Written Answers Nos. 215 to 232
215. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills the supports in place from his Department for apprentices here; the rationale behind the flat fee for apprentices attending institutes of technology during their apprenticeship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6621/14]
View answerThe Annual Student Contribution is levied on apprentices and students attending Institutes of Technology. This contribution has been levied by Institutes of Technology in respect of apprentices since 2004, with FÁS/SOLAS paying 70% of the contribution and apprentices themselves paying the remainder. As part of Budget 2014 and in the context of overall savings my Department had to find, SOLAS ceased making this payment to the Institutes of Technology from 1 January and apprentices themselves will pay the full pro rata Annual Student Contribution.Apprentices will pay the same contribution as students, apportioned for the time they spend in the Institutes. Unlike students, apprentices are paid a training allowances by SOLAS for phases of their training spent in Institutes of Technology. This allowance is equivalent to the wages they receive from their employers for on the job phases and is unaffected by the budgetary changes.
Although apprentices are not eligible to receive student grants, the value of their training allowance would be greater than the maintenance available under the student grant scheme.
216. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a school suspension in respect of a child (details supplied). [6626/14]
View answerGiven that this matter maybe the subject of legal proceedings, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on this matter at this time. I understand from my officials that the parent of the child in question has invoked my Department's Child Protection Procedures. Any allegation of child abuse received by staff in my Department is dealt with in accordance with the Department's "Procedures for responding to allegations of Child Abuse brought to the attention of staff employed by the Department of Education and Skills". Under these procedures, the Department does not pass judgment on the allegations brought to its attention and ensures that the details of the allegation available to the Department are immediately passed on to the relevant investigatory authorities, including the relevant school authorities, the Health Service Executive and or an Gardai.
217. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there are formal proposals to amalgamate schools (details supplied) in Dublin 12; if his attention has been drawn to such changes; the impact the merger will have; and in view of the fact that parents and teachers have been left in the dark regarding the merger, if he will provide any further information. [6675/14]
View answerI can confirm for the Deputy that while my Department is aware of the Patron's proposals to merge the three schools concerned, I have not received any proposal from the Patron in the matter. The initiative for any amalgamation or re-organisation may come from a variety of sources, such as parents, staff, Boards of Management and patron. Any such proposal to amalgamate schools must involve consultation with all of the relevant stakeholders and follow decisions taken at local level. The decision making authority for any amalgamation belongs to the Patron of a school, subject to the approval of the Minister for Education and Skills.
218. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason school book rental scheme funding will not be allocated to schools that have worked hard to provide this provision independently; if he will reverse this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6710/14]
View answerThe Department will continue to provide a book grant as usual to all primary schools. This grant, can be utilised for the purposes of updating or expanding a school's existing book rental scheme. I want to commend all schools that have used it to help build up book rental schemes over the years. Their efforts mean that the high costs of school books is being significantly reduced for parents. At my request, the National Parents' Council surveyed the views of their members in relation to currently operating book rental schemes.Parents have reported that where book rental schemes operate, they are open to all parents in 95% of cases, and that the cost per child is under €40 per year in a considerable majority of schools. Perhaps most tellingly, the survey has found that 93% of parents believe that book rental schemes help with the costs of educating a child. Ensuring that book rental schemes are available to all parents must therefore clearly be our aim. I understand that it feels unfair to those schools who have invested time and money to establish such schemes, that they now cannot benefit from the additional funding which was secured as part of the Budget. Of course it is unfair, but equally, the status quo was deeply unfair on many parents. The parents who had no access whatsoever to book rental schemes needed more support. With the limited funding available, I believe that targeting this funding - to make sure that every parent in Ireland has access to some level of a book rental scheme - was the greatest good that could be achieved.
The Department is contacting primary schools that do not currently operate a book rental scheme to advise them of the application process.
219. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the extremely poor condition of the accommodation facilities of two national schools (details supplied) in County Cork sharing the one campus; his plans for dealing with the matter in the short and long term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6732/14]
View answerThe two schools to which the Deputy refers were both approved funding under the Prefab Replacement Scheme in 2012. The school authorities subsequently submitted an alternative proposal that included consolidating accommodation onto a single site. This proposal was considered by my Department and further clarification in relation to the schools proposal was sought and recently received. Officials in my Department intend to meet with the school authorities shortly with a view to progressing the proposed project.
220. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider the introduction of education seminars in secondary schools and third level institutions in order to raise awareness of the issue of sex trafficking and prostitution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6735/14]
View answerThe Social, Personal and Health Education programme in post-primary schools provides opportunities for students to explore issues relating to sex trafficking and prostitution within a framework of respect, rights and responsibilities. The focus is on equipping students with the knowledge, skills and values to stay safe through discussion of topics such as Feeling Threatened, Recognising Unsafe Situations, Violence and Help Agencies. The Civic Social and Political Education programme also provides opportunities for the discussion of issues relating to sex trafficking and prostitution within a Human Rights framework. The manner in which such issues are explored is contingent on the students' needs and the age-appropriateness of the content. The introduction of additional programmes or seminars is a matter for individual schools. However, national and international research has shown that the qualified classroom teacher is the best placed professional to work sensitively and consistently with students and that he/she can help, through imparting knowledge and skills, to influence students' attitudes, values and behaviour in all aspects of health education.It is the responsibility of third level institutions to devise their own programmes mindful of the needs of their students.
221. Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a school (details supplied) in County Galway; the way the new build is progressing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6737/14]
View answerThe school to which the Deputy refers is due for completion on 14 February 2014 under the Public Private Partnership model.
222. Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress made on a new secondary school in Doughiska, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6738/14]
View answerMerlin College is due for completion on 14 February 2014 under the Public Private Partnership model.
223. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an additional accommodation application on behalf of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; when a decision is likely to be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6745/14]
View answerThe school referred to by the Deputy submitted an application for major capital funding last year for accommodation works such as extending the size of their existing classrooms. In October 2013, the school was advised that due to competing demands on my Department's capital budget imposed by the need to prioritise available funding for the provision of essential additional school places to meet increasing demographic requirements, my Department was not in a position to provide an indicative timeframe for the progression of the major capital project, in question, for the school concerned.
224. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 65 of 30 January 2014 regarding the construction of a new school (details supplied), if he can give an indicative timescale for the site acquisition, appointment of a design team, planning and tendering process and construction; if his Department has budgeted for the construction of the school in 2014-15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6756/14]
View answerThe school referred to by the Deputy was included in the list of school building projects announced to go to construction in 2014/15 and I can confirm that this project is among those budgeted for in the 5 year capital programme. The acquisition of a site for permanent accommodation for the school referred to by the Deputy is being progressed by my Department. However, due to the commercially sensitive nature of site acquisitions, I am not in a position to give further details at this time. However, once the acquisition of a site is finalised, a design team for the project will be appointed with a view to its progression to tender and construction.
225. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total number of prefabs replaced in County Carlow schools, primary and post-primary; and the total amount of money spent on replacing these prefabs in the past three years. [6771/14]
View answerUnder my Department's Prefab Replacement Initiatives 2012 and 2013, approval was given to 216 schools nationally to replace 573 prefab units with permanent accommodation. Of these, 16 mainstream and resource units are currently being replaced with permanent classrooms in County Carlow and in excess of €1.6m has been allocated towards these projects. 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.
226. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills when the tender for the construction of the new school building for a school (details supplied) in County Galway will be advertised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6810/14]
View answerThe project to which the Deputy refers is currently out to tender. It is anticipated that the tender process will be completed and a contractor appointed in the second quarter of 2014.
227. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide details of all official engagements by him or the Ministers of State in his Department that have taken place in Northern Ireland since he took office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6816/14]
View answerThe tables following give details of all official engagements by myself and Ministers of State at my Department that have taken place in Northern Ireland since I took office.
Official engagements in Northern Ireland attended to by the Minister for Education and Skills and Ministers of State
North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) Education Sectoral Meetings.
|
Date |
Location |
Groups/Person Met |
|
1 September 2011 Minister of State Ciarán Cannon TD |
NSMC Joint Secretariat Offices, Armagh |
Reception to mark the conclusion of the Washington-Ireland Programme |
|
21 September 2011 |
NSMC Joint Secretariat Offices, Armagh |
John O’Dowd, MLA, Minister for Education Northern Ireland Nelson McCausland, MLA, Minister for Social Development |
|
1 February 2012 |
NSMC Joint Secretariat Offices, Armagh |
John O’Dowd, MLA, Minister for Education Northern Ireland Nelson McCausland, MLA, Minister for Social Development |
|
17 October 2012 Minister of State Ciarán Cannon TD substituted for Minister Quinn |
NSMC Joint Secretariat Offices, Armagh |
John O’Dowd, MLA, Minister for Education Northern Ireland Nelson McCausland, MLA, Minister for Social Development |
|
27 February 2013 |
NSMC Joint Secretariat Offices, Armagh |
John O’Dowd, MLA, Minister for Education Northern Ireland Nelson McCausland, MLA, Minister for Social Development |
|
8 November 2013 |
NSMC Joint Secretariat Offices, Armagh |
John O’Dowd, MLA, Minister for Education Northern Ireland Nelson McCausland, MLA, Minister for Social Development |
North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) Plenary Meetings
Meeting of Irish Government and Northern Ireland Executive
|
Date |
Location |
Groups/Person Met Bi-lateral Meetings |
|
18 November 2011 |
NSMC Joint Secretariat Offices, Armagh |
John O’Dowd, MLA, Minister for Education Northern Ireland |
|
2 November 2012 |
NSMC Joint Secretariat Offices, Armagh |
John O’Dowd, MLA, Minister for Education Northern Ireland Dr. Stephen Farry, MLA, Minister for Employment and Learning |
|
8 November 2013 |
NSMC Joint Secretariat Offices, Armagh |
Dr. Stephen Farry, MLA, Minister for Employment and Learning |
Other Meeting
|
Date |
Location |
Groups/Person Met |
|
16 January 2014 |
Titanic Belfast, Queens Road, Titanic Quarter, Belfast |
John O’Dowd, MLA, Minister for Education Northern Ireland and Management and Guests of Titanic Belfast |
229. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 227 of 4 February 2014, what determines when a school is full to capacity and what provisions are being put into place to allow a child to get a bus to the next nearest school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6846/14]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, where my Department is satisfied that a school does not have capacity to enrol additional children, then these children may have their transport eligibility considered by reference to the distance they reside from their next nearest school. However, my Department is not satisfied that the school in question is full as funding for the provision of additional capacity was approved in 2012. In this regard the child in question may avail of school transport on a concessionary basis in accordance with the terms of the scheme.
230. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Seán Kyne den Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna an bhfuil tús curtha leis an obair ar mhúineadh na n-ábhar neamhtheanga go páirteach trí mheán na Gaeilge ag an leibhéal bunscoile agus meánscoile a éascú mar atá beartaithe sa Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010-2030. [6909/14]
View answerGo nuige seo, tá mo Roinnse tar éis díriú ar bhearta oideachasúla sa Straitéis 20 Bliain a cur i gcrích a bhaineann leis an gcuraclam, le measúnú agus le hoideachas múinteoirí. Mar shampla, tá obair a rinne an Chomhairle Náisiúnta Curaclaim agus Measúnachta maidir le forbairt curaclaim nua chomhtháite teanga don Bhéarla agus don Ghaeilge ag an mbunleibhéal curtha chun cinn go maith. Beidh an curaclam seo le fáil ó na naíonáin suas go dtí an dara rang i mí Mheán Fómhair 2014. Tá tús curtha chomh maith le forbairt sonraíochta nua don Ghaeilge ag an tSraith Shóisearach. Breithneofar múineadh ábhar neamh-theanga go páirteach trí Ghaeilge i scoileanna inarb í an Béarla an meán teagaisc in éineacht leis na forbairtí curaclaim seo.
231. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Seán Kyne den Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna i gcomhthéacs na Straitéise 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010-2030, cad iad na bearta atá glactha chun athstruchtúrú agus cláir na Gaeilge do mhúinteoirí bunleibhéil faoi oiliúint a fheabhsú chun múinteoirí a ullmhú níos fear i gcumarsáid teanga lena gcuid daltaí. [6912/14]
View answerSa Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010-2030 tá roinnt gníomhartha maidir le feabhas a chur ar cháilíocht Theagasc na Gaeilge. Tá an Rialtas seo tiomanta do thacú le héirim fhoriomlán na Straitéise 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010-2030 agus bainfidh sé amach na cuspóirí agus na spriocanna indéanta atá molta. Tá Oideachas Tosaigh Múinteoirí: Critéir agus Treoirlínte d'Oideachas Tosaigh Múinteoirí (OTM) foilsithe ag an gComhairle Mhúinteoireachta. Cuireann na treoirlínte seo de cheangal ar na soláthraithe OTM uile cláir oideachais múinteoirí a dhearadh a thabharfaidh aird ar chaighdeán na Gaeilge i measc bunmhúinteoirí maidir le teagasc na Gaeilge mar ábhar agus í a úsáid mar mheán cumarsáide agus teagaisc i scoileanna. Thosaigh an chéim Bhaitsiléara san Oideachas athchoincheaptha agus leathnaithe sa bhliain 2012 agus tá sé i gceist an príomhchlár iarchéime san OTM a thosú i Meán Fómhair 2014. Tá clár cónaithe Gaeltachta leathnaithe agus athchoincheaptha mar chuid den chlár tosaigh foriomlán OTM anois. Leathnaíodh an clár cónaithe Gaeltachta chuig dhá thréimhse de dhá sheachtain. Tá soláthraithe oideachais tosaigh múinteoirí freagrach as an dearbhú cáilíochta in ábhar, teagasc agus measúnú ghné na Gaeltachta de chláir OTM. Déanfar soláthar do mhuinín agus d'inniúlacht na múinteoirí faoi oiliúint sa Ghaeilge trí chur chuige ilghnéitheach le fócas ar Ghaeilge labhartha.Tá roinnt Coláistí Oiliúna ag soláthar gnéithe dá gcláir OTM as Gaeilge freisin. Rinne an Chomhairle Mhúinteoireachta sraith de chomhairliúcháin le páirtithe leasmhara an oideachais, maidir le moltaí faoi na riachtanais iontrála don Ghaeilge ar chúrsaí oiliúna múinteoirí a ardú agus tá molta ag an gComhairle go bhfuil gá le tuilleadh taighde sula mbeidh siad in ann comhairle chríochnaitheach a thabhairt. D'iarr mé go ndéanfaí an scéal a bhrostú agus táim ag tnúth le toradh an bhearta seo. Sa deireadh thiar thall ba chóir go mbeadh tionchar ag na feabhsuithe éagsúla sa Ghaeilge ar an seomra ranga.
232. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of teachers that it is planned to recruit at secondary school level in 2014; the number of these in the disciplines of science, mathematics and biology; when these positions are likely to be advertised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6962/14]
View answerTeacher allocations to all second level schools are approved annually by my Department in accordance with established rules based on recognised pupil enrolment. The criteria for the allocation of posts are communicated to school managements annually and are available on the Department website.In accordance with these rules each school management authority is required to organise its subject options within the limit of its approved teacher allocation. At post primary level and in accordance with existing arrangements, where a school management authority is unable to meet its curricular commitments within its approved allocation, my Department considers applications for additional short term support i.e., curricular concessions. The allocation process also includes an appeals mechanism under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. The appeal procedures are set out in the published staffing arrangements. The Appeals Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final. The recruitment and appointment of teachers to fill teaching posts is a matter for the individual school authority, subject to procedures agreed under Section 24(3) of the Education Act 1998 (as amended by the Education (Amendment) Act 2012). The deployment of teaching staff in the school, the range of subjects offered and ultimately the quality of teaching and learning are in the first instance a matter for the school management authorities. The staffing and redeployment process for the 2014/15 school year is currently underway in my Department. The final staffing position for all schools at post primary level will ultimately not be known until the Autumn. At that stage the allocation process will be fully completed and any appeals to the Staffing Appeals Board will have been considered.
