Written Answers Nos. 140-164
140. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if he will report on ongoing negotiations with his EU counterparts and the European Commission on the proposed EU digital tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37411/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that on 21 March 2018 the European Commission published two proposed Directives which seek to tax certain digital activities differently within the EU.
The first is an ‘interim’ solution for a 3% levy on turnover from certain digital service activities. The second is ‘comprehensive solution’ requires an overhaul of international taxation, establishing the concept of a “digital permanent establishment”, allowing countries taxing rights over the digital business carried out by a company in that country, even where that company has no physical presence there.
The interim proposal is being debated among Member States – both at technical and political level. Most recently, it was discussed at the informal ECOFIN on 8 September 2018. I welcomed the opportunity to discuss the proposal with my EU counterparts and there was a healthy debate. While it is clear that there is widespread preference for a global solution, Ministers remain divided on the need for interim EU measures. Technical discussions on the proposal will continue.
Ireland will continue to actively engage on this matter with our fellow Member States and at OECD level to meet the challenges and opportunities that arise from the digitisation of the economy.
141. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance when the LPT review will be completed; the engagement that has taken place with the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, local authorities and the Revenue Commissioners regarding the design of the new LPT regime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37412/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently finalising the review of the LPT in conjunction with the Departments of Public Expenditure and Reform, Housing Planning and Local Government, the Taoiseach and the Revenue Commissioners.
The review has included a consultation process to enable all interested parties and individuals including local authorities to submit their views on the future of the LPT.
142. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if his Department has assessed the impact on VAT revenue from residential property sales of new residential schemes being built on a build-to-rent basis; if changes are required in respect of this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37414/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe sale and leasing of residential property is treated differently for VAT purposes under Irish and EU VAT law. The EU VAT Directive 2006, with which Irish VAT law must comply, provides that residential property must be charged to VAT while residential leases must be exempt from VAT. In this context, build-to-rent developments are exempt from VAT.
While the sale of residential property generates VAT for the Exchequer and the renting of property does not, it is not a loss to the Exchequer if more properties are developed for rent than sale; it is merely a function of the VAT system.
143. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if his Department has made an assessment of the impact of the US Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 in respect of foreign direct investment and revenue here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37416/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, Foreign Direct Investment has been a key contributor to Ireland’s economic development and growth. It has provided rewarding employment for over 300,000 people directly and a transformation of the enterprise base in Ireland.
Changes in the US tax system are very relevant for Ireland given the large volume of US investment in Ireland. My officials in the Department of Finance, and the Irish Embassy in the US, continue to monitor the situation regarding US Tax reform and continue to engage with business and others to fully understand the potential impacts of the changes to US taxation. Further Regulations remain to published by the US Treasury and IRS in respect of how parts of the new US tax rules will operate.
The level of investment from the US into Ireland cannot be attributed just to corporate tax policy – that is not a fair reflection of the many other reasons that companies choose to locate in Ireland. Factors such as availability of physical and technological infrastructure, availability of skilled staff, access to the EU market as well as culture and quality of life are also significant and important considerations.
US business will always want to have operations in the EU, and Ireland will remain very competitive and attractive as an EU location to invest in and do business from. US multinationals locating real substantial activity in Ireland will continue to be subject to Irish tax at 12.5% on their profits properly attributable to activity located in Ireland.
Ireland’s corporation tax regime will continue to be competitive while also offering long-term certainty to international business. As always, we will remain alert and responsive to any changes in the US or global tax environment.
144. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance his plans to increase the exemption levels on a tax (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37691/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraSugar 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 SSDs. SSDs 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 exemption limit for small producers of 13,000 litres per annum is linked to the definition of ‘manufacturer of small quantities of products’ as laid out in S.I. 559 of 2016 European Union (Provision of Food Information to Consumers) Regulations and is based on the requirements for exemption from EU food labelling obligations as set out in Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011. This provides a firm administrative basis for applying the tax.
The relatively low limit for the exemption from the SSDT reflects the public health policy rationale, the feedback received from the Public Consultation on the introduction of the SSDT and also the need to comply with State aid rules.
The public consultation on the introduction of the tax on sugar sweetened drinks in 2016/7 included a question on the application of the tax to small producers. All of the respondents who replied to this question indicated a preference for not providing exemptions for small producers, whether on public health grounds or to comply with State aid rules.
The SSDT is part of the government's Obesity Policy and Action Plan aimed at reducing obesity, particularly in children, in the context of high levels of overweight and obesity in Ireland and high levels of consumption of sugar sweetened drinks. By providing a financial incentive to producers to reformulate their product and to consumers to choose healthier drinks, the Government is seeking to rebalance the sources of energy in people's diet to better align with the HSE's Healthy Eating Guidelines and Food Pyramid.
Therefore the application of the SSDT should be as broad as possible. Providing for a higher 'small producer' exemption limit would serve to undermine the public health rationale for the tax and put the European Commission’s positive State aid decision on the tax as a whole in doubt.
Accordingly, I have no plans to change the exemption provisions.
145. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Finance the reason for the reduction in a person's (details supplied) tax credits; the process by which the person can appeal same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37762/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Revenue that the person in question recently had their tax credits reduced to take account of taxable Illness Benefit and Contributory State Pension payments provided to their spouse by the Department of Employment and Social Protection (DEASP). These payments were awarded after the person had received their original 2018 tax credit certificate.
It was subsequently noticed the person’s spouse did not receive the PAYE Tax Credit of €1,650, which they were entitled to. This had the effect of reducing the person’s overall tax credits below the level required to take account of the tax due on the Illness Benefit and the Contributory State Pension.
Revenue has confirmed that the error is now rectified and the person is receiving their correct overall tax credits. Revenue has also confirmed this and made direct contact with the person to explain how the taxation of Illness Benefit and the Contributory State Pension operates and to apologise for the non-allocation of their spouse’s PAYE Tax Credit.
The person confirmed that they are happy with the revised position and have no further issues.
146. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Finance the estimated cost of doubling the number of dogs in the Revenue Commissioners' dog unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37831/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Revenue that they currently operate a complement of 23 Detection Dog Teams, each consisting of one detection dog with a trained handler. This number is due to increase to 25 by the end of 2018 and reflects operational requirements.
I am advised by Revenue that it continuously reviews detection dog requirements having regard to risk assessments and operational needs. The number of detection dog teams is adjusted, as necessary, in the light of such ongoing reviews.
The initial cost of each additional detection dog is approximately €100,000. This includes the cost of a trained detection dog, salary of the handler, 8 weeks training for the handler with the dog, a fully fitted out dog transport van, a kennel and associated security at the handler’s home. The ongoing annual cost would be in the region of €40,000 which would include salary, allowances, uniform, food, vet bills and other related costs.
147. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Finance if a company (details supplied) is regulated by the Central Bank; if so, if he will request the Central Bank to investigate a matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37844/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe company referenced by the Deputy is a private limited company and is not a regulated financial services provider, therefore it is outside the regulatory remit of the Central Bank of Ireland. For the same reason, it is outside my remit as Minister.
148. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the OPW will appoint engineering consultants for the planned State data centre at Backweston, Celbridge, County Kildare; when planning permission will be sought for the project; when construction on the project will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37808/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraEngineering consultant tenders were received on 10 September 2018. They are presently being assessed. Planning application is due to be lodged in Quarter 4 2018. Construction tender documents will be issued in Q 2 2019. On-site work should commence in Quarter 4 2019.
149. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of building contractors that have expressed an interest in constructing the new State forensics laboratory at Backweston, Celbridge, County Kildare, by the closing date of 7 September 2018; when tenders will be invited for the construction project; when construction will commence and cease on the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37809/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Main Building Contractors for this project have already been shortlisted.
The closing date of 7 September 2018 was the return date for ‘submissions of interest’ for the specialist mechanical, electrical and clean room element of the works to the new Forensic Science Laboratory at Backweston. Six submissions were received from contractors by the 7 September 2018 deadline and are currently undergoing evaluation. Both successful and unsuccessful candidates will be notified in due course upon completion of the evaluation process.
Tenders will be invited in Quarter 4 2018. Construction will commence Quarter 2/3 2019 with completion in Quarter 4 2021.
150. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the political advisers being used by senior and junior Ministers by his Department since the commencement of this Government; the commencement dates of the employment of each; and the cessation dates of same employment in cases in which that applies. [36703/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to inform the Deputy that non-civil service appointments in my Department are made in line with “Instructions to Personnel Officers - Ministerial Appointments for the 32nd Dáil”, which include “Guidelines on staffing of Ministerial offices” issued by my Department.
The details of each Special Adviser appointment I have made to a role in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform are shown in the following table.
|
Name |
Commencement Date |
Cesssation Date |
|
Deborah Sweeney Special Adviser |
06/05/2016 (reappointed as SA to DPER & Finance 15/06/2017) |
N/A |
|
Stephen Lynam Special Adviser |
06/05/2016 (reappointed as SA to DPER & Finance 15/06/2017) |
16/03/2018 |
|
Niamh Callaghan Special Adviser |
17/05/2018 |
N/A |
151. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to open the round tower in Kells, County Meath, to tourists; and if there have been reports or studies carried out by the OPW regarding the tower. [36992/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn support of local heritage and tourism interests, the Office of Public Works is committed to facilitating public access to the Round Tower at Kells. In preparation for the formal Consent process under the National Monuments Act that must precede it, OPW has undertaken preliminary work. The overall project will proceed as resources allow and having regard to other urgent priorities. However, it must be noted that there is a considerable amount of work to be undertaken and it is not possible as yet to say when it will be completed.
152. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when a decision will be made on an application by Galway County Council for funding for coastal erosion works in the village of Leenane along the seafront; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37179/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Office of Public Works (OPW) that €58,500 was approved in May 2018, under its Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection scheme, for a project at Leenane Village.
Galway County Council, who are progressing the project, have advised that the emergency works to reopen the road to two lanes have now been completed and a consultant is being engaged to look at longer term solutions for both the road and Leenane village.
153. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the review process the Office of Public Works will be engaged in regarding the use of the Phoenix Park for the visit of Pope Francis; if local residents will be given an opportunity to give their view regarding the disruptions in their community and the use of the Phoenix Park for such events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37240/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, consultation with local residents associations took place before the Papal visit in order to minimise disruption and inconvenience. Following the visit, a debrief took place with all agencies involved. The question of any disruption to residents outside the Phoenix Park is a matter for Dublin City Council. The Office of Public Works takes all relevant aspects into account, including possible effects on nearby residents, when considering any event. Such events are generally subject to licence from Dublin City Council.
154. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if funding for minor works in County Cork will be released in view of an application (details supplied). [37260/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been advised by the Office of Public Works that the application submitted under its Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection scheme by Cork County Council for flood relief works at the identified location is currently under consideration.
155. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the Public Service Superannuation (Age of Retirement) Bill 2018; the indicative timeline for its progression; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37374/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 5 December 2017, the Government decided to increase the compulsory retirement age to 70, for most public servants recruited prior to 1 April 2004. The majority of these public servants currently have a compulsory retirement age of 65.
Primary legislation is required for the new compulsory retirement age to be implemented and to that end, a Bill entitled the Public Service Superannuation (Age of Retirement) Bill 2018, was published on Monday 9 July and passed all stages in the Seanad on Tuesday 17 July. The Bill is being treated as a priority and the intention is to secure enactment of the legislation as early as possible in the current term.
The main provisions of the Bill are that:
- The vast majority of public servants recruited prior to 1 April 2004 will have a new compulsory retirement age of 70;
- Those public servants will continue to accrue retirement benefits up to the new compulsory retirement age of 70, subject to a maximum of 40 years' service;
- The "uniformed pension fast accrual" group, i.e. Gardaí, Firefighters, Prison Officers and the members of the Permanent Defence Force, will be unaffected by these changes.
The new compulsory retirement age will not come into effect until the legislation is commenced. In order to make some accommodation for public servants who reach the age of 65 in the period between the Government Decision of 5 December and the commencement of the necessary legislation, the Government approved some limited interim arrangements which became effective from the date of the Government Decision. The interim arrangements (which have to respect the current statutory position of the compulsory retirement age of 65), through retire and re-hire, enable pre 2004 public servants who reach the age of 65 to remain in employment only until they reach the age of eligibility for the State Pension (Contributory), which is currently 66.
156. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the areas of the public sector that are experiencing the most acute recruitment and retention problems; the measures he is taking to address these problems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37599/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe subject of overall recruitment and retention issues in the public service was examined by the Public Service Pay Commission in their first report in May 2017. After a comprehensive investigation, they found that "In general, evidence suggests that there are not significant recruitment difficulties to the various large scale public service vocational streams. However, there are problems in the case of some specific and specialist groups across the public service."
This conclusion is supported by the strong growth in public service numbers since the ending of the Moratorium. Between Q4 2013 and Q2 2018 the public service increased by 11% or over 35,000 staff from 288,217 to 322,868. Included in these numbers are over 12,000 teachers, over 4,300 nurses, nearly 1,500 Gardaí and almost 1,800 doctors and dentists. Importantly, it should be understood that this increase has been sufficient to replace all leavers (including retirements) from the public service while still growing overall numbers employed.
As such the evidence suggests that the public service is a good employer offering competitive terms and conditions including flexible working arrangements, decent pension provisions, fair wages that increase over time and secure employment.
The second report of the Public Service Pay Commission, published on 4 September, went further and investigated recruitment and retention difficulties in some of the specific areas previously identified, starting with the health sector. Where a difficulty was identified, the PSPC were to further examine the full range of causal factors, including, remuneration, planned future adjustments to remuneration under the PSSA, supply constraints on qualified staff, career structures, work environment, and HR practices etc.
The main findings of the report were that there were no generalised recruitment and retention problems in respect of nursing and midwifery but some difficulties exist in meeting workforce requirements in specific areas, that training and promotion are the key influencers of migration and turnover in NCHDs and that there is a general difficulty in recruiting consultants, with certain specialities and locations experiencing more significant problems.
There is a commitment between Public Service employers and staff representatives to meet within four weeks to discuss issues around implementation of recommendations outlined in the Report. Arrangements are being made for this engagement.
Finally it is worth noting that the next report of the Public Service Pay Commission will explore recruitment and retention issues impacting on other grades and sectors of the Public Service, including the Defence Forces. It is expected that this report will be completed at the end of 2018 or early 2019.
157. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a review will be undertaken by the OPW into the preparations for the Papal visit focusing on the degree of co-ordination between the different State bodies (details supplied), in particular, if more timely and more accurate information could have been provided to residents living in the zones in which entrance and access was severely restricted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37649/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraA number of State Agencies and Departments including Department of An Taoiseach, Department of Foreign Affairs, An Garda Síochána, HSE, OPW and Dublin City Council were involved in the complex logistical planning for the Papal visit which involved separate arrangements at the following locations : Áras an Uachtaráin, Dublin Castle, the Papal City Route, the Pro Cathedral, Capuchin Day Centre, Ireland West Airport, Knock Shrine, Phoenix Park, Media Centre Dublin Castle, Media Centre Phoenix Park, Media Centre Ireland West Airport, Media Centre Knock Shrine, Papal Visit Control Room - Dublin Castle.
This posed a significant challenge, bearing in mind current health, safety and welfare requirements, and was exacerbated to a degree by limited notice of the specific details of the visit which resulted in a very short planning timeline for an event of this scale, involving multiple locations.
The location with the greatest impact on local residents was the mass in the Phoenix Park. The OPW Event Management Unit worked with a dedicated Business and Community liaison team and engaged in a detailed process of communication with local residents and businesses with the following actions:
- 26 July - 200 A4 Flyers and business cards distributed to City centre businesses.
- 8 & 9 August - Business Briefings in Printworks Dublin Castle. Attended by 140 businesses.
- 4 & 5 August - 400 x A3 full colour posters distributed. Advance Notification of Community Briefing in The Castleknock Hotel.
- 10 August - Community Briefing at The Castleknock Hotel. Attended by 120 people.
- 14 – 21 August – An Post mail distribution of 144,000 booklets containing list of road closures, ‘Dear Community’ letter and contact information. These were delivered to residents and businesses in the City to advise them of restrictions in place that may impact them in advance of and during the Papal Visit. Copies of the booklet were also available from Dublin City Council, Dublin Town Kiosks, local Garda stations and from the OPW offices in Phoenix Park.
- 18 & 19 August - 60 x A3 full colour posters distributed in Smithfield, Stoneybatter and Navan Road areas re forthcoming community briefing.
- 20 August - 130 businesses and residents attended Community Briefing in Parish Hall, Prussia Street, Stoneybatter, D.7
- 20 – 27 August – Dedicated Papal Visit Helpline live in Dublin City Council.
- 23 August - 4,900 full colour A4 double-sided leaflets delivered to each of the seven designated pedestrian routes giving advance notification to residents and businesses of the large numbers of pedestrians expected to walk along these roads and the suspension of parking on their roads.
The widespread road closures around the Phoenix Park and at Knock, which probably had the greatest impact on local residents, were implemented entirely to ensure the health and safety of all those anticipated to be attending the events as well as of the residents themselves.
A post event brief, involving all Agencies involved, has already taken place.
158. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of general operative positions in the eastern region of the Office of Public Works he plans to fill within the next 12 months; and the length of time the OPW plans to run the panel which was put in place for such positions. [37849/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works (OPW) recently set up a panel for appointment to seasonal and fixed-term fillable positions at the grade of General Operative Band 3 in the OPW Flood Risk Management - Eastern Drainage and Construction Region. The panel will remain in place until 1 June 2020. Staffing levels in the Eastern Region are currently in line with Workforce plan levels and while there are no current plans to make appointments from the panel, it is likely that a number of appointments will be made, from same, during the period that the panel is in effect.
159. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of an action (details supplied) under the Action Plan for Rural Development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37122/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Action Plan to Expand Apprenticeship and Traineeship in Ireland 2016-2020 sets out a series of detailed actions and annual targets on how the expansion commitments in the area set out in the Action Plan for Education will be met. Over the lifetime of the plan 50,000 learners will register on apprenticeship and traineeship programmes. This represents a more than doubling of activity by 2020.
This Government is committed to expanding the apprenticeship model into new sectors of the economy. Arising from our two calls for apprenticeship proposals in 2015 and 2017 fourteen new apprenticeships have been developed in a wide range of sectors, including financial services, engineering, ICT, hospitality, logistics and accounting. Further new apprenticeships across a wide variety of sectors including construction, engineering, horticulture and agriculture will get underway later in 2018 and throughout 2019.
As well as developments in new apprenticeships, as the employment and economic situation continues to improve, we have seen strong growth in registrations across the craft trades nationally during 2017 with 4,508 at year end, which represents a 20% increase on 2016.
This Government is also prioritising the expansion of traineeship offerings. To date, an additional thirteen new traineeships have been developed in areas such as hospitality, engineering, logistics and animation. These new programmes will complement the existing programmes on offer. The programmes have been designed by ETBs working in collaboration with employers to meet identified skill needs. In addition, eligibility criteria on participation has been broadened to include school leavers, older learners and people in employment.
Apprenticeships and traineeships have a good regional spread and the delivery of Action Plan to Expand Apprenticeship and Traineeship will bring real opportunities for learners and employers throughout the country.
160. 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. [37326/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.
In the 2017/18 school year over 117,000 children, including over 12,000 children with special educational needs, were 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.
Bus Éireann has advised that the forms referred to by the Deputy, which are medical forms that nominated drivers of contractors complete, while they appear similar serve different purposes.
One is to be completed when there are no underlying issues that would prevent a person from having a review on their medical at either 6 or 12 month intervals and the other is to be completed where there are underlying issues or the driver is over 66 and requires a review at either 6 or 12 month intervals.
The person referred to by the Deputy is advised to contact the local Bus Eireann office if they have any issues they wish to clarify.
161. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the selection criteria used for non-EU citizens applying to Irish medical schools; if these applications are at the discretion of each individual school; and if the CAO is involved in these applications as it is with ones from within the EU. [37640/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra162. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if Irish medical schools can admit non-EU students ahead of Irish students of equivalent academic standard if the Irish student is prepared to pay the same fees. [37641/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 161 and 162 together.
Universities in Ireland are autonomous institutions under the Universities Act, 1997. The entry requirements and selection criteria for entry to academic programmes, including medicine, is a matter for, and at the discretion of, each higher education institution. This applies to both EU and non-EU students.
In relation to EU students, medical schools operate within a quota of places at both undergraduate entry and graduate entry. The quota arose from the Fottrell Report and was determined by medical workforce planning needs.
Non-EU students are admitted outside this quota and through a separate entry stream. Applications are generally made directly to the University through the international admissions office and the CAO is not generally utilised for this purpose.
Depending on their country of origin, non-EU applicants are required to meet certain entry requirements such as relevant secondary school or college entry qualification, international examination scores (e.g. International Baccalaureate, A-Level) and demonstrated English language proficiency (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL). Courses such as medicine may have their own additional subject requirements as well.
163. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if fees (details supplied) are substantially less than the annual cost of training a medical student; and if so, the way in which the balance of this cost is paid for. [37642/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is estimated that the average cost per annum to the State of a medical student is c. €11,000. This takes into account State grant and tuition fee funding paid by the State (where appropriate). It excludes the Student Contribution of €3,000 which is paid by the student, or paid on behalf of the student in cases where the student qualifies for assistance under my Department’s Student Grant Scheme.
In the case of students who qualify for entry to the Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) programme and who are liable for the cost of their tuition fees as they already hold an undergraduate qualification, the State pays a grant per student of €9,500 with the balance payable by the student.
164. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a person (details supplied) who is pursuing a course under the VTOS scheme is not being paid an appropriate allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37725/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Vocational Training and Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) is designed to cater for people who are over 21 years of age, are unemployed and have been getting certain social welfare payments for at least 6 months. This scheme provides a range of courses to meet the education and training needs of unemployed people. It gives participants opportunities to improve their general level of education, gain certification, develop their skills and prepare for employment, self-employment and further education and training. The scheme is operated through local Education and Training Boards and is aimed in particular at unemployed people who are early school-leavers.
The student that the deputy refers to contacted Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board requesting to undertake subjects of Mathematics, Business and Economics for the Leaving Certificate. These subjects were not available on a part-time basis but they were available as part of full-time VTOS provision.
As the student is currently in employment, they are not on a qualifying payment and they were not available or eligible to take part in full-time VTOS provision. However, in order to support their learning pathway, Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board enabled the student to register with the part time Back to Education Initiative and attend classes delivered as part of VTOS provision.
In general, a training allowance is not paid to BTEI students and the person in question, who is in employment, is not eligible for any allowance payable by the Education and Training Board. They may be entitled to a payment from the Department of Employment and Social Protection, such as the Working Family Payment.
