Woods, Michael J.Wednesday, 13 December 2000 |
Dáil Eireann Debate
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Written Answers. - Radon Gas Levels.
Was asked: if he has received a report from the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland regarding radon in schools; the schools affected; and the level of radon in each of the schools.
My Department commissioned the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, RPII, to conduct a survey of radon levels in schools in 1998. All schools recognised by my Department were invited to parti...
Written Answers. - Pregnant Schoolgirls.
Was asked: the support available to support young girls who are pregnant in completing their education and to reintegrate young lone mothers back into the school system.
My Department does not prescribe any special rules for the treatment of pregnant girls by school authorities. However, my Department would expect that in dealing with any particular case, school manag...
Written Answers. - Compulsory School Attendance.
Was asked: the person or body responsible for ensuring that children who sleep on the streets or in hostels go to school and receive a basic education; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The School Attendance Act, 1926, with minor amendments, is the legislative framework for compulsory school attendance in the State. Under existing legislation, school attendance committees in certain ...
Written Answers. - School Building Projects.
Was asked: when building will commence on an extension to a school (details supplied) in County Mayo; and when he the pre-fabs currently in use will no longer be required.
Architectural planning for the building project at the school in question is under way. It is too early to say at this point when construction will commence or when the prefabs will be vacated. The sc...
Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants.
Was asked: if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo is entitled to a third level grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The student, to whom the Deputy refers, holds a national certificate in humanities – heritage studies from Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology and is currently pursuing a post leaving certificate, PLC...
Written Answers. - Schools Refurbishment.
Was asked: if he has received an application for upgrading of facilities at a post primary school (details supplied) in County Mayo.
My Department has recently received cost estimates regarding the upgrading of facilities in the school to which the Deputy refers. This documentation is currently under examination.
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the reason for the delay in approving an extension to a primary school (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
An application from the board of management for grant aid towards improvement works at the school referred to by the Deputy has been received in my Department. The application is being examined at pre...
Was asked: the reason an extension to a school (details supplied) in County Wexford has not been approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The application for grant-aid from the school referred to in the details supplied is one of a large number being processed by my Department's building unit. My Department has completed an assessment o...
Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants.
Was asked: the plans he has to increase both the level of grant and the qualifying income threshold levels for third level grants (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The statutory framework for the maintenance grants scheme, as set out in the Local Authorities (Higher Education Grants) Acts, 1968 to 1992, provides for means-tested higher education grants in order ...
Written Answers. - School Building Projects.
Was asked: the progress being made in securing a permanent site for a national school (details supplied) in County Mayo.
As indicated in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 412 of 21 November 2000, the property management section of the Office of Public Works, which is acting on behalf of my Department in relation t...
Written Answers. - Learning Support Resources.
Was asked: if he will increase the learning support resources available to a cluster of schools (details supplied) in County Mayo.
In September 1999 the learning support teaching service was extended to all primary schools with a pupil teacher ratio of 10:1 or above. Schools with lower pupil teacher ratios were advised that they ...
Written Answers. - Psychological Service.
Was asked: if he will allow for recoupment of costs to a school (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Due to an unforeseen career break, the level of service provided by the National Educational Psychological Service to the school named by the Deputy was not maintained in recent times. However, I am h...
Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.
Was asked: when he will sanction proposals from the Lucan Educate Together National School in respect of outreach classes for children with autism; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
My Department has recently sanctioned the establishment of two special classes for pupils with autism in the Lucan Educate Together school. I understand that the classes will be operational in January...
Written Answers. - School Refurbishment.
Was asked: the status of an application by a school (details supplied) in Dublin 9 for upgrading works; if he will give approval to carry out works to satisfy the requirements of the fire officer; and if he will...
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that essential works, in accordance with the fire officer's requirements, are nearing completion at the school in question. Proposals for the long-term accommodation ...
Written Answers. - School Staffing.
Was asked: if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of many school principals about difficulties in recruiting special needs assistants due to the low level of pay rates of £5.34 per hour; the plans he ha...
I am aware that the concerns to which the Deputy refers have been raised in the past with my Department. However, I am pleased to inform the Deputy that arising from agreements reached under the Progr...
Was asked: the number of EPT teachers in the education system; the measures he is taking to address job security for such teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The number of eligible part-time teachers, EPTs, on my Department's payroll is 1,375. The number of EPTs in schools managed by vocational education committees is being compiled and will be forwarded t...
Written Answers. - Institutes of Technology.
Was asked: further to Parliamentary Question No. 377 of 14 November 2000, the action he is taking to avoid industrial action among TUI members in Limerick Institute of Technology; if he will exercise his powers ...
Under the terms of the Regional Technical College Acts, matters relating to examinations are clearly a statutory function of the management and governing body of the institutes of technology. In this ...
Written Answers. - Departmental Staff.
Was asked: the number of persons employed in the building unit of his Department; the number of vacancies that exist; the average or typical length of time it takes to process an application; the number of appli...
There are currently 104.5 serving staff and 15 vacancies in the administrative, professional and technical grades in the planning and building unit of my Department, all dealing with planning and buil...
Written Answers. - Secretarial and Caretaking Services.
Was asked: the way in which he will fund schools for secretarial and care-taking services in order that they can meet their commitments under the Minimum Wage Act.
My Department provides funding towards the cost of secretarial and caretaking services in primary and secondary schools under two separate schemes. One scheme is the 1978-79 scheme for the employment ...
Written Answers. - Early Childhood Education.
Was asked: the measures in the White Paper on Early Childhood Education which have been implemented to date.
The White Paper on Early Childhood Education, Ready to Learn, which was published in December 1999, sets out a comprehensive strategy for the development of early childhood education for all children ...
Written Answers. - Departmental Estimates.
Was asked: further to the recent publication of the 2000 forecast outturn for the voted capital services in the education sector, the amount of the 2000 allocation for the education technology investment fund wh...
Details of actual expenditure in respect of the year 2000 will not be finalised until the end of the 2000 financial year. An annual report in respect of the operation of the fund will be prepared by m...
Was asked: further to the recent publication of the 2000 forecast outturn for the voted capital services in the education sector, the reason over £1m of last year's capital allocation for primary schools remains...
The data to which the Deputy refers are provisional outturn figures which were based on the position as forecast in October 2000. The original capital allocation for national schools in 2000 was £81 m...
Written Answers. - Capital Projects.
Was asked: the number of outstanding applications his Department is processing from third level institutions for funding for capital projects; the number of these that relate to student accommodation; the number...
My Department considers applications for funding for third level capital projects, including site purchases, in the context of campus development masterplans drawn up by institutes of technology. Once...
Written Answers. - Education Technology Investment Fund.
Was asked: the number of schools which have applied for funding under the education technology investment fund; the number which have been approved; the number which have applications outstanding; the average or...
The Scientific and Technological Education (Investment) Fund was established in December 1997 to develop technology education at all levels ranging from primary schools to advanced research. Sectoral ...
Written Answers. - Under Graduate Degree Courses.
Was asked: if he has received the report from the Educational Research Centre on their survey of completion rates in under-graduate degree courses; if so, the main findings of the report; if he will immediately ...
The Higher Education Authority commissioned the Educational Research Centre at St. Patrick's College, Drumcondra, Dublin, to undertake a survey of completion rates in undergraduate degree courses in t...
Written Answers. - Special Needs Programme.
Was asked: if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 132 of 21 November 2000, a decision has been made on the terms of reference and membership of the proposed advisory committee on deaf education; if not, the r...
It is my intention to establish a representative advisory committee to offer guidance to my Department on the range of key issues relating to the future education of deaf children. Planning for this a...
Written Answers. - Educational Disadvantage.
Was asked: if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 113 of 21 November 2000, the educational disadvantage committee as provided for in the Education Act, 1998 has been established; if not, the reason therefore;...
Arrangements for the establishment of the Educational Disadvantage Committee, under the Education Act, 1998, are at an advanced stage. I hope to be in a position to establish the committee early in 20...
Written Answers. - Local Authority Development Plans.
Was asked: if he has satisfied himself with the level of input and consultation his Department has into the drafting of local authority development plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Minister for Education and Science is included among the prescribed authorities to whom local authorities are statutorily obliged to send draft development plans or proposed variations to developm...
Written Answers. - School Accommodation Database.
Was asked: the progress to date in completing a post-primary school accommodation database; if such a database exists for primary schools; if not, the plans he has to create one; and if he will make a statement ...
It is the intention to undertake an inventory of accommodation of all recognised primary and post-primary schools. My Department is currently drawing up the tender documentation for the inventory and ...
Written Answers. - School Services.
Was asked: the progress to date in con ducting a study to determine workload and resource needs of second level schools in the secretarial and care-taking areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I have previously welcomed the report on the funding of second level schools, which represents a comprehensive review of the funding arrangements of post primary schools. I am keeping the recommendati...
Written Answers. - Estimates 2001.
Was asked: the sub-head in the Estimates for 2001 in which money has been provided for the establishment of a centre for deaf studies; the amount in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: the sub-head in the Estimates for 2001 in which money has been provided for the implementation of the Children Bill, 1999, when it becomes law; the amount in question; and if he will make a statement ...
Was asked: the sub-head in the Estimates for 2001 in which money has been provided for the implementation of the Education Welfare Act; the amount in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: the sub-head in the Estimates for 2001 in which money has been provided for the implementation of the Education Act; the amount in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 246 to 249, inclusive, together. The abridged Estimates and the budget for 2001 are the first stages in the process of determining specific allocations, improvements a...
Written Answers. - School Staffing.
Was asked: the number of teaching principals in the education system; the number of such teachers in each of the past three years who have taken early retirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The information requested by the Deputy is being compiled in my Department and will be forwarded to her. With effect from 1 September 2000, administrative principals are appointed to all schools with ...
Written Answers. - School Enrolment.
Was asked: if, further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 189 and 192 of 18 October 2000, the estimates requested have been finalised; and if so, if he will provide such estimates as soon as possible.
The estimates of enrolment requested by the Deputy are currently being finalised in my Department. I will arrange to have them provided to the Deputy shortly, when this process is complete.
Written Answers. - Higher Education Fees.
Was asked: his plans in respect of assisting part-time and evening students who do not presently qualify for free fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Under the free fees initiative, the State meets the tuition costs of eligible students, who are attending full-time undergraduate courses, which must generally be of at least two years duration, at ap...
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the progress to date in dealing with the capital funding request from schools (details supplied).
As a result of an application received from the school for improvement works, the school authorities were advised by my Department to appoint a consultant architect to draw up a report and proposals f...
Written Answers. - Schools Refurbishment.
Was asked: further to Parliamentary Question No. 151 of 19 October 2000, the reasons for the delay in dealing with the application from a school (details supplied); and if he will ensure that funding is provided...
My Department's building unit is currently examining a report prepared by the Office of Public Works on the proposed works at the school in question. The Deputy will appreciate that the application fr...
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: if approval has been given to a school (details supplied) in Dublin 9 for the proposed extension; and if he will ensure that this application is dealt with as soon as possible.
My Department recently received the state 4/5 submission i.e. detailed design and Bill of Quantities for the new extension at the school to which the Deputy refers. Staff in the building unit of my De...
Was asked: the position in relation to building works which need to be carried out at a school (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
My Department has requested the property management section of the Office of Public Works, which is acting on behalf of my Department in relation to site acquisitions generally, to explore the possibi...
Written Answers. - Schools Refurbishment.
Was asked: if he has received an application in relation to urgent repairs and renovations to a primary school (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if he will ensure and early decision is made.
An application from the board of management for grant aid towards improvement works at the school referred to by the Deputy has been received in my Department. The application is being examined at pre...
Written Answers. - Industrial Relations.
Was asked: if his attention has been drawn to the extent to which the current industrial dispute affects the level of service at Scoil Mhuire, Clane, County Kildare with consequent hardships to parents, teachers...
Was asked: if his attention has been drawn to the impact of the current industrial dispute on the quality and extent of education available at St. Mary's College, Naas, County Kildare and on other schools and co...
I propose to take Questions Nos. 258 and 262 together. I am fully aware that the industrial action by the ASTI has resulted in the loss of eight days teaching for the vast majority of second level stu...
Written Answers. - Departmental Property.
Was asked: if he will reply to representations in relation to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9 who shares a boundary with Departmental property; the progress made regarding the erection of a boundary fenc...
My Department has received a report, with recommendations, for the provision of fencing between the housing to which the Deputy refers and the school. My Department is acting on the recommendations o...
Written Answers. - Teaching Service.
Was asked: if a claim by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 for incremental credit in respect of teaching service abroad will be processed as quickly as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matt...
The person referred to by the Deputy has applied for incremental credit and has recently submitted all the required supporting documentation.
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the current position regarding the purchase of a school facility (details supplied) in Dublin 8; the use to which this facility will be put if purchased by the Department; and if he will make a statem...
My Department has approved a request from the Dublin Institute of Technology to purchase the school in question from the Dublin Catholic Diocesan Office. The Deputy will be aware of the need to provid...
| Last Updated: 11/09/2010 00:22:52 |
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