Written Answers Nos. 123-144
123. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will examine the reduction in hours for a person (details supplied) at a school; if this reduction is a breach of contract; the reason this reduction has occurred when there has been no change in circumstances at the school; if the full-time hours will be reallocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47199/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number of Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) employed in a school depends on the allocation given to the school by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), based on its assessment of the special educational needs of pupils in the school. My Department has no control over the allocation process to schools and is not in a position to influence the allocation process in light of the fact that the NCSE is an independent statutory body. A school’s allocation can increase or decrease and where schools receive a reduced allocation this can be for a variety of factors, such as pupils for whom the school had previously received an allocation have left, or have declining care needs. In light of this, the employment of SNAs may be reduced from full-time to part-time or may be terminated by way of redundancy where the approved allocation of the school is reduced.
Where a full-time SNA post within a school is reduced to a part-time post, the issue of redundancy payment in respect of the loss of hours may arise. Redundancy arrangements for SNAs are set out in Department Circular 0058/2006.
In addition, as per the provisions of the Supplementary Assignment Arrangements for SNAs which were established on foot of proposals brought forward by the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) when the Haddington Road Agreement was being agreed and which continue to operate under the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018 - 2020, and both unions representing SNAs, namely SIPTU and IMPACT, have signed up to that agreement, where a school/ETB has an additional allocation of SNA hours/posts, then that additional allocation of hours/posts must be offered to any existing part-time SNAs in that employment, in order of seniority, before the employer has recourse to recruitment. These arrangements are set out in Department Circular 0042/2017 (which can be accessed via the link https://www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active-Circulars/cl0042_2017.pdf).
On 5th July 2017, I announced that 975 additional SNAs were to be allocated to schools over the period September to December 2017, a 7.5% increase in SNA numbers in order to meet the level of assessed demand. This announcement brings the total number of SNAs to 13,990, representing an increase in the total numbers of SNAs of 32%, from 10,575 to 13,990 since 2011.
In addition, and as announced as part of Budget 2018, funding is being allocated for the recruitment of over 1,090 new SNAs in 2018 (based on current forecasts), including some 130 posts which will be filled in the period between January and June next year, with the remainder being appointed from September 2018. This brings the total number of SNAs to over 15,000 (a 43% increase since 2011).
While reduced hours or redundancies will unavoidably occur in individual schools due to a variety of circumstances, these increases in SNA numbers coupled with the operation of the Supplementary Assignment Panel Arrangements make it more likely that SNAs can avoid redundancy and that part-time SNAs can gain or regain full-time employment.
124. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills to outline his plans to postpone the implementation of SI No. 394 of 2017, Education Support Centres (Appointment and Secondment of Directors) Regulations 2017, (Appendix A), until such time as this matter has been discussed by the Houses of the Oireachtas in view of the concerns raised by the various education centres throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47201/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the concerns raised by a number of Education Support Centres referred to by the Deputy. Section 37 of the Education Act 1998 provides the statutory basis for Education Support Centres and outlines the policy framework underpinning their recognition and functions, funding, staffing and governance. The Act empowers me as Minister to make regulations relating to the operation of centres including the appointment and remuneration of staff which includes the post of director.
The regulations I recently promulgated under Section 37(6) of the Education Act underpins my Department's policy for the secondment of teachers to Education Support Centres. These regulations comply with relevant legal and policy requirements. Accordingly, there are no plans to change the approach.
By way of background, my Department arranges for the secondment of teachers from their teaching posts for the purpose of developing and providing CPD for teachers and for the appointment as Directors of Education Support Centres (ESC's). Secondments are a temporary arrangement renewable on a year to year basis. While on secondment, teachers retain their school post, the terms and conditions that apply to teachers and receive their salary and a secondment allowance which are met in full by my Department.
In 2010, a new policy of secondment was introduced which included a new limit on secondment numbers and established an upper limit of 5 years on the length of a secondment, following which the Directors return to their posts either as a teacher or an inspector. The policy was agreed by the then Minister for Finance Mr Brian Lenihan T.D.
There are many benefits from the revised policy for teachers, their boards of management and the system as a whole. Because an upper limit of 5 years now applies to secondments, there is:
- confidence that the teachers involved in the delivery of CPD have recent experience of the curriculum and of the school environment
- certainty about secondment parameters which assist individual teachers and their boards of management in planning.
There are more opportunities for teachers to take on career enhancing roles in the support services and the Centres. Teachers returning to their school after a period of secondment have the potential to enrich their school environment and they become eligible to take on subsequent secondment opportunities after a period back in their school.
Regular turnover of seconded teachers is now an established practice with teachers returning to enrich their schools so the investment in their skills is not lost. Since 2010, 10 Education Centres have successfully recruited new Directors and the work of the Centres has not been negatively affected.
125. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills when construction will commence on a school extension (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47211/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school referred to by the Deputy was approved a devolved grant under my Department's Additional Accommodation Scheme 2016 to provide 1 mainstream classroom, 1 resource room and 1 assisted user toilet.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that my Department recently gave approval to the school authority for the project to proceed to Tender.
As this a devolved project, it is now a matter for the school authority to progress the project through this stage of the architectural planning process.
127. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a scholarship fund exists for Irish nationals accepted to study at a university (details supplied) for one year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47250/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe principal financial support provided by my Department for students in third level education is the student grant scheme. The scheme makes available means-tested financial assistance to qualifying full-time registered students in higher education attending approved courses in the EU, EEA and the Swiss Confederation.
My Department does not operate or administer any scholarship scheme which extends to third level studies outside of the EU. However, the student in question should check with his/her higher education institution to establish if there is any funding available through the institution towards such studies.
128. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Skills to outline the steps he has taken to replace two prefabs by the construction of a new building in the context of the school numbers at a school (details supplied); if funding will be provided to construct an additional classroom at the school in which prefabs have been in place for almost 12 years at this stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47330/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy that the school in question recently submitted an application for additional accommodation. The application will be considered and a decision will be conveyed to the school authority as soon as the assessment process has been completed.
129. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the Centre for Cross-Border Studies will receive its budgetary allocation under the temporary arrangement for budgetary allocations while the Northern Ireland Executive is not in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47160/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government, through the Department of Education and Science, provides core funding to the Centre for Cross Border Studies (CCBS), amounting to €180,000 in 2016. Applications from the CCBS to my Department’s Reconciliation Fund in 2015 led to the awarding of grants amounting to €60,000. CCBS next applied for funding to the Reconciliation Fund in the first funding round of 2017 and a grant of €8,400 was approved. It is regrettable and deeply concerning that, eight months after the last Assembly election, a power-sharing Executive is not in place to make the necessary decisions, including on budgetary issues such as this one, for Northern Ireland. In accordance with the Government’s role as a co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement and the peace process, I continue to engage with and urge the parties to strive for the necessary agreement to allow the devolved institutions of the Agreement to operate again.
In the event that the devolved institutions cannot function, it is the responsibility of the British and Irish Governments to ensure that the North/South and East-West institutions of the Agreement can continue to operate effectively and in accordance with the letter and the spirit of the Agreement.
The CCBS, both through research and provision of advisory services, plays an important role in facilitating and strengthening the operation of North/South co-operation in areas of mutual interest and I have no difficulty urging financial and other support for their work. I will, in this context, raise the question of funding with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if this becomes necessary.
130. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to set out the estimated cost of reopening a Garda station (details supplied) in Dublin 1; if plans for these refurbishments have been finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47238/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate that the programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the Office of Public Works (OPW), which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. This includes identifying and progressing any necessary remedial or refurbishment works required at individual stations. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
The Deputy will be aware that the proposed reopening of Fitzgibbon Street Garda station is a key action recommended in the report on the North East Inner City prepared by Kieran Mulvey for the North East Inner City Ministerial Taskforce.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that they are working closely with the OPW to progress the project and that notices for Civil and Structural and Quantity Surveyor services have recently been placed on e-Tenders.
The exact cost of the project will be determined by the procurement process to be undertaken by OPW in due course and I am advised that funding is available in the capital envelope for Garda building projects.
131. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to set out the expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47153/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned is the subject of a valid Deportation Order made on 19 February 2013. The Deputy might wish to note that persons the subject of a Deportation Order are obliged to remove themselves from the State and to remain out of the State.
Representations were received on behalf of the person concerned requesting that the Deportation Order be revoked, pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 (11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended). The Deputy might wish to note that any such decision will be to ‘affirm’ or to ‘revoke’ the existing Deportation Order. In the meantime, the Deportation Order remains valid and in place.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the email service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
132. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to set out the status of a person’s (details supplied) Garda vetting application; and when the person can expect a decision. [47157/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have contacted the Deputy's office to request additional information in respect of the person who is the subject of his question in order to be in a position to make enquiries with the Garda Authorities. When the information has been provided, I will make the necessary enquiries regarding this vetting application and revert directly to the Deputy when they have been completed.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
133. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to ensure the funding that has been allocated for the necessary upgrading of Ballinasloe Garda station is ring-fenced for 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47181/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate that the programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the Office of Public Works (OPW), which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. This includes identifying and progressing any necessary remedial or refurbishment works required at individual stations. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
The Deputy will be aware of the significant efforts being made by Government to enhance the working environment generally for members of An Garda Síochána and of the major investment that has been committed under the Capital Plan 2016-2021 to upgrade Garda premises (including €18 million to support the Garda Station Building and Refurbishment Programme), the Garda fleet and Garda ICT infrastructure.
The Garda Station Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021, which is an ambitious 5 year Programme that will benefit over thirty locations around the country, provides for refurbishment works to Ballinasloe Garda station, including a new public office and custody management facility. The Programme is based on agreed priorities established by An Garda Síochána and the Garda authorities are working in close cooperation with the OPW to deliver the projects.
134. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality whether his Department officials ever dined in a restaurant (details supplied) with a member of An Garda Síochána senior management; if so, the amount it cost; the purpose of the dinner; the person or body that paid for it; the departmental or Garda budget line from which the expenditure came; his views on whether it was acceptable expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47222/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that no payment in respect of such an event has been identified in the records available (i.e., from 2010 to date).
135. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if management in An Garda Síochána is of the view that community policing in the greater Sligo urban area is operating sufficiently at present; the efforts being made to improve the level of service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47254/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.
I am informed by the Commissioner that the Garda strength of the Sligo/ Leitrim Division, on 30 September 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 297, 8 of which are community Gardaí. There are also 18 Garda Reserves and 28 civilians attached to the Division. When appropriate, the work of local Gardaí is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.
The Deputy will be aware that the Government has, in its Programme for a Partnership Government, recognised the importance of community policing. It commits the Government to ensuring visible, effective and responsive policing in every community throughout the country in order to provide reassurance to citizens and prevent crime. This commitment is underlined by very significant investments in Garda resources.
An Garda Síochána's Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021, places a strong emphasis on developing and supporting the community policing ethos of the organisation and enhancing the current delivery model so that Gardaí spend more time in the community, gaining public confidence and trust and providing a greater sense of security. It will result in the introduction of multi-skilled Community Policing Teams in every District. Community Policing Teams will be made-up of Gardaí from a number of different units who will work with the local community to prevent and detect crime. Undoubtedly, the ongoing recruitment process will support all Garda activities and will enhance the provision of effective Community Policing throughout the country.
Furthermore, the Garda National Model of Community Policing plays a key part in responding to crime by taking into account and responding to local conditions and needs. Clear objectives are set, such as high visibility in the community, ease of contact by members of the public, and enhanced support for crime prevention strategies. All Gardaí have a role to play in Community Policing in carrying out their duties. In addition, the National Community Policing Office, attached to the Garda Community Relations Bureau, captures best practice in community policing initiatives and disseminates these practices through its communication network.
I am advised that Community policing continues to be a key aspect of the Garda approach to the prevention and detection of crime. Gardaí engage with a wide range of community based groups, as well in more formal settings such as Joint Policing Committees, to ensure that local issues can be aired and appropriate partnerships formed with communities to address matters of concern. Gardaí also support over 3,700 Community Alert and Neighbourhood Watch Schemes nationwide, and these form an important partnership with An Garda Síochána to prevent crime and protect communities, especially the elderly and more vulnerable persons. In addition, the Garda Text Alert Scheme provides an effective means for Gardaí to communicate crime prevention information to local communities.
The Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and to deter crime.
Budget 2018 will support the continuation of this high level of investment in the Garda workforce and ensure that the vision of an overall workforce of 21,000 by 2021 remains on track. A further 800 new Garda Recruits will enter the Garda College, an additional 500 civilians will also be recruited to fill critical skills gaps across the organisation and to facilitate the redeployment of Gardaí from administrative and technical duties to front-line operational duties. In addition, there are plans to strengthen the Garda Reserve with new Reserves expected to commence training early in 2018.
In conclusion, all Garda activities, including community policing, will undoubtedly benefit from the resources now coming on stream through the Garda recruitment programme, and in particular the Government's commitment to increase Garda numbers so that An Garda Síochána has the capacity to address the needs of communities throughout the country and into the future.
To be of further assistance to the Deputy, I have requested a report on this matter from An Garda Síochána, and I will contact him again when I receive this report.
136. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to outline the progress to date in the determination of an application for naturalisation by a person (details supplied); when the application will be granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47258/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the processing of an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy is under consideration and has not yet reached a conclusion but I understand however, that the case is due to be submitted for decision in the near future.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. While most cases are now generally processed within six months, the nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the email service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
137. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if grants are available from her Department for a person to re-roof an old forge. [47215/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy role, as Minister, with regard to the protection and management of our built heritage is set out in the provisions of relevant legislation, as are the roles of local authorities and the responsibilities of owners as regards heritage assets.
Financial support is delivered by my Department for the protection of heritage buildings under structured schemes which are administered via the local authorities.
The Built Heritage Investment Scheme is a scheme for the repair and conservation of protected structures (i.e. structures on the local authority Record of Protected Structures). This year I approved €3.5 million in funding for approximately 500 projects across the country, creating employment in the conservation and construction industries, while helping to regenerate urban and rural areas.
The Structures at Risk Fund enables conservation works to heritage structures, in both private and public ownership, which are protected under the Planning and Development Acts and are deemed to be at significant risk of deterioration. This year I approved €1.324 million in funding for 67 projects nationally. This scheme seeks to encourage the regeneration and reuse of heritage properties and to help to secure the preservation of protected structures which might otherwise be lost.
In the context of a particular building, especially one which is on the Record of Protected Structures, the best advice for the owner may be to contact the Architectural Conservation Officer or Heritage Officer in their local authority who will be able to advise on the various types of funding available to assist with the building.
The Heritage Council, which my Department funds, also provides grants for the protection and preservation of the built heritage. It is primarily a matter for the Heritage Council to decide how its funding should be allocated across the range of research, education and conservation programmes it supports annually, having regard to competing priorities for limited resources. Grant schemes are advertised by the Heritage Council on its website www.heritagecouncil.ie.
138. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her attention has been drawn to the fact that Meath County Council is awaiting a response from the National Monuments Service regarding an archaeological impact assessment at the castle and tower house in Ashbourne, County Meath (details supplied); her plans to develop a new playground for the community that is being delayed as a result; if the response from the National Monuments Service will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47257/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department responded to the archaeological submissions in this case a number of weeks ago and is now awaiting receipt of additional particulars sought as part of that response. The case will be dealt with as quickly as possible once the additional information is received.
139. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her attention has been drawn to claims that a club (details supplied) held trials clandestinely on 24 September 2017; if she will investigate the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47304/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile it is my understanding that no trials were held at the club in question on 24 September 2017, there would have been no requirement in any case on the club to publicise such an event. Officials from the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department attended trials at the club on 23 September.
140. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to explain the reason rangers were not present to monitor a club (details supplied) meeting on 29 to 30 September 2017 in view of the number of hares that were struck, injured and killed at the trials the weekend before; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47305/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials of the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department monitored the hare coursing meeting in question.
141. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the length of the waiting times for school age team services and the lack of staffing in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47216/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
142. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive a hospital appointment. [47158/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
143. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health to set out in tabular form the hospitals that can provide rehabilitation and early supported discharge of stroke sufferers; his views on whether there is an operational deficiency in some hospitals in this regard (details supplied); his plans to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47165/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly.
144. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health to set out in tabular form the number of stroke units; the number of beds per stroke unit; the number of dedicated medical staff per stroke unit by category of staff, that is, consultants, doctors and or nursing staff, by hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47167/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
