Written Answers Nos. 197-214
197. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on the new school building for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6361/14]
View answerI can confirm that the school, to which the Deputy refers, has applied to my Department for large scale capital funding to provide for an extension and refurbishment works. In view of the financial constraints imposed by the need, as outlined in the Five Year Plan, to prioritise available funding for the provision of essential additional school places to meet demographic demand, my Department is not in a position to provide an indicative timeframe for the progression of a major capital project for the school, in question, at this time.
198. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Skills if an application for a Student Universal Support Ireland grant will be re-investigated in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6391/14]
View answerOfficials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland SUSI) that the student referred to by the Deputy has been awarded a postgraduate fee contribution of €2,000 and is ineligible to have her fees paid up to the maximum fee limit. Under the terms of the Student Grant Scheme 2013 postgraduate students who meet the qualifying conditions for the special rate of grant under the Student Grant Scheme will be eligible to have their post-graduate tuition fees paid up to the maximum fee limit of €6,270. To qualify for the special rate of grant an applicant must meet the following conditions: 1. Reckonable income must not exceed €22,703. 2. On the 31st December of the relevant period the reckonable income must include an eligible long-term social welfare payment prescribed under the scheme. The Student Assistance Fund will continue to be made available through the access offices of third-level institutions to assist students in exceptional financial need.
If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a student grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to SUSI. Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by SUSI, and remains of the view that SUSI has not interpreted the scheme correctly in his/her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to the Student Grants Appeals Board. The relevant appeal form is available to download from www.studentfinance.ie.
199. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills in the context of the implications of the European Court of Human Rights judgment in the case of a person (details supplied) if he will review the case of a person as per Chapter 14 of the Ryan report as outlined in detail by me in a Dail Éireann debate of 11 July 2009 with a view towards facilitating redress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6398/14]
View answerWith the assistance of the Attorney General, I have sought further legal advice on the implications of the European Court of Human Rights judgment for outstanding school child abuse cases. The State Claims Agency has informed my Department that there are 45 current day school abuse claims on hands. I have asked my Department, with the Attorney General's Office and the State Claims Agency, to review these cases and any other relevant cases.
200. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will report on the meetings of the three subgroups of the working group on junior cycle reform; the number of times that each subgroup has met; when they will next meet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6409/14]
View answerOn January the 17th the National Working Group on Junior Cycle Reform met to discuss the implementation of Junior Cycle reform. There was a meeting of the sub-group on resources on the 24th of January and further meetings of the sub-groups on assessment and also CPD were held on Thursday the 30th January. Findings from the sub-groups were reported back to the National Working Group on 7th February. Future dates for the sub-groups were agreed as follows. The sub-group on Resources will meet on the 21st of February, and both the CPD and assessment sub-groups will meet on the 3rd of March. The National Working Group will next meet on the 7th of March. The National Working Group is due to report to me in May.
201. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an additional accommodation application in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; and when a decision is likely to be made. [6426/14]
View answerThe school, to which the Deputy refers, recently submitted an application for funding for additional accommodation. The application is currently being assessed and a decision will be conveyed to the school authorities when this process has been finalised.
202. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application for additional school accommodation in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; when a decision is due to be reached; and the position regarding this Deputy's request for an official from the school buildings unit to visit the school before a decision is reached. [6428/14]
View answerMy Department is in receipt of an application for additional accommodation from the school to which the Deputy refers. This application is currently being assessed and a decision will be conveyed to the school authorities when this process has been finalised. The Deputy will appreciate that it is not possible to visit all schools who submit applications for additional accommodation to my Department. In this particular case, my Department is satisfied that it has sufficient information to make a decision in the matter and in that context a technical site visit is not required.
203. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason the National Council for Special Education is undertaking new research on advising him on the preparation of a policy document on educating children with autism in view of the fact that the NCSE commissioned research in 2008 which it described as the most extensive research in the area of special education. [6430/14]
View answer204. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if Project IRIS only included one ASD unit despite the fact that more than 500 such ASD units have been rolled out throughout the country over the past number of years. [6431/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 203 and 204 together.
The research to which the Deputy refers is the Inclusive Research in Irish Schools Project (Project IRIS). This National Council for Special Education (NCSE) commissioned research is a longitudinal study initially over 3 years examining the provision of special education within schools. The aim of the project is to look at the educational experiences and outcomes of students with a variety of special educational needs in various school settings. Twenty fours schools were included in the qualitative element of the study and they were selected on the basis of school variables such as urban/rural, DEIS status etc. It was not the purpose of the study to look specifically at one group of students or one form of provision.
Separately as the Deputy is aware I have asked the NCSE to provide policy advice specifically on the educational provision for children with autism spectrum disorders. The NCSE has advised that the policy advice will be delivered in the spring of 2015 and will draw upon findings gathered from an extensive consultation process which has already commenced. The advice will also draw upon new research commissioned by the NCSE for this purpose as well as any other research which may be available and which the NCSE considers merits consideration. The Deputy may wish to note that the NCSE has advised of two studies that are underway and which are relevant in this context - a review of special class provision and a review of autism provision. Both studies will include special classes/units for students with autism. It will be open to all interested parties to contribute to the consultation process for the policy advice and I expect that the NCSE final report will reflect the broadest possible range of views and provide recommendations which will assist the development of policy for future years.
205. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will name each company awarded a contract for the provision of professional services by his Department and agencies under his aegis since May 2011; the value and purpose of the contract; if a competitive tendering process was undertaken in line with public procurement best practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6453/14]
View answerThe information sought is currently being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
206. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is in receipt of the special rate of Student Universal Support Ireland grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6485/14]
View answerOfficials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) that the student referred to by the Deputy was ineligible for the special rate of maintenance grant as the reckonable income exceed the prescribed income limit as specified in the Student Grant Scheme. To qualify for the special rate of grant an applicant must meet the following conditions: 1. Reckonable income must not exceed €22,703. 2. On the 31st December of the relevant period the reckonable income must include an eligible long-term social welfare payment prescribed under the scheme. Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by SUSI, and remains of the view that SUSI has not interpreted the scheme correctly in his/her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to the Student Grants Appeals Board. The relevant appeal form is available to download from http://www.studentfinance.ie/downloads/1375344221/2013_SGAB_appeal_form.pdf.
207. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if financial assistance will be provided to a mature student who wants to participate in a private course (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6491/14]
View answerPrivate colleges operated on a for-profit basis are not listed as approved institutions for student grant purposes. Details regarding the student grant scheme and the student support regulations, which specify the criteria for approved courses as well as approved institutions, are available on my Department's website. They are also available via the www.susi.ie and www.studentfinance.ie. Tax relief on tuition fees may be available for students attending courses in private colleges. Details in relation to tax relief is available from the Revenue Commissioners. I have no plans to extend the scope of the student grant schemes to private colleges operated on a "for profit" basis at this time.
208. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of meetings that he participated in with the Teachers Union of Ireland and the Association of Secondary Teachers of Ireland with regard to junior certificate reform between 3 November 2011 and 4 October 2012; the specific dates on which his meetings with these organisations took place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6527/14]
View answer209. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of meetings that he participated in with the Teachers Union of Ireland and the Association of Secondary Teachers of Ireland with regard to junior certificate reform between 4 October 2012 and 17 January 2014; the specific dates on which his meetings with these organisations took place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6528/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 208 and 209 together.
My Department established an Education Partners Consultation Group to provide all the education stakeholders with a formal medium for assisting in the planning of the phased implementation of the Junior Cycle. This group first met on Thursday, September 27, 2012. Subsequent meetings were held on the day of the Framework launch (October 4, 2012) on November 28, 2012, January 22, 2013, February 26, 2013, March 26, 2013, and June 26, 2013.
Bi-lateral meetings were held in the Autumn of 2013. The first meeting of the National Working Group on Junior Cycle Reform took place on Friday, January 17, 2014. Three sub-groups have been established to address CPD, Assessment and School Resources. There was a meeting of the sub-group on resources on January 24, 2014 and further meetings of the sub-groups on assessment and also CPD were held on January 30, 2014. Findings from the sub-groups were reported back to the National Working Group on February 7th and dates have been set for future meetings of the various groups. The National Working Group is due to report to me in May. During the entire period in question, there were also regular meetings of stakeholders through the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment 's structures including the Junior Cycle Board and the Council.
The following information was provided under Standing Order 40A
As you are aware, it is the standard practice that officials, acting on my direction, meet education stakeholders. This is the case in relation to the meetings attended as listed in the response to parliamentary question number 6528.
As referred to in the reply to Parliamentary Question 6528 my Department established an Education Partners Consultation Group to provide all the education stakeholders with a formal medium for assisting in the planning of the phased implementation of the Junior Cycle. This group first met on Thursday, September 27, 2012. Subsequent meetings were held on the day of the Framework launch (October 4, 2012) on November 28, 2012, January 22, 2013, February 26, 2013, March 26, 2013, and June 26, 2013.
Bi-lateral meetings were held in the Autumn of 2013.
The first meeting of the National Working Group on Junior Cycle Reform took place on Friday, January 17, 2014. Three sub-groups have been established to address CPD, Assessment and School Resources.
There was a meeting of the sub-group on resources on January 24, 2014 and further meetings of the sub-groups on assessment and also CPD were held on January 30, 2014.
Findings from the sub-groups were reported back to the National Working Group on February 7th and dates have been set for future meetings of the various groups. The National Working Group is due to report to me in May.
During the entire period in question, there were also regular meetings of stakeholders through the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment 's structures including the Junior Cycle Board and the Council.
I personally attended the following four meetings with TUI representatives; Gerry Craughwell President of TUI on 3RD December 2012; John McGabhann, General Secretary TUI and Gerry Craughwell President on 31st January 2013; John McGabhann General Secretary, Gerry Craughwell President, Gerry Quinn Vice President and Annette Dolan Dep General on 21/3/2013 and on 3rd April 2013 the TUI Annual Congress in the Clayton Hotel Galway.
I personally attended the following three meetings with ASTI representatives; Gerry Breslin President ASTI on 12th December 2012; Pat King, Sec, Gerry Breslin President, Diarmuid de Paor Dep Gen Sec and Sally Maguire Vice President on 21st March and on 2nd April the ASTI Conference.
I also met with TUI and ASTI representatives at the meeting that was held on the morning of the Junior Cycle Framework launch.
I have been fully briefed on the interactions between officials and other education stakeholders in relation to planning for the introduction of the Framework for Junior Cycle.
210. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Skills the mechanism available to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6534/14]
View answerOfficials in my Department have been informed by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) that the student referred to by the Deputy was awarded a grant towards fees. The student was not awarded a grant towards maintenance as he is in receipt of Back to Education Allowance from the Department of Social Protection. Under the provisions of the Student Grant Scheme a student is not eligible for a maintenance grant if he or she is in receipt of the Back to Education Allowance. Article 32 of the Student Grant Scheme allows for the review of eligibility during the academic year if there is a permanent change in circumstances, relating to a number of events, including a drop in reckonable income which is likely to obtain for the duration of the approved course or for the foreseeable future. If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a student grant, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to the appeals officer in SUSI. Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by SUSI, and remains of the view that SUSI has not interpreted the scheme correctly in his/her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to the Student Grant Appeals Board. The relevant appeal form is available to download from http://www.studentfinance.ie/downloads/1375344221/2013_SGAB_appeal_form.pdf.
211. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Skills if an appeals process is available to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 who has been denied late application by the Student Universal Support Ireland; if SUSI will review its decision to deny late application to a person who missed the closing date through no fault of their own; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6537/14]
View answerOfficials in my Department have been informed by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) that the student referred to by the Deputy changed course level and institution in 2013/14 from Waterford Institute of Technology to the Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown, without contacting any awarding authority and as such his request for a late application has been denied.
The course being pursued by the student in the current academic year is an add-on Level 8 course in a different college and the student was required to submit a new grant application through the online system at www.susi.ie. The closing date for receipt of applications was 1 August 2013 and this was further extended to 19 November 2013. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that their application is submitted before the deadline. There is no appeals process in relation to same. Late applications may be accepted at the discretion of the awarding authority but not later that one month before the end of the academic year to which the application relates.
212. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress to date in determination of application to add a third stream to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare in order to accommodate the high numbers of parents who wish to have their children attend the local Gaelscoil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6545/14]
View answer228. Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Skills in view of the demand for places in a school (details supplied) in County Kildare, and the widespread parental preferences for education in the area through the Irish language, if he will agree to adding a third stream to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6843/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 212 and 228 together.
I can confirm that my Department has received an application from the school, referred to by the Deputies, for funding to facilitate the gaelscoil's growth to a third stream, i.e. a 24 classroom school. My Department is currently liaising with the Patron of the gaelscoil and a decision will be conveyed to the school authorities when this process has been finalised. The Deputies however will appreciate that my Department's over-riding objective is 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 school numbers. To ensure that this is achieved, the delivery of new schools, together with extension projects, in areas where additional demographic need has been established, will be the main focus for capital investment in the coming years. My Department's assessment of any application made by a school for additional classroom accommodation will therefore necessarily take into account overall enrolments and the extent of the existing and planned school accommodation in that area.
213. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total amount spent on advertising by his Department and each agency under his aegis in 2013; if he will provide a breakdown on the amount spent on each of TV, radio, print, outdoor, Internet and social media platform advertising; the amount spent on advertising agencies; if he will provide the information in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6580/14]
View answerThe information requested in respect of my Department is currently being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible. The information requested by the Deputy in respect of agencies is not held centrally by my Department. The awarding of contracts and the procurement arrangements by agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for the agencies themselves. All bodies under the aegis of my Department are aware of the need to achieve value for money while conducting procurement. The Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies outlines the responsibilities of state bodies in this regard and my Department regularly updates the aegis bodies on developments in relation to public procurement policy and practices. For the Deputy's information details of agencies under the remit of my Department can be downloaded from the Departments website, this information is updated when any relevant changes occur. http://www.education.ie/.
214. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department currently engages in real-time reporting of online conversations on issues relating to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6596/14]
View answerMy Department does not engage in any real time reporting of online conversations on issues relating to the Department. However, in the event such conversations become the focus of media coverage, officials at my Department's Press Office monitor such reporting with a view to ensure where possible that the Department's educational policy position is accurately reflected.
