Thomas Byrne
Question:385. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the need for a secondary school in Duleek, County Meath. [36865/18]
View answerSchools Site Acquisitions
Questions (385)
Written answers
As the Deputy will be aware, the Government recently announced plans for the establishment of 42 new schools over the next four years (2019 to 2022), including a new 600 pupil post-primary school to be established in 2019 to serve the Drogheda school planning area (in which Duleek is located) and Laytown school planning area as a regional solution. This announcement follows nationwide, demographic exercises carried out by my Department into the future need for primary and post-primary schools across the country and the 4-year horizon will enable increased lead-in times for planning and delivery of the necessary infrastructure.
Following on from the announcement, the locations for all of the schools will be determined as part of the site acquisition process.
In line with the policy on the use of state assets (Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Circulars 11/15 and 17/16), my Department will be seeking to maximise the use of sites already in my ownership and of available properties in the ownership of other State bodies, where these are considered suitable.
In addition, as part of my Department's ongoing engagement with Local Authorities in respect of statutory planning processes and under the MoU on school site acquisitions, my Department will be examining all potential suitable site options to serve the relevant areas.
Taking into account all of the above, decisions will then be made as part of the site acquisition process in relation to appropriate sites for all the schools announced, including the school referred to by the Deputy.
Schools Site Acquisitions
Questions (386)
Thomas Byrne
Question:386. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a new primary school for Dunshaughlin, County Meath. [36866/18]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, I recently announced plans for the establishment of 42 new schools over the next four years (2019 to 2022), including a new 8 classroom primary school to serve the Dunshaughlin school planning area to be established in 2019. This announcement follows nationwide, demographic exercises carried out by my Department into the future need for primary and post-primary schools across the country.
A patronage process is run after it has been decided, based on demographic analysis, that a new school is required. This patronage process is open to all patron bodies and prospective patrons. Parental preferences for each patron, from parents of children who reside in the school planning areas concerned, together with the extent of diversity currently available in these areas, are key to decisions in relation to the outcome of this process.
An Online Patronage Process System (OPPS) has been developed by my Department to provide objective information to all parents which will allow them to make an informed choice about their preferred model of patronage for their child’s education. Parental preferences were previously collected based on direct engagement with patron bodies. The Patronage Process for the primary schools to be established in 2019, including the new primary school referred to by the Deputy, will commence later this year.
The patronage process for new schools is overseen by an external independent advisory group, the New Schools Establishment Group (NSEG). Following their consideration of my Department’s assessment reports, the NSEG submits a report with recommendations to me for consideration and final decision. The assessment reports and the NSEG recommendations for all such patronage processes are made available on my Department's website.
An initial phased start-up is envisaged for the new schools, which typically involves the use of interim accommodation. However, this is the first time the requirement for new schools is set out over a 4-year horizon and this will provide a better lead-in period for the planning and delivery of permanent accommodation solutions.
In line with the policy on the use of state assets (Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Circulars 11/15 and 17/16), my Department will be seeking to maximise the use of sites already in my ownership and of available properties in the ownership of other State bodies, where these are considered suitable.
In addition as part of my Department's ongoing engagement with Local Authorities in respect of statutory planning processes and under the MoU on school site acquisitions, my Department will be examining all potential suitable site options, including appropriately zoned sites, to serve the relevant areas.
Taking into account all of the above, decisions will then be made as part of the site acquisition process in relation to appropriate sites for all the schools announced and will be confirmed at a later date.
Schools Building Projects Status
Questions (387)
Thomas Byrne
Question:387. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an extension to a school (details supplied) and the tender and construction project for same. [36867/18]
View answerWritten answers
The project to which the Deputy refers has been approved and devolved for delivery to the local Education and Training Board (ETB) under my Department's Additional Accommodation Scheme. The design team that the ETB has appointed for this project is currently preparing tender documentation. The completion of this documentation will allow the process of tendering for the completion of the contract to begin. This is expected to take place before the end of October. Once this tendering process is complete, the works can then proceed to site.
Education Policy
Questions (388)
Thomas Byrne
Question:388. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department will continue to participate in the OECD's learning environments evaluation programme. [36899/18]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to confirm to the Deputy that my Department will continue to participate in the OECDs learning environments evaluation programme and a letter was issued to the OECD on 29th August confirming this.
Special Educational Needs Data
Questions (389)
Thomas Byrne
Question:389. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of children with special needs past the age of six on 1 June 2018 who are awaiting a primary school place. [36900/18]
View answerWritten answers
This Government is committed to ensuring every child with special educational needs has the opportunity to fulfil their full potential.
In 2018, almost €1.8 billion will be invested in Special Education, nearly one fifth of the overall Education budget, and up 43% since 2011.
The Department's policy is to provide for the inclusive education of children with special educational needs in mainstream school settings, unless such a placement would not be in the best interests of the child concerned, or the children with whom they will be educated. The Deputy will be aware that all children must be enrolled in the primary school system, whether through placement in mainstream classes, in special classes or in special schools in the September prior to their sixth birthday.
The greater proportion of children with special education needs attend mainstream class, where they may access additional supports if required.
Some students with special education needs, although academically able to access the curriculum in mainstream, may find it too difficult to manage full-time placement there and placement in a special class is an option for them.
Special school placements are provided for other students with very complex special needs who wouldn’t manage in a mainstream school even for part of the week.
The Department therefore provides for a continuum of provision which includes mainstream school placements with additional supports, or for pupils who require more specialist interventions, special class and special school placements.
The National Council for Special Education is responsible, through its network of Special Needs Organisers, for the development and delivery and co-ordination of education services to children with Special Educational Needs, including the establishment of special class and special school placements.
The NCSE and my Department work closely together to address issues in specialised provision that arise from time in time at local levels and also to ensure that there is appropriate planning in place to ensure that all children who require special class placements can access such placements in schools within their communities.
To this end my Department and the NCSE have convened a working group to put in place a new working protocol to ensure that there is effective pro-active planning and timely delivery of specialist educational places for students in special classes and special schools.
The focus of the working group is to guide the development of necessary placements in schools in the short, medium and longer terms to meet the anticipated needs of pupils and to ensure that any necessary school building or refurbishment and school transport considerations are resolved as early as possible so that placement options can be accessed where and when they are needed.
My Department has acknowledged that in recent years the establishment of special provision in some schools and communities has been challenging.
The Deputy may be aware that the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018 was signed by the President on 18 July 2018 and will, when commenced, assist parents to more easily access local schools and to enrol their children in a school that meets their needs.
When commenced, the Act will also, based on reports and advice from the NCSE, provide a power for the Minister to direct a school to make additional provision in respect of children with special educational needs.
The direction by me will be preceded by a number of steps to allow for engagement between myself, the NCSE, the Board of Management and Patron and where the owner is not the Patron, the owner of a school.
The NCSE is aware of emerging need from year to year, and where special provision is required it is planned and established to meet that need.
Since 2011, the NCSE has increased the number of special classes by over 130% from 548 in 2011 to 1,456 across the country now. In addition there are currently 124 Special schools of which provide 7,872 placements for children with very complex needs.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) will continue to establish further specialised placements during the school year where such need has been identified.
In circumstances, where there is no placement available for a child with Special Educational Needs, my Department can provide Home Tuition grant funding towards the provision of 20 hours home tuition per week as an interim measure until the NCSE confirms that a placement is available.
Applications can be made at any point of the school year, based on when the child receives a diagnosis and recommendation for a specialised placement.
Over the course of the 2017/18 school year, 61 children with special education needs over the age of 6 availed of this interim provision. Statistics for the current school year are not readily available. While the scheme has commenced, Statistics have yet to emerge as the Department has only begun to receive applications under the 2018/19 scheme.
Parents/Guardians who may need advice or are experiencing difficulties in locating a school placement, including special class placement, should contact their local Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO) who can assist in identifying an appropriate educational placement for their child. Contact details are available at http://ncse.ie/seno-contact-list.
The NCSE also works in collaboration with the Educational Welfare Services (EWS) of the Child and Family Agency which is the statutory agency that can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child or can offer assistance where a child is out of school. The local service is delivered through the national network of Educational Welfare Officers (EWO). Contact details are available at http://www.tusla.ie/get-in-touch/education-and-welfare/.
Schools Building Projects Status
Questions (390)
Pat the Cope Gallagher
Question:390. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the proposed new development for a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36902/18]
View answerWritten answers
The major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning Stage 2b (Detailed Design), which includes the application for statutory approvals and the preparation of tender documents.
In June 2018, the school and its design team was authorised to commence the prequalification process to select a shortlist of contractors for tender stage. Pre-qualification normally takes between 8 and 12 weeks to complete.
Once the prequalification process is complete the Department will be in contact with the Board of Management with a view to progressing the project to tender stage.
In March 2018 my Department issued a letter to the school and its Design Team outlining the projected timeframe for the progression of this project to tender and construction stage and the steps involved.
Apprenticeship Programmes
Questions (391)
Billy Kelleher
Question:391. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the review SOLAS was to commission on pathways to participation in apprenticeships, including the participation of persons with a disability; his plans for developing apprenticeship opportunities for persons with disabilities; and when this will be completed. [36916/18]
View answerWritten answers
As set out in the Action Plan to Expand Apprenticeship and Traineeship in Ireland, SOLAS is currently reviewing pathways to participation in apprenticeship, including for people with disabilities. The review will identify any barriers that may exist to participation in an apprenticeship programme. The purpose of the review is to ensure that our national apprenticeship system is more reflective of the range and diversity of our population, more inclusive of diverse backgrounds and abilities and that apprenticeship opportunities are more readily accessible to all. The review will result in the publication of actions in this area in the coming weeks, along with the background research.
Insurance Coverage
Questions (392)
Joan Burton
Question:392. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the engagement his Department has had with the insurance industry regarding the provision of public liability insurance for primary and secondary schools in respect of accidents in sport and play yards; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some schools now ban pupils from running during play and the detrimental effect this has on children's exercise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36956/18]
View answerWritten answers
Responsibility for procurement of insurance and payment of same rests with Boards of Management and the Education and Training Boards (ETBs) in respect of schools operated by them. If a particular school has a query in relation to the cost of insurance it should raise this directly with its insurance provider.
Boards of Management and ETBs should take a proactive approach when it comes to sourcing insurance in order to ensure best value is obtained and to ensure compliance with public procurement procedures. The Schools Procurement Unit which has a national remit is available to advise and assist schools in relation to procurement matters.
It is my view that it is important for children to avail of the opportunity to exercise at school and that children should be able to run and move freely in the school yard unless there are very compelling reasons for individual schools to prohibit such activity.
The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 sets out the responsibilities on individual school management authorities to have a safety statement in place in their schools. It is also a matter for school authorities to determine school policies, taking into account any health and safety risks to children running in the school yard and to put appropriate safeguards in place to mitigate any potential risk to the school community.
As part of the management of the risks there is an onus on Boards of Management and the Education and Training Boards (ETBs) in respect of schools operated by them to ensure, as appropriate, that they have put in place comprehensive insurance cover for schools. Boards are advised by my Department to ensure that all such insurances are effected and maintained as are necessary to safeguard the school, the Board and the Trustees against all public liability. Under the provisions of the Education Act, 1998 the Board of Management is the body charged with the direct governance of a school.
Schools are required to take all reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of pupils and responsibility for the appropriate supervision of students is therefore a matter for the individual Board of Management. While appreciating that it is not always possible to eliminate all risks, it should nevertheless be possible to manage them in such a manner that pupils can run in school yards provided it is done in an orderly and supervised manner.
School Equipment
Questions (393)
Joan Burton
Question:393. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the policy requirement for a number of issues (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36964/18]
View answerWritten answers
The decision to use tablet devices is a matter for the Board of Management of a school. Where the introduction of new technology is planned, consultation with members of the school community including parents is advised. The cost and other implications must be fully considered by the Boards of Managements before a decision is made.
An advice sheet on the adoption of tablets in schools is available on the PDST-Technology in Education (PDST-TIE) website, detailing what tablets can offer a school, educational considerations, purchasing considerations and software.
It is a matter for the Board of Management of each individual school to decide on its own policy in relation to the use of textbooks in the school. Individual schools should adopt a cost-conscious approach to the selection of books in their classes.
The vital contribution of the library service to literacy and numeracy and education more broadly is reflected in the National Strategy for Literacy and Numeracy 2011-2020. The strategy, which was reviewed in 2017, includes as an action the promotion of library usage as a means of supporting family literacy, and ensuring that all children, through their school and parents, are motivated to avail of membership of a public library.
In relation to textbook costs an agreement was reached with the Irish Educational Publisher’s Association which resulted in the agreement of a Code of Practice. The Code commits the publishers to limit the publication of new editions and to maintaining editions of books in print unchanged for at least six years. The publishers have also given assurances that they will sell textbooks to schools at discounts so that schools can purchase textbooks in bulk to stock book rental schemes.
School book rental schemes have an important role to play in reducing the cost of school books for parents. Circa. 96% of primary schools and 68% of post-primary schools operate a book rental scheme.
My Department supports the operation of book rental schemes through the funding provided under its school books grant scheme. Under this scheme, my Department provides funding of €16.7 million annually to all recognised primary and post-primary schools in the free education scheme. In addition €15.7 million seed capital was provided over three years to support the establishment of book rental schemes in primary schools.
One of the actions as part of the Action Plan for Education is to strengthen the focus on reducing school costs for parents by increasing the financial support for book rental schemes, in order to reduce/eliminate school book costs for parents as resources permit.
My Department has published a circular to school authorities and ETBs regarding measures to be adopted by schools to reduce the costs which include the provision of a book rental scheme and the phasing out of the use of workbooks which cannot be reused. The circular can be accessed on my Department’s website at https://www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active-Circulars/cl0032_2017.pdf.
Education Funding
Questions (394)
Joan Burton
Question:394. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to extend enhanced capitation services to children in second level as is the case at primary level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36965/18]
View answerWritten answers
Capitation funding is intended to contribute towards the cost of heating, lighting, cleaning, insurance, general up-keep and general teaching aids required in schools. Capitation grants are paid on a per pupil basis.
Special enhanced capitation rates are paid in respect of pupils with special needs who attend special schools or primary special classes dedicated to children with particular special needs. These classes have a lower Pupil Teacher ratio and as such the unit cost per pupil is higher.
However, at Post Primary level, enhanced capitation rates are currently only paid in respect of pupils enrolled in special classes for mild or moderate general learning disability.
The Deputy may be aware that the National Council for Special Education’s Policy Advice on Educational Provision for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (2016) included a recommendation to extend the enhanced level of capitation grant to post-primary schools with special classes on the same basis as primary schools to assist them with the increased running costs associated with these classes.
My Department has convened an Implementation Group with representatives of the NCSE, NEPS, the Inspectorate and representatives from other Departments and agencies to ensure that the Report’s recommendations are fully and appropriately considered.
While a number of the recommendations have already been partially or substantially implemented, work is planned on the implementation of the remaining recommendations.
I have asked my officials to prepare a progress report setting out expected timeframes for full implementation and I expect that report in the coming weeks.
Residential Institutions Statutory Fund
Questions (395)
Joan Burton
Question:395. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the dealings he has had with religious orders that made agreements with the State in respect of the provision of funds or property set aside for compensation for children who were in their care; the amount committed; the amount owed by each religious order, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36970/18]
View answerWritten answers
The current position with the contributions made by religious congregations is set out in the update which was provided to the Public Accounts Committee at the end of July and which is also published on my Department's website. The update can be found at
Brexit Issues
Questions (396)
Róisín Shortall
Question:396. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will clarify the right of residence here after Brexit of US citizens married to British citizens here; and his plans to legislate for the issue if needed. [35647/18]
View answerWritten answers
As I am sure that the Deputy will appreciate, negotiations on the future post-withdrawal relationship between the European Union and the United Kingdom are on-going and I am not in position to speculate as to the final outcome of these negotiations, including any transitional arrangements and timetables. However, my officials are aware of the general matter you have raised and are considering what arrangements will need to be put in place.
Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission Investigations
Questions (397)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:397. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason the medical records of a person (details supplied) will not be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36307/18]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, issues relating to the formal sharing of information between An Garda Síochána and the GSOC for investigative purposes are of an operational nature and, as such, the Minister has no role in this process.
Pursuant to the Garda Síochána Act 2005, An Garda Síochána and GSOC have developed an extensive protocol which governs the sharing of information relevant to an active investigation being conducted by the Commission. This protocol sets out the responsibilities of both parties and provides a detailed process of escalation where certain records or information has not yet been provided.
It is my understanding that the matter referred to by the Deputy is currently being progressed in accordance with the agreed protocol on the provision of information to GSOC. In the circumstances, it would not be appropriate to comment further in the matter.
Garda Vetting
Questions (398)
John Brassil
Question:398. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if changes to the vetting criteria will be considered for private bus providers in contract with Bus Éireann to provide school transport services (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36334/18]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, the primary purpose of the employment vetting carried out by the Garda National Vetting Bureau is to seek to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults. Vetting is carried out by An Garda Síochána primarily in accordance with the provisions of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012-2016.
Vetting checks are conducted by the Vetting Bureau for each new application received to ensure that the most recent data available is taken into account. This is because once there has been any significant lapse of time between one employment and another, the original vetting disclosure must be reviewed to take account of any changes in information, such as more recent criminal convictions.
Furthermore, the Data Protection Acts require that any sensitive personal data which employers use in regard to their employees must be current, accurate and up-to-date. Importantly, the general non-transferability and contemporaneous nature of the current process also helps to protect against the risk of fraud or forgery in the process.
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that in general the vetting process is working well. At present, 80% of overall vetting applications are being processed by the National Vetting Bureau in five working days. This efficiency has been achieved by the deployment of the e-vetting system which facilitates the on-line processing of applications for vetting from registered organisations. The e-vetting system is available to all registered organisations and the Garda authorities are ready to assist those organisations who are not yet using the e-vetting system to do so. In circumstances where there is such a sustained reduction in processing times, the issue of vetting “transferability” is largely obviated.
That said, the Deputy will wish to be aware that the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012-2016 provides at section 12 for certain circumstances where organisations can share a single vetting disclosure where this is agreed to by the vetting applicant and by the organisations in question.
Services for People with Disabilities
Questions (399)
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:399. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress made towards meeting Ireland's responsibilities and obligations under Article 33 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities that specifically concern designating one or more focal points within Government for matters relating to the implementation of the present convention (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36582/18]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy is aware, Article 33 of the Convention requires State Parties to designate a focal point within Government for matters relating to the implementation of the Convention, and to establish a framework, including one or more independent mechanisms, to promote, protect and monitor implementation of the CRPD. It also requires the involvement and participation of civil society, in particular, persons with disabilities, in the monitoring process.
The Equality Division in the Department of Justice and Equality has been designated as the focal point. Equality Division has policy responsibility for disability and equality, and domestic human and fundamental rights. The Division provides the Secretariat to the National Disability Strategy Implementation Group (NDSIG) which I chair.
The monitoring framework will include both the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) and the National Disability Authority (NDA) to be governed by a formal Memorandum of Understanding. The IHREC Act 2014 was designed to ensure that IHREC, as Ireland’s National Human Rights Institution, fully meets the standard of independence in accordance with the Paris Principles, and is best placed to make periodic independent reports to the UN, supported by progress assessments and statistical information supplied by the NDA. The NDA has expertise and information resources in relation to reporting on disability issues.
Ongoing progress and implementation will be internally monitored through the structures in place to support the implementation of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy (NDIS). The NDIS was published on 14 July 2017 and its implementation is monitored by a Steering Group which comprises the key departments, the National Disability Authority and the Disability Stakeholders Group. The Strategy is an all-of-Government approach and focuses on eight key themes including equality and choice, the provision of services, accommodation, health, employment, transport and education.
Direct Provision Data
Questions (400)
Mary Lou McDonald
Question:400. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount provided to each reception and integration centre, by centre and region, in each of the years from 2011 to 2017 and to date in 2018, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36653/18]
View answerWritten answers
All accommodation centres for those persons seeking protection, whether State-owned or privately owned, are operated by commercial companies. There are currently 35 accommodation centres being operated under the direct provision system.
Extensive and detailed information on the amount paid by my Department to each company contracted to provide direct provision accommodation every year up to and including 2015 can be found on the RIA website www.ria.gov.ie under the 'Contract Values' section of the website - http://www.ria.gov.ie/en/RIA/Pages/ContractValues.
This is in accordance with the Reception & Integration Agency's policy on disclosure of financial information which was agreed with the Office of the Information Commissioner. The Deputy will appreciate that it is not appropriate to provide values for current contracts entered into by my Department. Negotiations take place with a number of commercial entities on an ongoing basis with a clear focus on achieving the best value for money in respect of each contract. It is not in the interests of yielding best value for the taxpayer that details of current individual contracts are made available to other commercial bodies who are, or may be in the future, engaged in these negotiations.
The Deputy will also wish to be aware that my Department, in association with the Office of Government Procurement, GP is in the process of running an open, transparent, competitive tender process for the provision of accommodation and related services in the Sligo area. Details of this competition can be found on the etenders website. Further competitions for all other accommodation centres will be run into the future.
EU Migration Crisis
Questions (401)
Paul Murphy
Question:401. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on a change to the EU's migration policy following a report from the UNHCR (details supplied) which has reported an increased proportion of persons dying at sea among those attempting to enter the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36796/18]
View answerWritten answers
While the overall number of deaths at sea in the Mediterranean has dropped significantly over the past twelve months, any death at sea is tragic. Ireland supports efforts made by the European Union and its Member States to put a stop to the unnecessary deaths in the Mediterranean. Ireland has been active in Search and Rescue missions in the Mediterranean since 2015, first through Operation Pontus, a bilateral agreement between Ireland and Italy running in parallel to Operation Sophia. Ireland has been a full member of Operation Sophia since 2017. Since 2015, Irish naval vessels have rescued thousands of migrants at sea.
In its conclusions of 28 June, the European Council, following a meeting which was attended by the Taoiseach, reconfirmed that a functioning EU policy on migration relies on a comprehensive approach to migration which combines effective controls of the EU's external borders, increased external action as well as the internal aspects of migration.
In order to break the business model of the smugglers and prevent loss of life at sea, the Council agreed that a new approach is required in relation to those who are saved in Search and Rescue operations. In this regard, the European Council called on the Council and the Commission to explore the concept of regional disembarkation platforms, in cooperation with third countries as well as UNHCR and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). Furthermore, the European Council agreed to set up 'controlled centres' in willing Member States to allow for rapid processing to distinguish between irregular migrants and those in need of international protection.
Discussions on these measures are underway and I and my officials are playing an active role in their development. The Council itself confirmed in its conclusions that any centres established must operate in full compliance with international law. In advance of the measures being agreed, Ireland has on three separate occasions over the summer and in an act of humanitarian assistance and collegiality with other Member States, made pledges to take migrants who were rescued in the Mediterranean Sea and to process their applications for international protection.
In addition to supporting the rescue of migrants at sea, and our active engagement in the on-going discussions on regional disembarkation and ‘controlled’ centres, Ireland supports other measures to address the root causes of irregular migration, such as through the EU’s efforts to stabilise Libya and neighbouring countries in North and West Africa, both politically and economically. The recently established AU-EU-UN Taskforce on Libya has seen some early successes in its efforts to support migrants in Libya.
Ireland continues to support numerous humanitarian and developmental programmes in developing Partner Countries through Irish Aid. Ireland continues to support the EU’s Trust Fund for Africa, increasing our pledge to fifteen million euro. This is the third highest per capita contribution by an EU Member State. The Trust Fund is of paramount importance in addressing the root causes of irregular migration in Africa, through its effort, amongst other things, to stabilise Libya and neighbouring countries and to improve the socioeconomic situation in Africa.
Ireland supports the opening up of new legal migratory pathways to Europe for third country nationals, as part of efforts to reduce irregular migration and to reduce the numbers of migrants making dangerous journeys across the Mediterranean Sea. Ireland expects to be an active participant in current and future pledges in respect of refugees and other vulnerable persons in need of protection. In this regard, we have pledged to resettle 600 refugees each year in 2018 and 2019 under the EU-UNHCR pledging exercise for the two-year period.
Visa Applications
Questions (402)
Joan Burton
Question:402. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if there has been a change in the criteria for Columbian and Venezuelan nationals applying for visas to study here for the year 2018-19; the existing criteria for Columbian and Venezuelan students to successfully apply for a visa; the number of such applications; the requirements they must satisfy in terms of proving they will return to their home country when they complete their studies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36958/18]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that there has been no change in the requirements on any persons applying for Irish study visas.
Further information is generally available on the INIS website www.inis.gov.ie. However, it should be noted that the information on the website does not limit the discretion of a visa officer from seeking additional information. In such circumstances, it is not possible to give comprehensive details as each visa application is assessed on its merits and circumstances can inevitably vary from one individual to another.
The applicant's intention to return to their home country can be established by showing that the person has an obligation to return home for economic, social or family reasons.
Finally, I am advised that 112 study visa applications were received from Columbian and 40 from Venezuelan nationals thus far this year (up to 31 August).
Asylum Applications
Questions (403)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:403. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of an application by a person (details supplied) for asylum here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35425/18]
View answerWritten answers
I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned is the subject of a Deportation Order, issued by letter dated 20 August 2018. This Order requires the person concerned to remove themselves from the State and remain outside the State. The enforcement of the Deportation Order is a matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau.
Failure to leave the State by 20 September 2018 means the person concerned is liable to be deported and is required to 'present' at the Offices of the Garda National Immigration Bureau on 26 September 2018, to make arrangements for deportation from the State.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
Deportation Orders
Questions (404)
Bernard Durkan
Question:404. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if relevant responses setting out the residency history of a person (details supplied) here have been received and examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35433/18]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Services (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned is the subject of a Deportation Order made on 12 November 2008, following the refusal of the international protection claim made by the person concerned and the detailed consideration of their case under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended). That Order remains valid and in place.
Representations were received from the person concerned requesting that the Deportation Order be revoked, pursuant to the provisions of Section 3(11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended). Following the consideration of that request, a decision was taken in August 2016 that the Deportation Order should be affirmed and this decision was communicated to the person concerned by registered post dated 04 August 2016.
It is open to the person concerned to submit further representations requesting that the Deportation Order be revoked, pursuant to Section 3(11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended). However, I wish to make clear that such an application would require substantial grounds to be successful.
The Deputy might wish to note that the effect of a Deportation Order is that the person named on the Order is legally obliged to leave the State and to remain outside of the State. The enforcement of the Deportation Order in this case is now an operational matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or to long awaited.