Tuesday, 26 Nov 2013

Written Answers Nos. 259 - 279

Student Grant Scheme Applications

Questions (259)

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

259. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason there is a delay in processing the application to Student Universal Support Ireland in respect of a person (details supplied); when a decision will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50781/13]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

Officials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland that the grant application of the student referred to by the Deputy is currently under review and the student will be informed directly of the outcome of the review.

Student Grant Scheme Applications

Questions (260, 261)

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

260. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application to Student Universal Support Ireland in respect of a person (details supplied); when a decision will be made; if he will expedite the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50782/13]

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

261. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application to Student Universal Support Ireland in respect of a person (details supplied); when a decision will be made; if he will expedite the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50783/13]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I propose to take Questions Nos. 260 and 261 together.

Officials in my Department have been informed by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) that in the case of both students referred to by the Deputy their applications are currently being assessed and SUSI will be in contact with them directly regarding the outcome.

Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Questions (262)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

262. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total number of special needs places available at primary and second level schools throughout the country; the extent to which this is sufficient to meet the current and ongoing need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50789/13]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

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 10,700 Learning Support and Resource Teachers, provision for 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. In relation to the number of school places available for children with special educational needs throughout the country, 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. In circumstances where children with special educational need require more specialised interventions, special school or special class places are also available. Details of these schools and classes are available on the National Council for Special Education website, www.ncse.ie. NCSE will establish further special classes where a demand is identified.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio

Questions (263)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

263. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which it has been found possible to maintain reasonable class sizes notwithstanding economic constraints; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50790/13]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The criteria used for the allocation of teachers to schools is published annually on the Department's 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 previous 30 September. The staffing schedule operates in a clear and transparent manner and treats all similar types of schools equally irrespective of location. The configuration of classes and the deployment of classroom teachers are done at local school level.

My Department publishes annual statistics on class size data for each school. The most recent statistics are for the 2012/13 school year. The national average class size is 24.7 pupils. However, with over 20,800 classes in over 3,100 primary schools throughout the country there will always be variations in class sizes at individual school level. My Department's guidance to local school management is that such variations should be kept to the minimum. The context for any discussion about PTR or 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.

The Government will continue to protect front-line services as best as possible. However, it is important to note that all public servants are being asked to do more with less and the teachers in our schools cannot be exempt from this requirement. Within the schools sector we know from international research that while class sizes is a factor the quality of teaching is a far more significant factor in determining outcomes. We therefore have to focus on the drivers of good performance. We need to have the right people becoming teachers. We need the right training for them in College. We need to support them with the right professional development throughout their career. To this end we are making significant changes to both the structure and format of initial teacher education so that our colleges and teachers are comparable with the best in the world.

Schools Building Projects Status

Questions (264, 271, 272)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

264. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total number of permanent school buildings improved or replaced by his Department in the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50791/13]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

271. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of deficient school buildings earmarked for replacement, upgrading or improvement throughout the country in the next 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50798/13]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

272. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of requests received by his Department for the replacement of existing school buildings at primary and second level or the provision of new schools throughout County Kildare; the extent to which he expects the school building programme to meet this demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50799/13]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I propose to take Questions Nos. 264, 271 and 272 together.

Details of all school capital works that have been funded by my Department may be viewed on my Department's website at www.education.ie and this is updated on a regular basis. For the Deputy's convenience, a list of the major new school and extension projects that were completed nationally between 2011 and to date in 2013 is outlined in the following table.

The 5 year School Construction Plan announced on 9 March 2012 (which is also detailed on the website), provides for a €2 billion school capital investment programme to 2016, of which €1.5 billion is being allocated to fund major school projects with the balance needed for the additional accommodation scheme, the prefab replacement initiative, the acquisition of sites and other works. 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 prioritises major school projects in areas where future significant demographic changes have been identified.

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 scheduled 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 (both Plans available on my Department's website). Details of the building projects that are projected to commence construction in 2014 will be announced later this year.

In addition, due to additional funding made available for the schools' building programme as part of the Government's "Investing in Infrastructure & Jobs" package announced earlier this year, 28 school projects that were not contained in the 5 year programme but have completed extensive architectural planning are now being progressed to tender and construction. A project for a replacement school in County Kildare is included in this package.

The Deputy will be aware that under the Prefab Replacement Initiative 2012, approval was given to 170 schools nationally to replace 458 prefab units with permanent accommodation. In excess of €42 million was allocated for this initiative. In June of this year, I announced a further initiative to replace prefab units with permanent accommodation. A total of €15 million has been allocated in 2013/2014 for this purpose. Some 46 schools, with 115 prefab units, will be offered grants to provide the new facilities. Eight schools in County Kildare are benefitting from this Initiative. Replacing prefabs is part of this Government's €475 million education infrastructure plan for 2014. The Plan will provide modern, high quality accommodation for pupils and teachers.

The Deputy will also be aware of my announcement on 7th November of an additional €70 million for school improvement works. This comprises a once-off payment of over €28 million to primary schools as part of the Minor Works Scheme and a further €40 million to facilitate the re-introduction of the Summer Works Scheme for 2014. Details of all applications from schools for large scale capital works may be viewed on my Department's website.Major School Capital Projects completed 2011 to date 2013

Primary	County	Roll No.	School	Year
Primary	Carlow	17127S	St Joseph's NS	2013
Primary	Carlow	20295K	Carlow Educate Together NS	2013
Primary	Cavan	18857O	SN Carraig a Bruis	2013
Primary	Clare	15042A	Ennis NS	2013
Primary	Cork	17609N	Rathcormac NS	2013
Primary	Cork	20006A	Gaelscoil Mhichil Ui Choileáin	2013
Primary	Cork	20310D	Carrigaline ETNS	2013
Primary	Cork	20335T	Rochestown Primary School	2013
Primary	Donegal	16672P	St Patrick's NS	2013
Primary	Donegal	19971R	Gaelscoil Adhamhainn	2013
Primary	Dublin	20307O	Skerries ETNS	2013
Primary	Dublin Fingal	20241K	Scoil Choilm NS	2013
Primary	Galway	20199O	Oughterard NS	2013
Primary	Kildare	17674B	SN Aine Naofa	2013
Primary	Kildare	18018S	Scoil Bhride NS	2013
Primary	Laois	17064U	Scoil Padraig	2013
Primary	Laois	20081O	Gaelscoil Portlaoise	2013
Primary	Laois	20347D	Portlaoise ETNS	2013
Primary	Laois	14838N	Maryborough NS	2013
Primary	Louth	20259G	St Francis NS	2013
Primary	Meath	20179I	St Stephen's NS	2013
Primary	Monaghan	19936P	Gaelscoil Ultain	2013
Primary	Sligo	19495L	Carbury NS	2013
Primary	Wexford	20057R	Gaelscoil Inis Corthaidh	2013
Primary	Wexford	20165U	Gaelscoil Moshiólóg	2013
Primary	Wicklow	20300A	Greystones ETNS	2013
Primary	Wicklow	20301C	Gaelscoil na gCloch Liath	2013
Post Primary	Dublin	76213T	Lusk Community College	2013
Post Primary	Dublin Fingal	76130P	Luttrellstown Community College	2013
Post Primary	Donegal	76081F	Coláiste Ailigh - PPP Project	2013
Post Primary	Galway City	62970K	Colaiste Iognaid SJ	2013
Post Primary	Galway County	76233C	Coláiste Bhaile Chláir	2013
Post Primary	Kilkenny	61580P	Loreto Secondary School	2013
Post Primary	Limerick City	64240G	St Munchin's College	2013
Post Primary	Limerick City	64201T	Ard Scoil Ris	2013
Post Primary	Louth	63920A	Dundalk Grammar School	2013
Post Primary	Monaghan	76091I	Gaelcholaiste Oiriall	2013
Post Primary	Monaghan	76095Q	Monaghan Institute of Further Education	2013
Post Primary	Tipperary NR	72370P	Borrisokane Community College	2013
Post Primary	Tipperary	72430H	Scoil Ruain, Killenaule	2013
Post Primary	Westmeath	63290Q	Loreto College	2013
Primary	Carlow	17501Q	Bennekerry NS, Bennykerry	2012
Primary	Cork	13450F	Rushbrooke NS, Cobh	2012
Primary	Cork	16746S	Ballygarvan NS	2012
Primary	Cork	17667E	SN Pádraig Naofa, Whitechurch	2012
Primary	Cork	19839R	Gaelscoil Uí Riordán, Ballincollig	2012
Primary	Dublin	16675V	Mulhuddart National School	2012
Primary	Dublin	19373U	St. Michael's House Special School, Kish House, Greendale Road, D5	2012
Primary	Dublin	20223I	Gaelscoil Eiscir Riada, Lucan	2012
Primary	Dublin	20348F	Holywell ET, Swords	2012
Primary	Dublin	20269J	Scoil Chormaic, Balbriggan	2012
Primary	Galway	08512U	Iomair NS, Killimor	2012
Primary	Kerry	17646T	O'Brennan NS, Kielduff, Tralee	2012
Primary	Kerry	20197K	Kenmare NS, Kenmare	2012
Primary	Kildare	20058T	Sc Uí Fhiach, Maynooth	2012
Primary	Laois	07442U	Convent of Mercy NS, Borris in Ossory	2012
Primary	Laois	17617M	Scoil Chomhgain Naofa, Killeshin	2012
Primary	Limerick	13026P	Kilfinane National School	2012
Primary	Limerick	18991S	JFK Memorial School, Ennis Road	2012
Primary	Louth	20205G	St Mary's Parish School, Drogheda	2012
Primary	Louth	20349H	Scoil Oilibhéir Naofa	2012
Primary	Meath	17213L	SN Mhuire, Ma Nealta, Ceannanus Mór	2012
Primary	Meath	17821L	Scoil Nais Mhuire Naofa, Enfield, Co Meath	2012
Primary	Offaly	17637S	SN Sheosaimh Naofa, Beál Átha na gCarr, Tullamore	2012
Primary	Tipperary	15696B	Silvermines National School	2012
Primary	Wicklow	09760V	Powerscourt NS, Powerscourt, Enniskerry	2012
Primary	Cork	18279A	St. Mary's NS, Waterpark, Carrigaline	2012
Primary	Donegal	17268N	SN An Br M O Cleirigh, Creevy, Ballyshannon	2012
Primary	Dublin	00697S	St. Brigid's NS, Castleknock, Dublin 15	2012
Primary	Dublin	17936F	Scoil Eoin Baisde Snr, Clontarf (see also 19006Q)	2012
Primary	Dublin	18324C	Scoil Bride C, Palmerstown	2012
Primary	Dublin	19006Q	Scoil Eoin Baisde B Sois, Clontarf (see also 17936F)	2012
Primary	Dublin	19374W	Garran Mhuire, Goatstown, Dublin 14	2012
Primary	Dublin	20302E	Thornleigh Educate Together NS, Thornleigh Green, Swords	2012
Primary	Kildare	20114D	Scoil Brid, Naas	2012
Primary	Laois	15556I	Portarlington Convent NS	2012
Primary	Laois	20071L	Scoil Bhríde, Rathdowney	2012
Primary	Mayo	20142I	Scoil Íosa, Abbeyquarter, Ballyhaunis	2012
Primary	Offaly	18267Q	Croinchoill NS, Birr	2012
Primary	Wexford	17017L	SN Phádraig, Crossabeg	2012
Post Primary	Cavan	61060M	St Patrick's College, Cavan, Co. Cavan	2012
Post Primary	Dublin	60450U	Coláiste Mhuire na mBráithre, Cabra	2012
Post Primary	Meath	76103M	Colaiste Na hInse, Laytown	2012
Post Primary	Offaly	65610S	Colaiste Choilm, O'Moore Street, Tullamore	2012
Post Primary	Sligo	65170Q	Summerhill College, Sligo	2012
Post Primary	Waterford	64970U	Coláiste na Maighdine, Presentation Secondary School	2012
Post Primary	Wicklow	61800D	Presentation College, Bray	2012
Post Primary	Dublin Fingal	60010P	Loreto Secondary School, Balbriggan	2012
Post Primary	Kerry	61440W	St Mary's CBS, Tralee	2012
Post Primary	Kildare	61710C	Meánscoil Iognáid Ris, Naas	2012
Post Primary	Meath	63870L	Drogheda Grammar School	2012
Post Primary	Roscommon	65100S	Scoil Mhuire, Strokestown,	2012
Post Primary	Tipperary NR	65470F	Ursuline Convent, Thurles	2012
Post Primary	Tipperary NR	72440K	Nenagh VS, Nenagh	2012
Primary	Cavan	06998Q	SN Tulach a Mhile, Corlough	2011
Primary	Cork	20001N	Gaelscoil Bheanntrai - PPP Project	2011
Primary	Cork	20105C	Star of the Sea Primary School, Passage West	2011
Primary	Dublin	19898K	Gaelscoil an Duinnigh, Feltrim, Swords	2011
Primary	Dublin	20161M	Donabate\Portrane Educate Together	2011
Primary	Dublin	20201V	Tyrrelstown Educate Together	2011
Primary	Dublin	20274C	Esker ET, Adamstown, Lucan	2011
Primary	Dublin	20095C	Gaelscoil Bhrian Bóroimhe	2011
Primary	Dublin	20145O	Swords Educate Together NS	2011
Primary	Galway	19858V	Gaelscoil Dara, Galway City	2011
Primary	Kerry	20196I	Ballybunion NS	2011
Primary	Kildare	16705E	Scoil Phadraig Naofa, Athy	2011
Primary	Kildare	17662R	Scoil Bhride NS, Kill	2011
Primary	Laois	14260F	Abbeyleix South NS, Abbeyleix	2011
Primary	Louth	18069M	Naomh Seosamh, Mell, Drogheda	2011
Primary	Mayo	20046M	Gaelscoil Na Cruaiche, Cathair na Mart,	2011
Primary	Meath	20180Q	Scoil Eoin National School, Navan	2011
Primary	Meath	20215J	St. Paul's NS, Ratoath	2011
Primary	Waterford	19629G	Holy Cross School, Ballycarnane, Tramore	2011
Primary	Westmeath	18812P	Loch an Ghair NS Mullingar	2011
Primary	Carlow	18363M	SN Muire gan Smal, Green Lane	2011
Primary	Donegal	18219F	SN Chonaill, Machaire Chlochair, Bun Beag	2011
Primary	Dublin	15315J	St. George's NS, Naul Road, Balbriggan, Dublin 15	2011
Primary	Dublin	16964F	Scoil Mhuire Ogh 1, Crumlin Rd, Dublin 12	2011
Primary	Dublin	20252P	GS Bhaile Brigín, Castlelands, Balbriggan	2011
Primary	Dublin	20282B	Bracken Educate Together, Castlelands, Balbriggan	2011
Primary	Dublin	20303G	Lucan East Educate Together, Clonburris	2011
Primary	Galway	19506N	Cappataggle Central School, Ballinasloe	2011
Primary	Kildare	06209J	Athy Model NS	2011
Primary	Kildare	11976K	Scoil Choca Naofa, Kilcock,	2011
Primary	Kildare	18654A	Caragh NS, Naas	2011
Primary	Kildare	20192A	Scoil Áth Í, Athy	2011
Primary	Kildare	20271T	Scoil na Naomh Uilig, Rickardstown, Newbridge (Phase II)	2011
Primary	Kilkenny	15160G	Marymount N.S., The Rower, Inistioge	2011
Primary	Limerick	19587Q	St. Augustine's Youth Encounter Project	2011
Primary	Louth	19598V	Muire na nGael NS, Bay Estate, Dundalk	2011
Primary	Louth	20294I	Aston Village Educate Together, Drogheda	2011
Primary	Meath	19253K	Scoil Naomh Barra, Wilkinstown	2011
Primary	Monaghan	18028V	Corr a Chrainn NS, Corr a Chrainn	2011
Primary	Offaly	17523D	SN Cronain Naofa, Dromakeenan	2011
Primary	Waterford	20076V	Bunscoil Bhothar na Naomh, Lismore	2011
Primary	Wicklow	20016D	Gaelscoil Ui Cheadaigh, Bray	2011
Post Primary	Donegal	91409A	Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair, Derrybeg, Letterkenny	2011
Post Primary	Dublin	60860Q	Our Lady's School, Templeogue Road, Terenure, Dublin 6W	2011
Post Primary	Longford	71690F	Ballymahon Vocational School	2011
Post Primary	Wexford	71630K	Vocational College, Enniscorthy	2011
Post Primary	Donegal	71240U	Stranorlar Vocational School (Finn Valley College)	2011
Post Primary	Dublin	76098W	Pobail Scoil Setanta, Phibblestown	2011
Post Primary	Dublin	76104O	Donabate Community College	2011
Post Primary	Wexford	76127D	Gorey Community College	2011
Post Primary	Cork	76090G	Bantry Community College - PPP Project	2011
Post Primary	Kildare	91530S	Kildare Town Community School - PPP Project	2011
Post Primary	Limerick	76093M	Abbeyfeale Community College - PPP Project	2011
Post Primary	Meath	91517D	Athboy Community School - PPP Project	2011
Post Primary	Wicklow	76099B	Wicklow Town Community College - PPP Project	2011

School Accommodation

Questions (265)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

265. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total number of temporary or pre-fabricated school buildings already replaced by his Department in each of the past three years to date; the number currently in course thereof; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50792/13]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

Under my Department's 2012 Prefab Replacement Initiative, approval was given to 170 schools nationally to replace 458 prefab units with permanent accommodation. In excess of €42 million was allocated for this initiative of which €35 million has been paid to date. Of these a total of 157 projects have gone to construction and 108 of these have been completed. The total rental savings achieved by the 108 completed projects are in the region of €2.1 million. These figures will be subject to change as further projects are completed. The initiative will result in savings of approximately €5 million per annum on the rental of prefabs in these schools in the coming years.

In June of this year, I announced a further Prefab Replacement Initiative to replace in the region of 115 prefabs in 46 schools with permanent accommodation. A total of €15m has been allocated in 2013/14 and this further initiative should result in additional rental savings of €2.5 million per annum. Replacing prefabs is part of the Government's €475 million education infrastructure plan for 2014. The Plan will provide modern, high quality accommodation for pupils and teachers and construction related jobs for workers around the country.

Student Universal Support Ireland Administration

Questions (266)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

266. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which all applications for higher education grants submitted to date have been approved, rejected or are awaiting further information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50793/13]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I am informed by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) that overall the grant process has been running considerably more efficiently and SUSI has been meeting its targets in respect of processing grants on schedule in 2013-14. As at close of business on 20th November, 2013 70% of new applications and 95% of renewal applications have been processed to completion. Of these 31,249 new applications have been awarded or provisionally awarded and 19,928 renewal applications have been awarded. 16,504 new applications and 2,549 renewal applications have been refused or cancelled. SUSI is awaiting supporting documentation from 16,675 new applicants and 906 renewal applicants. The remaining students with outstanding documentation are being requested to return their documentation as soon as possible so that assessment of their applications can be completed.

Skills Shortages

Questions (267)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

267. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which his Department has entered into dialogue with a view to ensuring that the requirements of modern industry are being adequately met by the educational skills of modern graduates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50794/13]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

Meeting the requirements of enterprise is a high priority for the higher education system and the reform programme being implemented at all levels of the education system aims to increase the responsiveness and quality of our institutions overall. The new System Performance Framework which is being implemented by the Higher Education Authority outlines national priorities and key system objectives against which the performance of the institutions will be assessed. One of these key system objectives is for the system "to meet Ireland's human capital needs across the spectrum of skills by engaged institutions through diverse mix of provision across the system and through both core funding and specifically targeted initiatives."

The HEA is now engaged in agreeing performance compacts with the HEIs which will be aligned with performance funding to ensure that these objectives are met. The development of appropriate skills for the workplace has implications for curricula, programme design and teaching methodologies at all levels of the education system. As enterprise sectors develop and expand, demand for employees with core technical and specialist expertise across a range of disciplines continues to grow. Employers also equally value more generic skills such as creativity, critical thinking, communication and interpersonal skills, and problem solving abilities.

As part of the implementation of the National Strategy for Higher Education to 2030, last year the first National Employers Survey developed by IBEC and other key education and enterprise partners on the quality of Irish graduates was piloted. The results were very encouraging with more than 75% of employers expressing confidence that graduates have the right workplace and transferable skills and the relevant knowledge in their subject and discipline. A full report of its findings can be found at the following link: http://www.hea.ie/sites/default/files/national_employers_survey_pilot_report.pdf. The establishment of structures to engage with enterprise as well as reliable research on labour market needs are necessary to ensure that the system is meeting the needs of enterprise. The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs, which is funded by my Department, plays a pivotal role in advising on future skills needs and any emerging gaps. Its research provides a valuable input to the development of course curricula and has also informed the development of new competitive funding models of provision to address emerging skills needs, including Springboard, Momentum and the ICT skills conversion programmes and Skillnets.

The Secretary General of my Department chairs an Enterprise Engagement Forum on a regular basis so that representatives and leaders from the enterprise sector can directly engage with the highest levels of senior management in the Department on relevant issues. We are continually seeking to improve the level of dialogue with enterprise at departmental, national, regional and institutional level throughout the education system. Irish higher education has an outstanding record in producing graduates with Ireland joint first in the EU for proportion of 30-34 year olds with a higher education qualification. The reform programme underway will ensure that we maintain and enhance the relevance and quality of provision so that our graduates can continue to compete with the best in the world.

Skills Development

Questions (268)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

268. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which educational up-skilling is facilitated throughout the educational system with particular reference to the need to meet the increased competition in the workplace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50795/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

The education system has a key role to play in fostering and developing the skills and innovation base to support the development and expansion of the enterprise sector. The development of appropriate skills for the workplace has implications for curricula, programme design and teaching methodologies at all levels of the education system. As enterprise sectors develop and expand, demand for employees with core technical and specialist expertise across a range of disciplines continues to grow.

Employers also equally value more generic skills such as creativity, critical thinking, communication and interpersonal skills, and problem solving abilities. The fostering of these attributes and the development of core foundational skills in numeracy and literacy is built through the experience of students at both primary and second level. The wide ranging programme of reform which is being rolled out, by my Department, across all levels of the education system seeks to further improve the quality of the teaching and learning experience for all students and to ensure the ongoing supply of high quality graduates for the workforce.

Engagement with enterprise is taking place in relation to all aspects of the development and implementation of the education reform programme, including through representation on key bodies and implementation groups. In order to provide a modern and flexible Irish Apprenticeship System, reflective of the relevant skills requirements of industry and potential apprentices, my Department is currently in the process of carrying out a comprehensive review of the Apprenticeship System. The independent Apprenticeship Review Group has recently met with relevant stakeholders who provided submissions to the Review Group on how best to improve the current apprentice system in order to discuss their individual submissions further. It is expected that the Review Group will produce recommendations to my Department by the end of the year. My Department will continue to work closely with all relevant Government Departments and Agencies to ensure that the Government is putting the right measures in place so that people can upskill and reskill in the areas where skills are in demand.

Education Policy

Questions (269)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

269. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total number of students recorded as having dropped out at second and third level on an annual basis over the past four years to date; the extent if any to which provision has been made for such students to avail of a second educational opportunity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50796/13]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The extent of student dropout at second level is published by my Department in the reports titled Retention Rates of Pupils in Second Level Schools. Please see the link to the reports on my Department's website: http://www.education.ie/en/Publications/Statistics/Retention-Rates-of-Pupils-in-Second-Level-Schools-2005-and-2006-Entry-Cohorts.pdf. The most recently published data, for the cohort who entered the Junior Cycle in 2006, and sat the Leaving Certificate in either 2011 or 2012, shows a nationally adjusted retention rate to the Leaving Certificate of 90.2%. An updated retention report will be published later in the year.

It should be noted that this report deals with retention within the State-aided schooling system only. It does not take account of important educational pathways outside this system such as Youthreach and apprenticeship training. In effect, pupils leaving school to undertake these programmes are treated as early school leavers for the purposes of this analysis. It seems reasonable to assume that the "true retention rate, comparable to completion of upper second-level education (equivalent to NFQ levels 4,5 and 6 Advanced), is higher. The Higher Education Authority, which is responsible for the collection of data on student progression in the third level sector , is currently working on an analysis of retention rates in the universities and institutes of technology. This has only recently become possible due to a full population of SRS (Student Record System) data becoming available for a period spanning five years. The HEA does not have information for the 2012/2013 or 2011/2012 academic years and is currently collating data for the 2010/11 academic year which it is hoped will be available for publication in January 2014.

There are a range of factors that impact on participation and progression in higher education including economic, social and cultural issues, prior academic attainment and teacher and parental expectations. The most recent report by the HEA on retention entitled, 'A study of Progression in Higher Education', was published in 2010 and is available on the HEA website. As regards provision of second educational opportunities, the Youthreach programme provides two years integrated education, training and work experience for unemployed early school leavers without any qualifications or vocational training who are between 15 and 20 years of age. There are almost 6,000 places available nationwide under the Youthreach umbrella. Almost 3,700 of these places are provided by Education and Training Boards (ETBs) in over 100 Youthreach centres with the remainder provided by SOLAS in Community Training Centres (CTCs). A revitalised Further Education and Training sector under the direction of SOLAS and through the operations of the Education and Training Boards will promote access for all learners who wish to avail of programmes – including the unemployed and the employed, school leavers as well as early school leavers. The development of the five year strategy for further education and training by SOLAS will provide a road map to the future. This strategy is due to be published within the next 6 months.

Effective working arrangements between SOLAS, Intreo and the ETBs under the Pathways to Work Programme is critical to delivering support for those who need it most. My Department will continue to provide quality education and training places for referrals through the Intreo system. My Department is fully engaging with the process, being led by the Department of Social Protection, to develop the Youth Guarantee Implementation Plan. The education system will support the Youth Guarantee through providing quality training and education and work placement opportunities in education and training programmes.

School Evaluations

Questions (270)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

270. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he continues to have dialogue with the authorities of smaller rural or urban schools of any particular religious ethos with particular reference to the need to ensure that traditional places and requirements continue to be met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50797/13]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I am mindful of the concerns of smaller schools and rural schools. Our overall primary school enrolment has been growing rapidly in recent years and this is going to continue. In managing the resource consequences of this, it is important that decisions on school provision and organisation are based on a rigorous evaluation of requirements and needs, not just at a local level but also at both regional and national levels. Our current configuration of small primary schools has been examined by my Department in a value for money (VFM) review. This review took account of the ethos of schools and the locations of small schools relative to other schools of a similar type. The report of the review is under consideration. The Government is mindful of the concerns of small schools and will take these concerns into account in considering any planning framework for future provision of primary schools.

Questions Nos. 271 and 272 answered with Question No. 264.

School Funding

Questions (273)

Terence Flanagan

Question:

273. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will increase the grant aid given to the Artane School of Music to help it achieve its strategic plan 2013-16; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50802/13]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The position is that my Department allocates funding to the Artane School of Music which goes towards the general running costs of the School. The school's funding has reduced in recent years in line with general cuts to the sector and my Department has previously signalled to the School that the issue of the appropriateness of the continuation of such funding is being examined. My Department has allocated €35,000 to Artane School of Music for this year while funding for 2014 will be advised to the School following publication of the Revised Estimates Volume (REV) next month. The Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment on specific issues in advance of this publication.

Special Educational Needs Staffing

Questions (274)

Tony McLoughlin

Question:

274. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a school (details supplied) in County Sligo has been refused further special needs assistant support despite the increase of three additional pupils with special needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50803/13]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from schools for special educational needs supports, including the allocation of Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) to schools. The NCSE operates within my Department's established criteria for the allocation of Special Education supports and the staffing resources available to my Department. All schools were advised to apply to the NCSE for resource teaching and SNA support for the 2013/14 school year by 15th March, 2013. The NCSE published details of all of their allocations for resource teaching and SNA support for the 2013/2014 school year in June of this year.

The NCSE has also now published details of the additional SNA allocations which have been made to schools since the initial allocations were made to schools in June. The NCSE published details of these revised allocations on 21st October, 2013. These details are now available on the NCSE website, www.ncse.ie, and detail the allocations made for each school on a per county basis. The NCSE allocates a quantum of SNA support for each school annually taking into account the assessed care needs of children qualifying for SNA support. The deployment of SNAs within schools is then a matter for the individual Principal/Board of Management. SNAs should be deployed by the school in a manner which best meets the care support requirements of the children enrolled in the school for whom SNA support has been allocated. It is a matter for schools to allocate support as required, and on the basis of individual need, which allows schools flexibility in how the SNA support is utilised. The level of support required by pupils with special educational needs may change from year to year, in line with their changing care needs including diminishing care needs as they mature and become more independent over time, for example. The NCSE takes these factors into account when allocating SNAs to schools.

Schools can contact the NCSE if they have enrolled children who were not considered at the time that the revised SNA allocations were made to schools, or where they are seeking a revision to the quantum of SNA support which has been allocated to them. In general, a revision to SNA allocations will only be made in circumstances where schools have enrolled new pupils, or where schools can demonstrate that they do not have sufficient SNA posts to cater for the care needs of all of the qualifying children in their school. 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. Details of the mechanism for schools to appeal a decision in relation to the allocation of SNA support are also available at www.ncse.ie.

Irish Language

Questions (275)

Seán Kyne

Question:

275. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has considered the findings of the Chief Inspector's Report 2010-2012; and the steps he intends to take arising from the findings with particular reference to improving the quality of teaching and the quality of learning of the Irish language at post-primary level. [50836/13]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The Chief Inspector's Report 2010-2012 highlights the need for ongoing support for the teaching and learning of Irish in post-primary schools. My Department has already put a range of support measures in place, particularly in relation to curriculum, assessment and teacher education, as part of its ongoing implementation of the 20 Year Strategy for Irish. The Teaching Council has been asked to work with teacher education institutions to raise standards among Irish teachers. Work has commenced on the development of a new specification for Irish at Junior Cycle. This specification will clarify the learning outcomes to be achieved by students and place an increased emphasis on the development of oral language skills.

Since June 2012, the weighting for oral Irish proficiency in the Leaving Certificate was increased from 25% to 40%. The impact of this change is being reviewed and the findings will be available in 2014. An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta (COGG) has been co-located with the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) so that the development of curricula and support materials for Irish can take place in a closely co-ordinated way. My Department will continue to review the effectiveness of these measures among others in light of the findings of the Chief Inspector's report.

School Staffing

Questions (276)

Michael Lowry

Question:

276. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Skills the sick leave entitlements for a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; if the entire summer and Easter holidays will count towards the allowed period of sick leave; his views on whether this is fair; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50867/13]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The position regarding sick leave for Registered Teachers in recognised schools is set out by my Department in Circular letter 60/2010. This Sick Leave Scheme was agreed under the auspices of the Teacher Conciliation Council. The Council is comprised of Representatives of Teachers, School Management, Department of Education and Skills and the Department of Public Enterprise and Reform and agreements reached at this Council are of general application to all teachers. In accordance with the circular a teacher who is absent from duty because of personal illness, may retain eligibility for incremental salary in respect of a maximum of 365 days of absence in any period of four consecutive years of teaching service. The sick leave period is calculated retrospectively and includes weekends, school closures and days on which a teacher is not timetabled for attendance, occurring within the period of absence.

National Lottery Licence Sale

Questions (277)

Joe Higgins

Question:

277. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on allegations of tax avoidance by a company (details supplied) which has been awarded the joint operation of the national lottery as covered recently in the British Press. [50393/13]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

On 3rd October 2013, I announced that following a competition for the next National Lottery licence, Premier Lotteries Ireland (PLI) has been selected as the preferred applicant for the next licence. PLI is a consortium comprising Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (the owner of the Camelot Group), An Post and An Post pension funds. Discussions on finalising the terms of the licence are currently taking place between the Department and the preferred applicant. Unlike the position which applies at present, the operator of the next National Lottery licence will be required to pay corporation tax. Naturally, it will be required to comply with all relevant Irish laws, including taxation laws, for the duration of the licence. I do not wish to comment on the allegation to which the Deputy refers.

EU Funding

Questions (278)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

278. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the way macroeconomic conditionality will be applied to Irish drawdown of EU funds; what the recent agreement at EU level means for Ireland; the funding streams that will now be subject to this conditionality; the Irish position on macroeconomic conditionality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50502/13]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

The European Structural and Investment (ESI) funds comprise the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the European Social Fund (ESF), the Cohesion Fund, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF). Ireland will benefit from all of these funds with the exception of the Cohesion Fund. Preparations for the new programming period have been underway in Ireland over the past year. This has involved public consultations as well as the preparation of needs analyses and ex-ante evaluations. The outcome of these processes will inform the preparation of a Partnership Agreement and related Operational Programmes through which EU funding will be drawn down. The Partnership Agreement will constitute a formal agreement between Ireland and the Commission regarding the use of the Funds.

Macro-economic conditionality will be a feature of the next Structural Funds rounds. This means that the Commission may request a member state to review and propose amendments to its Partnership Agreement and Operational Programmes where this is necessary to support the implementation of relevant Council recommendations to address macroeconomic imbalances and social and economic difficulties and to maximise the growth impact of the Funds in Member States receiving financial assistance from the EU. Ireland supports measures which underpin good economic governance and improve economic and fiscal discipline. Macroeconomic conditionality or measures linked to sound economic governance will ensure that Cohesion Policy is consistent with wider EU economic governance.

It is important to stress that the process is incremental, starting with amendments to the Partnership Agreement and to the Operational Programmes in support of Council recommendations. It is only as a last resort, if member states fail to take effective action and economic recommendations are repeatedly and seriously breached, that payments may be suspended. Even then safeguards, including ceilings, apply to ensure that any such action is proportionate.

Public Sector Staff Grades

Questions (279)

Peter Mathews

Question:

279. Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of persons employed in the Civil Service, broken down by grade, in each year 1989 to date in 2013; the number of persons elsewhere in the public service whose pay grades are linked to these, broken down by grade and year since 1989; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50568/13]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

The information the Deputy has requested going back over the last 24 years is not readily available. The following table presents the number of staff in each of the main general service grades in the Civil Service each year for the last ten years. Additional information may be available in the State Directories, which can be found in the Oireachtas library. Aggregate figures on all those employed in the public service, dating back to 1994 are also available on the Department’s databank which can be found at http://databank.per.gov.ie. The information sought in relation to pay relativities to other grades within the wider public service is not available to my Department.

Main General Service Grades in the Civil Service	Dec-03	Dec-04	Dec-05	Dec-06	Dec-07	Dec-08	Dec-09	Dec-10	Dec-11	Dec-12	Sep-13
SECRETARY GENERAL	17	17	17	17	17	17	17	17	17	17	17
ASSISTANT SECRETARY	137	137	137	144	146.6	156	147	132	142	143	148
PRINCIPAL OFFICER	604.65	635.1	649.35	711	760.7	797.95	709.95	654.9	632.2	660.8	656
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL	1,785.04	1,796.95	1,849.12	1,995.79	2,060.99	2,159.49	1,993.42	1,899.34	1,906.80	1,910.76	1,922.79
HIGHER EXECUTIVE OFFICER	3,006.63	3,022.93	3,049.64	3,175.17	3,261.59	3,421.32	3,279.29	3,215.90	3,918.57	4,102.25	4,072.42
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER	241.05	218.7	200.75	217.45	225.8	239	229.5	250.5	234.53	291.23	298.45
EXECUTIVE OFFICER	4,339.69	4,581.86	4,595.99	4,774.63	4,995.61	5,197.26	5,043.15	4,934.60	4,854.70	4,785.94	4,757.14
STAFF OFFICER	1,364.20	1,475.13	1,465.86	1,468.40	1,493.52	1,524.85	1,494.38	1,507.97	1,532.50	1,496.04	1,480.20
CLERICAL OFFICER	10,196.30	10,092.44	10,123.11	10,564.85	10,888.76	11,096.50	10,620.42	10,419.94	10,329.11	10,332.55	10,482.21
SERVICE OFFICER	635.4	618.7	604.2	610.06	611.52	609.82	589.22	562.22	536.1	516.01	493.83
SERVICE ATTENDANT	101	98	57	86.03	92.03	103.8	95.02	101.27	89.4	88.4	93.51
TOTAL GENERAL SERVICE	22,427.96	22,693.81	22,749.02	23,764.38	24,554.12	25,322.99	24,218.35	23,695.64	24,192.91	24,343.98	24,421.55
OVERALL CIVIL SERVICE	37,276.00	36,867.00	36,533.00	37,156.00	38,200.00	39,313.09	37,356.17	36,439.10	36,613.56	36,329.90	36,414.29

Note: Professional, technical and industrial grades account for the difference between general service grades and the overall civil service total.