Written Answers Nos. 830-845
830. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a school building project (details supplied) in County Kildare; if this will be included in the next five-year plan/capital building programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12109/15]
View answerThe major building project for the proposed school amalgamation, referred to by the Deputy, is at an early stage of Architectural Planning. Following the Pre Stage 1 meeting, which was held in November 2014, the Boards of Management and their Design Team are working on finalising the stage 1 report for submission to my Department. Upon satisfactory completion of stage 1 and subject to no issues arising the project will be authorised to progress to Stage 2A, which is the developed sketch design stage.
It is intended that school building projects in architectural planning, including this project, will be progressed to final planning stages so that they will be well placed for consideration in the context of future construction programmes.
831. Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the summer works scheme will take place this year; when schools can make applications for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12111/15]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that spending of more than €70 million was approved for the 2014 Summer Works Scheme to allow over 770 schools undertake improvement works.
This allowed for the funding of applications received under categories 1-6. Schools which had applied under categories 7-10 were advised that their applications would be retained for prioritisation if funding for further summer works projects could be secured for 2015.
I also wish to advise the Deputy that provision has been made in the 2015 allocation, for the carryover costs of the improvement works already approved in 2014.
I am currently considering the feasibility of making further funding available to facilitate consideration of those applications which were received under categories 7-10 under the 2014 Summer Works Scheme.
832. Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Skills in respect of the proposed amalgamation of two schools (details supplied) in Dublin 12, her Department's involvement in the consultation and preparation process; if her attention has been drawn to parents' concerns regarding consultation, particularly regarding facilities in the proposed accommodation on the site; her views on concerns expressed by parents of children in the autistic spectrum disorder unit in one school regarding accommodation arrangements, a safe environment, continuation of facilities including homework club and adequate space for the unit; her plans to meet such concerns and for the provision of suitable accommodation for these units across each of the existing schools, and for such provision to be in place in advance of the amalgamation which parents have been advised will commence from September 2015; the date of commencement and projected completion of full such facilities and provision; the way the existing preschool and Montessori facility on the site will be accommodated in an amalgamation arrangement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12113/15]
View answerI wish to confirm to the Deputy that my Department has agreed to the request submitted by the Patron to the re-organisation of the three schools referred to in Dublin 12 into junior and senior co-education schools. Taking into account representations from the Boards of Management that sufficient time would be allowed for a smooth transition, it was decided that the two new schools would commence in September 2015.
As the Deputy will be aware, any amalgamation proposal must involve consultation between all of the relevant school stakeholders. Following the consultation process, a decision taken at local level will follow. All agreed amalgamation proposals must be submitted to my Department for approval.
The Patron's office has confirmed that accommodation for the children in the Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Unit has been a major consideration in the local consultations that have taken place. While the junior school already has an ASD Unit, it has been agreed, following a request from the National Council for Special Education, that an ASD unit will also be established in the senior school.
My Department has confirmed to the Patron and school boards that funding, on a devolved basis, will be provided to both schools to establish these Units which will include classrooms, sensory rooms and central activity space areas. My Department is working closely with the schools concerned so that this permanent accommodation will be in place by September 2016. In that regard, I understand from the Patron that parents of the children in the ASD Unit recently visited the school to review the arrangements being put in place for the coming school year.
I also am aware that one of the school's, in question, has an arrangement with a privately operated Montessori school that rents spare rooms in the school concerned. Subject to the provision of sufficient accommodation to meet the demands of the primary schools, any future arrangement will be a local matter between the schools and the private operator concerned. Other local arrangements at school level will also be a matter for the schools concerned.
In the meantime, the schools are undertaking conversion works to facilitate the co-education arrangement from next September and funding is also being provided to the schools concerned for these works.
833. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 178 of 1 July 2014, the number of relief teaching days allocated to teachers on a departmental pension at primary and post-primary levels in 2013, 2014 and in the current school year; the value of such payments; the steps being taken to reduce this number; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12116/15]
View answerThe information in relation to the 2013/14 school year which is currently the most up to date available was provided in the Reply to PQ 152 of the 27th January, 2015.
The resources required to abstract the information on the costs of employing retired teachers as substitutes in the 2013/14 school year are not currently available as all available staffing resources are allocated to dealing with a number of high priority payroll projects.
Retired teachers who are employed by the managerial authorities of schools as substitutes are paid on the first point of the incremental salary scale. This arrangement has applied since the 1st February 2012 and is referenced in Circular 8/2013.
834. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Skills in view of the M4 study in relation to the provision of secondary schools, the steps she will take to advance the conclusion of the study that a secondary school should be provided in the Kinnegad area of County Westmeath due to the continuing expansion of the population in Westmeath's third largest town; if a site has already been provided; if she will include such a school in the forthcoming five year plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12136/15]
View answerMy 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 area. When this exercise has been completed arrangements will be made to make additional accommodation available where it is needed.
835. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of an application in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12141/15]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has received a proposal from the school to which he refers for funding to relocate to alternative premises.
The proposal is under consideration and a decision will be conveyed to the school authority as soon as this process is complete.
836. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Skills the timeframe for a construction project (details supplied); if it is a stand alone project or a bundled project; if so, the schools involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12149/15]
View answerThe major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is a stand alone project which is currently completing the advanced stage of Architectural Planning, Stage 2b – Detailed Design, which includes the applications for Planning Permission, Fire Cert and Disability Access Cert and the preparation of Tender Documents. All relevant statutory approvals have been obtained. The Design Team are currently preparing the Stage 2b (Detailed Design) tender documents for submission to the Department for review and approval. Assuming no issues arise in the review of the stage 2(b) submission the project will then be authorised to proceed to tender with a view to commencing construction later this year.
837. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills if her attention has been drawn to the current lack of suitable accommodation at a school (details supplied) in County Donegal; her plans to address the school's urgent accommodation needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12176/15]
View answerA major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of Architectural Planning.
A Pre Stage 1 meeting was held in December 2014. The Board of Management and their Design Team's submission following the Pre Stage 1 meeting is currently under review by my Department. On completion of that review my Department will contact the school regarding the next stage in the progression of the project.
This project is included in my Department's five year building programme announced in 2012.
838. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the mortgage to rent scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11058/15]
View answerUnder the Approved Housing Body (AHB) Mortgage to Rent Scheme (AHB-mortgage-to-rent) an AHB can acquire ownership of a property with an unsustainable private mortgage, enabling the household to remain in their home as a social housing tenant.
To be eligible for the Approved Housing Body (AHB) -mortgage-to-rent scheme a household must have had their mortgage position deemed unsustainable under the Mortgage Arrears Resolution Process, agree to the voluntary surrender of their home, be in negative equity, and be deemed eligible for social housing in accordance with section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2009.
In order for a property to be considered under the AHB-mortgage to rent scheme it must be purchased by an Approved Housing Body for less than €220,000 (per property) in the Greater Dublin Area and €180,000 (per property) in the rest of the country. These limits were determined by a working group which took account of available market data and the current social housing acquisition limits. These limits are considered to be reasonable in respect of the income bracket that is targeted by the scheme.
Under the revised protocol of the AHB-mortgage-to-rent scheme a single independent open market valuation is commissioned by the Housing Agency to determine the value of the property upon which the purchase price is based.
In relation to the specific case raised I understand that further engagement between the household concerned and the lender is required.
839. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the funding available through his Department for the maintenance of walking trails; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11066/15]
View answerMy Department continues to administer the Walks Scheme, which was launched in 2008 on the recommendation of Comhairle na Tuaithe (The Countryside Council). This Scheme provides for landholders to be key participants in the provision of high quality walking trails, by contracting them to undertake maintenance work on the trails in line with agreed work plans. The Walks Scheme is currently operating on 39 trails supported by 1,896 landowners and is being managed by 16 Local Development Companies around the country.
In 2014, funding in the region of €1.8m was provided to participants on the Walks Scheme based on maintenance works being carried out as specified in agreed Walks Scheme work plans.
My Department ran a Trail Maintenance Scheme in 2013 and again in 2014, where funding was provided to maintain sections of National Way Marked Ways and other trails of Regional and National significance. Subject to the availability of funding, I envisage that a similar scheme may be administered by my Department later this year.
840. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the chemicals to treat Ireland’s drinking water system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11247/15]
View answerThe selection of appropriate water treatments to ensure the quality of the drinking water is made by water suppliers on an individual supply by supply basis, based on a number of factors including assessment of catchment and source risks with respect to the clarity, organic content, and the likely risk of pathogenic micro-organisms in the source water.
Under the European Union (Drinking Water) Regulations 2014, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas library, suppliers of drinking water are required to ensure that the water supplied is wholesome and clean. Water which is wholesome and clean is defined as water which is free from any micro-organisms and parasites and from any substances which, in numbers or concentrations, constitute a potential danger to human health and which meets the quality standards specified in the Schedule to the Regulations. Maximum microbiological, chemical and indicator parametric values are set out in tabular form in the Regulations including 26 chemical parameters. However, this does not mean that the same chemicals are used in the treatment of drinking water. Many of the chemicals listed in the Regulations are elementary substances and as such are part of the natural environment and can be expected to be present in drinking water in small quantities, with no risk to human health as long as parameter values are not exceeded.
Regulation 13 of the Regulations requires all water suppliers to ensure that substances used in the preparation or distribution of water intended for human consumption, or impurities associated with such substances, do not, either directly or indirectly, reduce the protection of human health provided for in the Regulations. Regulation 13 also provides that water suppliers must take all measures necessary to ensure that the efficiency of disinfection treatment is verified and that any contamination from disinfection by-products is kept as low as possible without compromising the disinfection.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the supervisory authority with responsibility for monitoring Irish Water's compliance with the regulations. The EPA has published a manual to assist Irish Water and private water suppliers in designing and operating water treatment systems to provide rigorous disinfection, whilst maintaining compliance with other water quality parameters, particularly in relation to disinfection by-products. The manual can be downloaded from:
http://www.epa.ie/pubs/advice/drinkingwater/disinfection2_web.pdf.
841. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the scope in legislation for persons to be exempt from the non-principal private residence charge in the event that they had to vacate their home on health and safety grounds, due to the occurrence of pyrite related damage in that home, and have lived in private rental accommodation while awaiting remediation works on their home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11471/15]
View answerThe Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, as amended, broadened the revenue base of local authorities by introducing a charge on non-principal private residences. The Non Principal Private Residence (NPPR) Charge is set at €200 and liability for it falls, in the main, on owners of rental, holiday and vacant or additional properties that are not an individual's principal private residence. The NPPR Charge, which has since been discontinued, applied in the years 2009 to 2013 to any residential property in which the owner did not reside as their normal place of residence. It is a matter for an owner to determine if he or she has a liability and, if so, to declare that liability and pay the Charge and any late payment fees applicable.
Under the 2009 Act “residential property” is defined as a “…building that is situated in the State and that is occupied, or suitable for occupation, as a separate dwelling.” There are a number of indicators as to what makes a property suitable for occupation for the purposes of determining liability to the Charge. The indicators include the structure of the property, whether or not it has a roof, whether or not it is so affected by dampness as to render it unsuitable for habitation, and whether or not it has sanitary facilities, including a water closet and water supply. Under the 2009 Act, there is no specific exemption for residential properties affected by pyrite. A property that is not suitable for occupation should not be regarded as a residential property within the meaning of the 2009 Act and would not therefore be liable for the Charge.
It is a function of a local authority to collect non-principal private residence charges and late payment fees due to it, and all charges and late payment fees imposed and payable to a local authority are under the care and management of the local authority concerned. In this regard, application of the legislation in particular circumstances is a matter for the relevant local authority.
842. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to reverse the cuts to the scheme to support national organisations and restore funding to all organisations who were previously funded under it. [11820/15]
View answer843. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding support for an organisation under the scheme to support national organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11940/15]
View answer873. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to extend funding in respect of organisations (details supplied), following the two reviews that took place; and when he will make the announcement. [11333/15]
View answer905. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the progress to date in dealing conclusively and sustainably with the scheme to support national organisations' funding of neurological charities, in view of the fact that last year's arrangement was interim and was not to extend beyond June 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11862/15]
View answer923. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on the scheme to support national organisations; and if he will further provide a time frame for a decision on appeals that were submitted to him in October 2014. [12162/15]
View answer924. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will report on the cost of re-instating the scheme to support national organisations to all organisations; if he will reverse his decision to withdraw this funding; and if he will provide a commitment to implement a disability inclusion funding scheme. [12163/15]
View answer925. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is collaborating with his colleagues in the Department of Health to address the funding required to community organisations for the national dementia strategy. [12164/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 842, 843, 873, 905 and 923 to 925, inclusive, together.
The funding Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO) in the community and voluntary sector aims to provide multi-annual funding to national organisations towards core costs associated with the provision of services. Applications for a new round of funding, which commenced on 1 July 2014, were subject to an appraisal process. 55 applications were approved for funding for the two-year period from 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2016. A number of previously funded organisations were not funded on this occasion.
Pobal were asked to undertake the management of the scheme and, in that context, put in place a dedicated team to deal with any inquiries from applicants and to provide detailed feedback. Furthermore, an appeals process was put in place, on foot of which Pobal submitted a report, which is currently being considered.
On 18 July 2014, it was announced that bridging funding of €1.4 million would be allocated for a twelve month period to a number of previously funded health, disability and other organisations that were not approved for funding under the new scheme, pending the carrying out of a review of the public funding of national organisations in the health and disability sector. This bridging funding in 2014/2015 will enable organisations to plan for their future, whether with or without State support, such as that provided under the SSNO. Details of the bridging funding provided to the various organisations referred to by the Deputies are set out in the table below.
It should be noted that the review process is well underway and is being advanced in consultation with the Department of Health. The review is designed to rationalise the funding of these organisations to ensure efficiency in the use of public money and avoidance of duplication, while providing appropriate support to organisations working in the sector. The Health Service Executive and Pobal are also participating in the review. All organisations in receipt of bridging funding have been contacted to make submissions as part of the review process. I intend to complete and publish the outcome of the review in the coming months.
|
- |
Bridging Funding Provided 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015 |
|
Arthritis Ireland |
53,882 |
|
Asperger Syndrome Association of Ireland Ltd |
41,448 |
|
Asthma Society of Ireland |
41,448 |
|
Breaking Through Limited |
58,028 |
|
Chronic Pain Ireland Limited |
37,304 |
|
Dyslexia Association of Ireland |
62,172 |
|
Genetic and Inherited Disorders Organisation Ltd |
16,580 |
|
GROW in Ireland |
16,580 |
|
Huntington's Disease Association of Ireland Limited |
19,066 |
|
Irish Deaf Society The National Association of the Deaf Limited |
62,172 |
|
Irish Heart Foundation |
41,448 |
|
Irish Mountain Rescue Association |
58,028 |
|
Irish National Council of Attention Deficit Disorder Support (INCADDS) |
33,158 |
|
Irish Stammering Association |
24,868 |
|
Migraine Association of Ireland Ltd |
29,014 |
|
Motor Neuron disease Association |
24,868 |
|
MOVE Ireland |
41,448 |
|
Muintir na Tíre |
70,462 |
|
Muscular Dystrophy Ireland |
37,304 |
|
National Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Ireland Limited |
37,304 |
|
National Association for Youth Drama Ltd |
29,014 |
|
New Communities Partnership (NCP) Ltd |
74,606 |
|
Peter Bradley Foundation Limited |
41,448 |
|
Post Polio Support Group Limited |
24,868 |
|
Safe Ireland |
74,606 |
|
Show Racism The Red Card Limited |
29,014 |
|
Suas Educational Development |
37,304 |
|
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland |
62,172 |
|
The Carers Association Limited |
62,172 |
|
The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland |
49,738 |
|
The Neurological Alliance of Ireland |
49,738 |
|
The Union of Voluntary Organisations of People with Disabilities |
45,592 |
844. Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the basis on which the income threshold for social housing is decided; his views that a person with net earnings in excess of €35,000 should require State assistance for housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11080/15]
View answerThe Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011 introduced a new standard procedure for assessing applicants for social housing in every housing authority. The Regulations include maximum net income limits for each housing authority in different bands according to the area, with income being defined and assessed according to a standard Household Means Policy.
The income bands and the authority area assigned to each band were based on an assessment of income needed to provide for a household's basic need plus a comparative analysis of the local rental cost of housing accommodation across the country. The income limit of €35,000 refers to the maximum income threshold for a single person household in the local authority areas listed in the 2011 Regulations.
The limits also reflect a blanket increase of €5,000 introduced by this Government prior to the new system coming into operation, in order to broaden the base from which social housing tenants are drawn and thereby promote sustainable communities.
Under the Household Means Policy, which applies in all housing authorities, net income for social housing assessment is defined as gross household income less income tax, PRSI and the universal social charge. Most payments received from the Department of Social Protection are assessable. The Policy provides for a range of income disregards, and housing authorities also have discretion to disregard income that is temporary, short-term or once off.
I am satisfied that the current income limits generally provide for a fair and equitable system of identifying those households unable to provide accommodation from their own resources. However, the limits will be considered in the context of the review of social housing assessment procedures as part of the broader social housing reform agenda outlined in the Social Housing Strategy 2020.
845. Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views that it is realistic to set a target of constructing 18,000 new social housing units before 2017, in view of planning and procurement requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11081/15]
View answerSocial housing is a key priority for Government, as evidenced by the increased provision made for the area in Budget 2015. The Social Housing Strategy 2020 targets the delivery of 35,000 new social housing units over the period to 2020.
Up to the end of 2017 the Strategy targets the delivery of almost 7,500 new social housing units via capital construction and acquisition programmes including new build or the acquisition of built properties by local authorities and approved housing bodies; this also includes work to return vacant local authority houses to productive use.
Given their solid track record with delivery of new social housing units, I am confident that local authorities have the capacity to progress construction projects through the various stages of planning and design to ensure that the targets as set out in the Strategy are delivered. They will be working co-operatively with Approved Housing Bodies who will also be enabled to deliver units through capital funding under the Strategy.
Each local authority has responsibility for identifying their area's social housing need and responding as required, including planning and undertaking new social housing developments and working with Approved Housing Bodies to meet this need. The precise details of the 2015 delivery will be agreed on a local authority by local authority basis in the coming weeks.
