Written Answers Nos. 120-139
120. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the discretionary revenue-raising measures in each of the years up to 2023, in tabular form, corresponding to row h. of table 3 in the 2018 summer economic statement. [48575/18]
View answerThe discretionary revenue measures for the years up to 2023 are outlined in Table A8 of the Economic and Fiscal Outlook published in Budget 2019.
The relevant part of the table is reproduced below for the Deputy's convenience.
|
|
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
Discretionary Revenue Measures (DRM), € billions |
-0.1 |
0.9 |
1.0 |
0.3 |
0.1 |
-0.2 |
0.0 |
121. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if the capital allocations outlined in the National Development Plan are included both in the general Government expenditure figure and the gross fixed capital formation figure in table A8 of the Budget 2019 Economic and Fiscal Outlook; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48576/18]
View answerThe general government expenditure and gross fixed capital formation figures in Table A8 of the Economic and Fiscal Outlook published in Budget 2019, take into account capital allocations as outlined in the National Development Plan.
The National Development Plan forms the basis for the voted capital allocations outlined in Table 8.
Thereafter, the general government gross fixed capital formation figure adds in any relevant expenditure from other general government bodies, assesses the voted expenditure and classifies it accordingly within the statistical framework.
122. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the precommitted expenditure in each of the years up to 2023, in tabular form, corresponding to row j of table 3 in the 2018 summer economic statement; if he will divide this between demographics and capital expenditure, that is, divided into nominal and rolled over four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48577/18]
View answerPrecommitted expenditure in each of the years up to 2021 was outlined in the Mid-Year Expenditure Report published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform shortly following the 2018 Summer Economic Statement. For 2019, this included an increase of c. €1.5 billion in capital expenditure as part of the National Development Plan, €0.4 billion for public service pay increases, €0.4 billion for demographic costs and €0.3 billion in carryover costs.
The Budget 2019 Expenditure Report includes the cost of the Public Service Stability Agreement (€390 million in 2020 and €260 million in 2021), demographics (€450 million in 2020 and €460 million in 2021) as well as the carryover of current expenditure measures (€311 million in 2020).
As noted in the report, these estimates will be reassessed during 2019 and will be set out in the 2019 Mid-Year Expenditure Report.
123. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the projected structural deficit for the scenario outlined in table A8 of the Budget 2019 Economic and Fiscal Outlook; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48578/18]
View answerThe projected structural balance can be found in Table 1 of the Economic and Fiscal Outlook published in Budget 2019. The relevant part of the table is reproduced below for the Deputy's convenience.
|
|
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
Structural balance, per cent of GDP |
0.4 |
-1.0 |
-0.7 |
0.0 |
0.2 |
1.0 |
1.4 |
While slightly outside the 0.5 per cent structural deficit target the European Commission applies a discretionary margin of 1/4 percentage points when assessing achievement of the MTO, given the uncertainty in the estimates of the output gap.
The European Commission's own forecasts, published earlier this month, project a structural deficit of 0.5 per cent of GDP for 2019.
124. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Finance if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding VAT charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48622/18]
View answerI am advised that the Revenue Commissioners continues to prioritise the identification of shadow economy operators across all sectors. The Revenue Commissioners welcomes any information that individuals or businesses may have to offer in relation to such activity.
Details on how to report such activity are available on Revenue’s website at https://www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/assist-us/reporting-shadow-economy-activity/reporting.aspx.
125. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Finance his plans to apply VAT on health supplements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48623/18]
View answerCurrently, the standard rate of VAT applies to food supplements. However, there is a Revenue concession which allows the zero rate to be applied to certain types of food supplements (vitamins, minerals and fish oils). The practice of zero rating vitamins, minerals and fish oil food supplements has been applied since the introduction of VAT in November 1972 when the marketplace for food supplements was small. However, this concession is proving to be extremely problematic.
Elements of the food supplement industry has made a sustained challenge to the application of the standard rate of VAT to a range of food supplements. There are concerns that while elements of the industry apply the correct rates, others have a competitive advantage by applying the zero rate to products that are properly liable at the 23% VAT rate. Their argument is generally that the products concerned are similar and compete with other products that are zero rated.
There has been protracted correspondence on the issues raised which has raised concerns regarding possible non-compliance in the sector, in particular the zero rating of products that should be standard rated which may result in a degree of unfair competition between compliant and non-compliant businesses.
Revenue’s position is that food supplements are not food and, as such, are not entitled under VAT law to the zero rate of VAT; therefore, the standard rate of VAT applies. The concession in relation to vitamins and the like is proving unworkable as the industry seeks to use the concession to achieve a zero rating for much of the product range in the sector.
After consultations between Revenue, Department of Health and my Department concerning policy options that might be considered in the context of Finance Bill 2018, reservations were expressed by the Department of Health as to the implications a change might may have on the promotion of food supplements in certain circumstances. For these reasons, I decided not to make any changes in this year’s Budget and Finance Bill. However, I have asked my officials to address this matter in the context of the Tax Strategy Group next year.
126. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if reinforcement works on Fenit Island (details supplied) will be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48535/18]
View answerThe Department for Housing, Planning and Local Government has overall responsibility for Government policy on coastal strategy. In the first instance, the management of problems of coastal protection in the area indicated remains a matter for Kerry County Council. They may carry out coastal protection works using their own resources, but where necessary, they may also put forward proposals to relevant central Government Departments, including the OPW, for funding of appropriate measures depending on the infrastructure or assets under threat.
Following the severe storms of Winter 2013/2014 and on foot of submissions made by the Local Authority, funding of €1,243,270 was allocated to Kerry County Council for coastal protection repair works for infrastructure damaged during those storms. This initial allocation included funding of €44,000 drawn-down for a project at Fenit Beach. This funding was a once off allocation and no further funding is available under this stream. The submitted and agreed programme of storm damage repair works did not include works for a project to repair the sea wall at Fenit Island.
The OPW also operates the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, under which applications for funding from Local Authorities are considered for measures costing up to €750,000 in each instance. It is open to Kerry County Council to apply for funding under this scheme. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for projects that meet the eligibility criteria, including a requirement that the proposed measures are cost beneficial.
Funding of €176,166 was approved under this scheme on the 10th July, 2018 for a coastal project at Kilfenora, Fenit.
Funding of €225,000 was also approved in March, 2018 for a Coastal Erosion & Flood Risk Management Study for the Tralee Bay region (Ballyheigue to Brandon Point) – the Local Authority has advised that access issues at Fenit Island are listed in the areas of particular concern. The OPW understands that the Local Authority is currently in the process of appointing Consultants to carry out this Study. Because intervention within a coastal area may cause problems further along the coast, any proposed intervention measures are best developed in conjunction with a formal coastal erosion risk management study to carefully investigate the problem and explore the full range of management options.
127. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when a car park will be constructed at a Garda station (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48571/18]
View answerI can confirm that the Office of Public Works (OPW) received an enquiry from local Gardaí about developing the parking facilities at the Garda Station in question. A quotation for the work has been provided to Garda Estate Management which must approve funding before the work can be scheduled by OPW for delivery.
128. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 141 of 26 June 2018, if the OPW and the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht have completed their review; if the phase 2 restoration works to Maynooth Castle are included for funding; if not, if it is being considered under other funding mechanisms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48494/18]
View answerA review of the national monuments portfolio work priorities for 2019 has recently been undertaken by the Office of Public Works and the Department of Culture Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Although this process is still ongoing, it is nevertheless clear that the proposed Phase 2 project at Maynooth is not a priority and will not be progressing. The proposal is not being considered under any other funding scheme.
129. Deputy Kate O'Connell asked the Minister for Education and Skills if assistive technology will be provided to a person (details supplied). [48444/18]
View answerUnder the Assistive Technology scheme, as set out in my Department’s Circular 0010/2013, funding is provided to schools towards the cost of computers and specialist equipment, which are required for educational purposes. Equipment is provided under this scheme for children who, in order to access the school curriculum, require essential specialist equipment which they do not already have, or which cannot be provided for them through the school’s existing IT provision.
The criteria which must be evidenced to qualify for support under the Department’s Assistive Technology scheme are that the professional reports state in each case that the equipment is essential for the effective education of the child, illustrating how the recommended equipment is to be used for educational purposes throughout the school day. Equipment may only be provided where medical and/or other professional reports outline that the degree of communicative disability is such that this equipment is essential to allow the pupil to access education and set out how the equipment will provide for this.
The type of equipment provided under the assistive technology scheme is varied, and includes audiological supports for students with hearing impairment, braille equipment for children with visual impairment, and computer equipment with associated modified software for students with physical or severe communicative disabilities.
Communication devices or medical or therapy related devices which are not specific educational interventions or equipment specifically required as essential for school educational access, and which have a general application outside of school, are not provided for under the Assistive Technology scheme, however. Such equipment is normally provided for children with disabilities by the Health Service Executive (HSE).
With regard to the student referred to by the deputy, a letter issued to his school on 27 February 2018, granting written sanction to purchase equipment that would enable him to access the curriculum.
The school had also applied for a specific communicative software programme, and sanction was not granted for the purchase of same on the basis that it was a communication aid and may be provided by the HSE through its Aids and Appliances scheme. In a letter to the school on 21 August 2018, they were advised that it would be open to the school or the student’s parents to contact the local Health Centre with a view to making an application for same, using the contact information available on www.hse.ie.
130. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the provision of ASD units at both primary and post-primary level for Clonmel, County Tipperary (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48438/18]
View answerFunding for special education provision in 2018 will amount to some €1.75 billion, up 43% since 2011 and equivalent to 18.7% of the gross overall current allocation for education and training.
My Department's policy is to provide for the inclusive education of children with special educational needs, including Autism (ASD), in mainstream school settings, unless such a placement would not be in the best interests of the child concerned, or the children with whom they will be educated.
The greater proportion of children with Autism attend mainstream classes, but some require the environment of a special class or special school. This decision is based on a recommendation contained within a professional assessment and in consultation with the NCSE.
Special school placements are provided for other students with ASD and very complex special needs who wouldn’t manage in a mainstream school even for part of the week.
The NCSE is responsible, through its network of Special Needs Organisers, for the development and delivery and co-ordination of education services to children with Special Educational Needs, including the establishment of special class and special school placements.
Since 2011, the NCSE has increased the number of special classes from 548 in 2011 to 1,459 across the country now, of which 1,196 are Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) special classes.
There are 3 special schools and 66 special classes attached to mainstream schools in Co. Tipperary. Of these, 8 are ASD early intervention classes, 32 are primary ASD classes and 18 are post primary ASD classes. The number of ASD special classes in Co. Tipperary have increased from 10 in 2011/2012 to 58 in 2018/2019. Details of all special classes for children with special educational needs are available on www.ncse.ie.
The NCSE is aware of emerging need from year to year in Co Tipperary, and where special provision is required it is planned and established to meet that need. I have arranged for the Deputy's question on emerging need in the Clonmel area to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply. My Department has no role in making determinations in this matter.
131. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to provide schools in the Cherrywood area; the timeline for delivery of schools; when the public consultation processes will open for the patronage of each of the schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48454/18]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Government recently announced plans for the establishment of 42 new schools over the next four years (2019 to 2022), including two new primary schools (to be established in 2020 and 2022) and one new post-primary school (to be established in 2021) to serve the Sallynoggin_Killiney_DLR (Cherrywood) school planning area. This announcement follows nationwide, demographic exercises carried out by my Department into the future need for primary and post-primary schools across the country and the 4-year horizon will enable increased lead-in times for planning and delivery of the necessary infrastructure.
A patronage process is run after it has been decided, based on demographic analysis, that a new school is required. This patronage process is open to all patron bodies and prospective patrons. Parental preferences for each patron, from parents of children who reside in the school planning areas concerned, together with the extent of diversity currently available in these areas, are key to decisions in relation to the outcome of this process.
The patronage process for new schools is overseen by an external independent advisory group, the New Schools Establishment Group (NSEG). Following their consideration of my Department’s assessment reports, the NSEG submits a report with recommendations to me for consideration and final decision. The assessment reports and the NSEG recommendations for all such patronage processes are made available on my Department's website.
An Online Patronage Process System (OPPS) has been developed by my Department to provide objective information to all parents which will allow them to make an informed choice about their preferred model of patronage for their child’s education. Parental preferences were previously collected based on direct engagement with patron bodies.
The patronage process for 12 of the primary schools to be established in 2019 has commenced. The patronage process for the remaining schools, including the schools referred to by the Deputy, will also be run at a later date, significantly ahead of their due opening. Updates in relation to further patronage processes will be announced on the OPPS website and the Department’s websitewww.education.ie.
An initial phased start-up is envisaged for the new schools, which typically involves the use of interim accommodation. However, this is the first time the requirement for new schools is set out over a 4-year horizon and this will provide a better lead-in period for the planning and delivery of permanent accommodation solutions. Following on from the announcement, the locations for all of the schools will be determined as part of the site acquisition process.
The new primary school due to be established in 2020 to serve the Sallynoggin_Killiney_DLR/Cherrywood school planning area is currently at Planning compliance stage. When planning compliance is met, the project will proceed to tender stage. This is expected to be before the end of the year or early 2019, for delivery in 2020. Site acquisition processes in respect of the remaining two schools referred to by the Deputy are currently underway and are being progressed in line with accommodation provision requirements.
132. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will identify appropriate avenues of funding which may be available to an organisation (details supplied) in order to assist it in its work promoting positive mental health in primary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48455/18]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware my Department launched the Wellbeing Policy Statement and Framework for Practice 2018-2023 in July 2018. The policy statement provides an overarching structure encompassing existing, ongoing and developing work in the area of wellbeing. It builds on the good work already happening in schools to ensure that best practice in whole-school wellbeing promotion is embedded across the system. The policy outlines a multicomponent, whole school preventative approach to the promotion of wellbeing with interventions at both universal and targeted levels. This policy requires that a Wellbeing Promotion Process is developed and implemented, through the use of the School Self-Evaluation (SSE) process, in all schools by 2023.
The policy includes a set of Statements of Effective Practice in relation to wellbeing promotion within the school system. The statements will support schools in reviewing their current provision in four key areas of wellbeing promotion, culture, curriculum, policy and partnership and in setting goals for improvement. The Wellbeing Policy Statement and Framework for Practice is available on my Department’s website www./education.ie for information.
In order to support schools in the implementation of this Wellbeing Policy it is planned to develop and rollout a comprehensive programme of professional development, commencing in 2019. This will include facilitating the engagement of schools in the school self-evaluation wellbeing promotion process, which will build professional capacity in schools. It also includes the provision of a comprehensive and easily-accessible set of resources to address school-identified wellbeing promotion needs. The roll out will be aligned with the Junior Cycle Wellbeing Programme and the Schools for Health Programme delivered through the HSE, Health Promotion Service. Schools may continue to access existing support available through the Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST), Health and Wellbeing Team, the Junior Cycle for Teachers and National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS).
There are many resources that have been developed which support implementation of the wellbeing policy in the school context. It is a matter for the school management to consider use, having due regard for the aims and objectives of the SPHE curriculum and the Junior Cycle Wellbeing Guidelines. Schools are also advised to be cognisant of DES, Circular 0042 & 43 /2018 and when considering collaborating with external agencies or commercial concerns in doing work related to wellbeing promotion in schools.
My Department does not provide funding for any programmes for which it has no direct involvement or oversight function, nor is it in a position to endorse or review such programmes, as for instance, the example provided in the Deputy’s question. School authorities must therefore look to both the appropriateness of using any external resource, programme or process and the resourcing implications thereof to the school.
133. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to make public the information relating to building inspections that were carried out at a school (details supplied) in recent weeks; and his further plans to carry out necessary repairs. [48472/18]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, my Department arranged for structural assessments to be undertaken at 42 schools following the identification of significant structural issues at Ardgillan Community College in Balbriggan during an assessment undertaken by a structural engineer at the school on 19 October 2018.
Proportionate precautionary measures including the erection of external fencing and protective decks were recommended in 19 schools including the school referred to by the Deputy.
Further more detailed reviews at these schools will be carried out in the near future to ascertain the full extent of the issues and to develop a plan for remediation of these issues.
My Department has maintained contact with the authorities of all 42 schools including the school referred to by the Deputy and they will be kept fully informed of any further developments.
I wish to assure the Deputy that at all times, the Department’s priority is the health and safety of the pupils and staff using the schools.
134. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if tenders were invited for the completion of a campus (details supplied) in County Kildare on 8 November 2018; the number of contractors invited to tender; the closing date for receipt of tenders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48485/18]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the project to which he refers has been devolved for delivery to the local Education and Training Board (ETB).
I am pleased to be able to inform the Deputy that completion of the envelope of the two school buildings will commence shortly as part of an arrangement with the Bondsman. This welcome development will weather the buildings and form a neat finish-out package for a new main contractor. That package will be tendered to contractors that have been pre-qualified by the Design Team shortly. The completion date for the project is June 2020 and the Design Team’s programme to achieve this is on track.
135. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of a subject raised at a recent meeting (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48504/18]
View answerSchool 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.
Children who are not eligible for school transport may be facilitated where spare seats are available after eligible children have been accommodated. Where the number of ineligible children exceeds the number of spare seats available Bus Éireann allocates tickets for the spare seats on the basis of an agreed selection process.
It is understood that the cases referred to by the Deputy relate to children who are not eligible under the rules of the scheme.
The terms of the School Transport Scheme are applied equitably on an annual basis.
136. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if Maynooth University has submitted a cost-benefit analysis of its campus development plans under the National Development Plan 2018-2027; if the plans have been approved; the details of the projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48505/18]
View answerMy Department has not yet received a cost benefit analysis (CBA) from Maynooth University in relation to future campus development plans.
However, the Higher Education Authority (HEA) has informed the Department that Maynooth University has been developing a CBA for one of its priority projects and is likely to make an application for funding under the recently announced Strategic Infrastructure Fund. The HEA will be inviting applications for this Fund in the near future.
137. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a site has been identified for a school (details supplied); if the project will be advanced through architectural planning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48507/18]
View answerI can confirm for the Deputy that officials in my Department are working closely with officials from Kildare County Council under the memorandum of understanding in relation to the identification and acquisition of a suitable site for the school in question. A potential site has been identified and discussions are ongoing. Due to commercial sensitivities relating to site acquisitions generally I am not in a position to provide further details at this time.
Once agreement has been reached on the purchase of a suitable site my Department will be in a position to progress the project concerned into the architectural planning process.
138. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason the net target for the national skills strategy has not increased for 2025 based on population in view of the fact that the population has increased since 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48527/18]
View answerThe Expert Group on Future Skills Needs published a report in 2007, "Tomorrow's Skills, Towards a National Skills Strategy" which contained a target that the percentage of the labour force at levels 1 -3 on the National Framework of Qualifications should decrease to 7% by 2020.
This indicator was carried over into Ireland's National Skills Strategy 2025 which was published in January 2016. On inclusion in the strategy, the baseline figure was 15%, and the 7% target for 2020 was retained. The Strategy commits to reviewing this target in 2020, with a view to setting an appropriate revised target for 2025.
The current figure is 12% (Labour Force Survey, Q2 2018, CSO)
A new policy framework for employee development, 'Supporting Working Lives and Enterprise Growth in Ireland', was developed by SOLAS in consultation with key partners. This new approach will enable targeted support for vulnerable groups in the Irish workforce as it has a particular focus on employees those who have lower skills levels and who need more opportunities to advance in their working lives and careers, to sustain their employment and to avoid displacement or to avail of emerging job opportunities. The policy sets a target of having over 40,000 workers, whose skills level is below Level 5 on the NFQ, engaged in state supported skills development by 2021. Participation by employees in relevant courses will be provided free of charge.
This new initiative is also a significant part of our national efforts to implement the European Commission's Upskilling Pathways Recommendation: New Opportunities for Adults, as almost half of those with less than an upper secondary qualification are in employment. My Department has been working with partners on the implementation of the recommendation – which aims to help adults with less than upper second level education acquire a minimum level of literacy, numeracy and digital skills. My Department has established a multi–agency steering group to identify the priority cohorts and appropriate measures to implement the recommendation. This informed my Department's recent response to a request from the Commission for information regarding arrangements in Ireland on upskilling pathways interventions. The response presented the overall context for Upskilling Pathways in Ireland, including key background information that the Commission would find useful, as well as information on existing and planned provision. The Commission are conducting an audit of interventions across Member States and hope to report back on their findings by the end of the year.
139. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal can expect a decision in relation to the school transport requirements for children with special needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48533/18]
View answerSchool 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.
Under the terms of my Department’s School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs, children are eligible for school transport where they are attending the nearest recognised mainstream school, special class/special school or unit, that is or can be resourced, to meet their special educational needs. Eligibility is determined following consultation with the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENO).
The School Transport Section of my Department has received an application for special education needs school transport for the child in question for the 2018/19 school year. My Department is currently liaising with the NCSE in regard to this application.
The terms of the School Transport Schemes are applied equitably on a national basis.
