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Tuesday, 8 Jul 2014

Written Answers Nos. 1-69

Preschool Services

Questions (65)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

65. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide a commitment that the early start preschool scheme that currently exists in 40 DEIS schools on a pilot basis will remain in place; that the scheme will be extended on a permanent basis to all DEIS schools within the lifetime of this Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29401/14]

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Written answers

My Department has just published a Focussed Policy Assessment of the Early Start pre-school programme. The assessment indicates that the programme continues to serve the needs of children who are in need of additional supports to develop to their full potential. The programme has particular benefits in fostering children's social, emotional and cognitive development, and in engaging parents in their children's learning. Recommendations are made to strengthen the future operation of the programme. These include measures to provide professional development opportunities for those working in Early Start units and the establishment of advisory groups in each unit to include parents. Implementation of these recommendations, in partnership with key stakeholders, will ensure that the Early Start programme continues to be my Department's flagship initiative in the pre-school sector. In the current financial climate there are no plans to extend the programme beyond the 40 units that currently operate in areas of urban disadvantage.

Third Level Quality Assurance Compliance

Questions (66)

Clare Daly

Question:

66. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide details of the linkage agreement between Dublin City University and All Hallows; and if he will confirm that this agreement includes QQI approval for DCU to validate adult learning bachelor of arts degrees. [29369/14]

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Written answers

Dublin City University (DCU) is an approved institution under the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and is an autonomous institution whose operational affairs are matters for the Governing Authority. All Hallows is a private college and is not an approved institution under the HEA. My Department, or the HEA, had no role in the linkage agreement. However I understand that it comprises collaboration and liaison whilst preserving and reserving the two institutions independent, legal identities. The Agreement provides that there be exclusivity of accreditation by DCU of all the College's courses leading to credit awards and that DCU shall confer, grant or give degrees, diplomas, certificates or other educational awards to students of All Hallows who satisfactorily complete prescribed courses of study and/or research at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Under the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 the relationship between DCU and All Hallows is that of linked provider.

Construction Contracts

Questions (67)

Ruth Coppinger

Question:

67. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Education and Skills the investigations that have taken place into employment practices on construction sites of educational facilities, such as St Patrick's College, Drumcondra and others, where trade unions have alleged they are prevented from going on site and black economy practices are taking place. [29392/14]

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Written answers

The Authorities in St Patrick's, Drumcondra, have raised issues referred to by the Deputy with the principal contractor. I have also written to the principal contractor concerned in relation to the allegations. Contractors Administration Services (CAS) has been appointed by my Department to, inter alia, investigate allegations concerning compliance with pay and conditions provisions of Public Works contracts. The Authorities in St Patrick's have requested the principal contractor to allow CAS to enter the site and carry out an investigation into these particular allegations. CAS previously visited the site in October 2013. It carried out compliance checks at that time. No major issues were identified. My Department deals with similar allegations relating to other constructions sites in a similar manner. My Department also contacted NERA in March when the concerns referred to by the Deputy regarding St. Patrick's were originally raised.

Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Questions (68)

Mick Wallace

Question:

68. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Education and Skills in relation to section 4 of Circular 0030/2014, if children are expected to assist in catering for the care needs of their fellow pupils who have special educational needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29253/14]

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Written answers

Circular 0030/2014 does not state that children are expected to assist in catering for the care needs of pupils who have special educational needs. The Circular states that for a child to require or qualify for access to SNA support a child must have an assessed disability and the care needs outlined must be of such significance that they are beyond that which would normally be expected to be provided to a child by the child's class teacher, support teacher, or other school teachers, or beyond the level of assistance which could be offered to the student by his/ or her fellow pupils in school. The Circular provides details of the significant care needs for which SNA support will be provided. Over 10,900 SNAs are being allocated to schools to support children with special educational needs for the coming school year. This is significantly more than has ever been allocated previously. All pupils who have been assessed as requiring SNA support to attend school for the coming school year will receive access to SNA support.

Quality and Qualifications Ireland Accreditation

Questions (69)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

69. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills when he envisages that the QQI will determine the fees that will apply to the providers with which it engages; his views on whether the fees could possibly reach up to €5,000; if this is the case, his views on whether such a high level of fees chargeable to legacy providers would make them financially unsustainable; if he will grant a waiver for community education providers in such circumstances in relation to fees for FETAC delivery under QQI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29004/14]

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Written answers

I understand that Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) is due to publish its policy in relation to re-engagement with its providers shortly. Re-engagement, or the formal agreement of quality assurance (QA) with QQI, is a requirement for legacy providers under the 2012 Act. It will happen only once for a provider; thereafter the provider will have to undergo periodic review of the effectiveness of its QA procedures. The re-engagement process will allow providers to demonstrate their capacity in respect of the development, ownership and implementation of their QA procedures, including the development of programmes and assessment of learners. The fees involved have not yet been determined. I will consider the proposed levels of fee and any associated issues when the proposal is made.

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