Written Answers Nos. 194-212
194. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of an application for a new primary school (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15314/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to confirm to the Deputy that an application for Major Capital Funding has been received from the school in question. Applications from schools for major capital works must be considered in the context of the demographic challenge facing the education system in the coming years.
It is open to an individual school to apply for accommodation under the 'Additional School Accommodation Scheme' if the school does not have sufficient capacity to meet school places.
195. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of prefabs in each school in Portlaoise, County Laois; the annual cost of each; the cost of the prefabs for each school; his plans to replace the prefabs with permanent structures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15316/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department is only funding the rental of one prefabricated unit in Portlaoise at an annual cost of €18,868. My Department does not hold details on the number of purchased prefab units in schools.
The prefabricated unit being rented is due to be replaced as part of the building project for the school which is included on my Department's 6 Year Construction Programme.
197. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if an application by a school (details supplied) for emergency funding will be considered; if the case will be treated as urgent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15354/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school to which the Deputy refers applied for funding under my Department's Emergency Works Scheme to carry out works to the school building to comply with Part M of the Building Regulations. The application was of a general nature and did not relate to a specific future or currently enroled pupil. It was deemed to be outside the scope of the scheme in that respect.
However, it is open to the school to appeal this decision in respect of the pupil referred to by the Deputy. It may submit a letter to that effect containing details of the enrolment of that pupil and an Occupational Therapist's Report on which the works being applied for are based. The Emergency Works Circular and Application form are both available on my Departments Website.
198. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department has undertaken procurement processes in relation to consultancy agencies media or otherwise to assist it with formulating or contributing to policy messaging on social media or videos on behalf of his Departmental strategies or policies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15387/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is my Department’s policy to conduct procurement in a fair, open and transparent manner that is fully compliant with EU procurement Directives and national procurement guidelines. Most recently, my Department worked with Government Information Services (GIS) to develop digital media assets to support its work in promoting Teaching Transforms, the Teacher Supply campaign. Procurement for the development and publication/presentation of these assets was conducted by GIS. The Department recently commissioned a video to play at the launch of the Action Plan for Education and to run on social media. This video was developed by an external agency, following a competitive procurement process.
199. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way in which his departmental officials have been contributing to and taking part in Government of Ireland social media messages; the way in which they are co-ordinated in each of the policy areas of his Department; the Department that is the lead Department in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15404/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Education and Skills uses its twitter account to amplify its messages relating to education policy. In the main these messages relate to press releases but also cover new information or campaigns relevant to its agencies or bodies that have an education message. In addition the Department retweets or refers to messages that are complementary to a whole of Government approach on relevant issues. The Department liaises with other Departments where necessary in this respect.
200. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason the allocation for employing ancillary staff in ETB schools such as administration staff and caretaking staff is the same irrespective of the size of the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15426/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraEach Educational Training Board (ETB) receive an administration and maintenance staffing allocation from my Department to support individual ETB schools, colleges, head office and other centres of education. It is the responsibility of each ETB to recruit and manage staffing levels within this allocation.
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that for ETB schools with enrolments in excess of 700 pupils I have recently increased the funding available for administrative posts from 1 WTE to 2 WTE with immediate effect. There are 54 ETB schools who have enrolments in excess of 700 pupils. Of these 32 ETB schools will see their administrative supports increase to 2 WTEs - the remaining schools already have a minimum of 2 WTEs. These schools also have funding for 1 WTE Caretaking post.
However, it should be noted that while my Department allocates non-teaching staffing supports in accordance with the criteria outlined above, it is a matter for each ETB to decide where they allocate these supports according to the needs of their organization.
When allocating non-teaching staff to ETBs in respect of their schools, my Department is guided by the following criteria: Schools with enrolments of 249 or less pupils are allocated a 0.5 Whole Time Equivalent (WTE) Administrative and Caretaking posts;
- Schools with enrolments of between 250 and 699 pupils are allocated a 1 WTE Administrative and Caretaking posts;
- Schools with enrolments of 250 or more are allocated 1 WTE caretaking post and
- In respect of Cleaning supports, each school is allocated 4.5 hours per annum per pupil up to a maximum of 2028 hours per annum, with a minimum allocation of 520 hours per annum
Overall I acknowledge the need to improve non-teaching supports to the education sector including for ETBs but I must be prudent in the context of ongoing budgetary pressures and prioritise where it is not possible to do everything that I would like to do in the education sector in any one year.
201. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the situation in relation to the provision of a secondary school in Kinnegad, County Westmeath will be examined particularly in the context of a significantly increased population in the area and its environs and which was considered as part of the original M4 study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15434/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's means of analysing demographic trends and data have changed considerably since the report to which the Deputy refers was completed in 2005.
In order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a Geographical Information System, using data from a range of sources, to identify where the pressure for school places across the country will arise. With this information, my Department carries out nationwide demographic exercises to determine where additional school accommodation is needed at primary and post-primary level.
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.
As the Deputy may be aware, the Government announced plans for the establishment of 42 new schools over the next four years (2019 to 2022). This announcement follows 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.
In addition to the new schools announced, there will be a need for further school accommodation in other areas in the future. While the announcement did not include a new post-primary school in Kinnegad (which is located in the Killucan school planning area), the requirement for new schools will be kept under on-going review and in particular would have regard for the increased rollout of housing provision as outlined in Project Ireland 2040.
202. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department has an operating language scheme in accordance with the Official Languages Act 2003; and the date when such a scheme was introduced. [15489/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is committed to ensuring that it provides the best service possible, in both official languages, to the general public.
My Department has had three Irish Language Schemes. The first Irish Language Scheme ran from 2005-2008. The second Irish Language Scheme ran from 2013-2016. The third Irish Language Scheme is currently in place and runs from 2016-2019.
This Third Scheme was confirmed by the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. It commenced with effect from 24 October 2016 and remains in force for a period of 3 years or until a new scheme has been confirmed - whichever is the later - in accordance with section 14(3) of the Official Languages Act 2003. This scheme can be found on the Department's website: https://www.education.ie/en/The-Department/Customer-Service/Scheme-under-Section-15-of-the-Official-Languages-Act-2003-2016-2019-.pdf
The Act provides for the preparation by public bodies of a language scheme detailing the services which they will provide:
- through the medium of Irish,
- through the medium of English, and
- through the medium of Irish and English
and the measures to be adopted in order to provide services through Irish.
My Department intends to draft its fourth language scheme during 2019.
203. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in the determination of an application for residency status in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14789/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that, in response to a notification pursuant to the provisions of section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), written representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned.
These representations, together with all other information and documentation on file, will be fully considered, under section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and all other applicable legislation, in advance of a final decision being made. This decision will be made as soon as it is possible to do so.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
204. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in the determination of an application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14792/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the processing of the application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy is ongoing.
A letter issued to the person concerned on 26 March 2019 requesting certain documentation and a reply is awaited. Upon receipt of the requested documentation the case will be further processed.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements, not only within the State but also at European Union level, and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. While most straightforward cases are now processed within six months, the nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
205. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to upgrade the TETRA digital radio system; when the current service contract expires; his plans to move to secure 5G technology; if the new secure system (details supplied) will replace the TETRA system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14815/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is generally responsible for managing and controlling the administration and business of An Garda Síochána, as well as for decisions in relation to the allocation and management of Garda equipment and resources, including ICT, in light of his identified operational demands. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
I have asked the Garda Commissioner for the specific information requested and when I receive it I will write directly to the Deputy.
206. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in the determination of an application for stamp 4 in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14867/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that a request from the person concerned for permission to reside in the State on Stamp 4 conditions was received on 6 March 2019. The Deputy will appreciate that applications are dealt with in chronological order.
I am also advised that INIS wrote to the person on 27 March seeking further information. The matter will be given detailed consideration upon receipt of a response.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
207. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on an article in a publication (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14922/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile I am aware of the article referred to, the Deputy will appreciate that I am not in a position to comment on individual cases, such as referred to in the article.
More generally however, I can say, that the Irish Naturalisation & Immigration Service (INIS), when deciding on visa applications need to balance a wide range of factors including the economic interests of the State, maintaining an effective immigration regime, etc. while facilitating travel for those seeking to come to Ireland for a wide variety of legitimate reasons. This is the same for all visa services worldwide.
Each visa application is decided on its individual circumstances taking all factors and circumstances into account. In this regards, the timescale for processing visas can vary depending on the wide range of factors involved.
I am, of course, very conscious of the importance of these markets to the Irish economy and to the agriculture sector in particular. In that context, the Deputy can be assured that every effort is made by INIS to keep visa processing times to a minimum, and to help facilitate such trade and investment where possible.
208. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to increase the number of judges in the District Court; and the projected timeframe in this regard. [14938/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Government is committed to ensuring access to justice and that the courts are adequately resourced to facilitate same.
The President of the District Court has contacted me to put forward a case for an increase in the number of judges of the District Court and this proposal is currently being considered by my Department.
209. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the progress of the Hammond Lane court complex; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14939/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to building a new Family Law Centre and Children’s Court in Dublin 7. The Government’s Infrastructure and Capital Investment Plan 2016-2021 provides for development of a Family Law and Children’s Court at the Hammond Lane site. The project is to be delivered as a Public Private Partnership.
As the Deputy is aware, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998 management of the courts, including the provision of accommodation for court sittings, is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in exercising its functions.
My officials have been in ongoing discussions with the Courts Service who have been advised that €80 million in capital has been made available for the project.
210. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the practice of direct provision centres encouraging residents to volunteer to undertake duties which could be paid employment jobs; if such practices are widespread; if his Department is consulted by providers before such volunteering is organised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14940/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is responsible for the provision of accommodation and ancillary services to persons entering the state and seeking international protection. A key responsibility is providing opportunities to residents to meet their recreational, social and integration needs during their stay in the accommodation centres.
A recommendation of the McMahon Report is the Friends of the Centre Groups which are in each centre and work to provide opportunities for residents to integrate and participate in local community activities. Volunteerism plays a key role in allowing residents to meet and integrate in local community activities such as Tidy Towns.
However, volunteerism should not be misused to substitute for paid employment and my Department will not permit residents in our care to be exploited in this manner.
If the Deputy is aware of instances where this is happening, I would be obliged if she could forward on the relevant details.
211. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 113 of 14 February 2019, the status of the publication of the Inspector of Prisons report into prison surveillance. [14956/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that the Inspector of Prisons has furnished me with a copy of the report of her investigation, carried out under section 31 of the Prisons Act 2007, into allegations of improper surveillance and other wrongdoing in prisons.
In line with standard practice, I am considering the report in consultation with the Attorney General with a view to publishing it in accordance with section 31 of the Prisons Act 2007.
212. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in the determination of an appeal for refugee status in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14982/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, if an application for asylum or subsidiary protection has been made in the State, for confidentiality reasons it is not the practice to comment on such applications and the applicant or his legal representative should contact either the International Protection Office (IPO) or the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) directly, as appropriate.
The IPO may be contacted either by email to info@ipo.gov.ie, by telephone to the IPO Customer Service Centre at 01 6028008 or in writing to Customer Service Centre, International Protection Office, 79-83 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2. The International Protection Appeals Tribunal may be contacted either by email to info@protectionappeals.ie, by telephone at 01-4748400 (or Lo-Call 1890 201 458), or in writing to Corporate Services Division, The International Protection Appeals Tribunal, 6-7 Hanover Street East, Dublin D02 W320.
Following the commencement of the International Protection Act 2015 on 31 December 2016, new arrangements for the investigation and determination of applications for international protection (refugee status and subsidiary protection) and cases involving permission to remain in the State have been introduced. Such applications are now processed, as part of a single application procedure, by the International Protection Office (IPO) which has replaced the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC) from that date. The staff of that Office (the Chief International Protection Officer and International Protection Officers) are independent in the performance of their protection functions.
For your information, on 27 February 2017, the Chief International Protection Officer, following consultation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), published a statement on the Prioritisation of Applications under the International Protection Act 2015 which is available on the website of the International Protection Office (www.ipo.gov.ie).
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
