Written Answers Nos. 235 - 257
235. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will address the need for children with Down's syndrome to be recognised in their entirety and in their own right by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22183/13]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware of this Government's ongoing commitment to ensuring that all children with special educational needs, including children with Down syndrome, can have access to an education appropriate to their needs. The policy of my Department is to secure the maximum possible level of inclusion of students with special educational needs in mainstream primary and post-primary schools, or where a special school or special class placement may be required to ensure such placements are provided for.
Pupils with Down syndrome attending mainstream schools may receive additional teaching support in primary schools, either under the terms of the General Allocation Model (GAM) of teaching supports, if the pupil's educational psychological assessment places the pupil in the mild general learning disability/high incidence disability category, or through an allocation of individual additional resource teaching hours which are allocated by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), if the child is assessed as being within the low incidence category of special need, as defined by my Department's Circular Sp Ed 02/05.
Pupils with Down syndrome may be allocated resources under the category of mild general learning disability, or under the categories of moderate general learning difficulty or Assessed Syndrome, in conjunction with another Low Incidence disability. There is not presently a distinct disability category of Down syndrome for resource allocation purposes.
I have asked the National Council for Special Education to provide me with policy advice on the issue of whether Down syndrome should be reclassified as a low incidence disability in all instances, regardless of assessed cognitive ability. This advice will be included in the NCSE's comprehensive policy advice on how the education system can best support children with special educational needs which is currently in preparation and which is expected in the coming weeks.
236. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a Student Universal Support Ireland grant will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22186/13]
View answerOfficials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) that the student referred to by the Deputy was issued with a decision on the 8/4/2013 advising her that she was ineligible in relation to her grant application for 2012/13 academic year.
Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down in writing by SUSI, and remains of the view that SUSI has not interpreted the scheme correctly in his/her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to the Student Grant Appeals Board. The relevant appeal form is available on request from SUSI.
238. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason behind the refusal of a higher education grant application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; the reason the person must prove independence from the point of entry into higher education in 2005 and not from re-entering at a higher level in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22200/13]
View answerOfficials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) that the student referred to by the deputy was issued with a decision on the 30/04/2013 advising him that he was ineligible in relation to his grant application for 2012/13 academic year.
The Deputy will appreciate that in the absence of all of the relevant details that would be contained in an individual's application, it would not be possible for me to say whether or not a student would qualify for a grant. If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a student grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to SUSI.
Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by SUSI, and remains of the view that SUSI has not interpreted the scheme correctly in his/her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to the Student Grant Appeals Board. The relevant appeal form will be available on request from SUSI.
239. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will ensure that the office, and employees of the Council for Gaeltacht Education, and Irish Medium Education will not be located in the offices of the NCCA, but that the offices of COGG will be a satellite, located in a separate building, as it is internationally recognised that a dominant language, will impact upon minor languages, and because there will be far more people working for the NCCA which will mean that there be a threat to Irish as the working language of COGG; if he will reconsider this decision as to whether it would be preferable to reverse this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22217/13]
View answer240. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will outline, specifically, which administrative services will the NCCA be able to provide to COGG, in Irish, to a standard equal to that in English; if he had examined whether these services would be available in Irish prior to the decision being made to merge COGG with the NCCA; if he will reconsider this decision as to whether it would be preferable to reverse the decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22218/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 239 and 240 together.
My Department has been in communication with both the NCCA and COGG in relation to the co-location. I have been assured that the co-location is on schedule for this summer. Management in both organisations are in direct communications to ensure that any logistics that require to be considered are resolved. The main aim of this co-location is to ensure, through a collaborative approach, that the new arrangements maximise opportunities for the creation of Irish curricula by the NCCA while at the same time ensure that resource materials will be prepared by COGG to support the teachers. Such an approach will assist with the delivery of a quality learning experience to our students right through from primary, to junior cycle and hence into senior cycle. Thus COGG in conjunction with the NCCA have a key role to play in the development of the Irish language.
241. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Education and Skills when he expects work to begin on a school (details supplied) in County Meath as announced in bundle 5 of the public private partnership school building process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22234/13]
View answerThe school to which the Deputy refers is among a list of schools that are planned to be delivered as part of the Bundle 5 of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) schools building programme. These schools are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2016. It is envisaged that construction of this Bundle of school projects will begin approximately eighteen months prior to this target completion date.
242. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a special needs assistant in respect of a child (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22239/13]
View answerThe National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs supports including resource teaching and Special Needs Assistant (SNA) support. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.
The NCSE requested all schools to submit their applications for SNA support for the coming school year to them by 15th March, 2013, and will advise all schools of their SNA allocations prior to the start of the new school year.
All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.
243. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22243/13]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the Five Year Construction Plan, that I announced on 9 March 2012, outlines the major school projects that will commence construction over the duration of the Plan. The primary aim at the core of the Five Year Plan is focussed on meeting demographic demands to ensure that every child will have access to a physical school place and that our school system is in a position to cope with increasing pupil numbers. An extension project for the school to which the Deputy refers is included as part of the 2015/2016 Construction Plan and my Department will be in contact with the school shortly in relation to the proposed extension.
Details of all projects on the Five Year Construction Plan are published on my Department's website, www.education.ie, and this will be updated regularly.
244. Deputy Heather Humphreys asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a student grant application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22246/13]
View answerTo qualify for the special rate of grant an applicant must meet the following conditions:
1. Reckonable income must not exceed €22,703.
2. On the 31st December of the relevant period the reckonable income must include an eligible long-term social welfare payment prescribed under the scheme.
In the case of a dependent candidate, the reckonable income taken into account is that of the candidate and of the candidate's parents or legal guardian: Section 2 of the Student Support Act 2011 provides that "parent" includes an appointed guardian or an adoptive parent.
245. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason for the delay in responding to representations in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford submitted in August, 2012, with regard to school transport for children attending various schools, in view of the fact that replies only came to hand in late April, 2013, when the school year is almost over; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22256/13]
View answerI understand that in this case the family in question had been issued with a ticket at the end of August 2012 to avail of school transport on a concessionary basis for the current school year.
The Deputy will be aware that changes to the Post Primary School Transport Scheme were introduced at the commencement of the 2012/13 school year.
These changes generated an increase in the number of queries and representations to my Department. When combined with the routine administrative work undertaken within my Department in relation to school transport provision generally, regrettably, it was not feasible to deal with the increased volume of representations in a more timely manner.
246. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason for the delay in responding to representations submitted in August, 2012, regarding school transport in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford for children attending various schools, in view of the fact that replies only came to hand in late April, 2013, when the school year is almost over; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22257/13]
View answerI understand that in this case the family in question had been issued with a ticket at the end of August 2012 to avail of school transport on a concessionary basis for the current school year.
The Deputy will be aware that changes to the Post Primary School Transport Scheme were introduced at the commencement of the 2012/13 school year.
These changes generated an increase in the number of queries and representations to my Department. When combined with the routine administrative work undertaken within my Department in relation to school transport provision generally, regrettably, it was not feasible to deal with the increased volume of representations in a more timely manner.
247. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Skills with reference to the supplementary panels for primary school teachers being assembled, the conditions required in order for a person to be considered on any such panel; if the income conditions include payment for supervision in every case; if he is satisfied that a full year earnings are taken into account in every case being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22262/13]
View answerThe core function of the redeployment arrangements is to facilitate the redeployment of all surplus permanent teachers to other schools that have vacancies. The redeployment of all surplus permanent teachers is key to the Department's ability to manage within its payroll budget and ceiling on teacher numbers. Thereafter, schools are required under the panel arrangements to fill permanent vacancies from supplementary panels comprised of eligible fixed-term (temporary/substitute) and part-time teachers.
The arrangements for panel access for fixed term (temporary/substitute) and part-time teachers for the 2013/14 school year are set out in Department Circular 0038/2012 which was published on 9 November 2012 and is available on the Department website.
248. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a Gaelscoil (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22299/13]
View answerMy Department wrote to the school to which the Deputy refers in February last seeking clarification on a number of matters following a visit to the school by my Department's technical staff. A response from the school authorities is awaited.
249. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the special needs assistant or other assistance available to children of school going age, preschool, who are profoundly deaf; the grants or special assistance available to mainstream schools that have to accommodate profoundly deaf children. [22304/13]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department provides for an extensive range of supports to assist pupils who are deaf or hard of hearing.
I can confirm that there are currently 11 special classes for pupils with hearing impairment attached to mainstream primary schools, 5 special class at post-primary level and 3 special schools. An enhanced capitation grant is provided to the special schools and special classes for hearing impaired pupils.
Pupils in special classes and special schools for hearing impaired children are supported by enhanced pupil teacher ratios of 7:1. Special Needs Assistant (SNA) support is also provided in these schools and classes, as required.
In line with my Department's policy that children with special educational needs (SEN) access appropriate education intervention in mainstream settings where possible, many deaf/hard of hearing pupils are integrated into mainstream classes at primary and post-primary level with the assistance, as necessary, of resource teaching and special needs assistant support.
Grant-aid is also provided to schools towards the provision of special equipment for pupils who are hard of hearing, such as sound field systems and radio aids. My Department also provides funding for a weekly home tuition service whereby tutors visit the homes of deaf and hard of hearing pre-school children and school-going pupils to provide training in Irish Sign Language (ISL) for these children, their siblings and parents.
In addition, the Visiting Teacher Service for Children and Young People with a Hearing Impairment is provided by my Department from the time of referral through to third level education. The Visiting Teacher service provides advice and support to ensure that the needs of children and young people with hearing impairment are met. This service is available at pre-school, primary and post-primary levels. Specifically, the service works in partnership with parents of pre-school children with hearing impairment, visiting their homes and/or meeting them in groups to inform, advise and offer guidance in matters pertaining to their education and overall development and in helping their children to derive maximum benefit from the educational opportunities available.
My Department, through the Higher Education Authority (HEA), has established and funds a Centre for Deaf Studies in Trinity College, Dublin which provides diploma courses for ISL/English interpreters, deaf tutors and in deaf studies. The course modules deal with issues such as sign linguistics, bi-lingualism and socio-linguistics of sign language. The course is delivered in seminar sessions/group work and the award of the diploma is based on continued assessment and a project and course design.
Finally, I wish to advise the Deputy that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has published Policy Advice on the Education of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children in Ireland, which makes a number of recommendations for the improvement of educational provision for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children. This policy advice is available on the NCSE's website www.ncse.ie. My Department has established a working group which will consider and implement the recommendations of this report in accordance with available resources.
250. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the use of university libraries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22323/13]
View answerAs I have indicated in responses to previous questions from the Deputy on this matter, universities are autonomous statutory bodies and the management and operation of their facilities are entirely the responsibility of the college authorities. Therefore, as Minister for Education and Skills, I have no role in relation to the manner in which the universities operate and manage access by the public to their libraries for research and scholarly purposes.
251. Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total cost to his Department from substitutes and lost hours as a result of the Irish Primary Principals Network Conference, which takes place during the school term time (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22326/13]
View answerMy Department no longer provides separate substitute cover for principals and deputy principals to attend conferences such as those organised by the IPPN or other education partners.
This decision was taken in 2011 for budgetary reasons rather than any issue about the benefits of the conferences.
It is at the discretion of a school Board of Management to allow its existing Teaching Principal to attend at a professional development conference that is organised by teacher representative or a management body by using some of its substitute days that are provided for administrative duties.
252. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a new primary school will be provided in County Westmeath (details supplied); if he will provide the up to date report on this proposal; the stages that have yet to be completed; the indicative time frame for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22330/13]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that the school to which he refers has an application with my Department for large scale capital funding. The current status of all schools on the school building programme may be viewed on my Department's website at www.education.ie.
The Deputy will be aware that the Five Year Construction Plan, that I announced on 9 March 2012, outlines the major school projects that will commence construction over the duration of the Plan. The primary aim at the core of the Five Year Plan is focussed on meeting demographic demands to ensure that every child will have access to a physical school place and that our school system is in a position to cope with increasing pupil numbers.
Given the need to meet demographic growth, the delivery of new schools, together with extension projects to meet future demand, will be the main focus of the Department's budget for the coming years. In this context, it is not possible to indicate at this point when a building project for the school in question will be progressed.
253. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will approve funding for an autism unit (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22352/13]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the establishment of a network of autism-specific special classes in schools across the country to cater for children with autism has been a key educational priority in recent years.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs supports, including the establishment of special classes in various geographical areas as required. SENOs are a valuable source of support to parents who are actively sourcing a placement for their children or on deciding the most appropriate placement for their child. SENO contact details are available on www.ncse.ie. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.
I have therefore arranged for the Deputy's question to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
255. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a submission regarding Croke Park two; the plans he has to address the concerns raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22403/13]
View answerFollowing the ICTU Public Services Committee's rejection of the proposals put forward by the Labour Relations Commission on an extension to the Croke Park Agreement, my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, requested the LRC to engage with the public service unions to establish if there is any basis to conclude a negotiated agreement.
In light of this ongoing process, I do not think that it would be helpful for me to comment on specific proposals at this time.
256. Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a grant application refusal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22424/13]
View answerOfficials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) that the student referred to by the Deputy was issued with a decision on the 25/2/2013 advising him that he was ineligible in relation to his grant application for 2012/13 academic year.
If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a student grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to SUSI.
Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by SUSI, and remains of the view that SUSI has not interpreted the scheme correctly in his/her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to the Student Grant Appeals Board. The relevant appeal form will be available on request from SUSI.
257. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a student who has completed a level eight degree can avail of funding to pursue a higher diploma; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22431/13]
View answerThose who meet the qualifying conditions for the special rate of grant under the Student Grant Scheme will be eligible to have their post-graduate tuition fees paid up to the maximum fee limit of €6,270. Currently maintenance support is not available for students entering postgraduate courses.
A postgraduate student may qualify to have a €2,000 contribution made towards the costs of their fees. The income threshold for this payment is €31,500 for the 2012/13 academic year, increasing relative to the number of family dependents.
Tax relief is also available on postgraduate tuition fees. Details in relation to this relief are available from the Revenue Commissioners. In addition to this, the Student Assistance Fund will continue to be made available through the access offices of third-level institutions to assist students in exceptional financial need.
