Written Answers Nos. 227-245
227. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if an organisation (details supplied) has requested a meeting with him; when this meeting was initially requested; when it is planned to meet with the organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13684/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFormal arrangements to meet in relation to the matter concerned are the subject of deliberation between the parties and remain to be finalised.
228. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the public service redevelopment scheme is widely used by the public service and Civil Service; the activity of the scheme for 2017; if staff who commenced employment at Shannon Development, Shannon, County Clare, and are now employed by Shannon Commercial Properties and wish to be considered for this scheme will be provided every opportunity to obtain employment in the public service; if there is a timeframe to redeploy this particular cohort of staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13733/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Public Service Agreements (PSAs) provide for agreed redeployment arrangements to apply in the civil service and in other parts of the public service. Redeployment is primarily a mechanism for the transfer of surplus staff to areas where appropriate vacancies exist.
My Department is responsible for redeployment in the civil service and non-commercial state bodies and these redeployments panels are operated by the Public Appointments Service (PAS).
I understand from PAS that in 2017 there were 33 redeployment through the civil service redeployment panel and this would have included 8 staff from Shannon Commercial Properties to the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection.
I also understand that there are currently 5 staff from Shannon Commercial Properties on the civil service redeployment panel. It is the position that they can only be redeployed when suitable vacancies become available.
229. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress on his discussions with the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection in relation to the implementation of Labour Court recommendation LRC 19293, concerning the rights of community employment scheme supervisors in view of commitments made by his predecessor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13999/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question no. 54985/17 answered on 16 January 2018.
230. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the works which have been completed on the Clare river flood relief scheme, encompassing Claregalway, Carnmore, Lisheenavalla and Caherlea; the flood alleviation works outstanding in the area; when these works will be completed in their entirety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14069/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFlood relief works on the Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme, which commenced in June 2016, are being carried out by the Office of Public Works (OPW). The works programme is scheduled for completion by Q3 2019. In recognition of a severe flooding event in the area in 2009, interim flood relief works were completed at Claregalway Bridege and Crushenny in 2012.
The following is a summary of the current position in relation t the Clare River Flood Relief Scheme:
Claregalway;
Channel and bank protection works upstream of Claregalway Bridge have been completed.
Lakeview:
Construction of the Lakeview drainage pipeline has been completed. Final reinstatement of agricultural land along the route of the pipeline is completed with minor reinstatement required in lands adjacent to Claregalway village. This work is scheduled for Q2 this year.
Kiniska:
Channel maintenance, bank protection and bridge upgrade works on the Kiniska (Cin Uisce) tributary have been completed. Reinstatement of agricultural land is substantially complete.
Montiagh South
Road raising, drainage and bridge works of Miontach South road network have been completed. Minor accommodation works in this area are being completed.
Caherlea/Lisheenavalla:
Works in the Caherlea/Lisheenavalla area including channel widening, re-grading, embankment construction and bridge works have been completed. Maintenance, regrading and upsizing of the Islandmore Drain, is due for completion in Q2 2018. Accommodation works and rehabilitation of land in these areas is due to commence in Q2 2018. The raising the road locally in Caherlea/Lisheenavalla may be undertaken as a future measure if considered necessary.
Montiagh North:
The scheme works in this area are due to commence in Q2 2018.
Carnmore/Cashla:
The scheme works will commence shortly with the establishment of a site compound to facilitate works and installation of bridge culverts across the R339 road network. Works on the construction of a 1.9km flood alleviation pipeline in Carnmore/Cashla are scheduled to commence in Q2 2018.
Information and a monthly progress report on the scheme is available on the OPW website.
https://www.opw.ie/en/flood-risk-management/operations/flooddefenceschemes/clareriverclaregalwayfloodreliefscheme/
231. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the OPW plans to carry out works to protect the structure and improve the safety of a house (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14241/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that they have been in discussion with Louth County Council in relation to the condition of Westgate House. The Council has agreed to redecorate the façade of the building.
The future use of the property is currently being considered in line with OPW stated policy and, upon completion of this review, the issue of the restoration of the building will be addressed.
232. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department will be prioritising adults with low skills and qualification in the FET (details supplied); if so, if adequate resources will be allocated to do this; if full resources will be available to implement the upskilling pathways action plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13813/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo support the skills need of those in employment a commitment has been included in the 2018 Action Plan for Education to publish a policy framework for the Further Education and Training (FET) sector on Employee Development. The framework will set out priorities, including how the FET budget will support employee development. The framework will be published in Quarter 3 this year and implementation is scheduled to commence in Quarter 4 of this year.
Arising from the EU Council’s decision to adopt the Upskilling Pathways: New Opportunities for Adults Recommendation, the 2018 Action Plan for Education includes the commitment to develop an implementation plan on Upskilling Pathways. My Department has been considering the Council Recommendation and is planning implementation. Arrangements have been made to establish an inter-agency steering group to collaborate on the development of the implementation plan, a report on which will be furnished to the European Commission this year.
Both initiatives will guide the allocation of funding for supporting adults with low skills and qualifications.
233. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of an application by a school (details supplied) for a new school building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13525/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe major building project referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage of architectural planning, Stage 2(b) which includes the application for statutory approvals and the preparation of tender documents. All statutory approvals, including Planning Permission, have been secured.
Lands adjacent to the school site have been purchased from Fingal County Council and a private vendor by the school authority.
The need has arisen for a replacement architect to be appointed on the project. The tender process for a replacement consultant normally takes between 4 and 6 months to complete. The tender documents for the replacement Architect competition are being prepared by the Department. It is expected that the Invitation to Tender for this appointment will issue towards the end of April 2018.
A letter recently issued to the school advising them of the current status of the project.
234. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of persons enrolled in the commis chef and the chef de partie apprenticeships in 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13527/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra235. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the budget allocation for apprenticeships for 2018. [13528/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra236. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of apprentices enrolled in apprenticeship programmes. [13529/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra237. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the apprenticeship programmes in operation. [13530/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 234 to 237, inclusive, together.
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to apprenticeship programmes in operation is set out on the following tabular statement. There are currently 13,209 people undertaking an apprenticeship in one of these programmes.
The 2018 budget allocation for apprenticeship training is €122m which represents an increase of almost 24% on the 2017 allocation of €98.7m.
The number apprentices registered on the Commis Chef Apprenticeships in 2017 was 25 with a further 34 apprentices registered to date in 2018. The Chef de Partie Apprenticeship is currently in development and is scheduled to commence in September 2018 with initial numbers estimated at 48 participants this year.
Current Apprenticeships
|
Apprenticeship |
NFQ Level |
Duration |
Coordinating Provider |
Collaborating Provider(s) |
Industry Lead |
|
|
NO |
CONSTRUCTION |
|||||
|
1 |
Brick and Stonelaying |
Level 6 |
4 Years |
SOLAS |
Education and Training Boards & Institutes of Technology |
|
|
2 |
Carpentry and Joinery |
Level 6 |
4 Years |
SOLAS |
Education and Training Boards & Institutes of Technology |
|
|
3 |
Painting and Decorating |
Level 6 |
4 Years |
SOLAS |
Education and Training Boards & Institutes of Technology |
|
|
4 |
Plastering |
Level 6 |
4 Years |
SOLAS |
Education and Training Boards & Institutes of Technology |
|
|
5 |
Plumbing |
Level 6 |
4 Years |
SOLAS |
Education and Training Boards & Institutes of Technology |
|
|
6 |
Stonecutting and Stonemasonry |
Level 6 |
4 Years |
SOLAS |
Education and Training Boards |
|
|
7 |
Wood Manufacturing and Finishing |
Level 6 |
4 Years |
SOLAS |
Education and Training Boards & Institutes of Technology |
|
|
ELECTRICAL |
||||||
|
8 |
Aircraft Mechanics |
Level 6 |
4 Years |
SOLAS |
Education and Training Boards & Institutes of Technology |
|
|
9 |
Electrical |
Level 6 |
4 Years |
SOLAS |
Education and Training Boards & Institutes of Technology |
|
|
10 |
Electrical Instrumentation |
Level 6 |
4 Years |
SOLAS |
Education and Training Boards & Institutes of Technology |
|
|
11 |
Electronic Security Systems |
Level 6 |
4 Years |
SOLAS |
Education and Training Boards & Institutes of Technology |
|
|
12 |
Instrumentation |
Level 6 |
4 Years |
SOLAS |
Education and Training Boards & Institutes of Technology |
|
|
13 |
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning |
Level 6 |
4 Years |
SOLAS |
Education and Training Boards & Institutes of Technology |
|
|
ENGINEERING |
||||||
|
14 |
Farriery |
Level 6 |
4 Years |
SOLAS |
Irish School of Farriery |
|
|
15 |
Industrial Electrical Engineering |
Level 7 |
2 Years |
Limerick IT |
- |
Stryker |
|
16 |
Industrial Insulation |
Level 6 |
4 Years |
SOLAS |
Education and Training Boards & Institutes of Technology |
|
|
17 |
Manufacturing Engineering |
Level 7 |
3 Years |
Galway Mayo IT |
Institutes of Technology |
Irish Medical Devices Assoc., IBEC |
|
18 |
Manufacturing Technology |
Level 6 |
2 Years |
Galway Mayo IT |
Institutes of Technology |
Irish Medical Devices Assoc., IBEC |
|
19 |
Mechanical Automation and Maintenance Fitting |
Level 6 |
4 Years |
SOLAS |
Education and Training Boards & Institutes of Technology |
|
|
20 |
Metal Fabrication |
Level 6 |
4 Years |
SOLAS |
Education and Training Boards & Institutes of Technology |
|
|
21 |
Pipetting |
Level 6 |
4 Years |
SOLAS |
Education and Training Boards & Institutes of Technology |
|
|
22 |
Polymer Processing Technology |
Level 7 |
3 Years |
Athlone IT |
Institute of Technology Sligo (online element) |
Plastics Ireland, IBEC |
|
23 |
Sheet Metalworking |
Level 6 |
4 Years |
SOLAS |
Education and Training Boards & Institutes of Technology |
|
|
24 |
Toolmaking |
Level 6 |
4 Years |
SOLAS |
Education and Training Boards & Institutes of Technology |
|
|
FINANCE |
||||||
|
25 |
Accounting Technician |
Level 6 |
2 years |
Accounting Technicians Ireland |
ETBs: Cavan & Monaghan; City of Dublin; Dublin & Dun Laoghaire; Kildare and Wicklow |
Accounting Technicians Ireland |
|
26 |
Insurance Practice |
Level 8 |
3 Years |
IT Sligo |
- |
Insurance Institute of Ireland |
|
27 |
International Financial Services Associate |
Level 6 |
2 years |
National College of Ireland |
- |
Financial Services Ireland (FSI) |
|
28 |
International Financial Services Specialist |
Level 8 |
2 years |
National College of Ireland |
- |
Financial Services Ireland (FSI) |
|
ICT |
||||||
|
29 |
ICT Associate Professional Network Engineer |
Level 6 |
2 years |
Fastrack to Information Technology (FIT) |
Education and Training Boards |
FIT |
|
30 |
ICT Associate Professional Software Developer |
Level 6 |
2 years |
Fastrack to Information Technology (FIT) |
Education and Training Boards |
FIT |
|
HOSPITALITY |
||||||
|
31 |
Commis Chef |
Level 6 |
2 years |
Kerry ETB |
ETBs: Cavan & Monaghan; City of Dublin; Cork, Galway & Roscommon; Limerick & Clare |
Irish Hotel Federation (IHF) |
|
MOTOR |
|
|||||
|
32 |
Agricultural Mechanics |
Level 6 |
4 Years |
SOLAS |
Education and Training Boards & Institutes of Technology |
|
|
33 |
Construction Plant Fitting |
Level 6 |
4 Years |
SOLAS |
Education and Training Boards & Institutes of Technology |
|
|
34 |
Heavy Vehicle Mechanics |
Level 6 |
4 Years |
SOLAS |
Education and Training Boards & Institutes of Technology |
|
|
35 |
Motor Mechanics |
Level 6 |
4 Years |
SOLAS |
Education and Training Boards & Institutes of Technology |
|
|
36 |
Vehicle Body Repairs |
Level 6 |
4 Years |
SOLAS |
Education and Training Boards & Institutes of Technology |
238. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department has identified a need for additional primary school places in the Greystones area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13550/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, my Department carries out nationwide demographic exercises at primary and post primary level to determine where additional school accommodation is needed. As with other school planning areas nationwide, the demographic data for the area referred to by the Deputy will be kept under ongoing review by my Department to take account of updated data.
239. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated number of school places in the Greystones area; the number of children due to begin primary school in September 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13551/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra241. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a short review of demand in the Greystones area for primary school places will be conducted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13553/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra242. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to a high level of demand for primary school places in the Greystones area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13554/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 239, 241 and 242 together.
My Department has recently contacted all of the primary schools in the Greystones area to review their projected enrolments for September 2018. My Department will continue to liaise with the schools to keep the matter under review in the coming weeks with a view to assessing any accommodation needs arising in 2018.
Nationwide demographic exercises at primary and post-primary level are currently being carried out to determine where additional school accommodation is needed from 2019. Where demographic data indicates that additional provision is required, the delivery of such additional provision is dependent on the particular circumstances of each case and may, depending on the circumstances, be provided through either one, or a combination of, the following:
- Utilising existing unused capacity within a school or schools
- Extending the capacity of a school or schools
- Provision of a new school or schools.
240. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of new places provided for primary education in the Greystones area in the past five years; the number of additional spaces planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13552/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 2013, significant provision has been put in place in Greystones to cater for additional primary school places. This includes the construction of two new primary schools as well as providing 7 additional mainstream classrooms in existing primary schools. In total, this accommodation will provide capacity for approximately 1,000 pupils.
In addition, the building project to provide a permanent 24-mainstream classroom school for Greystones Community National School is currently at tender stage. This school, when constructed, will provide further capacity for over 600 pupils.
243. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of an appeal by a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13587/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department received an application from the school referred to for the provision of additional accommodation. The application was assessed by my Department and it was determined that there was no deficit of essential accommodation at the school. This decision was advised to the school authority.
My Department recently received a request from the school for a review of the application and this is currently being considered. My Department will be in further contact with the school when the review has been completed.
244. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of places available for mature students on the various nursing courses in GMIT Castlebar; his plans to provide additional places for mature students on these courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13594/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number of places set aside for mature students on the courses in question for 2018/19 are as follows:
- General Nursing - 4
- Psychiatric Nursing- 2
The current enrolment figures for mature students in both courses are documented in the following table.
Mature student enrolment figures for General and Psychiatric nursing in GMIT
|
- |
Year 1 |
Year 2 |
Year 3 |
Year 4 |
Total |
|
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (HONOURS) IN GENERAL NURSING |
8 |
9 |
9 |
10 |
36 |
|
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (HONOURS) IN PSYCHIATRIC NURSING |
5 |
7 |
4 |
8 |
24 |
|
Total |
13 |
16 |
13 |
18 |
60 |
It should be noted that while there are a specific number of places made available for mature students, there are also three separate entry routes for mature students, which can mean that the number of mature students on a course can exceed the number of places specifically set aside for mature students.
The three separate entry routes for mature students are as follows:
1. Through the CAO using a previous qualification - Leaving Certificate, FETAC level 5 or 6 in competition with all other entrants on points. Places are awarded in August.
2. Through the CAO using the mature students route as a special category - (candidates must be 23 on 1 January in the year of entry to the course) applying through the CAO and filling in pages 3 & 4 of the application form.
a. Applicants who are 23 on 1 January in the year of entry are automatically called for interview in the disciplines they are called for and whichever campus they have applied for in May and assessed on the basis of:
i. previous education work,
ii. experience and demonstrated ability,
iii. competence to undertake the programme.
b. Candidates are ranked in order from the interviews and places will be awarded in July and August, through the CAO
3. Through successful completion of one of the Access courses run by both NUIG and GMIT followed by a mature student’s interview.
The National Access Plan for Equity of Access to Higher Education (2015 - 2019) seeks to ensure that the student body entering into, participating in, and completing, higher education at all levels reflects the diversity and social mix of Ireland's population. This plan identifies 6 key target groups, one of which is first-time, mature student entrants, and contains actions to increase participation rates for this cohort.
245. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Education and Skills the name of each director and chairperson of the Donegal Education Centre in each of the years 2009 to 2017 and to date in 2018, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13595/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information sought by the deputy in relation to Donegal Education Centre is in tabular form as requested.
|
Year |
Chairperson |
Director |
|
2009 |
Francis Cunningham |
Sally Bonner |
|
2010 |
Bernadette Brennan |
Sally Bonner |
|
2011 |
Bernadette Brennan |
Sally Bonner |
|
2012 |
Bernadette Brennan |
Sally Bonner |
|
2013 |
Bernadette Brennan |
Sally Bonner |
|
2014 |
Jacqui Dillon |
Sally Bonner |
|
2015 |
Jacqui Dillon |
Sally Bonner/Jacqui Dillon |
|
2016 |
Rosaleen Grant |
Jacqui Dillon |
|
2017 |
Rosaleen Grant |
Jacqui Dillon |
|
2018 |
Rosaleen Grant |
Jacqui Dillon |
