Catherine Murphy
Question:525. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the number of qualified military aircraft maintenance technicians and qualified military avionics technicians currently in the Air Corps. [50575/21]
View answerAir Corps
Questions (525)
Written answers
The military authorities advise that, as of 4th October 2021 there were 135 qualified aircraft maintenance technicians and 34 qualified avionics technicians currently serving in the Air Corps.
In addition, there are 69 apprentices, 25 of whom are undergoing basic military training along with 3 Direct Entry Aircraft Technicians. The remaining 44 apprentices are undergoing their qualification process and will be streamed into Rotary, Fixed Wing or avionics technician categories.
Air Corps
Questions (526)
Catherine Murphy
Question:526. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Defence his plans to replace the two EC135 P2 aircraft within the Air Corps. [50576/21]
View answerWritten answers
My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained and developed. This is to enable the Defence Forces to carry out the roles assigned by Government, as set out in the White Paper on Defence. Equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are being considered in the context of the lifetime of the White Paper on Defence as part of the capability development and Equipment Development Planning (EDP) process.
In this context, the principal aim over the period of the White Paper is to replace and upgrade, as required, capabilities in order to retain a flexible response for a wide range of operational requirements at home and overseas. Defence has received a capital allocation under the National Development Plan of €566m over the 2022-2025 timeframe. Within that capital allocation the Defence annual capital budget for 2022 is €141m. This will enable continued investment in defence equipment, including major platforms, and barracks infrastructure.
In relation to air-based capability, my immediate priorities have been the acquisition of three Pilatus PC-12 aircraft in the Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) role and to acquire two Airbus C295 maritime patrol aircraft. An additional PC-12 was also acquired in response to the Covid 19 situation. A contract for the supply of two C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft was signed with Airbus Defence and Space in December 2019, with delivery of the aircraft expected in 2023. Some €276 million, including VAT, has been committed to the acquisition of all of these enhanced capabilities.
The replacement of the Air Corps two EC135 P2 Helicopters will be considered as part of the ongoing Air Corps Aircraft Renewal and Replacement Programme alongside other major Defence Equipment upgrade and replacement programmes over the coming years.
Defence Forces
Questions (527)
Catherine Murphy
Question:527. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Defence if a civilian electrician, plumber and carpenter recruitment campaign will be launched for his Department before year end 2021. [50577/21]
View answerWritten answers
Civilian employees are employed by the Department of Defence to support the operational capabilities of the Defence Forces.
My Department recently undertook an open competition in July 2021 to recruit twelve electricians across eleven different locations. A previous recruitment campaign to recruit carpenters & plumbers took place in 2019.
The recruitment of civilian employees for military installations is an ongoing process, informed by prioritisation of posts by military management, and no further recruitment campaigns for electricians, plumbers or carpenters are anticipated for 2021.
Defence Forces
Questions (528)
Cormac Devlin
Question:528. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Defence the plans, reforms and investment he has in relation to the Reserve Defence Force and replacement programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50589/21]
View answerWritten answers
The White Paper on Defence is clear that there is a continued requirement to retain and develop the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) and confirms that its primary role is to augment the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) in crisis situations. The White Paper acknowledges that there may be professional skills that on occasion may not be readily available in the PDF and outlines an intention to harness specialist skills that members of the Reserve may have to better support the PDF.
As part of the High Level Implementation Plan (HLIP) arising from the Report of the Public Sector Pay Commission on recruitment and retention challenges in the Defence Forces, a Workforce Planning project is underway which will identify skills sets in the PDF and identify appropriate measures to address any such gaps. A skills survey already undertaken of the RDF will assist in identifying possible options to address gaps. Options to underpin the engagement of members of the Reserve will be identified as the various stages of this work unfold.
As outlined in the White Paper on Defence, the Government has decided to retain the FLR. A review of the regulatory framework underpinning the FLR, with a view to presenting proposals on terms and conditions of membership, is due to commence upon completion of the projects arising from the HLIP.
Recruitment to the RDF is ongoing and the recruitment procedures in place are constantly reviewed and updated as required. However, given the competing recruitment demands at present, where PDF recruitment is and should remain a priority, it should be noted that the same personnel and resources are utilised for both PDF and RDF recruitment. Nonetheless, RDF recruitment will also be progressed to the greatest extent possible.
I understand that a revised Defence Forces framework for living with COVID -19 is now in place, based on the recent easing of Government restrictions and will afford more scope for Reserve Training within the parameters of government guidelines. This will further facilitate the commencement of the Reserve Defence Force Induction Process with planned induction training to commence shortly. A number of other initiatives to streamline the induction process for RDF applicants are also in train.
Subhead A.5 of the Defence Vote contains the provisions for Reserve paid training. The overall budget for the RDF has been maintained for a number of years at €2.150m, of which €2.068m is allocated to paid training, which provides for seven days annual paid training for each effective member of the AR and NSR. The budget also provides for fourteen days paid training for all additional personnel recruited, along with career and specialist courses for selected members of the Reserve in line with Reserve priorities. This provision is sufficient having regard to the existing strength of the RDF and the voluntary nature of Reserve training.
My officials have been actively involved with the Military Authorities on the process of amending and updating Defence Force Regulations (DFR) R5 (Structure of RDF) and S7 (Establishment of RDFRA). These DFRs encompass a broad range of matters ranging from Finance, Human Resource matters, Training to Effectiveness Criteria. Significant progress has been made and the revised drafts are currently being finalised. It is anticipated that final drafts of both Regulations will be available very shortly and will be circulated to key stakeholders, including RDFRA, the Representative Association for members of the RDF.
As the Deputy is aware, I obtained Government approval earlier this year to bring forward a Defence (Amendment) Bill which, if approved, will update the Defence Legislation on the use of the RDF on a voluntary basis, on-island and overseas in support of the PDF. The Bill is entering Committee Stage this week.
The Independent Commission on the Defence Forces, which as the Deputy will be aware, is also expected to include proposals on the role and contribution of the RDF, including its legislation, the regulations governing the RDF, the development of the First Line Reserve(FLR) and whether specialists from the RDF should be able to serve overseas. The Commission is due to report at the end of the year. I look forward to the outcome of the Commission's work, including any proposals relating to the future of the Reserve Defence Forces.
I should add that the proposed amendments to this Bill, do not prejudge any possible recommendations from the Commission however, but will facilitate the implementation of any recommendations the Commission may make, which would, of necessity, require legislative amendments.
I wish to assure the Deputy that the Government appreciates the service of the RDF and recognises its important contribution to Ireland's defence capability.
Air Corps
Questions (529, 530)
Violet-Anne Wynne
Question:529. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Defence the overall cost of providing, maintaining and fuelling the one Air Corps aircraft provided for helicopter emergency medical services related work to his Department per year. [50634/21]
View answerViolet-Anne Wynne
Question:530. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Defence the average yearly cost to the Air Corps or his Department for the provision of a helicopter emergency medical services aircraft to the taxpayer for both the aircraft and associated costs. [50635/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 529 and 530 together.
The Air Corps provides a broad range of services in accordance with its primary defence and security role. It also undertakes a diverse range of non-security-related tasks including the provision of air ambulance services to the Health Service Executive (HSE).
As recently outlined to the Deputy, the 2015 Government Decision, which established the Emergency Aeromedical Support (EAS) service on a permanent basis, approved an additional annual provision of €2.2 million to the Defence Vote. The Health Vote is reduced accordingly.
The increase in the Defence Vote since 2016 has provided funding towards the reimbursement of Air Corps costs incurred in the provision of the EAS service. The €2.2 million sum is based on 480 flying hours per annum and is subject to periodic costs review.
The €2.2 million takes account of fixed and variable costs associated with the provision of this dedicated daytime aeromedical service. These costs include salaries and related personnel costs and also operating costs which include fuel, maintenance and depreciation. Personnel costs associated with NAS personnel are borne by the HSE and are not reflected in the €2.2 million figure.
It is not possible to separate out the cost of operating a single helicopter from overall administration costs as pay and allowances and other support costs for Air Corps personnel are not identified separately, but are included in the overall programme costs in the appropriate subheads of the Vote. It also not the case that one specific heli is dedicated to the EAS service rather that a heli type, the AW139 is committed to the service, and any one of the AW139 fleet may provide the service on any given day.
Question No. 530 answered with Question No. 529.
Defence Forces
Questions (531)
Mark Ward
Question:531. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Defence the status of efforts to resolve the issue of post-1994 contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50638/21]
View answerWritten answers
A review of contracts of service of personnel who enlisted in the Permanent Defence Force after 1 January 1994 has been conducted by civil and military staff and a draft report has been prepared outlining various options and a number of recommendations. These recommendations require Department of Public Expenditure and Reform consideration from a costs and pensions perspective. Discussions with PDFORRA on the recommendations will take place following the conclusion of consultation with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
Defence Forces
Questions (532)
Brendan Griffin
Question:532. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Defence his views on a matter regarding the use of a building (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50735/21]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised that my Department has received a request for the use of this building and that my officials have sought additional information from the applicant in order to allow for the appropriate consent to be granted.
Defence Forces
Questions (533)
Duncan Smith
Question:533. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the amount of money invested in the Curragh Camp in each of the past three years; the areas in which such investment was made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50963/21]
View answerWritten answers
I am assuming that the Deputy's question relates to capital building investment at the DFTC, Curragh Camp. The table below sets out the information sought.
|
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
|
Refurbishment of Block 7 Plunkett |
Refurbishment of Block 7 Plunkett |
Refurbishment of Block 7 Plunkett |
|
Replace Ammo Depot Building |
Replace Ammo Depot Building |
Replace Ammo Depot Building |
|
Upgrade of Show Rooms 1, 2 & 3, Cadet’s Mess |
Upgrade of Shower Rooms 1, 2 & 3, Cadet’s Mess |
Provision of Rifle Range & Associated Works |
|
|
Provision of Rifle Range & Associated Works |
CCTV Installation Upgrade |
|
|
Pearse Barracks Refurbishment |
Refurb Of Hospital Wards 2 And 8 |
|
|
Re-Roofing Of Disaster Store |
Fire Proofing Upgrade, Cadet’s Mess |
|
|
CCTV Installation Upgrade |
|
|
|
Refurb Of Hospital Wards 2 And 8 |
|
|
€2.955 million |
€2.667 million |
€1.294 million |
In addition the Deputy may wish to note the following major capital projects which are included in the 5 Year infrastructure programme and are at an advanced stage of delivery and are scheduled to commence on site in 2022 :
- Provision of a new Cadet school ;
- Provision of a new CIS workshop;
- Provision of a new ARW Headquarters.
Departmental Offices
Questions (534, 535)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:534. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence the estimated amount spent by his Department on the procurement, purchase and rent of new office space; and the amount spent on the procurement, purchase and rent of office equipment in each of the past ten years and to date in 2021. [51100/21]
View answerPeadar Tóibín
Question:535. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence the number of offices currently being rented or in ownership of his Department which are currently not in use by the Department. [51117/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 534 and 535 together.
The Department’s Expenditure in the past ten years to date on new or refurbished office accommodation and related equipment for those offices is as follows:
2011 - 2019 € Zero Expenditure
2020
€1,435.84 Rental costs of Porta Cabins to provide for temporary accommodation during refurbishment of the Renmore building, Galway
€407,327.50 Refurbishment costs for relocated NATO PfP Liaison Office, Brussels
€12,208.34 Office equipment costs for relocated NATO PfP Liaison Office, Brussels
2021
€14,342.28 Rental costs of Porta Cabins to provide for temporary accommodation during refurbishment of the Renmore building, Galway
€66,934.50 Rent of NATO PfP Liaison Office, Brussels, 2019 – 2020 attributable to Defence.
€667.87 Equipment costs for relocated NATO PfP Liaison Office, Brussels
There are currently no offices being rented or in the ownership of my Department which are not in use by the Department.
Question No. 535 answered with Question No. 534.
Child Abuse
Questions (536)
Bríd Smith
Question:536. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education if, in view of allegations regarding alleged child abuse at colleges (details supplied) she has plans to institute a commission of investigation into the ownership and management of Jesuit schools in Ireland; the steps her Department is taking or plans to take in addressing these allegations and supporting and safeguarding all children from past, present or future abuse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50375/21]
View answerWritten answers
I would like to assure the Deputy that all concerns received in my Department are taken seriously and through the school inspection process, which now includes specific child protection safeguarding inspections, the Department seeks assurances that schools have the correct procedures in place to protect children. To this end, all information helps inform the Department’s Inspectorate in planning its programme of inspections in the school system.
In relation to any investigation into alleged child abuse in schools I would like to clarify that the Department of Education has no role in the investigation of individual child protection cases. This is the responsibility of the Child and Family Agency, Tusla who assess the information as reported to it by the Department and by individual members of the public. All concerns of a child protection nature received by staff in the Department of Education are dealt with in accordance with the Department’s Procedures for responding to Child Protection Concerns which come to the attention of staff employed by the Department of Education. In accordance with these procedures the Department must pass on, without judgement, details of all child protection concerns it receives to Tusla.
Under the Education Act 1998, a school’s board of management is the body charged with the direct governance of a school and it is the Board of Management which employs the staff at the school. The Board of Management is accountable to the school Patron.
Boards of management are responsible for ensuring that the child safeguarding requirements of Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools 2017 are implemented in full and must exercise appropriate oversight in this regard including where an allegation of abuse is made against a member of school personnel.
The Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools 2017 provide specific guidance to schools in relation to the reporting procedures for the concern as well as the protocols in relation to dealing with the employee. In a school context, the most important consideration to be taken into account is the protection of children, and their safety and well-being must be the priority. Each school authority also has a duty and responsibility, as an employer, in respect of its employees.
Section 24 of the Education Act 1998 provides that the appointment, suspension and dismissal of teachers is the responsibility of boards of management of recognised schools or, where the employer is a person other than a board, by that person. Any actions in relation to the employee, including whether he or she shall be placed on administrative leave while a matter is being investigated, are exclusively a matter for the employer.
It is important to note that arrangements for child protection in schools have been extensively revised and extended. In recent years, for example, the enactment of the Children First Act in 2015 led to the issue of revised Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post-primary Schools in 2017, with an extensive programme of professional development for teachers and school leaders.
I hope you will be reassured to know that a fundamental principle of the Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools 2017 is that all schools must keep pupils/students safe from harm while attending the school or while participating in school activities. My Department has also put in place a range of oversight measures to quality assure these procedures. As part of these measures, the board of management of the school must ensure any child protection concerns that come to light in a school are reported to Tusla.
Further measures put in place by this Department include the following: a policy to ensure that once an inspector has noted that a school is not compliant with any aspect of child protection procedures, the Inspectorate continues to engage with the school until the school becomes compliant, and, as noted above, a policy to ensure that the Inspectorate reports on compliance with Child Protection Procedures in all published inspection reports.
Details of published reports can be found on the Department’s website at the following link:
www.education.ie/en/Publications/Inspection-Reports-Publications/Evaluation-Reports-Guidelines/.
My Department also has in place a mandatory Stay Safe Programme in primary schools which aims to give children the skills necessary to enable them to recognise and resist abuse and victimisation and teaches them that they should always tell an adult that can help about any situation which they find unsafe, upsetting, threatening, dangerous or abusive.
The measures that have been taken to protect and safeguard children are designed to ensure that children run a minimal risk of encountering abusers and, because of the Stay Safe Programme, their knowledge of and awareness of their right to bodily integrity has been reinforced as well.
In relation to supporting victims of abuse in their childhood, when contacted by individuals my Department provides details of counselling supports available. As part of the State's response to individuals experiencing distress as a result of childhood sexual abuse, a free National Counselling Service was set up which is run by the HSE and has been operating since 2000. Full details are available on
https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/4/mental-health-services/national-counselling-service/.
In addition, my Department recently announced a revised ex gratia scheme to provide those, who had, by 1 July 2021, issued legal proceedings against the State in respect of day school sexual abuse which occurred before November 1991 (primary) and June 1992 (post-primary) with an opportunity to apply for an ex gratia payment. Details of the revised scheme are available at https://www.gov.ie/en/service/90a42-revised-ex-gratia-scheme/.
School Transport
Questions (537)
Seán Sherlock
Question:537. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education when a school transport payment will be made to a person (details supplied). [50363/21]
View answerWritten answers
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the 2020/2021 school year over 114,100 children, including over 14,700 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €224.7m in 2020.
The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.
School Transport Section can confirm that the payment of the grant to the family referred to by the Deputy has been processed and will arrive in the parent's account shortly. The parent has been notified.
Special Educational Needs
Questions (538)
Chris Andrews
Question:538. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that white bright paper does not assist pupils with dyslexia with reading and learning; if she will examine the possibility of producing dyslexia friendly workbooks for primary school children given that school workbooks are printed on white paper; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50384/21]
View answerWritten answers
In general, my Department does not have a role in approving, commissioning, sponsoring or endorsing any content in any educational textbook. The current policy within my Department is not to endorse any particular product or publication, including textbooks. There are a small number of exceptions where my Department has procured textbooks or resources in order to fill a need – for example with Leaving certificate Japanese and Italian. However, as with all textbooks there is no obligation for a school to use these in their delivery of the curriculum. Apart from a small number of prescribed texts at post-primary, determined by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), the decisions on which textbooks to use in primary and post-primary schools are taken at school level.
The majority of textbooks are commissioned and published by educational publishers, and schools select their books from those available from a number of publishers. The Irish Educational Publishers Association (IEPA) meets with the NCCA in order to discuss the curriculum and to be made aware of any requirements in the curriculum. However the content of any individual textbook is determined by the publisher themselves, and therefore any queries regarding specific content in any particular textbook should be directed to the publisher.
The role of the school is to provide an appropriate education for all its pupils. A stable, secure learning environment is an essential requirement to achieve this goal. Schools have autonomy in choosing the resources and programmes that best support the work within their own classrooms.
Special Educational Needs
Questions (539)
Michael Creed
Question:539. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education the plans envisaged for the provision of ASD classes at a school (details supplied). [50387/21]
View answerWritten answers
My Department generally include a Special Education Needs (SEN) Base in all new schools, in appropriate replacement school buildings and major extensions.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has a statutory function to plan and co-ordinate the provision of education and support services to children with special educational needs, in consultation with the relevant education partners and the Health Service Executive. This includes the establishment of special class and special school placements in various geographical areas where there is an identified need.
In deciding where to establish a special class in an area, the NCSE takes account of the current and projected demand and the available school accommodation both current and planned. The Council ensures that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all children who have been identified as needing special class placements.
Major buildings projects that include accommodation for special classes are being planned for two post primary schools (other than the school in question) in the town to which the Deputy refers.
One of these schools opened in interim accommodation in September 2021. It is my Department's intention to make provision for two special classes in the school's interim accommodation for September 2022. This is subject to planning permission being granted by the local authority.
The process to secure a site to construct a new 1,000 pupil school, to include a 4-classroom special education needs (SEN) base for the school has been initiated.
In relation to a second post primary school in the town, a major building project to provide permanent accommodation for 1,300 pupils is currently at stage 1 of the architectural planning process. The project, when completed, will include accommodation for a 2-classroom SEN base.
In general, when the NCSE sanctions a special class in a school, the school can apply to my Department for capital funding to accommodate the class under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme if the accommodation is not already being delivered as part of a building project.
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has no current record of receiving an application for additional accommodation from the school to which the question refers.
Teaching Council of Ireland
Questions (540)
Robert Troy
Question:540. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education when a person (details supplied) can expect to have their Teaching Council number issued. [50396/21]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Teaching Council Acts 2001-2015 the Teaching Council is the body with 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.
All applicants for registration are required to submit a completed application form including supporting documentation (e.g. qualification transcripts, Character Reference Forms) and complete the Garda vetting process via the Council. All applicants are advised that they should allow 6-8 weeks to process applications from receipt of a full application and a checklist is provided by the Council to support the submission.
The Teaching Council inform me that the teacher in question submitted an incomplete application for registration on the 22 September 2021.
The Teaching Council also inform me that their staff will continue to engage with the applicant and once the full documentation is received and the vetting process completed, her application for registration will be processed.
The person referred to by the Deputy should continue to liaise directly with the Teaching Council and follow their guidance in order to meet the criteria to obtain full registration.
School Accommodation
Questions (541)
Bernard Durkan
Question:541. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the progress being made towards permanent accommodation for a school (details supplied); the temporary arrangements being made for access to practical classrooms to ensure quality participation in practical elements of their coursework as part of the junior certificate cycle; when these facilities will be made available; if this will be addressed as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50408/21]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has approved funding to the patron of the school in question to undertake refurbishment works in a property to facilitate the school's access to additional specialist accommodation for the current school year. This accommodation includes science, woodwork and home economics rooms. The delivery of the project has been devolved to the patron for delivery. The patron has advised my Department that a consultant has been procured to oversee this project with the scope of works agreed and the patron is currently in the process of obtaining quotes to carry out the works and determine the schedule.
My Department has also given approval to the Patron to appoint a consultant to undertake an Options Study of the proposed property to meet the school's permanent accommodation needs. This Study, when available, will be used as a basis for determining the necessary refurbishment works required to the property in the long term.
School Transport
Questions (542)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:542. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education if she will address a matter regarding the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50409/21]
View answerWritten answers
School Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2020/21 school year over 114,100 children, including over 14,700 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €224.7m in 2020.
The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school. Under the terms of my Department’s School Transport Scheme, children are eligible for transport where they reside not less than 3.2kms at primary and 4.8kms at post-primary and are attending their nearest School/Education Centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
All children who are eligible for school transport and who complete the application and payment process on time are accommodated on school transport services for the 2021/22 school year where such services are in operation.
Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport on a concessionary basis only and may be facilitated where spare seats are available after eligible children have been accommodated. Where the number of ineligible children exceeds the number of spare seats available Bus Éireann allocates tickets for the spare seats using an agreed selection process.
The pupil referred to by the Deputy resides 7.5 km from home to their nearest school and 13.1 km from home to their school of attendance.
The pupil is not eligible for transport under the terms of the Scheme as they are not attending their nearest school.
Bus Éireann has advised that at present the existing school transport service is currently operating to capacity and there are no seats available.
Bus Éireann has also advised that no application has been received for the child referred to by the Deputy for the 2020/21 school year.
Departmental Functions
Questions (543)
Jim O'Callaghan
Question:543. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education the steps that have been taken to ensure that the payroll division of her Department is operating fully in order that it can deal with the many queries from teachers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50426/21]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware public health measures were put in place at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, in March 2020, which required most public service workers to work remotely from home, where this was possible.
On foot of these requirements, the work of the Payroll Division in my Department was immediately reorganised, to ensure that it remained fully operational and that there was no disruption to salary and pension payments to over 120,000 education staff. I am pleased to advise the Deputy that this has been achieved.
Given the necessity for staff to work remotely from home, Payroll Division has also put in place alternative arrangements for dealing with queries received. They are responded to through a through a combination of e-mail, written correspondence, or by telephone. The vast majority of queries are dealt with within two to three days with many being dealt with on the day that they are received. It should be noted that Payroll Division experiences a high volume of queries during the months of August, September and October and there may be a slight delay in responding to queries during this time. This is because our priority is to ensure staff are set up on salary and pension without delay. Any delay is regretted.