Tuesday, 1 Jul 2014

Written Answers Nos. 181-200

Disadvantaged Status

Ceisteanna (181)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

181. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills the latest date on which primary schools were granted DEIS urban band 1 status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28261/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

The latest date which a school was granted DEIS Urban Band 1 status was 1st September 2009.

Schools Administration

Ceisteanna (182, 183)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

182. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he considers it appropriate for schools to send home in children's school bags political letters confirming news of works to be carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28353/14]

Robert Troy

Ceist:

183. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if it is appropriate for school principals to provide to pupils letters or communications from public representatives to bring home to their parents or guardians; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28358/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

I propose to take Questions Nos. 182 and 183 together.

The Deputy will be aware that in accordance with the provisions of the Education Act 1998, the Board of Management is the body charged with the direct governance of a school. Therefore, it is a matter for each individual school to determine its own policy in relation to the literature or information that is sent home with its pupils. However, in my view it is not appropriate for any school to distribute letters from, or on behalf of, public representatives to the school community. Where a parent has a concern in relation to any material being circulated by a school, the matter should be raised with the relevant school authority.

Schools Building Projects Administration

Ceisteanna (184)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

184. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the dates on which the building works at a school (details supplied) have been in the five different stages of his Department's school design and building process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28367/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

The school to which the Deputy refers appointed a Design Team in December 2006. Stage 2a (preliminary design) was approved in March 2011, and Stage 2b (detailed design/tender documents) was approved in June 2013. Contracts have recently been signed and it is anticipated that construction will commence within the next two weeks.

Third Level Staff

Ceisteanna (185)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

185. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding promotion within the university sector for academic staff and the limitations that apply regarding these promotions in view of the funding issue in the sector. [28372/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

The economic circumstances of the country are such that the staffing moratorium introduced across the public sector by the previous Government in 2009 has to be maintained. In contrast to other parts of the public service the higher education sector has been given significant latitude within this moratorium relative to other areas of public expenditure. An Employment Control Framework is in place for the higher education sector which provides institutions with considerable flexibility to fill vacancies, through recruitment or promotions on the basis of meeting an overall ceiling of posts.

Special Educational Needs Staffing

Ceisteanna (186)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

186. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason the National Council for Special Education has yet to release its allocations for special needs assistants for 2014-15. [28374/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

The NCSE announced the allocations of SNAs to schools on 25th June. It was also announced that in September there will be over 10,900 Special Needs Assistant (SNA) posts in schools to support students with special needs for the 2014/2015 school year. The exact numbers of SNAs will become clear when enrolments of students in mainstream schools are finalised in September. A school by school breakdown of SNA allocations for 2014/15 school year is available at www.ncse.ie.

School Accommodation

Ceisteanna (187)

Jim Daly

Ceist:

187. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider funding a proposal to provide alternative temporary accommodation for a school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28376/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

The longer term options in respect of the provision of improved accommodation for the school to which the Deputy refers are currently being considered in the context of other school developments in the area and the reorganisation of existing accommodation. In that context, my Department is currently liaising with Cork Education and Training Board with a view to identifying an accommodation solution for the school. The school has recently submitted an updated report to my Department on their current school accommodation and my officials will be in further contact with the school authorities directly in that regard.

Schools Property

Ceisteanna (188)

Jonathan O'Brien

Ceist:

188. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of school patrons that sold land or school buildings during each of the past ten years; the details of the sale; and the amount of money that was received by his Department as a result. [28379/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

My Department does not hold details of all patron owned lands or school buildings sold during the past ten years. Where a school patron owns land not associated with the running of schools, the disposal of such land is a private matter for the patron. Where significant funds from my Department have been invested in developing a school building on a patron-owned site and where a charging lease has been put in place to protect the State's interest, such property cannot be sold during the term of the lease without the consent of my Department being obtained to have this interest released. With regard to these properties over which a charging lease was in place and where a request to release the Minister's interest was received, details in relation to such properties are held on individual files. Therefore the scope of the Deputy's request is such that the information requested is not readily available. To identify, retrieve and examine individual files would involve significant manual processes to the extent that it would cause a substantial and unreasonable disruption of the work of the Department. However, where information is available in electronic format such that it can be collated, the details will be compiled and forwarded to the Deputy.

School Transport Eligibility

Ceisteanna (189)

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

189. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding school transport in respect of a child (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28401/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

The purpose of my Department's School Transport Schemes 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 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language. While it is the prerogative of parents to send their children to the school of their choice, eligibility for school transport is to the nearest school or education centre. In certain areas, families who choose to send their children to schools other than their nearest diminish the chance of a service being established to their nearest school.

Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport on a concessionary basis only subject to a number of terms and conditions including the availability of spare seats on an existing service and payment of the annual charge. This charge, which may be paid in two instalments in July and December, is a contribution towards the overall cost and does not reflect the true cost of providing these services. Only children who are eligible for school transport and who hold valid medical cards (GMS Scheme) are exempt from paying the annual charge. The terms of the School Transport Schemes are applied equitably on a national basis.

School Transport Eligibility

Ceisteanna (190)

James Bannon

Ceist:

190. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the situation in respect of a post-primary school transport scheme (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28413/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

The purpose of my Department's School Transport Schemes is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school. 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 terms of the School Transport Schemes are applied equitably on a national basis.

Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Ceisteanna (191)

Dominic Hannigan

Ceist:

191. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the exact way in which the National Council for Special Education will consult with stakeholders on its new proposals regarding the allocation of resources to schools in respect of children with special needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28420/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

I wish to advise the Deputy that The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) published its Report on a Proposed New Model for Allocating Teachers for Students with Special Educational Needs on Wednesday 18th June 2014. This report is available at www.ncse.ie. Section 2 and Appendix 3 of this report both contain comprehensive details of the wide ranging consultation process which the NCSE engaged in, in developing its policy advice. The NCSE consulted with key education partners in order to assist the working group in developing its proposal for a new model for allocating additional teaching supports to schools. These stakeholders included parents, teachers, principals, health professionals, school management bodies, Department of Education and Skills staff (National Educational Psychological Service staff, Inspectors), special educational needs organisers (SENOs), advocacy groups, and teacher union officials. The NCSE has also established a national Consultative Forum in order to consult directly with stakeholders on any matters related to carrying out its functions or in developing its policy advice.

I have now asked my Department to consider the recommendations contained in the report of the NCSE working group on a new resource allocation model and to examine what impact this proposal would have in practice on the allocation of Special Needs teachers to schools. In considering the NCSE proposals, my Department will also consult with all stakeholder groups, including parents, to hear their views on the proposals. The details of how this consultation will be managed have yet to be decided within my Department.

School Enrolments

Ceisteanna (192)

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

192. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will reverse the 2012 decision to raise enrolment thresholds for two, three and four-teacher schools in view of the damage that has been caused to schools in rural communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28471/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

I have made clear on a number of occasions that the final phase of the Budget 2012 measure in relation to small schools will not be suspended. My Department has expanded the existing appeals process so that it is accessible to the schools that are affected by the budget measure. In this regard small schools will not lose their classroom post if they are projecting sustainable increased enrolments in September 2014 that would be sufficient to allow them to retain their existing classroom posts over the longer term. 36 small schools that were due to lose a classroom post in September are provisionally retaining it on the basis of their appeal. The final position will be known in the Autumn when 30 September 2014 actual enrolments are confirmed.

The Government recognises that small schools are an important part of the social fabric of rural communities. They will continue to be a feature of our education landscape. In these extremely challenging times, all public servants are being asked to deliver our public services on a reduced level of resources and teachers in small schools cannot be immune from this requirement. How best to sustain provision for widely dispersed and small local communities does present as a particular challenge, especially in any locality where enrolment is declining to single figures. I am mindful of the concerns of smaller schools and rural schools. Our overall primary school enrolment has been growing rapidly in recent years and this is going to continue. In managing the resource consequences of this, it is important that decisions on school provision and organisation are based on a rigorous evaluation of requirements and needs, not just at a local level but also at both regional and national levels.

Our current configuration of small primary schools has been examined by the Department in a value for money (VFM) review. This review took account of the ethos of schools and the locations of small schools relative to other schools of a similar type. I am currently considering this review in consultation with my Government colleagues and I intend to publish the report on completion of this consideration process.

School Closures

Ceisteanna (193)

Seán Kyne

Ceist:

193. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number and locations of schools which have closed in each of the years between 2004 and 2013 in tabular form. [28503/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

I wish to advise the Deputy that there were 47 primary school closures and 21 post-primary closures between 2004 and 2013. Details are outlined in the following table for the Deputy's information.

Post-Primary School Closures 2004 to 2014

County	Location	-	Year
Limerick	Ard Scoil Mhuire, Bruff	64020P	2012
Galway	Scoil Áine, Kylemore Abbey	63060W	2010
Dublin	Belcamp College, Malahide Road	60280V	2009
Sligo	Gurteen Vocational School, Gurteen, Ballymote	72340G	2009
Dublin 14	Dundrum College, Dundrum	70060N	2008
Dublin 4	St Mary’s Haddington Road, Dublin 4	60780S	2007
Dublin	Presentation Brothers, Glasthule	60200U	2007
Dublin	St John of God Secondary School, Artane	60881B	2007
Dublin	Greendale Community School, Kilbarrack	91341P	2007
Dublin	Meanscoil Naomh Colm, Crumlin	60492N	2006
Cork	St Finbarr’s Seminary, Farranferris	62600A	2006
Limerick	Edmund Rice College, Shelbourne, Limerick	64320E	2005
Meath	Ability Secondary School, Navan	65640E	2005
Galway	St Michael’s Vocational School, Ballinasloe	71260D	2005
Wicklow	Our Lady’s School,  Rathnew	61840P	2005
Limerick	St Mary’s Secondary School, Drumcollogher	64060E	2005
Kilkenny	St Brigid’s Secondary School, Goresbridge	61540D	2005
Dublin	Pembroke School, Pembroke Road	60900C	2005
Kerry	Mean Scoil Leith Triuigh, Cloghane	61280D	2005
Dublin	Presentation Secondary School, Terenure	60830H	2004
Tipperary	Cappawhite Vocational School	72390V	2004

Primary School Closures 2004 to 2014

County	Location	-	Year
Cork	Scoil Naomh Therese NS, Bishopstown, Cork	19588S	2013
Clare	Baltard NS, Kilrush	15968I	2013
Cork	Inchiclough NS, Bantry	07101R	2013
Mayo	An Ghleanna Mhoir NS Crossmolina	14195U	2013
Galway	Corgary NS, Ballinasloe	15228O	2013
Monaghan	Rath na NÓg High Support Unit, Monaghan	20135I	2013
Roscommon	Mantua N.S., Castlerea	02327S	2012
Kerry	Dromerin NS, Listowel	10531N	2012
Leitrim	Rossan N.S., Carrigallen	17558W	2012
Mayo	Rathkell NS, Castlehill, Ballina	15705W	2012
Kildare	Creag Aran High Support School, Athgarrett, Naas	20034F	2012
Longford	Ballycloghan  N.S., Carrickboy	17724N	2012
Wexford	Killegney N.S., Clonroche	15883A	2012
Leitrim	Drumnamore N.S., Carrick on Shannon	17132L	2012
Mayo	Coogue NS, Aghamore	16952V	2011
Galway	St Ciaran’s NS Ballinasloe	18211M	2011
Dublin 1	St Francis Clinic Special School, Temple Street Hospital	19217G	2011
Kerry	Clonkeen N.S Killarney	18440E	2011
Sligo	SN Mhuire Gan Smal NS, Gurteen	18711J	2010
Cavan	Arva C of I  N.S., Arva	11590L	2010
Cork	Rathduane NS, Rathmore Mallow	09385V	2010
Limerick	Ballyorgan NS, Kilfinane	17293M	2010
Mayo	SN  Deirble, Beal Dearg NS, Ballina	11582M	2009
Limerick	Feale View NS, Abbeyfeale	14516O	2009
Roscommon	Enfield NS, Castleplunkett, Castlerea	14197B	2009
Mayo	SN Roscach NS, Doocastle	18595K	2009
Cork	Foilagohig NS, Ballydesmond	18278V	2009
Monaghan	Fortview NS, Clones	15300T	2009
Cork	Aghina NS, Macroom	16253S	2009
Cork	Bealad NS, Rossmore	17888U	2009
Galway	Scoil Naomh Bride NS, Muighros, Carna	18263I	2008
Mayo	Ratheskin NS, Kincon	13866N	2007
Dublin 8	St Michael’s CBNS, Inchicore	16799Q	2007
Offaly	SN Oilibéar Pluingcéad NS, Shannonbridge	17187N	2007
Dublin 11	De la Salle BNS, Finglas East, Dublin 11	18104L	2007
Longford	Naomh Mhuire BNS, Lanesboro	18306A	2007
Cork	SN Baile Guairne NS, Cloyne	01132V	2007
Cork	South Presentation Girls and Infant Boys National School, Cork City	06153I	2006
Cork	Scoil Neasain CBNS Cork City	16996S	2006
Dublin 11	St Mary’s Hospital School, Cappagh	16624E	2006
Galway	SN an Chnoic NS, Lettermallen	15518A	2006
Cork	SN Breac Maigh NS, Castlelyons	03993O	2006
Mayo	SN Srath na Manrach NS, Ballycroy	18588N	2005
Roscommon	Carniska NS, Strokestown	17545N	2005
Dublin 1	St Columba’s Special School, Great Strand Street, Dublin 1	19602J	2005
Cork	St David’s Special School,Glanmire	20069B	2005
Cork	Behagh NS, Dunmanway	14059M	2004

School Enrolments

Ceisteanna (194)

Seamus Healy

Ceist:

194. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of small schools nationwide affected by the increased enrolment thresholds for two, three and four-teacher schools; the financial benefit resulting from these changes; the maximum pupil-teacher ratio for small schools; if he will offer to reverse the decision to raise these thresholds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28534/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

I have made clear on a number of occasions that the final phase of the Budget 2012 measure in relation to small schools will not be suspended. All public servants are being asked to do more with less and the teachers in small schools cannot be exempt from this requirement. The Budget 2012 measure puts the staffing arrangements for small schools on a more sustainable and affordable basis. The relevant pupil thresholds for all schools, including small schools, are published in the Staffing Schedule which is available on the Department's website.

My Department has expanded the existing appeals process so that it is accessible to the small schools that are affected by the budget measure. In this regard small schools will not lose their classroom post if they are projecting sustainable increased enrolments in September 2014 that would be sufficient to allow them to retain their existing classroom posts over the longer term.

30 small schools were due to lose a classroom post in September 2014 as a result of the final phase of the budget measure. 2 of these schools are closing, 1 is amalgamating and following the appeals process the number is now reduced to 12 schools. Additionally, there are 48 small schools with a reduction in enrolments which means they are due to lose a teacher in September, 2014. These losses would not have occurred if the pre-budget 2012 enrolment thresholds still applied. Following the appeals process this figure of 48 is reduced to 27 schools losing a post. There are also 6 primary schools that were due to not gain a classroom post for the 2014/15 school year as a consequence of the implementation of the final phase of the Budget 2012 measure. Following the appeals process, this figure is now reduced to 2 schools.

The final position in relation to staffing will be known in the Autumn when 30 September 2014 actual enrolments are confirmed. The level of savings that are expected to arise for the 2014/15 school year as a result of the Budget 2012 measure will be clearer in the Autumn but at this stage are expected to be in excess of €3 million.

Property Valuations

Ceisteanna (195)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

195. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform that, in the interests of fairness, a rated occupier-owner should be entitled to seek a review of the rateable valuation of a property if at any time the value of the property changes because landlords need to let and tenants want to rent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28172/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

It is important to acknowledge that commercial rates, as a source of revenue, and the rating system generally, are deeply embedded in the local government system. Rates income is a very important contribution to the cost of services provided by local authorities such as roads, public lighting, development control, parks and open spaces.  All rates collected within a local authority area are spent exclusively in delivering the public services which are required locally to create the environment in which businesses can prosper. Locally elected members adopt the annual rate on valuation (ARV) they consider necessary in order to provide the required services. Rates are a stable source of financing for local government which is not affected unduly by short-term changes in economic circumstances.  A system having regard to economic factors such as fluctuations in supply and demand, inherent in the property letting market on an ongoing basis would create uncertainty by providing for continuous change to the valuation base. Such a system would not provide a stable basis for funding local government and would require significant additional resources to operate.

The levying of rates on commercial property by reference to movements in the letting market rather than valuation would be a significant change and a departure from the long-standing practice of levying rates by reference to property values.  The introduction of such a system for rating purposes would not be suitable because supply and demand in the property market can vary significantly from year to year and within and between the various business sectors which would lead to an unstable and volatile valuation base. Therefore, I have no plans to change the method by which valuations are assessed for rating as such a radical move would represent a significant  departure from the long-standing practice of levying rates solely by reference to property values.

The Valuation Act, 2001 provides for two key elements in the provision and maintenance of the valuation lists for rating - revision and revaluation. The revision process provides for the updating of valuation lists so that new properties can  be valued and added to the list, improved and extended properties can have their valuations updated and properties that have been demolished in whole or in part can have their valuations amended or struck out as appropriate.

Under the current provisions of the Act, an owner/occupier of an individual business premises who has concerns about the valuation of their property or any part thereof, including its rateability or the method of calculation may, on payment of a statutory fee of €250, apply to the Valuation Office for a revision of the valuation.  A Revision Officer is then appointed, who may carry out a revision of valuation in relation to a particular property only if a material change of circumstances (MCC) has occurred since the property was last revised.  MCC is defined in section 3 of the Act as a change of circumstances, which consist of a new building, a change in value due to structural alterations of an existing building, total or partial demolition of a building or a sub-division or amalgamation of relevant property.  The definition, however, does not allow for a revision of valuation where the change in value is due to economic factors, differential movements in property values or other external factors such as road or other infrastructural development in the vicinity of a property.

The revaluation provisions in the Act provide for the revaluation of all rateable property within a rating authority area so as to reflect changes in value due to economic factors, differential movements in property values or other external factors such as road or other infrastructural development in the vicinity of a property. The purpose of revaluation is to bring more equity, fairness and transparency into the local authority rating system - distributing the commercial rates liability more equitably between ratepayers. Following revaluation, there will generally be a much closer and uniform relationship between rental values of property and their commercial rates liability. In essence, the exercise aims to ensure that each ratepayer bears a fair share of the rates burden relative to the value of the property that they occupy. It is not the purpose of revaluation to increase the total amount of rates collected by local authorities. In fact, the relevant legislation (Valuation Act, 2001 and the Local Government Business (Improvements Districts) Act, 2006 provides that the commercial rates income of local authorities in the year following revaluation is capped.

The Valuation Office is currently engaged in a national revaluation programme, the immediate objective of which is to ensure that the first revaluation of all rating authority areas is conducted as soon as possible. The revaluation programme began in November, 2005 in the South Dublin County Council area and has since been rolled out to Fingal and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council areas and more recently to the Dublin City and Waterford City and County Council areas. The revaluation of South Dublin was completed in December, 2007; Fingal was completed in 2009; Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown was completed in 2010 and Dublin City and Waterford City and County were completed in December, 2013. The revaluation of Limerick City and County area is currently underway. While the Commissioner is exploring a number of initiatives to accelerate the programme, he cannot at present give a date for the commencement of the revaluation of all commercial properties in County Kerry or in other rating authority areas.

Public Procurement Contracts

Ceisteanna (196)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

196. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if there are currently any requirements placed on companies which tender for public contracts to demonstrate that they comply with employment law in respect of the rights and entitlements of their employees; if there is any specific requirement placed on companies which have been found to be in breach of employment law and which subsequently tender for public contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27867/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

In relation to the general issue of employment law and its enforcement, these are matters for my colleague Mr. Richard Bruton, T. D. Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) respectively.

Public procurement procedures require applicants to meet certain standards when applying for public contracts.  The criteria upon which contracting authorities may exclude applicants from the award procedure of public contracts are set out in Regulation 53 of SI 329 of 2006 European Communities (Award of Public Contracts) Regulations 2006 and Article 45 and Recitals (34) and (43) of 2004/18/EC, the EU Directive on the co-ordination of procedures for the award of public works contracts, public supply contracts and public service contracts.  Before an applicant, in relation to certain breaches is excluded, the applicant may make a case and provide supporting evidence as to why it should not be excluded.  The contracting authority must consider this evidence before deciding whether to exclude or include an applicant. In qualifying for inclusion in tender competitions for public contracts, applicants must submit signed declarations stating that none of the circumstances outlined in Regulation 53 of SI 329 or Article 45 of 2004/18/EC apply.

Public Procurement Contracts

Ceisteanna (197)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

197. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a company (details supplied) has been successful in securing a public contract since the company was inspected by the National Employment Rights Authority, NERA; if so, whether any specific conditions have been put in place to ensure that the company is compliant with employment law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27868/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

In relation to the general issue of employment law and its enforcement, these are matters for my colleague Mr. Richard Bruton, T. D. Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) respectively.

The information sought by the Deputy is not recorded centrally in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for public contracts.  Contracting authorities are currently only obliged to publish contract award notices on the eTenders website www.etenders.ie and the Official Journal of the EU (OJEU) for those contracts whose values exceed the EU thresholds.  The current EU threshold for works contracts is €5.186 million; for supplies and service contracts awarded by Government Departments the threshold is €134,000 and for the remainder of public bodies the threshold is €207,000. The threshold for supplies and service contracts of entities operating in utility sectors (water, energy, transport and postal) is €414,000.

The Office of Government Procurement which administers the eTenders website has advised that since January 2012 that the company, which is the subject of the Deputy's question, has not been awarded an above threshold contract. The management of a public works contract is a matter between a contracting authority and a main contractor.  It is the responsibility of each contracting authority to ensure that contractors comply with all the requirements of the contract.  If the Deputy is aware of any non-compliance he should contact the relevant contracting authority directly.

Departmental Funding

Ceisteanna (198)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

198. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide funding for a facility (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27962/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

I am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that, following completion of urgent stabilisation and conservation works to the buildings in the historic village, including Tomás Ó Criomhthain’s house, further works may be considered in the light of available resources. Temporary accommodation has been provided on the Island for staff for the 2014 season.

Construction Contracts

Ceisteanna (199)

Arthur Spring

Ceist:

199. Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding the development of the code of practice under the provisions of the Construction Contracts Act; and when the code of practice will be completed. [27972/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

The Construction Contracts Bill passed all stages of the Houses of the Oireachtas in July 2013 and was signed into law on the 29 July 2013. Section 9 of the Act requires the publication of a code of practice governing the conduct of adjudication.  Engagement with key stakeholders on the code culminated with the issue of the final draft to stakeholders in March.

Subsection (3) and (4) of Section 6 and Section 8 of the Act requires the establishment of a panel of adjudicators.  In the event that parties to a payment dispute cannot agree to the appointment of an adjudicator, the chair of the panel will appoint one for them.  Officials in my department are working on the details of the structure for the panel, its set up and operation and this will shortly be circulated to stakeholders for consultation.  Once this process is concluded, applications for the panel will be advertised and when the appointment process to the panel is complete the Act will be commenced.

Question No. 200 withdrawn.