Wednesday, 15 Sep 2021

Written Answers Nos. 374-394

Defence Forces

Questions (374)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

374. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the number of full-time civilian pharmacists working in each military barracks as of 7 September 2021, in tabular form. [43396/21]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

My Department currently employs one full-time civilian pharmacist. There are two Defence Force pharmacists and the services of a locum pharmacist are also engaged.  The table below outlines the location of each pharmacist.

September 2021	Number	DF Installation
Civilian Pharmacist	1	Collins Barracks
Defence Force Pharmacist	1	Defence Force Training Centre
Defence Force Pharmacist	1	Central Medical Unit
Locum Pharmacist	1	Central Medical Unit

Defence Forces

Questions (375)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

375. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the number of armoured personnel carriers that were delivered in either 2001 or 2002 that are still in active service; and when these vehicles will be replaced. [43397/21]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

The Equipment Development Plan (EDP) published in June 2020, completed through extensive joint civil-military work, provides a comprehensive list of planned equipment projects, which will be progressed over a five year period. This plan builds on the intentions set out in the White Paper in relation to equipment acquisition, modernisation and upgrade and has been developed to ensure that our Defence Forces have the major equipment platforms, ancillary equipment and force protection equipment to carry out their important roles both at home and overseas.

Central to the Defence Forces fleet of armoured vehicles are the MOWAG Piranha III Armoured Personnel Carriers. The Defence Forces currently has 80 such vehicles, which provide essential force protection for Defence Forces Personnel serving on peacekeeping missions overseas. The initial contract for the acquisition of Armoured Personnel Carriers saw the delivery of 40 vehicles in 2001 and 2002. Subsequent contracts saw vehicles delivered in 2004 (25 vehicles) and 2007 (15 vehicles), completing the fleet. 

In December 2016 a contract was awarded to General Dynamics European Land Systems - MOWAG GmbH ("MOWAG"), the original equipment manufacturer, for the upgrade of all 80 vehicles. The scope of the upgrade programme includes, but is not limited to; replacement of the primary weapon system in the infantry variant vehicles, supply and integration of a Local Situation Awareness System enabling improved and safer navigation including night driving capabilities as well as improvements to force protection. Existing systems including mechanical elements are also undergoing maintenance and upgrade as required.

The maintenance and upgrade programme is designed to ensure the viable operational lifetime of the fleet out to 2030 and beyond. To date over three quarters of the fleet have completed the programme with 54 vehicles returned, and a further eight due for delivery later this month. The programme is due for completion in 2023. 

Defence Forces

Questions (376)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

376. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence the reason that he chose not to act when it was brought to his attention in January 2017 through a protected disclosure that a captain was bullied, sexually abused, victimised and discriminated against in the Defence Forces and that he informed the person that their protected disclosure was subjective. [43573/21]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

As Minister for Defence I receive information on matters such as those described both formally by way of regular reports from the Chief of Staff and by correspondence provided to me in a confidential manner by individuals who wish to have their identity protected. I have a statutory duty to comply with that wish. On this basis, it would be inappropriate for me to discuss individual cases.

Information received by the Department of Defence is assessed for the purposes of determining potential courses of action. This assessment has regard to:

- the powers available to me under the law

- the powers and expertise of other agencies of the State

- respect for due process and fair procedures

- my duties as an employer

- the source and type of information and

- the manner in which the information is received.

Officials from the Department of Defence have interacted extensively with those  who have provided information, both through personal meetings, phone calls and correspondence.  As these are allegations which are criminal in nature and parties on all sides have rights, it is appropriate that these allegations should be investigated by a competent authority. All parties have been given appropriate contact details and urged to report these allegations of serious criminal offences to an Garda Síochána. 

Defence Forces

Questions (377)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

377. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence the reason he accepted an Ombudsman of the Defence Forces report which ruled that a person (details supplied) was discriminated against given it was later determined by the Workplace Relations Commission that they were discriminated against; and if he has confidence in the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces given the contradiction in the conclusions. [43574/21]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

I wish to assure the Deputy, in the first instance, that I have full confidence in the Ombudsman, who discharges his duties in line with the provisions of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces, Act, 2004.

Under the provisions of this Act, the Ombudsman has full independence and autonomy in the discharge of his statutory functions The findings of the Ombudsman in relation to complaints submitted to his Office under the provisions of the Act, are therefore based on his independent assessment of the information he is presented with during the course of his investigation. In this particular case, the Minister is satisfied that the ODF had appropriately exercised his discretion, that a full, fair and objective investigation had been conducted by the ODF in relation to the facts of the complaints in this case.

The Deputy will be aware that WRC rulings are in the public domain and will be also aware that the Adjudicator in his December 2020 ruling on two complaints brought by an individual, upheld one complaint on the grounds of gender discrimination in relation to promotion, owing to the treatment of absences in terms of access to promotion contrary to S.8 (1) of the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015.  However, the Adjudicator found that the Minister did not discriminate against the Complainant, and did not victimise her, within the meaning of S.2, S. 6(1) and S. 74 (2) of the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015 as alleged in her second complaint.

The directions of the ruling are currently being implemented by the military authorities with a view to ensuring that all of the training programmes and materials for Defence Forces personnel are fully aligned, and compatible with, the provisions of the relevant equality legislation and that follow-on actions will be progressed. A  Defence Forces Working Group is established comprising membership from the Defence Forces HR, Legal and Training & Education HQ Branches as well as representatives from the Defence Forces Formations.  The Working Group has had 12 plenary meetings to date in addition to meetings of sub-groups. Progress is continuing in line with the timelines set out in the ruling and this will be fully complied with.

The complainant has ongoing active litigation in a number of fora, and therefore it would not be appropriate to comment further.

Defence Forces

Questions (378, 379, 380, 381, 385)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

378. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence if he or his Department have ensured that an independent or external investigation was carried out into sexual abuse, harassment and or discrimination within the Defence Forces in Ireland to date; and if not, the reason. [43575/21]

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

379. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence if he or his Department will ensure that an independent and external investigation of sexual abuse, harassment and or discrimination carried out within the Defence Forces in Ireland to date is carried out. [43576/21]

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

380. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence the research and investigation that his Department carried out into sexual abuse, harassment and or discrimination carried out within the Defence Forces in Ireland to date. [43577/21]

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

381. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence his views on whether there a systemic or institutional difficulty within the Defence Forces in dealing with sexual abuse, harassment and or discrimination. [43578/21]

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

385. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence if he will consider allowing those who have suffered sexual abuse, harassment and discrimination in the Defence Forces the right to access the gardaí and the civil courts in terms of the crimes that they have suffered. [43582/21]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

I propose to take Questions Nos. 378 to 381, inclusive, and 385 together.

All members of the Defence Forces have a right to be treated with respect, equality and dignity and to carry out their duties free from any form of sexual harassment, harassment or bullying. Unacceptable forms of behaviour are not tolerated in the Defence Forces and where there are allegations of offences having been committed, investigations will be initiated by the appropriate authorities.

I  listened with concern to the women who recounted their experiences on the Women of Honour programme on RTE Radio on the 11 September 2021. I am committed to meeting with the women profiled, should they wish to do so.

Regular reports on such matters are sent to me formally from the Chief of Staff.   I have also received information on such matters by correspondence provided to me in a confidential manner by individuals who wished to have their identity protected. It would be inappropriate for me to discuss individual cases, as it would be in relation to those cases which are within an independent adjudication process. 

I am aware of some of the complaints profiled in that programme but not the specific details of all.  Senior officials have personally met and interacted with some of the people who were profiled on the programme, to facilitate them in bringing their complaints forward for investigation to the appropriate competent authority, An Garda Síochána.

Concerning the Deputy's question on previous independent or external investigations, there have been three Reports from the Independent Monitoring Group (IMG) since the publication of the Report in 2002 of the External Advisory Committee on the Defence Forces – “The challenge of a Workplace”, in which matters related to bullying, harassment, discrimination and sexual harassment were examined.

Since 2002, reforms have been introduced and there are practices, and procedures in place within the Defence Forces set out in regulation and policy documents for addressing allegations of inappropriate behaviour, including sexual harassment, harassment and bullying. Trained Designated Contact Persons are available to provide confidential support services to personnel.  In addition, a range of other support services are available to personnel and their families, including the Personnel Support Service and Inspire 24/7 helpline.

It is recognised however, that further work needs to be done. A number of specific actions have been in progress over the past few months with a view to shaping future reforms.

Extensive discussions, which have been taking place in recent months on the establishment of an independent review, are at an advanced stage.   The purpose of this independent review is to examine current policies and procedures dealing with workplace issues such as dignity, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and discrimination. I will be shortly making a statement on the matter, once the terms have  been reviewed in light of the programme.

The Commission on Defence Forces established in December 2020, is due to report by end December 2021 and their views will also be an important aid to this independently chaired group.

I wish to reiterate to the Deputy that any type of inappropriate behaviour is unacceptable and allegations relating to sexual offences are extremely serious.  Irrespective of when such matters of a criminal nature may have occurred, I remain of the view that they are best investigated by An Garda Síochána who have the powers and expertise to do so. I would again therefore, strongly urge anyone who has been the victim of a sexual assault to contact the Gardai without delay and in addition, to seek professional help and guidance which is available from State agencies such as the HSE or from registered charities specialising in this area.

I can assure the Deputy that both I, as Minister, and the Defence Organisation, are committed to providing a safe place of work for all employees.

Question No. 379 answered with Question No. 378.

Question No. 380 answered with Question No. 378.

Question No. 381 answered with Question No. 378.

Defence Forces

Questions (382)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

382. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence the number of complaints, allegations and protected disclosures that have been brought to his attention and the attention of his Department in relation to sexual abuse, harassment and discrimination by serving or former personnel of the Defence Forces in each of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43579/21]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

The information sought by the Deputy could not be collated within the time available to answer this question and will be forwarded as soon as possible.

All members of the Defence Forces have a right to be treated with respect, equality and dignity and to carry out their duties free from any form of sexual harassment, harassment or bullying.

I am advised that there are robust measures and systems currently in place within the Defence Forces to address allegations of inappropriate behaviour in the workplace. 

Underpinned by a strong set of organisational values, Defence Forces personnel are additionally required to ensure that their own actions and behaviour do not cause offence to others or contribute in any way to a discriminatory working environment.  

The need to care for the well-being of its members is a priority for the Defence Forces and in this regard, the Personnel Support Service (PSS) is in place for the use of members and their immediate family. 

There is ongoing consideration between civil and military officials on a number of strands of work to advance workplace structures in this regard i.e.

- Discussions are at an advanced stage on the establishment of an independent review to examine current policies and procedures dealing with workplace issues such as dignity, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and discrimination.  The terms of the review will encompass the issues raised n light of the recent programme broadcast by RTE.

- In recent months, the Minister has been in receipt of correspondence - primarily from one source – outlining a number of allegations, including sexual assault allegations of a historical nature. The allegations relate to events said to have occurred within the Permanent Defence Force. 

- An additional specific independently led assessment of actions taken to date and whether any other actions should be adopted is also being established in relation to this specific issue.

- The Commission on Defence Forces established in December 2020, is due to report by end December 2021 and their views will also be an important aid to this independently chaired group.

Unacceptable forms of behaviour are not tolerated in the Defence Forces and where there are allegations of offences having been committed, investigations will be initiated by the appropriate authorities.

Defence Forces

Questions (383)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

383. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence if he has ever met with representatives of those who have suffered sexual abuse, harassment and or discrimination within the Defence Forces; and if not, the reason why such a meeting has not taken place. [43580/21]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

Officials in my Department have met personally with two individuals and spoken to a third on the phone, who have recounted their experiences working within the Defence Forces. While I cannot go into the detail of these meetings for reasons of confidentiality, I know that the individuals were met and treated in a sympathetic manner and given an opportunity to provide their detail.

Defence Forces

Questions (384)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

384. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence if he will consider an amnesty to be afforded to all those who have suffered sexual abuse, harassment and discrimination in the Defence Forces in order for them to tell their stories anonymously. [43581/21]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

All members of the Defence Forces have a right to be treated with respect, equality and dignity and to carry out their duties free from any form of sexual harassment, harassment or bullying. The Defence Forces have processes and procedures in place which were developed with professional guidance and which reflect best practice. These processes and procedures educate personnel, facilitate formal and

informal complaint procedures and provide support for those affected.

I recognise that further work needs to be done in this area and this is being progressed by civil and military officials. Included in this work is the establishment of an independent review, the purpose of which will be to examine current policies and procedures dealing with workplace issues such as dignity, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and discrimination. Discussions in this regard are at an advanced stage.  I will ensure that this review will encompass the issues raised in the recent programme broadcast by RTE.

It should be noted that the provision of information in an anonymous manner raises issues around how that information can be used and care needs to be taken to ensure that information given anonymously does not equate to the establishment of guilt of any individual, notwithstanding the bona fides of those who give the information.

Question No. 385 answered with Question No. 378.

Legislative Process

Questions (386)

Ivana Bacik

Question:

386. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Defence the number of Bills prepared by his Department since 27 June 2020; the number and title of those Bills that included a Regulatory Impact Assessments; the title of the Regulatory Impact Assessments that have been published by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43702/21]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

Bills from my Department are drafted by the Office of Parliamentary Counsel on foot of a general scheme prepared by the Department which has been approved by Government.

Since 27 June 2020 my Department has not published any Bills.

The following two Bills which were published before 27 June 2020 are currently progressing through the parliamentary process:

1. Defence Forces (Forensic Evidence) Bill 2019;

2. Defence (Amendment) Bill 2020.

In general, legislation emanating from the Department of Defence is focused on the Defence Forces only and does not apply to the ordinary citizen or to business. For this reason, it was considered that a formal regulatory impact assessment was not needed in relation to the above-mentioned bills. Notwithstanding this, my Department applies the principles set out in the Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) Guidelines issued by the Department of the Taoiseach where appropriate.

Defence Forces

Questions (387)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

387. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Defence the renewal and replacement programme that is in place by his Department and the military authorities for weaponry and other military equipment in the years 2022 and 2023; and when tenders for same will be issued. [43881/21]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service, is maintained to the greatest extent possible so as to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by Government, including overseas deployments.

The  Equipment Development Plan (EDP) published in June 2020, completed through extensive joint civil-military work, provides a comprehensive list of planned equipment projects which will be progressed over a five year period. This plan builds on the intentions set out in the White Paper in relation to equipment acquisition, modernisation and upgrades and has been developed to ensure that the Defence Forces have the major equipment platforms, ancillary equipment and force protection equipment to carry out their important roles both at home and overseas. 

I am committed to update and upgrade the Defence Forces equipment and capability, having regard to the financial envelope available.  Budget 2021 provides a Capital allocation of €131m for investment in Defence equipment and barracks infrastructure and will enable continued investment in major equipment platforms. The increased capital funding for 2021 builds on increased levels of capital expenditure totalling €392m over the years 2018 – 2020.  

The level of capital funding available will allow the Defence Organisation to undertake a programme of sustained equipment replacement and infrastructural development across the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service as identified and prioritised in the Defence White Paper and builds on the significant investment programme over recent years.

My Department complies with procurement rules for the acquisition of defensive equipment for the Defence Forces. Central to those rules and procedures is the requirement to allow fair competition through the e-tenders website and the Official Journal of the European Union, where appropriate, in line with the European Union procurement Directives, including the Directive 2009/81/EC on the award of contracts in the fields of defence and security.

Details of tender competitions can be accessed on the Government's e-tenders website www.etenders.ie.  Tenders are published on an ongoing basis by my Department and the Defence Forces to meet the requirements set out in the Equipment Development Plan.

Naval Service

Questions (388)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

388. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Defence if a contract to replace the LÉ Eithne will be put out to tender before the end of 2021. [43882/21]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

The White Paper on Defence set out an ambitious programme of capital investment in the Naval Service including the replacement of LÉ Eithne with a Multi Role Vessel. This project is an important developmental project and indicative of the Government’s commitment to on-going investment and development of defence capabilities. The project is included in the Government's National Development Plan as a major capital project and is an important element of the Defence Equipment Development Plan. It is the Government’s intention  that this new vessel will provide a flexible and adaptive capability for a wide range of maritime tasks, both at home and overseas.  

Following a public tender competition, Marine Advisors have recently been appointed to support the procurement of a Multi Role Vessel. This work is now underway and will inform a public tender competition in due course.

Defence Forces

Questions (389)

Carol Nolan

Question:

389. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to a campaign which aims to highlight global instances of misogyny and abuse experienced by female members of national Defence Forces; if his attention has been further drawn to any such instances of abuse involving female members of the Irish Defence Forces; if so, if he will support the establishment of an independent commission to investigate same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43983/21]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

All members of the Defence Forces have a right to be treated with respect, equality and dignity and to carry out their duties free from any form of sexual harassment, harassment or bullying. Unacceptable forms of behaviour are not tolerated in the Defence Forces and where there are allegations of offences having been committed, investigations will be initiated by the appropriate authorities.

I  listened with concern to the women who recounted their experiences on the Women of Honour programme on RTE Radio on the 11 September 2021. I am committed to meeting with the women profiled, should they wish to do so.

Regular reports on such matters are sent to me formally from the Chief of Staff and I received information on such matters by correspondence provided to me in a confidential manner by individuals who wished to have their identity protected. I therefore have a statutory duty to comply with that wish. It would be inappropriate for me to discuss individual cases, as it would be in relation to those cases which are within an independent adjudication process. 

I am aware of some of the complaints profiled in that programme but not the specific details of all.  Senior officials have personally met and interacted with some of the people who were profiled on the programme, to facilitate them in bringing their complaints forward for investigation to the appropriate competent authority, An Garda Síochána.

I can assure the Deputy that both I, as Minister, and the Defence Organisation, are committed to providing a safe place of work for all employees. This is done by putting in place processes and procedures developed with professional guidance and reflecting best practice. These processes and procedures educate personnel, facilitate formal and informal complaint procedures and provide support for those affected. The criminal prosecution of those responsible for serious offences also plays a part in highlighting the unacceptable nature of such behaviour and provides for due process and fair procedures.

The Deputy may be aware that there have been three Reports from the Independent Monitoring Group (IMG) since the publication of the Report in 2002 of the External Advisory Committee on the Defence Forces – “The challenge of a Workplace”, in which matters related to bullying, harassment, discrimination and sexual harassment were examined.

Since 2002, reforms have been introduced and there are practices, and procedures in place within the Defence Forces set out in regulation and policy documents for addressing allegations of inappropriate behaviour, including sexual harassment, harassment and bullying. Trained Designated Contact Persons are available to provide confidential support services to personnel.  In addition, a range of other support services are available to personnel and their families, including the Personnel Support Service and Inspire 24/7 helpline.

It is recognised however, that further work needs to be done. A number of specific actions have been in progress over the past few months with a view to shaping future reforms.

Extensive discussions, which have been taking place in recent months on the establishment of an independent review, are at an advanced stage.   The purpose of this independent review is to examine current policies and procedures dealing with workplace issues such as dignity, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and discrimination. I will be shortly making a statement on the matter, once the terms have  been reviewed in light of the programme.

The Commission on Defence Forces established in December 2020, is due to report by end December 2021 and their views will also be an important aid to this independently chaired group.

I wish to reiterate to the Deputy that any type of inappropriate behaviour is unacceptable and allegations relating to sexual offences are extremely serious.  Irrespective of when such matters of a criminal nature may have occurred, I remain of the view that they are best investigated by An Garda Síochána who have the powers and expertise to do so. I would again strongly urge anyone who has been the victim of a sexual assault to contact the Gardai without delay and in addition, to seek professional help and guidance which is available from State agencies such as the HSE or from registered charities specialising in this area.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (390)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

390. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the amount paid in late interest payments and penalty payments by his Department in each of the years 2017 to 2020 and to date in 2021 in respect of late payments being made to suppliers, service providers and contractors in tabular form; and the measures he has put in place and or is implementing to reduce late payment interest and penalty payments. [43999/21]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

Details of the amount of interest and compensation paid in respect of late payments to suppliers, service providers and contractors for goods and services supplied to my Department and the Defence Forces for the years 2017 to the year to date in 2021 are outlined in tabular format below:

Year	Late  Payment Interest €	Compensation Costs €
2017	917.76	4,290
2018	1,102.40	6,400
2019	1,476.66	4,260
2020	4,772.36	11,940
2021 (to 31 Aug)	464.62	3,060

My Department is committed to paying its suppliers promptly and complies fully with the provisions of the Prompt Payment of Accounts Act 1997 and its associated Regulations. In that regard, strong systems are in place as part of internal corporate governance arrangements, including appropriate training and regular communications to ensure that all relevant stakeholders are conscious of the ongoing need to observe good financial management practices and to comply with the provisions of this Act and its associated Regulations.

Teaching Qualifications

Questions (391)

Robert Troy

Question:

391. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education if an English higher level diploma level 8 will qualify a student to teach English at secondary school level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44148/21]

Written answers

Minister for Education

Under the Teaching Council Acts 2001-2015 the Teaching Council is the body with the statutory authority and responsibility for the regulation of the teaching profession in Ireland including the registration of teachers in the State.

The Teaching Council registers teachers in line with the requirements set out in the Teaching Council Act 2001-2015 and the Teaching Council (Registration) Regulations 2016.  

It is a function of the Council under the Teaching Council Acts (s7(2)) to act as the competent authority for recognition of qualifications obtained by a person who has applied under this Act for registration as a teacher.

Should an individual have any queries regarding their qualifications they should continue to liaise directly with the Teaching Council. 

They Teaching Council may be contacted by email @ [e-mail] or by phone; [phone], or LoCall 1890 224 224. Postal address; Block A, Maynooth Business Campus, Maynooth, Co Kildare, Ireland. W23 Y7XO.

THE Post Primary Curricular subject requirements are published on the Teaching Council website  and may be useful in this regard.

School Admissions

Questions (392)

Mick Barry

Question:

392. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Education if she will consider granting additional resources to a school (details supplied) to allow it to provide additional places in the school given the additional demand resulting in many locally-based children unable to obtain a place in the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43206/21]

Written answers

Minister for Education

As the Deputy is aware where capacity issues arise it may not be as a result of lack of accommodation but may be driven by the following factors:

- Duplication of applications – pupils have applied for a place  to a number of schools in the area

- School of choice – pupils can’t get a place in their preferred school while there are places in other schools in the town/area

- Some towns/areas have single sex schools and while places are available in the school there are not available to all pupils

- External draw – pupils coming from outside the local area

The school referred to by the Deputy is one of two post-primary schools in the Mulhuddart_Tyrelstown_D15 School Planning Area (SPA) and my Department is satisfied that there is sufficient capacity in these two school to meet the long-term project enrolments of the area.

School Facilities

Questions (393)

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill

Question:

393. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Education if she has plans for renovating or converting unused school buildings for economic purposes or for remote working; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43215/21]

Written answers

Minister for Education

The vast majority of properties which were previously used as schools are privately owned. In many cases the owner is the local diocese or a religious congregation. Any decision on the use of these private properties is a matter for the owner.

There are a small number of properties which had previously been used as schools in the ownership of me as Minister for Education or the Education and Training Boards. Most of these properties are being considered for alternative educational provision. Should an educational requirement not be identified for any of these properties it will be made available to other State bodies under the protocols in place for the transfer of State property between State bodies.

In such circumstances the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE), who are the lead Department for the development of remote working hubs , will be made aware of the availability of such State properties. Your enquiry in this respect will be brought to the attention of my ministerial colleague in that Department. My Department will also inform the DETE on the nature of ownership of former schools should that Department wish to pursue the matter further with the relevant religious authorities. By way of information, the DETE have produced a number of reports on remote working and these are available on its departmental website.

My Department also understands that the Department of Rural and Community Development has an involvement in the funding and roll-out of remote working in rural areas. That Department works in conjunction with the DETE on the matter. Information on that Department’s activities regarding remote working and the development of remote working facilities can be found on its departmental website.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (394)

Carol Nolan

Question:

394. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education if her Department has utilised the services of organisations (details supplied) at any time from 1 January 2015 to date; if so, the expenditure costs related to same; the purpose of any such engagements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43235/21]

Written answers

Minister for Education

I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department provides leadership training and development opportunities for staff in line with identified demand, evolving business need and corporate developments.  In this context, staff from my Department have attended programmes provided by Common Purpose Ireland Ltd from 2015 to 2021 inclusive.

My Department also engaged the services of Common Purpose Ireland Ltd in 2019 as facilitators for in-house training events as well as provision of training to staff in Education Centres in relation to workforce planning. 

Payments made to the company in this regard from 2015 to 2021 inclusive are set out in the attached table.

Payments to Common Purpose Irl. Ltd. 2015- 2021

Year	Amount €
2015	16,000
2016	12,000
2017	12,000
2018	21,000
2019	20,369
2020	11,140
2021	12,200