Written Answers Nos 94-113
94. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the benefits of the review of the motor insurance sector for motorists in terms of reduced premiums; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23870/17]
View answerI established the Cost of Insurance Working Group, chaired by Minister of State, Eoghan Murphy T.D in July 2016. This Working Group is examining the factors contributing to the increasing cost of insurance and identifying what short, medium and long-term measures can be introduced to help reduce the cost of insurance for consumers and businesses. The initial focus of the Working Group was the issue of rising motor insurance premiums and a broad range of issues affecting the cost of motor insurance were examined.
The Working Group finalised its Report on the Cost of Motor Insurance in December 2016 and it was published on 10 January 2017. The Report makes 33 recommendations with 71 associated actions to be carried out in agreed timeframes, which are set out in an Action Plan.
Work is ongoing on the implementation of the recommendations by the relevant Government Departments and Agencies with the 71 action points due to be implemented by the end of 2018 and 45 scheduled for completion before the conclusion of this year. There is a commitment within the Report that the Working Group will prepare quarterly reports on its progress and the first such report is available on the Department’s website at: http://www.finance.gov.ie/sites/default/files/170503%20Insurance%20Q2%202017%20Progress%20Report%20Q1%20Focus.pdf
This update reports how the implementation of the recommendations is progressing, with a particular focus on action points which were due for completion during the first quarter. Completed actions include the establishment of the Personal Injuries Commission and the issuing of a key aggregated metrics template to insurance undertakings for completion.
There is no simple or single solution to the problem of increasing insurance prices. However, it is envisaged that the implementation of all the recommendations cumulatively, with the appropriate levels of commitment and cooperation from all relevant stakeholders, should achieve the objective of delivering fairer premiums for consumers.
It should be noted that the latest data from the Central Statistics Office indicates that there has been no month-on-month increase in the cost of motor insurance during the first four months of this year, while there was a decrease of 2.6% in April 2017 compared to the same month last year.
95. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance his plans to facilitate pensioners who have made contributions under the defined benefits regime and have been forced into AMRFs unless they are in receipt of a separate pension of €12,700 per annum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23871/17]
View answerMembers of defined benefit (DB) pension schemes who have the option of putting funds accumulated under their DB scheme into an Approved Retirement Fund (ARF) on retirement are required, as is the case with members of defined contribution pension arrangements, to invest those funds in an Approved Minimum Retirement Fund (AMRF) or use the funds to purchase an annuity in certain circumstances.
Where an individual chooses the ARF option, is under the age of 75 and does not meet the requirement of having a minimum guaranteed pension income for life of €12,700 per annum in payment, he or she is required to set aside an amount of €63,500 (or the remainder of the pension fund if less than €63,500 after taking a retirement lump sum) by investing the amount in an AMRF or by the purchase of an annuity. The purpose of the AMRF is to ensure that an individual, without the minimum guaranteed pension income for life, has a capital nest-egg to provide for the latter years of his or her retirement.
On foot of changes to the AMRF arrangements which I introduced in Finance Act 2014, with effect from 1 January 2015, AMRF owners can draw down up to 4% of the value of the fund assets on one occasion annually until he or she either meets the guaranteed pension income requirement or attains the age of 75, at which point, the AMRF automatically becomes an ARF and any remaining funds can be drawn down at the owner’s discretion.
I have no plans to alter these provisions.
97. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the reason for the reduction in tax receipts in the first quarter of 2017; the extent to which the matter has been examined by his Department to identify the causes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23874/17]
View answerThe position is that cumulative Exchequer tax revenues at the end of March 2017 were slightly below profile, coming in just 2.4% or €282 million under expectations. In terms of the “Big 4” tax headings, corporation tax, income tax and excise duties recorded shortfalls against profile, but VAT was ahead of expectations.
Corporation tax receipts of €520 million were collected to end-March. As a result, cumulative revenues were down 25.3% or €177 million against target. It is important to point out that Exchequer receipts from corporation tax can vary throughout the year, with just over 5% of the total annual receipts expected in the first quarter. By comparison, over 60% of corporation tax receipts are expected during May, June and November. Due to the non-linear nature of corporation tax receipts, the potential for company-specific factors and the low proportion of the annual receipts received to date, it would be premature to draw any conclusions about corporate tax at this stage of the year.
Income tax receipts to the end of March were 3.9% or €180 million below profile. It is important to point out that income tax encompasses a broad range of elements, some of which are not directly impacted by employment or wage developments. These include Deposit Interest Retention Tax, Life Assurance Exit Tax, Dividend Withholding Tax, Professional Services Withholding Tax and Back Duty. These payments, by their nature, can be non-linear and timing can vary from year to year. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the majority of these specific components are having a drag on overall income tax receipts in the first quarter of 2017.
Notwithstanding this, the performance of USC is lower than expected, and my Department is currently reviewing its performance, in conjunction with the Revenue Commissioners. The initial indications are that the Revenue Commissioners are satisfied that the overall estimate of the Budget 2017 package in respect of USC changes was costed accurately at €335 million.
At the time of Budget 2017, the apportionment of the total USC package between PAYE and Schedule D was expected to be €263 million and €72 million respectively, in line with previous norms. However, subsequent analysis by Revenue indicates that the allocation of the USC package between PAYE and Schedule D should have been €311 million and €24 million respectively, due to the dynamics of the USC package. While this helps to explain the current under-performance against profile for USC paid by PAYE taxpayers, it is important to point out that this reapportionment should have no adverse impact on the overall collection of USC receipts as this should equalize later in the year, when self-employed returns are made.
Furthermore, as part of the continuous efforts to improve the Department’s tax forecasting performance, the ESRI and my Department jointly examined the sensitivity of income tax and USC revenues to changes in income. As a result of this work which was published in March 2017, the Department has revised the income tax and USC revenue elasticities used in the forecasting process. This will affect these forecasts from 2018 onwards.
Significantly, the Revenue Commissioners have also informed me that PAYE, the most important component of overall income tax, closed the first quarter of the year, just below profile, down 2%. However, in year-on-year terms receipts were up 6%, which is consistent with the improving labour market.
Receipts from Excise duties amounted to €1,277 million in the first three months of the year and were 6.6% or €91 million below profile. The under-performance was evident across a broad range of excise components, while others such as the vehicle registration tax remains in line with profile for the year to date.
In relation to Stamp duties, receipts of €223 million were collected to end-March 2017, which represents a 15.1% or €40 million shortfall against target. The under-performance in the first quarter of 2017, is primarily due to property and shares transactions. However, it is important to point out that both components were up in year-on-year terms at March 2017.
With regards to other minor taxes, these are generally broadly in line with profile. Finally, I can assure the Deputy, that my Department along with the Revenue Commissioners will continue to examine these tax-heads and consider all relevant developments.
98. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if working capital remains available to small and medium-sized businesses with particular reference to sole traders or companies wishing to extend their customer base; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23875/17]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, supporting SMEs in terms of access to finance has been a cornerstone policy for Government in our efforts to rebuild the economy and bring back jobs. Government policy is focused on ensuring that all viable SMEs have access to an appropriate supply of credit from a diverse range of bank and non-bank sources. In this regard the Government has developed a number of initiatives to ensure that the supply of credit in the market is sufficient to meet the existing and future needs of SMEs.
In terms of monitoring the working capital requirements for SMEs, my Department commissions biannual surveys to ascertain the demand for credit by SMEs. This survey series, most recently conducted by Behaviour & Attitudes on behalf of my Department, is the most comprehensive survey of SME credit demand in Ireland, covering 1,500 respondents and involving over 6,000 direct telephone calls to SMEs. SMEs of all sizes trading in all sectors, excluding property development and speculative activities, are included. The survey covers demand for credit from both bank and non-bank sources.
I would draw the Deputy's attention to the most recently published Department of Finance SME Credit Demand Survey, covering the period April to September 2016, which can be found at www.finance.gov.ie. The results of this survey show that, when pending applications are excluded, 84% of credit applications to banks were approved or partially approved. Purchases, replacement or lease of new vehicle/equipment is now provided as the main reason for applying for bank finance with 29% stating this is why they requested bank finance. Working capital/cash flow requirements were provided as the second highest reason for applying for bank finance with 27% of respondents stating that they required finance for this purpose. When asked about sources of finance for working capital, internal funds/retained earnings were the main finance source of working capital with 73% of working capital coming from this source (up 6%). The survey also showed continued positive trends in terms of trading performance, profitability and employment.
The SME State Bodies Group, chaired by my Department, provides a forum for the development and implementation of policy measures to enhance SMEs' access to a stable and appropriate supply of finance. As the Deputy will be aware, the Action Plan for Jobs over the past number of years has set out a range of commitments to ensure viable SMEs can access appropriate finance at a reasonable cost from both bank and non-bank sources.
A key objective of the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) is to ensure that SMEs can access low cost flexible loans from a variety of sources. The SBCI channels its funds through lending partners known as on-lenders. The SBCI currently has three bank on-lending partners and five non-bank on-lending partners. The SBCI has a current funding capacity of €1.05 billion which it makes available to its on-lending partners as demand from SMEs arises. To the end of 2016, a total of €544 million has been lent to over 12,593 SMEs and the SBCI has committed a total of €906 million to its eight on-lending partners. In 2017, the SBCI will continue to make significant funding available to SMEs across Ireland.
The Microenterprise Loan Fund, administered by Microfinance Ireland, is an additional source of credit that provides loans for up to €25,000 to start-up, newly established, or growing micro enterprises employing less than 10 people.
The Credit Review Office is another government initiative that helps SMEs who have had an application for credit of up to €3 million declined or reduced by the main banks, and who feel that they have a viable business proposition. This is a strictly confidential process between the business, the Credit Review Office and the bank. The Credit Review Office overturns more than 50% of appeals it receives.
The Government remains committed to the SME sector and sees it as the key engine of ongoing economic growth. I can assure the Deputy that my Department, working with other relevant Departments, Bodies and Agencies, such as the Credit Review Office, will continue to advance policies to ensure the availability of both bank and non-bank credit so as to ensure that viable Irish SMEs have sufficient access to finance.
100. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the reason home borrowers continue to pay more in interest on their home mortgages compared to those in other eurozone countries with less favourable economic achievements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23877/17]
View answerAlthough Ireland is in a monetary union with other Euro area Member States, it has to be acknowledged that there are many factors, such as differences in national legal and housing systems, cultural preferences, language, the proximity of lenders to borrowers, which will continue to inhibit the full integration of the residential mortgage market, and of mortgage interest rates, in the Euro area and the wider EU. More directly, differences in the nature of mortgage and other credit markets, credit and market conditions, mortgage default rates and the funding of mortgage credit will also impact on the levels of mortgage lending rates between and within different countries.
However, there have been some developments which seek to promote a more harmonised market for credit across the EU. In particular, the 2014 Mortgage Credit Directive, which has now been transposed into Irish law by the European Union (Consumer Mortgage Credit Agreements) Regulations 2016, seeks to develop a more harmonised, efficient and competitive internal market for the provision of residential mortgages to consumer borrowers and this should help to promote the closer integration of EU mortgage markets over time.
In terms of the national context, the issue of the level of variable mortgage rates is an important one for this Government and it is committed to reducing the cost of secured mortgage lending and promoting competition in the supply of mortgage finance. To that end, I have requested the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) to work with the Central Bank to set out the options for Government in terms of market structure, legislation and regulation to lower the cost of secured mortgage lending and improve the degree of competition and consumer protection. The CCPC has already commenced this work and has conducted a public consultation to gather views about the future of the Irish mortgage market. Based on this public consultation, it is expected that the CCPC will produce a final report outlining their proposals by the end of this month.
In overall terms, the Government is of the opinion that a healthy banking system which delivers increased competition is the best way to ensure that retail lending rates are driven down in a sustainable way for the market as a whole but without giving rise to potentially undesirable consequences for the provision of new mortgage lending. This is a policy area that the Government will keep under active review in its ongoing engagement with mortgage lenders and in implementing the Programme for Government commitments to help deliver on a long term basis better outcomes for all mortgage borrowers.
101. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance his plans to reduce tax on the construction sector with a view to bringing down the cost of houses, in particular for first-time buyers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23878/17]
View answerVAT is governed by the EU VAT Directive, with which Irish VAT law must comply. While most economic activity is subject to the standard VAT rate of 23%, construction services already avail of the reduced VAT rate of 13.5%. Ireland has historically applied the 13.5% reduced rate of VAT to all construction services under a derogation from the EU VAT Directive.
The Programme for Partnership Government committed to ask the Oireachtas to consider the merits of a temporary targeted reduction of the rate of VAT from 13.5% to 9% on new, affordable houses and apartments, both public and private, timed to generate the maximum impact on supply and to target principally the purchasers of affordable homes. In its Report of June 2016, the Oireachtas Committee on Housing and Homelessness reviewed the costs of construction including VAT, in the light of the Programme for Partnership Government commitment. They recommend that the Housing Agency annually review construction costs but did not recommend that the VAT rate on new residential property be reduced.
Ahead of last year's Budget I decided that relief would be better operated through the income tax rather than the VAT system, as applying the 9% VAT rate to the construction of new residential properties would involve having two separate VAT rates applying to construction services.
As the deputy will be aware, I introduced the Help-to-Buy incentive in Budget 2017 to help encourage the building of additional new homes. That scheme will run until the end of 2019.
103. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if he has identified inflationary tendencies within the economy; his plans to address same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23880/17]
View answerOver the past few years consumer price inflation has been near zero in Ireland and in the euro area more generally. In 2016 annual inflation in Ireland - as measured by the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) was slightly negative at -0.2 per cent.
However, in Ireland and in the euro area, there are signs that inflation is starting to pick-up gradually as the drag on consumer prices from low oil prices has eased. However, consumer prices in Ireland are still relatively low due to previous euro-sterling exchange rate developments, as the UK accounts for a large proportion of imported consumer goods into Ireland.
Looking forward, futures markets for oil are suggesting a further gradual but modest recovery in oil prices over the course of 2017. In addition, the continued growth in domestic demand and the ongoing recovery in the labour market are expected to lead to further services price inflation. Taking all these factors into account, price pressures will likely rise gradually but remain subdued into 2017. In the Stability Programme Update 2017, my Department forecast HICP annual inflation of 0.6 per cent for this year, rising gradually to 1.2 per cent in 2018.
While consumer price inflation is not expected to rise dramatically over the near term, my Department continues to monitor inflation developments very closely. In that regard, this government will continue to implement competitiveness oriented policies which is the best way domestically to counteract any inflationary tendencies and potential loss of competitiveness.
104. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of children under five years of age attending autism-specific preschool or early intervention units funded by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23590/17]
View answer105. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of children aged five, six, seven and eight years of age, respectively, in autism spectrum disorder units and early intervention units in mainstream primary schools and other units funded by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23591/17]
View answer117. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of children aged five, six, seven and eight years of age, respectively, in ASD units and early intervention units in mainstream primary schools and other units funded by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23723/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 104, 105 and 117 together.
The Deputy will be aware that this Government is committed to ensuring that all children with Special Educational Needs, including those with autism, can have access to an education appropriate to their needs, preferably in school settings through the primary and post primary school network.
Such placements facilitate access to individualised education programmes which may draw from a range of appropriate educational interventions, delivered by fully qualified professional teachers, with the support of Special Needs Assistants and the appropriate school curriculum.
Some students, although academically able to access the curriculum in mainstream, may find it too difficult to manage full-time placement there. This can be due to significant difficulties in areas such as behaviour or sensory needs which have not been ameliorated, even with appropriate intervention, in mainstream.
Enrolment in an ASD special class should only be considered where it has been demonstrated that a student requires the support of a special class because he/she is unable to learn effectively in a mainstream class for most or all of the school day even with appropriate supports.
Students enrolling in ASD Special Classes must have a report from a relevant professional or team of professionals (for example, psychologist, speech and language therapist, psychiatrist) stating that:
- S/he has ASD
- S/he has significant learning needs that require the support of a special class setting and the reasons why this is the case.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs supports, including the establishment of special classes in various geographical areas as required.
The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. Special Classes and Special Schools are staffed with a lower pupil–teacher ratio ranging from 6-1 to 12-1, on the basis of disability categorisation of pupils attending the school.
There are currently 1,152 special classes nationally, which is an increase of over 100% on the number available in 2011. Of these, 126 are ASD early intervention classes, 526 are primary ASD classes and 236 are post-primary ASD classes. The remainder are non-ASD special classes. 125 special schools also provide specialist education for those pupils who need it, from infants to eighteen years of age.
ASD Early intervention classes are available for children over 3 years of age (who will not reach the age of 6 during the school year) with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The NCSE has advised that there are currently 808 pupils attending Early Intervention classes in mainstream or special schools, of which 570 pupils are under 5 years of age.
The following table outlines figures provided by the NCSE detailing the number of pupils of a particular age that are attending ASD classes or special schools.
|
Age Profile |
No. of pupils with ASD in Special Classes and Special Schools |
|
4 yrs and under |
727 |
|
5 yrs |
638 |
|
6 yrs |
655 |
|
7 yrs |
667 |
|
8 yrs |
564 |
The NCSE, in consultation with the relevant education partners, must take into account the present and future potential need, location and sustainability in looking to establish special classes in certain areas. In this regard the NCSE has advised that they are continuing to engage with schools in opening special classes where there is an identified need for special class provision and in order to ensure there are sufficient placements available to meet demand.
Parents/guardians may contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs and to seek assistance in identifying placement options, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.
106. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will extend the timeframe of a scholarship offer (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23617/17]
View answerUnder the terms and conditions of the Third Level Irish Scholarship Scheme, designed specifically to recognise achievement through Irish, scholarships are awarded annually to students from the Gaeltacht. The awards paid are equivalent to the maximum standard rate of grant payable under the Student Grant Scheme and no means test applies in the case of these scholarships.
The scholarship is awarded for the duration of undergraduate studies and postgraduate studies, provided that the individual progresses to postgraduate within 3 years of graduation. Students who receive this scholarship have considerable flexibility in that they can defer commencement of their postgraduate studies for up to three academic years and still avail of the scholarship award.
The scholarship holder to whom the Deputy refers is currently in her third year of deferral. Unfortunately it is not possible to make exceptions to the terms and conditions of the Third Level Irish Scholarship Scheme, which are equally applicable to all beneficiaries of the scheme.
107. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding leaving certificate students in 1965 and 1966 who had to meet the five subject pass regulation, for example, in the case of a person (details supplied); if a full certificate can be provided in view of the fact there was no option to resit subjects and five subjects were passed over two academic years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23627/17]
View answerThe 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.
108. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding each new school build and school extension in progress across south Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23628/17]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department does not hold the details requested by the geographical area to which she refers.
However, the current status of the 29 school building projects in County Kildare that are included on the Department's 6 Year Capital Programme is outlined in the following table.
The Capital Programme also provides for devolved funding for additional classrooms to schools where an immediate enrolment need has been identified or where an additional teacher has been appointed. Responsibility for delivering such projects rests with the individual school authority.
Details of such funding approved in all schools, including Kildare, is available on my Department's website www.education.ie and this is updated regularly.
Capital Programme – Major projects being progressed
|
County |
Roll No |
School Name |
School type |
Status |
|
Kildare |
16706G |
St Joseph’s NS, Kilcock |
Primary |
Stage 2B |
|
Kildare |
70680U |
St Conleth’s VS, Newbridge |
Post-Primary |
Under construction |
|
Kildare |
70700A |
Maynooth Community College |
Post-Primary |
Stage 3 |
|
Kildare |
76193Q |
New Maynooth Community College |
Post-Primary |
Stage 3 |
|
Kildare |
19277A |
St Anne’s Special School, The Curragh |
Special School |
Stage 2A |
|
Kildare |
19675N |
St Brigid’s NS, Kilcullen |
Primary |
Completed |
|
Kildare |
76194S |
Naas Community College |
Post-Primary |
Stage 2B |
|
Kildare |
76253I |
Celbridge Community College |
Post-Primary |
Early Architectural Planning |
|
Kildare |
20257C |
Scoil Naomh Padraig, Celbridge |
Primary |
Early Architectural Planning |
|
Kildare |
15957D |
Rathangan BNS |
Primary |
Substantial completion |
|
Kildare |
61702D |
St Paul’s Post-Primary School |
Post-Primary |
Stage 2A |
|
Kildare |
15040T |
Mercy Convent, Naas |
Primary |
Stage 3 |
|
Kildare |
18288B |
Scoil Mhichil Naofa, Athy |
Primary |
Stage 2B |
|
Kildare |
20428D |
Gaelscoil Mhic Aodha, Kildare Town |
Primary |
Under construction |
|
Kildare |
19796C |
St Patrick’s NS, Clane |
Primary |
Stage 2B |
|
Kildare |
15769C 16707I |
Scoil Eimhinn Naofa & St Peter’s NS, Monasterevan |
Primary |
Stage 2B |
|
Kildare |
17341U |
Maynooth BNS |
Primary |
Stage 2B |
|
Kildare |
17872F |
St Conleth’s & St Mary’s, Newbridge |
Primary |
Stage 2A |
|
Kildare |
17873H |
St Conleth’s Infant School |
Primary |
Stage 2A |
|
Kildare |
17254C |
St Corban’s BNS |
Primary |
Early Architectural Planning |
|
Kildare |
18988G |
St Raphael’s Special School |
Special School |
Site required |
|
Kildare |
19455W |
St Mark’s Special School, Newbridge |
Special School |
Early Architectural Planning |
|
Kildare |
20292E |
Maynooth ETNS |
Primary |
Early Architectural Planning |
|
Kildare |
61690W |
Cross & Passion, Kilcullen |
Post-Primary |
Early Architectural Planning |
|
Kildare |
70650L |
Athy Community College |
Post-Primary |
Early Architectural Planning |
|
Kildare |
70720G |
St Farnan’s Post-Primary School |
Post-Primary |
Early Architectural Planning |
|
Kildare |
13902O |
Hewetson NS |
Primary |
Early Architectural Planning |
|
Kildare |
61681V |
Patrician Post-Primary, Newbridge |
Post-Primary |
Early Architectural Planning |
|
Kildare |
61730I |
St Mary’s Girls Post-Primary School, Naas |
Post-Primary |
Early Architectural Planning |
109. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a school (details supplied) will be moved out of temporary accommodation as was agreed under the divestment programme in view of the fact that it was told that it would only be there for one year and it is now facing into its fourth year at a club (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23634/17]
View answerIt is my Department's intention to relocate the school referred to by the Deputy to their proposed new location as their long-term permanent accommodation. The new proposed building will, however, require significant remediation works and my Department will be in further contact with the Patron on this matter.
In the interim, the school has been advised to extend the lease at its current location to June 2018.
110. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there is appropriate funding support available through his Department to run an outreach certificate programme (details supplied). [23650/17]
View answer111. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there is appropriate European Union funding available to run an outreach certificate programme (details supplied). [23651/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 110 and 111 together.
My Department allocates all of the recurrent funding to the Higher Education Authority (HEA) for direct disbursement to the HEA designated higher education institutions, including the Universities such as University College Dublin (UCD).
The HEA allocates this funding to the institutions and the internal disbursement of funding is then a matter for the individual institution. Universities are autonomous bodies as set out in the Universities Act 1997 and are responsible for their own day to day affairs, including the allocation of all of its income (both public and private).
112. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if temporary accommodation and toilet facilities will be provided to a school (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the overcrowded rooms and the need for new toilets, which are not being addressed while the school continues to wait for progress on the promised new accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23665/17]
View answerMy Department is in receipt of an application for additional temporary accommodation from the school referred to by the Deputy. The application is currently under consideration and when a decision is made my Department will be in direct contact with the School Authorities.
113. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a school development (details supplied). [23677/17]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department is not in receipt of a recent application from the school referred to in respect of its accommodation needs.
It is open to any school to submit an application to my Department if they have identified a deficit of classroom accommodation to meet increasing enrolments or to accommodate an additional teacher appointment. Application forms can be accessed on my Department's website www.education.ie.
