Wednesday, 8 Jun 2016

Written Answers Nos. 215-229

Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Questions (215)

Carol Nolan

Question:

215. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Skills when he will establish a national inclusion support service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14578/16]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I wish to advise the Deputy that on 10 February 2015, the establishment of a new Inclusion Support Service within the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) was announced to assist schools in supporting children with special education needs.

The service will include the Special Education Support Service (SESS), the National Behaviour Support Service (NBSS) and the Visiting Teacher Service for children who are deaf/hard of hearing and for children who are blind/visually impaired (VTHVI service).

This change will mean that schools will receive a better and more integrated service from this new Inclusion Support Service.

I can advise that work is ongoing to transfer these services to the NCSE, who are currently recruiting, through the Public Appointments Service, a new Head of Service and Deputy Head of Service for the Visiting Teacher Service for young children and students who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing and to those who are Blind/Visually Impaired, their families and schools.

It is intended that the Inclusion Support Service will be operational from the beginning of the coming school year. It is also intended, however, that the existing services will continue as normal as the new arrangements are put in place, with as little disruption as possible to service users, as progress is made to transfer these services to the NCSE.

National Training Fund

Questions (216)

Carol Nolan

Question:

216. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the yield from increasing the employer contribution to the national training fund to 1%, 2% and 3% of the reckonable earnings of employees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14579/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

The National Training Fund Act, 2000 provides for the imposition of a levy on employers in respect of certain employees to be used to give skills or to raise skills amongst those in, or seeking employment. The levy on employers is 0.7% of reckonable earnings in respect of employees in Class A and Class H employments, which represents approximately 75% of all insured employees.

It is estimated that the current levy on employers will generate €382 million in 2016. Based on this level of receipt, increases in the levy will generate the following annual income: 1% €546 million, 2% €1.092 billion and 3% €1.638 billion.

Question No. 217 answered with Question No. 171.

Garda Vetting Legislation

Questions (218)

Carol Nolan

Question:

218. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will make arrangements for students starting a post-leaving certificate course to start in advance of Garda Síochána clearance coming through to ensure they are not delayed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14581/16]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The Deputy will be aware that new statutory vetting requirements under the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016 were commenced by the Minister for Justice and Equality from 29 April 2016. Under these requirements, an education provider must obtain a vetting disclosure from the National Vetting Bureau in respect of a student before it places or makes arrangements for the placement of that student in work experience or activities where a necessary part of the placement involves work or activities with children or vulnerable persons. Failure to comply with the vetting obligations under the Acts is a criminal offence. There is no provision in the Act whereby an exemption to this requirement can be made.

Higher Education Authority Staff

Questions (219)

Carol Nolan

Question:

219. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason for the delay in appointing a chief executive officer of the Higher Education Authority; if he will appoint an interim chief executive officer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14582/16]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The current CEO of the Higher Education Authority is retiring from the post at the end of this month. The process for the recruitment of his replacement was undertaken by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) and has recently concluded. Discussions are ongoing between my Department and the Authority in relation to the next steps.

Third Level Admissions Entry Requirements

Questions (220)

Carol Nolan

Question:

220. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he is aware that the changes to the entrance requirements for universities, which reduce the value of a fourth A level for students from Northern Ireland, will impact on the ability of students in Northern Ireland to access high-point courses here; his plans to rectify this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14583/16]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I fully support the promotion of better cross border flows of students. However, I must point out that, under the Universities Act 1997, universities in Ireland are autonomous institutions and therefore have responsibility for the day to day management of their own affairs, including issues relating to admissions. Accordingly, the entry requirements for third level education courses are determined by individual higher education institutions. The Central Applications Office (CAO) administer the processing of applications on behalf of the higher education institutions and my Department does not have any role or function in relation to this. However, I can provide you with the following information in relation to the matter raised.

The Irish Universities Association has developed a revised model for converting A-level grades to Leaving Certificate points for the purposes of entry to universities here from 2016. This adjustment will favour A Level students, given the desire of Irish universities to attract more applications from Northern Ireland, and the UK generally, and given that only small numbers of Northern Irish students sit four A Level subjects.

Following a detailed statistical analysis, involving detailed analysis of GCE and A Level participation rates and performances across the UK and in Northern Ireland, and conducted in cooperation with the CCEA in Belfast, it has been agreed that the revised model will increase the points for an A* grade from 150 to 180, for an A from 135 to 150, and make further adjustments to other grades. This will remove a significant disincentive for students who sit only 3 A Level exams, which meant they could not realistically compete for many of the more high-demand courses in Irish universities, and will apply from 2016. The revised model resulting from this work can be found at:

http://www.iua.ie/universities-agree-revised-model-for-converting-a-level-grades-to-leaving-certificate-points/.

Because the points for A* have been increased from 150 points to 180 points under the new model, it is necessary to cap the possible points achievable for a fourth subject at 60 points. This is to ensure that the total points which it is possible to achieve is 600 points, which is the maximum which can be achieved by those sitting the Irish Leaving Certificate, or by students presenting with four A* A Levels under the previous model. In developing this model, the universities have endeavoured to ensure equality of opportunity for all applicants, whether they apply with an Irish Leaving Certificate or with a school leaving qualification from the UK or any other EU country.

If you require any further information in relation to this matter you should address your query directly to the Irish Universities Association who will be able to assist you in this regard.

School Admissions

Questions (221)

John Lahart

Question:

221. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the Education (Admission to Schools) Bill 2015, including if and why he has removed it as a priority from the legislative programme, given the Stage to which it had advanced. [14599/16]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The Programme for Government contains a commitment to publish new School Admissions legislation taking account of current draft proposals and addressing issues including publication of school enrolment policies, an end to waiting lists, introduction of annual enrolment structures, and transparency and fairness in admissions for pupils and their parents.

The Education (Admission to Schools) Bill which was published in April 2015 did not progress through the Houses of the Oireachtas and was not reinstated for the current Dáil session.

I have commenced a process of consultation with opposition parties to discuss my proposals to introduce a new Admissions Bill to make the process of enrolling children in school easier for parents.

Following these consultations, it is my intention to publish a new Admissions Bill during the current Dáil session.

Schools Site Acquisitions

Questions (222)

John Lahart

Question:

222. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education and Skills to investigate the possibility of purchasing the Augustinian Novitiate building on Old Court Road, Killakee, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16 as a secondary school. [14629/16]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

Officials from my Department are working closely with officials from South Dublin County Council under the Memorandum of Understanding for the acquisition of school sites to procure a suitable site for a post-primary school to serve the Firhouse area. A site acquisition process is underway at present.

Given the commercial sensitivities associated with land acquisitions generally I am not in a position to provide further details at this time. I can, however, assure you that the acquisition of a new site for the school is a priority for the Department.

Teaching Qualifications

Questions (223)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

223. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the changes to the Teaching Council's registration regulations, in particular, regulation 3 which is affecting the graduates of a college (details supplied); the impact these changes will have on special education in pre-schools and primary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14630/16]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

Since 2006, the Teaching Council is the body with statutory responsibility and authority for regulation of the teaching profession, including the registration of teachers under the Teaching Council Acts 2001-2015.

Under the Teaching Council [Registration] Regulations 2009, Regulation 3 (Montessori and other categories), graduates with certain Montessori qualifications (Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications) are allowed to be registered as teachers to teach in certain restricted settings in recognized schools.

It is my Department's policy that all students should be taught by fully qualified teachers. Lengthening and reconfiguring the programmes of initial teacher education is a key component of the National Strategy to Improve Literacy and Numeracy among Children and Young People 2011-2020. These changes were incorporated into the Teaching Council's Policy Paper on the Continuum of Teacher Education, which set the criteria for providers of initial teacher education.

A revision to the registration regulations was required to provide for the recognition of graduates of the 59 reconceptualised programmes of initial teacher education which are accredited by the Council as qualifying persons to teach in Ireland. Following significant stakeholder engagement, revised regulations were drawn up by the Teaching Council.

The revised regulations also give effect to changes made in the Teaching Council (Amendment) Act 2015, such as the placing of the garda vetting of new teachers on a statutory footing. They provide for persons currently registered with the Council under Regulation 3 on the basis of holding a level 8 Montessori qualification and allow for the registration of persons who obtain a level 8 Montessori qualification, where the course is commenced on or before 1 October 2016 and the qualification is obtained before the end of 2021.

The regulations were recently provided to my Department for my consent and approval.

The Deputy should note that my Department has no plans to change the current position whereby teachers who are registered with a level 8 Montessori qualification under Regulation 3 (or its equivalent in the new regulations) are eligible for employment as teachers of pupils with special education needs in recognized mainstream primary schools and special schools.

Schools Refurbishment

Questions (224)

John Brassil

Question:

224. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Education and Skills to provide additional funding to a school (details supplied) to carry out works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14641/16]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I can confirm that my Department approved funding for window works to the school referred to under the Summer Works Scheme (2014/2015). The school subsequently reverted to my Department seeking additional funding for a revised scope of works. This application is currently being assessed by my Department to confirm whether the project needs to be retendered. A decision will be conveyed to the school authority as soon as this process has been finalised.

School Transport Expenditure

Questions (225)

Thomas Byrne

Question:

225. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the funding mechanism by which he pays Bus Éireann and private contractors under the school transport scheme; if he provides funding per pupil or per school bus route and how his Department estimated the unit cost per pupil mentioned in Parliamentary Question No. 238 of 3 December 2015; and if this represented the average unit cost or the actual cost per pupil. [14661/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

Payments made to Bus Éireann, which operates the School Transport Scheme on behalf of my Department are in line with the Summary of Accounting Arrangements relating to the Transport Scheme for Primary and Post-Primary School Children dated 1 January 1975.

Interim payments are made to Bus Éireann during the year on an agreed basis and a balancing statement is provided to the Department at the end of each calendar year. Bus Éireann is responsible for paying any private contractors who provide School Transport services and the Department is aware that contractor payments are made in line with the contracts in place with these contractors.

The Statements of Account are published on my Department's website at www.education.ie.

It is a matter for Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department, to procure contractors to provide services for school transport purposes.

Bus Éireann is obliged to tender all works, goods and services in line with the European Directives on public procurement, which includes school transport services performed by contractors under the School Transport Scheme.

It is a matter for each tenderer to decide what price they wish to quote for the work concerned taking into consideration their operating costs over the course of the contract period.

The unit cost per pupil referred to represents the average unit costs and was calculated by reference to total expenditure on the relevant element of the Scheme and the number of children travelling for primary, post primary and children with special educational needs.

School Transport Expenditure

Questions (226)

Thomas Byrne

Question:

226. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills to what extent the contribution from parents for students availing of the school transport scheme on a concessionary basis covers the cost of providing the service; and the amount of parental contributions that would cover the cost of providing the scheme for primary, secondary and special needs students. [14662/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

In 2015, parental contributions amounted to over €13 million, representing 7.9% of the total cost of the School Transport Scheme.

The annual charge currently applied for primary school transport for both eligible and concessionary tickets is €100 per child per annum, or a family maximum of €220 for primary children only while at post primary level the current charge is €350, or an overall family maximum of €650.

The charge payable is a contribution towards the overall cost and does not actually reflect the true cost of providing school transport services.

For the 2015/16 school year, over 11,000 children at both primary and post primary level availed of school transport on a concessionary basis.

Bullying in Educational Institutions

Questions (227)

Clare Daly

Question:

227. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills why an educational institution (details supplied) does not have an anti-bullying policy or established procedures for dealing with complaints of bullying. [14679/16]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The institution to which the Deputy refers is a private charitable trust and its anti-bullying policy is a matter for the institution and not my Department. My Department is aware, however, that the institution has adopted the "Dignity and Respect Policy" of the university of which it is an associated college. The policy has been in place from some years and is made available to all students on the Institution's Virtual Learning Environment.

The Deputy may wish to note that the Teaching Council, the statutory body that sets and upholds the standards for entry to the teaching profession, reviews and accredits programmes of initial teacher education provided by Higher Education Institutions, including the Institution to which the Deputy refers. The Council's Criteria and Guidelines for Programme Providers require that there should be adequate provision for the personal and social development and pastoral care of student teachers.

Higher Education Institutions Staff

Questions (228)

Clare Daly

Question:

228. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills why an educational institution (details supplied) has a large student to staff ratio despite the teaching council's Initial Teacher Education: Criteria and Guidelines for Programme Providers recommending a ratio of 15:1 and despite the institution having substantial cash reserves. [14680/16]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The Institution (HEI) concerned is a private body. It receives funding from my Department in respect of students enrolled in its Professional Masters of Education Programme which has been accredited by the Teaching Council.

The Council is the statutory body that sets and upholds the standards for entry to the profession. One of the ways it does this is by reviewing and accrediting programmes of initial teacher education provided by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the State. In order to guide its review of programmes, the Teaching Council published Criteria and Guidelines for Programme Providers.

The post graduate primary initial teacher education programme run by the HEI to which the Deputy refers was reconfigured in 2014 and the new Professional Masters of Education was accredited by the Teaching Council in July 2014.

One of the recommendations made by the Teaching Council as part of the accreditation process was that the HEI should take steps, wherever possible, to improve staff/student ratios. The accreditation report further recommended that accreditation be granted for 3 years after which time a mid-term progress report would be submitted by the HEI. This progress report is due in July 2017 and a decision will then be by the Teaching Council on granting a further period of accreditation.

School Staff

Questions (229)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

229. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills when he will review the staffing thresholds for two, three and four-teacher schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14690/16]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The Programme for Government has a commitment to reduce class sizes at primary level and to commencing a review within three months of teacher appointment thresholds in small schools with four teachers or less.

The pupil teacher ratio in the current school year is 1 classroom teacher for every 28 pupils.

Budget 2016 provides for a one point adjustment to the staffing allocation to primary schools, which will be implemented for the 2016/17 school year. This will see the primary staffing schedule operate on the basis of a general average of 1 classroom teacher for every 27 pupils. Lower thresholds apply for DEIS Band 1 schools. Staffing arrangements for the 2016/17 school year are available in Circular 0007/2016, which is published on the Department website.

In the next Budget I will consider the best approach to further meeting commitments in the Programme for Government.