Jonathan O'Brien
Question:223. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the improvement that has been made in improving retention rates for students in second level schools. [25317/14]
View answerStudent Retention Rates
Questions (223)
Written answers
The second level Leaving Certificate retention rate has shown incremental improvement nationally in the past decade, rising from 82.3% nationally for the 1997 cohort of entrants to second level education, to over 90% for the 2007 entry cohort.
The data also shows that retention rates for different groups have continued to converge over time. The gender gap has narrowed very significantly, with a gap of 3.6% between males and females for the 2007 entry cohort, compared to a gap of 11.3% for the 1995 cohort. The gap between different sectors of provision has also narrowed substantially, with an enormous improvement of almost 25% in retention rates in vocational schools since analysis of retention begun for the 1991 cohort (a rate of 61.5% for the 1991 cohort compared to 86.2% for the 2007 cohort).
The Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (DEIS) initiative is an action plan for educational inclusion. Enhancing attendance, progression, retention and attainment are central elements of the DEIS Action Plan. DEIS schools continue to show an improvement in retention rates in recent years, with a rate of 80.4% for the 2007 cohort compared to 73.2% for the 2004 cohort.
The School Completion Programme (SCP) and the Home School Community Liaison scheme (HSCL), which are managed within the Educational Welfare Services of the Child and Family Agency (Tusla), are two key DEIS interventions to combat early school leaving and promote attendance participation and retention in school. Note: The analysis of retention tracks a cohort of entrants to second level education up to the point where they leave the system or complete second level education. Therefore for example the 2007 cohort of entrants would have sat the Leaving Certificate in either 2012 or 2013 depending on whether they took Transition Year or not. The latest retention report is available on the Department's website at: http://www.education.ie/en/Publications/Statistics/Statistical-Reports/stats_retention_report_2007_cohort.pdf
State Examinations
Questions (224)
Jonathan O'Brien
Question:224. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of students who took higher levels maths in the junior certificate during each of the past five years, including 2014. [25318/14]
View answerWritten answers
The number of students who sat higher level Maths in the Junior Certificate is as follows:
In 2013 there were 30,500; in 2012 there were 27,913; in 2011 there were 25,554; in 2010 there were 24,840 and in 2009 there were 23,592.
The number of students who sat higher level Maths in the Junior Certificate in 2014 will not be available until later in the early autumn. However, the number of "Entries" for 2014 is 32,186.
State Examinations
Questions (225)
Jonathan O'Brien
Question:225. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of students who took higher levels maths in the leaving certificate during each of the past five years, including 2014. [25319/14]
View answerWritten answers
The number of students who sat higher level Maths in the Leaving Certificate is as follows:In 2013 there were 13,014; in 2012 there were 11,131; in 2011 there were 8,235; in 2010 there were 8,390 and in 2009 there were 8,420.
The number of students who sat higher level Maths in the Leaving Certificate this year will not be available until August, however, the number of "Entries" for 2014 is 17,065.
Literacy Levels
Questions (226)
Jonathan O'Brien
Question:226. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the percentage of 15 year old students performing at or above level 4 in PISA reading literacy and numeracy tests during each of the past five years. [25320/14]
View answerWritten answers
The OECD's PISA assessment is carried out on a three year cycle. In the past five years there have been two assessment rounds - PISA 2009 and PISA 2012.
In PISA 2009:- in print reading 28.9% of Irish students performed at or above level 4- in mathematics 26.1% of Irish students performed at or above level 4.
In PISA 2012:- in print reading 37.4% of Irish students performed at or above level 4- in mathematics 31% of Irish students performed at or above level 4.
Literacy Levels
Questions (227)
Jonathan O'Brien
Question:227. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the percentage of 15 year old students performing at or below level 1 in PISA reading literacy and numeracy tests during each of the past five years. [25321/14]
View answerWritten answers
The OECD's PISA assessment is carried out on a three year cycle. In the past five years there have been two assessment rounds - PISA 2009 and PISA 2012.
In PISA 2009:- in print reading 17.2% of Irish students performed at or below level 1- in mathematics 20.9% of Irish students performed at or below level 1.
In PISA 2012:- in print reading 9.7% of Irish students performed at or below level 1- in mathematics 16.9% of Irish students performed at or below level 1.
Third Level Fees
Questions (228, 248, 254)
Michael McNamara
Question:228. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the announcement made on St. Patrick's Day this year to the effect that Irish citizen children, children from Irish emigrant families living outside the European Union who return as undergraduates to Irish universities or third level colleges, would no longer have to pay the full international fee applies equally to children who have already completed a year or more of their third level education or only those who had not yet entered third level education at the time of the announcement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25322/14]
View answer
Seán Fleming
Question:248. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills if Irish students who moved to Australia three years ago and completed their secondary education there will be classified as foreign students if they return to Ireland for third level education; if they will be required to pay student fees and registration fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25656/14]
View answer
Dominic Hannigan
Question:254. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way an Irish student who is currently studying third level but who completed their second level education abroad can move from paying the non-EU fees scheme to the EU fee scheme as outlined in his announcement on the 17 March 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25930/14]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 228, 248 and 254 together.
The position is that where full-time undergraduate students do not qualify for free fees they must pay the appropriate fee as determined by their third level institution. In the case of students who do not meet the residency clause of the free fees scheme, I have requested that the higher education institutions charge the more moderate EU fee to EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who have completed at least five academic years of study (Primary or Post-Primary level) in the EU/EEA or Switzerland.
I have asked that these revised arrangements be implemented by the institutions for new entrant undergraduate students with effect from the next academic year.
School Enrolments
Questions (229)
Michael Creed
Question:229. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Skills the situation regarding school catchment boundaries for primary school and the way these impact on enrolment; if parents are entitled to enrol their child in a primary school outside their immediate catchment boundary; the criteria that can be applied by school authorities when determining enrolments in such circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25326/14]
View answerWritten answers
It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998. In this regard a Board of Management may find it necessary to restrict enrolment to children from a particular area or a particular age group or on the basis of some other criterion. The criteria to be applied by schools in such circumstances are a matter for the schools themselves. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants. Under section 15 (2) (d) of the Education Act 1998, each school is legally obliged to publish its enrolment policy.
As the Deputy is aware, the Government gave approval in March of this year for drafting the Education (Admissions to Schools) Bill 2014 and the General Scheme has since been referred to the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to the Government for drafting.
My aim in bringing forward legislative proposals in relation to school admission is to improve the admissions process and to ensure that the way schools decide on applications is structured, fair and transparent.
The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education and Social Protection report on the Draft General Scheme followed public hearings at the committee involving parents and education partners among others. The recommendations from the Committee will be considered further in the context of the drafting of the Bill.
Early Childhood Care Education
Questions (230)
Jonathan O'Brien
Question:230. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the percentage of GDP spent on early years education during each of the past ten years. [25346/14]
View answerWritten answers
Data on the percentage of GDP spent on early years education has only been included as part of the UOE (UNESCO, OECD, EUROSTAT) return for Education at a Glance since the full introduction of the universal pre-school scheme in January 2010 and only includes the public expenditure by the DCYA.
Table 4.1 in Education at a Glance 2013 shows that Ireland spent 0.1% of GDP on pre-primary education in 2010 (public expenditure only) and that spending on pre-primary education accounted for 0.2% of overall public expenditure.
Data for 2011 will become available with the publication of Education at a Glance 2014.
Departmental Funding
Questions (231)
Seán Fleming
Question:231. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills when he will approve funding for sporting facilities and a sports hall for a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25360/14]
View answerWritten answers
A sports facility was originally planned for this site, to be developed by a third party.
Due to circumstances outside of my Department's control, the facility was not delivered. My Department officials have engaged with the relevant stakeholders with a view to reaching an acceptable outcome and will continue to follow up on the matter. I am sure the Deputy will agree that all means to deliver on the original agreement must be explored fully in the first instance.
Departmental Funding
Questions (232)
John McGuinness
Question:232. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills the amount of funding allocated to an organisation (details supplied) for each year since the commencement of the project; if his Department obtains a comprehensive financial report each year from the organisation; if the assets are listed in the name of his Department or the organisation; if the funding granted by his Department is allocated thereafter on the basis of set guidelines; if his Department is satisfied that these guidelines are being observed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25463/14]
View answerWritten answers
The funding provided by my Department to Right of Place from 2001 to 2013, when my Department ceased funding survivor groups, is as follows:
2001 - €269,971.71
2002 - €149,423
2003 - €135,381
2004 - €124,783
2005 - €127,904
2006 - €52,690
2007 - €89,280 2008 - €87,998 2009 - €75,944.76 2010 - €44,616.54 2011 - €22,115.95 2012 - €18,795.81 2013 - €12,333.58
Total - €1,211,237.35
This funding, which was channelled through City of Cork VEC, includes the cost of a co-ordinator engaged by the VEC on behalf of my Department, who monitored the expenditure of these funds. Expenditure receipts were provided to the co-ordinator along with the annual accounts of the organisation and details of the receipts and copies of the annual accounts were provided to the Department. This organisation receives the majority of its funding from the Health Service Executive and as advocated by the Comptroller and Auditor General in his Special Report No 74, my Department liaised with the HSE to ensure a co-ordinated approach to its funding and that no duplication of funding arose. My Department's funding was solely for the provision of an information and referral service to survivors following an assessment of activities. It had no function in the operation of the Right of Place Building Project Limited or any other property/accommodation services managed by the organisation.
State Examinations
Questions (233)
Stephen Donnelly
Question:233. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the selection criteria for superintendents by the SEC; if he will consider prioritising younger teachers ahead of retired teachers and long tenured teachers for the post of superintendents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25468/14]
View answerWritten answers
The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations.
In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.
School Guidance Counsellors
Questions (234)
Charlie McConalogue
Question:234. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 7 of 29 May 2014, in view of the fact that guidance and counselling is a whole school responsibility, if he is therefore stating that he is satisfied for any member of teaching staff to engage in counselling without holding any professional counselling qualification and without any professional supervision of this work by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25495/14]
View answerWritten answers
Guidance and counselling are a whole-school responsibility, with guidance counsellors playing their part within an overall team approach. The representative organisations for school principals and school management have 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 who are most in need of one-to-one support. In February my 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. Guidance counsellors have two distinct functions. The first is general career guidance and guidance on the educational opportunities a child or young person might pursue, while the second involves support for students' well-being. The principal and leadership of a school have the best knowledge and experience to determine how exactly guidance resources and teaching resources should be allocated. I do not subscribe to the assertion that teachers, as highly trained individuals and responsible adults operating in a school environment, do not have the professional capacity or knowledge to deal with a significant number of the issues that arise in their classrooms on a daily basis.
Residential Institutions
Questions (235)
Maureen O'Sullivan
Question:235. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills when the outstanding issues in relation to a person (details supplied) will be finalised by Caranua in order to ensure the continuity of the health, recovery and further education of applicants is maintained and progressed for this person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25505/14]
View answerWritten answers
Caranua, which is the service name of the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Board is an independent statutory body established pursuant to the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Act 2012. The processing of individual applications is a matter for Caranua and my officials have requested Caranua to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Capital Programme Expenditure
Questions (236)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:236. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total amount of capital spending on construction projects carried out by his Department and by bodies operating under the responsibility of his Department between 2008 and to date in 2014; if he will provide the information on an annual basis in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25537/14]
View answerWritten answers
The total amount of capital spending on construction projects in the Education sector for the years 2008 to 2014 is available on the table. While the overall capital expenditure in the school sector for each year is presented, the relevant data in respect of large scale projects, the additional accommodation scheme, the prefab replacement initiative, the summer works scheme and emergency works scheme is also provided. Capital expenditure on the Higher Education sector and on SOLAS is also included in the table.
CAPITAL EXPENDITURE ON CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS 2008 - 2014
|
SCHOOLS |
2014 (€m) |
2013 (€m) |
2012 (€m) |
2011 (€m) |
2010 (€m) |
2009 (€m) |
2008 (€m) |
|
Large Scale Projects |
77 |
213 |
224 |
225 |
131 |
167 |
312 |
|
Additional Accommodation |
18 |
65 |
56 |
56 |
67 |
76 |
131 |
|
Prefab Replacement |
3 |
23 |
16 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Summer Works Scheme |
1 |
1 |
12 |
54 |
132 |
104 |
18 |
|
Emergency Works |
4 |
12 |
10 |
25 |
75 |
67 |
34 |
|
OTHER (see note hereunder) |
5 |
47 |
29 |
95 |
121 |
112 |
149 |
|
TOTAL SCHOOL EXPENDITURE |
108 |
361 |
347 |
455 |
526 |
526 |
644 |
|
HIGHER EDUCATION |
18 |
69 |
55 |
77 |
169 |
200 |
155 |
|
SOLAS (formerly FÁS) |
1 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
N/A |
N/A |
Note: OTHER - Under this heading expenditure is incurred on site acquisition, furniture and equipment, the Minor Works Grant, ETB Headquarters, Remediation Programmes, Energy Efficiency and Water Conservation Schemes and Miscellaneous items.
Capital expenditure in the Higher Education Sector is typically on Large Scale Projects. For example, the 2014 capital expenditure in the sector is on DIT Grangegorman and St Patrick's Training College, Drumcondra.
The SOLAS programme transferred to the Department of Education and Skills in 2010 and capital expenditure is dedicated to the refurbishment of FÁS Centres and the establishment of courses.
Capital Programme Expenditure
Questions (237)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:237. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Skills the amount of the €540 million designated to his Department for direct Exchequer capital funding according to the Government Estimates for 2014 is expected to go towards construction related projects; if he will list the projects; if he will provide an update on any of these projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25552/14]
View answerWritten answers
I am assuming that the question refers to large scale construction projects, although the Deputy will appreciate that there is a significant construction element in the Additional Accommodation and Prefab Replacement Schemes and to a lesser extent on the Summer Works and Emergency Works Schemes. Expenditure in the order of €275m is expected to arise on large scale projects in the school sector in 2014 while the full capital allocation of over €34m will be expended in the Higher Education sector principally on the DIT Grangegorman and the St Patrick's Teacher Training College, Drumcondra projects.
The school projects to be funded in 2014 are included in the 29 November 2013 announcement of 70 large scale projects scheduled to commence in 2014 together with 70 on-going large scale projects as well as the 28 large scale projects announced under the "Investing in Infrastructure and Jobs" package in June 2013.
While details of all large scale projects continues to be maintained and updated on my Department's website, I can inform the Deputy that over 30 large scale projects have commenced on site to date this year.
English Language Training Organisations
Questions (238)
Charlie McConalogue
Question:238. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on the work of the task force to protect students affected by the closure of private language schools; if it has determined the number of students that had not yet been satisfactorily accommodated either through placement or immigration extension; when the task force is expected to complete its work and issue a report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25569/14]
View answerWritten answers
The Task Force referred to by the Deputy has met on four occasions to date. I would like to make clear that the immigration permissions of all affected students have been extended by the Department of Justice and Equality to allow them to continue to work in order to support themselves and also to allow them space to make alternative arrangements.
Approximately 2,000 students have been affected by the closures of the private colleges concerned, and several hundred have been accommodated by alternative providers. The Task Force has been working to put in place a system that seeks to make reasonable accommodation for the remaining students. It is anticipated that the Task Force will report to me and Minister Fitzgerald in the coming weeks.
Pupil-Teacher Ratio
Questions (239)
Olivia Mitchell
Question:239. Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a decision has been taken to continue to increase the pupil-teacher ratio in fee paying schools until it reaches 28:1 as suggested in the McCarthy report and causing concern; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25575/14]
View answerWritten answers
The issues raised by the Deputy relate to budgetary matters. The budget for education, including the number of teaching posts that we can afford to fund in schools is a matter that I will have to consider with my colleagues in Cabinet in the context of the next budget. The Deputy will appreciate that I cannot at this stage anticipate any specific decisions the Government may take in this regard.
School Expulsions
Questions (240)
Stephen Donnelly
Question:240. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of expulsions from all second level schools; the number of related successful and failed appeals for the academic year 2012 to 2013 and to date in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25576/14]
View answerWritten answers
My Department holds information on the number of appeals lodged to my Department in respect of expulsions under section 29 of the Education Act. This information is held by calendar year and is set out in the following table.
The Deputy may wish to liaise with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs for additional information relating to expulsions.
Second Level Section 29 Appeals in Respect of Expulsion
|
Year |
*Number Lodged |
Number Not Upheld |
Number Upheld |
|
2012 |
89 |
63 |
13 |
|
2013 |
67 |
37 |
15 |
|
**2014 |
25 |
10 |
8 |
* Not all appeals lodged go to a hearing some are resolved prior to hearing
** Figures for 2014 are up to the end of May 2014
Higher Education Courses Applications
Questions (241)
Dara Calleary
Question:241. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills the specifics of the HEAR programme; the eligibility criteria for the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25589/14]
View answerWritten answers
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 scheme is operated by a number of higher education institutions and not by my Department. Admissions to the institutions are regulated by the institutions themselves.
The Deputy may wish to contact the Irish Universities Association in this instance. Further details in relation to the HEAR scheme including the eligibility criteria are available at www.accesscollege.ie
Schools Building Projects Applications
Questions (242)
Dara Calleary
Question:242. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a primary school (details supplied) in County Mayo may expect a decision on its emergency funding application; if he will expedite the application in view of the time constraints affecting this particular case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25588/14]
View answerWritten answers
The school in question recently submitted an application for funding for toilet facilities for a special needs pupil under my Department's Emergency Works Scheme. The scope of the proposed works is currently being assessed and the school authorities will be notified of the outcome once this assessment has been completed.
Higher Education Courses Applications
Questions (243)
Dara Calleary
Question:243. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills the specifics of the DARE programme; if he will outline the eligibility criteria for the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25600/14]
View answerWritten answers
The Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) is a third-level admissions scheme for students with a disability. The scheme is operated by a number of higher education institutions and not by my Department. Admissions to the institutions are regulated by the institutions themselves.
The Deputy may wish to contact the Irish Universities Association in this instance. Further details in relation to the DARE scheme including the eligibility criteria are available at www.accesscollege.ie.
International Students
Questions (244)
Seán Kenny
Question:244. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps being taken in the US to attract additional students to come to Ireland to study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25620/14]
View answerWritten answers
The United States is a priority market for the promotion of Irish education under the Government's International Education Strategy 2010-2015.
Our education relationship with the United States is particularly important to us. In the past decade we have welcomed over 60,000 US students to Ireland.
The most recent US data from the Institute of International Education, indicates that Ireland has retained its position as one of the top ten destinations of choice for US "study abroad" students (i.e. students who spent part of their programme studying overseas) with 9% growth, despite very strong international competition. 7,640 US study abroad students chose to do their period of study abroad in Ireland in 2013, compared with 7,007 in 2012 and 6,798 in 2011.
In addition to the study abroad segment, over 1,000 US students came to Ireland on full-time higher education programmes.
Enterprise Ireland has a US market strategy in place, focusing on increasing both undergraduate and postgraduate recruitment. The promotional programme includes the Education in Ireland Student Ambassador initiative, on-line and print marketing, recruitment fairs and other engagement activities, and working with US high schools and universities. These efforts are underpinned by market research, and the national effort is undertaken in close collaboration with individual higher education institutions. We look forward to growing our relationship with the US in the field of education.
School Enrolments Data
Questions (245)
Derek Nolan
Question:245. Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of section 29 appeals for refusal to enrol his Department has dealt with to date in 2014 for schools in Galway city and county; if he will provide a breakdown by specific school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25624/14]
View answerWritten answers
The breakdown by location as requested by the Deputy is not readily available. Up to the end of May 2014, there have been a total of 215 appeals lodged to my Department in respect of refusals to enrol.
Further Education and Training Colleges
Questions (246)
Eamonn Maloney
Question:246. Deputy Eamonn Maloney asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow was denied access to further education; the reason the appeal against this decision was not considered on an individual basis to take into account maturity and lived experience; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25626/14]
View answerWritten answers
In line with the Universities Act, 1997, universities are academically independent and my Department does not have any function in the day to day operational affairs of such colleges. UCD have full responsibility in relation to admissions criteria for this academic programme.
Industrial Relations
Questions (247)
Seán Fleming
Question:247. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of cases before the Labour Court, Equality Tribunal, CPSA and EAT involving civil servants taking cases against his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25637/14]
View answerWritten answers
My Department is not currently listed as a Respondent to any cases before the Labour Court, the Commission for Public Services Appointments (C.P.S.A.) or the Employment Appeals Tribunal (E.A.T.). My Department has been notified by the Equality Authority that it has been stated as the Respondent to one case initiated by a Civil Servant.