Wednesday, 15 May 2013

Written Answers Nos. 135-143

Teacher Recruitment

Questions (135)

Joan Collins

Question:

135. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will lift the teaching cap in relation to a college (details supplied) in Dublin to allow the college to move into developing new courses, consider Irish certification and fund Irish as English degree courses are funded and consider equality for students with a proper grants system; if he will also consider changing the status of further education colleges in view of the fact that they are under secondary school status and from first hand experience the college does not provide secondary level education, it is much more unique in it's education provision [23117/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

The College referred to by the Deputy is operated as an approved Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) centre by City of Dublin Vocational Education Committee (CDVEC). Resources are allocated by my Department under the PLC programme to CDVEC and further distribution of these resources to colleges under it's remit, including this college, is a matter for CDVEC. The application process for the next academic year has recently been completed and providers have been notified of their allocation. There has been no increase in the number of places allocated to CDVEC.

There is a need to ensure that further education resources are focused on the delivery of further education while at the same time maximising the progression opportunities for learners in further education to higher education.

Questions Nos. 136 and 137 answered with Question No. 134.

Student Grant Scheme Administration

Questions (138)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

138. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will publish the external review of Student Universal Support Ireland business processes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23130/13]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The external review of Student Universal Support Ireland's was commissioned by the City of Dublin. Therefore the arrangements for the publication of the report will be a matter for City of Dublin VEC.

Home Tuition Scheme

Questions (139)

Clare Daly

Question:

139. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will justify the changes in the July provision of home tuition for children with autism, whereby siblings will be treated as a group and not be provided with the one to one tuition that they had previously received. [23151/13]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I wish to advise the Deputy that the July Education Programme is available to all special schools and mainstream primary schools with special classes catering for children with autism who choose to extend their education services through the month of July. My Department also provides for a July Programme for pupils with a severe/profound general learning disability. Where school based provision is not feasible, 10 hours per week home based provision may be grant aided to eligible pupils. Therefore the home based scheme is designed to support children who are not in a position to attend school, and it is generally the case that the Tuition is provided at the child's place of residence. In the vast majority of cases therefore, there will be 1 child in receipt of tuition with 1 tutor providing tuition. However in a small number of cases where there are qualifying siblings, a combined allocation is made. As Home Tuition is intended to compensate for school based provision it is reasonable to reflect the school grouping principle and allocate to siblings accordingly. For example, in a school setting one teacher is allocated to a class of six pupils with autism. Accordingly it is considered appropriate that a tutor can provide collective tuition to members of one family in the home at the same time.

Further clarity on this issue has been included on the information note accompanying the application forms for the home based scheme this year.

Schools Building Projects Status

Questions (140)

Mary Mitchell O'Connor

Question:

140. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a school (details supplied) in County Dublin will receive the funding they require for much needed upgrading and refurbishment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23171/13]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. Stage 2b of the project which includes Planning Permission, Fire Certification, Disability Access Certification (DAC) and the preparation of tender documents has been approved. The project is listed on the five year school building programme to go to construction in 2015/16.

Student Grant Scheme Application Numbers

Questions (141)

Tom Fleming

Question:

141. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of applicants for third level education grants in County Kerry; the number of students that have been paid grants and college fees to date; the number that were refused; the number of students who sought an appeal and were accepted as valid appeals; the number of students that have been requested to supply further information; the number of applications that are still pending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23246/13]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I understand from Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) that, as at close of business on 14th May 2013, it had received 2,557 student grant applications for Co. Kerry, for attendance at both further and higher education. 1,356 have been paid their maintenance or had their entitlement to fees confirmed (where they were awarded a 'fees only' grant).

Some 991 applications from Co. Kerry have been refused or cancelled. There are 8 applications currently with SUSI for processing. 10 applications are awaiting further documentation from the student. These students are being contacted by SUSI as part of their close out strategy for applications for the 2012/13 academic year to confirm that they are still seeking a grant. Some 255 appeals have been received by SUSI to date from Co. Kerry.

Schools Building Projects Status

Questions (142, 143)

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

142. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Education and Skills when the new school build will commence in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23247/13]

John Browne

Question:

143. Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a proposed new primary school (details supplied) in County Wexford will proceed to tender stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23267/13]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I propose to take Questions Nos. 142 and 143 together. The building project referred to by the Deputies is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning.

Stage 2b of the project which includes Planning Permission, Fire Certification, Disability Access Certification (DAC) and the preparation of tender documents was recently completed and approved.

The project is listed on the five year school building programme to go to construction in 2014/15.