Written answers
Tuesday, 30 March 2010
Department of Education and Science
Departmental Reports
11:00 pm
Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 443: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the list of all proposals in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure relating to her Department or to bodies or agencies under her remit which have been implemented to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13881/10]
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The recommendations made in the report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes were considered in determining the expenditure allocation for my Department for 2010, which was announced in Budget 2010. These recommendations, together with estimated savings yields for 2010 where relevant, are set out in the table.
| Department of Education and Science | |
| Implementation of recommendations of report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes | Comment regarding allocation for 2010 |
| Staffing efficiencies in the primary/post-primary sectors | Savings from cessation of supply teacher scheme at primary level and changes to uncertified sick leave for teachers. In addition, €20m arising as a result of estimating reductions in light of projected 2009 outturn. |
| Reduction in the number of Special Needs Assistants | While savings will arise due to a reduction in the number of Special Needs Assistants it is not possible at this stage to quantify the amount of these savings until conclusion of the nationwide review of SNA posts being undertaken by the National Council for Special Education. No change has been made to the current criteria for assignment of SNAs. |
| Integration of Senior Traveller Training | Reduction of 300 in number of Senior Traveller Training places |
| Staffing efficiencies across third level sector | Savings estimated in respect of pay and non-pay efficiencies |
| Merge Higher Education Authority (HEA) into the Department of Education and Science | No merger but HEA allocation reduced |
| Reduction in the allocation for teacher training colleges | Savings estimated in relation to pre-service teacher education |
| Reduction in the allocation for Research and Development | Partial reduction |
| Reduction in the allocation to the Strategic Innovation Fund | Partial reduction |
| Reduction in the allocation to Student Support Grant | 5% reduction in rates of student grants and scholarships applied, providing €10m in savings. Further €4m in savings effected by removal of eligibility for student support grants from recipients of Back to Education Allowance and certain persons pursuing PLC courses. (Note - overall allocation for student supports for 2010 was increased to take account of an anticipated increase in the number of eligible students at third level). |
| Reduce allocation to school transport | Partial reduction |
| Reduce allocation for teacher training & funding for education centres | Savings and efficiencies effected in relation to teacher in-service education support |
| Absorb National Council for Special Education (NCSE) into the Department of Education and Science | NCSE not absorbed but allocation reduced |
| Reduce allocation to certain Local Drugs Task Force (LDTF) Projects | Funding for 2010 reduced |
| Reduction in allocation for National Council for Curriculum and Assessment | Funding for 2010 reduced |
| Discontinue National University of Ireland and transfer functions | Bill to establish a new qualifications and quality assurance agency for the further and higher education sectors is being prepared |
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