Written Answers Nos. 95-98
95. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Skills the relationship that exists between her Department and the Department of Defence in relation to the operations of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if she will define the responsibilities in relation to maintenance and improvement works, as they relate to either Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35854/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school to which the Deputy refers is recognised by my Department in accordance with the terms of the Education Act 1998. The Minister for Defence and the Bishop of Kildare & Leighlin are joint Patrons of the school. The functions of a Patron and a Board of Management, which are also set out in the Act, are common to Patrons and Boards of Management operating all State recognised schools.
As a recognised school, the relationship between the school and my Department is the same as that with all other recognised schools, i.e. my Department pays capitation grants, teachers' salaries etc. to the school.
In addition, the school is eligible to apply to my Department for capital funding for works to the building under any of my Department's Capital Programme schemes/funding streams. Similar to all State recognised schools, the day to day operation of the school and responsibility for maintenance issues are matters for the Principal and the Board of Management.
96. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she is aware of the concerns of a community (details supplied) in Dublin 24 which have been expressed to the planning department of South Dublin County Council, regarding access to a second level school site; if she will have the matter considered by her officials; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35869/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school building project referred to by the Deputy is included on the current 5 year construction programme announced in 2012. It is listed on the programme to proceed to tender and construction in 2015/16.
The major building project is currently at an advanced stage of Architectural Planning - Stage 2b (Detailed Design) which includes the applications for Planning Permission, Fire Cert, Disability Access Cert and the preparation of Tender Documents.
Dublin and Dun Laoghaire ETB, which is the patron body for the school, has indicated to my Department that it will shortly arrange a meeting between local residents and the Design Team to discuss concerns raised during the planning application.
97. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills if support from Student Universal Support Ireland will be offered to three students from the same family (details supplied) considering that they are minimally above the student grant income thresholds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35872/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe students to whom the Deputy refers, recently appealed the decision of the awarding authority to the independent Student Grants Appeals Board (SGAB).
The appeal will be heard within the 60 day timeframe set out in the Student Support Act 2011. The decision of the SGAB will be communicated directly to the students in due course.
98. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a wheelchair accessible bus is not available to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35875/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the terms of my Department's School Transport scheme, a child with special educational needs is eligible for school transport if s/he is attending the nearest recognised: mainstream school, special class/special school or a unit that is or can be resourced to meet the child's special educational needs under Department of Education and Skills criteria.
The child referred to by the Deputy is eligible for school transport and my Department, in accordance with the terms of the scheme, has sanctioned a Special Transport Grant for the family to cover the cost of private transport arrangements.
The family has informed my Department that the above arrangement is satisfactory.
