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Tuesday, 9 Oct 2012

Written Answers Nos. 229-248

Legislative Programme

Questions (229)

Heather Humphreys

Question:

229. Deputy Heather Humphreys asked the Minister for Education and Skills when Section 30 of the Teaching Council Act will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43166/12]

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Written answers

Section 30 of the Teaching Council Act 2001 requires a person who is employed as a teacher in a recognised school to be registered with the Council in order to be paid from State funds. It is therefore essential for anyone employed as a teacher in a recognised school to apply for registration at the earliest possible opportunity. Once commenced it will be an absolute legal requirement for teachers to be registered in order to receive payment from the Oireachtas funds. The only exception to the prohibition on payment of unregistered persons in place of a teacher in recognised schools will be for very short-term cover which will be circumscribed by regulations. It is my intention to commence Section 30 during the current school year.

National Student Survey

Questions (230)

Anne Ferris

Question:

230. Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the Irish national student survey has been fully implemented for this academic year; if student feedback systems have been introduced in all higher education institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43176/12]

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Written answers

The National Strategy for Higher Education recommended the development of a national student survey as a key tool in measuring the wider performance and quality of Irish higher education. The introduction of the survey is being led by the Higher Education Authority in cooperation with higher education institutions. A plenary Working Group, which includes representatives of institutions and students across the sector has been established to oversee the project and piloting of the survey is expected to commence in the coming months following completion of further work on the design and reporting arrangements for the survey.

Student Grant Scheme Applications

Questions (231)

Terence Flanagan

Question:

231. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43190/12]

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Written answers

The purpose of the maintenance element of a student grant is to contribute towards the living costs associated with going to college where parental means are likely to be insufficient to meet those costs. Grant assistance may be utilised by each recipient at his/her own discretion, and may be used towards travel expenses associated with attending college. In addition the Student Assistance Fund which is made available through the access offices of third-level institutions to assist students in exceptional financial need. Travel costs may be supported under this fund. Additional information is available from the Access Officer in the third level institution attended.

Schools Building Projects Status

Questions (232)

Simon Harris

Question:

232. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on a new school building project at an existing school in (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43203/12]

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Written answers

The building project referred by the Deputy was included in the 5 year construction programme announced in March and is scheduled to commence construction in 2013.

My Department is currently awaiting the submission of the Stage 2(b) (Detail design/tender documentation) from the school authority Co. Wicklow VEC.

School Textbooks

Questions (233)

John Paul Phelan

Question:

233. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the excessive cost of school books and the burden it is placing on students and families at this time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43244/12]

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Written answers

I am very conscious that the cost of textbooks is a considerable burden on families. Since becoming Minister for Education and Skills, I have attempted to take steps to reduce the burden on families. Shortly after coming into office I met with members of the Irish Educational Publishers' Association and impressed on them the need to limit the cost of textbooks. I have also stressed to them the real need to avoid placing schools and families in a position where textbooks are altered unnecessarily. The Association has responded positively to my approaches and have agreed a voluntary Code of Practice among their members. The Code commits the publishers to limit the publication of new editions and to maintaining editions of books in print unchanged for at least six years. The publishers have also given assurances to me that they will sell textbooks to schools at discounts in the range 10% to 17.5% so that schools can purchase textbooks in bulk to stock textbook rental schemes. All these developments are welcome, and I look forward to seeing the members of the Association implement these commitments.

In May my Department published research which shows that there is a high level of book rental schemes in operation at primary school level. The research indicates that 76% of primary schools operate a book rental scheme and I want to encourage this practice across all schools. Results at second level are not as conclusive. My Department provided approximately €15m in total to first and second level schools by way of book grants in 2012. A grant of €11 per pupil is provided to primary schools, with DEIS schools receiving €21. At second level the grant is €24, with DEIS schools receiving €39 per pupil.

School Transport Eligibility

Questions (234)

John Paul Phelan

Question:

234. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review an application of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny who has to pay for concessionary school transport even though their parents have a medical card. [43245/12]

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Written answers

The Deputy will be aware of the changes to the Post Primary School Transport Scheme that were introduced from the commencement of the current school year. A school transport service may be established where there is a minimum number of 10 eligible children residing in a distinct locality, as determined by Bus Éireann, provided this can be done within reasonable cost limits. An eligible child for whom no transport service is available may, following an application for transport within prescribed time limits, receive a Remote Area Grant towards the cost of private transport arrangements. This grant is also payable for eligible children who may have to travel 3.2 kms or more to or from a designated pick up/set down point.

The pupil referred to, in the details provided, is not attending his nearest school and is therefore not eligible for school transport under the terms of the Post Primary School Transport Scheme. The medical card waiver only applies to pupils who are eligible for school transport in the first instance.

Liúntais do Mhúinteoirí

Questions (235)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

235. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna cén tsábháil mheasta a dhéanfaidh a Roinn sna blianta 2013, 2014 agus 2015 de bharr deireadh a chur leis na liúntais do mhúinteoirí Gaeltachta, do dhaoine atá ag múineadh trí Ghaeilge agus do mhúinteoirí nua; an bhfuil sé i gceist aige an t-airgead seo a chaitheamh ar bheartais eile don Ghaeilge; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [43271/12]

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Written answers

Le déanaí cheadaigh an Rialtas roinnt beartas maidir le liúntas seirbhíse poiblí mar thoradh ar athbhreithniú ar fud na seirbhíse ar liúntais agus íocaíochtaí préimhe a rinne an tAire Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe.

Níor sannaíodh figiúr ar leith mar shábháil as deireadh a chur leis na liúntais do mhúinteoirí Gaeltachta agus do dhaoine atá ag múineadh trí Ghaeilge do thairbhithe nua múinteoireachta. Is é iomlán na liúntas dá leithéid a íoctar le tairbhithe reatha thart ar €5.1 milliún. Mar sin bainfidh sábháil le leibhéil an athrúcháin i measc na múinteoirí sin sna blianta atá romhainn. Níl togra ar bith ann le sábháil a dháileadh ón mbeartas seo.

Teacher Training Provision

Questions (236)

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

236. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the process that will be undertaken by the Higher Education Authority in preparing a detailed report in response to the recommendations of the international panel of education experts on the structures of initial teacher education; the plans that exist to consult with ITE providers; the timeframe for the completion of this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43272/12]

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Written answers

As you are aware, the report was requested in order to identify possible new structures to improve teacher education in Ireland so that it is comparable with the best in the world. I have accepted the recommendations set out in the report and believe that the recommended structural changes will complement the curricular reforms already in train and assist in positioning Ireland at the forefront of teacher education.

The HEA has been requested to consult with the relevant parties and to prepare a detailed plan on how to implement the recommendations of the Panel. The plan should set out a road map for the implementation of the recommendations, including detail on matters such as timing, revised organisational structures, financial and resource implications. I understand that the HEA are currently considering how best to progress these recommendations and are in consultation with my Department on these issues. I have requested that the HEA issue their proposals on implementation to me by the end of this year.

Departmental Staff Data

Questions (237, 238, 239)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

237. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the current staffing details of the Inspectorate including the numbers of inspectors at each grade in each business area. [43289/12]

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Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

238. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools inspectors who retired in each of the past five years. [43290/12]

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Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

239. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools inspectors recruited in each of the past five years. [43291/12]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 237 to 239, inclusive, together.

The following tables detail the recruitment, retirements and resignations from the Schools Inspectorate at the Department of Education and Skills from 2007 to 2012.

Recruitment

Grade

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

Post Primary Inspector

5

-

3

-

2

4

Primary District Inspector

11

1

-

-

-

4

Retirements

Grade

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

Chief Inspector

-

-

1

-

-

-

Deputy Chief Inspector

-

-

1

-

-

-

Assistant Chief Inspector

1

1

3

-

-

2

Senior Inspector

-

2

3

-

2

4

Divisional Inspector

1

1

12

1

1

2

Post Primary Inspector

1

3

-

-

-

2

Primary District Inspector

-

-

2

-

-

1

Resignations

Grade

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

Chief Inspector

-

-

-

-

-

-

Deputy Chief Inspector

-

-

-

-

1

-

Assistant Chief Inspector

-

-

-

-

-

-

Senior Inspector

-

-

1

-

1

-

Divisional Inspector

-

1

-

-

2

-

Post Primary Inspector

-

2

2

-

1

1

Primary District Inspector

-

2

-

-

-

-

The following is a breakdown of the current professional staffing cohort of the Schools Inspectorate Division at the Department of Education and Skills. The figures in brackets are the whole time equivalent figures taking account of any work sharing arrangements that may be in place.

Inspectorate Regions & Staff

Chief Inspector: 1

Deputy Chief Inspector: 1

Head Office, Department of Education and Skills, Marlborough Street, Dublin 1

Business Unit 1: North East & Dublin North Region

Assistant Chief Inspector

1 (1)

Senior Inspector

3 (3)

Divisional Inspector

3 (3)

Post Primary Inspector

6 (6)

Primary District Inspector

7 (7)

Business Unit 2: South East & Dublin South Region

Assistant Chief Inspector

1 (1)

Senior Inspector

5 (4.8)

Divisional Inspector

4 (3.8)

Post Primary Inspector

7 (7)

Primary District Inspector

7 (7)

Business Unit 3: Midlands & Dublin West Region

Assistant Chief Inspector

1 (1)

Senior Inspector

5 (5)

Divisional Inspector

3 (3)

Post Primary Inspector

4 (4)

Primary District Inspector

6 (6)

Business Unit 4: South Region

Assistant Chief Inspector

1 (1)

Senior Inspector

2 (2)

Divisional Inspector

3 (3)

Post Primary Inspector

8 (7.6)

Primary District Inspector

5 (5)

Business Unit 5: West & Mid West Region

Assistant Chief Inspector

1 (1)

Senior Inspector

2 (2)

Divisional Inspector

5 (5)

Post Primary Inspector

6 (5.8)

Primary District Inspector

7 (7)

Business Unit 6: Evaluation Support & Research Unit

Assistant Chief Inspector

1 (1)

Senior Inspector

2 (2)

Divisional Inspector

2 (2)

Post Primary Inspector

1 (1)

Primary District Inspector

0 (0)

Business Unit 7: School Improvement & Quality Unit

Assistant Chief Inspector

1 (1)

Senior Inspector

2 (2)

Divisional Inspector

2 (2)

Post Primary Inspector

0 (0)

Primary District Inspector

0 (0)

Business Unit 8: Literacy, Numeracy, Curriculum & Assessment

Assistant Chief Inspector

1 (1)

Senior Inspector

1 (1)

Divisional Inspector

1 (1)

Post Primary Inspector

1 (1)

Primary District Inspector

1 (1)

Psychological Services

Questions (240, 241, 242)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

240. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the current staffing details of the National Educational Psychological Service including the numbers of psychologists at each grade in each business area of the country. [43292/12]

View answer

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

241. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools psychologists in the National Educational Psychological Service who retired in each of the past five years. [43293/12]

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Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

242. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools psychologists in the National Educational Psychological Service recruited in each of the past five years. [43294/12]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 240 to 242, inclusive, together.

I provide for the information of the Deputy detail in relation to the current educational psychologist staffing level within my Department's National Education Psychological Service by grade and region.

Additionally I provide detail of Recruitment and Retirements from the NEPs service in the past five years.

NEPS Psychologist Staff October 2012

(Whole-time Equivalent count in brackets)

Head Office DES Dublin

Regional Director

1 (1)

Dublin Region

Regional Director

1 (1)

Senior Psychologist

4 (3.8)

Educational Psychologist

19 (18)

Dublin/Mid-Leinster Region

Regional Director

0

Senior Psychologist

10 (9.53)

Educational Psychologist

19 (17.2)

South-Western Region

Regional Director

1 (1)

Senior Psychologist

2 (2)

Educational Psychologist

18 (17.2)

North-Eastern Region

Regional Director

1 (1)

Senior Psychologist

3 (3)

Educational Psychologist

13 (12.6)

North-Western Region

Regional Director

1 (1)

Senior Psychologist

4 (3.8)

Educational Psychologist

13 (12.2)

South - Eastern Region

Regional Director

1 (1)

Senior Psychologist

3(2.53)

Educational Psychologist

16 (15.33)

Mid-Munster Region

Regional Director

1 (1)

Senior Psychologist

4 (3.4)

Educational Psychologist

17 (15.8)

Western Region

Regional Director

1 (1)

Senior Psychologist

5 (5)

Educational Psychologist

10 (10)

NEPS Psychologist Staff Recruited/Retired & Resigned 2008-12

2008

Grade

Recruited

Retired

Resignations

Regional Director

-

2

-

Senior Psychologist

-

1

-

Educational Psychologist

30

4

2

2009

Grade

Recruited

Retired

Resignations

Director

-

1

-

Regional Director

-

2

-

Senior Psychologist

-

5

-

Educational Psychologist

9

1

2

2010

Grade

Recruited

Retired

Resignations

Senior Psychologist

-

3

-

Educational  Psychologist

17

1

1

2011

Grade

Recruited

Retired

Resignations

Senior Psychologist

-

1

-

Educational Psychologist

14

3

1

2012

Grade

Recruited

Retired

Resignations

Regional Director

-

1

-

Senior Psychologist

-

2

-

Educational Psychologist

2

3

1

Special Educational Needs Staffing

Questions (243, 244, 245)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

243. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the numbers of special education needs organisers in each county. [43295/12]

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Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

244. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of special education needs organisers who retired in each of the past five years. [43296/12]

View answer

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

245. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of special education needs organisers recruited in each of the past five years. [43297/12]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 243 to 245, inclusive, together.

I wish to advise the Deputy that only 1 SENO retired in the past five years. This retirement was in 2011.

The Number of SENOs recruited in each of the past five years:2007 = 6; 2008 = 6; 2009 = 5; 2010 = 3; 2011 = 0.

Number of SENOs in each county

County

No of SENOs

Carlow

2

Cavan

1

Clare

2

Cork

10

Donegal

3

Dublin

21

Galway

4

Kerry

3

Kildare

3

Kilkenny

2

Laois

1

Leitrim

1

Limerick

4

Longford

0

Louth

3

Mayo

2

Meath

3

Monaghan

1

Offaly

2

Roscommon

1

Sligo

2

Tipperary

3

Waterford

2

Westmeath

2

Wexford

2

Wicklow

3

Total

83

Teacher Statistics

Questions (246, 247, 248)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

246. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of primary teachers who began probation during the last academic year. [43301/12]

View answer

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

247. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of primary teachers who successfully completed the probationary process during the past academic year. [43302/12]

View answer

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

248. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of primary teachers who have thus far applied to undertake the probationary process in this academic year. [43303/12]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 246 to 248, inclusive, together.

The total number of primary teachers who began probation in the acedemic year 2011/12 was 2,429 and 1,961 successfully completed the probation process.

The total number of primary teachers who have applied for probation in the acedemic year 2012/13 is 1,191.

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