Written Answers Nos. 143-161
143. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the new development for a school (details supplied); if a timeframe from tender has been set out; when site works will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41250/17]
View answerThe Stage 2b process for the major building project at the school to which the Deputy refers has recently been completed. Subsequently, the Department has been in contact with the Board of Management authorizing the progression of the building project to the Tender Stage to appoint a Building Contractor to complete the works.
In parallel, the Board of Management and its Design Team have recently completed the pre-qualification process and the Invitation to Tender will issue to the shortlist of contractors shortly.
Due to the simultaneous progression of these two processes, and subject to any significant issues arising during the tender stage, the project should be in a position to progress to site early in 2018.
144. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a school (details supplied) did not qualify for DEIS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41308/17]
View answerThe key data sources used in the DEIS identification process are the DES Primary Online Database, POD, and Post-Primary Online, PPOD, Databases, and CSO data from the National Census of Population as represented in the Pobal HP Index for Small Areas which is a method of measuring the relative affluence or disadvantage of a particular geographical area. Variables used in the compilation of the HP Index include those related to demographic growth, dependency ratios, education levels, single parent rate, overcrowding, social class, occupation and unemployment rates. This data is combined with pupil data, anonymised and aggregated to small area, to provide information on the relative level of concentrated disadvantage present in the pupil cohort of individual schools.
In June, a communication issued to every school in the country explaining the Identification Methodology by way of a detailed 22-page document which is available on the Department’s website at:https://www.education.ie/en/Schools-Colleges/Services/DEIS-Delivering-Equality-of-Opportunity-in-Schools-/DEIS-Identification-Process.pdf.
Schools included in the list published by my Department on 13 February are those whose level of disadvantage has been identified as being at the same level as the current DEIS category for schools serving the highest concentrations of disadvantage. Schools which have not been included at this stage, including the one referred to by the Deputy, are those which have not been identified as having the highest levels of concentrated disadvantage amongst their pupil cohort, under the new model.
It is important to note that this is a first step in a process and the fact that a school has not been included now does not preclude its inclusion at a later date, should the assessment indicate a level of disadvantage that warrants additional supports. I am fully aware that there are further schools whose concentrated level of disadvantage may not be at the highest level, but may nevertheless be at a level which warrants additional supports for pupils under DEIS.
A further process will take account of updated data as it becomes available. Schools are being advised to ensure that their POD/PPOD data is fully correct and up to date, including Eircode. Schools can now record Eircode on both the POD and PPOD databases. The HP Index, based on the 2016 National Census data is being updated, and will be available to the Department in the coming weeks. A further exercise will be conducted using the updated datasets in due course. If this exercise reveals that any school which did not qualify for DEIS in the February 2017 round actually meets the criteria applicable to schools with the highest concentration of disadvantage based on the fully up-to-date information then it will be included, subject to resources.
145. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a sports hall will be provided to a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41309/17]
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.
My Department has carried out a site visit at the school in the context of the preparatory work required to advance the project, which will also include determining a schedule of accommodation for the project. My Department will continue to liaise directly with the school authorities regarding the project.
146. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 313 of 26 July 2017, when a proposal in respect of the management of a facility (details supplied) was received by his Department; if he will provide a copy of such a proposal; when approval was given for this use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41310/17]
View answerAs advised in my response to Parliamentary Question No. 167 of 3 May last and subsequent Parliamentary Question No. 313 of 26 July, my Department contributed toward the capital cost of the sports hall for the school referred to. In that regard, my Department has no objection in principle to the use of a school’s recreational facilities for community use.
My Department issued a circular to all school authorities urging trustees and Boards of Management to make their facilities available where possible for community education and recreation purposes. Decisions in relation to the use of these school facilities is at the discretion of the Board of Management, subject to the condition that the needs of the students attending the school are prioritised in the first instance.
It is understood that the school referred has been considering the arrangements to be put in place in respect of the management of the facility. A proposal in this regard has not been received in my Department to date.
147. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills when his Department expects a project (details supplied) to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41332/17]
View answerThe brief for the school referred to by the Deputy is for a new three-storey building of 5926m², containing 20 classrooms, Junior/Senior dining area, GP Hall, Library, Special Teacher rooms, Multi-Sensory, Physiotherapy & Occupational Therapy rooms, nurse’s area, kitchen, ancillary storage and services.
In July of this year, the Stage 2b (Detailed Design) was approved, pending the completion of the process to carry out a Prequalification of Contractors. The pre-qualification process is necessary to create a shortlist of building contractors to ensure that there are a number of appropriate and suitable candidates who can tender for the construction contract.
The tender process, including the pre-qualification of contractors, normally takes between four to six months. My Department anticipates that this project will complete the tender process and go on site to commence construction in early 2018.
I can assure the Deputy that my Department will make every effort to expedite this process.
148. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Skills what assistance is available to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare with regard to the educational needs of a child. [41336/17]
View answerMy Department provides for a range of placement options and supports for schools, which have enrolled students with special educational needs, including pupils with Specific Learning Disability, SLD, and Specific Speech and Language Disorder, SSLD, in order to ensure that wherever a child is enrolled, s/he will have access to an appropriate education.
The National Council for Special Education, NCSE, which is a separate statutory agency, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers, SENOs, is responsible for the provision of special educational needs supports to schools. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. SENOs are available to assist parents in identifying appropriate educational placements for children with special educational needs, including pupils with SLDs and SSLD.
All Primary schools have been allocated additional teaching resources to cater for children with special educational needs. Guidelines for schools on the organisation, deployment and use of their special education teachers have been published on my Department’s website, at: http://www.education.ie/en/The-Education-System/Special-Education/Guidelines-for-Primary-Schools-Supporting-Pupils-with-Special-Educational-Needs-in-Mainstream-Schools.pdf. Schools are supported in this regard by the National Educational Psychological Services.
It is a matter for schools to monitor and utilise their allocation of additional teaching support to best support the needs of identified pupils, in accordance with my Department's guidance. The teaching time afforded to each individual pupil is decided and managed by schools, taking into account each child's individual learning needs.
My Department also provides for special schools and special class placements for children with SLD and SSLD where more intensive and supportive interventions are provided. SLD classes have a reduced pupil/teacher ratio of 9:1 and an increased level of capitation grant. The pupils who attend SLD classes have, following psychological assessment, been identified as having a specific learning disability. The NCSE continues to monitor and review the requirement for special class places in particular areas.
Applications from schools meeting the criteria for establishment of SSLD special classes are approved by the NCSE. The opening of a Speech and Language class is, however, contingent on the Health Service Executive, HSE, being in a position to provide Speech and Language therapy to the students in the class.
The enrolment of pupils in an SSLD special classes is managed locally by an Admissions & Discharges Committee, comprising the Speech and Language Therapy Manager, Speech and Language Therapist, Class Teacher and Principal. The criteria for enrolment in a Special Class for pupils with SSLD is set out in my Department's Circular 0038/2007. A full-time teacher is assigned to each class, and classes operate with a reduced pupil-teacher ratio of 7:1. A minimum number of five eligible pupils is required for a school to retain an SSLD class. Eligible pupils may spend up to two years in such classes. An enhanced capitation grant is provided to schools operating special classes for pupils with SSLD. In general, children who meet the criteria for enrolment in Special Classes for pupils with SSLD are eligible for free transport to the SSLD class nearest to his or her place of residence, subject to the terms of the school transport scheme.
Funding is also available to schools for the purchase of specialised equipment such as computers and/or software to assist children with special educational needs, including children with SLDs and SSLD, where relevant professionals recommend the equipment as being essential for the provision of education. Schools apply to the NCSE, through their local Special Educational Needs Organiser, SENO, for such support. SENOs make recommendations to my Department where assistive technology is required, in accordance with the criteria set out in my Department's Circular 0010/2013. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO.
My Department encourages parents and school authorities to engage locally regarding pupils' education. Should a parent be dissatisfied with the manner in which supports have been provided to support their child's education they should raise this matter directly with their school Principal or the Board of Management of the school. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's present or future educational needs, using the contact details available on: www.ncse.ie.
149. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a new secondary school for the Castleknock and Carpenterstown areas in Dublin 15; the location of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41337/17]
View answerThe building project for the new post primary school to serve Carpenterstown/Castleknock is included in my Department’s six-year construction programme.
Officials in my Department continue to liaise with officials in Fingal County Council in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding in relation to the identification and acquisition of a suitable location for the school and have identified a preferred site option within the Carpenterstown/Castleknock School Planning Areas. Negotiations with the landowner in respect of this proposed acquisition are currently ongoing.
Due to commercial sensitivities relating to site acquisitions, generally I am not in a position to provide further details at this time but the school patron will be informed of the proposed location for the school as soon as it is possible to do so.
150. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Education and Skills if SOLAS still owns the property on Shanliss road, Santry, which was used as a FÁS centre; if so, if it has plans for the property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41345/17]
View answerSOLAS has confirmed to my Department that it does not own any property on Shanliss Road and their records indicate that FÁS did not own property on this road either.
151. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills what savings have been made through the merger of Tipperary north and south vocational education committees, VECs, into Tipperary Education and Training Board, ETB, in each of the years 2013 to 2016, respectively. [41350/17]
View answerIn June 2011, the Government decided to reduce the overall number of vocational education committees, VECs, from 33 to 16. The VECs were dissolved on 1 July 2013 and were replaced with 16 Education and Training Boards, ETBs.
The change was intended to strengthen locally managed education and enhance the scale of local education and training. It represented a major component of the public service transformation agenda. The new configuration also facilitated new provisions including the establishment of SOLAS, the dissolution of FÁS and paved the way for the transfer of training functions and training centres to the newly formed Education and Training Boards. The change better positioned the sector for future development and facilitated the required reductions, under the public service Employment Control Framework, of administrative staff employed in the sector, while protecting the services provided.
Details of specific savings from each ETB are not readily available. However, economies arising from the restructuring include those achieved as a result of reductions in administrative staffing costs linked to streamlining of functions within ETBs and the operating of the moratorium on recruitment and redeployment of surplus staff, including an ultimate reduction in the number of Chief Executive posts from 33 to 16. In some instances savings have also arisen from consolidating administrative functions in fewer locations.
Plans are also advanced for the establishment of shared services facilities in the areas of finance and payroll which should result in improved efficiency and consistency in financial and payroll management, and the feeing up of resources for other priorities.
152. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of full working days the chief executive officer of Tipperary Education and Training Board, ETB, has worked in the head office in Nenagh since the appointment in July 2013. [41351/17]
View answer153. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of days the chief executive officer of Tipperary Education and Training Board, ETB, has been present in the head office in Nenagh since the appointment in July 2013. [41352/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions 152 and 153 together.
The role of a Chief Executive of an ETB is varied and includes strategic as well as operational responsibilities. Chief Executives generally attend the ETB's schools and centres from time to time as well as being required to travel to participate in a range of committees, initiatives or meetings with other stakeholders including my Department and other bodies such as ETBI, SOLAS, TUSLA, DCYA, NCCA, and QQI. Tipperary ETB has 30 premises across its functional area.
While headquartered in the Nenagh office, I understand from the ETB that outside of the above the Chief Executive of Tipperary ETB spends time in both the Nenagh and Clonmel offices. For operational reasons all statutory meetings and senior staff meetings are rotated between Nenagh, Thurles and Clonmel to accommodate staff and Committee members travelling from various parts of the county.
Chief Executives are accountable to the Board of the relevant Education and Training Board. My Department is not involved in the micromanagement of their day-to-day activities.
154. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the costs in each of the years 2013 to 2016 and to date in 2017 of the rent of the Tipperary Education and Training Board, ETB, sub-office in Clonmel. [41353/17]
View answerThe ETB has informed my Department that the cost of the rent of Tipperary ETB's sub-office in Clonmel amounts to €50,000 per annum. This information is published in Tipperary ETB's annual financial statements.
155. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the purpose and cost of the lease of a new Tipperary Education and Training Board, ETB, office in Thurles; and the amount that is being paid by SOLAS. [41354/17]
View answerIn line with Government policy, SOLAS is working with Education and Training Boards, ETBs, to meet the expanding needs of the apprenticeship programme which has expanded by 54% since August 2015, 36% since August 2016, and is forecast to continue to expand out to 2020. Additional facilities are required to meet this increased demand for apprenticeship training.
In order to ensure that current facilities are fully utilised, and to assess where the additional facilities should be located, in 2016 SOLAS conducted an expression of interest exercise with all ETBs. Plans for future apprenticeship provision were developed following this exercise, including where to locate additional apprenticeship courses.
Tipperary ETB was selected for some of this additional training capacity. Tipperary ETB identified Thurles and the premises in question as the location for this additional capacity, given its central location and access to transport infrastructure including the motorway and train services.
Tipperary ETB is leasing an industrial premises in Thurles for the purpose of establishing a Further Education and Training, FET, centre for the county. The Thurles location was agreed with SOLAS as being suitable.
This centre will provide a number of apprenticeship courses that will serve the entire country. Initially, it will cater for four Electrical apprenticeships, one Electronic Security and one Construction Plant Fitting, and will include ancillary areas such as classrooms, toilets, canteen, offices, etc. Initially, the centre will provide training for Phase 2 of four-year apprenticeship courses. It is expected that additional courses will be offered in the future.
Thurles will also provide skills development and traineeship courses for people who are unemployed, employed or economically inactive, through contracted training, night training and other FET courses.
The building in question comprises 52,000 square feet plus approximately 12,300 square feet in yard space. The lease is a ten-year lease and the annual rent is €345,000 including maintenance charges. In order to facilitate the establishment of the training activity, the landlord will carry out the fit-out works estimated at €1.8 million. Once all works are completed, the overall rental cost to the ETB will increase per annum over the first five years or there is the option to pay for these as the facilities are commissioned and come on stream.
ETB expenditure on rent and fit-out costs related to FET activity will be fully funded by SOLAS.
156. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if Tipperary Education and Training Board, ETB, was offered the use of the old Thurles town council offices for training purposes; and if so, the reason it was turned down. [41355/17]
View answerThe identification and management of premises for ETB services are a matter for the ETB itself. In light of the question raised by the Deputy, the ETB informed my Department that the Thurles Town Council premises are not suitable or big enough for Tipperary ETB's requirements, given the nature of the industrial type training due to be carried out from the Thurles Centre.
157. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the job advertisements and job specifications in Tipperary Education and Training Board, ETB, since 2013, by date. [41356/17]
View answer160. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of posts that have been advertised in Tipperary Education and Training Board, ETB, since 2013; and the location that the winner of each post has commenced work in. [41359/17]
View answer161. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if every post that has been advertised in Tipperary Education and Training Board, ETB, since 2017 has had a place of work as part of the job description; and if not, the reason therefor. [41360/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 157, 160 and 161 together.
The following table summarises information supplied by Tipperary ETB in response to the Deputy's questions. The vast majority of recruitment relates to the delivery of teaching and further education and training. Such posts are located in the ETB's schools and centres across County Tipperary. In relation to administrative posts, where opportunities for internal acting-up appointments and consequential vacancies arise, existing staff are facilitated where possible, in remaining in their base location for the duration of the temporary appointment.
Should the Deputy require further information on recruitment in Tipperary ETB, he might wish to note that, as with all ETBs, Tipperary ETB has a dedicated e-mail address for Oireachtas members as follows: oireachtasqueries@tipperaryetb.ie
|
2017-18 |
|||
|
Type of Post-Teacher |
Advertised Location |
Location - Commenced Work |
|
|
1 |
Acting Grade VII-Administrative Officer |
TETB |
Clonmel-Human Resource Department |
|
Panel |
Clerical Officer III |
TETB |
As required |
|
1 |
Caretakers |
Clonmel |
Colaiste Ceitinn, Clonmel |
|
1 |
Caretaker-FET Thurles |
Thurles |
Training Centre, Thurles |
|
8 |
Further Ed |
TETB |
|
|
1 |
SNA |
TETB |
|
|
124 |
Teaching Post |
TETB |
|
|
12 |
Training Services |
TETB |
|
|
2016-17 |
|||
|
Type of Post-Teacher |
Advertised Location |
Location - Commenced Work |
|
|
1 |
Acting Admin Grade VII |
TETB |
Nenagh |
|
1 |
Acting Grade IV, Acting Grade V, Acting Grade VI |
TETB |
TETB |
|
1 |
Acting Grade V |
TETB |
Nenagh |
|
1 |
APO post |
TETB |
TETB |
|
32 |
Further Ed |
TETB |
TETB |
|
1 |
SNA |
TETB |
TETB |
|
88 |
Teaching Posts |
TETB |
TETB |
|
4 |
Training Service |
TETB |
TETB |
|
2015-16 |
|||
|
Type of Post-Teacher |
Advertised Location |
Location - Commenced Work |
|
|
1 |
Acting Administration Officer Grade VII |
Nenagh |
Nenagh |
|
1 |
Acting Senior Staff Officer Grade VI |
Nenagh |
Nenagh |
|
1 |
Personal Assistant/Notetaker |
Clonmel |
Clonmel |
|
1 |
Recruitment Officer (Grade VII Level) |
Clonmel |
Clonmel Training Centre |
|
1 |
Clericial Officer III |
Clonmel |
Clonmel |
|
1 |
Assistant Staff Office - Internal |
North Tipperary |
North Tipperary |
|
1 |
Project Worker - North Tipperary Area |
North Tipperary |
North Tipperary |
|
1 |
Further Education and Training Service Manager (APO Level) |
Clonmel |
Clonmel Training Centre |
|
1 |
Quality Assurance Officer (Grade VII Level) |
Clonmel |
Clonmel Training Centre |
|
3 |
Further Ed |
TETB |
TETB |
|
1 |
Project Worker - North Tipperary Area |
TETB |
TETB |
|
1 |
School Completion Programme Project Co-ordinator |
TETB |
TETB |
|
124 |
Teachers |
TETB |
TETB |
|
10 |
Tutor |
TETB |
TETB |
|
2014-15 |
|||
|
Type of Post-Teacher |
Advertised Location |
Location - Commenced Work |
|
|
53 |
Teachers |
TETB |
TETB |
|
3 |
SNA |
TETB |
TETB |
|
48 |
Further Ed |
TETB |
TETB |
|
1 |
Admin (Acting/Temporary Education Officer) |
Clonmel |
Clonmel |
|
2013-14 |
|||
|
Type of Post-Teacher |
Advertised Location |
Location - Commenced Work |
|
|
2 |
Assistant Principal |
Borrisokane |
Borrisokane |
|
3 |
Teachers |
Borrisokane |
Borrisokane |
|
2 |
Teachers |
Nenagh |
Nenagh |
|
1 |
Teachers |
Newport |
Newport |
|
4 |
Teachers |
Roscrea |
Roscrea |
|
4 |
Teachers |
Templemore |
Templemore |
|
2 |
Teachers |
Thurles |
Thurles |
|
1 |
Career Guidance/Counselling |
Roscrea |
Roscrea |
|
1 |
Tutor of Psychology |
Thurles |
Thurles |
|
4 |
Tutors |
TETB |
TETB |
158. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the staffing allocations by grade and location in Tipperary Education and Training Board, ETB. [41357/17]
View answer170. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the staffing numbers for 2015, 2016 and 2017 by grade and post across all schools under the domain of Tipperary Education and Training Board, ETB. [41369/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 158 and 170 together.
Teacher allocations to all second-level schools are approved annually by my Department in accordance with established rules based on recognised pupil enrolment. A staffing allocation to each ETB Scheme is provided based on the teacher allocation rules. However, it is a matter for each ETB to distribute the staffing allocations concerned within its scheme.
In relation to Special Needs Assistants, the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, which is an independent statutory agency, is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers, SENOs, for allocating a quantum of Special Needs Assistant, SNA, support for each school annually taking into account the assessed care needs of children qualifying for SNA support enrolled in the school. The criteria by which SNA support is allocated to pupils is set out in my Department's Circular 0030/2014. The NCSE advised all schools of their allocations for SNA support for the coming 2017-18 school year on 6 July 2017. Details of SNA allocations which have been made to schools have been published by the NCSE on their website at: http://ncse.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/NCSE-17_18-SNA-Teaching-Allocation-to-Special-Schools2.pdf.
With regards to non-teaching staff posts located in Head Offices and schools, staffing returns are furnished to my Department on a quarterly basis from ETBs. The table below outlines grades and work locations for the years 2015, 2016 and 2017*, as per staffing returns received from the Tipperary ETB.
It should be noted that ETBs also receive funding from sources other than my Department, for example through self-financing programmes or from other Departments and agencies, most notably for further education and training which is funded by SOLAS. These funding streams may also fund staffing across the ETB.
*2017 numbers are based on the most recent information from Tipperary ETB which is for quarter 2 of 2017.
2017
|
Staff Grade |
Work Location |
|
|
1 |
CE |
Administrative Offices |
|
3 |
Directors |
Administrative Offices |
|
2 |
AP |
Administrative Offices |
|
8 |
Grade III |
Administrative Offices |
|
8 |
Grade IV |
Administrative Offices |
|
5 |
Grade V |
Administrative Offices |
|
3 |
Grade VI |
Administrative Offices |
|
3 |
Grade VII |
Administrative Offices |
|
1 |
Cleaner |
Administrative Offices |
|
1 |
Caretaker |
Administrative Offices |
|
1 |
Attendants |
Schools |
|
23 |
Caretakers |
Schools |
|
11 |
Cleaners |
Schools |
|
14 |
Grade III |
Schools |
|
6 |
Grade IV |
Schools |
|
1 |
Adult Education Officer |
Lifelong Learning Centre |
2016
|
Staff Grade |
Work Location |
|
|
1 |
Chief Executive |
Administrative Offices |
|
3 |
Directors |
Administrative Offices |
|
1 |
Assistant Principal Officer |
Administrative Offices |
|
9 |
Grade III |
Administrative Offices |
|
10 |
Grade IV |
Administrative Offices |
|
4 |
Grade V |
Administrative Offices |
|
3 |
Grade VI |
Administrative Offices |
|
2 |
Grade VII |
Administrative Offices |
|
1 |
Cleaner |
Administrative Offices |
|
1 |
Caretaker |
Administrative Offices |
|
2 |
Attendants |
Schools |
|
18 |
Caretakers |
Schools |
|
15 |
Cleaners |
Schools |
|
14 |
Grade III |
Schools |
|
6 |
Grade iv |
Schools |
|
1 |
Adult Education Officer |
Lifelong Learning Centre |
|
2 |
Cleaner |
School & Administrative Offices |
2015
|
Staff Grade |
Work Location |
|
|
1 |
Chief Executive |
Administrative Offices |
|
1 |
Adult Education Officer |
Administrative Offices |
|
2 |
Assistant Principal Officer |
Administrative Offices |
|
1 |
Caretaker |
Administrative Offices |
|
1 |
Cleaner |
Administrative Offices |
|
1 |
Education Officer |
Administrative Offices |
|
7 |
Grade III |
Administrative Offices |
|
9 |
Grade IV |
Administrative Offices |
|
4 |
Grade V |
Administrative Offices |
|
3 |
Grade VI |
Administrative Offices |
|
2 |
Grade VII |
Administrative Offices |
|
2 |
Attendants |
School |
|
14 |
Caretakers |
School |
|
17 |
Cleaners |
School |
|
13 |
Grade III |
School |
|
6 |
Grade IV |
School |
|
2 |
Cleaner |
VTOS / YR |
159. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide a copy of the Tipperary Education and Training Board, ETB, policy on expenses in place currently. [41358/17]
View answerMy Department contacted the ETB in relation to this matter and the ETB has supplied the following copy of its expenses policy for the information of the Deputy.
Tipperary ETB
Procedures for Payment of Travel & Subsistence
Procedures for the payment of Travelling Expenses and Subsistence Allowances
The following procedures, in line with DES and other regulations, for the payment of travelling expenses, will apply to all staff of TIPPERARY EDUCATION & TRAINING BOARD
General Rules
1.Travelling and Subsistence allowances are payable only in respect of necessary absence from the employee's headquarters. All travelling should be planned as efficiently as possible so as to reduce the amount of travel involved.
2. An allowance shall be paid only in respect of travel and subsistence expenses actually and necessarily incurred in the performance of an employee's official duty.
3. All official travel should be by the shortest practicable routes and by the cheapest practicable mode of conveyance.
4. The subsistence allowance payable is not intended to meet the whole cost of the Subsistence when absent from home and headquarters and is not intended to be a source of emolument or profit.
5. Travelling expenses will not be paid in respect of any portion of a journey which Covers all, or part, of a person's usual route between home and headquarters.
6. When a person proceeds on an official journey direct from home or returns home direct, the travelling allowance payable will be calculated by reference to the distance from home or the school/headquarters, whichever is the lesser.
7. An officer/employee will be authorised to use private transport for reasons Connected with school business only in the following circumstances where:
a) No suitable public transport (i.e. train or bus) is available;
b) Public transport is suitable only at equal or greater expense;
c) The use of public transport would result in the loss of official time which it is necessary to avoid.
8. Where more than one person is travelling to the same meeting, arrangements should be made to avoid the unnecessary duplication of the use of more than one car.
9. Taxis or cars should only be hired when no suitable transport is available. Vouchers should be supplied with all such claims.
10. Travel and subsistence allowance is not payable for an absence at any place within eight kilometres of the school/place of work or a person's normal place of residence. Subject to the foregoing, a day allowance is payable in respect of an absence from home or school of five hours or more.
11. Travel and subsistence claims should be submitted for payment to Head Office by the first Monday of each month and certainly within two months of the journey having been made.
12. Deductions to be made from the subsistence rate to take account of meals provided to an officer at no cost to himself/herself, are as follows:
a) Where lunch or dinner is provided, a five-hour rate should be deducted;
b) Where both lunch and dinner are provided, a ten-hour rate should be deducted;
c) Where breakfast is provided, half the appropriate five-hour rate should be deducted.
13. All claims should show:
a) The purpose of the journey;
b) The mode of transport used;
c) If private transport is used, the cubic capacity of the engine;
d) The total mileage travelled (as outlined in paragraphs one to eight above);
e) The actual date(s) and times of departure from and return to school/claimant's residence/headquarters as outlined in paragraph 12 above;
f) A certificate of attendance must accompany any courses, in service, meetings of cultural activities, games etc. which are being claimed for. The claim will not be paid unless certificate is attached.
14. It shall be the responsibility of each officer/employee (who uses his/her vehicle in the performance of official duties) to certify the accuracy of his/her claim in accordance with these regulations and to ensure:
a) Compliance with legal requirements in respect of driving licence, vehicle licence and motor insurance. Evidence of such compliance shall be made available on request to the person's supervisors or other officer authorised by the Chief Executive Officer.
b) His/her motor insurance policy provides an indemnity to the TETB and covers use of the vehicle in the performance of official duties. It is the responsibility of the individual to explain to his/her insurers the extent of use of the vehicle in the performance of official duties.
c) A distinction should be made between travelling incurred in the course of the day-to-day business and attendance at in-service training.
d) Mileage claimed is in accordance with the ETB's approved schedule of mileages. Exceptions should be clearly explained.
Approval of the Chief Executive Officer is received where claims are more than two months in arrears.
