Written Answers Nos. 99-104
99. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if children with autistic spectrum disorder have ready access to primary and secondary school places in County Kildare; the extent if difficulties have arisen in meeting the ongoing requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11130/16]
View answerMy Department provides for a range of placement options and supports for schools which have enrolled pupils with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in order to ensure that, wherever a child is enrolled, they will have access to an appropriate education. Children with ASD may be enrolled in a mainstream school and can attend all mainstream classes. In such cases these children will receive additional teaching support through the learning support and/or the resource teacher and, where appropriate, will receive access to Special Needs Assistance and assistive technology if required.
In respect of children with ASD who cannot be accommodated in mainstream education, they may be enrolled in special classes or special schools where more intensive and supportive interventions are provided.
The Deputy will be aware that 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.
Recent years have seen an increase in the number of SNAs from 10,575 posts in 2011 to 12,040 in June 2016. Almost 40% of all students with SNA provision are students with Autism.
Over the same period the number of ASD special classes in mainstream primary and post primary schools has increased by 435, from 330 in 2011 to 765 in 2015. A further 168 ASD special classes are due to open in 2016.
The NCSE have advised that there are 56 ASD classes in County Kildare. 5 of these are Early Intervention classes for children with ASD who are not yet school of going age, 40 ASD classes are at primary school level and there are 11 ASD classes at post primary level. Each special class for autism at primary level has a 6:1 pupil teacher ratio and at post-primary level has a 6:1.5 pupil teacher ratio. These classes also have Special Needs Assistant support normally amounting to 2 SNAs for a class of 6 children.
The NCSE monitors and reviews the requirement for special class and has capacity to establish new special classes where necessary. SENOs are currently liaising with schools in the area referred to by the Deputy regarding the establishment of further classes for 2016/17 school year.
A full list of special classes is available at www.ncse.ie.
100. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will assist the school authorities at Newtown, in Enfield, in County Kildare in the provision of extra enhanced and upgraded accommodation, having reference to the availability of extra space; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11131/16]
View answerMy Department furnished an application form to the school in question in April 2015 in response to its enquiry relating to accommodation needs. The school was invited to complete the application form and return it to my Department. My Department has no record of receiving the application from the school.
101. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if younger teachers who receive reduced salaries can expect an improvement in their situation in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11132/16]
View answerThe Government has committed to establishing a Public Service Pay Commission to examine pay levels across the Public Service, including the entry pay levels to which the Deputy refers. The Government recognises the importance of being able to attract quality new entrants to the Public Service, particularly so in important professional areas like education.
The restrictions in entry pay levels were introduced in 2011 and 2012 across the public service at a time when the pressure in public finances was severe and the scope for new recruitment was very restricted.
Under the Lansdowne Road Agreement the process of restoring public pay is commencing. An important feature of this is the flat rate increase which is being implemented. This is proportionately more valuable to those early in their careers. Restoration of the supervision and substitution payment is provided for subject to co-operation with the Lansdowne Road Agreement. The Lansdowne Road Agreement did not address the issue of pay of new entrants.
My Department continues to seek to engage with teacher unions on issues of mutual concern and has recently reached agreement with INTO and TUI in respect of:
- discussions to improve the position of teachers on fixed-term and part-time teaching;
- a robust review of in-school management structures;
- an increase in the quantum of the extra Croke Park hours which do not have to be worked on a "whole school" basis
The Government has also indicated that it will support the gradual negotiated repeal of FEMPI measures having due regard to the priority to improve public services and in recognition of the essential role played by public servants.
102. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he supports the retention of smaller schools in urban and rural areas notwithstanding religious denominations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11133/16]
View answerMy Department is very aware of the importance of small schools to rural communities and particularly the most dispersed and remote communities. To sustain primary schools in these communities my Department has a more favourable staffing schedule for small schools that are more than 8 km distant from the next nearest school of the same type of patronage and language of instruction. This measure is designed to provide rural communities with security about the future of their small schools. With regard to school ethos, the government supports the concept of parental choice in our school system, whether that be a choice for denominational or multi-denominational education. In regard to retaining small schools, a specific commitment is given in the Programme for a Partnership Government not to close any small school without the consent of parents. I am mindful of the concerns of small schools and will take these into account in considering any planning for future provision.
103. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will accede to the request for extra facilities, including a sports hall, at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11134/16]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that in 2006, the school in question received funding from my Department to construct a classroom and a general purpose room. This project was completed in 2008. My Department has no record of receiving an application from the school for grant aid for the extra facilities to which he refers.
104. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will approve an increase in funding offered to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare given the increase in costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11135/16]
View answerI am aware of the impact budgetary decisions taken in our economic crisis have had on capitation and related grants to our primary schools.
I do recognise the need to improve capitation funding for primary schools having regard to the reductions that were necessary over the recent years.
In 2015 the first increase in education spending was secured in recent years and a further increase in education spending was achieved in 2016.
I am determined to continue pressing the case for increased investment, including grant funding in education.
