Tony McLoughlin
Question:72. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of an application by a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47514/18]
View answerSchool Accommodation Provision
Questions (72)
Written answers
I can confirm that the school referred to by the Deputy has submitted an application to my Department for additional accommodation.
The application will be considered and a decision will be conveyed to the school authority as soon as the assessment process has been completed.
Schools Building Projects Applications
Questions (73)
Paul Murphy
Question:73. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to ensure that a school (details supplied) obtains a permanent site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47532/18]
View answerWritten answers
The school building project is to provide a new 16-classroom school with a two-classroom## Special Needs Unit together with all ancillary accommodation on the St. Tiernan's Community School site located at Parkvale, Balally, Dublin 16. An application for planning permission was lodged with Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council in September 2018. The decision from Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council was to refuse planning permission. My Department's officials are currently reviewing this decision in consultation with planning advisers and technical team and assessing all options including the consideration of an appeal to An Bord Pleanála.
Schools Building Projects Status
Questions (74)
Seán Sherlock
Question:74. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a school (details supplied) in County Kildare will commence construction; and if the site has been transferred to his Department. [47536/18]
View answerWritten answers
The major building project referred to by the Deputy is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning, Stage 2(b) - Detailed Design.
The outcome of the pre-qualification process for the main contract has been notified to contractors who expressed interest in tendering for this project. Feedback and issues arising from same has resulted in a legal challenge to the pre-qualification process for the main contact from one unsuccessful contractor. This matter is being handled on my Department's behalf by the Chief State Solicitor’s Office. The Deputy will appreciate that as there is an ongoing legal challenge in relation to the project to which he refers it is not possible for me to comment further at present.
When the pre-qualification process for the main contract and reserved specialists contracts can be successfully concluded the project will then be progressed to tender stage.
Regarding the site, legal representatives for both parties are working together with a view to concluding the conveyancing. All parties continue the work to ensure the acquisition completes at the earliest possible date and at this point it is still not anticipated that the completion of conveyancing will impact on the timelines for delivery of the building project.
Schools Establishment
Questions (75)
Seán Sherlock
Question:75. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department has carried out a review of the need for a new secondary school (details supplied) in County Kildare. [47537/18]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department is currently advancing building projects in a number of post-primary schools in the South Kildare school planning areas, including the area referred to by the Deputy, and these projects, when completed, will provide additional capacity in the region of 1,700 school places.
I recently announced plans for the establishment of 42 new schools over the next four years (2019-2022). In addition to the new schools announced, there will be a need for further school accommodation in other areas in the future. While this announcement did not include a new post-primary school in the area referred to by the Deputy, a review of provision at post-primary school level across the school planning areas in South Kildare is now well advanced and nearing completion. The outcome of the review will be finalised and made available as soon as possible.
This review will include an assessment of the extent to which projected needs in the area will be met from the additional capacity being provided by the projects already approved and how any specific additional needs will be best catered for, recognising the importance of maintaining a balance between existing and any additional school provision.
Student Universal Support Ireland Administration
Questions (76)
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:76. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to change the regulations governing SUSI grants in circumstances (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47551/18]
View answerWritten answers
The Deputy will be aware of the Programme for Government commitment to increase financial supports for post graduate students with a particular focus on those from low income households.
In response to this commitment, additional funding of €4 million was secured in Budget 2017 and a further €3 million in Budget 2018, to facilitate the reinstatement of full maintenance grants, from September 2017, for the most disadvantaged post graduate students.
This has benefited approximately 1,100 of the most disadvantaged post graduate students who met the eligibility criteria for the special rate of maintenance grant, from September 2017, and it reverses the budgetary cut that was imposed on this cohort of students in 2012.
The qualifying criteria for the special rate of maintenance grant is as follows:
1. The student must qualify for the standard rate of grant;
2. Total reckonable income, after income disregards and Child Dependant Increase(s) are excluded, must not exceed €23,500; and
3. As at 31st December of the previous year, the reckonable income must include one of the eligible long-term social welfare payments prescribed in the Student Grant Scheme.
Grant eligibility is subject to annual review and applicants must continue to meet all qualifying criteria for the relevant rate of grant in order to continue to receive that particular rate of grant.
Students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. This Fund assists students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Information on the fund is available through the Access Officer in the third level institution attended. The fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis.
Tax relief at the standard rate of tax may be claimed in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education. Further information on this tax relief is available from the Revenue Commissioners on www.revenue.ie
School Management
Questions (77, 81)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:77. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way in which a school (details supplied) has been left to function without a board of management; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47576/18]
View answerMichael Healy-Rae
Question:81. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a school (details supplied) is operating with a single manager instead of a board of management; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47637/18]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 77 and 81 together.
Under the provisions of the Education Act 1998, it is the duty of the Patron to appoint, where practicable, a Board of Management. The Education Act 1998 also provides that the Patron may appoint a person or persons to manage the school in circumstances where the appointment of a Board is not practicable or where the Patron has dissolved the Board and pending the appointment of a new Board of Management.
In the case of the school in question, the Patron has, in accordance with the provisions of section 14 (8) of the Education Act 1998 appointed a Single Manager to manage the school.
Energy Efficiency
Questions (78)
Catherine Murphy
Question:78. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills 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. [47589/18]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of Education and Skills has been part of the Public Sector Energy Reporting Programme since December 2013.
A detailed energy audit was undertaken at the Department's campuses in Dublin, Athlone and Tullamore, and recommended actions for improvement were implemented. Investment in lighting, heating, insulation, I.T., energy awareness campaigns and building up-grades has resulted in the Department achieving an energy saving of 26.1% from the 2009 baseline.
The Department has noted a decrease in energy consumption from 11.1 million kilowatt hours per annum in 2009 to 7.9 million kilowatt hours per annum in 2017.
Planned investment for Q4 2108 and 2019 should result in energy savings bringing us significantly closer to the 2020 target.
Question No. 79 answered with Question No. 65.
Higher Education Courses Provision
Questions (80)
Bernard Durkan
Question:80. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a fourth year mental health nursing course has been terminated in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47621/18]
View answerWritten answers
My Department allocates recurrent funding to the Higher Education Authority (HEA) for direct disbursement to HEA designated higher education institutions. The HEA allocates this funding as a block grant to the institutions.
As autonomous bodies, the internal disbursement of this funding, including decisions regarding academic affairs, is a matter for the individual institution. Neither the Minister nor the Department has a role in relation to such matters. Therefore, the student should contact the institution in the first instance.
Question No. 81 answered with Question No. 77.
Quality and Qualifications Ireland Accreditation
Questions (82)
Charlie McConalogue
Question:82. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills if QQI can process and issue outstanding green certificates for persons who have successfully completed green certificates in 2018 before December 2018 in order that they are eligible to qualify and apply to the national reserve and pillar 1 payments from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. [47640/18]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Asylum Support Services
Questions (83)
Eamon Scanlon
Question:83. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he is satisfied that enough supports are in place to Roscommon and Leitrim county councils to support asylum seekers in an accommodation centre (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47469/18]
View answerWritten answers
As part of the overall system of supports provided in all accommodation centres, the Contractor will be required to set up a 'Friends of the Centre' group as recommended by the McMahon report to facilitate linkages between the residents and the local community to encourage integration.
In addition, my Department has granted funding in the order of €43,033 to a number of groups in Roscommon and Leitrim under the Communities Integration fund in 2017 and 2018. In addition, a number of national programmes are funded through the Asylum Migration and Integration Fund that focus on integration measures including funding granted to the Football Association of Ireland, The Immigrant Council of Ireland and the Migrant Rights Centre of Ireland.
With specific regard to both Leitrim and Roscommon County Councils, both local authorities run Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programmes (SICAP). SICAP is co-funded by the Irish Government, through the Department of Rural and Community Development and the European Union's European Social Fund Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning 2014-2020.
My Department will continue to work closely with both local authorities to identify programmes and initiatives to encourage integration measures for the residents of the accommodation centre in Roosky.
The key supports available to residents of the centre will however be provided by Government Departments and agencies rather than by local authorities. My Department is working closely with both the Health Service Executive and the Department of Education and Skills to ensure that the medical and educational needs of the residents in Roosky are addressed.
My Department is committed to working closely with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that residents at the new accommodation centre in Roosky will receive the appropriate supports to meet their needs.
Parental Leave
Questions (84)
Michael McGrath
Question:84. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to introduce reforms to the parental leave regime, including changes to the qualifying age of the child and to the length of the leave; if an increase in leave and the qualifying age will apply in respect of children who have already reached eight years of age and in circumstances in which the parents have already taken the maximum parental leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47491/18]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, as part of Budget 2019, the Government announced the introduction of a new paid parental leave scheme which will commence in late 2019. This new scheme will, initially, provide for 2 weeks of paid, non-transferable leave per parent, with a view to expanding the scheme in future years.
This new scheme delivers on the commitment in the Programme for Partnership Government to increase paid parental leave during the first year of a child’s life, as research shows that parental care is of particular importance and benefit in the first twelve months. The new scheme is the key recommendation of the report of an interdepartmental committee which was established to develop recommendations as to how the Programme for Partnership Government commitments could be best implemented.
The Government has indicated, in the context of Dail Eireann's consideration of the Parental Leave (Amendment) Bill 2017, a Private Member's Bill, that it agrees with the proposal to raise the qualifying age of the child in respect of whom unpaid parental leave can be obtained from 8 years of age to 12 years of age.
The Government recognises that parents may need to avail of unpaid parental leave for an older child in certain circumstances, and agrees with the Bill's proposals to allow parents to take any previously unused or additional leave in respect of children up to the qualifying age.
Asylum Support Services
Questions (85)
Eamon Scanlon
Question:85. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps being taken to facilitate those who have been granted asylum in an accommodation centre (details supplied); the supports available or that will be made available to Leitrim and Roscommon county councils to provide support; the planned actions for integration services and community building projects; the steps he is taking to ensure that the medical and educational needs of asylum seekers can be met in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47509/18]
View answerWritten answers
In January and again in September of this year, the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of my Department published a call for expressions of interest in the national press for premises to meet the increasing demand for accommodation for persons in the protection process (asylum seekers).
This call sought expressions of interest from parties who may be interested in providing accommodation and related services on an urgent and emergency basis. This was issued in response to the urgent and unforeseen demand for accommodation and related services from those persons arriving in the state seeking international protection.
Following on-site assessments carried out by staff in the Department, the Shannon Key West Hotel in Roosky was, subject to refurbishment work being completed, deemed to be suitable premises for the needs of the Department. It should be noted that the accommodation centre is for those persons in the protection process and not for those granted asylum.
The Contractor will be required to set up a 'Friends of the Centre' group as recommended by the McMahon report to facilitate linkages between the residents and the local community to encourage integration. In addition, my Department has granted funding in the order of €43,033 to a number of groups in Roscommon and Leitrim under the Communities Integration fund in 2017 and 2018. In addition, a number of national programmes are funded through the Asylum Migration and Integration Fund that focus on integration measures including funding granted to the Football Association of Ireland, the Immigrant Council of Ireland and the Migrant Rights Centre of Ireland.
With specific regard to both Leitrim and Roscommon County Councils, both local authorities run Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programmes (SICAP). SICAP is co-funded by the Irish Government, through the Department of Rural and Community Development and the European Union's European Social Fund Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning 2014-2020.
My Department will work closely with both local authorities to identify programmes and initiatives to encourage integration measures for the residents of the accommodation centre in Roosky as appropriate.
My Department will also work closely with both the Health Service Executive and the Department of Education and Skills to ensure that the medical and educational needs of the residents in Roosky are addressed.
My Department is committed to working closely with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that residents at the new accommodation centre in Roosky will receive the appropriate supports to meet their needs.
Garda Resources
Questions (86)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:86. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if all necessary resources will be made available to An Garda Síochána in Drogheda, County Louth, in view of the serious and concerning criminal activity that has taken place over the past number of days (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47528/18]
View answerWritten answers
As I stated in my response to the Deputy's Topical Issue matter earlier this week, I am very much aware of the impact that the type of criminal activity that took place in Drogheda last weekend can have on a community. I understand the concerns being expressed by the people of Drogheda and other areas of Louth and this type of criminal behaviour will not be tolerated.
It is important to note that it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of Garda resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. However, I am advised that Garda management keeps the distribution of these resources under continuous review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources in Drogheda, and indeed in all parts of the country.
In relation to the specific incidents referred to by the Deputy, I am advised that An Garda Síochána are conducting full investigations into each case and as such it would be inappropriate for me to comment while these investigations are ongoing.
However, I have been informed by An Garda Síochána that Gardaí have put in place a policing operation to prevent, detect and mitigate against any further escalation of violence. In addition to cancelling all Garda leave in the Louth Division for the next two weeks, the operation will entail high visibility patrols, supplemented by personnel from the Regional Armed Support Unit; Community Policing Units; District Detective and Drug Units; and Divisional Roads Policing Unit.
An Garda Síochána have further advised that they will continue to make every effort to disrupt the activities of any groups who may be involved in these incidents, to arrest and prosecute offenders and deny access to the road networks for those involved.
In relation to drug related crime, it is important to say that An Garda Síochána remains resolute in its determination to act against those within society who pose a significant threat to the welfare and well-being of our citizens and the communities they serve. A core focus of the work carried out by An Garda Síochána is aimed at tackling drugs and organised crime. The continued disruption of the supply of all illicit drugs remains a priority for An Garda Síochána and the other state agencies tasked with responsibilities in this regard. Liaison is also ongoing between An Garda Síochána and other relevant stakeholders, including the Local Authorities and Tusla / HSE to name but a few.
For its part, the Government is firmly committed to supporting An Garda Síochána and ensuring that the organisation is appropriately resourced. The resources available to An Garda Síochána have reached unprecedented levels, with provision made in Budget 2019 of more than €1.6 billion, including an allocation of €95 million for overtime.
It is also the case that the unprecedented investment now being made in Garda ICT infrastructure of €342 million between 2016 and 2021 will enable An Garda Síochána to deliver on reform, work more efficiently and deploy the latest cutting edge technologies in delivering professional policing and security services for the community.
Energy Efficiency
Questions (87)
Catherine Murphy
Question:87. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality 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. [47595/18]
View answerWritten answers
My Department is a participant in the Public Sector Energy Reporting Programme and reports annually to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, who publish an annual report on progress achieved for all public sector bodies.
Since the baseline year of 2009 to end 2017, my Department has recorded a 32.4% energy saving for office accommodation and is on course to meet the target of a 33% reduction by 2020.
Improvements in energy efficiency to date have been achieved through an ongoing staff awareness programme and initiatives such as automated shutdown of PCs. The Department engages with the Office of Public Works in its "Optimising Power @ Work" scheme and in building upgrades for improved energy performance e.g. lighting replacement programmes.
Residency Permits
Questions (88)
Bernard Durkan
Question:88. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will review the position in regard to leave to remain and-or long-term residency in the case of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47611/18]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that, in response to a notification pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), written representations have been submitted on behalf of the persons concerned.
These representations, together with all other information and documentation on file, will be fully considered, under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and all other applicable legislation, in advance of a final decision being made.
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.
Residency Permits
Questions (89)
Bernard Durkan
Question:89. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if all documentation requested has been received from a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47612/18]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned made an application for a right to residency accompanied by a right to work based on their parentage of an Irish citizen child on 15 June 2018.
I am also advised that the INIS wrote to the person concerned on 25 July and 10 November seeking further information. I understand that INIS will consider the application further upon receipt of a response from the individual concerned.
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.
Naturalisation Applications
Questions (90)
Bernard Durkan
Question:90. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will review an application for naturalisation that was refused in the case of a person (details supplied); if the offence in question permanently prevents the person from obtaining naturalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47613/18]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that a current application for a certificate of naturalisation has been received from the person referred to by the Deputy. Processing of this application is ongoing and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible. Every application is considered on its individual merits, regardless of whether the applicant had applied previously.
It is open to any individual to lodge an application for a certificate of naturalisation if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements as prescribed in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. The fact that a person may have had an application refused does not preclude or disqualify them from submitting a fresh application in the future. The letter advising an applicant of a negative decision also informs them that they may re-apply for the grant of a certificate of naturalisation at any time. The letter advises that, when considering making such a re-application, they should give due regard to the reasons for the refusal which were contained in the submission attached to the refusal letter and that any further application will be considered taking into account all statutory and administrative conditions applicable at the time of application. Obviously, a continuing record of good conduct will be taken into account in that regard.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and I know the Deputy will appreciate that it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
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.
Naturalisation Applications
Questions (91)
Bernard Durkan
Question:91. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in the determination of an application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47614/18]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the processing of the application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy is ongoing. On completion of the necessary processing the application will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements, not only within the State but also at European Union level, and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. The nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.
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.