Wednesday, 18 Sep 2013

Written Answers Nos. 242-258

English Language Training Organisations

Ceisteanna (244)

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

244. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there is a regulatory body and or regulations in place covering the area of foreign language students studying here including payment made to host families. [37004/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

The Accreditation and Co-ordination of English Language Services (ACELS) was established in 1969 under the auspices of the Department of Education to control standards in English-language schools and organisations through an inspection/recognition scheme. Responsibility for the ACELS function was given to Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), formerly the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI), in 2010. The list of recognised English Language Training Organisations (ELTOs) is published on an annual basis and all recognised ELTOs are listed on the ACELS website (www.acels.ie) and on the Fáilte Ireland and Education in Ireland listings. Recognition is granted after a process of documentation submission and inspection of the organisation has taken place and been deemed to meet standards. Ongoing compliance is ensured through periodic reviews and inspections. The standards with which ELTOs must comply are set out in the ACELS regulations, but these do not set out specific requirements relating to the payment of host families. However, if there are complaints regarding an ACELS-recognised provider then these can be brought to the attention of ACELS through their general complaints procedures. It should be noted that recognition by ACELS is not mandatory for providers wishing to provide English-language training. ELTOs are free to decide for themselves whether they wish to become ACELS-recognised and thereby benefit from being listed as a recognised provider.

School Transport Eligibility

Ceisteanna (245)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

245. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will reconsider either the boundaries of the school transport scheme or the cost of transport to the child's chosen school (details supplied). [37777/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

The Deputy will be aware that from the commencement of the 2012/13 school year, school transport eligibility for post primary pupils is being determined by reference to the distance they reside from their nearest post-primary education centre having regard to ethos and language. Pupils who were eligible for school transport prior to the introduction of the above change will retain their transport eligibility for the duration of their post primary education cycle provided there is no change to their current circumstances. Siblings of these pupils and other pupils, who are not eligible for school transport, may apply for transport on a concessionary basis only in accordance with the terms of the Post Primary School Transport Scheme. Only children who are eligible for school transport and who hold valid medical cards (GMS Scheme) are exempt from paying the annual charge. The changes to the Post Primary School Transport Scheme are being applied equitably on a national basis. While it is the prerogative of parents to send their children to the school of their choice, eligibility for school transport at post primary level is to the nearest education centre/school.

FÁS Training Programmes Data

Ceisteanna (246)

Damien English

Ceist:

246. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of FÁS training courses currently in each of the north east counties, Meath, Louth, Cavan and Monaghan; the title and short description of each training course in each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37831/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

The information the Deputy has requested is set out in the table.

FAS - Training Programmes 2013 - Cavan	Location	Duration [Weeks]	Capacity
LTI - Cavan Centre _ FETAC L3 Employability Skills	Cavan	44	9
LTI - Cavan Genealogy _ FETAC Employability Skills	Cavan	44	14
NLN Cavan _ Specialist Training	Cavan	52	37
Multimedia _ Microsoft Office Specialist	Cavan	52	100
Computer Apps & Office Skills	Cavan	27	20
Comp Networks Installation & Maintenance	Cavan	30	20
Hairdressing Traineeship	Cavan	27	18
ECDL Short	Cavan	11	20
Kerb, Flag, Paviour Laying	Cavan	7	16
Hard Landscape Construction	Cavan	5	11
Career Planning & Employable Skills	Cavan	6	20
Account Technician year 1	Cavan	39	20
Manual & Comp Accounts & Payroll	Cavan	13	20
Forklift Truck Operator	Cavan	3	18
Comptia Networks +	Cavan	12	20
Accounting Technician Year 2	Cavan	38	20
Office Support Skills	Cavan	13	20
Microsoft Office Specialist	Cavan	26	20
Information Technology	Cavan	15	20
Career Planning	Cavan	6	18
Career Planning	Cavan	6	18
Forklift Truck Operator	Cavan	3	18
Hairdressing Traineeship	Cavan	27	18
Medical Administration Traineeship	Cavan	48	18
		Total	533

FAS - Training Programmes 2013 - Louth	Location	Duration [Weeks]	Capacity
Apprenticeship Phase 4 & 6 (Electrical, Motor , C&J, Plumbing)	DKiT	11	240
Apprenticeship Phase 2 (Toolmaking, C&J, Wood Manufacturing, Plumbing, Electrical & Motor)	Dundalk TC	26	120
Kerbing & Paving	Dundalk TC	7	10
Office Administration	Dundalk TC	49	18
Testing & Verification of Electrical Installation	Dundalk TC	2	14
Welding Fabrication	Dundalk TC	32	14
MMA Welding	Dundalk TC	6	12
Advanced Roofing	Dundalk TC	7	12
2D CAD	Dundalk TC	13	18
Kerbing & Paving	Dundalk TC	7	10
Kitchen & Wardrobe Manufacturing	Dundalk TC	8	12
2D CAD	Dundalk TC	13	18
Coded Pipe Welding	Dundalk TC	24	14
Kerbing & Paving	Dundalk TC	7	10
Domestic Thermal & Air Tightness	Dundalk TC	3	12
Domestic Thermal & Air Tightness	Dundalk TC	3	12
Testing & Verification of Electrical Installation	Dundalk TC	2	14
Ogra Dun Dealgan LTI	Dundalk	52	56
Muirhevnamor LTI	Dundalk	52	12
Create LTI	Dundalk	52	16
NLN Dundalk _ Specialist Training	Dundalk	52	47
Multimedia _ Microsoft Office Specialist	Dundalk	52	100
Microsoft Office Specialist	Dundalk	26	20
Microsoft Office Specialist	Dundalk	26	20
Logistics and Distribution	Dundalk	47	20
Comp Networks Installation & Maintenance	Dundalk	30	20
Contact Centre Operations	Dundalk	39	20
Wheel Steering & Suspension Maintenance	Dundalk	4	16
Forklift Truck Operator	Dundalk	3	18
ECDL Short	Dundalk	11	20
Information Technology	Dundalk	16	20
Beauty Therapy	Dundalk	49	20
Account Technician year 2	Dundalk	39	20
Welding MMA + Intermediate Welding	Dundalk	6	12
Motor Vehicle Exhaust System Maintenance	Dundalk	4	16
Information Technology	Dundalk	15	20
Manual & Comp Accounts & Payroll	Dundalk	13	20
Childcare Traineeship	Dundalk	37	20
Accounting Technician Year 1	Dundalk	38	20
Office Support Skills	Dundalk	12	20
Business Admin	Dundalk	40	20
Information Technology	Dundalk	15	20
Early Childhood & Care	Dundalk	41	20
Healthcare Traineeship	Dundalk	46	20
Welding / Fabrication	Dundalk	30	14
Manual Metal Arc	Dundalk TC	2 eve x 10 wks	12
Occupational First Aid	Dundalk TC	1 aft x 10 wks	10
Bookkeeping Manual & Computerised Accounts	Dundalk TC	2 eve x 10 wks	16
Bookkeeping Manual & Computerised Accounts	Dundalk TC	2 eve x 10 wks	16
Computer Basics-Equal Skills	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	16
Computer Basics-Equal Skills	Dundalk TC	2 eve x 5 wks	12
ECDL Part 1	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	16
ECDL Part 1	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	15
ECDL Part 2	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	16
ECDL Part 3	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	16
Interior Design	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	16
Machine Tool Operating	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	8
Manual Metal Arc	Dundalk TC	2 eve x 10 wks	12
Manual Metal Arc	Dundalk TC	2 eve x 10 wks	12
MIG Welding	Dundalk TC	2 eve x 10 wks	12
MIG Welding	Dundalk TC	2 eve x 10 wks	12
MOS Excel Core	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	16
Occupational First Aid	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	10
Occupational First Aid	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	10
Occupational First Aid	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	10
PC Maintenance	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	12
Prep for ECDL	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	16
Prep for ECDL	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	16
Start Your Own Business	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	16
Web Design	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	16
Computer Basics-Equal Skills	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	16
Computer Basics-Equal Skills	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	16
ECDL Part 1	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	16
ECDL Part 1	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	15
ECDL Part 2	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	16
ECDL Part 3	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	16
Interior Design	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	16
Introduction to Parametric Modelling	Dundalk TC	2 eve x 10 wks	14
Machine Tool Operating	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	8
Manual Handling	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 2 wks	16
Manual Handling	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 2 wks	16
Manual Metal Arc	Dundalk TC	2 eve x 10 wks	12
Manual Metal Arc	Dundalk TC	2 eve x 10 wks	12
MIG Welding	Dundalk TC	2 eve x 10 wks	12
MIG Welding	Dundalk TC	2 eve x 10 wks	12
MOS Excel Core	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	16
MOS Word Core	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	16
Occupational First Aid	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	10
Occupational First Aid	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	10
Occupational First Aid	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	10
PC Maintenance	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	12
Prep for ECDL	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	16
Start Your Own Business	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	16
Start Your Own Business	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	16
Web Design	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	16
Web Design	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	16
Workplace Safety	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	14
Bookkeeping Manual & Computersied Accounts 5N1354	Dundalk TC	2 eve x 10 wks	16
Computer Basics-Equal Skills	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	16
Computer Basics-Equal Skills	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	16
Customer Service 5N0972	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	16
ECDL Part 1	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	16
ECDL Part 2	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	16
ECDL Part 3	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	16
Electrical Basics	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	12
ILM Award In Front Line Management	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	16
Information & Administration 5N1389	Dundalk TC	2 eve x 10 wks	16
Interior Design	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	16
Introduction to Parametric Modelling	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	16
Machine Tool Operating	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	8
Manual Handling	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 2 wks	16
Manual Metal Arc	Dundalk TC	2 eve x 10 wks	12
Manual Metal Arc	Dundalk TC	2 eve x 10 wks	12
MIG Welding	Dundalk TC	2 eve x 10 wks	12
MIG Welding	Dundalk TC	2 eve x 10 wks	12
MOS Word Core	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	16
Occupational First Aid	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	10
Occupational First Aid	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	10
Occupational First Aid	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	10
Payroll Manual & Computerised 5N1546	Dundalk TC	2 eve x 10 wks	16
PC Maintenance	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	12
Plumbing	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	16
Prep for ECDL	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	16
Start Your Own Business	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	16
Web Design	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	16
Workplace Safety	Dundalk TC	1 eve x 10 wks	16
Computer Basics-Equal Skills	Drogheda	1 aft x 10 wks	19
Prep for ECDL	Drogheda	1 aft x 10 wks	19
Drogheda CTC	Drogheda	52	40
Focus your Future	Drogheda	52	14
Drogheda Training Initiative	Drogheda	52	16
Early School Leavers Opp	Drogheda	52	16
Early School Leavers Opp	Drogheda	32	12
Linked Work Experience	Drogheda	52	8
LWE Drogheda	Drogheda	52	8
Multimedia _ Microsoft Office Specialist	Drogheda	52	100
Computer Apps & Office Skills	Drogheda	26	20
MOS	Drogheda	26	20
MOS	Drogheda	26	20
Information Technology	Drogheda	15	20
Java	Drogheda	12	20
Medical Administration	Drogheda	48	20
Healthcare Traineeship	Drogheda	37	20
Contact Centre Operations	Drogheda	39	20
Information Technology	Drogheda	16	20
Forklift Truck Operator	Drogheda	3	18
Information Technology	Drogheda	16	20
Comptia Networks +	Drogheda	12	20
Account Technician year 1	Drogheda	39	20
Medical Administration	Drogheda	50	20
Manual & Comp Accounts & Payroll	Drogheda	13	20
Accounting Technician Year 1	Drogheda	38	20
Accounting Technician Year 2	Drogheda	38	20
Comp Networks Installation & Maintenance	Drogheda	30	20
Office Support Skills	Drogheda	13	20
Information Technology	Drogheda	15	20
Forklift Truck Operator	Drogheda	3	18
Forklift Truck Operator	Drogheda	3	18
Programmable Logic Control	Drogheda	10	20
Healthcare Traineeship	Drogheda	40	20
		Total	3087

FAS - Training Programmes 2013 - Monaghan	Location	Duration [Weeks]	Capacity
North Monaghan LTI	Monaghan	52	14
4Word LTI	Monaghan	52	18
Moving on Castleblayney	Monaghan	52	16
NLN Monaghan_ Specialist Training	Monaghan	52	22
Multimedia_ Microsoft Office Specialist	Monaghan	52	100
Outdoor Pursuits	Monaghan	45	20
Computer Apps & Office Skills	Monaghan	26	20
Comp Networks Installation & Maintenance	Monaghan	31	20
ECDL Short	Monaghan	11	20
Kerb, Flag, Paviour Laying	Monaghan	7	16
Information Technology	Monaghan	15	20
Forklift Truck Operator	Monaghan	3	18
Business Admin	Monaghan	40	20
Outdoor Pursuits	Monaghan	44	20
Information Technology	Monaghan	15	20
Equestrian International Instructor	Monaghan	48	20
Forklift Truck Operator	Monaghan	3	18
Web Design	Monaghan	16	20
Healthcare Support	Monaghan	40	20
		Total	442

FAS - Training Programmes delivered 2013 - Meath	Location	Duration [Weeks]	Capacity
Multimedia _Microsoft Office Specialist	Ashbourne	52	100
Contact Centre Operations	Ashbourne	25	20
Trim Forum for Employment	Meath	52	12
Navan Career Start	Navan	52	16
NLN Navan _ Specialist Training	Navan	52	48
Multimedia _Microsoft Office Specialist	Navan	52	100
Computer Apps & Office Skills	Navan	26	20
Microsoft Office Specialist	Navan	26	20
Healthcare Traineeship	Navan	37	20
ECDL Short	Navan	11	20
Forklift Truck Operator	Navan	3	18
Information Technology	Navan	15	20
Career Planning & Employable Skills	Navan	6	20
Accounts Technician 2	Navan	39	20
Comp Networks Installation & Maintenance	Navan	30	20
Contact Centre Operations	Navan	25	20
Office Support Skills	Navan	13	20
3D Parametric Modelling	Navan	15	20
Logistics & Distribution	Navan	46	20
Information Technology	Navan	15	20
Comp Networks Installation & Maintenance	Navan	31	20
Forklift Truck Operator	Navan	3	18
Java	Navan	12	20
Manual & Comp Accounts & Payroll	Navan	20	20
		Total	652

FÁS Training Programmes Data

Ceisteanna (247, 248)

Damien English

Ceist:

247. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he is satisfied that the number and type of training courses available in County Meath is sufficient to cater for the population base there; his plans to provide additional FÁS training courses in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37832/13]

Damien English

Ceist:

248. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way resources are allocated to each of the counties in the north east, namely Meath, Louth, Cavan and Monaghan, for the provision of FÁS training courses; the way the population is taken into account in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37833/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

I propose to take Questions Nos. 247 and 248 together. This is a day to day operational matter for FAS. As of May 2013 there are 10,754 persons on the Live Register in Co. Meath. In 2013 FÁS plan to provide training opportunities for over 650 persons directly in locations in Co. Meath. In addition many people from Co. Meath also participate in FÁS training courses in Co. Louth and in Co. Dublin. The type of training available is determined by an annual comprehensive business planning process focused on providing training opportunities for employment. This business planning process consists of the following: Under the direction of the Board of FÁS, the FÁS Executive work closely with key FET stakeholders such as VECs, DSP/INTREO and other Government Departments such as DJEI, to ensure that FÁS training can make a key contribution to progressing the Government's 'Pathway to Work' initiative as well as meeting employer needs and the career and employment aspirations of a diverse range of clients who will engage with FÁS training throughout 2013. The national 2013 FÁS Training – Service/Business Plan is formulated via an internal and external consultation process at both local and national level and provides overarching national guidelines for training programme selection and delivery. At a regional and county level formal consultation takes place with key stakeholders e.g. Department of Social Protection, Education and Training Boards, Enterprise Ireland, Irish Development Authority, Enterprise Boards, Employers etc. A comprehensive analysis of available statistical data is also undertaken e.g. unemployment trends, vacancies, local job opportunities, regional labour market reports etc. This process helps to determine the regional and local course types with the focus on providing market led training opportunities. As the Deputy is aware, Solas is being established to co-ordinate the operation of the Further Education sector, alongside the rationalisation of 33 VECs and the FAS Training Centres into 16 Education and Training Boards. The Further Education and Training Act 2013 was enacted in July 2013 and SOLAS will be established before the end of the year. The Act requires that SOLAS prepares a five year national strategy in respect of the provision of further education and training. A wide ranging consultation process with key stakeholders including employers will from part of this process. In addition, the Act requires SOLAS to consult on an on-going basis with the Minister for Social Protection, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and employers in the context of the relevance of the programmes of further education to be funded by SOLAS. A business plan for 2014 will be prepared by Solas in that context. In general, live register figures and population figures are taken into account with available budget and resources being allocated based on a comprehensive regional annual business planning process.

School Transport Eligibility

Ceisteanna (249)

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

249. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a child (details supplied) in County Galway recently enrolled in junior infants class is not entitled to free transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38386/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

The purpose of my Department's Primary School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school. Children are eligible for transport where they reside not less than 3.2 kms from and are attending their nearest national school as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language. The terms of the scheme are applied equitably on a national basis. While it is the prerogative of parents to send their children to the school of their choice, eligibility for school transport at primary level is to the nearest school.

School Transport Provision

Ceisteanna (250, 251, 253, 254, 255, 256)

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

250. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education and Skills if Bus Éireann make a profit from school transport in view of the existence of minutes of a meeting on 29 June 2011, which he attended, with Bus Éireann and his Department, where Bus Éireann chief executive and its company accountant explained that there was a fund containing a surplus of €2 million-€3 million from the payments received by Bus Éireann from his Department for delivery of the school transport scheme services. [38675/13]

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

251. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education and Skills the last year in which Bus Éireann made a profit from school transport. [38677/13]

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

253. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on whether the arrangement between Bus Éireann and his Department for the provision of school transport services is of a commercial nature. [38679/13]

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

254. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education and Skills if any profit is made by Bus Éireann from his Department for the provision of school transport services; the amount of profit that has been made each year since 2004 in compliance with the EU Commission directives on transparency. [38680/13]

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

255. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he personally ever met anybody who expressed an interest in tendering for the school transport services that Bus Éireann currently receives payment for from his Department. [38681/13]

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

256. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reasons his Department gave to the EU Commission for not putting the school transport scheme out to public tender; if these reasons are the same reasons that were given to the Public Accounts Committee by the Secretary General in February 2013 and in the commercial High Court in the case taken by Student Transport Scheme Limited against his Department in 2012 in relation to the scheme. [38684/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

I propose to take Questions Nos. 250, 251 and 253 to 256, inclusive, together. Bus Éireann, which operates school transport services on behalf of my Department, maintains a separate account for the School Transport Scheme. This account is audited each year by independent auditors and accounts in respect of the last number of years are available on my Department's website. The Department reimburses Bus Éireann for a range of costs identified as being directly incurred in the operation and administration of the scheme, together with an agreed 13% charge to cover all other direct costs and indirect costs attributable to the work carried out for the Department. In recent years an element of the 13% charge has been rebated to the Department by mutual consent. The breakdown of the 2010 and 2011 figures (€18.2m and €16.7m) are available on the Committee of Public Accounts website. While the scheme has evolved since 1975 it continues to be operated under the original arrangement and there is no obligation upon the Department under the EU Directive to terminate this arrangement. Issues relating to the present arrangements for the school transport scheme have been raised with me and with my officials by various representative groups. As the Deputy points out, a Commercial High Court case was taken by Student Transport Scheme Ltd against the Minister for Education and Skills. The judgement, delivered on 23 October 2012, concludes that the operation of the Scheme does not establish the existence of a contract and that the evidence establishes that the arrangements between the Department and Bus Éireann do not contain terms that might normally be associated with a commercial contract. The detailed judgement is available on the Courts Service website. This is currently the subject of a potential appeal by Student Transport Scheme Ltd to the Supreme Court. I am sure that the Deputy will accept that matters that may be raised in the context of such an appeal should properly be addressed in that forum.

School Transport Provision

Ceisteanna (252)

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

252. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will publish the FGS report commissioned in 2008-2009 that investigated direct and indirect charges for school transport. [38678/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

The Farrell Grants Sparks (FGS) report entitled "Review of the overhead costs and indirect costs for the administration of the school transport scheme" was completed in October 2009. In completing its work on this report, FGS entered into a signed confidentiality agreement with Bus Éireann having regard to the fact that certain of the information made available to FGS by Bus Éireann was deemed to be commercially sensitive. This issue is at present encompassed by an appeal to the Office of the Information Commissioner.

Questions Nos. 253 to 256, inclusive, answered with Question No. 250.

School Accommodation

Ceisteanna (257)

Derek Keating

Ceist:

257. Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Education and Skills in view of the over-capacity and ongoing demand for school places, the current status of the application for new accommodation, including timeframe for delivery of a new educational campus, for Educate Together Primary School, Kilcolgan, County Galway. [36805/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department is in regular communication with the school to which he refers regarding the school's accommodation needs. I am pleased to confirm to the Deputy that my Department has approved additional temporary accommodation for September 2013 to accommodate the school's increasing enrolments. In respect of the school's longer term needs, I understand that the school authority is endeavouring to identify suitable alternative accommodation. My Department will continue to liaise with the school in this regard.

Student Grant Scheme Applications

Ceisteanna (258)

Ciara Conway

Ceist:

258. Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide information regarding the status of a Student Universal Support Ireland higher education grant application made by a person (details supplied) in County Waterford in 2012 with respect to the 2012-2013 academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36809/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

Officials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland that the student referred to by the Deputy has been awarded a grant and an award letter issued on 8th July, 2013.