Written Answers Nos. 251-260
253. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills to set out the status of an application for an additional teacher by a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9002/16]
View answerThe criteria used for the allocation of teaching posts for the 2016/2017 school year is set out in Circular 0007/2016. 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 30 September 2015.
The staffing arrangements at primary level also include an appeals mechanism for schools to submit an appeal under certain criteria to the Primary Staffing Appeals Board.
The school referred to by the Deputy submitted an application for consideration by the Appeals Board at its March meeting. The Appeals Board determined that the appeal did not satisfy all of the published criteria as set out in Circular 0007/2016. The Appeal Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
The Staffing Schedule includes the provision where schools experiencing rapid increases in enrolment can apply for additional permanent mainstream posts on developing grounds. The Department has not received an application for a developing post from the school referred to by the Deputy.
254. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she has made a decision following an interim response regarding financial assistance to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9005/16]
View answerThe National Council for Special Education (NCSE) through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) is responsible for processing applications from schools for special educational needs supports. SENOs also make recommendations to my Department where assistive technology is required. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in making recommendations for support, which is set out in my Department's Circular 0010/2013.
In order to qualify for equipment under the assistive technology scheme, a child must have been diagnosed with a physical or communicative disability and must also have a recommendation in a professional assessment that the equipment is essential in order to allow the child to access the curriculum. It must also be clear that the existing I.T. equipment in the school is insufficient to meet the child's needs.
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has not, to date, received an application for assistive technology support for the child referred to in his question.
The parents, or school, of the child concerned should therefore contact the NCSE regarding a potential application for support in the first instance. 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.
255. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills to outline her views on the concerns raised by a person (details supplied) regarding the cost of school transport. [9006/16]
View answerSafety of children travelling on the school transport service is of paramount importance to my Department and to Bus Éireann. Bus Éireann place special emphasis on safety and, to this end, have a wide range of checking procedures in place to ensure that a safe and reliable service is provided.
The designation of specific school bus pick-up points is an operational matter for Bus Éireann. I should say, however, that parents also have to play their part in ensuring that children are brought to and collected safely from relevant pick-up points along the route of the journey.
It is not possible to offer a reduced rate for children who travel morning/afternoon only as each child is allocated an individual seat to and from school each day for the school year, whether availed of or not.
256. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills when she will make a decision on a revised application for capital funding for a school building project (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9009/16]
View answerI can confirm that the school referred to by the Deputy submitted a revised application, for refurbishment works, containing various revised cost plans and refurbishment options that involve significant additional funding to that previously approved, in October 2013.
Having assessed the documentation submitted it was established that further details relevant to the application were required. This information was recently requested from the school and once received the application can be considered further.
257. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will grant permission for the board of management of a school (details supplied) in County Cork to use part of the school building to provide preschool and after-school care for the children attending the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9019/16]
View answerI wish to confirm that correspondence has been received from the school in question relating to the matter raised by the Deputy. This matter is currently under consideration and my Department will be in contact directly with the school authority concerned in the near future.
258. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Education and Skills to examine and expedite an application for a school extension (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9020/16]
View answerThe project to which the Deputy refers was authorised to proceed to tender in late November 2015. Following clarification on matters raised by the Design Team it is anticipated that the project will proceed to tender shortly.
259. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if and when she will facilitate funding for a new roof for the physical education hall for a school (details supplied) under the summer works scheme, with particular reference to the health and safety of users of the hall; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9026/16]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that I announced details of the successful applicants under the Summer Works Scheme (SWS) (2016-2017) on 28th April last, details of which are published on my Department's website, www.education.ie. €30 million of the €80 million announced for the multi-annual Summer Works Scheme (2016-2017) is now being allocated for vital gas works and electrical upgrades in schools. 197 primary and post primary schools were included in the first round of successful applicants.
Under SWS 2016 and 2017, valid applications from schools that were not reached for funding reasons from within the funding made available in 2016 will qualify to be assessed for purposes of the funding available in 2017, subject to the overall availability of funding. If this arises, the terms and conditions of the scheme as outlined in Circular Letter (0055/2015 which may be accessed on my Department's website, will continue to apply when allocating funding to such projects. An application from the school referred to by the Deputy is available to be considered in this context.
260. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Education and Skills to allocate the required funds under additional accommodation to a school (details supplied) for a woodwork and science laboratory; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9062/16]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, a major building project for the school, to which he refers, is included in my Department's 6 Year Capital Programme, that I announced in November last.
My Department is also in receipt of an application from the school in question for devolved funding to meet immediate accommodation requirements. This application is currently under consideration by my Department. However, I can confirm that to assist the appraisal process my Department's Inspectorate visited the school recently. My Department expects to be in further contact with the school concerned as soon as this assessment process has been finalised.
