Written Answers Nos. 213-228
213. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Finance the estimated benefit to the overall economy, the hospitality sector and to the employment sector of the 9% VAT rate for tourism, hospitality and entertainment sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28021/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith regard to numbers employed in the tourism sector, research to this effect was carried out by my Department and published in the Medium-Term Fiscal Statement in November 2012. This report, entitled “Measuring the impact of the Jobs Initiative: Was the VAT reduction passed on and were jobs created?” contains detailed information with regard to the impact of the 9% VAT rate on prices and employment numbers, and is available on my Department’s website. Using statistics from the Central Statistics Office, the report indicates that an additional 6,200 jobs had been created in the accommodation and food sectors from Q2 2011 to Q2 2012, an increase of 6%. While there are other factors that will have impacted on employment rates in these sectors, I am in no doubt that the 9% VAT rate has contributed in no small part to these employment gains. Furthermore, these figures may understate the positive impact of the 9% rate, as other comparable sectors experienced declines in employment number over the period concerned, which indicates that employment in the accommodation and food sectors may also have declined without the introduction of the 9% rate. With regard to prices in the tourism sector, the response to the 9% VAT rate has been positive and the report indicates that the VAT reduction was for the most part passed on to consumers. With regard to the impact of the 9% on tourism, while tourism numbers fluctuated over the period since the introduction of the 9% in July 2011, expenditure by overseas travellers to Ireland in 2012 increased by €37 million from 2011; this excludes transport and air travel costs which are exempt from VAT.
214. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline the rationale underpinning the different treatment, by Revenue, of married couples and co-habitating couples, in particular for purposes of sharing tax credits, and the way this policy is divergent from that operated by the Department of Social Protection's Social Welfare Services and its array of support schemes. [28094/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe position is that where a couple is cohabiting rather than married or in a civil partnership, they are treated as separate and unconnected individuals for the purpose of income tax. Each partner is a separate entity for tax purposes and, therefore, cohabiting couples cannot file joint assessment tax returns or share their tax credits and tax bands in the same manner as married couples. The basis for the current tax treatment of married couples derives from the Supreme Court decision in Murphy v. Attorney General (1980), which held that it was contrary to the Constitution for a married couple, both of whom are working, to pay more tax than two single people living together and having the same income. However, a cohabiting couple where both partners are working get, in total, the same tax credits as a married couple or couple in a civil partnership (i.e. €3,300). In addition, the same amount of income is subject to tax at the 20% rate (i.e. €32,800 each). This equates to the €65,600 threshold in the case of a married couple or couple in a civil partnership.
If both cohabitants earn in excess of the standard rate band (i.e. €32,800), then they both pay tax at 41% on any income in excess of €32,800. Married couples or couples in a civil partnership where both work get the same treatment. The difference between the two groups is the ability of married couples or civil partners to transfer certain tax credits such as the personal/married credits and part of the tax bands, i.e. the tax band of €65,600 available to married couples or couples in a civil partnership with two incomes in 2013 is transferable between spouses up to a maximum of €41,800. This is of benefit where one of the individuals earns less than the 20% tax threshold of €32,800 or where one of the individuals has no income. The treatment of cohabiting couples for the purposes of social welfare is primarily a matter for the Minister for Social Protection. However, it is also based on the principle that married couples should not be treated less favourably than cohabiting couples. This was given a constitutional underpinning following the Supreme Court decision in Hyland v. Minister for Social Welfare (1989) which ruled it was unconstitutional for the total income a married couple received in social welfare benefits to be less than the couple would have received if they were unmarried and cohabiting.
215. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position in relation to the school transport scheme application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if the decision will be reviewed. [26954/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the terms of my Department's Post Primary School Transport Scheme, children are eligible for transport where they reside not less than 4.8 km from and are attending their nearest education centre as determined by my Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language. Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department, has advised that the child referred to by the Deputy is not attending her nearest education centre and is therefore not eligible for school transport. Children who are not eligible for school transport, under the terms of the scheme, may apply to Bus Éireann for transport on a concessionary basis subject to a number of a conditions, including the availability of spare seats on an existing service and the payment of the annual charge. The Deputy will be aware that changes in determining eligibility for school transport to post-primary schools were introduced from the commencement of the 2012-13 school year. These changes are being applied equitably on a national basis and in some cases pupils in the same area, or family, may be eligible for transport to different schools during the transitional period of five years. In certain areas, families who choose to send their children to schools other than their nearest school may diminish the chance of a service being established to their nearest school.
216. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if now that FÁS has been amalgamated with the Department of Social Protection, the payment schedules for both can be brought into line with each other, as persons on jobseeker's payment when transferring to a FÁS course must wait for their payment as they get paid a week in hand; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this is stopping many persons from taking part in a course; if he plans to alter this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27387/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe reason there is a back week in payment of FÁS training allowances is that all of the necessary information must be uploaded in the week that the trainee starts, to begin payment for the next week. The trainees arrive at the start of the course with the up-to-date F103 form duly completed and stamped by Department of Social Protection. This form is the basis for eligibility for the training allowance. The allowance is therefore paid the week after the trainee commences their course.
217. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has considered the feasibility of unemployed job seekers having to pay their own travel expenses to attend training that will allow them to leave the live register; his plans to introduce financial support for individuals, colleges or transport providers to bring job seekers and training providers together; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27458/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFÁS trainees are generally entitled to a travel allowance if they live in excess of 3 miles from their training venue. The allowance is payable in respect of participation in both full and part-time courses. Rates for the travel allowance vary depending on the distance involved. Clients attending training in the Midlands Region and parts of Donegal can avail of free transport services that have been provided to enhance accessibility to FÁS services. The bus services provided follow predetermined scheduled routes with designated pick-up and drop-off points. Trainees who are on these bus routes do not receive a travel allowance.
218. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason Student Universal Support Ireland refused to allow an initial application on behalf of a student (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27098/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) that the student referred to by the Deputy appealed a decision. SUSI reviewed his application and the student was issued with a decision on 5 June 2013. Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down in writing by SUSI and remains of the view that the scheme has not been interpreted correctly in his or her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to the independent Student Grant Appeals Board. The relevant appeal form will be available on request from SUSI.
219. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the Student Universal Support Ireland system of application for student grants takes into account the accommodation and living expenses of a student's parent/spouse who has had to go abroad to work (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27135/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraStudent grant applications are means tested on gross income from all sources earned inside and outside the State within a specified reference period. The assessment of income from the same starting point is deemed to be fair and reasonable because this approach eliminates any distortion which might arise from different spending arrangements in different households. In the interest of equity, I have no plans to change this procedure.
220. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for a student grant. [27123/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland, that on 5 June 2013, a request for supporting documentation was issued to the student referred to by the Deputy. When this is returned, the student will be notified directly of the outcome.
221. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will explain the delay in announcing a decision in respect of the future accommodation needs of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24; if he appreciated that the school community has campaigned for 28 years for the permanent accommodation; if he accepts the urgent need for such a decision in view of the continued development of the school population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27101/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra305. Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to provide alternative accommodation for (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27674/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 221 and 305 together.
I wish to advise the Deputies that my Department is aware of the accommodation needs of the school in question. Professional and Technical staff from South Dublin County Council and my Department have discussed possibilities in relation to using lands adjacent to the existing school for a new school building. However, given the challenges identified with these lands, my Department is exploring with South Dublin County Council whether other options in the general area might offer a better long-term solution to the school's accommodation requirements before a final decision is made on the matter. My officials will be in further contact with the school authority as soon as a further update is available.
222. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Skills the advice he has offered vocational education committees with regard to making savings in their budgets in view of reduced allocations; the number of VEC’s that have formally contacted or corresponded with him or his Department in regard to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27133/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn Budget 2013, it was decided to reduce the non-pay grant to Vocational Education Committees (VECs) by some €13.2 million. This decision took account of the capacity of VECs to utilise cash balances on a once-off basis. VECs have been informed that they are required to provide the same level of service in 2013 as in 2012 and that, in this regard, they may incur expenditure up to the level of the 2012 final non-pay grant. Ten VECs have contacted my Department regarding this measure. Officials from my Department have also met representatives of the Chief Executive and Education Officers' Association (CEEOA) to consider the matter. The most recent communication to the VECs was issued following consultation between officials from my Department and a working group representing CEEOA.
223. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding funding under the emergency works scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27159/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe management authorities of the school referred to by the Deputy submitted an application for funding under my Department's Emergency Works Scheme to carry out various improvement works at their school. As the scope of works for which funding is sought is outside the terms of the scheme, they cannot be considered for funding. The management authority of the school has been informed of this decision. The school has been requested on a number of occasions to submit a scaled down application to address the immediate health and safety issues and to date a scaled back application has not been received from the school. As soon as this application is received, it will be assessed and the school authorities notified of the outcome.
224. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department has received an application, under the school building programme, for Stage 2B approval from a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if this school will now be allowed to go to tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27167/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to inform the Deputy that the school building project referred to was included in the €50 million investment in new school building projects recently announced as part of the Government's "Investing in Infrastructure & Jobs" Package. The project is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. A stage 2(b) submission from the design team was recently received and is under review. Once that review is complete, my Department will be in contact with the School Authorities in relation to progressing the project to tender and construction.
225. Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the planned post primary school in the Stepaside area in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27177/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraTwo new post-primary schools are planned for Stepaside. The first is a Gaelcholáiste to serve the general Ballinteer and Stepaside area. This will commence operation in 2014 under the patronage of An Foras Pátrúnachta na Scoileanna Lán Ghaeilge. The second is an English medium post-primary school which is due to open in 2016. The application process for patronage of this school is under way. The closing date for receipt of applications is 12 July 2013.
226. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will respond to a query regarding the amalgamation of schools (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27195/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Oireachtas enacted the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Act in 2012. Section 42 of this Act, which sets out provisions relating to the charitable status of contributions by congregations, was commenced in March 2013. Section 42 empowers the Commissioners for Charitable Donations and Bequests for Ireland to authorise property transfers and sales related to the making of contributions by congregations to the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund or as contributions towards the cost of the response to residential abuse. The recent commencement of section 42 will facilitate the transfers of properties to the Minister for Education and Skills such as in the case of the school referred to by the Deputy. The Congregation that owns the property concerned has offered to transfer it to the State as part of its offer of a number of properties made in response to the publication of the report of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse (the Ryan Report). The Government has agreed to accept this and a number of other properties offered. The Department of Education and Skills, through the Chief State Solicitor's Office, is working on finalising the transfer of the property in question. When the transfer of the property has been completed, the Department will be in a position to further consider how this project could be progressed within the context of the available funding.
227. Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on the new multi-denominational school building at Griffith Barracks, South Circular Road, Dublin 8; when a design team will be appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27222/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe five-year capital programme that was announced in 2012 listed 275 major projects and indicated that these projects would be delivered on a phased basis with initial priority being given to those projects identified for delivery in 2013 and 2014. The project referred to by the Deputy has been devolved to the Office of Public Works (OPW) for delivery. A service level agreement between the Department and the OPW has been signed. I understand the OPW proposes to utilise existing in-house resources to deliver these projects and to buy in additional services as required. The OPW has had its first meeting with the Board of Management of the school and is progressing the feasibility stage of the design process, including undertaking site surveys and investigations. The project is scheduled to commence construction in 2014-15.
228. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he or his Department has consulted with any of the following organisations, the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board, Applied Behaviour Analysis International, the Psychology Society of Ireland's Division of Behaviour Analysis, the European Association for Behaviour Analysis with regard to his policy on the utilisation of applied behaviour analysis for children with Autism. [27226/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraVarious contributions and consultations have informed my Department's policy on the education of children with autism, which is based on the advice of international experts on autism, NEPS, the Inspectorate, an analysis of research and the report of the Irish Task Force on Autism. My Department is not aware of Applied Behaviour Analysis International. It has been and remains open to other bodies, including those to whom the Deputy has referred, to make representations or contributions to my Department or the NCSE. My Department's policy is focused on ensuring all children, 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 who may draw from a range of autism-specific interventions, including ABA, special needs assistants, and the appropriate school curriculum with the option where possible of full or partial integration and interaction with other pupils. As each child with autism is unique, it is important that children have access to a range of interventions so their broader needs can be met.
My Department's policy is to provide for children with special educational needs, including autism, to be included in mainstream schools unless such a placement would not be in their best interests or the interests of the children with whom they are to be educated. Some children may be supported in a special class attached to a mainstream school. These students have the option, where appropriate, of full or partial integration and interaction with other pupils. Other children may have such complex needs that they are best placed in a special school. Students with special educational needs have access to a range of support services including additional teaching and/or care supports. In special schools and special classes, students are supported through lower pupil teacher ratios. Special needs assistants may also be recruited specifically where pupils with disabilities and significant care needs are enrolled.
With regard to Applied Behaviour Analysis, the position is that there is no definitive or universally accepted research which supports the use of one intervention exclusively for all children with autism. However, research does support the use of any of a range of autism-specific interventions depending on the individual needs of the child. My Department is conscious of the need to adapt existing policies and to develop new policies as new research or learning becomes available. The National Council for Special Education has a formal role under Section 20.1(j) of EPSEN to advise the Minister "in relation to any matter relating to the education of children and others with disabilities". I have requested the NCSE to prepare Policy Advice on the Educational Provision for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The NCSE has commissioned research which will not be finalised until mid to late 2014. I expect that this research will inform much of the work in preparing the policy advice. Accordingly, it is not expected that the report will be finalised until early 2015.
