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Tuesday, 8 Oct 2013

Written Answers Nos. 235 - 253

State Examinations Issues

Questions (235)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

235. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will list the various reasonable accommodation options for students with special educational needs sitting the State examinations; if he will clarify which of the accommodations carry the asterisk reference on the leaving certificate and which may be provided to students without having an asterisk reference on the certificate; if he will clarify if there is such an accommodation as additional writing time for certain students with special needs as distinct from additional rest time; if he will further clarify the specific nature of the educational difficulties that would qualify for this additional time in the State leaving certificate examination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42276/13]

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Written answers

The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations. In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.

Question No. 236 answered with Question No. 91.

Educational Disadvantage

Questions (237)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

237. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the fact that children of overseas families placed in Ireland, who have no English language skills whatsoever, are being placed in schools with no language support teachers, in classes of between 30 and 35; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38772/13]

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Written answers

Since September 2012 the combined resources available for learning support (General Allocation Model) and language support (EAL) have been merged into a single simplified allocation process. Schools have autonomy on how to deploy the resource between language support and learning support depending on their specific needs. The new single allocation for the General Allocation Model (GAM) and language support (EAL) is based on the number of classroom teaching posts in each school in the previous school year. The new arrangements since September 2012 also provide for over 370 additional permanent teaching posts to be given to schools with high concentration of pupils that require language support (EAL).

The arrangements for the current school year are set out in Department Circular 0013/2013 which is available on the Department website. The full list of all the relevant schools are included as part of Circular 0013/2013. In addition, the staffing appeal process at primary level includes the provision whereby schools with high concentration of pupils requiring English as an additional language (EAL) can apply for additional temporary language support posts. These EAL allocations are made on the basis of appeals by schools to the Primary Staffing Appeals Board. Details of the appeals process for the 2013/14 school year are also available in Circular 0013/2013 referred to above.

Cónascadh Comhlachtaí

Questions (238)

Sandra McLellan

Question:

238. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Sandra McLellan den Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas maidir le todhchaí COGG; cén tionchar a bhí ag cinneadh an Aire COGG a thabhairt faoi bhráid CNCM; cé na himpleachtaí a bheidh ag an gcinneadh sin i dtaca leis an Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge agus an bhfuiltear fós chun dul chun cinn leis an gcinneadh; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [38490/13]

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Written answers

Tá mo chinneadh polasaí déanta agam COGG agus an CNCM a chomhshuí. Chuir mé an Chomh-aireacht ar an eolas faoi seo agus phléigh mé go hiomlán leo é an tSamhain seo caite. Táim cinnte gur fearr a n-éascófar le feidhmiú mholtaí na straitéise 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010 - 2030, de bharr iad a bheith comhshuite, agus, ina theannta sin, le feidhmiú Acht na Gaeltachta, 2012, agus leis an leasú curaclach atá ar siúl faoi láthair ar an mbunoideachas agus ar an iar-bhunoideachas.

Beidh tuilleadh deiseanna ann chun sinéirge a chur ar siúl idir obair na CNCM de réir mar a fhorbraíonn sí curaclaim agus obair COGG de réir mar a ghineann sé acmhainní. Tá a Bord, a buiséad agus a lucht foirne féin ag COGG.

Bullying of Children

Questions (239)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

239. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he has identified means of deterring bullying inside or outside the classroom with particular reference to social media and the Internet; the extent to which the welfare of children and young adults can be protected against such activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38729/13]

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Written answers

The Deputy will be aware that I recently published new anti-bullying procedures for all primary and post primary schools. These new procedures have been developed following consultation with the relevant education partners and replace guidelines that were issued to schools in 1993. The procedures are designed to give direction and guidance to school authorities and school personnel in preventing and tackling school-based bullying behaviour amongst its pupils. They place a strong focus on education and prevention strategies to deal with bullying behaviour including, in particular, cyberbullying and identity based bullying such as homophobic and transphobic bullying. The procedures make clear that the focus of any prevention and education awareness measures in schools about cyber-bullying should be on educating pupils on how to stay safe while on-line and also on developing a culture of reporting any concerns about cyber-bullying.

The procedures also recognise that parents and pupils have a role and responsibility in helping the school to prevent and address school-based bullying behaviour and to deal with any negative impact within school of bullying behaviour that occurs elsewhere. The new procedures represent the conclusion of just one of the 12 essential actions set out in the Action Plan on Bullying published earlier this year. Other actions, including awareness raising campaigns in relation to cyberbullying and homophobic bullying, are already underway. My officials have also met with Facebook to see how we can collaborate to help schools to deal with incidents which arise. Facebook is now working with the second level school management bodies and a new escalation channel has been put in place for second level schools. It is also important to recognise that use of the internet and cyber-bullying is a wider societal issue and schools cannot solve all the ills of the world. Everyone, including parents, pupils and wider society, has a role to play in preventing and tackling cyber-bullying.

School Accommodation

Questions (240)

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

240. Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the negotiations to conclude the acquisition of a site for the 1,000-pupil secondary school planned to serve the wider Stepaside-Leopardstown area, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42293/13]

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Written answers

I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has sought the assistance of, and is working closely with, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council in relation to identifying and acquiring a suitable site for a proposed post primary school in the Stepaside-Leopardstown area. Due to commercial sensitivities attaching to site acquisitions generally, it is not possible to comment further on the matter at this time.

School Accommodation

Questions (241)

Michael McGrath

Question:

241. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding future building plans for primary schools (details supplied) in County Cork; if his attention has been drawn to the proposal to consolidate all classes from both schools on to the one site; his views on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42320/13]

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Written answers

I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department approved funding to the primary schools to which he refers under the Prefab Replacement Scheme in 2012. The school authorities subsequently submitted an alternative proposal that included consolidating accommodation on to a single site. My officials have met with both schools to discuss their proposal. Further clarifications in relation to the schools proposals is being sought and when this information is received, the matter can be progressed.

School Accommodation

Questions (242)

Niall Collins

Question:

242. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an updated report on the efforts to deal with the future accommodation needs of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42341/13]

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Written answers

I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department is aware of the accommodation needs of the school in question.

My Department has been working with the relevant Local Authority in relation to identifying and acquiring a suitable site for the provision of permanent accommodation for the school. I can confirm to the Deputy that a suitable site has been identified. Due to commercial sensitivities attaching to site acquisitions generally, I am not in a position to comment further on the matter at this time. However, once the site has been acquired, the provision of a new school building will be considered in the context of the capital budget available to my Department for school buildings generally. My officials will be in further contact with the school authority as soon as a further update is available.

Student Universal Support Ireland Administration

Questions (243)

Willie Penrose

Question:

243. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath who appealed a decision by Student Universal Support Ireland in relation to the refusal of their application for a student grant has not yet been informed of the decision of the review despite numerous contacts with SUSI notwithstanding that the result of same has been furnished to a third party; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42348/13]

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Written answers

Officials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland that in the case of the student referred to by the Deputy the original decision of the awarding authority was upheld on appeal by the SUSI appeals officer. 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 is available to download from www.studentfinance.ie.

School Staffing

Questions (244)

Michael McGrath

Question:

244. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the level of teaching resources in place for the current school year at a school (details supplied) in County Cork; the expected level of teaching resources for the 2014-15 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42362/13]

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Written answers

The criteria used for the allocation of teaching posts for the 2013-2014 school year is set out in the Staffing Schedule (Circular 0013/2013) which is available on the Department website. The key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the 30 September 2012. The enrolment tables for the operation of the staffing schedule for the 2013-2014 school year are listed at Appendix A of the Staffing Schedule. This enables schools to check their mainstream staffing levels for the 2013/2014 school year. The Staffing Schedule also provides information on Resource base posts, EAL posts and GAM/EAL (General Allocation Model and Language Support) for the 2013/2014 school year. The allocation for all schools is listed in Appendix C of the Staffing Schedule. The staffing process for the 2014/15 school year will be initiated early in 2014 and all schools will be notified when the Staffing Schedule for the 2014-15 school year is published.

Higher Education Institutions Issues

Questions (245)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

245. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide clarification on the future of the Killybegs school of tourism; if his attention has been drawn to the contents of the financial plan provided by LYIT to the Higher Education Authority; if he has considered the options presented under the plan regarding the Killybegs school of tourism; his plans to make moneys available in order to retain the school of tourism in Killybegs; if his attention has been drawn to the impact the removal the school of tourism will have on the community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42389/13]

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Written answers

As the Deputy will be aware, Tourism College, Killybegs is a school of Letterkenny Institute of Technology (LYIT) which is an autonomous statutory body. The management of the College is the responsibility of the Governing Body and the President of LYIT. I am aware that the Higher Education Authority (HEA) is in discussions with LYIT in relation to a financial plan which the Institute has submitted to the HEA and I understand these discussions are on-going. No formal proposals have been made by the HEA to my Department in relation to this matter and I am therefore not in a position to comment on the matter. My Department allocates recurrent funding to the HEA for direct disbursement to the HEA institutions, including LYIT. It is then a matter for the institution to determine how this funding is allocated internally, including funding provided by LYIT to the Tourism College, Killybegs.

Schools Building Projects Status

Questions (246)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

246. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the development of a new school (details supplied) in County Louth. [42424/13]

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Written answers

The major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage of architectural planning.

Planning Permission has been granted and applications for Fire Certification and Disability Access Certification (DAC) are ongoing. Once the necessary statutory approvals have been secured the design team will complete the preparation of tender documents and the pre-qualification of contractors for the project. The project will then proceed to tender stage.

Questions Nos. 247 and 248 answered with Question No. 220.
Question No. 249 answered with Question No. 91.

Schools Building Projects Status

Questions (250, 257, 263)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

250. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the degree to which he expects the school building programme to advance in the coming year with particular reference to the total number of new school places likely to be provided at primary and secondary level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42448/13]

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Bernard Durkan

Question:

257. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress to date in respect of the school building programme, at primary and second level throughout County Kildare; the targets that have already been achieved and those outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42455/13]

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Bernard Durkan

Question:

263. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which the primary and second school building programme in County Kildare has advanced in each of the past three years to date with particular reference to the building of new schools, the replacement of existing school and his future plans regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42461/13]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 250, 257 and 263 together.

The current status of all projects on the school building programme, including those for County Kildare, may be viewed on my Department's website at www.education.ie which is updated regularly throughout the year. The Deputy will be aware that the 5 year School Investment Plan announced in March 2012, provides for a €2 billion school capital investment programme, of which over €1.5 billion is being allocated to the funding of major school building projects, with the balance needed for the additional accommodation scheme, the prefab replacement initiative, the Emergency Works Scheme and the acquisition of sites. The Plan outlines the major school projects that are planned to proceed to 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. The plan will provide over 100,000 permanent school places, of which over 80,000 will be new school places.

Further to the Five Year Plan, my Department is committed to publishing a detailed annual programme in relation to individual major school projects commencing construction. In December 2011, details of 56 major school building projects to commence construction in 2012, the first year of the Plan, were published. In December 2012, details of 50 major school building projects were announced to commence construction in 2013, the second year of the Plan. Details of the building projects to commence construction in 2014 will be announced later on this year.

The Deputy will also be aware of the biggest initiative ever undertaken to reduce the reliance on rented prefabs in schools.. Under the Prefab Replacement initiative 2012 (Phase 1), my Department provided funding of in excess of €42 million for the replacement of over 458 prefab units in 170 schools with permanent accommodation. A further €15 million has been allocated under Phase II of the Prefab Replacement Initiative, that was announced in June this year, for the replacement of over 115 prefab units in 46 schools. This funding will be used to replace prefabs with permanent classroom and resource rooms accommodation. A total of eight schools in County Kildare will benefit from this initiative.

Also in June this year, the allocation of further funding as part of the Government's "investing in Infrastructure & Jobs" package, will enable a further 28 school projects to be progressed to construction. This investment will enable 18 primary schools, including a school in County Kildare, and 10 post-primary schools to be replaced or refurbished with state of the art classrooms and facilities for over 12,000 students. Details of all school capital works that have been funded by my Department may be viewed on my Department website and this is updated on a regular basis.

For the Deputy's convenience, a list of the major new schools/extension projects that were completed in County Kildare, between 2010 and to date in 2013 is outlined as follows.

Major school building projects in County Kildare completed from 2010 to date in 2013

Year

School Name

Roll No.

Project

2013

Scoil Phadraig, Ballylinan, Athy

17064U

New 12 classroom school

2013

SN Aine Naofa, Ard Cloc, Straffan

17674B

New 16 classroom school + 4 special education tuition rooms

2013

Scoil Bhride NS, Rathangan

18018S

12 classroom extension, ancillary accommodation and refurbishment works.

2012

Sc Uí Fhiach, Maynooth

20058T

New 16 classroom school

2012

Scoil Brid, Naas

20114D

8 classroom extension and 4 special education tuition rooms

2012

Meánscoil Iognáid Ris, Naas

61710C

Extension/refurbishment

2011

Scoil Phadraig Naofa, Athy

16705E

New 26 classroom school

2011

Scoil Bhride NS, Kill

17662R

New 32 classroom school

2011

Athy Model NS

06209J

General Purpose Room

2011

Scoil Choca Naofa, Kilcock,

11976K

11 classroom extension, G.P. room, ancillary accommodation and refurbishment of existing accommodation

2011

Caragh NS, Naas

18654A

15 classroom extension, GP room and ancillary accommodation

2011

Scoil Áth Í, Athy

20192A

General Purpose Room

2011

Scoil na Naomh Uilig, Rickardstown, Newbridge (Phase II)

20271T

12 classroom extension

2010

Scoil Bhride, Nurney

16345A

New 8 classroom school

2010

Scoil na Naomh Uilig, Rickardstown, Newbridge (Phase 1)

20271T

New 16 classroom school

2010

Presentation Convent, Maynooth

00779U

8 classroom extension

2010

Scoil Bhride, Athgarvan

13350B

4 classroom extension, GP room & associated works

2010

Athy Community College

70650L

New school, PE Hall & Autistic Unit

Special Educational Needs Services Provision

Questions (251, 252, 253, 255, 258)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

251. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he expects to be in a position to ensure the provision of the maximum number of special needs school places in the coming year, notwithstanding budgetary constraints which he inherited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42449/13]

View answer

Bernard Durkan

Question:

252. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he expects to be able to meet the demand in respect of special needs classes in all schools throughout the country in both rural and urban areas in the current year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42450/13]

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Bernard Durkan

Question:

253. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he intends to provide for the maximum number of special needs teachers throughout the educational sector with particular reference to meeting emerging demands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42451/13]

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Bernard Durkan

Question:

255. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he expects to be able to respond positively to meeting the needs of the various school authorities at primary and second level throughout the country in respect of special needs teachers and required school places in each of the next two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42453/13]

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Bernard Durkan

Question:

258. 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 class requirements at primary and second level throughout County Kildare in the coming year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42456/13]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 251 to 253, inclusive, 255 and 258 together.

The Deputy will be aware that this Government is committed to the protection of front-line services for pupils with special educational needs. The level of resources devoted to supporting children with Special Educational Needs has been maintained at €1.3 billion this year. This includes provision for 10,575 Special Needs Assistants (SNAs), over 10,300 Learning Support and Resource Teachers, provision for over 740 Special Classes attached to mainstream schools at reduced pupil teacher ratios, enhanced capitation for special schools and special classes and provision for assistive technology support.

The level of investment being provided will ensure that provision can continue to be made to provide for the educational requirements of children with special educational needs, enrolled in all schools, to ensure that children with special educational needs can continue to have access to educational facilities in line with their requirements. The policy of my Department is that children with special educational needs should be included in mainstream placements with additional supports provided. All schools and all school places are therefore available for children with special educational needs to be enrolled to. Supports will continue to be allocated to schools to support pupils with special educational needs.

SNA support will continue to be allocated to schools to ensure that all children who qualify for access to SNA support for the current school year will receive access to such support. To date the NCSE has allocated 10,480 SNA posts to schools. The remaining posts are available for allocation throughout the school year for new assessments of disability, new entrants, or emergency or late applications, in accordance with the terms of the SNA scheme. Additional resource teaching support will continue to be allocated to schools. In line with my decision in June to authorise the NCSE to maintain the level of resource teaching allocations to be provided for students with special educational needs for the current school year to the 2012/13 levels, 5,284 whole time equivalent resource teaching posts have been allocated to schools at this point. Further resource teaching posts will be allocated when the NCSE has processed applications received to 20th September, 2013.

In circumstances where children with special educational need require more specialised interventions, special school or special class places are also available. Some 740 Special Classes are being provided for mainstream schools for the current school year. This includes 118 new special classes which have been opened this year. The provision that is being made for special educational needs support will ensure that special needs class requirements at primary and second level, including in County Kildare, can continue to be fully met this school year.

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