Vol. 669 No. 4
9 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the budget deficits of University College Dublin, University College Cork, the National University of Ireland, Maynooth, Trinity College, Dublin, and the University of Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44340/08]
26 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that University College Dublin, University College Cork, the National University of Ireland, Maynooth, Trinity College, Dublin, and the University of Limerick are all running budget deficits; the amount of funding each of these universities has had reduced by the Exchequer due to the €44 million cutback for higher education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44339/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 9 and 26 together.
The Universities Act, 1997, confers autonomous statutory responsibilities on universities in relation to the day to day management of their affairs. It is a matter for each university to manage their financial resources and to take the necessary steps to ensure that expenditure is kept within the approved budget.
There have been substantial improvements in the funding of higher education in recent years. Overall provision to the third level sector (including capital, recurrent funding and student grants) amounted to some €1.5 billion in 2004, some €1.9 billion in 2007 and some €2 billion in 2008. This is an increase of over 33% since 2004 and an increase of over 111% since 1998 levels when funding to the sector was some €949m.
Recurrent funding allocated specifically to the University sector has increased in recent years from €631 million in 2004 to some €790 million in 2007 and to some €831 million in 2008. This represents an increase of some 32% since 2004 and an increase of some 118% since 1998 levels. This excludes separately provided programmes of funding for capital, for research and development and from the Strategic Innovation Fund.
I have been advised by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) that of the five universities referred to by the Deputy, Trinity College Dublin do not expect to have a budget deficit for the purposes of their 2008 accounts. The expected budget deficits on the 2008 accounts in the case of the other universities referred to by the Deputy are as follows:
University College Dublin (UCD): €15m;
University College Cork (UCC): €3m;
The National University of Ireland, Maynooth (NUIM): €3.9m;
University of Limerick (UL): €1.5m.
These deficits will be a first charge on the allocations to each of these universities in 2009.
In relation to reductions in funding for 2008, a Government decision of July 2008 identified the need for savings of some €6.6 million to be achieved on the Education Vote in 2008. A savings target of €4.467m collectively was identified for the university and institute of technology sectors and the other HEA designated institutions. In this context, in addition to overall reductions on particular programmes of funding to the sector, specific reductions to notified recurrent funding allocations were applied directly to the five universities referred to by the Deputy as follows:
UCD: €241,618;
UCC: €158,472;
TCD: €176,499;
NUIM: €60,054;
UL: €83,974.
There is a responsibility on each of the universities to identify and take whatever measures are required to manage within the budgets available to them. The facility to carry deficits allows a degree of flexibility across calendar years to reflect the fact that the management of budgets in individual universities operates on an academic year basis. However, any significant carry-over of deficits into 2009 will present challenges for university management given the tight constraints on overall funding in 2009 and the need for the universities to achieve pay-roll and non pay savings in common with all public sector organisations. I understand from the Higher Education Authority that it is in continuing correspondence with the universities in relation to deficits and is meeting with each university to discuss their budgetary situation. The Irish Universities Association (IUA) has been advised that the Authority will be paying particular attention to the level of deficit in the sector and will be requiring specific plans on how institutions propose to address any deficits. Through the HEA, I will be monitoring the level of deficit in the sector on an on-going basis throughout 2009.
10 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason his Department claims to compile statistics on primary schools on a county basis, as in Parliamentary Question No. 173 of 20 November 2008, yet cannot compile statistics on the number of prefabs each school has; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44341/08]
The types of data collected in my Department's Annual Census of Primary schools include information on pupils' age, standard and class, data on entrants, leavers, learning support, pupil retention and teacher data. The Census also collects information on pupils with special educational needs in special classes and special schools.
When all school returns have been processed, a series of statistical tables is produced giving information on indicators such as overall enrolment in primary schools, average class size, teacher numbers and pupil teacher ratios. Schools in my Department's database are coded fully by county and data are currently published on a county by county basis.
In designing the census to be completed by schools, it is necessary to strike a balance between gathering a large amount of information and reducing the administrative burden on schools by ensuring that the census is not unnecessarily onerous or time-consuming to complete. In this regard, my Department focuses on key data which is known to change on an annual basis, such as pupil numbers.
While it may be desirable to gather other data, this must be done in a cost effective manner. Similarly, the information gathered must be managed effectively and my Department has been developing its information management systems, within the context of the limited administrative and financial resources available.
As part of the Data Strategy, my Department has committed to reducing the administrative burden on schools where possible. To ask schools to supply data regarding their school buildings on an annual basis would significantly increase their existing administrative burden.
While comprehensive information on temporary accommodation in schools is held on individual school files, my Department did not in the past have these details available in a format that provided readily accessible cumulative information on the overall position regarding temporary accommodation. However, this issue is being addressed and work on compiling a comprehensive database of such information will be completed shortly. This work is part of a general review of rental policy being undertaken. Information has already been collected and is being collated on approximately 900 schools which had received approval from the Department for temporary accommodation — including but not limited to prefabs.
The database of temporary accommodation that is currently being finalised will inform my Department's future decision-making in this area.
11 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on ending the practice of exempting students sitting their State exams from grammar and spelling mistakes in view of the need to tackle illiteracy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44362/08]
Both the Education Act 1998 and the Education for Persons with Special Needs 2004 include a range of provisions to ensure that the educational needs of all students including those with a disability are identified and provided for. In this context, a range of accommodations are provided to enable students with disabilities to access the Certificate examinations. For example enlarged print, Braille translation, modified questions, use of a scribe, a reader, a personal assistant, a tape recorder or word processor, may be allowed depending on needs.
The scheme was expanded in 2000 following the report of an Expert Advisory Group, to provide opportunities for exemptions where a candidate was not in a position to demonstrate achievement in a specific area of assessment. In keeping with the advice of the Expert Advisory Group and in line with practice at that time in other jurisdictions, a system of annotation was applied to any case where a student was exempt from a specific area of assessment, or where the mode of assessment used had the same effect.
Spelling and grammar waivers in language subjects were provided for students suffering from dyslexia and other learning disabilities on a similar basis with effect from 2001, with annotation of the certificates.
The practice of annotation was the subject of a ruling of the Equality Tribunal in November 2006. The Department appealed the ruling in the Circuit Court, and the Court ruled on 19 October 2007 that the annotation had not discriminated against the students concerned. This ruling is being appealed to the High Court. The State Examinations Commission was asked to undertake a review of policy and practice in this area taking account of best international practice and in March 2007 announced the establishment of an advisory group for this purpose. I understand the report of the Advisory Group has now been finalised and submitted to the State Examinations Commission. The Commissioners are due to meet early in the new year to consider the Report, and will forward it to me after that with their advice.
I have no plans for change in this area, pending full examination of the Advisory Group's report and consideration of the views of the State Examinations Commission and the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment. The current curricula in languages make it clear that spelling and grammar are essential elements of language subjects and are assessed as part of the examinations. The marks awarded to this area are not disproportionate. For example, in English in the Leaving Certificate, some 10% of the overall marks are applied to this area under the heading of "accuracy of mechanics".
In regard to literacy generally, it should be noted that the OECD PISA study (Programme for International Student Assessment) of 15 years olds in 56 countries undertaken in 2006 showed that Ireland ranked 6th in Reading overall and 5th out of 29 OECD countries. Only one EU country, Finland, achieved a higher mean score than Ireland in reading.
12 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which the budget 2009 reduction proposals are expected to result in an increased pupil-teacher ratio on a county basis at all schools here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44287/08]
15 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which recently announced reductions in funding for education are expected to result in a reduction of teachers in schools on a county basis here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44286/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 15 together.
I have consistently said that the 2009 Budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. These decisions were made to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. In this respect Education while protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure could not be totally spared. The various impacts at school level were included in the Budget day announcements including the projected net impact on teacher numbers in primary and post-primary schools.
Clearly a net reduction in the number of teachers, while relatively small in terms of the overall number of teachers that will continue to be employed in our schools, will of course impact to some degree on the pupil teacher ratio in a situation where enrolments are rising. This applies to the ratio for the country as a whole in the primary and post-primary sectors and will apply at individual county level also. There may be some differences between counties depending on the distribution of the projected increase in enrolments.
I have already put it on record that I have no difficulty in setting out for this House or for the public generally what the final impact will be on the overall changes on aggregate teacher numbers in schools for the 2009/10 school year and this applies to final pupil teacher ratios as well. I have nothing to hide here. I have been upfront with the Irish people in relation to these measures and I am not claiming in any way that there will be no impact on the staffing position in schools generally but this will vary from school to school and there will be schools where the number of teachers will remain the same. I have however taken issue with some of the extreme claims that are being made about the overall impact.
I will set out the final position when the allocation processes have been completed. The allocation processes including notification to schools will commence early in the New Year. The allocation process includes appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. The final allocation to a school is also a function of the operation of the redeployment panels which provide for the retention of a teacher in an existing school if a new post is not available within the agreed terms of the scheme. The appellate process is particularly relevant at post-primary level where any specific curricular needs of the school concerned are considered. Also at post-primary there is no effective system wide redeployment scheme at present and this can mean that schools retain teachers, though over quota.
For the moment the priority for my Department is to move ahead with the allocation processes and begin the interaction with individual schools early in the new year and I do not propose to divert staff to engage in producing estimated or hypothetical outcomes for individual counties.
13 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the percentage of the €8 billion committed to the strategy for science, technology and innovation that is being spent on achieving the aim of doubling the number of PhD students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44338/08]
The Strategy for Science Technology and Innovation constitutes one of the principal pillars of the National Development Plan 2007-2013, and is underpinned by a projected total investment of €8.2 billion. It is an integrated whole of Government approach to the realisation of an agreed vision that, by 2013, Ireland will be internationally renowned for the excellence of its research and at the forefront in generating and using new knowledge for economic and social progress, within an innovation driven culture.
The €8.2 billion allocation within the SSTI provides for separate programmes of support across a number of Government departments. This investment aims to improve the scale and quality of research carried out in Ireland. The allocation is disaggregated on the basis of research funding activities on a sectoral basis, each of which will be contributing to varying degrees to the funding of expanded PhD outputs.
Doubling the number of PhD graduates by 2013 is just one of the goals of this investment. Increasing the number of research teams within our higher education system, enhanced collaboration with industry and increased investment by enterprise in R & D activities are also essential for the development of a world class research system. My colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment has lead responsibility for the whole of Government approach to implementation of the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation. The range of relevant activities under various Ministers is also overseen by a Cabinet Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation.
The SSTI target to double the output of PhDs by 2013 is advancing significantly. The most recent data show total PhD numbers rising to over 1000 in 2007, increasing from 808 in 2005. This indicates that we are on track for achieving our goal of producing in excess of 1,300 PhD graduates annually by 2013.
The achievement of the overall target of PhD numbers will rely on inputs and funding contributions of a range of cross-sectoral research funders. The full aggregate cost contribution across each of the agencies involved is not available. However it is anticipated that full implementation of planned SSTI investments across Government will enable the target to be met. My Department is directly contributing to the achievement of this target through its funding of the Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions, the Irish Research Council for Science Engineering and Technology and the Irish Research Council for Humanities and Social Sciences, all of which provide funding for PhD students. Cycle 4 of the Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions will fund some 300 PhD students over its lifespan and over 1000 students are undertaking a PhD in 2008 with funding support from the two research councils.
14 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Science the percentage of children in respect of primary school sizes in primary schools of 30 pupils or more for the years 1987 to 2009; the percentage of children in primary classes of less than 20 pupils for the years 1987 to 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44350/08]
I am making a table available on class size data for the school years 1987/88 to 2007/08. This shows the improvements over the twenty year period with the percentage of pupils in classes of less than 20 pupils increasing from 3.3% to 13.8%. It also shows how the percentage of pupils in classes of 30 pupils or more has fallen from almost 68% to just over 20%. The information for the current school year will not be available until all the enrolment returns from schools are fully processed.
The improvements over the years reflect our commitment to education and the increased investment when the country was better able to afford it. We reduced the basis on which primary teachers are allocated to schools from an average of 35 primary pupils per teacher in 1995/96 down to the current level of 27 pupils. The change to a new average of 28 pupils per teacher from September 2009 has to be viewed in that context.
Although it reverses some of the progress that we have made in recent years I had no option but to curtail the annual increase in teacher numbers. While I appreciate this will impact on class sizes the reality is that it will not impact on every school rather the change will impact on the total number of teachers in some 10 to 15% of primary schools. The reduced class sizes for the most disadvantaged in our DEIS schools of an average of 1 teacher for every 20 pupils in Junior classes and an average of 1 teacher for every 24 pupils in Senior classes will not be changing in 2009.
In any discussion of class size and classes where the number of pupils exceed the average it is important to understand how the main staffing schedule sets out to treat schools in like circumstances in a fair and consistent manner. The current allocation is based on an average of 27 pupils per teacher and schools make individual choices in assigning teachers to class groups. With over 20,000 individual classes spread across all schools throughout the country there will always be differences in individual class sizes.
It is of course the case that some schools can have class sizes of greater than 27 but this is often because of a local decision by a school to use its teaching resources in order to have smaller numbers in other classes. Indeed, very often when a particular school has a class of over thirty in a particular grade, it is because there is another class in the same school with just 20 pupils or so.
While the budget measures will impact on class sizes it will be necessary in the more testing economic climate ahead for us to continue to target and prioritise our resources to maximum effect for everyone. While teacher numbers are important numerous influential reports have highlighted the fact that teacher quality is the single most important factor — far and above anything else — in improving educational outcomes for children. Ensuring high quality teaching and learning is a challenge and dealing with factors that inhibit it represent a challenge for the Government, the Department, school management and indeed the teacher unions.
I am confident that as the global economy improves it will be possible to build again on the significant achievements of recent years and do so in a manner consistent with overall prudent management of the Irish economy.
|
% of pupils in classes of less than 20 |
% of pupils in classes of 30 and more |
|
|
1987-88 |
3.30 |
67.76 |
|
1988/89 |
2.74 |
72.47 |
|
1989/90 |
2.74 |
71.42 |
|
1990/91 |
3.15 |
67.96 |
|
1991/92 |
3.53 |
62.84 |
|
1992/93 |
4.28 |
56.71 |
|
1993/94 |
5.09 |
51.68 |
|
1994/95 |
6.13 |
48.54 |
|
1995/96 |
6.94 |
43.90 |
|
1996/97 |
7.81 |
41.77 |
|
1997/98 |
9.17 |
39.48 |
|
1998/99 |
10.29 |
37.28 |
|
1999/00 |
11.58 |
30.25 |
|
2000/01 |
12.75 |
28.89 |
|
2001/02 |
14.73 |
27.28 |
|
2002/03 |
15.32 |
25.88 |
|
2003/04 |
15.44 |
24.78 |
|
2004/05 |
15.14 |
24.91 |
|
2005/06 |
14.18 |
25.14 |
|
2006/07 |
13.73 |
24.01 |
|
2007/08 |
13.80 |
20.37 |
16 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department will drop the requirement of field work that makes up an integral part of the biology leaving certificate curriculum in view of his cutbacks on substitute cover; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44352/08]
The Leaving Certificate Biology syllabus aims to ensure that students attain certain skills which include an ability to carry out practical work, laboratory work and fieldwork activities safely and effectively. According to the revised syllabus, students must study and visit one ecosystem. This fieldwork is essential for the effective teaching and learning in this topic.
The arrangements for the fieldwork can take a variety of forms and can range from day trips to local centres where they are facilitated by tutors to fieldwork undertaken in local parks and within school grounds. I understand that visits which have proved extremely effective have included trips to football pitches, hedgerows, nearby parks and rocky seashores. Leaving Certificate Biology students have weekly double lessons for practical work. Where fieldwork trips are based on the school site, they may be incorporated into a double class period which eliminates the need for substitution.
There has been extensive, nationwide in-service training for Biology teachers in the area of ecology fieldwork techniques, delivered by the Biology Support Service. Teachers should be in a position to be able to deliver this element of the curriculum effectively to students in a variety of locations. In addition, there is on-going support should any teacher feel that they require further support in this area.
The 2009 Budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. Decisions were made in order to control expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long term. In this respect my Department, while protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure, could not be entirely spared, and I acknowledge the impact of funding restrictions in a number of areas, including at school level. However, these are the inevitable result of the challenging economic environment and the need to manage Exchequer resources prudently.
It is a matter for each school management authority to organise its classes, curriculum, teaching time-table and subject options having regard to pupils' needs within the limits of its approved teacher allocation.
I have no plans to drop the fieldwork component of this subject. It should be noted that my Department continues to pay substantial allowances to teachers for provision of supervision and substitute cover.
17 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Education and Science if he had meetings with the managers of the Protestant fee-paying schools to discuss the implications of budget 2009; if not, if he will meet them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44317/08]
25 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Education and Science if he had a meeting with the Church of Ireland bishops regarding the €2.8 million cut in grants to Protestant secondary schools; if further meetings are planned; his views on whether the cuts will have serious effects on many of these individual schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44318/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 25 together.
While I have not met with managers of the Protestant fee charging schools I did meet with representatives of the Church of Ireland Board of Education, led by Archbishop John Neill, on 13 November last.
The meeting provided me with an opportunity to explain at first hand the context for the budget changes that were of concern to the Bishops and the schools serving the Church of Ireland and other minority churches. In the course of the meeting, I confirmed my budget day announcement that the funding provided through the Protestant Block grant was being continued by the Government. I explained that against a backdrop of a difficult economic and fiscal situation I had to take decisions that impacted on the staffing and the range of funding grants to schools generally. The decision to cease paying certain grants to the Protestant fee charging schools, that were not paid to other fee charging schools, has to be viewed in that wider context.
It was inevitable in the difficult financial circumstances that the education budget for 2009 could not be totally spared from the need to curtail expenditure but it is important to reiterate again that the Protestant Block Grant which in the current school year amounts to €6.25 million will continue to be available and the retention of this grant demonstrates the importance that I, and this Government, continue to attach to ensuring that students of the Protestant faith can attend schools that reflect their denominational ethos. Historically this payment covers capitation, tuition and boarding grants and is distributed through the Secondary Education Committee established by the Churches concerned.
I fully appreciate the concerns that were expressed to me about the needs of the dispersed minority population and the particular need to sustain schools in the Protestant tradition that are directly serving that dispersed population in particular areas of the country. In that regard I expressed my willingness at the meeting to respond positively to any proposals that might be made to my Department that would enable the available funding to be focused and adjusted to more effectively meet the twin objectives of access for individuals and sustaining the dispersed schools that they wish to attend. The Bishops indicated that they would reflect on how the funding I am continuing to make available might best be deployed to meet the needs of their schools.
Further meetings can be scheduled at any point to develop and build on what I believe was a useful and constructive discussion.
18 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason he is reluctant to use the full rigours of the law to close down bogus educational institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44337/08]
Section 52 of the Universities Act, 1997, prohibits the use of the term ‘University' where the organisation is engaged in the provision of education services unless the Minister for Education and Science consents to the use of the term. When my Department has become aware of organisations using the term without consent, appropriate action has been taken.
In most cases, when the legislative requirements were explained, the organisations concerned voluntarily agreed to stop using the title. Agreement has also been reached with the Companies Registration Office that any business name applied for which features the term ‘University' will not be accepted without the express approval of the Department of Education and Science. In addition, the Irish Domain Registry has agreed not to register web addresses using the title ‘University'.
In addition, the Department maintains an Internationalisation Register containing programmes which are approved for the purpose of access to work by students who are citizens from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland. Only programmes which have been quality assured and/or lead to recognised qualifications are included on the Register. Both the Internationalisation Register and a list of approved higher education providers are maintained on the Department's website.
My Department is also considering a number of new measures which are intended to bring greater clarity and focus to the international education market. We will, in particular, be examining how functions in the regulatory area can be allocated in the context of the overall rationalisation of agencies as well as developing mechanisms to increase the levels of co-ordination between the various stakeholders in the promotion of Irish education services overseas.
19 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount his Department spends on postage costs regarding the circulation of notices to school boards of management; his Department’s policy on the use of e-mail for this purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44361/08]
The specific information sought by the Deputy in relation to the cost of postage of notices to Boards of Management is not readily available within my Department. The amount spent by my Department on the distribution of publications to schools etc. cannot be separated from the overall cost of postage issued from my Department. My Department's total expenditure on postage this year to end October is €2,031,176.79. This figure includes the cost of posting a variety of materials to schools including publications, circulars, paycheques, posters, leaflets, etc. It should also be noted that my Department agrees on occasion to circulate relevant materials produced by other organisations to schools, the postage costs given above do not exclusively relate to material emanating from the Department. My Department regularly reviews its postage arrangements with a view to achieving maximum value for money. In this regard, last year my Department introduced a system of regular bulk mailings to schools in order to avail of discounted rates and to minimise postal costs.
A wide range of publications and reports are made available electronically on my Department's website: www.education.ie. It is the policy of my Department that all circulars can be accessed on my Department's website and all circulars and notices of general application, whether issued via the postal service or not, are posted on the website for reference and download. The circular or notice in question, where appropriate, requests the management authority to bring its contents to the attention of staff and /or parents in the school.
Teachers are generally made aware of the existence of circulars relating to pay by the inclusion of a text facility in their payslip. In addition, the Online Claims System (OLCS) which has been rolled out to primary and post primary schools has also removed the need for schools to submit certain information to my Department on paper forms, thus saving on printing and postage costs for both schools and my Department. In certain instances schools are also notified when a Circular has been placed on the website by the inclusion of a paragraph on the notes of the OLCS system.
In a further effort to reduce the costs of printing and distribution of publications in 2009, it is now corporate policy within my Department that all publications will be web based and will only be printed and distributed by post in exceptional circumstances.
Email is used by my Department's Post Primary Teachers Unit to disseminate information relating to the posting of circulars on the website and other information to the CEOs of the 33 VECs, the management bodies and the unions in addition to alerting schools through the OLCS.
An email service for the Schools Broadband Access Programme has been commissioned and designed and has been piloted with a number of schools to test the system and obtain feedback on the service. The Department is considering the wider application of this email service generally for schools and specifically as a communications tool for the Department.
20 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will request each third level institution to publish the number of staff involved in direct education provision and those involved in indirect activities which do not involve teaching or research, with clear audit policies used for conducting this survey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44335/08]
44 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will ensure that all third level institutions will publish the number of staff and students in each academic department in their annual reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44334/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 44 together.
It is a matter for the Higher Education Authority (HEA) to determine the format of annual reports published by Institutes of Technology. The format of the reports published by individual universities is determined by their respective Governing authorities.
I believe the development of appropriate data collection and reporting systems is critical to providing the information necessary for the management, oversight and development of the higher education sector. While some institutions report staff and student statistics in their annual reports by academic department, as there is no consistent definition of what constitutes an academic department across the higher education sector, comparison of this data is not meaningful.
With a view to developing enhanced data collection and reporting systems, the HEA has been consulting with partner agencies in order to define a common format that meets all agencies' needs. This process is at an early stage, and will require agreement across all interested agencies and higher education institutions to succeed. It is envisaged that timely annual reporting of staff numbers by discipline and activity will emerge from this process.
My Department, through the Strategic Innovation Fund, is also funding a number of specific projects that will contribute to this process. These include:
the Irish Universities Association project on Building Strategic Information/Decision-Support Capacity
the Irish Universities Association Full Economic Costing project,
the Institutes of Technology Ireland project on Delivering Systemic Change,
institution specific projects such as the DIT Strategic Management and Change project.
21 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if medical card holders are exempt from paying the recently increased school transport charges of €300; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44349/08]
Yes. School transport charges will continue to be waived in the case of eligible post-primary children where the family is in possession of a valid medical card. Eligible children attending primary schools and children with special needs will also still travel free.
22 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Dinny McGinley den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta cén fáth nach bhfuil halla spóirt ag scoil (sonraí tugtha) go fóill agus nach bhfuil sé tar éis a bheith tógtha le breis mhór agus fiche bliain agus an gceadóidh sé deontas sa dóigh gur féidir tús a chur leis chomh luath agus is féidir. [44285/08]
Tá an tionscadal dá dtagraíonn an Teachta ag ardchéim pleanála ailtireachta faoi láthair.
Machnófar ar dhul chun cinn gach uile tionscadal tógála ar scála mór, an tionscadal seo ina measc, ón túschéim dearaidh go dtí go mbíonn an tógáil déanta, i gcomhthéacs Chlár Tógala agus Athnuachain Scoile Ilbhliantúil mo Roinnse. I bhfianaise na n-éileamh iomaíocha ar bhuiséad caipitil mo Roinne, áfach, ní féidir creatlach ama táscach a chur in iúl do dhul chun cinn an tionscadail ag an am seo.
23 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will explain the decision to increase the class size in further education courses from 16:1 to 17:1; the reason this was not announced in budget 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44332/08]
Budget 2009 required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. Decisions were made in order to control expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long term. The regression in the Pupil Teacher Ratio (PTR) in the Post-Leaving Certificate (PLC) sector from 16:1 to 17:1 was taken on the same basis as the regression in the PTR in the Post-Primary Sector from 18:1 to 19:1.
Teacher allocations for both the Post-Primary and the PLC sector are made on the Post-Primary system. The identified savings of 200 teachers in the 2009/2010 school year are based on the regression in the PTR across both the Post-Primary and the PLC sector.
The bases for the allocation of teachers in Youthreach, the Vocational Training Opportunity Scheme and Senior Traveller Training Centres have not changed.
24 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the payment of water charges by schools; the financial support his Department will be providing to schools to pay these charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44351/08]
The Government agreed a transition period to full water charges in the case of non-fee charging recognised schools and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has advised local authorities of the detailed arrangements regarding the implementation of this decision.
The transitional arrangements afford schools the opportunity to put in place water conservation arrangements and practices and to undertake works that can help reduce water usage significantly before full water charges are introduced. By virtue of good water conservation schools can be in a much stronger position to reduce the impact of water charges on their overall budgets.
Under the transition arrangements agreed by the Government, schools pay a flat rate per pupil fee as follows:- 2007- €3 per pupil, 2008 — €3.50 per pupil and 2009- €4 per pupil enrolled. For 2007, charges applied based on metering were recalculated on the transitional flat rate with a credit given for any excess payment.
Guidance was also issued to schools on the most appropriate measures to minimise excess consumption of water and to reduce wastage where it exists. In addition, water conservation issues will continue to be addressed by my Department as a matter of routine where new schools are being built or where major renovations are being carried out to existing schools under the schools modernisation programme. Furthermore those schools with very high water consumption will be identified and contacted with a view to introducing measures to help them reduce water usage.
In the context of reducing water costs for schools, it has been demonstrated that fitting simple water saving devices to toilets and sinks can reduce water consumption considerably at very little cost, as can other small works such as fixing easily identifiable leaks. Primary school authorities may use their annual minor works grant to fund such measures. The minor works grant has increased by nearly 50% over the past two years and some €27m is due to issue to all primary schools in early 2009 under this grant scheme.
My Department remains in close liaison with the Department of Environment and Local Government regarding water conservation and is supportive of any initiatives by it and local authorities that will help reduce water costs for schools.
In relation to day to day funding for schools I prioritised funding for primary schools in the recent budget, increasing the standard rate of capitation grant at primary level to €200 per pupil. The increases in the enhanced rates for special needs pupils in special classes and special schools brings the top rate up to almost €1,000 per pupil.
The capitation grant for post-primary schools has been increased by 4.3%, representing an increase of €14 per pupil, to bring it to €345 per pupil from January 2009. Voluntary secondary schools will also benefit also from an increase in the school services support grant by €8 per pupil from January 2009. This will mean, for example, that a secondary school with an enrolment of 500 pupils will receive an additional €11,000 in funding in 2009.
While I clearly will want to improve funding as soon as circumstances permit, I am anxious to make the capitation grant mechanism the single funding channel for schools.
27 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science the funding his Department provides for the leaving certificate applied curriculum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44353/08]
In 2008, my Department provided grants of €1.23 million to schools for the Leaving Certificate Applied programme. Schools also benefited from an equipment grant, amounting to €5,079 for each school offering the programme.
As a result of the need to make savings in Budget 2009, this grant has been abolished with effect from 1 January 2009. The budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. These decisions were made to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. In this respect, the education sector, while protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure, could not be totally spared. Even with the budget measures in place there will still be a significantly increased borrowing requirement in 2009.
While certain grants are to be abolished, I would like to emphasise that the capitation grant for post-primary schools has been increased by 4.3%, representing an increase of €14 per pupil, to bring it to €345 per pupil from January 2009.
Voluntary secondary schools will benefit also from an increase in the school services support grant by €8 per pupil from January 2009. This will mean, for example, that a secondary school with an enrolment of 500 pupils will receive an additional €11,000 in funding in 2009. A more favourable teacher allocation ratio applies to the Leaving Certificate Applied programme.
28 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will require all third level institutions to establish an on-line database of research dissertations which have merited graduate awards subject to reasonable conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44333/08]
Irish Higher Education Institutions are currently involved in the development of open access repositories — online storage and retrieval systems where published research findings and papers are stored and made available for full, open and free access by the research community and the general public.
In a project funded under Cycle 1 of the Strategic Initiative Fund, a number of Irish universities have developed open access repositories of their own and are now engaged in the development of a national open access repository system by connecting the repositories of each participating institution for fuller public accessibility and to increase exposure of Irish University published research.
Recently, Irish research funding agencies have begun the implementation of an ‘open access' policy for publicly funded research. The Higher Education Authority (HEA) has developed a policy on open access which will be implemented for all future research funding calls. Where a research publication arises in whole or in part from HEA-funded research, researchers will now be required to file their published research papers in an open access repository as soon as is practical, but within six calendar months at the latest.
Other agencies that have also adopted an Open Access Policy include the Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering and Technology (IRCSET), Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and The Health Research Board (HRB).
Aside from its benefit to the academic and research community, the move towards open access will make theses and other research outcomes generally available to the interested public and is to be welcomed.
29 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to ensure statutory regulation of the English language school sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44356/08]
The English language education sector is an important part of Ireland's international education offering, and is a major contributor to the Irish economy. Recent estimates put its total impact on the economy at around €500 million.
It is important, therefore, that institutions offering English language courses and other programmes of education to international students should operate in a regulatory environment which is robust and appropriate, and which has credibility both domestically and in the international market.
The existing regulatory regime for English language schools is operated by ACELS — the Advisory Council for English Language Schools — a body under the aegis of my Department. Institutions offering English language programmes must meet a set of standards in areas such as learning and teaching provision, teacher qualifications, premises and facilities. Compliance with these standards is assessed through an inspection regime operated by ACELS. Only programmes of education which meet these standards, and have been subject to inspection can be added to my Department's internationalisation register, which allows access by non-EEA students to employment, subject to certain conditions.
Given the importance of the international education sector generally, my Department will be examining the overall regulatory regime for international education provision. As part of this, consideration will be given to assigning regulatory functions to an appropriate existing authority under statute, having regard to overall Government policy in relation to the rationalisation of agencies.
30 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science the school building projects that are planned under the public private partnership model with the location of each school, a brief description of the project and the estimated cost of each project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44360/08]
In September 2005 funding of €300 million for an Education PPP Programme comprising of 23 new post-primary schools and 4 new primary schools under a major expansion of the Government's Public Private Partnership Programme was announced.
The first bundle of schools announced in November 2005 comprises of Banagher College-Colaiste na Sionna, Gallen Community School, Ferbane, Scoil Chriost Ri, Portlaoise and St Mary's CBS, Portlaoise. 2,700 pupil places will be provided when these schools are completed in 2010.
The 2nd bundle of primary/post-primary projects was announced in November 2006. This bundle comprises Bantry Community College and Gaelscoil Bheanntrai, Co. Cork, Kildare Town Community School, Abbeyfeale Community College, Athboy Community School and Wicklow Town Community College. These schools will provide in excess of 4,700 pupil places when completed in 2011.
The Schools remaining in my Department's PPP programme are:
Ennistymon Community School;
Skibbereen Community School;
Colaiste Ailigh, Letterkenny;
New Community College and Primary School, Doughiska, Galway;
St Paul's Secondary School, Monasterevin
Doon/Cappamore Secondary School, Limerick Eureka Secondary School, Kells;
Gorey Post Primary School;
Colaiste Raithin, Bray and a Primary School;
Tramore Community School.
My Department is considering each of the above schools as well as a number of other post-primary schools where sites are currently available for inclusion in a 3rd bundle and I intend making an announcement on this bundle as quickly as possible.
As the procurement process for the current PPP programme is ongoing my Department does not provide information on the costs involved in compiling the Public Sector Benchmark. I can confirm that the Bundles currently in procurement each have a Capital cost in the range of €50m-€100m.
31 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to ensure that children receive at least two hours of physical education in school per week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41131/08]
It is my belief that a well planned Physical Education programme has a vitally important role to play in a broad and balanced curriculum for our primary and second level students.
At primary level, Physical Education is one of seven curriculum areas within the revised Primary School Curriculum which was introduced in 1999. A minimum of one hour of physical education per week is recommended for all primary school pupils. The curriculum has been structured so as to allow individual schools a high degree of flexibility and choice in the planning of a broad and balanced Physical Education programme for pupils, and includes six broad strands featuring Athletics, Dance, Gymnastics, Games, Outdoor and adventure activities and Aquatics. A programme of inservice training in PE has been provided to support the full implementation of the curriculum. In addition to implementing the curriculum, schools are also encouraged to devote one day every year to "Sport for All" whereby an entire day is given over to sporting activities that emphasise participation and co-operation, rather than winning or losing.
In accordance with the Rules and Programme for Secondary Schools, all second level schools should provide Physical Education as part of the curriculum. The programme that each school plans and delivers should be based on my Department's approved syllabuses and the teaching hours should be registered on the school timetable. The syllabuses have been developed on the basis of a time allocation of two hours per week.
The phasing in of a revised Physical Education syllabus (non-examination) at Junior Cycle level commenced in September 2003. The Junior Cycle Physical Education Support Service has been in place since then to support teachers in the implementation of this syllabus. The programme includes adventure activities, aquatics, athletics, dance, invasion games, net and fielding games, gymnastics and health related activity.
Apart from the formal curricula, schools take a range of measures to encourage physical activity among students during the school day and many provide extensive, broad-based programmes of co-curricular physical activities that are highly rewarding for both pupils and teachers alike. In particular, schools play a major role in nurturing and promoting the involvement of students in sporting activities in the wider community. Sports organisations such as the Gaelic Athletic Association, Basketball Ireland, the Football Association of Ireland provide extensive opportunities for such participation.
32 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science the procedures followed in the Advisory Council for English Language Schools’ accreditation process; the qualifications required by teachers to be employed in these schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44355/08]
The Advisory Council for English Language Schools (ACELS) was established in 1967 and reconstituted as a company operating under the aegis of the Department of Education and Science in 1995. It provides a voluntary quality assurance and inspection scheme for private sector English language schools. ACELS also approves teacher training qualifications for the EFL private sector, and has developed English language proficiency test instruments.
Schools which comply with the ACELS quality assurance and inspection scheme are approved by my Department for the purpose of providing English language programmes in the private sector. The conditions for recognition of schools are available on the website www.acels.ie, and include such requirements as:
that courses are educationally sound and have content appropriate to their objectives within a documented framework;
that placement procedures are educationally sound and students are placed in classes according to competence and age;
that class size does not exceed 15 students;
that courses reflect Irish life and culture where appropriate;
that satisfactory arrangements are in place for academic management, staffing and administration, and that all teachers have a third level qualification at a minimum of Level 7 in the national qualifications framework or equivalent, plus an ACELS recognised qualification in Teaching English as a Foreign Language;
that premises meet the requirements set out in a schedule of standards.
There is an annual application process and all centres are inspected prior to approval, as well as being subject to a full inspection at least once every three years. Unannounced spot checks are also undertaken. The quality standards for management, staffing and administration are on the website, as are the criteria for inspection.
The programmes recognised by ACELS for teaching in the EFL sector are programmes which comply with the Key Standards and Guidelines and Common Assessment Framework for the Certificate in English Language Teaching, or the Preparatory TEFL qualification for State qualified teachers. The key standards and assessment framework, also on the website, cover such issues as trainee entry criteria, course duration and programme hours, supervised teaching practice, classroom observation, lesson planning and programmes of work, teaching techniques and assessment, classroom management and selection of materials, and review, in addition to having appropriate premises and resources for the programme. These standards are based on best international practice in the EFL sector.
Applications may be made to ACELS for approval of teacher training programmes for this purpose. In addition, ELT programmes of a minimum of 115 hours duration leading to awards recognised by the Higher Education and Training Awards Council, Dublin Institute of Technology, NUI and recognised universities, and their international equivalent are also recognised.
34 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding grants available for teachers who wish to pursue a postgraduate qualification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44379/08]
In general, there are no grants payable directly to teachers to obtain a postgraduate qualification. However, the Teacher Education Section does pay tuition fees directly to colleges for teachers who undertake a number of post-graduate programmes in the area of Special Educational Needs. The Deputy might be interested to note that teachers who successfully complete certain post-graduate programmes in the area of Special Educational Needs also qualify for payment of an additional allowance provided that they satisfy all the other criteria for eligibility.
It should also be noted that where a teacher successfully completes certain other accredited courses and subject to certain other criteria, an allowance may be payable to teachers. This would include basic teaching qualifications with varying allowances for honours and pass and certain post-graduate qualifications.
The Teacher Education Section also manages the Teacher Fee Refund Scheme. This scheme was initiated in 1998, under the Programme for Cooperation and Work (PCW) to provide funding towards the cost of the course and examination fees incurred by primary and post primary teachers on successful completion of in-career development courses. The courses must be relevant to the teaching profession and approved by the Department and school authorities. Qualifying courses must be of benefit to their schools as well as of benefit professionally to the teacher concerned.
35 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the future development of school campuses in view of the expected 100,000 increase in pupil numbers in the next ten years; his further views on the continued feasibility of one and two teacher schools in view of same and on the continued feasibility of having separate schools cater for each and every religious denomination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44354/08]
My Department is indeed open to the concept of multi-school campus arrangements as this can have many positive outcomes, including the reduction in land take required for school development. The Forward Planning Section of my Department will always convey this to Local Authorities when requesting site reservations for educational purposes as part of a Local Area Plan or a County Development Plan.
The Deputy will be aware that I have recently announced a review of the procedures for the establishment of new primary schools under the Commission on School Accommodation. A number of policy issues have to be considered as part of the review, including the issue of both minimum and maximum school sizes and the question of diversity of school provision. It is expected that this review will be completed and the revised arrangements put in place within a two year time frame.
In the interim it is not proposed to recognise any new primary schools, except in areas where the increases in pupils numbers cannot be catered for in existing schools and which require the provision of new schools. This means that new schools will not be established for reasons unrelated to demographic growth in areas where there is already sufficient school accommodation or where increases can be catered for by extending existing school accommodation.
36 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of prefabs currently in use by primary schools on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44347/08]
Approximately 900 schools were contacted in September 2007 and asked to complete a questionnaire regarding the stock of temporary accommodation in their schools. This information has now been collected and is currently being collated in my Department. The data received so far from schools has been entered into a database and shows the following information: The total number of prefabs being occupied by these primary and post-primary schools amounts to 2,450. A further 85 rental arrangements relate to the rental of buildings on a temporary basis, 35 are for rental of both buildings and land, while 55 relate to the rental of land only. Of the prefabs being occupied, the returns show that 1,745 were rented and 705 were declared to have been purchased.
The information sought by the Deputy on a county basis will be assembled and forwarded as soon as possible
37 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will announce the next public private partnership schools bundle; if he has finalised the schools to be included; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44316/08]
My Department is examining the feasibility of grouping a number of schools in the 3rd Bundle of school projects to be procured via Public Private Partnership. The make up and timing of bundles in my Department's PPP school building programme will be determined by my Department in consultation with the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA). The issues to be considered in the timing and bundling of these schools include site availability for each school, geographical spread and the estimated total cost of the proposed school bundle. The examination in relation to the 3rd Bundle is nearing completion and it is my intention to make an announcement about the matter as quickly as possible.
38 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on linking budget allocation for third level institutions to results achieved in improving third level access to students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44336/08]
In July of this year I launched the National Plan for Equity of Access to Higher Education 2008-2013. One of the key objectives of this plan is to mainstream our approaches to improving access to higher education, including reflecting the importance of access in the funding model for the sector. Since 2006 the Recurrent Grant Allocation Model (RGAM), which is the Higher Education Authority (HEA) model for allocating funding to the universities and other institutions, has included an allocation for under-represented groups in higher education.
The purpose of this funding allocation is to reflect the costs to institutions of attracting and supporting students who come from non-traditional backgrounds. The funding applies a 33% additional per student weighting linked to the number of students from under-represented groups. This approach is being reviewed in context of more detailed data that has been gathered through an ‘Equal Access' data collection mechanism. This new mechanism, for the gathering of standardised data on students' social, economic and cultural background, was introduced as part of the registration processes of the majority of higher education institutions last year.
As well as under-pinning the extension and development of the funding model, developments of the evidence base for access will advance a number other key objectives of the National Access Plan. It will enable better strategic planning for access at both sectoral and local level, in particular the setting of new national and institutional targets for participation by under-represented groups. It will also support meaningful evaluation of the impact of policies to broaden access and participation in higher education.
39 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science the statistics his Department collects with regard to primary schools; the way this data gathering operates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44348/08]
My Department conducts an Annual Census of primary schools in order to gather the data my Department needs for statistical, administrative and policy planning purposes. The types of data collected include information on pupil's age, standard and class, data on entrants, leavers, learning support, pupil retention and teacher data.
The Census also collects information on pupils with special educational needs in special classes and special schools.
The Annual Census of primary schools is a paper-based census. Once a form is received back into the Department, it is logged and checked and errors are resolved with the school if necessary. The data is then keyed into a database and undergoes further validation. When every school has made a census return and each form has been fully processed and added to the database, a series of statistical tables is produced giving up to date information on various indicators such as overall enrolment in primary schools, average class size, teacher numbers and pupil teacher ratio. Schools are asked to return their forms to the Department by the end of October each year. Due to the large volume of forms it takes a number of months after the October deadline to fully complete processing and produce final statistics.
40 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Science the primary and post-primary capital school building projects that are on site at 30 November 2008; the expected completion date of every project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44358/08]
The information requested by the Deputy regarding major projects on site at 30 November 2008 along with their expected completion dates is given in the following tabular statement.
There are 27 major primary school projects and 6 major post-primary school projects which are currently in construction and which will progress to completion in 2009 or early 2010.
In addition, this years capital programme has seen the completion of 43 new primary schools and 3 new post-primary schools with a further 29 major primary school extension and refurbishment projects and the 15 major post-primary extension and refurbishment projects reaching completion.
Taken together, these major projects reflect the concentration by my Department this year on providing sufficient school places in developing areas, while also delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country and represent an unprecedented level of achievement.
|
Primary |
County |
Roll No. |
School |
Expected Completion date |
|
1 |
Clare |
13418J |
Ballyea Mixed NS, Sn Baile Aodha |
September 2009 |
|
2 |
Cork |
15597W |
Macroom BNS, Macroom |
April 2009 |
|
3 |
Donegal |
16642G |
Clonmany Mixed NS |
August 2009 |
|
4 |
Donegal |
17728V |
Woodlands National School, Letterkenny |
May 2009 |
|
5 |
Donegal |
20054L |
Scoil Eoghan Moville |
August 2009 |
|
6 |
Donegal |
19333I |
Dooish NS Ballybofey |
November 2009 |
|
7 |
Dublin |
19769W |
Scoil Thomais Laurel Lodge Castleknock |
December 2008 |
|
8 |
Dublin |
20020R |
Gaelscoil Thaobh na Coille, Cill Tiarnain |
September 2009 |
|
9 |
Dublin |
20048Q |
Gaelscoil Lios na nOg, Dublin 6 |
May 2009 |
|
10 |
Galway |
20108I |
Knocknacarra NS |
July 2009 |
|
11 |
Kildare |
00779U |
Presentation Convent, Maynooth |
May 2009 |
|
12 |
Kildare |
19786W |
Castledermot NS Mixed School |
December 2008 |
|
13 |
Kildare |
20159C |
Gaelscoil Nas Na Riogh — Piper’s Hill |
May 2009 |
|
14 |
Kildare |
20023A |
Gaelscoil Chill Dara Newbridge |
February 2010 |
|
15 |
Kildare |
20177E |
Newbridge Educate Together NS |
February 2010 |
|
16 |
Kildare |
70650L |
Athy Community College |
February 2010 |
|
17 |
Kilkenny |
17657B |
SN Tobar Mhuire Bhuac Thomastown |
December 2008 |
|
18 |
Kilkenny |
19523N |
Holy Spirit Special Sch, Gaol Road, Kilkenny |
August 2009 |
|
19 |
Limerick |
16237U |
Dromtrasna NS Abbeyfeale |
January 2010 |
|
20 |
Laois |
13643Q |
Emo Mixed NS Portlaoise |
August 2009 |
|
21 |
Mayo |
193871 / 19773N |
St Dympnas and St Nicholas Special Schools |
August 2009 |
|
22 |
Meath |
16655P |
Scoil Naise Na Dearmhai Longwood |
August 2009 |
|
23 |
Meath |
18016O |
S N Columbain, Ballivor |
May 2009 |
|
24 |
Meath |
16646O |
St Mary’s Convent NS Trim |
January 2010 |
|
25 |
Roscommon |
18571T |
Knockcroghery National School, Lecarrow |
December 2008 |
|
26 |
Westmeath |
16838A |
Baile Ui Gheibhinn NS, Gainstown |
April 2009 |
|
27 |
Wicklow |
13597M & 18408I |
(1) St. Andrew’s N.S., & (2) Newcourt Special School, Newcourt Rd, Bray |
December 2009 |
|
Post-Primary |
County |
Roll No. |
School |
Expected Completion date |
|
1 |
Dublin |
76097U |
Adamstown Community College |
August 2009 |
|
2 |
Galway |
91514U |
Glenamaddy Community School, Glenamaddy |
November 2009 |
|
3 |
Laois |
91550B |
Mountrath Community School, Mountrath, Co. Laois |
August 2009 |
|
4 |
Leitrim |
76089V |
Mohill Community College, Mohill, Co. Leitrim |
December 2008 |
|
5 |
Mayo |
72050U |
St Brendan’s College Belmullet |
June 2009 |
|
6 |
Meath |
71950L |
St. Peter’s College, Dunboyne |
August 2009 |
|
7 |
Wexford |
63650U |
St Peter’s College Secondary School, Summerhill, Wexford |
August 2009 |
41 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Science the capital building construction projects that will commence in 2009 at primary level and at post-primary level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44359/08]
On 29th September this year I announced details of 25 major school building projects. Details of these projects are in the table which is also available on my Department's website.
The school building projects which I announced will provide permanent primary school places for over 4,600 students in five new schools and 15 extended and modernised schools. A further 3,600 students at post-primary level will benefit from one new school and four major extension and refurbishment projects.
I would also like to draw the Deputy's attention to my statement on 29th September that it is my intention to make a further announcement in the first quarter of 2009 on a further group of major primary and post-primary school projects to proceed to tender and construction.
|
1. The following 5 primary and 2 post-primary projects are to prepare to go to site before the end of 2008: |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Roll No. |
School Details |
Project Details |
|
16237U |
Dromtrasna Ns, Abbeyfeale, Co Limerick |
New five-classroom school, general purpose hall and associated works. |
|
16646O |
St Mary’s Convent N.S., Trim, Co Meath |
Extension of nine classrooms, five special needs rooms, general purpose hall and alterations. |
|
19333I |
Dooish N.S., Ballybofey, Co Donegal |
Three-classroom extension, autistic spectrum disorder unit, general purpose room, ancillary accommodation, alterations and refurbishment, and associated works. |
|
20023A |
Gaelscoil Chill Dara, Newbridge, Co Kildare, (Joint Project With Newbridge ET) |
Renovation and extension of the former dining room block to provide a five-classroom extension and ancillary accommodation. Renovation and extension of the former dormitory block to provide 16 classrooms and ancillary accommodation. General purpose hall. Associated works. |
|
20177E |
Newbridge Ed. Together N.S., Newbridge, Co Kildare] (Joint Project With Gs Chill Dara) |
Renovation and extension of the former dining room block to provide a five-classroom extension and ancillary accommodation. Renovation and extension of the former dormitory block to provide 16 classrooms and ancillary accommodation. General purpose hall. Associated works. |
|
70650L |
Athy Community College, Co Kildare |
New school, PE hall and autistic unit — 4,843m2 to cater for 400 students. |
|
71950L |
St Peter’s College, Dunboyne, Co Meath |
Extension of 3431m2 for a school with 1,000 pupils. |
|
Roll No. |
School Details |
Project Details |
|
00885T & 20200T |
Ratoath Jnr And Snr N.Ss Ratoath, Co Meath |
10-classroom extension and four-classroom extension and associated works. Two schools. |
|
13350B |
Scoil Bhríde N.S., Athgarvan, Co Kildare |
Four-classroom extension, library, general purpose room, alterations and associated works. |
|
15696B |
Silvermines N.S., Silvermines, Co Tipperary |
New three-classroom school, general purpose hall, ancillary accommodation and site decontamination works. |
|
17662R |
Scoil Bhríde N.S., Kill, Co Kildare |
New 32-classrooms school and associated ancillary accommodation and site works. |
|
17964K |
Scoil Mhuire Naofa, Rathfeigh, Co Meath |
Extension, alteration and refurbishment of five-classroom school. |
|
18028V |
Corr A Chrainn N.S., Corr A Chrainn, Co Monaghan |
Two-classroom extension, GP room and refurbishment. |
|
18363M |
Sn Muire Gan Smál, Green Lane, Co Carlow |
Eight-classroom extension, autistic spectrum disorder unit, alterations, covered walkway and associated works. |
|
18646B |
Springdale N.S., Lough Derg Rd, Raheny, Dublin 5 |
New six-classroom school and new ball court and play area. Demolish existing building. |
|
18654A |
Caragh N.S., Naas, Co Kildare |
15-classroom extension, general purpose hall and ancillary accommodation. |
|
18786R |
Scoil Iosagáin, Farranree, Co Cork |
Two-classroom extension and general purpose room. |
|
20196I |
Ballybunion N.S., Ballybunion, Co Kerry |
New eight-classroom Generic Repeat Design school. Amalgamation of St Joseph’s Primary and Ballybunion Boys NS. |
|
62970K |
Colaiste Iognáid S.J., Bothar Na Mara, Galway |
Extension of 2,455m2 and refurbishment for a school for 600 students. |
|
61710C |
Meánscoil Iognaid Rís, Naas, Co Kildare |
Extension of 3105m2 and associated works for a school for 1,000 students. |
|
76060U |
Davitt College, Castlebar, Co Mayo |
Provision of a PE hall of 591m2 for school with 600 pupils. |
|
Roll No. |
School Details |
Project Details |
|
18778S |
S.N. Naomh Mochta, Clonsilla, Dublin 15 |
16-classroom extension and ancillary accommodation. |
|
20076V |
Bunscoil Bhóthar Na Naomh, Lismore, Co Waterford |
Extension of seven classrooms and ancillary accommodation. |
|
20106E |
Scoil Niocláis, Frankfield, Grange, Co Cork |
16-classroom extension and associated works. |
42 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason more than €1 million has been spent on renting prefabs at a school (details supplied) in County Waterford over the past ten years despite the fact that this school could have had its major building project completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44357/08]
The school to which the Deputy refers was given approval to rent temporary accommodation while awaiting a new school building. The original project brief for the school was for a refurbishment and extension consisting of six additional mainstream classrooms and appropriate ancillary accommodation to cater for a long term projected enrolment of a Principal and 16 mainstream class teachers. This project proceeded to architectural design, based on the project brief as above.
In 2005, my Department reviewed the long term projected enrolment for the school. Reviews of this nature are essential for all proposed projects in order to ensure that what is being designed continues to meet the long-term needs of the school and such reviews are in accordance with Department of Finance Guidelines for the Appraisal and Management of Capital Expenditure Proposals in the Public Sector. Having considered all options, my Department recommended that the brief for the project be changed from 6 additional classrooms and appropriate ancillary accommodation to a new 24 classroom school at the rear of the existing site.
The proposed project to provide the new school is in architectural planning and is currently at the detailed design stage of the planning process. Because of competing demands on the capital budget of my Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of this project at this time.
43 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science when the details for the summer works scheme 2009 will be completed; the date by which the details of the summer works scheme will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44363/08]
Since the Summer Works Scheme was introduced, over 3,000 projects, costing in excess of €300 million, have been completed. With so many smaller projects having been completed over the past few years, the particular emphasis in 2008 has been on providing sufficient school places in developing areas, while also delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country. Accordingly my Department has focused on delivering as many large projects as possible in 2008 and funding was not made available for a Summer Works Scheme this year.
However, I recognise the benefits of the scheme in addressing the needs of schools and I have previously informed the house of my intention to have a Summer Works Scheme in 2009. The details of the operation of the scheme in 2009 and the level of funding to be made available under the scheme in 2009 are currently being considered and will be completed as soon as possible. The Professional and Technical Reports provided by schools for 2008 can be used again for future projects so that schools will not be at the loss of expenditure on them.
45 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Science the date for the Committee Stage of the Student Support Bill; the reason for the delay of this stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44331/08]
The Student Support Bill was published in February 2008 and provides the legislative framework for the reform of the administration of student grants and the amalgamation of the existing four student grant schemes into a single unified scheme which will be provided for by way of regulation.
The Bill concluded Second Stage in the Dáil on the 30th April 2008 and it is anticipated that it will progress to Committee Stage shortly. A number of amendments are currently being considered, arising from a review of the Bill following the Second Stage debate and further consultations since publication.
The Bill is part of an overall programme of legislative and administrative reform, which will facilitate the introduction of significant service level improvements in the administration of student grants, providing for greater consistency of application, improved client accessibility and timely delivery of grants to those who need them most. It will include guaranteed timeframes for the assessment of grants, an independent appeals procedure and more efficient arrangements for handling applications and making payments.
This new, significantly more customer-oriented system of administration will provide for a more simplified and accessible applications system, much greater speed and consistency in processing student grant applications, more transparency and accountability in the awarding of grants and regular, on-time EFT payments for students. The roll-out of these very considerable service level improvements will also require the development of an IT system, which it has already been agreed will operate as a shared service across all 33 VECs.
46 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of his Department’s review of school transport catchment boundaries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44384/08]
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the proposals for progressing the commitment given in the Programme for Government to review the school transport system including catchment boundaries are almost complete. I expect to be making an announcement on the matter shortly.
47 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department will issue guidelines to schools regarding dealings with separated parents of pupils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44364/08]
My Department has not issued guidelines to schools on this matter and it is not an issue that has been raised as causing particular difficulty in schools.
In general, it is my Department's view that both parents should be encouraged to take an active interest in their children's education and it is to the benefit of the children and the school when they do. It is appreciated that practical difficulties for schools can arise where parents are separated. However, my Department's approach to the issue of the rights of separated parents to involvement in their children's education is that the rights of both parents should be respected and given meaningful, practical expression in matters such as school reports, attendance at parent/teacher meetings and other school functions and that generally both parents should receive the same information and level of co-operation from the school. The only qualification to that approach would arise where the best interest of the child required a different approach.
Schools are best placed to exercise their own judgements as to what is appropriate in each individual case given their particular knowledge of the individual circumstances.
48 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the details of the various programmes funded by Science Foundation Ireland in 2008; the level of funding allocated to each programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44501/08]
49 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the details of the programmes to be funded by Science Foundation Ireland in 2009; the level of funding which will be provided to each programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44502/08]
50 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the details of planned programmes to be cancelled or postponed by Science Foundation Ireland for 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44503/08]
51 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the funding allocated to the Science Foundation Ireland STARS programme in 2008; if this programme will run in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44504/08]
52 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the details of the 2008 UREKA supplements programme; the level of funding allocated to this programme in 2008; if this programme will proceed in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44505/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 48 to 52, inclusive, together.
The table sets out details of expenditure by SFI programme at the 31st October 2008. Arising from the recent Budget process SFI has been allocated €179.3 million for 2009 in respect of capital expenditure for research grants to third level institutions and related activity. This represents an increase of 4% on the Revised estimate capital allocation to SFI for 2008. It is not possible at this stage to provide a definitive breakdown at detailed programme level for 2009 given that funds will be allocated in the context of existing commitments and in accordance with the quantity and quality of future research proposals received by SFI.
However, given the current economic challenges and as part of the SFI strategic planning process for 2009-2013, SFI has evaluated its programmes to align them fully with the core priorities of the SFI mission and the objectives of the Strategy for Science Technology and Innovation 2006-2013. In this context SFI has decided that the UREKA Supplement and STARS programme will not be funded in 2009.
The STARS programme, which had expenditure in 2008 of €435,000, will not be funded by SFI in 2009 due to the decline in demand for laboratory placements by secondary teachers new to the programme and a shift towards delivery of Education and Outreach activities under other SFI programmes, such as the Centres for Science Engineering and Technology and Principal Investigator programmes.
The UREKA Supplement, which had expenditure in 2008 of €413,000, will not be funded by SFI in 2009 based upon feedback received from the undergraduate users and faculty providers of the programme. This feedback identified the SITES sub-programme of UREKA as being more productive than the SUPPLEMENTS sub-programme. The latter will not be funded in 2009 in favour of the former.
SFI has also decided not to run a Call for Proposals under the Stokes Lectureship and Professorship programme in 2008. This decision is based on the fact that the Stokes 2007 call resulted in twice the number of appointments than originally planned due to the excellent quality of applications received. SFI considers that it is appropriate to allow time to fully evaluate the newly appointed Stokes candidates from the first call before embarking on a second call.
For similar reasons a new call under the Research Professor programme will not be launched in 2008.
|
SFI Programmes |
Expenditure at 31/10/08 |
|
€ 000 |
|
|
Principal Investigator |
35,035 |
|
Centres for Science Engineering & Technology |
33,870 |
|
Research Frontiers Programme |
15,398 |
|
Strategic Research Clusters |
2,898 |
|
Stokes Lectureship and Professorship |
6,369 |
|
E-Journals |
8,250 |
|
Research Professor Recruitment Award |
5,409 |
|
President of Ireland Young Researcher Award |
2,931 |
|
UREKA Site |
1,932 |
|
Mathematics Initiative |
2,461 |
|
ETS Walton Visitor Award |
1,941 |
|
Secondary Teacher Assistant Researchers Award (STARs) |
435 |
|
UREKA Supplement |
413 |
|
Conferences & Workshops |
338 |
|
North-South Partnerships |
84 |
|
SFI/DELL Scholarship 2009 (Young Women in Engineering) |
58 |
|
US-Ireland R&D Partnership |
20 |
|
Total |
117,842 |
53 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on a case (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44399/08]
I understand that the case referred to by the Deputy relates to the practice of the company concerned imposing a charge on customers who pay their bills by means other than by direct debit.
The National Consumer Agency has received a number of complaints in relation to this practice from consumers. I am advised that the Agency met with the senior management of the company concerned on a number of occasions. Arising from these discussions, the company agreed that this charge would only apply to new customers of the company recruited after 27th November 2006 and that new customers would be made fully aware, before signing up for the company's services, that a charge would be imposed if they did not choose to pay their bill by direct debit.
In so far as the application of VAT to the charge mentioned in the Deputy's question is concerned, VAT legislation provides that VAT is chargeable on the total consideration in respect of or in relation to the supply of goods or services, including all taxes, commissions, costs and charges whatsoever except the VAT itself. Accordingly, all charges to customers for the provision of the services in question, including handling or processing fees, are subject to VAT at the rate of 21.5%.
Whilst the actual practice of imposing charges of this nature is not in breach of consumer law, I remain of the view that such charges should not be imposed in a manner that unduly impacts on consumers, particularly vulnerable consumers. In this regard, I understand that the National Consumer Agency continues to meet with the company concerned in relation to a range of issues.
54 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of businesses from Kildare south that accompanied her on each of the trade missions undertaken by her since the commencement of her Ministry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44414/08]
55 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of businesses and the number of new employment opportunities created as a result of each trade mission undertaken by her since the commencement of her Ministry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44486/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 54 and 55 together.
Since my appointment as Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, I have led three trade missions on behalf of Enterprise Ireland. These were to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), London and Zurich.
The mission to the UAE took place from 24th — 28th November last. In all, 88 companies and organisations took part in the mission during which 32 contracts and agreements were signed by Irish businesses from a variety of sectors, including construction services, engineering, architecture, software and financial services. The value of the contracts and agreements signed was € 40 million.
The event in London took place on 9th October 2008 and the programme in Zurich was on 11th and 12th November 2008. In London, I hosted the Embassy's annual Software Dinner, which was attended by a select number of Enterprise Ireland's technology clients and one Údarás na Gaeltachta client, along with their nominated guests. The mission in Zurich was focussed primarily on the Life sciences and Financial Services sectors. It is anticipated that these two events will assist the participating Irish companies to generate a significant volume of new export sales. These companies are also expected to secure contracts in a number of other regions, based on the relationships built at those two events.
As these three trade missions were concerned primarily with expanding trade and not with attracting foreign investment, it is not appropriate to link this work directly with the specific creation of new business and employment.
One of the participating companies on the recent trade mission to the UAE was from County Kildare. There were no other instances of Kildare addresses being given by participants, but it could be the case that some other companies, based in multiple locations, may also have operations in Kildare.
56 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the action she will take, in view of the significant price and VAT difference in Border areas and the consequent loss of business and employment in Border counties as a result, to address this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44525/08]
As I said last week in response to a similar PQ, the fiscal positions of both countries are very different. In this regard it should be borne in mind that Ireland already has a low tax economy by comparison with other competing economies, especially in the area of direct taxation on both business and labour, which has a direct impact on all companies and workers in the State. This lower starting position for taxation makes it more difficult to reduce taxes further.
As we are all aware, we are running a significant budget deficit for this year. Suggestions by some commentators that Ireland should replicate UK fiscal policy by reducing our standard VAT rate by 2.5 percentage points would cost in excess of €1.1 billion in a full year. Reducing the standard rate to the same level as that in the UK (15%) would cost almost €3 billion per annum. In this regard, it is important to bear in mind that any policy to reduce VAT in the hope that it will boost spending has to be assessed with caution as much of its benefit would likely flow out of the State given the openness of our economy.
My Department does not have programmes or policies to specifically support the retail sector. In response to ongoing concerns in relation to the level of price differences north and south of the border, I have arranged to meet with Retail Ireland to seek explanations on the differences.
However my development Agencies are actively supporting firms in the border region. To further strengthen Irish businesses and employment in border region, Enterprise Ireland will continue to drive improvements in innovation, competitiveness, productivity and management capability in Irish companies. There are currently 2 full time enterprise development programmes ongoing in the border region. This involves business incubation and training for 25 entrepreneurs. Enterprise Ireland has also run 4 Enterprise Start Programmes in the region during 2008. This is a part time support programme to facilitate people who wish to develop and grow an early stage business idea.
To assist companies with innovation and R&D, the Institutes of Technology in the border region have been approved €2,485,773 in 2008 for a total of 18 specific projects. Furthermore, up to August 2008, there were a total of 112 innovation vouchers approved to SMEs in the border region.
With regard to smaller enterprises, the County Enterprise Boards are working to stimulate economic activity and to promote an enterprise culture at local level. In 2007 Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Louth and Monaghan CEBs paid over €1.5m in grant aid to 111 clients and assisted in the creation of 243 net jobs in these counties. In 2007 2,525 people participated in training through the border CEBs.
57 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to continuing safety problems in the Phoenix Park due to pedestrians using cycle lanes; if his further attention has been drawn to the reports that park rangers have been ordered, on foot of complaints by pedestrians, not to ask them to walk on the designated footpaths rather than in the cycle lanes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44391/08]
The Park Rangers have been instructed to request pedestrians to use footpaths rather than cycle lanes for safety purposes and regularly patrol the cycle lanes to encourage pedestrians to use the footpaths. In addition, the markings on the cycle lanes have recently been renewed.
58 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Finance if an instalment payment plan will be set up to assist small businesses make payments to the Revenue Commissioners, particularly during the current downturn in the economy. [44407/08]
A delay in collection of the revenues due impacts on the level and timeliness of financial resources available to the Government. The Deputy will also be mindful that such delays facilitate businesses, large and small, which, by withholding tax payments and using those monies to improve cash flow, gain unfair competitive advantage.
In this context, I am advised by Revenue that it expects that taxpayers and businesses organise their financial affairs in such a way as to be able to discharge those tax compliance responsibilities in full and on time.
However, where particular difficulties arise, I am further advised by Revenue that it is prepared to work with a business towards restoring timely payment of its tax debts. Crucial to Revenue's ability to work with a business in such circumstances is the quality and timeliness of engagement by the business with Revenue. Permission from Revenue, to pay a tax debt by way of a phased payment arrangement is a concession which is considered in exceptional circumstances, and must be fully justified by reference to the particular circumstances of the business concerned. Revenue has emphasised that any phased payment arrangement will include interest.
59 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Finance if employers who charge employees market value for car parking space will be exempt from the €200 levy; if such an employer who charges a token amount will be exempted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44482/08]
Assuming that the car parking space is in one of the areas covered by the levy, and assuming an employee is not entitled to exemption for other reasons, then there are two circumstances which trigger payment of the levy. The first of these is that an employee has entitlement to park and the second is that the space must be provided, directly or indirectly, by the employer. Neither of these criteria makes reference to payment for the facility.
60 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Finance the taxation that is paid by a family of two adults and two children, with one earner on average industrial wages in regard to health service provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44483/08]
I understand the Deputy is seeking the amount of income tax, PRSI and levies to be paid by a married one-earner person with two children on the average industrial wage in 2008 (estimated to be about €33,800). The position is as follows:
Married one earner with two children on the average industrial wage in 2008:
|
Income Tax |
|
|
€33,800 @ 20% |
€6,760 |
|
Less credits: |
|
|
Married |
€3,660 |
|
Employee |
€1,830 |
|
Home Carer |
€900 |
|
Total Tax Due |
€370 |
|
PRSI (Class A) |
€1,088 |
|
Health Levy (2%) |
€676 |
|
Net Income |
€31,666 |
61 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Finance his views on a request from coach operators and Fáilte Ireland (details supplied) regarding the cost and competitive disadvantage which their sector faces consequent on the removal of excise duty reliefs; his further views on an alternative policy initiative to support this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44511/08]
Representations have been made by the coach industry on this matter, and I know that an industry group commissioned a consultancy report in support of its case. The issues raised by the expiry of the fuel excise rebate scheme affect all bus companies (private and public) that provide public transport and school bus services, as well as coach tourism.
As the Deputy will be aware from my recent answers to other questions on this matter, including my answer of 16 October 2008 (Ref. 35208/08), relevant Departments, in conjunction with my Department, examined and considered options for dealing with the impact of the ending of the scheme. However, in the end, it was not found feasible to introduce an alternative non-tax scheme on a cost-neutral basis and within EU rules. In any event, in the current budgetary circumstances, the Government has to prioritise its expenditure.
62 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Finance the amount of expenses incurred to date under section 4 of the Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Act, 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44512/08]
As regards the cost incurred by my Department to date, all internal work associated with the Scheme is being carried out by the reallocation of existing staff so that any associated costs are being met at present from within the Department's allocated administrative budget. In addition, legal advice has been obtained from both the Attorney General's Office, within their existing allocation, and from a private sector law firm. Costs of the latter are not yet to hand. Furthermore, the Deputy will be aware that a particular company has been retained for an initial fee of €2 million to exclusively assist the Government by providing general, strategic and specific technical advice on the Irish banking sector over the two year period of the contract.
This fee, and other costs, should be considered in the context, not only of the potentially serious situation being dealt with, but also of covered institutions paying fees of €1 billion over the period of the guarantee. The thinking behind the Charging Model is set out in some detail in the Annexe to the Scheme.
Paragraph 16 of the Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Scheme 2008 comprehensively sets out the charge that is to be paid by each covered institution that benefits from the Guarantee, including any administrative costs incurred by the State in the process of the Guarantee. This is amplified in the Guarantee Acceptance Deed executed by each covered institution, which provides that each covered institution shall reimburse certain legal and other costs incurred in the process of the Guarantee. While the detailed costs are not determined at this stage, these will be recouped from the covered institutions in due course.
63 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance if he will expand further on his statement of 26 November 2008 in relation to the way he will improve standards in the value for money assessment process; if he will approve an independent cost benefit analysis of Dublin Airport’s proposed parallel runway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44519/08]
The Government recently agreed to undertake a new round of Value for Money and Policy Reviews covering the three year period 2009-2011. Building on our experience from the 2006-2008 round of reviews and also taking account of the OECD's recommendations, we are making a number of improvements to the process. The major changes are as follows:
In the 2009-2011 round of reviews there will be a particular focus on four big spending sectors — Health, Education, Social Welfare and Justice, which between them account for almost 75% of total gross expenditure in 2008. Each of these four areas will conduct one review per year in the new round, while all other line Departments, plus the Office of Public Works and the Office of the Revenue Commissioners will conduct two each over the three year period.
Topics for review will be linked to the high-level objectives in the Annual Output Statement of the Department concerned and will be targeted at significant areas of expenditure where there is greatest potential to add value and influence policy developments. Review topics will be selected annually to give Government more flexibility to target reviews each year at areas where it is believed they can add most value.
The independence of the reviews will be enhanced by having reviews carried out by specialist staff in Departments rather than line Divisions; by having the Evaluation Unit in my Department directly involved in carrying out reviews in conjunction with the Departments themselves in each of the four big spending sectors; by having the Steering Committee for each review headed by an independent Chairperson selected from a panel of recently retired senior Officials and also by having my Department represented on each Steering Committee
I have also asked the Value for Money and Policy Review Central Steering Committee to report to me annually on the impact of reviews carried out in the previous year and on the implications of those reviews for the Estimates process.
Finally, completed reviews are to continue to be made available to the relevant Select Oireachtas Committee and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas.
Regarding the part of the Deputy's question relating to approval of an independent cost benefit analysis of Dublin Airport's proposed parallel runway, the Dublin Airport Authority falls within the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Transport and I suggest that the Deputy raise the matter directly with him.
64 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Finance the action he will take, in view of the significant price and VAT difference in Border areas and the consequent loss of business and employment in Border counties as a result, to address this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44526/08]
As part of a fiscal stimulus package, the UK Government reduced their standard VAT rate from 17.5% to 15% on a temporary basis with effect from 1 December 2008 to 31 December 2009. There are no plans to make a similar reduction in the standard VAT rate in Ireland or to reduce the rate to the UK level of 15%.
It must be recognised that our starting point is different from the UK's. We already have a low taxation economy, especially in the area of direct taxation, both income and corporation taxes, which has a direct impact on all employment in the State. This lower starting position for direct taxation makes it is more difficult to reduce taxes further.
Already we are borrowing over 10% of all day to day spending on public services (before capital spending). This is unsustainable and we faced difficult choices in bringing forward corrective measures. In the recent Budget, the Government introduced a general package of revenue-raising measures to fund key public services in this regard, one measure of which was increasing the standard VAT rate by 0.5%.
Each 1 percentage point reduction in our standard VAT rate would cost around €450 million in a full year. For Ireland to reduce the standard VAT rate by 2.5 percentage points would cost around €1,125 million in a full year. For Ireland to reduce the standard VAT rate to the UK level of 15%, which would mean a reduction in the standard VAT rate of 6.5 percentage points, would cost almost €3 billion in a full year. This is equivalent to around two and a half times the amount of revenues to be raised in a full year through the new income levy.
Some of the goods and services that will be affected by the increase in the standard rate are alcohol, cigarettes, cars, petrol, electrical equipment, furniture, telecommunications, cosmetics, confectionery, soft drinks and adult clothing and footwear. The effect of the 0.5% increase in the standard rate is that goods and services that apply at this rate will increase by around0.41%. In other words, it means an increase of 8 cent on an item costing €20, or 41 cent on an item costing €100.
It should be noted that around half the value of good and services purchased in the State are not subject to the standard VAT rate and therefore are unaffected by the recent Budget changes in Ireland and the UK. For example, all Government services, local authorities, hospitals and schools etc., are exempt from VAT. The majority of foodstuffs, oral medicines, books and children's clothes and shoes are at the zero rate of VAT. Furthermore, the 13.5% reduced rate of VAT applies to housing, electricity, gas, domestic fuels, restaurant services, and labour intensive services such as hairdressing and shoe repair.
Although the reduction in the UK standard VAT rate will have an impact on the price differential on some goods between the North and the South, I would point out that the UK have increased excise on alcohol, cigarettes, petrol and diesel to offset the 2.5% reduction in VAT on those items. Consequently there will be no reduction in the price of those products in Northern Ireland as a result of the reduction in the UK VAT rate to 15%.
As a small open economy, many of our standard rated goods are imported, and cutting the VAT rate could benefit the economies from which we import more than our own. In other words, while, it might help the consumer, it would not be the most effective way of helping our own economy.
There are other means of stimulating the economy, outside of the VAT system. The Government is providing a long term fiscal stimulus through capital investment of approximately 5% of GNP, which is twice the average in the EU. This fiscal stimulus will not only support jobs in the short term but will also add to our long term productive capacity.
Irish taxation policy has given us a significant competitive advantage over the past 15 years. We have ensured that we have had the lowest levels of direct taxation on income, therefore we have had marginally higher indirect taxation. That model of taxation has worked well for our economy and will be even more important now in leading us back to the path of economic growth. According to the latest OECD data relating to 2007, Ireland has the lowest tax wedge in the EU for single, married one-income and married two-income couples on average earnings. A low tax wedge makes it easier for employers to employ staff. After the Budget changes, we are still one of the lowest taxed economies in the EU.
65 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance the way the artists were selected in relation to purchases recently made by the Office of Public Works (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44547/08]
The 178th annual exhibition of the Royal Hibernian Academy (RHA) was selected and assembled by Members of the RHA. The Members of the RHA viewed over 3,000 submitted works of art, and chose 535 of what they considered to be the very best. From this exhibition, nineteen works of art were chosen by representatives from Garda headquarters in the Phoenix Park with the expert advice and assistance of the Art Management Office of the OPW. Two art works were also selected from the exhibition for Leixlip Garda Station by the OPW Project Architect.
The RHA has been in existence since 1823 and has a remit for excellence in the visual arts covering the island of Ireland. Members and Associate Members of the RHA may only be appointed if they can demonstrate professional status and a proven track record in their art, whether it be painting, sculpture, original print-making, lens based or multidisciplinary art.
The art works purchased by the OPW were funded under the Government's per cent for art scheme. They include paintings, limited edition original prints and photographs.
The per cent for art scheme has been Government policy since 1997. The publication of Public Art: Per Cent for Art Scheme, General National Guidelines — 2004, encourages every public body delivering capital construction projects to implement the scheme. Limits apply to funding available under the per cent for art scheme, with the maximum art budget for projects in excess of €12.7 million, being €64,000. Over the past decade, the OPW has been committed to implementing this policy and adheres to the policies set out in the National Guidelines. The OPW Art Management Office has produced an Art Management Handbook that informs the OPW staff involved in management of capital projects about the procedures to be followed in relation to art projects.
66 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Finance the grants made which used national lottery funds in the years 2006, 2007 and 2008; the sum involved in each grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44610/08]
Details of Government expenditure part-funded by the proceeds of the National Lottery in the years in question are contained in Appendix 1 of the Revised Estimates for the Public Services for those years.
As regards my own Department, an amount of €8.618m under the Charitable Lotteries Scheme was spent in 2006 and 2007. The following table shows the amounts awarded to the Charities under the Scheme.
|
Charity |
2006 |
2007 |
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
REHAB Lotteries |
5,748,664.10 |
5,504,073.16 |
|
Gael Linn |
479,224.00 |
541,587.06 |
|
Irish Cancer Society |
418,411.48 |
413,738.27 |
|
Polio Fellowship |
418,411.48 |
413,738.27 |
|
Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children |
391,823.88 |
316,656.75 |
|
Asthma Society of Ireland |
367,530.85 |
557,013.55 |
|
Irish Lung Foundation Limited |
225,301.87 |
205,152.00 |
|
The Hanly Centre |
124,999.44 |
168,343.93 |
|
Irish M.E. Trust |
100,138.84 |
98,105.07 |
|
Drogheda Community Services Trust |
96,003.66 |
100,742.84 |
|
West of Ireland Alzheimer Foundation |
94,458.06 |
104,943.51 |
|
Longford Cathedral Circle |
60,652.17 |
62,209.77 |
|
Associated Charities Trust |
41,942.28 |
42,214.67 |
|
Irish Wheelchair Association |
18,697.16 |
7,615.56 |
|
Mulranny Day Centre Housing Co Ltd |
18,528.59 |
17,004.60 |
|
Cappoquin Community Development Co Ltd |
13,212.12 |
16,049.06 |
|
Lyreacrompane Community Development Ltd |
0 |
27,938.48 |
|
Slieve-Ardagh Rural Development |
0 |
20,873.44 |
|
Total |
8,618,000.00 |
8,618,000.00 |
Allocations under the 2008 Scheme have not yet been allocated.
67 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the procedure to be followed for those wishing to return to civil or public service following retirement on ill health or other grounds when the issues have been resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44638/08]
"A civil servant may only be granted ill-health retirement when the Chief Medical Officer is of the opinion that the officer is incapable on medical grounds of regular and effective service and that the situation is likely to be permanent (Circular 22/2007 refers). In these circumstances, a return to work in the civil service would not be envisaged. Specific provisions apply in the case of persons who tender resignation to follow a religious vocation (Circular 23/1970 refers).
It is, of course, open to any person to compete in a open competition run by the Public Appointments Service for appointment to the civil service. Before appointment a person may be required to show that their health is sufficient to give regular and effective service.
Any procedures for readmission after retirement to other areas of the public service would be a matter for the responsible Minister or applicable code."
68 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children her views in relation to a submission (details supplied); the action she will take to address the issues raised in regard to medical card entitlements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44539/08]
76 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children her views in relation to a submission (details supplied); the action she will take to overcome the problems stated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44540/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 68 and 76 together.
Section 1 of the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2001 provided a statutory entitlement to persons aged 70 and over to a medical card, regardless of income, with effect from 1st July 2001. In relation to Part 8 of the details supplied by the Deputy, I wish to clarify that persons aged 80 and over did not have a statutory entitlement to a medical card prior to 1st July 2001.
The Government's proposal, to be effected in legislation, is that automatic entitlement to a medical card for persons aged 70 and over will end on 31st December 2008, and with effect from 1st January, 2009, the income thresholds for entitlement to a medical card for those aged 70 and over will be €700 (gross) per week (€36,500 per year) for a single person and €1,400 (gross) per week (€73,000 per year) for a couple. Persons whose income is above the specified thresholds will have until 2nd March 2009 to advise the Health Service Executive that their income is above those limits. After that date, their medical card will no longer be valid.
As part of the means test, any savings and similar investments up to €36,000 (single) / €72,000 (couple) will be disregarded and only interest from savings above these figures will be considered as income for means testing purposes. The Health Levy will not be payable by people aged 70 and over. In cases where one member of a couple is aged 70 or over and the other is under 70, both will qualify for a medical card if their joint income does not exceed €1,400 per week.
People whose gross income is above the stated thresholds may, depending on their personal circumstances, still qualify for a medical card or a GP visit card under the standard means-testing arrangements.
The objective of the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme is to ensure that the medical card benefit is available to those who are unable without undue hardship, to meet the cost of health services for themselves and their dependants. The Government decision to remove automatic entitlement to a medical card from persons aged 70 or over and to increase the relevant income thresholds is aimed at ensuring that public health funding is used to help those most in need and is sustainable for future years as the proportion of older people in our population increases substantially.
69 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has proposals to meet in full the speech and language requests at all primary schools here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44559/08]
The Department of Education and Science is responsible for the statutory provision of education in Ireland. There is no requirement under the Disability Act, 2005 to provide speech and language therapy services in primary schools.
Under Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005, children under five years have been entitled to an assessment of their disability needs since 1 June 2007. In preparation for the roll out of the Disability Act to older age groups and pending the implementation of the Education for Persons with Special Education Needs Act, 2004 increased funding has been provided in recent years to the Health Service Executive to increase therapy supports to school going children.
In 2008 additional funding of €9.8M was provided to the HSE for the creation of 140 multi disciplinary posts, including speech and language therapists, to enhance the provision of services for people with disabilities. In Budget 2009, an additional €20m was allocated for health and education services for children with special educational needs. €10 million of this allocation will be provided to the Health Service Executive (HSE), and €10million to the Department of Education and Science. It is intended that this additional funding will enable the services provided to children with special educational needs to be enhanced and strengthened. The additional €10m allocated to the HSE will provide for 125 additional therapy posts in the disability and mental health services, targeted at children of school-going age. This will provide an additional 90 posts in the disability services area, to include speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and psychologists for children's disability services. There will be 35 additional posts for the child and adolescent mental health services, including clinical psychologists, occupational therapists and speech and language therapists for new and existing multidisciplinary teams.
70 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the provision of a colposcopy service in Letterkenny General Hospital, County Donegal; if it is available to both public and private patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44389/08]
The specific questions raised by the Deputy relate to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the HSE under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in this regard.
71 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of prosecutions that have taken place on a county basis in relation to breaches (details supplied). [44494/08]
The figures the Deputy has requested are in the tables. The figures for 2004/2005 follows the old Health Board structures. The figure in relation to 2008 relates to those prosecutions I am aware of to date.
|
Community Care Area |
2006 |
2007 |
2008** |
|
No. of cases |
|||
|
Cork South Lee, |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Cork North Lee, |
4 |
0 |
|
|
West Cork, |
1 |
0 |
|
|
North Cork |
2 |
0 |
|
|
Kerry |
2 |
||
|
Carlow/Kilkenny, |
3 |
0 |
|
|
Tipperary South |
2 |
0 |
|
|
Waterford |
1 |
2 |
|
|
Wexford |
5 |
2 |
1 |
|
HSE — South |
9 |
12 |
6 |
|
Clondalkin |
0 |
2 |
3 |
|
Kildare |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
South City East |
2 |
1 |
0 |
|
South City West |
1 |
2 |
0 |
|
Tallaght |
1 |
0 |
|
|
Wicklow |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Laois/Offaly |
3 |
1 |
0 |
|
Longford/Westmeath |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
HSE — Dublin Mid-Leinster |
8 |
8 |
5 |
|
Clare |
0 |
||
|
Limerick |
4 |
2 |
1 |
|
Tipperary North |
3 |
1 |
0 |
|
Donegal |
1 |
6 |
3 |
|
Sligo/Leitrim/West Cavan |
2 |
1 |
0 |
|
Galway |
1 |
2 |
0 |
|
Mayo |
5 |
7 |
2 |
|
Roscommon |
0 |
||
|
HSE — West |
16 |
19 |
6 |
|
Cavan/Monaghan |
1 |
4 |
3 |
|
Louth |
0 |
||
|
Meath |
0 |
||
|
Northern Area |
1 |
2 |
|
|
HSE — Dublin North East |
2 |
4 |
5 |
|
Nationally |
35 |
43 |
22 |
**Note: Prosecutions taken in 2008 to 1 Dec 2008.
|
Year |
2004 |
2005 |
|
|
Mid Western Area |
Clare |
2 |
|
|
Limerick |
4 |
||
|
Tipperary North |
1 |
||
|
Total for HSE Area |
7 |
||
|
Midland Region |
Laois/Offaly |
1 |
3 |
|
Longford Westmeath |
2 |
||
|
Total for HSE Area |
5 |
||
|
North Eastern Area |
Cavan Monaghan |
2 |
2 |
|
Total for HSE Area |
2 |
||
|
North Western Area |
Donegal |
2 |
|
|
Sligo/Leitrim |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Total for HSE Area |
3 |
||
|
Northern Area |
Northern Area |
6 |
|
|
Total for HSE Area |
6 |
||
|
South Eastern Area |
Carlow/Kilkenny |
1 |
|
|
Tipperary South |
1 |
||
|
Waterford |
1 |
3 |
|
|
Wexford |
2 |
||
|
Total for HSE Area |
7 |
||
|
South Western Area |
Dublin South City East |
1 |
|
|
Total for HSE Area |
1 |
||
|
Southern Area |
West Cork |
1 |
|
|
Cork City North Lee |
1 |
||
|
Total for HSE Area |
1 |
||
|
Western Area |
Mayo |
1 |
5 |
|
Roscommon |
1 |
||
|
Galway |
6 |
||
|
Total for HSE Area |
6 |
||
|
Nationally |
13 |
38 |
72 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the commitment in the programme for Government to ensure that a child under five waiting more than three months for occupational or speech and language therapy will be allowed to access these services automatically through the National Treatment Purchase Fund. [44500/08]
As it is presently organised, the National Treatment Purchase Fund currently arranges hospital-based treatment. Therefore the type of services to which the Deputy refers do not fall within the remit of the Fund at present. The matter will be kept under review.
73 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made on the appointment of an executive management board at Mallow General Hospital, County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44514/08]
74 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the operating budget allocated for Mallow General Hospital from the Cork University Hospital group of hospitals for 2007 and 2008; the projected budget for 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44516/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 73 and 74 together.
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issues raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
75 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children if there was a review of radiology in hospitals in the north east prior to 2007; the terms of reference of such a review; the outcome of the review; the person who carried out the review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44524/08]
The specific questions raised by the Deputy relate to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the HSE under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in this regard.
77 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Health and Children when she will appoint a second consultant neurologist in Sligo General Hospital in view of the needs in the north west. [44550/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
78 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 257 of 7 October 2008, if she has received the final report of the Vaccine Damage Compensation Group; the recommendations of the group; the action that will be taken to implement its recommendations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44612/08]
I understand that the Vaccine Damage Steering Group is at an advanced stage of finalising its consideration of this matter and I expect to receive its report and recommendations very shortly.
79 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when local term residency care is expected to be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44640/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. The Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
80 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical care will be restored in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44641/08]
As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for the medical card benefit, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has therefore requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
81 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport if a scheme (details supplied) helps subvent recipients costs of operations, which include marketing; and his views on whether this encourages recipients to be profit making. [44392/08]
The Core Airport Management Operational Expenditure Subvention Scheme was drawn up in response to EU guidelines in relation to the provision of public funding for airports, including small airports. It represents a different approach from the former Marketing, Safety and Security grant scheme which it replaced.
Under the scheme, financial support can only be made available on an annual basis towards expenditure incurred in providing core airport services (air traffic control, security/safety, emergency services, etc) on foot of a Public Service Obligation (PSO) contract between the Minister and each airport. Airports must show that they are endeavouring to contain their costs. They must also maximise aeronautical revenues and funds generated by non-core activities (e.g. shops, catering, car parks).
It is my policy to encourage the regional airports to run their businesses on a commercial basis, without relying on Exchequer subvention. This is in line with the view underlying the mandatory EU guidelines mentioned above that, as a general rule, airports should be self-financing and that public money should be made available to them only in particular circumstances and subject to certain conditions.
82 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing problems being experienced in the taxi business as a result of the increased number of taxi licences granted in recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44395/08]
Under the Taxi Regulation Act 2003, the Commission for Taxi Regulation is now the independent public body responsible for the development and maintenance of the regulatory framework for the control and operation, including licensing, of taxis, hackneys, limousines and their drivers. However, the Commission for Taxi Regulation does not have any remit or statutory power under the Taxi Regulation Act 2003 in relation to the control of the number of licences issued.
While there are no quantitative restrictions on entry to the taxi market, there are, however, restrictions of a qualitative nature which are determined by the Commission. In that context, the Commission has appointed consultants to undertake an extensive review of the small public service vehicle sector. The review is expected to be completed in the near future.
83 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport if he has plans to amend the Taxi Regulation Act 2003 to allow for the ongoing problems being experienced in the taxi business due to the increased number of taxi licences and the economic situation here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44396/08]
Under the Taxi Regulation Act 2003, the Commission for Taxi Regulation is the independent public body responsible for the development and maintenance of the regulatory framework for the control and operation, including licensing, of taxis, hackneys, limousines and their drivers. However, the Commission for Taxi Regulation does not have any remit or statutory power under the Taxi Regulation Act 2003 in relation to the control of the number of licences issued.
While I have no proposals to introduce quantitative restrictions on entry to the taxi market, there are, however, restrictions of a qualitative nature which are determined by the Commission. In that context, the Commission has appointed consultants to undertake an extensive review of the small public service vehicle sector. The review is expected to be completed in the near future.
84 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will ban the use of cell phones by train operators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44523/08]
I am informed by Iarnród Eireann that it is Company policy that personal mobile phones must be turned off in the driving cab of any train. Company mobile phones must only be switched on and used if essential to the safe delivery of the work in hand and part of a safe system of work. A mobile telephone must not be used in a driving cab while the train is running.
In relation to the operation of Luas, I am informed by the Railway Procurement Agency that Veolia's policy is that mobile phones must never be used by a driver while driving. A driver may only use a mobile phone when the tram is stationary, when the driver is out of the cab or if it is operationally essential if all other communication systems have failed.
These policies form part of the Iarnród Eireann and the Veolia Safety Cases respectively. I understand from the Railway Safety Commission that these Safety Cases have been approved and are subject to ongoing monitoring by the Railway Safety Commission.
85 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has received complaints regarding the cessation by a company (details supplied) of an hourly bus service on the Cork to Galway route; if there are competition issues involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44601/08]
The company in question advised my Department of their intention to suspend bus passenger services from 3rd November 2008 on the Cork to Galway route citing, among other reasons, allegations relating to the operation of a competitor on the route. These allegations are being examined within my Department and following a meeting with an official from my Department, the Company requested the reintroduction of the service it had withdrawn, based on an amended routing and a reduction in the level of operations. My Department processed this request and the amended annual passenger licence issued on 01 December 2008. It is a matter for the Company to recommence the service on the route within a reasonable period. However they have indicated that they hoped to have the service reinstated before Christmas. In the meantime my Department continues to examine the allegations made.
86 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the major capital projects which are being considered for deferral; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44615/08]
A very extensive construction programme is currently underway and a number of additional projects were approved recently to go to construction, including the N18 Gort to Crusheen, the Citywest Luas extension and Phase 1 of the Navan rail line.
My priorities for investment in national roads are the completion of the major interurban network by 2010 and the progressive development of the Atlantic Road Corridor. I understand from the NRA that it is currently in the process of drawing up its programme of works for 2009 based on its funding allocation for the year.
On the public transport side, the provision of increased capacity will be a key consideration in determining investment priorities. Given their potential to greatly increase capacity on the network, Metro North and the DART Underground are key projects.
The adjustment in capital funding in 2009 will not have a significant effect on the roll out of the Transport 21 public transport programme and will not result in the postponement of the start of construction of any public transport project.
The planning of all other identified major transport capital projects is continuing and these will be released for construction as soon as they are through statutory procedures and as the available financial resources permit, consistent with the priorities I have outlined
87 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of posts at each grade to be created at the decentralised Property Registration Authority offices in Roscommon town; the number currently filled; the number of applications by civil servants at each grade for decentralisation to Roscommon town; the timetable envisaged for completion of this decentralisation project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44417/08]
Under my Department's decentralisation programme, two hundred and thirty posts from the Property Registration Authority (PRA) are scheduled to move to Roscommon. Eighty -five staff have already moved to temporary office accommodation in the town. The vast majority of the posts are in the general service grades and there are currently almost one hundred and fifty first preference applicants under the Central Applications Facility.
As regards the permanent offices for the PRA, I understand that the preferred tenderer has been selected by the Office of Public Works. On satisfactory completion of the planning process and other requirements, a contract will be placed and work will commence on site at the earliest possible date.
88 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position of a residency claim for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44496/08]
I have sought a report on the matter from the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS). When I have received this report, I will then write to the Deputy directly.
89 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an application for a holiday visa by a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44513/08]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the visa application referred to has been approved.
90 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for long-stay residency by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44541/08]
I have been informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that no application for residency or permission to remain in the State has been received from the person referred to by the Deputy. It is open to the person concerned to write to the General Immigration Division of my Department where her application for residency or permission to remain will be considered.
91 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress to date in the matter of residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44570/08]
I wish to inform the Deputy that the position remains as stated in my Reply to Parliamentary Question No. 206 of 2 October, 2008. The case of the person concerned is being examined in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999, and he will be informed of any decisions made in due course.
92 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24. [44571/08]
Permission to remain in the State with stamp 4 status was granted to the person concerned by the Garda National Immigration Bureau. This permission expired on 21 September 2008. The person concerned should apply in writing to my Department at INIS, PO Box 10003, Dublin 2 for further permission to remain in the State. Any application in this regard will be considered by the relevant officials when received and the person will be contacted directly and notified of any decisions made.
93 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in the matter of residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44572/08]
The person concerned applied for asylum on 4 June 2008. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 23 September 2008, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. In addition, he was notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006). The person concerned has submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations, however, I understand that this application cannot be considered until it is submitted in the correct format. The person concerned is being informed of this requirement.
Representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned and these representations will be fully considered, under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, before the file is passed to me for decision.
94 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when and the basis on which it was decided to refer a person (details supplied) in County Cork to the Embassy of Burundi, London in view of the fact that documentation required such as temporary Irish travel documents are readily available here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44573/08]
I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that a letter issued to the person in question informing him that as a Burundian national he was advised to contact the Embassy of the Republic of Burundi, 26 Armitage Road, London, NW11 8RD, England with a view to obtaining his own National Passport.
The person in question has not been granted refugee status in the State in accordance with the Refugee Act 1996 and therefore is not entitled to apply for a 1951 UN Convention Travel Document. The person concerned was also advised that, should he need to travel to the United Kingdom to obtain his national passport, an application for a Travel Document of limited validity may be considered if he produces confirmed travel arrangements to the United Kingdom and an appointment letter from the Embassy of the Republic of Burundi London. The person in question has not responded to this information.
95 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will allow family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44574/08]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 21 August, 2001 and claimed asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
The person concerned was informed by letter dated 28 March, 2003 that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him and afforded him three options in accordance with Section 3(3)(b)(ii) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, namely to leave the State voluntarily, to consent to the making of a Deportation Order or to submit, within 15 working days, written representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State i.e. why he should not be deported.
His case was examined under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996, as amended, on the Prohibition of Refoulement. Consideration was given to representations received on his behalf from the Refugee Legal Service, for permission to remain temporarily in the State. On 25 January, 2005, the then Minister refused temporary leave to remain in the State and instead signed a Deportation Order in respect of the person concerned. A notice of this order dated 22 February 2005 was served by registered post requiring the person concerned to present himself to the Garda National Immigration Bureau on Thursday, 3 March 2005. He failed to present and was classified as evading his deportation on 27 May 2005. On 31 March 2006, he came to the notice of the Gardaí and was arrested. He was detained in Cloverhill Prison pending the enforcement of his Deportation Order. He was subsequently removed from the State on 4 April 2006. The effect of the Deportation Order following enforcement is that the person concerned must remain thereafter out of the State.
Family Reunification is granted to family members of recognised refugees under Section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996, as amended, where the Minister is satisfied that the subject of the application is a member of the family of the refugee. The successful subject of a Family Reunification Application is granted permission to enter and reside in the State and the person is granted the rights in line with the refugee. I can confirm that there is no application for Family Reunification in my Department in respect of the person concerned.
96 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44575/08]
The person concerned, accompanied by her infant son, applied for asylum on 16 May 2005. Her application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 4 August 2006, that the Minister proposed to make Deportation Orders in respect of her and her child. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of Deportation Orders or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she and her child should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State.
Representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned and these representations will be fully considered, under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, before the file is passed to me for decision.
97 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44576/08]
The person concerned applied for asylum on 12 October 2005. Her application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 5 July 2006, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State.
Representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned and these representations will be fully considered, under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, before the file is passed to me for decision.
98 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8. [44577/08]
The person concerned applied for asylum on 24 November 2005. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 9 June 2006, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State.
Representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned and these representations will be fully considered, under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, before the file is passed to me for decision.
99 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44578/08]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 2 December 2005 and claimed asylum. Her daughter was born in the State on 22 January 2006 and thereafter included with her mother's asylum application as a dependant. Their application was refused following consideration of their case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
The persons concerned were informed by letter dated 19 October 2007 that the Minister proposed to make Deportation Orders in respect of them and afforded them three options in accordance with Section 3(3)(b)(ii) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) namely to leave the State voluntarily, to consent to the making of Deportation Orders or to submit, within 15 working days, written representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why they should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State i.e. why they should not be deported. In addition, i.e. since 10 October 2006, a person who is refused refugee status and who has been served with a notice of intention to deport is afforded a fourth option, viz. to apply for Subsidiary Protection pursuant to the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 — Statutory Instrument No. 518 of 2006.
On 9 January 2008, a valid application for Subsidiary Protection in respect of the person concerned was received in my Department. On 13 March 2008 confirmation was sought as to whether it was intended to include her daughter in her application for Subsidiary Protection. Confirmation to this effect was received from her legal representatives by letter dated 26 March 2008. Following consideration of the information submitted, it was found that the person concerned and her daughter were not eligible for Subsidiary Protection under the Regulations. She was informed of this decision by letter dated 8 April 2008.
Subsequently this family's case was examined under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996, as amended on the Prohibition of Refoulement. Consideration was given to all representations submitted on their behalf for permission to remain temporarily in the State. On 30 October 2008 I refused temporary leave to remain in the State and instead signed Deportation Orders in respect of the person concerned and her daughter. A notice of these Orders dated 6 November 2008 was served by registered post requiring the person concerned and her daughter to present themselves to the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), on Thursday 27 November, 2008, in order to make travel arrangements for their removal from the State. They presented as required and were given a further presentation date. They are due to present again on Thursday 4 December 2008. The effect of the Deportation Orders is that the person concerned and her daughter must leave the State and remain thereafter out of the State.
I am satisfied that the applications made on behalf of the person concerned and her daughter for asylum, temporary leave to remain in the State and for Subsidiary Protection, together with all refoulement issues, were fairly and comprehensively examined and, as such, the decision to deport them is justified. The enforcement of the Deportation Orders is an operational matter for the GNIB.
100 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Louth. [44579/08]
I refer the Deputy to my detailed Reply to his recent Parliamentary Question, No. 928 of Wednesday 24 September 2008, in this matter. The position in the State of the person concerned is as set out in that Reply.
101 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Louth. [44580/08]
The person referred to by the Deputy applied for Asylum on 27 February 2006. The claim was assessed by the Refugee Applications Commissioner who concluded that the person concerned did not meet the criteria for recognition as a refugee. The Commissioner's recommendation was communicated to him by letter dated 03 May 2006. This communication advised the person of his entitlement to appeal the Commissioner's recommendation to the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, which he duly did.
The Refugee Appeals Tribunal considered the person's appeal, following which the Tribunal affirmed the Commissioner's earlier recommendation to reject his claim. The outcome of the appeal was made known to the applicant by letter dated 19 November 2008.
In accordance with normal procedures, the applicant's file has been forwarded to my Department's Ministerial Decisions Unit for final processing of the Asylum claim. A letter will issue to him from my Department advising him formally that his asylum claim had been rejected and affording him three options as follows:
1. Return home voluntarily;
2. Consent to the making of a deportation order, or
3. Make written representations to me within 15 working days for temporary leave to remain in the State and/or make an application for subsidiary protection under the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (SI No. 518 of 2006).
102 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding a house (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and when he envisages this much needed facility will be re-instated. [44600/08]
I wish to advise the Deputy that the Board of Management of the Project advised the Director of the Probation Service by letter dated 7th October that it was the unanimous view of the Board that the facility should be closed. In that letter the Board indicated that it shared the concerns outlined in the independent review of the Project, one of four Adult Probation Residential Facilities, which formed part of the review report. That report can be viewed on my Department's website.
In the intervening period the Probation Service has worked with the Board of Management to effect an orderly closure of the project in its present form. I am advised by the Director of the Probation Service that this work is progressing to plan.
As I have already indicated I want to find the best option available to meet the addiction needs of the client group of the Probation Service. To that end my Department, in cooperation with the Probation Service, are working to achieve a viable alternative that will meet the individual needs of the client group of the Probation Service, thus adding value to the work of the Service in the community in that area. I expect that this exploratory work will be completed early in the new year and that will inform decisions on the future of the House.
103 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application by a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; when a decision will be made on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44613/08]
I am advised by officials in the Long Term Residency Section of my Department that a decision was made in the case of the person referred to by the Deputy on the 17 November 2008 and the person concerned was notified by post on that date.
104 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when this Deputy will receive a full response to Parliamentary Question Nos. 313 to 338 of 18 November 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44616/08]
As indicated in my reply to Parliamentary Question Nos. 313 to 338 of 18 November 2008, the detailed information, in so far as it is reasonably available, has been requested from the Garda authorities. I expect to be in a position to respond to the Deputy in the coming days when the information is to hand.
105 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 329 of 25 November 2008 and letter of 29 September 2008, the nature of the alleged breach of immigration laws of which the applicant is accused in view of the fact that they are not aware of such breach and that the regime of GNIB renewal appears to be punishment for something they are not aware of and did not do; when such allegations are expected to be concluded in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44621/08]
I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation & Immigration Service that the Garda National Immigration Bureau's investigation is nearing completion and a report is expected in the coming weeks.
Accordingly, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on any aspect of the investigation in advance of the GNIB's final determination in this case. However, I strongly reject the suggestion that any requirements placed on a person for sound operational reasons is in some way a form of punishment. As stated previously, if this requirement is a cause of difficulties for the person concerned, he may apply in writing to have his case re-considered.
106 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to an application for family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44622/08]
I refer the Deputy to my answers to his previous Parliamentary Questions.
I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that a response has not been received to date to correspondence which issued to the person in question on 24 November 2008. The person in question should reply to this letter in order to facilitate further processing of his application.
107 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the application to refuse family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44623/08]
I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person in question has not submitted any further evidence or requested a review of the decision issued by my Department on the 19th November 2008.
108 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44624/08]
The person concerned applied for asylum on 24 June 2003. As part of the process of having his asylum claims investigated, the person concerned was invited to attend for interview at the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner on 9 August 2004. The person concerned did not attend for interview on this date, nor did he furnish an explanation for his failure to attend. Consequently he was informed, by letter dated 31 August 2004, that the Refugee Applications Commissioner had recommended to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform that he should not be declared to be a refugee, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13(2) of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended). The person concerned was also informed that there was no appeal against such a recommendation.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 15 September 2004, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations were submitted by the person concerned.
The person concerned has also submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006) and this application is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
In the event that the Subsidiary Protection application is refused, the case file of the person concerned, including all representations submitted, will then be considered under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. When this latter consideration has been completed, the case file of the person concerned is passed to me for decision.
109 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to an application for family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44625/08]
I wish to advise the Deputy that the permission granted to the person concerned under the IBC/05 Scheme was renewed until 24 January 2010 and the person was informed of this decision by letter dated 4 April 2007. The position regarding re-unification remains as stated in my Reply to Parliamentary Question No 160 on 19 June 2008.
110 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44626/08]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 14 August 2002 and applied for asylum. Her application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 11 October 2005, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations were received from the person concerned at that time.
The person concerned also submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006) and following consideration of this application, it was determined that the person concerned was not eligible for Subsidiary Protection in the State. The person concerned was notified of this decision by letter dated 16 January 2008.
The case file of the person concerned, including all representations submitted, will now be considered under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. When this consideration has been completed, the case file of the person concerned is passed to me for decision.
111 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44627/08]
I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 851 of Tuesday, 17 June 2008, and the written Reply to that Question.
The person concerned applied for asylum on 5 September 2005. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 30 June 2006, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State.
Representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned and these representations will be fully considered, under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, before the file is passed to me for decision.
112 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44628/08]
The person concerned applied for asylum on 9 November 2006. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 29 January 2008, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. In addition, he was notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006). The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations and this application is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
In the event that the Subsidiary Protection application is refused, the case file of the person concerned, including all representations submitted, will then be considered under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. When this latter consideration has been completed, the case file of the person concerned is passed to me for decision.
113 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 172 of 13 November 2008 if it is possible to facilitate the applicant other than by referring their daughter to the Embassy of the Cameroon in the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44629/08]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question number 172 of 13 November 2008. The position remains unchanged.
As the person in question's daughter is a Cameroonian national it is advised that she contact the Embassy of Cameroon, 84 Holland Park, London W11 3SB, England with a view to obtaining her own National passport or Travel Document.
114 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the necessary travel documentation will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44630/08]
The Immigration Operations Section of my Department has informed me that there is no record of a current travel document application on behalf of the person in question. As the person in question is a Cameroonian national it is advised that he contact the Embassy of Cameroon, 84 Holland Park, London W11 3SB, England with a view to obtaining his own National Passport.
115 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44631/08]
As outlined in my response to Parliamentary Question No 211 of 25th September 2008, I have been informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that contact was made with the person referred to in the Deputy's Question on 11 July 2008 and 24th September 2008, seeking documentation in order to process their application. To date the Immigration Division has not received this documentation.
116 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to provision of travel documents in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44632/08]
I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that a letter issued to the person in question on 25 November 2008 informing him that as a Liberian National he was advised to contact the Embassy of Liberia, 23 Fitzroy Square, Marylebone, London W1T 6EW, England with a view to obtaining his own National passport.
The person in question was refused refugee status in the State in accordance with the Refugee Act 1996 and therefore is not entitled to apply for a 1951 UN Convention Travel Document. The person concerned was also advised that, should he need to travel to the United Kingdom to obtain his national passport, an application for a Travel Document of limited validity may be considered if he produces confirmed travel arrangements to the United Kingdom and an appointment letter from the Liberian Embassy, London. The person in question has not responded to this information.
117 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to a residency application in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44633/08]
I wish to inform the Deputy that the person concerned was granted temporary permission to remain in the State in September 2000, under the arrangements then in place for non-EEA parents of Irish citizen children. This permission has been renewed until 18 December 2008. The person concerned should attend the Garda National Immigration Bureau for further renewal of this permission.
118 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to a residency application in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44634/08]
It is not the practice to comment in detail on individual asylum applications.
As the Deputy will be aware, applications for refugee status in the State are determined by an independent process comprising the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal which make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted.
A final decision on each application is made following receipt of the recommendation of the Refugee Applications Commissioner or the decision of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, as appropriate.
119 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to an asylum application in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44635/08]
It is not the practice to comment in detail on individual asylum applications.
As the Deputy will be aware, applications for refugee status in the State are determined by an independent process comprising the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal which make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted.
A final decision on each application is made following receipt of the recommendation of the Refugee Applications Commissioner or the decision of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, as appropriate.
120 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to a residency application in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44636/08]
I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Questions No. 124 of 20th November 2008, No. 300 of 29th October 2008 and No. 133 of 23rd October 2008 and the written Replies to those questions. The position remains unchanged.
121 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to a residency application in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44637/08]
The person concerned submitted an application under the IBC/05 renewal scheme in 2007. However as the person concerned was not registered in the original scheme, it was not possible to process a renewal application.
The records of my Department indicate that no further application for permission to remain in the State has been received from the person in question. Any further correspondence should be sent to INIS, PO Box 10003, Dublin 2. Any application received will be considered by the relevant officials in my Department and the person concerned will be contacted directly and notified of any decisions made.
122 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when the reciprocal agreement that will allow Irish citizens to work and travel to the US for up to 12 months will become operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44388/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, the United States Deputy Secretary of State, John Negroponte, and I signed a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a new Working Holiday Programme between our two countries in Washington on 24 September.
Since the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, my Department, in consultation with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, has moved quickly to finalise arrangements for US citizens interested in working and travelling in Ireland. A comprehensive step by step guide and application form for US applicants has been prepared and distributed to our Missions in the United States. We are ready to begin accepting applications from US citizens, and will do so as soon as arrangements for Irish citizens are finalised by the US State Department.
At a meeting in Dublin on 17 November, I emphasised to Deputy Secretary of State Negroponte the need to ensure that the Programme is fully operational at the earliest possible date. The State Department has assured the Government that it is actively working to finalise its arrangements and our Ambassador in Washington remains in close contact with them.
123 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is satisfied that no fraud was involved in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5; if his Department have carried out an investigation into the strange anomaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44405/08]
The circumstances regarding the application of the person in question were outlined in my reply to question number 122 on 27 November 2008. The Passport Office has again reviewed the applications of both persons involved and has confirmed that the applications were in order. On the basis of that investigation, I am satisfied that no fraud was involved in either case.
124 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to a Romani encampment at a toxic dump of mine tailings in northern Kosovo; if Irish diplomats or the Irish peacekeeping contingent in Kosovo will assist in dealing with the threat of lead poisoning from the dump; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44406/08]
The Irish Government is acutely aware of the plight of the Roma in Kosovo, particularly those who were displaced during the conflict, and has supported a broad range of projects targeted at helping this minority group. For the period 2005-2009, Irish Aid has allocated €850,000 towards development work with the Roma community in Kosovo, and a further €200,000 has been provided for the World Bank's Roma Education Fund, which has benefited the Roma community in eleven countries in Central and Eastern Europe, including Kosovo.
My Department is concerned about the current position of members of the Roma community who are residing in camps in Northern Mitrovica in Kosovo, particularly reports that residents of these camps are exposed to high levels of lead contamination.
This issue was the subject of a Seanad adjournment debate on 11th November which was answered by my colleague, Minister of State Peter Power, where he outlined the efforts by my Department to raise the issue, including with the UN Interim Administration in Kosovo (UNMIK) authorities, the International Civilian Office in Kosovo, and at EU level.
More recently, at a meeting in Kosovo on 1 December between Kosovar Prime Minister Hashim Thaci, Finance Minister Ahmet Shala, and a senior official from the EU Commission's Directorate General on Enlargement, the issue of the closing of camps and re-locating the occupants was discussed. The Kosovar Government guaranteed that it would make every effort to find a new location for the residents of the camps and would establish arrangements for co-financing this project with other stakeholders.
The matter was raised again by the EU Commission on 2 December at a meeting in Pristina on a Stability Agreement with Kosovo. The Commission promised the support of all EU institutions (EULEX and EUSR) to ensure that this urgent humanitarian crisis is addressed. Ireland fully supports all efforts to re-locate the residents of the camps and will keep in touch with the responsible authorities on this issue, including through our Embassy in Budapest which is now accredited to Kosovo.
125 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will confirm details of the scheme he has announced in respect of the appointment of the Football Association of Ireland’s new welfare officer for young Irish players in Britain; the way he plans to monitor this scheme; the arrangements he is making to contact the players concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44619/08]
On Thursday, 27 November, together with Chief Executive of the Football Association of Ireland, Mr. John Delaney, I announced the appointment of Terry Conroy as the new FAI welfare officer for Britain. This initiative is a direct response to concerns that the welfare needs of young Irish players who travel to Britain to take up positions at professional clubs be addressed. The vast majority of these young people are ultimately released by their clubs and some experience considerable hardships, including gambling and alcohol difficulties.
The new welfare officer will liaise with clubs in Britain on behalf of players and their families, particularly in cases where difficulties arise in relation to alcohol, substance abuse or gambling. He will work directly with the players to ensure that they are aware of local educational and other vocational training opportunities and will also be available to assist retired Irish footballers who may have fallen on hard times.
The Department has allocated a €50,000 grant towards the programme this year, with matching funding provided by the Football Association of Ireland, under whose aegis the welfare officer is employed. The welfare officer will have responsibility for contacting the players concerned. He will report directly to the FAI, which will in turn report to the Department on the programme's progress. A comprehensive progress report will also be submitted to the Department within twelve months.
126 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding his contacts with the Indian authorities in respect of the recent events in Mumbai, India; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44620/08]
Throughout the recent crisis in Mumbai, our Embassy in New Delhi and our Honorary Consulate in Mumbai maintained close operational contact with the Indian authorities. On my instructions, a diplomatic officer from the Embassy travelled immediately to Mumbai to set up a crisis centre for Irish citizens at our Honorary Consulate there. Throughout the days of the crisis this diplomatic officer, together with our Honorary Consul and other staff at the Consulate, kept in contact with the Mumbai Police Command Centre, as well as with other EU and international emergency operations. The Embassy in New Delhi kept in contact initially with the Europe West Division of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs and subsequently with the Control Room established at the Ministry of External Affairs to coordinate liaison with foreign missions in relation to the emergency response.
My Department provided consular assistance to over 30 individuals who contacted them or whom they were able to contact. Thankfully, there were no Irish casualties but some Irish citizens had been in hotels attacked by the militants. All of these managed to escape without injury, though some were deeply distressed by the experience. Assistance provided to them included replacement of travel documents that had to be abandoned when the attacks took place, travel arrangements home or out of Mumbai and general advice about the situation and safety issues.
Information was provided by the Consulate and Embassy to the Department's Consular Section in Dublin and the Crisis Centre set up to assist with briefing families at home. The Department's website carried reports and updates on the situation and contact details throughout the crisis.
In terms of my own contacts with the Indian authorities, I spoke with the Indian Ambassador in Dublin on 27 November, the day after the attacks in Mumbai began, to convey my sincere condolences on behalf of the Irish people at the tragic events which were taking place. I expressed the hope to the Ambassador that the Indian authorities would be able to resolve the current situation without further loss of life and that those who carried out or plotted these attacks would be brought to justice. Relations between India and Ireland have always been close and I wanted to assure him of our sympathy and prayers. As we in Ireland know all too well, terrorist atrocities such as those which took place in Mumbai serve no purpose other than to kill and injure innocent victims, Indian and foreign alike, and to sow panic and suspicion.
127 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will allocate €20,000 to a group (details supplied). [44535/08]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to PQ 124 on 27th of November 2008. The group referred to by the Deputy received support from the Department in 2006, 2007 and 2008 for the event it organises. The Department has now received an application from the group on behalf of the organisers and has indicated support of up to €10,000 for the 2009 event.
128 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when he will advertise for the sports capital programme 2009; the budget available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44552/08]
The Deputy will be aware that allocations under the 2008 Sports Capital Programme were announced in July last. No decision has yet been made about the timing of further rounds of the Programme. In the 2009 Estimates, €56m has been provided in my Department's vote to cover payments to be made from the C-1 sub-head, out of which grants are paid for the provision of sports and recreation facilities.
129 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason rent allowance has been withdrawn in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44639/08]
Rent supplement is administered on behalf of the Department by the Health Service Executive (HSE), as part of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme.
The purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term income support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation, whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. Rent supplement is not payable in respect of a person who is not lawfully in the State.
The Executive has advised that the person concerned has been refused rent supplement as she is regarded as not being lawfully in the State. The Executive has further advised that the person concerned has appealed against the decision to refuse rent supplement to the HSE Appeals Office. She will be contacted directly when a decision has been made on her appeal.
130 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a rent subsidy has been stopped for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44495/08]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme (SWA) which is administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive (HSE), is designed to provide immediate and flexible assistance for those in need who do not qualify for payment under other State scheme. A number of categories are specifically excluded from receiving SWA i.e. people in full-time work, people in full-time education and people involved in trade disputes.
Apart from the excluded categories, anyone in the State who satisfies a habitual residency condition and a means test or who is awaiting the outcome of a claim or an appeal for a primary social welfare or HSE payment may qualify for basic supplementary welfare allowance. In addition, a person can also apply for payments such as rent supplement where s/he is in receipt of a social welfare or basic supplementary welfare allowance payment.
The Executive has advised that the person concerned was in receipt of basic supplementary welfare allowance and rent supplement while awaiting a decision on an application for jobseeker's allowance. His claim for jobseeker's allowance is now closed on the basis that documentation requested by the Department has not been provided. Payment of supplementary welfare allowance and rent supplement has been suspended pending investigation by the community welfare officer of his continued entitlement to these payments. The Executive has advised that he should contact the community welfare services directly in order to discuss his entitlement to supplementary welfare allowance and rent supplement.
131 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the changes due to be made in so far as eligibility for the old age contributory pension is concerned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44508/08]
The Green Paper on Pensions sets out and discusses a range of issues that have been raised from time to time in relation to state pensions and their coverage.
Following the completion of the Green Paper consultation process, a framework for future policy on all aspects of pensions is being developed. The qualifying conditions for state pensions are an important element in this process but it is not possible at this stage to say what reforms will form part of the final policy framework.
132 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a strategy for carers will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44538/08]
The development of a National Carers' Strategy is a key Government commitment in both the national partnership agreement Towards 2016 and the Programme for Government.
A working group, chaired by the Department of An Taoiseach, is working on developing the strategy. My Department provides the secretariat to the working group which also includes representatives of the Departments of Finance, Health and Children and Enterprise, Trade and Employment as well as FÁS and the Health Service Executive. Developing the strategy involves consultation with other government departments and bodies not represented on the working group.
The Department has met with a wide range of organisations including the Equality Authority, Combat Poverty Agency, Citizen's Information Board, the National Council on Ageing and Older People, the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the National Disability Authority to discuss this issue.
A request for submissions from the public was published in regional newspapers in early March. The closing date for submissions was Friday 18 April 2008. There was a good response from individuals and organisations and the submissions received are being examined.
Towards 2016 commits the Department to hosting an annual consultation meeting of carer representative groups and relevant departments and agencies. Such a meeting was held on 23 January 2008. Representatives of 12 groups and 9 government departments and bodies attended. The theme was the National Carers' Strategy and groups were given an opportunity to comment on the draft terms of reference and to raise other issues considered relevant in the context of the strategy. I was very pleased to launch the report "Listening to Carers, Report on a Nationwide Carer Consultation" produced by the Carers Association in partnership with Caring for Carers Ireland and Care Alliance on 30th of June this year. The issues raised in this report are currently being considered as part of the development of the strategy.
The commitment to the development of a National Carers Strategy also includes a commitment to appropriate consultation with the social partners. An update in relation to the strategy was provided to the social partners plenary session in February. The first of two consultation meetings with the social partners was held on 8 May 2008. Key issues raised were recognition for carers and their work, access to suitable health services, income support, training, gender issues and balancing employment and care. The inter-departmental group is currently working on bringing the carers strategy to completion.
133 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of defined benefit and defined contribution company pension schemes in operation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44603/08]
134 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons registered in defined benefit and defined contribution schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44604/08]
135 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a number of pension schemes are expected to collapse within the next six to 12 months; if she will provide details of these schemes; if the Government will be in a position to respond in the event of a pension scheme collapse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44605/08]
136 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the estimated total private sector pension deficit as at year end 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44606/08]
137 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she has plans to alter the private sector pension regulatory environment to make the minimum funding standard more flexible for struggling pension funds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44607/08]
138 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she plans to require occupational defined benefit pension funds to get insurance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44608/08]
I propose to take Question Nos. 133 to 138, inclusive, together.
The overall number of active defined benefit schemes registered with the Pensions Board at the end of 2007 was 1,319. The number of active defined contribution schemes was 98,483. The active membership of these schemes at that time was 530,933 and 269,465 respectively.
The Pensions Act provides for a minimum Funding Standard which defined benefit pension schemes must meet on an ongoing basis. Generally speaking, the Standard requires that schemes maintain sufficient assets to enable them to discharge accrued liabilities in the event of a scheme winding up. Where schemes do not satisfy the Funding Standard the sponsors/trustees must submit a funding proposal to the Pensions Board to restore full funding within three years. The Pensions Board can allow a scheme up to ten years to meet the standard in certain circumstances.
In 2007, 81% of defined benefit schemes reporting to the Pensions Board passed the Funding Standard. Most of those schemes failing the test had a funding proposal in place. It is expected that the number of schemes failing the funding standard will increase significantly in the coming year.
Estimates suggest that defined benefit pension schemes have sustained some €20 billion of investment losses this year. While it is expected that the number of schemes failing the Standard will increase sharply as a result of current market conditions, the extent of the problem will not be fully apparent until schemes carry out end of year actuarial assessments and report the results to the Pensions Board as required under the Pensions Act. In recognition of the current market difficulties and the difficult decisions that pension schemes will face, the Government has put in place a number of short-term measures to ease the pressure on schemes. It has been agreed with the Pensions Board that an additional six months will be allowed for trustees to prepare funding proposals. This will mean that schemes will have 18 months to review the situation with sponsoring employers and to formulate proposals for recovery. These actions are being taken to alleviate the current situation.
Members of Defined Contribution schemes have also been exposed to investment losses. In such schemes the risk is borne in full by the member. Many of these schemes are relatively immature and for many people there will be adequate time to recoup some or all of the losses which have occurred.
There are particular concerns for those who may be at, or close to, retirement. Good practice would suggest a conservative approach to investments in the last number of years before retirement but anecdotal evidence suggests this may not have been applied in some cases. Members of defined contribution schemes are required to purchase an annuity at the point of retirement. In the current environment, these scheme members could realise a significant loss in the value of their pension fund. In the circumstances, the Department of Finance is currently working out the details on how such scheme members could avail of a period of up to two years to purchase an annuity. There is, of course, the risk that those availing of the deferment option could sustain further losses and this will be clearly outlined in guidance notes.
The Government is working with the Pensions Board, representative organisations and the social partners to find ways to ease the pressure on schemes by striking a balance between the long-term nature of pension savings and the need to ensure short-term security of accrued benefits. As outlined, it has already taken some short-term measures in this area. The long-term response to the situation is being considered in the context of the Green Paper on Pensions and any changes proposed will be announced in the context of the overall framework for pensions which the Government has indicated it will announce in the near future.
139 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason mortgage supplement has been withdrawn in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44643/08]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes mortgage interest supplement, is administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive. A mortgage interest supplement provides short-term income support to eligible people who are unable to meet their mortgage interest repayments in respect of a house which is their sole place of residence.
Mortgage interest supplement is normally calculated to ensure that a person, after the payment of mortgage interest, has an income equal to the rate of SWA appropriate to their family circumstances less a minimum contribution, currently €13, which recipients are required to pay from their own resources. Many recipients pay more than €13 because recipients are also required, subject to income disregards, to contribute any additional assessable means that they have over and above the appropriate basic SWA rate towards their accommodation costs.
The Executive has advised that the person concerned is not entitled to mortgage interest supplement as her combined income from employment, one-parent family payment and family income supplement is sufficient to meet the total mortgage interest on the loan. If the person concerned is not satisfied with the decision of the community welfare officer it is open to her to appeal against the decision to the Executive's designated Appeals Office.
140 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason an appeal has not been accepted against the decision to refuse unemployment benefit in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44645/08]
The person concerned was in receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance from January 2008 to 28 October 2008. Payment ceased when he failed to sign the Live Register on the appointed day (23 October 2008) and thereby failed to prove he was unemployed from that date.
He made a repeat claim on 10 November 2008 and the claim was disallowed on the grounds that he had failed to submit any evidence of his efforts in seeking employment.
Notification of the decision and his right to appeal issued to him on 12 November 2008 and there is no record of an appeal made at this time. An appeal form will be made available to him at the Blessington Signing Office on Thursday (4 December 2008) between the hours of 10 a.m. and 11.45 a.m. On this appeal form it will be open to him to state the grounds of his appeal.
141 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 944 of 8 July 2008, the reason for the delay in approving contract documents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44386/08]
142 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 562 of 4 March 2008, the position regarding the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44387/08]
151 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 1413 and 1448 of 24 September 2008, the position regarding the projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44611/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 141, 142 and 151 together.
Following receipt by my Department this week of essential additional information relating to the tender documents, I expect to be in a position shortly to convey a decision to Roscommon County Council.
143 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to provide funding to local authorities to assist with funding for the provision of grants to the elderly in relation to mobility, housing adaption and housing aid applications and as such to assist the building industry overcome the present employment problems within the industry by creating employment opportunities in each local authority area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44484/08]
The Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability are funded by 80% recoupment available from my Department, together with 20% contribution from the resources of the local authority. In May 2008 my Department notified local authorities of a combined capital allocation of €71.4 million for the operation of the schemes in private houses in 2008. On foot of significantly increased levels of activity at local level, supplementary Exchequer allocations totalling €8.6 million were made in September and October 2008.
It is a matter for each local authority to decide on the specific level of funding to be directed towards each of the schemes, from within the combined allocation notified to them, and to manage the operation of the schemes in their areas from within this allocation. Notification of individual allocations to local authorities for the Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability in 2009 will be made following the publication of the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2009. My Department is in the process of liaising with all local authorities regarding their funding requirements under the schemes in 2009. In line with my objective of prioritising the needs of the most vulnerable households, the total financial provision secured for housing in 2009 will allow for the level of funding allocated towards housing supports for older people and people with a disability next year to be increased by 8% over the initial estimate for 2008. This provision will enable local authorities to continue to effectively respond to the housing needs of these target groups through the payment of increased numbers of grants.
While the primary objective of the suite of grants schemes is to facilitate the continued independent occupancy of their own homes by older people and people with a disability, their operation also supports a certain level of activity in the construction sector.
144 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make funding available to carry out radon remedial works for a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44499/08]
The Housing Aid for Older People scheme is available to assist older people to have necessary repairs or improvements carried out to their homes. Where a suite of works is being grant aided under this scheme, local authorities may also, as part of the package of works, assist with the provision of radon remediation works, where applicable. The administration of the Housing Aid for Older People Scheme, including the processing of individual applications, is a matter for the local authority concerned.
My Department made a combined capital allocation of €1,962,090 to North Cork County Council for the operation of the Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability in private houses in 2008. On foot of increased demand at local level, further Exchequer funding of €300,000 was issued to North Cork County Council in October 2008. It is a matter for local authorities to decide on the specific level of funding to be directed towards the Housing Aid for Older People Scheme, from within the combined allocation notified to them by my Department, and to manage the operation of the scheme in their areas from within this allocation.
Notification of individual allocations to local authorities for the Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability in 2009 will be made following the publication of the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2009. My Department is in the process of liaising with all local authorities regarding their funding requirements under the schemes in 2009.
145 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to compensate farmers such as a person (details supplied) in County Galway through a Dúchas scheme for the continuous flooding of their land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44507/08]
Tarmon South is a candidate Special Area of Conservation and is therefore protected under the Habitats Directive, which was transposed into Irish law through the E.C. (Natural Habitats) Regulations, 1997.
I understand that the Office of Public Works commissioned an investigation into flooding in the Gort-Ardrahan Area of South Galway in 1998. As part of this investigation, a detailed ecological assessment was carried out into the likely impacts of drainage works on the SAC. It was established that the natural frequency and duration regime of the water levels in the Tarmon area was critical to sustain the ecology of the turlough system.
The Natural Habitats Regulations provide for compensation to landowners for actual losses that accrue due to designation of their land. In this case, no actual loss has been suffered and I have no plans to provide for compensation in such circumstances.
146 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps being taken to ensure that a carcinogen (details supplied) does not enter the public water supply. [44531/08]
147 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the preliminary findings of the most recent study by a company (details supplied) which commenced during summer 2008 at the former steel plant site on Haulbowline Island, County Cork; when the final report from this study will be completed; if he will publish the report; and when he plans to bring a report on the matter to Government. [44532/08]
149 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of a chemical which has been found to date at a site (details supplied) in County Cork; the way he has addressed this matter to ensure there is no risk to public health or the environment. [44543/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 146, 147 and 149 together.
An environmental assessment of the current status of the Haulbowline site by consultants, White Young Green, and a peer review of it have been completed. My Department is currently examining the reports and the recommendations contained in them. Once this is completed I will make the reports publicly available. I will also then advise Government on the outcome and actions that may be necessary. I have no direct function in relation to the operation and management of drinking water supplies. Local authorities are responsible for ensuring that drinking water quality complies with mandatory standards, and public water supplies are monitored and supervised by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which has extensive powers of enforcement. Failure to comply with a direction by the EPA in relation to compliance with drinking water standards is subject to heavy penalties, including imprisonment.
The issue of waste materials from Haulbowline entering a public water supply does not arise. There are no groundwater abstractions on Haulbowline Island and water is supplied to the island via a mains supply. The limestone bedrock aquifer beneath the site is not in direct hydraulic connection with the overlying groundwater on the site, is influenced by seawater intrusion and is not of a potable standard.
148 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, with reference to Parliamentary Question No. 140 of 27 November 2008 and his reply that any rental properties being let for the first time after 1 February 2009 will have to comply with all the requirements of the new regulations, he will explain the way compliance will be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44542/08]
Responsibility for enforcing the regulations with regard to minimum standards for rental accommodation rests with the relevant local authority. My Department provides significant resources, from part of the proceeds of tenancy registration fees collected by the Private Residential Tenancies Board, to assist local authorities in discharging their functions under the Housing Acts in relation to rented accommodation. Over €3m was provided in 2007 and a further €4m has been earmarked for this purpose for 2008.
It is a matter for each individual local authority to decide the specific details of its enforcement strategy, inspection arrangements and methods for establishing compliance. However, in discharging their responsibilities in relation to the rental sector, authorities have been asked to have regard to the Good Practice Guidelines for Local Authorities on Standards in the Private Rented Sector: Strategic Planning, Effective Enforcement published by the Centre for Housing Research in November 2007, which makes a range of recommendations on relevant issues. A comprehensive Guidance Document will also be published in advance of the 1 February 2009 commencement date in order to assist local authorities in the practical implementation of the new regulations.
150 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans for eliminating the pollution of Lough Corrib which is the main source of water supply for Galway City and a large part of County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44548/08]
My Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007 — 2009 includes more than 50 major water and sewerage schemes with a value of more than €464 million for County Galway. There are a further eight schemes worth in excess of €114 million included for Galway city.
A significant share of the sewerage schemes in the Programme are in the Corrib catchment. They include Headford, which is substantially completed, Dunmore, which is expected to finish Spring 2009, and Tuam (Phase 2), Oughterard, Claregalway, Milltown and Corofin which are being progressed as quickly as possible. Galway County Council is also providing a new scheme at Clonbur under the devolved rural water programme which is part funded by my Department. These schemes will play a major role in preserving and improving water quality in the river and lake. Sewerage schemes already in place within the Corrib catchment with the aid of funding from my Department include Tuam (Phase 1), Moycullen, Cong, Ballyhaunis, Ballinrobe and Claremorris.
With regard to water quality in Lough Corrib, EPA monitoring for the period 2004 to 2006 shows that the upper section was classified as being in a mesotrophic category, indicative of a low level of pollution, and the lower section was classified as being oligotrophic, suggesting a very low level of pollution. Both these classifications were consistent with satisfactory water quality conditions and were based on the level of total phosphorous and chlorophyll measured on at least 12 occasions in each of these years.
Since December 2006, a new monitoring programme has been in place to meet Water Framework Directive requirements. Based on data collected in 2007, and 2008 under this programme, the interim water quality classification of Lough Corrib will be ‘moderate'. This is due, inter alia, to the presence of roach in the lake and the effect on other fish populations. It does not reflect any change in water quality conditions from earlier EPA water quality reports.
There is ongoing liaison between my Department, other State agencies and local authorities on the co-ordination of policies and actions to protect and secure water quality in all areas. The European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Waters) Regulations 2006 and 2007, were developed in close consultation with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and Teagasc and are supported by an enhanced package of financial supports for farmers and cross-compliance systems operated by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The Regulations provide a statutory basis for a range of measures to protect waters, such as Lough Corrib, from pollution by nitrates and phosphates from agricultural sources.
152 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether all the requirements of the Aarhus Convention and the Public Participation Directive are applicable to the development of an incinerator at Ringaskiddy, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44614/08]
Ireland signed the Aarhus Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters on 25 June 1998. Progress towards ratification of the Convention is closely aligned with work at EU level and in that context, the European Union has adopted two Directives as part of the ratification process for the Convention. These deal with public access to environmental information (2003/4/EC) and public participation in certain environmental decision-making procedures (2003/35/EC). The European Communities (Access to Information on the Environment) Regulations 2007 came into effect on 1 May 2007. These Regulations transpose EU Directive 2003/4/EC on Public access to environmental information.
Transposition of EU Directive 2003/35/EC on Public Participation in certain environmental decision making procedures requires the amendment of a number of consent systems relevant to two existing Directives — the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive and the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) Directive. The process to transpose the Public Participation Directive is already well advanced, with legislation completed to amend the majority of the relevant consent systems. The planning consent system has been amended and is now fully compliant with the Public Participation Directive.
The Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure Act) 2006 introduced a number of key measures which are designed to ensure that projects which go through the new strategic consent process are subject to even greater public scrutiny than projects which go through the normal planning process, both at pre-application and application stage.
The existing planning system is an inclusive one that provides for extensive public participation at various stages and ensures that all concerns can be fully taken into account.
153 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the cost to the taxpayer of the court decisions in the High Court and Supreme Court, arising out of the refusal by him to grant a licence to a person (details supplied) under Section 3(5) of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1987; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44648/08]
My Department has been advised that the solicitor acting on behalf of the person in question has served a Bill of Costs on the Office of the Chief State Solicitor in relation to both the High and Supreme Court costs orders which were made in favour of that person. It is understood that the matter is currently being processed by the Office of the Chief State Solicitor.
154 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if, in relation to health problems highlighted by national miners covering health problems arising from industry working conditions in mines in Arigna and Kilkenny and Tipperary colliers, he will establish a redress board to handle their concerns. [44617/08]
I have no statutory authority to establish a redress board to provide for compensation to people suffering health problems as a consequence of working in mines and have no resources from which to fund such a scheme. The question of assistance to former miners, or any other type of employees, who suffer health problems as a consequence of working conditions in the past is, primarily, a matter between them and their employers and, in so far as the State is concerned, of disability or occupational injuries benefit entitlement under the social welfare code. That is a matter for the Minister for Social and Family Affairs.
155 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding an application for the REP scheme for the years 2006 and 2008 for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal. [44393/08]
The person named finished his contract in REPS 2 on 30 September 2007 and received all payments due under that contract, and has since applied for REPS 4.
REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007-13 and is subject to different EU Regulations from the preceding versions of REPS. Under REPS 4, all payments are to be made in just two instalments. The first payment, of 75%, can be made only when all administrative checks on all 2008 applications for REPS 4 and the Single Payment Scheme are completed. This is why it has not yet been possible to release payments even to farmers who applied for REPS 4 some time before the closing date of 15 May.
The process of checking and approving applications is subject to a detailed set of procedures designed to meet national and EU audit requirements, and in line with these requirements the various stages of the process are assigned to different grades of staff. An effect of recent industrial action in my Department's local offices was that the process was temporarily interrupted. I am pleased to say that, with the assistance of the Labour Relations Commission, the industrial action was brought to an end and work resumed last week. The administrative checks are now at an advanced stage and I hope that payments of the 75% instalment can start to be released fairly soon. The second instalment of 25% cannot be paid before the last REPS on-farm inspection has taken place.
While I am anxious that the REPS 4 payments should go out as soon as possible, there are of course still over 48,000 farmers in REPS 3, and just under 16,000 of those have anniversary dates on 1 November and 1 December this year. Staff in my Department's local offices are currently engaged in processing the annual payment applications for these farmers as well as the REPS 4 cases. Where possible, payment will issue before Christmas on valid REPS 3 applications (1Cs) returned before 5 December, 2008. At this time of the year the workload of local office staff is therefore exceptionally heavy, and while every effort is being made to release all payments promptly it is not possible to avoid delays entirely. I have asked senior management in my Department to give me regular updates on the situation.
157 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment of the sugar beet entitlements will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [44413/08]
Those farmers who held a sugar beet quota during one or more of the years 2001, 2002, 2004 were entitled to have the Single Payment Entitlements topped up. However, as neither of the persons named held such a quota, they were not automatically entitled to have their Single Payment adjusted. The father of the persons named did hold such a quota and he chose to request that his payments be divided equally between the persons named, as provided for under the rules governing the Single Payment Scheme. The process of assigning the sugar beet entitlements proved complex, as both persons named were already participants in the Single Payment Scheme. However, the complex recalculations of the entitlements position of both beneficiaries has now been completed and the payments due to the persons named will issue shortly.
158 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of REP scheme four applicants paid to date in each county; the total value of payments; the number of applications outstanding; the average processing time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44415/08]
The number of REPS 4 payments made on a county-by-county basis is as follows:
|
County |
Number paid |
|
Cavan |
11 |
|
Clare |
10 |
|
Cork |
13 |
|
Donegal |
28 |
|
Galway |
10 |
|
Kerry |
19 |
|
Kilkenny |
7 |
|
Leitrim |
9 |
|
Limerick |
6 |
|
Longford |
5 |
|
Mayo |
5 |
|
Monaghan |
2 |
|
Offaly |
3 |
|
Roscommon |
8 |
|
Sligo |
8 |
|
Tipperary |
10 |
|
Waterford |
8 |
|
Wexford |
1 |
|
Total |
163 |
These payments all relate to applications received in 2007. The total paid to these 163 applicants was €1,122,802.22.
The total number of REPS 4 applications currently recorded on my Department's computer system is approximately 12,700, including those received in 2007. In accordance with the EU Regulations governing the new Rural Development Programme, no payments under REPS 4 have yet been released this year other than those in the Table above. Under these Regulations, all payments are to be made in just two instalments. The first payment, of 75%, can be made only when all administrative checks on all 2008 applications for REPS 4 and the Single Payment Scheme are completed. This is why it has not yet been possible to release payments even to farmers who applied for REPS 4 some time before the closing date of 15 May.
The process of checking and approving applications is subject to a detailed set of procedures designed to meet national and EU audit requirements, and in line with these requirements the various stages of the process are assigned to different grades of staff. An effect of recent industrial action in my Department's local offices was that the process was temporarily interrupted. I am pleased to say that, with the assistance of the Labour Relations Commission, the industrial action was brought to an end and work resumed last week. The administrative checks are now at an advanced stage and I hope that payments of the 75% instalment can start to be released fairly soon. The second instalment of 25% cannot be paid before the last REPS on-farm inspection has taken place.
While I am anxious that the REPS 4 payments should go out as soon as possible, there are of course still over 48,000 farmers in REPS 3, and just under 16,000 of those have anniversary dates on 1 November and 1 December this year. Staff in my Department's local offices are currently engaged in processing the annual payment applications for these farmers as well as the REPS 4 cases. Where possible, payment will issue before Christmas on valid REPS 3 applications (1Cs) returned before 5 December 2008. At this time of the year the workload of local office staff is therefore exceptionally heavy, and while every effort is being made to release all payments promptly it is not possible to avoid delays entirely. I have asked senior management in my Department to give me regular updates on the situation.
159 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he will take to support the sheep sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44416/08]
The sheep sector is a significant beneficiary of the main schemes operated by my Department. Sheep farmers receive an annual estimated €126m. under the Single Farm Payment and an annual estimated €60m. under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme. In the case of REPS, some €84m. is paid annually to them.
The sector is also benefiting from measures that have been put in place following the Sheep Strategy Report. These include Breed Improvement, Quality Assurance and additional promotional measures from Bord Bia on home and export markets. Bord Bia will spend over €1 million this year on sheepmeat promotion.
Additional support to the sheep sector will be considered in the light of the outcome of the recent CAP Health Check. That outcome provides that an additional amount of some €24 million annually will be available to Irish farmers from 2010 onwards. That amount may be used to target specific sectors in need of assistance and represents money that would otherwise not be available to farmers due to the complex rules surrounding the Single Farm Payment. Support may commence in 2009 by utilising funds from the National Reserve, which are expected to be in the region of €6 million to €7 million, and these will be supplemented from 2010 with the unspent Single Farm Payment funds.
As I indicated following the completion of the Health Check, I will consult relevant stakeholders as to how these additional funds can best be spent. To that end I will meet with them on 11th December to consider their views and possible options.
160 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will ensure that all outstanding payments under REP scheme four and the farm waste schemes in County Roscommon will be awarded before Christmas 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44418/08]
REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007-13 and is subject to different EU Regulations from the preceding versions of REPS. Under REPS 4, all payments are to be made in just two instalments. The first payment, of 75%, can be made only when all administrative checks on all 2008 applications for REPS 4 and the Single Payment Scheme are completed. This is why it has not yet been possible to release payments even to farmers who applied for REPS 4 some time before the closing date of 15 May.
The process of checking and approving applications is subject to a detailed set of procedures designed to meet national and EU audit requirements, and in line with these requirements the various stages of the process are assigned to different grades of staff. An effect of recent industrial action in my Department's local offices was that the process was temporarily interrupted. I am pleased to say that, with the assistance of the Labour Relations Commission, the industrial action was brought to an end and work resumed last week. The administrative checks are now at an advanced stage and I hope that payments of the 75% instalment can start to be released fairly soon. The second instalment of 25% cannot be paid before the last REPS on-farm inspection has taken place.
While I am anxious that the REPS 4 payments should go out as soon as possible, there are of course still over 48,000 farmers in REPS 3, and just under 16,000 of those have anniversary dates on 1 November and 1 December this year. Staff in my Department's local offices are currently engaged in processing the annual payment applications for these farmers as well as the REPS 4 cases. Where possible, payment will issue before Christmas on valid REPS 3 applications (1Cs) returned before 5 December, 2008. At this time of the year the workload of local staff is therefore exceptionally heavy, and while every effort is being made to release all payments promptly it is not possible to avoid delays entirely. I have asked senior management in my Department to give me regular updates on the situation.
In the case of the Farm Waste Management Scheme, claims continue to be processed for payment in County Roscommon. To date in 2008, my Department has made 567 payments totalling €16.48 million to applicants in County Roscommon under the Scheme. This compares to 265 payments totalling €6.27 million during the calendar year 2007. As the Deputy will be aware, the closing date for completion of work under this Scheme is 31 December 2008; payments will therefore continue to be made in 2009 under this Scheme.
161 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be paid under the native woodland scheme. [44587/08]
I understand that an application for payment from the person in question was received on 24 October. This is being processed at present and, provided the work is up to the required standard, payment will be made in the normal way.
162 Deputy Mary Alexandra White asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the annual herd number since 1997; the annual number of cattle tested for tuberculosis; and the number of reactors there were. [44590/08]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table.
|
Year |
No. of Herds in Country |
Cattle population under test |
Number of animal tests |
Number of Reactors |
|
1997 |
145,209 |
7,725,634 |
9,910,074 |
28,647 |
|
1998 |
142,302 |
7,946.989 |
10,677,291 |
44,498 |
|
1999 |
138,263 |
7,569,735 |
10,749,580 |
44,903 |
|
2000 |
133,542 |
7,032,407 |
10,304,162 |
39,847 |
|
2001 |
130,525 |
7,097,430 |
9,402,196 |
33,702 |
|
2002 |
127,711 |
7,025,096 |
9,400,065 |
28,930 |
|
2003 |
125,517 |
6,936,820 |
9,168,722 |
27,978 |
|
2004 |
124,414 |
6,992,264 |
8,825,720 |
22,967 |
|
2005 |
123,322 |
6,407,456 |
9,060,044 |
25,884 |
|
2006 |
122,392 |
6,260,133 |
9,000,519 |
24,173 |
|
2007 |
120,652 |
6,084,037 |
9,143,719 |
27,711 |
163 Deputy Mary Alexandra White asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number per annum, since 1997, of all reactors that were false positives. [44591/08]
My Department's Bovine TB eradication programme is based primarily on the diagnosis of disease using the Single Intradermal Comparative Tuberculin test (SICTT), which is generally referred to as the TB skin test and which is an EU approved test. I should explain that no test is 100% accurate and the ‘sensitivity' and ‘specificity' of the skin test is a function not just of the test itself but also of the environment in which it is used.
The sensitivity and specificity of the skin test has been assessed under Irish conditions as 91-98% sensitivity and 99.8-99.9% specificity and is considered to be a highly accurate test. More recent research indicates that the specificity of the test as performed in Ireland is at least 99.95%. At the specificity level indicated, for each 1,000 tests performed in the course of the eradication programme, between 0.5 and 1 non-infected animal is expected to be deemed a reactor. There is no method currently available to isolate such individual animals from the routine TB infected reactors detected under the programme. This test limitation is recognised under the EU Directive 64/432/EEC, which allows a rapid de-restriction of herds which are deemed to be not infected following epidemiological and laboratory investigation. My Department operates a ‘Singleton Protocol' policy to accommodate such cases. The outcome for herds under this policy has been evaluated for 2005 and 2006 and a paper has been prepared for peer-reviewed publication. Some 5.5% of the 6,386 herds restricted under the eradication programme for 2006 were derestricted early under this protocol.
164 Deputy Mary Alexandra White asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the rules which govern the disposal of reactors; and if penalties for non-compliance have been imposed during the past ten years. [44592/08]
A key objective of the TB eradication scheme is the prompt removal of reactor animals direct to a designated factory for slaughter. My Department currently arranges and pays for a national reactor collection service to remove reactor animals from holdings. In general, reactors are removed within one week of acceptance by the herd owner of the valuation attributed to the animals through the independent valuation process and generally within 3 weeks from the date of test.
In order to promote compliance with the policy objective of my Department, the rules governing the payment of compensation to herdowners for reactors provide for a reduction in valuation or compensation payments where farmers are responsible for delays in the valuation process and/or the removal of reactors/depopulated animals. These reductions to valuation payments are as follows:
5% where delay is 3 – 5 days
10% where delay is 6 – 10 days
25% where delay is 11 – 15 days
50% where delay is 16 – 21 days
100% for any longer period.
In addition, if a herd owner has not moved a reactor off the holding within fourteen days of a formal notice having been served, my Department may take control of the reactor and dispose of it as appropriate.
In general, herd owners cooperate very well in facilitating prompt valuations and speedy removal of reactors in the interests of disease control. However, there have been some instances over the years where herdowners failed to cooperate in this process and penalties have been applied to compensation payments where appropriate. Since records on the number of cases involved are not currently maintained centrally, the information on the precise number involved is not readily available.
165 Deputy Mary Alexandra White asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if there are or have been, since 1997, problems with the funding and remuneration of vets who conduct tuberculosis tests; and if there have been refusals by vets to conduct tests. [44593/08]
Since 1996, it has been the responsibility of herdowners to make the necessary arrangements with their private veterinary practitioners to have the annual TB and Brucellosis herd tests carried out and, in general, unless reactors are disclosed the herdowner pays the testing veterinary practitioner for carrying out these tests. This system has worked well since its inception and I am not aware that veterinary practitioners experience any major difficulty in collecting their fees from herdowners. In any event, any such problems are primarily a private contractual matter between the veterinary practitioner and the herdowner. Where such difficulty results in a refusal by a veterinary practitioner to carry out a test, it open to the DVO to arrange for the test to be carried out by a different practitioner and, where the test is carried out by a veterinary practitioner from the DVO, to charge the herdowner for the cost of the test.
With regard to testing paid for by my Department, there has been no difficulty in securing funding since 1997 for the payment of veterinary practitioners carrying out TB testing and Brucellosis sampling and, as far as I am aware, no veterinary practitioner has refused to carry out testing because of the level of payment available.
166 Deputy Mary Alexandra White asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the details of controls since 1997 for cattle pre-movement tests; and the tests required before sale or movement between herds. [44594/08]
I understand that the Question relates to bovine TB.
In accordance with the requirements of EU Directive 64/432/EEC, all eligible bovines that are exported to other member states are subject to a 30-day pre-movement TB test.
For trade within Ireland, the current legal requirement is that an eligible animals may not leave a holding, including for slaughter, unless they have been tested within the previous 12 months and the holding is not under restriction, in which case movement will be in accordance with a permit issued by an officer of my Department.
I should point out that the TB eradication programme places strong emphasis on pre-movement testing as a key husbandry practice to assist herd health protection. Keepers are encouraged to acquire recently tested animals as part of their overall herd health strategy decided with their veterinary practitioners. To facilitate farmers to select such recently tested animals, it is now a legal requirement that the date of the most recent tuberculin test must be displayed on an electronic screen when an animal is presented for sale at marts.
167 Deputy Mary Alexandra White asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will provide a listing of prosecutions and penalties imposed on herd owners for their failure to carry out testing schedules. [44595/08]
The information sought by the Deputy is not maintained centrally and it would place excessive demands on scarce staff resources in the Department to compile these data.
168 Deputy Mary Alexandra White asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if cattle are microchipped rather than tagged; if there is a list of known tag switching; and if so, if he will provide a list of prosecutions made by his Department for this action. [44596/08]
In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1760/2000 establishing a system for the identification and registration of bovines and national legislation, it is obligatory to tag cattle. In addition each keeper of bovine animals is required to register a calf on the national Cattle Movement Monitoring System (CMMS) database within 27 days of birth. While there is no requirement for the micro-chipping or electronic identification of cattle, my Department is aware of a small number of farmers who, in addition to compulsory tagging, use electronic means of identification in the form of a rumen bolus for management purposes.
My Department adopts a very strict policy in relation to Ireland's cattle traceability system and conducts a range of checks to ensure compliance with tagging and registration of cattle for disease control and market reasons. To that end a number of animals (approximately 25) have been excluded from the food chain and destroyed due to tag tampering/tag switching during the last six months. There are a number of prosecutions pending in relation to further cases of suspected tag tampering. Officials from my Department have also seized a number of devices which have been modified for tag tampering purposes.
Details of successful prosecutions are listed in the following table:
|
Name & Address |
Offences |
Year |
|
Geoffrey Kennedy, Orchard Lower, Timahoe, Co Laois |
Pleaded guilty to 11 charges of possession of an ear tag which could be confused with an ear tag attached to or required to be attached to an animal contrary to Article 15(2)(a) of the Bovine Tuberculosis (Attestation of the State and General Provisions) Order, 1999 |
2004 |
|
Ivan Moffitt, Thornhill, Blacklion, Co Cavan |
Pleaded guilty to two charges of possession of an animal with a tampered tag contrary to 19(7) of the Brucellosis in Cattle (General Provisions) Order 1991 (SI 114 of 1991 as inserted by Article 7 of the Brucellosis in Cattle (General Provisions) (Amendment) Order, 2001 (SI 229 of 2201). |
2005 |
|
Thomas Rice, Cormey, Kingscourt, Co Cavan |
Pleaded guilty to 2 charges of tampering tags contrary to the 19(7) of the Brucellosis in Cattle (General Provisions) Order 1991 (SI 114 of 1991 as inserted by Article 7 of the Brucellosis in Cattle (General Provisions) (Amendment) Order, 2001 (SI 229 of 2001). |
2007 |
|
Maurice Herron, Derry, Latton, Castleblayney, Co Monaghan |
Pleaded guilty to 2 charges of possession of an animal with a tampered tag contrary to the 19(7) of the Brucellosis in Cattle (General Provisions) Order 1991 (SI 114 of 1991 as inserted by Article 7 of- the Brucellosis in Cattle (General Provisions) (Amendment) Order, 2001 (SI 229 of 2001). |
2007 |
169 Deputy Mary Alexandra White asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the cost of bovine tuberculosis eradication per annum since 1997 under the general headings of administration, supplies and equipment and services, veterinary bills, reactor compensations and badger culling. [44597/08]
The information sought by the Deputy in relation to the programme cost of the TB eradication scheme, excluding administration costs and travel and subsistence costs, is set out in the following table:
|
1997 |
1998 |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
|
Supplies/Services |
2.33 |
2.99 |
2.94 |
2.80 |
2.66 |
3.60 |
5.20 |
5.07 |
6.60 |
6.49 |
6.92 |
|
Veterinary fees |
6.03 |
8.06 |
11.17 |
10.22 |
8.17 |
9.41 |
8.60 |
7.39 |
8.67 |
8.59 |
9.33 |
|
Compensation |
19.15 |
22.08 |
31.57 |
27.29 |
20.70 |
23.78 |
22.04 |
17.63 |
18.02 |
16.61 |
19.06 |
|
Badger Strategy |
0.44 |
0.47 |
0.62 |
1.03 |
0.80 |
1.79 |
1.63 |
1.28 |
2.10 |
2.63 |
3.33 |
|
Other (Research/IT) |
0.78 |
0.70 |
1.08 |
1.54 |
1.28 |
1.75 |
1.60 |
1.98 |
2.21 |
1.81 |
2.45 |
|
Total |
28.73 |
34.30 |
47.38 |
42.88 |
33.61 |
40.33 |
39.07 |
33.35 |
37.60 |
36.13 |
41.09 |
With regard to the costs of administration of the programme, the information sought by the Deputy is not readily available for the period 1997-2007. However, the Value for Money and Policy review of the TB eradication scheme, which has just been published, calculated the costs of administration (including travel and subsistence) to be €33.8 million in 2006.
170 Deputy Mary Alexandra White asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will provide a comparative list of the number of reactor cattle in the Republic and in Northern Ireland since 1997; and if will provide these numbers as a quantity and percentage of total herds. [44598/08]
The level of disease in a region is best measured on the basis of the number of reactors, the herd incidence and the numbers of reactors per thousand animals tested (APT). The table sets out this information in relation to Ireland and Northern Ireland for the period 1997 to 2007.
|
Year |
No. of Reactors |
Herd Incidence |
APT |
|||
|
Ireland |
N. Ireland |
Ireland |
N. Ireland |
Ireland |
N. Ireland |
|
|
1997 |
28,647 |
5,063 |
5.60 |
4.27 |
2.90 |
2.31 |
|
1998 |
44,498 |
7186 |
7.10 |
5.47 |
4.20 |
3.10 |
|
1999 |
44,903 |
8,604 |
7.70 |
6.39 |
4.20 |
3.70 |
|
2000 |
39,847 |
9,498 |
8.20 |
6.84 |
3.90 |
4.14 |
|
2001 |
33,702 |
8,493 |
7.00 |
6.82 |
3.60 |
4.60 |
|
2002 |
28,930 |
15,028 |
6.38 |
9.92 |
3.10 |
6.19 |
|
2003 |
27,978 |
16,062 |
6.37 |
9.56 |
3.10 |
6.10 |
|
2004 |
22,967 |
15,086 |
5.50 |
9.17 |
2.60 |
4.86 |
|
2005 |
25,884 |
10,479 |
5.54 |
7.22 |
2.86 |
3.65 |
|
2006 |
24,173 |
9,383 |
5.37 |
6.23 |
2.69 |
3.49 |
|
2007 |
27,711 |
7,299 |
6.02 |
5.35 |
3.03 |
3.08 |
I should point out that it is difficult to directly compare the incidence of TB here with that in Northern Ireland because of differences between the respective jurisdictions in the manner in which statistics are compiled. For example, in Northern Ireland, disease episodes first detected by means of post-mortem inspection are not included in TB statistics unless the follow-up herd test discloses further cases in the herd of origin. Cases detected by post-mortem inspection are, by contrast, included in the reporting of disease here, irrespective of the outcome of the subsequent herd test. Since over one third of all TB outbreaks here are first detected by means of post-mortem surveillance and, on average, some 80% of these fail to disclose further reactors during the course of that episode, it is evident that the herd incidence of bovine TB here would be much lower than the above figures suggest if they were compiled on the same basis as those in Northern Ireland.
171 Deputy Mary Alexandra White asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a forum was established as recommended by his Department in the document Outlines of a New Approach to Tuberculosis and Brucellosis Eradication Programmes from 1996; and if so, the details of the subsequent reports of findings from this forum. [44599/08]
The Forum, which was established in 1996, was a consultative body consisting of the major stakeholders in the animal health area and did not produce any report. The main function of the Forum was to achieve a consensus on the policy framework for the Department's approach to animal diseases and all of the major policy changes which were introduced into the TB and Brucellosis eradication schemes from 1996 onwards were the subject of discussion in the Forum prior to their implementation. Other issues which were discussed regularly in the Forum included the ERAD compensation regime, cattle identification and control of cattle movements. I am pleased to be able to say that the various changes that were introduced to the Brucellosis eradication programme from 1996 onwards and which have resulted in the virtual eradication of that disease in the country had the full support of the Forum.
The Forum has not met in recent years.
172 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement regarding a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [44609/08]
An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 15th May 2008.
This application was selected for a cross compliance and satellite eligibility inspection. The cross compliance inspection was carried out on 10th October 2008 and the results have been processed. However the satellite inspection raised a number of issues relating to the parcels claimed by the person named. As a result this file was forwarded for a ground eligibility inspection to clarify the issues. This ground eligibility inspection was carried out on 21st November 2008. At this inspection it was found that the person named was not complying with the Nitrates Directive and the provisions of Good Agricultural and Environmental Conditions in parts of his holdings.
The case is currently being examined and the person named will be officially notified of findings. If the person named is not satisfied with the results of the inspection, he may seek a review by contacting his Local Office. He also has the right to appeal the outcome of any such review to the Agriculture Appeals Office.
173 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim relating to the grant under the farm waste management scheme. [44618/08]
My Department has no record of having received a complete application under the Farm Waste Management Scheme from the person concerned.
174 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will confirm that FÁS recognises the trade qualification received by Irish people in the US who wish to work here; if mutual recognition of Irish qualifications has been secured by FÁS for Irish trades people who wish to work in the US; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44546/08]
There is no national agreement in place between FÁS Apprenticeship Services and US based authorities to recognise trade awards. Education and training provision differs across the federal status, and there is not a uniform system.
The National Qualifications Authority of Ireland is the Irish centre for the recognition of international qualifications, and has established Qualifications Recognition — Ireland (www.qualificationsrecognition.ie) to provide advice on the comparability of qualifications for persons seeking access to employment, to further education and training or seeking the pursuit of a regulated profession. The centre acts as a first point of contact and refers queries to the appropriate awards body or competent authority for the regulated professions. The centre is networked with national contact points for academic recognition and information on vocational education and training throughout the EU. The NQAI can also offer information on Irish awards, where requested.
Where applications for recognition of trade qualifications are received from the US, they are referred by the NQAI to the Further Education and Training Awards Council for advice. However, in some instances a comparison with the learning outcomes required in an Irish award is not possible, e.g. in cases where the applicants have been granted in the US a license to practice, rather than being holders of a specific qualification which is formally documented and formally accredited.
175 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps he has taken to alleviate the financial hardship imposed on school transport operators following the withdrawal of the fuel rebate scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44390/08]
As I announced in the budget, the allocation for school transport in 2009 allows for a compensatory allowance to be paid to private operators on contract to Bus Éireann, under the school transport scheme.
Bus Éireann is currently writing to all contractors seeking documentation relating to previous fuel rebate claims submitted to the Revenue Commissioners, with a deadline date of 19th December. The process of determining the level of any compensatory allowance to be paid will be progressed on the basis of the documentation received from contractors.
176 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will remove the cap on student numbers at the National College of Ireland; his views on whether to do so would be likely to increase the number of students from disadvantaged backgrounds attending third level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44397/08]
The Deputy may be aware that the cap on student numbers relates to funding under my Department's Free Fees Initiative for up to 925 students in the National College of Ireland. The college cannot expand on this limit without the approval of my Department and the Department of Finance. The NCI are free to increase the number of student places that they offer outside the free fees scheme.
Specific requests have been received from NCI to lift this cap on numbers of free fee places so as to increase places in IT and business and financial related courses. My Department has examined the College's request for an increase in places on IT related courses, however the view is that there is no need for additional IT related courses at this time due to general demand being less than places available. The request for an increase in places on business and financial related courses will be considered further having regard to the implementation of the recommendations of the Report by Expert Group on Future Skills Needs on the Skills Requirements of the Financial Services sector. Discussions are ongoing with regard to the implementation of this report.
Significant growth in the availability of places across the higher education system generally has facilitated improved participation rates across the board over recent years, including in particular among the lower socio-economic groups. As the Deputy will appreciate, the overall availability of places in the system generally is a more significant determinant of opportunity for wider participation than any particular increase in places on a specific course or courses.
177 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science if in view of the effects the budget 2009 announcements will have on a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow, he will reconsider the changes that will impact on this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44398/08]
I am aware of the concerns raised by the school referred to by the Deputy. However we are dealing with an economic situation of unprecedented difficulty. The Government has a collective duty to respond to this and to take very difficult decisions in the national interest.
In doing this we have attempted to afford some shelter to the education sector but given the scale of public expenditure on education it is simply not possible to avoid tough decisions. I fully accept that these decisions are not of themselves desirable and that they can only be justified by the imperative of securing the future economic stability of the country. I have called for cooperation from all the education partners in meeting the challenges facing us both as an education community and as a country.
The various impacts at school level were included in the Budget day announcements. Even with the budget measures in place there will still be a significantly increased borrowing requirement in 2009.
My Department will be advising individual schools in the normal way in relation to their staffing and grant allocations. The preparatory work for this has commenced with the processing of enrolment data that have been received from schools. The staffing allocation processes including notification to schools will commence early in the New Year. The allocation process includes appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. In addition to the mainstream classroom teachers my Department also allocates teaching resources to schools for special needs and language support. The final allocation to a school is also a function of the operation of the redeployment panels which provide for the retention of a teacher in an existing school if a new post is not available within the agreed terms of the scheme.
I have no difficulty in setting out for this House or for the public generally the overall changes on aggregate teacher numbers or on grant levels in schools for the 2009/10 school year. I will do this when the allocation processes have been completed. Furthermore the staffing schedule will be published and it is a transparent and clear way of ensuring that schools are treated consistently and fairly and know where they stand.
At this time the priority for my Department within the resources available to it is to carry out those processes in a timely manner. Diverting resources in order to create staffing or funding profiles for the individual school requested by the Deputy, information which at this time could only be speculative, could not be justified and would in fact impede the process.
I am confident that as the global economy improves it will be possible to build again on the significant achievements of recent years and do so in a manner consistent with overall prudent management of the Irish economy.
178 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will reverse the decision to postpone the acquisition of a three-acre site for a school (details supplied) in Dublin; and grant this school permanent recognition for the valuable work it does. [44409/08]
My Department requested the Office of Public Works to identify a suitable site for the school in question in September 2007. No decision has been made to postpone the acquisition of such a site. The Deputy will appreciate that the acquisition of a site has to be considered in the context of the capital budget available to my Department for school buildings generally. In light of current competing demands on the capital budget of my Department it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the acquisition of the school site at this time.
179 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the exact stage of the campaign by a school (details supplied) in Dublin 7 for a permanent building; and the amount of time they are expected to be waiting. [44410/08]
I wish to advise that meetings have recently taken place between the Department and Dublin City Council regarding the potential availability of a site and the Department has written to the City Council suggesting a lease arrangement be put in place. A response is awaited from the Council in relation to same.
The further progression of the acquisition of the site will be considered in the context of the capital budget available to the Department for school buildings generally. In light of the many competing demands on the capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the acquisition of the school site at this time.
180 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in County Waterford was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use, if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44419/08]
181 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in County Wexford was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44420/08]
182 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in County Monaghan was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44421/08]
183 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in County Meath was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44422/08]
184 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in County Kerry was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44423/08]
185 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in County Limerick was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44424/08]
186 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44425/08]
187 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in County Wicklow was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership. [44426/08]
188 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in County Wicklow was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44427/08]
189 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44428/08]
190 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in County Limerick was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44429/08]
191 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in County Limerick was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44430/08]
192 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44431/08]
193 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in County Waterford was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44432/08]
194 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in County Waterford was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44433/08]
195 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in County Kilkenny was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44434/08]
196 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in County Kerry was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44435/08]
197 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in County Kerry was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44436/08]
198 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in County Kerry was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44437/08]
199 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in County Kerry was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44438/08]
200 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in County Cork was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44439/08]
201 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in County Cork was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44440/08]
202 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in County Cork was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44441/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 180 to 202, inclusive, together.
Under the terms of the Indemnity Agreement reached with the Religious Congregations on 5th June 2002, the Congregations agreed to make a contribution of €128 million towards the cost of the Redress Scheme. This sum was broken down as follows:
Property Transfers €76.86m;
Cash Contribution €41.14m;
Provision of Counselling Services €10m.
In actual terms, whilst the overall figure of €128 million has not altered, the form in which it has or is to be transferred to the State has altered somewhat in terms of the property and cash contributions. This is because the Indemnity Agreement allows for cash to be substituted for property. The composition of the €128 million has changed to the following:
Property Transfers €66m;
Cash Contribution €052m;
Provision of Counselling Services €10m.
I can confirm that the full cash contribution of €52m has been received, including that which was accepted in lieu of properties. My Department has also received confirmation that the contributing congregations have provided counselling services to the value of €10m.
As a result of the Indemnity Agreement, my Department agreed in principle with CORI that a total of 64 properties would be accepted, subject to good and marketable title and agreed valuations. Valuations of the individual properties were fully agreed and fixed at 2002 values.
I wish to advise the Deputy that all of the legal formalities have been completed in the case of 21 of the properties transferring under the terms of 0the Indemnity Agreement. Details of these properties are attached.
In the case of the remaining properties, until such time as the matter is fully resolved, the valuations and other information pertaining to the individual properties is of a commercially sensitive nature and the release of such information may have a detrimental effect on the State's ability to secure Title to any outstanding properties. I am therefore not currently in a position to release valuations of these properties until such time as the whole property issue is fully completed.
Given the complex and time consuming nature of property transfers, it is difficult to state with any degree of certainty when the entire portfolio of property will be fully and finally transferred to the State. It is regrettable that the process for the final transfer of some of these properties is not yet completed. However, I am anxious to point out that whilst the legal formalities have not been finalised in all cases, in the vast majority of the properties, good and marketable title has been fully established or the properties have been physically transferred to and are in possession of the State or 3rd Parties.
In a small number of cases, consideration may have to be given to accepting an alternative property or cash where good and marketable title cannot be established. This has recently occurred in the case of one of the 64 properties where my Department accepted cash in lieu of a property where good and marketable title could not be established. Properties to the value of €26.79m have been fully transferred and a further €7.475m worth of properties have been handed over where the legal arrangements are almost finalised. This leaves a balance of properties valued at €31.735 where the legal transfer remains to be completed. In the case of all of these latter properties, with the exception of two, the properties are in use or are available for use by the transferee.
The properties were accepted in principle by my Department following receipt of confirmation from relevant Government Departments and State Agencies that it would be to their advantage to accept title to the particular property. The current or future use of these properties is a matter for each of the transferees. In relation to properties accepted in principle by my Department, these will be used to develop school provision.
I should also point out that, under the terms of the Indemnity Agreement, property transferring to voluntary organisations are subject to a restriction on transfer or alienation for a period of 21 years without the prior consent in writing of the Minister for Finance.
Every effort will continue to be made by officials of my Department through the State's legal representatives along with the legal representatives of the congregations and by direct contact with the interested parties to ensure that all outstanding issues are finalised.
|
€ |
|
|
Doon |
640,000.00 |
|
St Coleman’s Rushbrook |
571,380.00 |
|
Playing Field Carna |
175,000.00 |
|
Secondary School & Site, Ennistymon |
980,000.00 |
|
Mohill Community School Site |
520,000.00 |
|
Terenure Secondary School |
4,500,000.00 |
|
Site at Merrion |
8,900,000.00 |
|
Two Properties at Tuam |
3,020,000.00 |
|
Nursery Buildings Goldenbridge |
570,000.00 |
|
24 Westcourt Tralee |
184,110.00 |
|
Site at Glenamaddy |
600,000.00 |
|
11 Acre Site at Virginia Road, Kells |
825,000.00 |
|
Deenagh House, Killarney |
215,265.00 |
|
St Anne’s Secondary School |
2,600,000.00 |
|
28 The Woodlands |
270,000.00 |
|
Vacant Buildings and Land at Rathdrum |
349,200.00 |
|
Gate Lodge, Goldenbridge |
220,000.00 |
|
1 Garravogue Road, Raheen, Co Limerick |
228,550.00 |
|
23 Woodlea, Tralee, Co Kerry |
152,370.00 |
|
Cloughmacsimon* |
101,600.00 |
|
Goldenbridge Group Homes |
1,269,700.00 |
|
26,892,175.00 |
*Cash received in lieu of property.
203 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in County Cork was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44442/08]
204 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in County Cork was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44443/08]
205 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in County Cork was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44444/08]
206 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in County Cork was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44445/08]
207 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in County Cork was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44446/08]
208 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in County Cork was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44447/08]
209 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in County Cork was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44448/08]
210 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in County Cork was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44449/08]
211 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in County Cork was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44450/08]
212 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in County Cork was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44451/08]
213 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in County Cork was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44452/08]
214 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in County Cork was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44453/08]
215 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in County Sligo was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44454/08]
216 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when properties (details supplied) in County Galway were transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if they have since been sold; if so, the amount they were sold for; if he will clarify their status and use if they are in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44455/08]
217 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in County Kerry was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44456/08]
218 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in County Galway was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44457/08]
219 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in County Limerick was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44458/08]
220 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in County Westmeath was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44459/08]
221 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in County Clare was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44460/08]
222 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in County Leitrim was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44461/08]
223 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in County Laois was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44462/08]
224 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in Dublin 6W was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44463/08]
225 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in County Galway was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44464/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 203 to 225, inclusive, together.
Under the terms of the Indemnity Agreement reached with the Religious Congregations on 5th June 2002, the Congregations agreed to make a contribution of €128 million towards the cost of the Redress Scheme. This sum was broken down as follows:
Property Transfers €76.86m;
Cash Contribution €41.14m;
Provision of Counselling Services €10m.
In actual terms, whilst the overall figure of €128 million has not altered, the form in which it has or is to be transferred to the State has altered somewhat in terms of the property and cash contributions. This is because the Indemnity Agreement allows for cash to be substituted for property. The composition of the €128 million has changed to the following:
Property Transfers €66m;
Cash Contribution €52m;
Provision of Counselling Services €10m.
I can confirm that the full cash contribution of €52m has been received, including that which was accepted in lieu of properties. My Department has also received confirmation that the contributing congregations have provided counselling services to the value of €10m.
As a result of the Indemnity Agreement, my Department agreed in principle with CORI that a total of 64 properties would be accepted, subject to good and marketable title and agreed valuations. Valuations of the individual properties were fully agreed and fixed at 2002 values.
I wish to advise the Deputy that all of the legal formalities have been completed in the case of 21 of the properties transferring under the terms of the Indemnity Agreement. Details of these properties are contained in a table.
In the case of the remaining properties, until such time as the matter is fully resolved, the valuations and other information pertaining to the individual properties is of a commercially sensitive nature and the release of such information may have a detrimental effect on the State's ability to secure Title to any outstanding properties. I am therefore not currently in a position to release valuations of these properties until such time as the whole property issue is fully completed.
Given the complex and time consuming nature of property transfers, it is difficult to state with any degree of certainty when the entire portfolio of property will be fully and finally transferred to the State. It is regrettable that the process for the final transfer of some of these properties is not yet completed. However, I am anxious to point out that whilst the legal formalities have not been finalised in all cases, in the vast majority of the properties, good and marketable title has been fully established or the properties have been physically transferred to and are in possession of the State or 3rd Parties.
In a small number of cases, consideration may have to be given to accepting an alternative property or cash where good and marketable title cannot be established. This has recently occurred in the case of one of the 64 properties where my Department accepted cash in lieu of a property where good and marketable title could not be established. Properties to the value of €26.79m have been fully transferred and a further €7.475m worth of properties have been handed over where the legal arrangements are almost finalised. This leaves a balance of properties valued at €31.735 where the legal transfer remains to be completed. In the case of all of these latter properties, with the exception of two, the properties are in use or are available for use by the transferee.
The properties were accepted in principle by my Department following receipt of confirmation from relevant Government Departments and State Agencies that it would be to their advantage to accept title to the particular property. The current or future use of these properties is a matter for each of the transferees. In relation to properties accepted in principle by my Department, these will be used to develop school provision.
I should also point out that, under the terms of the Indemnity Agreement, property transferring to voluntary organisations are subject to a restriction on transfer or alienation for a period of 21 years without the prior consent in writing of the Minister for Finance.
Every effort will continue to be made by officials of my Department through the State's legal representatives along with the legal representatives of the congregations and by direct contact with the interested parties to ensure that all outstanding issues are finalised.
|
€ |
|
|
Doon |
640,000.00 |
|
St Coleman’s Rushbrook |
571,380.00 |
|
Playing Field Carna |
175,000.00 |
|
Secondary School & Site, Ennistymon |
980,000.00 |
|
Mohill Community School Site |
520,000.00 |
|
Terenure Secondary School |
4,500,000.00 |
|
Site at Merrion |
8,900,000.00 |
|
Two Properties at Tuam |
3,020,000.00 |
|
Nursery Buildings Goldenbridge |
570,000.00 |
|
24 Westcourt Tralee |
184,110.00 |
|
Site at Glenamaddy |
600,000.00 |
|
11 Acre Site at Virginia Road, Kells |
825,000.00 |
|
Deenagh House, Killarney |
215,265.00 |
|
St Anne’s Secondary School |
2,600,000.00 |
|
28 The Woodlands |
270,000.00 |
|
Vacant Buildings and Land at Rathdrum |
€349,200.00 |
|
Gate Lodge, Goldenbridge |
220,000.00 |
|
1 Garravogue Road, Raheen, Co Limerick |
228,550.00 |
|
23 Woodlea, Tralee, Co Kerry |
152,370.00 |
|
Cloughmacsimon* |
101,600.00 |
|
Goldenbridge Group Homes |
1,269,700.00 |
|
26,892,175.00 |
*Cash received in lieu of property.
226 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in County Longford was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44465/08]
227 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in County Mayo was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44466/08]
228 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in Dublin 6 was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44467/08]
229 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in Dublin 8 was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44468/08]
230 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in County Dublin was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44469/08]
231 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in County Kildare was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44470/08]
232 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in Dublin 22 was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44471/08]
233 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44472/08]
234 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in County Limerick was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44473/08]
235 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in County Limerick was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44474/08]
236 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in County Mayo was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44475/08]
237 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in Dublin 9 was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44476/08]
238 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in Dublin 9 was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44477/08]
239 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in County Waterford was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44478/08]
240 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in Dublin 6 was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44479/08]
241 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in County Dublin was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44480/08]
242 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a property (details supplied) in County Mayo was transferred to the ownership of the State in accordance with the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations in 2002; if it has since been sold; if so, the amount it was sold for; if he will clarify its status and use if it is in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44481/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 226 to 242, inclusive, together.
Under the terms of the Indemnity Agreement reached with the Religious Congregations on 5th June 2002, the Congregations agreed to make a contribution of €128 million towards the cost of the Redress Scheme. This sum was broken down as follows: Property Transfers, €76.86m; Cash Contribution, €41.14m; Provision of Counselling Services, €10m. In actual terms, whilst the overall figure of €128 million has not altered, the form in which it has or is to be transferred to the State has altered somewhat in terms of the property and cash contributions. This is because the Indemnity Agreement allows for cash to be substituted for property. The composition of the €128million has changed to the following:
Property Transfers €66m;
Cash Contribution €52m;
Provision of Counselling Services €10m.
I can confirm that the full cash contribution of €52m has been received, including that which was accepted in lieu of properties. My Department has also received confirmation that the contributing congregations have provided counselling services to the value of €10m.
As a result of the Indemnity Agreement, my Department agreed in principle with CORI that a total of 64 properties would be accepted, subject to good and marketable title and agreed valuations. Valuations of the individual properties were fully agreed and fixed at 2002 values.
I wish to advise the Deputy that all of the legal formalities have been completed in the case of 21 of the properties transferring under the terms of the Indemnity Agreement. Details of these properties are attached.
In the case of the remaining properties, until such time as the matter is fully resolved, the valuations and other information pertaining to the individual properties is of a commercially sensitive nature and the release of such information may have a detrimental effect on the State's ability to secure Title to any outstanding properties. I am therefore not currently in a position to release valuations of these properties until such time as the whole property issue is fully completed.
Given the complex and time consuming nature of property transfers, it is difficult to state with any degree of certainty when the entire portfolio of property will be fully and finally transferred to the State. It is regrettable that the process for the final transfer of some of these properties is not yet completed. However, I am anxious to point out that whilst the legal formalities have not been finalised in all cases, in the vast majority of the properties, good and marketable title has been fully established or the properties have been physically transferred to and are in possession of the State or 3rd Parties.
In a small number of cases, consideration may have to be given to accepting an alternative property or cash where good and marketable title cannot be established. This has recently occurred in the case of one of the 64 properties where my Department accepted cash in lieu of a property where good and marketable title could not be established. Properties to the value of €26.79m have been fully transferred and a further €7.475m worth of properties have been handed over where the legal arrangements are almost finalised. This leaves a balance of properties valued at €31.735 where the legal transfer remains to be completed. In the case of all of these latter properties, with the exception of two, the properties are in use or are available for use by the transferee.
The properties were accepted in principle by my Department following receipt of confirmation from relevant Government Departments and State Agencies that it would be to their advantage to accept title to the particular property. The current or future use of these properties is a matter for each of the transferees. In relation to properties accepted in principle by my Department, these will be used to develop school provision.
I should also point out that, under the terms of the Indemnity Agreement, property transferring to voluntary organisations are subject to a restriction on transfer or alienation for a period of 21 years without the prior consent in writing of the Minister for Finance.
Every effort will continue to be made by officials of my Department through the State's legal representatives along with the legal representatives of the congregations and by direct contact with the interested parties to ensure that all outstanding issues are finalised.
|
€ |
|
|
Doon |
640,000.00 |
|
St Coleman’s Rushbrook |
571,380.00 |
|
Playing Field Carna |
175,000.00 |
|
Secondary School & Site, Ennistymon |
980,000.00 |
|
Mohill Community School Site |
520,000.00 |
|
Terenure Secondary School |
4,500,000.00 |
|
Site at Merrion |
8,900,000.00 |
|
Two Properties at Tuam |
3,020,000.00 |
|
Nursery Buildings Goldenbridge |
570,000.00 |
|
24 Westcourt Tralee |
184,110.00 |
|
Site at Glenamaddy |
600,000.00 |
|
11 Acre Site at Virginia Road, Kells |
825,000.00 |
|
Deenagh House, Killarney |
215,265.00 |
|
St Anne’s Secondary School |
2,600,000.00 |
|
28 The Woodlands |
270,000.00 |
|
Vacant Buildings and Land at Rathdrum |
349,200.00 |
|
Gate Lodge, Goldenbridge |
220,000.00 |
|
1 Garravogue Road, Raheen, Co Limerick |
228,550.00 |
|
23 Woodlea, Tralee, Co Kerry |
152,370.00 |
|
Cloughmacsimon* |
101,600.00 |
|
Goldenbridge Group Homes |
1,269,700.00 |
|
26,892,175.00 |
*Cash received in lieu of property.
243 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science when a school (details supplied) in County Offaly which has applied for the replacement of its old building and prefabricated buildings on site will be listed for construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44488/08]
The school to which the Deputy refers has applied to my Department for large-scale capital funding for a new building. The project is at an advanced stage of architectural planning.
The progression of all major building projects, including this project, from initial design through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the further progression of the project at this time.
244 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of large school projects his Department has delivered in 2008 as a result of channelling the summer works scheme 2008 funding towards larger projects; the locations of the projects; the stages they are at; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44489/08]
Since the Summer Works Scheme was introduced, over 3,000 projects, costing in excess of €300 million, have been completed. With so many smaller projects having been completed over the past few years, the particular emphasis in 2008 has been on providing sufficient school places in developing areas, while also delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country. Accordingly my Department has focused on delivering as many large projects as possible in 2008 and funding was not made available for a Summer Works Scheme this year.
The following table highlights the large number of major projects which have been brought to completion this year with 43 new primary schools and 3 new post-primary schools completed under the programme in 2008. In addition, 29 major primary school extension and refurbishment projects and the 15 major post-primary extension and refurbishment projects were completed in 2008.
Taken together, these major projects reflect the concentration by my Department this year on providing sufficient school places in developing areas, while also delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country and represent an unprecedented level of achievement.
I recognise the benefits of the Summer Works Scheme in addressing the needs of schools and I have previously informed the house of my intention to have a Summer Works Scheme in 2009. The details of the operation of the scheme in 2009 and the level of funding to be made available under the scheme in 2009 are currently being considered and will be completed as soon as possible. The Professional and Technical Reports provided by schools for 2008 can be used again for future projects so that schools will not be at the loss of expenditure on them.
|
County |
Roll No. |
School |
Year |
|
Carlow |
20295K |
Carlow Town Educate Together |
2008 |
|
Cavan |
19983B |
St Clare’s NS Ballyjamesduff |
2008 |
|
Cork |
19433M |
Holy Family SS, Charleville |
2008 |
|
Cork |
20204E |
Kilworth NS, Cork |
2008 |
|
Donegal |
17036P |
SN Naomh Colmchille Killmacrennan |
2008 |
|
Dublin |
15315J |
St George’s N.S., Balbriggan |
2008 |
|
Dublin |
16786H |
St. Brigid’s Convent NS, The Coombe |
2008 |
|
Dublin |
19946S |
Rutland St NS Dublin 1 |
2008 |
|
Dublin |
20176C |
Rush and Lusk Educate Together |
2008 |
|
Dublin |
20186F |
Castaheany Educate Together NS, Ongar, Dublin 15 |
2008 |
|
Dublin |
20201V |
Tyrellstown Educate Together |
2008 |
|
Dublin |
20241K |
Scoil Choilm, Diswellstown, Porterstown |
2008 |
|
Dublin |
20247W |
Scoil Ghráinne Community N.S., Phibblestown |
2008 |
|
Dublin |
20252P |
Gaelscoil Balbriggan |
2008 |
|
Dublin |
20282B |
Bracken Educate Together,Balbriggan |
2008 |
|
Dublin |
20302E |
Swords Applewood |
2008 |
|
Dublin |
20303G |
Clonborris, Lucan |
2008 |
|
Dublin |
20304I |
Belmayne, St Francis N.S. |
2008 |
|
Dublin |
20307O |
Skerries — Kelly’s Bay |
2008 |
|
Dublin |
20308Q |
Belmayne |
2008 |
|
Dublin |
17055T |
Saggart |
2008 |
|
Dublin |
20060G |
Monkstown Educate Together NS |
2008 |
|
Kildare |
16705E |
Athy |
2008 |
|
Kildare |
20257C |
Scoil Naomh Padraig, Celbridge |
2008 |
|
Kildare |
20292E |
Maynooth Educate Together |
2008 |
|
Laois |
15556I |
Portarlington Convent NS |
2008 |
|
Laois |
20081O |
Portlaoise |
2008 |
|
Louth |
20294I |
North Drogheda Environs, Drogheda |
2008 |
|
Mayo |
15866A |
Carrakennedy NS, Westport |
2008 |
|
Meath |
18044T |
SN Naomh Padraig, Stamullen |
2008 |
|
Monaghan |
20120V |
Scoil Chroi Ro Naofa Clones |
2008 |
|
Offaly |
20189L |
Tullamore Educate Together |
2008 |
|
Sligo |
19688W |
Dromore West Central NS |
2008 |
|
Tipperary |
19968F |
Gaelscoil Durlas Eile |
2008 |
|
Westmeath |
16914N |
Baile Coireil NS, Coralstown |
2008 |
|
Westmeath |
19848S |
St Etchen’s, Kennegad |
2008 |
|
Westmeath |
19948W |
SN gCeithre Maistrí, Diseart Mhuire, Bothar na Dithreibhe |
2008 |
|
Westmeath |
20188J |
Mullingar Educate Together |
2008 |
|
Wexford |
20165U |
Gaelscoil Mhiosolog, Gorey |
2008 |
|
Wexford |
20214H |
Gorey Educate Together |
2008 |
|
Wicklow |
06176U |
Blessington 1 NS |
2008 |
|
Wicklow |
20300A |
Educate Together Greystones |
2008 |
|
Wicklow |
20301C |
Gaelscoil Greystones |
2008 |
|
County |
Roll No. |
School |
Year |
|
Carlow |
14837L |
SN Peadar agus Pol Ballon Carlow |
2008 |
|
Cavan |
11541V |
Dromaili SN Cavan |
2008 |
|
Cork |
18279A |
Carrigaline 3 NS Carragline |
2008 |
|
Donegal |
19553W |
Dungloe Central |
2008 |
|
Dublin |
19015R |
St. Joseph’s Girls National School, Finglas, Dublin 11 |
2008 |
|
Dublin |
19945Q |
Rathfarnham Educate Together Loreto Avenue |
2008 |
|
Dublin |
20091R |
St Peters NS Phibsboro |
2008 |
|
Galway |
17198S |
SN Muire Gan Smal |
2008 |
|
Galway |
17485C |
Briarhill NS |
2008 |
|
Galway |
17771W |
Lisheenkyle NS |
2008 |
|
Galway |
20115F |
Scoil Einne, Spiddeal |
2008 |
|
Kerry |
19548G |
Nano Nagle NS Lixnaw |
2008 |
|
Kildare |
08099P |
St Laurence’s NS, Sallins |
2008 |
|
Kilkenny |
15340I |
Carrigeen NS |
2008 |
|
Laois |
16617H |
Ballyadams NS |
2008 |
|
Laois |
20118L |
Scoil Bhride Clonaslee |
2008 |
|
Leitrim |
20203C |
Mohill NS |
2008 |
|
Limerick |
08926B |
St Nicholas Church of Ireland School, Adare |
2008 |
|
Louth |
17124M |
Ardee Monastery |
2008 |
|
Mayo |
19916J |
St Peter’s NS |
2008 |
|
Offaly |
11203B |
St Kieran’s NS, Clareen |
2008 |
|
Tipperary |
18207V |
SN Baile an Atha |
2008 |
|
Waterford |
13635R |
Ballyduff NS, Kilmeaden |
2008 |
|
Waterford |
18462O |
Scoil Lorcain |
2008 |
|
Waterford |
19539F |
St. Pauls Junior School, Lisduggan |
2008 |
|
Waterford |
19853L |
Gaelscoil Portláirge |
2008 |
|
Wexford |
14254K |
SN Mhuire, Danescastle |
2008 |
|
Wexford |
16145P |
Loreto Primary School Gorey |
2008 |
|
Wexford |
19739N |
Scoil Mhuire Coolcotts |
2008 |
|
County |
Roll No. |
School |
Year |
|
Dublin |
91305L |
Ballinteer Community School |
2008 |
|
Limerick |
64220A |
St Clements College, South Circular Road |
2008 |
|
Limerick |
71920T |
St Nessan’s Community College |
2008 |
|
County |
Roll No. |
School |
Year |
|
Cork |
62200H |
Colaiste Muire Crosshaven |
2008 |
|
Cork |
62320R |
St Mary’s Secondary School, Macroom |
2008 |
|
Cork |
62560O |
Colaiste Chriost Ri, Capwell Road, Cork |
2008 |
|
Donegal |
71242B |
Gairm Scoil Chú Uladh Leifear |
2008 |
|
Donegal |
81010J |
St Columba’s Community School, Glenties |
2008 |
|
Dublin |
70342A |
Ballyfermot College, |
2008 |
|
Dublin |
60511O |
Beneavin De La Salle Finglas Dublin 11 |
2008 |
|
Limerick |
76073G |
Castletroy CC |
2008 |
|
Mayo |
64630T |
Jesus and Mary Gortnor Abbey Crossmolina |
2008 |
|
Mayo |
72130S |
St Patrick’s College Lacken Cross Killala |
2008 |
|
Tipperary |
65340P |
Presentation SS, Clonmel |
2008 |
|
Westmeath |
63210P |
Our Lady’s Bower SS, Retreat Rd, Athlone |
2008 |
|
Wexford |
71650Q |
Kilmuckridge Vocational School |
2008 |
|
Wicklow |
61820J |
Loreto S.S. Bray |
2008 |
|
Wicklow |
70800E |
St Kevin’s Community College, Dunlavin |
2008 |
245 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to reinstate the summer works scheme for 2009; the level of funding that will be provided for the scheme; when schools should apply for the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44490/08]
Since the Summer Works Scheme was introduced, over 3,000 projects, costing in excess of €300 million, have been completed. With so many smaller projects having been completed over the past few years, the particular emphasis in 2008 has been on providing sufficient school places in developing areas, while also delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country. Accordingly my Department has focused on delivering as many large projects as possible in 2008 and funding was not made available for a Summer Works Scheme this year.
However, I recognise the benefits of the scheme in addressing the needs of schools and I have previously informed the house of my intention to have a Summer Works Scheme in 2009. The details of the operation of the scheme in 2009 and the level of funding to be made available under the scheme in 2009 are currently being considered and will be completed as soon as possible. The Professional and Technical Reports provided by schools for 2008 can be used again for future projects so that schools will not be at the loss of expenditure on them.
246 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will address the anomaly that has resulted in third level courses being categorised as the same, which means that students on level seven courses are being refused the maintenance grant as it is not seen to be a progression course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44492/08]
247 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has been refused a third level maintenance grant for a level seven course. [44493/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 246 and 247 together.
The decision on eligibility for student maintenance grants is a matter for the relevant assessing authority, either the local authority or VEC, as appropriate. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department, except in exceptional circumstances.
If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a maintenance grant, or that the rate of maintenance grant awarded is not the correct one, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to the relevant local authority or VEC.
Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by the relevant local authority or VEC, and remains of the view that the body has not interpreted the schemes correctly in his/her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to my Department.
Clause 9.4 of the TLT Scheme 2008 states that "A candidate who has completed a two year Middle Level Technician (MLT) course is not eligible for a grant in respect of a further two year or three year Higher Technical/Business Skills (HTBS) course, irrespective of whether or not a grant was previously paid, but s/he may be eligible for a grant in respect of the third "add-on" year of a related Higher Technical/Business Skills (HTBS) course".
Should a candidate in the future enter a course at Level 8 or higher, he/she may apply to his/her Local Authority or Vocational Education Committee in order to have his/her eligibility for grant assistance assessed under the terms and conditions of the relevant grant scheme.
In addition, the Student Assistance Fund is designed to assist students who, having commenced a third-level course, experience financial hardship that may render them unable to continue their third-level studies. Applications for funding are made by the individual student to the Access Officer in the institution in which they are studying. The Fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis.
Section 473A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides tax relief, at the standard rate of tax, for tuition fees paid in respect of approved courses at approved colleges of higher education, including certain approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in non EU countries.
Further details and conditions in relation to this tax relief are available from an individual's Local Tax Office.
248 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department has received a request for the establishment of an autism unit at a school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44498/08]
The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. I have arranged for the details supplied by the Deputy to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.
249 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Education and Science the failure rate among first year students in third level colleges; the cost to the State for repeat exams; the failure rates for the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44517/08]
The Higher Education Authority (HEA) does not collect information on the numbers of first year students failing their year-end exams. While it is not possible therefore to provide an overall figure on failure rates, certain information is available on overall numbers progressing from first year to second year in the university sector by comparing the cohort sizes across successive academic years. In the 2006/07 academic year, there were 18,090 first year students on Level 8 courses in the seven universities. In 2007/08, there were 16,140 second year students on Level 8 courses in the seven universities.
Although this indicates a gross progression rate of 89%, it does not mean that the failure rate is 11%. For example, students may have transferred to other higher education courses, opting to sit first year again, but never actually sitting an exam before their transfer. Other students may have taken time out from their studies to work or travel. The real failure rate is therefore likely to be significantly below the 11% figure.
Information on progression rates is not readily available in respect of the Institutes of Technology and insufficient data are available to present figures for the previous five years for the university sector. As a result of new data collation arrangements, future years will provide sufficient data for this analysis.
In relation to costs, my Department allocates recurrent funding to the Higher Education Authority (HEA) for disbursement to the universities, institutes of technology and other institutions. It is a matter for each institution to determine how the block grant received from the HEA is allocated internally. Under the terms of my Department's Free Fees Initiative the Exchequer meets the tuition fees of eligible students who are pursuing full-time undergraduate courses of study. A student who repeats a year of study is not eligible for a repeat of free fees except in the exceptional circumstances such as certified serious illness. The third level institutions may autonomously determine the level of fees to be charged in any case where the Free Fees Initiative does not apply.
Third level Institutions also charge students a Student Services Charge which is levied to defray the costs of normal examinations, registration and student services. This charge does not cover the costs associated with the setting, administering and correcting of repeat examinations offered by institutions as a second chance option for students. In such cases the institutions determine the fee to be paid by students for repeat examinations.
250 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the estimate of the number of schools which will lose funding as a result of the recent abolition of grants announced in budget 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44527/08]
The 2009 Budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. These decisions were made to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. In this respect Education while protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure could not be totally spared.
Prudent management of the Government finances is particularly important at this time of global economic uncertainty when tax revenue has fallen so significantly and when world economic conditions are so serious. Even with the Budget measures in place there will still be a significantly increased borrowing requirement in 2009.
While I appreciate that the abolition of certain grants will make it a challenging year ahead in terms of the day to day funding of schools, I have prioritised funding for primary schools. The Education Budget for 2009 has provided for improvements to capitation and ancillary grants for primary schools which will increase from €167 million in 2008 to almost €190 million in 2009.
This builds on the progress that has been made in recent years that has seen the primary school capitation grant increased from €81.26 per pupil in 2000 to its current rate of €200. This represents an increase of 146% in the standard rate of capitation grant since 2000.
The budget improvements involve an increase of more than €21 to bring the rate to €200 per pupil and the ancillary services grant for primary schools will also be improved by €3.50 to €155 per pupil.
My Department will be advising individual schools in the normal way in relation to their grant allocations. The preparatory work for this has commenced with the processing of enrolment data that have been received from schools.
At this time the priority for my Department, within the resources available to it, is to carry out those processes in a timely manner. Diverting resources in order to compile the position at individual school level, could not be justified at this stage of the process.
We are committed to investing in education but we have to invest at a level that is consistent with what we can afford and what is sustainable at the moment given economic circumstances. I am confident that as the global economy improves it will be possible to build again on the significant achievements of recent years and do so in a manner consistent with overall prudent management of the Irish economy.
251 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science his dealings with a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24 in respect of the ongoing funding difficulties which occur; if he will confirm that his Department have been in discussions with South Dublin County Council regarding substantial improvements on the existing grants given to the school for the operation of this sports and leisure centre; if he will further confirm that South Dublin County Council will provide matching funding as a means of keeping the centre in operation; the conclusions of a meeting between his Department, the local authority and the school which was arranged for 11 November 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44528/08]
Officials from my Department met with officials from South Dublin County Council and representatives from the school referred to by the Deputy on 11 November 2008. The meeting sought to address the funding issues referred to by the Deputy and I can confirm that progress was made. Discussions on the funding of the sports complex are ongoing between the parties involved.
252 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if the Teaching Council has made a formal representation to his Department in respect of dealing with the issue regarding teachers employed in further education colleges; the person or body who regulates standards within the sector of education, in view of the fact that further education has never received the type of recognition that other sectors of the education system here have in place; if those who work within the further education sector are governed by the Teaching Council; if not, the reason for same; his plans for the formal recognition of this sector, and for its inclusion within the remit of the Teaching Council in view of the fact that in excess of 30,000 learners attend colleges in this sector on an annual basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44529/08]
The Teaching Council has submitted draft regulations for registration to my Department, and these deal with all the relevant sectors including the one referred to by the Deputy. These regulations are currently under review by the relevant sections within my Department.
253 Deputy Beverley Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Science the savings that will be achieved by increasing the teacher-pupil ratio from 1:27 to 1:28; the proportion of the savings that relates to three teacher schools going to two teacher schools and two teacher schools going to one teacher schools; and the difference in cost saving that would be achieved if schools that would lose a entitlement to a teacher by one pupil were excluded. [44533/08]
My Department's budget for next year has been prepared on the same fundamental basis as any other year by estimating the number of teachers that will be employed under the different categories given the policies in place, for example, mainstream classroom teachers, special needs and language support teachers and allowing for any change in overall demographics.
Specifically in relation to mainstream classroom teachers, the yield in savings that will result from the change in the staffing schedule from an average of 27 pupils per teacher to an average of 28 pupils per teacher will ultimately depend on the aggregate impact of the revised staffing schedule on the particular enrolment profile of all the primary schools countrywide as of 30 September last and the operation of the panel system of redeployment. The full year saving is estimated at €6 million for every 100 teaching posts saved. My Department's estimating range for the yield from the staffing schedule adjustment is 350-500 posts saving up to €30 million in a full year. The Deputy will appreciate that while the measure will only yield a portion of that saving in 2009 it is the full year yield that is most relevant given that the Government strategy is to manage the correction needed in the public finances over the coming years as distinct from the 2009 position alone.
The estimates for savings relate to the overall position, taken in the round, and are not broken down by school size. The proportion of the savings that relate to two and three classroom schools will become clearer when the allocation processes commences in the New Year.
An important consideration in relation to the staffing allocations for schools is that schools should be treated in an equitable manner. The staffing schedule should operate in a manner that treats schools in like circumstances equally. I have a responsibility to ensure that whatever the overall level of allocation the system for allocating teachers to schools is transparent and fair where everyone knows where they stand and each school knows that it is getting the same number of mainstream class teachers as the school up the road with similar enrolment.
I have already put it on record that I have no difficulty in setting out for this House or for the public generally what the final impact will be on the overall changes on aggregate teacher numbers in schools for the 2009/10 school year. I am not claiming in any way that there will be no impact on the staffing position in schools generally but this will vary from school to school and there will be schools where the number of teachers will remain the same.
I will set out the final position when the allocation processes have been completed. The allocation processes including notification to schools will commence early in the New Year. The allocation process includes appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. The final allocation to a school is also a function of the operation of the redeployment panels which provide for the retention of a teacher in an existing school if a new post is not available within the agreed terms of the scheme.
For the moment the priority for my Department is to move ahead with the allocation processes and begin the interaction with individual schools early in the New Year.
254 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Education and Science if there are plans to provide additional car parking and drop-off facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44536/08]
My Department has not received an application for car parking and drop-off facilities at this school.
Should an application be received for funding for such works, it will be assessed and the school authorities notified of the outcome without delay.
255 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department has finalised the level of teaching resources to be allocated to a school (details supplied) in County Cork for the 2009/2010 school year. [44544/08]
The 2009 Budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. These decisions were made to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. In this respect, Education, while protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure, could not be totally spared. The various impacts at school level were included in the Budget day announcements. Even with the budget measures in place there will still be a significantly increased borrowing requirement in 2009.
My Department will be advising individual schools in the normal way in relation to their staffing allocations. The preparatory work for this has commenced with the processing of enrolment data that have been received from schools. The staffing allocation processes including notification to schools will commence early in the New Year. The allocation process includes appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. In addition to the mainstream classroom teachers my Department also allocates teaching resources to schools for special needs and language support. The final allocation to a school is also a function of the operation of the redeployment panels which provide for the retention of a teacher in an existing school if a new post is not available within the agreed terms of the scheme.
I have no difficulty in setting out for this House or for the public generally the overall changes on aggregate teacher numbers in schools for the 2009/10 school year. I will do this when the allocation processes have been completed. Furthermore the staffing schedule will be published and it is a transparent and clear way of ensuring that schools are treated consistently and fairly and know where they stand.
At this time the priority for my Department within the resources available to it is to carry out those processes in a timely manner. Diverting resources in order to create staffing profiles for the individual school requested by the Deputy, information which at this time could only be speculative, could not be justified and would in fact impede the process.
256 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on correspondence from a school (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44549/08]
The school to which the Deputy refers is among the schools that were judged by an independent identification process in 2005 not to have a sufficient level of disadvantage among their pupils to warrant their inclusion in DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunities in Schools), the Action Plan for educational inclusion.
A review mechanism was put in place in 2006 to address the concerns of schools that did not qualify for inclusion in DEIS but regarded themselves as having a level of disadvantage which was of a scale sufficient to warrant their inclusion in the programme. The review process operated under the direction of an independent person, charged with ensuring that all relevant identification processes and procedures were properly followed in the case of schools applying for a review. The review was concluded and the results were notified to schools who applied for the review in August 2006. An application for review was received from the school to which the Deputy refers. Regrettably the school was unsuccessful in that process.
The next identification process is scheduled to be held at the end of the current DEIS programme which runs from 2006-2010. There will not be an opportunity before this to be included in the current DEIS programme of supports.
Primary schools' running costs are met by my Department's scheme of capitation grants. These grants are intended to contribute towards the general operating costs of schools which would include heating, lighting, cleaning, insurance, painting, teaching aids and other miscellaneous charges. The Ancillary Services grant provides additional funding for primary schools towards the cost of secretarial and caretaking services.
The Education Budget for 2009 has provided for improvements to the overall level of day to day funding for primary schools which will see funding increase from €167 million in 2008 to almost €190 million in 2009.
The primary capitation grant has been improved by more than €21 to bring the rate to €200 per pupil and the ancillary services grant for primary schools will also be improved by €3.50 to €155 per pupil.
This builds on the progress has been made in recent years that has seen the primary school capitation grant increased from €81.26 per pupil in 2000 to its current rate of €200. This represents an increase of 146% in the standard rate of capitation grant since 2000.
A devolved Minor Works Grant is paid to all fully recognised primary schools annually. The Minor Works Grant provides school authorities with the funds to carry out ongoing repairs and maintenance work of a minor nature on school buildings. It allows the school to prioritise how the money is spent on their schools, again using their local knowledge. Individual primary schools receive a grant in the sum of €5,500 plus €18.50 per pupil. My Department intends to pay the next round of Minor Works grant early in 2009.
257 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the provision of an autism specific class for a school (details supplied) in County Leitrim in view of the large number of second and third class special needs pupils in the school. [44551/08]
The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. I have arranged for the details supplied by the Deputy to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.
258 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science his proposals to address the concerns of persons (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44553/08]
The 2009 Budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. These decisions were made to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. In this respect, education, while protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure, could not be totally spared. The various impacts at school level were included in the Budget day announcements. Even with the budget measures in place there will still be a significantly increased borrowing requirement in 2009.
My Department has approved a new 24 classroom school and ancillary accommodation for the school to which the Deputy refers. This project is currently at Stage 2b of the architectural planning process (detailed design).
Progression of the project will be considered in the context of the Department's Multi-annual Schools Building and Modernisation Programme. In light of current competing demands on the capital budget of my Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of this project at this time.
My Department will be advising individual schools in the normal way in relation to their staffing allocations. The preparatory work for this has commenced with the processing of enrolment data that have been received from schools.
Schools have flexibility in the way in which they assign pupils and teachers to classes and the Department does not allocate teachers to specific classes or age groups.
In any discussion of class size and classes where the number of pupils exceed the average it is important to understand how the main staffing schedule sets out to treat schools in like circumstances in a fair and consistent manner. The current allocation is based on an average of 27 pupils per teacher and the fact that schools make individual choices in assigning teachers to class groups. With over 20,000 individual classes spread across all schools throughout the country there will always be differences in individual class sizes.
I have no difficulty in setting out for this House or for the public generally the overall changes on aggregate teacher numbers in schools for the 2009/10 school year. I will do this when the allocation processes have been completed. Furthermore the staffing schedule will be published and it is a transparent and clear way of ensuring that schools are treated consistently and fairly and know where they stand.
The allocation processes including notification to schools will commence early in the New Year. The allocation process includes appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. The final allocation to a school is also a function of the operation of the redeployment panels which provide for the retention of a teacher in an existing school if a new post is not available within the agreed terms of the scheme. For the moment the priority for my Department is to move ahead with the allocation processes and begin the interaction with individual schools early in the New Year.
259 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary school teachers that are expected to lose their jobs arising from the proposed budget 2009 cuts from January 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44555/08]
260 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in the course of calculations in the context of budget 2009 cuts proposed by his Department in 2009, consideration has been given to expected teacher job losses with consequent negative impact on the provision of an adequate standard and scale of education for children in all second level schools here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44556/08]
261 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will withdraw his proposed budget 2009 cuts relative to primary and second level schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44557/08]
263 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will take action to prevent further deterioration in pupil-teacher ratios at all primary and second level schools here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44560/08]
264 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has specified the extent and nature of services to be cut at primary and second level schools arising from budget 2009 cuts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44561/08]
265 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will introduce measures to ameliorate the impact on schools most seriously affected by budget 2009 cuts in the educational sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44562/08]
266 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will take steps to address the worsening pupil-teacher ratios expected to arise following his proposals to reduce funding for primary and second level schools here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44563/08]
267 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when he expects to bring pupil-teacher ratios into line with commitments given by the Government parties prior to 2007 general election; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44564/08]
268 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps he will take to bring pupil-teacher ratios in County Kildare, with particular reference to north Kildare, into line with the national average; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44565/08]
269 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that his announced and proposed budgetary cuts in the educational sector are expected to impact more seriously on schools in County Kildare than elsewhere throughout the country; if he will address this issue in the immediate future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44566/08]
270 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will take steps to ease the effect of the education budget 2009 cuts on schools in County Kildare which are likely to be worst affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44567/08]
271 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has proposals to address and improve the pupil-teacher ratio in primary schools in north Kildare which have a ratio in excess of the national average; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44568/08]
272 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when he expects to fulfil the commitments made to parents and teachers in north Kildare prior to the last general election with particular reference to pupil teacher ratios in the classroom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44569/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 259 to 261, inclusive, and 263 to 272, inclusive, together.
I have consistently said that the 2009 Budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. These decisions were made to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. In this respect Education, while protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure, could not be totally spared. The various impacts at school level were included in the Budget day announcements and in view of the ominous financial circumstances that we are facing I am not in a position to reverse any of the decisions taken.
I have made it clear in briefing material published on the 2009 Estimates for the Department of Education and Science that overall, the number of primary and post-primary teachers in schools in September 2009 is projected to be about 200 fewer in each sector compared to September, 2008.
Clearly a net reduction in the number of teachers, while relatively small in terms of the overall number of teachers that will continue to be employed in our schools, will of course impact to some degree on the pupil-teacher ratio in a situation where enrolments are rising. This applies to the ratio for the country as a whole in the primary and post-primary sectors and will apply at individual county level also. There may be some differences between counties depending on the distribution of the projected increase in enrolments.
I have already put it on record that I have no difficulty in setting out for this House or for the public generally what the final impact will be on the overall changes on aggregate teacher numbers in schools for the 2009/10 school year and this applies to final pupil-teacher ratios as well. I have been forthright with the Irish people in relation to these measures. I am not claiming in any way that there will be no impact on the staffing position in schools generally but this will vary from school to school and there will be schools where the number of teachers will remain the same.
I will set out the final position when the allocation processes have been completed. The allocation processes including notification to schools will commence early in the New Year. The allocation process includes appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. The final allocation to a school is also a function of the operation of the redeployment panels which provide for the retention of a teacher in an existing school if a new post is not available within the agreed terms of the scheme. The appellate process is particularly relevant at post-primary level where any specific curricular needs of the school concerned are considered. Also at post-primary there is no effective system wide redeployment scheme at present and this can mean that schools retain teachers, though over quota.
For the moment the priority for my Department is to move ahead with the allocation processes and begin the interaction with individual schools early in the new year and I do not propose to divert staff to engage in producing estimated or hypothetical outcomes for individual counties.
262 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science his proposals to improve and extend facilities for children with autism in 2009 at all mainstream schools here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44558/08]
I previously advised the Deputy on the Government's commitment to ensuring that all children with special educational needs, including those with autism, can have access to an education appropriate to their needs preferably in school settings through the primary and post primary school network. This facilitates access to individualised education programmes, fully qualified professional teachers, special needs assistants and the appropriate school curriculum.
The establishment of a network of autism-specific special classes in schools across the country to cater for children with autism has been a key educational priority in recent years. In excess of 330 classes have now been approved around the country at primary and post primary level, including many in special schools. The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) will continue to establish more classes as required.
Children in these classes benefit from having a reduced pupil-teacher ratio of 6:1; fully qualified teachers who have access to training in a range of autism-specific interventions, including Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA), the Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH) and the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and there is a minimum of 2 special needs assistants in each class. These students have the option, where appropriate, of full/partial integration and interaction with other pupils. Funding is also provided for assistive technology and specialist equipment as required and special school transport arrangements may also be put in place. My Department has put in place a training programme for teachers in autism-specific interventions including TEACCH, PECS and ABA through the Special Education Support Service.
The Deputy will also be aware that the NCSE is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with autism. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.
All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.
