Sorca Clarke
Question:80. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education if her Department will carry out a full review of the reasonable accommodations at certificate examinations scheme. [31619/23]
Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions
State Examinations
Will the Minister please carry out a review of the reasonable accommodations at certificate examination level? I asked her Department on 16 May what the qualifying criteria for the scheme were and the question was referred to the State Examinations Commission, SEC, for reply. To date, no reply has been received and there is growing concern about the accessibility of this scheme.
As the Deputy has articulated, the SEC has specific responsibility for the operation, delivery and development of the State examinations. As part of its remit, the SEC provides the scheme of reasonable accommodations, which is known as the RACE scheme. This scheme facilitates access to the State exams by candidates who would have difficulty in accessing the exams or communicating what they know because of a physical difficulty, visual or hearing impairments or a learning difficulty. A physical difficulty could include medical, sensory, behavioural or mental health difficulties.
The SEC advises that the focus of the RACE scheme is on the need to remove barriers to accessing the examinations while retaining the need to assess the same underlying skills and competencies as are assessed for all other candidates and applying the same standards of achievement as apply to all other candidates. A central tenet of the RACE scheme is to ensure equitable treatment for all candidates. The range of accommodations provided under the scheme has been designed to ensure fairness for all when facilitating candidates in demonstrating their level of achievement. The RACE scheme is operated by the SEC within the context of the annually issued RACE Instructions for Schools, which is the handbook on RACE. All applications for reasonable accommodations are considered within a published framework of principles.
The SEC has advised that, in 2022, almost 25,000 candidates, or 19% of the total candidates, were provided with 30,000 individual accommodations under the RACE scheme. This is an increase over 2019, when 20,000 candidates, or 17% of the total, were provided with accommodation.
From the 2016 to 2017 school year, the RACE scheme underwent fundamental reform. The reform focused on a number of areas and intended to ensure greater integration of the RACE scheme with overall Department of Education special educational needs policy, to enable greater access to the scheme, and to allow greater autonomy to schools and certainty to students about the examination supports available to them. These candidate-centred changes were informed by engagement with stakeholders. This included representatives of students, including those with special educational needs, such as the Dyslexia Association of Ireland, the Special Needs Parents Association, school management and leadership bodies, Government agencies, including the National Council for Special Education and the National Disability Authority, and statutory bodies.
The RACE scheme continues to be subject to a process of ongoing review and improvement by the SEC. For example, recent enhancements to the scheme include the introduction of deferred examinations, within the policy context of the scheme, for leaving certificate candidates who miss their examinations in the main sitting due to close family bereavement, serious accident, illness or injury. A number of specific initiatives were introduced in 2023 for candidates with visual impairments.
In addition to the fundamental reform for the 2016 to 2017 school year, and the ongoing process of review and improvement, the scheme will be subject to further review by the SEC in the context of reform of the senior cycle. One of the key priorities will be increasing the use of assistive technology to enhance access and integrity and to further support independent learning. In this regard, I am assured the SEC intends that there will be extensive consultation and engagement with all relevant stakeholders.
I thank the Minister. I am sure the stakeholders will be happy to hear that. However, I feel the need to raise the current issues. The framework of principles for the reasonable accommodations scheme, which the Minister mentioned, states they are designed to assist a candidate in demonstrating their achievements in an exam setting. The Minister is correct that demand for the scheme has increased every year for the past decade, likely due to a greater understanding of additional needs.
The Minister spoke about fairness. The National Council for the Blind of Ireland, NCBI, recently told the joint committee on education that there is no consistency and confusion regarding accommodation for students with visual impairment. One student can get something while another cannot and there is no logic or rationale as to why that decision has been made. The Joint Committee on Disability Matters recently heard from a student who sat her junior certificate examinations last year. She knew she was entitled to a scribe, a special centre and extra time. Unfortunately, it was later that she found out she was also entitled to the same rest break between exams as her peers. She said the reasonable accommodations scheme is a one-size-fits-all approach and the needs of individual students are not acknowledged. Despite the most common form of accommodation provided relating to spelling and grammar, followed by reading assistance, there remains no entitlement to extra time for students with dyslexia who have problems processing information and retaining it via the short-term memory.
The Minister mentioned that the scheme is under constant review. I ask her to publish the most recent review of the scheme in order that stakeholders can be aware of where the current situation is at and where they will be making requests of the SEC at a future date.
I thank the Deputy. She is correct. I agree there is enormous importance attached to the RACE scheme. I understand the most recent full review was carried out in 2016-2017. In the interim, there have also been amendments, particularly for candidates who present as visually impaired.
Also, schools have devolved authority to recommend to the SEC the supports available within the RACE scheme that should be put in place in the junior cycle and at leaving certificate level. The SEC, in general, accepts the recommendation of the school.
Accommodations granted at junior cycle can also be reactivated at leaving certificate level. If RACE accommodation has not been granted, there is an opportunity for an independent appeal to that decision.
The Deputy referred to those presenting with a visual impairment. A number of amendments have been made to provide, for example, for enlarged versions of the standard and modified examination papers. There is a Braille version of the standard and modified examination papers. Reading accommodations include the provision of an individual reader, reading assistant or exam reading pen. Writing accommodations include a word processor or recording device to record the candidate's responses and access to a scribe.
The Deputy also specifically referred to dyslexia. The SEC has in place a spelling and grammar waiver. I also know there is an ongoing request for further review in that regard. It is my understanding the SEC has met representatives of the Dyslexia Association of Ireland. Everything is kept under constant review.
The Minister mentioned the Dyslexia Association of Ireland. It recently established an online petition, which was signed by 21,000 individuals, seeking the accommodation of additional time. At the moment, that is not available as standard for students with dyslexia but it is at third level. That creates an unfair situation and an unlevel playing field for those students.
In many other countries, that issue of extra time is an established option for dyslexic students at both second and third level to allow them to overcome the disadvantage those with dyslexia have. Given the experience of those with dyslexia, reflected in the engagement with the Dyslexia Association of Ireland, I believe a full review is required. The Minister mentioned assistive technology and there is definitely a role for such technology. However, the NCBI has raised queries, as have the Dyslexia Association of Ireland and the deaf community.
One parent said to me recently that her son was due to sit his junior certificate this year. During his mocks, his teachers encouraged him, and rightly so, as they would with every student, to attempt all the questions but he simply did not have the time. He got a reader, but it was shared across four students. If the principles for reasonable accommodation are designed to assist a candidate in demonstrating his or her achievement, there remains substantial work to be done around this scheme.
I believe in this scheme. I believe fundamentally that we must do all we can to ensure students get the opportunity at whatever level to showcase themselves at their best.
Specifically, in terms of dyslexia, the State Examinations Commission has met with the national organisation. Everything is kept under review. They would point to the fact that, almost uniquely in the world, there is the spelling and grammar waiver, which is not in existence in other jurisdictions to the best of my knowledge. However, they have listened to and are hearing what is being said by the dyslexia association from a national point of view and they will keep it under review.
It is important we would point to the accommodations that are currently in existence. If there is scope to do more going forward, there is scope to do more. It also includes the individual reader, the reading assistant, the word processor, a waiver from spelling and grammar, etc. Additional time for any candidate who is using a scribe is also provided for the time overhead in dictating answers. This is at a rate of ten minutes per scheduled hour or part thereof. That is not applicable, however, at leaving certificate level, particularly in English and Irish, given that there was a 20-minute addition of time given across the board in those subject areas.
I am conscious of the importance of this scheme. We are aware of how it has opened up so many opportunities for young people. The State Examinations Commission has informed me it is keeping it under consistent review. It has shown that with its willingness to meet with organisations. The commission meets regularly with organisations which feel they have additional points to make. In this instance, the commission will keep it under review, specifically in relation to dyslexia, as the Deputy has referenced.
I ask the Members to be fair to other Members. It happened at the previous Question Time. There are Members who have questions down. They come in and they want them to be heard. I am asking the Members to keep to the time. From here on in, I will cut the Ministers to the time.
School Transport
Seán Canney
Question:81. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Education if she is satisfied that plans are in place to deal adequately with the volume of applications for school bus tickets for the next school year 2023-24; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31835/23]
In light of what happened last year with school transport, is the Minister satisfied the necessary and adequate arrangements are in place and the necessary number of school buses are procured to make sure that the school bus service this year will be able to carry as many students as possible to school for the school opening time?
As the Deputy will be aware, the school transport scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2022-23 school year, in excess of 149,000 young people, including more than 18,000 children with special educational needs, were transported daily. In addition, school transport scheme services have been provided in the 2022-23 school year to almost 5,500 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine. The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9 million.
I appreciate that the school transport scheme is an important service for families and young people. For the 2023-24 school year, it remains that children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 km from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post-primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 km from and are attending their nearest post-primary school or education centre as determined by the Department.
Children who are eligible for school transport and who have completed the application process on time will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation. Young people who are not eligible for school transport but who completed the application process on time are considered for spare seats that may exist after those who fall within the criteria have been facilitated.
In addition, pending completion of the review of the school transport scheme, temporary alleviation measures at post-primary will be continued for the 2023-24 school year. Under these measures, transport will be provided for post-primary pupils who are eligible for transport to their nearest school, who are attending their second nearest school, and who applied by 28 April and paid and entered their medical card details, or whatever the case might be, by 9 June.
Officials in the Department meet with Bus Éireann regularly to discuss these matters. To plan for services for the 2023-24 school year, officials in the Department and Bus Éireann began the planning process in late 2022 and held numerous meetings to discuss the upcoming school transport requirements. I have also met with Bus Éireann on a number of occasions, most recently in the past number of weeks, on these matters.
For the first time, the payment closing dates were brought forward to allow more time for Bus Éireann to source capacity for the upcoming school year.
Additional information not given on the floor of the House
An extensive media campaign, which included advertisements in local and national media, was run by my Department in tandem with Bus Éireann's reminders to families and social media messaging to encourage families to apply and pay or enter medical card details on time. Both my Department and Bus Éireann will continue to engage throughout the summer months.
The Bus Éireann family portal has closed for all applications and payments and will reopen on 30 June 2023. This closure is necessary to ensure Bus Éireann can process applications, arrange transport, assess all applications, determine whether they are eligible or concessionary, and cater for temporary alleviation measures, TAMS, as soon as possible for the 2023-24 school year. Any application made after 28 April 2023 or any payment or medical card details submitted after 9 June 2023 are late applications. Where a late application is made, a ticket is not guaranteed. Bus Éireann plans to issue tickets to eligible students who have applied and paid or entered medical card details on time in July. After this allocation is complete, where seats are available, concessionary tickets will be issued.
Pending completion of the school transport review, there will be no removal or downsizing of buses or routes for the 2023-24 school year.
I thank the Minister. I acknowledge it is a major operational issue every year. As for the media campaign, we as Oireachtas Members were informed all the way along by Bus Éireann as to what was happening and given reminders about the closing date.
Because the closing date has been earlier, the question at this stage is whether the number of applications is up, especially with the concessionary tickets, with which there were problems last year, so that parents will know as early as possible, maybe even in July, whether they will get a ticket on the bus, because it causes disruption. I had a public meeting in Abbeyknockmoy approximately three weeks ago where they were trying to prepare for next year because last year it was a bit of a shambles for them. In fairness, what we want to do is make sure everybody gets accommodated from day one. In terms of applications, has the Minister numbers to compare with last year?
I acknowledge the importance of the scheme. I know it myself as I come from a rural constituency. Very specific measures were taken to ensure there would be earlier allocation of tickets. For the first time, the payment closing dates were brought forward.
The family portal to process applications is closed and it will reopen on 30 June 2023, which is imminent. This closure is necessary to ensure Bus Éireann can process applications, arrange transport, assess all applications, etc. Any applications made after 28 April 2023 or any payments made after 9 June 2023 are considered late applications.
Specifically, in terms of the number, Bus Éireann is currently doing a body of work where we have found, for example, some applicants might have applied twice. They might have used two different email addresses. Some might have applied but not followed through. That body of work is ongoing but nearing completion. There is certainly an increase but I will give the Deputy the full extent of it in as short a time as possible. This question of duplicate applications is still being worked through.
I recognise the Minister's interest in this. I merely want to know when people who are eligible for tickets will be getting their tickets and when applicants for concessionary tickets will know they will get tickets. Are there timelines set by which these will be communicated to people?
When there is such a large volume and there are anomalies in the application process, it is important it is done right. Many parents are worried they will end up, come 1 September or the end of August, not knowing whether they have a seat on the bus. Like the Minister, I come from a rural constituency where many people rely on the school bus service, be it to go to national school or secondary school. It is important they know as early as possible so they can plan for the next academic year well in advance. Last year, it was a bit of a free-for-all come September for many people. Especially for those applying for concessionary tickets, they need to know as soon as possible if they will be accommodated on the buses.
I understand the importance of receiving information as early as possible. It is for that reason we brought everything forward this year. Therefore, it is our expectation that, well in advance of the return to school, tickets will have been issued and people will know clearly where they stand.
Significant value is provided by the school transport system. The Deputy will appreciate that, as a cost-of-living measure, previously all fees were waived. This year, I accept it is a demand on parents but it is a much lesser cost than had been in operation in previous years. It costs €50 for a primary school pupil and €75 at post-primary, and there is a significant cap of €125 for a family.
I acknowledge the co-operation across this House and, indeed, in the Seanad. Everybody was made aware of all of the changing timelines.
Suffice to say, there will be a much earlier issuing of tickets.
Departmental Funding
Sorca Clarke
Question:82. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education the payment dates of the minor works grants, ancillary grants and ICT grants. [31620/23]
I am told there was a significant change in the financial support services unit, FSSU, produced grant schedule for the 2022-23 academic year, which led to confusion among primary schools because it changed so frequently throughout the year. We all accept and understand that primary schools, like every other sector, are feeling the effects of the current cost-of-living crisis. They need to be able to plan and budget effectively. This uncertainty regarding the timing and payment of key grants has caused unnecessary financial issues for schools. Will the Minister please confirm the payment dates for the minor works grants, the ancillary grants and the ICT grants?
As part of budget 2023, as the Deputy will be aware, the Department is investing more than €9.6 billion in the primary and post-primary education system. This reflects an increase of €443 million in core funding as well as more than €145 million in non-core expenditure. This builds on significant increases in recent budgets and reflects the Government’s commitment to a quality, inclusive school system.
As part of the cost-of-living measures to be enacted this year, €90 million was provided in one-off additional funding to schools to support increased running costs for primary and post-primary schools in the free education system. This was paid at a rate of 40% of schools’ basic and enhanced rates of capitation. The minor works grants, ancillary grants and ICT grants form part of the overall range of grants, which were specifically referred to by the Deputy. The minor works grant is provided to all primary schools to enable them to undertake small-scale minor maintenance and improvement works. It can also be used for the purchase of equipment, including supporting ICT provision. Funding of minor works grants to the value of €309 million has been issued since 2018. This includes a €30 million grant which was paid to all primary schools in April this year.
Ancillary grant funding for primary and post-primary schools facilitates the provision of caretaker and secretarial services in schools. It is paid over a number of instalments, depending on the particular sector. In 2022, the Department provided €170 million ancillary grant funding, which included €98.6 million at primary level and €72 million at post-primary level. This grant funding to schools was increased in recent years to facilitate salary increases for secretaries and caretakers. All ancillary grant funding for the current school year has been paid in full. That includes all minor works and ancillary grants.
The ICT grant funding is part of the overall digital strategy for schools and has involved an investment of €260 million since 2016, including the issue of €100 million in 2020 to enable schools to support the continuity of teaching and learning during the pandemic. This grant funding was last paid to primary and post-primary schools in December 2021 and involved an investment of €50 million at that stage. A further €50 million in grant funding for ICT infrastructure to address learners impacted by the digital divide also issued in late 2021 under Ireland’s national recovery and resilience plan through the NextGenerationEU facility. The Department intends to pay the next tranche of ICT grant funding in the coming school year.
Additional information not given on the floor of the House
The specific timing for the issuing of the ICT grant is subject to the availability of Exchequer funding and the wider capital needs of the Department, including the building programme to ensure the supply of school accommodation. As part of the forthcoming review of the national development plan, my Department’s aim is to provide better clarity and certainty for schools on the timelines for payment of minor works and ICT grant funding.
I am told it is the changes in the FSSU grant schedule that are causing significant issues for schools. The Covid cleaning support grant was paid in September 2022, followed by the once-off cost-of-living grant in December 2022. That was entirety of moneys received from the Department in term 1, which resulted in some schools running at a deficit. The initial grant schedule stated the minor works and ICT grants would be paid in December, but the Minister said the minor works grant was paid in April. The ICT grant now seems to be pushed into the next school year at some arbitrary date that has yet to be confirmed. I am also told the grant schedule again changed at Christmas and the ICT grant on that schedule will be paid in April. The minor works grant disappeared entirely. The grant schedule then changed again in May, when the ICT grant was removed, and disappeared from the website in June.
Will the Minister provide some clarity? Will the enhanced Covid cleaning grant that was not actually included in the calendar but paid in the first two terms be paid for in term 3? When will the money for the reimbursement of school secretaries be paid to schools and will the Minister provide a definitive date for that? Will the Minister please ensure that, from here on out, an unchanging and accurate calendar will be provided to schools so they can actually budget?
I will be very clear. All moneys due to schools have been paid. I confirmed to the Deputy that all moneys in respect of the minor works payment have been paid. It is important to say that, over the past three years, not only have minor works grants been paid, but we have also on occasion seen double the money for minor works being paid to schools. Equally, throughout the Covid period in 2020, we saw a doubling of the money, or €100 million, being paid and, in the following year, we also saw €100 million, which was also a doubling of the money being paid, for ICT grants. It is not just that the money is being paid; in some instances it is being paid on the double. That is quite a significant investment from the Department.
The Deputy referred specifically to school secretaries. She will be well aware, as will the House, of the change in circumstances relating to school secretaries and their wish to be paid distinct from the block grant that went to schools. A considerable body of work was undertaken by the Department on this matter, and I acknowledge the unanimity of everyone in the House on wanting to progress and do that work, which is well under way and has been greeted very positively by all within that sector. Significant tranches of funding have been made available to schools.
Where there might be an issue similar to that referred to by the Deputy, the FSSU is available to schools on a one-to-one basis, if there is any individual need. There is no question, however, of moneys not being paid to schools. Indeed, as I said, they are being paid on the double in many instances.
I will go back to the ICT grant for a moment, which was included in the FSSU calendar at the beginning of the past academic year. Schools invested wisely at that point, depending on that grant coming through. The Minister has just told the House and confirmed that grant will not be paid in this academic year. In fact, it will be the next academic year before that grant will be paid. Those schools who made those wise investments and signed up to wise contracts to be able to maintain and invest in the ICT infrastructure of their schools are now at a financial loss because that grant was not paid on time in accordance with the calendar produced by the FSSU.
I welcome the minor grants payments being made. That is a positive step and one that schools welcome, but there can be no justification for the lack of clarity around when payments will be made to primary schools to enable principals to be able to budget effectively. With the Cathaoirleach Gníomhach's indulgence, I will put on record a statement from a principal:
We are being pushed around constantly and cannot depend on payments of grants at any stage. In more than 10 years as a principal, I have never known such financial problems and uncertainty.
It is about the uncertainty. I again the Minister again to please ensure a coherent calendar is published that is adhered to by the Department.
Specifically on the case raised by the Deputy that referred to "more than ten years", in more than ten years, there has never been as much money going to the primary or post-primary school sectors. I am very happy, on an individual basis, to take the name and details of the principal to whom the Deputy referred, if he or she has a particular issue. This year, for example, I can point to more than €90 million in additional funding that has gone directly into schools for any issues they might have, including energy costs. I can point to the fact that more than €200 million in the past couple of years has specifically gone to ICT funding. Never before has that level of funding gone into any schools. I can also point to the fact that, on many occasions, double the allocation for minor works has been made available to schools. That is distinct and separate from all the additional funding that went into schools throughout the Covid period.
I cannot comprehend this question of moneys not going into schools. I understand that if a school has an individual issue - and I accept that individual schools have different needs at different times - the FSSU is very happy to engage with them on a one-to-one basis. I would be more than happy to engage on the issue raised by the Deputy.
Pupil-Teacher Ratio
Peadar Tóibín
Question:83. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education the steps her Department is taking to reduce class sizes in primary schools throughout the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31846/23]
If we were to reduce class sizes by just two pupils throughout the country, it would make an enormous different to the lives, education and future of children. The Irish National Teachers Organisation, INTO, has said it would cost only €13 million in budget 2024 and would bring us into line with the rest of the EU. This would be particularly important for DEIS schools and children with special educational needs. Will the Minister commit to that objective for budget 2024?
Under the programme for Government, there is a commitment to make further progress in reducing the pupil-teacher ratios, PTRs, in primary schools. I am very pleased to have been able to introduce three successive PTR reductions in each of the past three budgets. I know the significance of this and that the Deputy is very conscious of it. Indeed, it is a measure that has been welcomed right across the board.
Budget 2023 provided an additional €588 million in funding for education. This significant increase built on recent budgets and further enhanced the investment in primary and post-primary education. The significant increased investment reflects the Government’s commitment to a quality, inclusive, school system.
For the current school year, the staffing schedule operates on a general average of 24 pupils to every one teacher, which is historically low. More favourable ratios are implemented for DEIS urban band 1 schools. Budget 2023 has implemented a further one-point reduction for the coming 2023-24 school year. That will operate on a ratio of 1:23 pupils in September 2023.
In budget 2021, I also introduced a three-point reduction in the retention schedule, which assists schools that would otherwise be at risk of losing teaching posts. The recent announcement in budget 2023 will further reduce this retention schedule by virtue of the one-point improvement to the staffing schedule that helps to ensure better teacher retention in primary schools while also ensuring that fewer pupils are required to retain or recruit a teacher.
The numbers employed in our schools have now reached the highest ever. Teacher numbers at primary level have increased by more than 5,000 compared to the 2017-18 school year. This has led to a steady improvement in the pupil-teacher ratio and average class size statistics during this period. The latest figures in relation to pupil-teacher ratios show an improved ratio of teachers to pupils from 15.3:1 to 13.7:1 at primary level when comparing the 2017-18 school year to the 2021-22 school year. This compares favourably with the OECD pupil-teacher ratio, which is 1:15.
In the same period, the primary staffing schedule improved from 27:1 to 24:1 for the current school year and will be 23:1 for the 2023-24 school year. Average class sizes in primary schools improved from 24.5 to 22.8 in the same period.
The 2023 budget announcements will continue the positive trend of improving class sizes for the current school year and statistics on this will be published in the next few weeks. I am conscious of the staffing schedule and the need to prioritise teacher allocations in primary schools, given their vital role. I am looking at how best to make further progress in reducing the primary teacher ratio in the context of the overall programme for Government and the budget.
It sounds like a small thing to reduce a class size by two or even just by one, but it is something that will make a significant difference to children in the State. Primary schools are significantly neglected in funding when compared to secondary schools. Primary schools receive a capitation grant and, when that is calculated, it translates to approximately €1 per child per day to cover the costs associated with running the school. Secondary schools get almost double the funding. I would love if the Minister could explain to teachers and staff of primary schools around the country why that is.
Figures from the OECD reveal that Ireland is spending 12% less per pupil in primary school than other developed countries. Obviously, with inflation and everything else, schools are struggling to meet the costs of electricity etc. and many schools are relying on fundraising to keep their school above water. The key issue is why there is a disparity between pupils in primary and secondary schools. Why are we 12% less than many OECD countries?
I want to be very clear that there have been significant advancements and improvements. The Deputy referred specifically to primary school education in the context of the current Government. Specifically in terms of capitation, I want to acknowledge that the demands at primary level are very different from the demands at post-primary level. The demands at post-primary level are very different from the demands at primary level.
Notwithstanding that, I want to point to some of the advances in primary education. As I have already mentioned - historically this has never happened before - in three successive budgets we have seen the pupil-teacher ratio in primary schools being reduced. In September of this year it will be at a historic low of 23:1. No other Government has ever made an advancement of that nature over three years of Government.
Second, free schoolbooks will be in operation in our primary schools from September of this year. This is a landmark move in education and it has never happened before. In terms of counselling services, which is an area that has never been provided for in primary school education, for the first time we are running a pilot across the country to make provision of that nature available. Hot school meals are being made available in our primary schools. This will be for the DEIS primary schools initially and will be in all our primary schools over time. There are significant advancements in the area of education for primary schools.
I wanted to raise a slightly related issue, if I may, because of the number of parents who have called my office in recent times on this issue. The Government is imposing a new social, personal and health education, SPHE, curriculum on children as young as 12 years old in secondary schools. Much of the content of this is ideologically based and is not scientifically based. The textbooks that have been published have actually gone significantly further down the ideological road than even the curriculum. Parents’ groups, women's groups and psychotherapists have said that the textbooks contain misleading and unscientific content. I understand the Minister herself does not agree with some of the content that is published in these books.
We live in a pluralist Republic. This is meant to mean that we have a pluralist education system where parents are supposed to have the right to choose the school value system or ethos that represents them. Yet, the Minister has said that all schools must implement this ideological curriculum. She is deleting parental choice on this. She has said that parents can withdraw children, but if parents are forced to withdraw children in effect those children are being excluded from those classes. This is potentially exclusionary for thousands of children. What impact assessment has the Minister done on how this will affect children in the future?
There is a wide acknowledgement that it is important that we keep the curricula in our schools up to date and current so that they meet the needs of all our children and young people. The Deputy will be aware that the curricula are developed by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, NCCA, which is constituted of all within the education sector. That includes all the voices in the education sector. The Deputy will be aware that the SPHE and relationships and sexuality education, RSE, programmes were done as a consequence of the work of the NCCA and were also borne of widespread consultation. The Deputy-----
It did not listen to the consultation from parents.
-----will be aware that the publication of the SPHE and RSE curriculum was broadly welcomed by many stakeholders, including parents' bodies nationally and Catholic bodies’ representatives. He will have heard them articulate that we need to have a curriculum that meets the challenges of the day.
Sure.
The curricula are being provided for. On a point of clarification, it is a provision for those at junior cycle. The work is under way for senior cycle. That is currently under way. I will also specifically say that if there is any aspect of the programme that parents are not happy with and if they wish to withdraw their child, they have an absolute right to do that.
That is exclusionary.
There is no question of it being imposed.
Question No. 84 taken with Written Answers.