Written Answers Nos. 92-97
92. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills when he will issue a decision on an application by a school (details supplied) under the summer works scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16140/16]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that under the Summer Works Scheme (2016-2017), valid applications from schools that were not reached for funding reasons from within the funding made available in 2016 will qualify to be assessed for purposes of the funding available in 2017, subject to the overall availability of funding. 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. The SWS (2016-2017) application from the school, referred to by the Deputy, is available to be considered in this context.
93. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Education and Skills the details of a person's retirement pension (details supplied), in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16158/16]
View answerThe person to whom the Deputy refers has been in direct contact with officials of my Department concerning her retirement options. In this connection she sought and was provided with a statement of the estimated benefits she would receive were she to retire voluntarily with cost neutral early retirement benefits. This category of pension is actuarially reduced to reflect its coming in payment early and the longer period over which it may fall to be paid.
More recently a statement has issued to the person of the estimated benefits that would be payable if she were to be successful in an application for retirement on medical grounds.
Entitlement to retire with a pension on grounds of permanent ill-health is not automatic. When a person makes application for retirement on medical grounds s/he must submit medical evidence from the person's treating medical advisor for consideration by the Occupational Health Service. The Occupational Health Service provider makes a recommendation as to whether or not the teacher is incapable by reason of infirmity of mind or body of discharging his/her duties as a teacher where that infirmity is likely to be permanent. The Occupational Health Service Provider (as contracted by the Department) is the sole recognised provider of independent medical advice for teachers and employers. The OHS provider, is staffed by Occupational Health Specialist Physicians with post- graduate qualifications in occupational health. Following receipt of the recommendation of the Occupational Health Physician, the Department makes a decision to approve or reject the application. Where an applicant is unsuccessful there is provision for an appeal and details regarding the appeal process are advised to an applicant when an applicant is notified that his/her application has not been successful.
The staff of the Pension Unit of my Department will address any further follow-up enquires directly with the person on these issues. If a formal application for retirement is received it will be progressed as promptly as possible.
94. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he provides grant-aid to persons (details supplied) to study abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16251/16]
View answerUnder the terms of the student grant scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.
The Deputy will appreciate that, in the absence of all of the relevant details that would be contained in an individual's application form and supporting documentation, it is not possible to say whether or not a particular student(s) would qualify for a grant.
The eligibility of the individual to which the Deputy refers is a matter for SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) to determine; upon receipt of the relevant application form and supporting documentation.
The SUSI online application process for 2016/17 is now open. Perspective students are advised to apply before the priority closing date of the 8th of July.
95. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 232 of 8 June 2016, if he will expedite the release of funding as a matter of urgency in order for the refurbishment at the school (details supplied) to be completed by September 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16264/16]
View answerI can confirm that the school referred to by the Deputy has submitted an application for additional accommodation.
The application concerned is currently being assessed and a decision will be conveyed to the school authority as soon as this process has been finalised.
96. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will approve an application by a school (details supplied) for a new learning support room and a general practitioner room; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16265/16]
View answerMy Department's records indicate that the school has sufficient resource rooms to accommodate its current resource teacher allocation. My Department will however liaise with the school relating to this matter.
With regard to a general purpose room, my Department has indicated to the school that due to the competing demands on my Department's capital budget imposed by the need to prioritise available funding for the provision of essential classroom accommodation, it is not possible to consider the school's application for this facility at this time. The school's application will however be kept on file for consideration in the context of future funding becoming available.
97. Deputy Frank O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of students sitting the leaving certificate for the first time in 2016 who are exempt from the examination fee due to their parents or guardians being in possession of a medical card; the number of these students who are 18 years of age and over; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16280/16]
View answerFor 2016 the predicted Leaving Certificate candidates is approximately 56,600.
Of these, it is predicted that some 36,600 will be aged between 18 and 20.
The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations.
In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you on issues related to exemption.
