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Wednesday, 27 Feb 2019

Written Answers Nos. 67-86

Amusement Machine Licences

Questions (67, 69)

Jack Chambers

Question:

67. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Finance the steps the Revenue Commissioners are taking to ensure all gaming machines in use are properly licensed and not being passed off as amusement machines to bypass the laws governing the area; if the Revenue Commissioners are taking measures to ensure that gaming licences are only issued for premises operating in areas in which Part III of the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956 is in operation; if arrangements exist between the Revenue Commissioners and An Garda Síochána to enforce laws regarding gaming and unlicensed machines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9904/19]

View answer

Mick Wallace

Question:

69. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Finance the number of gaming machines seized by the Revenue Commissioners in areas in which Part III of the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956 is not in force in each of the years 2016 to 2018, in tabular form. [9993/19]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 67 and 69 together.

In relation to PQ 9904/19, Gaming machines and amusement machines which are made available for play must have a valid excise licence issued by Revenue. Legislation for gaming machines is contained in the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956 and the Finance Act 1975. Legislation for Amusement Machines is contained in the Finance Act 1992.

An operator of gaming machines must first apply to the District Court for a certificate for a gaming licence. This is required for each premises where it is intended to make gaming machines available for play. Provided the District Court grants this certificate, the operator must apply to Revenue for a Gaming Licence for each premises concerned. The Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956 provides that Revenue shall, on the application of a person who has been granted a certificate for a gaming licence by the District Court and on payment of the relevant excise duty, issue to that person a Gaming Licence.

Under the Finance Act 1975, an operator of gaming machines must also apply to Revenue for a Gaming Machine Licence in respect of each gaming machine made available for play. Gaming Machine Licences may only be issued by Revenue to an operator who already holds a Gaming Licence (for premises) and who has paid the relevant excise duty.

I am advised by Revenue that it commenced a nationwide compliance project in 2017 in relation to the gaming and amusement sector, including compliance with licensing laws. Revenue’s enforcement of the law in relation to gaming machine licensing is based on detecting machines that are unlicensed and detecting gaming machines that have been licensed improperly as amusement machines. To date, in addition to audit settlements and other outcomes arising from the project, a total of 293 gaming machines have been seized by Revenue for breaches of the licensing laws. I am also advised that Revenue liaises with an Garda Síochána in relation to the implementation of the national compliance project in individual cases where this is appropriate and necessary.

Regarding PQ 9993/19, I am advised by Revenue that, in accordance with section 43 of the Finance Act 1975, a gaming machine which is made available for play in a public place without a Gaming Machine Licence is liable to forfeiture and may be seized. This provision applies irrespective of whether the machine is operated in an area for which the relevant Local Authority has elected to permit gaming under Part III of the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956, or not.

The table sets out the number of seizures of gaming machines by Revenue under the provisions of section 43 in the years requested by the Deputy. Revenue has also confirmed that while it does not maintain records of the areas in which the relevant Local Authority permits gaming, it understands that most seizures have occurred in areas where it is not permitted.

Year

2016

2017

2018

2019 (to date)

Number of gaming machines seized

0

0

158

135

Tracker Mortgage Examination

Questions (68)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

68. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 70 and 76 of 21 February 2019, the reason for the difference between those 1,250 tracker complaints on hand at the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman and the subset of 645 under active investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9973/19]

View answer

Written answers

Firstly, I must point out that the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO) is independent in the performance of his statutory functions. I have no role in the day to day workings of the office or in the decisions which he takes.

However the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman has informed me that while the Central Bank Examination was still underway individual tracker mortgage-related complaints were placed on hold pending confirmation that the Central Bank Examination had concluded in respect of those complainants. In July 2018, a decision was taken to begin to take complaints that could potentially progress off hold.

Complaints relating to tracker mortgage rates where the complainant has completed the Provider’s internal dispute resolution process and where they have availed of the Independent Appeals Process if open to them are now being progressed by the FSPO. Those complaints which have not yet reached that state remain on hold. Complaints that have been confirmed by the Provider not to have been impacted by the Central Bank Examination are also being progressed.

As at 20 February 2019, there were 1250 complaints on hand that are linked to the tracker mortgage rate issue. Of these 1250 complaints, 645 relate to:

(a) complaints that have been confirmed by the Provider not to have been impacted by the Central Bank Examination, or

(b) complaints where the complainant has completed the Provider’s internal dispute resolution process and where they have availed of the Independent Appeals Process if open to them.

Those complaints which have not yet reached the state outlined in either (a) or (b) above remain on hold (605 complaints).

I would also remind the Deputy that the FSPO wrote to all members of the Houses of the Oireachtas informing them of the Protocol for the Provision of Information to Members of the Oireachtas by State Bodies and providing a dedicated email address for the timely provision of information to members of the Oireachtas.

Question No. 69 answered with Question No. 67.

Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme

Questions (70)

Clare Daly

Question:

70. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason pensioners (details supplied) were not informed before a decision was taken in June 2018 to not permit further transfers to and from the public transfer section and the scheme in view of the fact that the effect of this decision is to reduce member benefits. [9788/19]

View answer

Written answers

In response to a question from the Deputy, on 2 May 2018 I advised the Dáil that

“Irish Airlines Pensions has advised this Department that as a result of the deficit that exists on the Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme (IASS) pension fund, it is not in a position to fully fund transfers effected through the Public Sector Transfer Network (PSTN).

The rules of the PSTN require a full transfer of pension entitlements. In the case of funded pension schemes, this means that a transfer payment must be made in respect of all pensionable service with the first organisation, calculated in accordance with the relevant actuarial tables under paragraph 16(d) of the transfer scheme rules. Payment of a lesser amount will mean that the funds received by the second organization will not reflect the full service to be transferred.

Accordingly, there is no possibility of transfers involving the IASS being effected within the PSTN under these circumstances”

Irish Airlines Pensions DAC were advised formally of my Department’s position on the IASS membership of the PSTN on 14 June 2018.

Departmental Contracts Data

Questions (71)

Mick Wallace

Question:

71. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of engineering projects completed under contract work management framework since 2009 in tabular form; the costs associated with same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9819/19]

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Written answers

The details sought by the Deputy are not available centrally. The management of individual contracts is a matter for the relevant contracting authorities and my Department does not have a central coordination role in relation to contracts entered into by all state authorities.

However information on the types of public works contracts that contracting authorities intend to use on public works projects that are advertised on eTenders has been available since 2013 following enhancements made to the eTenders service in 2012.

The Capital Works Management Framework (CWMF) was developed to deliver the Government’s objectives in relation to public sector construction procurement reform. It consists of a suite of best practice guidance, standard contracts and generic template documents. The primary CWMF engineering contracts are the ‘Public Works Contract for Civil Engineering Works Designed by the Employer’ (PW-CF3) and the ‘Public Works Contract for Civil Engineering Works Designed by the Contractor’ (PW-CF4). However it should be noted that the ‘Public Works Contract for Minor Building or Civil Engineering Works Designed by the Employer’ (PW-CF5) and the ‘Public Works Short Form of Contract’ (PW-CF6) may also be used for smaller value engineering projects up to €5m (PW-CF5 - €1m to €5m; and up to €1m for PW-CF6).

eTenders is managed by the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) and a summary of the number of contract notices published by contracting authorities on eTenders indicating the use of the PW-CF3 or PW-CF4 is set out below. A contract notice indicates a contracting authority’s intention to award a contract and marks the beginning of a tender process, it does not signify whether the process concluded in the award of a contract. Data is only available from April 2013.

2013 (from April)

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019 (to date)

PW-CF3

54

58

42

29

55

36

3

PW-CF4

33

15

10

15

26

23

3

Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Questions (72)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

72. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a child (details supplied) has not received a SNA; when a SNA will be allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9901/19]

View answer

Written answers

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.

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

Summer Works Scheme Eligibility

Questions (73, 81)

John Lahart

Question:

73. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there is funding available to schools for school garden development, play spaces within school developments and adventure trails within school grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9922/19]

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John Lahart

Question:

81. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there are grants or funding available to schools that have land adjacent to their properties for the development of child play spaces for the pupils such as activity trails and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9919/19]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 73 and 81 together.

I wish to advise the Deputy that the Summer Works Scheme (SWS) is designed to allow schools, on a devolved funding basis, to carry out necessary improvement and refurbishment works that will upgrade existing school facilities including play areas.

It is open to school authorities to apply under the next Summer Works Scheme which will open for applications in 2019 for projects to be delivered from summer 2020. It is important to note that schools may only apply for funding if the proposed works are within the vested school site.

In the meantime, it is open to all primary schools to use their Minor Works Grant to undertake works to their play areas etc. should they consider the works to be a priority.

Education Policy

Questions (74)

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

74. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the changes made in relation to the basic requirements of masters students who are affected by the rise in basic requirements for access to primary teaching courses can also be applied to mature access students in third level who are now required to complete their programme and achieve the higher requirements in one academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9790/19]

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Written answers

Having relatively high minimum entry requirements in core subject areas of Irish, English and Mathematics is one of the key policy levers that help ensure quality teaching and learning in primary schools.

In October 2017, changes were announced setting higher minimum entry standards to primary programmes of initial teacher education for Leaving Certificate Maths, English and Irish.

In determining the revised entry requirements, care was taken not to disadvantage those students who have already commenced the senior cycle and this meant that the changes were to commence from 2019.

On 30th January, I announced the deferral of the introduction of the new minimum entry requirements in respect of students starting a primary Professional Master of Education (PME) from 2019 to 2020. This deferral applies to students who have commenced an undergraduate degree (as distinct from a Bachelor of Education degree) and are planning to apply for the (postgraduate) PME for entry in September 2019.

The new minimum entry requirements are the appropriate standard but the original timing of their introduction may have caused difficulties for some students already studying an undergraduate degree and planning on undertaking a PME as an entry route to primary teaching.

The higher minimum entry requirements, announced in October 2017, will continue to apply from September 2019 for students planning on entering the undergraduate Bachelor of Education (Primary) programme.

In summary, the minimum entry requirements required for students commencing Initial Teacher Education Programmes in 2019 and 2020 are as follows:

Entry 2019 (Professional Master of Education (PME) Route) - Irish: H5, English: H7/O5, Maths: H7/O6

Entry 2019 (Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) Route) - Irish: H4, English: H7/O4, Maths: H7/O4

Entry 2020 and beyond (PME and B. Ed. Routes) - Irish: H4, English: H7/O4, Maths: H7/O4.

Education Fees

Questions (75)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

75. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if an immigration levy is payable for non-EEA national students with children attending State schools; if so, the amount of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9834/19]

View answer

Written answers

The immigration regime which applies to non-EEA students seeking to have their children accompany them during their study period in Ireland is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality. I can confirm that this Department does not administer an immigration levy for non-EEA students attending state schools.

Schools Building Projects Status

Questions (76)

Barry Cowen

Question:

76. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the progress being made on the planning and development of a new site for a school (details supplied) in County Offaly [9838/19]

View answer

Written answers

The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is in the process of being devolved for delivery to the local Education and Training Board (ETB).

The first step in this process is the execution of a Service Level Agreement between my Department and the ETB and this is being arranged. Thereafter, the ETB will procure a design team for the project to design the buildings, obtain the necessary statutory planning permissions and move the project onward to construction in due course. As the project is at an early stage in the delivery process, it is not possible at this time to give a date for its completion.

Schools Building Projects Status

Questions (77)

Paul Kehoe

Question:

77. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of progress of a school building project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9852/19]

View answer

Written answers

The Deputy will be aware that a building project for the school to which he refers is included in my Department's Capital Programme.

My Department is currently finalising the project brief with a view to progressing the project into the architectural planning process. The brief is expected to be completed shortly and my Department will be in further contact with the patron, who has agreed to deliver the project, when the process has been completed.

Minor Works Scheme Eligibility

Questions (78)

John Lahart

Question:

78. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there are grants available for primary schools in areas (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9868/19]

View answer

Written answers

It is open to primary schools to use their minor works grants to install energy efficient lights in their schools if they so wish. The capitation grant at both primary and post-primary level, which is for the general running costs of schools, may also be used for this purpose.

My Department is currently engaged with the SEAI on the delivery of a National Energy Efficiency Upgrade Pilot Programme to implement a range of energy efficiency measures in a small number of typical schools. The purpose of this pilot programme, which builds on a similar programme carried out in 2017, is to test a variety of approaches to develop a scalable model of energy efficiency retrofits in the school sector to be rolled out as funding becomes available.

Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Questions (79)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

79. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a child (details supplied) has not received a SNA; when a SNA will be allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9902/19]

View answer

Written answers

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.

As this question relates to a particular child, 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 Accommodation Provision

Questions (80)

Mick Barry

Question:

80. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans for the adjacent prefabricated buildings and the site occupied by schools (details supplied); if part of these buildings and-or site will be used by the playschool which currently operates from a prefab but which has been excluded from the permanent build; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9916/19]

View answer

Written answers

My Department is aware that a play school is operating in temporary accommodation in one of the schools referred to by the Deputy. This appears to be an initiative of that school and my Department is not party to this arrangement. As the site and prefabricated buildings currently in use by the schools are rented, my Department will be terminating both leases as soon as the schools in question move into their new buildings.

Question No. 81 answered with Question No. 73.

Teacher Recruitment

Questions (82)

Robert Troy

Question:

82. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps he is taking to address teaching shortages across the primary school sector; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the temporary replacement panel to recruit short-term replacements is perceived to be completely inadequate and does not provide a level of cover to wide areas nationally; and the steps he would advise a school principal to take in circumstances in which a temporary replacement teacher cannot be provided or located. [9937/19]

View answer

Written answers

Management bodies and schools have, in recent years, reported difficulties in recruiting teachers. At primary level this relates mainly to the recruitment of substitute teachers and at post-primary level to the recruitment of teachers of certain subjects.

In response to these difficulties, the Teacher Supply Steering Group, chaired by the Secretary General of my Department, was established in March of last year.

The Steering Group is considering the issues that impact on teacher supply under four policy headings: initial teacher education policy, provision, funding and support; data/research requirements; policies and arrangements for schools and teachers that impact on teacher mobility/supply; and promotion of the teaching profession. The Steering Group is supported by a number of working groups which are looking in detail at the issues under these broad headings. In undertaking its task, the Group is cognisant of the requirement that all persons wishing to teach in recognised schools must meet the professional registration standards and criteria set by the Teaching Council, which is the professional regulatory body for the teaching profession.

The Deputy will be aware that In November 2018, I published the Action Plan for Teacher Supply setting out actions in the four policy areas. Actions include:

- The identification of data to support the analysis of teacher supply and demand.

- In December 2018, a national campaign to promote the teaching profession was launched across a number of platforms, including radio and digital media, supported by a new ‘Teaching Transforms’ webpage providing information about teaching as a career.

- The development of an online teacher and substitute teacher recruitment portal is being explored

- The Teaching Council is undertaking a review of the implementation of the guidelines for student teacher school placements.

- In the current academic year, an additional €1m has been allocated to the Student Assistance Fund for Professional Master of Education students, increasing the overall fund to €10.1m.

- For the 2018/19 school year the restrictions on the employment of teachers on career break were suspended.

- The Teaching Council is developing more streamlined processes for the registration of teachers qualified in jurisdictions outside the State.

In addition, following from the Policy on Gaeltacht Education 2017-2022:

- Marino Institute of Education will, from 2019, provide a 4-year Irish-medium B Ed for primary teachers.

- An Irish-medium Masters in Education for primary and post-primary teachers, including principals, commenced in September 2018 in Mary Immaculate College.

There is currently no temporary replacement panel to recruit short term replacement teachers. However, the Deputy may wish to note that, following from the Action Plan for Teacher Supply, the Department is currently undertaking an analysis of the potential for a supply panel scheme for primary schools.

It is my Department's policy that only qualified personnel should be employed by schools as teachers. Unqualified personnel should not be appointed except in exceptional circumstances and only when all avenues for recruiting qualified personnel have been exhausted and only for quite limited time periods. Circular 0031/2011 issued by my Department details a cascade of measures for the recruitment of teachers by schools, prioritising registered teachers over retired registered teachers and unregistered people.

Other than the limited exceptions under Ministerial Regulations, Section 30 of the Teaching Council Act 2001, prohibits payment from Oireachtas funds to people employed as teachers in recognised schools unless they are registered with the teaching Council. The limited exceptions provided for in the regulations allow for an unregistered person to be appointed where an employer has made all reasonable efforts to appoint a registered teacher and no registered teacher is available to take up the position in question. An unregistered person, so appointed, may not be paid from public funds for a continuous period of more than 5 consecutive school days. The employer must be satisfied that any such person appointed is competent and capable of acting in the place of a registered teacher in the school. The employer must also continue to make all reasonable efforts to employ a registered teacher.

Teacher Recruitment

Questions (83)

Robert Troy

Question:

83. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps he is taking to assist primary schools that are experiencing difficulties in recruiting suitable SNA support. [9938/19]

View answer

Written answers

The recruitment and appointment of Special Needs Assistants is a matter for the individual school authority. Department's Circulars 34/ 2018 and 21/2011 and Appendix H of the Governance Manual for Primary Schools 2015-2019 sets out the current minimum educational requirements for appointment as a Special Needs Assistant (SNA).

People appointed to SNA posts are required to have:

1. A FETAC level 3 major qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications, OR

2. A minimum of three grade Ds in the Junior Certificate, OR

3. Equivalent

The above are the minimum qualifications required for appointment as a SNA. The actual requirements for a post will vary depending on the specific needs of the children and the school to which the SNA is to be appointed. When recruiting an SNA school authorities must list in the advertisement any specific competencies and/ or requirements to meet the special educational needs of the pupil(s).

All standard SNA vacancies and cover SNA vacancies of 24 weeks or more must be advertised on one of the following websites as soon as practicable.

SNA vacancies may also be advertised locally as required / deemed necessary. This will enable SNAs who are being made redundant to know what SNA vacancies are available.

List of Websites:

www.educationposts.ie

www.staffroom.ie

www.educationcareers.ie

www.educatetogether.ie

www.jobsireland.ie

Any Education and Training Board websites

These Circulars can be accessed on the Department’s website at www.education.ie.

Special Educational Needs

Questions (84)

Robert Troy

Question:

84. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to close the language school at a facility (details supplied); and the supports which will be put in place should the facility close to assist children with speech difficulties in the area in view of the fact that there are no other facilities at present. [9939/19]

View answer

Written answers

My Department provides an extensive range of supports for pupils with Specific Speech and Language Disorder (SSLD). This includes provision for the establishment of special classes for pupils with SSLD in primary schools.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from schools for special educational needs supports, including applications to establish special classes for SSLD. Applications meeting the criteria for establishment are approved by the NCSE.

The NCSE continues to monitor and review the requirement for special class places in particular areas and has capacity to establish such new classes or retain current classes where necessary, subject to the willingness of schools to open/retain classes. The NCSE welcomes expressions of interest from schools in opening special classes to meet the demand for special class provision. In deciding on the location of a special class SENOs take into account both the present and the future potential need for special class provision, and they must also be satisfied that the special class is sustainable and appropriately located. SENOs liaise with relevant professionals in their area to arrive at an informed decision.

The opening and retention of a Speech and Language class is, however, contingent on the HSE being in a position to provide Speech and Language therapy to the students in the class. The availability and provision of speech and language therapy is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive (HSE).

My Department is not aware of any current issues with the SSLD class in the school to which the Deputy refers, but I have arranged for the Deputy's question to be referred to the NCSE for direct reply.

Ministerial Meetings

Questions (85)

Seán Crowe

Question:

85. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Skills when he last met formally with the chief executive officer and chairperson of the State Examinations Commission; the issues discussed; and when he will next meet the CEO and chairperson. [9982/19]

View answer

Written answers

My predecessor Mr. Richard Bruton TD, met with the Chairperson of the State Examinations Commission (SEC), Mr. Pat Burke, and the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Aidan Farrell, on 14th August 2018 when the SEC presented information on the 2018 Leaving Certificate results.

Shortly after my appointment as Minister for Education and Skills, I met with the CEO of the SEC. I also separately met with the SEC Chair in November last as part of my collective engagement with the Chairs of agencies under the auspices of the Department.

There are no further meetings planned at this time.

Garda Reports

Questions (86)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

86. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the Crowley report regarding the killing of a person (details supplied) will be released; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9774/19]

View answer

Written answers

The fatal shooting of Aidan McAnespie in February 1988 was a devastating tragedy for Aidan McAnespie’s family and for the people of Aughnacloy. Given the public disquiet following the shooting, the then Government commissioned a report into the circumstances that was carried out by then Garda Deputy Commissioner Crowley.

Given the circumstances in which the Crowley report was carried out and the commitments given to many local people who co-operated, it has not been considered possible to date to publish the report in its entirety.

The Deputy will appreciate that the Government has a persisting obligation to the commitments given to those people in the locality.

I am very familiar with the case for many years and have extended my personal sympathies to the family. I fully understand the frustration of the McAnespie family and their concern to access any information that might be available. It is a source of regret to me that this issue causes any pain to them.

Given the passage of time and my desire to do all I can to assist the family, I am currently examining options that may be available in this regard in respect of the Crowley report and I am in correspondence with the Attorney General about it.

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