Written Answers Nos. 147-166
147. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the OPW heritage facilities which are staffed by tour guides but which do not have parking or toilet facilities for visitors. [14306/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following table sets out the position at certain visitor sites where either public carparking or public toilets or both are not provided by OPW. All other Visitor sites within the portfolio have both Toilets and Carparking provided.
|
Site |
Public Toilets |
Public Car-parking |
Comments |
|
Charles Fort, Kinsale |
Yes |
No |
Public car-park adjacent to the site |
|
Ardfert Cathedral |
No |
No |
Public parking close to site. |
|
Gallarus Oratory and Castle, Kerry |
No |
No |
Car-parking and toilets provided at privately owned visitor centre |
|
Listowel Castle |
No |
No |
Public parking, toilets in adjacent Writers Centre |
|
Ross Castle, Killarney |
Yes |
No |
Car-parking on park lands, toilets in the curtilage of the monument but maintained by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Cultural, Heritage and the Gaeltacht |
|
Skellig Michael |
No |
No |
Toilets and Carparking provided at privately-run Visitor Centre in Portmagee, main departure point for the Island; toilets provided on all Boats by Private Boatmen. |
|
Kells Priory, Kilkenny |
No |
No |
Small car-park on private lands adjacent to the site |
|
St Marys Gowran |
Yes |
No |
Public parking close to site. |
|
Adare Castle |
No |
No |
Toilets and carparking provided in Adare Heritage Centre. |
|
Desmond Castle Newcastlewest |
Yes |
No |
Public parking close to site. |
|
Cahir Castle |
Yes |
No |
Public parking close to site. |
|
Main Guard, Clonmel |
Yes |
No |
Public parking close to site. |
|
Ormond Castle, Carrick on Suir |
Yes |
No |
Public parking close to site. |
|
Rock of Cashel |
No |
No |
Public parking close to site; OPW contributes a maintenance fee to Council for public toilets. |
|
Roscrea Heritage and Damer House |
Yes |
No |
Public parking close to site. |
|
Dungarvan Castle |
Yes |
No |
Public parking close to site. |
|
Reginalds Tower, Waterford |
No |
No |
Public parking close to site. |
|
Ballyhack Castle, Co. Wexford |
No |
No |
Public parking close to site. |
|
Ennis Friary |
No |
No |
Public toilets/car/coach parking close to site. |
|
Scattery Island, Kilrush |
Yes |
No |
Car parking available in Kilrush Marina, departure point for Visitor travel by ferry to Scattery Island. |
|
Donegal Castle |
Yes |
No |
Public parking close to site. |
|
Kilmainham Gaol |
Yes |
No |
Public parking/drop off and pick up by coach operators. |
|
St. Audeons Church, Dublin |
Yes |
No |
Public parking/drop off and pick up by coach operators. |
|
Athenry Castle |
Yes |
No |
Public car/coach parking close to site. |
|
Dún Aonghusa, Aran |
Yes |
No |
Public parking available at Rossaveal / Connemara Airport; departure points for travel by ferry/plane to Inishmore. |
|
Portumna Castle and Gardens |
Yes |
No |
Public car/coach parking close to site. |
|
Maynooth Castle |
No |
No |
Public parking close to site. |
|
Parke's Castle, Co. Sligo |
Yes |
No |
Public car/coach parking close to site. |
|
Hill of Tara, Co. Meath |
No |
No |
Public Parking, OPW provide support to Meath Co. Co. for public use of toilets by local operative. |
|
Knowth, Co. Meath |
Yes |
No |
Visitors do not travel to site directly; Shuttle bus service provided from Brú na Bóinne. |
|
Loughcrew, Co. Meath |
No |
Yes |
|
|
Trim Castle, Co. Meath |
Yes |
No |
Public car/coach parking close to site. |
|
Boyle Abbey, Boyle |
Yes |
No |
Public car parking close to site. |
|
Sligo Abbey |
Yes |
No |
Public car parking close to site. |
|
War Memorial Gardens, Dublin |
No |
Yes |
|
|
Kilkenny Castle |
Yes |
No |
Public car/coach parking close to site. |
|
Swiss Cottage, Cahir |
Yes |
No |
Public car/coach parking close to site. |
|
Dublin Castle |
Yes |
No |
Public car parking close to site. |
|
St. Mary's Abbey, Dublin |
No |
No |
Site Closed currently for works. |
|
Casino, Marino |
No |
No |
Public car parking close to site; site closed currently for works. |
|
War Memorial Gardens, Dublin |
No |
Yes |
|
|
Grangegorman Cemetery, Dublin |
No |
Yes |
|
|
Arbour Hill Cemetery, Dublin |
No |
No |
Public parking available close by. |
148. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will proceed with a playground at a location (details supplied) for which planning permission was obtained some time ago. [14307/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are no plans to proceed with the development of a playground at Oldbridge Estate, County Meath. While Planning Permission for a playground was granted in September 2011, it expired in November 2016. The development did not proceed due to a lack of funding resources at the time and a request for a financial contribution from local authority (Meath County Council) was declined.
149. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the applications submitted to the Office of Public Works by Kilkenny County Council in each of the past three years to address major flooding problems and under the minor works flood relief fund; if the local authority can submit minor works applications for areas included in the CFRAM reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14360/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraKilkenny County Council has written to the Office of Public Works in relation to the report it commissioned from Arup Engineering on individual property protection to address the flooding problems at Graiguenamanagh and Thomastown. Initial discussions have taken place between the Council and the OPW in relation to the report. The matter will be considered and discussed further between the two bodies with a view to agreeing the best way to deal with the flooding problems in the town. This consideration will have to have regard to the proposals for permanent flood relief schemes for the two towns included in the Flood Risk Management Plan under the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme.
The Flood Risk Management Plans under the CFRAM Programme have been submitted by the Commissioners of Public Works to the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform for approval. These Plans, which were widely consulted on locally, include other proposed projects for County Kilkenny (in addition to Graiguenamanagh and Thomastown) at Freshford, Inistioge, Piltown and Ballyhale. The implementation of larger projects in the Plans will be carried out on a phased and prioritised basis to be announced. However minor projects in the Plans which fall within the financial threshold of the Minor Works scheme, that is, up to an estimated cost of €750,000, and on approval of the Plans by the Minister, can be progressed by the Local Authorities with full funding from the OPW. Ballyhale falls within this category. If there are other localised minor works identified by Local Authorities within the areas covered by the CFRAM Plans then it is open to the Local Authorities to submit applications under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection scheme for those works. All applications will be considered within the criteria of the scheme.
Please see listed in tabular form the applications submitted under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection scheme by Kilkenny County Council in 2016, 2017 and 2018 to date.
Minor Works Scheme 2016- 2018
|
Project Location |
Project Details |
Approved Funding |
Date of Approval/Application |
|
Knockhouse to Portnascully |
Study |
€9,000 |
2016 |
|
Fanningstown and Owning |
Study |
€9,000 |
2016 |
|
Parksgrove, Ballyragget |
Flood Alleviation Works |
Under consideration 2018 |
150. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the percentage of persons employed in his Department that have a disability, expressed in whole-time equivalent terms and in head count terms; and the way in which the number of persons with disabilities employed compares with national targets. [14444/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table.
Each year, in accordance with the Disability Act 2005, the Department submits a report highlighting the percentage of staff within the department who have self-declared a disability. This information for all Departments and Offices is collated centrally by the Civil Service HR Policy Division within my Department and forwarded on to the National Disability Authority (NDA) for publication on their website. Statistical information from 2011 to 2015 for all Public Sector bodies can be found on their website at:
http://nda.ie/Publications/Employment/Employment-of-people-with-disabilities-in-the-public-service/
The last submitted report highlighting the percentage of staff within the department who have self-declared a disability for my Department was compiled on the 31st of March 2017 covering the year 2016. This information has not yet been published on the NDA website. However, I have included this in the table.
Disability statistics for the year 2017 are currently being collated.
|
Year |
Department |
Total Employed |
No of employees with disabilities |
% of employees with disabilities |
|
2011 |
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform |
309 |
20 |
6.5% |
|
2012 |
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform |
369 |
15 |
4.1% |
|
2013 |
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (inclusive of National Shared Services Office and Office of Government Procurement) |
507 |
22 |
4.3% |
|
2014 |
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (inclusive of National Shared Services Office and Office of Government Procurement) |
870 |
30 |
3.4% |
|
2015 |
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (inclusive of National Shared Services Office and Office of Government Procurement) |
1060 |
54 |
5.1% |
|
2016 |
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (inclusive of National Shared Services Office and Office of Government Procurement) |
1189 |
52 |
4.4% |
151. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a matter in relation to a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14308/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe criteria used for the allocation of teaching posts is published annually on the Department website. The key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September.
The staffing schedule operates in a clear and transparent manner and treats all similar types of schools equally irrespective of location.
The staffing schedule also includes an appeals mechanism for schools to submit a staffing appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeals Board. Details of the appeal process and application form are available in Circular 0010/2018, "Staffing Arrangements in Primary Schools for the 2018/19 School Year", which is published on the Department website.
The school referred to by the Deputy submitted an application for consideration by the Appeals Board at its March meeting under Criterion A – "Exceptional Accommodation Difficulties". The Appeals Board considered the appeal and determined that it did not warrant the allocation of an additional post under Circular 0010/2018.
The school has been notified of the outcome of the appeal. The Appeals Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
152. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the minimum amount of children needed for a school bus service, either to establish or retain a service. [14309/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.
Currently over 116,000 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 at a total cost of almost €190 million in 2017.
The purpose of the School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.
In general, children are eligible for school transport if they meet the distance criteria and are attending their nearest school.
Distance eligibility is determined by Bus Éireann by measuring the shortest traversable route from the child’s home to the relevant school.
Under the terms of the scheme a minimum number of 10 eligible children residing in a distinct locality, as determined by Bus Éireann, are required before consideration may be given to the establishment or retention of school transport services, provided this can be done within reasonable cost limits.
For school bus operating purposes a “distinct locality” is a cluster of eligible children who reside in the same general area, in the same general direction from the school attended, as determined by Bus Éireann taking cognisance of the local road network. A service to convey a group of children whose homes are at scattered points in a school district would not be considered.
The terms of the School Transport Scheme are applied equitably on a national basis.
153. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Education and Skills when the summer works scheme will open for applications for summer 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14330/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current Summer Works Scheme (SWS) 2016 -2017 was applied on a multi-annual basis. The Deputy will be aware that nearly 50% of schools have applied for inclusion under the scheme which reflects a very high demand.
Almost €80 million has been approved to date under the Summer Works Scheme, in respect of over 640 school projects in categories 1-6. Details of the successful school applicants are published on my Department's website www.education.ie.
The 2018 budgetary provision will allow my Department to meet the carry over costs of summer works projects already approved. The assessment of applications in the remaining categories 7-10, as well as proceeding with any future summer works scheme, is reliant on the availability of funding.
154. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education and Skills the percentage of children with complex special educational needs such as autism spectrum disorder; if it is safe to include them in a mainstream class in primary school; if there is a requirement of balance between children with and without special educational needs in classrooms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14334/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe policy of this Department is to ensure that all children with special educational needs can be provided with an education appropriate to their needs.
This Department provides for a range of placement options and supports for schools, which have enrolled students with special educational needs, in order to ensure that wherever a child is enrolled, s/he will have access to an appropriate education.
Where possible, provision is made for the inclusive education of children with special educational needs. Department policy is that children with special educational needs should be included where possible and appropriate in mainstream placements with additional supports provided. In circumstances where children with special educational needs require more specialised interventions, special school or special class places are provided for.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is an independent statutory body whose functions include planning and co-ordinating the provision of education and support services to children with special educational needs in conjunction with schools and the Health Service Executive (HSE). The NCSE, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from schools for special educational needs supports as required, once a child has been enrolled in a school.
The NCSE is also responsible for the establishment of special classes in mainstream primary and post primary schools. Special classes offer a supportive learning environment to students who are unable to access the curriculum in a mainstream class, even with support, for most or all of their school day. Special classes are for students who have a recommendation for a special class placement in their professional reports.
Autism is a spectrum disorder the characteristics of which can present themselves in a wide variety of combinations and can range from mild to severe. The NCSE’s Autism Policy Advice, published in 2015, did not recommend any restriction or limits on the numbers of children with Autism which could be present in one mainstream class, nor did they identify any criteria which might indicate a need for such limitations.
Circulars 0013/2017 for primary schools and 0014/2017 for post primary schools, published on 7th March 2017, set out the details of the new model for allocating special education teachers to schools.
The revised allocation process replaces the generalised allocation process at primary and post primary school level for learning support and high incidence special educational needs, and the NCSE allocation process which provided additional resource teaching supports to schools, to support pupils assessed as having Low Incidence disabilities.
The new Special Education Teaching allocation provides a single unified allocation for special educational support teaching needs to each school, based on each school’s educational profile.
The provision of a profiled allocation is designed to give a fairer allocation for each school which recognises that all schools need an allocation for special needs support, but which provides a graduated allocation which takes into account the actual level of needs identified in schools through the identification process.
This means that, where there are a higher number of children with special educational needs in a school, the school will receive a higher level of supports to support those children.
155. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a special needs unit in a school (details supplied) will open in September 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14335/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government is committed to ensuring that all children with Special Educational Needs, including those with autism, can have access to an education appropriate to their needs, preferably in school settings through the primary and post primary school network.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is an independent statutory body whose functions include planning and co-ordinating the provision of education and support services to children with special educational needs in conjunction with schools and the Health Service Executive (HSE).
The NCSE, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from schools for special educational needs supports as required, once a child has been enrolled in a school. The NCSE is aware of emerging need from year to year and where special provision is required it is planned and established to meet that need, including the establishment of special classes in mainstream primary and post primary schools.
Special classes offer a supportive learning environment to students with ASD who are unable to access the curriculum in a mainstream class, even with support, for most or all of their school day. Special classes are for students who have a recommendation for a special class placement in their professional reports.
The NCSE, in looking to open special classes, must take into account the present and future potential need for such classes, taking particular account of the educational needs of the children concerned. The NCSE will also take account of location and sustainability in looking to establish special classes in certain areas.
In addition, the NCSE will consider:
- the school’s accommodation and accessibility
- the number of special classes, if any, already in the school.
In order to identify need in any area for the forthcoming school year, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) refer to professional reports indicating students require the support of a special class. In this regard parents/guardians of students with ASD seeking a special class placement should provide the relevant professional report to their local Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO) to inform the planning process.
The report must state that:
- S/he has ASD
- S/he has significant learning needs that require the support of a special class setting and the reasons why this is the case.
The NCSE has advised officials in my Department that 2 new ASD Primary classes will be established in Firhouse Educate Together N.S for the forthcoming school year.
The Department continues to work with the NCSE to ensure that there is appropriate planning in place to ensure that all children who require special class placements can access such placements in schools within their communities.
In addition to 2 special classes, the special education teaching allocation provided for 2017/18 was maintained at the allocation that the school, referred to by the Deputy, received in the previous school year. In October 2017, the school was provided with an additional SEN allocation of 2.45 hours on the grounds that the school qualified for one additional developing mainstream teaching post. The school has now received a revised total special education teaching allocation which equates to over 2 full time additional Special Education Teachers. This is a very significant allocation for a school of this size, which has a current enrolment of 169 pupils.
DES Circular 0013/2017 for primary schools and 0014/2017 for post primary schools were published on 7th March 2017 which set out the details of the new model for allocating special education teachers to schools.
156. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 206 of 13 February 2018 and 259 of 27 February 2018, if he will provide a reply to the issue raised; if his office has been contacted by the Ceann Comhairle regarding the question; if he has consulted with the Secretary General of his Department on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14346/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraA response in this regard has issued to the Deputy.
157. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna maidir le ceist 190 ar 3 Deireadh Fomhair 2017, an dtabharfaidh sé soiléiriú maidir le stádas an iarratais atá déanta ag an scoil (sonraí tugtha), go háirithe ós rud é gur chuir an scoil an soiléiriú ar na costais a bhí iarrtha ag an Roinn isteach an 29 Meitheamh 2017; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [14372/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraCheadaigh mo Roinn deontas suntasach cineachta i mí Mheán an Fhómhair 2014 don scoil atá i gceist le haghaidh síneadh buan agus oibreacha athchóirithe a d’éascódh le gach foirgneamh réamhdhéanta a bhaint ó shuíomh na scoile.
Tá mo Roinn ag fanacht le tuilleadh faisnéise maidir le plean costas athbhreithnithe. Déanfar an cheist a scrúdú níos mó nuair a fhaigheann mo Roinn an t-eolas agus nuair a dhéanfar measúnú air.
158. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Skills the supports in place to help students with dyslexia go to third level education; and the allowances for the condition made in terms of points thresholds. [14385/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, through the Higher Education Authority (HEA), provides financial support through the Fund for Students with a Disability (FSD) to higher education institutions to ensure that they are adequately resourced to cater for the needs of students with disabilities.
This Fund provides grants towards the individual needs assessment, provision of services, purchase of equipment and provision of academic supports for students with disabilities. The scheme applies to students who have serious sensory, physical and/or communicative disabilities, including dyslexia.
The Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) offers places at reduced points to school leavers with disabilities. Admissions under the DARE scheme is regulated by the institutions themselves. Each higher institution determines its own admission policy in relation to DARE, the number of places they reserve for DARE and the allocation of those places.
159. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a decision to refuse an application by a school (details supplied) for additional school accommodation will be reconsidered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14392/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department received an application for the provision of additional accommodation at the school referred to in respect of both classroom and ancillary accommodation.
The application was processed and, having regard to the demographic information available for the school planning area within which the school in question is located, it was determined that there was sufficient capacity within the school planning area to meet the demand for primary school places. In that regard the application was not approved.
My Department recently received a request for a review of the application from the school and this is currently being considered. My Department will be in further contact with the school on the matter.
160. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the timelines on a new school build (details supplied) in County Kildare have changed; if the pre-tender documents are ready; and when construction will begin and be completed. [14394/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra169. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the timelines on a new school build (details supplied) in County Kildare have changed; if the pretender documents are ready; and when the construction will commence and conclude. [14475/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 160 and 169 together.
The major building project for the school to which the Deputy refers is at an advanced stage of architectural planning, Stage 2b – Detailed Design, which includes the applications for Planning Permission, Fire Cert and Disability Access Cert and the preparation of tender documents. All statutory approvals have been obtained.
A letter recently issued to the school and the Design Team outlining the projected timeframe for progression of this project to tender and construction stage and the steps involved.
The current status of this project is that it is expected to shortly complete stage 2(b) of the architectural planning process. This is the final stage of the design process for any school. The Design Team has indicated that it expects to complete and submit the stage 2(b) report for this project by early April 2018. The review by the Department of the stage 2(b) report generally takes between 10 to 12 weeks.
Upon receipt and review of the stage 2(b) report and providing no other issues arise it is projected that this project will be authorised to complete pre-qualification of Contractors in Quarter 3 2018.
161. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of a report due following a technical review carried out in October 2017 on two buildings as part of a school's inclusion in the capital programme 2019 for school buildings as part of an amalgamation with another school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14396/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise that a building project for the schools referred to is included in my Department’s 6 Year Capital Programme.
As the Deputy may be aware my Department undertook a technical assessment of the current school sites. The technical report is being finalised and the Department will be in contact with the schools when the work is complete.
162. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the percentage of his Department's budget allocated to programmes (details supplied) in each of the years 2014 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14400/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI set out a table outlining the information requested by the Deputy.
The Adult Literacy budget provides the funding for the Family Learning initiative.
|
- |
2014 €’m |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
|||||
|
% Dept Budget |
€’m |
% Dept Budget |
€’m |
% Dept Budget |
€’m |
% Dept Budget |
€’m |
% Dept Budget |
||
|
Adult Literacy inc. Family Learning |
24.707 |
0.31% |
26.04 |
0.32% |
24.274 |
0.30% |
25.749 |
0.29% |
* |
|
|
BTEI |
22.486 |
0.29% |
25.46 |
0.31% |
22.279 |
0.27% |
24.558 |
0.28% |
* |
|
|
PLC's |
6.501 |
0.08% |
7.32 |
0.09% |
7.153 |
0.09% |
5.946 |
0.07% |
* |
|
|
ITABE |
1.987 |
0.03% |
1.657 |
0.02% |
1.829 |
0.02% |
1.805 |
0.02% |
* |
|
|
Community Education |
10.279 |
0.13% |
10.173 |
0.12% |
11.18 |
0.14% |
10.311 |
0.12% |
* |
|
|
Skills for Work |
2.8 |
0.04% |
1.99 |
0.02% |
2.674 |
0.03% |
2.766 |
0.03% |
* |
|
|
ESOL |
1.085 |
0.01% |
1.38 |
0.02% |
1.903 |
0.02% |
* |
|||
|
Refugee Resettlement |
0.801 |
0.01% |
1.625 |
0.02% |
* |
|||||
|
Music Generation |
0.3 |
0.00% |
1.4 |
0.02% |
2.485 |
0.03% |
2.485 |
0.03% |
2.485 |
0.03% |
|
Department Budget (€'m) |
7,848.544 |
8,187.125 |
8,204.653 |
8,799.299 |
9,156.547 |
* Figures in respect of SOLAS progamme allocations for 2018 are not available until after the SOLAS planning process Q2 2018.
163. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a school (details supplied) was not awarded funding in the summer works scheme to replace windows; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14402/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current Summer Works Scheme (SWS) 2016 -2017 was applied on a multi-annual basis. The Deputy will be aware that nearly 50% of schools have applied for inclusion under the scheme which reflects a very high demand.
Almost €80 million has been approved to date under the SWS, in respect of over 640 school projects in categories 1 - 6. Details of the successful school applicants are published on my Department's website www.education.ie.
The 2018 budgetary provision will allow my Department to meet the carry over costs of summer works projects already approved. The assessment of applications in the remaining categories 7-10, including the application from the school referred to by the Deputy for a category 7 project, is reliant on the availability of funding.
I wish to advise the Deputy that the further works referred, in respect of the school in question, are appropriate to the SWS, as a category 3 project. It will be open to the school to apply under any future scheme for such works. Alternatively, the school may use its minor works grant, which all primary schools received late last year, to carry out the works in full or on a phased basis as the grant permits if the school consider the works to be a priority.
164. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the Student Grant Appeals Board has examined an application for a SUSI grant by a person (details supplied); the outcome of this appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14403/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder Section 21(2) of the Student Support Act 2011 an applicant has 30 days, from the date of the Appeals Officer's decision in the awarding authority, to submit their appeal to the Student Grants Appeals Board.
Under Section 21(3) of the Act, the Appeals Board may extend this period by a further 30 days, if it is satisfied that the applicant has given reasonable cause to so extend.
As the student to whom the Deputy refers did not submit an appeal within the statutory timelines provided for in the Act, the appeal is not admissible for consideration by the Board.
The Board does not have any discretion to extend the time period beyond that allowed for in the Act.
165. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Skills the percentage of persons employed in his Department that have a disability, expressed in whole-time equivalent terms and in head count terms; and the way in which the number of persons with disabilities employed compares with national targets. [14437/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Disability Act 2005 requires public bodies to promote and support the employment of people with disabilities and to achieve a target of 3% of staff with disabilities. In this Department in 2016 the percentage of employees with a disability under the definition of the Disability Act 2005 was 3.94% (head count) and 3.78% (whole time equivalent).
Under the comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities, which was published in 2015, the Government committed to progressively increasing the public employment target of 3% to 6%. This Department and its agencies will work to achieve the new targets in the coming years.
166. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the new building construction for a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow; the timeline for construction; if a schedule of accommodation has been provided to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14465/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, a building project for the school to which he refers is included in my Department's 6 Year Construction Programme. In the context of progressing the building project, my Department has undertaken a site visit to the school. The schedule of accommodation is currently being devised and will be provided to the patron, Kildare Wicklow Education Training Board (KWETB), when completed.
The building project will be devolved to KWETB for delivery and it is my Department's intention to engage with KWETB shortly in this regard.
