Written Answers Nos. 51-76
51. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will expand on his recently expressed opinion that guidance is a whole-school activity and does not just involve the guidance counsellor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23374/14]
View answerSince September 2012 guidance provision is now provided from within the overall staffing allocation of the school. This gives schools greater autonomy to determine how they deploy their teaching resources across the competing needs of the school. The representative organisations for School Principals and school management developed a framework that assists schools on how best to manage the provision of guidance from within their staffing allocation. Wherever possible, group work and class based activity should be used to maximise the amount of time available for those pupils that are in most need of one to one support.
While the school's guidance planning should involve and, where appropriate, be led by the guidance counsellor(s) in the first instance, other members of school staff and management also have key roles to play. Parents and students must be seen as an essential part of the process. Through this process schools can, for example, consider the following options for maximising the use of their available resources for the provision of guidance:
- Optimise the delivery of personal educational, career and vocational guidance in class group settings
- Enable students to use directly the extensive range of guidance tools available through the internet from relevant websites (e.g. Qualifax, Careers Portal)
- Enable some of the curriculum elements of the planned guidance programme to be delivered through other teachers such as SPHE staff
- Maximise the role of the pastoral care team in schools
- Ensure that the guidance counsellor has 1:1 time towards meeting the counselling needs of students experiencing difficulties or crisis and
- Refer students with particular difficulties to outside experts who are specialists in particular relevant areas
In February the Department published a guide to developing student support teams in post primary schools. This is an important resource for schools in promoting and protecting students' well-being and an aid to establishing a team or reviewing an existing team. I am confident schools act in the best interests of students when determining how best to use the teaching resources available to them.
52. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on his plans for the full implementation of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 in view of the fact that it is now a decade since the Act was passed by the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23365/14]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that a significant number of sections of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act have been commenced, principally those establishing the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) and those promoting an inclusive approach to the education of children with special educational needs. In light of the very difficult economic situation and the significant costs involved, the previous Government deferred the full implementation of EPSEN.
In 2012, my Department requested the NCSE to provide policy advice on how the education system can best support children with special educational needs. The NCSE Report on Supporting Children with Special Educational Needs in Schools has now been published and is available on the NCSE website www.ncse.ie. While the report recommends that the EPSEN Act be fully implemented as soon as possible, the report also states that the NCSE recognises that the current economic climate makes it unlikely that the Government will be able to implement this recommendation in the short to medium term.
While awaiting the full implementation of the EPSEN Act, the NCSE has made a number of recommendations aimed at developing a better or more effective alternative to the current resource allocation model, which aims to move the system towards ultimate implementation of the EPSEN Act. It also recommends that under a proposed new allocation model, all children should be allocated additional resources in line with their level of need, rather than by disability category. The Chairperson of the Working Group which was established to develop proposals for a new resource allocation model, submitted its report to me on 5th March and I am considering the report's recommendations.
53. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Finance if he or his officials have raised the issue of Setanta Insurance at EU level; if his Department is aware of the reason the Malta Financial Services Authority did not use the option of administration instead of liquidation, as was done here in the cases of Quinn Insurance, ICI and the PMPA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23552/14]
View answerIn my role as the Minister for Finance I have responsibility for the development of the legal framework governing financial regulation in Ireland. The day to day responsibility for the supervision of Irish authorised financial institutions is a matter for the Central Bank of Ireland which is statutorily independent in the exercise of its regulatory and supervisory functions.
Setanta Insurance Company Limited (Setanta) is a Maltese incorporated company which was both authorised and prudentially supervised by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA). Its financial position was not supervised by the Central Bank of Ireland. Setanta was regulated at EU level in accordance with a directive known as Solvency I which places requirements on the amount of regulatory capital European insurance companies must hold against unforeseen events. I understand that Setanta met its EU regulatory obligations and under EU law and was therefore, entitled to trade across EU borders before this development.
The Central Bank was notified by the MFSA on 16 April that the shareholders of Setanta had resolved to wind up the company. The effect of this was that Setanta did not have sufficient funds to be able to honour its full obligations towards claimants, policyholders and other creditors. Consequently Setanta was formally placed into liquidation by the MFSA on the 30 April 2014 and Mr. Paul Mercieca was appointed as Liquidator. It should be noted that the option of placing the company into administration as happened to Quinn Insurance - thus supporting the operation of the business on a going concern and safeguarding the interests of all policyholders - is not an option available under Maltese law.
My officials have been in discussions with the Central Bank of Ireland, the MFSA and with the Setanta Liquidator and I have asked them to convey my wish that every effort is made to facilitate Setanta policyholders in obtaining new motor insurance policies and in understanding their overall position. Furthermore the Central Bank continues to have ongoing contact with the MFSA and with the Liquidator of Setanta on a range of matters.
My Department and the Central Bank will be reviewing the circumstances relating to Setanta and will be reporting to me on what lessons can be learnt, though it should be said that because most of the relevant legislation is EU determined there may be limits on what can be done in the short-term. Because of this however the matter has also been raised with the European Commission and it has indicated that it will also review whether any issues raised relating to the regulatory and legislative framework require action. In this regard, it should be noted that with the introduction of the more risk sensitive Solvency II from 1 January 2016, there should be less likelihood of this type of situation arising in the future.
54. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Finance if he will meet with the Irish Brokers Association in relation to the issues surrounding the liquidation of Setanta Insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23553/14]
View answerThe Irish Brokers Association (IBA) wrote to me recently regarding their concerns arising from the impact of the liquidation of Setanta Insurance Company Limited on their members and their policyholders. They also sought a meeting with me and/or my officials to discuss these concerns. I have asked officials from my Department to meet with the IBA at an early date and discuss these concerns and to report back to me. I understand that arrangements are being made at present for this meeting to take place.
My Department and the Central Bank will be reviewing the circumstances relating to Setanta and will be reporting to me on what lessons can be learnt and how the regulatory framework can be strengthened.
55. Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Finance if he will initiate an immediate review of the rules following on from the liquidation of Setanta Insurance, to ensure equal treatment for all policyholders, that standards are harmonised across all jurisdictions to protect consumers of insurance products, and that regulatory arbitrage does not arise when entities are seeking authorisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23566/14]
View answerThe current legal and regulatory framework for the provision of insurance in the European Economic Area (EEA), and the supervision of that activity, is prescribed by European Union Law in the Life and Non-Life Insurance Directives. The provision of insurance throughout the EEA on a freedom of services basis and a freedom of establishment basis (i.e. a branch) within this framework is predicated upon the absence of internal market frontiers and the mutual recognition of the authorisation of insurance undertakings by Member States.
The Insurance Directives specify particular roles for both the home Member State supervisory authority (i.e. the supervisory authority that grants an authorisation) and the host Member State supervisory authority (i.e. the supervisory authority of a Member State where an insurance undertaking conducts business of a freedom of services or freedom of establishment basis) of an insurance undertaking. Insurance undertakings authorised under the Insurance Directives are subject to solvency and financial reserving requirements, the supervision of these requirements is the sole responsibility of the home Member State supervisory authority. The primary objective of these requirements is to ensure that claims made in respect of policies issued will be adequately provided for by an insurance undertaking.
Under EU law which governs non-life insurance, an insurer is required to inform the regulator in its home Member State (its home regulator) that it intends to pursue business in another Member State. The home regulator must then provide the host regulator with a certificate attesting that the insurer covers the EU Solvency Capital Requirement, as well as the nature of the business which the insurer intends to undertake. The insurer may start to pursue business from the date that the certificate is communicated to the host regulator, in this case the Central Bank of Ireland. Under Article 20 of the Third Non-Life Directive the Home Regulator is also required to notify the Host Regulator if the solvency margin of an undertaking falls below the statutory requirement. In such instances the Home Regulator should inform the Host Regulator of the measures it has taken to address the solvency deficit. Where a non-life undertaking authorised in another Member State goes into liquidation and policyholders in relation to risks in this State are affected, the Accountant of the High Court can make an application to the High Court on their behalf, under the Insurance Compensation Fund and, subject to certain exclusions, can distribute sums due to such policyholders from the ICF.
EEA insurance regulators are also members of EIOPA (European Insurance & Occupational Pension Authority) and are required to comply with the General Protocol relating to the collaboration of the insurance supervisory authorities of the Member States of the European Union. This general protocol statement was issued in 2008 and is currently under review by EIOPA. Setanta Insurance was regulated at EU regulatory level in accordance with a directive known as Solvency I and I understand that Setanta met its EU regulatory obligations. Following negotiations that were completed at European level in November, 2013, a new regime known as Solvency II will commence on 1 January 2016, which will further strengthen the EU regulatory framework. The Solvency II EU Directive sets out new, stronger EU-wide requirements on capital adequacy and risk management for insurers with the key aim of increasing policyholder protection. The new regime will also ensure greater cooperation between supervisors.
My Department and the Central Bank will be reviewing the circumstances relating to Setanta and will be reporting to me on what lessons can be learnt and how the framework can be strengthened. The European Commission has also indicated that it will review whether any issues raised relating to the regulatory framework require action.
56. Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Finance notwithstanding the concept of the free market, his views on the wisdom of allowing financial service providers to offer products which are clearly priced at an uneconomic rate; if legislation should provide for supervisory oversight of pricing in line with the requirements for improved actuarial evaluation and assessment of risk exposure promoted in consultation paper 73 of consultation on requirements for reserving and pricing for non-life insurers and reinsurers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23567/14]
View answerIn my role as the Minister for Finance I have responsibility for the development of the legal framework governing financial regulation. The day to day responsibility for the supervision of financial institutions is a matter for the Central Bank of Ireland, which is statutorily independent in the exercise of its regulatory functions. The decision to provide any specific form of insurance cover and the price at which it is offered is a commercial matter based on the assessment an insurer will make of the risks involved and a need to ensure adequate provisioning for future losses. The Central Bank has no remit over the pricing of insurance products. Competent Authorities are specifically restricted from interfering in the pricing of insurance products under the various European insurance directives.
The legal and regulatory framework for the provision of insurance in the EEA, and the supervision of that activity, is prescribed by European Union Law in the Life and Non-Life Insurance Directives. As such, Member States, such as Ireland, are limited in terms of the matters for which provision may be made in national legislation. That framework expressly prohibits Member States adopting provisions requiring the prior approval or systematic notification of certain matters including general and special policy conditions, scales of premiums and, for life insurance, technical bases used for calculating scales of premiums. Furthermore, in the context of non-life insurance, that framework provides non-life insurers with the freedom to set premiums, as has been acknowledged in case law by the ECJ (Case C-518/06). In this regard, Member States cannot require non-life insurance undertakings to make prior notification or seek prior approval of proposed increases in premium rates, except as part of general a price-control system.
Insurance undertakings carrying on business in Member States, including Ireland, are required by the Life and Non-Life Insurance Directives, as transposed into national law, to establish and maintain technical reserves, an adequate solvency margin and a minimum guarantee fund. Compliance by an insurer with those requirements, which are important financial indicators of an insurer, are designed with policyholders in mind.
57. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance if he will ensure that VAT and levies paid by Setanta Insurance policyholders will be refunded directly to them; the total amount collected by the Exchequer in 2013 and 2014, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23587/14]
View answerI am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that insurance and reinsurance transactions and the supply of related services by insurance brokers and insurance agents are exempt from VAT. In such circumstances no VAT would have been charged to policy holders and no VAT would have been collected by the Exchequer. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that any levy paid by an insurance company under Section 125 of the Stamp Duties Consolidation Act 1999 is a liability of the insurer, not of the insured policyholder, notwithstanding that the premium the insurer charges may reflect the levy.
The tax affairs of the company mentioned by you are confidential, as are the tax affairs of all taxpayers. Accordingly, the Revenue Commissioners are not in a position to disclose details of the amounts collected by them from the insurer in question for 2013 or 2014.
58. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance the arrangements he will put in place regarding liability for costs and so on as a result of the decision by Setanta Insurance to cease trading; where liability for payment of costs and settlements already agreed or ruled by a court and due to be paid by Setanta now lies; the discussions he has had in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23610/14]
View answerMy officials have been in discussions with the Central Bank of Ireland, with the Setanta Liquidator, the Accountant of the High Court and with the insurance industry representative bodies and I have asked them to convey my wish that every effort is made to facilitate Setanta policyholders in obtaining new motor insurance policies and in understanding their overall position. We are endeavouring to obtain legal certainty on a number of matters relating to policyholders' claims for compensation and this will be made publicly available in due course. At this time, I propose to set out the position as it currently stands.
Setanta is a Maltese incorporated company which was both authorised and prudentially supervised by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA). While its financial position is not supervised by the Central Bank of Ireland, the firm is supervised by the Central Bank for conduct of business rules, i.e. consumer protection obligations. The Central Bank is in contact with the MFSA in relation to Setanta Insurance Company Limited, the impact on policyholders and the provision for relevant and appropriate information.
Setanta was regulated at EU regulatory level in accordance with a directive known as Solvency I which currently places requirements on the amount of regulatory capital European insurance companies must hold against unforeseen events. I understand that Setanta met its EU regulatory obligations and under EU law is, therefore, entitled to trade across EU borders. Following negotiations that were completed at European level in November, 2013, a new regime known as Solvency II will commence on 1 January 2016, which will further strengthen the EU regulatory framework. The Solvency II EU Directive sets out new, stronger EU-wide requirements on capital adequacy and risk management for insurers with the key aim of increasing policyholder protection. The new regime will also ensure greater cooperation between supervisors.
My Department and the Central Bank will be reviewing the circumstances relating to Setanta and will be reporting to me on what lessons can be learnt and how the framework can be strengthened. The European Commission has indicated that it will also review whether any issues raised relating to the regulatory framework require action.
On 16 April 2014, the MFSA determined that the company was insolvent. This means that Setanta does not have sufficient funds to be able to honour its full obligations towards claimants, policyholders and other creditors. Setanta was formally placed into liquidation by the MFSA on the 30 April 2014 and Mr Paul Mercieca was appointed as Liquidator. Officials from my Department together with officials from the Central Bank met with the Liquidator and his representatives in Ireland on 7 May 2014 and the Central Bank is in ongoing contact with him regarding the position of Setanta policyholders. The Liquidator confirmed that all policyholders who have not already done so should arrange alternative cover without delay as claims are unlikely to be paid in full and he has issued letters to policyholders informing them that their insurance cover will be cancelled within 7 to 10 days, in accordance with their policy documents. This process has commenced and there were less than 20,000 policies with Setanta Insurance on 27 May. It is expected that all remaining policies will be cancelled this week in line with the terms of the policies. In the circumstances, I continue to strongly advise policyholders to make alternative insurance arrangements without delay and that they should contact their insurance broker or an insurer directly to seek alternative cover. This is also the advice of the Central Bank.
The provision of motor insurance cover is a commercial matter for insurance companies, which is based on a proper assessment of the risks they are accepting and the making of adequate provisioning to meet these risks. In my role as the Minister for Finance I have responsibility for the development of the legal framework governing financial regulation. The Liquidator has advised that arrangements are in hand for policyholders to obtain their "no claims bonuses" certificates from Setanta. Insurance Ireland have informed me that these certificates will be honoured by other insurers and we are aware that many insurers are being flexible surrounding requirements for documents. In addition, the Insurance Ireland 'Declined Cases Agreement' is available to policyholders of Setanta. The current Declined Cases Agreement was drawn up in 1981 and is adhered to by all motor insurers in Ireland. I am informed that under the agreement, the insurance market will not refuse to provide insurance to an individual seeking insurance, if he/she has approached at least three insurers and has not been able to obtain cover from them. I understand that Insurance Ireland is also making information available to those who have queries, complaints or difficulties in relation to this matter through their service at (01) 676 1914 or by email at info@insuranceireland.eu.
With regard to Setanta premiums and claims, the position on each policy is for the liquidator to decide in due course. My officials and the Central Bank will remain in close contact with the Liquidator and I have asked that public statements are provided to clarify matters for policyholders and claimants.
The Motor Insurance Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) is a non-profit-making organisation registered in Ireland. All insurance companies underwriting motor insurance in this county must, by law, be members of MIBI and contribute to the funding of claims in proportion to their market share. The principal role of MIBI is to compensate innocent victims of accidents caused by uninsured and unidentified vehicles. This is regulated under the terms of an Agreement between the MIBI and the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport. We are endeavouring to clarify the position on a number of matters relating to policyholders' claims for compensation, including the role of MIBI in this regard. However, if, for legal reasons, MIBI is not in a position to accept a claim, these third party claims will be eligible to proceed for consideration by the High Court for compensation from the Insurance Compensation Fund (ICF).
Claims on personal insurance policies will be payable from the ICF. All ICF payments are subject to the limit of 65% of the amount due or €825,000, whichever is the lesser. Under Section 3.6 of the Insurance Amendment Act 1964 (as amended) first party claims by a body corporate or unincorporated body are not covered by the ICF. The refund of premiums for either commercial or personal insurance policies is not covered by the ICF or MIBI. However, unpaid premium would fall to be claimed from the Setanta Liquidator in due course.
59. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills the situation regarding the allocation of learning support to schools; if he will consider making this allocation on the basis of the number of pupils in a school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23542/14]
View answer60. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills the arrangements and facilities provided separately by learning support facilities and resource facilities in primary schools; if the allocation of staff will be mixed between learning support and resource teaching; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23582/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 59 and 60 together.
I wish to advise the Deputy that all mainstream primary schools have been allocated additional teaching resources under the General Allocation Model (GAM) to cater for children with learning support needs and high incidence special educational needs, including mild, borderline mild general learning difficulties and specific learning disabilities. GAM resources also provide for the provision of English Additional Language support.
Details of the manner in which GAM resources have been allocated to schools for the 2013/14 school year are set out in my Departments Circular 0013/2013. This Circular sets out that resources are allocated to schools based on the number of mainstream class teaching posts in each school in the preceding year, which are themselves based on school enrolments. The GAM is updated for schools annually based on the number of mainstream teaching posts in each school in the preceding year and based on the provisions set out in Circular 0013/2013. Once these resources have been allocated to schools, it is a matter for schools to then determine the manner in which these resource teaching/learning support resources are utilised to provide additional teaching support to eligible pupils. Guidance to support schools in this regard is set out in my Departments Circular 02/05.
I wish to advise the Deputy also that the NCSE report on Supporting Children with Special Educational Needs has recommended that a proposed new allocation model be developed for schools whereby a quantum of additional special educational needs resource teaching support would be allocated to schools based on the profiled need of each school. The NCSE established a Working Group to develop a proposal for consideration for a new Allocation Model based on the educational profile of all schools, which is set out as one of the principal recommendations of the report. The Report of this Working group has been submitted to my Department and is currently under consideration.
61. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding sick leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23585/14]
View answerFollowing a review of sick leave arrangements, a new Public Service wide sick leave scheme has been introduced across the Public Service. The Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) (Amendment) Act 2013, provided the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform with the power to make regulations that set out the specific details of the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme. These regulations are contained in SI 124 of 2014 and set out the terms for the granting of sick leave and come into effect in the education sector on 1 September 2014.
The Regulations set out the provisions which relate to the interaction of pregnancy related illness with sick leave limits. The regulations outline how the time on half pay due to pregnancy related illness is protected.
63. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the degree to which he is satisfied with the ability of the educational system to match the requirements of the workplace, with particular reference to changes in skill requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23618/14]
View answerI am satisfied that my Department and its agencies have in place the necessary policies to meet the needs of employers so as to ensure that people have the necessary skills to take up jobs as they arise. The education and training system engages with employers at national, regional and local levels, as well as at institutional and programme level. National engagement with Employers: An Enterprise Engagement Forum, chaired by the Secretary General of the Department of Education and Skills, provides a regular opportunity for the major organisations representing enterprise and employers in Ireland to input to and discuss interests and concerns relevant to education and training policy and provision.
The first National Employers Survey was undertaken in 2012, led by the HEA and IBEC. 75% of employers expressed confidence that graduates have the right workplace and transferable skills and the relevant knowledge in their subject and discipline. The second round of this survey will be carried out in 2014 as a joint action by the HEA and SOLAS. My Department also funds the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN), which advises on future skills needs and emerging gaps. Its research provides an input to the development of course curricula and informs the selection of new targeted programmes designed to tackle the skills shortages in particular elements of the economy, e.g. Springboard, Momentum and the ICT skills conversion initiative, which was introduced as part of the ICT Action Plan. The expert group's membership is broad and specifically includes representation from enterprise. Furthermore, SOLAS has inherited a wide range of employer connections from its predecessor, FAS, including the structures established to manage apprenticeship. It has informal and formal links with employers at both a national and local level. These links will be maintained as well as developing strong local engagement through the Education and Training Board (ETB) structures.
The development of the Further Education and Training Strategy by SOLAS will further progress the overall architecture for engagement with employers at a national level. The development of the strategy was informed by formal consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, including employers and employer representative bodies. The strategy includes significant references to enhancing employer engagement and the critical importance of matching FET provision with labour market needs.
The alignment of ETB education and training programmes with evolving labour market needs will also continue to be evidence-based. This is facilitated by SOLAS' internal resource namely, the National Skills Database (NSD), as well as research by the EGFSN and other relevant sources. Since its development, the database has been used to support the work of the EGFSN, the National Skills Strategy and numerous sectoral studies. The NSD has been extended to include an occupational employment forecasting model originally developed by FÁS and the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI). The data held in the database is summarised and published in three annual reports by the EGFSN: National Skills Bulletin (since 2005), Monitoring Ireland's Skills Supply: Trends in Education/Training Outputs (since 2006) and the Vacancy Overview (since March 2011).
Engagement with enterprise is also a core mission of the higher education system. The HEA is committed to developing a new over-arching strategy and framework for HE-enterprise engagement by the end of 2014. This will set performance indicators and measures to benchmark engagement and entrepreneurial education activity in Irish higher education and will put in place a systemic mapping of activity.
Local employer engagement: Decisions around course provision at further education level are based on formal and informal contacts at both national and local level with employers and other relevant state agencies. A variety of data is taken into account including expected recruitment demand from new or expanding companies and requests from employers to the ETBs to develop training programmes to supply them with skilled workers. In addition, the success of existing courses in terms of job placement, course waiting lists and the job vacancy databank provide valuable insights into the type of training that is likely to prove relevant and effective for both learners and employers. Higher Education institutions also engage with enterprise at a local level with a view to the development of programmes tailored to local enterprise needs as well as arranging appropriate work placements etc. There are many examples of this engagement nationwide.
Engagement at education and training programme level: The Apprenticeship programme, the ICT Action Plan, Springboard (including the ICT Conversion Programmes), Momentum and the training provision facilitated by Skillnets all have a high level of employer engagement. The education and training sector is also continuing to work to meet other areas of demand from enterprise – e.g. STEM internship programme.
64. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools throughout the country at which temporary accommodation structures have been replaced by permanent buildings; the number of any such replacements planned for the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23619/14]
View answerAs part of my Department's large scale school building programme, prefab accommodation continues to be replaced with permanent structures on an on-going basis. Details of all schools on the 5 year capital programme is available on the Department's website. Under my Department's Prefab Replacement Initiatives announced in 2012 and 2013 approval was given to 216 schools to replace 614 prefab units with permanent accommodation. To date 146 schools have completed their projects with a further 19 currently on site.
65. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which it has been possible to control class sizes in the difficult economic situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23620/14]
View answerThe criteria used for the allocation of teachers to schools is published annually on the Department's website. The key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September. The staffing schedule operates in a clear and transparent manner and treats all similar types of schools equally irrespective of location. The configuration of classes and the deployment of classroom teachers are done at local school level. My Department publishes annual statistics on class size data for each school. I expect that statistics for the current school year, 2013/14 will be published shortly. The most recent statistics are for the 2012/13 school year. The national average class size is 24.7 pupils. However, with over 20,800 classes in over 3,100 primary schools throughout the country there will always be variations in class sizes at individual school level. My Department's guidance to local school management is that such variations should be kept to the minimum.
The context for any discussion about PTR or class sizes is that my Department, like all other Government Departments, is operating within a budgetary programme that is designed to return the Government finances to a sustainable basis. The Government will continue to protect front-line services as best as possible. However, it is important to note that all public servants are being asked to do more with less and the teachers in our schools cannot be exempt from this requirement.
Within the schools sector we know from international research that while class sizes is a factor the quality of teaching is a far more significant factor in determining outcomes. We therefore have to focus on the drivers of good performance. We need to have the right people becoming teachers. We need the right training for them in College. We need to support them with the right professional development throughout their career. To this end we are making significant changes to both the structure and format of initial teacher education so that our colleges and teachers are comparable with the best in the world.
66. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he continues to have discussions with representatives of various religious groups in respect of whom commitments in regard to education were made or implied in the past; if he has had satisfactory discussions with the Church of Ireland, Presbyterian or other church representatives in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23621/14]
View answerThrough the partnership arrangements that exist for the education sector, I and senior officials in the Department regularly engage with church representatives particularly in the context of the role of the Churches as patrons of schools. The Church of Ireland representative body in many instances also represents the interest of the minority churches, most recently in relation to discussions concerning the Block Grant.
Structured dialogue with the different Churches and faith traditions takes place with the Taoiseach periodically, and this includes the direct involvement of other Ministers, including myself, as required depending on the items on the agenda of any one meeting.
67. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the expected number of children likely to need accommodation at primary and second level annually over the next ten years; the extent to which it has been found possible to plan the accommodation and educational requirements arising therefrom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23622/14]
View answerThe Forward Planning Section of my Department uses a Geographical Information System (GIS) to analyse demographic data in order to determine the areas where additional school accommodation may be required. A variety of sources are used in this analysis, including census data, school enrolment data, and child benefit data obtained from the Department of Social Protection. Total pupil enrolment at primary school level is expected to increase by approximately 70,000 up to 2019. At post-primary level, total pupil enrolment is expected to increase by approximately 35,000 over the same period, and continuing increases at this level are expected up until 2026 at least.
In June 2011, I announced the provision of 20 new primary schools and some 20 new post-primary schools up to 2017 to meet demographic need. Some of these schools have commenced operation with the remainder will be commencing by 2016. In addition, the delivery of major school projects to meet significant demographic demands nationally will be the main focus for capital investment in schools in the coming years. The Five Year Plan is focused on meeting those demographic needs and sets out the school projects that are planned to proceed to construction over the duration of the Plan. My Department will also consider applications from schools for funding for additional classrooms where an immediate enrolment need is arising.
My Department continues to analyse demographic trends and to monitor enrolments in all areas to determine the level of additional school provision which will be required into the future and to ensure that this is provided in a timely manner.
68. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he continues to be in a position to meet the eating requirements of children with special needs at primary and second level; his expectations for the future in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23623/14]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that expenditure supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs was some €1.3bn in 2013, which represents approximately 15% of the entire budget of my Department. These resources have been protected, or in some areas have been increased in 2014, despite the ongoing severe financial position and a requirement to make expenditure savings across a range of areas. Included within this provision is provision for up to 10,965 Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) of whom 10,656 are currently in place. My Departments Circular 0030/2014 provides details of the scope and purpose of the SNA scheme.
Section 4 of the Circular details the type of care needs which SNAs may assist with, which includes assisting children with special educational needs with feeding. I am satisfied that sufficient SNA provision is available to provide access to SNA support for children who have such care needs in schools.
69. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which broadband is available at primary and second level schools throughout the country; his plans, if any, to extend such availability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23624/14]
View answerAll post primary schools will be connected with 100Mbit/s by the end of 2014. As a result of the most recent framework that has been put in place the number of service providers to the Schools Broadband Programme for schools has been increased from 6 to 14 and this has led to a greater availability of improved services being made available for schools, most of the new providers are small wireless operators. Over 95% of primary schools availing of a service from school's broadband programme: 64% DSL; 32% Wireless; 2% Satellite; and 2% Cable. There have also been a small number of primary schools connected by UPC with 100Mbit/s connections.
Of the wireless schools 67% would be on connections of 8Mbit/s or higher, with the remaining schools on connections of between 2Mbit/s and 6Mbit/s. Those schools on DSL are on connections of up to 24Mbit/s. However, depending on the quality of the copper and the distance of the school from the local exchange the speed a school receives can be as low as 2Mbit/s. Approximately 111 schools are receiving connection of 2Mbit/s or less. There are also 74 schools still on satellite connections. Due to ongoing tendering competitions the number of schools on these very slow connections are continually being reduced.
This Department has also entered into discussions with DSL providers in order to ensure that schools can avail of the roll out of fibre on Eircom's wholesale network. This should also lead to greatly improved speeds being made available to schools.
70. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which Student Universal Support Ireland has been in a position to process the higher education grant scheme requirements within a reasonable time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23625/14]
View answerFollowing a challenging first year of operation in 2012, SUSI improved its performance significantly in 2013 with all key targets met in terms of the timely processing of grant applications and the payment of awarded grants. This result is based on changes and improvements made by SUSI for 2013 following an independent review of its first year. SUSI processed over 92,000 grant applications for the 2013/2014 academic year compared with 70,000 for 2012/2013. Applications were processed within the three-month cycle from application closing date in early August to first payment date in late October.
In addition, SUSI has introduced a number of further key improvements for 2014/2015 which include an earlier application opening date (8 May), revised and more user-friendly website information at www.susi.ie, more automated validation of the online application form, an extended range of online services to applicants, a more streamlined internal processing of applications, further extension of data sharing with Government Departments and agencies, increased stakeholder engagement and the introduction of an online grant eligibility reckoner.
71. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which it is expected to accelerate the school building programme to meet the increased demand in various areas throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23626/14]
View answer72. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he has received submissions from various school authorities throughout County Kildare in respect of the provision of new buildings or replacement of existing buildings at various locations throughout County Kildare on an annual basis over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23627/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 71 and 72 together.
The current status of all projects on the school building programme, including those for County Kildare, may be viewed on my Department's website at www.education.ie which is updated regularly throughout the year. The Deputy will be aware that the 5 Year Construction Plan, that I announced in March 2012, lists the individual school projects that are planned to proceed to construction over the duration of the Plan. The Plan priorities new school building projects as well as major extensions in areas where significant demographic need has been established so that our school system is in a position to cater for increasing pupil numbers. The plan will provide over 100,000 permanent school places, of which over 80,000 will be new school places.
Further to the Five Year Plan, my Department is committed to publishing a detailed annual programme in relation to individual major school projects commencing construction. In December 2011, details of 56 major school building projects to commence construction in 2012, the first year of the Plan, were published. In December 2012, details of 50 major school building projects were announced to commence construction in 2013, the second year of the Plan. In November 2013, details of the 70 building projects to commence construction in 2014 were announced, the third year of the Plan. The 5 Year Plan, together with the annual programme, may be also viewed on my Department's website.
73. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he has studied the submissions received in respect of the provision of a coláiste Gaeilge in north Kildare, having particular regard to the increasing number of pupils attending the various all-Irish primary schools; if he expects to be in a position to consider this request favourably in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23628/14]
View answer74. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he has received submissions from the authorities of schools (details supplied) in County Kildare seeking provision of a gaelcholáiste in this area, which was previously served by Coláiste Life, Lucan but which school is now unable to meet the increased demand from north Kildare; if he is prepared to provide approval in principle for a new gaelcholáiste in north Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23629/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 73 and 74 together.
My Department has no record of the submissions to which the Deputy refers. However, the Deputy will be aware that a new post-primary school is opening in the north Kildare area in September 2014 and this new school will have an all-Irish Aonad. This will supplement all-Irish post primary provision in the area. My Department has confirmed that if sufficient demand for education through the medium of Irish in the Aonad is demonstrated over a four year cycle, consideration will be given to the establishment of an independent Gaelcholáiste.
75. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which teacher numbers, including special needs teachers and special needs assistants, in the various schools throughout north Kildare remain adequate to meet requirements; if he expects to augment such numbers in the short and medium term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23630/14]
View answerThe criteria used for the allocation of teachers to primary and post-primary schools, including redeployment arrangements, are published annually. The staffing and redeployment arrangements for the 2014/15 school year are available on the Department website. Teaching vacancies are filled in the first instance through the redeployment of surplus permanent teachers. The redeployment of all surplus permanent teachers is key to the Department's ability to manage within its payroll budget and ceiling on teacher numbers.
Teaching resources are allocated to schools on a school year basis. The bulk of teaching posts in schools are allocated on a permanent basis. Unlike most other areas of the public service teaching vacancies continue to be filled in accordance with published Department criteria. The Government has prioritised, as best as possible, the filling of front-line posts in the Education sector within the constraints of the Employment Control Framework.
Expenditure supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs was some €1.3bn in 2013, which represents approximately 15% of the entire budget of my Department. These resources have been protected, or in some areas have been increased in 2014, despite the ongoing severe financial position and a requirement to make expenditure savings across a range of areas. This year provision is being made for up to 10,965 Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) of whom 10,656 are currently in place, over 10,700 Learning Support and Resource Teachers currently in place, along with 740 Special Classes attached to mainstream schools. A breakdown of the number of resource teacher and SNA posts allocated to each school, on a per county basis, including County Kildare, for the 2013/14 and 2012/13 school years is available at the NCSE website www.ncse.ie. More resources than ever before are being provided to ensure that the educational requirements of children with special needs can continue to be met at primary and second level and that as many children as possible can be educated with their peers in mainstream education.
76. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if further consideration will be given, in view of the hardship caused, to the provision of free bus transport in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who previously had access to such transport in travelling to their previous school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23634/14]
View answerI understand that the person referred to by the Deputy will be completing his education at the school which he currently attends at the end of this school year. As I further understand the person in question will thereafter attend a facility which caters for adults, the provision of school transport does not arise.
