Wednesday, 12 Mar 2014

Written Answers Nos. 72 - 79

Schools Building Projects Status

Ceisteanna (72)

Dan Neville

Ceist:

72. Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the construction of the extension to a school (details supplied) in County Limerick. [12408/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

Responsibility for the delivery of an extension to the school referred to by the Deputy has been devolved to Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (ETB). The Design Team appointed by the ETB are currently completing the Stage 2a Submission (Developed Sketch Design). When complete, consideration will be given to allowing the ETB proceed to Stage 2b - Detailed Design, which involves obtaining planning permission, fire certificate and disability access certificate and the completion of tender documents.

School Evaluations

Ceisteanna (73)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Ceist:

73. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of whole school evaluations that were conducted by his Department in the years 2010 to 2013, inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12411/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

My Department's Inspectorate conducted more than 15,000 inspections using a range of evaluation models in the period 2010 to 2013. This included 1,346 whole-school evaluations conducted in primary and post-primary schools. The breakdown by year is as follows: 2010 (318 WSE), 2011 (391 WSE), 2012 (346 WSE) and 2013 (291 WSE). The number of whole-school evaluations conducted towards the end of 2012 and in 2013 was reduced somewhat to accommodate advisory visits to schools by inspectors to support the implementation of self-evaluation. Inspectors conducted more than 3,700 such support visits to schools. The period 2010-2013 was a period of significant reform in the work of the Inspectorate. Substantial changes were made to support the delivery of an effective quality assurance system for Irish schools in the context of reduced staffing numbers in the Inspectorate. Those reforms included the development of new forms of whole-school evaluation at both levels.

Schools Building Projects Application Numbers

Ceisteanna (74)

Patrick O'Donovan

Ceist:

74. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of applications that were received in 2012 and 2013 for capital grants for extensions for primary and secondary schools; of those received, the number that were successful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12417/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

I wish to advise the Deputy that details of all school capital works that have been funded by my Department may be viewed on my Department's website at www.education.ie and this is updated on a regular basis. For the Deputy's convenience, a list of the major new school and extension projects that were completed nationally in 2012 and 2013 will be forwarded to the Deputy. The five-year School Construction Plan announced on 9 March 2012 (which is also detailed on the website), provides for a €2 billion school capital investment programme to 2016, of which €1.5 billion is being allocated to fund major school projects with the balance needed for the additional accommodation scheme, the prefab replacement initiative, the acquisition of sites and other works.

The primary aim at the core of the Five Year Plan is focussed on meeting demographic demands to ensure that every child will have access to a physical school place and that our school system is in a position to cope with increasing pupil numbers. The Plan prioritises major school projects in areas where future significant demographic changes have been identified. Further to the Five Year Plan, my Department is committed to publishing a detailed annual programme in relation to individual major school projects commencing construction. In December 2011, details of 56 major school building projects scheduled to commence construction in 2012, the first year of the Plan, were published. In December 2012, details of 50 major school building projects were announced to commence construction in 2013, the second year of the Plan (both Plans available on my Department's website). Details of the building projects that are projected to commence construction in 2014 will be announced later this year.

In addition, due to additional funding made available for the schools' building programme as part of the Government's "Investing in Infrastructure & Jobs" package announced earlier this year, 28 school projects that were not contained in the 5 year programme but have completed extensive architectural planning are now being progressed to tender and construction. A project for a replacement school in County Kildare is included in this package. The Deputy will be aware that under the Prefab Replacement Initiative 2012, approval was given to 170 schools nationally to replace 458 prefab units with permanent accommodation. In excess of €42 million was allocated for this initiative. In June 2013, I announced a further initiative to replace prefab units with permanent accommodation. A total of €15 million has been allocated in 2013/2014 for this purpose. Forty-six schools, with 115 prefab units, will be offered grants to provide the new facilities. Replacing prefabs is part of this Government's €475 million education infrastructure plan for 2014. The Plan will provide modern, high quality accommodation for pupils and teachers.

The Deputy will also be aware of my announcement on 7th November of an additional €70 million for school improvement works. This comprises a once-off payment of over €28 million to primary schools as part of the Minor Works Scheme and a further €40 million to facilitate the re-introduction of the Summer Works Scheme for 2014. In addition, there were 823 applications for devolved funding for the provision of additional accommodation in 2012 and 2013. 595 applications were successful details of which may be viewed on my Department's website.

Major School Capital Projects completed 2012 and 2013

Primary	County	Roll No	School	Year
Primary	Carlow	17127S	St Joseph's NS	2013
Primary	Carlow	20295K	Carlow Educate Together NS	2013
Primary	Cavan	18857O	SN Carraig a Bruis	2013
Primary	Clare	15042A	Ennis NS	2013
Primary	Cork	17609N	Rathcormac NS	2013
Primary	Cork	20006A	Gaelscoil Mhichil Ui Choileáin	2013
Primary	Cork	20310D	Carrigaline ETNS	2013
Post Primary	Cork	81008W	Ashton Comprehensive School, Blackrock Road	2013
Primary	Cork	20335T	Rochestown Primary School	2013
Primary	Donegal	16672P	St Patrick's NS	2013
Primary	Donegal	18052S	Scoil Mhuire gan Smal, Letterkenny	2013
Primary	Donegal	19971R	Gaelscoil Adhamhainn	2013
Primary	Dublin	18046A	Scoil Bhride B, Blanchardstown	2013
Primary	Dublin	20307O	Skerries ETNS	2013
Primary	Dublin Fingal	20241K	Scoil Choilm NS	2013
Primary	Galway	20199O	Oughterard NS	2013
Primary	Kildare	17674B	SN Aine Naofa	2013
Primary	Kildare	18018S	Scoil Bhride NS	2013
Primary	Laois	17064U	Scoil Padraig	2013
Primary	Laois	20081O	Gaelscoil Portlaoise	2013
Primary	Laois	20347D	Portlaoise ETNS	2013
Primary	Laois	14838N	Maryborough NS	2013
Primary	Louth	20259G	St Francis NS	2013
Post Primary	Meath	71960I	Dunshaughlin Community College	2013
Primary	Meath	20179I	St Stephen's NS	2013
Primary	Monaghan	19936P	Gaelscoil Ultain	2013
Primary	Sligo	19495L	Carbury NS	2013
Primary	Wexford	20057R	Gaelscoil Inis Corthaidh	2013
Primary	Wexford	20165U	Gaelscoil Moshiólóg	2013
Primary	Wicklow	20300A	Greystones ETNS	2013
Primary	Wicklow	20301C	Gaelscoil na gCloch Liath	2013
Post Primary	Dublin	76213T	Lusk Community College	2013
Post Primary	Dublin Fingal	76130P	Luttrellstown Community College	2013
Post Primary	Donegal	76081F	Coláiste Ailigh - PPP Project	2013
Post Primary	Galway City	62970K	Colaiste Iognaid SJ	2013
Post Primary	Galway  County	76233C	Coláiste Bhaile Chláir	2013
Post Primary	Kilkenny	61580P	Loreto Secondary School	2013
Post Primary	Limerick City	64240G	St Munchin's College	2013
Post Primary	Limerick City	64201T	Ard Scoil Ris	2013
Post Primary	Louth	63920A	Dundalk Grammar School	2013
Post Primary	Monaghan	76091I	Gaelcholaiste Oiriall	2013
Post Primary	Monaghan	76095Q	Monaghan Institute of Further Education	2013
Post Primary	Tipperary NR	72370P	Borrisokane Community College	2013
Post Primary	Tipperary	72430H	Scoil Ruain, Killenaule	2013
Post Primary	Westmeath	63290Q	Loreto College	2013
Primary	Carlow	17501Q	Bennekerry NS, Bennykerry	2012
Primary	Cork	13450F	Rushbrooke NS, Cobh	2012
Primary	Cork	16746S	Ballygarvan NS	2012
Primary	Cork	17667E	SN Pádraig Naofa, Whitechurch	2012
Primary	Cork	19839R	Gaelscoil Uí Riordán, Ballincollig	2012
Primary	Dublin	16675V	Mulhuddart National School	2012
Primary	Dublin	19373U	St. Michael's House Special School, Kish House, Greendale Road, D5	2012
Primary	Dublin	20223I	Gaelscoil Eiscir Riada, Lucan	2012
Primary	Dublin	20348F	Holywell ET, Swords	2012
Primary	Dublin	20269J	Scoil Chormaic, Balbriggan	2012
Primary	Galway	08512U	Iomair NS, Killimor	2012
Primary	Kerry	17646T	O'Brennan NS, Kielduff, Tralee	2012
Primary	Kerry	20197K	Kenmare NS, Kenmare	2012
Primary	Kildare	20058T	Sc Uí Fhiach, Maynooth	2012
Primary	Laois	07442U	Convent of Mercy NS, Borris in Ossory	2012
Primary	Laois	17617M	Scoil Chomhgain Naofa, Killeshin	2012
Primary	Limerick	13026P	Kilfinane National School	2012
Primary	Limerick	18991S	JFK Memorial School, Ennis Road	2012
Primary	Louth	20205G	St Mary's Parish School, Drogheda	2012
Primary	Louth	20349H	Scoil Oilibhéir Naofa	2012
Primary	Meath	17213L	SN Mhuire, Ma Nealta, Ceannanus Mór	2012
Primary	Meath	17821L	Scoil Nais Mhuire Naofa, Enfield, Co Meath	2012
Primary	Offaly	17637S	SN Sheosaimh Naofa, Beál Átha na gCarr, Tullamore	2012
Primary	Tipperary	15696B	Silvermines National School	2012
Primary	Wicklow	09760V	Powerscourt NS, Powerscourt, Enniskerry	2012
Primary	Cork	18279A	St. Mary's NS, Waterpark, Carrigaline	2012
Primary	Donegal	17268N	SN An Br M O Cleirigh, Creevy, Ballyshannon	2012
Primary	Dublin	00697S	St. Brigid's NS, Castleknock, Dublin 15	2012
Primary	Dublin	17936F	Scoil Eoin Baisde Snr, Clontarf (see also 19006Q)	2012
Primary	Dublin	18324C	Scoil Bride C, Palmerstown	2012
Primary	Dublin	19006Q	Scoil Eoin Baisde B Sois, Clontarf (see also 17936F)	2012
Primary	Dublin	19374W	Garran Mhuire, Goatstown, Dublin 14	2012
Primary	Dublin	20302E	Thornleigh Educate Together NS, Thornleigh Green, Swords	2012
Primary	Kildare	20114D	Scoil Brid, Naas	2012
Primary	Laois	15556I	Portarlington Convent NS	2012
Primary	Laois	20071L	Scoil Bhríde, Rathdowney	2012
Primary	Mayo	20142I	Scoil Íosa, Abbeyquarter, Ballyhaunis	2012
Primary	Offaly	18267Q	Croinchoill NS, Birr	2012
Primary	Wexford	17017L	SN Phádraig, Crossabeg	2012
Post Primary	Cavan	61060M	St Patrick's College, Cavan, Co. Cavan	2012
Post Primary	Dublin	60450U	Coláiste Mhuire na mBráithre, Cabra	2012
Post Primary	Meath	76103M	Colaiste Na hInse, Laytown	2012
Post Primary	Offaly	65610S	Colaiste Choilm, O'Moore Street, Tullamore	2012
Post Primary	Sligo	65170Q	Summerhill College, Sligo	2012
Post Primary	Waterford	64970U	Coláiste na Maighdine, Presentation Secondary School	2012
Post Primary	Wicklow	61800D	Presentation College, Bray	2012
Post Primary	Dublin Fingal	60010P	Loreto Secondary School, Balbriggan	2012
Post Primary	Kerry	61440W	St Mary's CBS, Tralee	2012
Post Primary	Kildare	61710C	Meánscoil Iognáid Ris, Naas	2012
Post Primary	Meath	63870L	Drogheda Grammar School	2012
Post Primary	Roscommon	65100S	Scoil Mhuire, Strokestown,	2012
Post Primary	Tipperary NR	65470F	Ursuline Convent, Thurles	2012
Post Primary	Tipperary NR	72440K	Nenagh VS, Nenagh	2012

Departmental Reports

Ceisteanna (75)

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

75. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide in tabular form the reports, reviews and studies commissioned by him or his Department or agencies under the aegis of his Department since 9 March 2011; the date on which they were commissioned; the date on which they were completed; the date on which they were published; the cost of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12429/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

The information requested by the Deputy is currently being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy shortly. With regard to bodies under the aegis of my Department, the information sought is a matter for each agency and is not collated centrally. Information details of agencies under the remit of my Department can be downloaded from the Department website, the information is updated when any relevant changes occur. http://www.education.ie.

Flood Prevention Measures

Ceisteanna (76)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

76. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will ensure that our waterways, streams and rivers for which he has responsibility in the Castleisland area will be cleaned of branches, and so on, that are growing into these streams and rivers and obstructing the natural way of the water. [12241/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The Office of Public Works has responsibility for approximately 11,500 km of arterial drainage channels, about 2,200 km being subject to routine maintenance each year as part of an ongoing programme of arterial drainage maintenance. This leads to an average cycle of maintenance taking place just over once every 5 years. This work is carried out to ensure the State's investment in the Arterial Drainage schemes continues to provide the intended benefits. Castleisland is within the River Maine catchment and is maintained as part of the OPW's arterial drainage responsibilities in this area.

While significant damage to many of the OPW assets on the River Maine catchment occurred during the storms in the early part of this year, the OPW is currently in the process of rectifying these issues, including the removal of any obstructions to the natural flow of the watercourses where appropriate. Emphasis has to date been placed on any major blockages within the system and I am advised that these have been addressed as a matter of priority and the OPW is continuing to deal with the issues as quickly as possible with the resources available.

Public Sector Reform Implementation

Ceisteanna (77)

Noel Harrington

Ceist:

77. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will consider setting up one unit within the public service to conduct means tests for all means-tested payments administered by different Departments and State agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12269/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

The Government's new Public Service Reform Plan 2014-16, which I published in January, has a strong emphasis on continuing to drive reduced costs and greater efficiency, alongside an increased focus on citizen engagement and improving outcomes for service users. We will continue to examine ways to reduce the administrative burden on the public by eliminating duplication and developing shared approaches to delivering services such as means testing.

At present, the shared services strategy in the Public Service is concentrating on back office services, including human resources and pensions administration, payroll and financial management. Major initiatives in these areas make up the focus of shared service effort at present. International best practice and experience in the public sector demonstrates the critical importance of concentrating in the first instance on these back office services where public servants are themselves the ultimate customer. I am satisfied with the progress we are making based on this approach. This and other areas of progress on the implementation of the Public Service Reform Plan are set out in the recently published progress report, which is available at www.reformplan.gov.ie. 

More specifically, the Departments involved in means testing would be expected to review their business processes and consider opportunities for appropriate collaboration. In addition, the Deputy will be aware that the Heads of a Data-Sharing and Governance Bill are being prepared by my Department. It is intended that this will include provisions defining a common means data set for an individual which could be shared between specified bodies.

Ministerial Meetings

Ceisteanna (78)

Patrick Nulty

Ceist:

78. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of times he and officials in his Department have met a company (details supplied) or its representatives since he took office; if he will provide details, in tabular form, of the dates of each meeting; the names of the company representatives involved; the titles of the departmental officials involved; the reason for each meeting; the matters discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12377/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

In response to the Deputy's question I can confirm that neither I, nor any member of staff in my Department, have the company concerned and/or their representatives. I did attend an event in China in 2013 which the Chairman of the company concerned also attended in another capacity.

Departmental Reports

Ceisteanna (79)

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

79. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide in tabular form the reports, reviews and studies commissioned by him or his Department or agencies under the aegis of his Department since 9 March 2011; the date on which they were commissioned; the date on which they were completed; the date on which they were published; the cost of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12436/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

The following table outlines the total amount spent on reports, reviews and studies commissioned by my Department, and those under my aegis, since its inception in 2011:

Department of Public Expenditure and Reform - Reports, Reviews and Studies commissioned since 9 March 2011
Report / Review / Study	Costs	Date of Commission	Date or Expected Date of Publication	Name of External Consultant
Independent verification of savings arising under the Public Service Agreement	€35,819.80	16 May 2011	June 2011	MKO Partners Ltd
Research on Reasons Behind Voter Behaviour in the Oireachtas Inquiry Referendum 2011	€41,043.20	23 November 2011	January 2012	Red C Research and Marketing Ltd.
Options for the next National Lottery licence	€615 (including VAT)	7th February 2012	N/A (The final Report was completed and submitted to the Department in March 2012)	Davy Corporate Finance
Independent verification of savings arising under the Public Service Agreement	€31,586.40	23 March 2012	13 June 2012	Grant Thornton
Capacity and Capability Review of Central Procurement Function	€30,750.00	May 2012	6 September 2012	Accenture
ICT-MF Executive Assessment	€30,750.00	August 2012	November 2012	Innovation Value Institute, NUIM
Independent verification of savings arising under the Public Service Agreement	€24,206.40	4 February 2013	3 July 2013	Grant Thornton
Debt Management Final Report	€110,000 plus VAT	Q2 - 2013	Awaiting Government Decision	BearingPoint
Report of a Consultation with Civil Society Representatives and Citizens on Ireland's Participation in the Open Government Partnership	Funding of €25,735.25 was provided to Transparency International Ireland in 2013 following a competitive tender process to support a public consultation with civil society and the preparation of a report of their recommendations and proposals for potential inclusion in Ireland's Open Government Partnership National Action Plan.	10 June 2013	Published on 2 October 2013	Transparency International, Ireland

Public Appointments Service Reports, Reviews and Studies commissioned since 9 March 2011
Report / Review / Study	Costs	Date of Commission	Date or Expected Date of Publication	Name of External Consultant
Asset Management/Risk Management Audit Report	€4,878.72	May 2011	25 October 2011	Capita Consulting
Accounting and Reporting Audit Report	€2,952.00	May 2011	13 March 2012	Capita Consulting
ICT Security Audit Report	€2,656.80	October 2011	13 March 2012	Capita Consulting
Procurement Audit Report	€3,640.80	March 2012	19 September 2012	Capita Consulting
Tax Compliance and Board Members Payments Audit Report	€4,132.80	December 2012	22 May 2013	Capita Consulting

Special EU Programmes Body Reports, Reviews and Studies commissioned since 9 March 2011
Report / Review / Study	Costs	Date of Commission	Date or Expected Date of Publication	Name of External Consultant
Forensic Audit (INTERREG IIA Project)	£35,216.40	22 April 2011	15 March 2012	ASM
Stakeholder Survey	£11,262.00	3 January 2012	01 February 2012	Millward Brown
Mid-Term Evaluation of INTERREG IV	£18,963.00	14 January 2013	10 October 2013	McClure Watters
Mid-Term Evaluation of PEACE III	£50,693.00	5 November 2012	1 October 2013	SJ Cartmin
Stakeholder Survey	£11,100.00	19 September 2012	21 December 2012	MRNI
Technical Review of Energy Project	£4,320.00	5 October 2012	8 October 2013	SKM
2014-20 PEACE & INTERREG Programmes Ex-Ante Evaluation and Environmental Assessment	£62,424.00	25 January 2013	Not Complete	McClure Watters
Stakeholder Survey	£11,262.00	26 November 2013	7 February 2014	Millward Brown

The Office of Public Works will forward details of the total amount spent on reports, reviews and studies commissioned by them directly to the Deputy.