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Wednesday, 18 Sep 2013

Written Answers Nos. 327-344

Pupil-Teacher Ratio

Questions (327)

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

327. Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a college of further education (details supplied) and the teacher allocation needed to ensure that it can deliver its programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37836/13]

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Written answers

The college referred to by the Deputy is an approved Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) centre which is managed and funded by City of Dublin Education and Training Board (CDETB) from funding provided by my Department. Budget 2013 provided for the regression in the pupil teacher ratio for PLC courses from 17:1 to 19:1. Some alleviation of the reduction in teaching posts was allowed as a transitional measure following a review of all impact statements received from ETBs including CDETB. CDETB sought to retain 13.33 posts in order to minimise the impact of the reduction on learners and on the provision of courses. The ETB has been allowed retain 10 whole time equivalent teaching posts for the 2013/2014 academic year.

Any issues the college has relating to its teacher allocation should be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer of CDETB.

Schools Building Projects Status

Questions (328)

Jim Daly

Question:

328. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will confirm the timetable and up-to-date position regarding the commencement of work on the extension to a college (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37842/13]

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Written answers

The 5 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 Deputy will be aware that an extension project at the school to which he refers has been included in the Plan and is due to commence construction in 2015/16.The current status of all projects on the school building programme, including this project, may be viewed on my Department's website at www.education.ie and this will be updated regularly throughout the year.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio

Questions (329, 370)

Jim Daly

Question:

329. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on whether 39 students in an infant classroom is acceptable practice by school management; the steps he has taken to ensure such a situation does not arise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37843/13]

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Simon Harris

Question:

370. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills his response to a recent study showing that a county (details supplied) has the highest number of children per classroom in the country; the actions he will take to rectify this matter and reduce class sizes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38073/13]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 329 and 370 together.

The context for any discussion about class sizes is that my Department, like all other Government Departments, is operating within a budgetary programme that is designed to return the Government finances to a sustainable basis. My focus is on ensuring we have school places and teachers for all the additional pupils entering our schools each year. There is no scope to give any consideration to the provision of additional teachers in order to reduce class sizes.

Classroom teachers are currently allocated under the published Staffing Schedule on the basis of a general average of 1 teacher for every 28 pupils with lower thresholds for DEIS Band 1 schools. The configuration of classes and the deployment of classroom teachers are done at local school level. My Department's guidance to schools is that variations in class sizes should be kept to the minimum.

School Transport Appeals

Questions (330)

Michael Lowry

Question:

330. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review a decision of the school transport appeals board with respect to a family (details supplied) in County Laois; if he will overturn this decision in view of the information provided; if he will not overturn the decision, if he will provide an assurance that a concessionary seat will be available for the duration of the child's time in school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37860/13]

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Written answers

The School Transport Appeals Board is independent of my Department. The Deputy will be aware that the role of the Board is, broadly, to examine appeals against decisions made by, or on behalf of, the Department of Education and Skills regarding the provision of school transport services and/or grant-aid under the terms of the School Transport Schemes.

A party who is dissatisfied with a determination of the Board has the right to make a complaint to the Ombudsman for Children.

Under the terms of my Department's Post Primary School Transport Scheme children are eligible for transport where they reside not less than 4.8 kms from and are attending their nearest education centre as determined by my Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.

Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department, has advised that the child in question is not attending his nearest education centre and is therefore not eligible for school transport.

Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply to Bus Éireann for transport on a concessionary basis subject to a number of a conditions including the availability of spare seats on an existing service and the payment of the annual charge. Bus Éireann has advised that the family in question have received a concessionary ticket for the 2013/14 school year.

The family should continue to liaise with their local Bus Éireann office regarding the availability of transport on a concessionary basis for future school years.

School Transport Provision

Questions (331)

Michael Lowry

Question:

331. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the post-primary school transport scheme in view of the difficulty that it is causing families; if his attention has been drawn to the disruption evident as a result of changing from catchment area to closest school; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that the changes are forcing extra expenses on families who want their children to attend a certain school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37861/13]

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Written answers

The Deputy will be aware that from the commencement of the 2012/13 school year, school transport eligibility for post primary pupils is being determined by reference to the distance they reside from their nearest post-primary education centre having regard to ethos and language.

Pupils who were eligible for school transport prior to the introduction of the above change will retain their transport eligibility for the duration of their post primary education cycle provided there is no change to their current circumstances.

Siblings of these pupils and other pupils, who are not eligible for school transport, may apply for transport on a concessionary basis only in accordance with the terms of the Post Primary School Transport Scheme. Only children who are eligible for school transport and who hold valid medical cards (GMS Scheme) are exempt from paying the annual charge.

The changes to the Post Primary School Transport Scheme are being applied equitably on a national basis.

While it is the prerogative of parents to send their children to the school of their choice, eligibility for school transport at post primary level is to the nearest education centre/school.

School Funding

Questions (332)

Jim Daly

Question:

332. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will confirm the resources that are available to schools to ensure that they have sufficient funding available to them to acquire adequate reliable broadband speeds (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37865/13]

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Written answers

Under the Schools Broadband Access Programme the Department provides for the supply of internet connectivity for all recognised primary schools. All contracts under the Schools Broadband Access Programme were re-tendered last year under a public procurement competition. As a result of this the number of service providers has been expanded from 6 to 13 with the aim of ensuring that satisfactory solutions would be awarded to schools.

The Department is aware of the difficulty that some schools, such as Maulatrahane National School have with their broadband service. Through the public procurement process the Department has sought as far as possible to reduce the reliance on satellite services and the number of schools awarded a satellite connection has fallen from approximately 1,800 in 2005 to approximately 200 at present.

Satellite connections and some other slower connections were only awarded where no other solution was proposed and contracts for these connections were only awarded for one year. These schools were re-tendered in a mini-competition in August this year to see if better solutions are available. The tender responses have been received from the suppliers and my officials are in the process of evaluating these responses. Awards will be made in the near future where it is hoped that as many schools as possible will receive improved connections.

Stay Safe Programme

Questions (333)

Clare Daly

Question:

333. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps he will take in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Cork where it has been alleged that Government policy is being breached with regard to the non-implementation of the full Stay Safe programme and denial of access for parents to school finances, policies, procedures and plan as per the Education Act 1998. [37866/13]

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Written answers

In accordance with the provisions of the Education Act 1998, the Board of Management is the body charged with the direct governance of a school. In general, the Board has the responsibility to ensure that the school operates efficiently and effectively.

Boards of Management are required to comply with the provisions of the Education Act 1998, the relevant Rules for National schools and the terms of Circulars issued by my Department. The Boards of Management of all primary schools are also required to comply with the provisions of my Department's "Constitution of Boards and Rules of Procedure 2011" booklet. This booklet includes provisions setting out the specific responsibilities and duties of the Board in relation to school finances. All primary schools are required, under my Department's Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools, to implement the Stay Safe Programme.

Where a person has any concerns in relation to any of the aforementioned issues, these should in the first instance be brought to the attention of the Board of Management of the school concerned.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio

Questions (334)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

334. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the largest class size and the number of students in the largest class size bracket; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37870/13]

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Written answers

The information requested is available on my Department's webite at the link below. Please see table under the heading Class Size Information at Individual Primary School Level. http://www.education.ie/en/Publications/Statistics/Data-on-Individual-Schools/.

Special Educational Needs Staffing

Questions (335)

Michael McGrath

Question:

335. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the fact that his Department requires a person working as a special needs assistant, and who wishes to accept a place on the online higher diploma in arts in primary education course with a college (details supplied), to take a two-year career break; his views on whether this requirement makes it financially impossible for many persons working as SNAs to undertake the course; and if he will review policy in this matter. [37918/13]

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Written answers

Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) are recruited specifically to assist in the care of pupils with disabilities, in an educational context. They may be appointed to a special school or a mainstream national school to assist school authorities in making suitable provision for a pupil or pupils with special care needs arising from a disability. The first priority is that the care needs of the children are met on an ongoing basis during the school year.

In June 2012, my Department, in conjunction with the School Management Bodies and the relevant Trade Unions, agreed a Career Break Scheme for Special Needs Assistants in Recognised Primary and Post-Primary Schools, the provisions for which are contained in Circular Letter 22/2012. The purpose of the scheme is to enable employers, wherever possible, to facilitate applicants to take time off to engage in, among other things, personal development and education (including teacher training). This scheme therefore is applicable for courses referred to by the Deputy where participants are required to attend teaching practice and be absent from the provision of care duties for significant periods of time during the school year.

My Department has no plans to review the leave arrangements as outlined in Circular 22/2012.

Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Questions (336)

Finian McGrath

Question:

336. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a long-term education plan in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dubln 13. [37920/13]

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Written answers

The policy my Department is to provide for the maximum level of inclusion of students with special educational needs in mainstream primary and post-primary schools, while also providing for a continuum of provision which can ensure that specialist facilities are also provided for students whose needs are such that they require specialist support in either special schools, or in special classes attached to mainstream schools.

The National Educational Psychological Services can assist schools in developing an educational plan for pupils with special educational needs including the pupil to whom the Deputy refers, while the National Council for Special Education can assist parents in identifying school placement options, including the availability of local special schools and classes, if required.

Question No. 337 answered with Question No. 324.

Weight of Schoolbags

Questions (338)

Denis Naughten

Question:

338. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Skills the efforts being taken to reduce the weight of schoolbags for pupils, which is having an adverse affect on posture and the ability of children to walk or cycle to school; if he will specifically outline the steps his Department is taking to address this problem and on foot of that to revise Department Circular M35/05; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37932/13]

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Written answers

As the Deputy is aware my Department issued Circular M35/05 in 2005 to highlight the potential health hazard of overweight schoolbags and to outline a range of local measures that could be put in place to help alleviate the problem.

The circular referred to the recommendations of the previously published report of the Working Group on the Weight of School Bags. This report acknowledged that many of the solutions belong at local school level and made various recommendations in this regard, such as optimum use of storage facilities, developing pupil organisation skills and timetabling.

It is a matter for each individual school to determine which particular measures are most suited to its individual circumstances and to how the school concerned organises teaching and learning.

The circular and the report of the Working Group on the Weight of School Bags are available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.

Student Grant Scheme Eligibility

Questions (339)

Ann Phelan

Question:

339. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an Irish citizen (details supplied) in County Kilkenny who satisfies all the relevant criteria to avail of help and funding from Student Universal Support Ireland, but who fails the criteria on residency, having lived abroad for a time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37934/13]

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Written answers

Officials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) that in the case of the student referred to by the Deputy, that following an appeal to the SUSI Appeals Officer the original decision of the awarding authority was upheld and a decision letter issued on 13th August, 2013.

Under the residency requirement of the Student Grant Scheme, a student must have been legally resident in Ireland for at least 3 of the 5 years immediately prior to commencing an approved course in an approved institution. However, a student may qualify for a grant, having met the residency requirement during the course of their studies. Where an appeal is turned down in writing by SUSI and the applicant remains of the view that the scheme has not been interpreted correctly in his or her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to the independent Student Grants Appeals Board. The relevant appeal form will be available on request from SUSI.

Question No. 340 answered with Question No. 324.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (341)

Jim Daly

Question:

341. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will detail by name, location and cost the number of capital projects funded by his Department for each of the past five years to date in tabular form in an area (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37959/13]

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Written answers

The capital funding provided to primary and post-primary schools in County Cork (including Cork City) in each of the years 2008 to 2012 and to date in 2013 was as follows:2008 - €40.673m

2009 - €38.956m

2010 - €40.498m

2011 - €31.194m

2012 - €30.828m

2013 - €28.343mThe Deputy will appreciate that without the specific school names and school roll numbers it is not possible to supply data in respect of any given geographical area due in particular to confusion that may arise with the identification of addresses. My Department in most instances is in a position to provide data in respect of schools that are clearly identified and will oblige if requested.

Teaching Contracts

Questions (342)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

342. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has considered this Deputy's proposals from the meeting of the Joint Committee on Education and Social Protection of July 2013 on disincentivising the practice of retired and pensioned teachers taking up substitution roles to the cost of unemployed teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37981/13]

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Written answers

The policy of my Department is to ensure, as far as possible, that the Managerial Authorities of schools give priority to unemployed registered teachers who are fully qualified when filling vacant teaching posts.

Thus my Department has issued a number of circulars addressing this issue in recent years. Under these circulars school Principal's must maintain a list of unemployed registered teachers and report to the Board of Management on any exceptional occasion where they have to engage a registered teacher who is retired. Circular 31/2011 details a cascade of measures for recruitment of teachers, prioritising registered teachers over retired registered teachers and unregistered people.

A retired teacher who returns to teaching on or after 1 February 2012 will commence at the first point of the incremental salary scale. Incremental credit for service prior to 1 February 2012, qualification allowances and certain job role allowances are also not payable. This measure represents a significant financial disincentive for teachers who retired at the top of their salary scale, often with a post of responsibility allowance, to return to teaching.

The first point of the teacher's salary scale represents the lowest point or starting salary for teachers. Thus it was decided that retired teachers would be placed at that point of the scale. Any change to the salary scale for teachers must be approved by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

Third Level Fees

Questions (343, 388, 389, 408)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

343. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has considered alternative models of student contribution towards higher level course provision; if he is concerned that access to higher level is still a major issue for many young persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37982/13]

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Seán Kyne

Question:

388. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the deferred payment model via loans or otherwise as a method of financing third level education which operates in other OECD countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38358/13]

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Seán Kyne

Question:

389. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will report on the progress of the Higher Education Authority's study on the sustainability of the third level funding system; and the date on which this review will be published. [38359/13]

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Andrew Doyle

Question:

408. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Education and Skills if consideration has been given within his Department in the past two and a half years regarding a student loan system, as opposed to the college grant system; if such a student loan system would be State funded; if his attention has been drawn to the substantial number of families who are currently over the threshold of the current grant system and are struggling to pay college costs; if his attention has been drawn to the student loan system operating in the UK; if he will examine a sustainable loan repayment system for Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38571/13]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 343, 388, 389 and 408 together.

As the Deputy will be aware the student contribution, which currently stands at €2,500, is payable by students who qualify under the free fees schemes. Students who qualify under my Department's student grant scheme have the contribution paid on their behalf by the Exchequer.

Conscious of financial pressures on families tax relief provisions have been put in place so that second and subsequent siblings do not have to bear the full cost. An additional category of "50% Student Contribution" is also available under the student grants scheme to assist in meeting the cost. Institutions, at my request, have provisions in place to allow students to pay the contribution in two moieties.

The question of introducing fees allied to an income contingent loan scheme has been identified previously, including in the Hunt report, as a means of addressing future funding issues in the sector while retaining free access at the point of entry. A technical report on options for the development of such a scheme was developed by my Department in 2009 and is published on my Department's website.

The HEA is undertaking a study on the sustainability of the current funding system for higher education. This study was initiated at my request and an initial report has been published. This report makes it clear that immediate work is required to prepare for a longer term approach to a system that can be maintained through a sustainable funding base which will be able to address the continual expansion of the sector while protecting the quality of education. The HEA is continuing its work in this area and I will be advised further as this work progresses. The report will help inform decision-making as to the future funding of the sector.

Student Grant Scheme Application Numbers

Questions (344)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

344. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills of the 59,000 first-time applicants to Student Universal Support Ireland who met the 5 August deadline, the number who have received a final decision as of 5 September 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37993/13]

View answer

Written answers

I understand that SUSI -Student Universal Support Ireland, the centralised student grants awarding body, has met its first target for processing applications for the 2013/2014 academic year. It has completed its initial assessment of all first time applications received before the August 5th deadline for priority processing. Late applications continue to be accepted.

This year the SUSI process consists of 3 stages:Following the on-target completion of the first stage (initial assessment), 61,000 first time applicants have now been assessed by SUSI, including 3,000 late applications. Of these 51,000 are eligible to proceed to the next stage of the process - to return documents requested by SUSI to support their application. However, it is anticipated that only about 40,000 applications will actually proceed to final decision. This prediction is based on last year's experience in the numbers of applicants who applied to SUSI but in the end did not proceed to college: 9,000 first-time applicants were refused a grant in 2012 because they did not meet the all the eligibility criteria and a further 1,400 were cancelled in 2012 at the applicant's request.The second stage of the SUSI process is for students to return their completed document packs as requested by SUSI to support their applications. Applicants have until 24 September to do this to be prioritised for the third stage of the process.

The third stage of the SUSI process which is final assessment and final decision has been substantially streamlined for 2013 by the automation of SUSI's links to the CAO. However those applicants who are outside the CAO (and those within the CAO who have not opted in to allow CAO share information with SUSI) must provide SUSI with a Final Course Acceptance Form (FCA) confirming which college/course they selected. This is necessary before the grant application can be finally decided. A SUSI campaign for the return of the FCA form (which can now submitted online at www.susi.ie) is ongoing.

Following receipt of the FCA form by SUSI, applications can be finalised once colleges have confirmed that students have registered for their courses. This contact with the colleges takes place in early October and, together with students providing their bank details to SUSI, is the final step necessary before grants can be paid.The published first grant payment dates are 18 October for higher education and 25 October for further education (PLC) applicants.

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