Seán Fleming
Ceist:540. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of a school project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33658/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchools Building Projects Status
Ceisteanna (540)
Freagraí scríofa
The major building project referred to by the Deputy is currently at Stage 2b – Detailed Design.
This project was authorised to commence the Pre-Qualification of Contractors in May 2018. I understand from the Design Team Leader that tender notice for the main contract was published on eTenders on 7 June 2018 with a deadline for receipt of documentation of 13 July 2018. The tender notices for the Mechanical and Electrical Reserved Specialists was advertised on eTenders on 21 June 2018 with a deadline for receipt of documentation of 22 July 2018. The pre-qualification and short-listing of suitable contractors normally takes between 8 and 12 weeks to complete. When pre-qualification is complete the project will then be progressed to tender stage.
The project is currently profiled to commence construction in Q3 2019. However, my Department has advised the school that if they are in a position to commence construction earlier in 2019, my Department can facilitate this.
Regarding the site, legal representatives for both parties are working together with a view to concluding the conveyancing. All parties continue the work to ensure the acquisition completes at the earliest possible date and at this point it is still not anticipated that the completion of conveyancing will impact on the timelines for delivery of the building project.
Schools Building Projects Status
Ceisteanna (541)
Seán Fleming
Ceist:541. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of a school building project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33672/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning - Stage 1. A revised Stage 1 submission, including an up to date cost plan, was requested from the Design Team following an increase in the schedule of accommodation to cater for up to 1200 pupils.
The Department has received the revised Stage 1 submission, which is currently being reviewed by the Professional and Technical staff in the Department.
The school and its Design Team will shortly be invited to meet with the Department to finalise the Stage 1 process and, subject to no issues arising, the project can be authorised to progress to Stage 2a - Developed Design.
Literacy Levels
Ceisteanna (542)
John Curran
Ceist:542. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of adults deemed to have low levels of literacy skills; his plans to address the issue; the level of funding being spent on adult literacy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33693/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland was one of 25 countries that participated in the first round of the OECD’s PIAAC survey in 2011-12, which was primarily undertaken to provide data on key adult skills, namely literacy, numeracy and problem solving in technology-rich environments. Ireland had the third highest response rate of participating countries at 72%, with almost 6,000 adults between the ages of 16 and 65 responding to the survey.
The survey found that on the literacy scale, Irish adults achieved an adjusted mean score of 266, slightly above the survey average score of 265, placing Ireland 19 out of the 34 countries that participated to date.
At the lower levels of proficiency, 17.9% of Irish adults scored at below level 1 for literacy proficiency compared to the survey average of 20.3% of adults across the 34 participating countries. This was an improvement when compared to the 1997 International Adult Literacy Survey (IALS), in which 22% of Irish adults were assessed as being at Level 1 or below.
Ireland will also participate in the next PIAAC survey, which will be published in 2023.
Adult literacy provision is delivered through a number of dedicated programmes delivered by the overall Education and Training Board (ETB) adult literacy service. Last year, over €33 million was provided to support adult literacy and numeracy provision for over 60,000 beneficiaries, with a further 16,000 availing of www.writeon.ie, an interactive web site to help people improve their reading, writing and numbers skills online.
A number of key policy initiatives/strategies are being implemented which are expected to improve Ireland’s outcomes in the key areas. These include the implementation of the recommendations of the adult literacy review published in 2013 via the Further Education and Training (FET) Strategy 2014 -2019 and the FET Literacy and Numeracy Strategy. These included the recommendation that participants on adult literacy programmes are offered more intensive provision, with a minimum of six hours a week. Since the publication of the FET Strategy, a number of other strategies have been published which include recommendations relevant to promoting literacy and numeracy through the use of technology enhanced learning and building the competence of learning practitioners and associates in the FET sector to deliver stand alone and integrated literacy and numeracy provision. The FET Literacy and Numeracy Strategy sets out 12 inter- related elements which aim to promote, develop and encourage literacy and numeracy skills in the adult population.
Progress to date includes the development and launch of the national awareness campaign, ‘Take the First Step’, development of national guidelines for the initial and on-going screening and assessment of participants, and the publication of a number of research projects including the examination of integrating literacy and numeracy in FET programmes and an examination of barriers to participation in FET programmes.
My Department has also begun work on the development of a plan for the implementation of the EU Council Recommendation on Upskilling Pathways: New Opportunities for Adults Recommendation – which aims to help adults with less than upper second level education acquire a minimum level of literacy, numeracy and digital skills.
Gaeltacht Policy
Ceisteanna (543)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:543. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of children enrolled in primary and secondary schools which have opted into the Gaeltacht schools recognition scheme; and the number of teachers employed by primary and secondary schools which have opted into the scheme. [33694/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Based on annual returns, there were 14,024 children enrolled in both primary and post-primary schools that have opted into the Gaeltacht School Recognition Scheme for the academic year 2017/2018. 7,724 of these children were enrolled in primary schools and 6,300 were enrolled in post-primary schools.
In the 2017/2018 school year there were 1074.67 teachers allocated to primary and post-primary schools that have opted into the Scheme (i.e. 499 primary teachers and 575.67 post-primary teachers).
Schools Building Contractors
Ceisteanna (544)
Seán Fleming
Ceist:544. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills the discussions he has had with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform regarding putting arrangements in place to ensure that persons that carry out work on school building projects are paid for their work as sub-contractors in cases in which the main sub-contractor encounters financial difficulties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33701/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Construction Contracts Act was developed in consultation with industry to address poor payment practices in the construction sector. The Bill was introduced to Seanad Éireann in 2010 and received cross-party support in both Houses. It was enacted in 2013. The Act applies to all construction contracts entered into after 25 July 2016.
The Construction Contracts Act imposes minimum terms on all construction contracts, whether written or oral, and provides the tools necessary to enforce payment. The tools include a maximum payment interval of 30 days and a requirement to honour payment requests within 30 days for subcontractors, a right of suspension for non-payment, and a right to refer a payment dispute to adjudication.
Like other major construction projects, school building projects involve a complex arrangement of contractual relationships between the client, the main contractor and various sub-contractors and suppliers. In general, all sub-contractors and suppliers engaged on education sector building projects are employed directly by the main contractor, or indirectly by the main contractor through other sub-contractors.
The Department of Education and Skills is not party to these contractual arrangements and does not have any role or authority in relation to payment or other contractual issues arising. However, sub-contractors on school building projects may exercise the remedies available to them under the Construction Contracts Act in order to secure their payment entitlements.
While the Construction Contracts Act does not cut across the rules for company insolvency proceedings, the magnitude of the exposure that many sub-contractors currently face upon the insolvency of a contractor would not arise if the provision for payments were insisted upon and the remedies available were exercised when payment was not forthcoming.
Regulation of Lobbying
Ceisteanna (545)
Micheál Martin
Ceist:545. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number and name of the groups he met each month to date in 2018 which fall under the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33708/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015 designates the Standards in Public Office Commission (SIPO) as the Registrar of Lobbying. The Commission established and maintains the on-line register of lobbying and oversees compliance with the legislative provision.
Anyone engaging in lobbying activities from 1st September 2015 is required to keep a record of these activities and submit them to the on-line Register within 21 days after the end of each four month period. The obligation is with the lobbyist to register and submit appropriate returns. The Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015 does not set out any requirements for Designated Public Officials (DPOs) to register, submit returns, or validate information contained in the returns submitted by lobbyists.
Every 4 months, officials in my Department review all lobbying activity contained on the SIPO Lobbying Register in respect of DPOs within my Department and a list of lobbyist contacts is circulated to all DPOs within my Department for information.
Third Level Fees
Ceisteanna (546)
Michael McGrath
Ceist:546. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of students attending third-level colleges in which courses are provided that qualify for tax relief on tuition fees in each year since 2014; the number that paid fees in excess of the student contribution charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33796/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I refer the Deputy to the following estimated number of students paying in excess of the student contribution charge since 2014. Numbers calculated are based on the total number of students enrolled in publicly funded institutions, minus the students eligible for free fees who would be paying the Student Contribution charge (or may have it paid for them by SUSI).
|
|
2013/14 |
2014/15 |
2015/16 |
2016/17 |
|
*Estimated Number of Students paying fees in excess of the Student Contribution |
84,000 |
86,000 |
94,000 |
96,000 |
*The Deputy should be aware that these figures are estimated as some of these students may be in receipt of individual scholarships, bursaries or courses funded from other sources.
I would also advise the Deputy that my Department does not have details regarding the numbers of students in receipt of tax relief on courses. All details in respect of tax relief are a matter for the Revenue Commissioners and the Minister for Finance.
Educational Projects
Ceisteanna (547)
Michael McGrath
Ceist:547. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the timeline for the delivery of the planned education campus at Ballinrea, Carrigaline, County Cork; when he expects the project to go to tender, the commencement of construction and the occupancy of the three new school buildings; if the capital funding is in place for the delivery of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33800/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Carriagline Campus Project has been devolved for delivery to the local Education and Training Board (ETB).
The pre-qualification of contractors for the project is currently underway. When this has been finalised, the project will be ready to proceed to tender. It is not possible to say when construction will commence until the tender process has been completed and a contract awarded. I can confirm that capital funding is fully committed for the project.
School Accommodation Provision
Ceisteanna (548)
Michael McGrath
Ceist:548. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the plans in place to meet the temporary and permanent accommodation needs of a school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33809/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The school to which the Deputy refers was established in 2016 and was located on a temporary basis in part of Nagle Community College, Mahon, Blackrock, Co. Cork.
However due to the school's continued growth it has been necessary to identify and secure alternative interim accommodation. The project to identify a suitable alternative location for the school was devolved to the Patron Body, Educate Together. Educate Together have secured alternative accommodation in Griffith College Cork, Wellington Road, Cork for the next two years with an option to extend if necessary.
The school building project for the permanent school is being delivered under my Department’s “Rapid” Design & Build programme. The brief is to provide a new 600 pupil post primary school with a 3 classroom Special Needs Unit on a green field site at Carrigaline Road, Ardarrig, Douglas, Co. Cork. The application for planning permission was lodged with Cork County Council on the 10th July 2018. The project is expected to proceed to tender in Quarter 4 of 2018.
Teacher Training Provision
Ceisteanna (549)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:549. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Skills the average cost of providing cover for one day of mandatory training per primary and secondary school teacher. [33886/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Teachers at primary and post primary level can access a range of CPD through the teacher support services funded by my Department. This programme of support is often further funded through the provision of substitution cover for teachers attending events organised by the support services and programmes. The average cost of Substitution cover for one day CPD training for a primary teacher is €192. The average cost of Substitution cover per day for a post primary teacher is €201.
Student Grant Scheme Eligibility
Ceisteanna (550)
Seán Fleming
Ceist:550. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the decision not to approve a grant for an undergraduate course at a college (details supplied) will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33899/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The duration of the course in question is 5.5 years and is being provided at a higher education institution outside of Ireland. It is classed as a Long Cycle Master's Programme (9-12 semesters). The awarding authority assess and award it as an integrated masters course. This course leads to a masters qualification Level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications.
As the first 4 years are the undergraduate element of the course and the final 1.5 years are the masters element of the course, the awarding authority awards funding for the 4 years undergraduate element. Under the terms of the student grant scheme postgraduate studies abroad is not funded, even if it’s part of an integrated Master’s course.
Departmental Expenditure
Ceisteanna (551)
Michael McGrath
Ceist:551. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the cost of insurance under headings (details supplied) for his Department and each body under its aegis; the cost of the premium for 2018 or the premium paid in 2018 if the policy year straddles two calendar years; the comparable premium amount paid in 2017; the number of outstanding insurance claims against his Department or bodies under its aegis; the estimated cost of those claims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33997/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department is guided in its consideration of the need for insurance by the stipulations of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform's Public Financial Procedures guidance document. Sections C.8 (11 and 12) of the Public Financial Procedures, which offers guidance for all Government Department's in regard to their consideration of insurance risks and also offers general guidance that the Exchequer, in the main, carries its own insurance.
The National Treasury Management Agency is designated as the State Body which operates with a commercial remit to provide asset and liability management services to Government and is designated as the State Claims Agency when performing the claims and risk management functions delegated to it under the National Treasury management Agency (Amendment) Act, 2000.
With regard to bodies under the aegis of my Department, the information sought is not collated centrally, and is a matter for each body.
If the Deputy has an interest in a particular third party state body the Department will endeavour to obtain the information for him.
Irish Language
Ceisteanna (552)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:552. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 110 of 30 May 2018, if he will provide costings for the implementation of the education components of the five-year action plan for Irish 2018 to 2022 in each of the years 2018, 2019 and 2020, in view of the action plan being finalised. [34010/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Education Chapter of the 5 year plan for Irish, which was launched on 29th June, has 48 actions that involve my Department. This involvement is spread across at least 6 different sections of the Department and requires input from six of the Departments Aegis bodies.
My Department is coordinating a response to the matter raised by the Deputy and, when completed, will be writing to him directly in relation to same.
Student Grant Scheme Reform
Ceisteanna (553)
Kathleen Funchion
Ceist:553. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reasoning behind a change in legislation regarding the evaluation of non-euro income for the purposes of the SUSI grant to include reference to the Central Bank in view of the fact it has claimed its exchange rates are merely for information purposes and should not be used as a benchmark; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34011/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Student grant applications are means tested on gross income from all sources earned inside and outside the State within a specified reference period.
Under Article 22(1) of the Student Grant Scheme 2018, where income is in a currency other than euro, the euro equivalent of the gross amounts must be provided using the Central Bank of Ireland Annual Average exchange rates for the relevant year.
This approach provides transparency to applicants and ensures consistency in assessment practice when equating incomes earned in a currency other than Euro.
Technological Universities Status
Ceisteanna (554)
Mary Butler
Ceist:554. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the technological university for the south-east; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34068/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
It is a matter for the relevant Institutes of Technology in a consortium to lead on the progression of their plans to seek designation as a technological university. The four such consortia are at different stages of development, dependent on their particular circumstances. For example, the first application for TU designation under the Technological Universities Act 2018 from the Dublin Technological University Alliance, comprising Dublin Institute of Technology, Institute of Technology Blanchardstown and Institute of Technology Tallaght, was granted by the Minister for Education and Skills on 17 July 2018. A draft Ministerial order appointing the day of establishment of the new TU will be laid before each House of the Oireachtas for approval in the forthcoming legislative term.
In relation to the Technological University for the South East (TUSE) consortium of the Waterford Institute of Technology and the Institute of Technology Carlow, the Minister of State for Higher Education, Mary Mitchell O’Connor T.D., has met with the Presidents and Chairs of both IoTs on a number of occasions this year with a view to encouraging the progression of the TUSE development project. It is understood that the consortium is progressing its work with a view to submitting an application for TU designation by the end of 2018 and it has stated this publicly. In this context it is further understood that an external chairperson has recently been appointed to the project steering group and that this group met most recently on 19 July 2018.
The TUSE consortium has received some €720,000 in Exchequer funding to date to advance their project. Recommendations from the HEA in relation to the latest 2018 call for funding submissions in respect of €10m in Exchequer funding available for TU consortia projects are currently being reviewed by my Department, including in relation to the TUSE submission, with a view to announcements being made on final allocations as soon as possible. Allocations will be predicated not least on the demonstration of the material progression of projects to date. In this context Minister Mitchell O’Connor announced the first component of the funding on 17 July 2018, with an allocation of €4.4 million being made towards the continuing development of the Technological University Dublin.
Student Grant Scheme Eligibility
Ceisteanna (555)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:555. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will examine the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34094/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the terms of the student grant scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students on eligible full-time courses who meet the prescribed conditions of funding including those which relate to nationality, residency, progression and means.
I understand that the student in question was awarded full grant assistance for the normal duration of his course.
While there is provision in the scheme for a student to apply for grant assistance in respect of a repeat period of study, it is a matter for the individual student to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the awarding authority that there were exceptional circumstances. Further details can be obtained on SUSI’s website at https://susi.ie/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Guidelines_2018-Scheme_.pdf.
Student Grant Scheme Appeals
Ceisteanna (556)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:556. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will address a matter regarding the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34200/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I understand that the person to whom to Deputy refers, recently received a decision from an appeals officer in SUSI.
Where an applicant is aggrieved by a determination of an appeals officer, he or she may, pursuant to section 21 of the Student Support Act 2011, appeal that determination to the statutory independent Student Grants Appeals Board (SGAB). Under the Act, appeals to the SGAB have to be made within 30 days of the decision from the appeals officer.
Departmental Expenditure
Ceisteanna (557)
Jack Chambers
Ceist:557. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Education and Skills his Department's spending on travel and subsistence expenses in 2017 and to date in 2018. [34212/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am providing details as follows as requested by the Deputy.
The table below shows the details of domestic Travel and Subsistence expenses for the Department of Education and Skills as processed through the travel claim system. It does not include the costs associated with foreign travel, which are being collated and will be issued to the Deputy when ready.
The 2018 figures cover the period January to June and the 2017 figures cover the period January to December.
|
Claim Type |
2017 |
2018 |
|
Subsistence Allowance |
€544,273.78 |
€288,793.44 |
|
Hotels |
€3,104.59 |
€2,305.04 |
|
Air Tickets |
€248.99 |
|
|
Taxis |
€1,724.44 |
€2,762.53 |
|
Mileage Allowance |
€903,199.77 |
€541,831.48 |
|
Travel Miscellaneous |
€7,565.92 |
€11,925.88 |
|
Public Transport |
€124,403.36 |
€47,567.70 |
|
Car Parking |
€2,297.15 |
€4,127.38 |
|
Tolls |
€10,686.66 |
€4,711.09 |
|
Total |
€1,597,504.66 |
€904,024.54 |
Consultancy Contracts Expenditure
Ceisteanna (558)
Jack Chambers
Ceist:558. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Education and Skills his Department's expenditure on photography and other promotional services including the creation of social media content in 2017 and to date in 2018. [34229/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The following tabular statement contains details of expenditure at my Department on photography in 2017 and 2018. There has been no separate expenditure on social media content.
|
Year |
- |
- |
€ |
|
2018 |
12 June 2018 - Music Bursary Awards 2018 |
SON Photographic LTD |
430.5 |
|
2018 |
14 May 2018 - Launch at Warrenmount Primary School |
Maxwell Photography |
375.15 |
|
2018 |
5 April 2018 - HEI Marino Contract Signing |
Fennell Photography |
162.03 |
|
2018 |
4 April 2018 - Launch of P.E as a Leaving Cert Subject |
Maxwell Photography |
412.05 |
|
2018 |
28 March 2018 - Photography for Turning of the Sod at Grangegorman |
Maxwell Photography |
356.7 |
|
2018 |
7 February 2018 - Action Plan for Education Launch |
Maxwell Photography |
473.55 |
|
2017 |
21 December 2017 - Minister Mitchell O'Connor Funding Announcement |
Maxwell Photography |
430.50 |
|
2017 |
20 December 2017 - Minister Bruton Computer Science Accouncement |
Maxwell Photography |
393.60 |
|
2017 |
11 December 2017 - Physical Education Announcement |
Maxwell Photography |
412.05 |
|
2017 |
6 November 2017 - Gender Taskforce Launch |
JCP Photography |
492.00 |
|
2017 |
17 October 2017 - Minister Bruton Photocall |
Fennell Photography |
109.25 |
|
2017 |
6 September 2017 - Minister Halligan Portraits |
Maxwell Photography |
504.30 |
|
2017 |
25 August 2017 - Minister Bruton Portraits |
Maxwell Photography |
223.86 |
|
2017 |
23 August 2017 - Minister Mitchell O'Connor Portraits |
Maxwell Photography |
189.42 |
|
2017 |
26 June 2017 - Music Generation Photography |
Fennell Photography |
369.00 |
|
2017 |
20 June 2017 - Digital Strategy Launch |
Maxwell Photography |
522.37 |
|
2017 |
25 April 2017 - Active Schools Week Launch |
Maxwell Photography |
499.38 |
|
2017 |
14 March 2017 - Literacy and Numeracy Strategy |
Fennell Photography |
497.20 |
|
2017 |
6 February 2017 - Department Action Plan Launch |
Phocus Photography |
492.00 |
Consultancy Contracts Expenditure
Ceisteanna (559)
Jack Chambers
Ceist:559. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Education and Skills his Department's expenditure on public relations in 2017 and to date in 2018. [34246/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department did not incur any expenditure on public relations in 2017 or in the 1st quarter 2018.