Written Answers Nos. 415 - 429
415. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills her views on the correspondence regarding staffing, building and resources issues in a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8483/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that the school referred to by the Deputy has made an application under my Department's 2016 Summer Works Scheme for mechanical works.
Commensurate with the level of funding available for the Scheme, applications including that from the school concerned, are being assessed on a top down basis in accordance with the prioritisation criteria outlined in the governing Circular Letter for the Scheme. This Circular Letter (0055/2015), is available on my Department's website www.education.ie. It is my intention to publish a list of successful applicants shortly.
I understand also that my Department's Planning and Building Unit discussed accommodation matters with the school in question in February last and advised that it was open to the school to submit an application for capital funding, as appropriate, when it had assessed its accommodation needs further. It is noted that the school has not submitted an application to date.
With regard to staffing, teacher allocations to all second-level schools are approved annually by my Department in accordance with established rules based on recognised pupil enrolment and, in accordance with these rules, each school is required to organise its subject options within the limit of its approved teacher allocation. The deployment of teaching staff, the range of subjects offered and ultimately the quality of teaching and learning are a matter for the individual schools.
At post primary level and in accordance with existing arrangements, where a school management authority is unable to meet its curricular commitments within its approved allocation, my Department considers applications for additional short term support i.e., curricular concessions. Short term support is needed (normally for one year but not exceeding 2/3 school years) to enable the school authority to respond to the identified problem. The criteria for the allocation of posts are communicated to school managements annually and are available on my Department website.
416. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of second level schools that do not have a physical education hall. [8488/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe specific information sought by the Deputy is not readily available. However, I wish to assure the Deputy that my Department fully recognises the key role of physical exercise within the school environment and continues to respond to the need to improve Physical Education facilities for all pupils attending schools within the constraints of the available funding.
I also wish to advise the Deputy that the Physical Education curriculum has been designed on the basis that facilities in schools may vary. Many post primary schools have a P.E. hall and practically all schools have outdoor play areas which are used for teaching different aspects of the P.E. programme. In addition, many schools use adjacent local facilities, including public parks, playing fields and swimming pools.
The provision of play space, where site conditions and circumstances allow, is one of the issues considered in the architectural design of new schools and major extensions. My Department's design guidelines for schools include guidance in the provision of P.E. Halls, general purpose rooms and outdoor hard play areas such as basketball courts.
417. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on the provision of autism spectrum disorder unit places at secondary level in an area (details supplied) in County Kildare where there are shortages; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8493/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's policies focus on ensuring that all children can have access to an education appropriate to their needs, preferably in school settings through the primary and post primary school network.
A range of placement options for pupils with special educational needs is provided, in order to ensure that all pupils can receive a school placement. Many pupils with special educational needs will be able to attend a local mainstream school, whereas for pupils who have needs which require more specialist interventions, special class and special school placements are provided for.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs supports, including the establishment of special classes in various geographical areas as required. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.
The NCSE continues to monitor and review the requirement for special class places in particular areas and has capacity to establish such new special classes where necessary subject to the willingness of schools to open classes. The NCSE has advised that SENOs are currently liaising with schools regarding the establishment of further classes for 2016/17 school year.
I understand that the number of special classes for students with ASD in Co. Kildare is 57, 11 of which are at post primary level, 41 at primary level and 5 are early intervention classes.
Full details of all of the special classes currently provided is available at www.ncse.ie.
418. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will reduce the required number of years that an applicant needs to have been a resident here, for the previous five years prior to application, from three to one; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8502/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo be eligible for a grant, a "student", as defined in Section 14 of the Student Support Act 2011, must demonstrate that he/she has been resident in the State for at least 3 years out of the 5 year period ending on the day before the start of his/her approved course of study. The Free Fees Initiative (FFI) has a similar residency requirement.
However, for student grant purposes, it is possible for students who did not meet the residency requirement at the commencement of their studies, to have their eligibility reviewed if they meet the residency requirement during the course of their studies.
Similar and in some cases more restrictive residency requirements apply in other EU Member States.
I have no plans to change the current arrangements.
420. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the measures he will bring forward to ensure that tenants of Part V houses are not discriminated against when utilising the incremental purchase scheme. [8189/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra443. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason Part V council tenancies are not included in the new tenant purchase scheme list of approved properties for purchase application; if he will reconsider this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8230/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 420 and 443 together.
The new incremental tenant purchase scheme for existing local authority houses came into operation on 1 January 2016 in accordance with the provisions of the Housing Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2014 and the Housing (Sale of Local Authority Houses) Regulations 2015. The scheme will apply to all local authority houses, other than excluded dwellings.
The provisions of Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, are designed to enable the development of mixed tenure sustainable communities. Part V units are excluded from the incremental tenant purchase scheme to ensure that units delivered under this mechanism will remain available for people in need of social housing support, and that the original policy goals of the legislation are not eroded over time. I consider the continued development of mixed tenure communities to be very important in promoting social integration.
The new scheme is in the very early stages of implementation and I will be keeping the terms and conditions under ongoing review in the coming months.
421. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if she will effect a policy change to permit local partnerships to provide course funding assistance in a situation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8465/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal Partnerships, now known as local development companies, are involved in the implementation and delivery of a wide range of Programmes and Schemes on behalf of a number of Government Departments. My Department’s Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2015-2017 is one of those Programmes. The aim of SICAP is to reduce poverty, promote social inclusion and equality through local, regional and national engagement and collaboration.
The programme’s target groups are children and families from disadvantaged areas, lone parents, new communities (including refugees and asylum seekers), people living in disadvantaged communities, people with disabilities, Roma, the unemployed (including those not on the Live Register), Low Income Workers/Households, Travellers, young unemployed people from disadvantaged areas and young people (aged 15-24) who are not in employment, education or training (NEETs).
SICAP is one of my Department’s key priorities and is being supported in 20 16 with funding of €37.3 million. This includes an allocation of €3 million under the European Structural Funds (ESF) Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning (PEIL) 2014-2020.
SICAP is delivered locally by the Programme Implementers (details set out in the following Table), who operate a range of community schemes and programmes, which are governed by their respective eligibility criteria and rules.
In relation to the matter referred to in the Question, the Deputy should liaise directly with the relevant local development company to establish what supports or options are available in this case.
|
SICAP Programme Implementers |
Address |
|
Avondhu/Blackwater Partnership Limited |
The Mill, Castletownroche, Co Cork |
|
Ballyhoura Development Limited |
Ballyhoura Centre, Kilfinane, Co Limerick |
|
Bray Area Partnership Limited |
4 Prince of Wales Terrace, Quinsboro Road, Bray, Co Wicklow |
|
Breffni Integrated Limited |
Unit 6A, Corlurgan Business Park, Ballinagh Road, Corlugan, Cavan |
|
Carlow County Development Partnership Limited |
Main Street, Bagenalstown, Co Carlow |
|
Cill Dara Ar Aghaidh Teoranta |
Jigginstown Commercial Centre, Old Limerick Road, Naas, Co Kildare |
|
Clare Local Development Company Limited |
Westgate Business Park, Kilrush Road, Ennis, Co Clare |
|
Comhar Chathair Chorcai Teoranta |
Heron House, Blackpool Park, Blackpool, Cork |
|
Comhar na nOileán Teoranta |
Inis Oírr, Árainn, Co Galway |
|
County Kilkenny Leader Partnership Company Limited |
8 Patrick's Court, Patrick Street, Kilkenny |
|
County Sligo Leader Partnership Company Ltd |
Sligo Development Centre, Cleveragh Road, Sligo |
|
County Wicklow Community Partnership Ltd |
Avoca River House, Bridgewater Centre, Arklow, Co Wicklow |
|
Donegal Local Development Company Limited |
Pearse Road, Letterkenny, Co Donegal |
|
Dublin City Community Co-Operative |
22 Lower Buckingham Street, Dublin 1 |
|
Galway City Partnership Limited |
3 The Plaza, Headford Road, Galway |
|
Inishowen Development Partnership |
St Mary's Road, Buncrana, Inishowen, Co Donegal |
|
IRD Duhallow Ltd |
James O'Keefe Memorial Institute, Newmarket, Co Cork |
|
Laois Community and Enterprise Development Company Limited |
Ground Floor, Block 2, Portlaoise, Co Laois |
|
Leitrim Integrated Development Company Limited |
Church Street, Drumshambo, Co Leitrim |
|
Longford Community Resources Limited |
Longford Community Enterprise Centre, Templemichael, Ballinalee Road, Longford |
|
Louth Leader Partnership |
Workspace Centre, Mayoralty Street, Drogheda, Co Louth |
|
Mayo North East Leader Partnership Company Teoranta |
Lower Main Street, Foxford, Co Mayo |
|
Meath Community Rural and Social Development Partnership Ltd |
Unit 7, Kells Business Park, Cavan Road, Kells, Co Meath |
|
Monaghan Integrated Development Limited |
Monaghan Road, Castleblayney, Co Monaghan |
|
North and East Kerry Leader Partnership Teoranta |
Áras An Phobail, Croilár Na Mistéalach, Tralee, Co Kerry |
|
North Tipperary Leader Partnership |
2nd Floor, Friar's Court, Nenagh, Co Tipperary |
|
Northside Partnership Limited |
Coolock Development Centre, Bunratty Drive, Coolock, Dublin 17 |
|
Offaly Integrated Local Development Company Limited |
Millennium House, Main Street, Tullamore, Co Offaly |
|
PAUL Partnership (People Action Against Unemployment Limited) |
Unit 25, Tait Business Centre, Dominic Street, Limerick |
|
Roscommon Integrated Development Company Limited |
Unit 12, Tower B, Roscommon West Business Park, Golf Links Road, Roscommon |
|
SDC South Dublin County Partnership Ltd |
County Hall, Block 3, Belgard Square North, Tallaght, Dublin 24 |
|
South and East Cork Area Development Partnership Limited |
Midleton Community Enterprise Centre, Owennacurra Business Park, Knockgriffin, Midleton, Co Cork |
|
South Kerry Development Partnership Limited |
West Main Street, Caherciveen, Co Kerry |
|
South Tipperary Development Company Limited |
Unit 2C, Carrigeen Commercial Park, Clogheen Road, Cahir, Co Tipperary |
|
South West Mayo Development Company Limited |
George's Street, Newport, Co Mayo |
|
Southside Partnership DLR Limited |
The Old Post Office, 7 Rock Hill, Main Street, Blackrock, Co Dublin |
|
The Ballyfermot/Chapelizod Partnership Company Limited |
4 Drumfinn Park, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10 |
|
The Blanchardstown Area Partnership Limited |
Dillon House, Unit 107, Coolmine Industrial Estate, Dublin 16 |
|
The Bluebell, Inchicore, Islandbridge, Kilmainham and Rialto Partnership Co Ltd |
2nd Floor, Oblate View, Tyrconnell Road, Inchicore, Dublin 8 |
|
Tolka Area Partnership Limited |
Rosehill House, Finglas Road, Dublin 11 |
|
Waterford Area Partnership Limited |
Unit 4, Westgate Business Centre, Tramore Road, Waterford |
|
West Cork Development Partnership Limited |
Unit D, West Cork Technology Park, Clonakilty, Co Cork |
|
West Limerick Resources Limited |
St Mary's Road, Newcastlewest, Co Limerick |
|
Westmeath Community Development Limited |
Mullingar Enterprise and Technology Park, Clonmore, Mullingar, Co Westmeath |
|
Wexford Local Development |
Spawell Road, Wexford |
422. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government her plans to provide social housing in the north west region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8504/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Housing Strategy 2020 is a target-driven plan of action to increase the supply of social housing by 110,000 additional units in the period to 2020, with 35,000 new units to be delivered by local authorities and approved housing bodies and 75,000 households to be supported mainly through the Housing Assistance Payment Scheme.
The Strategy has been supported by two successive budgets, with €1.7 billion allocated to social housing in 2015 and 2016.
The Social Housing Strategy 2020 is available on my Department’s website at the following link: http://www.environ.ie/housing/social-housing/social-housing-strategy/social-housing-strategy-2020/
Given the pressing need to recommence a house building programme, almost €3 billion in capital funding will be provided in support of the Social Housing Strategy 2020 through the Government’s Capital Plan - Building on Recovery: Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2016-2021. The Capital Plan is available at the following link: http://www.per.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/Capital-Plan.pdf.
In April 2015, as part of the implementation of the Social Housing Strategy 2020, I announced over €1.5 billion in funding allocations in respect of social housing to be provided by all local authorities for the period out to 2017, via a combination of building, buying and leasing schemes. Those allocations and associated targets for each local authority, including those in the North West region, are available on my Department’s website at the following link: http://www.environ.ie/housing/social-housing/minsters-kelly-coffey-announce-eu15-billion-social-housing-targets-local.
Following this notification of targets, I made announcements for substantial new social housing projects in May 2015, in July 2015 and in January 2016. Between these three announcements, almost €680 million has been allocated for over 3,900 social housing new builds, turnkey developments and acquisitions. Details of these project approvals, including those for the North West region, are available on my Department’s website at the following links:
http://www.environ.ie/en/DevelopmentHousing/Housing/News/MainBody,41340,en.htm .
http://www.environ.ie/en/DevelopmentHousing/Housing/News/MainBody,42225,en.htm.
http://www.environ.ie/housing/social-housing/ministers-kelly-coffey-announce-further-1000-social-housing-units .
I am keen that local authorities advance these projects as soon as possible and have assured them that funding is available to fully support their efforts in this regard.
Furthermore, the implementation of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme is a key Government priority and a major pillar of the Social Housing Strategy 2020. There are now over 8,500 households in receipt of HAP and the scheme has been rolled out to all categories of households in 19 local authority areas including Donegal, Sligo and Mayo.
Over 13,000 social housing units were delivered in 2015, the first full year of implementation of the Strategy. This represents an 86% increase in unit delivery above 2014. It was achieved in a very difficult operating environment and represents a good start to the Strategy’s implementation. The targets for 2016 are again ambitious and I expect that over 17,000 social housing units will be provided this year.
In January, in collaboration with the Housing Agency, I published the Social Housing Output in 2015 report, detailing how the 13,000 units were delivered across all the social housing programmes in 2015. The report, together with data on the breakdown of output, across all social housing delivery programmes, by local authority, including those in the North West region, is available on my Department’s website at the following link:
http://www.environ.ie/housing/social-housing/social-and-affordble/overall-social-housing-provision.
Social housing cannot be viewed in isolation from the wider housing system. The construction, and particularly residential construction, industry in Ireland is taking time to recover from the economic downturn and consequently supply from that sector is lagging significantly behind demand. Private market housing is currently delivering circa 50% of the estimated annual requirement of 25,000 dwellings nationally.
Laying the Foundations: Housing Actions Report, which was published on 14 April 2016, provides further information on thirty-one major actions taken across the housing spectrum since mid-2014 to increase the supply of housing, including social housing. The report is available on my Department’s website at http://www.environ.ie/housing/activity/laying-foundations-housing-action-report.
423. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his Department’s plans to implement a nationwide smoky coal ban; if his officials are actively considering any alternative options to an outright ban; and if so, the options being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8525/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra424. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding a policy commitment put forward by the Asthma Society; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8482/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra427. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the timeline for the introduction of an outright ban on bituminous coal here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7996/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 423, 424 and 427 together.
The ban on the marketing, sale and distribution of bituminous fuel (or ‘smoky coal ban’ as it is commonly known) was first introduced in Dublin in 1990 in response to severe episodes of winter smog that resulted from the wide spread use of smoky coal for residential heating. The ban proved very effective in reducing particulate matter and sulphur dioxide levels in Dublin. As well as bringing air quality levels into compliance with EU standards, the ban also had the effect of significantly improving human health in the capital, with research indicating that the ban in Dublin has resulted in over 350 fewer annual deaths.
In August 2012, following a public consultation process, new solid fuel regulations were introduced with the aim of ensuring that the smoky coal ban remains fit for purpose in safeguarding air quality by limiting harmful emissions of air pollutants arising from the use of certain residential solid fuels. The ban now applies in 26 urban areas nationwide, including all towns with a population greater than 15,000 people, bringing the ban areas broadly into line with national EPA air quality management zones.
In the meantime, air quality monitoring by the EPA has shown that air quality can be poorer in towns where the smoky coal ban does not apply. As there is evidence that smaller smoky coal ban areas tend to be less effective, the further extension of the ban to smaller towns on an individual basis may not be the most effective solution to addressing the problem of emissions from residential solid fuel use in these areas. In addition, having different regulations between urban and rural locations is not ideal as it can result in different levels of environmental protection and clean air benefits for citizens in different locations.
As part of a broad first ever national Clean Air Strategy, I have therefore commenced a process that aims to extend the benefits of the smoky coal ban nationwide. This process necessarily involves discussion and consultation with a wide number of stakeholders, including with the European Commission, relevant Departments and agencies of Government, the residential fuel industry as well as the general public. Preliminary discussions on issues that may arise in connection with the proposed ban have already taken place with some of these stakeholders. It is proposed to launch a public consultation on the national Clean Air Strategy next month, and I expect that the precise legal mechanism for bringing in new minimum product standards will be informed by this process.
Taking account of these consultations and the conclusions of the recently published North South Study on residential solid fuel use, I am aiming for a nationwide smoky coal ban to be in place for the 2017/2018 heating season. This is an ambitious target but I am confident that it is achievable.
425. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he will allocate funding for an application (details supplied) from Sligo County Council under the housing extension scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8045/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFunding has been made available to all local authorities, including Sligo County Council, towards the programme for adaptations and extensions to the social housing stock to meet the needs of local authority tenants with a disability or to address serious overcrowding. The detailed administration of the programme, including the advancement of priority cases, is the responsibility of the relevant local authority.
426. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to support a matter (details supplied) regarding noise pollution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8047/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAirports can be a significant source of environmental noise, both from aircraft take-offs and landings, and ground running operations, where aircraft engines are tested as part of their maintenance regime.
Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) has responsibility for management of Dublin Airport, including flight tracking and noise monitoring, and Fingal County Council is the Noise Action Planning authority (as follows). Noise assessment is carried out by the Noise & Flight Track Monitoring Service (NFTMS) of DAA. The NFTMS provides information and a complaints handling service to local communities to deal with aircraft noise and flight track keeping. Details of the NTFMS reports can be accessed online at:
http://www.dublinairport.com/gns/about-us/community-affairs/aircraft-noise/Noise/noise-reports.aspx .
Noise Complaints can be made directly to Dublin Airport Authority using the following link:
http://www.dublinairport.com/gns/about-us/community-affairs/aircraft-noise/Noise/Complaint_Form_copy1.aspx.
Mitigation of aircraft noise on neighbouring communities is managed under the Noise Action Plan and requires input from DAA, IAA and the airlines that operate at Dublin Airport. There is a free-phone number (1800 200 034), where further information on noise or flight track issues can be obtained.
As a “major airport”, Dublin Airport falls within the scope of EU Directive 2002/49/EC (the Environmental Noise Directive, or END) relating to the assessment and management of environmental noise. This Directive aims to provide “a common framework to avoid, prevent or reduce, on a prioritised basis, the harmful effects of exposure to environmental noise”.
The Environmental Noise Regulations 2006 transpose the END into Irish law. The Regulations set out a two-stage process for addressing environmental noise.
1. Firstly, noise must be assessed through the preparation of strategic noise maps for areas and infrastructure falling within defined criteria, e.g. large agglomerations, major roads, railways and airports. Noise maps are due to be updated by June 2017.
2. Secondly, based on the results of the mapping process, the Regulations require the preparation of noise action plans for each area concerned. The fundamental objective of action plans is the prevention and reduction of environmental noise. Action plans are due to be updated by June 2018 and require public consultation.
Under the Regulations, Noise Mapping Bodies and Noise Action Planning Bodies have been designated. DAA have been designated as a noise mapping body under the 2006 regulations. The Noise Action Planning Body prescribed for Dublin Airport under the regulations is the local authority within whose functional area the airport is located, in this case, Fingal County Council.
Details with regard to the Noise Action Plan for Dublin Airport can be accessed in the Dublin Agglomeration Environmental Noise Action Plan (December 2013 – November 2018), which is available online at:
http://www.dublincity.ie/sites/default/files/content/WaterWasteEnvironment/NoiseMapsandActionPlans/Documents/DublinNoiseActionPlan2013-2018Final.pdf .
The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has responsibility for the product certification of noise from aircraft engines. All aircraft arriving and departing Dublin Airport come under the direction of the IAA which provide air traffic control services in Ireland and are responsible for routing of aircraft.
428. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans for the introduction of a directly elected mayor for the city and county of Dublin; and the work his Department has undertaken on this matter since the consultation with the four Dublin local authorities in 2013. [7997/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Government Reform Act 2014 provided for a wide-ranging programme of reform to local government structures, functions and governance, including a process for the holding of a plebiscite on the possible introduction of an office of directly elected mayor for a Dublin metropolitan authority.
This procedure was based on achievement of political consensus across the four Dublin local authorities (Dublin City Council, Fingal County Council, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council and South Dublin County Council), involving the adoption of a resolution by a majority of each Dublin council for the holding of a plebiscite in relation to proposals set out in the resolution. In the event, that statutory requirement for the holding of a plebiscite was not met.
Subsequently, my predecessor, in a meeting with the Mayors of the four Dublin authorities on 7 July 2014, invited them to consider and revert with proposals that would address not only the concept of a directly elected mayor but also the wider governance of the metropolitan area including cost and functional implications. Any subsequent process would be contingent on political consensus across the four local authorities.
At this stage, any further ministerial policy initiative in this area would be a matter for consideration by the next Government.
429. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if all local authorities have appointed a designated officer relative to the Control of Horses Act 1996. [8084/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each Chief Executive is responsible for staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authority for which he or she is responsible.
My Department works closely with all local authorities and will continue to do so, in relation to overall staffing requirements. All staffing requests are examined on a case by case basis having due regard to the continued delivery of key services and in the context of the affordability of the staff resource.
The Control of Horses Act 1996 is the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
