Written Answers Nos. 332-351
332. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills the Government's timeframe to end the pay inequality that teachers who qualified after 2011 endure, considering it has now been five years of discrimination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13447/16]
View answerThe Government has committed to establishing a Public Service Pay Commission to examine pay levels across the Public Service, including entry pay levels. The terms of reference and timescale for the Commission's work are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
The Government recognises the importance of being able to attract quality new entrants to the Public Service, particularly so in important professional areas like education.
The restrictions in entry pay levels were introduced in 2011 and 2012 across the public service at a time when the pressure in public finances was severe and the scope for new recruitment was very restricted.
Under the Lansdowne Road Agreement the process of restoring public pay is commencing. An important feature of this is the flat rate increase which is being implemented. This is proportionately more valuable to those early in their careers. Restoration of the supervision and substitution payment is provided for subject to co-operation with the Lansdowne Road Agreement. The Lansdowne Road Agreement did not address the issue of pay of new entrants.
My Department continues to seek to engage with teacher unions on issues of mutual concern and has recently reached agreement with INTO and TUI in respect of:
- discussions to improve the position of teachers on fixed-term and part-time teaching
- a robust review of in-school management structures
- an increase in the quantum of the extra Croke Park hours which do not have to be worked on a "whole school" basis.
The Government has also indicated that it will support the gradual negotiated repeal of FEMPI measures having due regard to the priority to improve public services and in recognition of the essential role played by public servants.
333. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of guidance counsellors employed in secondary schools in each county, for the years 2011 to 2015. [13456/16]
View answer334. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of guidance counsellors currently employed in secondary schools by county; the number of vacant posts in each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13457/16]
View answer335. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated cost of creating ten new guidance counsellor positions. [13458/16]
View answer337. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills the action his Department has taken to allay concerns raised recently by the Institute of Guidance Counsellors, concerning the 2015 Central Applications Office statistics, whereby 8.1% of students made no choices compared to 1.3% in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13460/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 333 to 335, inclusive, and 337 together.
The Programme for Government 'A Programme for a Partnership Government' has a commitment to enhance the guidance counsellor allocation in our secondary schools.
Up until September 2012, an ex-quota allocation was provided for guidance in addition to the standard teacher allocation to post primary schools. This resource was allocated in accordance with pupil enrolment. 42% of second-level schools at the time were allocated at least 22 hours per week in respect of guidance (22 hours being the equivalent of one teaching post) while the remainder of the schools were allocated between 8 and 17 hours of guidance per week.
Since September 2012 at post primary level guidance provision is now being organised by school management from within the staffing schedule allocation. Guidance is a whole school activity and schools have autonomy on how best to prioritise their available resources to meet the requirements in relation to guidance and the provision of an appropriate range of subjects to students. This operates at local school level and therefore the information requested by the Deputy on the number of guidance counsellors in secondary schools is not available centrally within my Department.
The current budget provides an improved staffing allocation to second level schools for the purpose of enhancing guidance provision. This improvement takes effect from next September. It brings the basis of allocation from 19:1 to 18.7:1 for the 2016/17 school year. This improvement of 0.3 in PTR allocation is a restoration of 50% of the teaching resources that were removed when the allocation of guidance posts was brought within quota.
Restoring the guidance counsellor allocation to 100% will require an additional 300 teaching posts at an estimated cost of €19m per annum. The current average cost of a teaching post at post primary level is €63,000 per annum.
The delivery of the 50% restoration through a change in the staffing schedule will allow each school to determine how best to allocate the additional resources to meet the guidance needs of the school. The circular issued earlier this year by my Department outlining the allocation of teaching resources clearly stated that this additional resource is to complement existing resources in order to best meet the guidance needs of the school in line with the school's guidance plan.
It is important to note that in previous changes to guidance counselling allocations in 2012, as a consequence of the Budget adjustment which had to be made at the time, all 195 DEIS schools were effectively sheltered from these changes as a result of the more favourable staffing schedule of 18.25:1. This was a 0.75 point improvement compared to the current PTR of 19:1 that applies in non-fee-paying second-level schools.
That was a very important protection for the cohort of our schools in DEIS most in need of support. DEIS schools will also further benefit from the 0.3 improvement to the staffing schedule which will give them an enhanced allocation on the basis of 17.95:1 in respect of the 2016/17 school year.
The new National Skills Strategy provides for a review of the full range of guidance services, tools and careers information available to students and adults. The review will map future priorities and make recommendations for improvements.
In the next Budget I will consider the best approach to further meeting commitments in the Programme for Government.
336. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to reverse the cuts imposed by his Department in budget 2012. [13459/16]
View answerThe previous Government sought, against a very challenging economic backdrop, to protect education spending and maintain frontline education services as far as possible.
While difficult savings measures had to be implemented across areas of the Education Sector, including in Budget 2012, my Department has continued to provide high levels of services through efficient and effective use of the resources that have been allocated.
Looking ahead, specific proposals for my Department's 2017 Allocation will be determined in the context of agreeing Budget 2017 in October.
This process will have regard to policy commitments contained in the Programme for Government, as well as the need to ensure the continued effective management of the public finances, including adherence to EU fiscal rules which require public finances to be kept on a sustainable path.
The Programme for Government recognises the need for an enhanced role and say for the Dáil and individual Deputies in the budgetary process, and sets out the reforms which will be introduced to make this happen. This will include greater transparency on the policy choices available to Government, making more information available to the House on the draft allocation of new expenditures and the projected impact of policy changes, which can then be considered by the Dáil.
338. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of a school (details supplied) which is awaiting a grant for an extension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13466/16]
View answerAs the Deputy points out, a grant has been approved for the school in question for a building project. The delivery of the project has been devolved to the school authority. The progression of the project is now, therefore, a matter for the Board of Management.
339. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of a school (details supplied) which has been amalgamated since September 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13483/16]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that in accordance with the approach adopted in relation to all such amalgamations, additional non-teaching resources are provided by my Department in respect of eligible pupils from the former DEIS school by way of continued support for the targeted cohort of pupils as a transitional measure. In the case of a primary school these supports continue to be supplied for 8 years following the amalgamation.
The Deputy may be aware that a process to review the DEIS Programme is currently underway. The overall scope of the review is to assess the existing DEIS Programme in the context of evaluations to date and any relevant policy and other developments in order to inform future policy to tackle educational disadvantage.
340. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of an appeal by a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13484/16]
View answerThe criteria used for the allocation of teaching posts for the 2016/2017 school year is set out in Circular 0007/2016. The key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the 30 September 2015.
The staffing arrangements at primary level also include an appeals mechanism for schools to submit an appeal under certain criteria to the Primary Staffing Appeals Board.
The school referred to by the Deputy submitted an application for consideration by the Appeals Board at its May meeting. The appeal was upheld by the Appeals Board, providing the school achieves an enrolment of at least 85 on 30th September 2016. The school has been notified of the outcome of the appeal.
The Appeal Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
341. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he is giving consideration to an application by a school (details supplied) in County Mayo under the emergency funding scheme; if the application will processed in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13489/16]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has no record of having received an application under the Emergency Works Scheme from the school referred to by the Deputy. It is, however, open to the school to submit an application under my Department's Emergency Works Scheme in respect of essential works required. The appropriate application is available on my Department's website, www.education.ie.
I also wish to advise the Deputy however that the school in question submitted a Summer Works Scheme application, for Category 3 - Mechanical Works. As the Deputy is aware, a €30 million investment under Summer Works Scheme (SWS) (2016 -2017) was announced on 28th April last. This related to successful applicants under Categories 1 and 2, - Gas and Electrical works.
Valid SWS (2016-2017) applications from schools in respect of Categories 3 to 10 that were not reached under this round will, subject to the overall availability of funding, qualify to be assessed under future rounds of the Scheme. If this arises, the terms and conditions of the scheme as outlined in Circular Letter (0055/2015) which may be accessed on my Department's website, will continue to apply when allocating funding to such projects.
342. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the proposed two-storey extension to a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13509/16]
View answerThe project to which the Deputy refers was authorised to proceed to tender in late November 2015. Following recent clarification on matters raised the Design Team is currently finalising tender documents and it is anticipated that the project will proceed to tender in the coming weeks.
343. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding university fees. [13511/16]
View answerThe position is that the higher education institutions, such as University of Limerick, are autonomous bodies and therefore the day to day operation of the institution, including issues surrounding the collection and administration of the Student Contribution and relevant action where there are outstanding debts, are matters for the Governing Authority of each institution.
However, where possible, I would hope that higher education institutions deal with students in financial difficulties in a sensitive and understanding manner. As requested by my Department, institutions have facilities in place to allow students to pay the student contribution in two moities in order to spread the financial cost of third level, rather than having to make one lump payment at the start of the academic year.
344. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills when the third phase of development will be sanctioned for approval by his Department at (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13517/16]
View answerI can confirm that the school referred to by the Deputy has submitted an application to my Department for capital funding in respect of the third phase of the additional accommodation project. The application is currently being assessed and a decision will be conveyed to the school authority as soon as this process is finalised.
345. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he can respond to issues raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding unequal pay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13533/16]
View answerThe Government has committed to establishing a Public Service Pay Commission to examine pay levels across the Public Service, including entry pay levels. The terms of reference and timescale for the Commission's work are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
The Government recognises the importance of being able to attract quality new entrants to the Public Service, particularly so in important professional areas like education.
The restrictions in entry pay levels were introduced in 2011 and 2012 across the public service at a time when the pressure in public finances was severe and the scope for new recruitment was very restricted.
Under the Lansdowne Road Agreement the process of restoring public pay is commencing. An important feature of this is the flat rate increase which is being implemented. This is proportionately more valuable to those early in their careers. Restoration of the supervision and substitution payment is provided for subject to co-operation with the Lansdowne Road Agreement. The Lansdowne Road Agreement did not address the issue of pay of new entrants.
My Department continues to seek to engage with teacher unions on issues of mutual concern and has recently reached agreement with INTO and TUI in respect of:
- discussions to improve the position of teachers on fixed-term and part-time teaching
- a robust review of in-school management structures
- an increase in the quantum of the extra Croke Park hours which do not have to be worked on a "whole school" basis.
The Government has also indicated that it will support the gradual negotiated repeal of FEMPI measures having due regard to the priority to improve public services and in recognition of the essential role played by public servants.
346. Deputy Frank O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of students aged 18-20 who sat the leaving certificate for the first time in 2015; the number expected to sit the leaving certificate for the first time in 2016 in the same age category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13569/16]
View answerIn 2015 a total of 55,045 candidates sat the Leaving Certificate examinations and 2,884 candidates sat the Leaving Certificate Applied. 34,821 Leaving Certificate candidates and 1,319 Leaving Certificate Applied candidates were between the ages of 18 and 20.
For 2016 the predicted Leaving Certificate candidates is 56,619 and 2,818 are predicated for Leaving Certificate Applied.
Of these, it is predicted that some 36,600 Leaving Certificate candidates and 1,300 Leaving Certificate Applied candidates will be between 18 and 20.
347. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will support a matter (details supplied) regarding an appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13571/16]
View answerThe criteria used for the allocation of teaching posts for the 2016/2017 school year is set out in Circular 0007/2016. The key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the 30 September 2015.
The staffing arrangements at primary level also include an appeals mechanism for schools to submit an appeal under certain criteria to the Primary Staffing Appeals Board.
The school referred to by the Deputy submitted an application for consideration by the Appeals Board at its May meeting. The appeal was upheld by the Appeals Board, providing the school achieve an enrolment of at least 85 on 30th September 2016. The school has been notified of the outcome of the appeal.
The Appeal Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
348. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated full-year savings for 2017 from reducing spending on professional fees by 10% in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14108/16]
View answerFor the Deputy's information, professional fees have been taken to refer to payments to accountable persons from whom Professional Services Withholding Tax has been deducted in respect of professional services provided.
I am advised that if spending by my Department in 2016 on all services that are subject to Professional Services Withholding Tax were maintained at the levels observed in previous years, then it is estimated that a reduction of 10% in the associated fees would result in a reduction in expenditure of the order of approximately €1,300,000 per annum.
It is the policy of my Department to minimise to the greatest extent possible, expenditure on professional fees.
349. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated full-year saving for 2017 from reducing spending on travel by 10% in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14125/16]
View answerThe 2016 allocation for Travel and Subsistence for my Department is €2.4 million. This includes provision for domestic and foreign travel and subsistence for administrative staff in the Department, for staff in the Department's Inspectorate and in the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS). A 10 per cent reduction in spending in 2017, based on the 2016 allocation, would yield a saving of €0.24 million.
350. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government where responsibility for environmental issues now lies, given the announcement of the new Ministers and Ministers of State and the concern regarding the abolition of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12616/16]
View answerI refer to the reply to Question No. 113 of 26 May 2016 which sets out the position in this matter.
351. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he accepts that road tax should apply on the basis of the cubic capacity of the vehicle and not on age; if he will seek to end the discriminatory practice of applying a more costly road tax charge on vehicles that were first registered pre-2008; if he will ensure that an appropriate amendment will be introduced in budget 2017, or sooner if possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12754/16]
View answerMotor tax on cars registered prior to 2008 is based on engine capacity. To incentivise reductions in emissions of greenhouse gases, cars registered from 2008 onwards are taxed on the basis of CO2 emissions.
In the case of cars taxed on engine capacity, the banding is structured so that the level of tax payable increases as the engine size increases, with bands ranging from €333 to €1,809 per annum. In the case of cars taxed on the basis of CO2, the banding is structured so that higher emitting cars attract a higher rate of tax than lower emitting ones. The bands range from €120 per annum for zero emitting vehicles (i.e. electric vehicles) to €2,350 for the highest emitting vehicles.
While the highest CO2 band attracts a rate of tax higher than the top engine capacity rate, it is acknowledged that, overall, the average annual tax is lower on CO2 vehicles (€275 v €503). Accordingly, higher percentage increases have been applied to cars taxed on CO2 in recent Budgets with a view to re-balancing the tax base while retaining an environmental incentive to purchase more environmentally friendly vehicles. The percentage increase in motor tax for passenger vehicles taxed on engine capacity was 7.5% in Budgets 2012 and 2013, compared with increases averaging 25.5% in Budget 2012 and 19.8% in Budget 2013 for vehicles taxed on CO2.
The move to CO2 has been effective in reducing emissions. 95% of all new vehicles purchased are now in the lowest emitting A and B bands, which attract the lowest tax rates. Overall, the average emissions from new cars purchased in Ireland in 2014 was 117g CO2 /km (the most recent figure available), down from 164g CO2 /km in 2007, before the CO2 system was introduced, meaning that the country had reached the EU target of 130g CO2 /km for 2015 well ahead of target. The target for 2021 is 95g CO2 /km. Accordingly, I do not currently intend to remove the environmental incentive and revert to the older basis of taxation on the basis of engine capacity. Any amendments to rates are for consideration in a budgetary context. All of these matters are kept under on-going review.
