Written Answers Nos. 268-288
269. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total number of primary schools throughout the country currently dependant on prefabricated accommodation; his plans to address this issue in the next three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51582/12]
View answer270. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total number of post- primary schools throughout the country currently dependant on prefabricated accommodation; his plans to address this issue in the next three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51583/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 269 and 270 together.
Currently, there are 496 primary schools renting 1,283 prefab units and 47 post-primary schools renting 131 prefab units throughout the country. (Please note that one prefab unit may consist of one or more classrooms and/or ancillary accommodation). Historical data in relation primary and post-primary schools with purchased prefabricated accommodation is not readily available.
As the Deputy may be aware I announced earlier this year 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.
271. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider an alternative means for the assessment of higher education grants in view of the difficulties that have arisen in the current year; if a return to the previous method of assessment by local authorities is likely to be considered in the short and or medium term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51584/12]
View answerUp until last year, students applied to their local authority or VEC for their grants. Some 66 grant awarding authorities were involved, all using a variety of application, assessment and payment processes. Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) replaces all of these with a centralised, and on-line system of application. While there have been problems with the first year of the new system, I still believe that policy decision was correct, and that the establishment of a single grant awarding body will serve our students better in the long run. A number of measures have been put in place to address the current processing backlogs and the situation is being kept under continuous review to ensure the timely processing of grants for this current year.
272. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which sufficient third level places remain available to meet the current and on-going demand; if he foresees any and changes in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51585/12]
View answerIreland currently performs very strongly in terms of participation in higher education and has the highest tertiary attainment rate among 25-34 year olds in the European Union. The number of full time enrolments is shown in the following table.
Full Time Student Enrolments:
|
2010/11 |
2011/12* |
|
161,647 |
162,786 |
*provisional enrolment figures
Projections published by my Department in June of this year on www.education.ie show that the demand for higher education in Ireland is set to grow by 16% by 2020. While welcome, the scale of projected growth will present major challenges for Ireland's higher education system in ensuring that student numbers can be accommodated in a sustainable way that does not compromise high quality outcomes. The National Strategy for Higher Education makes a number of recommendations for system development, flexibility, efficiency and change aimed at supporting sustainable growth while protecting quality. Implementation of strategy recommendations is underway and a progress report is available on www.education.ie.
273. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total number of primary schools in urban or rural areas deemed to be at risk due to demographics or other reasons throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51586/12]
View answerI take it that the Deputy is referring to primary schools whose enrolment falls below an average of eight pupils for two consecutive school years. That is the current minimum enrolment threshold at which a school's continued viability comes into question. Information on the annual enrolment levels of all primary schools is available under the statistics section of my Department's website at www.education.gov.ie.
274. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he expects to be in a position to meet the special needs requirements at primary and post-primary level throughout the country in the coming year notwithstanding the on-going economic situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51587/12]
View answer277. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he expects to meet the full requirement of special needs assistants in the coming year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51590/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 274 and 277 together.
I wish to advise the Deputy that whereas it is not possible to anticipate future budgetary decisions, that this Government is 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. 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 is in line with expenditure last year and shows that despite the current economic difficulties, the overall level of funding for special education has been retained.
In line with this Government's commitment to frontline services for pupils with special educational needs:
- 10,575 whole time equivalent (wte) Special Needs Assistant (SNA) posts are being provided for primary, post-primary and special schools for the current school year in order to support the care needs of pupils with disabilities.
- Approximately 9,950 learning support/resource teacher posts, including those provided under the General Allocation Model, are also being provided in primary & post primary schools in order to provide additional teaching support to pupils with special educational needs.
- Over 1,100 teachers are also being provided for in special schools providing teaching to pupils with various disabilities at much reduced pupil: teacher ratios, for example the autism PTR is 6:1 and the moderate general learning disability PTR is 8:1.
- Enhanced levels of school capitation are payable to most special schools and special classes and special School Transport arrangements for pupils with disabilities are provided at a cost of over €60m per year.
- Approximately €1.3m is also provided annually to schools for assistive technology support.
- Early educational intervention is provided for children with autism from 2½ years of age. There are now 76 early intervention classes for children with autism attached to mainstream schools that are funded by the Department. Funding is also provided through the home tuition programme for children with autism who are unable to access placement in an early intervention class.
- An extended school year is also currently available for pupils who have either a severe/profound general learning disability or who have autism.
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.
275. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total number of schools, on a county basis, at primary and or second level that have been affected by a reduction in the number of teachers over the past two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51588/12]
View answerThe Statistics Section of my Department's website contains extensive data at individual school level in county order. The most recent published information relates to the 2011/2012 school year. Teacher allocations are approved annually in accordance with established rules based on recognised pupil enrolment. The criteria used for the allocation of teachers to schools is published annually on my Department's website.
276. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number and location of primary schools throughout County Kildare currently under construction in respect of extension works on new school building; when the new accommodation is likely to become available; the extent of any obstacles to achieving this objective; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51589/12]
View answerDetails of building projects currently under construction in primary schools in Co. Kildare are outlined in the following table.
|
School |
Anticipated completion date |
|
Kildangan NS, Kildangan, Monasterevin, Co. Kildare |
Devolved to Board of Management |
|
Two Mile House NS, Naas, Co. Kildare |
Devolved to Board of Management |
|
St. Josephs NS, Kilkullen, Kildare |
Devolved to Board of Management |
|
St. Conleth's National School, Derrinturn, Kildare |
Devolved to Board of Management |
|
St. Anne's School, Ballymany, The Curragh, Kildare |
Devolved to Board of Management |
|
St. Patrick's Boys NS, Rathangan, Co. Kildare |
Devolved to Board of Management |
|
Maynooth ETNS, Maynooth, Co. Kildare |
Devolved to Board of Management |
|
Ballyshannon NS, Kilcullen, Co. Kildare |
Devolved to Board of Management |
|
Scoil an Linbh Iosa, Prosperous, Co. Kildare |
Devolved to Board of Management |
|
Two Mile House NS, Naas, Co. Kildare |
Devolved to Board of Management |
|
Scoil na Mainistreach, Celbridge, Co Kildare |
Devolved to Board of Management |
|
Kildangan National School, Kildangan, Co Kildare |
Devolved to Board of Management |
|
St. Patrick's NS, Hazelhatch, Celbridge, Co. Kildare |
Devolved to Board of Management |
|
St Anne's NS Ardclough, Straffan, Co. Kildare |
Early 2013 |
|
Bunscoil Bhríde, Rathangan, Co Kildare |
Early 2013 |
The Deputy will be aware that the Department of Education and Skills recently terminated the contractor's obligation to complete the works at St Anne's National School in Ardclough, Co Kildare. Work on procuring a completion contractor to complete the works is currently underway. My Department is not aware of any difficulties with any other building project listed in the table.
279. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he expects to be in a position to ensure adequate teacher cover in primary and post-primary schools throughout the country, some of which may have been affected to a greater extent by retirements or early retirements in the context of reduction in public service numbers; if he is satisfied that normal educational requirements can be complied with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51592/12]
View answerTeaching resources are allocated to schools on a school year basis. Unlike most other areas of the public service teaching vacancies are being filled in accordance with published Department criteria. The Government has prioritised, as best as possible, the filling of front-line posts in the Education sector within the constraints of the Employment Control Framework. For example, schools are permitted to fill teaching vacancies that arise within their approved staffing allocations. I am confident that the large pool of qualified and registered teachers will be in a position to continue to provide high quality education to students. 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.
280. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total number of persons in adult education in each of the past three years and to date in 2012; the extent to which he expects to be in a position to meet on-going needs in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51593/12]
View answerThe provision of adult education opportunities is a priority for my Department. The level of participation has increased annually in recent years. I will continue to support this sector as it is important to provide education and training opportunities to enable adults to upskill and enhance their employment prospects. The establishment of SOLAS as the new further education and training authority will ensure the provision of 21st century high quality further education and training programmes for jobseekers and other learners.
The following table provides details of the total number of participants in adult education over the last three years. Data for 2012 will not be available until early next year.
|
Year |
Further Education Participant Numbers |
|
2009 |
178,532 |
|
2010 |
187,171 |
|
2011 |
192,335 |
|
2012 |
Not yet available |
281. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which the planning section has engaged with the school authorities at Newtown, Enfield, County Kildare, with a view to making provision for the future accommodation and developmental needs of the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51594/12]
View answerThe school, referred to by the Deputy, has applied to my Department for large scale capital funding. The current status of all projects on the school building programme, including the school in question, may be viewed on my Department's website at www.education.ie. and this is being updated regularly throughout the year. In view of the need to prioritise available funding for the provision of additional school accommodation, the delivery of major school projects required to meet future demographic demand will be the main focus for capital investment in the coming years. In this regard, it is noted that enrolments at the school in question have declined by 20% since 2007. In light of current competing demands on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible at this time to indicate when a project for the school in question will be progressed.
282. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills when he expects the conclusion of the building project at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51595/12]
View answerThe Department is liaising with the school authorities and has instructed the Design Team to commence work on procuring a completion contractor to complete the works. Subject to no issues arising, it is anticipated that the project will be completed in quarter 2 of 2013.
283. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a college grant from Cork County Council in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51599/12]
View answerThe decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter for a student's grant awarding body. Where a grant awarding authority turns down an application and subsequently rejects an appeal, the applicant may appeal this decision to my Department or the independent appeals board, as appropriate. No appeal has been received to date by my Department from the student referred to by the Deputy.
284. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a proposed building project for a school (details supplied) in County Cavan, if he proposes to restore this project to his Department's School Building Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51600/12]
View answerThe major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. The design team are currently working on the completion of the revised Stage 2(a) (Developed Sketch Design). Once the stage 2(a) is approved, the project will progress to stage 2(b) which includes applications for planning permission, Fire Safety Certification, Disability Access Certification and the preparation of tender documents. Due to competing demands on my Department's capital budget, imposed by the need to prioritise the limited funding available for the provision of additional school accommodation to meet increasing demographic requirements, it was not possible to include the project referred to by the Deputy in the five year construction programme.
Schools which have not been included in the five year construction programme, but which were announced for initial inclusion in the building programme will continue to be progressed to final planning stages in anticipation of the possibility of further funds being available to my Department in future years. The project referred to by the Deputy remains available to be considered for progression in that context.
285. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the stage of the proposed building project for a school (details supplied) in County Cavan, when this project will proceed to the next stage, when this project is likely to proceed to construction stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51601/12]
View answerThe major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at a very early stage of architectural planning. The design team are currently working on the completion of Stage 1. Due to competing demands on my Department's capital budget, imposed by the need to prioritise the limited funding available for the provision of additional school accommodation to meet increasing demographic requirements, it was not possible to include this project in the five year construction programme announced earlier this year.
Schools which have not been included in the five year construction programme, but which were announced for initial inclusion in the building programme will continue to be progressed to final planning stages in anticipation of the possibility of further funds being available to my Department in future years. The project referred to by the Deputy remains available to be considered for progression in that context.
286. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills when payment of home based July provision will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51653/12]
View answerThe 2012 July Education Programme operated a common payment date of the 8th November 2012 for all payments due to parents and teachers who participated in this programme. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the payment due to the tutor was issued on the 8th November 2012.
287. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the Office of Public Works will honour its commitment to replace the viewing platform at Mooghaun Fort, Newmarket-on-Fergus, County Clare, and carry out scrub clearance; the date on which this work will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50845/12]
View answerArrangements are being made for scaffolding to be erected on the site at Mooghaun Fort to allow the specific trees that need to be felled to be identified so that the viewing platform can be installed. Contact has also been established with Coillte who will carry out the work on the trees and the Department of Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht which needs to provide the necessary Archaeological consent required under National Monuments legislation. Once all the necessary arrangements have been made the Office of Public Works will arrange to have the viewing platform reconstructed so that the panoramic views of the site can be enjoyed once again by visitors.
288. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the name of the person managing the National Convention Centre and the terms under which the management company are operating the centre. [51162/12]
View answerThe National Conference Centre (NCC), now known as the Convention Centre Dublin (CCD), was procured by means of a Public Private Partnership (PPP) Contract awarded to Spencer Dock Convention Centre Dublin Limited (SDCCD). Under the terms of the Contract, SDCCD were required to design, build and finance the Convention Centre and also to operate and maintain it, under licence, for a period of 25 years. The operation and maintenance of the Centre is undertaken by a Company, namely Spencer Dock Convention Centre Dublin (No. 2) Limited, a subsidiary of SDCCD. Details as to the personnel of the operator are available on their website at www.theccd.ie.
