Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Tuesday, 21 Jul 2020

Written Answers Nos. 350-369

Defence Forces Representative Organisations

Ceisteanna (350)

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

350. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Defence if the further request by a representative group (details supplied) to affiliate to an organisation has been considered; the reason for not allowing such an affliction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16518/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this matter is currently the subject of legal proceedings, the Deputy will appreciate that it would be inappropriate for me to comment.

Programme for Government

Ceisteanna (351)

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

351. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Defence the timeline proposed for the independent commission on defence as proposed in the programme for Government; if the terms of the commission have been discussed; if the terms will be published in advance of the commission being set up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16519/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The recently agreed Programme for Government provides for the establishment of an independent Commission on the Defence Forces. The Commission is to be established before the end of this year, with a mandate to report within twelve months. A consultation process will be undertaken prior to finalisation of the Commission's terms of reference, which will be published following Government approval.

Ministerial Advisers

Ceisteanna (352)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

352. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the number of advisers and special advisers appointed by him since becoming Minister; the starting annual salary of each person appointed by him; if an open interview process was conducted for each appointee; the duration and terms of each contract issued to each adviser and special adviser; and if an advisory role has been split to facilitate job-sharing in tabular form. [16560/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

On the commencement of every Dail, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform issues guidelines setting out the arrangements for the staffing of Ministerial Offices. The Guidelines for the 33rd Dail are currently awaiting Government approval. It should be noted that the appointment of individual Special Advisers is a matter for each Government Minister subject to the terms set out in the aforementioned guidelines, although the appointments are also subject to formal a Government approval. At this stage, no Special Advisers have been formally appointed to my Department by the Government.

Air Corps

Ceisteanna (353)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

353. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence the actions he, his officials, the Chief of Staff Branch, Air Corps headquarters and or the State Claims Agency has taken to investigate the reasons for the non-compliance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Acts 1989 and 2005 at the Air Corps as stated by the Health and Safety Authority investigation which concluded after nearly three years in September 2018; and the steps taken at all levels to ensure the same failings to do not occur again in the Air Corps or the other branches of the Defence Forces. [16654/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I wish to assure the Deputy that the health and welfare of the men and women of the Defence Forces is a high priority for me, my Department and the military authorities.

The Deputy will be aware that following three inspections at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel during 2016, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) issued a Report of Inspection to the Air Corps on 21 October, 2016. This report listed a number of advisory items for follow up, including the areas of risk assessments, safety statements and the provision and use of personal protective equipment.

The resultant Air Corps improvement plan confirmed the Air Corps' full commitment to implementing improved safety measures that protect workers and ensure risks are as low as reasonably practicable.

The Air Corps improvement plan was implemented over eight phases, which the military authorities have advised are now complete, with phase eight, chemical awareness training and respiratory equipment training, being a continuous process.

The HSA has formally noted the high level of cooperation received and the considerable progress made to date by the Air Corps in this regard and their investigation is now closed.

A wide range of other measures are in place to ensure the health and safety of those serving in the Air Corps including monitoring exposure levels, conducting annual occupational medical screening, audits and training.

As the health and wellbeing of the men and women working in the Air Corps is a priority, the former Minister ensured that allegations relating to exposure to chemical and toxic substances whilst working in the Air Corps in Baldonnel were independently reviewed. The independent report considered the Defence Forces health and safety regime, its current policy and its application and made a number of observations including in relation to documentation, health surveillance, and exposure to monitoring. The report was published on the Department's website following its circulation to those who made disclosures.

The Air Corps and the wider Defence organisation is committed to complying with health and safety legislation. The organisation is proactive in ensuring that the best standards are adhered to in order to ensure that the risk to human health is as low as reasonably practicable.

The Deputy will appreciate that as litigation is ongoing, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further.

Defence Forces Personnel

Ceisteanna (354)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

354. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence the average body mass index of Defence Forces personnel. [16656/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The average BMI for Defence Forces personnel varies from period to period and year to year. The BMI average for recorded fitness tests in 2020 is 26.07.

Departmental Contracts

Ceisteanna (355)

Maurice Quinlivan

Ceist:

355. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Defence the value of contracts awarded to a company (details supplied) and its subsidiaries by his Department and each body and local authority under his remit from 1 January 2016 to 14 July 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16842/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department has not awarded any contracts to the named company or its subsidiaries in the period specified.

From 01 Jan 2016 to 14 Jul 2020 the Defence Forces has made payments to a subsidiary of the named company to the value of €62,890.14.

These payments are made directly to the subsidiary for the provision of meals to Defence Forces students attending courses of instruction at civilian training institutions across the State under the Defence Forces Trainee Technician Scheme. This facility is provided only where availing of military messing facilities is considered impractical.

The contract relationship is between the civilian training institution and the catering provider, where payment is made direct to the company upon receipt of an official invoice to the Defence Forces for messing for trainees attending the institution. The amounts paid in each year are set out in the table below.

Year

Amount

2016

€8,045.05

2017

€5,306.83

2018

€17,473.14

2019

€23,495.61

2020 to 14 July

€8,569.51

Total

€62,890.14

Army Barracks

Ceisteanna (356)

Patricia Ryan

Ceist:

356. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Defence the status of the disposal of lands at Magee Barracks, Kildare town; his plans to develop the site; the details of the promised give back to the local community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16947/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In 2013, part of the Magee Barracks site was acquired by the Department of Education and Skills for the purposes of providing new school provision for the community. Subsequently, the remaining aspect of the site was sold by pubic action in 2016. The future development of the site is now a matter between the site owners and the relevant planning authorities. My Department has no further role in this matter.

Defence Forces Properties

Ceisteanna (357)

Patricia Ryan

Ceist:

357. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Defence the details of the decision by his Department to fill in the hollow adjacent to Donnelly's Hollow on the Curragh, County Kildare; the materials used in the infill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16948/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In June 2017, the Property Management Branch of my Department became aware that soil had been deposited to the rear of Donnelly's Hollow. The Department subsequently engaged environmental consultants to carry out an environmental risk assessment of the site. The material deposited has been identified as fill material comprising of clay with trace amounts of construction and demolition materials. The Department of Defence has had the site monitored on a quarterly basis and there is no evidence that any environmental pollution or degradation of the infill material has occurred. I am advised that Kildare County Council have acknowledged this assessment and have accepted that there is no evidence that any environmental pollution has been caused.

Defence Forces Personnel

Ceisteanna (358)

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

358. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Defence if he has received correspondence relating to allegations of bullying and sexual harassment in the Defence Forces; his plans for a full inquiry into the complaints; and if he or his officials will meet with survivors of such abuse. [17323/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Correspondence containing allegations of inappropriate conduct in the workplace of an historical nature, has been received. In order for the matters contained therein to be attended to through the appropriate channels, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further. I can assure the Deputy however, that the matter is being treated with the utmost importance.

After-School Support Services

Ceisteanna (359)

Neale Richmond

Ceist:

359. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Education and Skills the measures being taken in view of the cancellation of after-school programmes that are of the view they cannot take children due to the pod system that will be introduced in primary schools in September 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16876/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

There has been a lot of engagement between my Department and stakeholders in relation to reopening of schools in September and this engagement is on-going. My Department’s number one priority, and the wider school sector is to reopen our schools as fully, normally and safely as possible at the start of the new school year. The Department and stakeholders are collectively focused on working through the detail on what the return to school will look like for all schools. The public health guidance is clear that we must maximise the space within the classroom to facilitate the pupils in the classroom and maximise the space within the existing school building in the first instance.

The range of school settings presents both opportunities and challenges. Flexibility and agility in how we respond is key. My Department is working through with school managers, leaders and staff on how best they can be supported to not only open schools but to ensure they remain open and in a position to make their buildings available for after school activities.

In general, the management of school premises at local level is a matter for the relevant school authorities.

Schools Building Projects

Ceisteanna (360)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

360. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the income turnover requirements to tender for a project (details supplied) in County Kerry will be reviewed and reduced to allow local companies to tender for the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17373/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

For small works using the Short Form of Contract, PWCF6, (under €1m) the average annual turnover over the previous three years must be not less than 1.5 times the sum tendered for the project. These projects would be tendered under an Open Procedure where the contractor can decide in advance whether they can meet the minimum standards specified in the Declaration of Suitability for Contractors for Small Works (Open Procedure Only).

As projects under €1m in value would have relatively short durations and a contractor of modest size could complete two or more of these in a year, average annual turnover of 1.5 times the tendered sum is not considered a high threshold.

For projects with an estimated cost over €1m in value, turnover levels are calculated in accordance with the Department’s website guidance note.

The Guidance provides that for School building projects with an estimated cost over €1m turnover levels should be in the range 100% to 150% of the annualised turnover of the estimated capital value of the project. The actual percentage applied, within this range, should relate to the complexity of the project and should be based on the table below. In selecting the appropriate percentage within the sub-ranges below it is recommended that consideration should be given to the degree of complexity.

This guidance note is in accordance with central guidance on turnover from the Office of Government Procurement and relates the turnover requirement to the complexity of the project.

I can assure the Deputy that the procurement of the project to which he refers has been carried out within the guidelines outlined above.

-

Project type

Multiplier

1

New build primary school projects on a green field sites with relatively clear access and limited complication with regard to site levels, site services, traffic management, etc.

100% to 115%

2

Primary school projects comprising extensions to existing accommodation and/or alterations/ refurbishment to existing accommodation in a live school environment; Post-primary school projects comprising complete new build on green field sites or extensions to existing accommodation and/or alterations/refurbishment to existing accommodation in a live school environment.

115% to 135%

3

Primary or post-primary school projects on brown field sites comprising extensions to existing accommodation and/or alterations/refurbishment to existing accommodation in a live school environment and incorporating protected structures; Primary or post-primary school projects, new builds or extensions, on restricted urban sites.

135% to 150%

Schools Building Projects

Ceisteanna (361)

Alan Farrell

Ceist:

361. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the delivery of new school buildings (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16469/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is included in the Department’s Construction Programme which is being delivered under the National Development Plan.

The project is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning, Stage 2(b) - Detailed Design, which includes the application for statutory approvals and the preparation of tender documents. All statutory approvals have been secured.

A revised Stage 2(b) report was submitted by the Design Team to my Department for review in November 2019. Upon commencement of the review my Department deemed it necessary to request further documentation from the Design Team in order that the report could be fully reviewed. The Design Team has since completed an Addendum report which has been received by my Department.

Upon review of the revised Stage 2(b) report and addendum documentation, my Department will then be in contact with the school regarding the further progression of this project.

Schools Building Projects

Ceisteanna (362)

Alan Farrell

Ceist:

362. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the delivery of a new primary school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16470/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The acquisition of a zoned school site at Corballis, Donabate, to accommodate a permanent school building for the school in question is at an advanced stage of legal conveyancing. Department officials are engaging with the Landowner and Officials in the relevant Local Authority regarding the potential development of the site. I am unable to elaborate any further due to the commercial sensitivities of site acquisitions in general.

Schools Building Projects

Ceisteanna (363)

Alan Farrell

Ceist:

363. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the delivery of a new school building and refurbishment of the existing school infrastructure for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16471/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is included in my Department’s Construction Programme which is being delivered under the National Development Plan.

This project is currently at Stage 1 of Architectural planning (Site Suitability, Site Report, and Initial Sketch Scheme). A Stage 1 Stakeholders meeting with the Design Team, Project Manager, and Board of Management and Department officials was held on 9th July 2020.

The Design Team is to prepare a revised sketch scheme option for review by my Department and the Project Manager. A further meeting will be arranged at that time.

School Enrolments

Ceisteanna (364)

Alan Farrell

Ceist:

364. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of measures she is taking to ease the stress on primary school places in Swords, County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16472/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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.

Major new residential developments in a school planning area have the potential to alter demand in that area. In that regard, as part of the demographic exercises, my Department engages with each of the local authorities to obtain the up-to-date data on significant new residential development in each area. This is necessary to ensure that schools infrastructure planning is keeping pace with demographic changes as there is a constantly evolving picture with planned new residential development.

Where 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.

In April 2018 the Government announced plans for the establishment of 42 new schools over the four years 2019 to 2022, including two new primary schools to serve the Swords school planning area (North and South). This announcement followed nationwide demographic exercises carried out by my Department into the future need for primary and post-primary schools across the country.

Rivervalley CNS opened in September 2019 as a single stream school in interim accommodation at Feltrim Road, Swords. It will move to further interim accommodation for September 2020 and will be located at 85/87 Main Street Swords.

Broadmeadow CNS is due to be established as a single stream school in September 2020. It will be accommodated in interim accommodation at Mooretown, Swords.

In addition to the new schools announced, a major building project for St. Cronan’s Senior National School includes the demolition of the existing Senior National School building and prefabricated classrooms and the construction of a new two-storey primary school comprising 26 general classrooms plus a 2 classroom SEN Base. The project also includes a new single-storey extension of 2 general classrooms plus a 2 classroom SEN Base to the rear of the existing St. Cronan’s Junior National School.

The requirement for new schools is under ongoing review and in particular will have regard for the increased rollout of housing provision as outlined in Project Ireland 2040.

Under Project Ireland 2040, my Department continues to make progress to increase the infrastructural capacity in the schools sector, in order to meet demographic and other demands.

My Department will also continue to monitor areas where the accommodation of existing schools may need to be expanded in order to meet the needs of the local population.

Schools Building Projects

Ceisteanna (365)

Alan Farrell

Ceist:

365. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the refurbishment of existing school buildings at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16473/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is included in my Department’s Construction Programme which is being delivered under the National Development Plan.

The Design Team have been appointed and are currently working on Stage 1 of Architectural Planning (Site Suitability, Site Report, and Initial Sketch). When the Design Team have completed this preparatory Stage, they will present the options to my Department and the school, for review and comment.

Third Level Examinations

Ceisteanna (366, 407)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

366. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason some colleges are charging a repeat exam fee and most other colleges are not (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16493/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Gary Gannon

Ceist:

407. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Education and Skills if her attention has been drawn to the decision of NUIG to charge students the full €295 fee for repeat exams in August 2020 despite the significant loss of income for many students and academic stress due to Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17020/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 366 and 407 together.

The Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are governed by the Universities Act 1997, the Institutes of Technologies Acts 1992 to 2006 and the Technological Universities Act 2018. Within the meaning of these Acts, HEIs are autonomous with regard to the management of their academic affairs and retain the right to determine their own policies and procedures in this area. In relation to fees the student contribution charge covers the cost of elements such as student registration, admissions and examination fees. However, repeat examination fees are charged separately being set by the individual HEI concerned and the Minister does not have a function in this regard.

In terms of supports for third level students, the main support available is the statutory based Student Grant Scheme. To qualify for grant support, a student is required to meet various criteria such as means, residency, nationality and progression.

Apart from the Student Grant Scheme, students in HEIs experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund (SAF). The SAF is managed by the Higher Education Authority and is allocated annually to prescribed HEIs including universities. Under the SAF students may be assisted towards the costs of rent, childcare, transport and books/class materials etc. The fund assists students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Details of the SAF are available from the Access Office in the institution attended. Institutions have the autonomy to maximise the flexibility in the Student Assistance Fund to enable HEIs to support students during the COVID-19 situation.

It is noted that NUI Galway, which is referenced specifically by the Deputies, states that there is limited support available in relation to the payment of repeat examination fees in certain prescribed circumstances, details of which are to be found on their website: https://www.nuigalway.ie/student-fees/repeatexamfee/

In addition, it is incumbent upon HEIs to have policies and complaints procedures in place which provide a mechanism for students to resolve any grievances, details of which would be accessible on their website. If an individual feels that he or she has been unfairly treated, or is not satisfied with an institution’s decision on his or her complaint, it is open to that individual to contact the Office of the Ombudsman. The Ombudsman examines complaints from the public in relation to certain actions of education providers including HEIs. Further information on the complaint procedures of the Office of the Ombudsman is below for the Deputies' information.

Higher Education Institutions

School Transport

Ceisteanna (367)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

367. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills when refunds for school transport will issue to students (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16506/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

School Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education.

The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.

In the 2019/20 school year over 120,000 children, including over 14,200 children with special educational needs, were transported in over 5,000 vehicles on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country covering over 100 million kilometres at a cost of over €219m in 2019.

The decision taken by the Government to close schools with effect from 13th March 2020 was taken in the interest of protecting our pupils, their families, teachers and those members of the wider community and is one of the many measures taken to support efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19.

Given that the school transport services have not been available to children from 13th March, it was decided that at the end of the current school year a refund for that period of closure will be issued to parents. My Department has engaged with Bus Éireann in developing a plan for facilitating these refunds and I can confirm that refunds are being issued directly to all entitled family account holders.

The refunds process has commenced and refunds to those families who paid by cheque issued during the week commencing 29th June. With regard to families who paid by card, Bus Éireann has contacted all families due to receive a refund to advise them of arrangements. Further details on the refunds process is available at https://www.buseireann.ie/SchoolRefunds.

Ministerial Advisers

Ceisteanna (368)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

368. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of advisers and special advisers appointed by her since becoming Minister; the starting annual salary of each person appointed by her; if an open interview process was conducted for each appointee; the duration and terms of each contract issued to each adviser and special adviser; and if an advisory role has been split to facilitate job-sharing in tabular form. [16561/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

On the commencement of every Dáil, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform issues guidelines setting out the arrangements for the staffing of Ministerial Offices. The Guidelines for the 33rd Dáil are currently awaiting Government approval.

It should be noted that the appointment of individual Special Advisers is a matter for each Government Minister subject to the terms set out in the aforementioned guidelines, although the appointments are also subject to formal Government approval. At this stage, no Special Advisers have been formally appointed to my Department by the Government. However, the Deputy may wish to note that I have to date assigned one person to work with me as Special Adviser and that person will be formally appointed by the Government once the Guidelines have been approved.

Special Educational Needs Staff

Ceisteanna (369)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

369. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will re-examine the allocation of special needs assistants to a school (details supplied) for the 2020-21 school year. [16578/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The NCSE has responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs including the allocation of SNAs and reviews. My Department does not have a role in making individual school determinations.

Schools have been notified of the arrangements for the allocation of SNA support in respect of students in mainstream classes for 2020/21. The arrangements include the following provisions:

- 2019/20 mainstream class SNA allocations will be frozen, from the date of issue of Circular 0030/2020, and will automatically rollover into the 2020/21 school year. This means that no school will receive an allocation less than that which they have on the date of issue of this Circular and existing SNAs currently in standard SNA posts can continue in these posts for the next school year in the normal way.

- Schools may apply to the NCSE for additionality where they can demonstrate that the current allocation does not meet additional care needs within the mainstream classes in the school. Applications for additionality arising from significant new or emerging additional care needs, which cannot be catered within existing allocations, will be dealt with by way of an exceptional review process.

- A diagnosis of a disability, or a psychological or other professional report, will not be necessary for this process.

- The role of the SNA to support the care needs of students in mainstream classes, as set out in Circular 0030/2014, remains unchanged.

It is expected that schools will review and reprioritise the deployment of SNAs within mainstream settings and allocate resources to ensure those with the greatest level of need receive the greatest level of support. Providing access to SNA support continues to be based on primary care needs as outlined in DES Circular 0030/2014.

Schools may apply to the NCSE for additionality where they can demonstrate that the current allocation does not meet additional care needs within the mainstream classes in the school. Applications for additionality arising from significant new or emerging additional care needs, which cannot be catered within existing allocations, will be dealt with by way of an exceptional review process.

The exceptional review process for mainstream allocations will be available to schools throughout the 2020/21 school year.

Detailed information on the NCSE exceptional review process is published on the NCSE website www.ncse.ie.

A school can appeal the outcome of an exceptional review and details of how to do this are here: https://ncse.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/GuidanceSchoolAppealing-Exceptional-Review-outcome.docx

Barr
Roinn