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Tuesday, 25 Feb 2014

Written Answers Nos. 113-136

School Health and Safety

Questions (113)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

113. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to restrict the availability of confectionary products in schools; if he will consider a ban on the selling of such products on school premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9156/14]

View answer

Written answers

The results of the 2012 Lifeskills survey, which were published by my Department recently, indicated that approximately 30% of post primary schools have vending machines or school shops which sell fizzy drinks, sweets and crisps. In response to this finding, officials in my Department are currently developing guidance for schools on promoting healthy eating, including through the appropriate use of vending machines. In issuing such guidance my intention is not to prohibit the sale of particular foods but to suggest that a range of foods and drinks be available. I do not have the authority to dictate to schools in this manner. Vending machines are an important revenue stream for some schools and it is not my intention to displace this. It is important that we do not dictate to students about what they can and cannot eat. My objective is to ensure instead that our students are given the opportunity to choose from a range of foods, including healthy options, when using vending machines in schools.

Question No. 114 answered with Question No. 108.

Schools Establishment

Questions (115)

Seán Kyne

Question:

115. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will report on the progress of establishing a primary level school in Galway city in the format of the Steiner model of education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9087/14]

View answer

Written answers

Last year a patronage determination process, overseen by the New Schools Establishment Group, was run to establish who would operate a new 16-classroom school for the Knocknacarra area of Galway City. Two applicants, namely Educate Together and Lifeways Ireland, which provides the Steiner model, demonstrated strong and similar levels of parental demand for their models. The level of parental demand, however, for an Educate Together school was stronger.

Given all of the circumstances, I decided to award Patronage of a new 8-classroom school to Educate Together to commence operation in 2014. I also decided to give consideration to the establishment of a further 8-classroom school in 2015 under the patronage of Lifeways Ireland. This will be subject to confirmation that parental demand will support this model and size of school at that time. My Department will be in contact with Lifeways Ireland at the appropriate time to progress this matter.

Schools Building Projects Status

Questions (116)

David Stanton

Question:

116. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on progress with regard to a large number of school building projects in the east Cork area due to go to construction in 2014-5, as per his Department's five year school building programme announced on 12 March 2012, in particular two new primary schools in Midleton (details supplied), the amalgamation of the two primary schools in Carrigtwohill and a new second level school in Carrigtwohill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8920/14]

View answer

Written answers

As the Deputy will be aware, the area referred to has been identified by my Department as one of the areas where, due to demographic changes, it is projected that there will be a requirement for significant additional school provision at both primary and post-primary levels over the coming years.

In that context, all the five schools to which the Deputy refers are included in my Department's five year plan for the provision of new school buildings, subject to suitable sites being acquired. I can advise the Deputy that my Department, working in conjunction with Cork County Council, has identified permanent sites to facilitate planned building projects for the schools in question. However, whilst negotiations towards the acquisition of such sites are ongoing, I am not in a position due to the commercially sensitive nature of these negotiations to give further details at this time.

Student Grant Scheme Eligibility

Questions (117)

Seamus Kirk

Question:

117. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there will be no introduction of a capital assets test for assessing eligibility for third level student grants; if he will be publishing the report of the capital asset test implementation group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9141/14]

View answer

Written answers

The Deputy will be aware that, following agreement in principle by the Government to broaden the current means testing arrangements for student grants by way of inclusion of the value of capital assets, I set up a dedicated implementation group to bring forward detailed proposals.

I have received a draft report from the implementation group. I have been very clear that there is currently no agreement between the two parties in coalition on broadening the base of the assessment from household income to reserves, savings or capital assets. However, this matter remains under review and I will be consulting further with my cabinet colleagues before consideration is given to publishing the report.

Student Universal Support Ireland Administration

Questions (118)

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

118. Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress this year with the Student Universal Support Ireland grants service and supports provided by his Department for access programmes in our third level institutions for disadvantaged students; if his Department has had consultations with the teaching colleges to consider offering access programmes specifically to encourage students from disadvantaged backgrounds to train as teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8910/14]

View answer

Written answers

My Department recognises the benefit of having teachers from all backgrounds teaching in schools. The National Plan for Equity of Access to Higher Education 2008-13 aims to promote and increase access to higher education for under represented groups. A new National Plan is currently being prepared by the National Access Office and will include new targets for participation by under-represented groups across all higher education institutions.

The Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) is a college and university admissions scheme which offers places on reduced points and extra college support to school leavers from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The five state funded providers of primary initial teacher education and the majority of the state funded post primary providers of teacher education participate in the HEAR. A number of the other post primary providers operate their own individual access schemes for school leavers.

The Department does not have statistics on how many students training to be teachers came through the scheme. Each college or university taking part in the HEAR scheme has set aside a quota of places on a reduced points basis for students entering through the scheme. This quota is different for each third level institution.

The main financial support available to students attending higher education is my Department's Student Grant Scheme. Under the student grant scheme, eligible candidates may receive funding provided they are attending an approved course and meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those which relate to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.

Broadband Service Provision

Questions (119)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

119. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to ensure wireless connectively in every classroom; the ICT supports there will be for the introduction of standardised testing for second year students in 2016; if he is considering a national system for technical support for ICT in schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9151/14]

View answer

Written answers

The provision of high quality internet connectivity to all schools is a key priority for my Department. All post primary schools will have high-speed broadband connectivity by the end of this year. How broadband connectivity is distributed within the school is a matter for each school. The Professional Development Service for Teachers provides CPD and guidance on ICT matters. Work is underway within my Department on new guidelines for the inclusion of wireless network infrastructure in new schools. A new digital strategy to support teaching and learning is under development. A key part of the strategy development process is to examine the needs of schools including technical support. The supports for the new Junior Cycle, including ICT supports, are currently being discussed with the education stakeholders. The first round of standardised testing will be in English and mathematics and will take place in Spring 2017 for second year students.

Question No. 120 answered with Question No. 107.

School Curriculum

Questions (121, 128, 140)

Mick Wallace

Question:

121. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the manner in which young persons are educated about sex and issues such as abortion in secondary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6634/14]

View answer

Catherine Murphy

Question:

128. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the precise guidelines and regulations schools must adhere to in the delivery of sex education to pupils; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some schools invite external organisations to provide sex education based on religious beliefs and practice which may be contrary to proper medical advice without seeking parental consent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9138/14]

View answer

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

140. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he is concerned at some of the lessons that are being taught to children by external groups in schools for sex education; and if he is concerned at some of the teaching methods they use which have been the subject of recent media reports. [9162/14]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 121, 128 and 140 together.

All schools are required to develop and implement a Relationships and Sexuality (RSE) programme at junior cycle and senior cycle in post-primary schools. RSE includes the acquisition of knowledge and understanding, and the development of attitudes, beliefs and values about relationships, sexual identity and intimacy.

Post-primary schools are required to teach all aspects of the RSE programme, as set out in the curricular documents that have been provided, within the ethos and value system of the school. Such a programme provides opportunity to explore with students the topic of pregnancy including issues relating to unplanned pregnancy and contraception.

There is no explicit provision in the RSE programme for exploring the topic of abortion. The issue may arise in discussion of other topics such as pregnancy including unplanned pregnancy. Where this occurs, the expectation is that it would be discussed within the context of the school's RSE policy and giving due regard to current legislation. The manner in which such issues are explored is contingent on the students' needs and the age-appropriateness of the content.

My Department has advised schools that if they wish to enhance RSE by inviting visitors to the classroom precise criteria must apply. My Department stipulates that it is of the utmost importance that classroom teachers remain in the classroom with the students and retain a central role in delivery of the core subject matter of the RSE programme. The presence of the classroom teacher should ensure that the school follows appropriate procedures for dealing with any issues that may arise as a result of the external inputs.

Question No. 122 answered with Question No. 112.

School Staffing

Questions (123)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

123. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of two class teacher, three teacher, four teacher and five teacher, excluding learning support and resource teachers but including teaching principals, schools that have lost teachers in the school years commencing September 2012 and 2013; the number due to lose teachers in September 2014; the name, address and roll number of each school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8907/14]

View answer

Written answers

A total of 122 schools were due to lose a classroom teacher (73 in the 2012/13 school year and 49 in the 2013/14 school year) as a result of the small schools 2012 budget measure. The appeals process reduced these losses to 43 in the 2012/13 school year and 32 in the 2013/14 school year.

The list of these schools is being given to the Deputy.

The allocation process for the 2014/15 school year is currently underway.

Early indications are that 34 primary schools are due to lose a classroom teacher for the 2014/15 school year as a consequence of the implementation of the final phase of the Budget 2012 measure. This figure is preliminary at this stage and would be expected to reduce following the appeals process. The final position will be known in the Autumn.

Schools That Lost A Post in 2012/13 School Year

County

Roll No

School Name

Outcome

Carlow

17174E

S N Bhrighde, Cuan, Carlow, Co Carlow

Successful Appeal

Cavan

06998Q

St Patrick'S Ns, Corlough, Belturbet Post Office, Co Leitrim, Via Co Cavan

Cavan

12099O

Billis N S, New Inn, Ballyjamesduff, Co Cavan

Successful Appeal

Cavan

17630E

S N Maodhog, Cnoc Brighde, Bailieboro, Co Cavan

Clare

17633K

S N Eoin Baiste, Ballyvaughan, Via Galway, Co Clare

Cork

05636A

Dunmanway Model N S, Dunmanway, Co Cork

Successful Appeal

Cork

17079K

S N Carraig An Ime, Macroom, Co Cork

Successful Appeal

Cork

17281F

Togher N S, Dunmanway, Co Cork

Cork

17533G

S N Rathain, Mallow, Co Cork

Cork

18549D

S N Cnoc Na Croighe, Cnoc Na Groighe, Mallow, Co Cork

Cork

19978I

Maulatrahane Central Ns, Leap, Skibbereen, Co Cork

Donegal

14631O

Scoil Cholmchille, Malin, Lifford, Co Donegal

Successful Appeal

Donegal

16384K

Sn Arainn Mhor Ii, Arainn Mhor, Co Dhun Na Ngall

Donegal

16819T

S N Gort An Choirce, Leitir Ceanainn, Co Dhun Na Ngall

Donegal

16829W

S N Loch An Iubhair, Anagaire, Leitir Ceanainn, Tir Chonaill

Donegal

18219F

Sn Chonaill, Machaire Chlochair, Bun Beag, Co Dhun Na Ngall

Donegal

18251B

Ayr Hill N S Ramelton, Ramelton, Letterkenny, Co Donegal

Successful Appeal

Donegal

18286U

S N Na Hacrai, Ailt An Chorrain, Leitirceanainn, Co Dhun Na Ngall

Successful Appeal

Donegal

19252I

S N Umlach, Carrigart, Co Donegal

Successful Appeal

Donegal

20144M

Gaelscoil Chois Feabhaill, Gaa, Bun An Phobail, Co Dhun Na Ngall

Dublin

18642Q

S N Naomh Eoin, Tower Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22

Successful Appeal

Galway

10591I

S N An Ard Mhoir, Carna, Conamara, Co Na Gaillimhe

Galway

10763L

Boston N S, Tubber, Gort, Co Galway

Successful Appeal

Galway

11261P

Scoil Mhuire, An Tuairin, Beal An Daingin, Co Na Gaillimhe

Successful Appeal

Galway

14377D

S N Cill Conaill, Cill Conaill, Beal Atha Na Sluagh, Co Na Gaillimhe

Successful Appeal

Galway

17760R

S N Baile An Leasa, Dunmore, Tuam, Co Galway

Galway

17922R

Cloghans Hill N S, Tuam, Co Galway

Successful Appeal

Galway

18113M

S N Cill Solain, Killasolan, Caltra, Ballinasloe, Co Galway

Galway

18289D

Scoil Naomh Iosef, Castlehackett, Belclare Tuam, Co Galway

Successful Appeal

Galway

19283T

Ballymacward Central Sc, Ballymacward Central Sc, Ballinasloe, Co Galway

Kerry

09938N

Curranes N S, Castleisland, Co Kerry

Successful Appeal

Kerry

18233W

Scoil Paroisteach, Tralee, Co Kerry

Kerry

18756I

Fibough National School, Caislean Na Mainge, Co Chiarrai

Kerry

19492F

Sn Oilibhear Naofa, Beal Ata Longphuirt, Co Chiarrai

Kerry

19986H

S N Eoin Baiste, Garrai Na Dtor, Liospoil, Co Chiarrai

Successful Appeal

Kildare

17557U

Scoil Abbain Cillin, Maganey, Athy, Co Kildare

Successful Appeal

Kilkenny

14476F

Wandesforde Mixed N S, Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny

Laois

18075H

Rathdomhnaigh N S, Rathdowney, Co Laois

Leitrim

17558W

S N Rosan, Carrigallen, Co. Leitrim

Limerick

17364J

Scoil Baile An Aird, Baile An Aird, Kilmallock, Co Limerick

Successful Appeal

Limerick

17981K

S N Gleann Na Gcreabhar, Gleann Na Gcreabhar, Cill Mocheallog, Co Luimni

Successful Appeal

Limerick

20233L

Scoil Chaitríona, Cappamore, Co Limerick

Longford

12136R

Scoil Bhríde, Glen, Edgeworthstown, Co Longford

Longford

12736S

Naomh Guasachta N S, Bunlahy, Ballinalee, Co Longford

Successful Appeal

Longford

14300O

Killasonna Mixed N S, Killasonna, Granard, Co Longford

Longford

17724N

Ballycloghan NS, Ballycloghan, Co. Longford

Mayo

14205U

S N Mainistir Muigheo, Claremorris, Co Mayo

Successful Appeal

Mayo

14923E

Keenagh N S, Keenaghbeg P O, Beal Atha An Fheadha, Co Mayo

Mayo

15007V

Partry N S, Claremorris, Co Mayo

Mayo

16295L

Sn An Chorrain, Gob A Choire, Co Mhaigh Eo

Offaly

15638K

Edenderry 2 N S, Edenderry, Co Offaly

Roscommon

07455G

Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal, Ballygar, Co Roscommon

Successful Appeal

Roscommon

13757I

Tarmon N S, Castlerea, Co Roscommon

Successful Appeal

Roscommon

14966W

Kilteevan N S, Roscommon, Co Roscommon

Roscommon

15217J

Ardkeerin N S, Riverstown, Boyle, Co Roscommon

Successful Appeal

Roscommon

15543W

Tibohine N S, Castlerea, Roscommon

Roscommon

17904P

S N Brusna, Brusna, Bealach A Doirin, Co Roscommon

Roscommon

18005J

Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal, Fiobhach Diseart, Beal Atha Na Sluaighe, Co Roscomain

Roscommon

18061T

Scoil Mhuire, Ballyleague, Lanesboro Po, Co Roscommon

Sligo

18029A

S N Muire Gan Smal, Druimeanna, Tubbercurry, Co Sligo

Successful Appeal

Sligo

19688W

Dromore West Central, Dromore West, Sligo

Tipperary

00590A

Borrisoleigh B N S, Borrisoleigh, Co Tipperary

Successful Appeal

Tipperary

09967U

Upper Newtown N S, Upper Newtown, Carrick On Suir, Co Tipperary

Tipperary

17640H

S N Colmain Naofa, Tir Da Glas, Nenagh, Co Tipperary

Tipperary

18322V

S N An Droma, Thurles, Co Tipperary

Tipperary

19540N

Clogheen Central N S, Clogheen, Co Tipperary

Successful Appeal

Tipperary

19640R

Scoil Mhuire, Lismackin, Roscrea, Co Tipperary

Successful Appeal

Westmeath

01731U

Ballynacargy Mixed N S, Ballynacargy, Co Westmeath

Westmeath

17054R

S N Ard Cianain, Druim, Athlone, Co Westmeath

Successful Appeal

Westmeath

18764H

Ard Na Gcraith N S, Ard Na Gcraith, Walderstown, Athlone, Co Westmeath

Wexford

15883A

Killegney NS, Clonroche, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford

Wexford

17117P

S N Cul Greine, Coolgreany, Gorey, Co Wexford

Successful Appeal

Wicklow

14829M

Redcross 1 N S, Redcross, Co Wicklow

Schools That Did Not Gain A Post in 2013/14 School Year

County

Roll No

School Name

Outcome

Clare

18565B

S N Ma Sheasta, Moyasta, Co Clare

Cork

06295F

Freemount Mixed N S, Rathluirc, Co Cork

Successful Appeal

Cork

10724B

South Abbey Ns, Youghal, Co Cork

Successful Appeal

Cork

14726C

Kinsale N S, Kinsale, Co Cork

Cork

16876I

S N Caipin, Iniscein, Co Chorcai

Cork

16901E

S N Padraig Naofa N B, Skibbereen, Co Cork

Cork

16955E

S N Na Mona Fliche, Macroom, Co Cork

Successful Appeal

Donegal

16903I

S N Fothar, Port Na Blaithche, Leitir Ceanainn, Co Dun Na Ngall

Donegal

17130H

Scoil Naomh Dubhthach, Machaire Ui Rabhartaigh, Gort A Choirce, Leitir Ceanainn, Co Dhun Na Ngall

Donegal

18007N

S N Olibhear Pluinceid, Rann Na Feirste, Anagaire, Co Dhun Na Ngall

Successful Appeal

Donegal

18517N

Scoil Mhuire, Dristearnain, Gleneely Po Lifford, Co Donegal

Successful Appeal

Donegal

18844F

Scoil Mhuire, Belcruit, Kincasslagh, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal

Galway

13621G

S N Muire, Letterfrack, Co Galway

Galway

15900U

The Glebe N.S., Aughrim, Ballinasloe, Co Galway

Galway

16121B

Attymon N S, Attymon, Athenry, Co Galway

Kerry

12701W

Scoil An Fhaill Mor, Caherciveen, Co Kerry

Laois

18203N

Cul An Tsudaire N S, Cul An Tsudaire, Portarlington, Co Laois

Successful Appeal

Leitrim

20260O

Gaelscoil Chluainín, Sráid An Chaisleáin, Cluainín Uí Ruairc, Co. Liatroma

Successful Appeal

Limerick

04469C

S N Fiodhnach, Killmallock, Co Limerick

Longford

14300O

Killasonna Mixed N S, Killasonna, Granard, Co Longford

Mayo

07374G

Ballintubber N S, Claremorris, Co Mayo

Mayo

14923E

Keenagh N S, Keenaghbeg P O, Beal Atha An Fheadha, Co Mayo

Mayo

17682A

S N Colm Naofa, Coggale, Westport, Co Mayo

Meath

17029S

S N Naomh Cianain, Cushenstown, Ashbourne, Co Meath

Roscommon

15543W

Tibohine N S, Castlerea, Roscommon

Roscommon

18005J

Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal, Fiobhach Diseart, Beal Atha Na Sluaighe, Co Roscomain

Tipperary

09967U

Upper Newtown N S, Upper Newtown, Carrick On Suir, Co Tipperary

Successful Appeal

Tipperary

18322V

S N An Droma, Thurles, Co Tipperary

Successful Appeal

Waterford

17570M

S N Na Bhfiodh, Cill Mhic Thomais, Co Waterford

Waterford

18257N

S N Baile An Fhasaigh, Ballyfacey, Glenmore, Co Waterford

Wexford

15940J

Tombrack N S, Tombrack, Ferns, Co Wexford

Wicklow

18470N

Naomh Brid N S, Cnoc An Eanaigh, Ballinglen, Co Wicklow

School Enrolments Data

Questions (124)

Denis Naughten

Question:

124. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to share school enrolment data with the Department of Social Protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8908/14]

View answer

Written answers

My Department currently shares information on post-primary students as provided by recognised schools to my Department with the Department of Social Protection for the purpose of verifying student identity as outlined in Departmental circular 47/2010. This is a Fair Processing Notice which explains how my Department processes the personal data of post-primary students in compliance with the Data Protection Acts 1988 to 2003. This circular is available on my Department's website www.education.ie

My Department is also in the process of developing an individualised database for primary school students. Once this database is in place, it is proposed to share information with the Department of Social Protection for the purposes of validating student identity. A Fair Processing Notice in relation to this data sharing is currently being prepared by my Department and will be released in due course.

School Curriculum

Questions (125, 139)

Brendan Smith

Question:

125. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills in view of the submission by school management and professional bodies to his Department on the need for an external assessment model to support the process of school-based assessment in the junior cycle framework, if he will be proposing a model of external assessment; if he will provide information regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9152/14]

View answer

Brendan Smith

Question:

139. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills in view of the submission by school management and professional bodies to his Department on the resources needed for the successful implementation of the new junior cycle framework, if he will consider lifting the moratorium on posts of responsibility in order that schools can appoint appropriate personnel to educational leadership posts, namely, moderation co-ordinators at school level and moderation facilitators at subject level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9153/14]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 125 and 139 together.

I welcome the submission by the management bodies and the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD) in relation to assessment and moderation which was made in the context of ongoing discussions with the education stakeholders.

On January 17 a national working group of education stakeholders met to discuss issues relating to Junior Cycle. Following that meeting a number of sub-groups were established including one on "Quality Assurance and Support for Teacher Assessment" and "Workload and Implementation Issues for Schools and Teachers". The submission was made to facilitate discussion at these groups.

The issue of external moderation and resources, including posts, fall to be discussed in the sub-groups and in turn reported to the national working group. It is not my intention to pre-empt the conclusions of the sub-group or the national working group. I have asked that a full report be made to me by mid-May and at that point, I will make a final decision on these issues.

Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Questions (126)

Colm Keaveney

Question:

126. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he is satisfied that children with dyslexia are receiving the help they require in school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8969/14]

View answer

Written answers

Mainstream schools have been allocated some 5,520 additional teachers, through general allocation, to provide extra teaching supports for children with high incidence special educational needs and Specific Learning Disabilities, including Dyslexia.

Schools utilise these resources to ensure that children with Dyslexia receive the help they require. My Department has provided guidance to schools in relation to the utilisation of these additional teaching resources.

A number of special schools and special classes have also been established to meet the needs of children with Specific Learning Disability, including Dyslexia. There are 4 Special Schools and 15 Special Classes catering for pupils with Specific Learning Disability.

Further resources provided to schools to support Dyslexia include an information resource pack on Dyslexia which has been made available to all Primary and Post Primary schools, funding for the purchase of specialised equipment, special arrangements at state exams, and additional training for teachers who support children with Dyslexia, through the Special Education Support Service.

Schools Amalgamation

Questions (127, 133)

Billy Kelleher

Question:

127. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Education and Skills the role his Department plays in schools amalgamation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9090/14]

View answer

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

133. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to recent proposals by religious patrons to close a number of primary schools across the State and the consequences this will have for children and communities. [9165/14]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 127 and 133 together.

I am aware that some Patrons have initiated consultation processes relating to amalgamation proposals that may involve primary school closures. I wish to advise the Deputies that the decision making authority for any school amalgamation belongs to the school's patron and this is subject to the approval of the Minister for Education and Skills.

The initiative for any amalgamation may come from a variety of sources, such as parents, staff, Board of Management and patron(s). Any such proposal to amalgamate schools must first involve consultation with all of the relevant stakeholders and follow decisions taken at local level. In that regard, any proposed changes must be planned and managed in a manner that accommodates the interests of students, parents, teachers, local communities and contributes to an inclusive education system.

The Patron and relevant stakeholders are also advised by the Department to consider the implications that any amalgamation proposal may have on school funding, school staffing and school transport so that an informed decision can be made.

Question No. 128 answered with Question No. 121.

Schools Building Projects Status

Questions (129)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

129. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the works promised for a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9096/14]

View answer

Written answers

A major capital project for the school, to which the Deputy refers, involving an extension and refurbishment of the existing school building, which is a protected structure, is currently being advanced in architectural planning.

I wish to advise the Deputy that a significant element of the architectural design work has been completed and the project is being advanced through the remaining stages of the architectural planning process. In that context, when all elements of Stage 2(b) for this project have been completed and assessed, my Department will then be in touch with the school authorities regarding the potential progression of the project to tender and construction subject to the availability of funding at that time.

Early Years Strategy Implementation

Questions (130)

Robert Troy

Question:

130. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the final report on the Síolta quality assurance programme which he launched on 7 February last; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9158/14]

View answer

Written answers

The objective of the Síolta quality assurance programme (QAP) is to foster the development of an organisational culture which empowers both the setting and the staff to take ownership of and drive quality improvement as a continuous feature of everyday practice. The final report showed that the quality of early years settings improved through implementing the QAP but also identified the areas of practice that were most in need of development. The report highlights the lead role played by my Department in defining the role of Síolta mentor/co-ordinator and in bringing together individuals from multiple organisations to implement the Síolta QAP. Despite the structured nature of the Síolta QAP and a CPD programme, the report also identified the diversity of approaches used by different individuals.

The report's findings are being used in the D/CYA to inform the establishment of a new national support service for the early years sector.

School Curriculum

Questions (131)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

131. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will clarify recent comments made by him at the Irish Primary Principals' Network conference suggesting that teachers could choose not to teach religion in primary schools; if he is therefore planning to make changes to time allocated to teaching religion in the curriculum in this regard; his plans to address teachers' concerns regarding curriculum overload; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9144/14]

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Written answers

At the IPPN conference on Friday 24th of January 2014 I was asked what subjects I would take time away from in order to devote more time to literacy and numeracy. In response, I expressed my personal opinion that if I were a teacher who needed to spend more time on literacy and numeracy, I would take the time from religion. I did not say that the teaching of religion should be stopped in schools, nor are there any plans to revise the time devoted to teaching of religion at present in primary schools.

In the context of the Literacy and Numeracy Strategy, I have asked the NCCA to consider the allocation of curricular time across the full spectrum of curricular areas and await their response.

Child Protection

Questions (132)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

132. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the actions he will be taking following the judgment from the European Court of Human Rights in the case of a person (details supplied). [9146/14]

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Written answers

With the assistance of the Attorney General, I have sought further legal advice on the implications of the European Court of Human Rights judgement 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 State Claims Agency, to review these cases and any other relevant cases. Following the completion of this review and receipt of the legal advice sought I will be reporting back to Government on this matter and any decisions to be taken will be made in that context.

Specifically in relation to Ms O'Keeffe, the Deputy will be aware that I have endorsed the apology given by the Taoiseach and Tánaiste to Ms O'Keeffe and the damages and costs awarded by the European Court of Human Rights have been paid.

Question No. 133 answered with Question No. 127.

School Accommodation

Questions (134)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

134. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason he does not feel it appropriate to talk to the parents and board of management of a school (details supplied) in view of the uncertainty surrounding location for the school which is due to open in September; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9148/14]

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Written answers

My Department has been in ongoing contact with the patron of the second level school in question in relation to its accommodation arrangements. For reasons of practicality and to ensure coherent communication with interested parties, while also taking account of commercial sensitivities, the appropriate channel of communication in such instances is with the school Patrons, who, in turn, would be expected to communicate appropriately with their Boards of Management and their parents.

The Department's finite resources are focused on securing accommodation for the school in question. I understand that it expects to be able to tell the Patron shortly where the school will be located next September. The Patron is aware of this position.

Child Protection

Questions (135)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

135. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if, in view of European Court of Human Right's Judgment 027(2014), he will introduce comprehensive reforms of the funding-management model of schools to ensure a strong foundation of the sector going into the future; if he will provide details of the implications of the judgment for the current model; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8912/14]

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Written answers

The adequacy of child protection mechanisms is a central issue in the ECHR judgement to which the Deputy refers.

The landscape in relation to child protection is very different today than it was 40 years ago. In that regard, there are now national child protection procedures in place that schools are obliged to follow. The Children First guidelines soon to be put on a statutory footing apply equally to schools of all management types. Requirements in relation to Garda vetting are also in place and apply to all schools in the context of employing teachers or others. I do not see this as a funding issue either. It is about adhering to the guidelines. In relation to the implications of the judgment in general, I have sought and await legal advice and do not wish to pre-empt that advice. However, I can assure the Deputy that any legal advice received will be given careful consideration.

Early Years Strategy Implementation

Questions (136)

Robert Troy

Question:

136. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the key priorities his Department has in 2014 to ensure a high quality early years education system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9159/14]

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Written answers

While the Department of Children and Youth Affairs is responsible for early years education outside the formal education system, my Department has a key role in supporting quality within the sector and works closely with the D/CYA. Working with agencies funded by the D/CYA, the NCCA produced an Aistear-in-Action toolkit which is a resource for use in early years settings showing how the Aistear themes of Wellbeing, Identity and Belonging, Exploring and Thinking and Communication translate into practice. My Department has also directed the implementation of Síolta, the National Quality Framework, by working with these agencies.

Minister Fitzgerald has secured funding for a national quality support service, a training fund and an improved inspection regime. During 2014, my Department will continue to work closely with the D/CYA on the development of these measures and will be drawing on the expertise it has acquired through the implementation of Aistear and Síolta.

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