Written Answers Nos. 249-268
249. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if there will be an underspend in his Department's current or capital budget for 2017; if so, the subheads that are now below profile and those that may come in below profile at the end of the calendar year; if underspends in his Department will be available to the central Exchequer at year end; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36751/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraOverall expenditure on my Department's Vote was under profile by €5 million at the end of June 2017. This variance against profiled expenditure arises primarily due to timing issues in relation to payments on a number of areas such as ICT projects and technical assistance for EU programmes, as well as some savings in relation to salary and other costs.
In terms of the projected outturn for the year, it is difficult to assess the full year expenditure for the Department at this stage as we are only just over half way through the year. My Department keeps expenditure trends under ongoing review and provides details on monthly Exchequer Issues that are reported in the Expenditure Reports published with the monthly Exchequer Statement. As the year progresses, my Department will continue to manage expenditure within the allocation agreed by the Dáil in the 2017 Estimates in order to deliver on my Department’s agreed objectives. As with other Departments, any surplus realised at the end of the financial year will be surrendered to the Exchequer.
250. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of protected disclosures received from staff in his Department in 2016 and to date in 2017; the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36767/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has received no protected disclosures from staff in 2016 or to date in 2017.
251. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide a response to a request (details supplied); when sanction will be approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36047/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.
Currently almost 116,000 children, including some 12,000 children with special educational needs, are being transported in over 4,000 vehicles on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country covering over 100 million kilometres annually.
Under the terms of the Primary School Transport Scheme a minimum number of 10 eligible children residing in a distinct locality, as determined by Bus Éireann, are required before consideration may be given to the establishment of a school transport service, provided this can be done within reasonable cost limits.
In this regard, Bus Éireann has confirmed that a new service to the school in question will commence for the 2017/2018 school year.
252. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of a CID application by a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34920/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe decision on whether to issue a Contract of Indefinite Duration (CID) to a teacher is one for their school as employer in the first instance. As part of the agreement between the education partners on the implementation of the Protection of Employees (Fixed Term Work) Act 2003 in the education and training sector, an adjudication system was established to facilitate resolution of disputes in relation to the awarding of CIDs. This system allows teachers who have been refused a CID, or who are unhappy with the hours of the CID where one is awarded, to submit an appeal to an independent Adjudicator for consideration.
The teacher referred to by the Deputy has submitted an appeal under this adjudication process and their appeal is currently being processed for consideration by the Adjudicator. When the Adjudicator issues a decision, this will be communicated to the teacher and school concerned.
253. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary who must attend a special school in County Cork will be provided with school transport; the supports available to this person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34921/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.
Currently almost 116,000 children, including some 12,000 children with special educational needs, are being transported in over 4,000 vehicles on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country covering over 100 million kilometres annually.
The family in question should liaise with the School Authorities and the Special Education Needs Organiser if they wish to make an application for school transport under the terms of my Department's School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs.
Eligibility for school transport will be assessed upon receipt of this application form.
254. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will reconsider an application by a person (details supplied) for special needs equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34932/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application for Assistive Technology under the terms of Circular 0010/2013 was received by my Department in relation to the individual concerned.
The purpose of this scheme is to provide grant aid to schools to allow them purchase the type of specialist equipment which has been recommended by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) as being essential for pupils with physical or communicative disabilities where, without such equipment, it would not be possible for them to access the school curriculum.
The application for assistive technology was examined by the Special Education Needs Organiser (SENO) assigned by the NCSE to the school. Consideration was given to the Professional Report provided with the application and the criteria set out in Circular 0010/2013. The application was refused as all the terms of Circular 0010/2013 were not met.
The application was reviewed by my Department and I regret to state that having regard to the terms of Circular 0010/2013 and the Special Educational Needs Organiser’s recommendation, funding has not been sanctioned to purchase the equipment at this time.
255. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the schools that are in temporary accommodation and for which a permanent site has not been fully acquired to date by his Department. [34941/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following list shows schools that are in temporary accommodation and for which a site acquisition process by my Department is underway.
It should be noted that this list excludes schools where the patron is arranging a new permanent site.
|
Name of School |
Address |
Roll no |
|
St Brid's Special School |
Pavilion Road, Castlebar, Co. Mayo |
19375B |
|
St Mary's Central NS Muckross |
Donnybrook, Dublin 4 |
19727G |
|
St Michael's Special School |
Skerries, Dublin |
19757P |
|
Gaelscoil Donncha Rua |
Bothar Linne, Shannon, Co. Clare |
19849U |
|
Gaelscoil ui Choimin |
Kilrush, Co. Clare |
19999Q |
|
Gaelscoil Dhroichead na Banndan |
Bandon, Co. Cork |
20025E |
|
Gaelscoil Bhreifne |
Cavan |
20026G |
|
GS Chnoc Liamhna |
Knocklyon, Dublin 6 |
20043G |
|
GS Chnoc an Ré |
Sligo |
20044I |
|
Gaelscoil Carrick on Suir |
Carrick on Suir |
20085W |
|
Ennis ETNS |
Gort Rd, Ennis, Co. Clare |
20086B |
|
Gaelscoil de hÍde |
Roscommon |
20126K |
|
North Dublin Muslim School |
CIDP Campus, Cabra, Dublin 7 |
20152L |
|
Tralee ETNS |
Tralee |
20158A |
|
Ardee ETNS |
Ardee, Louth |
20171P |
|
Gaelscoil an Choilin |
Mullingar |
20238V |
|
Gaelscoil na Lochanna |
Blessington |
20243O |
|
Gaelscoil Chionn tSáile |
Cappagh, Kinsale |
20265B |
|
Mol an Oige Steiner School |
Ennistymon |
20313J |
|
GS Lorgan |
Castleblaney, Monaghan |
20327U |
|
St Teresa Special School |
Ballinasloe |
20328W |
|
Wexford Educate Together NS |
Wexford Town |
20333P |
|
GS Ros Eo |
Rush |
20334R |
|
Saplings Special School |
Mullingar |
20373E |
|
Pelletstown ETNS |
Ashtown Road, Rathborne, Dublin 15 |
20392I |
|
Douglas Rochestown Educate Together NS |
Douglas Cork |
20413N |
|
Scoil Chliodhna Community NS |
Carrigtwohill,Cork |
20442U |
|
Malahide-Portmarnock ETNS |
Malahide |
20445D |
|
Galway Steiner NS |
Knocknacarra, Galway |
20462D |
|
Greystones Community NS |
Greystones |
20473I |
|
Meanscoil Gharman, Enniscorthy |
Enniscorthy |
68080H |
|
Stepaside ET Secondary School |
Stepaside |
68241F |
|
North Wicklow ET Secondary School |
Bray |
68261L |
|
Cork ET Secondary School |
C/O Nagle Community College, Mahon, Blackrock |
68263P |
|
Gaelcolaiste Chineál Eoghain |
Donegal |
76107U |
|
Gaelscoil Buncrana |
Donegal |
20097G |
|
Carrigtwohill Community College |
Carrigtwohill |
76333G |
|
Celbridge Community College (pp) and Scoil Naomh Padraig (p) |
PP - The Commons, Hazelhatch Road, Celbridge. P - Hazelhatch, Celbridge |
PP - 76253I P - 20257C |
|
St Peter's CoI Dunboyne |
Dunboyne, Co. Meath |
20191V |
256. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will approve a home tuition grant for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34943/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe medical strand of my Department's Home Tuition Grant Scheme provides funding towards the provision of a compensatory educational service for students, enrolled in schools, with significant medical conditions which has caused, and is likely to continue to cause, major disruption to their attendance at school.
As 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. Therefore the approval periods for home tuition for primary students is 183 days and includes breaks at Christmas, Easter and mid-term in the first and second terms and summer holidays.
Under the medical strand of the scheme eligibility is assessed having regard to, although not limited to, the following criteria
- The student’s attendance levels during the previous school year.
- A relevant medical /relevant professional report - a separate report may be requested in some cases if required.
The Home Tuition Grant Schemes operate on an annual basis.
I understand that the application made on behalf of the student referred to by the Deputy did not meet the qualifying criteria for grant aid under the 2016/17 scheme. Officials in my Department have forwarded the Circular and related application form for 2017/18 Home Tuition Grant Scheme to the parent of the student.
257. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to restore grants for student teacher attendance at mandatory Gaeltacht courses. [34945/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe decision to stop the Gaeltacht placement grants was taken during the economic crisis when, unfortunately, very difficult decisions had to be made to stabilise the nation's finances. Priority was given to protecting resources for front line education services as far as possible.
The Deputy should note that, to assist with the costs of the Gaeltacht placement, students who are in receipt of a student grant which includes a 100% fee grant, or who would have qualified for a full fee grant but for the Free Fees Scheme, can apply for funding towards travel and accommodation costs under the field trip element of a fee grant, subject to the normal terms and conditions of the student grant scheme.
Apart from this, in circumstances of particular need, students may apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. Information in relation to this fund is available through the Access Officer in the third level institution attended.
Budgetary pressures continue to be acute and accordingly, there are no plans to restore this grant at this time.
258. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to invest in third level mental health counselling for budget 2018. [34946/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department allocates recurrent funding to the Higher Education Authority (HEA) for direct disbursement to HEA designated higher education institutions. The HEA allocates this funding as a block grant to the institutions. As autonomous bodies, the internal disbursement of this funding, along with any funding it receives from private sources, is a matter for the individual institution.
Student services and associated activities are an integral part of the whole student experience at third level. Student services support each individual student achieve his/her intellectual, cultural and social potential while supporting and complementing the formal academic programme. Student services can fall under a number of headings, particularly ‘Welfare and Guidance’ which includes counselling services, health promotion, careers service, multi-faith, racial and ethnic cultural support.
My Department also provides a range of services for students in HEA funded higher education institutions, including supports provided by Access Offices. In particular these offices co-ordinate pastoral and academic supports for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Among the supports administered by the access offices, in conjunction with student services, is the Student Assistance Fund and the Fund for Students with Disabilities.
The Student Assistance Fund
The Student Assistance Fund is managed by the HEA on behalf of my Department. This Fund is allocated annually to the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to support students from socio economically disadvantaged backgrounds, whose participation in higher education would otherwise be at risk as a direct result of financial difficulties. The fund assists students with ongoing needs for financial support and students with other circumstances giving rise to short or longer-term financial difficulties, including family responsibilities, bereavement, family difficulties, accidents or health problems. In all cases, institutions are responsible for targeting the available resources at those students most in need.
Fund for Students with Disabilities
The Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD) aims to ensure that students can participate fully in their academic programmes and are not disadvantaged by reason of a disability. The total allocated under the FSD in 2015-16 was €10.4m with a total of 10,486 students in further and higher education supported through the fund. 956 students with a mental health condition in higher education were supported by the FSD in 2015/2016.
Mental Health Matters - AHEAD
AHEAD, the Association for Higher Education Access and Disability, is supported through an annual grant from the HEA towards the cost of the activities of the organisation. AHEAD is an independent non-profit organisation working to promote full access to and participation in further and higher education for students with disabilities and to enhance their employment prospects on graduation.
In 2016, AHEAD in partnership with the National Learning Network (NLN), published a report called ‘Mental Health Matters’, a study into the experiences of students with mental health difficulties. The study found that the majority of HEIs have services supporting students with mental health difficulties and some institutions have dedicated services for students. The report made some key recommendations such as the promotion of mental health awareness to students on their induction, the provision of mental health awareness at institutional level for staff and institutions adopting a whole of campus strategic response to meet the needs of students experiencing mental health difficulties. Implementation of the recommendations is being progressed by AHEAD and partners and a follow-on conference/seminar is planned for later this year.
Increased funding for Higher Education
In Budget 2017, I secured increased Exchequer investment in higher education of €36.5m, with €160 million being invested over the next three years. This is the first significant reinvestment in higher education since the beginning of the financial crisis.
259. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to overturn the decision in budget 2014 to impose the new pro rata student contribution. [34947/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra260. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to reinstate the State contribution to fund apprenticeship fees. [34948/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 259 and 260 together.
Since 2004, FÁS/SOLAS paid a part of the Annual Student Contribution (ASC) due in respect of apprentices, with apprentices themselves paying the part of the contribution relating to examination fees. As part of Budget 2014, SOLAS has ceased making payments to Institutes of Technology (IoTs) and apprentices pay the full pro rata Annual Student Contribution. These arrangements mean that apprentices are treated the same, on a pro rata basis for the proportion of a full academic year they spend in IoTs, as full-time students in terms of the ASC. Typically an apprenticeship block is one third of an academic year, meaning that most apprentices pay €1,000 (one third of the full ASC of €3,000) as their ASC for that period.
However, unlike full-time students, apprentices are paid a training allowance by SOLAS for phases of their training spent in IoTs. This allowance ranges from €293 to €647 per week depending on the trade and phase of the apprenticeship programme. This is the equivalent to their net take-home pay on the job, and is not subject to tax or PRSI. Such allowances are not available to students in the IoTs.
261. Deputy Maria Bailey asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to his meeting with a delegation from a college (details supplied) on 6 June 2017, if he has received a report from the congregation of Christian Brothers in relation to the sale of playing pitches at the college; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34985/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that correspondence has been received from the Congregation of the Christian Brothers in response to queries raised by my Department.
In its response, the Congregation has stated that the lands concerned have been sold, that the Congregation has signed and exchanged legally binding contracts with the purchasers and that the Congregation cannot reverse this transaction.
262. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Education and Skills the detail of his Department's forward planning section's contact with a school (details supplied) regarding the need for extra space in September 2017. [35017/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has been liaising with the patron body of the school referred to by the Deputy with regard to additional accommodation required for September 2017.
As the Deputy may be aware, this is a developing school located in rented temporary accommodation in Dublin 15 which will require two additional classrooms for September 2017. Work is ongoing to provide additional prefab accommodation at this location as soon as possible.
A number of options were explored with the patron body of the school. Following a Board of Management meeting in May 2017 the preferred option of the school, supported by the patron body, was to temporarily accommodate two of the classes in a nearby school which has available accommodation (and is in my ownership) as a short-term arrangement, pending delivery of the additional accommodation at the current site. The nearby school is a new 16-classroom school which opened in its permanent accommodation only last year with most of its purpose-built rooms available for use.
Once the additional accommodation is installed, the classes temporarily located at the nearby school will move back to the existing rented accommodation.
263. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Education and Skills when his Department's forward planning section submitted an application for planning permission for extra temporary classrooms for a school (details supplied). [35018/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to the school referred to by the Deputy, I wish to advise that the consultant working on behalf of my Department submitted the planning application to the relevant local authority on 14 July 2017.
264. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a small works project will commence in a school (details supplied); and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the works needed are to allow a child with special needs to attend the school. [35046/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to inform the Deputy that funding for the works to which he refers has been approved and the school has been notified accordingly. The project has been devolved for delivery to the school authority.
265. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of funding allocated to a school (details supplied) in Dublin 7 to progress a planned development for the school to design and construction stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35048/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe brief for the school building project at the school referred to by the Deputy is for the replacement of a total of 17 prefabricated buildings with permanent accommodation and the provision of a new shared General Purpose room.
My Department has commenced preparing the detailed tender documentation for the appointment of a Design Team to the project and will be in touch shortly with the school authorities to outline the next steps and to explain their role in the process.
This project is included in the Department's 6 year building programme of projects to proceed to construction from 2016 to 2021.
266. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will examine the way in which the July education programme is paid to recipients later in the calendar year; if the payment date can be brought forward to when the hours in the programme are worked; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35059/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe July Education Programme is available to all special schools and mainstream primary schools with special classes catering for children with autism that choose to extend their education services through the month of July. The programme is also available for pupils with a severe/profound general learning disability.
Where a school chooses not to extend their services for July, all eligible children are granted home based July provision, on application.
This year's common pay date of 2nd November 2017 was well advertised prior to the start of the July Education Programme.
In 2016 over 8,700 children benefited from the July Education Programme. This resulted in approximately 8,300 payments being issued.
267. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will expedite the transfer of a parcel of land from a national school (details supplied); and if his attention has been drawn to the urgency in completing this transfer. [35065/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials from my Department have considered the request received in respect of the school referred to by the Deputy.
The land in question is not in my ownership.
My Department will be in contact with the property owner this week in relation to the request received.
268. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills when the HEA board minutes for its meeting of October 2014 were published; the reason they were only published after they were requested by the Committee of Public Accounts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35074/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HEA board minutes to which the Deputy refers were published on the HEA’s website on 28th June 2017.
HEA Board meetings are listed sequentially. On occasions, additional special meetings are arranged, these tend to be one item meetings. The special meeting of October 2014 was not published on the HEA’s website due to an administrative oversight. The HEA did publish the minutes of its next regular meeting which was held on 25th November.
