Written Answers Nos. 214 - 239
214. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of staff employed in his Department's archive unit in each of the years 2010 to 2016 to date, in tabular form; his plans to expand this number; if there are protocol changes arising from changes to the National Archives Acts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19614/16]
View answerThere are currently 3.25 (whole-time equivalent) staff in the Records Management Unit of my Department which also has responsibility for ensuring organisational compliance with Freedom of Information and Data Protection legislation.
In context of other demands on the Department's Budget and the education service, there are no plans to expand this number at present. Please see the following table outlining the number of staff in this Unit from 2010 to date.
The Records Management Unit is responsible for developing policy of records management within the Department and promoting compliance with the provisions of the National Archives Acts. My Department has produced as a 'Good Practice Guidance' document for staff which provides advice and instruction on all areas of records management and archival of documents to ensure compliance with legislative provisions.
Records Management Unit - Staff Complement
|
Year |
No. of staff (Whole-Time Equivalent) |
Grade |
|
2010 |
3 |
1 AP 1 HEO 1 EO |
|
2011 |
3 |
1 AP 1 HEO 1 EO |
|
2012 |
4* |
1 AP 1 HEO 1 EO 1 CO |
|
2013 |
3.25 |
1 AP 1 HEO 1 EO 1 CO |
|
2014 |
3.25 |
1 AP 1 HEO 1 EO 1 CO |
|
2015 |
3.25 |
1 AP 1 HEO 1 EO 1 CO |
|
2016 |
3.25 |
1 AP 1 HEO 1 EO 1 CO |
* Records Management Unit was amalgamated with Freedom of Information Unit
215. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the amalgamation of three schools (details supplied) which share a campus for funding purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19629/16]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that a project for the three schools concerned, who share a site, is included on the 6 Year Programme which my Department announced last November. It is envisaged that the project will proceed to tender/construction in 2018 as envisaged in the programme and will be delivered as a single building project.
In order to progress the project, the contact school was requested to furnish a site map to my Department but was unable to do so. My Department has now secured a site map and will be in further contact with the schools shortly in the context of progressing the project into the architectural planning process.
216. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Skills if will relinquish a long-term lease held on a property (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19632/16]
View answerThis building referred to by the Deputy is not in my ownership, and in common with other buildings of its kind, where significant grant aid is provided by the Department for the development of school premises, investment is secured by way of a long-term legal agreement known as a charging lease.
In circumstances where a property has ceased to be used as a school, and a request is received to release the State's interest secured under a charging lease, such requests are considered in the context of the specific circumstances which pertain to the individual property.
Officials from my Department are currently considering the request received in respect of the property referred to by the Deputy and will be in contact with the relevant property owners shortly.
217. Deputy Michael D'Arcy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide a reader for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19637/16]
View answerThe State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations.
The State Examinations Commission operates a scheme of Reasonable Accommodations in the Certificate Examinations. Full details of the scheme are available from their website: www.examinations.ie/candidates/reasonableaccommodations.
In view of this I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply.
218. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a school (details supplied) has a special needs unit; if so, the number of clients it currently has; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19648/16]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that the policy of my Department is that children with special educational needs, including children with autism, should be included where possible and appropriate in mainstream placements with additional supports provided. In circumstances where children with Special Educational Needs require more specialised interventions, special school or special class places are also available.
The Deputy will also be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support students with Special Educational Needs, including Autism.
It is also the role of the NCSE to make appropriate arrangements to establish special classes in schools in communities where the need for such classes has been identified.
Special classes within mainstream schools are intended for children who, by virtue of their level of Special Educational Needs, cannot reasonably be educated in a mainstream class setting, but who can still attend their local school in a special class with a lower pupil–teacher ratio of 6:1.5 at post primary level, and also have Special Needs Assistant support normally amounting to 2 SNAs for a class of 6 children.
Progress in developing this network has been significant and in addition to the special school placements there are currently over 1,000 special classes throughout the country at primary and post primary level of which 762 are for children with Autism. 194 of these classes for children with autism are at post primary level.
With regard to the requirement for post primary school places for children with autism, the NCSE, through its network of local SENOs, have been engaging with schools for 2016/17 school year in order to plan for, and to open, new special classes, in order to ensure there are sufficient placements available to meet demand in an area.
The NCSE recently published a list of special classes for the 2016/17 school year. In total there will be 1,153 special classes available next year, which is an increase of over 100% in the number of special classes which were available in 2011, which was 548. 237 of these classes will be for pupils with autism at post primary level, which represents an increase of 22% on 2015/16.
The school referred to by the Deputy does not have a special class.
Details of all of the special classes for children with special educational needs which are attached to mainstream schools are published each year on the NCSE website at www.ncse.ie.
The NCSE have advised that for the coming school year there are 2 classes for children with Autism in the local Community School with places currently available in both classes. Any parent who has concerns about a place for their child for September should contact their local SENO as soon as possible for information on available places.
219. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to put Mandarin on the curriculum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19656/16]
View answerThe Programme for a Partnership Government commits to a range of new subjects and this is something I will work on over the coming years.
As part of the new Framework for Junior Cycle, schools can decide to include a short course in Chinese language and Culture, prepared by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, in their junior cycle programme.
There is also currently a Transition Year module on Chinese, which was taken by 4,825 students in 2015.
My Department is currently considering the findings from a consultation process based on a policy document on Languages in Education published last year. Among the topics being considered in this context is the possibility of offering additional languages for the Leaving Certificate. It is expected that a languages strategy will be finalised in the second half of this year.
220. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there are any changes planned in the medium to long term to adjust the minimum number of pupils required either up or down to maintain a two-teacher school that currently has 19 pupils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19681/16]
View answerThe Programme for Government has a commitment to reduce class sizes at primary level and to commencing a review within three months of teacher appointment thresholds in small schools with four teachers or less.
The primary staffing schedule currently operates on the basis of 1 classroom teacher for every 28 pupils.
Budget 2016 provides for a one point adjustment to the staffing allocation to primary schools, which will be implemented for the 2016/17 school year. This will see the primary staffing schedule operate on the basis of a general average of 1 classroom teacher for every 27 pupils. Lower thresholds apply for DEIS Band 1 schools. Staffing arrangements for the 2016/17 school year are available in Circular 0007/2016, which is published on the Department website.
In the next Budget I will consider the best approach to further meeting commitments in the Programme for Government.
221. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills the arrangements he will put in place to provide school transport for persons (details supplied); if he will approve an application under the school bus transport scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19691/16]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that changes to the School Transport Scheme, including the 'Closed School Rule (CSR)', were announced in Budget 2011 and derived from recommendations in the Value for Money Review of the Scheme.
Under the terms of my Department's Primary School Transport Scheme, children are eligible for transport where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school as determined by my Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
Children who had an eligibility for school transport under the former "Closed School Rule" retain their transport eligibility for the duration of their primary education cycle provided there is no change to their current circumstances.
Siblings of these children who are not eligible for school transport, may apply for transport on a concessionary basis only in accordance with the terms of the School Transport Scheme.
In this regard, Bus Éireann has advised that both older children are availing of a school transport service, one on an eligible basis, the other on a concessionary basis. There is no transport application for the youngest child.
While it is the prerogative of parents to send their children to the school of their choice, eligibility for school transport is to the nearest school.
The terms of the School Transport Scheme are applied equitably on a national basis.
222. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills his progress in identifying and securing a permanent site for a primary school (details supplied); when construction will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19702/16]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that officials in my Department have been working closely with officials from Cork County Council towards the acquisition of a permanent site to meet the needs of the school to which he refers. A number of potentially suitable sites were identified and attempts to progress their acquisition were unsuccessful. However, an alternative site is currently under consideration. Unfortunately, due to commercial sensitivities it is not currently possible to provide further information regarding this site.
I can assure you that the acquisition of a suitable site for the school is very active on the programme of site acquisitions and every effort is being made to secure a suitable site for the school as expeditiously as possible.
When a site has been secured, a project for the school in question will be progressed into the architectural planning process.
223. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna an bhfuil sé i gceist aige airgead breise mar atá iarrtha a chur ar fáil le hobair a dhéanamh ar scoil (sonraí tugtha); agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [19711/16]
View answerIs mian liom a chur in iúl don Teachta go bhfuil iarratas faighte ag mo Roinn ón scoil dá dtagraíonn sé faoi Scéim na nOibreacha Samhraidh (2016-2017), Catagóir 6, i leith oibreacha Dín.
Cáileoidh iarratais bhailí faoi Scéim na nOibreacha Samhraidh (2016-2017) i leith Chatagóirí 3 go 10, ó scoileanna nár baineadh amach faoi cheaduithe bhabhta a haon a fógraíodh ar 28ú Aibreán seo caite, chun bheith measúnaithe faoi bhabhtaí eile den Scéim amach anseo, faoi réir ag infhaighteacht fhoriomlán an mhaoinithe. Má bhíonn sé seo i gceist, beidh feidhm i gcónaí ag téarmaí agus coinníollacha na scéime de réir mar atá siad leagtha amach in Imlitir (0055/2015), atá le fáil ar shuíomh idirlín mo Roinne, nuair a bheifear ag leithdháileadh maoinithe ar thionscadail dá leithéid. Tá an t-iarratas faoi Scéim na nOibreacha Samhraidh (2016-2017) a fuarthas ón scoil dá dtagraíonn an Teachta ar fáil chun a bhreithnithe sa chomhthéacs seo.
224. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna cén fáth nach bhfuil iompar scoile curtha ar fáil do scoláire chuig an nGaelscoil is gaire a bhfuil folúntas inti de bharr go bhfuil cónaí ar an scoláire níos mó ná 4.8 ciliméadar ón scoil; agus cén fáth a bhfuil go leor scoláirí eile sa gceantar ina bhfuil cónaí ar an scoláire seo ag freastal ar an scoil chéanna sna cúinsí céanna; an bhfuil an scoláire i dteideal Dheontas na gCeantar Iargúlta mura bhfuil córas iompair curtha ar fáil; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [19713/16]
View answerIs é is aidhm do Scéim Iompar Bunscoile mo Roinne ná bheith mar thaca le hiompar páistí, a bhfuil cónaí orthu achar fada ón scoil is gaire dóibh, go dtí an scoil agus abhaile ón scoil, agus aird tugtha ar na hacmhainní atá ar fáil.
Faoi théarmaí na scéime seo bíonn páistí intofa ar iompar áit a bhfuil cónaí orthu 3.2 chiliméadar ar a laghad ón scoil náisiúnta is gaire dóibh de réir mar atá cinnte ag an Roinn/Bus Éireann agus go bhfuil siad ag freastal ar an scoil náisiúnta sin, agus aird tugtha ar éiteas agus teanga.
Tá sé curtha in iúl ag Bus Éireann, a reáchtálann an scéim iompar scoile thar ceann mo Roinne, nach bhfuil an páiste i gceist intofa ar iompar scoile mar nach bhfuil sí ag freastal ar an scoil is gaire di.
Áit a bhfuil mo Roinn deimhin de nach bhfuil d'acmhainn ag scoil páistí breise a chur ar an rolla, tá cead ansin intofacht na bpáistí sin maidir le hiompar scoile a bhreithniú trí thagairt don achar idir an áit ina bhfuil siad ina gcónaí agus an chéad scoil eile is gaire dóibh.
Chomh fada is a bhaineann le hiompar scoile a bhreithniú, áfach, tá sé curtha in iúl ag Bus Éireann freisin go bhfuil líon eile Gaelscoileanna ann atá níos gaire d'áit chónaithe an pháiste seo. Íoctar Deontas na gCeantar Iargúlta le páistí atá intofa ar iompar scoile ach nach bhfuil aon tseirbhís ar fáil dóibh.
225. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Education and Skills his progress on the planned construction of the new amalgamated primary school in Monasterevin, County Kildare; when the project will move to the next stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19720/16]
View answerThe building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is included on the six year construction programme announced on 17th November 2015 and is listed to proceed to tender and construction in 2017.
The project has recently completed early architectural planning, Stage 2A – the Developed Design Stage and has been authorised to progress to Stage 2B, Detailed Design, which includes the application for planning permission and other statutory approvals and the preparation of tender documents. However, until the stage 2B report has been fully approved it will not be possible to provide any further indication of the timeframe for the progression of the project to tender and construction.
226. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Education and Skills when he will announce the second tranche of the summer works scheme for primary and secondary schools; if he is aware that many schools are urgently awaiting an announcement relating to mechanical works, toilet facilities, roof works, window projects, curricular requirement projects and other structural improvements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19742/16]
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.
227. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Education and Skills the primary and secondary schools in County Donegal he has approved for funding under the summer works scheme to date under various headings, including projects for special needs and emergency works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19743/16]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy regarding the schools in County Donegal that received approval for works under the multi-annual Summer Works Scheme (2016-2017) and Emergency Works 2016 is set out in the following table.
|
Roll Number |
County |
School Name & Address |
Category of works Approved |
Description of Works |
|
11843O |
Donegal |
Niall Mór National School, Killybegs, Co Donegal |
Emergency Works |
Dry Rot |
|
14502D |
Donegal |
Scoil Mhuire B&C, Na Doirí Beaga, Leitir Ceanainn |
SWS 2016/17 |
Electrical |
|
16836T |
Donegal |
Naomh Bridhid, Glenmakee, Carndonagh |
SWS 2016/17 |
Electrical |
|
17268N |
Donegal |
Creevy National School, Creevy, Ballyshannon, Co Donegal |
Emergency Works |
Fencing |
|
18007N |
Donegal |
Scoil Oilibhéir Pluincéid, Rann na Feirsde, Anagaire, Tír Chonaill, Dún na nGall |
Emergency Works |
Roof |
|
19614Q |
Donegal |
Naomh Bodain, Culdaff, Lifford |
SWS 2016/17 |
Electrical |
|
71140Q |
Donegal |
Crana College, Buncrana, Co Donegal |
Emergency Works |
Universal Access (toilet) |
|
71180F |
Donegal |
Abbey Vocational School, The Glebe, Donegal |
Emergency Works |
Electrical Works |
|
81011L |
Donegal |
The Royal and Prior Comprehensive School, Raphoe, Lifford, Co Donegal |
Emergency Works |
Sewerage Drainage Works |
|
91407T |
Donegal |
Rosses Community School, Dungloe, Co Donegal |
Emergency Works |
Heating System |
|
91409A |
Donegal |
Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair, Poirt Beaga, Co Dhun na nGall |
Emergency Works |
Universal Access |
228. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps he is taking to provide accommodation to facilitate a school (details supplied) which has been upgraded and granted a fourth teacher with effect from September 2016, given that it is urgent to have this matter sorted without delay as the installation of a portacabin will take time and effort in order to have it ready of the academic year in September 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19788/16]
View answerI can confirm that the school referred to by the Deputy has submitted an application to my Department 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.
229. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will assist in having a teaching post reinstated as per correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19815/16]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is an independent agency with responsibility for determining the appropriate staffing levels in relation to the support of pupils with special educational needs attending Special schools. The NCSE operates within my Department's policy in allocating this support.
Staffing arrangements for special schools are in line with policy advice provided by the NCSE which did not recommend alteration to staffing ratios established under SERC Report in 1993.
Circular 0042/2011 provides information to schools regarding the staffing arrangements which apply in Special schools.
The Circular sets out that special schools are staffed based on their pupil profiles and the disability category of the pupils enrolled, as opposed to being based principally on school designation. Staffing levels therefore reflect the complexity of needs that exist within schools rather than being determined solely by a school's designation, in recognition that many Special schools enrol students from disability categories other than from those provided for by their school designations.
In determining the staffing allocation for schools, including the above school, the NCSE takes into account up-to-date enrolment and pupil profile information. School staffing schedules are reviewed and updated each year by the NCSE. Accordingly, the staffing allocation for the school referred to in the Deputy's question has been calculated to reflect the profile of pupils currently enrolled in the school, in accordance with each pupil's disability categorisation.
The NCSE have confirmed that following considering of additional information in relation to the school's staffing allocation for 2016/17, an additional teaching post has been sanctioned for the school to which the Deputy refers. The NCSE has advised the school of the outcome accordingly.
230. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of additional public sector staff hired in his Department over and above those who had retired or left the service, that is, new positions only as and from 31 December 2010, broken down for each of the years 2011 to 2016 to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20141/16]
View answer231. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of new public sector workers in his Department hired to replace retiring staff and those who left the Department in each of the years 2013 to 2015; the overall percentage of staff turnover this represents; the cost or savings in payroll and pensions accrued, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20150/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 230 and 231 together.
In 2009 the Government introduced a moratorium on recruitment and promotion in the Civil & Public service in order to reduce staff numbers and generate a saving on the cost of staff payrolls. Under the terms of the moratorium it was not possible to fill a post however it arose, unless a Government Department could present a case to the Department of Public Expenditure & Reform that a particular post was essential.
At this Department the Schools Inspectorate Division experienced a significant number of retirements and a case was presented to DPER and it authorised a limited number of promotions and recruitment as it was evident that this was essential in order to maintain an effective school inspection service.
Government decided that the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) should be expanded in order that it was in a position to provide its services nationwide and additional recruitment to the Service was authorised.
Due to the conditions of the moratorium there is no direct correlation between retirements, resignations and appointments. The following tabular statements are on the grades and the number of whole-time equivalent positions at the Department as at the 31st December, together with the number of retirements/resignations he requested and details of the pay cost out turn for the respective years.
232. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government why he is discriminating against persons living in council properties who earn under €15,000 per annum and who have lived in their home for in excess of 40 years by denying them the opportunity to purchase the property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19362/16]
View answer238. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will allow a person (details supplied) to be included in the tenant purchase scheme; the criteria of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19177/16]
View answer239. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will allow a person (details supplied) to be included in the tenant purchase scheme; the criteria of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19178/16]
View answer245. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the clause stating no sale will be completed for a tenant who cannot prove that his or her water bills with Irish Water are up to date and will be removed from the tenant purchase scheme if the water charges are suspended. [19371/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 232, 238, 239 and 245 together.
The consideration of individual applications and the determination of eligibility under the new Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme is a matter for the local authority concerned, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the governing legislation for the scheme.
The new Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme came into operation on 1 January 2016. The Scheme is open to eligible tenants, including joint tenants, of local authority houses that are available for sale under the Scheme and applies to all existing local authority houses, other than those classes of houses excluded under legislation. To be eligible, tenants must meet certain criteria, including having been in receipt of social housing support for a minimum period of one year and having a minimum reckonable income of €15,000 per annum.
The terms of the Scheme involve discounts of 40%, 50% or 60% off the purchase price of the house, linked to tenant income. On the sale of a house under the Scheme, the housing authority will place an incremental purchase charge on the house equivalent to the discount granted to the tenant. Generally, the charge withers away over a period of 20, 25 or 30 years depending on the level of discount involved.
The minimum reckonable income for eligibility under the Scheme is determined by the relevant housing authority in accordance with the detailed provisions of the Ministerial Directions issued under Sections 24(3) and (4) of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014. In the determination of the minimum reckonable income, housing authorities can include income from a number of different sources and classes, such as from employment, private pensions, maintenance payments and certain social welfare payments, including pensions, where the social welfare payment is secondary to employment income.
In determining reckonable income, the income of the tenants of the house, including adult children that are joint tenants can be included, as can the income of the spouse, civil partner or other partner/co-habitant of a tenant who live in the house with them.
In order to ensure the sustainability of the scheme, it is essential that an applicant’s income is of a long-term and sustainable nature. This is necessary to ensure that the tenant purchasing the house is in a financial position, as the owner, to maintain and insure the property for the duration of the charged period, in compliance with the conditions of the order transferring the ownership of, and responsibility for, the house from the local authority to the tenant.
The Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 provides that Irish Water shall collect charges from its customers in receipt of water services provided by it and all dwellings connected to the public water or waste water systems will remain liable for domestic water charges up to the date the suspension of charges takes effect.
Section 3(A)(9) of the Water Services Act 2014 provides that a person who is a tenant of a dwelling let under the Housing Acts 1966 to 2014 and who proposes to purchase the dwelling shall, before completion of the sale, provide the local authority concerned with a certificate of discharge from Irish Water confirming that any water charge in respect of the dwelling owed to Irish Water has been paid. The sale of the dwelling cannot proceed until a certificate of discharge in respect of the dwelling has been received from Irish Water. I have no plans to amend the legislation in this regard.
In line with the commitment in the new Programme for a Partnership Government I intend to undertake a review of the 2016 scheme following the first 12 months of operation. I will bring forward any changes to the terms and conditions of the scheme which are considered necessary based on the evidence gathered at that stage.
233. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the wind turbine regulation guidelines will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19382/16]
View answerIn December 2013, my Department published proposed “draft” revisions to the noise, setback distance and shadow flicker aspects of the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines.
These draft revisions proposed:
- the setting of a more stringent day and night-time noise limit of 40 decibels for future wind energy developments,
- a mandatory minimum setback distance of 500 metres between a wind turbine and the nearest dwelling for amenity considerations, and
- the complete elimination of shadow flicker between wind turbines and neighbouring dwellings.
A public consultation process was also initiated on these proposed draft revisions to the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines, which ran until 21 February 2014. My Department received submissions from 7,500 organisations and members of the public during this public consultation process.
As outlined in the recently published Programme for a Partnership Government, this Government is committed to finalising the revisions to the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines within 3 to 6 months. The revisions to the Guidelines will be informed by the public consultation process and by best international practice. My Department will continue to advance work on the Guidelines, in conjunction with the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.
The revisions to the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines, when finalised, will be issued under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. Planning authorities, and, where applicable, An Bord Pleanála are required to have regard to such guidelines issued under Section 28 in the performance of their functions under the Planning Acts.
234. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the supports in place for development and protection of county archive services to preserve local cultural patrimony. [19828/16]
View answerI refer to the reply to Question No. 358 of 31st May 2016 which sets out the position in this matter.
235. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to introduce the Seanad Electoral (University Members) (Amendment) Bill into the Oireachtas; and the reason for the delays in legislating to give effect to the seventh amendment of the Constitution. [19070/16]
View answerA Programme for a Partnership Government includes a goal for this Government to pursue the implementation of the Manning Report, formally known as the Report of the Working Group on Seanad Reform. That report makes recommendations to restructure and reform the Seanad, including implementation of the 1979 amendment of the constitution to extend the university franchise at Seanad elections to graduates of other institutions of higher education in the State. The implementation of the 1979 amendment is to be further considered in the context of the Report of the Working Group on Seanad Reform and having regard to the work of the last government on the General Scheme of a Seanad Electoral (University Members) (Amendment) Bill.
236. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the status of social housing, given the funding his Department allocated for housing units (details supplied); the stage this project is at and if it has gone to tender; if not, when it will go to tender and when works will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19128/16]
View answerThe advancement through design, planning and construction of the social housing project concerned is a matter in the first instance for the County Council.
The Council forwarded the outcome of the tendering process for the construction of this project to my Department in recent days and this is now being assessed with a view to responding to the Council shortly.
237. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to detail the current members of An Bord Pleanála; when these members were appointed to the board; when new members will be appointed to the board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19170/16]
View answerAppointments to the Board of An Bord Pleanála are governed by sections 105 to 107 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, and positions on the Board are filled as vacancies arise in line with those provisions. Information on the current nine members of the Board, their dates of appointment and when their appointments expire is set out in the following table:
|
Board Member |
Period of Appointment |
|
|
From |
To |
|
|
Dr. Mary Kelly, Chairperson |
29/08/ 2011 |
28/08/2018 |
|
Conall Boland, Deputy Chairperson |
01/01/2007 |
31/12/2018 |
|
Fionna O’Regan |
07/02/ 2011 |
25/04/2017 |
|
Gabriel Dennison |
21/05/2012 |
20/05/2017 |
|
Paddy Keogh |
21/05/2012 |
20/05/2017 |
|
Nicholas Mulcahy |
21/05/2012 |
20/05/2017 |
|
Michael Leahy |
14/05/2012 |
13/05/2017 |
|
Paul Hyde |
01/05/2014 |
30/04/2019 |
|
Philip Jones |
01/05/2014 |
30/04/2019 |
The recent Report of the Independent Review Group on the operations of An Bord Pleanála, which was commissioned by my predecessor and published in March 2016, contains a number of recommendations relating to the arrangements for the appointment of Board members, which would require legislative underpinning. These recommendations are under consideration by my Department.
