Wednesday, 26 Mar 2014

Written Answers Nos. 52-58

Tax Reliefs Availability

Ceisteanna (52)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

52. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the tax relief available on third level fees paid for a repeating student; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14356/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance

Section 473A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides for tax relief at the standard rate of income tax (20%) in respect of qualifying fees paid by an individual for a third level education course, including a postgraduate course.  No differentiation is made between a repeating student and a first time student.   

Qualifying fees mean tuition fees in respect of an approved course at an approved college and includes what is referred to as the "student contribution".  No other fees e.g. administration fees, examination fees, capitation fees, qualify for tax relief.  Tuition fees that are, or will be, met directly or indirectly by grant, scholarship, employer contribution or other means are deducted in arriving at the net qualifying fees. A claim for relief may be made in respect of a number of students.   

In making a claim for relief for the tax year 2013, the maximum amount of fees that can qualify for the relief is €7,000 per student, but an amount set out in the legislation must be disregarded from each claim (whether in respect of one or more students).  Where a claim for relief includes fees paid on behalf of at least one full-time student, the disregard is €2,500.  Where a claim for relief includes fees solely paid on behalf of a part-time student or part-time students, the amount disregarded is €1,250.  Thus, for example, a family with two siblings attending college on a full-time basis, where tuition fees of €8,000 per student apply, would attract relief of €2,300 made up as follows:

Tuition fees	€16,000
Capped at	€14,000 Less €2,500	€11,500 @ 20% = €2,300

Summer Works Scheme Applications

Ceisteanna (53)

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

53. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills the full list of applicants, both primary and post-primary, from County Mayo for the 2014 summer works scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14252/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

The Deputy will be aware that, on 20th March last, I announced that 386 schools have been approved funding under the Summer Works scheme to undertake school improvements. This first round of funding will allow schools to carry out small and medium scale building works across three categories of projects - Gas, Electrical & Mechanical.

A total of 52 primary and 23 post primary applications were received in respect of schools in county Mayo. Of these, 9 primary school and 7 post primary school applications were assessed in categories 1 to 3 i.e. Gas, Electrical and Mechanical. 8 primary school applications and 5 post primary school applications were approved for funding.

A second round of the scheme is expected to be announced in coming weeks. This round will cover other types of improvement works, with applications (category 5 to 10) including those in County Mayo still to be assessed on a top down basis in accordance with the prioritisation criteria outlined in the governing Circular Letter for the Scheme. This Circular Letter (59/2013) is available on my Department's website www.education.ie.

A full list of applicants under the Scheme in Co. Mayo has been attached for the Deputy's convenience.

COUNTY	SCHOOL TYPE	SCHOOL NAME	ADDRESS	ROLL NO.	PROJCAT	SUBCAT
Mayo	Post Primary School	St. Gerald's College	Newport Road, Castlebar, Co. Mayo	64580H	Mechanical	Upgrade Mechanical
Mayo	Primary School	S N Naomh Iosaf	Leitir, Castlebar, Co Mayo	18818E	Toilets	General Upgrade to Toilets
Mayo	Primary School	S N Cill Mhuire	Crossmolina, Co Mayo	14400S	Toilets	General Upgrade to Toilets
Mayo	Primary School	S N Peadair Agus Pol	Straide, Foxford, Co Mayo	18848N	Toilets	General Upgrade to Toilets
Mayo	Primary School	Crossmolina N.S.	Crossmolina, Co. Mayo.	20125I	Roofs	Repairs of Roof
Mayo	Primary School	S N Cnoc Ruscaighe	Westport, Co Mayo	18712L	Roofs	Partial Replacement of Roof
Mayo	Post Primary School	Jesus & Mary Secondary School	Gortnor Abbey, Crossmolina, Co Mayo	64630T	Roofs	Complete Replacement of Roof
Mayo	Primary School	Cloondaff N S	Newport, Co Mayo	11834N	Roofs	Complete Replacement of Roof
Mayo	Post Primary School	St Louis Community School	Kiltimagh, Co Mayo	91494R	Toilets	General Upgrade to Toilets
Mayo	Primary School	Sn Inbhear	Barr Na Tra, Beal An Atha, Co Mhaigh Eo	12568A	Mechanical	Boiler Replacement
Mayo	Post Primary School	St Josephs Secondary School	Charlestown, Co. Mayo	64600K	Structural Improvements	Classroom
Mayo	Post Primary School	Mount St Michael	Convent Of Mercy, Claremorris, Co Mayo	64620Q	Electrical	Upgrade Electrical
Mayo	Primary School	Barnacarroll Central Ns	Barnacarroll, Claremorris, Co Mayo	19710M	Electrical	Upgrade Electrical
Mayo	Primary School	S N Achaidh An Ghlaisin	Beal An Mhuirthead, Co Mhaigh Eo	18594I	Electrical	Upgrade Electrical
Mayo	Post Primary School	Ballinrobe Community School	Convent Road, Ballinrobe, Co Mayo	91462E	Electrical	Upgrade Electrical
Mayo	Primary School	Kiltimagh Central	Kiltimagh, Co Mayo	19903A	Electrical	Upgrade Electrical
Mayo	Primary School	Sn Naomh Seosamh	Bun An Chorraigh, Cathair Na Mart, Co Mhaigh Eo	18754E	Mechanical	Upgrade Mechanical
Mayo	Post Primary School	St Joseph'S Secondary School	Castlebar, Co Mayo	64590K	Mechanical	Upgrade Mechanical
Mayo	Post Primary School	Coláiste Mhuire	Tuar Mhic Éadaigh, Co Mhaigh Eo	64691Q	Mechanical	Upgrade Mechanical
Mayo	Primary School	Knock N S	Claremorris, Co Mayo	16122D	Mechanical	Upgrade Mechanical
Mayo	Primary School	S N Pol A Tsomais	Beal An Atha, Co Mhaigh Eo	16283E	Mechanical	Boiler Replacement
Mayo	Primary School	Mount Pleasant N S	Ballyglass, Claremorris, Co Mayo	13500R	Mechanical	Boiler Replacement
Mayo	Post Primary School	Coláiste Cholmáin	Claremorris, Co Mayo	64610N	Mechanical	Boiler Replacement
Mayo	Post Primary School	Sacred Heart School	Westport, Co Mayo	64710R	Mechanical	Boiler Replacement
Mayo	Primary School	S N Oilean Eadaigh	Caislean A Bharraigh, Co Mayo	17562N	Mechanical	Change System from Oil to Gas
Mayo	Primary School	Killasser Ns	Killasser, Swinford, Co Mayo	16269K	Toilets	General Upgrade to Toilets
Mayo	Post Primary School	St. Patrick'S College	Lacken Cross, Killala, Co Mayo	72130S	Toilets	General Upgrade to Toilets
Mayo	Post Primary School	St. Brendan'S College	Belmullet, Co. Mayo	72050U	Toilets	General Upgrade to Toilets
Mayo	Primary School	S N Uileog De Burca	Clar Chlainne Mhuiris, Co Maigh Eo	19972T	Toilets	General Upgrade to Toilets
Mayo	Primary School	S N Naomh Feichin	An Crois, Claremorris, Co Mayo	07075T	Toilets	General Upgrade to Toilets
Mayo	Primary School	St Johns  Ns	Lugboy, Claremorris, Co Mayo	15539I	Windows	Complete Replacement of Windows
Mayo	Primary School	Beannchor N S	Bangor, Erris, Co Mayo	13684H	Windows	Complete Replacement of Windows
Mayo	Primary School	Sn  Muine Chonallain	Beal An Atha,, Co Mayo	13667H	Windows	Complete Replacement of Windows
Mayo	Primary School	Saint Michaels N S	Church Road, Ardnaree, Ballina, Co. Mayo.	12792F	Windows	Complete Replacement of Windows
Mayo	Post Primary School	Moyne College	Ballina, Co Mayo	72020L	Windows	Complete Replacement of Windows
Mayo	Primary School	Claremorris Boys Ns	Claremorris, Co Mayo	19915H	Windows	Complete Replacement of Windows
Mayo	Post Primary School	Davitt College	Springfield, Castlebar	76060U	Windows	Complete Replacement of Windows
Mayo	Post Primary School	Sancta Maria College	Louisburgh, Co Mayo	64660F	Windows	Complete Replacement of Windows
Mayo	Post Primary School	St Joseph'S Secondary School	Foxford, Co Mayo	64640W	Windows	Partial Replacement of Windows
Mayo	Primary School	Scoil Íosa	Convent Hill, Ballina, Co Mayo	20275E	Windows	Partial Replacement of Windows
Mayo	Primary School	S N Chluain Luifin	Ballinrobe, Co Mayo	18922W	Windows	Partial Replacement of Windows
Mayo	Primary School	S N Muire Gan Smal	Ceathru Thaidgh, Beal Atha An Fheadha, Co Mhaigh Eo	15032U	Windows	Partial Replacement of Windows
Mayo	Primary School	Sn An Trian Lair	Beal Atha Na Muiche, Co Mayo	13389F	Windows	Partial Replacement of Windows
Mayo	Post Primary School	Colaiste Chomain	Rossport, Ballina, Co Mayo	72140V	Windows	Partial Replacement of Windows
Mayo	Primary School	Newport Central	Baile Ui Bhfiachain, Co Mhaigh Eo	19451O	Windows	Partial Replacement of Windows
Mayo	Primary School	S N Gort An Eadain	Clar Chlainne Mhuiris, Co Mhuigheo	13773G	Windows	Partial Replacement of Windows
Mayo	Primary School	Breafy N S	Ballina, Co Mayo	15555G	Windows	Partial Replacement of Windows
Mayo	Post Primary School	Balla Secondary School	Balla, Castlebar, Co Mayo	64500G	Windows	Partial Replacement of Windows
Mayo	Post Primary School	St Muredachs College	Sligo Road, Ballina, Co Mayo	64510J	Roofs	Complete Replacement of Roof
Mayo	Primary School	S N Athracht Nfa Buach	Charlestown, Co Mayo	18003F	Roofs	Complete Replacement of Roof
Mayo	Primary School	Geesala Central School	Beal An Atha, Co Mhaigh Eo	19776T	Roofs	Partial Replacement of Roof
Mayo	Post Primary School	Rice College	Castlebar Road, Westport, Co Mayo	64700O	Roofs	Repairs of Roof
Mayo	Primary School	S N Coill Mor	Drummin, Westport, Co Mayo	17039V	External Environment	Repairs to Cracks
Mayo	Post Primary School	Scoil Muire Agus Padraig	Swinford, Co Mayo	64690O	External Environment	Repairs to Cracks
Mayo	Post Primary School	Coláiste Pobail Acla	Achill Sound, Westport, Co. Mayo	76150V	External Environment	Other Structural
Mayo	Primary School	S N Realt Na Mara	Mulranny, Co Mayo	17176I	External Environment	Other Structural
Mayo	Primary School	Brackloon N S	Westport, Co Mayo	04796R	Curricular Requirements	Provision of a Play Area
Mayo	Primary School	Crimlin N S	Castlebar, Co Mayo	15967G	Curricular Requirements	Provision of a Play Area
Mayo	Primary School	Corclough Ns	Corchloch, Beal An Mhuirthid, Co Mhaigh Eo	15014S	Curricular Requirements	Upgrade Play Area
Mayo	Primary School	S N Ros Dumhach	Beal Atha An Fheadha, Co Mhaigh Eo	12569C	Curricular Requirements	Upgrade Play Area
Mayo	Post Primary School	St. Tiernan'S College	Crossmolina, Ballina, Co Mayo	72100J	Curricular Requirements	Upgrade Play Area
Mayo	Primary School	St Patricks Central Ns	Kilmaine, Co Mayo	19911W	Curricular Requirements	Tarmacing
Mayo	Primary School	S N Naomh Padraig B	Ballina, Co Mayo	18506I	Curricular Requirements	Fencing
Mayo	Primary School	S N Faitche	Westport, Co Mayo	13555T	Curricular Requirements	Gates
Mayo	Primary School	St Peters Ns	Snugboro, Castlebar, Co Mayo	19916J	Curricular Requirements	Car Parking
Mayo	Primary School	Scoil Raifteiri	Faiche An Aonaigh, Gort Na Fuarain, Caislean An Bharraigh, Co Mhaigh Eo	19832D	Curricular Requirements	Car Parking
Mayo	Primary School	S N Naomh Ioseph	Raithini, Ballina, Co Mayo	18561Q	Curricular Requirements	Car Parking
Mayo	Primary School	S N Naomh Colm Cille	Westport, Co Mayo	13145A	Curricular Requirements	Car Parking
Mayo	Primary School	Convent Of Mercy N S	Castlebar, Co Mayo	18694M	Curricular Requirements	Car Parking
Mayo	Primary School	Kinaffe N S	Swinford, Co Mayo	16173U	Curricular Requirements	Other External Environment
Mayo	Primary School	Sn Baile Cuisin	Ballycushion, Kilconly, Tuam, Co. Galway	18876S	Curricular Requirements	Other External Environment
Mayo	Primary School	S N Druim Slaod	Baile Cruaich, Cathair Na Mart, Co Mayo	17532E	Curricular Requirements	Other External Environment
Mayo	Primary School	Ballyvary Central N S	Ballyvary Central N S, Castlebar, Co Mayo	19402B	Curricular Requirements	Other External Environment
Mayo	Primary School	S N Brighde	Tuirin, Beal Atha Hamhnais, Co Mayo	16756V	Curricular Requirements	Other External Environment
Mayo	Primary School	Culmore N S	Swinford, Co Mayo	16780S	External Environment	Repair Plaster/Stonework

School Funding

Ceisteanna (54)

Jonathan O'Brien

Ceist:

54. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he shares the concerns of parents of students attending a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24, regarding the level and frequency of donations and the fact that many parents are finding it difficult to have their child remain in that school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14254/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

Apart from the recognised fee-charging second level schools, recognised primary or post-primary schools are not permitted to charge school fees.

Voluntary contributions by parents are however permissible provided it is made absolutely clear to parents that there is no question of compulsion to pay. The manner in which contributions are sought and collected is a matter for each school management; however their collection should be such as not to create a situation where either parents or pupils could reasonably infer that the contributions take on a compulsory character.

Industrial Disputes

Ceisteanna (55)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

55. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his officials, or a company (details supplied) are aware that the main contractor on St Patrick's College, Drumcondra, is preventing union officials from gaining access to the site. [14283/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

My Department is providing funding for the St. Patrick's College Campus Development project. A complaint has been made to my officials in relation to engagement with Unions on the site and St. Patrick's College has written to the contractor concerned in that respect. I also understand from the company referred to by the Deputy that the main contractor on site has appointed the Regional Director to be the contact point for all Unions. St. Patrick's College would be able to provide further information or clarification should the Deputy seek it as it is the client on the project.

Schools Building Projects Administration

Ceisteanna (56, 57)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

56. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 178 of 11 March 2014, if the private company (details supplied) conducts audits on a random basis or if action is only taken following a complaint lodged against a particular contractor. [14284/14]

Clare Daly

Ceist:

57. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills what action being taken over the seven contractors who have been found to be non-compliant following audits (details supplied); if these actions are adequate to prevent other contractors from obtaining contracts while in breach of compliancy regulations. [14285/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

I propose to take Questions Nos. 56 and 57 together.

My Department's Planning and Building selects the projects to be audited by the company referred to by the Deputy both on a random basis and following receipt of complaints via my Department's on-line complaint system.

As a result of the audits carried out to date five projects have been referred to Revenue Commissioners, one to the Department of Social Protection and one to NERA for further investigation and necessary action if required. As the Deputy is aware the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Social Protection cannot for a variety of operational reasons comment on individual cases or investigations.

With regard to Building Projects funded by my Department, contractors wishing to tender for major projects must sign a Personal Situation Declaration under Oath confirming that they are in compliance with Regulation 53 of SI 329 of 2006. Any contractor failing to sign this declaration is excluded from tender competitions.

Schools Building Projects Applications

Ceisteanna (58)

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

58. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a school (details supplied) in County Mayo, may expect to receive confirmation that its application for funding to upgrade a technology laboratory has been accepted or rejected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14286/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

My Department has been in contact with the school referred to by the Deputy in respect of the application for funding to upgrade a technology laboratory. The school in question is to provide further documentation and on receipt, the matter will be considered further and the school authorities will be notified of the outcome.