Written Answers Nos. 66-86
66. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the Brexit-specific staff sanctioned by Department and State agency to date; the numbers now in place in each of those areas, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3510/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraManaging our response to Brexit has impacted on the work of many staff at Headquarters and a significant number of those overseas. It is important to emphasise that our approach has not been merely to recruit or assign additional staff, but rather also to prioritise Brexit in the work of the entire Department. There is no State Agency under the aegis of my Department.Additional staff have been assigned to the key Divisions with responsibility for Brexit matters, the European Union Division and the Ireland, UK and Americas (IUKA) Division, to cover the issues arising from the UK exit process. For operational and service-oriented units like the Passport Office and Consular service, there has been a marked increase in demand for passports and citizenship via foreign birth registration from applicants in Northern Ireland and in Britain.
Many business units of my Department at headquarters in Dublin are involved in the response to the UK exit. For example the Legal Division, the Trade Division and the Policy Planning Unit. Further information on some of these positions are provided in the table below.
Overseas, additional posts have been assigned to our Embassies in London, Berlin, and Paris as well as the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union in Brussels (PRB). Details are provided in the table below.
These measures remain under review. The Department will allocate additional staff resources as deemed necessary to further augment our level of support across Government and across our network.
|
HQ/Mission |
Location |
Grade |
No. |
|
Mission |
London |
Counsellor(Jan 2018) |
1 |
|
Mission |
London |
First Secretary |
1 |
|
Mission |
London |
HEO |
1 |
|
Mission |
London |
EO |
1 |
|
Mission |
London |
Third Secretary |
2 |
|
Mission |
London |
Interns |
5 |
|
Mission |
London |
TCOs |
|
|
Mission |
Paris |
Counsellor |
1 |
|
Mission |
Berlin |
Counsellor |
1 |
|
Mission |
PRB |
Counsellor |
1 |
|
Mission |
PRB |
First Secretary |
1 |
|
Mission |
PRB |
Third Secretary |
1 |
|
HQ |
EU Division |
Counsellor |
1 |
|
HQ |
EU Division |
First Secretary |
2 |
|
HQ |
EU Division |
Third Secretary |
3 |
|
HQ |
EU Division |
CO |
1 |
|
HQ |
Ireland, UK & Americas Division |
First Secretary |
2 |
|
HQ |
Ireland, UK & Americas Division |
Third Secretary |
1 |
|
HQ |
Communications |
First Secretary |
1 |
|
HQ |
Communications |
Third Secretary |
1 |
|
HQ |
Legal Division |
Assistant Legal Advisor |
1 |
|
HQ |
Trade Division |
First Secretary |
1 |
|
Total |
|
|
30 |
67. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the work of his departmental officials with relevant international agencies on Yemen, the Baha'i community in Yemen and the recent sentencing to death of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3605/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis case is a cause for concern, in particular as the individual appears to have been sentenced on the basis of his religious beliefs.Ireland strongly condemns all forms of persecution on the basis of religion or belief, and attaches great importance to combating all forms of discrimination based on religion or belief and incitement to religious hatred. Ireland consistently raises the issues of racism and intolerance and advocates for inclusive societies at the UN Human Rights Council, as well as in other multilateral fora. Furthermore, Ireland is unequivocal in its stance on the death penalty. We oppose and condemn its use in all circumstances, and in particular in cases where there are allegations of unfair trials preceding its implementation. The abolition of the death penalty is one of Ireland’s international priorities, and my Department regularly conveys our stance on this issue to all countries where the death penalty is still in use.
The conflict in Yemen, now in its third year, has led to grave concerns about human rights and Ireland has worked in the UN system to address these. At the Human Rights Council in September 2017, Ireland joined the small core group of countries that drove forward the adoption of a Resolution on Yemen, which established a group of international experts to investigate the facts in relation to violations of human rights and humanitarian law on the ground. This group will report back to the Human Rights Council, as an important step towards accountability in Yemen.
Among other pressing issues, this resolution expressed concern at the severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief in Yemen, including for members of the Baha’i faith. Ireland calls on all parties to immediately release all Baha’i detained in Yemen due to their religious belief, to cease the issuance of arrest warrants against them and to cease the harassment to which they are subjected.
Officials from this Department also remain in contact with representatives of the Baha’i community in Ireland, with whom they have discussed the situation in Yemen, and will continue to monitor the situation closely.
My Department necessarily prioritises its efforts to promote improvements in the general human rights situation, as it does not have the capacity to actively pursue at EU and international level all of the individual cases that arise. Accordingly, my Department will continue to monitor the human rights situation in Yemen, as well as the issues of freedom of religion and the death penalty, and will take every appropriate opportunity to advocate for them.
As regards cooperation with international agencies on Yemen, Ireland has provided almost €11.5 million in humanitarian assistance to Yemen since 2015, in response to the escalating crisis. Ireland provided €5.3 million in support to Yemen in 2017 alone, the majority of which was channelled through the UN Humanitarian Fund for Yemen, which makes funding available for UN agencies which have the best capacity to deliver services on the ground. Ireland also contributes to global funds that allocate funding to the Yemen crisis, including the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), which makes emergency funding readily available for UN agencies. Ireland contributed €22 million to the CERF in 2017.
Finally, a real improvement in the human rights situation in Yemen will require an end to conflict. I would like to assure the Deputy that Ireland will continue to support all efforts towards a negotiated settlement to the conflict in that country.
68. Deputy John Curran asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his Department has prepared contingency plans in the event of all scenarios in advance of Brexit phase two negotiations; if this work is ongoing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3692/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe situation with regard to the Brexit negotiations has evolved significantly since the publication of the Government’s comprehensive approach last May and the Government’s preparations have adjusted accordingly. Contingency planning at both a domestic and an EU level is focused on three areas: preparing for a no-deal scenario or so-called “disorderly Brexit”; preparing for a transition period based on the “status quo”; and preparing for the future EU-UK relationship. While the outcome of the December European Council and the move on to Phase 2 has lessened the likelihood of a no-deal scenario, contingency planning for a disorderly Brexit remains a key priority for my Department and for the Government as a whole, because it would have the most serious impact and would occur within a tighter timeframe. This work takes account of the detailed sectoral work carried out by individual Departments and continues to be progressed through cross-Departmental coordination structures chaired by my Department. It is also informed by ongoing stakeholder engagement. It is also important to emphasise the value of this work in providing a baseline, worst-case scenario for the policies and sectors impacted, which can then be adapted as appropriate in light of developments in the EU-UK negotiations.
As concerns transitional arrangements, I welcome that the direction of travel is now firmly towards achieving a “status quo” transition period. Agreement on a “status quo” transition will provide certainty to individuals and businesses while also aiming to avoid any cliff edge effects between the UK leaving the EU and a future relationship agreement coming into force.
The expectation is that the European Council will adopt additional Guidelines at the European Council on 22-23 March 2018 on the framework for the future EU-UK relationship. In this context, the European Council has stressed that it will be important for the UK to provide further clarity on what it wants for the future relationship with the EU.
These guidelines – as well as further clarity on the UK position – will provide a clearer picture of the direction of travel in the negotiations. This will provide a basis on which the Government will, following on from the comprehensive document published last May, further develop our approach to the negotiations and our latest assessment of the economic and sectoral challenges posed by Brexit and how to address them.
This work will, of course, be firmly grounded in the extensive research and preparatory work that has already been undertaken across Government. As the Deputies are aware, a considerable volume of this research and analysis, including on individual sectors, is available in the public domain. I would note in particular the detailed response plan published by the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation last November - “Building Stronger Business – Responding to Brexit by competing, innovation and trading”. A number of further important studies across a range of sectors and issues are underway with a view to publication in the coming weeks and months.
The Government is already acting in order to get Ireland Brexit ready. Dedicated measures were announced in Budget 2018, including a new €300m Brexit Loan Scheme for Business and a €25m Brexit Response Loan Scheme for the agri-food sector as well as additional supports for capital investment in the food industry and Bord Bia marketing and promotion activities, amounting to over €50m in total. Additional capital expenditure allocation of €4.3bn over four years will also allow the State and its agencies to properly plan major infrastructure projects while ensuring that communities and businesses can plan ahead. There was also increased funding provided to my Department for the opening of six new diplomatic missions as part of Global Footprint 2025, which will contribute to helping our exporters find new markets. Our Government’s enterprise agencies continue to work with companies, helping them to deal with Brexit – making them more competitive, diversifying market exposure, and up-skilling teams. Brexit will also be a critical factor in our longer-term economic strategy – a new 10-year Capital Plan is in preparation, we’re revising our Enterprise 2025 policy and we are in active discussions with the European Investment Bank for a potential increase in investment in the country.
69. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on Israel's decision to blacklist an organisation (details supplied) and to block the group's membership from entering the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3652/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government does not support a policy of “Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions”, or BDS, in relation to Israel. I firmly believe that such an approach is counter-productive, and that it will not help to increase ordinary Israelis' understanding of the sound basis for international concern about the impact of occupation.In relation to the decision taken by Israel to exclude members of certain groups, I believe that this action also does not help to build a better mutual understanding or to move the situation forward. Israel is of course entitled to decide who it allows into its territory, as is any other state. However, I believe that excluding people simply for critical opinions they hold is not the usual practice of a democracy. Moreover, such exclusions also have the effect of denying people access to the occupied Palestinian territory which Israel controls. While the Government does not support a policy of “Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions”, it is a legitimate and non-violent political viewpoint, albeit one regarded in Israel as hostile.
During my visit to the Middle East last week, I raised this issue directly with Prime Minister Netanyahu. I told him that I believe it is counterproductive and mistaken to exclude, from Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory, individuals belonging to groups which have a deep interest in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. I hope that Israel will reconsider this decision.
70. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he contributed at the January 2018 EU Council meeting; and the meetings he attended before or after the EU Council meeting. [3444/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI attended the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting on Monday 22 January. At this meeting EU Foreign Ministers discussed the post-Cotonou framework for relations between the EU and the African, Caribbean and Pacific countries from 2020; developments in Libya; and the Middle East Peace Process. Ministers also held an informal lunch meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. I participated actively in these discussions. On post-Cotonou, I noted that Ireland is a strong supporter of the partnership with the African, Caribbean and Pacific group of countries, and that we look forward to contributing to the discussions on the negotiating mandate. The discussion on Libya was a valuable opportunity to receive an update from the UN Secretary General’s Special Representative Ghassan Salamé, who briefed Ministers on developments there. At the discussion on the Middle East Peace Process I called on the EU to take an active and positive role. In the margins of the Council I met bilaterally with the Dutch Foreign Minister Mr. Halbe Zijlstra to discuss the Middle East Peace Process.
71. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the most recent developments in Palestine regarding the possible withdrawal of recognising the state of Israel that was made at an international conference in Madrid in 1991 will be discussed with his EU counterparts at the next EU Council meeting. [3063/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIsrael was admitted as a Member State of the UN in 1949, and the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) recognized Israel as part of the Oslo Accords in 1993, which also set out a path towards a two-state solution. There has understandably been a strong reaction among Palestinians and across the region to the US decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. The EU and its Member States have reaffirmed our belief in a two state solution to the conflict, including the future of Jerusalem as a capital for two states, both Israel and Palestine, and I have made clear that I believe the US announcement was premature and unhelpful.
At the meeting of the PLO Central Council on 14-15 January there was evidently deep frustration not just at the recent US announcement, but also at the lack of progress over the last two decades in building on the Oslo Accords, and making a reality of the two state solution. Some of the statements made at the Central Council included inflammatory rhetoric. The Central Council also produced a set of resolutions, including a decision to assign the Executive Committee of the PLO to suspend recognition of Israel, pending reciprocal recognition of a State of Palestine.
However, this decision has not yet been implemented. It will be for the Chairman of the PLO and President of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, to decide whether to act on this recommendation, and so far, he has not done so. I believe that the international community should focus on actions, not rhetoric. I note that President Abbas has reaffirmed his opposition to terrorism in all forms, in the course of the Council.
I very strongly urge President Abbas to maintain Palestinian recognition of Israel, something which the mainstream Palestinian movement represented in the PLO and the Palestinian Authority has accepted since 1993.
During my visit to the Middle East earlier this month, when I met I Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, and Foreign Minister Malki, I discussed with them the challenges facing the Palestinian people, but also urged them to keep an open mind on any US initiative to reinvigorate the Middle East Peace Process.
My EU colleagues and I met again with President Abbas at the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on Monday, and the EU conviction that it would be a major step back to withdraw recognition of Israel was clear. We also reiterated our strong support for the two state solution and for Palestinian aspirations for statehood, as an outcome of an agreement between the Parties.
72. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has spoken at EU Council meetings recently regarding Syria. [2116/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe situation in Syria continues to be one of utmost concern. The conflict, which is now in its seventh year, has cost an estimated half a million lives. Over 13 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance inside Syria, and over 5.5 million have fled to neighboring countries and the wider region. An end to the violence is urgently needed in order to relieve the suffering of the Syrian people.The UN is leading political negotiations to end the conflict based on the 2012 Geneva Communique and UN Security Council resolution 2254, which calls for an end to violence; release of political prisoners; formation of a transitional governing body with executive powers and a constitutional reform process. Ireland fully supports this process and the work of UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura. The EU provides direct assistance to the UN-led Geneva peace talks and has launched, in coordination with the UN, an initiative to develop political dialogue with key actors from the region to identify common ground. The EU Syria Peace Process Support Initiative aims to facilitate the peace process, build the capacity of opposition parties and contribute to dialogue with civil society in support of the efforts of the UN Special Envoy for Syria. Ireland and the EU also provide support, including financial support, to a broad range of mechanisms to ensure legal accountability for all war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Syria.
Since 2012 Ireland has contributed over €90 million to the international humanitarian response to the Syria crisis, including €25 million in 2017. Through our annual contributions to the EU institutions Ireland also supports the EU’s humanitarian response to the crisis. The EU and its Member States have together mobilised more than €9.5 billion for humanitarian and resilience assistance to support Syrians inside the country and in neighbouring countries, making the EU the largest single donor to the effort. The EU will host another donors’ conference for Syria in 2018.
I participated in the discussion at the December EU Foreign Affairs Council on the discussion of the regional situation in the Middle East, including of course the urgent need for progress towards peace in Syria. I joined colleagues in stressing the primacy of the UN-led Geneva process and the need for an inclusive political transition in Syria.
73. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Finance if an exemption from local property tax will be granted for a building (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3561/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Finance (Local Property Tax) Act 2012 (as amended) provides that any building or structure which is used as, or is suitable for use as a dwelling is liable to LPT. For LPT purposes, the state of dereliction of a property is not relevant where it (the property) is actually occupied as a dwelling house. However, a property that is uninhabitable to such an extent that it is not suitable for occupation (and not actually occupied) is not taxable.
The Act also provides for a number of exemptions from LPT where certain qualifying criteria are met. Specifically, Section 5(2) of the Act sets out the qualifying criteria in respect of property owners who are in long term care in a nursing home. The particular qualifying criteria requires that the property must have been occupied as the person’s sole or main residence and vacated due to his or her inability to continue living there because of infirmity. The nature and duration of the infirmity must also be independently verified and certified by a doctor.
Any property that qualified for the exemption on 1 May 2013 remains exempt for the duration of the current ‘valuation period’ (to 31 October 2019) provided that it is not occupied by any other person. A property that becomes eligible for the exemption on a date after 1 May 2013 only qualifies from the next ‘liability date’ (1 November) for the remainder of the ‘valuation period’, for example 1 November 2017 in respect of 2018 and 2019.
Revenue has confirmed to me that no LPT has been paid in respect of the property in question for the years 2012 (Household Charge) to 2018 and has been deferred. As a consequence of the deferral the liability has attached as a charge on the property and is accumulating interest at a rate of 4% per annum. From the information available to Revenue, the property has only relatively recently become vacant which means that the exemption can only apply with effect from 1 November 2017 in respect of 2018 and 2019 and the liabilities for the previous years (2012 to 2017) remain due. The deferred liabilities in respect of 2012 to 2017 would be paid when the property is sold or disposed of.
Revenue has confirmed that it will engage directly with a nominated representative of the person in question, including the Deputy’s office as appropriate, to clarify the person’s entitlement to the exemption and to agree a position in regard to any payable arrears. This could include a continuation of the deferral in respect of the relevant years i.e. 2012 to 2017 or a suitable payment arrangement that takes account of the person’s personal circumstances.
74. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance when he last met formally with the CEOs of banks (details supplied); when he is next due to meet each person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3527/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI met formally with the CEOs of Bank of Ireland and PTSB on the 23rd of October 2017 and with the CEO of AIB on the 24th October 2017.
It is my intention to meet with all three CEOs again in the near future and my office is currently working to schedule these meetings.
75. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the number of bank accounts operated by his Department; the names of the financial institutions at which the accounts are held; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3531/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department operates 4 accounts with Danske Bank for the purposes of the Vote for the Office of the Minister for Finance. The Department also provides accounting services to 6 other Votes on a shared services basis and, in that respect, it operates on 10 accounts with Danske Bank. In regard to accounts at the Central Bank, the Department operates on the Central Fund (Exchequer) Current and Deposit Accounts and the Paymaster General Supply and Drawing Accounts. My Department also operates on 18 other accounts at the Central Bank on its own behalf and in respect of other entities in accordance with relevant statutory provisions. My Department is currently assisting the Office of Government Procurement with a public procurement process for the provision of government banking services.
76. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the number of lenders and value of lending in the car finance PCP sector by companies that are operating with section 110 tax status, including a company (details supplied); his plans to act on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3566/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 110 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 sets out a regime for the taxation of special purpose companies set up to securitise assets. The tax provisions are intended to create a tax neutral regime for securitisation and structured finance purposes.
I am advised by Revenue that qualifying companies (within the meaning of section 110 of the Taxes Consolidation Act (TCA) 1997) may only hold certain “qualifying assets”. The list of qualifying assets that these companies may hold includes loans, leases, hire purchase contracts, and obligations evidencing debt.
In addition, I am advised by Revenue that there is no requirement for a section 110 company to provide information regarding the specific type of “qualifying asset” it holds on its corporation tax return. Revenue is therefore not in a position to provide the data requested.
In relation to taxpayer specific information, Revenue is precluded, by taxpayer confidentiality, from providing details on a specific company or taxpayer.
77. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the date his Department officially requested advice from the Attorney General in relation to the collapse of a company (details supplied) following the decision handed down by the Supreme Court; when he expects that advice to be forthcoming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3568/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraSetanta Insurance was placed into liquidation by the Malta Financial Services Authority on 30 April 2014. As it was a Maltese incorporated company, the liquidation is being carried out under Maltese law.
As you are aware, the Supreme Court delivered its judgment on 25 May 2017 and overturned the previous decisions of the High Court and the Court of Appeal that the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) was liable in respect of third party motor insurance claims made against the policyholders of Setanta Insurance. The consequence of this is that the Insurance Compensation Fund (ICF) has been deemed responsible for the payment of such third party claims subject to a limit of 65% (or €825,000, whichever is the lesser) due to relevant claimants.
As I have previously indicated, there is a legal concern that any Government intervention to compensate third party claimants over and above the 65% limit, and then “step into the shoes” of these claimants to recover directly any balance due from the Setanta liquidation could result in the Government having a lower status in the creditor hierarchy, and thus significantly reduce the amount it could recoup from the liquidator.
In this respect, my Department initially sought advice from the Office of the Attorney General on 20 July 2017 and received a reply on 4 August 2017. Subsequent to this a procurement process was commenced to obtain the services of a Maltese law firm to provide advice in relation to this concern. Following the receipt of advices from the successful tenderer on 17 November 2017 and 5 December 2017, a further request for advice was sent to the Office of the Attorney General on 7 December 2017. The Office of the Attorney General provided this advice to my Department on 15 December 2017.
Subsequently, officials from my Department met with the Liquidator on 9 January and received an update on the current status of the liquidation process as well as the issues he is encountering in settling claims. Based on this up to date information and the legal advices, the various courses of action open to the Government in relation to this issue are actively being considered.
78. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding VAT rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3631/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Revenue that the VAT rating of goods and services is subject to the requirements of the EU VAT Directive with which Irish VAT law must comply. In accordance with the Value-Added Consolidation Act, 2010 the supply of the service of the installation of a fixture is liable to tax at the reduced rate of 13.5%. The installation of a floor or other fixture qualifies for the reduced rate where the floor becomes an integral part of the property and cannot be removed without substantial damage being caused to the floor itself or to the property.
Where a service constitutes the installation of a floor or other goods that can be removed without causing any damage to the floor or other goods or to the property then that service is the installation of a fitting, which is liable to the standard rate of 23%. The service provider should determine on a case by case basis whether the service provided is the installation of fixtures liable at the 13.5% rate or the installation of fittings liable at the 23% rate.
Where a supply includes the supply and installation of fixtures in a property, the supply is subject to the two-thirds rule, which requires that to benefit from the 13.5% rate the value of the goods cannot exceed two thirds of the total amount of the supply.
Where a service provider is providing a service of installation of fixtures to certain Principal Contractors, it is the Principal Contractor who is liable to VAT at 13.5% rather than the service provider.
79. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason there have been delays in processing the deed of waiver in relation to the transfer of a derelict site in Charlestown to Fingal County Council which was submitted on 24 November 2017 with no formal response or acknowledgment of the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3530/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder Section 28(2) of the State Property Act, 1954, land vested in or held in trust for a body corporate immediately prior to its dissolution, (other than land held by such body in trust for another person) becomes property of the State in the person of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. The interest acquired by the Minister is described as a defeasible interest as it may be defeated by restoration of the company up to 20 years after dissolution.
The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform has the discretion, under Section 31 of the State Property Act 1954, to waive property that has devolved to the State under Section 28, if he believes it is proper to do so having regard to all the circumstances of the case.
An application for waiver of this property has been made by Fingal County Council, which is being reviewed by the CSSO. A response to Fingal County Council will issue shortly from the CSSO outlining any additional information that may be required in advance of full consideration of the application.
80. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Office of Public Works will acquire a building (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3598/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Commissioners of Public Works have no current requirement for additional accommodation in the Killarney area and therefore it is not intended to purchase the property.
81. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a transport grant was discontinued for a person (details supplied). [3539/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.
Currently over 115,000 children, including almost 12,000 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.
The child in question is eligible for school transport under the terms of my Department's School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs and the family availed of a Special Transport Grant while he attended his previous school as there was no transport service available.
However, in 2015 the child in question changed school and Bus Éireann advised that he could be accommodated on an existing school transport service.
A Special Transport Grant is not generally considered where a reasonable level of transport service is available and the family were informed of this position in May 2016.
The terms of the School Transport Schemes are applied equitably on a national basis.
82. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Skills when successful DEIS applications will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3546/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra83. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of an application for DEIS by a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3547/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 83 together.
There is no application process for DEIS therefore schools are not required to apply for assessment in DEIS. Every primary and post-primary school was assessed as part of the DEIS Identification process provided under DEIS Plan 2017. Full details of the methodology used is available at https://www.education.ie/en/Schools-Colleges/Services/DEIS-Delivering-Equality-of-Opportunity-in-Schools-/DEIS-Identification-Process.pdf.
A further assessment of all schools is currently underway. This will take account of updated school data combined with the updated Pobal HP Index of Deprivation, based on Small Area Population statistics derived from the 2016 National Census.
Should this exercise reveal that any school, which did not qualify for DEIS in 2017, meets the criteria applicable to schools with the highest concentration of disadvantage based on the updated information then additional schools may be included subject to available resources.
84. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the permanent school buildings which are planned to replace the existing semi-permanent buildings of schools (details supplied); when it is expected that construction will begin; when it is expected construction will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3573/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school building projects which are referred to by the Deputy are at Tender Award Stage. It is expected that a contract will be awarded in the first quarter of 2018 and work will commence on site. The construction period is 12 months with anticipated occupation of the permanent accommodation by the schools in Q1 2019. My officials have been in contact with the schools concerned recently to bring them up to date on these Developments.
85. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress which has been made with regard to locating a permanent site for a school (details supplied); if his Department has directed Dublin City Council to actively engage with landowners with a view to securing such a site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3594/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe acquisition of a site to accommodate a permanent building for the school to which the Deputy refers is at a very advanced stage and the conveyancing process is underway.
86. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a building (details supplied) will be acquired with a view to converting it and using it to provide third level education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3599/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraProjects in Cork Institute of Technology and Institute of Technology Tralee have been identified for inclusion in the Higher Education PPP Programme announced recently. These critical investments on existing campuses will help drive the Munster Technological University (MTU) proposal forward.
We have received a submission regarding the building referred to by the Deputy. We have reviewed this submission. Given our commitments in progressing the MTU at its existing campus locations, the Department has no plans to acquire a separate site for the MTU at this time.
