Written Answers Nos. 150-180
150. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Health his plans for supporting children with autism spectrum disorder in extra-curricular activities that may improve their social skills and also contribute to their quality of life while young, but also as they grow in to their teenage years (details supplied). [18769/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed under the National Disability Strategy (NDS) to ensuring that people with autism are empowered by policy and programmes to participate meaningfully as citizens in Irish society. The NDS is driven by this basic but fundamentally important objective and is the most effective combination of legislation, policies, institutional arrangements and services to support and reinforce equal participation for all people with disabilities.
The Cabinet Committee on Social Policy has been examining issues around autism across Government Departments in association with the National Disability Authority (NDA). This work by the NDA, which has included consultation with families, will be of significant assistance in informing how best to address the needs of people with ASD, so that we can be sure that they are appropriately reflected and included in policies and actions.
The National Disability Strategy Implementation Group has already discussed the findings of the NDA consultation and mapping of services to people with autism. Further to the recommendations of this exercise, the NDA has been engaging bilaterally with Departments and agencies to guide the development of actions under the umbrella of the National Disability Strategy Implementation Plan.
My Department has asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy in respect of the detailed operational aspects of the issue that he has raised in so far as it relates to the health service. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days he should please contact my Private Office and it will follow up the matter with him.
153. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will be awarded a discretionary medical card, following a significant deterioration in that person's health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18778/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.
The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for Members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information has issued to Oireachtas Members.
If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office who will follow up the matter with them.
155. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the reason there have been delays in approval of the optical benefit forms, up to two months or more currently, in areas (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18781/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Minister for Social Protection is responsible for the Treatment Benefit Scheme, which provides dental, optical and aural services to qualified people.
156. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Laois will receive a date for a heart bypass operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18793/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The National Waiting List Management Policy, A standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the Health Service Executive, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days he should please contact my Private Office and it will follow the matter up.
157. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Health the composition of the working group charged with the preparation of the new national cancer strategy; if he will consider including a patient representative on the working group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18843/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra158. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the progress on the development of a new national cancer strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18844/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 157 and 158 together.
A Cancer Strategy Steering Group is being established to provide guidance and advice to my Department in formulating a new Cancer Strategy for the period 2016-2025. It is envisaged that the Steering Group will submit a draft Cancer Strategy for consideration by me before the end of 2015 with a view to the new strategy being ready for implementation from 2016.
My Department has also established a Cancer Patient Forum to facilitate a patient input to the development of the National Cancer Strategy and to inform the work of the Steering Group. A representative of the Forum will sit as a member on the Steering Group.
As per my letter sent to the Deputy on the 8 May, the Cancer Patient Forum will comprise of the following representatives:
The Irish Cancer Society, Purple House Cancer Support, Cancer Care West, Europa Donna Ireland, Marie Keating Foundation, ARC Cancer Support, a screening participant, Donegal Action for Cancer Care, Cooperating for Cancer Care North West, Men's Cancer Alliance, CanTeen Ireland, Barretstown and Patient Focus.
The intention is that one member of the Patient Forum will sit on the Steering Group, to facilitate direct patient input to the development of recommendations. The Patient Forum had a very well received first meeting on 29 April, at which they were asked to consider a nominee to sit on the Steering Group and revert to the Department.
All interested parties including members of the public will be invited to make submissions. I hope and expect that there will be dozens if not hundreds. Unfortunately, it will not be possible for me to meet any individuals or groups about their submissions as it would compromise the outcome of the process if I were to meet some but not others and it would be impossible for me to meet all.
159. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Health the number of persons diagnosed with cancer each year; diagnosed at early stage; diagnosed through screening programmes; the types of cancer involved; the number of cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18845/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Cancer Registry is the statutory body with responsibility for, inter alia, the collection and analysis of information relating to the incidence of cancer and related tumours in Ireland. My Department has asked the Registry to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the number and types of cancer diagnosed each year.
160. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will examine and expedite a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry, as the person has submitted the necessary paperwork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18849/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.
The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information has issued to Oireachtas members.
If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office who will follow up the matter with them.
161. Deputy Seán Conlan asked the Minister for Health the reason a child (details supplied) in County Monaghan has been waiting since June 2014 for further assessment for a possible diagnosis of development co-ordination disorder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18861/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the issue raised by the Deputy relates to an individual case, this is a service matter for the Health Service Executive. I have asked the HSE to look into the particular matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days he should please contact my Private Office and it will follow up on the matter.
162. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 426 of 6 May 2015, if he will confirm with a "Yes" or "No" reply if his Department has undertaken any research to identify any possible negative effects of industrial wind turbines on human health. [18862/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs previously advised in my reply of 6 May 2015, policy responsibility with regard to planning and the legislative framework in relation to the siting of wind turbines rests with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and my Department provides advice from time to time when requested by the above mentioned Department. My Department has not carried out any research into the effects of industrial wind turbines on human health.
163. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Health following the internal Health Service Executive investigation of an independent midwife (details supplied), if further investigations of this midwife are taking place; if so, if he will provide details of the investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18879/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to thank the Deputy for the issue raised.
The case remains ongoing and therefore I am limited in my response, however , I have been informed by the HSE that the 2 investigations remain ongoing.
There are no other investigations at this time.
164. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an application for nursing registration in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18891/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to thank the Deputy for the question raised.
The most up-to-date information from the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland is that the lady referred to in your correspondence applied for registration as a General Nurse, a Public Health Nurse and a Nurse Tutor in 2013.
She was granted registration as a General Nurse on 21 January 2014. Her application was assessed for Public Health Nursing and the decision was that she undertake a period of adaptation and assessment as a prerequisite to registration, and the letter was issued to her on 17 April 2014.
She was written to, with a request for further information with regard to her Nurse Tutor application, on 28 April 2014 and to date NMBI are awaiting receipt of this required information to progress this application.
I understand that she contacted NMBI on 24 February 2015 with regard to the period of adaptation and assessment for Public Health nursing and to ask if she could undertake the programme in West Cork. This request was acceded to and on 26 February 2015 she was advised of this.
In order for her to complete the period of adaptation and assessment she must apply for a Candidate Certificate and I am informed that to date NMBI have not received a request for the candidate certificate required to commence the period of adaptation and assessment.
165. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he attended the second committee session in relation to the sovereign debt restructuring processes to be considered by the United Nations in New York in the United States of America, from 28 to 30 April 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18789/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn September 2014, the UN General Assembly was presented with a draft Resolution on the modalities for the implementation of General Assembly Resolution 68/304 on the establishment of a multilateral legal framework for sovereign debt restructuring processes. The main focus of the resolution was the setting up of an ad hoc committee to elaborate a binding debt resolution mechanism. Following detailed consideration of the proposal and discussions with our EU partners and other UN members, Ireland, and our EU partners, were unable to support the Resolution. Ireland fully subscribed to the EU’s statement clarifying the important considerations which informed the negotiating approach on the Resolution, as follows:
“The ad-hoc committee must be limited to the elaboration of a non-binding 'set of principles' which builds upon a market-based voluntary contractual approach to sovereign debt restructuring and aims at furthering its implementation and use. Neither the EU nor Member States will participate in discussions aiming at the establishment of a binding multilateral legal framework for sovereign debt restructuring processes.
The ad-hoc committee should reflect the recent and ongoing work on sovereign debt restructuring undertaken in the IMF, subject to the previous considerations, and should take place in close coordination with and with technical support from the Fund. Discussions should also make reference to the work in other fora on these issues, such as the Paris Club, which has a history of discussing sovereign debt restructuring issues.”
In the event, the Resolution continued to propose the elaboration of a new legal framework and, in these circumstances, Ireland, in common with EU partners, will not be participating in the work of the committee.
Ireland is actively engaged in ongoing global processes to address the issue of sovereign debt restructuring. Work being undertaken at other levels, including in the IMF and at the Third International Conference on Financing for Development to be held in Addis Ababa in July, offers appropriate, established and constructive means for meaningful dialogue on the matter. We are playing our full role, in partnership with our EU colleagues, in working for the success of the Financing for Development Conference in Addis, which is central to the ongoing negotiations on a new framework for global development to follow on from the Millennium Development Goals. These major international negotiations at the UN are being co-chaired by Ireland’s Permanent Representative to the UN, with Kenya.
166. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he or his Department officials have discussed the recent judgment in the United States of America regarding the data collection programme exposed by a person (details supplied) who was not authorised by the PATRIOT Act; the implications of this judgment for the United States of America's diplomatic relations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18880/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the decision by the Second Circuit Court of Appeals in the United States last Thursday regarding the use of section 215 of the Patriot Act to justify bulk domestic telephone data collection. It is now a matter for the US administration and Congress to address the issues raised by that Court decision. To that end, I note that the question of bulk data collection is currently under consideration by the US Congress, which will provide public representatives with an opportunity to debate this important issue.
167. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way he and his Department are preparing for the referendum on European Union membership that is proposed in the United Kingdom in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18881/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe debate in the United Kingdom regarding its relationship with the European Union is followed extremely closely by my Department, the Department of the Taoiseach and indeed all government departments. That focus will now only intensify following the recent general election in Britain and Prime Minister Cameron’s commitment to holding a referendum on the country’s EU membership by 2017. My Government colleagues and I have been clear in voicing our view that joint British-Irish membership has been hugely beneficial to our country and our relationship with the UK. The important role the EU has played in the context of Northern Ireland should also not be forgotten, as the Taoiseach emphasised recently in a speech in Belfast.
Our unique relationship with the UK – in economic, social, cultural and historical terms – means we have a deep interest in the outcome of this debate about that country’s future in Europe. We also value the contribution the UK has made to the EU during the four decades we have been members together and we share a similar approach on many key policy areas. Given the importance we attach to their ongoing membership, a key priority will be ensuring that our UK partners remain fully aware of the potential consequences for Ireland of any fundamental change in the nature of their membership of the EU.
I have addressed many of these points directly with Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond. I have also written to him following his recent re-appointment and will remain in close contact with him in the time ahead.
Our Embassy in London is, of course, very active with regard to EU-UK relationship. Its input and reporting on this, together with the reports and analysis we receive from our other diplomatic missions across the EU, will continue to be of key importance. We will work closely in the coming period with both our British and EU partners with the objective of ensuring continued UK membership of the European Union.
168. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will examine and expedite a remote area grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry, for the school year 2014-2015, in view of the fact the person has submitted all relevant documentation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18729/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraBus Éireann operates the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department and is responsible for the planning of routes and the designation of pick-up/set down points. Where practicable, and subject to considerations of cost and logistics, routes are planned to avoid an eligible child having to travel more than 3.2 kms to or from a pick up/set down point.
A Remote Area Grant is payable for eligible children who may have to travel 3.2 kilometres or more to, or from, a designated pick-up/set-down point. This grant is payable at the end of each school year and is based on a fixed daily rate and the attendance level at school.
As Bus Éireann has advised that this is the position in this case, my Department will be in contact directly with the family referred to by the Deputy regarding the payment of the grant.
169. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Education and Skills if those who have been paid over the past two years, at a post-2011 entrant fee of €34 hourly, should in fact have been paid at the pre-2011 rate of €42, as currently advertised on her Department's website; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18775/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that July Provision is available to all special schools and mainstream primary schools with special classes catering for children with autism that choose to extend their education services through the month of July. My Department also provides July Provision for pupils with a severe/profound general learning disability. Where school based provision is not feasible, home based provision may be grant aided.
Under the terms of the School Based July Programme, permanent teachers can opt to receive additional salary to include allowances where appropriate, or be paid at the relevant hourly rate. In keeping with general pay policy, the hourly rate to be paid is determined by when the teacher first commenced employment. Substitute or temporary teachers are also paid the relevant hourly rate having regard to service, qualifications and the sector in which they are employed.
Assuming the cohort of teachers to whom the Deputy refers participated in the school based scheme their rate of payment would have been calculated accordingly.
170. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which jobs have been created in the high skilled and medium skilled sectors in the past 12 months; the degree to which a pattern in skill requirements has emerged over the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18892/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra171. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will outline, from experience over the past four years, the most sought after skills in the jobs market; the extent to which such skills continue to be supplied indigenously; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18896/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra172. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which she expects the skills available to match requirements in the job market in the future; her plans for enhancement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18900/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 170 to 172, inclusive, together.
An important part of my Department's remit is to ensure that structures and programmes are in place to give learners the opportunity to acquire relevant quality education and training that will provide them with the necessary skills to compete for jobs. According to the Annual Bulletins from the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs in the period 2010 to 2014, skills shortages have emerged in some roles in the following sectors: ICT, Engineering, Science, Business and Finance, Health, Sales, Craft, Transport and Clerical.
Decisions on provision for labour market related education and training, including targeted programmes such as Momentum and Springboard, are informed by an existing skills identification infrastructure, which includes inputs from the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs and the Strategic Labour Market Research Unit, who use an economic model to forecast skills needs/demands in particular sectors.
The Deputy will also be aware of the Apprenticeship Council's recent call for proposals for the development of new apprenticeships. 86 separate proposals were received in response. These proposals will be assessed by the Apprenticeship Council against a range of sustainability and deliverability criteria before recommendations are submitted before the end of June to my Department.
My Department is also undertaking a renewal of the National Skills Strategy, which will incorporate education and training policy at all levels of the system. It will include an examination of the skills identification infrastructure used to direct policy and provision. A project is being led by my Department to establish Regional Skills Fora. The objective of this proposal is to foster better engagement between DES providers (ETBs, Institutes of Technology, Universities, Skillnets), employers and other regional stakeholders in building the skills of their regions.
173. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of an emergency works scheme application in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18713/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school referred to by the Deputy submitted an application for funding under my Department's Emergency Works Scheme to replace a water tank and associated works at the school.
My Department's Planning and Building Unit has sought further clarification from the school authority and this information is currently awaited. As soon as the information is received, a final decision will be communicated to the school authority.
174. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Education and Skills the measures that will be put in place to support students who have lost out substantially on the recent language school closures; the further measures that will be put in place to support teachers who have lost salaries; the implementation process, going forward, to regulate this sector, in order not to damage Ireland's reputation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18726/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraA number of measures have already been put in place to support students who have been affected by the English language school closures. A Task Force to assist students was established in 2014, and the report of the Taskforce was published on 2nd September 2014. On the basis of Marketing English in Ireland's (MEI) involvement with the Task Force, MEI schools have been assisting genuine displaced students in completing their studies by offering alternative courses at a significantly discounted rate.
MEI schools provide an additional support to displaced students in that they have arrangements in place for the protection of learners. Most of the private colleges which have closed did not have such learner protection arrangements in place. Other individual colleges and representative groups, such as the recently formed Private College Network, have also made offers to accommodate impacted students.
A dedicated website has also been established, and this provides useful information to affected students and outlines the range of options available to them. The website continues to be updated regularly.
In relation to the issue of teacher salaries, this is a matter between the teachers and their employer, and my Department has no role in this.
Regarding the regulation process going forward, my Department and the Department of Justice and Equality have produced a package of reforms to the student immigration system for international education which will be brought to Government for its approval shortly. These reforms will drive a restructuring in the sector designed to improve the overall quality of offering to international students, improve protection for learners, enhance Ireland's reputation and diminish negative impacts on the Irish labour market and social protection costs, strongly in line with the goals of Ireland's international education strategy.
175. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of children at primary school with a moderate learning disability; the total cost to her Department if the July provision were extended to include children with a moderate learning disability; her plans to extend the July provision to include children with a moderate learning disability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18736/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraJuly Provision is available to all special schools and mainstream primary schools with special classes catering for children with autism that choose to extend their education services through the month of July. My Department also provides July Provision for pupils with a severe/profound general learning disability. Where school based provision is not feasible, home based provision may be grant aided.
In 2014 the July programme provided additional support to 6,731 eligible children at a cost of €10.3 million.
I have been advised by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) that in 2014/2015 school year there were 1,814 children with a Moderate General Learning Disability enrolled in schools.
It is not possible to accurately estimate the total cost to the Department if July Provision was to be extended to this cohort of children. This is because it is not possible to determine the number of children who could avail of July Provision in their schools or the number of those children who would access July provision in the home. However, as an indicative figure, if all such children were to access July Provision the estimated cost of such would be approximately €2.4m. This figure also assumes an SNA allocation which would be equivalent to that provided currently for children with Autism.
The Deputy may be aware that the NCSE is at an advanced stage in preparing policy advice on the education of children with autism which will incorporate a review of current state-funded educational provision for children with autism including July Provision. I expect that the final report, which is to be delivered shortly, will consider the broadest possible range of views and provide recommendations which will assist the development of policy for future years. The July Provision Scheme will be considered in the context of the recommendations.
176. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the Government's policy in relation to the education of children with autism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18738/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's policy is focused on ensuring that all children, including those with autism, can have access to an education appropriate to their needs.
The policy is to provide for children with special educational needs, including autism, to be included in mainstream schools unless such a placement would not be in their best interests or the interests of the children with whom they are to be educated. Some children may be supported in a special class attached to a mainstream school. These students have the option, where appropriate, of full/partial integration and interaction with other pupils. Other children may have such complex needs that they are best placed in a special school.
The Deputy may be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is currently at an advanced stage in the preparation of policy advice on the education of children with autism.
I expect that the NCSE final report, which is due to be delivered shortly, will reflect the broadest possible range of views, both National and International, and will provide recommendations which will assist the development of policy on the education of children with autism for future years.
177. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide, in tabular form, on a per education and training board basis, the number of second level education and training board school principals who do not have either a higher diploma in education, a master's degree or a doctoral degree. [18740/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraETB school principals are appointed and employed by the 16 education and training boards and, accordingly, the information sought by the Deputy is not readily available in my Department.
My Department's Circular PPT 06/02 sets out the eligibility criteria for appointment to Principal posts in ETB schools. Candidates for appointment are required to have a minimum of five years' whole-time teaching service or its equivalent.
178. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 505 of 6 May 2015, and notwithstanding the listing of numbers of teaching and teaching support staff and additional teaching posts in the said parliamentary question reply, if she will state, for the record of Dáil Éireann, whether or not she will immediately reverse the 15% cut in resource teaching hours imposed upon individual students with special education needs in 2012; if she will restore the resource teaching hours allocated to each individual student with special educational needs, to the levels pertaining in 2010, which are the levels recommended by the State Education Resource Centre report; her views on the resource teaching hours currently being allocated to students with special educational needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18790/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that there are now more additional resource teachers/learning support teachers in our schools than at any time previously.
Over 11,000 resource and learning support teaching posts are currently allocated to schools, which is the highest level of resource teaching allocations that we have ever had. It will ensure that children with special educational needs can continue to participate in education and be supported in a manner appropriate to their needs.
The number of resource teachers that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) may allocate to schools to support children with low incidence special educational needs has increased to 6705 for the coming 2015/16 school year, which is an increase on the 6225 posts which were available for allocation in 2014/15.
I have previously advised the Deputy that my Department is currently working to devise a pilot of a new model for delivering teaching resources to schools to support students with special needs, which has been recommended by the NCSE.
In taking the decision to conduct a pilot of the new model, I have been guided by the advice of the NCSE Working Group report, which recommended sufficient time be allowed for consultation before the new model is implemented.
I therefore do not propose to amend the existing allocation process, pending the completion of the pilot project and the introduction of a new allocation model.
179. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide a list, for each of the past three years, of the number of applications made for readers for leaving certificate examinations; the number of readers that were granted to students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18792/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra180. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide a list, for each of the past three years, of the number of applications made for readers for junior certificate examinations; the number of readers that were granted to students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18794/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 178 and 180 together.
The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations. The State Examinations Commission operates a scheme of Reasonable Accommodations in the Certificate examinations. Applications for such accommodations are submitted by schools on behalf of their students. Full details of the scheme are available for downloading from their website: www.examinations.ie/candidates/reasonableaccommodations.
In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.
