Woods, Michael J.Tuesday, 6 November 2001 |
Dáil Eireann Debate
Page of 598
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Order of Business.
The Order for Second Stage of the Bill is scheduled for tomorrow.
Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants.
Was asked: if he will approve a higher education grant for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Department of Education and Science funds three means-tested maintenance grant schemes for third level education students in respect of attendance on approved courses in approved third level insti...
Was asked: the reason for the delay in the payment of third level education grants to students from the County Louth area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: the reason for the delay in the payment of third level grants to students in the County Louth area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 727 and 835 together.
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: when the extension to Scoil Mhuire, Ballyhogue, Enniscorthy, County Wexford, will be completed.
My Department has received an application for grant aid towards the cost of a building project at Scoil Mhuire national school, Ballyhogue, County Wexford. The Deputy will appreciate that there has be...
Written Answers. - Overseas Service.
Was asked: if he will examine an application by a person (details supplied) in County Dublin to have 20 years of overseas service in primary education recognised by the Department; and if he will make a statemen...
The incremental credit scheme for primary teachers was reviewed recently under the auspices of the Conciliation Council for Teachers. The terms of the agreement reached are outlined in Primary Circula...
Written Answers. - School Transport.
Was asked: the position regarding school transport arrangements for a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that my Department sanctioned a special transport service for the pupil in question on 15 October 2001.
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: if he will expedite the provision of the playroom at Loughquitane national school, Muckross, Killarney, County Kerry; if his attention has been drawn to the delays that have held up the provision of f...
The Department has received an application for grant aid towards the cost of a building project at the school in question. The Deputy will appreciate that there has been a massive and unprecedented in...
Was asked: when construction will commence on a primary school (details supplied) in County Limerick.
My Department has received an application for grant aid towards the cost of a building project at the school in question. The Deputy will appreciate that there has been a massive and unprecedented inc...
Written Answers. - Course Recognition.
Was asked: if he will recognise a course (details supplied) at Armagh College of Higher Education; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The vocational education committees scholarship scheme administered by the various vocational education committees, under the aegis of my Department, offers financial assistance to eligible students a...
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: if he will approve an extension to a school (details supplied) in County Galway.
The Department has received an application for grant aid towards the cost of a building project at the school in question. The Deputy will appreciate that there has been a massive and unprecedented in...
Written Answers. - Skill Needs.
Was asked: if the conclusions of the Forfás expert group report on future skills needs need to be revisited in view of events and economic trends in the IT industry since that date; and if he will make a stateme...
The expert group on future skills needs was established to identify existing and emerging skills needs within the economy and to advise on appropriate actions to address these needs. The group has pro...
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: his proposals to assist the Gaelscoil in County Meath to locate to new premises; if his Department will provide funds of £75,000 which the Gaelscoil must pay to the local authority in ancillary and si...
My Department has received an application for grant aid from the Gaelscoil in question towards the cost of moving to an alternative temporary site. The Department has recently written to the school a...
Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.
Was asked: if, further to his reply to Question No. 168 of 9 October 2001, he will give a detailed breakdown of the £967,000 provided for the three facilities using exclusively applied behavioural analysis metho...
Was asked: if he has apologised to the three autistic units (details supplied) as requested following a mistake in a statement in respect of funding approved for the units in 2001; if he will also refer to the s...
I propose to take Questions Nos. 737 and 815 together. The figure of £9,670,000 quoted in my written reply of 9 October 2001 was incorrect and should have read £967,000. I have already explained to th...
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: if he will make arrangements to include necessary mechanical and engineering works among the works sanctioned to proceed to tender in 2001 for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 5.
My Department has received an application for grant aid towards the cost of a major refurbishment project at the school in question. The Deputy will appreciate that there has been a massive and unprec...
Written Answers. - Schools Refurbishment.
Was asked: the reason for the delay in carrying out an inspection of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the works in question are urgent from a health...
The Department has received an application for grant aid towards the cost of a building project at the school in question. The Deputy will appreciate that there has been a massive and unprecedented i...
Written Answers. - Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme.
Was asked: the cost of extending vocational training opportunity schemes to persons aged 65 and over; and if he will extend VTOS to cover this age category.
The vocational training opportunities scheme is operated through the 33 vocational education committees. It has 5,000 approved places with a current annual running cost of approximately £32 million. I...
Written Answers. - School Transport.
Was asked: the reason persons (details supplied) in County Mayo are not being provided with transport to their nearest national school; and the further reason these persons must change to a school further away i...
I have asked the school transport section of my Department to review this case as a matter of urgency. The Deputy will be informed of the outcome as soon as the review is completed.
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the reason the proposed construction for Ardagh national school, Ballina, County Mayo, is not going to tender; and when the funding for this building will be sanctioned.
The Department has received an application for grant aid towards the cost of a building project at the school in question. The Deputy will appreciate that there has been a massive and unprecedented in...
Written Answers. - Schools Refurbishment.
Was asked: if he has received a report from Scoil Iognáid Rís, Callan, County Kilkenny, regarding the need for remedial work to be carried out in order that the school can operate efficiently and safely; and if ...
The Department has received an application for grant aid towards the cost of a building project at Scoil Iognáid Rís. The Deputy will appreciate that there has been a massive and unprecedented increas...
Written Answers. - School Transport.
Was asked: if he will approve a more satisfactory bus service for persons (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
A report has been requested from the transport liaison officer regarding the transport arrangements to the centre from the area referred to by the Deputy. The Deputy will be advised of the position as...
Written Answers. - School Accommodation.
Was asked: if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 494 of 9 October 2001, he will indicate the stage of architectural planning in Daingean National School; when this procedure will be completed; and the furthe...
My Department has received an application for grant aid towards the cost of a building project at Daingean National School. The Deputy will appreciate that there has been a massive and unprecedented i...
Was asked: if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 493 of 9 October 2001, he will indicate if Lusmagh National School, County Offaly will receive funding from his Department for the school extension; the statu...
My Department has received an application for grant aid towards the cost of a building project at Lusmagh National School. The Deputy will appreciate that there has been a massive and unprecedented in...
Written Answers. - Schools Refurbishment.
Was asked: if he will give final approval for the refurbishment of science laboratories in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 9; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that new plans were submitted in Ju...
Written Answers. - Disadvantaged Status.
Was asked: if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 to facilitate this person under the initiative to assist students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
In light of representations made by the student referred to by the Deputy, my Department has requested details of his case from Galway Corporation, the relevant grant-awarding body in this case. When ...
Written Answers. - Schools Refurbishment.
Was asked: the position in relation to an application for funds to carry out refurbishment by a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
My Department has received an application for grant aid towards the cost of a building project at the school in question. The Deputy will appreciate that there has been a massive and unprecedented inc...
Written Answers. - Physical Education Facilities.
Was asked: if he will give approval to allow Castleknock Community College proceed with a stand alone, full size physical education hall.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that a stage 1 submission has been received in the building unit of my Department for the construction of a sports hall of 806 square metres at Castleknock Community ...
Written Answers. - Schools Inspectorate.
Was asked: if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 332 of 19 June 2001, he will state the reason officials from his Department have to date not contacted the school authorities as agreed; and if he will make a...
My Department's inspectorate visited the school in question recently and has submitted a report, which is currently under consideration. The school authorities will be contacted very shortly.
Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants.
Was asked: if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 will be considered for a top up maintenance grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The report of the action group on access to third level education makes detailed recommendations concerning the introduction of special rates of maintenance grants for disadvantaged students, usually ...
Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.
Was asked: the position regarding the report on the provision of home tuition for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo.
I am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers. I understand that a report on the matter is awaited from my Department's inspectorate. I have asked that this matter be expedited and that the child...
Written Answers. - School Accommodation.
Was asked: when he will provide additional facilities at a primary school (details supplied) in County Cork.
My Department has received an application for grant aid towards the cost of a building project at the school in question. The Deputy will appreciate that there has been a massive and unprecedented inc...
Written Answers. - School Staffing.
Was asked: the number of teachers allocated under the education disadvantage in primary schools initiative to each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: the schools in County Monaghan which were allocated a teacher under the education disadvantage in primary schools initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 755 and 756 together.
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 469 of 23 October 2001, he will give specific details on the position on his Department's consideration of this school's application.
My Department has received an application for grant aid towards the cost of a building project at the school in question. The Deputy will appreciate that there has been a massive and unprecedented inc...
Written Answers. - Disadvantaged Status.
Was asked: the number of applications he has received under the fund for the development of targeted educational responses to certain children at risk and other initiatives to tackle disadvantage; the amount of ...
My Department received a total of 85 complete applications for funding under the fund for the development of targeted educational responses to certain children at risk. As the Deputy may be aware, thi...
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the number of primary schools in County Roscommon which currently have an application with his primary building unit; the stage each school is at; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The information in the format requested by the Deputy is not readily available in my Department. However, if the Deputy wishes to obtain details of specific building projects, I will be happy to provi...
Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants.
Was asked: when a higher education grant will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
My Department funds three means-tested maintenance grant schemes for third level education students in respect of attendance on approved courses in approved third level institutions as follows: the hi...
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the reason the information requested in Parliamentary Question No. 564 of 16 October 2001 is not available.
The information is not maintained in the format requested by the Deputy. However, I am arranging to have a list of projects in architectural planning forwarded to the Deputy.
Written Answers. - School Staffing.
Was asked: his Department's proposals regarding the suppression of a teaching post at a school (details supplied); and if he will review his decision to suppress a teaching post at the school.
Was asked: if he will review the situation in Castleknock Educate Together School where the school has been threatened with the loss of the junior infants teacher; if he will recognise the change in circumstance...
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 762 and 783 together.
Written Answers. - Young Offenders.
Was asked: the number of beds in each children's centre; the number of beds currently open in each; the reasons for bed closures in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
My Department is responsible for the operation of five special schools for young offenders. They are St. Joseph's Special School, Ferryhouse, Clonmel, County Tipperary; Trinity House School, Oberstown...
Written Answers. - School Accommodation.
Was asked: when the design team will be approved in respect of a classroom extension for a school (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
My Department has received an application for grant aid towards the cost of a building project at the school in question. The Deputy will appreciate that there has been a massive and unprecedented inc...
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: if an application by Ballyhogue national school, Enniscorthy, County Wexford, for an extension has been received by his Department; the status of the application; when sanction to build will issue; an...
My Department has received an application for grant aid towards the cost of a building project at Ballyhogue national school, Ballyhogue, County Wexford. The Deputy will appreciate that there has been...
Written Answers. - School Bullying.
Was asked: the steps he is taking to combat bullying in schools; if his attention has been drawn to the campaign by concerned parents against bullying; if he will meet this group to discuss their concerns and su...
Individual school management authorities are responsible for implementing policies to counter bullying in schools. In 1993 my Department issued Guidelines on Countering Bullying Behaviour to all prima...
Written Answers. - Schools Refurbishment.
Was asked: if his attention has been drawn to a report by a company (details supplied) on the condition of Scoil Iognaid Rís, Callan, County Kilkenny; the action he will take on the matters raised; and if a time...
My Department has received an application for grant aid towards the cost of a building project at Scoil Iognád Rís. The Deputy will appreciate that there has been a massive and unprecedented increase ...
Written Answers. - Schools Complaints Procedures.
Was asked: the proposals he has to provide a mechanism whereby complaints by parents and students against the boards of management of secondary schools can be addressed.
Secondary schools are privately owned and managed institutions and are the responsibility of the managerial authorities of the individual schools. Complaints should be addressed, in the first instance...
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: if he will confirm that the building programme for Church Hill national school, Cuffes Grange, County Kilkenny, is not in doubt and will proceed from stage three as soon as possible; if the overcrowdi...
My Department has received an application for grant-aid towards the cost of a building project at Church Hill national school. The Deputy will appreciate that there has been a massive and unprecedente...
Was asked: if, under the Freedom of Information Act, 1997, he will provide all details regarding the application for a new school at Carrowkennedy, Westport, County Mayo; when the school was applied for; the sta...
My Department received an application for grant aid towards the cost of a building project at Carrowkennedy national school in April 1998. The board of management of Carrowken nedy National School acc...
Written Answers. - School Staffing.
Was asked: the location to which the 50 enhanced guidance posts were allocated nationwide.
The objective of the guidance enhancement initiative is to develop innovative ways of enhancing guidance through promoting links between schools, business, voluntary and state agencies and increasing ...
Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants.
Was asked: if he will reconsider a decision to refuse an application by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo for a payment of fees in a course in Trinity College, Dublin, for the 2001 academic year.
Under the terms of my Department's free fees initiative, the Exchequer meets the tuition fees of eligible students who are attending approved full-time undergraduate courses, which must generally be o...
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the stage at which planning for the provision of additional facilities at Kiltartan national school, Gort, County Galway, has reached; if his attention has been drawn to the overcrowding which exists ...
My Department has received an application for grant-aid towards the cost of a building project at Kiltartan national school, Gort, County Galway. The Deputy will appreciate that there has been a massi...
Was asked: the plans he has to extend and refurbish Kilcooley national school, Loughrea, County Galway; the stage at which the planning process has reached; the nature of requirements at the school; and when the...
My Department has received an application for grant-aid towards the cost of a building project at Kilcooley national school, Loughrea, County Galway. The Deputy will appreciate that there has been a ...
Written Answers. - School Staffing.
Was asked: if he will sanction the provision of a full time remedial teacher at Corrandulla national school, County Galway; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a school of this size warrants a remed...
Was asked: the position regarding an application for a full-time remedial teacher for Corrandulla national school, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 775 and 865 together. The case made by the school in question for additional remedial teacher support has been examined in my Department. I can assure the Deputies tha...
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: when funding will be provided for an extension to Butlersbridge central national school, Butlersbridge, County Cavan; and when works will progress.
My Department has received an application for grant-aid towards the cost of a building project at Butlersbridge central national school. The Deputy will appreciate that there has been a massive and un...
Written Answers. - School Staffing.
Was asked: if legislation to cover the situation of temporary teachers will be introduced in the current Dáil session; if an improvement in the conditions governing the payment of such teachers for vacation peri...
Legislation aimed at implementing EU directive 97/81/EC of the Council of the European Union concerning the Framework Agreement on Part-time Work is currently before the Dáil. The position of temporar...
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: when sanction for a building project will be granted to a school (details supplied) in County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
My Department has received an application for grant aid towards the cost of a building project at the school in question. The Deputy will appreciate that there has been a massive and unprecedented inc...
Written Answers. - Pension Provisions.
Was asked: if an application for an old age scheme by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 will be approved; the steps he is taking in order that this person will be admitted to this scheme; and if he will ma...
I understand that the case referred to by the Deputy concerns a contributory pension scheme introduced in 1980 for the category of employee to which the person in question belongs. Existing employees ...
Written Answers. - School Staffing.
Was asked: his views on the position of temporary secondary school teachers and their position during the summer months; the number of temporary teachers in the secondary school system; the number who receive pa...
The vast majority of the teaching posts at second level schools are filled on a permanent whole-time basis. According to records in my Department there are approximately 1,100 temporary wholetime teac...
Was asked: the number of primary schools approved in the 2000-2001 academic year under the new programme deal for disadvantaged primary schools; the budget approved for this initiative; the amount of money paid ...
The Deputy is referring to the new programme Giving Children An Even Break, that I launched in January of this year, to deal with educational disadvantage in primary schools. The new programme will ru...
Written Answers. - Institutes of Technology.
Was asked: if he proposes to introduce amending legislation governing the institute of technology sector with a view to establishing clear accountability structures of this sector to the Minister, the Department...
On 1 January 1993, the institutes of technology, which were formerly known as regional technical colleges, were established on a statutory basis under the Regional Technical Colleges Act, 1992. Simila...
Written Answers. - Physical Education Facilities.
Was asked: the status of an application for a gym for Coláiste Éamann Rís Callan, County Kilkenny; the date the application was received; when a decision will be received in this case; if the cost of the project...
My Department has not yet received a request from the school to which the Deputy refers for the provision of a gymnasium on site. However, an application has been received seeking additional classroom...
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: if a once-off grant will be made available to Coon national school to facilitate their move to the new school; if a submission has been received from the school; and when a decision will be made in th...
My Department's building unit does not appear to have received an application from the management authorities of Coon national school for grant-aid towards costs referred to by the Deputy. The matter ...
Written Answers. - Institutional Abuse.
Was asked: if he has received the report of the compensation advisory committee regarding victims of institutional abuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: when he expects to receive the recommendations of the compensation advisory committee in respect of the award scheme for survivors of institutional abuse; the plans he has to publish this report prior...
I propose to take Questions Nos. 786 and 870 together.
Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants
Was asked: if he will review the application for a maintenance grant to Wexford VEC by a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; the reason a back to work allowance paid to the applicant's father was includ...
My Department funds three means-tested maintenance grant schemes for third level education students in respect of attendance on approved courses in approved third level institutions: (a) the higher ed...
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the status of an application for additional accommodation at Monageer national school, County Wexford; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that students and teachers are working in cramped con...
My Department has received an application for grant aid towards the cost of a building project at Monageer national school, County Wexford.
Was asked: if his attention has been drawn to the need for the provision of additional accommodation at a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; if this project is under consideration in his Department; an...
My Department has received an application for grant aid towards the cost of a building project at the school in question. The Deputy will appreciate that there has been a massive and unprecedented inc...
Was asked: if his attention has been drawn to the health and safety implications of the overcrowding at a school (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
My Department has received an application for grant aid towards the cost of a building project at the school in question.
Written Answers. - Child Abuse.
Was asked: if a decision has been taken to award compensation only to children sexually abused in residential institutions and not to award compensation to children abused in day schools.
The Residential Institutions Redress Bill provides for a scheme of compensation in very particular circumstances. It applies to orphanages, industrial schools and reformatory schools. It is on these i...
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: when the proposed extension to a school (details supplied) in County Laois will be approved; and when construction will commence.
The application referred to by the Deputy was recently received and is currently being examined in the planning and building unit of my Department in conjunction with a report by the local inspector. ...
Was asked: if he will reconsider the approval of the building of a covered walkway between buildings at Confey Community College, Leixlip, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I have approved funding for the provision of the covered walkway at Confey College, Leixlip, County Kildare. The post-primary building unit of my Department has ...
Written Answers. - Decentralisation Programme.
Was asked: if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 998 of 3 October 2001, he will give a commitment to fully consult with staff regarding any change in location for HETAC; and if he will make a statement on th...
Was asked: if he will make a statement on the concerns of a person (details supplied) in relation to HETAC staff.
Was asked: his proposals for the location of HETAC; the consultation process being undertaken with existing staff; and if he will defer further action until consensus is reached.
Was asked: his views on issues relating to staff concerns arising from the dissolution of the NCEA and the establishment of HETAC; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: the action his Department has taken to involve the views of former staff of the National Council for Educational Awards in respect of the newly established NETAC; if agreement has been reached between...
I propose to take Questions Nos. 794, 807, 814, 819 and 839 together.
Written Answers. - Teaching Staff.
Was asked: if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 468 of 23 October 2001, he will acknowledge that payments made to temporary or part-time teachers during the summer months are paid on time; and if he will ma...
Temporary whole-time and eligible part-time teachers who are on my Department's post-primary teachers payroll receive their salary on a fortnightly basis as normal during the summer months. I am not a...
Written Answers. - Grant Payments.
Was asked: the reason for the delay in having payment of a transport grant issued to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that my Department issued a payment to the family in question on 24 October 2001. This payment reflected transport costs to end September 2001 plus the estimated cost...
Written Answers. - Schools Equipment.
Was asked: if he will reconsider the provision of additional facilities at a primary school (details supplied) in County Cork.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that conduit ways for future computer networking and telephones have been provided in relevant classroom areas at the school in question, in accordance with my Depart...
Written Answers. - School Transport.
Was asked: the reason for a delay in resolving the transport problem in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this matter was first brought t...
I understand that the pupil in question was only enrolled in the special class in late September 2001 and consequently was not on the original list of pupils notified to my Department in June 2001 and...
Written Answers. - Catchment Boundaries.
Was asked: the circumstances and regulations under which catchment boundaries were established; and his views on whether huge demographic and other changes have since taken place and that the whole issue of catc...
For the purposes of post-primary education provision, the country is divided into catchment areas, each of which has its own post-primary education centre. These areas were drawn up in the late 1960s ...
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: when Bridgetown Vocational College, Wexford, will receive approval to move to Stage 5 of the extension building programme.
An extension of 1,772 m*2 is being planned for the school in question and the project is progressing through architectural planning. A Stage 4 submission, detail design, was received in my Department ...
Written Answers. - School Placements.
Was asked: if he will identify and provide an appropriate school placement for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I have asked my Department's inspectorate to investigate the case referred to by the Deputy with a view to ensuring a suitable placement as a matter of urgency. I am most anxious to ensure that suitab...
Was asked: if he will identify a post primary school placement for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11.
My Department is not aware of the child referred to by the Deputy.
Written Answers. - Schools Industry Link Scheme.
Was asked: if he has examined a proposal for the development and funding of eight business centres in local second level schools (details supplied) in Finglas and Cabra; and if he will make a statement on the ma...
My Department has examined the schools industry link scheme proposal for the development and funding of eight business centres in local second level schools in the Finglas and Cabra areas. My Departme...
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the new Mercy school at Moun thawk, Tralee is already over-crowded; and his plans for the addition of eight further classrooms and additional canteen s...
An application for additional accommodation from the school in question has recently been received in the planning and building unit of my Department. The application is currently being examined and t...
Was asked: the indicative budget for primary building projects in 2001, 2002 and 2003; if projects which are now in the pipeline, such as a project (details supplied), will not be delayed in their planning progr...
The allocation for primary buildings in 2001 is £92.6 million, 117.58 million. Decisions relating to the allocations for 2002 and 2003 will be taken in the context of the Estimates process for those y...
Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants.
Was asked: the reason a decision has not been made on an application by a person (details supplied) in County Galway for a higher education grant; the position regarding this application; and if he will make a s...
My Department understands that the person, to whom the Deputy refers, applied to County Galway Vocational Education Committee, the body charged with the administration of the scheme in this case, for ...
Written Answers. - School Transport.
Was asked: the position regarding school transport arrangements for a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
I have asked my officials to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy. As soon as this investigation is completed, my Department will be in contact with the parents of the pupil involved.
Written Answers. - Departmental Correspondence.
Was asked: the reason an application by a person (details supplied) in County Cork has not been replied to.
The application referred to by the Deputy is being actively pursued in my Department. My officials will be in contact with the person concerned very shortly.
Written Answers. - School Services Staff.
Was asked: when funding will be allocated to schools to maintain the service of caretakers and secretaries; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
My Department provides funding to primary and secondary schools on the basis of per capita grants with additional grants for caretakers and secretaries. Responsibility for the operation of Community E...
Written Answers. - School Staffing.
Was asked: the contents of the report by a Department inspector made on Gaelscoil na Cruaiche, Westport, County Mayo.
I have requested the inspector to visit the school immediately after the mid-term break and to report back directly to me on the staffing situation at the school. My Department will contact the board ...
Written Answers. - Teachers' Remuneration.
Was asked: the status of negotiations with the teachers' unions regarding their pay claim and allowance for supervision; if he will ensure that pupils will not lose school days as a result of the dispute; and if...
A final formal offer on payment for supervision and substitution was put to the three teacher unions last month. The Irish National Teachers Organisation is currently balloting on the offer, the Teach...
Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.
Was asked: the plans he has to develop a structure of posts for the provision of support services for children with special needs within the secondary school system; and the criteria for post appointments in sec...
My Department allocates resource posts, special needs assistant posts and concessionary teaching hours to ordinary second level schools to cater for special needs pupils. Applications for such support...
Written Answers. - School Accommodation.
Was asked: if, further to a communication by Deputy Lawlor on 1 August 2001 which included the concerns of a local parents association in the Lucan area, he will respond comprehensively to the points raised and ...
My Department is currently conducting a thorough review of school provision in the Lucan area. As part of this review, the options for meeting the primary school accommodation needs of the area, by pr...
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: if he has received an application from St. Claire's special school, Ennis, for funds to build an extension; and when sanction will be given.
My Department has received an application for grant-aid towards the cost of a building project at St. Claire's special school, Ennis. The Deputy will appreciate that there has been a massive and unpre...
Written Answers. - School Staffing.
Was asked: if he will cancel the suppression of a third assistant teacher post at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 1.
The staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year. The actual number of mainstream posts sanctioned is determined b...
Written Answers. - Outdoor Education Centres.
Was asked: the date on which he received the Rice review on outdoor education centres; the steps he has taken to implement the review; and when all the recommendations of the review will be implemented.
The report entitled A Review of the Operation of VEC Outdoor Education Centres in Ireland, known as the Rice report, was presented to my predecessor on 12 January 1999. The report made a series of rec...
Written Answers. - School Staffing.
Was asked: the submissions he has received from primary and post-primary schools in the Cork city and county area regarding non-teaching posts arising from the loss of such posts by the termination of the commun...
Was asked: if he has carried out a survey of all first level primary and second level schools in the Cork city and county area to establish the staff they have lost due to the termination of the community employ...
I propose to take Questions Nos. 821 and 822 together. My Department provides funding to primary and second level schools on the basis of per capita grants with additional grants towards ancillary ser...
Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants.
Was asked: if he will waive clause 1.1 of the higher education grant for a person (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
My Department funds three means-tested maintenance grant schemes for third level education students in respect of attendance on approved courses in approved third level institutions: (a) the higher ed...
Was asked: if he will expedite the payment of a higher education grant to a person (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
My Department funds three means-tested maintenance grant schemes for third level education students in respect of attendance on approved courses in approved third level institutions: (a) the higher ed...
Written Answers. - National Development Plan.
Was asked: the amount of money which has been allocated and spent to date by his Department in each county under the national development plan.
As the Deputy will be aware the country was divided in 1999 into two regions namely the southern and eastern region and the Border, midlands and west region. In general, many programmes in the educati...
Written Answers. - School Accommodation.
Was asked: if he has received a request for further school accommodation from the school authorities at Castlelyons national school, County Cork; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the response to ...
My Department has received an application for grant-aid towards the cost of a building project at Castlelyons national school.
Was asked: his views on whether a new school is urgently required to replace Rathan national school, Mallow, County Cork; if an application for such a new school was received in January 2001; if his attention ha...
My Department has received an application for grant aid towards the cost of a building project at Rathan national school. The Deputy will appreciate that there has been a massive and unprecedented inc...
Written Answers. - Psychological Service.
Was asked: if he will include a school (details supplied) in County Mayo in the National Educational Psychological Service; the reason it was excluded from the scheme; and when these services will be provided.
A psychologist who has recently joined NEPS has now been assigned to County Mayo. When he has completed his induction programme, it will be possible to offer the NEPS service to additional schools in ...
Written Answers. - School Transport.
Was asked: the reason persons (details supplied) in County Mayo have not been approved for the schools transport grant.
Remote area grants are payable in respect of eligible primary school children who reside two miles or more from and are attending their nearest school. The position in this case is that the children i...
Written Answers. - School Placement.
Was asked: if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 1095 of 3 October 2001, progress has been made in finding an educational placement for the person referred to.
My Department's inspectorate is continuing its efforts to find a suitable educational placement for the child in question. I have asked that every effort be made to resolve this issue as soon as possi...
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: if, further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 484 and 485 of 23 October 2001, he will give more information on a school (details supplied).
My Department has received an application for grant-aid towards the cost of a building project at the school in question. The Deputy will appreciate that there has been a massive unprecedented increas...
Written Answers. - School Transport.
Was asked: if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 1013 of 3 October 2001, he will again intervene on the school transport of these persons (details supplied) in view of the medical evidence enclosed; if he wi...
The medical evidence in question has been forwarded to the medical adviser for assessment. The Deputy will be informed of the outcome as soon as this assessment is received.
Written Answers. - Schools Refurbishment.
Was asked: when refurbishment works at a school (details supplied) in County Cork will be approved.
An application for additional accommodation has been received from the school referred to by the Deputy, and is being examined in the planning and building unit of my Department. As part of this exami...
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: when the extension to a school (details supplied) in County Kerry will commence; and if a pre-fab could be put in place in the interim.
My Department has received an application for grant aid towards the cost of a building project at the school in question. The Deputy will appreciate that there has been a massive and unprecedented inc...
Written Answers. - Student Councils.
Was asked: his views on the merits of establishing student councils in second level schools; the assistance available from his Department in this regard; the progress which has been made in establishing student ...
The Education Act, 1998 makes provision for the establishment of student councils in post-primary schools. The function of a student council is to promote the interests of the school and the involveme...
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: when a new school (details supplied) in County Cork will commence construction; the stage the project is currently at; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
My Department has received an application for grant aid towards the cost of a building project at the school in question. The Deputy will appreciate that there has been a massive and unprecedented inc...
Was asked: the situation regarding a school building project (details supplied) in County Cork.
My Department has received an application for grant aid towards the cost of a building project at the school in question. The Deputy will appreciate that there has been a massive and unprecedented inc...
Written Answers. - Academy for the Performing Arts.
Was asked: the plans he has to locate a discipline of the proposed Academy for the Performing Arts at Waterford Institute of Technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Government approved the establishment of an academy for the performing arts, incorporating the following three nodes – a headquarters and significant facilities on a s...
Was asked: the plans he has to appoint a representative from Waterford Institute of Technology to the governing authority of the Irish Academy for the Performing Arts; and if he will make a statement on the matt...
Following the Government decision approving the establishment of an academy for the performing arts, a planning and steering group was formed in order to develop, advise on, facilitate and monitor the...
Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants.
Was asked: the reason a top-up third level grant has not been awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Sligo.
The report of the action group on access to third level education makes detailed recommendations concerning the introduction of special rates of maintenance grants for disadvantaged students. The grou...
Written Answers. - Enactment of Legislation.
Was asked: the situation regarding the implementation of the Education Act, 1998; if all the necessary resources have been put in place to give effect to this legislation; and if he will make a statement on the ...
The Education Act, 1998, was signed in to law on 23 December 1998. It provides, for the first time, a statutory framework for Irish education at primary and post-primary levels. It was commenced in th...
Was asked: the situation regarding the implementation of the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000; if all the necessary resources have been put in place to give effect to this legislation; and if he will make a stateme...
On 29 May 2001, I announced the establishment of the new National Educational Welfare Board, which held its first meeting on 15 June 2001. I established the board on an interim or designate basis at t...
Written Answers. - School Discipline.
Was asked: the proposals he has to deal with the problem of school discipline at post primary level.
Each board of management is responsible for formulating, in consultation with parents, a fair and efficient code of behaviour. This code should ensure that the individuality of each child is accommoda...
Written Answers. - Child Abuse.
Was asked: the number of investigations being conducted by his Department in respect of allegations of abuse, both physical and sexual in primary and post primary schools; and if he will make a statement on the ...
The information requested by the Deputy is being compiled in my Department and will be forwarded to him as soon as possible.
Was asked: if he will consider the views expressed by the Federation of Irish Societies in Britain on behalf of victims of institutional abuse with reference to the Residential Institutions Redress Bill, 2001, (...
I have received a copy of the letter referred to by the Deputy. It is a very constructive contribution to the ongoing consultation process. I am giving consideration to the letter in the context of th...
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the position regarding the building project at Ardee community school; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
My Department is currently awaiting the stage one (site suitability) submission of the building unit's design team procedures in relation to the building project at Ardee Community School, County Lout...
Was asked: the position regarding the building project at Stonetown national school; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
My Department has received an application for grant aid towards the cost of a building project at Stonetown national school, Stonetown, County Louth. The Deputy will appreciate that there has been a m...
Was asked: the position regarding the proposed building project at Collon national school, County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
My Department has received an application for grant aid towards the cost of a building project at Collon national school, County Louth. The Deputy will appreciate that there has been a massive and unp...
Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.
Was asked: if his Department gives priority to special needs teacher appointments where they occur in a severely handicapped area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
My Department allocates resource posts, special needs assistant posts and concessionary teaching hours to second level schools to cater for the needs of special needs pupils enrolled therein. Applicat...
Written Answers. - Schools Recognition.
Was asked: the progress to date relating to Parliamentary Question No. 263 of 10 October 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The report referred to in Parliamentary Question No. 263 has now been finalised and submitted to me. The content of the report will be given careful consideration and a decision taken on the matter as...
Written Answers. - School Services Staff.
Was asked: the allowances he intends to make for schools operating under the pre-1989 scheme by which his Department pays an annual incremental based salary to the secretary and caretaker and where the £40 per c...
My Department provides funding towards ancillary services in schools in the form of assistance to schools towards the cost of secretarial and caretaking services. Responsibility for the operation of ...
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: if he will approve the urgent reconstruction of a school (details supplied) in County Mayo.
My Department has received an application for grant-aid towards the cost of a building project at the school in question. The Deputy will appreciate that there has been a massive and unprecedented inc...
Written Answers. - School Transport.
Was asked: if he will replace the sub standard bus serving the Purranes area, Hollymount, County Mayo.
The question of the replacement of a school bus is a matter for Bus Éireann. A report on this matter has been requested. The Deputy will be advised of the position as soon as this report has been rece...
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the powers boards of management of national schools have in the matter of appointing consultants of their choice in regard to either greenfield projects or extensions to existing schools; and if he wi...
When a building project is approved at a primary school, my Department advises the board of management on the steps to be taken relating to the appointment of consultants, if appropriate, including an...
Written Answers. - Advertising Campaigns.
Was asked: the public relations or advertising campaigns which have been funded, or part funded by his Department since June 1997, which involve the personal appearance of the Minister or Ministers of State on t...
From 1997 to 2000 a public relations firm was employed by my Department to run a teleservice awareness campaign (special PLC course). A sum of £141,000 was paid to them. In May 1999 an advertising cam...
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: if the provision of protective perimeter fencing and ancillary works in respect of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24 has been approved; when work will commence; and if he will make a statement ...
My Department has received an application for grant aid towards the cost of fencing and resurfacing of the play area at the school in question. The Deputy will appreciate that there has been a massive...
Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.
Was asked: if he has received a letter from St. Joseph's Schools for Deaf Boys, Navan Road, Cabra, Dublin 7, dated the 26 October 2001 (details supplied); his views on whether the establishment of a pre-school w...
I have received the letter to which the Deputy refers. I am satisfied that my Department did not act in an arbitrary way in relation to the proposed establishment of the pre-school in question. This m...
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the reason his Department has not dealt with stage 4-5 Documents submitted on 17 May 2001, by St. Mary's CBS, Mullingar, in relation to their extension; if he will authorise the school authorities to ...
The building unit of my Department expects to finish its review of the stage 4-5 documents in relation to the proposed extension project at St. Mary's CBS, Mullingar, County Westmeath shortly.
Was asked: if he will expedite plans for the provision of car parking facilities at Gainstown national school, Mullingar; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
My Department has received an application for grant aid towards the cost of safety works at Gainstown national school. The Deputy will appreciate that there has been a massive and unprecedented increa...
Was asked: the position regarding the provision of a new national school at Lumcloon, Cloghan, County Offaly; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the present school is substandard and that new schoo...
My Department has received an application for grant aid towards the cost of a building project at Lumcloon national school. The Deputy will appreciate that there has been a massive and unprecedented i...
Was asked: when it is expected that the proposed building for the College of Tourism and Catering in Cork Institute of Technology will be brought to the tender stage.
The building will proceed to tender stage once the design team has completed the first five stages of architectural planning. The design team is currently finalising stage 4 documentation. Officials i...
Was asked: if his attention has been drawn to the frustration felt by the board of management, teaching staff, pupils and parents of Coláiste Phádraig, Lucan, at delays in providing a school extension; if he wil...
My Department's post primary building unit has completed its examination of the stage 4-5, detail design-bill of quantities for the extension project at Coláiste Phádraig, Lucan, County
Was asked: the position regarding the proposed building project at Butlersbridge central national school, County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
My Department has received an application for grant aid towards the cost of a building project at Butlersbridge central national school. The Deputy will appreciate that there has been a massive and un...
Was asked: his plans for the future development of Ballygowan national school, Mallow, County Cork; if the required extension and alterations will be sanctioned; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
My Department has received an application for grant aid towards the cost of a building project at Ballygowan national school. The Deputy will appreciate that there has been a massive and unprecedented...
Written Answers. - Teacher Recognition.
Was asked: if the qualified teacher status for the purpose of teaching in maintained schools and non-maintained special schools in England meets the terms of Council Directive 89/48/EC; if this qualification is ...
Arrangements are in place for the recognition in this State of teachers who are recognised teachers in another member state of the EU and to whom the terms of Council Directive 89/48/EEC apply. Statut...
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: if he will provide details of his recently reported decision to freeze the funding for the school building programme for 2002; the number of schools which will be affected by this decision; the level ...
No decision has been made to reduce the level of funding for the school building programme in 2002, nor have I made any public announcement to that effect. The Deputy will appreciate that there has be...
Written Answers. - School Transport.
Was asked: if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 311 of 27 March 2001, he will outline the progress which has been made; and if funding is now available towards the transport costs referred to.
In view of the circumstances of the children from this particular area, a review of the request for financial assistance towards the cost of school transport was undertaken. As soon as the review is c...
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