Written Answers Nos. 776-794
776. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will bring forward the formal recognition of the state of Palestine by Ireland, in view of the recognition of the state of Palestine by the Holy See recently, and a number of other states. [20091/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing on from the resolutions passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas last year, I am continuing to reflect actively and carefully on what early recognition of Palestine could mean for Palestine, for the peace process and for Ireland’s influence on this critical issue.
Discussions with other EU Foreign Ministers, which took place in Brussels on 18 May and will continue next month in Luxembourg, will inform my reflection. In my contribution to the discussion at last week’s Foreign Affairs Council, I underlined that the Peace Process itself is at standstill and that we know that events on the ground are rapidly closing the window on a possible two-state solution. I understand that the Holy See has used the title ‘State of Palestine’ since the adoption by the UN General Assembly of the Resolution by which Palestine became a Non-member Observer State of the UN in 2012.
777. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the understanding between the United States of America and the Gulf Co-operation Council on military issues; his views that the involvement of the United States of America in the region will have a negative effect on the prospects for peace in the region and relations with Iran; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20092/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe countries of the Gulf Co-operation Council and the United States of America have cooperated on strategic and security matters for many years. This is a matter for those countries.
778. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the boat of Rohingya refugees from Burma that was adrift and denied access to Malaysia and Thailand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20093/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Government continues to follow closely the situation of the Rohingya people in Myanmar/Burma. We have also been following closely the case of vulnerable migrants, including members of the Rohingya community who have been stranded at sea in the Bay of Bengal and off the coast of South East Asia. Many migrants have landed in Malaysia and Indonesia in recent months including into the Indonesian province of Aceh. 1,700 migrants are reported to have landed into this province.
Ireland welcomes the commitment announced on May 20 by the Foreign Ministers of Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand to resolve the issue of these refugees and migrants. A solution is of the utmost importance given that the UN says that some 920 migrants are known to have perished in the Bay of Bengal between September 2014 and March 2015. The priority now must be to ensure that lives are saved and these people receive any required medical treatment and appropriate care. Ireland welcomes the commitment of Indonesia and Malaysia to allow these migrants to safely disembark.
In their statement from 20 May, the Ministers from Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand have said that further action will be needed including addressing the reasons for the continued flow of migrants into these nations. Ireland supports calls by the UN High Commissioner and others for the countries in the region and the international community to work together to address these root causes.
Ireland also welcomes the announcement that Thailand will host a regional meeting on irregular migration in the Indian Ocean on 29 May. We hope that a basis for further cooperation between regional countries and possible ways forward and solutions can be found at this meeting.
The underlying root causes of the migration in the region include the ethnic tensions that exist in Rakhine State in Myanmar/Burma which is home to the Rohingya people, and this issue along with all other root causes must be addressed as part of a long term solution. Ireland believes that it is imperative that there should be a guarantee of respect for human rights and the rule of law for all people in Myanmar/Burma and throughout the region.
Ireland has called for more investment in early recovery and support for livelihood opportunities for both the Rohingya community and the Buddhist community in Rakhine State, but a longer term Government of Myanmar Strategy for rehabilitation and reconciliation is required.
As a member of the UN Human Rights Council for the term 2012-2015, Ireland has also expressed concerns about the human rights situation of minorities in Myanmar. On March 16 of this year in Geneva, Ireland made a statement during the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Myanmar, at the 28th session of the UN Human Rights Council. We fully supported the view of the Special Rapporteur that the severe curtailment of the rights of internally displaced persons, in detention and with limited access to essential services, is a serious violation of human rights law and must be immediately addressed. Ireland also co-sponsored the EU-led resolution on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, which reiterated the HRC’s serious concern about the situation of persons belonging to the Rohingya minority and other minorities in Rakhine State. The HRC decided to extend for one year the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar and requested a progress report to the General Assembly at its 70th session and to the HRC in accordance with its annual programme of work. The resolution was adopted by consensus.
The Irish Embassy in Vietnam, which is accredited to Myanmar/Burma, closely monitors this issue, and, in September 2013, the Ambassador travelled to Rakhine State to assess the situation on the ground. Most recently, the Ambassador visited Naypyidaw on 23 May 2014 and met with the Minister for Foreign Affairs. At that meeting he expressed Ireland’s concerns about the situation of the Rohingya people in Rakhine State and humanitarian access to the region. In 2015, Irish Aid will provide €80,000 to Plan International to help to address the humanitarian needs of the Rohingya community in Rakhine State.
Ireland will continue, through relevant bilateral and multilateral channels, to press the authorities in Myanmar to address the serious situation in Rakhine State, as part of a continuing process of democratic transformation.
779. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding overseas aid (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20306/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra2015 is a crucial year for international development. We are preparing for three interlinked international conferences: in Addis in July on financing for development, in New York in September on a new set of Sustainable Development Goals and in Paris in December on a new climate treaty. I will lead the Irish delegation to the Conference in Addis, the outcome of which will be essential for success in the subsequent conferences. Ireland is playing a strong international role in the overall process to agree a new framework for global development to follow on from the Millennium Development Goals, post-2015.
The contours of a useful agreement will need to be broad if they are to support the new set of Sustainable Development Goals to be adopted at the major Summit at the UN in New York. Official Development Assistance (ODA) will be a vitally important element of the package, but agreement will also be needed on a much wider range of resources for development. ODA is particularly important for the fight to end poverty in the Least Developed Countries, including many African countries and fragile states. Ireland supports calls to commit to the UN target of allocating 0.15% of GNP in ODA to Least Developed Countries. We already exceed this target.
Against a background of extraordinary economic challenge, the Government has broadly protected and stabilised Ireland’s aid programme and our ODA.
As our economic recovery continues to consolidate and strengthen, the challenge now is to determine how best we can make sustainable progress towards the 0.7% UN target, as we continue to build on Ireland’s world-class aid programme by ensuring we make an effective contribution to the fight to end extreme poverty and hunger post-2015. Ireland is committed to working with EU and UN partners to secure an inclusive agreement at Addis that will support the new, transformative Sustainable Development Goals.
780. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide details of all official foreign trips he and Ministers of State in his Department plan to take between now and the end of 2015; if he will provide details of whom he and the Ministers of State in his Department will be meeting on these trips; the purpose of these trips; the duration of these trips; his plans to use all of these trips to promote Ireland as a good place for doing business and as a destination for foreign direct investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20441/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn intensive programme of Ministerial-led trade missions is a key commitment in the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs. Early each year, I agree the annual programme of Enterprise Ireland Ministerial-led overseas trade missions and events with the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, based on the proposals submitted by Enterprise Ireland and focused on the priority markets of interest to their client companies. As part of this programme, I am currently leading a trade mission to South Africa with over thirty Irish companies who are participating in a major drive to increase Irish exports to South Africa. This mission, taking place seven months after President Higgins’ official visit, will help those Irish companies already active in the South African market to further develop sales and exports contacts, and strengthen their relationships with key contacts.
In late September, I will travel to New York to participate in the General Assembly of the United Nations and to address that body on Irish foreign policy priorities. I will also meet with Foreign Ministers and UN leaders there, to discuss a range of international issues as well as bilateral issues and Ireland’s candidature for election to a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council in 2020. Given the importance of our economic relationship with the United States, I anticipate, as on previous visits, to prioritise opportunities to advance our economic interests and will work closely with the economic agencies on an appropriate economic promotion programme.
I will also continue to attend EU related meetings, including meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council and Informal Meetings of EU Foreign Ministers, over the coming months.
My colleague, Mr. Seán Sherlock T.D., Minister of State for Development, Trade Promotion and North-South Co-operation, led a trade mission to London in recent weeks and is currently preparing to lead a second UK-based mission this week. He also intends to lead trade-focussed visits to Estonia and to France in the coming months.
The Minister for Diaspora Affairs, Mr. Jimmy Deenihan T.D., will travel to Colorado, Denver, Austin and San Antonio from 20-24 June. The purpose of the visits is to engage with the Irish Communities in these cities, including members of the business community. Minister Deenihan will also travel to London on 30 June, where he will launch an Irish Design 2015 ‘We Built this City’ event. The aim of the event is to highlight the contribution the Irish Diaspora has made to the building of cities like London. While the Minister’s main role is to engage with Irish communities overseas, in those contacts and others, he will avail of every opportunity that arises to promote Ireland as a good place to do business and as a destination for foreign direct investment.
Mr. Dara Murphy T.D., Minister of State with special responsibility for EU and Data Protection, will attend the following meetings: EU-CELAC Foreign Ministers’ Summit (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States), Brussels, 9th June;
15/16 June - Justice and Home Affairs Council, Luxembourg; 23 June - General Affairs Council, Luxembourg; 25/26 June - European Council, Brussels.
It is envisaged that Minister Murphy will also attend the following Council engagements subject to the finalisation of the Luxembourg Presidency calendar: 14 September - General Affairs Council; 13 October - General Affairs Council; 15/16 October - European Council Brussels; 17 November -General Affairs Council; 15 December -General Affairs Council; 17/18 December- European Council, Brussels
781. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the death sentences that have recently been passed on the former President of Egypt and other prisoners in Egypt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20473/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am deeply concerned about the use of mass trials and passage of mass capital sentences in Egypt. Ireland is a long-standing opponent the use of the death penalty in all cases and in all circumstances. The death penalty is cruel and inhumane and represents an unacceptable denial of human dignity and integrity.
782. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on reform of the United Nations Security Council, following discussions with Chinese officials on 17 May 2015. [20474/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is an active participant in the ongoing intergovernmental negotiations on UN Security Council reform and we are always interested in hearing the views of other UN Member States, such as China, on this issue. The world has changed a great deal in the 70 years since the UN’s foundation, and we recognise that UN structures must change to reflect this. We believe that the Security Council must be expanded to better reflect these new realities in a regionally balanced way, and to redress the serious under-representation of some regions such as Africa. Equally however, in any reform of the composition of the Security Council, Ireland would want to prevent any diminution in the capacity of smaller Member States, such as Ireland, to serve as non-permanent members on a rotating basis and at regular intervals.
Ireland would oppose the conferral of veto powers on any new Members. Like many other States, we believe that extending the veto right to additional members of the Council would only compound the difficulties associated with the current arrangements regarding veto rights. Ideally, Ireland would wish to see the veto rights of the five permanent members of the Security Council ended altogether, but if this is not possible we see merit in initiatives to regulate the use of the veto.
Ireland sees the five elements for Security Council reform as inter-related parts of a single package [categories of membership, the question of the veto, regional representation, size of an enlarged Council and working methods of the Council, and the relationship between the Council and the General Assembly]. Successful reform is contingent on agreement in all five areas.
We recognise that the bar to agreement on Security Council reform is high. Any amendment to the UN Charter, to give effect to Security Council Reform, would require the approval of two-thirds of the membership of the UN, including all five permanent members of the Security Council. Equally, for reforms to be durable they must enjoy the widest possible support. We would like to think that Member States will be open to compromise in the interest of obtaining overall agreement.
Finally, while full reform of the Council’s composition may be some way off, Ireland believes that the working methods of the Council in its current from can be improved. Through our membership of the Accountability, Coherence and Transparency (ACT) group of states, we advocate for a more transparent, efficient, inclusive, coherent, legitimate and accountable Security Council.
783. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he raised the matter of human rights abuse in China with the Premier of China, Mr. Li Keqiang, or his officials on their visit here on 17 May 2015. [20475/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraHuman rights issues were discussed during the visit of Premier Li and his officials. We had a good discussion, in a spirit of friendship, in which we recalled Ireland’s commitment to human rights, the public concern in Ireland relation to human rights in China and the issues on which we respectfully disagree. We warmly welcomed the resumption of the EU-China human rights dialogue last December and expressed the strong wish that it will proceed again this year.
Ireland will continue to raise human rights issues with other countries including with the People’s Republic of China.
784. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the European Union Foreign Affairs Council meeting on 18 May 2015. [20476/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI attended the most recent Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) meeting in Brussels on 18 May.
At the Council, Foreign Ministers addressed the Middle East Peace Process. This was the first meeting of EU Foreign Ministers since the formation of the Israeli government, and in the run up to the meeting I had urged High Representative (HR) Mogherini to include the Peace Process on the Council agenda. The exchange of views was frank, and Ministers will return to the issue next month for more substantive discussions. For my part, in the exchange of views that took place, I emphasised that the EU has the capacity to make a positive difference and, further, that we have a responsibility to act. The Peace Process itself is at a standstill. We know that events on the ground are rapidly closing the window on a possible two-state solution. We must act to defend that solution which is the core of our policy on the Middle East Peace Process and the only path that will provide peace, security and prosperity for Israelis and Palestinians alike. I look forward to continuing discussions on the Peace Process next month - at which time HR Mogherini and newly-appointed EU Special Representative for the Peace Process, Fernando Gentilini, will report back to Ministers on their visit to the region, which took place last week.
Foreign Ministers briefly addressed the crisis on the ground in Burundi, where Conclusions were adopted condemning the violence, and re-iterating support for the UN Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region, Saïd Djinnit. Concern was also expressed about the crisis in Macedonia. It was agreed to monitor the situation closely, and to discuss the matter again at the Council in the near future.
The Council also met in joint session with Foreign and Defence Ministers, where initially, in the presence of NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, we had an exchange of views on the security situation in the EU’s broader neighbourhood.
The Council – EU Foreign Affairs and Defence Ministers only – then proceeded to discuss preparations for the European Council in June, where Heads of State and Government will discuss the Union’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). Ministers adopted a comprehensive set of conclusions on CSDP which will feed into that discussion. Key areas covered by the conclusions include enhancing the effectiveness, visibility and impact of CSDP in contributing to international peace and security; enhancing the development of capabilities required for that purpose and improving the capacity of European industry to provide those capabilities. The conclusions highlight the fact that the EU and its Member States, through CSDP and other policy instruments, have a strong role to play in preventing and managing conflicts and addressing their causes.
HR Mogherini then outlined to us her thinking on a new European Foreign Policy and Security Strategy. An assessment of the changed global environment will be prepared by HR Mogherini for consideration by Heads of State and Government when they meet next month. It is expected that work will then commence on drafting a new European Foreign Policy and Security Strategy in consultation with the Member States - Ireland will participate fully in this process. Indeed, having recently concluded a review of our own national foreign policy strategy, I believe it is timely that a similar exercise is conducted at EU level.
Discussions then turned to follow up to the Special Meeting of the European Council on 23 April, attended by the Taoiseach, which addressed the migration crisis in the Mediterranean. The FAC adopted a Decision to establish a European Union operation in the Southern Central Mediterranean to disrupt the smuggler networks that drive this criminal trade in human misery and exploit vulnerable people for profit. The Mission will be called EUNAVFOR MED and will implement its mandate in several phases. In discussions to date Ireland has insisted that the EUNAVFOR MED operation should be carried out in full accordance with international law. The establishment of this operation is one strand of the comprehensive approach being pursued by the EU to tackle the root causes of the human emergency and to prevent the loss of more lives at sea which also includes continued provision of development assistance to build capacity in source countries and performance of search and rescue tasks as necessary. This follows on from the commitment made by Heads of State and Government to use all of the tools at the EU’s disposal for this purpose.
785. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his meeting with the Premier of China, Mr. Li Keqiang, and other Chinese officials on 17 May 2015. [20482/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Chinese Premier, Mr Li Keqiang paid a brief visit to Ireland on 17-18 May. Premier Li is the second most senior figure in China’s political hierarchy. This was the first visit to Ireland by Premier Li. He was accompanied by his wife, Professor Cheng Hong, as well as a 119-strong delegation, which included Mr Wang Yi, the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Other senior Chinese Ministers also attended including Mr Xu Shaoshi, Chairman (Minister) of the National Development and Reform Commission, Mr Gao Hucheng, Minister for Commerce and Mr Han Changfu, Minister for Agriculture, among others.
During the visit Premier Li visited a working family farm where the delegation had the opportunity to see Ireland’s sustainable, high quality food in production. The farm visit also included traditional Irish music and dance, reflecting the strong interest in Irish culture in China.
Premier Li’s short visit was a further sign of the increasingly warm and friendly relations between Ireland and China. The Chinese delegation stopped off in Ireland en route from China to South America for a visit there to a number of countries, commencing in Brazil.
Following the visit to the farm, the Taoiseach and a delegation of Ireland’s Government Ministers including myself had a bilateral meeting with the Chinese Ministerial delegation at Ashford Castle.
Among the topics discussed were developments in the Irish economy/eurozone and in the Chinese economy and scope for increasing trade links. In addition we also discussed global issues including EU-China relations, the post-2015 development agenda (and the role that Ireland is playing in this context), UN issues, human rights and climate change.
Prospects for advancing Chinese investment in Ireland were discussed – a major “Invest in Ireland” conference is planned in Beijing later this year. We also agreed to see how connectivity between Ireland and China can be improved and to further strengthen people-to-people links, including educational exchanges.
As well as these talks, I had bilateral talks with Foreign Minister Wang Yi. These were very useful and we discussed a range of global issues as well as political and economic developments in the Asian region and in the EU.
786. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if consular assistance would be provided to an Irish resident married to an Irish citizen and with an Irish citizen child, should that resident require it; and the extent of the assistance that could be provided. [20587/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIrish citizens may seek consular assistance and support through an Irish Embassy or Consulate when travelling or residing overseas. The Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (1963) facilitates the exercise of our consular functions. Under the convention, Irish Consular posts have certain rights of communication with our citizens abroad and host governments are obliged to share certain information concerning our citizens, and to facilitate certain consular access and assistance. In the case of an individual who is not an Irish citizen, the host government has no obligation to afford these rights to Ireland.
In the event that a person who is not an Irish citizen requires consular assistance, such assistance should be sought in the first instance through the State of which s/he is a citizen.
787. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of public and civil servants who were recruited under the aegis of his Department in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21109/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy on recruitment of staff in 2014 is set out in the following table.
Recruitment in 2014
|
Grade |
No of officers recruited |
|
Chief Financial Officer |
1 |
|
Development Specialist |
3 |
|
Third Secretary |
29 |
My Department engages Temporary Clerical Officers (TCOs) on fixed term contracts primarily to assist the Passport Service during the annual peak passport demand period.
Interns are also engaged on fixed term contracts and work in various areas of the Department including Human Rights, Conflict Resolution, Legal and Development Co-operation.
My Department also engages staff for my office and those of the three Ministers of State appointed to the Department, in accordance with the terms and conditions laid down in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform “Instructions to Personnel Officers - Ministerial Appointments for the 31st Dáil”.
788. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of public and civil servants under the aegis of his Department who were seconded abroad or to another Department in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21124/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy on the number of Civil Servants on secondment in 2014 from my Department is set out in the following table.
|
Department /Organisation |
Number of officers |
|
Department of Finance |
2 |
|
Department of the Taoiseach |
9 |
|
Oireachtas |
1 |
|
European External Action Service (EEAS) |
6 |
|
International Atomic Energy Agency |
1 |
|
United Nations |
3 |
|
European Parliament |
1 |
|
European Commission |
1 |
|
HSE |
1 |
789. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of public servants under the aegis of his Department who retired in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21145/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails of the Civil Servants who retired from my Department are set out in the table below.
Retirements in 2014
|
Grade |
Number of officers in that grade |
|
Second Secretary |
1 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
4 |
|
Counsellor / Principal Officer |
6 |
|
Senior Development Specialist |
1 |
|
Architect |
1 |
|
First Secretary / Assistant Principal |
2 |
|
Staff Officer |
1 |
|
Clerical Officer |
5.9 * |
* FTE – full time equivalent
790. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason SOLAS requires the Safe Pass training course examination, undertaken by Gateway participants, to be completed in pencil rather than in pen. [19853/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is a day to day operational matter for SOLAS who manage the Safepass programme and I have asked them to contact the Deputy directly to clarify the position.
791. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills her views on correspondence regarding school transport in respect of a child (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20170/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the terms of my Department's Post Primary School Transport Scheme children are eligible for school transport where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest education centre as determined by my Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
As the child referred to by the Deputy will not be attending his nearest post primary school he is not eligible for school transport. Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport on a concessionary basis only, subject to a number of conditions which are detailed in the scheme.
In this regard, the family should liaise with their local Bus Éireann office in Tralee at 066-7164750 or by e-mail at schools.tralee@buseireann.ie.
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 and is not determined by way of subject choice.
The terms of the School Transport Schemes are applied equitably on a national basis.
792. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the survivors who have accessed Caranua are to be considered for provision of Health (Amendment) Act cards (details supplied); her plans to provide additional medical supports, where necessary, in such cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20521/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are no plans currently for the provision of Health (Amendment) Act cards to survivors who have accessed Caranua, the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Board.
In this regard I would point out that those applying to Caranua can continue to be assessed under the medical card scheme and any awards made by Caranua are disregarded in the income assessment.
793. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she is aware that parents of children with special needs fear that they may be faced with reduced resource special needs assistant hours in the upcoming school year; the assurances she will provide to alleviate such fears; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20573/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra794. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason some families have been advised that their children with special needs will be subject to an assessment regarding special needs assistant hours; if there will be an imposed limit of resource hours further to such assessments in the upcoming school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20574/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 793 and 794 together.
I wish to advise the Deputy that there are now more Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) and Resource teachers available for allocation than ever before.
As part of Budget 2015, I announced that an additional 365 SNA posts are being provided in 2015, as well as an additional 480 Resource Teachers, to take into account increased demand and demographic growth and to ensure that children can continue to have access to additional supports in school.
In total there is provision for 11,330 SNA posts and 6,705 resource teaching posts in 2015. This is the highest level of SNA and resource teaching provision that we have ever had. These increases, building on increases which have already been provided in recent years, 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 National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating resource teaching and SNA support to schools to support children with special educational needs and additional care needs respectively.
All schools have been asked to apply to the NCSE for resource teaching and SNA support for the 2015/16 school year by 18th March, 2015. On 21st May, 2015, I announced that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) will increase its allocation of Resource Teacher Posts to schools by over 9% for the start of the coming school year.
The NCSE will allocate 6,454 resource teacher posts to schools for September 2015, which is an increase of 554 posts -or 9.4% - since September 2014. Even in the constrained economic circumstances we have faced in recent years, we have been able to continue to meet the needs of children with special educational needs attending our schools.
This year we have again increased the number of Resource Teachers which will be allocated to schools, keeping pace with both demographic growth and increased demand. The NCSE has now published details of the allocations which will be made to each individual school on the NCSE website ncse.ie. The NCSE will also have a second round allocation process to respond to late enrolments, or from diagnosed disabilities emerging after the closing date for the first allocation round, to the start of the new school year.
The NCSE will also consider all applications for SNA support which have been made by schools, following which allocations will be made to qualifying schools. Schools will be advised of their revised SNA allocations for the 2015/16 school year, prior to the end of the current school year. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.
The procedures for applying for SNA support and resource teaching hours have not changed in the current year. It remains the case that SNA support and Resource teaching hours are allocated on the basis of assessed needs of the qualifying children in line with my Departments policy.
Finally, I wish to advise the Deputy that investment in education has been a priority for this Government and we have been resolutely committed to protecting, and in some instances increasing, the level of investment being made to support children with special educational needs at a time when there has been a requirement to make expenditure reductions across a range of areas. It is an area of spending which has been prioritised above most other areas by this Government, despite the enormous pressures on all areas of public spending.
