Tom Neville
Ceist:182. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the flood alleviation scheme for Ballysteen, County Limerick. [30091/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFlood Relief Schemes Status
Ceisteanna (182)
Freagraí scríofa
The Office of Public Works (OPW) Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme is a scheme under which the OPW may provide funding assistance and support to local authorities to undertake viable, cost effective, localised and small scale flood relief works in their administrative areas.
An application for funding under the scheme for this area was received from Limerick City and County Council in 2014. The Council was informed that the application could not be approved as it did not meet the minimum cost benefit criterion for the scheme. No further application has been received from the Council to date.
Public Procurement Contracts
Ceisteanna (183)
Jackie Cahill
Ceist:183. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the tenders publicly advertised; the details of the locations by county in each of the years 2012 to 2016 and to date in 2017 where the Office of Government Procurement or etendering.ted.europa.eu advertised for suppliers (details supplied); the successful winners of such contracts; the number of SMEs that won such contracts; the number of micro size businesses that won such contracts; and the steps being taken to ensure SMEs can access a greater share of publicly advertised tenders by the Government. [30113/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The management of the tendering process and the administration of the contract once awarded is a matter for each contracting authority. Public contract details, therefore, are held by the individual contracting authority concerned.
This public procurement process is facilitated through the national eProcurement portal www.etenders.gov.ie which is managed by the Office of Government Procurement (OGP).
The information requested by the Deputy, that has been input by contracting authorities onto the eTenders portal, is being analysed and collated by the OGP but will not be available within the time allowed. The information will issue directly to the Deputy.
In relation to the steps being taken to ensure SMEs can access a greater share of publicly advertised tenders by the government. Public Procurement is governed by EU and National rules. The aim of these rules is to promote an open, competitive and non-discriminatory public procurement regime which delivers the best value for money. It would be a breach of the EU rules for a public body to favour particular candidates on grounds such as organisation size, locality, nationality etc., and there are legal remedies which may be used against any public body infringing these rules.
However, there is a recognition at EU Level of the need to promote and facilitate SME participation in public procurement. The new EU Directives on Procurement, transposed into Irish law in May 2016, are intended to make it easier for businesses and SMEs to tender for public sector procurement contracts. Measures specifically designed to improve access for SMEs and start-ups include:
- financial capacity criterion is generally limited to twice contract value - there are no centrally imposed requirements for a minimum turnover. Establishing the appropriate suitability criteria that are relevant and appropriate to a particular contract is, of course, a matter for the contracting authority concerned. This is because the contracting authority is in the best position to gauge the appropriate levels of financial capacity that are appropriate to the needs of that specific contract.
- discretion to divide public contracts into lots, with the proviso that opting not to divide a contract into lots must be explained in the procurement documents or the report on the procurement process.
- electronic methods of communication are mandated in parts of the tender process.
- the introduction of the European Single Procurement Document (ESPD), a self-declaration form aimed at reducing red tape for suppliers
- provision for “consortia bidding” may assist SMEs to participate in procurement procedures where they would not have the relevant capability or scale if they were to bid as sole tenderers
- explicit provision for pre-market discussion with suppliers and independent experts, subject to safeguards against distorting competition or violating transparency and non-discrimination principles
- reductions in the time limits for receipt of tenders by approximately 30% compared to the position under the 2006 Regulations
- Member States are required to report back to the Commission every 3 years on SME participation in public procurement
A number of these measures had been accelerated into policy in 2014 in advance of the transposition of the new Directives by Circular 10/14 - Initiatives to assist SMEs in Public Procurement - issued by the OGP.
The reform of public procurement across the public service is on-going and will continue to provide opportunities to the SME sector to win business. The OGP works with industry to ensure that winning government business is done in a fair, transparent and accessible way and to ensure that government procurement policies are business friendly. It does this by facilitating quarterly meetings of an SME Advisory Group, which have been chaired by the Minister of State with responsibility for public procurement, so that the voice of Irish SMEs (including ISME, IBEC, SFA, Chambers Ireland, and CIF) can be heard by Government. SMEs are also encouraged to register with the Government's eTenders portal so that they can be notified of upcoming tendering opportunities.
The OGP works with the SME industry representative bodies as well as the Department of Enterprise and Innovation, InterTrade Ireland and Enterprise Ireland to promote the engagement of SMEs in public procurement. Evidence of the work and co-operation in the area can be seen in events such as "Go-2-Tender" workshops and "Meet the Buyer" events.
The data analysed by the OGP and published last September (2014 Public Service Spend and Tendering Analysis Report) indicates that 95% of the State's expenditure is with firms within the State and the majority of spend analysed is with SMEs.
The OGP will continue to proactively engage with business and strive to enhance the significant measures already in place to support SME access to public procurement opportunities.
Apprenticeship Programmes
Ceisteanna (184)
John Lahart
Ceist:184. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education and Skills the new apprenticeships that are available under the new scheme; the areas which are covered by these apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29516/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware my Department established the Apprenticeship Council in early 2014 to oversee the expansion of the apprenticeship system into a range of new areas of the economy.
The Council has been working with consortia to develop their proposals into sustainable apprenticeships that can be delivered on a nationwide basis. Last year we saw the first of these new apprenticeships with the Insurance Practitioner Apprenticeship commencing in September and the Industrial Engineer Apprenticeship in November.
Earlier this month a further three new apprenticeships commenced, with the launch of apprenticeships in the occupations of Manufacturing Engineer and Manufacturing Technician in the medical device area and Processing Technologist in the polymer manufacturing area.
Subject to successful validation, ten further new programmes are scheduled to commence in 2017, in various occupations including Commis Chef, Accounting Technician, Software Developer and Network Engineer and roles in the international financial services sector.
Emergency Works Scheme Applications
Ceisteanna (185)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:185. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of an application for emergency works funding by a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29458/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The school to which the Deputy refers recently applied to my Department for funding under the Emergency Works Scheme to build an extension at the school comprising three resource rooms, link corridor, toilets and associated works. These works were outside the scope of the Emergency Works Scheme which is only for sudden and unforeseen emergencies. Accordingly, the application was refused.
The school authority has been advised, however, that it may apply for these building works under my Department's Additional Accommodation Scheme.
School Admissions
Ceisteanna (186)
James Browne
Ceist:186. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to address waiting lists for primary schools in a town (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29500/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
This Government is committed to ensuring that all children with Special Educational Needs, including those with autism, can have access to an education appropriate to their needs, preferably in school settings through the primary and post primary school network.
Such placements facilitate access to individualised education programmes which may draw from a range of appropriate educational interventions, delivered by fully qualified professional teachers, with the support of Special Needs Assistants and the appropriate school curriculum.
Almost 18,000 students in schools have been diagnosed with autism. The Department of Education and Skills invests over €300m annually in providing additional resources specifically to support students with autism in schools enabling:
- 63% of students to attend mainstream schools
- 26% to attend special classes in mainstream primary and post-primary schools, and
- 11% to attend special schools.
Some students, although academically able to access the curriculum in mainstream, may find it too difficult to manage full-time placement there. This can be due to significant difficulties in areas such as behaviour or sensory needs which have not been ameliorated, even with appropriate intervention, in mainstream.
Enrolment in an ASD special class should only be considered where it has been demonstrated that a student requires the support of a special class because he/she is unable to learn effectively in a mainstream class for most or all of the school day even with appropriate supports.
Students enrolling in ASD Special Classes must have a report from a relevant professional or team of professionals (for example, psychologist, speech and language therapist, psychiatrist) stating that:
- S/he has ASD, and that
- S/he has significant learning needs that require the support of a special class setting and the reasons why this is the case.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), in consultation with the relevant education partners, is responsible for the establishment of special classes.
The NCSE, in looking to open special classes, must take into account the present and future potential need for such classes, taking particular account of the educational needs of the children concerned. The NCSE will also take account of location and sustainability in looking to establish special classes in certain areas.
The NCSE will establish an additional 157 ASD Special Classes for the 2017/18 school year increasing the number of ASD Special Classes by 18% from 888 to 1,045. This will include 19 new ASD early intervention classes, 96 new primary ASD classes and 42 new post-primary ASD classes.
In relation to Co. Wexford, the NCSE has informed my Department that they are satisfied that there are sufficient ASD special class placements to meet existing demand in the schools referred to by the Deputy for the forthcoming school year and that they will continue to monitor demand and review the requirement for special class places in the area.
The NCSE will establish an additional 6 ASD Special Classes for the 2017/18 school year in Co. Wexford including 1 new ASD early intervention classes, 3 new primary ASD classes and 2 new post-primary ASD classes, bringing the number of classes to 6 Early Intervention, 23 primary and 13 post-primary in 2017/18.
The enrolment of a child to a school is a matter, in the first instance, for the parents of the child and the Board of Management of a school. My Department has no role in relation to processing applications for enrolment to schools and it does not maintain details of waiting lists in schools.
Parents/guardians of children with special needs who may need advice or are experiencing difficulties in locating a school placement should contact their local Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO) as soon as possible for information on available places. The local SENO contact details are available on www.ncse.ie.
School Funding
Ceisteanna (187, 188)
James Browne
Ceist:187. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if additional funding will be acquired to address the lack of space within a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29501/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraJames Browne
Ceist:188. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the extension to a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29502/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 187 and 188 together.
As the Deputy is aware, the school in question has submitted an application to my Department for capital funding for additional school accommodation. The application will be considered and my Department will convey a decision to the school authority as soon as the assessment process has been completed.
Digital Strategy for Schools
Ceisteanna (189)
Tom Neville
Ceist:189. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the provision of laptops to schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29503/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Digital Strategy for Schools 2015-2020 Enhancing Teaching Learning and Assessment was published in October 2015. The Strategy set out a plan to embed ICT in teaching, learning and assessment. A detailed Action Plan for 2017 was recently launched, based on the objectives outlined in the Digital Strategy. Timelines and lead responsibility have been assigned, and progress will be measured against the plan and an end of year report will be produced. The Action Plan can be found at: http://www.education.ie/en/Publications/Policy-Reports/Digital-Strategy-Action-Plan-2017.pdf.
The Strategy recognises that schools require public investment in their ICT infrastructure. €30 million in ICT grants has been issued to schools under the Strategy so far this year, and a further €180 million will issue to invest in ICT facilities in schools over the next four years. Circular 0001/2017 Grant Scheme for ICT Infrastructure 2016 – 2017 School Year contains further details. No application process applied for this funding.
It is a matter for a school’s Board of Management and Principal to decide how the grant can be best used for their school, in line with the schools eLearning Plan. All purchases must be in compliance with Public Procurement Procedures. Existing ICT purchasing Frameworks are in place operated by the Office of Government procurement for Desktop PCs/Notebooks/ etc, with appropriately defined technical specifications. These Frameworks should be engaged with and taken advantage of as they simplify the process of purchasing ICT equipment for schools.
However, if having reviewed the market and considered detailed technical specifications, warranties and associated supports, it is clear that better value for money can be achieved from non-Framework vendors, schools should seek concurrent quotes from both Framework and non-Framework vendors. Care should be taken to ensure that identical technical specification is presented to all vendors at the time of request for written quotations. Further information on current ICT Frameworks operated by the OGP is available at http://www.pdsttechnologyineducation.ie/en/Technology/Purchasing-Frameworks/, http://www.education.ie/en/Schools-Colleges/Information/Procurement/Procurement.html, www.procurement.ie and through the School Procurement Unit at https://jmb.ie/school-procurement. Further information on eLearning planning can be found at http://www.pdsttechnologyineducation.ie/en/Planning/.
Schools Building Projects Status
Ceisteanna (190)
John Lahart
Ceist:190. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has identified a site for a school building (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29517/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The project to which the Deputy refers was announced as part of the Six Year Capital Programme in November, 2015. A suitable site for the school has been identified and negotiations in respect of its proposed acquisition have commenced.
Due to the commercial sensitivities which attach to property acquisitions generally, I am unfortunately not in a position to provide further details at this time. However, the patron body will be informed of the school's permanent location as soon as it is possible to do so.
Schools Building Projects Status
Ceisteanna (191)
John Lahart
Ceist:191. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the proposed building of two schools (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29518/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, a project to deliver permanent accommodation for the schools to which he refers is on my Department's Capital Programme. The acquisition of a site was required in order to facilitate this project.
This acquisition is currently at a very advanced stage. Planning permission has been received in respect of this project and once the site acquisition is completed, the project will move to tender and construction subject to no issues arising.
Schools Building Projects Status
Ceisteanna (192)
John Lahart
Ceist:192. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the building of a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29519/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The school to which the Deputy refers is at an advanced stage of the tender process. My Department has reviewed the preliminary tender report and has authorised the Design Team to issue a letter of intent to the preferred bidder and subject to no issues arising it is envisaged that the project will commence on site later this year.
DEIS Applications
Ceisteanna (193)
Thomas Byrne
Ceist:193. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on whether a school (details supplied) should be allocated DEIS status in view of the fact that two other schools in the same parish have received DEIS status. [29521/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The key factor, as the Deputy will be aware, is not the level of disadvantage in the area where the school is located, but the level of disadvantage among the actual pupil cohort.
Schools included in the list published by my Department on 13 February are those whose level of disadvantage has been identified as being at the same level as the current DEIS category for schools serving the highest concentrations of disadvantage. Schools which have not been included at this stage, including the one referred to by the Deputy, are those which have not been identified as having the highest levels of concentrated disadvantage amongst their pupil cohort, under the new model.
The key data sources used in the DEIS identification process are the DES Primary Online Database (POD) and Post-Primary Online (PPOD) Databases, and CSO data from the National Census of Population as represented in the Pobal HP Index for Small Areas which is a method of measuring the relative affluence or disadvantage of a particular geographical area. Variables used in the compilation of the HP Index include those related to demographic growth, dependency ratios, education levels, single parent rate, overcrowding, social class, occupation and unemployment rates. This data is combined with pupil data, anonymised and aggregated to small area, to provide information on the relative level of concentrated disadvantage present in the pupil cohort of individual schools.
I am satisfied that the new DEIS Identification Model used to assess the level of disadvantage among the pupil cohort of a school has been applied fairly using centrally held data adopting an objective and scientific approach which has been uniformly applied for all schools in the country including the school referred to by the Deputy.
For schools who have concerns about their non-inclusion in the most recent round of DEIS, the following process applies:
- a verification process is currently ongoing in relation to all schools who contacted my Department requesting that their data be validated. This is aimed at ensuring the model was run correctly and the data supplied by the schools through the POD/PPOD systems was correctly used. This process is expected to be concluded shortly and schools will be informed of the results.
- A further process will take account of updated data as it becomes available. All schools, not just those who queried the outcome of the February 2017 process, are being contacted to request them to ensure that their POD/PPOD data is fully correct and up to date, including Eircodes. As soon as the 2016 National Census data becomes available later this summer, this data will be run through the identification model with the fully up-to-date POD/PPOD data. If this exercise reveals that any school which did not qualify for DEIS in the February 2017 round actually meets the criteria applicable to schools with the highest concentration of disadvantage based on the fully up-to-date information then it will be included, subject to resources.
I also wish to inform the Deputy that a communication to all schools will issue shortly to provide information on the identification model, including details of how the datasets are used to determine a school's level of disadvantage; the importance of data quality to the process and the need for schools to provide detailed and up to date information to my Department's online pupil databases.
Education Funding
Ceisteanna (194)
Robert Troy
Ceist:194. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department will assist in the funding of a project (details supplied). [29532/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
This is an operational matter for Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board (LWETB) who participate in the operation of the programme in question, which is funded by the Department of Justice and Equality. I have arranged for LWETB to make contact with the Deputy directly in relation to this project.
Schools Property
Ceisteanna (195, 197, 198, 199)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:195. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills if communication has been received from the Christian Brothers relating to a college (details supplied) on the question of the nature of the contract for the sale and development of lands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29543/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraRichard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:197. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has requested of the Christian Brothers with regard to the playing pitches at a college (details supplied) that they transfer the lands into his Department's ownership in lieu of some of their debt to the redress scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29545/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraRichard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:198. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to consider the use of compulsory purchase orders for lands at colleges (details supplied) in order to secure their playing pitches and recreational facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29546/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraRichard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:199. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the Christian Brothers have raised with him a requirement to pass the proposed sale of a school's (details supplied) playing pitches to the Charities Regulatory Authority for examination and approval in view of the fact that the Christian Brothers have indicated to the school board that this was the case; if this is a requirement of an education-based charity that is disposing of assets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29548/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take question Nos. 195 and 197 to 199, inclusive, together.
The Congregation of the Christian Brothers have not raised with me any requirement to pass the proposed sale of lands, currently used by a post-primary school as playing pitches, to the Charities Regulatory Authority for examination and approval. Referral to the Charities Regulatory Authority is not a matter for my Department. The functions of the Charities Regulator are set out in the Charities Acts (as amended). It is a matter for the Congregation to comply with any relevant regulations in relation to land disposal.
In respect of the proposed disposal of lands adjacent to the post-primary school referred to by the Deputy, my Department understands from the Christian Brothers Congregation that the lands proposed for sale are the subject of contractual arrangement between the Congregation and a developer. My Department has written to the Christian Brothers Congregation seeking clarification on a number of points, including whether the land in question is now the subject of a legally-binding agreement. The Congregation have advised that they will reply to my Department in the coming weeks.
The Christian Brothers congregation has an outstanding redress contribution of €8.8 million. I appreciate that the Christian Brothers wish to follow through on their commitments, having already paid €21.2 million of their voluntary cash offer. I would hope that the Congregation also takes educational needs fully into account during its deliberations.
In the case of the primary school referred to by the Deputy, the lands in question are owned by another Congregation. The lands proposed for sale are outside the boundary of the school site which has been agreed by the school patron.
My Department does not have statutory CPO powers. Given the cost of land acquisitions generally, where my Department has requested a local authority to purchase land under CPO, it has been for the purposes of constructing a new school building. I understand that the school communities referred to by the Deputy wish to retain the right to use the land in question for recreational purposes and playing pitches.
For the reasons stated above, a CPO would not be appropriate in the circumstances.
Schools Property
Ceisteanna (196)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:196. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to question the Christian Brothers in respect of a college (details supplied) regarding the requirement and justification for a sale of lands reported to be valued at €18 million in view of the fact that the Christian Brothers' debt to the redress scheme is just below €9 million; if he has inquired as to the way in which the balance of the money will be used in the event of the sale going ahead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29544/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department became aware of the decision by the Congregation of Christian Brothers to sell lands owned by the Congregation.
In its correspondence in early May last, the Congregation advised that it was its intention to use part of the proceeds of the land disposal to meet its outstanding redress contribution relating to the voluntary offer it made in 2009 in response to the findings of the Ryan Report.
The Department has advised the Board of Management of the College which uses the land that it is not privy to the deliberations within the Congregation on why these particular lands were selected for disposal.
It is a matter for the Congregation as to how their commitment to the Redress Fund is met.
The Department has written to the Congregation seeking clarification on a number of points including whether the land in question is now subject of a legally binding agreement with a builder. The Congregation have replied indicating that they will respond in the coming weeks.
Questions Nos. 197 to 199, inclusive, answered with Question No. 195.
School Services Staff
Ceisteanna (200)
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:200. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans for the regularisation of school secretaries across the national school sector; his further plans to address the issues of pay, hours to be worked, pension entitlements and so on; his plans to ensure this will be a priority issue in the absence of plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29553/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Schemes were initiated in 1978 and 1979 for the employment of Clerical Officers and Caretakers in primary and secondary schools. Staff employed on these schemes are paid directly by my Department and are not paid via grant funding. The 1978 and 1979 schemes are being phased out and have been superseded by a more extensive capitation grant scheme.
The majority of primary and voluntary secondary schools in the Free Education Scheme now receive capitation grant assistance to provide for secretarial, caretaking and cleaning services. Capitation related grants are issued to the majority of primary and post-primary schools to employ such staff. Within the capitation grant schemes, it is a matter for each individual school to decide how best to apply the grant funding to suit its particular needs. Where a school uses the capitation grant funding to employ a secretary, such staff are employees of individual schools. My Department has no plans to develop an alternative scheme for schools to employ secretaries separate to the current system of capitation grant assistance.
Notwithstanding the above, in 2015 my Department agreed to engage with the union side in relation to the pay of School Secretaries and Caretakers who are employed using grant funding and to enter an arbitration process. The Arbitrator recommended a cumulative pay increase of 10% between 2016 and 2019 for School Secretaries and Caretakers comprehended by the terms of the arbitration process and that a minimum hourly pay rate of €13 for such staff be phased in over the period 2016 to 2019. My Department has recently published circular letter 0025/2017 for voluntary secondary schools and circular letter 0026/2017 for primary schools, setting out the application of the second phase increases of the Arbitrator’s recommendations. The circulars are available at:
Circular 0025/2017: http://www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active-Circulars/cl0025_2017.pdf
Circular 0026/2017: http://www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active-Circulars/cl0026_2017.pdf
The increases recommended by the Arbitrator are binding and must be applied by all schools who employ staff to whom the Arbitrators recommendation applies. The circulars issued by my Department set out the revised rates of grant funding for schools and an application process whereby schools can apply for additional funding in order to enable them to pay the revised rates set out in the circulars.