O'Keeffe, BattTuesday, 19 January 2010 |
Dáil Eireann Debate
Page of 755
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Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the status of the school building programme of a school (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. 
The school to which the Deputy refers has applied to my Department for capital funding for the provision of a new school building. The application has been assessed in accordance with published prior...
Written Answers - Youth Services.
Was asked: if sufficient funding will be provided for services (details supplied) in Dublin 8 who provide vital and essential services to the community; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: if he will support a matter (details supplied) in Dublin 5.
Was asked: if he will report on a programme (details supplied) in Dublin 17; the proposed closure of the project in 2011 in view of the beneficial impact of the programme on persons recovering from addiction; a...
Was asked: if he will report on a programme (details supplied) in Dublin 17; the proposed closure of the project in 2011 in view of the beneficial impact of the programme on persons recovering from addiction; a...
Was asked: if he will report on the 30% cut in 2010 funding for a project (details supplied) in Dublin 17; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: if she will report on the 30% cut in 2010 funding for a project (details supplied) in Dublin 17; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: if his Department administers the local drugs task force mainstreamed fund which provide supports to local youth services; the persons who are eligible to apply for moneys from this fund; the budget ...
Was asked: if he will support a matter (details supplied) in Dublin 11.
Was asked: the rationale used in making cuts to youth services and youth work funding; if an analysis of outcomes and cost benefit analysis has been carried out before implementing such cuts; the recourse youth...
I propose to take Questions Nos. 986, 987, 989 to 992, inclusive, 1037, 1067 and 1070 together. My Department provides funding for thirty eight projects in Local Drugs Task Force areas, including thos...
Written Answers - Departmental Agencies.
Was asked: if he will make a statement on the new responsibilities given to Enterprise Ireland to market Ireland as a destination for under and postgraduate students.
Under the new arrangements which I have recently put in place to promote Ireland as a centre for international education, Enterprise Ireland has been given operational responsibility, under my authori...
Written Answers - School Accommodation.
Was asked: the areas that have been identified as having the greatest need for new post primary education; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Forward Planning Section of my Department is currently in the process of carrying out detailed analysis of over 40 locations of highest population growth in order to identify the school accommodat...
Written Answers - School Building Projects.
Was asked: further to Parliamentary Question No. 41 of 1 December 2009, the areas within Cork city identified as having a need for a primary school; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Forward Planning Section of my Department is in the process of carrying out detailed analysis of over 40 locations of highest population growth in order to identify the school accommodation requir...
Written Answers - School Staffing.
Was asked: the reason he has abolished the supply panel scheme for primary teachers in Budget 2010; the amount of money expected to be saved from this cutback; the manner in which the savings will be achieved; ...
The supply teacher scheme was initially set up at primary level over 15 years ago at a time when schools had difficulty getting substitute teachers. The supply scheme operates on the basis of an addi...
Written Answers - Residential Institutions Redress Board.
Was asked: if the spouse of a person would be entitled to apply to the Residential Institutions Redress Board but who is now deceased can apply to the board for redress; and if he will make a statement on the m...
The Residential Institutions Redress Board was established to make financial awards to persons, who, as children, suffered abuse in certain residential institutions. The operation of the Board is gov...
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the costing to date for the two primary schools at a location (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The cost of the two Wexford primary schools completed in 2008, referred to by the Deputy is in the region of €8 million. Further accommodation comprising 8 classrooms, General Purpose Room and a Spec...
Written Answers - Physical Education Facilities.
Was asked: the number of playing fields available at a site (details supplied) in County Wexford for the primary schools and the new secondary school to be constructed on the site; and if he will make a stateme...
Was asked: his plans to provide additional playing fields for schools (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 998 and 999 together. The provision of playing pitches is not part of the specification for primary schools. However, in certain circumstances and where site conditio...
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the progress on the construction of a new school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
A revised tender report, for the school to which the Deputy refers, was received recently by my Department and is currently being assessed. I expect my officials to be in contact with the Board of ...
Was asked: the position regarding an application by a school (details supplied) in County Carlow; if sanction can be given for the new building as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the mat...
The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from i...
Was asked: the primary and secondary school building projects that will utilise capital expenditure left over from the 2009 allocation; the name, address and roll number of each project; and if he will make a s...
A total of €79m of my Department’s capital budget in 2009 is being carried forward to 2010. Of the total amount, €72m is being allocated to primary schools’ capital and the remainder of €7m to my D...
Written Answers - Higher Education Building Projects.
Was asked: the higher education building projects that will utilise capital expenditure left over from the 2009 allocation; the sums involved for each project; the name, address and purpose of each project; and...
There was no capital carried forward from 2009 in respect of the higher education capital allocation of almost €200m.
Written Answers - Public Private Partnerships.
Was asked: the capital projects that will receive funding in 2010 from the moneys allocated in the budget 2010 for public private partnerships; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
A total budget of €50.059m has been provided to cover the cost of Public Private Partnership projects in 2010. This is broken down as follows. A current allocation of €32.286m is provided to meet th...
Written Answers - Higher Education Grants.
Was asked: if he has removed the eligibility for students who receive the back to education allowance to apply for higher education maintenance grants in budget 2010; the way in which students will be able to h...
Was asked: if all students in receipt of maintenance grants will receive a 5% cut in their payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: if, further to the changes made in budget 2010 regarding the back to education allowance, persons who are currently studying a level five post leaving certificate course, receive the back to educatio...
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1005, 1006 and 1027 together. From September 2010, as announced in the Budget, all new applicants who are in receipt of the Back to Education Allowance for all scheme...
Written Answers - Special Educational Needs.
Was asked: if he will acknowledge all relevant work experience and pay all incremental credit under the scheme for special needs assistants in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he ...
The agreed criteria for the award of incremental credit to Special Needs Assistants is set out in Circular 0139/2006. In accordance with the circular the person, to whom the Deputy refers, does not ...
Written Answers - Departmental Staff.
Was asked: the number of Civil Service staff in his Department; the number of these staff who hold an economics degree; the number of these staff who hold a postgraduate economics degree; the number of these st...
The number of staff employed in my Department is 1359 (1271.13 whole time equivalent). As well as all administrative staff, these figures include non-administrative/professional grades e.g. staff of t...
Written Answers - Higher Education Grants.
Was asked: if his attention has been drawn to the fact that PhD students who have been eligible for the local authority grant in previous years are now being refused this grant as the value of their college fee...
Under Clause 2.2 and 2.3 of the Higher Education Grants Scheme 2009 and Clause 2.1 and 2.2 of the Vocational Education Committees’ Scholarship Scheme 2009 provides:— 2.2 A candidate shall not be elig...
Written Answers - Appointments to State Boards.
Was asked: if he will appoint a representative from Dublin Institute of Technology students union to the board of the Grangegorman Development Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Grangegorman Development Agency Act 2005 provides for a total membership of 15 in the Agency including the Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer. There is no specific provision for a student or...
Written Answers - Schools Refurbishment.
Was asked: the position regarding the application for a school refurbishment grant by a school (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: if his attention has been drawn to the need for extra classrooms in a school (details supplied) in County Louth in view of the fact that the current capacity, coupled with the increasing demand for p...
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1011 and 1012 together. My Department recently received an application for additional accommodation from the school to which the Deputy refers. The application is un...
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the timeframe in place for new school building projects announced for County Meath for the year 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Currently there are two major new school projects in Co Meath which have been approved to proceed towards tender and construction. Scoil Nais Mhuire Naofa in Enfield is at an advanced stage of archit...
Was asked: if the funding for a school (details supplied) in County Cork has been ring fenced for this project in view of the fact that the construction of the school will be starting later than originally prom...
The progression of the project referred to by the Deputy is contingent on the receipt of the necessary statutory approvals and the completion by the school Patron of the acquisition of the site for ...
Written Answers - Public Procurement.
Was asked: the details of changes in the tendering process for the supply of computer services and hardware to schools; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the tendering process for the information...
The Deputy will be aware that in all cases of purchasing by schools using public monies, public procurement rules must be followed. The purchase of ICT equipment and associated products and services b...
Written Answers - Teachers’ Remuneration.
Was asked: the position regarding a matter (details supplied); if the pay rise directed by the Labour Court in February 2009 will be awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: the position regarding an agreement on a pay claim between his Department and a trade union representing certain public service workers (details supplied) which was forwarded to the Department of Fin...
Was asked: if he will respond to the issues raised in correspondence from an education centre (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: the position regarding an application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1016, 1019, 1020 and 1045 together. My Department gives support and funding to a number of VECs to operate Outdoor Education Centres. There are 12 centres in all. Th...
Written Answers - Institutes of Technology.
Was asked: the arrangements he has made with the chief executive officer of the Higher Education Authority to resolve the difficulties that have arisen from the public sector staff moratorium in the higher educ...
As the Deputy is aware, the purpose of the Government decision to implement a recruitment and promotion moratorium in the public sector is to facilitate a permanent, structural reduction in the number...
Written Answers - Special Educational Needs.
Was asked: if a child (details supplied) in County Leitrim will retain their special needs assistant at their school; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers, for allocating resource teachers and s...
Written Answers - Higher Education Grants.
Was asked: the reason Donegal Vocational Education Committee will not grant a person (details supplied) in County Donegal a higher education maintenance grant in view of the fact that they satisfy all of the re...
The decision on eligibility for student grants is a matter for the relevant assessing authority — i.e. the Local Authority or VEC. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department ex...
Written Answers - Schools Amalgamation.
Was asked: the details of the agreement made when schools (details supplied) in County Wexford were amalgamated in 1967; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the progress on the development of a school (details supplied) in County Cork; if funding is still in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The progression of the project referred to by the Deputy is contingent on the receipt of the necessary statutory approvals and the completion by the school Patron of the acquisition of the site for th...
Written Answers - Victims of Child Abuse.
Was asked: the position regarding the continued funding of the organisations (details supplied) regarding the services they provide to victims of child abuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: if he has made funding available for outreach services to victims of residential abuse based in the United Kingdom; if funding will continue for these services in 2010 and into the future; and if he ...
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1024 and 1039 together. My Department has provided funding for the past number of years to the Federation of Irish Societies and to the Outreach Centres in the UK for ...
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the reason the priority status promised to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare in respect of the building of an autistic spectrum disorder unit at the school, has been reneged upon; if his ...
I can confirm the school to which the Deputy refers has made an application to my Department for Major Capital funding. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisatio...
Written Answers - Departmental Funding.
Was asked: if he will support a matter (details supplied) in Dublin 5.
The Revised Programme for Government provides for a number of specific measures in the education sector including a commitment to no further increase in the pupil teacher ratio for the lifetime of the...
Written Answers - Departmental Meetings.
Was asked: the reason his officials (details supplied) failed to attend a meeting organised by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform on 14 December 2009; the further reasons he did not take this is...
At the outset,I wish to refute the Deputy’s suggestion that the inadvertent non-attendance of my officials at the meeting in question was not taken seriously. The non-attendance of my official arose ...
Written Answers - Institutes of Technology.
Was asked: if his attention has been drawn to an issue at Galway Mayo Institute of Technology where Fáilte Ireland removed funding to students of the total immersion chef programme; his views on the proposal ma...
I understand that Fáilte Ireland is engaged in discussions with Institutes of Technology Ireland and the Higher Education Authority in relation to the future management and administration of the progr...
Written Answers - School Transport.
Was asked: his views on the case of a child (details supplied) in County Limerick regarding free school transport.
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: if he has any plans for an all-Irish post-primary gaelscoil in south Louth and east Meath area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Forward Planning Section of my Department is in the process of carrying out detailed analysis of over 40 locations of highest population growth in order to identify the school accommodation requir...
Was asked: the position regarding the proposed new primary school at Cahergal, Tuam, County Galway; if funding is available to build the school; if his attention has been drawn to the overcrowding at the presen...
I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers has made an application to my Department for Major Capital funding for a new school building. The application has been assessed in accordance ...
Written Answers - Higher Education Grants.
Was asked: if the student maintenance grant awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Galway will be reduced in 2010 as a result of budget 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
As announced in the Budget, a reduction of 5% is being applied to the rates of student grants and scholarships. The reduction will be implemented in respect of all existing and new grant-holders from...
Written Answers - School Enrolments.
Was asked: if he will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9.
The question of enrolment in individual schools is the responsibility of the managerial authority of those schools. My Department’s main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, betwe...
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: if 14 primary schools were built and four extensions or refurbishments of primary schools were carried out in 2009.
Was asked: the number of primary schools that were built in each year over the past five years; the relevant information for major school extensions or refurbishments over the same period on a year by year basi...
Was asked: the number of permanent classrooms delivered to schools in each year over the past five years as part of the schools building programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1035, 1036, and 1069 together. The total number of large scale building projects that reached practical completion in the primary school sector during the five year pe...
Written Answers - Residential Institutions Redress Board.
Was asked: his plans regarding allocating a proportion of the new funds promised by the 18 religious teaching orders indemnified by the Residential Institutions Redress Board towards survivors based in the Unit...
Was asked: if he will provide a breakdown of the proposed contributions from each religious order under the headings of cash or money, properties and counselling services concerning the audit of assets held by ...
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1038 and 1041 together. The present position is that I have received individual responses from the 18 religious congregations that were party to the 2002 Indemnity Agr...
Written Answers - Education Welfare Service.
Was asked: if the National Education Welfare Board has received correspondence (details supplied) about children failing to attend school; the action the NEWB is taking in this particular community to tackle th...
Written Answers - Higher Education Grants.
Was asked: if he will establish the current number of outstanding applications for grants which have to date in 2010 not been awarded by the relevant authority for the 2009-2010 college year in respect of the 6...
The information requested by the Deputy has been supplied to my Department by the local authorities and the Vocational Education Committees. The following table displays the number of new application...
Written Answers - Third Level Sector.
Was asked: when he expects the review of the third level sector to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: if the strategy group on higher education has reported to him; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1043 and 1044 together. The High Level Strategy Group under the Chairmanship of Dr Colin Hunt which I established in February 2009 to develop a new strategy for higher...
Written Answers - Higher Education Grants.
Was asked: the reason third level grants and the millennium fund are being cut; if he plans to reverse these cuts; his views on whether these schemes are the only paths to education for many persons; and if he ...
The Deputy will recall that measures had to be taken in the Budget to safeguard the future payment of income supports in the welfare system by reducing the levels of payments. Similarly, the reductio...
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the position regarding the proposed building project at a school (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The project to which the Deputy refers is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning. The proposed building project will be considered in the context of my Department’s multi-annual Sc...
Was asked: the position regarding a new school at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The new post primary school project for Gorey, Co. Wexford is one of eight schools which I approved for inclusion in the 3rd Bundle of schools to be procured via Public Private Partnership. This bundl...
Written Answers - School Transport.
Was asked: further to Parliamentary Question No. 332 of 1 December 2009, the position regarding same; if he has had further contact from the company; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: further to Parliamentary Question No. 404 of 15 December 2009, if the five further construction school projects identified by him which were due to commence construction on site before the end of 200...
I informed the Deputy on the 15th of December 2009 that I expected “up to 5 further projects will commence on site before the end of 2009”. Two of the five projects commenced on site in late 2009. T...
Written Answers - School Patronage.
Was asked: the ethos and organising bodies of the patrons of schools (details supplied); the religious ethos to which these schools adhere; the reason these organisations were recognised as patrons; and if he w...
The Deputy lists two patron bodies, who applied for and received provisional recognition for the schools as listed by the Deputy. The schools referred to are classified as having a multi-denominat...
Written Answers - Grant Payments.
Was asked: the position regarding his decisions made during 2009 in relation to Protestant fee paying schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I have repeatedly stated my, and the Government’s, commitment to supporting Protestant education while at the same time ensuring that funding arrangements for schools under Protestant management are...
Written Answers - Departmental Expenditure.
Was asked: further to Parliamentary Question No. 498 of 13 October 2009, the comparative average rental costs in respect of prefabs for the financial years 2008 and 2009; if his attention has been drawn to the ...
The average annual rental cost for a standard temporary classroom unit for 07/08 school year was €15,428. The average cost for the same unit in 08/09 was €15,125, a reduction of almost 2%. The cost...
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: if he has revised the band rating of a school (details supplied) in County Cork which has requested capital funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I can confirm that a review of the band rating was carried out of the school to which the Deputy refers. The project has been awarded a Band 1.1 priority rating. A letter advising the school issued...
Written Answers - Higher Education Grants.
Was asked: when a decision on an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford regarding a post leaving certificate maintenance grant will be made; and if he will make a statement on the m...
The decision on eligibility for student grants is a matter for the relevant assessing authority — i.e. the Local Authority or VEC. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department ...
Was asked: the reason a person (details supplied) in County Longford has not received a third level trainee maintenance grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The decision on eligibility for student grants is a matter for the relevant assessing authority — i.e. the Local Authority or VEC. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department ...
Was asked: the reason a person (details supplied) in County Longford has not received a higher education grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The decision on eligibility for student grants is a matter for the relevant assessing authority — i.e. the Local Authority or VEC. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department ...
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the position regarding the request for a school extension by a school (details supplied) in Dublin 6w; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The project to which the Deputy refers is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. Representatives from the school and the design team attended a stage 2(b) briefing which was held in my Dep...
Written Answers - Language Schools.
Was asked: the legislation and regulations that are in place governing the operation of language schools by private organisations for foreign students here; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
To date, the English language sector has been regulated on a voluntary basis by the Advisory Council for English Language Schools, a company limited by guarantee which operated under the aegis of my...
Written Answers - Higher Education Grants.
Was asked: if he will provide details of any financial support that will be offered to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The decision on eligibility for student grants is a matter for the relevant assessing authority — i.e. the Local Authority or VEC. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department ...
Was asked: the statutory provision that allows a local authority to refuse an application for a higher education maintenance grant to an undergraduate on the basis that they have a previous primary degree and t...
The statutory framework for the Higher Education Grant Scheme, as set out in the Local authorities (Higher Education Grants Acts, 1969 to 1992, provides for means-tested higher education grants in o...
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: if he will expedite the provision of the new school in Ballinamore in County Leitrim, in view of the fact that the current school, Mean Scoil Fatima, has been severely damaged by fire; if he will pro...
Was asked: if he will bring forward PPS scheme in relation to Ballinamore new post-primary school, County Leitrim, in view of fire destruction during the Christmas period of more than six classrooms of one of t...
Was asked: further to Parliamentary Question No. 1268 of 16 September 2009, and in view of a recent fire on the existing campus, if she will expedite this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter....
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1062, 1063 and 1079 together. The new post-primary school project for Ballinamore, Co Leitrim, is one of eight schools which I approved for inclusion in the 3rd Bundl...
Written Answers - Schools Refurbishment.
Was asked: when a decision will be made on an application for capital grant aid under the summer works scheme 2010 by a school (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter....
The timetable for the Summer Works Scheme (SWS) 2010 has been published as part of the governing Circular Letter for the Scheme. This Circular Letter (0057/2009) is available on my Department’s web...
Written Answers - Higher Education Grants.
Was asked: the number of applications for education grants in 2009; the number of applications processed by 30 September 2009; the number processed by 31 December 2009; if he will provide this information in ta...
The information requested by the Deputy has been supplied to my Department by the local authorities and the Vocational Education Committees. The table displays the number of new applications received...
Was asked: if consideration has been given to changing the existing educational grant application system so that applications can be made and the granting authorities can begin processing the claims earlier in ...
My Department is actively engaged in a programme of administrative and legislative reform of student grants. A business process re-engineering exercise is being conducted in respect of the administr...
Written Answers - Departmental Expenditure.
Was asked: the savings outlined in the Report of the Special Group on Public Numbers and Expenditure Programmes which were accepted in budget 2010 for his Department in tabular form; the savings which will be a...
The determination of the expenditure allocation for my Department for 2010, as set out in Budget 2010, included consideration of the recommendations made in the report of the Special Group on Public S...
Written Answers - State Examinations.
Was asked: the revenue generated in 2009 to the State Examination Commission from examination fees; the estimated income in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The total receipts from the 3 income strands in 2009 were: Given that the fee rates for the 2010 Examinations are the same as in 2009 and that candidate numbers are expected to be broadly similar, it ...
Written Answers - Trade Union Subscriptions.
Was asked: if union dues are collected from the payroll of teachers and lecturers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Trade union subscriptions are deducted for teachers employed in primary, secondary, community and comprehensive schools from my Department’s payrolls where a teacher gives their union a mandate for ...
Written Answers - Site Acquisitions.
Was asked: the progress that has been made in acquiring a school site (details supplied) in Dublin 15.
The Local Authority recently advised my officials that the negotiations with the land owner have concluded and they are now exchanging Contracts to complete the sale of a site. My Department, as soug...
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the progress made on the provision of an extension for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15.
A project for the school to which the Deputy refers is currently at the final stage of appointing a Design Team. The school’s preferred design team has been approved by my Department following an open...
Was asked: the progress made on the provision of an extension for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15.
The project to which the Deputy refers is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning. This project has a band 1.1 rating and includes the provision of an enhanced community facility in c...
Was asked: the progress made on the provision of an extension for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15.
The project to which the Deputy refers is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. County Dublin VEC and their design team are currently finalising an application for planning permission and th...
Written Answers - School Staffing.
Was asked: if he will confirm receipt of an application for a contract of indefinite duration in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; when a decision will be made on this application; and if...
The person referred to by the Deputy has had an application for a contract of indefinite duration post rejected by my Department. The person was employed in a permanent capacity as a clerk typist in...
Written Answers - State Examinations.
Was asked: if he will establish a time scale for the introduction of physical education as an examination subject; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
A revised syllabus in Physical Education as a non-examinable subject at junior cycle was implemented, phased over a 3 year period, beginning in 2003, supported by a comprehensive programme of profess...
Written Answers - Child Protection.
Was asked: if it is the policy of his Department’s inspectorate to examine child protection policies and related files or to accept the assurances that a school has child protection policies in place during a w...
As the Deputy will be aware, responsibility for ensuring that child protection requirements are complied with rests with the school board, the principal and the staff of each school. The Inspectorate ...
Written Answers - Departmental Funding.
Was asked: if he will make additional funding available for repairs to the plumbing or heating systems in schools affected by the poor weather over the Christmas 2009 period; if he will make additional funding ...
Emergency works grants are made available to those schools most in need of resources as a result of unforeseen emergencies of a capital nature that may arise during the school year. Primary, Secondary...
Written Answers - Health and Safety Issues.
Was asked: if there has been a change in the responsibilities of boards of managements in relation to the discretion exercised as to whether a school opens or not; if the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act ...
While Boards of Management have the legal responsibility for the management of schools, I took a view that given the exceptionally difficult and widespread weather conditions that were being forecaste...
Written Answers - Special Educational Needs.
Was asked: if his attention has been drawn to the case of a school (details supplied) in which a child who has been assessed as having a need for a full special needs assistant is now sharing an SNA with a stud...
As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers, for allocating resource teachers and s...
Was asked: if the review of special needs assistants placements nationally is based solely on whether there is a need in individual schools; the way in which the review is proceeding and the expected reductions...
The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is at present carrying out a review of Special Ne...
Was asked: if the continuity of full complement of special needs assistants are retained at a school in keeping with the requirements as set out by the school authorities in an area (details supplied) in County...
As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers, for allocating resource teachers and ...
Written Answers - Departmental Funding.
Was asked: if he will make emergency funds available to schools in which damage was caused by flooding from burst pipes during the recent inclement weather in January 2010; and if he will make a statement on th...
Emergency works grants are made available to those schools most in need of resources as a result of unforeseen emergencies of a capital nature that may arise during the school year. Primary, Secondary...
Written Answers - Computerisation Programme.
Was asked: if, in view of the recently announced information and communications technology infrastructure grant for schools, he will allow schools that have already borrowed money to buy ICT equipment and inter...
The Deputy will be aware that €22m in ICT grants was issued to primary schools in November last, with the priority on ensuring that there is a teaching computer and digital projector in every classroo...
Was asked: if, in view of the recently announced information and communications technology infrastructure grant for schools, he will make provision for schools that have already purchased information and commun...
The Deputy will be aware that in November last year the Minister published the ‘Smart Schools = Smart Economy’ report, which is the new action plan on integrating ICT in schools, produced by the joi...
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the progress of building works on a school (details supplied) in Dublin 6; and the amount of funding received by the school in the 2008 to 2009 period.
As part of the expansion of the Permanent Accommodation Scheme 2007, a grant of €540,000 was allocated to Sandford National School to enable the Board of Management to provide additional permanent a...
Written Answers - Ethics in Public Office.
Was asked: the details of each gift, favour and hospitality received, both over and under the value of €650, since May 2007 to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Under the Ethics in Public Office Act, 1995, any gift with a value in excess of €650 must be surrendered to the State and declared in the Minister’s Statement of Registerable Interests submitted to ...
Written Answers - Higher Education Grants.
Was asked: when a decision will be made on the appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny for the maintenance grant under the terms of his Department’s student support maintenance education grants...
A reply has issued to the correspondence referred to by the Deputy by the Higher Education- Equity Of Access Unit of my Department.
Written Answers - Special Educational Needs.
Was asked: if his attention has been drawn to the establishment of a new children’s mental health coalition; if he will act on their recommendation to develop guidelines for schools on mental health; and if he ...
Was asked: if his attention has been drawn to the establishment of a new children’s mental health coalition; if he will act on their recommendation to extend the existing social personal and health education su...
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1092 and 1093 together. I am aware of the recommendations of the Children’s Mental Health Coalition. The Social Personal and Health Education (SPHE) programme is a ma...
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the position regarding an application by a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon to the primary school building unit in view of the recent announcement on prioritisation of the school buildin...
The school to which the Deputy refers has applied to my Department for major capital funding to provide ancillary accommodation. The application has been assessed in accordance with published prioriti...
Written Answers - Third Level Charges.
Was asked: the revenue generated for each third level by the registration fee in 2009; the anticipated revenue from this charge in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The student services charge is levied by third level institutions to defray the costs of examinations, registration and students services. The range of student services in question may include such f...
Written Answers - Early School Leavers.
Was asked: the number of students who dropped out of second level education in Cork city and county prior to sitting the leaving certificate for each of the years 2007, 2008 and 2009; and if he will make a stat...
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: if he will respond to a safety report on a school (details supplied) in County Donegal; his views on whether this report illustrates the need for building work to commence at the school; when work wi...
The school to which the Deputy refers has applied to my Department for major capital funding. The application has been assessed in accordance with published prioritisation criteria for large scale pr...
Written Answers - Higher Education Grants.
Was asked: the options available in respect of pursuing a higher diploma in education in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Financial assistance is available to students under the Third Level Student Support Schemes, which are administered by the Local Authorities and Vocational Education Committees on behalf of my Depart...
Written Answers - Education Welfare Service.
Was asked: the advice his Department will give to the National Education Welfare Board on the appointment of a new chief executive officer when the term of the current CEO expires in 2010; and if he will make a...
The National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) is established under the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000 as the statutory body with responsibility for school attendance. The CEO post is provided for under...
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the progress made in accepting a tender for a building project at a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if the contractor has been approved; the expected completion date; and if he will mak...
A revised tender report, for the school to which the Deputy refers, was received recently by my Department and is currently being assessed. I expect my officials to be in contact with the Board of Ma...
Written Answers - School Staffing.
Was asked: the reasons 180 newly qualified teachers will not be probated this year; his plans regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The arrangements for the probation of newly qualified teachers have evolved differently at primary and post-primary level and within different types of school at post-primary level. At primary level...
Written Answers - Computerisation Programme.
Was asked: when the recommended laptop will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Cork in order to facilitate the completion of educational assignments; and if he will make a statement on the ma...
I can confirm that an application for assistive technology in respect of the pupil in question has been received in my Department. This application is currently being processed and a decision will iss...
Written Answers - Child Protection.
Was asked: further to Parliamentary Question No. 466 of 10 November 2009, if he will supply this Deputy with a list of the 700 primary schools which are either not implementing the stay safe programme in full o...
The 700 schools referred to by the Deputy were identified in a survey conducted by my Department in 2005. The data from this survey has since enabled, my Department, through its Teacher Education S...
Written Answers - Higher Education Grants.
Was asked: if third level fully accredited part-time courses will be grant assisted; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Higher Education Grants Schemes operate under the Local Authorities (Higher Education Grants) Acts, 1968 to 1992. Under the Higher Education Grants Scheme an approved course is defined as a full...
Was asked: when an appeal for the special rate maintenance grant for the academic year 2009-2010 will be concluded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement o...
The decision on eligibility for student grants is a matter for the relevant assessing authority — i.e. the Local Authority or VEC. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department ex...
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the position regarding the schools capital building programme 2009 in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: the status of an application from a school (details supplied) in County Waterford for a new school; when he will sanction the appointment of a builder; if the capital funding has been allocated for t...
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1106 and 1119 together. The project to which the Deputy refers is currently at tender stage. Once the tender report has been assessed, and all outstanding issues reso...
Was asked: if he will respond to the concerns of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I wish to confirm that I have written directly to the person referred to by the Deputy in connection with the provision of the new second level school in County Waterford. The new post primary school ...
Was asked: the position regarding a new school building (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
A revised tender report, for the school to which the Deputy refers, was received recently by my Department and is currently being assessed. I expect my officials to be in contact with the Board of Ma...
Was asked: if the tender process for new premises in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Mayo has been completed; the number of tenders received; if a tender has been accepted; if so, the successfu...
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that nine tenders were received for the project to which he refers. My officials are currently assessing the Tender Report which was received in recent days. Assumin...
Written Answers - Higher Education Grants.
Was asked: when a decision will be made on an appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny for a post leaving certificate maintenance grant under the 2009 scheme; and if he will make a statement on ...
A reply has issued to the correspondence referred to by the Deputy by the Higher Education-Equity Of Access Unit of my Department.
Written Answers - School Transport.
Was asked: if he will take responsibility for the erection of bus shelters outside schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: when a school (details supplied) in County Dublin will be able to proceed with its new building project; if he has ordered that prefabs at the school be purchased instead of hired; if his attention h...
A major capital project at the school to which the Deputy refers is currently at an early stage of architectural planning. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project,...
Written Answers - Research Funding.
Was asked: if there is a risk that universities here and researchers will lose their access to on-line scientific and humanities journals as a result of savings by the Higher Education Authority and Science Fou...
The Irish Research eLibrary (IReL) is an electronic research library, providing online access to research publications across a range of disciplines in the seven universities and provides an important...
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: if an application has been received for the development of phase two of a primary school (details supplied) in County Cork; the position regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter....
The school to which the Deputy refers made an application for a new school building in May 2005. The Department delivered an 8 classroom building in 2009 as the first phase of the project to meet th...
Was asked: if the stage 2B report has been received by him regarding a planned extension by a primary school (details supplied) in County Cork; the position regarding same; and when the construction contract wi...
The project to which the Deputy refers is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. The Design Team are currently working on completion of the stage 2(b) report and expect to submit this to my D...
Written Answers - Adult Education.
Was asked: the nature and level of grant aid which is available to a mature person who wishes to return to education, and in particular to undertake graduate courses in September 2010; the eligibility criteria ...
The main financial support available to students in higher education is the Maintenance Grant. Mature students who are entering approved courses are eligible for financial assistance where they satisf...
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the position regarding the provision of a new school (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that tenders were received by County Donegal VEC in December and the tender report is currently being compiled. Once the tender report has been approved the project w...
Was asked: if the tender documents for a building project at a school (details supplied) in County Wexford have been ready since November 2007; if and when he will consent to re-tender for this project in view ...
The project to which the Deputy refers is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning. The next stage for this project will be the completion of stage 2(b) of architectural planning. This...
Written Answers - Departmental Staff.
Was asked: the number of staff in his Department, broken down by division and section, annually since 2007 to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The number of staff in the Department of Education and Science at end December in each year since 2007 is outlined as follows: 2007: 1342 (1252.95 WTE); 2008: 1428 (1330.64 WTE); 2009: 1359 (1270.30 ...
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the progress made regarding the continuation of the new school project at Kill, County Kildare since 5 November 2009; if it is intended or expected that the project will finish on time; if not, if he...
The project to which the Deputy refers is currently out to tender. It is anticipated that the project will be back on site before Easter.
Written Answers - Special Educational Needs.
Was asked: when the expert group on the education of children with emotional and behavioural disorders was established by the National Council for Special Education; the membership of this group; and if he will...
I am aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has set up a Group to look at educational provision for children with emotional/behavioural disorders. I have arranged for the details...
Was asked: if a structured appeals process whereby parents, if unhappy, can appeal the decision of a local special education needs organiser to a senior SENO has been established by the National Council for Spe...
The Deputy will be aware that the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act, 2004 provides for the establishment of the Special Education Appeals Board (SEAB), to hear and deter...
Was asked: the role, duty and responsibilities of the National Council for Special Education in assisting the Health Service Executive in relation to providing education services for children under five years w...
The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) was established to co-ordinate the delivery of services for children with special educational needs. The NCSE is respons...
Written Answers - School Transport.
Was asked: the value of payments made to Bus Éireann annually since 2000 for the school transport scheme; the details and the value of any other school transport related payments to any subsidiaries of CIE; and...
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