Written Answers Nos. 364-384
364. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason the new curriculum for leaving certificate honours maths, project maths, keeps changing though students are expected to sit this paper in June 2013; the reason there seems to be no clarity on what is expected of the students. [48378/12]
View answerProject Maths is a major programme of reform of mathematics in second level schools. Project Maths began in 24 schools in September 2008 and was rolled out on a phased basis to all mainstream schools from September 2010. As of September 2012 all five strands of Project Maths were rolled out to all mainstream schools. Information on the timing and phasing has been widely disseminated.
The purpose of the initial engagement with 24 schools and the adoption of a phasing in approach was to learn from the experiences in these project schools while using this period to work with the schools to develop materials and lesson plans and resource materials, which would then be available for mainstreaming to all schools. This phase of development has therefore been evolutionary in nature, with syllabuses and resources being developed and refined during the project phase. There has been ongoing professional development made available to schools by the Project Maths Development Team. As well as CPD, there are significant resources available on www.projectmaths.ie which provide clarity on what is expected from teachers and students.
365. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills the current number of psychologists in the national educational psychological service at present and the number in 2009, 2010 and 2011. [48438/12]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware all 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 NEPS psychologists 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. There are currently 169 psychologists employed within my Department's NEPS service (amounting to some 160.8 whole-time equivalents when working sharing is factored in). Employed numbers in this regard for 2010 and 2011 were 165 (158.9 w.t.e.) and 173 (166 w.t.e.) respectively. I can also inform the Deputy that an additional 8 new psychologists are currently engaged with the public appointments service with a view to their being recruited to NEPS in the current academic year.
366. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools in the State currently in prefab buildings; the cost to the State on an annual basis of those schools continuing to remain in prefab buildings. [48439/12]
View answerCurrently, there are 545 primary and post-primary schools renting 1,421 prefab units throughout the country. (Please note that one prefab unit may consist of one or more classrooms and/or ancillary accommodation). The amount spent on renting temporary accommodation at primary and post-primary level throughout the country, including - but not limited to - prefabricated accommodation in the last 4 years is : 2012 - €29.3m (allocation), 2011 - €28.9m, 2010 - €29.3m, 2009 - €39m.
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. It is expected that this initiative will achieve savings of up to €5m per annum on the rental of prefabs in the coming years.
367. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a refund in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48447/12]
View answerArrears of salary will issue to the person referred to by the Deputy on the 22nd November.
368. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a decision on their application for Student Universal Support Ireland grant; the reason SUSI will not discuss the application with the applicant on the SUSI helpline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48526/12]
View answerOfficials in my Department have confirmed with SUSI, the new centralised grant awarding authority, that the student referred to by the Deputy has been awarded a grant and an award letter issued on 2nd November, 2012.
369. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will receive a decision on their application for a student grant to Student Universal Support Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48528/12]
View answerOfficials in my Department have confirmed with SUSI that the additional documentation requested from the student referred to by the Deputy was received on 16th October, 2012. The documentation is currently awaiting review and the student will be notified directly of the outcome.
370. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will expedite a grant application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon. [48534/12]
View answerOfficials in my Department have confirmed with SUSI, the new centralised grant awarding authority, that the student referred to by the Deputy sent incomplete supporting documentation in on the 17/10/2012. I understand that the SUSI support team are to contact the student directly in relation to the outstanding documentation.
371. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide details of the type and frequency of North South engagement his Department undertakes; the current priorities in this area; the number of whole time equivalent staff assigned to these matters; the grades involved and the amount of time each grade spends on North South Activities as a proportion of their WTE employment; the co-ordination arrangements that have been put in place; if there are any current vacancies in North South Co-operation unites; the duration of this vacancy and the steps being taken to fill the vacancy. [48543/12]
View answerMy Department's North/South Co-operation Unit is responsible for the co-ordination and development of co-operation and common action in education between both parts of the island of Ireland, in the context of the Good Friday Agreement. The principal function of the Unit is to take forward this co-operation through the North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) and to co-ordinate and develop, within that framework, common policies in the four designated priority areas of co-operation: special education needs, educational underachievement, teacher mobility and school, youth and teacher exchanges. The NSMC meets in Education Sectoral format about three times per year, and in Plenary session about twice yearly.
The NSMC, in Education Sectoral format, established in 2002 a number of Joint Working Groups, on which my Department is represented. They meet periodically to develop and advance cross-border co-operation through practical measures in special education, pupil attendance/retention, literacy/numeracy, teacher qualifications; and school, youth and teacher exchanges. The North/South Co-operation Unit also promotes co-operation through ongoing bi-lateral contacts with officials in the Northern Ireland Department of Education and Department of Employment and Learning. In addition, the Unit develops, supports and participates in a range of programmes and joint initiatives designed to increase mutual understanding and promote closer co-operation. The North South Co-operation Unit reports to an Assistant Secretary within my Department and has the following staff. 1 (1 wte) Assistant Principal Officer - 1 (1 wte) Higher Executive Officer (vacancy)- 1 (1 wte) Administrative Officer (vacancy)- 2 (1.5 wte) Executive Officers - 1 (0.8 wte) Staff officer- 1 (0.5 wte) Clerical Officer whole-time equivalent. These resources are complemented as required by input of other sections within my Department.
372. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Skills in view of recent high profile deaths of school children, if he will outline the steps, if any, he intends to take to address the issue of cyber bullying; when the revised anti-bullying guidelines will be issued to schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48567/12]
View answerI am fully aware of the seriousness of the issue of bullying and it was for that reason that an Anti-Bullying Forum was held in May this year. As a follow on to that Forum, I invited the stakeholders and any other interested parties to submit their views on this important topic to my Department by 29th June 2012. As part of this consultation, interested parties were requested to indicate their views and proposals on any changes to existing practices and policies in schools that could improve how bullying can be tackled in schools.
I have also established a working group to address the issue of tackling bullying in schools, including cyber-bullying. During the course of its work, the working group will be considering the outcomes from the Anti-Bullying Forum together with the submissions received. Over the last few months, the working group has been consulting with a range of stakeholders and with counterparts in Scotland and the UK. The Group is working on an action plan recommending further measures that can be taken to effectively tackle bullying in schools. The Group expects to complete its work by the end of the year.
373. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to develop a comprehensive, national pre-school service that is focused on early childhood development. [48596/12]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the vast majority of support for preschool services is not provided by my Department, but is provided by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. The principle vehicle for delivery of preschool education is the free Preschool Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme which was introduced in January 2010 and provides early learning to children in the year before they commence primary school. However, it is an accepted tenet that care and education are inextricably linked elements in a child's holistic development and younger children who attend early years services are also availing of a programme which must comply with Regulation 5 of the 2006 Child Care (Preschool Services) (No 2) Regulations 2006.
Regulation 5 covers the Health, Welfare and Development of the child and states that 'A person carrying on a preschool service shall ensure that each child's learning, development and well-being is facilitated within the daily life of the service through the provision of the appropriate opportunities, experiences, activities, interaction, materials and equipment, having regard to the age and stage of development of the child and the child's cultural context.' It is not within any administration's interests to develop a parallel system of preschool service that mirrors one that already exists.
374. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to provide a second level Educate Together School in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48597/12]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, in June of 2011, I announced that 20 new post-primary schools would be established over the coming years. This included a new post-primary school to open in Claregalway in 2013. Following on from that announcement, the different patron bodies, including Educate Together, were invited to apply to become patrons of the new schools in each area. Educate Together did not apply to become patron of the Galway school, and patronage was awarded to County Galway VEC.
The Forward Planning Section of my Department will continue to analyse demographic data to identify where new schools will be required over the coming years. Should the need for any new post-primary schools emerge in Galway county it will be open to Educate Together to apply for patronage in line with the established process.
375. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide in tabular form the current level of spending in his Department with respect to children with special educational needs and the comparative figures for 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011. [48629/12]
View answer376. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills the current number of special needs assistants in the system and the comparative figures for 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011. [48630/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 375 and 376 together.
I wish to advise the Deputy that this Government remains committed to the protection of frontline services for pupils with special educational needs. The Programme for Government sets out that education will be a priority for this Government and that we will endeavour to protect and enhance the educational experience of children, young people and students. The continued commitment of this Government to special education provision, at a time when savings are being required across a range of expenditure areas has ensured that children with special educational needs can continue to have access to educational facilities in line with their requirements.
Approximately 15% of the entire budget of my Department – some €1.3 billion – was spent in support of children with Special Educational Needs in 2011. The provision for the current year, 2012, is in line with expenditure last year and shows that despite the current economic difficulties, the overall level of funding for special education has not been cut. 10,575 whole time equivalent Special Needs Assistant (SNA) posts are available to the NCSE to allocate this year, in respect of valid applications received, which is unchanged over the number of posts available for allocation in 2011. The final details of spending for this year, and of the number of SNA posts allocated, will not be known until the end of the year. The specific information requested by the Deputy in relation to 2007-2011 is attached in tabular format.
|
Year |
Number of Special Needs Assistants 2007 - 2011 |
Special Educational Needs Spend |
|
2007 |
9,824 |
€838m |
|
2008 |
10,442 |
€900m |
|
2009 |
10,342 |
€1b |
|
2010 |
10,543 |
€1.2b |
|
*2011 |
10,117 - (10,320) |
€1.3b |
* The total number of SNA posts approved by the NCSE for the 2011/12 school year was 10,320. The figure of 10,117 represents the number of posts in place at the end of Dec 2011.
The NCSE allocated the bulk of SNA posts to schools at September 2011, based on the number of valid applications on hand at that time. This left 475 posts from the overall designated provision of 10,575 posts for later allocation throughout the school year to deal with emergency cases, new injuries or diagnosis, or new school entrants.
By the end of the 2011/12 school year, at June 2012, the NCSE had approved the allocation of 10,320 SNA posts to schools, from within the overall cap of 10,575 posts.
All children who qualified for access to SNA support, in accordance with the terms of the SNA scheme during 2011/12, received access to SNA support and there were sufficient posts to provide for such support from within the overall provision of 10,575 posts.
377. Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Education and Skills the general criteria that will be used to determine the destination of a training centre or associated external provider under the formation of the new Education and Training Boards; if the situation relating to a case (details supplied) in Dublin 11 will be clarified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48636/12]
View answerThe recently published Education and Training Boards Bill 2012 sets out the functional areas for the proposed Education and Training Boards. Following the establishment of the Training Boards and SOLAS, it is intended that FÁS training centres and external facilities such as Community Training Centres will be transferred to the appropriate Education and Training Board on the basis of their geographic location. Provision for the creation of SOLAS and the transfer of FÁS facilities to the Education and Training Boards will be contained in the Further Education and Training Authority (SOLAS) Bill. This legislation is currently being drafted by the Office of the Attorney General and I expect the Bill to be published during the Autumn session.
378. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a school transport route can be altered slightly to accommodate a family (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48652/12]
View answerBus Éireann is responsible for the planning and timetabling of school transport routes. Bus Éireann endeavours, within available resources, to ensure that each eligible child has a reasonable level of school transport service in the context of the Scheme nationally. Where practicable, and subject to considerations of cost and logistics, routes are planned to avoid an eligible child having to travel more than 2.4 kms to or from a pick up/set down point. Parents are responsible for ensuring that children are brought safely to and collected safely from Bus Éireann designated pick up and set down points. As Bus Éireann has advised that the family in question have a service within the above guidelines, it not proposed to alter the current arrangement.
379. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider a scheme whereby spare capacity, unfilled places in third level courses in EU third level institutions could be advertised within the EU to allow students who may be facing entry difficulties for similar courses in their home countries to receive the desired qualification, in a manner that would be keeping with the entry requirements in the individual member State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48663/12]
View answerA scheme to advertise spare capacity in more than 4000 higher education institutions across the European Union would be a significant logistical undertaking and would have to be managed at a central European level. As far as I am aware, no such scheme has ever been proposed by the European Commission for the consideration of member states. However the European Commission provide a very comprehensive website called Study in Europe which provides up to date information on higher education institutions in 32 European countries, details of courses and programmes which are available and the criteria for entry to them. The website should be of use to any student considering studying abroad and is at the following link: http://ec.europa.eu/education/study-in-europe/
At a global level, UNESCO produces an international guide to studying abroad. It includes a searchable on-line database of higher-education study opportunities and the scholarships offered by higher education institutions and international organisations in over 151 countries. It also has contact details and information on admission requirements, application deadlines, financial aid, fees, living expenses and other relevant information for all courses. Information on eligibility for student grants for Irish citizens who wish to pursue their education in the EU is available on www.studentfinance.ie.
380. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason Montessori teaching qualifications are not recognised as qualifying a person to teach in primary schools, and the action that needs to be taken to change this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48679/12]
View answerSince March 2006, the recognition of teacher qualifications for the purpose of registration has been the responsibility of the Teaching Council. Teachers with a Montessori qualification are registered under Regulation 3 (Montessori and Other Qualifications) and are taken as analogous to 'Restricted Recognition' as set out in Circular 25/00 – Recognition of Teacher Qualifications for the Purpose of Teaching in National Schools. There are differences between Montessori teaching and Primary Teaching across the entire content and teaching methodology of the primary school curriculum. Teachers with a Montessori qualification are at present given restricted recognition to teach in special schools and in the categories of special classes in mainstream national schools where Irish is not a curricular requirement and in resource posts for pupils with special needs in mainstream schools.
To change the situation such teachers would need to undertake further studies, suitable for qualification as a primary teacher. The Teaching Council has statutory responsibility for professional accreditation of initial teacher education programmes. It is open to any teacher education provider to submit proposals to the Teaching Council for the accreditation of courses leading to qualification as a primary teacher. My officials have discussed this issue with the Teaching Council and will engage with the initial teacher educators in the near future.
381. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding allowances in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [48693/12]
View answerAny teacher who was employed in a teaching post in the public sector on or before 4 December 2011 and who was, on that date, undertaking a course of study leading to a degree level award is eligible to apply for qualification allowances in respect of that course of study. The person to whom the Deputy refers is not currently in receipt of the Honours Degree allowance as she was undertaking a course of study leading to a Level 8 honours degree on 5 December 2011. An allowance in respect of this qualification will be payable in accordance with the pre-December 2011 scheme of allowances once it has been achieved.
382. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the amount of funding a school (details supplied) in Dublin 1 received in 2012 in respect of salaries, teachers, caretakers and so on; if they will have to increase fees if teachers' salaries are cut and if there is a plan to erode PTR. [48694/12]
View answerThe total gross salaries paid to teachers employed in the school referred to by the Deputy in the 2011/12 school year was €3.6081 million. The salaries of the special needs assistants employed in the school in the same period cost €75,754 and salaries of clerical officers cost €46,028. All options to achieve the necessary budgetary savings required in 2013 are being examined in my Department at present. Accordingly, it would not be appropriate to comment on the specifics of any possible potential cost saving measures at this time.
383. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will give an assurance that there will be no more cuts in teacher numbers as it would leave second level schools unable to provide the 28 hours of weekly classes that all students must receive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48700/12]
View answerAt this point I do not propose to give any specific commitment on the allocation of teachers to schools for the 2013/14 school year. The number of teaching posts that we can afford to fund in schools is a matter that I will have to consider with my colleagues in Cabinet in the context of the next budget. The Government will endeavour to protect frontline education services as best as possible. However, this must be done within the context of bringing our overall public expenditure into line with what we can afford as a country. The challenge will be to ensure that the resources that can be provided are used to maximum effect to achieve the best possible outcome for pupils.
384. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide the full list of PPP schools to be built under the stimulus package; the status of each of these projects along with the projected timeframe for completion of each stage of the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48704/12]
View answerIn July 2012 a planned investment in educational projects through the public private partnership process (PPP) was announced as part of the Government's economic stimulus package. As a result, a further 2 bundles of school projects will be rolled out consisting of a total of 12 individual schools worth a total of approximately €100m. The schools that make up bundles 4 and 5 have already been announced for delivery as part of the Department's five year schools capital investment programme. Delivering these schools through the PPP process will mean that the private sector rather than the State sector will bear the initial costs of the job rich schools projects with these schools being delivered more quickly. Accordingly, procurement of these 2 bundles is expected to commence on a rolling basis beginning in 2013 with the completion of the schools targeted for 2017 and 2018. Schools that make up Bundle 4 will consist of 1 primary and 5 post primary schools details of which are as follows:
|
Name |
School Type |
|
1 St Joseph's Secondary School, Tulla, Co Clare |
New Secondary School. |
|
2 Skibbereen, Co Cork. |
New Community School. |
|
3 Celbridge Co Kildare |
New Primary School |
|
4 Celbridge Co. Kildare. |
New Post Primary School. |
|
5 St Mary's College, Dundalk, Louth. |
Secondary School. |
|
6 Comeragh, Carrick-on-Suir |
New VEC College. |
Details of the 6 schools that are expected to make up Bundle 5 are currently being finalised.
