Written Answers Nos. 169-193
169. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools that have received pilot in-house speech and language and occupational therapy services; the number of pupils offered supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51033/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra170. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the matters managed by his Department and the HSE, respectively, with regard to pilot in-house speech and language and occupational therapy services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51034/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra171. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the work programme for the pilot in-house speech and language and occupational therapy services. [51035/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra172. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the process by which a child can apply to take part in pilot in-house speech and language and occupational therapy services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51036/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra173. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the cost of the pilot in-house speech and language and occupational therapy services to date; the expected cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51037/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI proposed to takes Questions Nos. 169 to 173, inclusive, together.
A demonstration project to provide in-school and pre-school therapy services has been introduced for the 2018/19 school year.
The demonstration project is being developed by a Working Group which includes representatives from the Departments of Education, Children and Youth Affairs, Health, and the Health Service Executive (HSE).
The project will be managed and co-ordinated by the National Council for Special Education with clinical support also being provided by two HSE Therapy Managers which have been assigned to the project.
The purpose of the project is to test a model of tailored therapeutic supports that allows for early intervention in terms of providing speech and language and occupational therapy within ‘educational settings’. This innovative pilot will complement existing HSE funded provision of essential therapy services.
The NCSE is developing a project information booklet which will set out how the project will operate and which will provide details of the framework by which speech and language and occupational therapy supports will be provided in schools. This information booklet will be finalised and published in the very near future.
The project is taking place in the Health Service Executive (HSE) Community Healthcare Organisation (CHO) 7 Region of South West Dublin, Kildare and West Wicklow.
This region has been selected to ensure that the pre-school and in-school therapy model can be tested in both urban and rural locations and with a suitable mix of various types of schools and pre-schools.
75 schools, including a representative sample of primary, post primary, and special schools will take part in the project.
An additional 75 early years settings associated with primary schools participating in the project are also being included. 150 early years or school settings will therefore be included in the pilot. The list of the participating schools and early years settings has been published on my Departments website.
As the model is based on working with teachers to provide whole school support for students language and communications skills, and to develop sensory friendly environment, it is expected that all pupils attending the pilot schools will benefit. There are approximately 23,000 pupils in the 75 schools and approximately 3,000 pupils in the 75 early years settings. The extent of support individual pupils will receive in schools will be decided by the therapists and teachers following a review of the needs of the school.
Only the schools and early years settings that are participating in the demonstration project will receive supports from this project at present. Children who are attending schools which are not in the pilot project will continue to receive speech and language therapy services from the HSE in the normal manner.
€2.25m is being allocated to Phase One of the project in 2018, however, the actual expenditure on the in-school therapy services project in 2018 will not be known until financial reporting has been completed at the end of 2018.
174. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of an extension for a school (details supplied). [51048/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe project referred to by the Deputy has been devolved to Kildare Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB) for delivery. KWETB is in the process of making arrangements for the appointment of a design team for the project.
175. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of hours of physical activity included in the primary level school curriculum. [51050/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraPhysical Education (PE) is a core part of the curriculum at primary level, it is one of seven curriculum areas within the Primary School Curriculum. A minimum of one hour of PE per week is recommended for all primary school pupils. According to the 2015 Lifeskills survey, published 21 July 2017, 94% of primary schools are allocating at least one hour per week to physical activity. 82% of schools reported that their school also participates in physical activities or sporting competitions outside of school time.
The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), which is the body designated by this Department to assess and implement curriculum change is currently carrying out a review of the overall Primary Curriculum Structure and Time. Future development work on PE at primary will take place as part of this ongoing review and redevelopment of the primary curriculum. As part of this work, the NCCA is engaging widely with stakeholders in education and other interested individuals and groups. This includes working directly with schools from across the country on their priorities and needs for a redeveloped primary curriculum. Another strand of work involves drawing on an extensive body of research published in a series of short papers on the NCCA website - NCCA.ie
Building on all of this and informed by the findings from the 2017 consultation on curriculum structure and time, the NCCA will publish a draft overview of a redeveloped primary curriculum in autumn 2019. This draft will be the basis for an extensive consultation which will determine the overall shape and direction of a redeveloped curriculum.
The Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST) offers a comprehensive programme of support in PE to all teachers at primary level and to post primary teachers. PDST has developed a resource to support teachers in developing physically literate children through the lens of Fundamental Movement Skills. This resource, entitled Move Well, Move Often, has been designed to complement the teaching of the Irish Primary School Physical Education Curriculum and aims to provide a range of tools to support the teacher in teaching fundamental movement skills throughout the primary school.
The PDST offer a series of PE evening workshops annually. This year we will have an Introduction to Physical Literacy as well as Gymnastics, Dance and Playground games, through the lens of Physical Literacy. This aims to embed the Fundamental Movement Skills, not only in PE classes, but also through to the child’s free play.
176. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of hours of physical activity included in the second level school curriculum. [51051/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the current Rules and Programme for Secondary Schools, PE should form part of the curriculum. The syllabus in PE have been developed on the basis of a time allocation of two hours per week. According to the 2015 Lifeskills survey, published 21 July 2017, 94% of post primary schools are allocating at least one hour per week to physical activity.
Junior Cycle Physical Education
Under the new Framework, schools may choose to incorporate a new Short Course in P.E. into their junior cycle programme, either for certification purposes (which was not available previously) or not for certification. Alternatively, they may choose not to opt for the new course and may instead continue to use existing courses or choose other approaches to meet the requirements in this area. Schools may also decide to provide the P.E. short course in addition to their existing programmes. The guidelines for Wellbeing in Junior Cycle recommend a minimum of 135 hours spread across first, second and third year (i.e. the most common current allocation of P.E. provided by schools – two class periods per week).
The new short course in P.E. aims to develop students as knowledgeable, skilful and creative participants who are confident and competent to perform in a range of activities safely. The course aims to build students’ appreciation of the importance of health-enhancing and inclusive physical activity and a commitment to it now and in the future. The course is available to all schools and it is designed for 100 hours duration.
Senior Cycle
The Department is currently working on two developments that will impact PE at senior cycle. A new specification for Leaving Certificate Physical Education has been developed by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment and approved by the Minister. This is a full subject that can be assessed as a Leaving Certificate Subject in a manner similar to other subjects such as Maths and Irish.
In addition to the specification for examinable PE at Senior Cycle, a Framework for Senior Cycle P.E. has been designed to provide schools with a framework within which they can design a P.E. programme for those students who do not choose to take P.E. as part of their Leaving Certificate examination.
Leaving Certificate Physical Education
Leaving Certificate Physical Education is designed to be taught in approximately 180 hours. It is recommended that of the five suggested class periods a week, a double period per week should be included to facilitate learners’ active participation in the three physical activities.
Senior Cycle Physical Education Framework
The Framework will be available to all schools from September 2020 and will replace the guidelines set out in the Rules and Programmes for Secondary Schools which currently forms the basis for PE at Senior Cycle. A further communication will be issued in this regard early in the 2019/20 school year.
The Framework is designed to be taught over the two or three years of senior cycle education. It is recommended that a double period or its equivalent per week is made available as a minimum requirement for teaching the Framework.
177. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the NCSE demonstration project; if he is working in consultation with SNAs on the project regarding training of SNAs; if the project plans to meet the requirements of children with special needs in schools; the details of outcomes of engagement, successful or otherwise, between his Department and a union (details supplied) on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51076/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Comprehensive Review of the Special Needs Assistant (SNA) Scheme which set out to ensure that the Scheme is achieving the best outcomes possible for children with special educational needs was published by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) in May this year.
In undertaking the Review the NCSE consulted widely to seek the views of the many stakeholders involved, this included SNAs and the SNA representative body to which the Deputy refers. The views expressed by all stakeholders were considered in the preparation of the report.
One of the recommendations in the Review is the development of a national training programme at FETAC level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications for existing and new SNAs, recognising the fundamental importance of building schools' capacity to meet students' additional care needs.
In response to the Review, I have undertaken to develop proposals for the implementation of the NCSE's recommendations and to return to Government following engagement with the Departments of Public Expenditure and Reform and Health, with a proposed implementation plan to include governance and accountability framework and detailed costings of any recommendations that subsequently may be approved by Government.
Work in this regard is underway and I expect to bring these proposals for implementation of the Review's recommendations to Government shortly.
Further consultation with all relevant stakeholders will be undertaken subsequent to Government approval.
178. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress his Department has achieved in its carbon footprint; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51129/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Education and Skills is actively engaged in an energy management and reduction programme. Using 2009 as a benchmark year, the department has succeeded in reducing its annual consumption from 11.1 million kilowatt hours in 2009 to 7.9 million kilowatt hours in 2017. This programme has included large light replacements projects, boiler and air conditioner upgrades, behavioural change and other initiatives.
In terms of CO2 emissions expressed as kilograms of CO2 the reduction was from 2,566,644 (2009) to 1,622,771 (2017) which equates to an approximate 36% reduction.
The Department is continuing with its programme and further reductions have being achieved for 2018.
179. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason no pension benefit has been awarded by NUI Galway to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51142/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person to whom the Deputy refers was an employee of the National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG) from March 1972 to April 1980 and during this period was a member of the University’s superannuation scheme.
Each University is responsible for the administration of the pension schemes in operation for their employees and NUIG has clarified the position with to pension benefits of the person concerned.
The University Pension Scheme in question did not provide for the payment of preserved benefits and therefore the person referred to by the Deputy has no entitlement to pension benefits from the scheme as he ceased employment with the University before normal retirement age.
The Pensions Act (1990) introduced provision for the payment of preserved benefits from the date of the legislation but did not make such provision retrospective.
The Deputy will be aware that rules of a pension scheme set in statute cannot be departed from in individual cases.
The person concerned should contact the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection with regard to his entitlement to a state pension.
180. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a position in the ETB is advertised requiring a higher diploma if a person who has a degree qualification in the relevant area has the right to apply for the position on the basis of equivalency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51143/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraEducation and Training Boards (ETBs) are responsible for advertising for positions that become available in their individual organisations. As ETBs are responsible for primary, post primary and further education, there are a wide range of posts across these sectors and in head office. The requirements for each position vary depending on the nature of the role being applied for.
In order to be able to address the question the Deputy is asking I would need more detail of the position being applied for. If the Deputy wishes to contact my Department directly with the specific details of this case I will ask my officials to prepare a response.
181. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Skills if an application by a school (details supplied) to the emergency works scheme for funding will be granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51145/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware that the school to which the Deputy refers recently made an application under my Department's Emergency Works Scheme for the works in question. However, as this application is related to an additional accommodation project already approved for the school, the issues raised in the application will be considered by officials within my Department responsible for that project.
182. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the changes which occurred to the educational points system following the introduction of a restructured leaving certificate programme in 2017 (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the number of students of leaving certificate year 2016 who have been impacted by this change in qualifying criteria; if those excluded from that leaving certificate year cohort will be granted access to the interview process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51182/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the Deputy is referring to the criteria for entry to primary Initial Teacher Education programmes.
In addition to the CAO points required (in the case of the Bachelor of Education) or the third level award requirement (in the case of the Professional Master of Education, "PME") for entry to programmes of primary Initial Teacher Education, my Department specifies minimum entry requirements in the core subjects of Irish, English and Mathematics.
In October 2017, my Department announced changes to these minimum entry requirements, as follows:
Entry 2018 - Irish: H5, English: H7/O5, Maths: H7/O6
Entry 2019 - Irish: H4, English: H7/O4, Maths: H7/O4
The changes introduced took account of advice provided by the Teaching Council, which had engaged in a consultation process around a number of matters relating to entry to initial teacher education. Many of the issues identified were complex and the Council commissioned the ESRI (Economic and Social Research Institute) to carry out research to inform its deliberations.
The changes also had regard to the Department’s policy “Supporting a Better Transition from Second Level to Higher Education – Implementation and Next Steps” (2015).
Having relatively high minimum entry requirements (MERs) in core subject areas of Irish, English and Mathematics is one of the key policy levers that help ensure quality teaching and learning in primary schools. The 2011 Literacy and Numeracy Strategy and subsequent review identified the need to raise standards of achievement and included plans to raise the entry requirements in the core subjects over time.
In recognition of the fact that not all applicants will meet the minimum entry requirements in Irish, English and Maths at the first attempt, there is no requirement that these minimum grades be achieved in one sitting of the Leaving Cert. Furthermore, there are a number of alternative qualifications that can take the place of the relevant Leaving Cert grade. The list of alternative qualifications in the subject(s) concerned are outlined in the published Entry Requirements and Procedures for 2018 and available on my Department's website (see www.education.ie).
The Department has received a number of submissions regarding the changes which were introduced, which are currently under consideration.
183. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of public sector staff from his Department seconded to work in the public sector in other EU member states; the schemes available for such secondments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50993/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are currently no staff from my Department seconded to work within the public sector of other EU member states. There are no formal secondment schemes of this nature operated by my Department.
In the past, staff from my Department have participated in the National Experts in Professional Training (NEPT) Programme, managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which provides opportunities for secondment to the European Commission.
184. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if additional resources have been provided to process applications for permission to remain under the special scheme announced on 15 October 2018 in response to the decision of the Supreme Court in cases (details supplied); the length of time these applications will take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51010/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that additional staff resources have been assigned to process applications currently being received under the Special Scheme for Students launched in October, arising from the judgement in the cases referred to by the Deputy.
INIS has taken a number of measures to address the cohort of complex cases associated with the judgments and the Scheme including the introduction of an on-line application facility for the Scheme to make it as streamlined as possible for applicants. The resources available for these activities, which includes the provision of overtime, and the accompanying operational and organisational structures, are kept under ongoing review to ensure that applications are processed as efficiently as possible.
The Deputy will appreciate that it is necessary to process applications affected by the judgments in compliance with legal requirements and in accordance with the Scheme criteria. While every effort is made to process applications as soon as possible, processing times will vary having regard to the overall volume of applications and their complexity.
185. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will seek an update from An Garda Síochána into the case of a body washed ashore in County Leitrim in 1986; if new DNA methods will be used to identify this body which is buried in Manorhamilton, County Leitrim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51039/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have requested a report from An Garda Síochána in relation to the matter referred to by the Deputy and I will contact the Deputy directly on receipt of this report.
186. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of former prison governors employed as consultants by the Irish Prison Service; the length of time they have been employed; the amount they are being paid; the main purpose of their employment; and if they are assigned to a prison in tabular form. [51043/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed that two former governors are currently employed to carry out business process reviews in the Irish Prison Service. One person has been employed since September 2017 and another since February 2018 on salaries of approximately €40,000 and €30,000 per annum, pro rata. Both persons were employed on 12 month contracts, with an option to extend for an additional limited period on the basis of their substantial experience in managing financial and administrative systems in the Prison Service.
187. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the measures he is taking to resolve the issues persons are experiencing in securing an appointment to register for an appointment with the INIS; if persons with upcoming expiration dates on their visas have been informed that they can stay here during the waiting time for appointments; if not, if they are allowed to travel during the Christmas break; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51088/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs outlined in responses to previous parliamentary questions, the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department became aware in September of customers experiencing difficulties booking registration appointments. Some of these difficulties had arisen because third party agents had been able to secure multiple appointments through the use of automatic software.
A set of software fixes was introduced in mid-September to prevent this abuse of the system. As far as can be determined, this software update has been successful in preventing the block-booking of appointments by third party agents. The system is being regularly monitored in this regard.
The period September to November is the busiest time for registrations with many student registrations in addition to the usual workload of the office. A number of measures were taken to increase the capacity of the office, including the assignment of additional staff to the Registration Office, extending working hours and opening the office for registrations on most Saturdays and some Sundays. These measures are aimed at ensuring that as many appointments as possible are made available each day. INIS is continuing these measures into December to ensure demand is met.
It is the responsibility of the customer to arrange a renewal appointment in good time if their registration permission is due to expire, and INIS does not issue pre-expiry notifications.
As regards re-entry visas, if an individual is visa-required, they may apply for a re-entry visa while they are in the State. Applications should be submitted by post 6 weeks in advance of travel. A number of emergency re-entry visa applications appointments are made available daily, and can be booked on-line. Alternatively applicants who are visa-required may apply for an entry visa from outside the State to return to Ireland. Individuals who are not visa required need not do so and can explain the purpose of their trip to the border official on return to the State.
188. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if An Garda Síochána will be credited with the position of data protection officer in respect of CCTV cameras approved in their respective areas. [51092/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraCCTV systems installed for the purposes of crime prevention and as aids to policing in areas to which the general public routinely have access, such as town centres, fall into two distinct but complementary categories, namely Garda CCTV systems and community-based CCTV systems. Neither type of CCTV system may be established without authorisation by the Garda Commissioner under section 38 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, among other requirements.
An Garda Síochána is responsible as data controller in relation to Garda CCTV.
Community CCTV is governed by section 38(3)(c) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 and the Garda Síochána (CCTV) Order 2006 (SI No 289 of 2006). Under the 2005 Act as amended, the power to establish the criteria for community CCTV schemes is a matter for the Policing Authority, by order made with the approval of the Government. This legal framework requires that any proposed community CCTV scheme must:
- be approved by the local Joint Policing Committee,
- have the authorisation of the Garda Commissioner, and
- have the prior support of the relevant local authority, which must also act as data controller.
Accordingly, the legal requirement for any community CCTV scheme to include the relevant local authority as data controller has been in place since 2006. This is the legal basis for all community CCTV schemes, regardless of how they are funded.
In accordance with this legal framework, I understand that the large majority of local authorities have previously undertaken to act as data controllers in the context of specific community CCTV schemes. This has been the case either in the course of the current grant-aid scheme administered by my Department, in connection with the previous grant-aid scheme operated by Pobal on behalf of the Department, or in connection with schemes funded independently by local authorities. I understand from my Department's engagement with the Local Government Management Agency that the total number of local authorities which have undertaken the role of data controller for these purposes amounts to 28 out of the 31 local authorities nationwide.
Nonetheless, my Department is engaging on an ongoing basis with the Local Government Management Agency and the County and City Management Association, to clarify any queries arising and to assist in resolving any concerns.
The Deputy may also wish to be aware that on 29 November this year the Data Protection Commissioner’s Office issued a note (available on its website www.dataprotection.ie) confirming that there is a legal basis for community based CCTV and that the General Data Protection Regulation does not introduce new barriers in that regard. In particular, the Office in its note confirmed that: “Data protection legislation does not stand in the way of the roll-out of Community based CCTV schemes that have been authorised by the Garda Commissioner. Once the local authority in the administrative area concerned is willing to take on and deliver on its responsibilities as a data controller for the schemes concerned, there is no legal impediment under data protection legislation to the scheme commencing.”
In relation to the question of monitoring, the Data Protection Commission has explicitly confirmed that local authorities are not required, as a result of their role as data controller, to monitor CCTV live feeds on a continuous basis.
The Data Protection Commission is currently conducting an audit of the practice, operation and governance of CCTV as part of a wider inquiry into surveillance through the use of technologies for law enforcement purposes. We expect the findings from the CCTV module of this process to be of assistance to all concerned and in particular to local authorities.
189. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 28 of 29 November 2018, the reason for the high numbers sleeping on mattresses in the Midlands Prison which was 674 on nights in July 2018 if capacity is at 92%. [51115/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by my officials in the Irish Prison Service (IPS) that the bed capacity figure for each prison which appears daily on the IPS website represents the maximum number of beds available. Typically, the actual number of beds available at each individual prison on a given day will be less than the bed capacity figure as beds may be temporarily unavailable for different reasons, including general repairs and maintenance.
In relation to Midlands Prison specifically, the Deputy will be aware that I recently opened the IPS National Violence Reduction Unit at that Prison. The new Unit is an essential element of prison modernisation and marks a new approach to engaging with prisoners who present a high risk to staff, to other prisoners and to our communities. The unit was recently completed at a cost of approximately €2.7 million and is capable of housing up to 10 prisoners, including six violently disruptive prisoners. There were unavoidable bed closures during the construction phase of the Unit.
Furthermore, in relation to the general prisoner population, where local management assess a prisoner as being unsuited to share a cell in view of the prisoner's vulnerability or propensity to violence, this can result in a cell designated as being operationally suitable for two prisoners being used for one prisoner.
I am also advised that the Midlands Prison experienced a surge in the number of prisoners committed from 29 in June 2018 to 52 in July 2018. I would stress that the Prison service takes all possible steps to prevent unacceptable occupancy levels through inter-prison transfers and other contingency measures. However, it is not always possible to alleviate such situations.
Finally, it must be acknowledged that the Irish Prison Service must accept all prisoners committed by the Courts and does not have the option of refusing to take prisoners into custody.
190. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress his Department has achieved in reducing its carbon footprint; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51135/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, along with all public sector bodies, is committed to achieving a 33% reduction in energy usage by 31st December, 2020, over a baseline of energy used in 2009 - a target set out in S.I. 426 of 2014. It is therefore fully engaged in the Public Sector Energy Reporting Programme.
By the end of December, 2017, my Department had achieved a reduction of 32.4% in energy use, and is on course to meet the 33% target ahead of the deadline.
As reported by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) a reduction of 43% in greenhouse gas emissions between 2009 and 2017 was recorded for my Department.
My Department will continue to engage with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment , the SEAI and the Optimising Power at Work scheme to continue to achieve reductions in energy use at our offices.
191. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of public sector staff from her Department seconded to work in the public sector in other EU member states; the schemes available for such secondments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50982/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraCurrently there are no staff of my Department seconded to work in other EU Member States’ public sector.
My Department does however participate from time to time in seconding National Experts to the European Commission and other EU Institutions. The spirit of the Seconded National Experts (SNEs) programme is to enhance and foster the exchange of professional experience in, and knowledge of, European policies by temporarily assigning experts or trainees to work for an EU Institution. These secondments are governed by the Commission’s Decision of 12 November 2008 laying down rules on the secondment of national experts.
192. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the progress her Department has achieved in reducing its carbon footprint; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51124/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department is part of the Public-Sector Energy Monitoring and Reporting Programme. The Public Sector Energy Report containing the 2017 data is expected to be published by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland shortly.
The indicative data from this report shows an energy savings of 43% for my Department since 2006, the baseline year used. This level of savings is amongst the highest of all Departments over the period. The Department delivered on the 2020 energy reduction target of 33% during 2015.
These savings have been achieved through a number of significant reforms which include consolidating and downsizing the Department's physical footprint and, in some instances, moving to more energy efficient locations.
Over the past three years my Department has vacated buildings at the following locations:
- 4/5 Harcourt Road, Dublin 2.
- Tom Johnson House, Haddington Road, Dublin 4.
- Parnell House, Parnell Square, Dublin 1.
- Davitt House, Adelaide Road, Dublin 2.
In addition, the installation of more energy efficient ICT equipment and lighting along with an automated ‘PC power down’ protocol has contributed in achieving the energy efficiency reduction.
Despite exceeding the target early, the Department continues to engage in works, in conjunction with the Office of Public Works, and will employ other initiatives to further reduce our carbon footprint and increase its energy efficiency in the years ahead.
193. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health if he has allocated moneys to a body (details supplied); his views on whether this representative body should receive State funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51072/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
