Thomas Byrne
Ceist:93. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills when he plans to finalise plans for a new primary school in Ashbourne, County Meath. [46094/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchools Building Projects Status
Ceisteanna (93)
Freagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, the Government recently announced plans for the establishment of 42 new schools over the next four years (2019 to 2022). This announcement followed nationwide demographic exercises carried out by my Department into the future need for primary and post-primary schools across the country and the 4-year horizon will enable increased lead-in times for planning and delivery of the necessary infrastructure.
Where demographic data indicates that additional provision is required, the delivery of such additional provision is dependent on the particular circumstances of each case and may, depending on the circumstances, be provided through either one, or a combination of, the following:
- Utilising existing unused capacity within a school or schools,
- Extending the capacity of a school or schools,
- Provision of a new school or schools.
I have highlighted that the requirement for new schools will be kept under on-going review and in particular would have regard for the increased roll-out of housing provision as outlined in Project Ireland 2040.
In line with the ongoing review of school planning areas generally, I can confirm that my Department is currently reviewing the position in relation to primary provision for the Ashbourne school planning area. This review is now well advanced and nearing completion. The outcome of the review will be finalised and made available as soon as possible.
Question No. 94 answered with Question No. 75.
School Funding
Ceisteanna (95)
Thomas Byrne
Ceist:95. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the financial support and subvention which will be made available to the four recently announced Educate Together schools in setting up their schools. [46096/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Pre-opening capitation funding of €25,000 is provided for each new post-primary school in recognition of the fact that costs are incurred in the period prior to the opening of a new school. This funding is made available to the Patron to hold on behalf of the newly recognised school. In addition to this a Start-up grant of €20,000 is payable directly to the school.
The interim and permanent accommodation costs of new primary and post-primary schools are met by the Department. My Department also provides furniture & equipment and ICT grants to the schools.
Questions Nos. 96 and 97 answered with Question No. 81.
Schools Building Contractors
Ceisteanna (98, 99, 100)
Thomas Byrne
Ceist:98. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the name of the assigned certifier in respect of each school building project subject to 2014 building regulations constructed by a company (details supplied); if an inspection plan and inspection notification framework was in place and acted upon in respect of each project; and if he was informed of any issues as they arose. [46102/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThomas Byrne
Ceist:99. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if, in the case of each project undertaken by a company (details supplied) and in which remedial works have been deemed necessary, contact has been made with the assigned certifiers under 2014 building regulations since the recent difficulties were uncovered. [46103/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThomas Byrne
Ceist:100. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if, in the case of each project undertaken by a company (details supplied) and in which remedial works have been deemed necessary, if the assigned certifiers under 2014 building regulations also took part in recent examinations of construction standards. [46104/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 98 to 100, inclusive, together.
MLM Ireland is the Department appointed Assigned Certifier on 4 of the 19 schools in which precautionary health and safety measures were required. These schools are Ashbourne Post Primary School (De Lacy College), Ashbourne ETNS, Gaelscoil Na Mi, Ashbourne and Scoil Caitlin Maude in Tallaght.
An inspection plan and inspection notification framework was in place and acted upon in respect of all 4 schools.
During Construction issues were dealt with on-site as they arose. It is not considered necessary to inform a Minister of such operational issues as they arise and are dealt with.
The Assigned Certifier was contacted in relation to the three schools in Ashbourne and attended the opening up works which took place on Monday 31st October. The assigned certifier was not required to be present in respect of the opening up works which took place in Scoil Caitlin Maude.
However, it is important to note that the works which have been carried out are precautionary rather than remedial.
Now that precautionary measures are in place, the Department will move quickly to initiate the next phase of more detailed structural investigations. These investigations will determine the nature and scope of the permanent remediation measures required and will involve contact with all parties including the Assigned Certifier.
Education and Training Boards Administration
Ceisteanna (101)
John McGuinness
Ceist:101. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide information on an education and training centre (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46111/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
ETBs procure a wide range of goods and services in order to meet the needs of the administrative offices, schools and further education and training centres under their remit. In this regard ETBs operate in accordance with national and European procurement regulations and guidelines.
I have contacted Tipperary Education Training Board with regard to the Deputy’s question and I can confirm that Tipperary ETB staff in consultation with a firm of procurement consultants drafted the invitation to tender document with advice from SOLAS Technical Staff. The tender was set out in eleven individual lots which I have outlined in the table attached. I am informed that all unsuccessful tender respondents were notified in writing stating the reason that they were not successful in the tender process. HRP Limited were successful in five of the lots and therefore were awarded one contract which was in excess of one million euro.
A member of the Tipperary Education Training Board was present at the tender opening. Tipperary ETB staff members were involved in the tender evaluation. The tender was reported and noted by the board of the Tipperary ETB. The Chief Executive, signed the HRP Limited contract. The minutes of the board meeting and that of the audit and risk committee are attached to this response.
I can also confirm that a professionally qualified financial person is on the Audit Committee of Tipperary ETB. Payments are made on the basis of approved invoices. All payments from Tipperary ETB are processed by Electronic Fund Transfer and are authorised by the Training Services Manager and where payments exceed €100,000, the CEO authorises the payment.
I can report that the board of Tipperary ETB and the CEO are satisfied that is no conflict of interest in relation to this contract.
Tipperary ETB's invitation to tender for supply of vehicles, plant and tools for Thurles Further Education and Training Centre, County Tipperary on etenders.gov.ie on 22 January 2018.
Responses to tender received
|
Lot Number |
Number of Responses |
Value |
Successful |
|
1 |
2 |
490,600 |
HPR Ltd |
|
2 |
3 |
16,721 |
Air Impact Ltd |
|
3 |
3 |
16,310 |
HPR Ltd |
|
4 |
1 |
233,455 |
HPR Ltd |
|
5 |
1 |
192,500 |
HPR Ltd |
|
6 |
5 |
5,944 |
Air Impact Ltd |
|
7 |
4 |
26,972 |
All Grip |
|
8 |
1 |
67,250 |
HPR Ltd |
|
9 |
4 |
3,536 |
Air Impact Ltd |
|
10 |
4 |
6,117 |
All Grip |
|
11 |
2 |
21,750 |
PJ Fallon & Sons |
Contracts Awarded.
|
Contract Amount € |
Company Awarded |
|
1,000,115 |
HPR Ltd |
|
21,750 |
PJ Fallon & Sons |
|
26,201 |
Air Impact Ltd |
|
33,089 |
All Grip |
Arts in Education Charter
Ceisteanna (102, 103)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:102. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of meetings he and his predecessor had with the Arts in Education Charter implementation group since the report was published; the dates of those meetings; the persons that attended those meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46112/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraNiamh Smyth
Ceist:103. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of reports received from the Arts in Education Charter implementation group since the report was published; if these reports are publicly available; if not, the reason therefore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46113/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 102 and 103 together.
The Arts in Education Charter was launched in 2013 as a joint initiative of the Department of Education and Skills and the then Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, working with the Arts Council. The Charter recognised the value of arts in education and committed to cross-departmental co-operation in this area. A number of commitments were made as part of this process and much progress has been made across all areas of the Charter since its publication.
An High Level Implementation Group, chaired by the late Professor John Coolahan, was appointed by the Ministers of both Departments in 2013 to provide a strategic, high-level and ongoing point of contact with them to ensure the delivery of the Charter objectives. The Group was made up of senior officials from the Department of Education and Skills, the then Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and the Director of the Arts Council, members also included Mary Nunan, Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, University of Limerick (and Chair of the Points of Alignment Committee) and Dr Katie Sweeney, National Director for the integration of the Arts in Education. Michael Finneran, Head of Drama and Theatre Studies, Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick replaced Mary Nunan on this group in 2016.
The Group has been active since 2013 and met with my predecessors and the previous Ministers for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Six formal reports were submitted to the Minister for Education and Skills and to the then Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. These reports will be uploaded to the Arts in Education Portal and will be available to view.
As the Deputy will be aware, Creative Youth, a plan to enable the creativity of every child and young person was published in December 2017. This Plan aims to ensure that every child in Ireland has practical access to tuition, experience and participation in music, drama, arts and coding by 2022. The actions in the Creative Youth Plan extend to both the formal and non-formal education sectors and are being delivered by my Department, the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and the Arts Council. This Plan is building on the Arts in Education Charter and aims to resource, fast-track and implement the objectives of the Arts in Education Charter as well as rolling out a range of other initiatives.
In addition, a new Expert Advisory group chaired by Dr. Ciaran Benson has been established by Minister Bruton, in his previous role as Minister for Education and Skills, Minister Madigan and Minister Zappone. Their role is to drive the implementation of Creative Youth and the continued roll out of the Arts in Education Charter. They will also advise on the broader long-term objective for the Creative Ireland Programme: to enhance cultural and creative education for all our children and young people.
Special Educational Needs Service Provision
Ceisteanna (104)
Robert Troy
Ceist:104. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a person (details supplied) will be accepted as a pupil at a school. [46140/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department's policy is to provide for the inclusive education of children with special educational needs, including Autism (ASD), in mainstream school settings, unless such a placement would not be in the best interests of the child concerned, or the children with whom they will be educated.
The greater proportion of children with ASD attend mainstream class, where they may access additional supports if required.
Some students with ASD, although academically able to access the curriculum in mainstream, may find it too difficult to manage full-time placement there and placement in an ASD special class should be considered.
Special school placements are provided for other students with ASD and very complex special needs who wouldn’t manage in a mainstream school even for part of the week. Enrolment of a child in a special school is based on a professional assessment in consultation with the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
The Department therefore provides for a continuum of provision which includes mainstream school placements with additional supports, or for pupils who require more specialist interventions, special class and special school placements.
The NCSE is responsible for the establishment of special class and special school placements in various geographical areas where there is an identified need, in consultation with the relevant education partners and the Health Service Executive (HSE).
There are 4 special schools and 27 special classes in mainstream schools in Co. Westmeath.
The school referred to by the Deputy supports students with ASD and complex needs who wouldn’t manage in a mainstream school even for part of the week. The Department consulted with the NCSE when planning the new school build for this school. The NCSE is satisfied that the additional accommodation this project will deliver will meet future potential need for such placements.
The new school project will deliver a new 2-storey 6-classroom base Special Needs School including a General Purpose Hall, all staff and pupil facilities, allowing for the school to accommodate an additional class for 6 students with ASD and complex needs, should it be required in future years.
As the matter raised by the Deputy refers to a particular child, I have arranged for the Deputy's question to be forwarded to the National Council for Special Education for their attention and direct reply. My Department has no role in making such determinations.
Work Permits Eligibility
Ceisteanna (105)
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:105. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if persons who have been granted temporary permission to remain here for four months on stamp 1 conditions which enable an employer to apply for an employment permit on their behalf are eligible to apply for this employment permit despite the fact that they are employed in a category that is deemed ineligible for employment permits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45976/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation & Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that there are a range of circumstances where it may consider an application for permission to reside in this State to facilitate an application for an employment permit to the Department of Business Enterprise and Innovation (DBEI).
These include cases where a person previously held an employment permit but fell out of the system through no fault of their own and they intend to apply to DBEI for an Employment Reactivation Permit. Other circumstances may involve individuals who want to apply for a new employment permit with a new employer or had a change in their personal circumstances and their permission to reside in this State has expired or is due to expire.
I am further informed that such applications are dealt with on a case by case basis by INIS and may result in the grant of temporary permission to remain in the State on Stamp 1 conditions in order to allow the individual concerned to apply to DBEI for an employment permit. However, the Deputy will appreciate that INIS has no role in deciding whether the person concerned will be granted an employment permit.
Garda Data
Ceisteanna (106, 107)
Fiona O'Loughlin
Ceist:106. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí and reservists in each Garda station in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46029/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFiona O'Loughlin
Ceist:107. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí and reservists in each Garda station in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46030/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 106 and 107 together.
As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.
The Garda strength by Station for the Laois / Offaly Division and the Kildare Division, as provided by the Garda Commissioner from 2009 is available on my Department’s website through the following link.
The Garda Reserve strength by Station for the Laois / Offaly Division and the Kildare Division, as on 30 September the latest date for which figures are currently available, as provided by the Garda Commissioner from 2009 is as set out in the following table.
|
Garda Reserve Strength 30 September 2018 |
||
|
Division |
Station |
Total |
|
Kildare |
Naas |
4 |
|
Leixlip |
4 |
|
|
Athy |
3 |
|
|
Newbridge |
4 |
|
|
Kildare |
2 |
|
|
Total |
17 |
|
|
Laois / Offaly |
||
|
Tullamore |
10 |
|
|
Birr |
1 |
|
|
Portlaoise |
5 |
|
|
Total |
16 |
|
For more general information on Garda Facts and Figures please see the following link:
http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/An_Garda_Siochana_facts_and_figures
International Time Zones
Ceisteanna (108)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:108. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps he is taking to carry out consultations with the public and the preparations he is making for retaining summertime all year round from October 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46051/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Following an EU-wide public consultation to gather citizens’ views on the seasonal clock changes, the EU Commission has concluded that the majority of people who responded are in favour of abolishing the twice-yearly clock change and have put forward a proposal to give effect to this. In October, the Commission published a revised proposal changing the implementation date from 2019 to 2021. The proposal is outlined as follows:
- the practice of a twice-yearly clock change will cease from 2021.
- Member States must decide whether they want to switch to permanent "summer" or "winter" time.
- if opting for Summer time, the last mandatory change to clocks would take place on 28 March 2021
- Member States who wish to remain on Winter time would make one last seasonal clock change on 31 October 2021.
My Department launched a public consultation on 26th October which will remain open until Friday 30th November 2018. I have invited businesses, organisations and individuals to have their say by participating in a survey available on my Department's website
http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/WP15000529
My Department has also invited over 400 stakeholder groups to ask them to provide their views on the proposal.
It is important to acknowledge that if the UK were to adopt a different position, this would present particular challenges for the island of Ireland. Any position adopted by Ireland will be informed by this important consideration. My Department is in contact with the relevant UK Ministry in this regard and there is also ongoing contact with other Member States in the context of the continuing discussion of this proposal at EU level.
An Interdepartmental Steering Group has been established to consider the Commission’s proposal and to guide the public consultation exercise. The Steering Group will consider the responses received and report back to me as soon as possible with their recommendations.
Direct Provision Payments
Ceisteanna (109)
Gerry Adams
Ceist:109. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to fund the cost of feminine hygiene products for persons living in direct provision centres; the funding that will be provided for this initiative; if it is a long-term initiative; when this initiative will commence; the way in which it is proposed to roll out the initiative; his further plans to engage with persons living in direct provision on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46106/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As a result of the recommendations in the McMahon Report, accommodation centres for persons in the protection process are all moving to an independent living model (which includes either self-catering or communal catering). In this model, each resident is assigned a number of points depending on their family composition and residents can procure food and other products such as personal toiletries and hygiene products at a food-hall type facility provided by the contractor.
As the Deputy will be aware, I am making arrangements that for those centres that do not yet have the independent living model in operation and in which women and girls are resident, that supplies of feminine hygiene products will be made available as required.
The costs of providing these feminine hygiene products will be borne by the Department. The initiative will see the contractors who run the centres providing the products to residents with the costs being reimbursed to the contractors. The total level of funding required for the initiative is difficult to forecast as there are a number of factors that will impact on the overall cost. These factors include the changing demographic nature of residents, whether residents wish to avail of the initiative rather than provide the products themselves, and the open procurement process which will see more and more centres move to the Independent Living Model.
Under the Independent Living Model, each resident is assigned a weekly points allocation depending on their family composition. Residents then procure the items that they need on-site from their points allocation. Any points not used in a given week can be utilised in any week within a four week period. The points allocated allow for each resident to choose the foods they eat and the toiletries and personal hygiene products that they want. My Department continue to monitor the application of the Independent Living Model to ensure it is meeting the needs of residents.
The Department has recently commenced a public procurement exercise to seek tenders from contractors to provide accommodation and ancillary services by way of the Independent Living Model to persons in the protection process. This process is scheduled for completion in 2020 and will be delivered via a series of regional competitions to cover the entire State.
Staff from the Department will continue to consult with residents through on-site clinics on all aspects of the accommodation and ancillary services that they receive including this initiative.
Direct Provision Payments
Ceisteanna (110)
Gerry Adams
Ceist:110. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the rationale used to determine which persons living in direct provision centres will be able to access feminine hygiene products under the plans to fund the cost of same; and the number of persons who will be able to access and not access these products, respectively, under this plan. [46107/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As a result of the recommendations in the McMahon Report, accommodation centres for persons in the protection process are all moving to an independent living model (which includes either self-catering or communal catering). In this model, each resident is assigned a number of points depending on their family composition and residents can procure food and other items such as personal toiletries and hygiene products at a food-hall type facility provided by the contractor.
As the Deputy will be aware, I am making arrangements that for those centres that do not yet have the independent living model in operation and in which women and girls are resident, that supplies of female hygiene products will be made available as required.
Currently, within the Department's accommodation portfolio, five centres which have a combined capacity of 1,537 persons out of a total current population of 5,848 currently deliver services through the Independent Living Model.
It is important to note that following my recent commitment to provide hygiene products to those residents who are not in a centre which operates the Independent Living Model, this now means that all residents, regardless of which style of centre that they reside in, can procure these items without the resident incurring the cost.
The Department has recently commenced a public procurement exercise under which public tenders for the provision of accommodation and ancillary services by way of the independent living model to persons in the protection process will be advertised. This process is scheduled for completion in 2020 and will be delivered via a series of regional competitions to cover the entire State. As this process reaches completion, the numbers of residents living in the Independent Living Model will increase towards 100%.
The rationale behind the move to delivering accommodation services through the independent living model was to address concerns regarding the dependency of residents and to increase their independence and prepare those residents who obtain a permission to remain for the realities of living in the community.
Direct Provision System
Ceisteanna (111)
Gerry Adams
Ceist:111. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if plans to fund the cost of feminine hygiene products for persons living in direct provision centres will not extend to persons living in independent living centres; and, if so, the reason therefore. [46108/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As a result of the recommendations in the McMahon Report, accommodation centres for persons in the protection process are all moving to an independent living model (which includes either self-catering or communal catering).
As the Deputy will be aware, I am making arrangements that for those centres that do not yet have the independent living model in operation and in which women and girls are resident, that supplies of hygiene products will be made available as required.
The rationale behind the move to delivering accommodation services through the independent living model was to address concerns regarding the dependency of residents and to increase their independence and prepare those residents who obtain a permission to remain for the realities of living in the community.
Under the Independent Living Model, each resident is assigned a weekly points allocation depending on their family composition. Residents then procure the items that they need on-site from their points allocation. Any points not used in a given week can be utilised in any week within a four week period. The points allocated allow for each resident to choose the foods they eat and the toiletries and personal hygiene products that they want. In all cases, the costs of feminine hygiene products will be covered by the Reception and Integration Agency either directly or indirectly. My Department continue to monitor the application of the Independent Living Model to ensure it is meeting the needs of residents.
My Department has also recently commenced a public procurement exercise to seek public tenders from contractors for the provision of accommodation and ancillary services by way of the independent living model to persons in the protection process. This process is scheduled for completion in 2020 and will be delivered via a series of regional competitions to cover the entire State.
Direct Provision System
Ceisteanna (112)
Gerry Adams
Ceist:112. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the direct provision centres identified as independent living centres; and the number of women and female children living in each of these centres. [46109/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Following on from the recommendations of the McMahon Report and, in particular, to increase the autonomy and independence of residents, the Department has been working with service providers to introduce an 'independent living' model in accommodation centres. In this model, residents are allocated a number of points depending on their family composition and these points are used to procure the ordinary day to day household needs of residents. Items that can be procured under this system are ingredients for cooking, toiletries and other household items.
Currently five centres have moved to the independent living model. These centres and their current contracted capacities are:
|
Centre |
Contracted Capacity |
|
Athlone, Co Westmeath |
300 |
|
Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo |
245 |
|
Clonakilty, Co. Cork |
108 |
|
Millstreet, Co. Cork |
284 |
|
Mosney, Co. Meath |
600 |
The Department has recently commenced a public procurement exercise under which public tenders for the provision of accommodation and ancillary services under the independent living model will be advertised. This process is scheduled for completion in 2020 and will be delivered via a series of regional competitions to cover the entire state.
In parallel with the delivery of the full independent living model, a number of other accommodation centres have provided self catering facilities with fresh food provided by either the contractor or the resident themselves. These centres include St Patrick's in Monaghan, Kinsale Road in Cork and Ocean View and Atlantic House in Tramore.
The statistical breakdown sought by the Deputy is not readily available. An analysis of the relevant centres will be carried out and will be forwarded on to the Deputy as soon as is practicable.
Employment Rights
Ceisteanna (113)
Fiona O'Loughlin
Ceist:113. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if a protocol is in place in order to ensure the Sectoral Employment Order (Construction Sector) 2017 is being adhered to; the sanctions for companies that are not adhering to the order; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46025/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Industrial Relations Act 2015 provides a new framework under which proposals for wage setting in particular economic sectors can be considered. The 2015 Act allows for applications for Sectoral Employment Orders (SEOs) to be made to the Labour Court by a trade union or an employer body either individually or jointly. The Court must then examine and assess the application against the criteria set down in the 2015 legislation.
The Sectoral Employment Order (Construction Sector) 2017 came into law on the 19th October 2017. The rates of pay and other terms and conditions, including sick pay and pension schemes, set out in the SEO apply to every worker of the class, type or group in the economic sector to which the order applies, including agency workers.
In the event of a dispute as to the rates that should apply and to whom, the SEO sets out the dispute resolution procedure that applies. Essentially, this provides that in the first instance efforts should be made at local level to reach a resolution by giving notice in writing to the employer. Failing a resolution at this point, a complaint may be made to an adjudication officer of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). In the case of an individual dispute, the outcome of the adjudication hearing can be appealed by either party to the Labour Court. In the case of a collective dispute, if the issue remains unresolved locally, it will be referred to the conciliation service of the WRC. If the issue remains unresolved after conciliation, it will be referred to the Labour Court for investigation and recommendation.
Legislative Reviews
Ceisteanna (114)
Robert Troy
Ceist:114. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the status of work to draft new legislation which would replace the Dentists Act 1985; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45965/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department is developing new legislation to replace the Dentists Act 1985, and work on the preparation of the Dental Bill is progressing steadily in parallel with other competing legislative priorities. Drafting of the Scheme of the Bill has commenced, but is at an early stage.
Department officials are currently committed to drafting a Regulated Professions (Health & Social Care) (Amendment) Bill, the primary purpose of which is to amend all health profession regulatory Acts, including the Dentists Act, as a consequence of the transposition of the modernised Professional Qualifications Directive (2013/55/EU), and to address a number of other issues. This is a large and complex Bill, and is currently at an advanced stage of drafting by the Office of Parliamentary Council in liaison with my officials. Publication is expected by year-end.
Work on the Dental Bill will gain momentum once the Regulated Professions (Health & Social Care) (Amendment) Bill has been published and commences its passage through both Houses of the Oireachtas.
Services for People with Disabilities
Ceisteanna (115)
James Browne
Ceist:115. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the concerns of a school (details supplied) about the lack of regular professional supports such as psychological, psychiatric, speech and language therapy and occupational therapy for pupils with special educational needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45974/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospitals Capital Programme
Ceisteanna (116)
Jackie Cahill
Ceist:116. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health the progress and timeframe for completion of the extension to St. Patrick's Hospital, Cashel, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45977/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of capital projects in the health services, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to you.
General Practitioner Services Provision
Ceisteanna (117)
John Brady
Ceist:117. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health the status of the establishment of a general practitioner out-of-hours service for north County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45979/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for it to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.