Written Answers Nos. 146-148
146. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will confirm contacts her Department has had with South Dublin County Council regarding the need for sites for two schools in the Firhouse area of Dublin 24; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43344/14]
View answerThe Deputy may be aware that I signed a Memorandum of Understanding between my Department and the County and City Managers' Association (CCMA) in 2012. This Memorandum of Understanding fosters increased levels of cooperation and formalises the Local Authorities' part in identifying and securing sites for educational use. In that context officials from my Department have been working closely with officials from South Dublin County Council under the Memorandum of Understanding, in relation to securing suitable locations for the provision of permanent accommodation for the two schools in Firhouse to which the Deputy refers.
147. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide an update on the Student Universal Support Ireland grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath. [43348/14]
View answerThe student referred to by the Deputy appealed the decision of the awarding authority and the SUSI appeals officer to the independent Student Grant Appeals Board. The student's appeal was considered by the Appeals Board on 4th November 2014 and a letter has issued to the student outlining their decision.
148. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a person (details supplied) is entitled to receive the honours degree allowance considering that their classmates have been approved for this payment by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43350/14]
View answerIn 2012 a public service-wide review of allowances was carried out by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. As a result of the review, qualification allowances were abolished with effect from 1st February 2012. Department of Education and Skills Circular 0008/2013 outlines the effect of this decision on teachers. The Circular was agreed under the auspices of the Teachers' Conciliation Council, a body established in accordance with the terms of the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme for Teachers. The Council is composed of representatives of teachers, school management, the Department of Education and Skills and Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, chaired by an official of the Labour Relations Commission.
In Paragraph 12 of Circular 0008/2013 an exception is made in the case 'where as at 5 December 2011, a teacher in employment on that date and eligible for receipt of a qualification allowance in respect of the post they held on that date, was actively undertaking a course of further study leading to an additional qualification, provided that the teacher does not cease to be a registered student on that course before its completion. Such individuals may apply to the Department/VEC as appropriate for a derogation from the general position within 3 months of the date of receipt of the award'.
As the person concerned was not a teacher in employment on 5 December 2011 and not eligible for receipt of a qualification allowance in respect of any teaching post on that date, they do not qualify for payment of an allowance in respect of the qualification related to the course being undertaken at that time.
