Thursday, 29 May 2014

Written Answers Nos. 1-30

Summer Works Scheme Expenditure

Questions (6)

John Halligan

Question:

6. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to his recent announcements regarding school improvements under the summer works scheme, in which only applications within categories 1 to 3, inclusive, 5 and 6 have received funding, if his Department has any plans to make any further announcements regarding applications received within the other categories; if he will be in a position to make any further funding available to cover unsuccessful applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23358/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

The Deputy will be aware that the Minister has approved more than €70 million in total on the 2014 Summer Works Scheme to allow 772 schools nationwide undertake vital improvement works to gas, electrical, mechanical, toilet and roofs. Commensurate with the level of funding set aside for the Scheme, applications were assessed on a top down basis in accordance with the prioritisation criteria outlined in the Circular accompanying the Scheme. At a time of limited resources, it was necessary to prioritise works in this manner. However, in accordance with the Scheme's Circular, applications from schools in categories 7 to 10 will be retained and will be prioritised for consideration under further rounds of the Summer Works Scheme in the future, subject to availability of funding.

Questions Nos. 7 to 9, inclusive, answered orally.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio

Questions (10)

John Halligan

Question:

10. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to address the serious issue of large class sizes within the education system; his views on whether the current pupil-teacher ratio is far in excess of where it needs to be in order to provide a comprehensive education to our young students; the way our pupil-teacher ratio compares with other EU member states; if he will make a firm commitment to reduce the ratio over the coming years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23359/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

The Government's focus in recent years has been on operating a budgetary programme that is designed to return the Government finances to a sustainable basis. This has helped Ireland to return to a position where we are seeing some economic growth. It is a continuing improvement in our economic growth that will enable us to move to a point in future budgets where we can look again at providing for additional teacher resources in schools which could bring about an improvement in PTR and class size.

It is important to point out that within the schools sector we know from international research that while class size is a factor, the quality of teaching is a far more significant factor in determining outcomes. In terms of international comparison, the last published statistics by the OECD show Ireland's PTR at slightly above the OECD average and average class size at primary level at 23.9 compared to an OECD average of 21.3.

Questions Nos. 11 and 12 answered orally.

Autism Support Services

Questions (13)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

13. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason he did not issue a policy document on educating children with autism and the consequences of this failure such that there is complete inconsistency in the way autism spectrum disorder, ASD, units have been opened and are now operating, as clearly highlighted in the recently published NCSE-ESRI report entitled Understanding Special Class Provision in Ireland: Findings from a National Survey of Schools, which found school principals varied widely in their attitudes towards the provision of special classes, with their varied responses highlighting a lack of awareness and understanding of how to set up a special class and the necessary criteria and eligibility for establishing them. [23280/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

My Department's policy on the education of children with autism resides within the overall policies on the education of children including those with special educational needs. I have asked the NCSE to provide me with Policy advice on the education of children with Autism and I expect this advice in the Spring of 2015. This advice will inform the development of future policy.

The report to which the Deputy refers was commissioned by the NCSE and undertaken by researchers at the ESRI and Trinity College. The NCSE has advised that the views and opinions in the report are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Council. The NCSE provided policy advice to me in 2011 on the future role of special schools and special classes including ASD units which advised that the composition of special classes should be determined in response to the needs of children with special educational needs. Neither report indicates that the absence of a single policy document on the education of children with autism negatively impacted on education provision for these children.

Special Educational Needs Staff

Questions (14, 19, 41, 46, 48)

Robert Troy

Question:

14. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the likely impact of his Department's Circular 0030/2014 on children with special needs in our schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23375/14]

Colm Keaveney

Question:

19. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Skills his response to the alarm and disquiet that has been provoked by his Department's recent Circular 0030/2014 on special needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23371/14]

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

41. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way he proposes to address the deep concerns that have been expressed with regard to the recently published Circular 0030/2014 on special needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23368/14]

John Browne

Question:

46. Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has met with parents of children with special needs to discuss his Department's recent Circular 0030/2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23379/14]

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

48. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Skills the implications of Circular 0030/2014 for the education of children with special needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23373/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

I propose to take Questions Nos. 14, 19, 41, 46 and 48 together.

The purpose of Circular 0030/2014 is not to reduce the number of SNA posts in schools, but to clarify the role and purpose of SNA support and to ensure it is targeted at those pupils who need it. My officials have already consulted with school Management Bodies prior to issuing the circular and is currently setting up further meetings with Management Bodies and Parent representative groups to allay any fears.

There are currently some 10,965 posts available for allocation of which 10,656 SNA posts are currently allocated, which is more than at any time previously. This means that - rather than a reduction of SNA posts - there is provision for a further 309 posts to be allocated to schools to end-December 2014. These extra posts will ensure the Government's policy of ensuring every child assessed as needing SNA support will receive access to support. Implementation of the circular should ensure that children's care needs are better understood so that SNAs can work more effectively to assist children in their care.

Question No. 15 answered orally.

School Curriculum

Questions (16)

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

16. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department has any plans to incentivise the number of students taking physics, chemistry and applied mathematics at leaving certificate higher level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23385/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

The NCCA has recently provided me with new specifications for Leaving Certificate Physics, Chemistry and Biology. However the NCCA will trial the specifications, particularly in the context of the proposed new practical examination. It is expected that these science specifications will not only attract more higher level students but, for Physics, it is hoped that it will also attract more girls and more students to study Physics at Ordinary level.

The NCCA has commenced its consideration of Applied Mathematics. It is intended to issue a background paper for consultation in the autumn. The findings of the consultation process will inform the way forward for Applied Mathematics. Currently few Leaving Certificate candidates opt to study Applied Mathematics.

The STEM sector needs second level students with a scientific and mathematics background - both for those young people who intend to enter Higher Education and study in this area and also for those who intend to follow NFQ level 6 and 7 programmes.

Question No. 17 answered with Question No. 8.

Question No. 18 answered with Question No. 15.

Question No. 19 answered with Question No. 14.

State Examinations

Questions (20)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

20. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will ensure that all children with dyslexia and other learning difficulties are provided with the assistance needed for the leaving certificate this year. [23275/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

The State Examinations Commission (SEC) has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations. Children with specific learning difficulties, such as dyslexia, as well as those with physical conditions, are accommodated in the examinations under the SEC's scheme of Reasonable Accommodations at the Certificate Examinations (RACE Scheme). However, the existence of a specific learning difficulty does not automatically make a candidate eligible to avail of reasonable accommodations in the certificate examinations. Even though candidates may have a specific difficulty with reading, writing or spelling, they may not require the provision of any special accommodations provided that they can read the examination papers at the required level and write legibly.

Appeals against any aspect of the SEC's decision on RACE applications can be made to an Appeals Committee which is independent of the SEC. Neither I nor my Department have any role in reviewing decisions on RACE made by the SEC or the Independent Appeals Committee.

Question No. 21 answered with Question No. 7.

Autism Support Services

Questions (22)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

22. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 243 of 4 February 2014, his views on the way his Department's early intervention preschools, set up to support children with a diagnosis of autism, are functioning; if there has been engagement with the primary school teachers and special needs assistants working in these preschool classes as to their capacity, ability, skills and training to work with children with autism and children with challenging behaviour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23291/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

I note that the Deputy has clarified that she is referring to private pre-schools which are attended by children using their home tuition grant. Some parents of young children with autism, who are eligible for home tuition, requested that my Department accommodate the tuition being provided in a group setting offered by private providers. My Department has facilitated direct payment arrangements with a small number of private pre-school providers, subject to agreed terms and conditions. My Department's Inspectorate has engaged with one of the private pre-school providers and planning for future engagement with the preschools, to include the primary teachers employed by them, will be undertaken by officials of my Department. Private providers are required to comply with the terms of the Home Tuition scheme insofar as it requires that the tuition must be provided by a qualified teacher.

Given that the private providers have been selected by parents, it is open to any parent to revert to Home Tuition in the event that they are in any way dissatisfied with the service provided.

Teacher Redeployment

Questions (23)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

23. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on whether June is too late for the appeals board to sit in relation to teachers from primary schools; if he will consider bringing it forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23292/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

The Primary Staffing Appeals Board meets three times per year - February, June and October. The first meeting was held in February, 2014. Most schools that intend to submit appeals generally do so for the February meeting of the Appeals Board. This gives schools an early opportunity to have their appeals heard.

The second meeting of the Appeals Board is normally held in June. This year it will be held on 10 June 2014. The issue of an earlier timeframe for this meeting has not been raised by education partners in their regular discussions with my Department. My Department is open to facilitating the appeals meeting being brought forward into May. My Department will discuss this further with education partners as part of its normal engagement with them in the Autumn on the teacher allocation and redeployment process for the 2015/16 school year.

Schools Anti-Bullying Procedures

Questions (24)

Seán Kyne

Question:

24. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the lack of momentum, as reported in the education supplement of a national newspaper last week, in implementing the new anti-bullying policy in schools, a circular for which issued in September 2013 and which directed schools to implement a new policy, with corresponding procedures and practices, prior to the end of the second school term of the school year 2013-14; and the steps that will be taken to ensure the effective introduction of the very welcome new anti-bullying policy. [23350/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

When the new anti-bullying procedures for schools were published last September, it was acknowledged that schools would need time to develop an anti-bullying policy in line with the new procedures. Accordingly the accompanying circular allowed schools a period up to the Easter break of this year to make the necessary arrangements, including consultations with the school community, for developing and formally adopting an anti-bullying policy which fully complies with the requirements of the procedures.

My Department's Inspectorate will now, as part of its inspection of schools, be specifically examining schools compliance with the new anti-bullying procedures including the actions taken to create a positive school culture and to prevent and tackle bullying. While the newspaper article is a cause of concern, the work of the Department's Inspectorate in the school inspection process will give a better overview on how well the new procedures are being implemented at school level. This is an issue that parents and parent associations can also raise directly with their school.

Gaelscoil Issues

Questions (25)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

25. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will approve an application by a school (details supplied) to set up a new gaelcholáiste on the northside of Cork city to cater for the increase in the number of children attending primary education taught through the medium of Irish and parents who want their children to be educated through Irish. [23279/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

I can confirm to the Deputy that the Department recently received a submission from an advocacy group concerning the establishment of an all-Irish post-primary school to serve the north side of Cork City. The Department's current five-year construction plan is focused 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 accommodate increasing pupil numbers. The submission in question will, therefore, be considered in the context of the overall need for additional school places and or new schools to meet demographic demands into the future.

School Management

Questions (26)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

26. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a school (details supplied) has had a manager in place managing the school, and not a board of management, for over a year; the reason the manager of the school has reversed the decision to take in three first year classes for September 2015 and is now only enrolling two first year classes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23278/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

In accordance with the provisions of the Education Act 1998, the appointment of a Board of Management of a school is a matter for the relevant school patron. Under the provisions of this Act, where a patron determines that the appointment of a board is not practicable, or where the patron, with the consent of the Minister, has dissolved a board of management, the patron may appoint a manager or managers to perform the functions of the board. In accordance with these provisions, the patron appointed a single manager to the school in question in May 2013.

In relation to the enrolment policy of the school, the Deputy will be aware that this, including the number of pupils to be admitted in any given year, is primarily a matter for the school authority itself subject to the approval of the patron. In that regard, my Department has recently been informed by the school patron that the manager of the school is currently working with the Principal and parents in constructing an admissions policy for 2015.

School Closures

Questions (27, 40, 47, 49)

Timmy Dooley

Question:

27. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will alter his small schools policy in the wake of remarks he made on a recent visit to County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23383/14]

Brendan Smith

Question:

40. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will re-examine his plans for small schools following recent comments he made about their importance in rural communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23381/14]

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

47. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills in view of his recent comments on the need for some communities to retain a small school, if he will reverse the changes he introduced in Budget 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23367/14]

Dara Calleary

Question:

49. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will revise the budget 2012 changes he introduced for small schools in view of recent comments he made on the need for some communities to retain such schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23377/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

I propose to take Questions Nos. 27, 40, 47 and 49 together.

The Minister has previously made clear on a number of occasions that the final phase of the Budget 2012 measure in relation to small schools will not be suspended. Flexibility was introduced to the staffing appeals process for the small schools affected by the budget measure to enable them to retain their existing staffing level if they are projecting the required level of enrolments for September.

When the Minister was in County Clare recently he stressed that the Budget 2012 measure is not about closing small schools. He indicated that the Budget measure puts their staffing arrangements on a more sustainable basis. He also indicated that he is open to hearing various views in relation to maintaining rural schools. The Minister has had initial discussions with the CPSMA and the INTO in relation to their proposals on the issue of primary school consolidation and reorganisation.

Question No. 28 answered with Question No. 7.

International Students

Questions (29)

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

29. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide details of the engagement his Department has had with the Department of Justice and Equality on the issue of allowing students from outside the European Union to study for fixed periods of time in second level schools here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23386/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

The two Departments agreed a shared policy towards unaccompanied non-EEA (European Economic Area) students studying in Irish schools which was articulated in the Review of the Student Immigration Regime published in 2010 by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS). This allowed a concession whereby such students were only permitted to attend fee-paying schools. This concession is being considered by the two Departments as part of the current review of Ireland's International Education Strategy, which was also published in 2010.

School Costs

Questions (30)

Denis Naughten

Question:

30. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps he is taking to provide free education to families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23282/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

The Minister is very conscious that costs arise for families as children progress through school. He has taken a number of initiatives to reduce the burden on families. He met the Irish Educational Publishers' Association and impressed on them the need to limit the cost of textbooks and avoid a position where textbooks are altered unnecessarily. The Association agreed a voluntary Code of Practice. He published "Guidelines for Developing Textbook Rental Schemes in Schools" and a "Guide for Parents". These Guidelines will encourage this practice across all schools in our education landscape. In Budget 2013 the Minister announced that €15m had been secured over three years to support primary schools who did not operate book rental schemes. €6.7m of that funding will be distributed to these schools in 2014 and 2015. The balance of €8.3m, will be divided among all other primary schools that currently operate book rental schemes in 2015 and 2016.

He has requested schools to consult parents on the school policy in relation to school uniforms, so that parents can express a view on the use of lower cost options.