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Thursday, 27 Oct 2016

Written Answers Nos. 81-100

DEIS Scheme

Ceisteanna (81)

Thomas Byrne

Ceist:

81. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills when the development of a new assessment framework for the identification of schools for inclusion in DEIS will be completed; the funding that has been allocated for developing this new assessment database to date; and the amount he anticipates will be required overall. [32442/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

A process to review DEIS- Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools which began last year is nearing completion and it is my intention to publish a new Plan for Educational Inclusion before the end of this year.

The review is looking at all aspects of the DEIS programme, including the development of a new assessment process for the identification of schools.  This work is being undertaken by the DEIS Review Technical Group and is being carried out within the existing resources allocated to my Department.  

Among the measures to be included in the plan are a series of pilot schemes aimed at introducing measures which have been shown to work well in improving results for disadvantaged children and students. The plan is expected to include targeted measures in the area of:

- School leadership

- School networks and clusters

- Teaching methodologies

- Integration of schools and other State supports within communities

- Greater use of Home School Community Liaison services

Implementation of actions arising from the Plan for Educational Inclusion will begin in the 2017/18 school year, and will be a continuing theme in our wider Annual Action Plan for Education.

Further details on the Review process can be found at: http://www.education.ie/en/Schools-Colleges/Services/DEIS-Delivering-Equality-of-Opportunity-in-Schools-/.

Primary Online Database

Ceisteanna (82)

Thomas Byrne

Ceist:

82. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the roll-out of the primary online database; if he will provide latest statistics on usage by schools; if the Data Protection Commissioner has any outstanding concerns regarding the retention of student records under the new scheme, with the use of students' PPSN or with data-sharing provisions. [32443/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Primary Online Database (POD) has been rolled out to all primary schools in the country, and all schools have now entered their pupils onto the system. Schools are currently in the process of submitting the 2016/2017 National School Annual Census through POD.

The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner has not expressed any concerns about the current retention period for POD data, or about the Department of Education and Skills' proposed sharing of appropriate data with other State bodies. They are satisfied that a legislative basis exists for the use of the student's PPSN on POD.

Further information on the retention period, data-sharing provisions, and the legislative basis for the collection of all POD data can be found in the POD fair processing notice, which is available on the Department's website: http://www.education.ie/en/Publications/Statistics/Primary-Online-Database-POD-/POD-Fair-Processing-Notice.pdf.

Apprenticeship Programmes

Ceisteanna (83)

Thomas Byrne

Ceist:

83. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills how he plans to increase the number of apprenticeships and traineeships in 2017 and 2018 without any increase in funding for skills in budget 2017. [32444/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Budget 2017 saw an additional €20 million made available from the National Training Fund (NTF) to provide for increased apprenticeship and traineeship activity in 2017.  This has been made available through rebalancing NTF expenditure in 2017 due to reduced demand for training for unemployed people due to the continued economic growth and the improving employment position.

The 2018 allocation will be considered through the budgetary process, taking into account forecast increased participation in existing apprenticeships and traineeships and the costs of development and roll out of new apprenticeship programmes and career traineeships.

SOLAS Training and Education Programmes

Ceisteanna (84)

Thomas Byrne

Ceist:

84. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the restrictions SOLAS places on education training boards, ETBs, in procuring new training providers for traineeships or apprenticeships; and if his Department has any concerns that restrictions on ETBs in procuring new training providers is holding back the expansion of these learning programmes to new skills areas. [32445/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

SOLAS has advised that the scope of contract training and the terms and conditions for both suppliers and buyers are detailed in the procurement documents as published on the Government e-tenders website.

SOLAS informs me that there are no restrictions in relation to the procurement of training providers for traineeships. Delivery of these programmes can be achieved either through contracted training or through the use of in-house ETB resources, on the basis of identified needs as agreed in the context of the annual Further Education and Training Services Plan.

The craft apprenticeship system is a blended alternance training programme.  There is no procurement of apprenticeship training as the on-the-job element is delivered directly by employers with the off-the-job element being delivered by trainers in the ETBs and tutors in the Institutes of Technology or Colleges of Further Education.

A wider set of education and training providers are becoming involved in new apprenticeships through participating in corsortia of employers and providers responding to calls for proposals from the Apprenticeship Council.

School Closures

Ceisteanna (85)

Catherine Martin

Ceist:

85. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the length of time his Department has been in discussions with a school (details supplied) regarding taking over a campus; and if these discussions and negotiations included representatives from both the primary and secondary schools. [32460/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy may be aware the decision to close the schools in question and the timeline for the closures was a decision for the schools' Trustees and not my Department.

The Trustees had approached my Department at an early stage outlining the situation and requesting if the Department was open to acquiring the property as they were seeking to ensure it would continue to be used for educational purposes.

These discussions were taken up again in early 2014 and culminated in the acquisition of the property by my Department in June 2016.

The Trustees have at all times indicated their commitment to the school community and it was on that basis that a phased closure of both the Junior and Secondary schools is being arranged, to ensure an orderly wind-down of the schools.

Motor Tax Exemptions

Ceisteanna (86)

Peter Burke

Ceist:

86. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if exceptions will be granted in relation to motor tax for those who may have been hospitalised for periods of six months or more; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32418/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Provision is already in place in motor tax legislation to allow a vehicle owner to declare his or her vehicle off the road. A declaration of non-use must be made in the last month of an existing motor tax disc and can be made for any period of between 3 months and 1 year. A further declaration can then be made, if the vehicle is still not in use at that stage.

There is also provision in motor tax legislation for a refund of motor tax where the owner of a vehicle has ceased, because of illness, injury or other physical disability, to use the vehicle. In order to obtain a refund, there must be a minimum period of 3 months remaining on the disc at the time of surrender to the licensing authority. The application for a refund incorporates a declaration of non-use of the vehicle concerned also. If required, a further declaration of non-use can be made in the last month of the period in respect of which a refund has been granted.

Local Authority Finances

Ceisteanna (87, 88)

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

87. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if the additional funding of €1 million which his Department has sanctioned to support Sligo County Council, which he referred to in Dáil Éireann on 19 October 2016, is only being made available to Sligo; if his Department will consider providing similar additional funding to Donegal County Council, which, like Sligo, has submitted a financial plan to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32353/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

88. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government further to his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 244 of 4 October 2016 and his statement in Dáil Éireann of 19 October 2016 (details supplied), if he will clarify matters and confirm his Department will be providing additional funding to Sligo County Council to pay for the additional six library staff; if he will consider providing similar additional funding to Donegal County Council for staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32354/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 87 and 88 together.

Sligo County Council approached my Department in 2012 to highlight its deteriorating financial position. While it is a matter for each local authority to determine its own spending priorities in light of available resources and as part of the annual budgetary process, owing to the particular severity of Sligo's financial situation my Department entered into regular consultations with the Council. This process resulted in Sligo County Council identifying areas where savings could be made and the putting in place of a formal long-term Financial Plan in December 2015.

In support of the work undertaken by Sligo, my Department committed to providing financial support to the Council of €1 million per annum on condition that annual surplus targets were achieved.

Sligo's Financial Plan is subject to periodic reviews by my Department. Review meetings have taken place between my Department and the Council during 2016 and further engagement is envisaged. On 3 October 2016, my Department agreed adjustments to the implementation schedule in respect of the Financial Plan. A reduction in the 2016 savings target has been agreed with related adjustments to be made in respect of later years. These changes, which relate to taxation, enterprise support and the timing of retirements and career breaks, have enabled the local authority to comply with the financial plan. Additional funding of €1 million on an annual basis is made available to Sligo where it demonstrates compliance with the plan in that year. This additional funding provides Sligo with a greater degree of flexibility and enables it to consider a wider range of resourcing requirements. However, in accordance with section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, it is a matter solely for Sligo County Council to prioritise and allocate its resources, including any additional funding, to address its requirements, including in relation to the library service. My Department has not been prescriptive in this regard.

In December 2010, following engagement with Donegal County Council as regards its financial planning, my Department sanctioned a loan of €48.6 million to be used by the Council in respect of financial restructuring, subject to the carrying out of periodic financial reviews by my Department. There are no resources available that could be used to provide additional funding to Donegal County Council.

Emergency Accommodation Data

Ceisteanna (89)

John Curran

Ceist:

89. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the amount being spent on a monthly basis on emergency accommodation in Dublin from 2011 to 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32361/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department's role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of housing authorities in addressing homelessness at local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of accommodation and related services for homeless persons rests with individual housing authorities. The purposes for which housing authorities may incur expenditure in addressing homelessness are prescribed in Section 10 of the Housing Act 1988. Housing authorities provide additional funding from their own resources. Therefore, the detail requested is not available in my Department and would be a matter for the relevant housing authorities.

Details of the 'Section 10' Exchequer funding provided by my Department to the Dublin Region towards the operational costs of homeless accommodation and related services for the years 2011 to 2015 are set out in the following table. Furthermore, to date in 2016, payments amounting to approximately €39 million have been processed under Section 10 arrangements in respect of the Dublin Region.

Funding Provided under Section 10 of the Housing Act 1988

Year

Amount

2011

€35,732,525

2012

€32,398,290

2013

€31,322,223

2014

€35,322,223

2015

€48,270,201

Tenant Purchase Scheme Eligibility

Ceisteanna (90)

Martin Heydon

Ceist:

90. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he will consider extending the tenant purchase scheme to cover persons in receipt of carer's allowance or disability allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32382/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme came in to operation on 1 January 2016 and offers eligible local authority tenants the opportunity to buy their homes. To be eligible, tenants must meet certain criteria, including having a minimum reckonable income of €15,000 per annum and having been in receipt of social housing support for at least 1 year.

The minimum reckonable income for eligibility under the Scheme is determined by the relevant housing authority in accordance with the detailed provisions of the Ministerial Direction issued under Sections 24(3) and (4) of the 2014 Act. In the determination of the minimum reckonable income, housing authorities can include income from a number of different sources and classes, such as from employment, private pensions, maintenance payments and certain social welfare payments, including pensions, where the social welfare payment is secondary to employment income. At present, as set out in the Ministerial direction on reckonable income, Carer's Allowance is not included as a secondary source of reckonable income. However, Disability Allowance can be included as a secondary source of income.

In line with the commitment in the Programme for a Partnership Government and reaffirmed in Rebuilding Ireland - Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness, it is intended that a review of the Scheme will be commenced in January 2017 following the first 12 months of operation and any changes to the terms and conditions of the scheme which are considered necessary based on the evidence gathered at that stage will be brought forward.

Departmental Funding

Ceisteanna (91)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

91. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the level of funding provided for programmes undertaken by men's sheds in 2016; the level of funding to be provided in 2017; if this funding will enable additional programmes to be undertaken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32403/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Irish Men's Sheds Association was funded from 1 July 2014 until 30 June 2016 through my Department's Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO). This Scheme aims to provide multi-annual funding to national organisations towards core costs associated with the provision of services. It does not provide programme funding. The organisation in question was allocated €175,950 for the 24 month period to 30 June 2016.

A new round of funding was advertised in January 2016, with applications due for submission by 8 February 2016. I announced the results of this process in June. It is my understanding that no application for funding under the scheme was received from the Irish Men's Sheds Association.

Local Authority Housing Rents

Ceisteanna (92)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

92. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 200 and 226 of 11 October 2016, if he will consider taking out those two sources of income in his deliberations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32446/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As previously outlined in the reply to Questions Numbers 200 and 226 of 11 October 2016, considerable work has been carried out by my Department in developing a draft framework for a harmonisation of the approach to be taken by local authorities in regard to various aspects of rent schemes. The proposals are currently being reviewed in light of the broader commitment given in Rebuilding Ireland, the Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness to review the disparate systems of differential rent in place across local authorities. This review, which will include consideration of a common set of income disregards to be applied by all housing authorities in determining a household's assessable income for the purposes of rent calculation, will be completed by the end of Quarter 2 2017.

Local Government Reform

Ceisteanna (93, 94)

Eamon Ryan

Ceist:

93. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the terms of reference of the recently established committee to review the reports of the Cork local government committee. [32498/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Eamon Ryan

Ceist:

94. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the means of selecting the members of the recently established committee to review the reports of the Cork local government committee. [32499/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 93 and 94 together.

The role of the Cork expert advisory group is to review the recommendations of the Cork Local Government Committee report. The group is tasked with examining both the majority and minority reports and underlying material and has a mandate to identify and examine a wider range of options for Cork than might have been considered previously. Full details for their terms of reference are available on my Department's website at the following link:  http://www.housing.gov.ie/local-government/expert-advisory-group-cork.

In considering members for the Cork expert advisory group, consideration was given to suitable candidates meeting the specific skill sets required. Specific professional expertise in strategic planning, local government administration and governance was sought to deal with the complexity of the issues involved.

I chose individuals who, in my view, have the necessary professional expertise in these areas and I included a mix of both national and international experts.

I expect this group, which will report directly to me, to generate a report early in 2017 which will enable me to build consensus and agree next steps to address the issue.

Invalidity Pension Applications

Ceisteanna (95)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

95. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application for an invalidity pension in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32383/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Invalidity pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions.

The department received a claim for IP for the lady concerned on the 13 May 2016. She was refused IP on the grounds that the medical conditions for the scheme were not satisfied. She was notified on the 11 July 2016 of this decision, the reasons for it and of her right of review and appeal. She requested a review of this decision and submitted further medical evidence in support of her request. Following a review of all the information available the deciding officer is satisfied that the medical conditions for the scheme are satisfied.

This lady has been awarded IP with effect from the 19 May 2016. Payment will issue to her nominated post office on the 10 November 2016. Any arrears due from 19 May 2016 to 09 November 2016 (less any overlapping social welfare payment and/or outstanding overpayment) will issue in due course. She was notified of this decision on the 26 October 2016.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Domiciliary Care Allowance Appeals

Ceisteanna (96)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

96. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 will receive a decision in respect of a review of a domiciliary care allowance application, as the estimated completion date for the review has passed. [32397/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

This lady has submitted an appeal of the decision to disallow Domiciliary Care Allowance to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO). As part of that appeal process, a review of the decision was undertaken by a deciding officer. She was notified on 21st October 2016 that following a re-examination of the application the original decision was upheld. The DCA application file, together with the additional information she supplied was forwarded to the SWAO on the 25th October 2016 for their consideration, they will be in contact with her in due course.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Jobseeker's Allowance Appeals

Ceisteanna (97)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

97. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on the review of additional information submitted in respect of a jobseeker's allowance appeal for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32405/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence, decided to disallow the appeal of the person concerned. Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of an Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed in the light of additional evidence or new facts.

I am advised that the person concerned has submitted additional evidence, the file has been recalled from the Department and the Appeals Officer has agreed to review the case. The person concerned will be contacted when the review of his/her appeal has been finalised.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Carer's Allowance Applications

Ceisteanna (98)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

98. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on the review of a carer's allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32410/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I confirm that my department received an application for Carer's Allowance (CA) from the person concerned on 12 May 2016. It is a condition for receipt of a CA that the person being cared for must have a disability whose effect is that they require full-time care and attention.

This is defined as requiring from another person, continual supervision and frequent assistance throughout the day in connection with normal bodily functions or continuous supervision in order to avoid danger to him or herself and likely to require that level of care for at least twelve months.

The evidence submitted in support of this application was examined and the deciding officer decided that this evidence did not indicate that the requirement for full-time care was satisfied.

The person concerned was notified on 15 August 2016 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal. She has requested a review of this decision and submitted additional evidence in support of her application. The review is currently being processed and once completed, she will be notified directly of the outcome.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Money Advice and Budgeting Service

Ceisteanna (99)

Peter Burke

Ceist:

99. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons MABS has forwarded to the Phoenix project Ireland for personal or business insolvency advice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32451/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS), under the aegis of the Citizens Information Board, assists people who are over-indebted and need help and advice in coping with debt problems, in particular those on low incomes or living on social welfare payments.

MABS does not maintain data on outward referrals to named organisations, such as the Phoenix Project, if they occur.

MABS provides services itself to those in mortgage arrears free of charge. The role of MABS was expanded last year with the establishment of a Dedicated Mortgage Arrears MABS (DMA MABS) service across the MABS network to help those specifically with mortgage debt. There are now 30 specialist DMA advisors working across 25 locations countrywide, assisting borrowers to assess the options available to them and, where required, negotiating with lenders on their behalf. To date almost 2,400 people have availed of the DMA MABS service.

MABS has also established a national network of court mentors to attend each listed repossession Court hearing nationwide, to provide support to distressed borrowers who are facing loss of their home, and signposting them to appropriate services.

More recently, the Government has put in place a scheme called Abhaile to assist people who are insolvent and in mortgage arrears on their home to access independent expert financial and/or legal advice and assistance free of charge. This scheme is designed to help them find the best possible solutions, with the priority being to support families to remain in their own homes. MABS acts as the gateway for a person to access the appropriate professional advice under the scheme and operates a voucher system to facilitate that. The scheme has been in operation since 22 July 2016 and almost 2,000 vouchers have been issued to date.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Benefits Eligibility

Ceisteanna (100)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

100. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the total current weekly payment of jobseeker's allowance and-or disability payment in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32471/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The maximum weekly rate of jobseeker's allowance applicable in the case of the person concerned is €383.70. The person concerned is also in receipt of a Domiciliary Care Allowance payment of €285.22 per month. The person concerned can contact his local office to discuss his payments if he wishes.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

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