Tuesday, 9 Oct 2012

Written Answers Nos 249-269

Pupil Data Collection

Questions (249)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

249. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to introduce a database of primary school pupils. [43304/12]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The development of a database for all schools and colleges aided by my Department is vital to the provision of evidence-based data on progression of students through the system and, especially, to identify those at risk of dropping out or under-achieving. My Department has committed to the development of such a database in it's Data Strategy 2008-2010. As part of the development of the Data Strategy consultations were carried out with many of my Department's agencies to discuss how data could best be collected and shared in a manner which reduces the overall administrative burden for the school and allows for the most efficient operation and provision of services to the pupil.

There have been a number of developments in recent years in the area of pupil data collection from post-primary schools. My Department is currently in the process of streamlining the post-primary returns process to allow for a live online system allowing for easy exchange of information that reflects the up-to-date situation in regard to enrolment at any one time and to cut down on administrative burden and the scale of paper-based information flows across the Department and its associated agencies. It is intended to pilot this development in the 2012\2013 academic year.

My Department intends to proceed, as soon as timing and resources permit, to extend this development to primary level schools. Once this is done, my Department will have access to an integrated live Learners database covering primary and post-primary level, which will allow for the effective monitoring of progression, and for enhanced policy planning using real-time data.

School Accommodation

Questions (250)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

250. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide details on a county basis of rented school accommodation at primary level including the date of installation and annual rent for each school in the country. [43305/12]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

Details of rented prefabs in use in Primary Schools on a county basis is outlined in the following table.Please note that one prefab unit may consist of one or more classrooms and/or ancillary accommodation.

Rental of Prefabricates accommodation at Primary level - October 2012

School Accommodation

Questions (251)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

251. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide details on a county basis of rented school accommodation at post primary level including the date of installation and annual rent for each school in the country. [43306/12]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

Details of rented prefabs in use in Post-Primary Schools on a county basis is outlined in a table. Please note that one prefab unit may consist of one or more classrooms and/or ancillary accommodation.

Rental of Prefabricated Accommodation at Post Primary level - October 2012

Roll no	Name of school	County	Type of accommodation	Annual rent	Start date
61140K	St. Leo's College	Carlow	Pre-fab	€78,670.69	01/09/07
61150N	Presentation - De La Salle College	Carlow	Pre-fab	€23,985.00	15/08/12
70380I	Breifne College	Cavan	Pre-fab	€31,596.24	28/08/11
70840Q	Ennistymon VEC	Clare	Pre-fab	€12,792.00	01/03/08
		Clare	Pre-fab	€3,198.00	01/10/07
62050O	The Hamilton High School	Cork	Pre-fab	€5,590.10	01/07/10
		Cork	Pre-fab	€6,396.00	01/09/11
62090D	Scoil Mhuire Gan Smál	Cork	Pre-fab	€21,525.00	23/08/12
62170B	Sacred Heart Sec School	Cork	Pre-fab	€66,654.44	27/08/07
62360G	Christian Brothers Secondary School	Cork	Pre-fab	€62,139.60	29/08/12
62421A	Presentation Sec School	Cork	Pre-fab	€19,188.00	27/08/07
62460K	St Francis College	Cork	Pre-fab	€61,391.70	01/09/07
62730N	St Patricks College	Cork	Pre-fab	€23,120.75	12/11/07
91499E	Kinsale Community School	Cork	Pre-fab	€21,562.71	27/08/07
62830R	St. Eunan's College	Donegal	Pre-fab	€26,863.20	27/08/10
71140Q	Crana College	Donegal	Pre-fab	€46,051.20	01/09/07
76081F	Colaiste Ailigh	Donegal	Pre-fab	€6,396.00	10/10/11
		Donegal	Pre-fab	€16,310.00	01/09/10
		Donegal	Pre-fab	€26,568.00	01/11/07
60092U	Clonkeen College	Dublin	Pre-fab	€44,919.60	01/09/05
60343T	St Josephs Sec School	Dublin	Pre-fab	€44,209.15	01/12/07
60370W	St Fintan's High School	Dublin	Pre-fab	€9,312.47	01/09/08
70010V	Balbriggan Community College	Dublin	Pre-fab	€20,147.40	01/11/06
70230M	Killester College	Dublin	Pre-fab	€82,219.50	01/01/09
76062B	Castleknock Community College	Dublin	Pre-fab	€15,100.80	01/12/06
76085N	Gaelcholaiste Reachrann	Dublin	Pre-fab	€45,956.14	01/09/05
76130P	Luttrellstown Community College	Dublin	Pre-fab	€14,391.00	01/09/11
		Dublin	Pre-fab	€12,951.90	01/09/10
		Dublin	Pre-fab	€34,858.24	01/09/09
81002K	Mount Temple Comprehensive School	Dublin	Pre-fab	€14,129.35	01/02/08
62870G	Presentation College	Galway	Pre-fab	€112,249.80	01/10/07
		Galway	Pre-fab	€25,903.80	01/09/06
		Galway	Pre-fab	€33,387.12	02/08/05
62880J	St Joseph's College	Galway	Pre-fab	€16,981.38	01/09/07
71330V	Colaiste na Coirbe	Galway	Pre-fab	€28,759.86	01/09/05
61410N	Presentation Secondary School	Kerry	Pre-fab	€13,842.40	01/07/10
68068R	Colaiste Iosagáin	Laois	Pre-fab	€50,976.00	21/08/12
76070A	Colaiste Iosaef	Limerick	Pre-fab	€46,169.28	27/08/12
63870L	Drogheda Grammar School	Louth	Pre-fab	€116,599.71	01/01/10
63890R	St. Mary's College	Louth	Pre-fab	€25,392.00	01/08/12
63900R	St Vincents Secondary School	Louth	Pre-fab	€15,030.60	01/09/07
91441T	Ardee Community College	Louth	Pre-fab	€17,908.80	01/09/11
		Louth	Pre-fab	€20,060.87	01/09/12
71780G	Scoil Uí Mhuirí	Louth	Pre-fab	€13,751.40	31/08/12
64570E	Our Lady's Sec School	Mayo	Pre-fab	€6,396.00	01/09/11
		Mayo	Pre-fab	€34,538.40	09/01/06
91508C	Boyne Community School	Meath	Pre-fab	€18,868.20	07/01/08
72170H	Ballybay Community School	Monaghan	Pre-fab	€49,832.64	01/09/08
65582Q	St. Mary's Secondary School	Offaly	Pre-fab	€23,025.60	01/09/09
65620V	Sacred Heart School	Offaly	Pre-fab	€25,903.80	01/09/07
72540O	Oaklands Community College	Offaly	Pre-fab	€30,508.92	27/08/12
65100S	Scoil Mhuire	Roscommon	Pre-fab	€12,669.00	25/05/09
		Roscommon	Pre-fab	€9,620.42	15/09/05
64922J	Stella Maris Sec School	Waterford	Pre-fab	€28,142.40	01/09/10
64923L	CBS Secondary School	Waterford	Pre-fab	€44,132.40	01/09/10
64970U	Presentation Secondary School	Waterford	Pre-fab	€67,888.16	21/11/05
91509E	Blackwater Community School	Waterford	Pre-fab	€3,532.34	27/08/08
63640R	CBS Wexford	Wexford	Pre-fab	€18,420.48	01/10/07
		Wexford	Pre-fab	€10,233.60	01/07/12
70740M	Arklow Community College	Wicklow	Pre-fab	€11,042.46	01/09/07
70790E	Colaiste Bhride	Wicklow	Pre-fab	€68,740.00	01/11/07

Schools Administration

Questions (252)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

252. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide details of any work being progressed by his Department to improve its systems in order to facilitate access to accurate and up-to-date information on individual schools, both to ensure more efficient use of official time and to reduce the administrative burden on schools. [43307/12]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I am very aware of the administrative burden that schools face whether from necessary departmental and legislative requirements or other external requirements. My Department is very focussed on improving its systems and requirements to ensure that the administrative burden for schools and for the Department itself is minimised as far as possible. To this end, a range of initiatives have been and continue to be undertaken by my Department.

One such example is the introduction of electronic submission of primary schools' annual enrolment returns resulting in significant administrative efficiencies to this annual process for both schools and my Department. Another example is the recently introduced reforms to the teacher allocation process. At primary level this involved combining the separate learning support (GAM) and language support allocation processes into a single and simplified allocation process thus reducing administrative workload. A similar approach was also implemented at post-primary level.

Developments in recent years in the Department's payroll area have included the introduction of an Online Claims System (OLCS) for teacher payroll and the payment of part-time teachers through the Department's payroll. The latter ended the previously burdensome system under which each school, funded by grant payments, was required to make its own arrangements to pay part-time teachers. Across all areas of my Department, we are continuously seeking to identify opportunities, ranging from small administrative changes to the more significant and major reforms, to streamline our processes, achieve better value for money and ultimately improve the education provided to our students. My officials will continue to work, in consultation with stakeholders as appropriate, on addressing this issue on an on-going basis.

Schools Building Projects Applications

Questions (253)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

253. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has taken any decisions on project progression in the school building programme that did not accord with recommendations made to him by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43308/12]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

As the Deputy may be aware, the Five Year construction plan that I announced in March last lists individual major school projects that it is anticipated will proceed to construction over the duration of the plan. The approach adopted by my Department prioritises new school building projects as well as major extensions in areas where significant demographic need has been established. School building projects in architectural planning were also considered by my Department in the context of that programme, taking into account the funding available, the availability of sites in the case of new schools and when projects are technically ready to proceed to tender and construction. The individual school projects to be included in the Plan were recommended by my Department, and I approved the Plan in accordance with their recommendations.

School Staffing

Questions (254)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

254. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of teachers who qualified as primary teachers in the Six Counties who were appointed to temporary positions in primary schools in each of the past ten years. [43309/12]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The information requested by the Deputy is not available.

School Staffing

Questions (255)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

255. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of teachers who qualified as primary teachers in the Six Counties who were appointed to permanent positions in primary schools in each of the past ten years. [43310/12]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The information requested by the Deputy is not available.

Teacher Training Provision

Questions (256, 257)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

256. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of primary teachers who trained in another jurisdiction that undertook the SCG/OCG during the last academic year. [43311/12]

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

257. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of primary teachers who trained in another jurisdiction who passed the SCG/OCG during the last academic year. [43312/12]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I propose to take Questions Nos. 256 and 257 together.

In the academic year 2011/12 a total of 391 primary teachers who trained in another jurisdiction undertook the Cailíocht sa Ghaeilge - Irish Language Requirement for primary teachers who obtain their teaching qualifications outside of the state (SCG/OCG). 292 candidates undertook modules in the SCG and 99 candidates undertook modules in the OCG. 292 candidates (230 in the SCG and 62 in the OCG) obtained a pass on the basis of the results attained in the 2011/12 Academic Year.

To complete the SCG/OCG candidates must obtain a pass (40%) in 4 modules and satisfy the Gaeltacht course requirement. The 4 modules need not be taken in the same academic year. OCG candidates must also satisfy a 120 day period of the teaching of Irish as a mainstream class teacher.

School Textbooks

Questions (258)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

258. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to examine the free books scheme for necessitous pupils in primary schools scheme in view of the fact that funding to schools did not increase this year. [43313/12]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I would like to remind the Deputy that while adjustments were made to school capitation grants in last year's budget, I successfully managed to ringfence the school book grant for the current school year. 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 pupils 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 Enrolments

Questions (259)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

259. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide details of Section 29 Appeals undertaken in each of the past five years including the outcomes of those appeals. [43314/12]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in tables.

Table 1. Total number of appeals lodged from 2007 to 2011

Year Taken	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	Total
Post Primary	188	214	266	294	263	1225
Primary	195	171	124	75	104	669
Total	383	385	390	369	367	1894

Table 2. Outcome of these appeals.

Upheld at hearing	Not upheld at Hearing	Referred back to Board
381	713	20

Note: Not all appeals lodged go to a section 29 hearing.

School Funding

Questions (260)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

260. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total amount of funding from the capital budget expended on the provision of emergency funding to primary schools in each of the past five years; and the number of schools that received this funding. [43315/12]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The total amount of funding expended under the Emergency Works Scheme on an annual basis from 2008 to date in 2012:

2012	€3.558m
2011	€11.399m
2010	€40.387m
2009	€35.109m
2008	€21.125m

The number of school projects that were approved under the Emergency Works Scheme from 2008 to date in 2012:

2012	181
2011	210
2010	547
2009	546
2008	203

School Accommodation

Questions (261)

Seamus Kirk

Question:

261. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Education and Skills in respect of post primary schools in Dundalk, County Louth, the maximum student accommodation; if he will provide a breakdown of the number of pupils in each school; the gender numbers of each school; the projected accommodation need for the years 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43316/12]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

For the Deputy's convenience, I am setting out a table showing enrolment details at the schools to which he refers together with details of current or proposed building projects at a number of these schools.

At the current pupil intake levels, the current projected increase in post-primary numbers in Dundalk will be in the region of 800 pupils up to 2023.

My priority is to ensure that there is sufficient school accommodation to meet projected pupil enrolment increases into the future. The 5 Year Plan that I announced in March last as part of a €2 billion capital investment programme outlines the major school projects that will commence construction over the duration of the Plan. These have been prioritised on the basis of meeting significant demographic needs. The Plan includes the new post primary school for Dundalk, County Louth that will provide 1,000 additional post primary places, and is scheduled to commence operation in September 2014.

Breakdown of Enrolments at Post-Primary Schools in Dundalk County Louth for 2012/13

School	Type	No. of Boys	No. of Girls	PLC	Total
Coláiste Rís	Co-ed	390	155	-	545
St. Mary’s College	Co-ed	451	203	-	654
De La Salle College	All-Boys	720	-	-	720
Dundalk Grammar	Co-Ed	320	196	-	516
St. Vincent's	All-Girls	-	890	-	890
St. Louis Secondary School	All-Girls	-	590	-	590
O’Fiaich College	Co-Ed	204	143	545	892
Total		2,085	2,177	545	4,807

There is a number of building projects proposed or under construction at the above schools as outlined below: St. Mary’s College – Proposed new 900 pupil school – project is in the Department’s 5-year plan to go to construction in 2015/16; De La Salle College – recently approved a devolved grant to provide additional accommodation of 597 m² including 3 specialist rooms and 3 general classrooms; Dundalk Grammar School – extension is under construction to provide for 500 pupils; and new 1,000 pupil post-primary school planned for 2014.

Student Grant Scheme Applications

Questions (262)

Pat Breen

Question:

262. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application for a third level grant in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43328/12]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

On 5th October, 2012 an appeal from the persons in respect of whom details were supplied by the Deputy was received by the Independent Appeals Board. The board is independent in the exercise of its functions and will issue a determination within the specified timeframes defined in the Student Support Act, 2011.

State Examinations Reviews

Questions (263)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

263. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he hopes the changes in the second level programme whereby the junior certificate is replaced by ongoing assessment is most likely to be of benefit to the students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43367/12]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I published A Framework for Junior Cycle on 4 October 2012. The document contains details of my plans to reform the junior cycle in post-primary schools. One element of the plan relates to assessment. We know that under the current system in third year, the Junior Certificate examination dominates the experiences of students; the focus of learning narrows, the emphasis is on rote learning and for many students, the examination does not lead to positive learning experiences and outcomes. The reality is that the Junior Certificate is no longer a high stakes examination. That is why I believe it no longer serves the educational needs of every young person.

It is also the case that current assessment practice at the end of junior cycle (or lower secondary education) in Ireland is out of line with best practice in many countries with high-performing educational systems. It is my intention that the terminal Junior Certificate Examinations will be replaced with a school-based model of assessment where the emphasis will be on the quality of students' learning experiences and outcomes. The replacement will happen, taking a phased approach, with English being the first subject to be introduced to First Year students in 2014. Short courses will also be available. The new Junior Cycle will include on-going classroom assessment for learning where high quality feedback will be provided to students and their parents during the junior cycle. It will also include a school work component for all subjects reflective of students' work over the course of the final two years for the purposes of certification. All the evidence indicates that this will give students a better learning experience and outcomes at Junior Cycle.

School Accommodation

Questions (264, 269)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

264. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he expects to be in a position to replace temporary prefabricated structures and facilities throughout the country in the coming year; if he is satisfied that the programme to date is likely to achieve its objectives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43368/12]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

269. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total number of primary and second level pupils or students currently accommodated in temporary or prefabricated accommodation; the extent to which the programme to replace such facilities particularly those that have remained in situ for a number of years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43373/12]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I propose to take Questions Nos. 264 and 269 together.

My Department does not hold information on the numbers of pupils in individual schools who currently occupy temporary accommodation; this depends on the organisation of class groups by schools within available accommodation and may vary from year to year. Local school managements are responsible for organising their class numbers, year on year, to achieve the optimum local efficiencies. In March of this year I announced a new initiative to replace rented prefabs in both primary and post-primary schools. Over 170 schools have been approved to replace rented prefabs with permanent accommodation. A total of €41.8 million has been allocated for this initiative which will result in approximately 6,000 pupils moving from prefabs into permanent classrooms and resource rooms when building works are completed in all schools.

Psychological Assessments

Questions (265, 270)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

265. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he is satisfied regarding the adequacy and effectiveness of counselling and or psychological support services at primary and second level here; if any particular or specific inadequacies have been identified; his plans to address any such issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43369/12]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

270. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if particular issues or deficiencies have been recognised in the extent and quality of counselling and or psychological services at primary and or second level schools here; the proposed action to address any such issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43374/12]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I propose to take Questions Nos. 265 and 270 together.

The Deputy will be aware that primary and post-primary schools have access to psychological assessments either directly through the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) or through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA). Schools that do not currently have a NEPS psychologist assigned to them may avail of the SCPA, whereby the school can have an assessment carried out by a member of the panel of private psychologists approved and paid for by NEPS. In common with many other psychological services and best international practice, NEPS encourages a staged assessment process, whereby each school takes responsibility for initial assessment, educational planning and remedial intervention, in consultation with their assigned NEPS psychologist. Only if there is a failure to make reasonable progress in spite of the school's best efforts, will a student be referred for individual psychological assessment/intervention. Such intervention address both learning needs and/or needs in relation to the area of social and emotional competence. This system allows the psychologists to give early attention to urgent cases and also to help many more students indirectly than could be seen individually. It also ensures that students are not referred unnecessarily for psychological intervention.

In addition NEPS has provided guidance to all schools and school communities in relation to structures and processes to be put in place in the event of critical incidents. Upon request by school authorities NEPS psychologists provide direct on-site assistance to schools in coping with the aftermath of such traumatic events.

NEPS currently directly employs some 168 psychologists sited in 22 local and regional offices countrywide and assigned to schools in their respective catchment areas. I can inform the Deputy that my Department is engaging with 10 additional candidates with a view to their recruitment to NEPS in the current academic year bringing the total staffing complement to its highest level ever. I am satisfied that the NEPS service is responding adequately to the needs of schools.

I acknowledge that the reduction in resources to second level schools is challenging for schools. The budget measure that requires schools to manage the provision of guidance and counselling from within their standard staffing allocation, the alternative to which was to make an adjustment to the standard staffing schedule, must be seen in the context of our very difficult budgetary constraints. As part of the budgetary measure my Department helped shelter the impact for DEIS post-primary schools by improving their standard staffing allocations. It is established policy that guidance is a whole school activity and under existing arrangements each school develops a school guidance plan as a means of supporting the needs of its students. I am confident schools will act in the best interest of students.

Education Policy

Questions (266)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

266. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he is satisfied regarding the adequacy of primary, secondary and third level education here in the context of preparing the young generation for an increasingly competitive place in the workforce; if comparisons have been made with other educational systems throughout Europe and globally with a view to identification of the best practice to achieve the best results; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43370/12]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I believe that in an ever changing world we need to strive for constant improvement in our education system. Last year I launched Literacy and Numeracy for Learning and Life which is the national strategy to improve literacy and numeracy in schools. We know both from domestic evidence and international comparisons through PISA that the literacy and numeracy standards of some of our students are not up to the standard which we would wish. I have moved swiftly to bring in measures through the Strategy which are aimed at improving literacy and numeracy.

Last week I announced a root and branch reform of Junior Cycle drawing from best practice at international level. The Framework for Junior Cycle responds to compelling international evidence that shows more students will perform better by moving away from terminal high stakes exams at this point in their education. A number of the principles in my Framework acknowledge the importance of "continuity and development" and of "Learning to learn" from one sector of education to another so as to meet the challenges of life beyond school and, in particular, of working life. Students as they experience the new Junior Cycle programme, will be provided with opportunities to take initiative, to be innovative and to develop entrepreneurial skills. My Framework has been warmly welcomed by IBEC which commented that business needs employees with the capacity to analyse, communicate, be creative, manage information and work with others. IBEC believes that the new Junior Cycle should provide an opportunity to develop these types of attributes and skills from an early age. The change at junior cycle in turn presents an opportunity for a refocusing of efforts at senior cycle towards more varied forms of assessment across all examinations subjects.

At third level, one of the core missions of the higher education system is to ensure the continued alignment of graduate output with the evolving skills needs of the economy and to provide the research infrastructure and graduates to support innovation, and foster enterprise development. To ensure relevance of higher education provision, it is standard practice for institutions to establish content advisory panels with industry input for programme development. It is also common practice for institutions to develop bespoke programmes in collaboration with individual enterprises. Engagement with enterprise is one of the core pillars of the National Strategy for Higher Education and a detailed framework and range of recommendations to ensure the system continues to provide graduates that are equipped to take their place in the modern workplace are being implemented. Our high numbers of young skilled graduates has led Ireland to be ranked 1st for the availability of skilled labour in this year's IMD World Competitiveness Survey. This was backed up by the 2012 Talent Shortage Survey conducted annually by the Manpower Group, which ranked Ireland as the global leader for the availability of skills and the least difficult location, globally, in which to find talent.

Departmental Funding

Questions (267)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

267. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he is satisfied regarding the adequacy of resources at his disposal to meet the challenge of the increase in population and consequent requirement for the provision of adequate school places and facilities at all levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43371/12]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

Based on my Departments most recent projections (July 2012) it is expected that enrolments will increase at primary level by almost 76,800 pupils by 2018, from circa 516,000 pupils in the 2011/12 school year. At post primary level the increase by 2018 is expected to be approximately 31,300 pupils from circa 322,500 pupils in the 2011/12 school year. In November 2011 the Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2012-16: Medium Term Exchequer Framework was launched and my Department secured funding of €2.210 billion for the five year period. From that allocation €1.5 billion is dedicated to the delivery of large scale projects in both the primary and post-primary sectors and €275m will be expended on the provision of extra classrooms under the Additional Accommodation Scheme. This proposed level of expenditure on large scale projects and additional accommodation indicates that 80% of the available funding over the five year period is earmarked for the provision of school places.

Points System Reform

Questions (268)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

268. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he has monitored any changes or requirements in the points system with a view to identifying the most effective and streamlined system for admission to third level education; if comparisons have been made with other jurisdictions in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43372/12]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

My Department is in discussion with all of the relevant bodies, including the universities, on the full range of issues related to the transition to higher education which are identified in the NCCA-HEA report published following the Transitions conference last September. It will submit a report for me on all proposals for change, including timeframes for implementation early in the New Year. In this regard I have received an interim report from the Irish Universities Association of their consideration of the NCCA-HEA Transitions report. They have also informed me that they are working to develop more specific proposals in relation to changes to the third level entry mechanism. The NCCA and the State Examinations Commission is also undertaking work in relation to proposals in the Transitions report about the Leaving Cert assessment process.

Question No. 269 answered with Question No. 264.