Written Answers Nos. 129 - 152
129. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when the historical investigations unit is expected to be established and operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13461/15]
View answerThe Government believes that addressing the legacy of the past is essential to further progress towards reconciliation in Northern Ireland. For this reason, the Stormont House Agreement provides for the establishment of a number of important new mechanisms, including an independent Historical Investigations Unit, which will take forward investigations into outstanding Troubles-related deaths from the former PSNI Historical Enquiries Team process and the legacy work of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland.
In addition to a Historical Investigations Unit, the Stormont House Agreement makes provision for the establishment of an Independent Commission on Information Retrieval, an Oral History Archive and an Implementation and Reconciliation Group to oversee themes, archives and information recovery across the framework for dealing with the legacy of the past. It provides further for the NI Executive to take appropriate steps to improve the way the legacy inquests function is conducted in Northern Ireland to comply with ECHR Article 2 requirements. The Agreement sets out that processes dealing with the past should be victim-centred and emphasises the importance of providing services and support to victims and survivors.
Primary legislation to establish the Historical Investigations Unit will be taken forward at Westminster and I understand that the intention is to bring forward legislation as soon as possible to enable the Unit to be established in 2016. Notwithstanding the complex work involved in establishing these mechanisms, I am confident that the British Government shares the Irish Government’s resolve that the new framework to address the legacy of the past is put in place at the earliest opportunity.
The Government has committed to putting all necessary arrangements in place to ensure full cooperation with the Historical Investigations Unit, including legislation if necessary. Any such legislation in this jurisdiction will be a matter for consideration by the Minister for Justice and Equality in the first instance.
The efficient and expeditious implementation of the Stormont House Agreement in its totality is a key focus for the Government. On 27 March I participated in a second implementation and review meeting of the Agreement in Belfast with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Executive Parties; it was a useful opportunity to take stock of progress. The two Governments and the Northern Ireland Executive parties must continue to work collectively to meet the objectives we set together and to ensure that the overall benefit of the Stormont House Agreement is realised for the people of Northern Ireland.
130. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress to date in protecting the Bahá'i community in Iran; his plans in this regard in conjunction with his European Union colleagues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13479/15]
View answerThe human rights situation in Iran remains a matter of serious concern. This includes freedom of expression and assembly, arbitrary arrest, and torture in detention. There are concerns in particular about the treatment of religious and ethnic minorities, political activists, journalists and bloggers, and human rights defenders. Human rights issues therefore continue to constitute an important part of our engagement and dialogue with Iran.
During my address to the Human Rights Council on 4 March, I expressed my concern that “Freedom of Religion and Belief is in peril in many places worldwide, with members of minority religious communities, including those of Christian, Muslim and Baha’i faith, disproportionately affected by violence, discrimination, and harassment.”
Ireland continues to call strongly for the release of the seven Bahá’í leaders and the end to the persecution of members of this faith in Iran, including through bilateral contacts, with our EU partners and at the UN. Ireland has been instrumental in consistent activity by the EU in raising the discriminatory treatment of the Bahá’ís in Iran.
Bilaterally, our concerns are conveyed to the Iranian Ambassador and Embassy on all appropriate occasions. Moreover, in January 2015, during political consultations with Iran, which took place in Dublin, my Department again directly communicated our concerns regarding the treatment of the Baha’i community to the visiting Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Majid Takht Ravanchi.
During Iran’s Universal Periodic Review at the UN Human Rights Council in April 2014, Ireland voiced concerns in its intervention regarding the situation of religious minorities, including recommending that Iran review its policies discriminating against students on account of their faith, ensure that the trials of members of religious minorities are conducted in a fair and transparent manner, and accord them the full rights of citizens of Iran.
At the 27th Session of the Human Rights Council in September 2014, under Agenda Item Four, on human rights situations that require the Council’s attention, Ireland raised concerns that some groups, including those of the Bahá’i faith and some Christian groups, are subject to significant persecution.
We also raised the issue at the 28th Session of the Human Rights Council in March 2015 during the interactive dialogues with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief.
My Department maintains regular contact with the Irish Bahá’í community.
Ireland, along with the EU, will continue to encourage progress in relation to religious minorities in Iran and to make clear our concerns to the Iranian authorities at every appropriate opportunity.
131. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a school bus ticket in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13481/15]
View answerBus Éireann, which operates the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department, has advised that the pupil referred to by the Deputy in the details supplied, has been issued with a school transport ticket.
132. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding grant aid assistance in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13438/15]
View answerThe management authorities of the school referred to by the Deputy submitted an application in January 2015 for funding under my Department's Emergency Works Scheme to replace underfloor heating at their school with standard radiators.
As the scope of works for which funding is sought is outside the terms of the scheme they cannot be considered for funding. I understand that the school authority were to contact my Department's Planning and Building Unit to consider alternative options and to date no contact has been made.
133. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of teachers who are qualified to teach Spanish; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13443/15]
View answerTeacher allocations to second level schools are approved annually by my Department in accordance with established rules based on recognised pupil enrolment. Within schools, the deployment of teachers is a matter for school management. Management authorities of individual schools and Education and Training Boards (ETBs) are responsible for the appointment and deployment of teachers so as to maximise the effective teaching of the curriculum offered by the school. Schools are also responsible for deciding what subjects and programmes to offer and this can vary in accordance with local need. This, in turn, determines the type of teacher competencies/specialisms required at that time.
Data supplied to my Department by the Teaching Council indicate that there are approximately 865 post-primary teachers registered on the basis of qualifications in Spanish. It should be noted that this number would include teachers who are not currently teaching the subject, such as those who are retired, on career breaks, travelling, unemployed, deployed to teach other subjects and so on.
134. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of teachers who are qualified to teach German; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13444/15]
View answerTeacher allocations to second level schools are approved annually by my Department in accordance with established rules based on recognised pupil enrolment. Within schools, the deployment of teachers is a matter for school management. Management authorities of individual schools and Education and Training Boards (ETBs) are responsible for the appointment and deployment of teachers so as to maximise the effective teaching of the curriculum offered by the school. Schools are also responsible for deciding what subjects and programmes to offer and this can vary in accordance with local need. This, in turn, determines the type of teacher competencies/specialisms required at that time.
Data supplied to my Department by the Teaching Council indicate that there are approximately 1350 Post-primary teachers registered on the basis of qualifications in German. It should be noted that this number would include teachers who are not currently teaching the subject, such as those who are retired, on career breaks, travelling, unemployed, deployed to teach other subjects and so on.
135. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of teachers who are qualified to teach French; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13445/15]
View answerTeacher allocations to second level schools are approved annually by my Department in accordance with established rules based on recognised pupil enrolment. Within schools, the deployment of teachers is a matter for school management. Management authorities of individual schools and Education and Training Boards (ETBs) are responsible for the appointment and deployment of teachers so as to maximise the effective teaching of the curriculum offered by the school. Schools are also responsible for deciding what subjects and programmes to offer and this can vary in accordance with local need. This, in turn, determines the type of teacher competencies/specialisms required at that time.
Data supplied to my Department by the Teaching Council indicate that there are approximately 3323 Post-primary teachers registered on the basis of qualifications in French. It should be noted that this number would include teachers who are not currently teaching the subject, such as those who are retired, on career breaks, travelling, unemployed, deployed to teach other subjects and so on.
136. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of teachers who are qualified to teach Chinese; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13446/15]
View answerThe Teaching Council, the body with statutory authority to register teachers, registers post-primary teachers for curricular subjects leading to State Examinations. As Chinese is currently not on the list of state examination subjects the Council does not hold such data.
137. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of primary school teachers who are qualified to masters level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13447/15]
View answerSince 2006, the Teaching Council is the body with statutory authority to recognise teaching qualifications and register teachers.
Data supplied to my Department by the Teaching Council indicate that there are approximately 2710 primary teachers registered with a Masters qualification on the Teaching Council Register.
It should be noted that this number reflects records where the teacher registered the qualification at initial registration or subsequently updated their information to include the qualification. Many teachers may hold this qualification but have not included it as part of their submission to the Teaching Council.
138. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of secondary school teachers who are qualified to masters level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13448/15]
View answerSince 2006, the Teaching Council is the body with statutory authority to recognise teaching qualifications and register teachers.
Data supplied to my Department by the Teaching Council indicate that there are approximately 5991 post-primary teachers registered with a Masters qualification on the Teaching Council Register. It should be noted that this number reflects records where the teacher registered the qualification at initial registration or subsequently updated their information to include the qualification. Many teachers may hold this qualification but have not included it as part of their submission to the Teaching Council.
139. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools that are under church patronage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13449/15]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is in the table.
Schools under Church patronage 2014-15
|
Primary mainstream |
Post-primary * |
|
|
Patron Body |
Mainstream primary schools |
Voluntary Secondary School |
|
Catholic Bishop |
2,786 |
42 |
|
Church of Ireland Bishop |
164 |
2 |
|
Presbyterian Church |
17 |
|
|
Joint patronage of a Catholic Bishop and Church of Ireland Bishop |
1 |
|
|
Joint patronage of Church of Ireland and Presbyterian Church |
3 |
|
|
Joint patronage of Church of Ireland, Presbyterian Church and Methodist Church |
1 |
|
|
Methodist Church |
1 |
1 |
|
Schools with other patron bodies |
165 |
330 |
|
Total schools |
3,138 |
375 |
Notes regarding post-primary sector *
Note 1:
Catholic bishops are also joint patrons to 39 of the 81 Community Schools.
Note 2:
A Church of Ireland Bishop is also a joint patron of one of the 14 Comprehensive schools.
140. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps her Department is taking to help families with the early intervention for children with autism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13450/15]
View answerThe policy of my Department is that children with special educational needs, including children with autism, should be included where possible and appropriate in mainstream placements with additional supports provided. In circumstances where children with special educational need require more specialised interventions, special school or special class places are also available.
Home tuition is provided to children with autism aged between 2.5 and 3 years of age as they cannot enrol in a school until they reach the age of three.
Parents can choose to enrol children with autism in an early intervention class from the age of three and where such a placement is not available home tuition is approved. Children with autism over the age of four may also be eligible for home tuition if a school placement is not available for them.
The annual circular for the 2014/2015 Home Tuition Scheme (048/2014) is available on www.education.ie and provides detailed information on the purpose of the scheme including the eligibility criteria. Home tuition is intended as an interim provision only for children with a special educational need for whom a school placement is not available and is not intended to be regarded as an optional alternative to school.
All State-funded primary and post primary schools have been allocated additional resources to provide for children with special educational needs enrolled in school.
For children for whom mainstream provision may not be appropriate, my Department has provided placement options, in 2014/15, in some 125 special schools which have approximately 1,000 teachers and approximately 860 special classes located around the country, 95 of which are early intervention classes for young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Primary and Post Primary schools have a permanent allocation of additional teaching supports to provide for children whose educational psychological assessment places them in the high incidence, or less complex, disability category.
Separately, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) allocates Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) for children with additional care needs, as outlined in Circular 00030/2014 and additional resource teaching hours to schools for children who have been assessed within the low incidence, or more complex, category of special need, as defined by my Department's Circular Sp Ed 02/05. The NCSE operates within my Department's established criteria for the allocation of Special Education supports and the staffing resources available to my Department.
The Deputy may also be aware that the National Council Special Education (NCSE) is currently at an advanced stage in the preparation of policy advice on the education of children with autism which includes a review of early intervention provision.
I expect that the NCSE final report will reflect the broadest possible range of views, both National and International and will provide recommendations which will assist the development of policy for future years.
141. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps her Department is taking to improve the standard of numeracy and literacy here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13451/15]
View answerAt both primary and post primary, literacy and numeracy have been prioritised as key skills for all students in line with the Literacy and Numeracy Strategy (2011).
A new mathematics curriculum has been rolled out in post-primary schools. This reform was accompanied by an intensive programme of continuous professional development for teachers, provided by the Project Maths Development Team.
In addition, a two year part-time Professional Diploma in Mathematics for Teaching (Level 8) is being run by the NCE-MSTL consortium. Almost 800 teachers, over the last three years, have enrolled in this programme. These two major commitments were prioritised so as to enhance the quality of teaching and learning in post-primary mathematics.
At Junior Cycle, literacy and numeracy are being embedded as key skills, not only in English and Mathematics, but also in all of the new subject specifications as they are being developed by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA).
In line with a commitment in the national literacy and numeracy strategy, the NCCA has initiated a review of the primary maths curriculum. The revision of the curriculum will be on a phased basis, with the initial focus being on the development of a revised mathematics curriculum for children in the first four years of primary school, from junior infants to second class inclusive.
Significant progress has already been made in relation to integrated languages curriculum. The development of a new integrated languages Curriculum for the first four years of primary schools (Junior Infants to Second Class) is nearing completion. It will be implemented to schools from September 2016 but will be available to teachers to engage with from September 2015.
All schools are required (Circulars 0039/2012 primary and 0040/2012 post-primary) to engage in planning for improvement in the areas of literacy and numeracy as part of the school self-evaluation process. This planning requires schools to gather information about current outcomes and to use this evidence to set targets for improvement. This is done on a whole-school basis with a focus on changing teaching and learning in all classrooms. While the improvement plan is developed at whole-school level, it should be implemented in every class and across all subjects at post-primary level.
142. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide an update on efforts to secure a permanent site in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13473/15]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that officials in my Department have been working with officials from Cork County Council in relation to the identification and acquisition of a suitable permanent site for new school accommodation for the school to which he refers. A preferred site option has been identified and is being progressed. However given the commercial sensitivities associated with land acquisitions generally I am not in a position to comment further at this time.
143. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Education and Skills her plans for meeting the accommodation requirements of a school (details supplied) in County Cork for the school year 2015-16; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13474/15]
View answerTwo additional prefabs have been approved for the school to which the Deputy refers for 2015/16 school year. A planning application for this development was submitted to the local authority at the end of last week.
144. Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Education and Skills if discretion will be applied in the case of a child (details supplied) in County Galway in respect of the school transport scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13476/15]
View answerUnder the terms of my Department's Post Primary School Transport Scheme children are eligible for school transport where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
Bus Éireann which operates the School Transport Scheme has advised that the child referred to by the Deputy is not attending his nearest all Irish post primary school and is therefore not eligible for school transport.
In general children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport on a concessionary basis subject to a number of terms and conditions that are detailed in the scheme.
Bus Éireann has advised that there are spare seats available on a service in question.
In this regard the family should liaise with their local Bus Éireann office at 091-537512/537694.
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.
145. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of students registered as attending the National College of Art and Design during each year since 2006, in tabular form, showing full-time and part-time registrations. [13493/15]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is contained in the table.
National College of Art and Design Full and Part-time enrolments 2006/07-2013/14
|
- |
2006/07 |
2007/08 |
2008/09 |
2009/10 |
2010/11 |
2011/12 |
2012/13 |
2013/14 |
|
Full-time |
879 |
830 |
865 |
932 |
918 |
940 |
914 |
1035 |
|
Part-Time |
26 |
124 |
179 |
242 |
227 |
222 |
241 |
189 |
|
Total |
905 |
954 |
1044 |
1174 |
1145 |
1162 |
1155 |
1224 |
146. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of non-European Union students registered as attending the National College of Art and Design during each year since 2006. [13494/15]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is contained in the table.
National College of Art and Design Full time Non-EU enrolments 2006/07-2013/14
|
2006/07 |
2007/08 |
2008/09 |
2009/10 |
2010/11 |
2011/12 |
2012/13 |
2013/14 |
|
|
Full-time |
7 |
1 |
2 |
6 |
8 |
6 |
8 |
9 |
147. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of staff employed by the National College of Art and Design during each year since 2006, in tabular form, showing full-time and part-time staff members and teaching and administrative staff. [13495/15]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is contained in the table.
National College of Art and Design - Core Staffing Figures
|
- |
Full time Academic |
Part time Academic |
Full time non-academic |
Part time non-academic |
Total |
|
31/12/2006 |
60.30 |
10.80 |
70.70 |
0.00 |
141.80 |
|
31/12/2007 |
62.80 |
10.80 |
68.60 |
0.00 |
142.20 |
|
31/12/2008 |
67.20 |
10.80 |
72.20 |
0.00 |
150.20 |
|
31/12/2009 |
65.20 |
8.00 |
74.30 |
0.00 |
147.50 |
|
31/12/2010 |
61.20 |
8.00 |
71.80 |
0.00 |
141.00 |
|
31/12/2011 |
57.80 |
10.40 |
71.00 |
0.00 |
139.20 |
|
31/12/2012 |
57.37 |
11.26 |
68.87 |
0.00 |
137.50 |
|
31/12/2013 |
56.03 |
6.76 |
67.77 |
0.00 |
130.56 |
|
31/12/2014 |
52.09 |
6.80 |
68.74 |
0.00 |
127.63 |
148. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she is aware of the current governance issues in the National College of Art and Design; that there is no board in place; her plans to ensure that the new board is fully independent and transparent in its appointments; the method that will be used to appoint new board members; and the date on which she expects the new board to be in place. [13496/15]
View answer149. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she has been briefed by any person in her Department on accounting irregularities within the National College of Art and Design. [13497/15]
View answer150. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she is aware of the levy of €100 for studio and materials on students of the National College of Art and Design; the legal basis on which the college is allowed place this levy on students; if the college is legally obliged to demonstrate to students where these moneys are used; if she is aware that the Higher Education Authority has said that this charge must be voted on by the students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13498/15]
View answer151. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the fees for the master of arts in the digital world programme in the National College of Art and Design have risen from €2,850 to €3,900, causing a number of students to leave the course; her views that this increase is appropriate; and her plans to address this matter. [13499/15]
View answer152. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the funding allocated to the National College of Art and Design each year since 2006. [13500/15]
View answer155. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide copies of reports, either conducted by or held by the Higher Education Authority, in relation to spending, budgeting, accounting or other financial matters in the National College of Art and Design. [13503/15]
View answer157. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the amount of tuition fees received by the National College of Art and Design for the years 2006 to 2014 and in 2015 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13505/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 148 to 152, inclusive, 155 and 157 together.
As the Deputy may be aware issues regarding financial, accounting and governance matters in the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) were identified by the Comptroller & Auditor General (C&AG) in a Special Report which was submitted to my Department last September. I would like to assure the Deputy that the matters raised are of serious concern to my Department and my officials have been working with the Higher Education Authority (HEA) in order to have the concerns dealt with. I understand that NCAD is currently working on implementing a number of changes and improvements in its systems and processes in order to address the issues identified in the C&AG report.
Details of the recurrent funding, including grant in lieu of tuition fees funding, provided to NCAD is set out in the table.
Higher education institutions such as NCAD are autonomous bodies and have responsibility for their own day to day affairs. Many students in the higher education sector are required to pay additional charges, over and above the Student Contribution, relating to the cost of their course including costs associated with Garda vetting, health screening, fieldtrips etc. Similar charges for materials commonly occur in art and design programmes in other institutions. A referendum of registered students usually only occurs where a levy is to be introduced to contribute to the cost of specific facilities for student services purposes, e.g. student centre, sports facilities.
In relation to the fee payable for the Masters course in NCAD, again, institutions are autonomous bodies and therefore the criteria governing the level of tuition fees to be charged in relation to postgraduate study is determined by the institutions and I have no role in relation to the matter. However, it should be noted that the average postgraduate tuition fee in other higher education institutions can range from €5,000 to €6,000.
The three-year term of office of the board of the NCAD expired on 1 March 2015. A new board will be appointed for a three year period up to 1 March 2018. Members of the board are appointed in accordance with Sections 6 and 7 of the NCAD Act, 1971. My Department has recently sought expressions of interest from suitably qualified candidates for consideration for appointment as Chairs and ordinary members to boards and governing bodies of institutions and other bodies in the higher education sector including NCAD. Expressions of interest were sought by way of a public advertisement on www.education.ie and www.stateboards.ie. The expressions of interest received are being processed and the new NCAD board will be appointed as soon as possible.
Details of recurrent funding provided to the National College of Art & Design
|
Year |
Grant |
Fees |
Total € |
|
2014 |
€6,139,716 |
€2,781,384 |
€8,921,100 |
|
2013 |
€6,994,247 |
€2,806,417 |
€9,800,664 |
|
2012 |
€7,410,694 |
€2,997,960 |
€10,408,654 |
|
2011 |
€8,223,667 |
€3,181,400 |
€11,405,067 |
|
2010 |
€8,684,724 |
€2,959,000 |
€11,643,724 |
|
2009 |
€9,966,471 |
€2,786,700 |
€12,753,171 |
|
2008 |
€10,853,678 |
€2,961,900 |
€13,815,578 |
|
2007 |
€10,415,162 |
€2,433,064 |
€12,848,226 |
|
2006 |
€10,532,000 |
€2,189,575 |
€12,721,575 |
Provisional core grant allocation for 2015: €4,889,311 (excluding amounts yet to be allocated, e.g. pensions).
Amount of fees already paid to date in 2015: €700,000. Further instalments will be paid during 2015.
Note: The above amounts represent the calendar year payments in respect of grant and fees. Final fee payments to the College are based on certified final fee claim for each academic year.
