Written Answers Nos. 78-112
78. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the contribution request for €40,000 by Westmeath County Council to the OPW in June 2020 was facilitated; and if so, when the payment was made. [42458/20]
View answerWestmeath County Council (WCC) working in conjunction with the Office of Public Works (OPW) is advancing works to deal with the flooding issues in Athlone. WCC is the Contracting Authority and the OPW is funding the costs of the flood relief works for the town, in addition to undertaking the construction works using its own direct labour.
The OPW received a letter dated 12th June 2020 from Westmeath County Council requesting an additional contribution of €40,000 relating to the Athlone Flood Alleviation Scheme, and discussions between the OPW and officials in Westmeath County Council are ongoing on this matter.
79. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the bodies under the aegis of his Department; and the composition of their respective board memberships, disaggregated by appointments through the Public Appointments Service or inisterial appointments in tabular form. [42484/20]
View answerAs set out in tabular format below, two Statutory Offices under the aegis of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform have advisory boards. Details regarding the composition, membership and appointment of these boards is set out in the legislation which established both bodies.
The Department also provides grant funding to the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) and the Institute of Public Administration (IPA). Neither organisation is a State Body, however both organisations adhere to the provisions of the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies.
|
Organisation |
Total Board Members |
Appointed by the Minister following a PAS Selection Process |
|
National Shared Services Office |
9 (including the CEO as an ex-officio member) |
2 |
|
Public Appointments Service |
9 (including the CEO as an ex-officio member) |
3 |
|
Office of Public Works |
N/A |
|
|
State Laboratory |
N/A |
|
|
Office of the Ombudsman (including the Office of the Information Commissioner, the Office of the Commissioner for Environmental Information, the Standards in Public Office Commission and the Commission for Public Service Appointments) |
N/A |
|
|
Office of the Regulator of the National Lottery |
N/A |
|
|
Special EU Programmes Body |
N/A |
|
Grant Funded Organisations
|
Organisation |
Total Board Members |
Appointed by Minister following PAS Selection Process |
|
Institute of Public Administration |
14 |
0* *The IPA has a 14 member representative Board, and no members are appointed by the Minister. As set out in the Articles of Association governing the Institute, nominations are sought from different bodies and sectors of the public service every two years). |
|
Economic and Social Research Institute |
N/A |
|
80. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the level of Covid-19 restrictions at which she expects indoor sports to resume for children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42402/20]
View answerIndividual indoor training may take place for children under the current Level 3 of the Government's Framework for Restrictive Measures. Sport Ireland guidance on individual indoor training can be found on its website at: https://www.sportireland.ie/covid19/individual-and-indoor-training. No group training or exercise classes are permitted. No matches or other sporting events can take place indoors or outdoors, with the exception of professional, elite and approved inter-county Gaelic games, which should all take place behind closed doors.
While indoor sport for children is currently restricted on public health grounds, I am committed to ensuring its earliest possible safe resumption. Engagement with the sport sector in ongoing in that regard. I have recently written to all National Governing Bodies, seeking written submissions and all available evidence and data for the purposes of informing the development of tailored proposals and approaches for future mitigation measures. It is my objective that such submissions would enable the Government to review and potentially adapt the suite of public health measures currently applying to sport and exercise activities.
81. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if wedding music can be allowed under the current restrictions (details supplied); if she will provide clarify on same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42205/20]
View answerIn line with the recent decision of the Government in regard to restrictions applying at present under Level 3, no live or loud music is permitted at indoor events – including at wedding receptions. Accordingly, performances by wedding bands at receptions are not currently permitted.
Each level of the Plan for Living with Covid-19 contains a “basket” of measures which are intended, collectively, to contribute to lowering risk of transmission in alignment with the risk level at that time. The risk level at this time has meant that some activities have not been allowed such as live music at weddings.
Further guidance on weddings is available in the Fáilte Ireland’s published operational Guidelines for Re-Opening Hotels & Guesthouses (page 40) which is available on their website https://covid19.failteireland.ie/operational-guidelines/hotel-guesthouses/
82. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of the report of the review of the children's commercial communications code that was submitted by the BAI; when the report will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42239/20]
View answerSection 45 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 sets out the requirement for a review of the effectiveness Children's Commercial Communications Code by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland every 4 years and the submission of this review to the Minister.
The current code has been in existence since 2005, and has been updated on two occasions since then. The code regulates broadcast commercial communications activity aimed at children and covers matters including advertising, sponsorship and product placement.
The review of the Children's Commercial Communications Code has been formally submitted to the Department by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland and the report will be laid shortly before the Houses of the Oireachtas in line with the provisions set out in section 45(4) of the Broadcasting Act 2009.
83. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if help and support will be provided to a sports club (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42254/20]
View answerOn 2 November, I announced details of an €85 million funding package for the Irish sport sector, which has been significantly impacted by the various COVID-19 restrictions imposed since March 2020.
The funding, which is being allocated by Sport Ireland, will address the existential threat to National Governing Bodies and their club networks, allowing sports organisations to offset significant losses incurred in recent months and add a semblance of certainty to planning for 2021. The significant investment will reach all levels of the sport sector with National Governing Bodies, Local Sports Partnerships and thousands of grassroots clubs across Ireland set to benefit.
The funding package includes COVID-19 funding of €70 million, which will provide support for the three main field sports organisations (the FAI, GAA and IRFU), a Resilience Fund to support the National Governing Bodies of Sport, a Sports Club Resilience Fund to support clubs, and a Sports Restart and Renewal Fund.
The funding is being invested through grant schemes with Sport Ireland’s recognised funding partners, including the National Governing Bodies of Sport, Local Sports Partnerships and other funded sporting organisations. Sport Ireland will not provide funding directly to sports clubs, this funding will be accessed through programmes established by each of the National Governing Bodies in receipt of funding. It is expected that the National Governing Bodies will publish details of funding allocated to clubs under these programmes in due course.
A breakdown of the amounts allocated by Sport Ireland under each of the schemes is available on Sport Ireland's website at the following link: https://www.sportireland.ie/news/eu85-million-provides-timely-boost-to-irish-sport-sector
Under the Sports Restart and Renewal Fund, over €1.9 million was allocated to 1,637 clubs throughout the country as part of small grant schemes operated by Local Sports Partnerships. These schemes provide an additional mechanism to support community groups and clubs who may not be affiliated to a national organisation or recognised National Governing Body but provide a vital local service.
I am informed by Sport Ireland that the club mentioned by the Deputy received a grant of €640 through a small grant scheme operated by the relevant Local Sports Partnership.
84. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the bodies under the aegis of her Department; and the composition of their respective board memberships, disaggregated by appointments through the Public Appointments Service or Ministerial appointments in tabular form. [42488/20]
View answerAs Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media I have responsibility for appointments to State Boards for State Agencies under the aegis of my Department.
Appointments to State boards are made via a process managed by the Public Appointments Service (PAS), who operates a dedicated website, www.stateboards.ie, through which it advertises such vacancies. Since this process was put in place in 2014, it has consistently been used by my Department to identify suitably qualified members of the public who are interested in serving on boards under my remit.
There are a number of specific exceptions to these arrangements including the appointment of members to a Board on the nomination of a third party organisation such as a local authority and ex officio appointments. Appointments to boards of North/South bodies are also exempt from this process and are made by the North South Ministerial Council, on the basis of 50:50 nominations from each jurisdiction. In addition, there are a number of appointments made by the Government, on my nomination, having regard to the advice of the Joint Oireachtas Committee (JOC), these are the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI), RTÉ and TG4.
A table is attached detailing an overview and answer to the question you raised including the appointment processes to which I refer above.
85. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the net income limits for social housing will be updated in line with inflation given that the last date published was 2 June 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42372/20]
View answerApplications for social housing support are assessed by the relevant local authority, in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, as amended.
The 2011 Regulations prescribe maximum net income limits for each local authority, in different bands according to the area concerned, with income being defined and assessed according to a standard Household Means Policy. The 2011 Regulations do not provide local authorities with any discretion to exceed the limits that apply to their administrative areas.
Under the Household Means Policy, which applies in all local authorities, net income for social housing assessment is defined as gross household income less income tax, PRSI, Universal Social Charge and Pension-Related Deductions within the meaning of Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009. The Policy provides for a range of income disregards, and local authorities also have discretion to decide to disregard income that is temporary, short-term or once-off in nature.
The income bands are expressed in terms of a maximum net income threshold for a single-person household, with an allowance of 5% for each additional adult household member, subject to a maximum allowance under this category of 10%; and 2.5% for each child, subject to a maximum allowance under this category of 10%.
The income bands and the authority area assigned to each band were based on an assessment of the income needed to provide for a household's basic needs, plus a comparative analysis of the local rental cost of housing accommodation across the country. It is important to note that the limits introduced at that time also reflected a blanket increase of €5,000 introduced prior to the new system coming into operation, in order to broaden the base from which social housing tenants are drawn, both promoting sustainable communities and also providing a degree of future-proofing.
Given the cost to the State of providing social housing, it is considered prudent and fair to direct resources to those most in need of social housing support. The current income eligibility requirements generally achieve this, providing for a fair and equitable system of identifying those households facing the greatest challenge in meeting their accommodation needs from their own resources.
However, as part of the broader social housing reform agenda, a review of income eligibility for social housing supports in each local authority area is underway. The review will also have regard to current initiatives being brought forward in terms of affordability and cost rental and will be completed when the impacts of these parallel initiatives have been considered.
86. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason illness benefit is classed as a temporary payment for the purposes of social housing assessment. [42463/20]
View answerApplications for social housing support are assessed by the relevant local authority, in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, as amended.
The 2011 Regulations prescribe maximum net income limits for each local authority, in different bands according to the area concerned, with income being defined and assessed according to a standard Household Means Policy which is available at the following link https://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/social-housing/other/social-housing-support-household-means-policy.
Under the Household Means Policy, which applies in all local authorities, net income for social housing assessment is defined as gross household income less income tax, PRSI, Universal Social Charge and Pension-Related Deductions within the meaning of Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009. With the exception of specific payments as outlined in the Policy as being disregarded, all income from social insurance and social assistance payments, allowances and benefits, is assessable. However, local authorities have discretion to disregard income that is temporary, short-term or once-off in nature.
87. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the bodies under the aegis of his Department; and the composition of their respective board memberships, disaggregated by appointments through the Public Appointments Service or ministerial appointments in tabular form. [42482/20]
View answerIn the overwhelming majority of cases, according to the governing statutes of the State bodies in question, I as Minister appoint the members of the Boards of the State bodies under the aegis of my Department. However, the selection processes in respect of suitable candidates for Board membership differ considerably, from campaigns conducted by the Public Appointments Service, where a choice of suitable candidates may be presented to me as Minister, to single nominations from statutory nominators, as well as a variety of other selection processes.
The following table captures this information in respect of all the State bodies under the aegis of my Department.
|
Name of State Body |
No. of Board Appointments Through Public Appointments Service Selection Process |
No. of Board Appointments Through Other Selection Processes
|
|
An Bord Pleanála |
0 |
9 |
|
An Fóram Uisce (the Water Forum) |
Not Applicable – No Board |
Not Applicable – No Board |
|
Docklands Oversight and Consultative Forum |
0 |
22 |
|
Ervia |
6 |
3 |
|
Gas Networks Ireland |
0 |
5 |
|
Heritage Council |
10 |
0 |
|
Housing Finance Agency |
5 |
6 |
|
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
2 |
7 |
|
Irish Water |
0 |
5 |
|
Land Development Agency |
0 |
9 |
|
Local Government Management Agency |
0 |
10 |
|
National Oversight and Audit Commission |
4 |
3 |
|
National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee |
0 |
12 |
|
Office of the Planning Regulator |
Not Applicable – No Board |
Not Applicable – No Board |
|
Ordnance Survey Ireland |
8 |
0 |
|
Property Registration Authority |
7 |
4 |
|
Pyrite Resolution Board |
5 |
0 |
|
Residential Tenancies Board |
10 |
0 |
|
Valuation Office |
Not Applicable – No Board |
Not Applicable – No Board |
|
Valuation Tribunal |
Not Applicable - No Board |
Not Applicable - No Board |
|
Water Advisory Body |
2 |
3 |
|
Waterways Ireland |
Not Applicable – No Board |
Not Applicable – No Board |
88. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that An Garda Síochána is engaged in an EU research project called ROXANNE which is working in collaboration with the Israeli Ministry of Public Security which is guilty of human rights abuses on a grand scale and that such a collaboration, co-operation and association undermines the ethos of Ireland as an upholder of human rights and defender of rights especially given its human rights record of abuse of prisoners, brutal killings, the torture and imprisonment of children and that the ministry itself is located in an illegal settlement in occupied territory contrary to Ireland’s international policy and the EU’s Euro-Med and Neighbourhood agreements. [42253/20]
View answerI understand that Project ROXANNE is an EU-funded collaborative research and innovation project under the European Union Horizon 2020 programme. The involvement of An Garda Síochána is an operational matter for the Garda Commissioner.
The participation of Israel in the Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation programme is governed by a 2014 agreement between the EU and Israel that makes Israel subject to the relevant EU legislation establishing Horizon 2020 and its implementing rules. Article 6 of the agreement states that the agreement does not apply to the territory occupied by Israel in 1967. Ongoing implementation and oversight of the Horizon 2020 agreement with Israel is a matter principally for the European Commission and the European Parliament.
Horizon 2020 regulations stipulate that research and innovation activities must comply with ethical principles and relevant EU and international legislation, including the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU and the European Convention on Human Rights. Several mechanisms are in place at the level of programme implementation to ensure compliance.
The human rights situation in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory is a priority for Ireland and we takes every opportunity to raise human rights concerns with all appropriate interlocutors. We will continue to work with EU partners to promote coherent and effective EU action to push for an end to settlement expansion and a lasting and peaceful two-state solution.
89. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an organisation (details supplied) had been placed under statutory investigation and were so when awarded funding of €280,000 in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42320/20]
View answerThe organisation in question was awarded a one-year grant of €250,000 under the 2018 Civil Society Fund for their project to improve access to early childcare and education and protection in Ethiopia. As far as my Department is aware, the organisation was not under statutory investigation at the time of the grant award. The Charities Regulatory Authority appointed investigators to carry out a statutory investigation into the organisation on 8 May 2020.
During the course of project implementation, the Department became aware of governance concerns with the organisation. In response, the Department took the decision first to freeze the grant - as was confirmed publicly at the time. Following the Department’s review of the matter with the organisation in question, the Department was satisfied that the small portion of the grant which had been disbursed to the country of operation before the decision to freeze the grant had been spent appropriately. The Department then requested the return of the unspent balance of the grant. The remaining funds in the grant were returned in December 2019. The organisation is no longer a partner of Ireland’s development aid programme.
90. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to general concerns regarding State funding of charities for which individual child sponsorship is their major operational activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42321/20]
View answerNon-Governmental Organisation (NGO) partners of the Department of Foreign Affairs, funded through 'Irish Aid', the Government's official development cooperation programme are expected to comply with the Charities Regulatory Authority Governance Code and guidance. They are also expected to promote best practice in the delivery of aid and in this regard must also be signatories to, and ensure compliance with, the Dóchas Code of Conduct on Images and Messages.
My Department places particular emphasis on the well being of beneficiaries. For example, the largest Irish Aid CSO funding scheme requires NGO partners to maintain policies and procedures to keep safe, and prevent harm to, any children or vulnerable adults. They must ensure that such policies and procedures are implemented effectively, that regular training is provided, and that implementation is monitored and reviewed. They are also expected to inform the Department of any breakdown in safeguarding systems.
Charity fundraising activities are not supported by Irish Aid: advertisement campaigns, public relations, marketing and child sponsorship are ineligible for support.
91. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans for the establishment of a fund for victims and survivors of events of the troubles in Ireland similar to that established in Northern Ireland as the victim's payment scheme. [42378/20]
View answerThe Government has always sought to acknowledge and address the legitimate needs and expectations of victims’ families and survivors of Troubles-related attacks in this jurisdiction.
We are deeply conscious of the enduring suffering and hardship that survivors of Troubles-related violence bear, both North and South, and indeed in Britain and Europe.
The Government established a Remembrance Commission in 2003, to administer a Scheme of Assistance and remembrance for victims of the Northern Ireland conflict, and their families, in this jurisdiction. The Commission continued in this work until 2008.
In administering the scheme, the Remembrance Commission, which operated independently of Government, funded Acknowledgement payments, Economic Hardship payments, Displacement payments and Medical payments for victims’ families and those who were seriously injured in Troubles-related incidents in this jurisdiction.
Acknowledgement payments were paid to 309 applicants in respect of 109 victims killed in Troubles-related incidents in the South.
Over the lifetime of the Commission from 2003 to 2008, €3.87 million in funding was made available to individual victims and survivors of the Troubles, resident in this jurisdiction to acknowledge their suffering, and to address economic hardship and certain medical expenses.
Funding for certain ongoing medical needs was also provided for those injured in Troubles-related attacks in this jurisdiction, and following the conclusion of the Commission, this continues to be provided through the Department of Justice and Equality.
The Minister for Justice has responsibility for Victims’ issues and will certainly consider and respond to representations from people in the jurisdiction who want to raise views with her on this issue. It is essential that the voices of victims and survivors are heard, and the Government is committed to addressing the legacy of the past, taking into account the many ways that it impacts on our society as a whole and the path toward deeper reconciliation and peace.
92. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of the independent commission on information retrieval and the establishment of the body for which legislation was introduced four years ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42379/20]
View answerThe Government is committed to the full implementation of the Stormont House Agreement, which was collectively agreed by the two Governments and the political parties in Northern Ireland after extensive talks.
The framework of the Stormont House Agreement provided for a set of institutions to deal comprehensively and fairly with the legacy of the Troubles, and this framework included an Independent Commission on Information Retrieval (ICIR) for truth recovery, to be available to victims and survivors across the UK and Ireland.
The objective of the ICIR will be to enable victims and survivors to seek and privately receive information about the Troubles-related deaths of their next of kin.
The Irish and UK Governments concluded an agreement on the establishment of the ICIR in October 2015. As set out in that agreement, the Commission will consist of five members; an Independent Chairperson of international standing, appointed by the two Governments, one Commissioner each appointed by the Irish and UK Government, and two Commissioners appointed jointly by Northern Ireland's First Minister and deputy First Minister.
The ICIR agreement was signed by the Minister for Foreign Affairs in October 2015 and laid before the Oireachtas in January 2016. The Independent Commission can only be formally established once the necessary legislation has been enacted in both jurisdictions and the two Governments have notified each other of completion of all other domestic legal procedures required to bring the agreement into force.
I have engaged extensively with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on these issues, and we remain in ongoing contact to support a way forward on the implementation of the Stormont House Agreement legacy bodies, including the ICIR.
93. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the bodies under the aegis of his Department; and the composition of their respective board memberships, disaggregated by appointments through the Public Appointments Service or ministerial appointments in tabular form. [42479/20]
View answerThere are no bodies under the aegis of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
94. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the reason the rate of death in service of Air Corps personnel over the past 20 years is approximately twice the rate of death of that of Naval Service personnel when the figures are adjusted for service strength; if he and or his predecessors have ever commissioned an analysis of Defence Force personnel death rates and causes of death while in a post service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42242/20]
View answerThe total deaths in service for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service for the past 20 years as of 31 October is 204, 21 and 16 respectively.
The Deputy will be aware that there is ongoing litigation in relation to allegations regarding the use of certain chemicals in the Air Corps. As the matter is subject to litigation, it would be inappropriate to comment on any speculation which may impact on such litigation.
95. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the breakdown of Air Corps personnel deaths by categories of non-accidental death and accidental death while in service for the past 20 years to date. [42243/20]
View answerThe total deaths in service for the Air Corps since 2000 as of 30 November 2020 is 21.
The Military Authorities have advised that six of those deaths relate to accidents, four of which occurred while the personnel in question were on duty. Fifteen deaths were non-accident related.
96. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the number of promotional positions waiting to be filled throughout the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42467/20]
View answerThe table below outlines the number of vacancies that exist in the PDF as at 31st October 2020. Vacancies are filled on an ongoing basis in line with promotional arrangements and, in certain cases, direct entry competitions.
It is normal, at a particular point in time, for some ranks to be oversubscribed and others to be undersubscribed. For example, whilst there are vacancies at the rank of Captain there are currently substantially more Lieutenants than are provided for in the establishment.
Vacancies as at 31/10/2020
|
Rank |
Vacancies |
|
Comdt |
9 |
|
Capt |
106 |
|
Sgt Maj |
2 |
|
CS |
9 |
|
CQMS |
2 |
|
Sgt |
271 |
|
Cpl |
347 |
97. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Defence the bodies under the aegis of his Department; and the composition of their respective board memberships, disaggregated by appointments through the Public Appointments Service or ministerial appointments in tabular form. [42474/20]
View answerThe only State body currently under the aegis of the Department of Defence is the Army Pensions Board. The Army Pensions Board is an independent statutory body, established under the Army Pensions Act 1927, and is based in St. Bricin's Military Hospital in Dublin.
The Act specifies that the Board shall consist of a chairman and two ordinary members. The two ordinary members must be qualified medical practitioners of whom one must be an officer of the Army Medical Corps. The chairman and the non military ordinary member are appointed by the Minister for Defence with the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform through the Public Appointments Service. The Army Medical Corps ordinary member is appointed by the Minister for Defence on the recommendation of the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces.
98. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education when a person (details supplied) is entitled to claim their pension; the amount available to them in their pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42165/20]
View answerI am happy to confirm that the person to whom the Deputy refers is entitled to pension benefits from the Department of Education from the date of their 60th birthday. These benefits are payable upon application.
Officials from the Pension Unit of my department have made contact with the person concerned and have issued to them, by post, a statement of benefits to which they are entitled, including the pension amount, along with an application form for retirement benefits.
The benefits due will be paid with effect from the person’s 60th birthday, upon receipt of the completed application form to the Pension Unit of my Department.
99. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education the number of primary schools that have a kitchen by county in tabular form. [42166/20]
View answer100. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education the number of post-primary schools that have a kitchen by county in tabular form. [42167/20]
View answer101. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education the number of special schools that have a kitchen by county in tabular form. [42168/20]
View answer102. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education the number of schools that have a kitchen by county in tabular form. [42170/20]
View answer103. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education the percentage of primary schools that have a kitchen. [42171/20]
View answer104. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education the percentage of post-primary schools that have a kitchen. [42172/20]
View answer105. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education the percentage of special schools that have a kitchen. [42173/20]
View answer106. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education the number of primary schools that have a canteen by county in tabular form. [42175/20]
View answer107. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education the number of post-primary schools that have a canteen by county in tabular form. [42176/20]
View answer108. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education the number of special schools that have a canteen by county in tabular form. [42177/20]
View answer109. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education the number of schools that have a canteen by county in tabular form. [42179/20]
View answer110. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education the percentage of primary schools that have a canteen. [42180/20]
View answer111. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education the percentage of post-primary schools that have a canteen. [42181/20]
View answer112. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education the percentage of special schools that have a canteen. [42182/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 99 to 112, inclusive, together.
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department does not hold details of schools with kitchens and/or canteens, or those without such facilities.
My Department has in place detailed design guidelines for primary and post-primary schools. These guidelines, which are available on my Department's web-site, currently provide for a standard range of servery and eating facilities in the design of new and refurbished schools.
In Primary schools, a servery of 8.0m² in area is provided. At Post Primary level a kitchenette, 25m² in area, is provided off the General Purpose/Dining Area. These facilities are not intended to be full commercial type kitchens where food is prepared or cooked.
