Skip to main content
Normal View

Wednesday, 6 May 2015

Written Answers Nos. 455-477

Schools Building Projects Status

Questions (455)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

455. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of applications for funding through public private partnerships in respect of schools (details supplied) in County Wicklow which are currently in a bundle of seven schools approved by her Department for funding through such partnerships; if she is aware that Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council refused planning permission for the access road, citing traffic concerns on foot of an objection by the National Roads Authority regarding the capacity of the N11 and other local road infrastructure; and if she will provide an assurance that these two schools will not be cut from the bundle. [17314/15]

View answer

Written answers

My Department is currently considering the options available to it in light of the refusal of planning permission by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council for the access road to the site in question. My Department is in the process of engaging with the key stakeholders in the matter. It remains my intention to progress the development of the new school buildings as part of the Bundle 5 PPP projects.

School Placement

Questions (456)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

456. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which second level educational needs will be met in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who has grown out of primary level education but has had no access to secondary level education for the past one and a half years, and who has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, a moderate intellectual disability, has no speech and is in danger of being excluded from a secondary level education; if this case will be re-examined with a view to meeting this person's requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17321/15]

View answer

Written answers

I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department's policies focus on ensuring that all children can have access to an education appropriate to their needs, preferably in school settings through the primary and post primary school network. A range of placement options for pupils with special educational needs is provided, in order to ensure that all pupils can receive a school placement. Many pupils with special educational needs will be able to attend a local mainstream school, whereas for pupils who have needs which require more specialist interventions, special class and special school placements are provided for. The National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs supports, including the establishment of special classes in various geographical areas as required. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. SENOs engage with schools annually in order to plan for, and to open, new special classes each year, in order to ensure there are sufficient special class placements available at primary and post primary school level to meet demand in a given area. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents are encouraged to liaise with the local SENO to discuss placement options for their child. I can advise the Deputy that the local SENO is actively engaged with the parent of the child in question with a view to securing a school placement. In the interim, 20 hours home tuition per week has been approved for the child pending a placement being secured.

Third Level Funding

Questions (457)

Robert Troy

Question:

457. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will release capital funding to aid the development of Mary Immaculate College Library, County Limerick. [17352/15]

View answer

Written answers

The needs of the College will be considered in the context of budgetary resources and having regard to competing demands.

School Breaks Standardisation

Questions (458)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

458. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills her views on a matter (detail supplied) regarding the opening of schools during the tourism season; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17354/15]

View answer

Written answers

While standardised arrangements for the breaks to be taken by schools at Christmas, Easter and midterm apply to all schools, it is not a requirement of these agreed arrangements that the commencement or end of the school year either at primary or post-primary level should be standardised. Individual schools may therefore determine the precise start and end of the school year subject to ensuring that the requirements in respect of the minimum number of teaching days per school year are met. The expectation is that the school year will normally commence during the week in which 1st September falls. However, the school year may commence in the week prior to that in which 1st September falls where this is necessary in order to meet the overall requirement of a minimum of 167 days at post-primary level or 183 days at primary level.

Schools Building Projects Status

Questions (459)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

459. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide an update on the development of the new community school building in Clifden, County Galway; when it is envisaged that the re-tender process will be completed; the timeframe envisaged for completion of the project; and if the required funding is still in place to complete it by then. [17358/15]

View answer

Written answers

The Design Team for the project referred to by the Deputy is currently finalizing the tender documentation and the prequalification of contractors list with a view to proceeding to re-tender shortly. The project remains on the Department's Construction Programme and will be progressed through a new tender process over the coming months. The new tender process will provide both the school and the Department with greater certainty with regard to the appointment of a Contractor to commence the construction of the new school in 2015. The dates for the events referred to by the Deputy will only become apparent as the tender process is progressed but the school authority will be kept fully informed regarding these developments as they occur.

Schools Designation

Questions (460, 461)

Clare Daly

Question:

460. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the analysis undertaken of the impact of the removal of the rural Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools category; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17363/15]

View answer

Clare Daly

Question:

461. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to reinstate the rural Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools category, in view of the significant disadvantage that these schools have vis-à-vis their peers. [17364/15]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 460 and 461 together. I have not removed the rural category of school from the DEIS programme. Accordingly the matter of its reinstatement does not arise. The Deputy may wish to note my recent announcement in relation to the DEIS programme in the context of the publication of the ESRI "Learning from DEIS" report. Details of same are available on my Departments website at http://www.education.ie/en/Press-Events/Press-Releases/2015-Press-Releases/PR2015-04-09.html

Schools Building Projects Status

Questions (462)

Jim Daly

Question:

462. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide an update in relation to progressing a new school building (details supplied) in West Cork subsequent to the transfer of lands from the education and training board to facilitate the building; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17388/15]

View answer

Written answers

My Department has been liaising with Cork Education and Training Board and the School Patron with a view to agreeing an accommodation solution for the gaelscoil referred to by the Deputy. I am pleased to confirm a suitable site (subject to planning permission) has been identified by Cork Education and Training Board in respect of the development of a permanent building for the school in question. My Department is currently liaising with the Patron and the gaelscoil in relation to the classroom accommodation to be provided as part of the school project brief.

Personal Public Service Numbers Data

Questions (463)

Robert Troy

Question:

463. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason her Department is requesting children's personal public service numbers; and if information regarding same cannot be obtained from schools. [17403/15]

View answer

Written answers

The PPS number will be used as the unique pupil identifier on the Departments Primary Online Database POD and on the Departments Post Primary Online Database (P-POD). This will allow for a child's educational history to be maintained accurately as they move school, as well as ensuring that there are no duplicate enrolments in the system. The PPS number will be obtained from the school and used to validate the identity of the pupil using the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform or using the Department of Social Protection PPSN Checker service. This is an automated process which validates large batches of PPS numbers using other variables from a pupil's Public Service Identity dataset, and returns a match code to the Department of Education and Skills. A Fair Processing Notice to explain how the personal data of pupils in primary schools on the Primary Online Database (POD) will be recorded, processed and shared is available on my Departments website. http://www.education.ie/en/Publications/Statistics/Primary-Online-Database-POD-/POD-Fair-Processing-Notice.pdf

Schools Building Projects Administration

Questions (464)

Helen McEntee

Question:

464. Deputy Helen McEntee asked the Minister for Education and Skills her plans for the provision of a new secondary school (details supplied) in County Meath in view of the significant local population and the fact that the new national school will shortly open. [17413/15]

View answer

Written answers

My Department is currently carrying out a nationwide demographic exercise to determine where additional post-primary school places might be needed from 2017 onwards. This includes an examination of the area in County Meath referred to by the Deputy. On foot of this review, arrangements will be made to provide additional post-primary accommodation where this is needed.

Departmental Budgets

Questions (465)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

465. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total allocations to the education budget each year since 2009. [17433/15]

View answer

Written answers

The total gross allocations for the Education & Skills Vote for the years 2010 - 2015 and the Office of the Minister for Education and Science as it was known in 2009 are set out in the table.

Year

Total Allocation €000

2009

€9,491,702

2010

€9,295,100

2011

€8,888,352

2012

€8,671,643

2013

€8,507,333

2014

€8,505,877

2015

€8,585,277

Departmental Budgets

Questions (466)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

466. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total amount of savings in the education budget each year since 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17435/15]

View answer

Written answers

The table provides details of the projected yield from current expenditure savings measures announced for my Department in respect of each of the Budgets 2010 to 2015, excluding savings measures resulting from central pay policy decisions. The net amount of adjustment year on year in my Department's expenditure allocation is determined by the impact of any savings measures announced and the offset effect of any additional expenditure provision made, for example, expenditure on increased numbers on teachers in schools associated with increases in student numbers. This fact is reflected in the overall current expenditure allocations for each of the years in question, which are also shown in the table.

-

-

€ Million - Budget Savings Measures

€ Million - Budget Savings Measures

Year

Current Expenditure Allocation

Estimated Savings Yield in Year

Estimated Full Year Savings

2010

€8,589

€134

€200

2011

€8,387

€170

€307

2012

€8,242

€132

€316

2013

€8,094

€90

€123

2014

€7,960

€44

€24

2015

€8,018

€0

€0

National Educational Psychological Service Administration

Questions (467)

Jim Daly

Question:

467. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she is satisfied with the current arrangements regarding the area of psychologists' requirement to register with a regulatory board, if there is planned legislation in this area; if so, when she expects this to come before the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17436/15]

View answer

Written answers

I can inform the Deputy that psychologists employed by my Department in the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) have been recruited on the basis that they hold the relevant qualification as educational psychologists, currently demanded at masters level. NEPS psychologists undergo CPD (Continual Professional Development) to ensure that their competency in the field is maintained. NEPS psychologists are actively encouraged to register with appropriate professional bodies such as the Psychological Society of Ireland. The deputy will be aware that CORU was established under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 (as amended) to regulate 12 specified professions including psychology. It has already established registers in respect of 5 of these and intends to complete statutory registration for the remaining professions between 2015 and 2017. I hope this is of assistance to the Deputy in the matter.

School Staff

Questions (468)

Michael Ring

Question:

468. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Skills when she will reply to a query regarding a fifth teacher in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17466/15]

View answer

Written answers

The criteria used for the allocation of teachers to schools is published annually on the Department's website. The key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September. The staffing arrangements for the coming school year 2015/16 are set out in Circular 0005/2015 which is available on the website. An appeals process is also available to schools. Details of the appeals criteria are set out in the published staffing arrangements.

The school referred to by the Deputy submitted an appeal to the March, 2015 meeting of the Primary Staffing Appeals Board. Having considered the application in the context of the published grounds, the Board deemed the application ineligible. The school was notified accordingly. The Primary Staffing Appeals Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.

School Accommodation Provision

Questions (469)

Billy Timmins

Question:

469. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she has received an application from a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow for new classrooms; if so, the status of the application; if the application can be looked at in a favourable manner in view of the fact that the current accommodation is very substandard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17474/15]

View answer

Written answers

I can confirm that the school referred to by the Deputy has made an application to my Department for capital funding to replace classroom accommodation. The application is currently being considered and a decision will be conveyed to the school authority shortly.

Traveller Community

Questions (470)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

470. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way in which she has improved co-ordination and integration to delivery of services to the Traveller community across all Government Departments, particularly in the area of Traveller education through the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17479/15]

View answer

Written answers

Current policy in relation to Traveller education is underpinned by the Report and Recommendations for a Traveller Education Strategy which was developed following wide ranging consultation with relevant stakeholders including Traveller representative groups.

The principle of inclusion is at the core of the Strategy and, accordingly, the focus of current provision is on the development of a more inclusive school environment through the whole school planning process, teaching practice, admissions policies, codes of behaviour and whole school evaluation. In keeping with this principle, additional resources provided in the education system are allocated on the basis of identified individual educational need rather than that of ethnic or cultural background.

The Traveller Education Strategy Advisory and Consultative Forum (TESACF) has responsibility for overseeing the implementation of the recommendations contained in the Strategy. Membership of the Forum includes Traveller representative groups, representatives of the education partners and of relevant policy areas of the Department of Education and Skills. The Child and Family Agency, Tusla, participates in the Forum in order to report on educational welfare matters relating to Traveller children and young people. My Department is represented on the newly established National Traveller & Roma Inclusion Strategy Steering Group to ensure an education perspective to National Traveller and Roma policy, as coordinated across all Government Departments by the Department of Justice and Equality. The DEIS Programme is my Department's main policy initiative for tackling educational disadvantage for all children and young people. Additional supports provided under the DEIS School Support Programme are allocated to pupils on the basis of identified educational need.

Information and Communications Technology

Questions (471)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

471. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there is now greater use of online platforms in a wider range of subjects and lessons; the additional subjects and lessons available online since 2011; if teachers are now using live web casts; the status of the digital school resource; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17480/15]

View answer

Written answers

In the recently completed census conducted at the end of 2013 the use of online tools and/or applications to support teaching and learning was the ICT use most frequently reported to be used regularly. Over half of post-primary principals and over one third of primary and special school principals reported that their schools regularly used content and resources on the local school server to support teaching and learning, while approximately one quarter of primary schools, one fifth of post-primary schools and just 12% of special schools used an external virtual learning environment to support teaching and learning regularly. The use of a 'live' video two-way link to share one or more subjects with students in another school was reported by just under 1% of primary schools and by 2.4% of post primary schools and by 2.6% of special schools. Scoilnet.ie is the Department of Education's education portal. It is actively used by Irish primary and post-primary teachers. In 2013 1.66m visits were recorded.

The Scoilnet.ie content model is expanding to become more open. It has evolved into a "repository", ie, a space where teacher-produced resources can be added by any registered teacher in Ireland. Instead of being a passive, consumption-only website, Scoilnet.ie is now encouraging and supporting teachers to share and contribute to the site by uploading their own teaching and learning resources within the "Resource Finder". In addition the website has adopted the use of Creative Commons licensing so that, where possible, uploaded resources can be made available as Open Educational Resources (OER). The Department's support services use a variety of models for the purpose of delivering training including blended learning and online support.

Departmental Consultations

Questions (472)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

472. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide an update on her consultation with the publishing industry to develop more online learning resources and new mediums for their learning materials as set out in the programme for Government. [17481/15]

View answer

Written answers

My officials met with the publishing industry in October to consult with them on the forthcoming Digital Strategy. It was agreed that further engagement with the Department and the publishers will take place over the lifetime of the Digital Strategy. A number of the publishers contributed to the public consultation process for Strategy.

School Accommodation Provision

Questions (473)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

473. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide an update on the phasing out of the inefficient renting of prefabricated units for schools; if the negotiation of rental contracts will be part of a reformed public procurement policy to encourage greater value for money; the number of prefabricated units that were rented in each year since 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17482/15]

View answer

Written answers

Under my Department's Prefab Replacement Initiatives 2012 and 2013 approval was given to 217 schools (209 primary and 8 post-primary) to replace 614 prefab units with permanent accommodation. In excess of €57m has been allocated to these initiatives, of which €46.5m has been paid to date. Of the total 217 approved school projects, 168 projects have been completed and a further 14 projects are on site. In addition to the prefab replacement initiatives as part of my Department's large scale school building programme, prefab accommodation continues to be replaced with permanent structures on an on-going basis. In general, the management authorities of schools are responsible for renting prefabs. In current economic circumstances it is important that small and medium sized businesses are not hindered in competing for contracts that they are performing effectively and centralising the process would make it more difficult for these to compete. The number of prefabs that have been rented in each year since 2009, is supplied for the Deputy's attention. It should be noted that a prefab unit may consist of one or more classrooms and/or ancillary accommodation.

Total number of rented prefabs in Primary and Post Primary schools 2009 to date

2009

1,879

2010

1,698

2011

1,525

2012

1,403

2013

1,094

2014

961

Currently

939

Schools Building Projects Status

Questions (474)

Colm Keaveney

Question:

474. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Skills in view of the fact that the current site of a school (details supplied) in County Galway is not fit for purpose, when the pupils and teachers of the school can expect the building of the new school, announced in 2012, to commence; whether it will be on the accelerated building programme; when she anticipates the school opening; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17492/15]

View answer

Written answers

My Department has clarified with the Deputies office the details of the school in question. Officials from my Department have been working very closely with Galway County Council under the Memorandum of Understanding between the Department and the County and City Managers' Association to acquire a suitable site for the school referred to by the Deputy. I can confirm that a suitable site has been identified and the site acquisition process is at an advanced stage. The site acquisition is subject to satisfactory completion of the conveyancing process and due diligence must be performed in this regard. My officials are working hard to progress this acquisition to a successful conclusion. Under my Departments Rapid-Design & Build programme, the tender process for a Building Contractor has been running in parallel with the site acquisition process. The appointment of the Contractor will be concluded when the site acquisition process is complete.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio

Questions (475)

Regina Doherty

Question:

475. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide, in tabular form, the current pupil-teacher ratio in primary and secondary schools, in schools under the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools programme and in special schools; the cost of reducing the pupil-teacher ratio by one point, two points, three points, four points, five points in both primary and secondary schools; her plans to reduce the pupil-teacher ratio in September 2015-2016; and the number of additional teachers required to address each point reduction. [17501/15]

View answer

Written answers

The Statistics Section of my Department's website contains extensive data relating to schools at primary and post-primary level. The most recent published information relates to the 2013/2014 school year. Data in relation to the 2014/15 school year will be published later in the current school year.

Teacher allocations to all schools are approved annually by my Department in accordance with established rules based on recognised pupil enrolment. The staffing schedule at primary level operates on the basis of 1 classroom teacher for an average of every 28 pupils. More favourable ratios operate in DEIS Band 1 schools. Each one point adjustment to the current 28.1 schedule at primary level is estimated to cost of the order of 250 to 300 posts (€18m). At post primary level teaching posts are allocated on the basis of 19:1 with a ratio of 18.25 applying in DEIS schools and 23.1 in fee charging schools. Each one point adjustment is estimated to cost of the order of 850 to 950 posts (€59m). My focus in Budget 2015 was on obtaining the additional funding that was necessary to provide for demographic growth. The last Budget included an increase in spending on education for the first time in recent years, amounting to additional funding of €60m during 2015. This funding will be used to provide 1,700 additional teachers and SNAs for our schools, as well as to fund prioritised reforms, such as implementation of the literacy and numeracy strategy, reform of junior cycle, and the introduction of education focussed pre-school inspections. The improvements in the Primary Staffing Schedule for small schools which I announced in February last are the only changes that I will be making to the staffing arrangements for schools for the 2015/16 school year. The Government's approach to restoring the economy has helped Ireland to return to a position where we are seeing economic growth. It is a continuing improvement in our economic growth over a sustained period that will enable us to move to a point where we can look again at providing for additional teacher resources in schools which could bring about further improvement in PTR, class size and support for classroom teachers. The challenge for all schools is to ensure that they utilise their allocated resources to best effect to maximise teaching and learning outcomes.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio

Questions (476)

Regina Doherty

Question:

476. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide, in tabular form, the pupil-teacher ratio in primary and secondary schools, in schools under the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools programme and in special schools each year for the past ten years; her future plans in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17502/15]

View answer

Written answers

The Statistics Section of my Department's website contains extensive data relating to schools at primary and post-primary level. The most recent published information relates to the 2013/2014 school year. Data in relation to the 2014/15 school year will be published later in the current school year.

My focus in Budget 2015 was on obtaining the additional funding that was necessary to provide for demographic growth. The last Budget included an increase in spending on education for the first time in recent years, amounting to additional funding of €60m during 2015. This funding will be used to provide 1,700 additional teachers and SNAs for our schools, as well as to fund prioritised reforms, such as implementation of the literacy and numeracy strategy, reform of junior cycle, and the introduction of education focussed pre-school inspections. The improvements in the Primary Staffing Schedule for small schools which I announced in February last are the only changes that I will be making to the staffing arrangements for schools for the 2015/16 school year. The Government's approach to restoring the economy has helped Ireland to return to a position where we are seeing economic growth. It is a continuing improvement in our economic growth over a sustained period that will enable us to move to a point where we can look again at providing for additional teacher resources in schools which could bring about further improvement in PTR, class size and support for classroom teachers. The challenge for all schools is to ensure that they utilise their allocated resources to best effect to maximise teaching and learning outcomes.

Capitation Grants

Questions (477)

Regina Doherty

Question:

477. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide, in tabular format, the current capitation rate in primary and secondary schools, in schools under the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools programme and in special schools for the past ten years; the cost of increasing or restoring the capitation rate to each of these; her future plans in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17503/15]

View answer

Written answers

My Department provides capitation funding to all recognised primary schools and second level schools within the free education scheme. My Department provides capitation funding to mainstream primary schools by way of per capita grants, subject to a minimum grant equivalent to 60 pupils. Enhanced rates are payable to Special Schools and Special Classes attached to mainstream schools. The funding arrangements made by my Department for second level schools reflect the sectoral division of our second-level system. At the core of all arrangements is reliance upon capitation as the principal determinant of funding. My Department provides funding to Community and Comprehensive schools on a budget basis that is based mainly on pupil numbers, but also take into account additional factors which vary from school to school such as age of buildings, size of school etc. With regard to the VEC sector financial allocations are made to VECs as part of a block grant. VECs are given a high level of autonomy in the management and appropriation of this grant and each is allowed to distribute its allocations in line with its priorities and perceptions of need.

My Department provides funding to voluntary secondary schools by way of per capita grants.

DEIS capitation is paid based on a school's relative level of disadvantage against all other schools.

Fee charging schools do not receive any capitation or related grants from my Department.

The table contains a breakdown of the annual per capita grant rates as requested by the Deputy. I am determined that education will be prioritised for further investment in future years, and I believe that increasing the staffing and funding of our schools should be priorities for such investment.

Voluntary Sector Post Primary Capitation Rates 2005-2015

-

Capitation

SSSF

2005

€286

€145

2006

€298

€159

2007

€316

€189

2008

€331

€204

2009

€345

€212

2010

€345

€212

2011

€328

€201

2012

€317

€201

2013

€306

€201

2014

€301

€201

2015

€296

€201

Primary Capitation Rates 2005-2015

-

Primary Capitation

Primary Ancillary

2005

€133.58

€133

2006

€145.58

€139

2007

€163.58

€145.50

2008

€178.58

€151.50

2009

€200

€155.00

2010

€200

€155.00

2011

€190

€147.00

2012

€178

€147.00

2013

€176

€147.00

2014

€173

€147.00

2015

€170

€147.00

Top
Share