escalation of the situation in Northern Ireland. I have not had the opportunity recently to discuss with Prime Minister Cameron specific legacy related cases such as Ballymurphy, Pat Finucane and the Hooded Men.
98. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his discussions at the EU summit in Brussels on 26 and 27 June; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28977/14]
View answer99. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his participation in events to mark the start of the First World War 100 years ago. [28978/14]
View answer105. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the June Council meeting discussions on the six pack and two pack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29035/14]
View answer106. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the discussion held at the June EU Council meeting on regulatory fitness and the REFIT programme; if he made a contribution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29036/14]
View answer107. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he made a contribution at the June EU Council meeting when there was a discussion on climate change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29037/14]
View answer108. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the discussions at the EU Council meeting on energy security across the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29038/14]
View answer109. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the concerns the UK raised at the June EU Council meeting about the future development of the EU; if they will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29039/14]
View answer110. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the discussions on the digital single market at the June EU Council meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29041/14]
View answer111. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the discussion at the EU Council meeting on the abrogation of the excessive deficit procedure for several member states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29042/14]
View answer112. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the discussion at the June EU Council meeting on the EU fiscal framework and fiscal discipline; if he made a contribution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29043/14]
View answer119. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he had bilateral meetings around the June EU Council meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29212/14]
View answer121. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the position regarding the June EU Council discussion on freedom, security and justice policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29214/14]
View answer122. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he made a contribution at the EU Council meeting when the discussion took place on intensifying operational co-operation while using information and communication technologies across EU agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29215/14]
View answer123. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the position regarding the common European asylum system that was discussed at the June EU Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29216/14]
View answer124. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the position regarding the discussion on smart border management at the June EU Council meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29217/14]
View answer125. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the position regarding the discussions that were held at the June EU Council meeting on freedom of movement across EU states and misuse or fraudulent claims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29218/14]
View answer126. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the position regarding the discussions on youth unemployment, poverty and social exclusion at the June EU Council meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29219/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 98, 99, 105 to 112, inclusive, 119 and 121 to 126, inclusive, together.
I attended the European Council meeting in Ypres and Brussels on 26 & 27 June. I reported to the House on the outcomes of the Council in a comprehensive statement on 2 July. The Conclusions adopted by the European Council give a full account of the outcome of discussion and are a public record. I took an active part in the discussions at the summit representing the Irish positions on the various matters discussed. While I did not have any separate bilateral meetings, I did of course see all of my colleagues at the meeting.
Along with colleagues I was proud to represent Ireland at the commemorative ceremony in Ypres which preceded the European Council meeting. It was a solemn occasion and a moment to remember all those who perished in the war.
The main outcomes of the Summit were the nomination of Jean Claude Juncker as President of the European Commission, agreement on a strategic agenda for the EU for the coming period and the adoption of strong conclusions on Ukraine. Leaders also agreed Council Conclusions on justice and home affairs, the European Semester, Regulatory Reform, Climate Change and Energy. In addition, Association Agreements were signed with Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia and leaders endorsed candidate status for Albania, the EU’s Maritime Security Strategy and the annual report on EU official development assistance.
The Strategic Agenda which was agreed by Heads of State and Government is an important document. It identifies the priorities which will guide the work of the European Union over the next five years across the following five areas: (1) jobs, growth and competitiveness, (2) empowering and protecting all EU citizens, (3) climate policy, (4) freedom, security and justice, and (5) the EU's external relations. In this context the need to fully exploit the potential of the single market, including completing the digital single market by 2015, is highlighted. The Strategic Agenda also recognises the need to tackle poverty and social exclusion. We have to step up the fight against youth unemployment and seek to unlock opportunities for all. Overall I am pleased that the Strategic Agenda reflects a clear commitment to strengthening the economic recovery across Europe. The European Council conclusions also call for the growth supporting potential of the EU’s fiscal framework to be used and for best use to be made of the flexibility built into the existing Stability and Growth Pact rules. This is welcome.
I was pleased to join with my European Council colleagues in welcoming the abrogation of the excessive deficit procedure for Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, the Netherlands, Austria and Slovakia. We also noted that the Commission will report to the European Parliament and to the Council on the application of the EU’s governance framework – the 6 Pack and the 2 Pack - by 14 December 2014.
Under the European Semester discussions Heads of State and Government reviewed progress made in the area of regulatory fitness and agreed that this should remain a priority in the work of the EU institutions. Again I welcome this.
Given time constraints the European Council held only a brief discussion of the climate and energy framework for 2020. Leaders took stock of the work underway to reach agreement at latest by October on the new climate and energy policy framework. It is clear that a lot of work remains to be done to address the challenges associated with climate change at the EU level.
On Energy Security the European Council welcomed the Commission's European Energy Security Strategy (EESS) and held a first discussion on that basis.
The European Council also adopted new strategic guidelines on Justice and Home Affairs. These guidelines were prepared over the last year, including at the Justice and Home Affairs Council on 5-6 June, which was attended by Minister Fitzgerald. Asylum, border management and using information and communication technologies across the EU agencies were some of the issues covered in the guidelines. They also reaffirm the right of EU citizens to move freely and reside and work in other Member States as a fundamental freedom of the Union, which needs to be protected including from misuse.
Finally, the European Council Conclusions note that the UK has raised some concerns related to the future development of the EU and that these concerns will need to be addressed. The conclusions also note that there are different paths of integration for different countries, allowing those that want to deepen integration to move ahead, while respecting the wish of those who do not want to deepen any further. The ongoing debate on the EU within the UK is, of course, an issue of real importance for Ireland. My Government will remain highly engaged in this area.
103. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach if he discussed with the British Prime Minister, David Cameron, the election of a new EU Commission President. [28984/14]
View answer104. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his discussions on the election of a new EU Commission President with other Heads of State at the Brussels conference. [28985/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 103 and 104 together.
At its meeting on 27 June, the European Council agreed to propose Jean-Claude Juncker to the European Parliament as candidate for President of the European Commission. This decision was taken by way of a Qualified Majority Vote following a discussion chaired by President Van Rompuy. Two members of the European Council, Prime Minister Cameron and Prime Minister Orban, voted against the proposal. I was amongst the twenty six Heads of State and Government to vote in its favour.
Prior to the European Council and at the summit itself, I affirmed my support for Mr Juncker’s candidacy to fellow Heads of State and Government, including Prime Minister Cameron. I have supported Mr Juncker since his election as EPP lead candidate in Dublin last March and am delighted that agreement was reached on his nomination. He is a highly experienced and capable individual, with a clear commitment to ensuring the European institutions work effectively to support economic recovery and job creation across the EU, a priority I share.
I am, of course, conscious of the reservations that Prime Minister Cameron has expressed about the nomination process, which he raised again at the European Council. I have made clear that, while I do not share his position, I understand and respect it.
