Written Answers Nos. 78-97
78. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the length of time it should take for Garda vetting for a person accessing social housing in County Limerick. [38889/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra79. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the reason Garda vetting for a person accessing social housing in County Limerick can take more than three months. [38890/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 78 and 79 together.
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that requests with regard to social housing are outside the remit of the vetting arrangements that are in place for other purposes. In accordance with Section 15 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1997, a housing authority may make requests for information to a number of specified persons in certain circumstances. In respect of An Garda Síochána, requests for information from a housing authority are processed by the Superintendent in Charge of the District wherein the subject of the request resides and these are dealt with on a case-by-case basis. As the Deputy will appreciate I have no role in the allocation of social housing.
In accordance with the provisions of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012-2016, the Garda National Vetting Bureau provides vetting for persons seeking employment with registered organisations where the employment involves substantial unsupervised access to children or vulnerable adults.
80. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will respond to points raised by persons (details supplied) regarding the statutory inquiry which she has proposed into a case and accede to their points on the need to change the proposed terms of reference. [38907/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Inquiry to which the Deputy refers is to be established following my acceptance of a recommendation by the panel of the Independent Review Mechanism. The role of the Independent Review Mechanism was to review complaints of Garda misconduct.
Officials in my Department have consulted with the Office of the Attorney General with regard to matters concerning the establishment of these inquiries, their terms of reference and who will be appointed to conduct them. At this stage, draft terms of reference have been prepared. In accordance with section 42 (3A) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, as amended, there is a requirement to consult with the Policing Authority with regard to these draft terms of reference. This consultation process has been commenced. When the consultation process with the Policing Authority has been completed, I will be in a position to proceed to the establishment of these inquiries.
In order to keep the persons whose complaints have led to the decision to establish the section 42 inquiries updated on the matter, my Department wrote to each of the complainants recently informing them of the proposed scope for the inquiry relating to their particular complaint. I have only recently received the correspondence from the two individuals referred to by the Deputy and will revert to them in the near future.
81. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will consider establishing a branch of the Valuation Office in Tipperary town in view of the fact that her Department has office space available at this location and a number of advantages would ensue from such a move; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38919/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the Commissioner of Valuation that the introduction of a regional structure for the Valuation Office is not in line with the current operational requirements and work programmes of the organisation and is not, at present, under consideration.
82. Deputy John Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the additional resources that have been provided to the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation on foot of concerns raised by the Garda Inspectorate a year ago regarding its workload and an absence of dedicated expertise. [38937/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and Units and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that the allocation of Gardaí is continually monitored and reviewed taking into account all relevant factors including crime trends, demographics, and security assessments relating to the area in question so as to ensure optimal use is made of Garda human resources.
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (formerly the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation) is part of Special Crime Operation and has a dedicated expert staff, including professional civilian staff to address white collar, fraud and economic crimes. As of 31 October, 2016 the latest date for which figures are available there were 55 members of An Garda Síochána, two professional accountants and 12 civilians attached to the Bureau. A competition to appoint a further two forensic accountants has recently been completed by the Public Appointments Service and it is expected that they will assigned to the Bureau early in 2017.
In addition, I am informed that the Commissioner has recently held competitions to fill vacancies for members in Garda Special Crime Operations and the needs of the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau will be considered, when assigning successful candidates from these competitions.
83. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the way in which households headed by women have been empowered and are no longer at a higher risk of poverty; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38978/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government views the empowerment of women to engage in the labour market as one of the key elements in reducing the risk of poverty among female-headed households.
In the Programme for a Partnership Government, the Government has committed to taking measures to reduce the gender pay gap. It will seek to promote wage transparency by requiring companies of 50 or more to complete a wage survey and is giving a strengthened role to the Low Pay Commission in relation to the gender pay gap. Other Programme for Government commitments include the provision of locally delivered courses for women to assist their return to the labour market and to promote entrepreneurship. The Government has also committed to reducing poverty levels by supporting an increase in the minimum wage to €10.50 per hour over the next five years.
The preponderance of women on the national minimum wage was highlighted in the Low Pay Commission’s 2015 Report. In order to obtain a better understanding of this issue, the Low Pay Commission was asked by the then Minister of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and Minister for Business and Employment to examine this issue as part of its 2016 Work Programme, to report its views as to the underlying reasons for this position, and make any recommendations it considers appropriate. The Commission submitted its report to the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation on this matter in October 2016 and the report will be published shortly.
From September 2017 a new Affordable Childcare Scheme will be introduced by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs which will provide financial support for parents towards the cost of childcare, under a system from which both universal and targeted subsidies can be provided towards the cost of childcare. The new scheme, which will replace the existing targeted childcare programmes, aims to streamline the existing targeted schemes to make them more accessible for both parents and providers, provide a fair and consistent scheme of progressive financial support towards the cost of childcare, with a particular focus, at least initially, on lower income families but also incorporating universal supports, and provide a robust and flexible platform for future investment in childcare. By achieving the above aims, it is intended that the new scheme will, inter alia, contribute to poverty reduction by ensuring that access to affordable childcare is not a barrier to labour market participation, including female labour market participation.
Lone parents, of whom over 90% are women, are among the target groups of the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2015-2017, which is under the responsibility of the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government. This programme aims to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion and equality by improving the life chances and opportunities of those who are marginalised in society, living in poverty or in unemployment through community development approaches, targeted supports and interagency collaboration.
The Civil Service Renewal Plan recognises the clear need to continue to increase female participation at senior levels in the Civil Service. To this end, the Renewal Plan contains a commitment to improve gender balance at each level by reviewing supports and policies to ensure these are impactful and measurable. This work has commenced under the leadership of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and is now a key project under the Plan.
The advancement of women into leadership and decision-making roles was actively promoted under the National Women's Strategy 2007-2016. Public consultation has begun on an updated National Women’s Strategy. It is anticipated that reducing gender inequality in senior appointments will be among the issues raised in the consultation and addressed in the new Strategy.
84. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if a prison officer can be reappointed, either by request or by instruction, to another area of the public service or Civil Service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39021/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra85. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if a prison officer can be reappointed, either by request or by instruction, to an alternative role within her Department, other than within the Prison Service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39022/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 84 and 85 together.
I can inform the Deputy that the Irish Prison Service would assess any request by a prison officer to be reassigned to another part of the civil or public service, whether within my Department or not, having regard to the merits and particular circumstances of the request.
86. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if investments, either directly or indirectly through pension or other investment funds, are held in tobacco companies by her Department, any agency within the remit of her Department, or any agency or entity in receipt of departmental funding; if her Department has any guideline on such investment; if her Department intends to introduce any policies or guidelines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39035/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been informed that the Common Investment Fund (CIF) holds a small proportion of tobacco related stocks as part of a dividend reinvestment scheme which allows unit holders (charities) the choice of receiving dividend income in cash or to reinvest back into the fund. The CIF was established in April, 1985 by the Commissioners of Charitable Donations and Bequests for Ireland under a Scheme pursuant to Section 46 of the Charities Act, 1961.
By virtue of S.82 of the Charities Act 2009, all functions of the Commissioners of Charitable Donations and Bequests for Ireland were transferred to the Charities Regulatory Authority. This includes oversight of the CIF which is independently managed. I am informed by the Charities Regulator that they are currently reviewing all legacy matters, including those relating to the CIF and ethical indices will form part of that review process.
In addition, the Courts Service, in accordance with the Courts Service Act 1998, has a role in the management and investment of Court funds held in trust by the Courts on behalf of ward of courts, minors and other beneficiaries. These funds are invested in line with the provisions of the Trustee (Authorised Investments) Act, 1958 and subsequent orders. I am informed that, in accordance with the Trustee Act, and based on independent investment advice, the Courts Service invests a portion of these funds in equities/shares, including a small proportion in tobacco stocks on a passive basis. I understand that the funds are invested in line with the FTSE All World Developed Index across a very wide range of diversified funds, in the best interests of the beneficiaries. As of 30 November 2016, the % allocation within the FTSE All World Developed Index to tobacco stocks was 1.51%. This index is tracked by the Gross Roll Up World ex Eurozone Equity Fund within which the Courts Service invest a portion of the total investments. The total number of stocks within the index is 2,109 so it is a well-diversified index.
The Deputy will appreciate that both these funds are operated independently of my Department in the best interests of the beneficiaries, and my Department has no role in managing or directing investments. Neither am I aware of all the investments, either directly or through a pension or other investment funds, by organisations that are in recipient of grant funding by my Department. There are currently no guidelines regarding such investments but the matter is kept under review.
87. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the reason for the continued requirement for licensed premises to remain closed on Good Friday; if she will update the law in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39067/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe position is that the statutory provisions relating to the sale of alcohol on Good Friday, which have historical origins, will be examined in the context of the forthcoming Sale of Alcohol Bill. It will update the law relating to the sale, supply and consumption of alcohol in licensed premises by repealing the Licensing Acts 1833 to 2011, and the Registration of Clubs Acts 1904 to 2008, and replacing them with streamlined and updated provisions. Drafting of that complex Bill has been delayed due to other priorities and I am not in a position to say at present when it will be published.
88. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of an appeal for a revocation of a deportation order for a person (details supplied); the expected timeframe for a decision; and if she will expedite the matter. [39099/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned was deported from the State in July, 2016 on foot of a valid Deportation Order which was made on 25th September, 2015. As the Deputy will be aware, the consequence of a Deportation Order is that the person named on the Order must leave the State and remain out of the State.
Representations were received from the person concerned, pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 (11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), requesting that the Deportation Order be revoked.
A representative of the INIS wrote to the legal representative of the person concerned on 4th November, 2016 requesting clarification on certain matters relating to the case of the person concerned. I am advised that while a reply was received in the INIS on 21st November, 2016, that reply did not deal with all matters raised in the INIS' letter dated 4th November, 2016. As a result, a further letter was issued to the legal representative of the person concerned on 5th December, 2016 where certain additional clarifications were sought. These additional clarifications have been sought within a period of 15 working days.
Upon receipt of such additional clarifications, the request made by the person concerned to have their Deportation Order revoked will be given more detailed consideration. The Deputy might wish to note that the decision to ensue from this consideration will be to have the existing Deportation Order 'affirmed' or 'revoked'. Once such a decision has been made, this will be notified in writing. In the meantime, the Deportation Order remains valid and in place.
The Deputy may also wish to note that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
89. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the average waiting time for a decision to be made on both a join family visa and a tourist visa by the INIS; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39149/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation & Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that decisions regarding the grant or refusal of visas are made in a number of INIS Visa Offices overseas, the INIS Visa Office in Dublin, and at Embassies of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade which process certain visa applications under delegated sanction from my Department.
The waiting time for visa decisions are published on the Visa pages of each Visa Office and Embassy website. As regards the Dublin Visa Office, I am advised by INIS that the time taken to complete tourist visa applications where all of the necessary information is available to the Visa Officer is currently eight weeks. This is the INIS business target time for most visa decisions. The corresponding time for “join family” applications in Dublin is currently six months and again this is the business target. The webpage address for this information is
http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/Current_Processing_Times.
More generally, the processing time for visas in each location will vary based on a number of factors such as the number of applications, the complexity of the applications, whether further information or investigation is required, and the resources available. While every effort is made to process such applications as quickly as possible, processing times inevitably vary from one location to another.
The central concern, as with all visa services worldwide, in deciding on visa applications is to strike an appropriate balance between protecting the country's vital national interests by maintaining an effective immigration regime, while at the same time facilitating travel for those who meet the criteria. Each visa application is therefore decided on its own merits taking all factors into account.
90. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of an application for a tourist visa in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39141/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the visa application has been approved. The applicant has been advised that her passport and visa may be collected from the Honorary Consulate's office in Manilla.
The Deputy may wish to note that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
91. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Finance if investments, either directly or indirectly through pension or other investment funds, are held in tobacco companies by his Department, any agency within the remit of his Department, or any agency or entity in receipt of departmental funding; if his Department has any guideline on such investment; if his Department intends to introduce any policies or guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39031/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the majority of the bodies under the aegis of my Department that they do not hold investments in tobacco companies.
I have been advised by the Central Bank of Ireland that the Bank does not invest directly in any debt (bonds) or equity (shares) issued by tobacco companies, either in the management of the investment reserves or the pension fund. The Bank has informed me that all external investment managers that manage investment funds for the Bank's pension fund are required to be signatories of the UN Principles for Responsible Investment. However, this does not preclude the funds from having small exposures to tobacco companies e.g. as part of a passive equity index fund. An exact exposure would take some time to confirm, but a reasonable preliminary estimate would be less than €1.5million i.e. <0.01%.
I am advised that this is also the case for other funds maintained by the Bank e.g. ICCL, Deposit Guarantee Scheme etc.
The National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) has advised me that as of 30th September 2016, the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) had equity holdings in three tobacco companies with a value of €1.5m or 0.02% of its total assets. Such investments should be considered in the context of ISIF's broader portfolio and the Fund's commitment to responsible investment. ISIF operates to high international standards and it recently published a Sustainability and Responsible Investment Policy. In relation to investments in tobacco companies through its pension or other investments funds I will write directly to the Deputy in respect of this aspect of the question as the material in respect of the NTMA has not been made available in the time to provide a complete response.
92. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance his plans regarding the issue of fossil fuel divestment; if this divestment will be included in the Irish Strategic Investment Fund strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39135/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to my replies to recent Parliamentary Questions on this matter, specifically Question No. 3 of 12 October 2016 from Deputy Thomas Pringle, Question No. 49 of 10 November from Deputy Tommy Broughan, Question No. 184 of 18 October from Deputy Clare Daly, as well as Question No. 78 of 20 October from Deputy Shorthall. I am informed by the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) that its shareholdings with fossil fuel exposure includes certain investments inherited from its predecessor the National Pension Reserve Fund (NPRF).
These shareholdings are in companies based outside Ireland and, as such, are held in ISIF's global portfolio. The global portfolio has been restructured and is being sold over time to fund Irish investment commitments as they arise, in keeping with ISIF's mandate to invest, on a commercial basis to support economic activity and employment, in Ireland. Based on portfolio holdings as of 30th Sept 2016, ISIF's equity holding in the energy sector amounted to circa €11m (0.1% of ISIF's assets under management).
Such investments should be considered in the context of ISIF's Irish portfolio and its significant commitment to renewables. ISIF's investment strategy is aligned with Government policy and the State's commitment to make the transition to a low carbon, climate resilient and sustainable economy. ISIF published its Sustainability and Responsible Investment Policy in July 2016 and this emphasises climate change as part of the integration of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) into its investment decision making.
Many major funds internationally have made significant divestments from fossil fuels such as coal, while other such funds have adopted an approach of engagement with energy companies to establish their strategy and positioning for the transition to a low carbon economy. ISIF continually reviews its carbon exposure and the investment case for companies that may not be aligned with the long term transition to a low-carbon economy.
In that context, ISIF is currently considering the investment case for companies that may not be aligned with the long term transition to a low-carbon economy. ISIF's senior management and the NTMA Board's Investment Committee have committed to reviewing the current Prohibited Securities policy to examine the potential of adding to the list of excluded investment categories. This process is taking place in parallel with the ISIF Investment Strategy Review and is expected to be completed by end Q1 2017.
The National Treasury Management Agency (Amendment) Act 2014, which established ISIF on a statutory basis, provides that ISIF shall review its investment strategy after 18 months of operation. It also provides that in reviewing its investment strategy ISIF shall consult with the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. I am advised by ISIF that this review will be completed in the near future.
93. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if, in view of the report Investing in National Ambition: A Strategy for Funding Higher Education (details supplied) the ICLs were introduced in 2018 on the basis of a student contribution of €4,000 for the current number of full-time undergraduates, including those whose fees are paid on their behalf, assessed at costing €600 million and the default rate assessed at 20%, the impact this would have on fiscal space for 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38895/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra94. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if, in view of the report Investing in National Ambition: A Strategy for Funding Higher Education (details supplied) the ICLs were introduced on the basis of a student contribution of €4,000 for the current number of full-time undergraduates, including those whose fees are paid on their behalf, assessed at €600 million, in view of the fact that this implies an annual provision for €600 million which would impact on the debt decline required under the fiscal rules, the impact this would this have under the debt rule in relation to fiscal space for 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38896/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI proposes to take Questions Nos. 93 and 94 together.
In Budget 2017 the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and I, announced a policy review with the aim of designing and implementing a sustainable and predictable multi-annual funding model for higher and further education and training involving increased Employer and Exchequer contributions from 2018. The review will be undertaken as part of the overall response to meeting the anticipated skills needs in the economy over the coming years, in line with the policy framework set out in the National Skills Strategy.
It will include an analysis of the business case for enhanced investment in the higher and further education and training sectors. In this context it will identify key elements of the new funding model and of the expected impacts including those on employers. The review will include consultation with stakeholders. The policy review will be published by the end of April 2017, and will complement the ongoing work by the Oireachtas Committee in relation to the Cassells report.
This work which has commenced will encompass the issues raised and will be ongoing for a number of months.
95. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a person (details supplied) was refused a SUSI grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38923/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of a comprehensive customer service and communications strategy provided by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI), to ensure that all necessary avenues are open to applicants to receive the information they need, a dedicated email and phone line service is provided by SUSI for Oireachtas members. This was established to meet an identified need for applicants who choose to engage the assistance of their public representatives in making enquiries about their grant applications.
This service complements the established channels provided by SUSI which include online application tracking, a dedicated website, a telephone helpdesk, email and social media, including Facebook and Twitter.
Enquiries may be emailed direct to SUSI at oireachtas@susi.ie. Staff in SUSI are responding to email queries within a matter of days.
If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a student grant or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to SUSI.
Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down in writing by SUSI and remains of the view that the scheme has not been interpreted correctly in his/her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to the independent Student Grants Appeals Board within the required timeframe.
96. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a decision has been made on the criteria for allocation of DEIS status; if the new assessment framework has been developed; the proposals for the new identification process for applying DEIS status; the specific centrally-held data that will be used during the assessment; the timeframe for the roll-out of the new DEIS programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38932/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, a process to review the DEIS Programme which began last year is nearing completion and it is my intention to publish a new Action Plan for Educational Inclusion in the coming weeks.
The review process is looking at all aspects of DEIS, including the range and impact of different elements of the School Support Programme, the potential for innovation within and between schools and its scope for increased integration of services provided by other Departments and Agencies, in order to improve effectiveness.
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
A new assessment framework is also being developed using centrally held CSO and DES data for the identification of schools for inclusion in a new School Support Programme. The relevant CSO data is based on information drawn from the National Census of Population and includes socio-economic variables that are known predictors of poorer educational outcomes. The number of schools to receive supports under a new School Support Programme will be determined by this proposed new identification process which will assess all schools in the country. Schools will not be required to make an application for assessment as the methodology to be applied involves the use of centrally held data already available to my Department.
Implementation of actions arising from the Action 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 information on the DEIS Review process is available on my Department’s website at
http://www.education.ie/en/Schools-Colleges/Services/DEIS-Delivering-Equality-of-Opportunity-in-Schools-/DEIS-Review-Process-Information-Note.pdf.
97. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Education and Skills if University College Cork, UCC, currently receives any remuneration from the Irish Management Institute, IMI, for validating degrees; if UCC received remuneration from IMI in the past for validating degrees; the remuneration received by UCC from IMI for validating degrees for each of the years 2000 to 2015 in tabular form; the current annual debt of UCC for each of the years 2000 to 2015 in tabular form; the borrowings of UCC for each of the years 2000 to 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38940/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is not available in my Department. My Officials have requested the Higher Education Authority to request the information and I will arrange for it to be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
