Written Answers Nos. 206-224
206. Deputy Frank O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to an anomaly in the SUSI grant scheme whereby it does not allow for a change of personal circumstances for the duration of a course of study (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48957/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFor student grant purposes, students are categorised according to their circumstances either as students dependent on parents or a legal guardian, or as independent mature students.
For a dependent student, the reckonable income for grant purposes includes both his/her own income and that of his/her parents/legal guardians.
A student may be assessed as an independent mature student if he or she has attained the age of 23 on the 1st January of the year of first entry to an approved course, or of re-entry following a break in studies of at least three years, and is not ordinarily resident with his/her parents from the previous October. Otherwise he or she would continue to be assessed on the basis of parental income.
An applicant's class is defined at his/her first point of entry to an approved higher or further education course and this will continue to apply for the duration of his/her studies.
While it is not possible to appeal an applicant’s class during the course of his/her studies, an applicant may be assessed or re-assessed by the awarding authority in the event of a change of circumstances relating to the following:
- Permanent change in reckonable income;
- Number of dependent children residing in the household;
- Commencement of an approved course;
- Normal residence;
- Nationality or immigration status;
- Change of course or institution.
If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a student grant on the grounds of his/her initial classification as an independent or dependent student, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to SUSI. Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down in writing by SUSI and remains of the view that the scheme has not been interpreted correctly in his/her case, an appeal, outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to the independent Student Grants Appeals Board at www.studentgrantappeals.ie within the required timeframe.
207. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the construction of a new school building for a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48966/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department issued comments on the stage 2b submission to the Design Team on 25 October 2017 and requested confirmations from the Design Team that it carry out one final review of all of its tender documentation to ensure compliance with DoES requirements. The Design Team has been requested to submit written confirmation from each Design Team member including the PSDP that they have completed this review and are satisfied that the Tender Documents are complete, correct and in compliance with DoES and Building Control (Amendment) Regulations (BC(A)R) tender documentation requirements.
Upon receipt of these confirmations, my Department will then revert to the Design Team with regard to further progression of the project.
208. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a school (details supplied) will receive administrative status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49019/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 2012 special schools are staffed based on their actual current pupil profiles and the disability category of each pupil, as opposed to primarily by school designation, in accordance with Department Circular 0042/2011.
Currently the awarding of Administrative Principal in special schools is governed by the Report of the Special Education Review Committee 1993 (SERC Report). Under the SERC report, Administrative Principal is warranted in special schools at the point at which the 6th teacher (i.e. 5th assistant teacher is about to be appointed).
I am aware of the correspondence received from the school to which the Deputy refers and my Department, in conjunction with the NCSE, have considered the staffing position of the school, taking into consideration the complex needs of the students enrolled, particularly those with chronic medical conditions and severe challenging behaviour.
A letter will issue to the school in the coming days, in response to the correspondence received.
209. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Skills the details of all post primary schools on the capital investment plan 1 January 2016 to 2021 for counties Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Tipperary and Waterford, in tabular form; and the date listed. [49040/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra210. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Skills the details of all primary schools in the capital investment plan 1 January 2016 to 2021 in counties Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Tipperary and Waterford, in tabular form; and the date listed. [49041/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to takes questions Nos. 209 and 210 together.
I wish to advise the Deputy that details of the major school building projects in Counties Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Tipperary and Waterford that are included on the Capital Programme are outlined in the table for the Deputy's information.
Information on all projects included on the 6 year Construction Programme are available on my Department's website www.education.ie.
|
County |
Roll Number |
School Name & Address |
School Type |
Year on Programme |
|
Galway |
12954F |
SN Bhride Lackagh, Turloughmore |
Primary |
2016 |
|
Galway |
17444H |
SN Seosamh Naofa, Carrabane, Athenry |
Primary |
2016 |
|
Galway |
17807R |
SN Cathair Geal |
Primary |
2016 |
|
Galway |
18746F |
SN Muine Mhea, Monivea, Athenry |
Primary |
2016 |
|
Galway |
20042E |
Scoil an Chroi Naofa, Ballinasloe |
Primary |
2016 |
|
Galway |
20061I |
Gaelscoil Iarfhlatha, Community Centre, Sr an Easbaig, Tuam |
Primary |
2016 |
|
Galway |
68285C |
Our Lady's College, Presentation Road |
Post Primary |
2016 |
|
Galway |
17280D |
SN Baile Atha Na Riogh, Athenry |
Primary |
2017 |
|
Galway |
20070J |
Rosedale Special School, Renmore |
Special School |
2017 |
|
Galway |
20211B |
Claregalway ETNS |
Primary |
2017 |
|
Galway |
20330J |
St Oliver's Special School, Tuam |
Special School |
2017 |
|
Galway |
16071M |
Scoil Chroí Naofa, Athenry |
Primary |
2018 |
|
Galway |
18112K |
Scoil Naomh Eanna, Bullaun, Loughrea |
Primary |
2018 |
|
Galway |
20237T |
Gaelscoil Riada, Raithin, Baile Átha an Rí |
Primary |
2018 |
|
Galway |
62870G |
Presentation College, Athenry |
Post Primary |
2018 |
|
Galway |
63130R |
Colaiste Chroi Mhuire Gan Smál, Spiddal |
Post Primary |
2018 |
|
Galway |
71250A |
Coláiste Cholmcille, Inverin |
Post Primary |
2018 |
|
Galway |
71270G |
Gairmscoil Mhuire, Athenry |
Post Primary |
2018 |
|
Galway |
76102K |
Coláiste an Eachraidh, Baile Átha an Rí |
Post Primary |
2018 |
|
Galway |
04506F |
Scoil Iosaif Naofa, Oranmore |
Primary |
2019-2021 |
|
Galway |
13365O |
Scoil Mhuire, Oranmore |
Primary |
2019-2021 |
|
Galway |
14590D |
St Annin's, Rosscahill |
Primary |
2019-2021 |
|
Galway |
19401W 19468I |
Scoil Caitriona Senior and Junior Schools, Renmore |
Primary |
2019-2021 |
|
Galway |
19529C |
Scoil Mhuire, Moycullen |
Primary |
2019-2021 |
|
Galway |
20328W |
St Teresa's Special School, Ballinasloe |
Special School |
2019-2021 |
|
Galway |
20410H |
Knocknacarra Educate Together NS |
Primary |
2019-2021 |
|
Galway |
20462D |
Galway Steiner NS, Knocknacarra |
Primary |
2019-2021 |
|
Galway |
20465J |
Gort NS, Gort |
Primary |
2019-2021 |
|
Galway |
62960H |
St Joseph's College, Nun's Island |
Post Primary |
2019-2021 |
|
Galway |
63040Q |
Presentation College, Headford |
Post Primary |
2019-2021 |
|
Mayo |
64660F |
Sancta Maria College, Louisburg |
Primary |
2016 |
|
Mayo |
07054L |
Scoil Naomh Bríd, Culleens |
Primary |
2017 |
|
Mayo |
19375B |
St Brid's Special National School, Castlebar |
Special School |
2017 |
|
Mayo |
64590K |
St. Joseph's Secondary School, Castlebar |
Post Primary |
2017 |
|
Mayo |
76334I |
St. Joseph's Community College, Charlestown |
Post Primary |
2017 |
|
Mayo |
08302J |
Holy Trinity NS, Westport |
Primary |
2018 |
|
Mayo |
64520M |
St. Marys Secondary School, Ballina |
Post Primary |
2018 |
|
Mayo |
20275E |
Scoil Iosa, Ballina |
Primary |
2019-2021 |
|
Roscommon |
20126K |
Gaelscoil de Hide, Cnoc na Cruibe |
Primary |
2019-2021 |
|
Tipperary |
10120P |
Sn Mhuire na Trocaire, Cahir |
Primary |
2017 |
|
Tipperary |
20007C |
Gaelscoil Chluain Meala, Baile Gaelach |
Primary |
2017 |
|
Tipperary |
20085W |
Gaelscoil Charraig Na Siuire |
Primary |
2018 |
|
Tipperary |
16979S 17731K |
St Colmcille's NS & St Joseph's NS, Templemore |
Primary |
2019-2021 |
|
Tipperary |
76069P |
Colaiste Phobail Ros Cré |
Post Primary |
2019-2021 |
|
Waterford |
19108B |
St Martin's Special School, Ballytruckle |
Special School |
2016 |
|
Waterford |
20116H |
Glor Na Mara, Tramore |
Primary |
2017 |
|
Waterford |
65010R |
Newtown School, Waterford City |
Post Primary |
2017 |
|
Waterford |
91509E |
Blackwater Community School, Lismore |
Post Primary |
2017 |
|
Waterford |
64940L |
Waterpark College, Waterford City |
Post Primary |
2017 |
211. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Skills the details of all alternative further educations facilities in the capital investment plan 1 January 2016 to 2021 in counties Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Tipperary and Waterford in tabular form; and the date listed. [49042/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFurther Education and Training (FET) provides learners with key intermediate level skills, enhancing the productivity and adaptability of the Irish workforce. It is delivered in a range of settings throughout the country, with FET providers firmly embedded in local communities. A priority for my Department, is to improve the quality of the settings in which FET is delivered, in order to better respond to the needs of learners and employers. It is intended that an enhanced capital programme will be rolled out for the FET sector from 2020.
The total planned allocation for Further Education and Training purposes in the Capital Investment plan 2016 to 2021 is outlined as follows:
|
SUBHEAD |
2016 (€m) |
2017 (€m) |
2018 (€m) |
2019 (€m) |
2020 (€m) |
2021 (€m) |
|
B.5 - Further Education |
3.000 |
3.000 |
6.000 |
13.000 |
18.000 |
28.000 |
In the immediate term, the upgrade of apprenticeship equipment, including to meet the requirements of new syllabi, is a priority. There is also investment required in equipment to deliver the wide range of new apprenticeships being developed and rolled out through the national calls from the Apprenticeship Council.
While the SOLAS capital allocation to Education and Training Boards (ETBs) is not available by county as requested, I attach a breakdown of the capital allocation to each of the ETBs in the counties requested.
|
- |
2016 |
2017 |
|
|
Funds Disbursed |
Funds to be Disbursed |
|
ETB |
€ |
€ |
|
Galway, Roscommon (GRETB) |
245,817 |
251,091 |
|
Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim (MSLETB) |
453,934 |
268,635 |
|
Tipperary (TETB) |
0 |
0 |
|
Waterford, Wexford (WWETB) |
359,810 |
208,168 |
Please note, up until recently Tipperary ETB had no training centre, which is why there has been no further education capital expenditure in the years listed. Tipperary have recently leased a unit in Thurles as a dedicated Further Education and Training Centre for the County and it is expected costs will be incurred in future years. Solas is engaging with individual ETBs to identify the necessary capital requirements for the remaining term of the investment plan.
212. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Skills the course of action taken if practices of a school board of management contradict his Department directives to all schools and circulars from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49044/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn accordance with the provisions of the Education Act 1998, the Board of Management is the body charged with the direct governance of a school. In general, the Board has the responsibility to ensure that the school operates efficiently and effectively.
Boards of Management are required to comply with the provisions of the Education Act 1998 and the terms of Circulars issued by my Department. The Boards of Management of all primary schools are also required to comply with the provisions of my Department's "Governance Manual for Primary Schools 2015-2019” booklet.
In general, where a person has any concerns in relation to issues in a school, these should, in the first instance, be brought to the attention of the Board of Management of the school and/or the Patron of the school concerned. It may also be appropriate to bring the matter to the attention of the Department.
213. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason the request by the Teaching Council for professional release time from full-time work for the chairperson of the Teaching Council, requested of his Department on 23 June 2017, has not been sanctioned; when a decision will be issued and communicated to the Teaching Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49056/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Teaching Council's request for release time for the chairperson remains under consideration in my Department. It is intended that a decision in the matter will be made shortly.
214. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some applicants for the redress scheme governed by Caranua have had children born after the cessation of the Education (Former Residents of Certain Institutions for Children) Finance Board and therefore could not benefit from said fund; if he has given consideration to allowing applications on behalf of these children in the Department’s review of the applications procedure for Caranua; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49058/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Act 2012 provides that only those former residents who received awards from the Residential Institutions Redress Board or equivalent Court awards or settlements are eligible to apply to Caranua. The decision to confine eligibility to former residents was taken having regard to the maximum funds available of €110 million and a potential pool of some 15,000 applicants. As the Deputy will be aware there is a review of eligibility to apply to Caranua underway at present. Any proposal to change the eligibility criteria would require legislation.
215. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the case of a person (details supplied); if his Department will sanction the necessary funds for an increase in vehicle size that would allow Bus Éireann to facilitate the additional concessionary pupils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49059/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.
Currently over 113,000 children, including almost 11,000 children with special educational needs, are being transported in over 4,500 vehicles on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country covering over 100 million kilometres annually.
Under the terms the Post Primary School Transport Scheme children are eligible for transport where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann.
Bus Éireann has advised that the child in question is not eligible for school transport as he is not attending his nearest post primary school.
Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport on a concessionary basis only which is subject to a number of terms and conditions including the availability of spare seats on an existing service and payment of the annual charge. Under the terms of the School Transport Schemes additional vehicles will not be introduced, nor will larger vehicles or extra trips using existing vehicles be provided to cater for children travelling on a concessionary basis.
The terms of the School Transport Schemes are applied equitably on a national basis.
216. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the domain names registered to or owned by his Department or through a third party company. [49069/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe domain names registered to or owned by the department or through a third party include the following:
esinet.ie;
education.ie;
studentgrantappeals.ie;
esf.ie;
egf.ie;
regionalskills.ie;
schooltransportappeals.ie;
scoilnet.ie;
pdsttechnologyineducation.ie;
skillnets.ie;
energyineducation.ie;
siolta.ie;
schoolself-evaluation.ie;
school-self-evaluation.ie;
school-self-evaluation.com;
esbs.ie; And
nationalskillscouncil.ie
217. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the average costs associated with processing and answering written and oral parliamentary questions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49122/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile a considerable amount of time is spent answering Parliamentary Questions, it is not possible to quantify the costs involved. Officials are assigned to deal with Parliamentary Questions as part of their duties. They are answered by officials who deal with the particular issue(s) raised in Parliamentary Questions. Cost associated with processing individual answers depend on the complexity of the issue raised and whether priority, oral or written. In 2016 my Department responded to 3,434 Parliamentary Questions and to date in 2017 my Department has responded to 3,801 Parliamentary Questions.
218. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of school buildings owned by an organisation (details supplied) or other patron bodies that are vacant and no longer in use as schools in the Dublin city and county area; the number of buildings at different locations involved or which are the subject of negotiation for hand over to the State under the Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49147/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe buildings referred to by the Deputy are in private ownership. Where a school relocates or closes, and where my Department does not have any future educational need for the building, the future use of the old building is in general a matter for the property owner. Such buildings may be used for community or other purposes.
There are currently no school buildings in the specified area that are involved in or subject to negotiations for handover to my Department under the Residential Redress Act 2002.
219. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002 of school buildings in Dublin city and county handed over under this scheme to date; the value attributed to these buildings; his plans for future use or development or sale of these buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49148/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI presume the Deputy is referring to contributions being made by religious congregations under the 2002 Indemnity Agreement. Under that Agreement the 18 participating religious congregations are contributing €128m in cash, counselling services and property. The cash contributions of €54.42m under the Agreement have been received while counselling services to the value of €10 have also been provided in accordance with the Agreement.
Under the Agreement my Department agreed in principle with CORI that a total of 64 properties would be accepted subject to good and marketable title and agreed valuations. This number has reduced to 61 as the Department has accepted and received a cash sum in lieu of three properties where good and marketable title could not be established. 55 properties have been fully transferred and there are no outstanding issues. While physical transfers of 5 of the remaining properties have taken place and all 5 are in use or available for use, the legal requirements under the Indemnity Agreement are being pursued to finalise the transfer process. One of the properties has been rejected by the State and, in accordance with the terms of the Agreement, the congregation concerned has been requested to offer an acceptable alternative property or cash in lieu.
I understand that one functioning educational property in Dublin city and county transferred under the terms of the 2002 Agreement. The property in question is Presentation Community College, Dublin 6W which now operates under the auspices of the City of Dublin Education and Training Board (CDETB). The value attributed to the property under the Agreement was €4,500,000. The school is a fully functioning co-educational post-primary school.
No educational properties in Dublin city and county are left to transfer under the 2002 Indemnity Agreement.
220. Deputy Maria Bailey asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a person who is officially retired from his Department having completed the necessary 40 years’ service for pension purposes and has been compelled to retire after 40 years’ service is required to sign on for jobseeker's allowance even though the person is not actively seeking work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49156/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraPublic service employees, including teachers, who are members of an occupational pension scheme and who also have paid full rate Class A PRSI have two sources of payment of their entitlements-
1. An occupational pension paid by their pension scheme administrators which in the case of primary and secondary teachers or certain other non-teaching staff is my Department and,
2. In the period between retirement and reaching state pension age, job-seekers benefits may be payable for some or all of this period by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP). Thereafter on reaching state pension age (currently age 66 years) a state pension may be paid by DEASP.
Each of these sources of payment has separate and distinctive conditions to be satisfied in order for payment to be made.
The public service employer and the employee make significant PRSI contributions during the course of the person’s employment which may, on foot of the full-rate PRSI contribution paid, entitle the employee to a range of state benefits and state pension.
On retirement it is incumbent on such a person to apply to DEASP for state benefits to ensure that s/he receives his/her full entitlements. That Department will assess the applicant and decide if job-seekers benefits/state pension is payable.
State pension currently becomes payable on application on reaching age 66. Many public service occupational pension schemes become payable at an earlier date and in the interim period between retirement and state pension age a person such as that referred to by the Deputy, may claim and receive a benefit from DEASP. Responsibility for establishing entitlements from DEASP and satisfying their requirements under the PRSI rules rests with the retiree and these are not matters on which my Department can adjudicate.
Within the occupational pension scheme, such as is operated by my Department, provision exists for a top-up supplementary pension in certain circumstances, which includes where an individual does not qualify for job-seekers benefits under the rules as operate by DEASP. Where however, a person fails to claim one of the state benefits to which s/he is entitled or where the failure to qualify for social welfare benefits rests with the person any state benefit foregone cannot be made good by the occupational pension provider nor can the top up supplementary pension be paid.
221. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will address the need for repairs to a leaking roof that is letting water seep into the controls of an elevator at a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49165/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise that my Department has no record of receiving correspondence from the school to which the Deputy refers relating to the repairs in question.
An official from my Department is due to visit the school on the 23rd November 2017 to discuss another matter and will discuss this issue with the Principal.
222. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there is a defibrillator in each primary, secondary and higher education institution in the country. [49190/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra224. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated cost of installing a defibrillator in every primary, secondary and higher education institution in the country. [49192/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 222 and 224 together.
I wish to advise the Deputy that the decision to install a defibrillator is made at local level and is a matter for the governing authority of each individual school and higher education institution.
My Department does not have information relating to the estimated cost of installing a defibrillator which, I expect, would depend on the variety of defibrillator model installed, together with custom-built storage and associated training requirements. The question of the need for defibrillators to be made available in places, such as schools and higher education institutions, and any training needs arising is primarily a public health matter and would therefore be a matter for the Department of Health.
223. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Skills if all teachers in primary, secondary and higher education institutions are mandated to be trained in the use of a defibrillator. [49191/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the provisions of the Education Act 1998, the board of management is the body charged with the direct governance of a school. Schools are required to take all reasonable precautions to provide training for teachers to ensure the safety and welfare of their pupils.
In recognition of the responsibility which the Education Act has imposed on Boards of Management and the increasingly complex environment in which they must operate, my Department funds a scheme for the provision of training and development for boards of management to assist them in the discharge of their duties. The training is delivered by the school management bodies.
The issue of training in the use of a defibrillator is a decision for each Board of Management to make in relation to their own school.
The position with regard to the higher education sector is that higher education institutions are autonomous bodies and are responsible for the day-to-day management and operational affairs of the institution. Accordingly my Department has no role in relation to such matters.
