Written Answers Nos. 92-111
92. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which the availability of working capital is being addressed with particular reference to the needs of SMEs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31764/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra93. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if lending institutions are making adequate credit available to the farming community in view of the pivotal role of the agrifood sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31765/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra94. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which commercial banks are meeting the credit requirements of the agricultural and business sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31766/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 92 to 94, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy is aware, supporting SMEs, including those in the agricultural and business community, in terms of access to finance has been a cornerstone policy for Government in our efforts to rebuild the economy and bring back jobs. Government policy is focused on ensuring that all viable SMEs have access to an appropriate supply of credit from a diverse range of bank and non-bank sources. In this regard the Government has developed a number of initiatives to ensure that the supply of credit in the market is sufficient to meet the existing and future needs of SMEs.
In terms of monitoring the working capital requirements for SMEs, my Department commissions biannual surveys to ascertain the demand for credit by SMEs. This survey series, most recently conducted by Behaviour & Attitudes on behalf of my Department, is the most comprehensive survey of SME credit demand in Ireland, covering 1,500 respondents and involving over 6,000 direct telephone calls to SMEs. SMEs of all sizes trading in all sectors, excluding property development and speculative activities, are included. The survey covers demand for credit from both bank and non-bank sources.
I would draw the Deputy's attention to the most recently published Department of Finance SME Credit Demand Survey, covering the period October 2016 to March 2017, which can be found at www.finance.gov.ie. The results of this survey show that, when pending applications are excluded, 88% of credit applications to banks were approved or partially approved. Working capital/cash flow requirements are provided as the main reason for applying for bank finance with 31% stating this is why they requested bank finance. Expansion requirements were provided as the second highest reason for applying for bank finance with 23% of respondents stating that they required finance for this purpose. When asked about sources of finance for working capital, internal funds/retained earnings were the main finance source of working capital with 78% of working capital coming from this source (up 5%). The survey also showed that the number of businesses reporting a profit has increased for the fourth year in a row, and a higher proportion of SMEs than ever are pursuing a growth strategy.
The SME State Bodies Group, chaired by my Department, provides a forum for the development and implementation of policy measures to enhance SMEs' access to a stable and appropriate supply of finance. As the Deputy will be aware, the Action Plan for Jobs over the past number of years has set out a range of commitments to ensure viable SMEs can access appropriate finance at a reasonable cost from both bank and non-bank sources.
A key objective of the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) is to ensure that SMEs can access low cost flexible loans from a variety of sources. The SBCI channels its funds through lending partners known as on-lenders. The SBCI currently has three bank on-lending partners and five non-bank on-lending partners. The SBCI has a current funding capacity of €1.05 billion which it makes available to its on-lending partners as demand from SMEs arises. To the end of 2016, a total of €544 million has been lent to over 12,593 SMEs and the SBCI has committed a total of €906 million to its eight on-lending partners. In 2017, the SBCI will continue to make significant funding available to SMEs across Ireland.
The Microenterprise Loan Fund, administered by Microfinance Ireland, is an additional source of credit that provides loans for up to €25,000 to start-up, newly established, or growing microenterprises employing less than 10 people.
The Credit Review Office is another government initiative that helps SMEs who have had an application for credit of up to €3 million declined or reduced by the main banks, and who feel that they have a viable business proposition. This is a strictly confidential process between the business, the Credit Review Office and the bank. The Credit Review Office overturns more than 50% of lenders decisions in the appeals it receives.
The Government remains committed to the SME sector and sees it as the key engine of ongoing economic growth. I can assure the Deputy that my Department, working with other relevant Departments, Bodies and Agencies, such as the Credit Review Office, will continue to advance policies to ensure the availability of both bank and non-bank credit so as to ensure that viable Irish SMEs have sufficient access to finance.
96. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether VAT clawback acts as a disincentive for owners of commercial properties to convert their properties to residential use; and if there are exemptions from VAT clawback for the conversion of existing commercial premises into residential lettings. [31816/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that VAT is governed by the EU VAT Directive (Council Directive 2006/112/EC), with which Irish VAT law must comply. A basic principal of VAT is that the final consumer bears the cost of the VAT charge; registered traders recover VAT on their input costs and charge VAT on their supplies. Where a taxable person is engaged in making taxable supplies and purchases a commercial property for use in the business the taxable person has an entitlement to reclaim the VAT on the costs incurred in purchasing that property. The taxable person then accounts for VAT on their business supplies. In this way VAT is ultimately borne by the final consumer.
Where a person reclaims VAT on the purchase or development of commercial premises and subsequently changes the use of the premises to a non taxable one, that person is required to make an adjustment in respect of the VAT reclaimed to reflect the non-taxable use to which the property is now being put. If VAT was not clawed back in this fashion the VAT treatment of the transactions would be contrary to the VAT Directive and would result in the payment of a subsidy for users of premises where the use is changed from taxable to non-taxable. Obviously, such an arrangement would be likely to result in abusive tax planning activities to benefit from VAT deductibility in relation to properties developed for non-taxable use.
In relation to land or buildings, the period over which claw back of VAT incurred in acquiring or developing a property can take place is twenty years from the date the property was purchased. Where the property is diverted to a non-taxable use subsequent to that twenty year period no claw back of that VAT takes place.
97. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Finance if he will report on his recent address on the economic dialogue conference. [31386/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform hosted the National Economic Dialogue on 28 and 29 June 2017 in Dublin Castle. The Dialogue was an opportunity to consider how to make best use of the available resources in the interests of all citizens. The aim was to foster discussion on how best to sustain and strengthen the recovery in the interests of all while taking account of the many competing economic and social priorities within the limited fiscal space. The Dialogue was not intended to produce specific budget proposals or recommendations. The overarching theme of the Dialogue was “Sustainable and inclusive growth in the context of national and global challenges.” Representatives of community, voluntary and environmental groups, business, unions, research institutes, the academic community and the media were invited. All members of the Select Committee on Budgetary Oversight were also invited to attend and to participate.
I delivered the closing address of the dialogue on 29 June. I set out a number of goals to be achieved in the coming period, including:
- The culmination of the spending review led by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
- The launch of the Ten Year Capital Plan and the National Planning and Spatial Framework. Both of these will be informed by the Future Ireland Plan being formulated by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.
- The conclusion of the public pay negotiations, and the development of a framework that offers a clear path to affordable wage growth.
- A multi-Departmental and whole of Government response to the National Mitigation Plan on Climate Change.
I believe the National Economic Dialogue is a very useful exercise. The Dialogues of previous years have had a material effect on the choices made in the final budget each year. I intend to reflect on this year’s discussion when formulating Budget 2018.
98. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of locations at which telephone masts or other telecommunications signals are provided on State land with the knowledge of the Office of Public Works by county; the number of each of these that have current up-to-date planning permission; the annual income from each of these masts for each of the past three years; the mechanisms in place to ensure these are collected and that the planning is up to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31717/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland (CPW) grant licences to Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to install telecommunications equipment on State property. These properties are primarily Garda telecommunication structures and rooftops of other Office of Public Works (OPW) buildings. The Commissioners have granted approximately 470 licences at 229 sites. The following table details the number of sites by county:
|
County |
Number of Sites |
County |
Number of Sites |
|
CARLOW |
2 |
LONGFORD |
1 |
|
CAVAN |
7 |
LOUTH |
6 |
|
CLARE |
6 |
MAYO |
4 |
|
CORK |
21 |
MEATH |
6 |
|
DONEGAL |
7 |
MONAGHAN |
7 |
|
DUBLIN |
54 |
OFFALY |
2 |
|
GALWAY |
12 |
ROSCOMMON |
3 |
|
KERRY |
18 |
SLIGO |
5 |
|
KILDARE |
8 |
TIPPERARY |
9 |
|
KILKENNY |
6 |
WETERFORD |
5 |
|
LAOIS |
3 |
WESTMEATH |
3 |
|
LEITRIM |
3 |
WEXFORD |
10 |
|
LIMERICK |
12 |
WICKLOW |
9 |
A standard licence agreement sets out the terms and conditions under which mobile phone operators are permitted to locate on OPW property. Under the terms of the licence, the mobile phone operators are solely responsible for all planning applications. No application for planning can be made without the OPW's consent as property owners. A third party service provider currently provides a managed service to the OPW in connection with the operation and management of its sites. This service includes any matters relating to planning.
The following table details the annual gross revenue received by OPW for all masts in the last three years:
|
Year |
Revenue Received |
|
2014 |
€4.3m |
|
2015 |
€4.3m |
|
2016 |
€4.3m |
The licence fee is collected quarterly in advance from the MNOs and all operators are currently up to date with payments.
99. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he remains satisfied regarding the ability to meet the potentially conflicting challenges of restoration of income through FEMPI and the need to maintain the competitiveness of the economy in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31756/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is no doubt aware, my Annual Review of the operation, effectiveness and continued necessity of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest legislation was laid before the Oireachtas on 29 June.
A copy of the report can be found at the following link: http://www.per.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017-Annual-Review-of-FEMPI.pdf
In the Review I found that the immediate repeal of the FEMPI legislation is unaffordable. However, the proposed Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020 represents a negotiated solution for dismantling the emergency legislation over the coming years, one that is compatible with the economic conditions of the State, national competitiveness and available revenues.
The proposed Agreement provides a series of affordable pay increases which will unwind FEMPI pay reductions for all public servants earning up to €70,000, which is equal to almost 90% of public servants over the period to 2020. As such, this provides a clear and realistic route out of FEMPI. In total the benefits under the Agreement range from 6.2% to 7.4%, weighted in favour of those on lower pay.
As well as being fair to public servants it is also fair to those who rely on public services and to the exchequer. Under the proposed terms of the Agreement, public servants will make an additional contribution to their pensions, which is reasonable and reflects the higher value of these pension terms compared to the private sector. Crucially, this will place public service pensions on a more sustainable long-term footing.
100. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the degree to which he expects to be in a position to meet the costs associated with addressing infrastructural deficits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31758/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for a Partnership Government committed to additional capital investment over the period of the Capital Plan to 2021, to be allocated on the basis of the outcome of the ongoing mid-term review. As part of the review, submissions were received from Departments and a public consultation process was also undertaken by my Department. Analysis being carried out as part of the review includes an infrastructure capacity and demand analysis which will help inform decisions by Government in the context of Budget 2018 on the allocation of the available resources.
Even with such increases, however, the level of demand for additional capital projects is such that it is unlikely that it will be possible to address all of the demand that exists for additional capital investment when the decisions on the allocation of the additional capital funding are announced later in the year.
To come to a firm view on the scale and composition of infrastructural needs, over the short, medium and long term, a number of important factors need to be considered and analysed. It is also essential that the focus is not solely on the level of investment expenditure, but also that the investments undertaken are efficient and generate the planned and required outputs and outcomes.
It is also important to note the significant increase in public capital expenditure already planned for the period to 2021. In this context the Deputy may be interested to note that the findings of the recent European Commission 2017 Country Report for Ireland which noted that the share of public investment in government expenditure is expected to grow to close to 8.6 % by 2021, up from 5.8 % in 2015, well above the euro area average.
I am satisfied that the approach which is being taken in relation to the review of the Capital Plan will help ensure that our national public infrastructure is maintained and enhanced over the remaining period of the Capital Plan to 2021, and beyond.
101. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the lease of a premises (details supplied) for use as a public office for the Department of Social Protection will be open; if tenders have been invited to fit out the building for the Department of Social Protection; when departmental staff will occupy this building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31632/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe lease for the new Department of Employment and Social Protection office in Birr has been agreed by the Commissioners of Public Works and will be signed shortly. The Commissioners will immediately proceed to procure the works required to fit the building out for occupation once the lease has been completed.
102. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will consider allocating the existing Garda station on Roche’s Road, County Wexford to Wexford County Council for the benefit of community groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31793/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe new Garda station at Mulgannon Road, Wexford Town is scheduled to be completed and ready for occupation in September 2017.
When An Garda Síochána vacate the existing station at Roche’s Road, Wexford, OPW Property Management Division will examine the property to establish if there is any alternative State use for it.
I am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that on completion of this examination a decision on the future use of the property will be made.
103. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the primary schools that his Department has upgraded to high speed broadband connections over the past two years; the details of the connection speed provided to each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31599/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra104. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of primary schools that have high speed broadband connection speeds of 100 Mbps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31600/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra105. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the primary schools that have high speed broadband connection speeds of 100 Mbps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31601/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra106. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools that have broadband connection speeds of 100 Mbps, by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31602/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 103 to 106, inclusive, together.
Through the Schools Broadband Access Programme, the Department provides for the supply of internet connectivity for all recognised primary, post-primary and special schools. The overall policy of my Department is to offer the best quality connectivity to all schools in line with technical solutions available in the market and within required financial parameters.
The information sought by the Deputy in relation to the breakdown of schools broadband connection speeds by county is being compiled currently and will be issued to the Deputy as soon as possible.
107. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way in which the areas of concentrated disadvantage in County Kildare are broken down for the assessment of higher education access route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31612/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) college admissions scheme is operated and regulated by a number of higher education institutions and not by my Department.
The HEAR is a college and university admissions scheme which offers places on the basis of lower Leaving Certificate points and extra college support to school leavers from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The universities collaborate in operating the Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) scheme through the CAO.
HEAR Applicants must meet a range of financial, social and cultural indicators to be considered for a reduced points place and extra college support.
I understand that for the purposes of HEAR, the Pobal HP Deprivation Index is used in the assessment of applications. Applicants are coded on the basis of Small Area and are deemed as meeting the HEAR Indicator if their address is in an area designated as disadvantaged, very disadvantaged or extremely disadvantaged. For more information please access the following website: http://accesscollege.ie/hear/making-an-application/eligibility-indicators/area/
For information on the administration and operation of this scheme, the Deputy may wish to contact the Irish Universities Association.
108. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31617/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that DES Circular 0013/2017 for primary schools and 0014/2017 for post-primary schools were published on 7 March 2017.
These Circulars set out the details of the new model for allocating special education teachers to schools.
The revised allocation process replaces the generalised allocation process at primary and post primary school level for learning support and high incidence special educational needs, and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) allocation process which provided additional resource teaching supports to schools, to support pupils assessed as having Low Incidence disabilities.
The new Special Education Teaching allocation provides a single unified allocation for special educational support teaching needs to each school, based on each school’s educational profile.
Allocations based on the school profiles were issued to all schools on 7 March.
The aim of this new model is to deliver better outcomes for children with special educational needs. Substantial research, analysis, consultation with service users and stakeholders, and piloting have gone in to the development of this model and all of the evidence points to the fact that this new system will deliver better outcomes for children.
No school, including the school to which the Deputy has referred, will lose supports as a result of the implementation of the new model. In addition, no school will receive an allocation, for the support of pupils with complex needs, less than the allocation they received to support such pupils during the 2016/17 school year.
An additional 900 teaching posts have been provided to support the introduction of this new allocation model. The provision of an additional 900 teaching posts is a very significant investment in the provision of additional teaching support for pupils with special educational needs in our schools. This is additional to an increase of 41% in the number of resource teachers allocated to schools annually by the NCSE since 2011.
The additional funding will provide additional supports to over 1200 schools who are identified as needing additional supports as a result of the new model. Supports for children with special educational needs is a key priority for this Government. The new funding will ensure that all schools receive a sufficient allocation of special education needs resources to provide additional teaching support to all pupils, including pupils who have yet to enrol in their school, who require such support.
In relation to the school referred to by the Deputy in his question, this school had a General Allocation Model allocation of 10 hours for the 2016/17 school year, which combined with 6.38 resource teaching hours allocated to the school by the National Council for Special Education, gave a total allocation to the school of 16.38 additional teaching hours for the 2016/17 school year.
The profiled allocation indicated for the school under the new allocation model, based on an enrolment of 24 pupils, indicated a profiled need of 12.50 hours.
As the profiled allocation for the school did not indicate an increased allocation requirement for the school for 2017/18, the school maintained its existing level of allocation.
The special education teaching allocation for this school for 2017/18 is 16.38 hours.
It was indicated that this allocation contained a retained allocation of 3.88 hours above the indicated profile of 12.50.
There has therefore been no reduction to the special education teaching allocation for this school.
It should also not be assumed that the allocation will necessarily reduce to 12.50 hours at the next profiling stage.
Circular 0013/2017 states that any future adjustments to the allocations for schools will take place on a graduated basis, which will take account of changes to school enrolments, and the pupil population, including the number of pupils in the complex needs category, since the initial allocations were developed.
Guidelines for schools on the organisation, deployment and use of their special education teachers to address the need of pupils with special educational needs have also now been published.
The Guidelines will support schools to reflect on how they can review and manage their timetabling practices to ensure the timetable is sufficiently flexible to meet the needs of all pupils in their school who have special needs. The Guidelines encourage schools to ensure they deploy their resources appropriately to meet the needs of all of the children in their school who require additional teaching support.
109. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to increase the number of ASD units within primary and secondary schools; the existing number of ASD units within primary and secondary schools, by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31618/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is the policy of my Department that all children with Special Educational Needs, including those with Autistic Spectrum Disorders, 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.
This policy has been informed by published research, including the Report of the Task Force on Autism (2001), the Evaluation of Educational Provision for Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) (2006) and National Council for Special Education (NCSE) policy advice on Supporting Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (2016).
The NCSE policy advice on Supporting Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (2016) found that Students are generally well supported in schools with appropriate curriculum; extensive teacher and SNA supports; improving range of educational placements supported by improved accommodation and equipment; improved teacher knowledge and understanding and a generally good standard of provision at primary and post primary levels.
The NCSE policy advice notes that International Research findings suggest that most students with ASD should be considered for inclusion in mainstream education with their peers, where inclusion is well-planned and well-resourced.
It follows therefore that, where they are able, students should be given every opportunity to participate in mainstream settings and only be enrolled/retained in special class and/or special school settings where their levels of need warrant this.
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:
- 61% of students to attend mainstream schools
- 26% to attend special classes in mainstream primary and post-primary schools, and
- 13% to attend special schools.
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 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 in various geographical areas where there is an identified need.
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.
Since 2011 the NCSE has increased the number of special classes by over 100% from 548 in 2011 to 1,152 across the country now, of which 888 are Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) special classes.
The NCSE intend to establish an additional 145 ASD Special Classes for the 2017/18 school year.
The NCSE has informed my Department that they are satisfied that there are sufficient ASD special class placements to meet existing demand in schools for the forthcoming school year and that they will continue to monitor demand and review the requirement for special class places.
My Department will continue to support the NCSE in opening special classes in areas where there is an identified need.
My Department continues to work with the NCSE to ensure that there is appropriate planning in place to ensure that all children who require special class placements can access such placements in schools within their communities.
During the passage of the Education (Admission to Schools) Bill in the Select Committee last week I indicated that I intend, at Report Stage, to include in this Bill a provision that will provide, based on reports and advice from the NCSE, the Minister will have the power to require a school to open a special class or increase the number of special classes in schools identified by the NCSE. Because this power will require a school to provide land or alter existing property I am of the view that the power should be with the Minister who can engage the patron or trustees and that there should be adequate safeguards to ensure people’s rights are protected.
Details of all special classes for children with special educational needs, are available on www.ncse.ie in county order.
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.
110. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the July provision programme includes an arts programme to facilitate children with a severe or profound general learning disability and whose strengths lie in music and the arts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31629/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is the policy of my Department that all children with Special Educational Needs, 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.
The July Education Programme (or July Provision Grant Scheme) provides funding for an extended school year for children with a severe/profound general learning disability and/or children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) enrolled in recognised schools. Under this scheme the school year of recognised schools is extended by four weeks for eligible pupils. The programme must be educational in content and similar to that delivered during the normal school year.
It is a matter for school authorities to decide how to deploy their resources to cater for the curricular needs of their students.
Where eligible students cannot be accommodated in a school based programme, funding may be provided towards the provision of 40 hours home based tuition.
As home based tuition takes place outside the usual school structure it is important that the educational programme provided generally reflects that which would be provided in a school environment.
It is appropriate therefore that the qualification standard for home based tuition generally reflects that required in a school environment. Accordingly, it is a condition of the scheme that parents/guardians must recruit a tutor who is qualified in the relevant sector, and is registered with the Teaching Council, similar to the requirement for teachers in schools.
Where all efforts have failed to secure the services of a teacher qualified to teach in the sector concerned, the Department may consider the engagement of a person who is registered with the Teaching Council and has a primary degree (minimum Level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications) in a relevant area.
The National Council for Special Education Policy Advice on Educational Provision for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders was published in July 2016. In developing this policy advice the NCSE reviewed the Department's July Provision Scheme. The NCSE consulted widely with parents, professionals and other stakeholders and interested parties while also conducting research. The policy advice is available on the NCSE's website ncse.ie/policy-advice.
The policy advice recommends that relevant stakeholders should discuss the development of a national day activity scheme that provides a structured, safe, social environment for students with complex special educational needs for one month of the summer holidays.
My Department officials will continue to consult with relevant stakeholders in regard to implementing this recommendation.
111. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary will receive a NEPS educational assessment; the reason for the delay in receiving an assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31645/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that my Department's National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) provides educational psychology services to all primary and post primary schools through an assigned NEPS psychologist and in some cases receive assessment services through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA). Under this scheme schools can have a student assessment carried out by a member of the panel of private psychologists approved by NEPS, and NEPS will pay the psychologist the fees for this assessment directly.
In common with many other psychological services and best international practice, NEPS has adopted a consultative model of service. The focus is on empowering teachers to intervene effectively with pupils whose needs range from mild to severe and transient to enduring. Psychologists use a problem solving and solution focused consultative approach to maximise positive outcomes for these pupils. NEPS encourages schools to use a continuum based assessment and intervention process whereby each school takes responsibility for initial assessment, educational planning and remedial intervention for pupils with learning, emotional or behavioural difficulties. Teachers may consult their NEPS psychologist should they need to at this stage in the process. Only in the event of a failure to make reasonable progress, in spite of the school's best efforts in consultation with NEPS, will the psychologist become involved with an individual child for intensive intervention or assessment. This system allows psychologists to give early attention to urgent cases and also to help many more children indirectly than could be seen individually. It also ensures that children are not referred unnecessarily for psychological intervention.
I have made enquiries in relation to the child alluded to in the Deputy’s question and find that it has been agreed that the child be assessed by the assigned NEPS psychologist. I understand that the Request for Involvement form, a precursor for such engagement, and for completion by school and parents has issued to the school. It is envisaged that, upon its return to NEPS, the psychologist will engage with the child early in the next school term.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
