Written Answers Nos. 71 - 90
71. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will support the reinstatement of a literacy service (details supplied) in Dublin 13; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27431/14]
View answerThis is an operational matter for the City of Dublin Education and Training Board (CDETB). The extent of the literacy service to be provided and the organisation of classes in any centre is a matter for the ETB.
72. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will support the request for adequate funding by Kerry One World Centre (details supplied) operated by Kerry Action for Development Education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27436/14]
View answerI understand that the body referred to by the Deputy is in receipt of support under the community education programme from Kerry Education and Training Board (ETB). My Department, through SOLAS, funds adult and community education which is delivered locally by Education and Training Boards (ETBs). The extent of the service provided is a matter for each ETB.
73. Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Skills when building of a permanent school building for a school (details supplied) in County Dublin will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27474/14]
View answerI am pleased to inform the Deputy that the contract has been signed for the school building project to which she refers. Construction on site is due to commence shortly.
74. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the National Council for Special Education has included any recommendations stating that girls in an all-girls primary school should get less learning support than girls in a mixed primary school as part of its recent review; if not, the reason he allocates less learning support to an all-girls primary school compared to a mixed school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27475/14]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that differing teacher allocation ratios are applied under the General Allocation Model (GAM) in relation to boys, girls and mixed schools in order to account for differentials of prevalence of learning difficulty between boys and girls. The objective of this differentiation is to ensure that resources provided to schools to support children who have additional learning needs are targeted to ensure that those children most in need benefit from these resources.
The rationale for the differing ratios is based on international literature on the incidence of disability as well as international and national surveys of literacy and numeracy which indicate that there is a greater incidence of disability/learning difficulty in boys than girls. The NCSE has published a report 'A study of the Prevalence of Special Educational Needs' which is available at www.ncse.ie and which contains details regarding the prevalence of special needs among the pupil population including noting gender differentials. The criteria for the allocation of GAM hours is outlined in Circular 0007/2014, which is available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.
Finally, the recently published NCSE Report Delivery for Students with Special Educational Needs, which is also available at www.ncse.ie, has recommended that a new resource teaching allocation model be devised for schools taking into account the profiled need of schools including consideration of the number of pupils with complex special needs in the school and also the educational profile of a school, of which it is recommended that gender continue to be a factor in deciding on school profile for resource allocation purposes.
75. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a special needs assistant in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27482/14]
View answerThe National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) for allocating a quantum of Special Needs Assistant (SNA) support for each school annually taking into account the assessed care needs of children qualifying for SNA support. Where children have significant care needs whereby they may need additional support to be able to attend school, the NCSE may make an allocation of SNA support to the school to assist that child.
The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. The criteria by which SNA support is allocated to pupils is set out in my Department's Circular 0030/2014. The deployment of SNAs within schools is then a matter for the individual Principal/Board of Management. SNAs should be deployed by the school in a manner which best meets the care support requirements of the children enrolled in the school for whom SNA support has been allocated. It is a matter for schools to allocate support as required, and on the basis of individual need, which allows schools flexibility in how the SNA support is utilised.
The NCSE invited schools to make applications for SNA support for children who have assessed care needs for the coming 2014/15 school year by 26th March 2014, for their consideration. Details of the NCSE application criteria are available at www.ncse.ie. The NCSE will shortly advise all schools of their SNA allocations for the coming school year. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.
76. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider a review of the post-primary school transport scheme to consider towns where large proportions of pupils do not for traditional reasons attend the school closest to them and so are losing out on their access to free transport as in the case of pupils in an area (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27523/14]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that from the commencement of the 2012/13 school year, school transport eligibility for post primary pupils is being determined by reference to the distance they reside from their nearest post-primary education centre having regard to ethos and language. Pupils who were eligible for school transport prior to the introduction of the above change will retain their transport eligibility for the duration of their post primary education cycle provided there is no change to their current circumstances. Siblings of these pupils and other pupils, who are not eligible for school transport, may apply for transport on a concessionary basis only in accordance with the terms of the Post Primary School Transport Scheme. Only children who are eligible for school transport and who hold valid medical cards (GMS Scheme) are exempt from paying the annual charge.
The changes to the Post Primary School Transport Scheme are being applied equitably on a national basis and I am satisfied with the current requirements for determining eligibility. While it is the prerogative of parents to send their children to the school of their choice, eligibility for school transport at post primary level is to the nearest education centre/school.
77. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of second level voluntary schools in the State that do not have a sports hall; if he will institute a grant scheme for these schools that would ensure all these schools would have a reasonable opportunity to build same, particularly with the challenges obesity creates in our society; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27526/14]
View answer78. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of second level voluntary schools that progressed in the design of sports halls with the approval of his Department, that were never funded for construction; the names and roll numbers of these schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27527/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 77 and 78 together.
The specific information sought by the Deputy is not readily available. However, the Deputy can be assured that my Department fully recognises the key role of physical exercise within the school environment and continues to respond to the need to improve PE facilities for all pupils attending schools within the constraints of the available funding.
I wish to advise the Deputy that the Physical Education curriculum has been designed on the basis that facilities in schools may vary. Many second level schools have sports halls and practically all schools have outdoor facilities which are used for teaching different aspects of the P.E. programme. In addition, many schools use adjacent local facilities, including public parks, playing fields and swimming pools.
The provision of playspace, where site conditions and circumstances allow, is one of the issues considered in the architectural design of new schools and major extensions. The level of facilities, including playspace, that can be provided in schools will therefore vary depending on the extent of classroom accommodation needed for the school. A suite of technical guidance documents is available on my Department's website (www.education.ie) to assist design teams in best practice in the design and development of projects and to encourage them to take a complete design team approach from project conception. These documents cover all aspects of the development of a building project for both internal and external works. My Department's design guidelines for schools include guidance in the provision of P.E. Halls, general purpose rooms and outdoor hard play areas such as basketball courts. Other P.E. facilities, e.g. pitches are provided, where appropriate, and in the context of available resources, as part of the Department's school building programme.
In the context of my Department's co-operation with local authorities in identifying suitable sites for schools, the location of sporting facilities is one factor taken into account in locating schools. The Deputy may be aware of my Department's role in developing shared community facilities in the Fingal County Council area, which has made facilities available to the wider community on a shared basis with the school.
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department's over-riding objective is to ensure that every child has access to a physical school place and that our school system is in a position to cope with increasing pupil numbers. This will continue to be the main focus for investment by my Department in the coming years. While my Department will continue to provide additional and improved classroom accommodation in our schools, it is not currently in a position within available funding to consider applications from schools for the addition of a sports hall.
School building projects which were previously initiated but not included in the current five year construction programme will continue to be progressed to final planning stages in anticipation of the possibility of further funds being available to the Department in the future. The current status of all projects on the school building programme may be viewed on my Department's website at www.education.ie which is updated regularly throughout the year.
79. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the July programme in respect of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27536/14]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the July Education Programme is available to all special schools and mainstream primary schools with special classes catering for children with autism that choose to extend their education services through the month of July. My Department also provides for a July Programme for pupils with a severe/profound general learning disability. Where school based provision is not feasible, home based provision may be grant aided. I have been advised by officials in my Department that the school referred to by the Deputy has been approved to participate in the programme. Furthermore, the school will retain the full resources allocated to the special classes for the duration of the July Programme subject to the continued participation of the children outlined in relevant claim forms. I understand that the school has been notified of my Department's decision in this regard.
80. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of improvements under the summer works schemes 2014 that were approved in 2014; the number costing more than €100,000 for approved works; the number approved costing between €50,000 - €100,000; the number approved costing between €25,000 - €50,000; the number approved costing less than €25,000 broken down by category, such as plumbing works, electrical, roofs and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27540/14]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that I recently announced details of the schools that will receive Summer Works Scheme funding in 2014 in respect of applications submitted for Categories 1 to 6 i.e. Gas, Electrical, Mechanical, Toilet Facilities and Roof Works projects. In total, I have approved the spending of more than €70 million on the Summer Works Scheme to allow over 770 schools undertake improvement works during the summer months. A list of these schools may be viewed on my Department's website www.education.gov.ie. I wish to advise the Deputy that the level of grant allocated to each school cannot be disclosed at this point as to do so could prejudice the tender process.
81. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of emergency work grant approvals that have been made for emergency works in schools in the past year; the number of these that were for works under €25,000; the number for works between €25,000 - €50,000; the number of works between €50,000 - €100,000; the number for works over €100,000 per job; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27541/14]
View answer495 grants were approved under my Department's Emergency Works Scheme in 2013. A breakdown of these approvals is attached as requested by the Deputy. The purpose of the Emergency Works Scheme is solely for unforeseen emergencies or to provide funding to facilitate inclusion and access for special needs pupils. An emergency is deemed to be a situation which poses an immediate risk to health, life, property or the environment which is sudden, unforeseen and requires immediate action and in the case of a school if not corrected would prevent the school or part thereof from opening.
Emergency Works Projects Approved in 2013
|
Primary |
|
|
EWG Works under €25,000 |
248 |
|
EWG Works between €25,000 and €50,000 |
64 |
|
EWG Works between €50,000 and €100,000 |
24 |
|
EWG Works over €100,000 |
9 |
|
Post Primary |
|
|
EWG Works under €25,000 |
78 |
|
EWG Works between €25,000 and €50,000 |
39 |
|
EWG Works between €50,000 and €100,000 |
21 |
|
EWG Works over €100,000 |
12 |
82. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of major refurbishments costing over €100,000 that have been approved for voluntary second level schools in the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27542/14]
View answerInformation in respect of all school projects where funding has been approved under various schemes, including the Additional Accommodation and Emergency Works Schemes is available on my Department's website, broken down geographically, at www.education.ie, and this is updated regularly. The level of grant awarded is confidential to the Board of Management at the time of approval. School managements are advised that the dissemination of information regarding the grant amount approved for the project to a wider audience in advance of tendering for the works could prejudice the tender competition and thereby negating the grant offer.
The Deputy will be aware that the Five 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. In addition to the Five Year Construction Plan, the Department is committed to publishing a detailed annual programme in relation to planned expenditure on individual major school projects commencing construction. The first of these, which related to 2012 expenditure, was published in December 2011. The second, relating to 2013 expenditure, was published in December 2012 and the third, relating to 2014 expenditure was published in November 2013. The 5 Year Plan, together with the annual programmes may be viewed on my Department's website www.education.ie.
83. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will now declare all DEIS initiatives in Tallaght schools exempt from all cuts to funding; if he will acknowledge the difficulties being experienced by these schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27547/14]
View answerA key priority for my Department is to prioritise and target resources in schools with the most concentrated levels of educational disadvantage. To this end, resources in DEIS schools have been protected under Budget 2014, with no overall changes to DEIS-related staffing levels or DEIS funding in 2014. I do not intend to give any specific commitment on future budgetary decisions. This is a matter that I will have to consider with my colleagues in Cabinet in the context of the next budget and meeting our obligations under the EU/IMF Programme.
84. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will confirm plans to provide permanent accommodation for a school (details supplied) currently being facilitated in Firhouse Community Centre, Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27548/14]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department is working closely with the relevant Local Authority in relation to acquiring a suitable site for the school in question. Due to sensitivities associated with land acquisitions, it is not possible to provide further information in relation to the ongoing work to acquire a permanent site for the school at this time. The Deputy will be aware that a capital project to provide a new school building for the school is included in my Department's 5 Year Construction Plan and is listed among those projects expected to proceed to construction in 2014/15 subject to no issues arising.
85. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress to date in advancing an application for a new school in order to meet the long-term accommodation needs of a school (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27562/14]
View answerThe school building project referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. A design team was appointed in March to commence the architectural planning process. However, the Project Supervisor for the Design Process (PSDP) subsequently ceased trading and my Department is now dealing directly with the Consultant Architect with a view to filling this position.
Due to competing demands on the Department's capital budget imposed by the need to prioritise the limited funding available for the provision of additional school accommodation to meet increasing demographic requirements it was not possible to include this project in the 5 year construction programme announced in March 2012. School building projects, including the project referred to by the Deputy, which have been initiated but not included in the current five year construction programme will continue to be progressed to final planning stages of architectural planning in anticipation of the possibility of further funds being available to the Department in the future.
86. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the situation that exists in relation to school transport whereby an application for transport is based solely upon an applicant's initial application; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in the case of a student who subsequently changes school, that student's application for transport is still based upon their initial application; his views that this rule is particularly discriminatory towards special needs students who may have to change school due to circumstances beyond their control; if he will make provisions to have this rule changed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27577/14]
View answer87. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will re-examine the circumstances of a special needs student (details supplied) in County Sligo who has been denied school transport; if he will change the eligibility criteria to make it more favourable towards students in similar circumstances to the student concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27578/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 86 and 87 together.
In general, children with special educational needs are eligible for school transport if they are attending the nearest recognised mainstream school or unit that is or can be resourced, to meet their special educational needs under Department of Education and Skills' criteria. Eligibility is determined following consultation with the National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers. Decisions regarding transport eligibility are based on the prevailing circumstances at the time of the child's first enrolment and not on the basis of when an application for school transport is made.
The child referred to by the Deputy is not eligible for school transport as she did not attend the nearest school that was resourced to meet her educational needs at the time of her enrolment. Officials from my Department have met with the parents of the child in question and have explained to them the terms of the scheme and how their application for school transport was assessed.
88. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the further joint trade missions planned between Ireland, Britain and Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27567/14]
View answerFollowing on from the first-ever joint trade mission to Singapore in February, which I led along with my UK and NI Ministerial colleagues, Enterprise Ireland and its UK and NI equivalent development agencies, the question of future such trade missions, or other means of enhancing British-Irish trade relations will be kept under review by both parties and will be an agenda item in future talks.
89. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection if additional funding will be provided to a scheme (details supplied) in County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27534/14]
View answerThe school meals programme provides funding towards the provision of food services to some 1,200 schools and organisations which benefits over 205,000 children through two schemes. The first is the statutory urban school meals scheme, operated by local authorities and part-financed by the Department. The second is the school meals local projects scheme through which funding is provided directly to participating schools and local and voluntary community groups who run their own school meals projects. Despite pressure on the social protection budget, the Government allocated an additional €2 million for the school meals programme in 2013, providing a total allocation of €37 million.
The additional €2 million allocated to the school meals programme budget for 2013 was used to extend the school meals local projects scheme to some 100 additional DEIS and special schools. Bringing new schools into the scheme is considered the fairest way of ensuring as many DEIS schools and disadvantaged pupils as possible have access to some level of funding under the scheme.
The school referred to by the Deputy has received over €97,000 in total funding under the school meals local projects scheme since 2006 and was allocated funding of €15,000 for the current academic year. For the forthcoming academic year, 2014/15, the school has applied for a significant increase in funding in respect of a lunch club for 757 pupils requesting a total funding of almost €194,000. I regret that any increased payments to existing schools of the scheme can only be considered in a budgetary context.
90. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 who has spent over two years as a contracted clerical officer within a State agency was placed as a new entrant on the pay scale when they moved to another State body, despite their pension/PRD contributions being retained due to the length of their service; the reason for this discrepancy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27538/14]
View answer92. Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a public service employee (details supplied) in Dublin 11 was classed as a new entrant when beginning a new role in the public service in view of the fact that the employee had previously completed two years' service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27654/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 92 together.
The Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 provides that a person who takes up employment in the civil or public service on or after 1 April 2004, or is re-appointed following a break of more than 26 weeks, is regarded as a new entrant. In general, new entrants to permanent positions within the civil or public service are automatically placed on the first point of their relevant pay scales regardless of previous service. However, officers appointed to the grade of Clerical Officer can be considered for incremental credits under the Department of Finance Circular 21/2004 which may award incremental credits in respect of previous service at entry level for Clerical Officer and Executive Officer grades. To qualify for this provision a Clerical Officers must have 3 or more years service in the grade. The person in question had less than 3 years service therefore, this provision did not apply to them.
The Pensions Authority has advised that the person in question was recruited by them as a Clerical Officer in May 2014. In accordance with advice received from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform she was placed on the first point of the relevant payscale. The course of action taken is in line with standard practice in respect of all newly appointed people or those who are re-appointed having had a break in employment of 26 weeks or more.
