Thursday, 15 Nov 2018

Written Answers Nos. 51-71

Energy Efficiency

Questions (51)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

51. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his Department is part of the public sector energy reporting programme; if so, the percentage of improvement in energy efficiency to date that has been achieved; the way in which this was achieved; if his Department noted a decrease in energy efficiency in view of the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan for energy efficiency targets; if targets will be met by the 2020 deadline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47588/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe)

I can confirm that the Department of Defence is part of the Public Sector Energy Programme. By the end of 2017 (the latest date for which figures are available), the Department had reduced its energy consumption by 25%. Under the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP) the Department is committed to further reducing its energy consumption and to improve energy efficiency by 33% by 2020.

The energy consumption reduction achieved to date is as a consequence of participating in a number of programmes. My Department participates in the SEAI Public Sector Energy Efficiency Programme and engages in the Optimising Power @ Work campaign under the auspices of the OPW. In line with the Public Sector Energy Efficiency Strategy 2017 an Energy Performance Officer has been appointed, at Assistant Secretary level, to provide leadership and accountability in reaching the NEEAP targets. Efforts towards improving energy efficiency have been achieved through proactive departmental energy teams who are implementing energy efficiency initiatives such as using only energy efficient lighting, more strict control of heating and ventilation systems, organising Energy Awareness Days to improve behaviour by staff at desk level, installing timers on high energy units, regular energy audits and monitoring and reporting etc. It's also worth noting that the Department HQ uses a renewable resource, wood pellets, as its main heating system rather than depending on fossil fuels. To date the efforts of our energy teams have been recognised by the OPW under the Optimising Power @ Work campaign with the receipt of numerous awards, including most recently 2018 Regional Best Energy Team and 2018 Regional winners of the Outstanding Achievement Category.

The Department is continuing to make every effort and will continue to strive to be more energy efficient to reach the ambitious 2020 target by continuing to implement existing initiatives in a proactive approach in order to improve energy efficiency. In addition its energy teams will continue to meet on a regular basis to devise and implement new energy saving initiatives.

Passport Applications

Questions (52)

Aindrias Moynihan

Question:

52. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the process by which a person who did not have his or her birth registered when born and cannot definitively prove a date of birth but later proved his or her identity satisfactorily to the General Register Office sufficient to be issued a public services card by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection may apply for a passport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47487/18]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

All passport applications are subject to the requirements of the Passports Act, 2008, as amended. Before a passport can issue the Passport Service must be satisfied as to the identity of the applicant and that the applicant is an Irish citizen. A vital document to verify the identity of an applicant is the applicant’s birth certificate. It provides unique primary identifying data such as the full name, date of birth, parent(s) name(s) and mother’s maiden name. The Public Services card does not hold all the data required in this instance.

All documentation in support of an application is required to be original. In the event that a person does not have a civil birth certificate, the advice of the Passport Service is to contact the General Register Office and establish if the birth can be registered and a birth certificate issued.

Energy Efficiency

Questions (53)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

53. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his Department is part of the public sector energy reporting programme; if so, the percentage of improvement in energy efficiency to date that has been achieved; the way in which this was achieved; if his Department noted a decrease in energy efficiency in view of the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan for energy efficiency targets; if targets will be met by the 2020 deadline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47592/18]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is part of the Public Sector Energy Reporting Programme.

The Department has achieved a saving of 38% from 2009 to 2017. This is in excess of the public sector target of 33% by 2020, as set out in the National Energy Efficiency Plan.

This was achieved in the Department including by the establishment of Energy Officers and teams; regular reviews of energy consumption through monthly and weekly reporting and the establishment of Energy Performance Indicators to further analyse energy performance. Poster and sticker campaigns have been launched at our buildings to promote energy efficiency; behavioural shifts encouraged in terms of switching off equipment and improving general awareness of energy use. Funding for new more efficient equipment in passport production and co-operation from senior management, ICT services and staff have also been important factors in this progress.

This Department is projected to achieve the target of 33% savings by the 2020 deadline.

Betting Regulations

Questions (54)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

54. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 25 of 25 October 2018, if alternative tax raising measures have been considered that would protect employment in the retail bookmaking sector; and if these alternatives are being considered. [47462/18]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

As announced in the Budget I have increased the rate of betting duty from 1 per cent to 2 per cent for all bookmakers and the rate of betting intermediary duty from 15% to 25% on the commission earned for betting intermediaries. These measures will take effect from 1 January 2019.

The rate of betting duty at 1% on the amount of bets wagered in Ireland is at an all-time low, and betting duty receipts are exceptionally low when compared to other sectors subject to excise taxes. It is also the case that there is no VAT applied on betting transactions. With the Betting (Amendment) Act 2015 now well embedded in, I believe it is timely to increase the rates of Betting Duty and Betting Intermediary Duty.

I acknowledge that advances in technology have challenged existing business models and have changed the structure of many markets, including the betting market, with more betting taking place online. I further acknowledge that smaller bookmakers may have ongoing difficulties competing in that environment or indeed with large retail bookmakers. While I have sympathy for small bookmakers I cannot apply the increase to some bookmakers and not others. Ultimately many taxes on goods or services are passed through to the end consumers and bookmakers will need to make commercial decisions on such matters.

I should point out that my Department held a consultation with the sector last year asking if the current model was appropriate and the overwhelming response was that it was. The main focus of the sector's engagement during this consultation was to oppose any increase in the betting duty, which leaves me with few options in this regard other than to impose a straight forward increase in the current regime.

My Department very recently received a proposal from the sector advocating for a change to a gross profit tax model. This is something I am willing to consider in the context of Budget 2020, notwithstanding concerns brought to my attention about the compatibility of this proposal with EU rules and the greater capacity within the model to reduce overall betting duty receipts.

Finally, we must also acknowledge the raised public consciousness of the problem of gambling in society. While problem gambling can result in the problem gambler, and their family, bearing the severest of economic and of course personal costs, the social costs of problem gambling can extend to their employers and to public institutions in the health, welfare and justice systems, such costs ultimately borne by taxpayers. This needs to be better reflected within the betting duty regime.

Tax Reliefs Eligibility

Questions (55)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

55. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance if a matter (details supplied) relating to milk quotas from 1983 to 2000 will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47477/18]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

I am advised by Revenue that capital gains tax relief may arise under Section 538 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 in respect of a loss incurred by the owner of a milk quota as a result of the abolition of such quotas in 2015. A claim for relief under Section 538 should be made by an individual in a tax return. The amount of the loss can be offset against gains made by an individual on the disposal of assets.

Where a milk quota was acquired by an individual by way of gift or inheritance, the individual concerned is treated as having acquired the milk quota at its market value at the time it was acquired. The amount of the loss is based on the market value of the quota at that time.

Banking Operations

Questions (56)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

56. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the form of identification that may be legally requested by banks and credit unions when dealing with customers at public counters who wish to carry out a transaction on their accounts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47502/18]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

In the area of financial services legislation, section 33 of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010, as amended (“the Act”), sets out obligations in relation to the identification and verification of customers and beneficial owners. Section 33(2) sets out the following measures that shall be applied by designated persons (which include banks and credit unions):

“(a) identifying the customer, and verifying the customer's identity on the basis of documents (whether or not in electronic form), or information, that the designated person has reasonable grounds to believe can be relied upon to confirm the identity of the customer, including -

(i) documents from a government source (whether or not a State government source), or (ii) any prescribed class of documents, or any prescribed combination of classes of documents;”.

It is important to note that the Act is not prescriptive as to what documentation and information a designated person must obtain, or the methods by which such documentation and information should be gathered, in order to comply with its customer due diligence obligations. A designated person may apply the measures that it deems appropriate in accordance with the designated person’s own risk based approach; however, the designated person must ensure that the measures applied adhere to the legislative requirements under the Act. The Act also requires designated persons to keep such documents or information used for the purpose of identification and verification up to date.

In relation to applications for credit, the Credit Reporting Act 2013 requires credit information providers (which also includes banks and credit unions) to verify the identity of credit information subjects for the purposes of accurately accessing the central credit register. The information which may be legally requested for this purpose is set out in regulations under that Act (attached: http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2016/si/488/made/en/print) and it includes documentation which will verify the person's name and date of birth, address and PPSN.

More generally, the provisions of data protection legislation, including the GDPR, will apply and banks and other financial institutions like all other relevant data controllers will also have to comply with these provisions.

Tax Code

Questions (57)

Paul Kehoe

Question:

57. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the issues arising from increases in tax in 2019 due to the changes in the cap on benefit-in-kind for electric cars for PAYE workers (details supplied); if assistance is available in these cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47531/18]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

Section 9 of the Finance Bill 2018, as published, provides for an extension of the benefit-in-kind relief for electric vehicles until end 2021.

In consideration of value for money and tax equity reasons, a cap of €50,000 on the original market value of electric vehicles availing of the relief is introduced. While the 0% rate is available on the value up to €50,000, the standard rate BIK calculation applies on anything in excess of that amount. As BIK is calculated for each tax year during which the BEV is made available, this cap applies to all relevant vehicles made available to employees in the tax years 2019 to 2021.

Report Stage of the Finance Bill will commence in the Oireachtas next Tuesday, 20th November.

Energy Efficiency

Questions (58)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

58. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if his Department is part of the public sector energy reporting programme; if so, the percentage of improvement in energy efficiency to date that has been achieved; the way in which this was achieved; if his Department noted a decrease in energy efficiency in view of the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan for energy efficiency targets; if targets will be met by the 2020 deadline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47591/18]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

My Department is actively participating in the Public Sector Energy Reporting Programme, reporting all of its energy consumption through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland's (SEAI) Monitoring and Reporting online system.

Since 2009, Energy Efficiency has improved by 11.3% up to 2016 in the Department towards the 2020 target of 33%. Overall, taking account of the Energy Group headed by my Department , including the Department itself, we have achieved 21% energy savings to end-2016.

As my Department is primarily located in heritage buildings which are protected structures, there is limited scope in terms of upgrades and retrofits. This poses challenges as to how significant energy efficiencies may be achieved by way of engineering solutions, retrofits, thermal glazing options and building envelope insulation. The savings, thus far, have has been achieved mainly by low cost measures such as behavioural changes, better energy management, heating controls, pump systems replacement and lighting retrofits. The evident energy performance deficits have been compensated to some degree by bodies under the aegis of my Department who have more scope to engage in infrastructural upgrades and deep retrofits. In order to achieve continuous improvements in energy performance, significant projects in my Department and across the wider Public Service Bodies may be required to reach 2020 and 2030 targets.

My Department is engaged with OPW’s Architectural and Engineering Divisions on identification of projects that will assist in achieving additional energy efficiencies and it is an active participant in the Office of Public Works (OPW) “Optimising Power @ Work” campaign.

My officials will be facilitating a Working Group comprehending the Department's State Bodies, the intention of which will be to reaffirm our commitment to our obligations and the adherence to best practice in energy management across the Group. By working proactively with State Bodies under our remit and with Department of Communications Climate Action and Environment (DCCAE), OPW, and SEAI we are seeking to progress both Energy Efficiency projects and Energy Management initiatives.

In conclusion, my Department is committed to embedding energy efficiency into the culture of the organisation and it continues to support and progress energy management initiatives across our office locations, including promotion by way of energy awareness campaigns.

Personal Injury Claims

Questions (59, 62)

Michael McGrath

Question:

59. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his plans to propose a referendum to enable the Houses of the Oireachtas to legislate on certain personal injury claims; the timeline in which he expects to put the proposal to a referendum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47645/18]

Billy Kelleher

Question:

62. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Finance if reports (details supplied) will be clarified regarding plans to hold a referendum in a bid to override the discretion of judges in the awarding of compensation claims should no reduction in damages occur within the next two years. [47660/18]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

I propose to take Questions Nos. 59 and 62 together.

The Deputy should note that the Cost of Insurance Working Group considered the issue of capping the level of damages which could be awarded in personal injury cases as part of its second phase examining employer and public liability insurance. During its consideration, representatives from the Working Group engaged with the Office of the Attorney General to explore whether it was considered legally and constitutionally permissible for the Oireachtas to enact legislation to delimit or cap the amount of damages which a court may award in respect of personal injuries.

On foot of those engagements, the ultimate conclusion reached by the Working Group was that (i) introducing such a measure would constitute a significant development in the law, because any legislation which restricts the rights of citizens must be carefully considered and justified to ensure it would withstand constitutional challenge, (ii) that the main question for a court, if such a measure was challenged, would be whether an appropriate balance was struck having regard to the exigencies of the common good, and (iii) that the appropriate balance can only be struck once all appropriate factors have been taken into account by the Houses of the Oireachtas in considering the legislation.

Due to the complex legal nature of this subject, the Working Group concluded that it was not in a position to undertake the in-depth analysis of all of the issues that would be required to demonstrate to a court that the correct balance of constitutional rights and principles has been struck having regard to the exigencies of the common good. Consequently, the Working Group took the view that the appropriate forum to consider this matter would be the Law Reform Commission and made a recommendation addressed to the Department of Justice and Equality to that end (Recommendation 5) in the Working Group’s Report on the Cost of Employer and Public Liability Insurance, published in January 2018.

Pursuant to Recommendation 5, the Department of Justice and Equality provided a comprehensive submission to the Law Reform Commission requesting that research and analysis be carried out on the issue of whether it is (i) justifiable and in the common good and (ii) legally and constitutionally permissible for the Oireachtas to enact legislation to delimit or cap the amount of damages which a court may award in respect of personal injuries.

The Law Reform Commission has confirmed that their draft Fifth Programme of Law Reform contains a project aimed at examining whether it is appropriate to legislate for a cap to be placed on the levels of damages which a court may award in respect of some or all categories of personal injury claims. It is expected that the Programme will be finalised by the end of this year.

In conclusion, nothing will be decided on this issue, including in relation to a referendum, until the Law Reform Commission has reported on the matter, but all options remain open.

Mortgage Lending

Questions (60)

Michael McGrath

Question:

60. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his views on comments by the president of the ECB that Ireland lacks competition in the mortgage market; his plans to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47646/18]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

I note the comments made by ECB President Draghi to the Oireachtas Finance, Public and Expenditure and Reform and Taoiseach Committee.

As the Deputy is aware, the financial crash and its immediate aftermath had a significant impact on the Irish mortgage market, with a steep increase in mortgage arrears, a sharp slowdown in the rate of new mortgage lending and the withdrawal of some lenders from the Irish market. While there has been a considerable improvement in the overall economy and mortgage market since then, for example overall arrears have fallen and new lending has increased, it is accepted that the financial crash continues to impact on the mortgage market and that problems still remain. One of the legacy issues which remains is the current high level of concentration in the Irish mortgage market.

One of the ways to address this, as highlighted by President Draghi, is to further promote financial integration at a European level. The EU Mortgage Credit Directive has been a positive move in this direction as it provides for the first time a common minimum set of rules across the EU in relation to the provision of residential mortgage credit to consumers. This directive was transposed into Irish law in 2016 by the European Union (Consumer Mortgage Credit Agreements) Regulations. More generally, President Draghi, indicated that the completion of banking union and the development of a more integrated capital market would better enable financial service providers to more easily transact and provide financial services across borders.

The issue of standard variable mortgage rates is a significant one for this Government, and it is committed to efforts to reduce the cost of secured mortgage lending and to promote competition in the supply of mortgage finance. The Government is of the opinion that increased competition is the best way to ensure that retail lending rates are driven down in a sustainable way for the market as a whole, but without giving rise to potentially undesirable consequences for the provision of new mortgage lending. The Government will encourage and support moves made by any new lender who wants to enter the market and offer new sources of credit to borrowers.

Also the cost of mortgage credit is an issue that the Government keeps under active review in its ongoing engagement with mortgage lenders and the Central Bank. Lenders are now offering an increasing diverse range of variable interest rate mortgage products and savings can be made by borrowers with their existing mortgage provider, in particular as they build up equity in their property, or by more actively considering options to switch mortgage provider. Recent enhancements have been made to the Central Bank Consumer Protection Code in order to better facilitate the mortgage switching process between lenders (which will come into effect from January next) and also to require lenders to provide information to their borrowers on their other mortgage products that could provide savings to their customers at that point in time.

Banking Licence Applications

Questions (61)

Billy Kelleher

Question:

61. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Finance the status of the approval process for a pan-European savings platform (details supplied) to receive access to the Irish market and provide consumers with increased savings rates. [47655/18]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

The entity in question is not currently authorised or regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. I am informed by the Central Bank that it is not in a position to comment on whether any application has been received from this entity, as under section 33AK(1A) of the Central Bank Act 1942, as amended, the Bank is prohibited from disclosing confidential information relating to the business of any person or body, or any matter arising in connection with the performance of the functions of the Bank or the exercise of its powers.

An applicant seeking authorisation as a retail intermediary (i.e., as an investment intermediary, insurance intermediary, mortgage credit intermediary or mortgage intermediary) must satisfy the Central Bank that it can meet the authorisation standards set out in the relevant legislation. In fulfilling its statutory role in this regard, the Central Bank adopts a robust, structured and risk-based process that seeks to ensure that only those applicants that demonstrate compliance with the relevant authorisation requirements are authorised.

The Central Bank seeks to process each application as expeditiously as possible while meeting its obligation to operate a rigorous and effective gatekeeper function. It aims to ensure that the application process is facilitative and accessible from the perspective of applicants and, importantly, that applicants have clarity with regard to the process, its requirements and timelines. The application process, including details of the service standards that apply to the various stages of the process, is clearly set out on the Central Bank website (available here: https://www.centralbank.ie/regulation/industry-market-sectors/brokers-retail-intermediaries/authorisation-process ).

The most recent performance report published in respect of those service standards can be found at the following link: https://www.centralbank.ie/regulation/industry-market-sectors/brokers-retail-intermediaries/authorisation-process .

Question No. 62 answered with Question No. 59.

Energy Efficiency

Questions (63)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

63. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his Department is part of the public sector energy reporting programme; if so, the percentage of improvement in energy efficiency to date that has been achieved; the way in which this was achieved; if his Department noted a decrease in energy efficiency in view of the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan for energy efficiency targets; if targets will be met by the 2020 deadline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47596/18]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) is actively participating in the Public Sector Energy Reporting Programme and reports all of its energy consumption through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland's (SEAI) Monitoring and Reporting online system.

The 2017 Annual Report on Public Sector Energy Efficiency Performance, prepared by the SEAI, sets out details of the energy efficiency performance of public bodies in Ireland. It notes that overall, the Department's Energy Group, which comprises 9 bodies, including the Department itself, has achieved 33% energy savings to end 2016. This was more efficient than the baseline set and is on track for the 2020 target. The Department’s own energy saving of 69% is also on track for the 2020 target and has been achieved mainly by measures such as behavioural changes and better energy management and space utilisation.

The Department shares its Merrion Street headquarters with the Department of Finance. The Department of Finance undertakes the facilities management functions for both Departments in these premises and the reply in respect of that Department sets out the specific energy efficiency initiatives being undertaken there.

The majority of DPER staff outside of the Merrion Street complex are already located in energy efficient buildings or have recently moved to one and consequently there is no scope or requirement to make adjustments to them in terms of engineering solutions, retrofits, thermal glazing options and building envelope insulation etc. to achieve further significant energy efficiencies. However, the Department hopes to achieve some further improvements by continuing to embed energy efficiency into the culture of the organisation and by progressing energy awareness campaigns across its main locations.

The Department will also continue to contribute to the implementation of the Public Sector Energy Efficiency Strategy, in conjunction with the bodies under its aegis, the Department of Finance, the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment and the SEAI.

Public Service Pay Commission Reports

Questions (64)

Barry Cowen

Question:

64. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when he expects the next report from the Public Service Pay Commission on recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47599/18]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

The Public Service Pay Commission has adopted a modular approach to its work programme for its present exercise focused on recruitment and retention issues in the public service.

As the Deputy will be aware, the first module was published by the Commission in August 2018 and deals with issues relating to Nursing and Midwifery, Non-Consultant Hospital Doctors and Hospital Consultants.

The Commission has not yet indicated a timeline for completion of the further modules of its work programme which will examine recruitment and retention issues in certain other areas of the health sector, the Defence Forces and the civil service, building on the preliminary analysis in its 2017 report and on the various submissions it has received.

Ministerial Meetings

Questions (65, 79)

Barry Cowen

Question:

65. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to meet representatives of a union (details supplied); the outcome of those discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47609/18]

Barry Cowen

Question:

79. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has met representatives of a union (details supplied); the outcome of those discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47608/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I propose to take Questions Nos. 65 and 79 together.

I intend to meet with stakeholders in the education and training sector, including the INTO, in the near future.

My officials are also in regular contact with the INTO on a range of issues relating to the primary sector.

Quality and Qualifications Ireland Accreditation

Questions (66)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

66. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has corresponded with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to ascertain from Quality and Qualifications Ireland if it can process and issue outstanding green certificates for persons who have successfully completed green certificates before December 2018 in order that they are eligible to qualify and apply to the national reserve and Pillar 1 payments. [47641/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

Quality and Qualifications Ireland’s (QQI) final certification period for 2018 will close on 12th December 2018. It is the responsibility of those providers that offer validated programmes leading to QQI awards to submit the quality assured results of the learners that have successfully completed such programmes by that date to ensure that the appropriate award is made. This applies to the Level 6 Specific Purpose award in Farm Administration (the Green Certificate) referred to by the Deputy.

The final statement of results will be made available to each learner from their respective provider on 16th December 2018. QQI will issue certificates to providers for the December certification period on 8th January 2019. The eligibility requirements for the national reserve and pillar 1 payments is a matter for the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Pension Provisions

Questions (67)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

67. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a matter regarding a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47473/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

An arrangement in relation to the recovery of the outstanding overpayment from the individual referred to by the Deputy was agreed with my Department in May 2018.

In October this year correspondence issued from my Department to the individual which enabled her to contact the Revenue Commissioners in relation to the taxation position for 2014 and 2015.

Staff of my Department will continue to work with the person to ensure that the repayment arrangements suit her circumstances.

Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Questions (68)

Clare Daly

Question:

68. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 198 of 3 July 2018, if his attention has been drawn to the outcome of the appeal to the National Council for Special Education in view of the fact that it is his policy to ensure that each child who is assessed as needing SNA support will receive access to such support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47485/18]

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.

The NCSE allocates SNA support to schools in accordance with the criteria set out in Department Circular 0030/2014, which is available on my Department's website at www.education.ie, in order that students who have care needs can access SNA support as and when it is needed.

In considering applications for SNA support for individual pupils, the NCSE take account of the pupils' needs and consider the resources available to the school to identify whether additionality is needed or whether the school might reasonably be expected to meet the needs of the pupils from its current level of resources.

SNAs are not allocated to individual children but to schools as a school based resource.

SNA allocations to all schools can change from year to year as children with care needs leave the school, as new children with care needs enrol in a school and as children develop more independent living skills and their care needs diminish over time.

My Department’s policy is to ensure that every child who is assessed as needing SNA support will receive access to such support.

By the end of this year, there will be a total of 15,000 Special Needs Assistants working in our schools, a 42% increase on 2011.

As this question relates to a particular school, I have referred the question to the NCSE for their direct reply. I do not have a role in making determinations in individual cases.

School Transport Provision

Questions (69)

Mary Butler

Question:

69. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a seat on a school bus will be provided for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47486/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

School transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.

The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.

In the 2017/18 school year over 117,000 children, including over 12,000 children with special educational needs, were transported in over 4,500 vehicles on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country covering over 100 million kilometres annually at a total cost of almost €190 million in 2017.

Children are generally eligible for school transport if they satisfy the distance criteria and are attending their nearest school.

Children who are eligible for school transport and who have completed the application process on time will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation for the 2018/19 school year.

Bus Éireann has advised that the child in question is eligible for school transport to the school referred to by the Deputy. However, Bus Eireann has also advised that payment was not submitted within the application process timeline and that the service is now operating to capacity.

School Accommodation Provision

Questions (70)

Micheál Martin

Question:

70. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress on the building of a new school facility for a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47493/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has no record of receiving an application for improved accommodation from the school referred to by the Deputy.

The Deputy will be aware that the National Development Plan (NDP) provides for an €8.4 billion investment in school buildings over the period 2018 to 2027 to deliver on NDP and National Planning Framework objectives through addressing the twin priorities of catering for demographics and ensuring a strengthened focus on refurbishment of existing school stock.

It is open to the school in question to submit an application under my Department's Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme to address any immediate deficits of accommodation the school may have.

School Services Staff

Questions (71)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

71. 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. [47495/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I am not aware of the advertisements referred to by the Deputy, but will be glad to look into this matter further on receipt of additional information.