Written Answers Nos. 182-203
182. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the most likely accommodation for a school is the existing Maynooth post-primary school on the Moyglare Road, Maynooth, County Kildare, which will become vacant when the Maynooth education campus is completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25525/17]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that following the most recent demographic exercises carried out by my Department, the new post-primary schools required to cater for increased demographic demand up to 2018 were announced in November 2015.
As part of that announcement, and in view of the continued support for an independent Gaelcholáiste, it was confirmed that a Gaelcholáiste to serve the North Kildare area will open in 2019, subject to the continued viability of the Irish-medium Aonad at Maynooth Community College.
The Gaelcholáiste will operate under the patronage of Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board with An Foras Pátrúnachta.
My Department will continue to work closely with Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board and An Foras Pátrúnachta in relation to the establishment of the Gaelcholáiste.
183. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the design team for a school (details supplied) has submitted the stage 2(b) submission, including review arising from changes in public work contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25526/17]
View answerI can confirm for the Deputy that the school and its design team have not yet submitted the report to my Department. My Department has contacted the Design Team Leader directly and has been informed that the Stage 2(b) drawings were completed by the Architect last week and that the design team QS is currently in the process of completing the Bill of Quantities and the Stage 2(b) cost plan. The Design Team leader has informed my Department that it expects to complete the stage 2(b) submission in mid June. The standard procedure is that this will then be submitted by the Design Team to my Department for review.
184. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has received the tender documents and stage 2(b) documentation for a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25527/17]
View answerThe documents referred to by the Deputy are awaited from the Design Team. Upon receipt and review of the Stage 2(b) report my Department will revert to the school with regard to the further progression of the project at that time.
185. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board, KWETB, has completed its review of the planning conditions to evaluate implications on design and cost for a school (details supplied); if a stage 2(b) cost check has been submitted to his Department for approval; if tender documents have been prepared; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25528/17]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that KWETB has completed its review of the planning conditions for the project to which she refers and it is expected that a Stage 2B cost check will be submitted to my Department next month. I can also confirm that the preparation of Tender documents is substantially complete.
However, my Department's existing contractual commitments for 2017 now fully account for the funding which was allocated for 2017 and carry a significant contractual commitment into 2018. This means that my Department must carefully manage the flow of additional projects to tender and construction stages for 2018. My Department's aim will be to progress all projects as quickly as possible, as soon as funding becomes available.
186. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a design team has been appointed for the required extension to a school (details supplied) further to the site visit undertaken by his Department to the school; if not, when a design team will be put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25529/17]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that a building project for the school in question is included in my Department's six year Construction Programme (2016-2021). In this regard and as the Deputy is aware, my Department has undertaken a site visit to the school. My Department will be in further contact with the school in the context of the architectural planning process for the project.
187. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the construction of a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25535/17]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that a building project for the school in question is included in my Department's six year Construction Programme (2016-2021). My Department is aware of the school's accommodation needs and will continue to liaise with the school in this regard.
188. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will address a matter regarding a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25551/17]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that my Department is in receipt of an application from the school referred to for the provision of additional accommodation for an autism spectrum disorders, ASD, Early Intervention Class. The application, together with subsequent costings received as requested, is currently being considered and my Department will be in direct contact with the school authority in the matter shortly.
189. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason many schools are now facing a tax liability bill for projects undertaken under the summer works scheme over the past number of years; if his attention has been drawn to the scale of tax liability faced by many schools; the estimated number of schools facing a retrospective tax liability bill for summer works schemes; and the aggregate amount involved. [25563/17]
View answerWhen a school is given approval for a school building project, regardless of the Scheme under which the grant is being made, it is informed in its letter of approval that the Revenue Commissioners regard the school authority as a “Principal Contractor” for the purposes of the building project. What this means, in practical terms, is that the school must register with the Revenue Commissioner’s online system subsequently following the Revenue Commissioner’s instructions in relation to deducting and paying over tax, as appropriate, for the contractor carrying out the works. No tax liability will arise for schools if they comply fully with this requirement.
The grant approval letter also advises schools that the Revenue Commissioners has prepared a Guidance Note to assist them in this matter and that this is available on the Revenue Commissioners’ website. My Department's website also has a link to this document.
It is a mandatory requirement for schools to confirm to my Department, in writing, in their individual Forms of Acceptance for the Grant that they will comply with this requirement. Subsequently, at all stages of the grant draw-down, schools must confirm to my Department, again in writing, that they have adhered to this requirement. The grant for the building project cannot be drawn down unless these confirmations are received from a school.
Given the imperative to provide my Department with the written confirmations outlined, my Department is not aware of any school facing a tax liability for a failure to comply with the Revenue Commissioners’ requirements.
191. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will re-examine the recent decision not to allow the appeal for an English as an additional language, EAL. teacher by a school (details supplied) in view of the commitment that no school would lose supports due to the new model; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25669/17]
View answerThe criteria used for the allocation of teachers to primary schools is published annually on the website of the Department of Education and Skills. 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 previous 30 September. The staffing arrangements for the 2017/18 school year (Circular 0017/2017) were published recently.
The staffing schedule operates in a clear and transparent manner and treats all similar types of schools equally irrespective of location.
The staffing schedule includes an appeals mechanism for schools to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeals Board. Details of the criteria for appeal are contained in the staffing schedule, Circular 0017/2017.
The school referred to by the Deputy submitted an appeal for consideration by the Appeals Board for the April 2017 meeting of the board under the EAL criteria. The Appeals Board determined that this appeal was unsuccessful. The school has been notified accordingly. The Appeal Board operates independently of the Minister and the Department and its decision is final.
My Departments Circulars 0013/2017 and 0014/2017 set out details of the new model for allocating special education teachers to schools.
The new Special Education Teaching allocation provides a single unified allocation for schools, based on each school’s educational profile.
No school, including the school to which the Deputy has referred, will lose supports as a result of the implementation of the new model.
An additional 900 teaching posts have been provided to support the introduction of this new allocation model. This represents a very significant investment in the provision of additional teaching support for pupils with special educational needs. This is additional to an increase of 41% in the number of resource teachers allocated to schools annually by the NCSE since 2011.
In relation to the school referred to by the Deputy in his question, this school had a General Allocation Model allocation of 40 hours for the 2016/17 school year, which combined with 33.15 resource teaching hours allocated to the school by the National Council for Special Education, gave a total allocation of 73.15 additional teaching hours for the 2016/17 school year.
As the profiled allocation for this school did not indicate an increased allocation requirement for the school for 2017/18, the school has maintained its existing level of allocation.
The special education teaching allocation for this school for 2017/18 is 73.15 hours.
There has therefore been no reduction to the special education teaching allocation for this school as a result of the introduction of the new allocation model.
The NCSE has announced the commencement of an independent appeals process through which schools may appeal the allocation made to their school if they believe the data upon which the allocation is based is incorrect or has been incorrectly used.
192. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the specific actions he has undertaken under the the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 to contribute to the national mitigation plan. [25695/17]
View answerThe draft National Mitigation Plan 2017 recognises in measure BE 17 the particular challenges to the educational sector and also the existing cooperation between the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and the Department of Education and Skills in offering advice to schools to understand, manage and reduce their energy use.
My Department’s approach and openness to engage on the matter of energy efficiency has seen it advance to the forefront of design with respect to sustainable low energy school buildings. This performance has been recognised at both National and International level with sustainable energy awards for excellence in Design and Specification.
For the past twenty years my Department's Building Unit has been using a process called the DART approach to develop policy, sustainability and energy efficiency in educational buildings. This acronym focuses on four key areas, namely; Design, Awareness, Research and Technology.
My Department’s Building Unit Technical Guidance Documents set the benchmark for sustainable design in school buildings with a clear focus on energy efficiency and they are based on solid energy research projects. Schools that are designed and built in accordance with my Department’s Technical Guidance Documents for schools must achieve an A3 Building Energy Rating.
My Department’s policy is supported by a strong research programme with forty eight research strands at various stages. One of the research strands in the above programme is for the introduction of Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) Schools. This standard will be introduced for all new school buildings in line with the new Building Regulations. A nearly zero-energy building means a building that has a very high energy performance.
Another research strand is the Energy in Education Programme and energy website at www.energyineducation.ie
The Energy in Education Programme, a collaboration between the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and my Department, supports schools in delivering practical guidance in how to manage their energy use effectively and achieve savings. Providing a web-based energy management portal for schools was seen as a key aspect of the Energy in Education Programme.
The most recent research strand in response to the Draft Mitigation Plan 2017 involves my Department and SEAI embarking on a School Energy Efficiency Upgrade Pilot Programme for existing schools. During the first phase of the pilot, participating schools have been assigned an Energy Auditor who visited the school to identify specific opportunities to improve energy efficiency and provide a detailed report to the school.
Based on the auditor’s report a number of schools were selected to participate in the second phase of the pilot. These selected schools will have projects implemented to upgrade the school’s energy efficiency, while reducing costs. These improvement works are currently out to tender for completion this year and will be 100% funded under the pilot programme, which is supported by SEAI and my Department. The projects will be used to develop and demonstrate best practice models in energy efficiency upgrades in a range of typical school buildings.
193. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25724/17]
View answerDecisions in respect of union membership are matters for the individual teacher concerned and my Department does not have a position on this issue. Where teachers have questions as to the benefits of membership of a particular union, those questions should be addressed to the relevant union.
The current position is that the Lansdowne Road Agreement as set out in Section 2 of Circular 0045/2016 applies to teachers employed in Education and Training Board schools and centres (apart from Designated Community Colleges). The Agreement also applies to teachers employed in Designated Community Colleges, Community and Comprehensive Schools and Voluntary Secondary Schools who are TUI members. The Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Acts 2013 and 2015 as set out in Section 3 of the Circular apply to all other teachers employed in such schools. The circular is available on my Department’s website and can be accessed at:
http://www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active-Circulars/cl0045_2016.pdf
As is the norm with public service collective agreements, the Lansdowne Road Agreement was negotiated with trade unions which are recognised as representing staff in the public service (including teachers). It is normal practice in the public service that the decision of the trade union recognised as holding representative rights for a particular grade or sector will determine the position for all relevant staff in that grade/sector. This context does not allow for acceptance or rejection of collective agreements by staff on an individual basis.
Accordingly, there is no proposal at this time to treat teachers separately based on the fact that they are not a member of a trade union. However, since the announcement of the ASTI ballot result my Department has received a number of queries from both ASTI members and teachers who are not members of a trade union about union membership. Therefore, having regard to the circumstances of the dispute with the ASTI, this is an issue that I will keep under review going forward.
194. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a school (details supplied) in Dublin 22 lost a mainstream teacher; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that as a result of this decision junior and senior infants are forced into multi-grade classes; his plans to address parents' concerns that their children's education will be negatively affected; and his further plans to restore this teaching post to the school in question in the best interests of the educational development of the children. [25735/17]
View answerThe criteria used for the allocation of teachers to primary schools are published annually on the website of the Department of Education and Skills. 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 previous 30 September. The staffing schedule operates in a clear and transparent manner and treats all similar types of schools equally irrespective of location.
Staffing arrangements for the 2017/18 school year are set out in circular 0017/2017 which is available on my Department's website.
The staffing arrangements include an appeals mechanism for schools to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeals Board.
The school referred to by the Deputy will have a mainstream teaching post suppressed for the 2017/18 school year due to falling enrolments.
The staffing process includes an appeals mechanism for schools to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Primary Staffing Appeals Board.
My Department has not received a staffing appeal from the school referred to by the Deputy.
195. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding progress on a permanent school building project for a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25754/17]
View answerThe major school building project to which the Deputy refers is at an advanced stage of architectural planning - Stage 2(b). All Statutory approvals have been secured and the Design Team are completing the preparation of Tender Documents.
The design team will submit the stage 2(b) report to my Department when it is completed and my Department will revert to the school with regard to the further progression of the project following consideration of that report.
196. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of persons on waiting lists for apprenticeships in the crafts area compared to the number of registered training places; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25785/17]
View answerThe information sought by the Deputy is not readily available. I have asked SOLAS to compile the data and it will be sent to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A
I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 25785/17 of 30 May 2017 in which you requested the number of persons on waiting lists for apprenticeships in the crafts area compared to the number of registered training places.
In my reply, I had indicated that the information sought was not available at the time but would be forwarded to you separately. I am now in a position to provide the relevant information which is set out in the table.
Apprenticeship Waiting List and Training Provision at Phases 2,4 and 6 as at 29/5/17
|
Craft |
Phase 2 waiting list as at 29/5/17 |
Annual Training Places at Phase 2 |
Total waiting Phase 4 & Phase 6 as at 29/5/17 |
Annual Training Places at Phases 4 & 6 |
|
Agricultural Mechanics |
35 |
36 |
35 |
80 |
|
Aircraft Mechanics |
0 |
42 |
1 |
128 |
|
Brick and Stonelaying |
11 |
58 |
9 |
48 |
|
Carpentry and Joinery |
131 |
388 |
122 |
448 |
|
Construction Plant Fitting* |
24 |
48 |
56 |
144 |
|
Electrical* |
1118 |
1084 |
260 |
1296 |
|
Electrical Instrumentation/Instrumentation |
3593 |
106 |
10 |
192 |
|
Electronic Security Systems* |
36 |
24 |
7 |
48 |
|
Farriery |
5 |
8 |
2 |
8 |
|
Heavy Vehicle Mechanics |
60 |
132 |
78 |
240 |
|
Industrial Insulation |
10 |
14 |
6 |
16 |
|
M.A.M.F. |
59 |
168 |
77 |
288 |
|
Metal Fabrication |
90 |
196 |
75 |
288 |
|
Motor Mechanics |
202 |
360 |
211 |
608 |
|
Painting and Decorating |
19 |
28 |
0 |
32 |
|
Pipefitting |
17 |
28 |
13 |
42 |
|
Plastering |
13 |
28 |
1 |
32 |
|
Plumbing |
174 |
336 |
129 |
528 |
|
Print Media |
0 |
0 |
1 |
16 |
|
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning |
25 |
84 |
35 |
128 |
|
Sheet Metalworking |
23 |
42 |
7 |
32 |
|
Stonecutting and Stonemasonry |
1 |
14 |
0 |
14 |
|
Toolmaking |
18 |
56 |
50 |
96 |
|
Vehicle Body Repairs |
7 |
56 |
19 |
64 |
|
Wood Manufacturing and Finishing |
11 |
64 |
25 |
48 |
|
National Total |
2,182 |
3,400 |
1,229 |
4,864 |
*Additional training places are in the process of being put in place at Phase 2 for: Electrical 200, Electronic Security Systems 28, Construction Plant Fitting 28
197. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if an additional teaching post for the 2017-2018 year will be provided to a school (details supplied) in County Kerry in view of the fact it has a registered enrolment in excess of the threshold for an additional post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25789/17]
View answerThe criteria used for the allocation of teachers to primary schools are published annually on the website of the Department of Education and Skills. 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 previous 30 September. The staffing schedule operates in a clear and transparent manner and treats all similar types of schools equally irrespective of location.
Staffing arrangements for the 2017/18 school year are set out in circular 0017/2017 which is available on my Department's website.
The staffing schedule includes an appeals mechanism for schools to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeals Board. Details of the criteria for appeal are contained in the staffing schedule, Circular 0017/2017.
The school referred to by the Deputy submitted an appeal for consideration by the Appeals Board for the April 2017 meeting of the board under the Class Size criteria. The appeal was refused by the Appeals Board on the basis that the grounds of the appeal did not warrant the allocation of an additional post for the 2017/18 school year. The school has been notified accordingly. The Appeal Board operates independently of the Minister and the Department and its decision is final.
The published staffing arrangements include the provision whereby schools experiencing rapid increases in enrolment can apply for additional permanent mainstream posts on developing grounds, using projected enrolment for the following September, in this case September 2017. If the school in question is experiencing a rapid increase in enrolment it is open to the school to submit an application to the Primary Allocations Section of the Department for consideration for developing school status.
198. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 115 of 18 May 2017, when he expects that teaching will begin on this site; and the estimated timeline for the process for the school, including completing agreements, selecting patronage and building the school. [25799/17]
View answerWith regard to specific school provision for the site referred to by the Deputy, my Department is currently engaged in a review of demographics which will determine the extent of new school provision required nationwide.
Initial projections indicate additional demand at both primary and post-primary level across both the school planning area where the site is situated and the adjoining school planning areas.
Where a requirement for additional schools has been identified, details including proposed timelines related to the opening of the schools will be made known by a Ministerial announcement. A patronage assessment process will be carried out to determine who will operate such schools.
As the Deputy will be aware, the patronage assessment process includes the opportunity for parents to express their preference for a particular school model. These parental preferences are key to decisions made regarding patronage of all new schools.
199. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 115 of 18 May 2017, the steps which will be taken to ensure adequate playing pitches and space for a secondary school built on the Harold's Cross greyhound stadium site, in view of the fact that there are no such facilities in the local area. [25800/17]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that my Department has made an offer to the Irish Greyhound Board in respect of the Harold's Cross Greyhound Stadium. Subject to satisfactory completion of the acquisition, the development of the school accommodation brief would commence thereafter. The exact configuration of the school requirements has not been finalised at this point.
My Department's design guidelines for schools include guidance in the provision of P.E. Halls, general purpose rooms and outdoor hard play areas such as basketball courts. In general, other P.E. facilities, for example pitches can be provided, where appropriate and in the context of available resources as part of the Department's school building programme.
It is recognised that school infrastructure is a key part of the social and community facilities available in an area. In general, my Department works in partnership with the local authorities to plan for sustainable school and community development.
200. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to proposed amendments to the 2011 legislation regarding student grants having been requested by Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas or officials in his Department in the past 12 months; his views on the legislation's shortcomings with regard to persons whose income has been affected by exchange rate fluctuations since the Brexit referendum; and his plans to make changes to the legislation in this regard. [25802/17]
View answerThe statutory based student grant scheme and regulations are reviewed annually by my Department, following consultation with various stakeholders. The Student Grant Scheme and Student Support Regulations for the 2017/18 academic year were published on 31 March, 2017.
Student grant applications are means tested on gross income from all sources earned inside and outside the State within a specified reference period.
The Student Grant Scheme provides that where there is income in a currency other than euro, the euro equivalent of the gross amounts must be provided using the Central Bank of Ireland Annual Average exchange rates for the relevant year, thereby taking account of fluctuations that may occur over the specified reference period.
The current system of student supports is underpinned by the Student Support Act, 2011. My officials have recently commenced a review of this legislation to identify areas where the Act needs to be updated to reflect the changes that have taken place in Irish society and to ensure that supports are targeted effectively at those most in need. All relevant issues will be considered as part of this review.
201. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to address the delay in allocating teachers to primary schools when the school meets the pupil threshold for an additional post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25875/17]
View answerThe criteria used for the allocation of teaching posts to primary schools are published annually on my Department's website. The key factor for determining the number of classroom teaching posts allocated to each school is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September.
However, the staffing arrangements also include a provision whereby schools experiencing rapid increases in enrolment can apply for additional permanent classroom posts for the coming school year, on developing school grounds.
Budget 2017 sets out the resources available for schools for the 2017/18 school year. This Budget represents the start of a major reinvestment in education, and the first phase of implementation of the Action Plan for Education, aimed at becoming the best education system in Europe within a decade. The budget provides for over 2,400 additional teaching posts for our primary and post primary schools next year. This includes additional teaching posts to meet demographic need, curriculum reform, additional guidance posts, additional resource teaching posts, addition teaching support for DEIS schools and the strengthening of school leadership.
The 2017/18 school year will see a significant increase in teacher numbers (almost 4,700) in our schools compared to the 2015/16 school year.
A change to the method used to calculate teaching posts from existing arrangements would result in a substantial impact to the allocations process which has not been built in to current budgetary projections.
The Programme for Government has a commitment to reduce class sizes at primary level and it is my intention to make further improvements to class sizes over the life of the Government.
The configuration of classes and the deployment of classroom teachers are managed at local school level. My Department's guidance to schools is that the number of pupils in any class is kept as low as possible, taking all relevant contextual factors into account, for example, available classroom accommodation, fluctuating enrolments etc. School authorities are also requested, where possible, to use their autonomy under the staffing schedule to implement smaller class sizes for junior classes.
202. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of an appeal by a person (details supplied) to be placed on a supplementary teaching panel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25908/17]
View answerThe core function of the redeployment arrangements is to facilitate the redeployment of all surplus permanent-CID holding teachers to schools that have vacancies. Thereafter, schools are required under the panel arrangements to fill permanent vacancies from supplementary panels comprised of eligible fixed-term (temporary/substitute) and part-time teachers.
Circular 0074/2016 sets out the arrangements for panel access for fixed-term/temporary and part-time teachers to the Supplementary Redeployment Panel for the 2017/18 school year.
Applicants must meet all of the published criteria in order to gain access to the Supplementary Redeployment Panel.
The teacher referred to by the Deputy failed to meet the criteria and is therefore ineligible to be included on the Supplementary Redeployment Panel.
203. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the details of contracts he or his predecessors have received for ministerial approval from Caranua; and if in each case, it has been approved. [25925/17]
View answer204. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to contracts that Caranua has entered into that Caranua has not referred to him or his predecessors for approval. [25926/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 203 and 204 togther.
Caranua, the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Board, is an independent statutory body established pursuant to the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Act 2012. Section 7(7) of that Act provides that the Board, as it considers necessary for the performance of its functions and with the approval of the Minister, may enter into contracts with persons and engage consultants or advisers under terms and conditions that the Board considers appropriate. Section 7(7) also provides that sums payable to persons, consultants or advisers shall be paid by the Board out of moneys at its disposal.
Details of the contracts and consultancies, etc., approved under section 7(7) since the establishment of the organisation in 2013 are set out in the tabular statement that follows. Consideration of the items listed in the tabular statement was undertaken following receipt of business cases from Caranua. Ministerial approval was not granted in respect of one request submitted by Caranua. The details of that case are included in the tabular statement.
I am not aware of any instances of contracts being entered into by Caranua without the knowledge and approval of my Department.
Approvals issued by the Minister for Education and Skills under section 7(7) of the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Act 2012
|
Date |
Contractor/Consultant |
Purpose |
|
02/04/2014 |
Exchequer Software Ltd. |
Acquisition of Financial Management System |
|
15/6/2014 26/9/2014 15/10/2014 11/8/2015 |
CPL Recruitment |
Provision of agency staff |
|
17/09/2014 |
Entering into a proposed lease on new accommodation including engagement of architectural firm. (Note: project was not proceeded with.) |
|
|
21/10/2014 |
Approval to seek tenders to undertake a review of Caranua's structures, processes and systems |
|
|
11/08/2015 |
Achilles |
Provision of advice and support in procurement |
|
11/08/2015 |
Acumen |
Preparation of Board handbook |
|
11/08/2015 |
Acumen |
Set up of case management system |
|
11/08/2015 |
Ampersand |
Facilitation of session of Board |
|
11/08/2015 |
Ampersand |
Facilitation of Board meeting |
|
11/08/2015 |
Ampersand |
Facilitation of management team for staff meeting |
|
11/08/2015 |
An Post Mails Revenue |
PO Box Licence and Freepost Licences |
|
11/08/2015 |
Anna Carroll |
Training for staff member |
|
11/08/2015 |
Athena Media |
Historical research |
|
11/08/2015 |
Athena Media |
Communications strategy |
|
11/08/2015 |
Beverly Smith & Sons |
Furniture removal |
|
11/08/2015 |
Bill Moss & Partners |
Addresses of parish priests for mailshot. |
|
11/08/2015 |
Blacknight Internet |
Hosting of website |
|
11/08/2015 |
Bluewave Technologies |
Further development of Salesforce CRM System |
|
11/08/2015 |
Brendan Foreman Design |
Design of new corporate identity. |
|
11/08/2015 |
Brendan Foreman Design |
Branded stationery |
|
11/08/2015 |
Brendan Foreman Design |
Design and development of new temporary website |
|
11/08/2015 |
Brendan Foreman Design |
Design of Application Form Pt 1 and guidelines |
|
11/08/2015 |
Brendan Foreman Design |
Design of Application Form Pt 2 and Guidelines 2nd Edition |
|
11/08/2015 |
Brendan Foreman Design |
Sub-contracting of printing of applications and guidelines |
|
11/08/2015 |
Byrne Wallace Solicitors |
Legal advice |
|
11/08/2015 |
Brian Harvey |
Summary of Oireachtas debates |
|
11/08/2015 |
BT Communications Ireland Ltd |
Computer hardware & software |
|
11/08/2015 |
Caroline O’Leary |
Irish Sign Language interpretation |
|
11/08/2015 |
Carlin Marketing |
Working with subcommittee on rebranding |
|
11/08/2015 |
Carlin Marketing |
Drafting rationale for rebranding |
|
11/08/2015 |
Cathleen Anne Ronayne |
Assist with payroll calculations |
|
11/08/2015 |
Character Print Solutions |
Print and distribute copies of Application Form Pt 1 & Guidelines |
|
11/08/2015 |
Character Print Solutions |
Printing of letterheads etc. |
|
11/08/2015 |
Ciara Murray |
Examine the implications of working through delivery partners |
|
11/08/2015 |
Codex |
Provision of stationery supplies |
|
11/08/2015 |
CPL Admin |
|
|
11/08/2015 |
Crowleys DFK |
EFB Audit |
|
11/08/2015 |
Datapac |
ICT equipment (laptops, printers) |
|
11/08/2015 |
David Palmer Enterprises |
Moving of office furniture |
|
11/08/2015 |
Dreamhost |
Hosts emails and website |
|
11/08/2015 |
Dublin Rape Crisis Centre |
Training course |
|
11/08/2015 |
Eircom |
Provision of telephone services |
|
11/08/2015 |
Eircom Business Systems |
New phone management system |
|
11/08/2015 |
Emobile |
Provision of 6 mobile phones |
|
11/08/2015 |
FEXCO |
Foreign payments and anonymised cheque payments |
|
11/08/2015 |
Focus Training |
Staff training |
|
11/08/2015 |
Focused Solutions |
Support to admin staff |
|
11/08/2015 |
Fruit Design |
Design of Online Application Form Part 1 |
|
11/08/2015 |
Fruit Design |
Website design |
|
11/08/2015 |
Graphite HRM |
HR support |
|
11/08/2015 |
Harcourt Printing |
Stationery supplies |
|
11/08/2015 |
Hyperlink Ltd |
Placing of invitation to tender for baseline study on Activelink website |
|
11/08/2015 |
Inform Display Systems |
Distribution of Application Form Pt 1 to health service |
|
11/08/2015 |
Iron Mountain |
Confidential document destruction |
|
11/08/2015 |
Ita Mangan |
Research on entitlements. |
|
11/08/2015 |
Joan O'Flynn |
Facilitation session |
|
11/08/2015 |
Jury's Inn |
Accommodation for Board members |
|
11/08/2015 |
Jury's Inn |
Use of meeting rooms |
|
11/08/2015 |
Kent Carthy Solicitors |
Legal advice |
|
11/08/2015 |
Liz Challoner |
Acceptable behaviour policy |
|
11/08/2015 |
Ms Liz Challoner |
Admin support |
|
11/08/2015 |
Ms Liz Challoner |
Admin support |
|
11/08/2015 |
Maureen Lynott |
Design of criteria |
|
11/08/2015 |
Micromail |
Microsoft licences |
|
11/08/2015 |
MJ Flood |
Provision of a photocopier |
|
11/08/2015 |
NALA |
"Plain English" of forms and other documentation |
|
11/08/2015 |
National Radio Cabs |
Provision of Taxi services |
|
11/08/2015 |
Novosco |
New server and ongoing ICT support. |
|
11/08/2015 |
Novosco |
Urgent work on email system |
|
11/08/2015 |
Office Depot (Ireland) Ltd |
Paper for printing |
|
11/08/2015 |
Pitney Bowes Purchase Power |
Postage costs (franking machine) |
|
11/08/2015 |
Pony Express |
Courier services |
|
11/08/2015 |
Q4 Public Relations |
Advice on wording of letter |
|
11/08/2015 |
Q4 Public Relations |
Design and content for website |
|
11/08/2015 |
Q4 Public Relations |
Updating website |
|
11/08/2015 |
Regent Catering |
Provision of lunch etc for Board meetings |
|
11/08/2015 |
Salesforce |
Provision of licences for use of salesforce |
|
11/08/2015 |
Salespulse |
Maintenance support for data base |
|
11/08/2015 |
Shred-It |
Secure destruction of paper |
|
11/08/2015 |
Silverlink |
Design of temporary website. |
|
11/08/2015 |
Snap Printing |
Printing of guidelines |
|
11/08/2015 |
Softex |
Support for phone management software |
|
11/08/2015 |
Irish Post |
Annual sub. |
|
11/08/2015 |
Temporary Information Officers |
|
|
11/08/2015 |
Treacy Consulting |
Research project - service pathways. |
|
11/08/2015 |
Unity |
Provision of ICT support |
|
11/08/2015 |
Unity |
Provision of new firewall |
|
11/08/2015 |
Viking Direct |
Provision of stationery supplies |
|
11/08/2015 |
Wateross Management Ltd |
Advice on development & implementation of scheme. |
|
11/08/2015 |
Weafer & Associates Research & Consultancy Ltd |
Baseline awareness study |
|
27/08/2015 |
Approval to seek tenders for the procurement of internal audit services |
|
|
27/08/2015 |
Approval to seek tenders for the procurement of accountancy services |
Note: Where the box for contractor/consultant is blank it signifies that approval in principle was given by the Minister for Education and Skills for Caranua to commence a procurement process for the particular service.
Requests for approvals refused by the Minister for Education and Skills under section 7(7) of the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Act 2012
|
11/08/2015 |
Geraldine Prizeman |
Clean up of data. |
