Thursday, 8 Nov 2018

Written Answers Nos. 55-79

Equality Proofing of Budgets

Questions (55)

Timmy Dooley

Question:

55. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the estimated cost of the introduction of equality budgeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46227/18]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

As part of a suite of reforms to the public expenditure framework, performance-based budgeting was introduced across all areas of public expenditure in 2012. Under that remit an Equality Budgeting pilot for 2018 was announced on Budget Day last year. The approach we have taken in introducing Equality Budgeting in Ireland is that equality budgeting is to be integrated into the existing budgetary process. Therefore, equality budgeting is contained within the existing performance budgeting framework and utilises the processes already in place. Consequently, the costs regarding equality budgeting form part of the overall costs of the wider budgetary framework.

Some travel costs directly linked to equality budgeting are identifiable. To establish the most appropriate equality budgeting policy for Ireland we examined a number of other countries experience to establish international best practice. In this regard, officials from my Department attended OECD conferences at an approximate cost of €6k.

Metropolitan Area Networks Programme

Questions (56, 57)

Barry Cowen

Question:

56. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Office of Government Procurement was involved in the renewal of the metropolitan area networks contracts in 2017; if so, the role the office played; the OGP guidelines in relation to renewing concessionary agreements across the public service; if it is standard practice under OGP guidelines not to engage in a tender process upon renewal of a concessionary agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46299/18]

Barry Cowen

Question:

57. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Office of Government Procurement or its predecessor was involved in the tendering process for the metropolitan area networks concessionary agreements in 2004 and 2009; if so, the role the office played; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46300/18]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

I propose to take Questions Nos. 56 and 57 together.

The Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) contracts are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment. I understand that the Office of Government Procurement had no involvement in these contracts.

The general position in relation to public procurement is that a competitive process conducted in an open, transparent manner delivers best value for money. Procurement transactions and decisions must in all respects be fair, equitable and ensure value for money. Government Departments and public bodies must be able to justify decisions made and actions taken.

Office of Government Procurement

Questions (58)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

58. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of procurement officers in the Office of Government Procurement; the responsibilities and functions of each; and the annual costs in this regard. [46303/18]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

Public Procurement is a key element of Government’s Public Service Reform programme and the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) was established to lead on its implementation. The OGP’s functions include Sourcing, HR, Corporate Office, Customer Service, Systems and Data, eInvoicing, Policy and Construction Policy.

The OGP commenced sourcing operations in 2014 and, together with four key sectors (Health, Local Government, Education and Defence), has responsibility for sourcing common goods and services on behalf of the public service, leveraging the State’s purchasing power. The OGP and its sector partners put in place Framework Agreements and contracts through which public sector bodies can buy these common goods and services, broken down into 16 categories of expenditure.

The OGP also has responsibility for public procurement policy, including construction procurement, across the entire public sector, eInvoicing, customer support, sourcing systems, data analytics and eTenders, the Government’s national tendering platform (etenders.gov.ie).

The Revised Estimates for Public Services 2018 has a provision of €14.5m for the salaries, wages and allowances of 246 OGP officials. There are currently 224 staff employed by the OGP.

Public Procurement Contracts

Questions (59)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

59. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the relationship between the Office of Government Procurement, Departments and local authorities preparing, tendering and awarding procurement contracts. [46304/18]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

Procurement is a key element of the Government’s Public Service Reform agenda and, given the volume of the State’s spend, it is essential that the Public Service operates in a co-ordinated and efficient way and delivers sustainable savings for the taxpayer.

The Office of Government Procurement (OGP) leads on the implementation of the reform programme and sets the overarching policy framework for public procurement in Ireland. The OGP together with four key sectors (Health, Defence, Education and Local Government) has responsibility for sourcing goods and services on behalf of the Public Service. This enables the Public Service to speak with “one voice” to the market for each category of expenditure, eliminating duplication and taking advantage of the scale of public procurement to best effect.

The OGP has established a wide range of framework arrangements since it became operational in 2014. These arrangements are in accordance with EU Directives, national legislation and procurement best practice and support public bodies in delivering value for money and compliantly procuring goods and services to meet their needs.

The OGP also supports public sector bodies with bespoke competitions on a case by case basis. Guidelines and template documentation are available on the OGP website. Furthermore, the OGP proactively engages with Government Departments, public bodies and industry to assist, support and provide advice and guidance in relation to public procurement.

While the OGP supports public bodies, individual accounting officers and accountable persons are responsible for procurement processes undertaken by their Department or public service body. Public procurement practices are subject to audit and scrutiny under the Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act 1993, and the Local Government Reform Act 2014, and Accounting Officers are publicly accountable for expenditure incurred. Individual contracting authorities are responsible for establishing arrangements for ensuring the proper conduct of their affairs, including conformance to standards of good governance and accountability with regard to procurement.

Public Procurement Contracts Social Clauses

Questions (60)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

60. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if social value targets, provisions or clauses exist within the national procurement strategy. [46305/18]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

Public procurement can be used to encourage suppliers to perform actions that are focussed on the inclusion of broader social policy considerations. In general, the inclusion of social considerations in a procurement process is most effective where the benefit is a core requirement and can be directly linked to objectives of the contract. The social objectives should be clear and verifiable through the inclusion of an appropriate monitoring process.

Social considerations may include such issues as reducing unemployment, providing training opportunities for disadvantaged groups or the protection of the environment. Their inclusion has been specifically allowed for in the 2014 EU Directives on Public Procurement. The incorporation of social considerations in public procurement should be done in a targeted manner where the impact on SME access is managed, where value for money is achieved and where the process is robust and legally compliant.

The Office of Public Procurement (OGP) has drafted an Information Note on Incorporating Social Considerations into Public Procurement . This note, which will be published shortly, sets out the key factors for policy departments and contracting authorities to be aware of when contemplating and planning the use of social considerations in public contracts.

The OGP, as a central purchasing body, cannot decide for other contracting authorities or at a whole-of-Government level what social considerations should be included in the frameworks and contracts that it puts in place on their behalf. The OGP, however, can help facilitate the process of incorporating those objectives, once agreed, into planned procurement projects.

The OGP intends establishing an Interdepartmental Social Considerations Advisory Group to promote and facilitate the inclusion of social considerations in public procurement projects.

Public Procurement Contracts

Questions (61)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

61. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the estimated cost of employing one specialist procurement officer annually with the relevant and necessary qualifications and experience. [46306/18]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

Public Procurement is governed by EU legislation and National rules and guidelines. The aim of these rules is to promote an open, competitive and non-discriminatory public procurement regime which delivers best value for money.

Individual public bodies and contracting authorities are responsible for establishing arrangements for ensuring the proper conduct of their affairs, including conformance to standards of good governance and accountability with regard to procurement.

Circular 40/02: Public Procurement Guidelines – Revision of existing procedures - states that each Department/Office should designate a Procurement Officer who should hold responsibility for collating information on contracts awarded without a competitive process. Public bodies and contracting authorities are free to assign the role as they see fit but they should satisfy themselves that the designated officer has the appropriate level of authority to ensure that the role and responsibilities can be fulfilled correctly.

The OGP is currently drafting an information note on the role and responsibilities of a procurement officer to assist public bodies in this regard.

Public Procurement Regulations

Questions (62)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

62. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the value of contracts for which local authorities can tender; and the value of contracts for which local authorities can tender without central scrutiny. [46307/18]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

Public Procurement is governed by EU legislation and National rules and guidelines. The aim of these is to promote an open, competitive and non-discriminatory public procurement regime which delivers best value for money.

The Office of Government Procurement (OGP) was established to lead on the implementation of the Government’s Public Procurement Reform programme. The OGP has responsibility for developing and setting out the overarching policy framework for public procurement in Ireland. This framework enables a more consistent, co-ordinated approach to public procurement across the public sector. The OGP and its sector partners in Health, Education, Defence and Local Government put in place compliant procurement solutions to leverage the State’s spending power. The OGP actively engages with their public sector clients, including the Local Government Sector, with the procurement solutions available.

The procedures for public bodies, including the Local Authority Sector, when tendering for goods and services, above and below the EU Thresholds, are set out in the Public Procurement Guidelines for Goods and Services published by the OGP.

I should point out that Local Authorities like all Contracting Authorities are responsible for adhering to the procurement policy framework and for the individual procurement decisions they make. In terms of adopting a consistent approach to public procurement, I understand that the Local Government Management Agency provides advice and assistance to Local Authorities regarding national and EU procurement regulations and contract management issues affecting their activities and monitors legislative and case law developments to ensure its processes remain current in light of these developments and other best practice initiatives. In this regard, the Local Government Audit Service (LGAS) audits the accounts and provides independent scrutiny of the financial stewardship of local authorities and other local bodies.

Office of Government Procurement

Questions (63)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

63. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a central database system for suppliers throughout the State for the purpose of procurement contracts exists. [46308/18]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

The Government established the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) to drive a new integrated and consolidated approach to public procurement. The OGP takes a balanced approach to delivering value for the taxpayer and supporting business access to public procurement opportunities.

In this regard, the OGP promotes supplier awareness of eTenders (etenders.gov.ie). eTenders is the Government's national platform for conducting procurement. The site is designed to be a central facility for all Public Sector contracting authorities to advertise procurement opportunities and award notices. The site displays, on a daily basis, all Irish Public Sector procurement opportunities currently being advertised in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU), as well as other lower-value contracts uploaded to the site by contracting authorities.

Public Bodies are required to advertise all contracts for supplies and services with an estimated value of €25,000 (exclusive of VAT) and upwards on eTenders. The advertising threshold for works and works related services is €50,000 (exclusive of VAT). They are also required to publish contract award notices. Suppliers are encouraged to register on eTenders so that they can be notified of upcoming procurement opportunities.

Special Educational Needs Staff Data

Questions (64)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

64. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of special needs assistants who were employed in Cork city and county in each of the years 2011 to 2017. [46321/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible 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.

Annual statistics on SNA allocations are published on the NCSE website, www.ncse.ie , and include information on allocations by county. Allocations, broken down by county, are available from the 2012/13 school year onwards.

The statistics published by the NCSE indicate the allocations, i.e. the number of SNA posts allocated, for County Cork are as set out below.

School Year	As at	Allocation
2012/13	November 2012	1,450.69
2013/14	October 2013	1,429.49
2014/15	October 2014	1,494.73
2015/16	September 2015	1,541.05
2016/17	September 2016	1,638.49
2017/18	September 2017	1,806.99

Departmental Contracts Data

Questions (65)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

65. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills the completed design and build projects commissioned by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46159/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

A list of the projects sought by the Deputy is contained in the following table.

71	Carlow	20295K	Carlow Educate Together NS	Sammon Contracting Ltd
72	Wicklow	20300A	Greystones Educate Together NS, Blacklion, Greystones.	Stewart
73	Wicklow	20301C	Gaelscoil na gCloch Liath, Blacklion, Greystones.	Stewart
74	Louth	20259G	St. Francis National School	Stewart
75	Cork County	20006A	Gaelscoil Chloich Na Coillte	Western Building Systems
76	Cork County	20335T	Rochestown Primary School	Western Building Systems
77	Cork	20310D	Carrigaline Educate Together NS.	Western Building Systems
78	Meath	17821L	St Mary's NS, Enfield, Co Meath	ABM Design and Build
79	Galway	19998O	Gaelscoil de hÍde, Oranmore, Co na Gaillimhe	Stewart
80	Dublin	20274C	Esker Educate Together NS, Lucan.	ABM Design and Build
81	Cork	20354A	Cara Special School, c/o Brothers of Charity, Administrative centre, Lota, Glanmire, Co Cork	Western Building Systems
82	Kildare	76194S	New PP school Craddockstown, Naas	Glasgiven McAvoy
83	Galway	76233C	Claregalway - Colaiste Bhaile Chlair (over 3 Phases)	JSL Group/Stewart
84	Dublin	17055T	Naomh Mhuire NS, Saggart, Co Dublin	ABM Design and Build
85	Dublin	20425U	GS Sliabh Rua, Stepaside, Co Dublin	Western Building Systems
86	Dublin	16461C	Caislean Nua Liamhna NS, Newcastle Lyons, Dublin Sth	ABM Design and Build
87	Kildare	20403K	Kildare Educate Together NS, Kildare Town.	Glasgiven McAvoy JV Ltd
88	Meath	20082Q	Gaelscoil Tulach na nÓg, Dunboyne	Western Building Systems
89	Offaly	20189C	Tullamore ETNS, Collins Lane, Tullamore	ABM Design and Build
90	Dublin	19624T	SN Caitríona NS, Kenure, Rush.	ABM Design and Build
91	Wicklow	20178G	Wicklow ETNS, Marine House, The Murrough, Wicklow	Sammon Contracting Ireland Ltd
92	Dublin	19872P	Caitlín Maude, Tallaght	Western Building Systems
93	Cork	20107G	Gaelscoil Mainistir na Corann, Ionad an Phobail, Mainistir na Corann	JSL Group t/a Stewart
94	Meath	76196W	Ashbourne Post Primary School, Ashbourne. (Phase 1), De Lacy College	Western Building Systems
95	Meath	20382F	Gaelscoil Na Mí, c/o Donaghmore Ashbourne GAA, Ashbourne.	Western Building Systems
96	Meath	20396Q	Ashbourne ETNS, Ashbourne	Western Building Systems
97	Dublin City	20453C	Broombridge ETNS (Cabra Primary School)	Western Building Systems
98	Dublin	68082L	Coláiste Glór na Mara, Stephenstown.	ABM Design and Build
99	Dublin	20384J	Powerstown ETNS, Powerstown Rd, Tyrellstown, D 15	ABM Design and Build
100	Dublin	20394M	Gaelscoil an Chuillann, Mulhuddart, D 15	ABM Design and Build
101	Dublin	20422O	Scoil Aoife, Tallaght West CNS, D 24	Western Building Systems
102	Dublin	20426W	Lucan CNS, Lucan	Western Building Systems
103	Galway	76233C	Claregalway Community College, Claregalway (Phase 2)	JSL Group t/a Stewart
104	Cork County	19433M	Holy Family Special School Charleville	JJ Rhatigan & Co
105	Cork	19851H	Gaelscoil de hÍde, Fermoy	JJ Rhatigan & Co
106	Cork	68264R	Carrigaline Post Primary, Carrigaline	ABM Design and Build
107	Galway City	20061I	Gaelscoil Iafhlartha	JSL Group t/a Stewart
108	Limerick	20175A	Limerick ET, Mungret	JJ Rhatigan & Co.
109	Limerick	20181S	Gaelscoil an Raithin, Dooradoyle Road, Garryowen	JJ Rhatigan & Co.
110	Donegal	20235P	Letterkenny ETNS, Ballyraine Halls, Letterkenny	Western Building Systems
111	Galway	19994G	Gaelscoil Mhic Amhlaigh, Knocknacurra	JSL Group t/a Stewart
112	Cork	20440Q	Mallow CNS, Mallow	JSL Group t/a Stewart
113	Galway	20000L	Galway Educate Together NS, Thomas Hynes Road, Newcatle, Galway City	Western Building Systems
114	Cork	20336V	Midleton ET, Market Green, Midleton	ABM Design and Build
115	Dublin	20411J	Firhouse ETNS, Oldbawn, Tallaght, D 24	Western Building Systems
116	Dublin	20412L	Gaelscoil Teach Giúise, Tallaght, D 24	Western Building Systems
117	Galway	20123E	Gaelscoil Riabhach, Loughrea	ABM Design and Build
118	Dublin	20401G	Stepaside ET, Stepaside	ABM Design and Build
119	Kildare	20428D	Gaelscoil Mhic Aodha, Kildare	Western Building Systems
120	Wexford	18280I	St Joseph's NS, Gorey	Western Building Systems
121	Clare	19559L	Scoil Chriost Ri	ABM Design and Build
122	Leitrim	20212D	Gaelscoil Liatroma, St Mary's GAA, Attyfinlay, Carrick-on-Shannon	JJ Rhatigan & Co
123	Dublin	76130P	Phase 2 - Luttrellstown Community College, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 (See 2012 List of Projects for Phase 1)	ABM Design and Build
124	Dublin	20304I	St Francis of Assisi, Balgriffen Park, Belmayne, D 13	ABM Design and Build
125	Dublin	20308Q	Belmayne Educate Together NS, Balgriffen Park, Belmayne, D 13	ABM Design and Build
126	Laois	17827A	Scoil Phadraig Portarlinton	ABM Design and Build
127	Wicklow	20473I	Greystones Community National School	Western Building Systems
128	Laois	19337Q	St Francis Special School Portlaoise	MEIC Ltd
129	Kildare	20292E	Maynooth ETNS	MEIC Ltd
130	Dublin City	20441S	Shellybanks ETNS (Temp)	Western Building Systems
131	Clare	16677C	CBS Primary School Ennis	JJ Rhatigan & Co

Schools Building Projects

Questions (66)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

66. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if funding will be made available to a school (details supplied) in County Kerry to construct a car park; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46175/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department has no record of receiving an application from the school in question for the works referred to.

I wish to advise the Deputy that the works indicated are appropriate to the Summer Works Scheme (SWS). The SWS is designed to allow schools, on a devolved funding basis, to carry out necessary improvement and refurbishment works that will upgrade existing school facilities. Under the 2016-2017 scheme almost €80 million has been approved to date, in respect of over 640 school projects in categories 1 - 6.

The recent launch of Project Ireland 2040 included an announcement of a major package of investment in education for the next decade with the school building budget increasing by 70%.

This investment will provide for the continued increase in demographics while also allowing for a greater focus on refurbishment and upgrading of existing school stock. In regard to the SWS, the remaining categories of project from the 2016-2017 scheme will be processed with a new SWS opening for applications in early 2019 for projects for summer 2020 onwards.

School Services Staff

Questions (67)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

67. 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. [46179/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

Though schemes were initiated in 1978 and 1979 for the employment of Clerical Officers and Caretakers in primary and secondary schools, where staff employed on these schemes are paid directly by the Department, these schemes have been largely phased out and have been superseded by the more extensive capitation grant schemes.

Under these schemes, the majority of primary and voluntary secondary schools in the Free Education Scheme now receive assistance to provide for secretarial, caretaking and cleaning services. Within the schemes, it is a matter for each individual school to decide how best to apply the grant funding to suit its particular needs. Where a school uses the capitation grant funding to employ a secretary, such staff are employees of individual schools.

My Department has recently made significant efforts to improve the pay of school secretaries who are employed using capitation grant assistance, however. In 2015 my Department engaged with the Unions representing school secretaries on negotiations and agreed to enter an independent arbitration process on the issue. The Arbitrator recommended a cumulative pay increase of 10% between 2016 and 2019 for school secretaries comprehended by the terms of the arbitration process and that a minimum hourly pay rate of €13 for such staff be phased in over the period 2016 to 2019. Following the arbitration process, grant funding used by schools to fund the salaries of ancillary staff is being improved on a phased basis between 2016 and 2019 in order to enable schools to implement the arbitration outcome.

Minor Works Scheme Data

Questions (68)

Thomas Byrne

Question:

68. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the cost of the minor works grant in 2017; the number of schools supported by this grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46239/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that 3,248 primary schools received the Minor Works Grant 2017/2018 at a cost of €28.9m

Modern Language Teaching

Questions (69)

Thomas Byrne

Question:

69. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated cost to re-establish the modern languages in primary school initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46240/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The Modern Languages in Primary Schools Initiative (MLPSI) was introduced in September 1998. It involved the introduction of Italian, Spanish, German and French for 5th and 6th classes. The MLPSI was a pilot scheme across 550 schools with an annual budget of approximately €2.5m. It would not be possible to give an estimate of the cost of its reintroduction in 550 schools or its introduction across all primary schools due to the number of variables involved. There are approximately 3,250 primary schools.

A new Primary Language Curriculum, incorporating Irish and English, was introduced in classes from Junior Infants to 2nd class from September 2016. This curriculum aims to ensure that students acquire transferable language skills which will assist them in learning Irish and English and additional languages at second level. Work is currently underway in developing the Primary Language Curriculum for third to sixth class. The presence of heritage languages in our primary schools will be acknowledged in the implementation of the Primary Language Curriculum.

In December 2017, my Department published “Languages Connect – Ireland’s Strategy for Foreign Languages in Education 2017-2026”. Under an accompanying 5 year Implementation Plan 2017 – 2022 , the NCCA will consider including foreign languages in senior classes as part of the review of the primary curriculum. The DES will consider the recommendations of the review following completion.

School Guidance Counsellors

Questions (70)

Thomas Byrne

Question:

70. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated cost of the restoration of 100 guidance counselling posts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46241/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The cost of restoring 100 guidance counselling posts is in the region of €5m. This will be considered in the context of future Budgets, however there are needs across the system which have to be balanced in the decisions made in each budget.

Measures announced by my Department as part of Budgets 2016, 2017 and 2018 mean that 500 of the 600 guidance posts that were withdrawn in Budget 2012, are now restored to schools from September 2018.

These 500 posts are allocated separately and transparently on each school's staffing schedule. These posts have been ring-fenced so they can only be used for guidance activities and to meet the guidance needs of the school.

Traveller Education

Questions (71)

Thomas Byrne

Question:

71. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated cost to restore the visiting teacher service for Travellers. [46242/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

In May 2011 a range of functions under the Education (Welfare) Act 2000, including the operation of the National Education Welfare Board (NEWB) and the services under its remit, including the Visiting Teacher Service for Travellers, were transferred from the Minister of Education and Skills to the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. The Visiting Teacher Service for Travellers ceased in September 2011 in line with the mainstreaming of supports for all children including Travellers.

The full budget for the NEWB transferred to the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. Subsequently, the relevant functions and related funding transferred to TUSLA on its establishment in January 2014. Traveller children continue to be supported by the integrated Educational Welfare Service of Tusla.

My Department continues to provide a number of Traveller-specific supports to assist with the transition to the mainstream system of pupils, previously provided for in segregated provision. These comprise of:

- 141 alleviation resource teacher posts for schools with significant numbers of Travellers at a current cost of €8.46 million.

- Additional pupil capitation for Travellers at a rate of €70 per pupil for Primary, and €201 per pupil for Post Primary at a current cost of €1.11m

This Government recognises the importance of inclusive education for all and is supportive of actions that will ensure that the school setting is a more welcoming environment for all, including Travellers. The commitment to improve traveller retention and progression is reflected in a number of key policies and initiatives, including the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy (NTRIS), launched by the Department of Justice and Equality in June 2017, and my Department’s DEIS Plan for educational inclusion, also launched last year.

My Department’s DEIS Plan 2017 also has specific actions in relation to promoting improvements in school attendance and completion in order to improve educational outcomes and overall life chances for Traveller and Roma children and young people.

As part of the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy, officials from my Department, the Department of Justice and Equality and TUSLA have been engaging with Traveller representative groups to specifically identify and agree an approach to improving educational outcomes for Travellers and Roma. TUSLA is leading this cross-departmental initiative which will be piloted for a two year period to try to address the gaps outlined. My Department has committed to the allocation of additional Home School Community Liaison Resources to support this project. This pilot will inform the development of a sustainable programme to address the gap in educational outcomes for children and young people from the Travelling and Roma communities.

Student Grants Data

Questions (72)

Thomas Byrne

Question:

72. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the cost of increasing the third-level maintenance grant by 10%, 20% and 30%, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46243/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

Every 10% increase in the student maintenance grant would cost circa €17.3m. Therefore, the estimated cost of increasing the student maintenance grant rates by 10%, 20%, and 30% would cost in the region of €17.3m, €34.7m or €52m respectively.

Public Procurement Contracts Data

Questions (73, 74, 75)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

73. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of contracts tendered to businesses in each of the years 2011 to 2017 and to date in 2018. [46276/18]

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

74. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of contracts tendered to businesses of 50 employees and less in each of the years 2011 to 2017 and to date in 2018. [46277/18]

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

75. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of contracts tendered to businesses in each of the years 2011 to 2017 and to date in 2018 disaggregated by the value of the contracts awarded. [46278/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I propose to take Questions Nos. 73 to 75, inclusive, together.

I refer to the Deputy’s PQ46276, 46277 and 46278 on the number of contracts tendered to businesses in each of the years 2011 to 2017 and to date in 2018; the contracts tendered to businesses of 50 employees and less and the number of contracts disaggregated by the value of the contracts awarded.

Tenders for goods and services for a value greater than €25,000 and for works at €50,000 are published on the e-tenders website and can be viewed at the following link: https://www.etenders.gov.ie/ . The Office of Government Procurement (OGP) also undertakes tenders for goods and services on our behalf. The Department does not collate information on contracts tendered to businesses with 50 employees and less.

The specific information sought in relation to Small and Medium Enterprises and tenders under the threshold values of €25,000 or €50,000 is not collated centrally by the Department and would involve a disproportionate administrative burden to do so.

Public Procurement Contracts Data

Questions (76, 77)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

76. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of procurement officers in his Department charged with the responsibility of preparing, tendering and awarding procurement contracts. [46279/18]

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

77. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the annual cost of procurement officers in his Department charged with the responsibility of preparing, tendering and awarding procurement contracts. [46280/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I propose to take Questions Nos. 76 and 77 together.

I refer to the Deputy’s PQ46279 and 46280 on the number of procurement officers and the annual cost of these officers with responsibility of preparing, tendering and awarding procurement contracts in the department.

The Department does not employ whole time procurement officers. Procurement is undertaken throughout the department by officers within the business units responsible for the relevant services or through the Office of Government Procurement who source goods and services on behalf of public bodies.

Information is not collated on the resources employed in each procurement activity either within this department or on our behalf by the Office of Government Procurement.

Protected Disclosures

Questions (78)

Bríd Smith

Question:

78. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a protected disclosure is not being enacted (details supplied). [46293/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

My Department is aware of correspondence received from an individual employed by Waterford Wexford Education and Training Board (WWETB) in relation to the area of further education and training.

My Department is considering the issues raised but has advised the individual that on an initial review it does not appear that issues referred to in this correspondence contain details of a protected disclosure, but rather relate to ongoing employment difficulties between the individual and their employer WWETB.

As such my Department has advised this individual to write to the Adjudicator of the Workplace Relations Commission.

Student Universal Support Ireland Administration

Questions (79)

John Brassil

Question:

79. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to ensure that a route planner (details supplied) is used when assessing distances for the adjacent or non-adjacent SUSI grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46295/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The measurement of the distances relating to the award of adjacent or non-adjacent rates of student grant is a matter for the relevant grant awarding authority. The distance measurement for student grant rates is governed by Article 27(3)(a) and (b) of the Student Grant Scheme 2018. This provides that the relevant distance will be measured in line with agreed guidelines.

The guidelines require that the shortest most direct route between the applicant's normal residence and the institution being attended should apply. In determining the shortest most direct route, the relevant awarding authority shall establish:

- the method for measuring a route; and

- the factors to be taken into account in establishing and measuring a route. SUSI has progressively introduced a number of measures that are intended to make the Student Grant Scheme more efficient for students. One of these measures is the introduction of Eircode which has helped to reduce processing times for applicants.

However, the actual calculation of distance from a student's home to college has not changed from previous years, and SUSI continues to use google maps to calculate distance.