Timmy Dooley
Ceist:51. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the amount spent on facilitating departmental members' attendance at social media training conferences or other external events. [19394/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraDepartmental Staff Training
Ceisteanna (51)
Freagraí scríofa
My Department has not incurred any cost in facilitating departmental members' attendance at social media training conferences or other such external events.
Passport Applications Administration
Ceisteanna (52)
David Cullinane
Ceist:52. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied); if a public services card is a requirement in order to make an application for a renewal passport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19339/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Since 29 March 2016, the Passport Service has required all first time passport applicants, aged 18 and above, who are resident in Ireland to hold a valid Public Services Card (PSC). This requirement also applies to the small number of adult passport applicants, whose passport was issued before 1 January 2005 and has been reported as lost, stolen or damaged and those whose passport expired more than five years ago. If an applicant falls in to one of the above mentioned categories of applicant, their application must include a copy of their PSC. I am informed by the Passport Service that the most recent passport issued to the individual referred to expired more than five years ago and hence a copy of the individual’s PSC is required to be submitted with their renewal application. A key principle behind the concept of the PSC is that the delivery of services is more efficient when a person’s identity does not have to be authenticated at every transaction. With specific reference to the issuance of passports, the introduction of the PSC requirement has allowed the Passport Service to dispense with requirements for certain additional documentation and reduces the overall volume of documentation that Irish citizens must submit when applying for a passport. The PSC requirement is now a key resource in the Passport Service’s efforts to combat fraud and identity theft and uphold the integrity of the Irish passport.
With reference to the legal basis for the Minister to request a copy of an applicant’s PSC, Section 7(1)(b) of the Passports Act 2008 (as amended) requires that the Minister be satisfied as to an individual’s identity before issuing an Irish passport to that person. Sections 7(2) and 7(3) allow the Minister to seek such documentary evidence and information as may be needed to establish and verify an applicant’s identity.
Foreign Conflicts
Ceisteanna (53)
Seán Crowe
Ceist:53. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the statement from a group (details supplied) in which the group apologised for the hurt caused to victims of its armed actions; his views on whether the statement from the group is an important contribution to peace and reconciliation; his plans to request the Spanish and French Governments to respond positively to this statement and to help build a fair, comprehensive and irreversible peace in the Basque country and to deal with the issue of political prisoners. [19381/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have noted the public statement from ETA on 20 April and the response of the Spanish authorities. I sincerely hope that the conflict is at an end, and that the people of Spain are never subjected to such violence again.
Human Rights Cases
Ceisteanna (54)
Seán Crowe
Ceist:54. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact the deadline for appealing a 20 March 2018 decision from a chamber of the European Court of Human Rights, ECHR, regarding the torture of persons (details supplied); and if he will support the request of these persons to appeal the 20 March 2018 decision to the Grand Chamber of the ECHR. [19382/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I refer the Deputy to my answer to question no. 70, Ref No: 17815/18, on Tuesday, 1 May 2018, which is repeated here.
On 20 March last, the European Court of Human Rights issued its judgment on the Government’s application for a revision of the ruling in the 1978 Ireland v UK case. The ruling is being fully considered by the Government. It is important to note that, although the Court dismissed the Government’s application for a revision, nothing in the ruling alters the Court’s original 1978 judgment that the men suffered inhuman and degrading treatment, in breach of Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
The question of seeking a referral of the ruling to the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights is a decision for the Government, taking account of advice from the Attorney General. There is a window of three months after the judgment by the Court for a referral.
No decision has yet been reached on this matter. The ruling needs to be considered fully and carefully and that is now being done.
My thoughts at this time are with the men who were subjected to the appalling treatment and who have had to deal with long-lasting adverse effects in the decades since. I met with a group of the men and close family members of some of the other victims and their legal representatives on 24 April, in order to hear their views and experience.
They are understandably disappointed with the ruling by the European Court of Human Rights in March. I listened very carefully to their views on this ruling, and those of their legal representatives. I also noted that any further information or views that they may wish to provide as the Government considers the ruling by the European Court of Human Rights should be provided to my Department as soon as possible and this will be considered fully.
My Department has maintained contact on an ongoing basis with the legal representatives of the men and their families as appropriate, since the Government submitted an application in 2014 for a revision of the 1978 Ireland v UK case. This contact will be maintained in the period ahead.
Human Rights Cases
Ceisteanna (55)
Seán Crowe
Ceist:55. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that four men in Bahrain were recently sentenced to death by a Bahraini military court on charges of trying to kill the head of the country’s armed forces (details supplied); if he will raise the cases with his Bahraini counterpart; and if he will request their release and for Bahrain to end the use of capital punishment. [19383/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am aware of the case raised by the Deputy, and I am concerned by reports of the conduct of this trial, and by the original death sentences imposed.
I am also aware that the death sentences of the four men in question were commuted by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa last week and that life sentences have now been imposed. Ireland condemns the use of the death penalty in all circumstances, and I welcome that these death sentences have been commuted. I am, however, deeply concerned about the renewed use of capital punishment in Bahrain since 2017, which was extremely disappointing since Bahrain had not used the death penalty since 2010. The continued imposition of death sentences throughout 2017 and 2018 remains a cause for grave concern. This move is a backwards step in Bahrain’s efforts to improve its human rights record, and only serves to reinforce the concerns that I have recently expressed in this House about the deteriorating human rights situation in Bahrain. Ireland is unequivocal in its stance on the death penalty. We oppose 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.
Ireland’s concerns about human rights issues in Bahrain are regularly conveyed to the Bahraini authorities, including through the Bahraini Embassy in London and through Ireland’s (non-resident) Ambassador to Bahrain. In February of this year, officials from my Department met with the Ambassador of Bahrain in Dublin, and raised Ireland’s concerns about the human rights situation in Bahrain.
Officials from my Department have also raised our concerns about Bahrain in relevant human rights fora. At the Human Rights Council in Geneva in March 2018, Ireland made reference to Bahrain in our national Item 4 statement, highlighting our grave concerns over the ending of the de facto moratorium on use of the death penalty, and “reaffirmed our strong and unequivocal opposition to capital punishment in all circumstances and for all cases”. Ireland also supported an EU statement under Item 4 (Human Rights situations that require the Council’s attention) which reiterated calls on Bahrain “to maintain its commitments as to the respect of freedom of speech and human rights defenders.” Officials from my Department had previously raised ongoing human rights concerns with Bahrain in the context of its Universal Periodic Review, which took place in Geneva in May 2017.
My Department will continue to monitor the situation in Bahrain, and will continue to call on the Bahraini Government to make good on their stated commitment to make progress in the area of human rights, including in relation to the death penalty.
Departmental Staff Training
Ceisteanna (56)
Timmy Dooley
Ceist:56. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the amount spent on facilitating departmental members' attendance at social media training conferences or other external events. [19398/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy has not specified a timeframe for this question I can confirm that during the most recent financial years 2016 and 2017 my Department has not spent any money on facilitating departmental staff attendance at social media training conferences or other social media-related external events. From time to time the Department’s eighty missions overseas may incur modest miscellaneous expenses in relation to attendance at social media training conferences or events.
Disabled Drivers and Passengers Scheme
Ceisteanna (57)
Frank O'Rourke
Ceist:57. Deputy Frank O'Rourke asked the Minister for Finance his plans to review the criteria for the primary medical certificate under the disabled drivers and disabled passengers scheme in view of the UN ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19371/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme provides relief from VAT and VRT (up to a certain limit) on the purchase of an adapted car for transport of a person with specific severe and permanent physical disabilities, payment of a Fuel Grant, and an exemption from Motor Tax.
To qualify for the scheme an applicant must be in possession of a Primary Medical Certificate. To qualify for a Primary Medical Certificate an applicant must satisfy one of the conditions set out in the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations (SI 353 of 1994).
The scheme represents a significant tax expenditure costing €65m in each of 2016 and 2017. This figure does not include the revenue foregone in respect of the relief from Motor Tax. Given scale and scope of the scheme, I have no plans to amend the qualifying medical criteria at this time.
Help-To-Buy Scheme Administration
Ceisteanna (58)
Michael McGrath
Ceist:58. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if a query raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding the help-to-buy scheme will be addressed. [19373/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised by Revenue that a Help-to-Buy application was received from the persons in question on 20 April 2018 and was approved on 27 April 2018. Revenue have also advised me that it contacted the persons on 1 May 2018 who confirmed that they had received the approval notification.
Departmental Staff Training
Ceisteanna (59)
Timmy Dooley
Ceist:59. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Finance the amount spent on facilitating departmental members' attendance at social media training conferences or other external events. [19397/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I wish to advise the Deputy that during 2016 the following expenditure was incurred by the Department in relation to the following training:
Certificate for Press Officer €1,560.
MA in Political Communication €3,600
Knowledge Development Box
Ceisteanna (60, 70)
Michael McGrath
Ceist:60. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of indigenous SMEs that have applied for the knowledge development box relief; the number of indigenous SMEs that have successfully availed of the knowledge development box; the value of the benefit to SMEs in total; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19518/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Billy Kelleher
Ceist:70. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Finance the number of firms that have applied for the knowledge development box scheme for small and medium enterprises since being established by size with less than ten, 11 to 49 and 50 to 249 employees respectively, in tabular form. [19554/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 60 and 70 together.
There are a number of features in the Knowledge Development Box (“KDB”) which are specifically included to encourage claims by SMEs. For example, larger companies are required to apply transfer pricing standards to the documentation which is required to support a claim for relief under the KDB. While SMEs will need to have records to support any apportionments made, the administrative burden placed on them is lower in recognition of their status.
In addition, while larger companies may only claim relief in respect of searched and examined patents or copyrighted software, smaller companies may be able to claim relief in respect of a third category of assets. That third category is essentially assets which are patentable, but not patented. In order to make a claim in respect of these assets, the company must apply to the Controller of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks for certification that the assets are eligible.
Last year, the Oireachtas passed the Knowledge Development Box (Certification of inventions) Act 2017 which provides for that certification. Companies cannot claim the tax relief associated with these assets until they receive certification from the Controller of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks. The Patent Office has published detailed guidance on applying for this certification
https://www.patentsoffice.ie/en/About-Us/IP-for-Business/Knowledge-Development-Box/KDB-Certificate/
I have been advised by the Patents Office that they have not received any applications to date in relation to the KDB certificate for SME’s. However, I would note that the KDB certificate has only been available to firms since last year, through the introduction of the KDB (Certificate of Inventions) Act 2017, and firms may yet be considering applications for the certificate. Furthermore, firms of all sizes can avail of the KDB scheme through the usual patent process.
Banking Sector Data
Ceisteanna (61, 62, 63, 64)
Michael McGrath
Ceist:61. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of banks that have reached and not met their loan to value exemption limit in 2018, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19519/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMichael McGrath
Ceist:62. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of banks that reached and not met their loan to value exemption limit in 2017, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19520/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMichael McGrath
Ceist:63. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of banks that have reached and not met their loan to income exemption limit in 2018, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19521/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMichael McGrath
Ceist:64. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of banks that reached and not met their loan to income exemption limit in 2017, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19522/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 61 to 64, inclusive, together.
For reasons of confidentiality, the Central Bank of Ireland does not disclose information on individual banks. However, the Central Bank is in a position to disclose aggregate level information, and has provided the information in the following table. This outlines the 2017 year-end position for Loan to Value (LTV) and Loan to Income (LTI) by Private Dwelling Home (PDH) and Buy to Let (BTL) for First Time Buyers (FTB) and Second time and Subsequent Buyers (SSB). The total value of 2017 residential mortgages in-scope of regulations was €6.9 billion, of which €6.7 billion was PDH lending, and for BTL was €0.2 billion. The table below shows the level of lending which was over the various LTV and LTI limits as set out in the macroprudential rules.
Table 1 : Overview of New Mortgage Lending - January 1st to December 31st 2017
|
- |
Nos. |
|
SSB lending of which SSB over LTV limit |
17 |
|
PDH over LTI limit |
18 |
|
BTL over LTV limit |
4 |
The Central Bank prepared a report on Macroprudential Measures and Irish Mortgage Lending, giving an overview of 2017. The report is available at the following link:
https://www.centralbank.ie/docs/default-source/publications/financial-stability-notes/no-1-2018-macroprudential-measures-and-irish-mortgage-lending-an-overview-of-2017-(kinghan-lyons-mazza).pdf?sfvrsn=5
Where a regulated financial service provider advances €50 million or more in residential housing loans over a six monthly period it will be required to submit data via data monitoring templates on a six monthly basis or any other period that the Central Bank may specify in writing. Compliance with the measures will be determined on an annual basis.
Help-To-Buy Scheme Data
Ceisteanna (65, 66)
Michael McGrath
Ceist:65. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons, as distinct from couples, who availed of the help-to-buy scheme in 2017 by ratios (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19523/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMichael McGrath
Ceist:66. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of couples who availed of the help-to-buy scheme in 2017 by ratios (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19525/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 65 and 66 together.
The Help-to-Buy scheme allows for multiple applicants to apply for relief on the same property, assuming that each applicant meet the conditions of the scheme. It is not a requirement that where there is more than one applicant that the applicants be married or in a civil partnership.
I am advised by Revenue that data on the marital status of the applicants is not available in the manner requested by the Deputy. However, it is possible to provide the requested breakdown on the basis of the number of applicants. I am further advised by Revenue that this data is not readily available for 2017 only, but is provided from the start of the scheme to the end of April 2018.
|
Loan-to-Value Ratio |
1 Applicant |
2 Applicants |
3 Applicants |
|
70%-74.99% |
262 |
629 |
0 |
|
75%-79.99% |
169 |
646 |
0 |
|
80%-84.99% |
198 |
899 |
0 |
|
85%-89.99% |
297 |
1,534 |
0 |
|
90% & over |
342 |
1,915 |
<10 |
|
Total |
1,268 |
5,623 |
<10 |
Tax Reliefs Data
Ceisteanna (67, 68, 69)
Michael McGrath
Ceist:67. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 126 and 128 of 19 April 2018, the number of employees within the Revenue Commissioners who are dedicated to working on EIIS applications; if they are specifically dedicated to the EIIS scheme; if not, if they are assigned as part of their wider work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19526/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMichael McGrath
Ceist:68. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 126 and 128 of 19 April 2018, and tables three to five therein, the number outstanding between zero and three, three and six and over six months, respectively, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19527/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMichael McGrath
Ceist:69. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question Nos 126 and 128 of 19 April 2018, the number outstanding in January, February and March 2018; the number outstanding for initial applications excluding cases in which additional information was requested; the number of follow-on case work excluding cases in which additional information was requested; the number of initial applications that are outstanding due to the fact additional information was requested; the number of follow-on applications that are outstanding due to the fact that additional information was requested; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19528/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 67 to 69, inclusive, together.
I understand that the Deputy is referring to Parliamentary Question Nos. 128 and 129 of 19 April 2018.
I am informed by Revenue that there is a dedicated team which looks after applications for relief under the Employment and Investment Incentive (EII) and the Start-Up Relief for Entrepreneurs (SURE). There is currently 4 full time equivalent staff in this team.
In relation to the number of applications open for 0-3 months and for 3-6 months, owing to the way Revenue tracked correspondence it is not possible to provide this information for files dealt with prior to August 2017. As set out in my replies to Parliamentary Question Nos 128 and 129 of 19 April 2018, an open item may be the subject of ongoing correspondence with Revenue during that period. The length of time it is open refers to the length of time from when the application was made to when it is fully dealt with.
All files are dealt with in date order. However, where additional information is requested from a taxpayer they are given a 14 day window and if they reply within that window they remain at the top of the queue, rather than being returned to the end of the queue, as would happen if a strict date order approach was taken.
The following table sets out the age distribution of cases open at the end of each month:
|
Month |
No. open items |
Open 0-3 months |
Open 3-6 months |
Open 6+ months |
|
August 2017 |
164 |
133 |
31 |
- |
|
September 2017 |
186 |
165 |
21 |
- |
|
October 2017 |
277 |
227 |
50 |
- |
|
November 2017 |
189 |
152 |
37 |
- |
|
December 2017 |
187 |
170 |
17 |
- |
|
January 2018 |
189 |
83 |
103 |
3 |
|
February 2018 |
188 |
63 |
119 |
6 |
|
March 2018 |
180 |
75 |
96 |
9 |
There are two stages to the EII relief and both require an application at the appropriate time. Therefore the figures of outstanding cases constitute a combination of the original application for the main relief (30/40s) and the follow-on application (10/40s) relating to the increase in employment.
Of the open cases at the end of January, February and March 2018:
- 80% are EII1 applications (the initial 30/40 relief) and
- 20% are EII1As (the 10/40 relief which may be claimed after 4 years).
In each of the months, approximately 150 EII1 applications were outstanding and approximately 30 EII1As (these figures are approximate on a monthly basis as records are updated in batches).
The breakdown as regards cases in which additional information was required is as follows:
|
|
|
New Applications not yet reviewed* |
Further information required and requested – no response received* |
Further information required, requested and received* |
|
EII |
80% of open cases |
40% |
50% |
10% |
|
EII1A |
20% of open cases |
85% |
8% |
7% |
* Expressed as a percentage of EII1 / EII1A claims as appropriate
There are also two stages in the working of each of these applications – an initial screening for completeness of application and the case-working of the application for certification. At both stages, further information may need to be requested, and during the casework stage specific queries emerge that require further correspondence.
Of the new applications screened to date, less than one percent are fully complete for processing. Revenue expects this to improve as applicants begin using the new detailed application form designed to address the problems evidenced in the application process.
Question No. 70 answered with Question No. 60.
Tax Credits
Ceisteanna (71)
Billy Kelleher
Ceist:71. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Finance the number of firms by size with less than ten employees, 11 to 49, 50 to 249 and more than 250 employees respectively, that have applied for the research and development tax credit in each of the years 2010 to 2017 since being established. [19555/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised by Revenue that the numbers of companies availing of the research and development tax credit in the years 2010 to 2016, the latest year available, is shown in the table below. The number of companies shown for each year includes companies offsetting the credit against their profits for the year and also companies with refundable tax credits in the year. Please note that information for 2016 is provisional and subject to change.
Number of Companies availing of R&D Tax Credit
|
Year |
Less than or equal to 10 employees |
11 and 49 employees |
50 to 249 employees |
250 employees or more |
|
2010 |
428 |
394 |
252 |
98 |
|
2011 |
505 |
497 |
292 |
115 |
|
2012 |
549 |
554 |
313 |
127 |
|
2013 |
549 |
584 |
326 |
117 |
|
2014 |
528 |
563 |
341 |
138 |
|
2015 |
502 |
560 |
330 |
143 |
|
2016 (Provisional) |
447 |
530 |
327 |
152 |
The source of the information is the Corporation Tax return matched against employer returns. As company structures are sometimes organised in such a way that employees are paid by one company in a group, it may appear that a company has low numbers (or no) employees but actually the employees are employed by a different company within the group.
Tax Exemptions
Ceisteanna (72)
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:72. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance the basis for applying a tax and exemptions to products (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19556/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Sugar Sweetened Drinks Tax (SSDT) is provided for by Chapter 2 of Part 1 of the Finance Act 2017. The tax commenced on 1 May 2018 and applies to first supplies in the State of sugar sweetened drinks. Sugar sweetened drinks are water and juice based drinks, in ready to consume or concentrated form, that contain added sugar and have a total sugar content of 5 grams or more per 100 millilitres in their ready to consume form.
The tax applies on a volumetric basis at one of two rates, dependent on the total sugar content of the ready to consume form of the sugar sweetened drink. A rate of €16.26 per hectolitre applies to drinks with a total sugar content of 5 grams or more, but less than 8 grams, per 100 millilitres. A higher rate of €24.39 applies to drinks with a total sugar content of 8 grams or more per 100 millilitres.
A sugar sweetened drink contains added sugar if sugar is combined with other ingredients in its production or manufacture. If no sugar has been added, such as in the production of a pure fruit juice, then the drink does not contain added sugar and is not liable to SSDT. Where sugar has been added, the basis of assessment of the drink is the total sugar content of the drink in its ready to consume form. This means that a drink containing both naturally occurring and added sugar is assessed for the tax by reference to the total amount of sugar it contains in ready to consume form.
Where a sugar sweetened drink that contains added sugar is first supplied in the State in a concentrated form, such as a cordial or squash, the tax will apply if the total sugar content of the drink prepared from the concentrate is 5 grams or more per 100 millilitres.
Certain drinks, such as alcohol-free beers and wines, drinks based on soya, cereals, nuts or seeds, or drinks that contain milk fats and those labelled as food supplements, are excluded from the tax. In addition, any drinks excluded from EU food labelling obligations on the basis of their small scale production are not liable to the tax. For reasons of clarity, a legislative amendment will be brought forward in this year's Finance Bill to ensure that some of these exempt categories are exempt from the tax only where they deliver calcium levels comparable to dairy.
Comprehensive details regarding the operation of the tax are provided on the Revenue website at
https://www.revenue.ie/en/companies-and-charities/excise-and-licences/sugar-sweetened-drinks-tax/index.aspx .
Departmental Staff Training
Ceisteanna (73)
Timmy Dooley
Ceist:73. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount spent on facilitating departmental members' attendance at social media training conferences or other external events. [19402/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has had no expenditure in relation to attendance by departmental staff at social media training conferences or other external events.
School Staff
Ceisteanna (74, 76)
Jackie Cahill
Ceist:74. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the situation in which the principal at a school (details supplied) is a teaching principal will be reviewed in view of the fact the role of the principal should be that of walking principal to ensure that the staff resources at the school are properly utilised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19355/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraJackie Cahill
Ceist:76. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the status of a principal at a school (details supplied) will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19385/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 74 and 76 together.
The 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 criteria for the appointment of an administrative principal to a school, which are enrolment related, are set out in Appendix B of Circular, 0010/2018. The school referred to by the Deputy does not meet this criteria. There is no scope to deviate from these arrangements.
The staffing schedule operates in a clear and transparent manner and treats all similar types of schools equally irrespective of location.
DEIS Status
Ceisteanna (75, 98)
Dara Calleary
Ceist:75. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding DEIS status for a school (details supplied) in County Mayo. [19365/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraDara Calleary
Ceist:98. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a decision has been made in respect of a DEIS status application by a school (details supplied) in County Mayo; the reason the school has been excluded from the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19465/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 75 and 98 together.
Schools are not required to make an application for inclusion in the DEIS programme, as all schools are assessed using a new uniform identification model.
We have, for the first time, introduced an objective, statistics based model for deciding which schools merit inclusion in the DEIS Programme, so that all stakeholders can have confidence that we are targeting extra resources at those schools with the highest concentrated levels of disadvantage.
The key data sources used in the DEIS identification process are the DES Primary Online Database (POD) and Post-Primary Online (PPOD) Databases, and CSO data from the National Census of Population as represented in the Pobal HP Index for Small Areas which is a method of measuring the relative affluence or disadvantage of a particular geographical area. Variables used in the compilation of the HP Index include those related to demographic growth, dependency ratios, education levels, single parent rate, overcrowding, social class, occupation and unemployment rates. This data is combined with pupil data supplied by schools, anonymised and aggregated to small area, to provide information on the relative level of concentrated disadvantage present in the pupil cohort of individual schools.
A detailed document explaining the methodology used in the Identification process is available on the Department’s website at
www.education.ie/en/Schools-Colleges/Services/DEIS-Delivering-Equality-of-Opportunity-in-Schools-/DEIS-Identification-Process.pdf .
It is important to note that schools included in DEIS with effect from September 2017 are those whose level of disadvantage has been identified as those schools serving the highest concentrations of disadvantage among their pupil cohort. Schools which have not been included at this stage are those which have not been identified as having the highest levels of concentrated disadvantage amongst their pupil cohort, under the new identification model.
It is also important to note that this is the first step in a process and the fact that a school has not been included now does not preclude its inclusion at a later date, should the assessment indicate a level of disadvantage that warrants additional supports.
As the Deputy will be aware, an update of the identification model is currently underway. This will take account of updated school data as provided by schools for the current school year combined with the Pobal HP Index of Deprivation, based on CSO Small Area Population statistics derived from the 2016 National Census. It is envisaged that this process will be completed in the coming weeks.
Should this exercise reveal that any school, including the school referred to by the Deputy, 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.