Wednesday, 1 Oct 2014

Written Answers Nos. 131 - 155

Mobility Allowance Decision

Questions (131)

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

131. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on devising a replacement scheme for the mobility allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37403/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

Conscious of the reports of the Ombudsman regarding the legal status of the Mobility Allowance, in the context of the Equal Status Acts, the Government decided to close the scheme on 26th February, 2013. Individuals who were in receipt of the payment prior to 26th February 2013 continue to receive the payment. In November 2013, the Government decided that the preparatory work required for a new travel subsidy scheme and associated statutory provisions should be progressed by the Minister for Health. Work is ongoing on the policy proposals to be brought to Government for the drafting of primary legislation for a new scheme.

Services for People with Disabilities

Questions (132)

Tom Fleming

Question:

132. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure in budget 2015 that the disability sector is facilitated with adequate finances and resources; his views on correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37412/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The level of funding available for the health budget for 2015 has not yet been determined. Deliberations by the Government on the expenditure allocations for 2015 are likely to continue up until Budget time. As with previous Budgets, the difficult financial position facing the Exchequer will require very careful management across all areas of expenditure.

Passport Applications

Questions (133)

James Bannon

Question:

133. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on the progress of a passport application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37221/14]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

For children born in Ireland on or after 1 January 2005, entitlement to an Irish passport is governed by the terms of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 as amended (the Act). Section 6A provides that persons born in the State on or after 1 January 2005, where neither parent is Irish or British citizen or otherwise entitled to reside in the State or Northern Ireland without restriction, may claim citizenship by birth in the State (and thereby establish eligibility for an Irish passport) only where a parent has been lawfully resident in the State for three years of the four years proceeding their birth.

The 2004 amendment of the Act made particular provision for nationals of EU member States, who may make a declaration concerning their residence in the island of Ireland within the four years preceding their children’s birth. In such cases, the EU national is regarded as having resided in the island of Ireland for the declared purposes of the Act, unless the contrary is proved. It is a requirement in passport applications that these declarations are supported by verifiable evidence (i.e. tax and social welfare documents, bank statements, utility/ phone bills) of the person’s residence in the state. Two items of such evidence are generally required.

The applicant’s parents are Romanian. Romania entered the EU on 01 January 2007. Prior to 01 January 2012 there were restrictions on Romanian nationals in the labor market. Consequently, the Department of Justice and Equality have advised that work permits are required for Romanian nationals who entered Ireland after 01 January 2007, in addition to the standard documentation required.

This restriction to the Irish labor market, which was dropped from 01 January 2012, meant that these nationals, if employed as workers, required work permits in order for their residence in the State to be considered legal and thus reckonable for the purpose of Section 6A of the Act. This is particularly relevant in terms of demonstration of the entitlements of the applicant to Irish citizenship and thereby to an Irish Passport.

The applicant was born in this State in 2014. The applicant’s entitlement to Irish citizenship is governed by the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended (the 1956 Act). This Act was amended in 2004. As the applicant’s parents are Romanian citizens, section 6A of the 1956 Act requires that at least one of them has to be lawfully resident in the State for three of the four years preceding their child’s date of birth. Moreover, section 6B(2) of the 1956 Act, makes particular provision for a parent who is an EU national, that a declaration of residence must be supported by the submission of the parent’s relevant documentation such as EU passports, Tax documents, Irish drivers license etc.

Upon receipt of a passport application for this minor, the applicant’s father was notified that in order for his child to qualify for an Irish passport, it would be necessary to submit documentary evidence of his residence history in the State. As a Romanian national who was in employment in the State before 1 January 2012, the applicant’s father was also required to submit a copy of the work permit issued to him by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment predating the evidence of employment submitted in support of his daughter’s application.

He was notified by the Department by letter on 17 July 2014 that the additional documentation was required to be submitted, in order for the Passport Office to progress the application. The Passport Office has not received any correspondence on this matter, to date.

Passport Services

Questions (134)

John McGuinness

Question:

134. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny was refused entry to Turkey on an Irish passport on 5 November 2013 and was forced to return here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37248/14]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

My Department is not aware of any issue with the passport in question. The Deputy, or applicant, may wish to contact the Passport Service, (Ms. Fiona Penollar, Head of the Molesworth Street Passport Office) to discuss the specifics of this individual case.

Departmental Budgets

Questions (135)

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

135. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the total allocated budget for his Department in 2011, 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014; the actual outturns in each of his Department subheads at the end of 2011, 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37284/14]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

My Department comprises two separate votes, Vote 28 Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Vote 27 International Co-operation.

VOTE 28 BUDGET and EXPENDITURE REPORT	2011	2011	2012	2012	2013	2013	2014	2014
	Annual	Actual	Annual	Actual	Annual	Actual	Annual	Month 8
ADMINISTRATION EXPENDITURE	Budget		Budget		Budget		Budget	Actual
	€k	€k	€k	€k	€k	€k	€k	€k
A1 SALARIES & ALLOWANCES (PAY)	77,333	78,830	82,377	79,001	79,041	78,053	71,787	51,676
A1 SALARIES & ALLOWANCES (NON-PAY)	12,927	13,271	10,898	10,580	10,848	10,528	11,231	6,958
A2 TRAVEL & SUBSISTENCE	6,080	4,313	7,637	4,877	7,239	5,714	6,630	2,656
A3 INCIDENTAL EXPENSES - Capital	100	7	100	90	100	152	99	34
Current	4,588	3,807	10,608	6,931	9,945	5,936	5,313	1,761
TOTAL	4,688	3,813	10,708	7,022	10,045	6,088	5,412	1,796
A4 POSTAL & TELECOMMUNICATIONS	7,408	6,553	7,538	6,304	6,992	6,367	7,594	3,878
A5 OFFICE EQUIP/EXPENSES - Capital	1,390	1,335	1,390	1,046	3,785	2,151	4,437	2,749
Current	14,036	13,634	16,339	17,287	14,926	15,902	15,226	8,325
TOTAL	15,386	14,969	17,729	18,332	18,711	18,054	19,663	11,073
A6 PREMISES EXPENSES - Capital	2,210	643	2,615	1,152	2,210	1,082	631	730
Current	24,072	21,373	23,931	20,764	22,477	20,154	24,501	12,303
TOTAL	26,282	22,017	26,546	21,916	24,687	21,236	25,132	13,033
A7 CONSULTANCY SERVICES	108	28	140	8	20	6	100	5
TOTAL ADMINISTRATION EXPENSES	150,212	143,794	163,573	148,039	157,583	146,046	147,550	91,075
Capital Expenditure:	3,700	1,985	4,105	2,288	6,095	3,385	5,167	3,514
Current Expenditure:	146,512	141,809	159,468	145,751	151,488	142,660	142,383	87,561
PROGRAMME EXPENDITURE
B1 REPATRIATION & MAINTENANCE	79	36	79	10	79	1	79	3
C1 SUPPORT FOR IRISH EMIGRANT GROUPS	12,883	11,568	11,595	11,586	11,595	10,859	11,595	4,540
D1 INFORMATION SERVICES	652	424	502	241	502	296	502	142
E1 CONTRIBUTIONS TO RE INTER. RELATIONS	100	100	0	0	0	0	0	0
F1 NORTH SOUTH/ANGLO IRISH CO-OPERATION	3,000	2,998	2,700	2,697	2,745	2,698	2,745	1,604
F2 INTERNATIONAL FUND FOR IRELAND	195	150	195	150	150	150	150	150
G1 CULTURAL RELATIONS - OTHER COUNTRIES	846	765	846	846	846	846	846	713
H1 IRISH AMERICAN ECON ADVISORY BOARD	28	13	28	3	28	12	28	12
I1 CONTRIBUTIONS TO INTL ORGANISATIONS	47,440	48,407	45,690	43,865	43,770	38,506	48,366	27,796
J1TITLE V OF THE TREATY ON EU	418	226	418	227	418	416	418	245
K1 ATLANTIC CORRIDOR PROJECT	250	250	175	175	175	175	175	78
L1 TRADE PROMOTIONFUNDS	400	320	400	303	400	277	400	88
N1 SUPPORT FOR IRELAND FUNDS (O in SUN)	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
TOTAL PROGRAMME EXPENDITURE	66,291	65,257	62,628	60,103	60,708	54,236	65,304	35,372
GROSS EXPENDITURE	216,503	209,051	226,201	208,142	218,291	200,281	212,854	126,446
X1 APPROPRIATIONS IN AID	43,997	44,380	44,048	47,735	44,048	47,998	45,048	36,996
NET EXPENDITURE	172,506	164,671	182,153	160,407	174,243	152,283	167,806	89,451
VOTED ALLOCATION	172,506		181,783		173,843		167,236
CAPITAL CARRYOVER	0		370		400		570
TOTAL ALLOCATION	172,506		182,153		174,243		167,806

-	VOTE 27 BUDGET and EXPENDITURE REPORT International Co-operation
		2011	2011	2012	2012	2013	2013	2014	2014
		Annual	Actual	Annual	Actual	Annual	Actual	Annual	Month 8
	ADMINISTRATION EXPENDITURE	Budget		Budget		Budget		Budget	Actual
		€k	€k	€k	€k	€k	€k	€k	€k
A1	SALARIES/ALLOWANCES - PAY
A1	SALARIES/ALLOWANCES - HQ STAFF	13,966	13,163	13,500	12,655	12,721	12,271	13,105	8,057
A1	SALARIES/ALLOWANCES - LOCAL STAFF	3,176	3,147	3,462	3,272	3,100	3,099	1,793	1,328
A2	TRAVEL AND SUBSISTENCE	2,747	2,084	2,500	2,038	2,200	2,171	2,300	1,096
A3	INCIDENTAL EXPENDITURE
A3	INCIDENTAL EXPENSES - CURRENT	2,820	1,430	2,400	1,134	2,375	1,232	1,700	818
A3	INCIDENTAL EXPENSES - CAPITAL	100	58	90	0	75	200	100	0
A4	A4 POST AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
A4	POST AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS CURRENT	1,900	1,563	1,800	1,527	1,700	1,324	1,850	746
A4	POST AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS CAPITAL	20	0	35	0	20	0	20	0
A5	A5 OFFICE EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES
A5	OFFICE EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES - CURRENT	1,950	1,139	1,800	1,153	1,600	1,108	1,575	633
A5	OFFICE EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES - CAPITAL	70	68	40	25	30	31	30	6
A6	OFFICE PREMISES
A6	OFFICE PREMISES - CURRENT	3,800	3,298	3,500	3,351	3,075	2,832	3,375	1,658
A6	OFFICE PREMISES CAPITAL	110	66	100	4	130	6	100	0
A7	CONSULTANCY SERVICES	1,400	1,092	1,400	588	1,000	423	750	532
A8	FOREIGN REP AND ACC EXP	1,485	1,096	1,600	1,174	1,600	1,174	1,450	503
	TOTAL	33,543	28,204	32,227	26,921	29,626	25,871	28,148	15,378
B	BILATERAL AID PROGRAMME	365,633	365,633	357,303	357,303	337,903	337,903	326,015	199,776
C	EMERGENCY HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE	51,000	50,997	51,000	51,000	60,000	59,979	57,500	42,516
D	PAYMENTS TO INT'L FUNDS	34,354	34,354	34,000	33,999	30,000	30,000	28,610	22,410
E	VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS TO UN AGENCIES	39,500	39,500	39,500	39,498	39,550	39,547	38,890	37,983
	Gross Expenditure	524,030	518,687	514,030	508,721	497,079	493,300	479,163	318,063
F	APPROPRIATIONS IN AID	-1,153	-1,790	-1,153	-1,419	-1,150	-1,156	-1,150	-623
	Net Expenditure	522,877	516,897	512,877	507,302	495,929	492,144	478,013	317,440

North-South Ministerial Council

Questions (136)

Brendan Smith

Question:

136. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the agenda for the forthcoming North-South Ministerial Council meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37302/14]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The agenda for the upcoming meeting of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) in plenary format has still to be agreed with the Northern Ireland administration. However, it is customary at these meetings for Ministers to review work undertaken in the areas of North South cooperation, including by the North-South Bodies, since the preceding plenary meeting.

It is likely that discussions will also touch on financial and economic matters, the shared interest North and South in EU issues including the new PEACE and INTERREG programmes, the North West Gateway Initiative, and, in the context of the St Andrews Agreement Review, progress made on expanding the areas of North South cooperation and ongoing opportunities for further all-island cooperation, with the focus on those areas that promote economic recovery, job creation, the best use of tax-payers’ funds and the most effective delivery of public services. I also expect a discussion to take place on the North South Consultative Forum.

I am looking forward to the Plenary and to continuing to work with our Northern colleagues on the further development of North South cooperation.

Overseas Development Aid Expenditure

Questions (137, 138, 140, 145)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

137. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will reaffirm Ireland's commitment to reaching the targeted 0.7% of GNP for oversees development aid by 2014; the measures his Department is taking to ensure this is achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37303/14]

Ruth Coppinger

Question:

138. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way he will reach the target of 0.7% GNP to be given in overseas aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37304/14]

Brendan Smith

Question:

140. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide detailed consideration to the issues raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37348/14]

Terence Flanagan

Question:

145. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding overseas aid (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37354/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 137, 138, 140 and 145 together.

The Government is strongly committed to Ireland’s overseas aid programme, which is at the heart of our foreign policy. Our policy on International Development, “One World, One Future”, clearly states our commitment to the UN target of providing 0.7% of Gross National Product (GNP) for Official Development Assistance (ODA), and to making further progress towards it when economic circumstances permit.

Despite the extremely difficult economic circumstances, we have successfully managed to stabilise the budget for development assistance over the past three years. Since 2011 we have allocated in total over €2.5 billion for ODA, providing €657 million in 2011, €629 million in 2012, and€637 million in 2013. For 2014 we will spend some €600 million on ODA. These are substantial allocations of public funds and represent a genuine investment on behalf of the Irish people in assisting those less fortunate than ourselves. They are also clear evidence of the Government’s strong commitment to the aid programme.

The estimates process for Budget 2015 is now in its finals stages. As with allocations to all Government Departments, Budget 2015 allocations for ODA will be framed in the context of our policy commitments and the overall budgetary circumstances we face. The final 2015 Budget allocation, which is ultimately a decision for Government, will be announced by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on 14 October next. As I have repeatedly stated publicly, and in response to earlier Questions, I and the Minster for Foreign Affairs and Trade have made, and will continue to make, the strongest case possible for the allocation to the development assistance programme.

Departmental Internships

Questions (139)

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy

Question:

139. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that unsuccessful applicants for conflict resolution unit internship positions within his Department are being advised that they have been unsuccessful due to lack of experience; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37336/14]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The government is committed to developing Irish engagement in international conflict resolution as an important dimension of Irish foreign policy. To support this objective, a paid internship has been in place in my Department’s Conflict Resolution Unit since it was established. The internship, lasting 11-months, is designed to give a graduate in this area an opportunity to gain practical experience in policy development. As outlined in the role specification for the recent internship competition, candidates are required to have, inter alia, a strong interest in conflict resolution, as demonstrated by previous relevant experience, specialised studies or academic training. The role specification also indicated that a postgraduate degree with a focus on conflict resolution and/or peace and security would be desirable.

All applications were carefully considered. Due to the large number of applicants and the high calibre of the applications received, it was necessary to confine the interview process to a number of candidates whose applications most closely matched the requirements of the position, as outlined in the role specification. Unsuccessful candidates were advised of this.

Interest in conflict resolution demonstrated by experience may include voluntary, research, academic and extra-curricular activities. Paid work experience is not a requirement for this internship.

Question No. 140 answered with Question No. 137.

Northern Ireland Issues

Questions (141, 142, 143)

Brendan Smith

Question:

141. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding a bill of rights for Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37349/14]

Brendan Smith

Question:

142. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress being made in relation to the proposed Irish Language Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37350/14]

Brendan Smith

Question:

143. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the establishment of the North-South consultative forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37351/14]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 141, 142 and 143 together.

A number of elements of the Good Friday Agreement and St Andrews Agreement have not yet been fully implemented. Among these are the establishment of a North South Consultative Forum, a Bill of Rights and an Irish Language Act. The Government’s firm position is that these Agreements must be implemented in full. The Agreements, as well as the principles and values underpinning them, are at the core of the Government’s approach to peace, reconciliation and prosperity on this island.

I welcome the report agreed at the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly plenary in Dublin on 31 March 2014 on the implementation of the Good Friday and St Andrew’s Agreements and which calls on all parties to the Agreements ‘to maintain momentum to ensure that all outstanding provisions are implemented in their totality ’.

I continue to urge all the parties in the Northern Ireland Assembly to engage in constructive discussion with a view to reaching agreement on the substance of a Bill of Rights. A Bill of Rights drawn up by agreement between the main parties of the Assembly could set out precisely and formally the rights underpinning a reconciled society in Northern Ireland. Officials of my Department keep in ongoing contact with representatives of civil society on the issue of a Bill of Rights.

In the St Andrews Agreement, the British government committed to introducing an Irish Language Act and to working with the Executive to enhance and protect the development of the Irish Language. Since the restoration of the devolved Institutions on 8 May 2007, the question of an Irish Language Act for Northern Ireland is a devolved matter and is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Executive and in particular of the Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, Ms. Carál Ní Chuilín MLA. The Government continues to follow developments closely in relation to the proposed Act, as well as the overall enhancement and protection of the Irish Language in Northern Ireland.

The Good Friday Agreement also provided for the establishment of an independent Consultative Forum representative of civil society. The St Andrews Agreement provided further that the Northern Ireland Executive would support the establishment of an independent North/South Consultative Forum. In September 2008, the Irish Government submitted proposals for the role, format, membership and operation of a North South Consultative Forum to the Executive for its consideration, and facilitated three consultative conferences, the most recent of which was in January 2011. The Government awaits a response from the Executive. The Taoiseach has raised the Forum at each Plenary meeting of the North South Ministerial Council he has attended and it is on the agenda for the forthcoming meeting on 3 October 2014.

I will continue to press the importance of implementing outstanding elements of the Agreements in my discussions with the British Government and Northern Ireland Executive. Officials in my Department will continue to monitor these matters in their ongoing contacts with the Northern Ireland Office and officials of the Northern Ireland Executive.

North-South Implementation Bodies

Questions (144)

Brendan Smith

Question:

144. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the review of the North-South bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37352/14]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The first part of the St Andrew’s Agreement Review is now largely completed. This involved examining the Bodies in terms of efficiency and value for money.

Part two of the Review involved expanding the areas of North South cooperation and, in line with the decision at the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) Plenary meeting in November 2013, Ministers North and South have been working together at the sectoral meetings since then to identify and develop sectoral priorities for further cooperation in their respective sectoral areas.

The Government remains of the view that the important work being undertaken by the North South Bodies should be significantly developed. This is in line with our shared aims of supporting economic recovery, encouraging job creation, ensuring the best use of public funds and the most effective delivery of services for citizens across the island. The Government looks forward to a substantive discussion of these issues at the upcoming NSMC Plenary meeting.

Question No. 145 answered with Question No. 137.

UN Resolutions

Questions (146)

Brendan Smith

Question:

146. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if it will be necessary to enact new legislation to implement the UN Security Council resolution to combat migrant terrorism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37408/14]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

UN Security Council Resolution 2178 (2014) on foreign terrorist fighters was adopted unanimously in New York on 24 September 2014. Ireland co-sponsored the Resolution along with 103 other States, including all other EU member states.

This Resolution takes a comprehensive, human rights compliant approach to tackling the foreign fighters problem in accordance with international law. It highlights the need to tackle the underlying causes of radicalisation through community outreach initiatives, while at the same time focusing on strengthening legal and security measures. This comprehensive strategy is very much in line with Ireland’s approach to the issue.

The terms of the Resolution are consistent with conclusions of a special meeting of the European Council on 30 August 2014 which called for accelerated implementation of a package of measures agreed in June 2013 concerning four priority areas: prevention of radicalisation, detection of suspicious travel, investigation and prosecution and cooperation with third countries. The European Council will review this issue in December 2014.

My colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality recently published new counter terrorism legislation - the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) (Amendment) Bill 2014. When enacted, this legislation will create three new offences: public provocation to commit a terrorist offence, recruitment for terrorism and training for terrorism.

The Bill will complement existing 2005 legislation which already provides for the offences of hostage taking, terrorist bombing and terrorist financing.

Enactment of the new Bill will mean that Ireland will have more comprehensive legislation in place in this area. However, my Department, in consultation with other relevant Government Departments, will closely examine the Resolution to establish whether any further legislation may be required in order to ensure its full implementation in Ireland.

Student Grant Scheme Administration

Questions (147)

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

147. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will maintain grants at the current level for third level grants in budget 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37220/14]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

There was no change in Budget 2014 to any of the student grant rates including the non-adjacent or adjacent rates of grant or the higher special rate of grant for the 2014 financial year.

The aim of the student maintenance grant scheme has always been to make a contribution to the cost of going to college; covering the full cost has never been a feasible option.

The Student Contribution, which currently stands at €2,750, is payable by students who qualify under the free fees schemes. Students who qualify under my Department's student grant scheme have the contribution paid on their behalf by the Exchequer.

I empathise with students and I am very conscious of the fundamental role played by the student grant scheme in supporting families who are putting their children through further and higher education.

As the Deputy will be aware, the reality of our economic situation presents significant challenges that have to be reconciled with limitations on public resources. This is a very stark reality, which, unfortunately, means that changes to any public service, including the student grant scheme, cannot be ruled out.

For this reason it is the responsibility of Government to take into consideration all areas of public services when formulating Budget 2015. Ultimately, our budgetary decisions now will play a major part in creating a sustainable economy and in regaining our economic independence. As the Deputy will be aware all proposals made in relation to education expenditure including changes to student grants will be considered in the context of the Budget 2015.

School Enrolments Data

Questions (148)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

148. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of secondary school pupils at present; the number of these that are 18 years or over or will be 18 years or over by the end of their final year. [37228/14]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The data requested by the Deputy is not readily available. I have asked my officials to compile the data and to forward it to the Deputy as soon as it becomes available.

School Accommodation

Questions (149)

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

149. Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there are sufficient secondary school places in Lucan, County Dublin, to cater for all the pupils finishing primary school education each year for the next five years; the provision that has been made for the shortfall; the secondary schools outside of Lucan where parents may send their children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37229/14]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

My Department is currently analysing the latest demographic data on a nationwide basis to determine where additional school accommodation might be needed from 2015 onwards. This process includes an examination of the Lucan area. When this exercise has been completed arrangements will be made to make accommodation available where it is needed.

Weight of Schoolbags

Questions (150)

Brendan Ryan

Question:

150. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if her Department have conducted any surveys into the average volume and weight of school books being carried by pupils and the potential long-term health implications of excessive weight in school bags; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37232/14]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The report of the Working Group on the Weight of School Bags recognised that many of the solutions to this issue belong at local school level and made various recommendations in this regard, such as optimum use of storage facilities, developing pupil organisation skills and timetabling.

My Department issued circulars to all primary and post-primary schools in 2005 to highlight the potential health hazard of overweight schoolbags and to outline a range of local measures that could be put in place to help alleviate the problem.

The circulars referred to the recommendations of the report. It is a matter for each individual school to determine which particular measures are most suited to its individual circumstances and to how the school concerned organises teaching and learning.

The circulars (PC 13/05 and M35/05) and the report of the Working Group on the Weight of School Bags are available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.

Student Grant Scheme Appeals

Questions (151)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

151. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position in respect of an appeal for a higher education grant in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who submitted their appeal in July 2014; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37253/14]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

Officials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) that the student referred to by the Deputy was awarded a Postgraduate Fee Contribution grant of €2,000 for the academic year 2013/14 and a letter issued on the 19th September 2013 advising him of same. The letter also advised that he had the right to appeal this decision by using the official appeal form, available for download from www.susi.ie and to return it by the 19th October 2013. No formal appeal was received within the statutory timeframe.

Following an enquiry from the student he was advised that as he was not in receipt of a qualifying Social Welfare payment, he had received the maximum amount of grant payable to Postgraduate students under the Student Grant Scheme 2013.

I understand that the Deputy submitted an appeal on behalf of the student in July 2014 and that SUSI have responded to the Deputy.

The Deputy should also be aware that the terms of the scheme must be applied impartially and exceptions cannot be made in individual cases regardless of the circumstances.

School Enrolments Data

Questions (152)

Ruth Coppinger

Question:

152. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Education and Skills the measures in place for the education and welfare of primary and secondary students who are homeless; if she will report on the number of primary and secondary students who have been homeless in the years 2011, 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37255/14]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

My Department does not collect data from schools in relation to students who are homeless. Statutory powers in relation to the educational welfare of all children, including those who are homeless, are contained in the Education Welfare Act 2000 which comes within the policy remit of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs.

School Transport Administration

Questions (153)

John Halligan

Question:

153. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will confirm if all of the recent issues surrounding the school transport scheme which necessitated the setting up of a dedicated help line have been resolved in full; the steps that have been taken to ensure that these issues do not repeat next year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37075/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that Bus Éireann has confirmed that the issues which necessitated the setting up of the dedicated helpline have been resolved and the helpline was closed on 19th September 2014.

I would like to explain to the Deputy that this year, with the introduction of a comprehensive new school transport online applications and payments system, every family who wished to avail of school transport services was required to register on the system. This included both existing families and families applying for the first time, amounting to some 75,000 families.

This was a once-off scenario and Bus Éireann advises that in future only those families applying for school transport for the first time will be obliged to register. This can be expected annually to be less than a fifth of the volume encountered this year.

The introduction of a comprehensive new IT system particularly on the scale involved was likely to encounter some teething problems, and these were addressed promptly by Bus Éireann when they arose, but the comparatively high level of necessary public interaction with the system at the same time further complicated matters in a unique set of circumstances.

The dedicated help line provided assistance to families who had technical issues using the new system, and created more capacity for local school transport offices to address the more traditional questions that families have relating to the operation of school bus services in general such as ticketing enquiries, the availability of seats, and timetable queries.

Even so, and although the level of public interaction was anticipated this year and additional staff, as well as a dedicated help line, were put in place by Bus Éireann to handle related enquiries, it is acknowledged that some families still encountered difficulties.

Bus Éireann appreciates the patience and understanding shown by the families and sincerely regrets any inconvenience or hardship caused.

Looking to the future it can be appreciated that the new School Transport online Application and Ticket Payment system affords greater convenience and transparency in school transport related interactions than ever before and will enable families to manage all aspects of their applications for school transport, including registration, amendments and payments, using contemporary online features.

Departmental Budgets

Questions (154)

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

154. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total allocated budget for her Department in 2011, 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014; the actual outturns in each of her Department subheads at the end of 2011, 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37281/14]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The total allocated budgets and actual outturns for my Department for the years 2011, 2012, 2013 and to end August 2014 as requested by the Deputy are contained in the following spreadsheet. Approp Accounts

Local Drugs Task Forces

Questions (155)

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

155. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total number of local drugs task force meetings that officials from her Department have attended and for which drugs task forces in 2011, 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37294/14]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The number of local drug task force meetings attended in the years in question by officials from my Department is as follows:

Dublin 12 Local Drug Task Force: 2011 - 9; 2012 - 10; 2013 - 6; 2014 - 4 to date.

South Inner City Local Drug Task Force: 2011 - data not available; 2012 - 9; 2013 - 8; 2014 - 6 to date.

I can confirm to the Deputy that the education sector is represented on other local drug task forces by representatives of the relevant Education and Training Board. My Department contributes to Government policy on drugs at a national level through the National Drugs Strategy. My Department is represented on the Oversight Forum on Drugs (OFD) and the National Co-ordinating Committee for Drug and Alcohol Task Forces (NCC-DATF), which are chaired by the Department of Health.