Order No. 

3

Ref No.     

10598|03

Date:

10|04|03

Education and Science:

Priority Question           

Question:
To ask the Minister for Education and Science if there are plans to set up an independent tribunal of inquiry into abuse in residential institutions and day care centres, as well as the role played by Church and State institutions in dealing or not dealing with same, in view of the lack of focus and narrow parameters of the Laffoy Commission.

Reply:
The Laffoy Commission was established on foot of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse Act 2000 to investigate child abuse in institutions in the State, to enable persons who have suffered abuse to give evidence to Committeess of the Commission, to provide for the preparation and publication of a report by the Commission containing the results of its investigation and to make any recommendations it considers appropriate for the prevention of child abuse.

The term "institution" in the Act is defined as a "school, an industrial school, a reformatory school, an orphanage, a hospital, a children's home and any other place where children are cared for other than as members of their family".

The Commission was initially set up on an administrative basis and given a broad term of reference under which it was requested to consider and recommend any changes and powers it considered it needed to carry out its function. The Commission produced two reports outlining the terms of reference and powers it felt it would require, in order to carry out its inquiries in an effective manner.

Arising from these reports a broad definition of abuse which covers sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect and emotional abuse was written into section 1 of the Act. The reports also pointed out the range of powers that the Commission would require and, under the legislation which was enacted, the Commission has the power:

To compel witnesses to attend hearings;

To order the production of documents;

To take evidence on oath or affirmation;

To appoint inquiry officers to carry out preliminary investigations;

To conduct and commission research;

The Commission operates by means of Committees and there are two Committees currently operating to facilitate the differing needs of victims. Firstly, there is the Confidential Committee, which hears in total confidence the testimony of witnesses who do not wish to have their allegations investigated. The purpose of this is to afford victims an opportunity to give an account of their abuse in an atmosphere of compassion and understanding.

The second Committee is an Investigative one which hears evidence from victims and investigates their case. The Committee can follow up on allegations made and can summon witnesses to hear further evidence as well as compelling the production of documentation and data.

In light of the above I would not share the Deputy's view that the parameters of the Commission are narrow and I do not have any plans to set up a further tribunal of inquiry to deal with matters of abuse.

Order No. 

274

Ref No.     

10562

Date:

10|04|03

Education and Science:

Written Question           

Reply:
A review of student support provisions is being undertaken within my Department, with the aim of ensuring that the benefits of the substantial investment being made are maximized.

I anticipate that the review outcomes will be submitted to me in the very near future and when I have had an opportunity to consider its contents, I willbring the matter to the Cabinet. Following consideration by the Government, I will make a determination in relation to publication and appropriate arrangements for consultation. As I have indicated to the House previously, I am very mindful of the need to avoid, as far as possible, uncertainty for students and their parents. In any event, it is my intention to decide within the coming weeks as to the arrangements and support provisions which will be in place for students for the 2003|04 academic year.

Order No. 

275

Ref No.     

10564|03

Date:

10|04|03

Education and Science:

Written Question           

Question:
"To ask the Minister what steps are planned to promote home-grown R&D facilities, with Irish-led research teams, given the fact that Ireland has the second lowest investment level in indigenous R&D in the EU

Reply:
In 1998, my Department established the Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions (PRTLI).  Since its launch, awards of €605million have been made. The cumulative impact of PRTLI to date have been significant, including: New research funding to 15 third level institutions in total, including 6 Institutes of Technology 9 Research Centres completed in 2002 (in addition to the four completed in 2001)

            62 new and expanded research programmes established

            40 new inter-institutional programmes|initiatives have been established over 2,000 peer reviewed publications to date arising from PRTLI funded programmes (over 2.5 years) representing a 250% increase in output inthose funded areas compared to the previous period.

It is important to note that this dedicated programme of expenditure is only one of the available funding mechanisms within the third level sector. Other agencies such as Enterprise Ireland, Science Foundation Ireland, Health ResearchBureau also fund specific initiatives with the sector. 

Within the available resources, my Department will continue to support research as a key priority for the generation of the necessary skills to serve the knowledge society.  The Government remains fully committed to the PRTLI, notwithstanding the pause in capital funding under cycle 3.  The role of the programme in the overall architecture of the education system and the knowledge economy is recognised and my Department is working closely with the Higher Education Authority in seeking to maximise this contribution into the future.

Order No. 

271

Ref No.     

10559|03

Date:

10|04|03

Education and Science:

Written Question           

Order No. 

451

Ref No.     

10931|03

Date:

14|04|03

Social and Family Affairs:

Written Question           

Question:
To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of primary schools that operate some form of breakfast club either with or without the assistance of the Department; the

percentage of schools that do this on a county by county basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

In 2002, EUR 2.02 million was spent on the school meals programme. It is estimated that some 380 schools, with a total of over 60,000 pupils, benefited from the urban scheme while 105 schools and voluntary organisations received funding which benefited over 11,000 children under innovative school meals projects. This year I provided an additional EUR 2.35 million in the budget in order to enhance and expand this service.

In the school year to date, my Department has provided funding for a total of 67 local breakfast clubs in national schools. I do not have details available to me of breakfast clubs that operate without support from my Department and, therefore, cannot provide the information requested by the Deputy.

Dublin       47

Kerry   3

Limerick 3

Wicklow 3

Carlow 2

Laois 2

Cork 1

Galway 1

Louth 1

Mayo 1

Tipperary 1

Waterford 1

Wexford 1

      ___

Total       67