Thursday, 11 Dec 2014

Written Answers Nos. 165 - 171

Apprenticeship Programmes

Questions (165)

Terence Flanagan

Question:

165. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding apprenticeships (details supplied) under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48203/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Neither my Department nor the Non-Commercial State Agencies under the remit of my Department currently employ staff in roles in respect of which apprenticeship programmes are required.

The HSE has been asked to respond directly to the Deputy in respect of their staff on this matter. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

Departmental Correspondence

Questions (166)

Brendan Smith

Question:

166. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if assistance will be provided by his Department to the proprietors of an Irish company (details supplied) that has had for a number of years ongoing and serious business difficulties abroad; if he will ensure that the interests of this family will be pursued with the relevant authorities in that country as outlined in correspondence; if recent correspondence forwarded to his Department since the reply to the previous parliamentary question will be given urgent consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47532/14]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

This case is currently under consideration in the United Arab Emirates’ legal system. As such, my Department is restricted in what it can appropriately do and it may be more helpful for the family to seek expert advice from their lawyers.

Nevertheless, officials of my department both in Dublin and at the Embassy in Abu Dhabi, will continue to monitor the situation and offer consular assistance as appropriate. Should any material updates be received by the Embassy from the relevant authorities of the United Arab Emirates, the information will be forwarded to the family immediately.

Recent correspondence which I have received from the Deputy on this matter has been given due consideration and the Deputy may expect an early response to this correspondence.

Departmental Funding

Questions (167, 168, 170)

Michael McGrath

Question:

167. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there is a possible source of funding within her Department for a project (details supplied) to benefit children in County Cork; her views on possible sources of funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47514/14]

Michael McGrath

Question:

168. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there is a possible source of funding within her Department for public health initiative (details supplied) in County Cork; her views on possible sources of funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47517/14]

Michael McGrath

Question:

170. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there is a source of funding within her Department for a school project (details supplied) in County Cork; her views on possible sources of funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47513/14]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I propose to take Questions Nos. 167, 168 and 170 together.

I can confirm that the school referred to by the Deputy has not made any application to my Department seeking capital funding for the purpose of developing a play space at the school. Any application received will be considered in the context of the funding available and having regard to other competing demands on the Department's capital budget.

In recent weeks I announced that the Minor Works Grant is being issued to all primary schools for the school year 2014/2015 at a cost of over €28 million.

The school in question received over €10,000 under this grant scheme and it is open to the school to use this funding for the development concerned.

Social Welfare Payments Administration

Questions (169)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

169. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kerry did not receive their bonus social welfare payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47563/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

This is an operational matter for the Kerry Education and Training Board and I have asked them to contact the Deputy directly to clarify the position.

Question No. 170 answered with Question No. 167.End of Take

Schools Building Projects Status

Questions (171)

Robert Troy

Question:

171. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide an update on the proposed secondary school for the Kinnegad area, Rochfortbrige, County Westmeath [47521/14]

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 at post-primary level in the coming years. This process includes an examination of the Kinnegad and Rochfortbridge areas. When this exercise has been completed arrangements will be made to make additional accommodation available where it is needed.