Tuesday, 12 Jun 2018

Written Answers Nos. 407-425

Student Grant Scheme

Questions (407)

Seán Fleming

Question:

407. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills the funding available for a student (details supplied) who studies abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25169/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

SUSI grant funding is available for approved undergraduate courses in approved higher education institutions within the EU. No maintenance funding is available for postgraduate courses abroad.

Some high end courses abroad have an integrated undergraduate and postgraduate element. For these courses, SUSI may issue maintenance grants during the undergraduate element of the course but will not provide any support for the postgraduate element.

Further details of the funding available for integrated masters’ courses within the EU, is available on the SUSI website at:

https://susi.ie/eligibility/student-studying-outside-the-state/approved-institutionscourses-for-students-studying-outside-the-state/.

Commencement of Legislation

Questions (408)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

408. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the sections and parts of all legislation brought forward by his Department in each of the past four years that have yet to be commenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25176/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

Since 2014, the following pieces of legislation have been enacted in my area:

- Education (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2015

- Teaching Council (Amendment) Act 2015

- Technological Universities Act 2018

In relation to these Acts, the only sections which have yet to be commenced are the following sections of the Technological Universities Act 2018: Sections 65(a), 68, 69,70, 76, 77, 79, 80(b), 82, 83, 84, 85, 91, 92 and 94. All other sections of that Act were commenced on 24 April 2018.

Summer Works Scheme

Questions (409)

Seán Fleming

Question:

409. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding funding to carry out renovations at a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25195/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I can confirm to the Deputy that the school in question submitted an application for significant capital funding to undertake renovation works at the school.

The Deputy will be aware that my Department's current priority, within the limited funding available, is the provision of essential classroom accommodation in areas where significant demographic need has been established to ensure that each child will have access to a physical school place. The Deputy will therefore appreciate that all applications for capital funding must be considered in the context of the existing challenging financial circumstances where funding must be prioritised for this purpose and to provide mainstream classroom accommodation where additional teachers are being appointed.

The school currently operates with a principal and four mainstream teachers and I understand that with the reduction in enrolment level at the school, that this warrants a staffing of principal and three mainstream teachers for the 2018/2019 school year.

The nature of the works included in the school's application indicate that they are appropriate for consideration under the Summer Works Scheme (SWS). It will be open to the school, if it so decides, to make an application for funding under future SWS. The purpose of the SWS is to devolve funding to individual school authorities to undertake small and medium scale improvement works that will upgrade existing school facilities, which can be carried out during the summer months or at other times that avoid disrupting the operation of the school. The scheme is designed to address necessary and immediate works within the funding available. My Department has no record of receiving any application from the school in question under the SWS in recent years.

Alternatively, the school may use its minor works to carry out the works in full or on a phased basis as the grant permits, if the school considers the works to be a priority.

My Department has written directly to the school to clarify the position.

Third Level Staff Remuneration

Questions (410)

Alan Kelly

Question:

410. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the remuneration packages for presidents of third level institutions in tabular form. [25196/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

A table detailing the remuneration packages for third level institution presidents, as requested by the Deputy, follows.

Third Level Institutions	Salaries
UCD	€191,117
UCC	€197,254
NUIG	€199,184
MU	€186,836
TCD	€198,574
UL	€191,103
DCU	€191,102
DIT	€186,836
CIT	€154,664
GMIT	€154,664
WIT	€154,664
ITT	€149,931
ITB	€149,931
IADT	€149,931
IT Dundalk	€149,931
IT Carlow	€149,931
IT Sligo	€149,931
IT Letterkenny	€149,931
IT Tralee	€149,931
IT Limerick	€149,931
IT Athlone	€149,931

The following revised table was received on 19 June 2018

UCD	€197,117
UCC	€197,254
NUIG	€199,184
MU	€186,836
TCD	€198,574
UL	€191,103
DCU	€191,102
DIT	€186,836
CIT	€154,664
GMIT	€154,664
WIT	€154,664
ITT	€149,931
ITB	€149,931
IADT	€149,931
IT Dundalk	€149,931
IT Carlow	€149,931
IT Sligo	€149,931
IT Letterkenny	€149,931
IT Tralee	€149,931
IT Limerick	€149,931
IT Athlone	€149,931

Schools Amalgamation

Questions (411)

John Brassil

Question:

411. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide the policy document outlining the procedures relating to DEIS status and the amalgamation of national schools, particularly the process whereby non-DEIS and DEIS schools are amalgamated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25220/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I wish to advise the Deputy that where school amalgamations occurred comprising of DEIS and non-DEIS schools, the practice has been for DEIS status not to transfer to the newly amalgamated school. However, in accordance with the approach adopted in relation to all such amalgamations, my Department continues to provide additional non-teaching resources in respect of eligible pupils from the former DEIS school by way of continued support for the targeted cohort of pupils as a transitional measure. In the case of a primary school these supports continue to be supplied for 8 years following the amalgamation.

These arrangements in respect of school amalgamations were put in place as an interim measure pending a review of the DEIS programme by my Department. This Review was completed in 2016 and the follow-on updated DEIS Plan was published in early 2017.

The identification of schools for receipt of additional resources under the DEIS programme is informed by a scientific data based model which assesses levels of disadvantage in individual schools based on the pupil cohort of the school.

A detailed document explaining the methodology used in the Identification process is available on my Department’s website at https://www.education.ie/en/Schools-Colleges/Services/DEIS-Delivering-Equality-of-Opportunity-in-Schools-/DEIS-Identification-Process.pdf

An update of the DEIS Identification process is currently underway. This will take account of updated school data as provided by schools for the current school year combined with the Pobal HP Index of Deprivation, based on CSO Small Area Population statistics derived from the 2016 National Census. A detailed quality assurance process in respect of this is currently being carried out.

A policy document in relation to the amalgamations of DEIS and non DEIS schools will be developed once the detailed quality assurance process is completed but it is important to note that the aim is to provide the necessary supports so that resources are matched to identified need of the existing pupil cohort.

Schools Building Projects Status

Questions (412)

Seán Fleming

Question:

412. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding completion of a site acquisition and the process for commencing the pre-qualification process in respect of a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25229/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

Legal representatives for both parties are working together with a view to concluding the conveyancing. All parties are working to ensure the acquisition completes at the earliest possible date and at this point it is not anticipated that the completion of conveyancing will impact on the timelines for delivery of the building project.

In regard to the pre-qualification process, authorisation was issued to the school's Design Team on 22nd May 2018 to commence this process in order to draw up short-lists of contractors for the project. Pre-qualification normally takes between 8 and 12 weeks to complete. When pre-qualification is complete the project will then be progressed to tender stage.

Schools Building Projects Status

Questions (413)

Pat Casey

Question:

413. Deputy Pat Casey asked the Minister for Education and Skills the additional measures being undertaken to ensure that a school (details supplied) will be moved into its new premises by September 2018 in view of the liquidation of a company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25232/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The company referred to by the Deputy had a part in a tender for the completion of construction of the Schools Bundle 5 PPP project, following the liquidation of Carillion Construction Ltd. Schools Bundle 5 encompasses five school buildings and one further education college across four sites in Bray, Wexford, Carlow and Kells, including the school referred to by the Deputy.

This tender process is at an advanced stage. However, the examinership and subsequent liquidation of the company referred to by the Deputy has added complexity to the process of confirming the arrangements for completion of the Schools Bundle 5 schools. These arrangements are currently being worked through by the Dutch Infrastructure Fund (DIF), which represents the PPP company, and the Project Funders, in close consultation with the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) and the Department of Education and Skills. The Project Funders anticipate that the pathway forward to completion of the schools will become clearer within the next week or so. The school authorities are being advised of developments on a regular basis.

It is still the case that the schools which are closest to completion, including the school referred to by the Deputy, remain best positioned to be finished for September and all efforts are being made to achieve this. The Department is also working with the school authorities on any necessary contingency arrangements for September.

Schools Building Projects Status

Questions (414)

Stephen Donnelly

Question:

414. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the impact of the liquidation of a company (details supplied) on the completion of schools bundle 5 public private partnership, PPP, project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25256/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The company referred to by the Deputy had a part in a tender for the completion of construction of the Schools Bundle 5 PPP project, following the liquidation of Carillion Construction Ltd. Schools Bundle 5 encompasses five school buildings and one further education college across four sites in Bray, Wexford, Carlow and Kells.

The examinership and subsequent liquidation of the company referred to by the Deputy has added complexity to the process of confirming the arrangements for completion of the Schools Bundle 5 schools. Nonetheless, the tender process is at an advanced stage and the arrangements are currently being worked through by the Dutch Infrastructure Fund (DIF), which represents the PPP company, as well as the Project Funders, in close consultation with the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) and the Department of Education and Skills. The Project Funders anticipate that the pathway forward to completion of the schools will become clearer within the next week or so. The school authorities are being advised of developments on a regular basis.

It is still the case that the schools which are closest to completion remain best positioned to be finished for September and all efforts are being made to achieve this. The Department is also working with the school authorities on any necessary contingency arrangements for September.

Adoption Legislation

Questions (415, 416, 417)

Kathleen Funchion

Question:

415. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Education and Skills if provision has been made for male teachers in a same-sex partnerships seeking adoptive leave from his Department. [25325/18]

Kathleen Funchion

Question:

416. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to his Department's circular 18/2013 outlining adoptive leave practice and entitlements for teachers in which sections 1.2 and 11 do not appear to provide for a male teacher in a same-sex partnership seeking adoptive leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25326/18]

Kathleen Funchion

Question:

417. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Education and Skills if an updated policy will be published by his Department which will include provisions for male teachers in same-sex partnerships seeking adoptive leave. [25327/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 415 to 417, inclusive, together.

Section 6 of the Adoptive Leave Act 1995 provides for an entitlement to 24 weeks Adoptive Leave for an employed adopting mother or a sole male adopter.

Following the 34th amendment to the Constitution and its subsequent legislative changes, the Department of Justice and Equality has prepared draft legislative proposals amending the Adoptive Leave Act which will afford the same entitlements to Adoptive Leave and Benefits to all couples who are married, co-habiting or who are in a civil partnership, irrespective of gender.

The Department of Justice and Equality is currently reviewing how best to advance these legislative proposals and my Department will review the terms and conditions of employment of teachers as soon as the Adoptive Leave Act is amended.

Student Assistance Fund

Questions (418)

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

418. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the potential costs and considerations of setting up a student assistance fund specifically for the benefit of postgraduate students in view of the fact that they do not have access to the student assistance fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25353/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The Student Assistance Fund (SAF) is managed by the Higher Education Authority on behalf of the Department of Education and Skills. The Fund is allocated annually to the universities, the institutes of technology, the colleges of education and a number of other higher education institutions.

The SAF is designed to support students in third-level institutions who are experiencing exceptional financial need. This Fund assists students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances.

The SAF is available to anyone in higher education undertaking a full-time course of not less than one year who will be awarded an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification on completion of the course.

The fund was recently extended to part-time students following the allocation of an additional €1m in Budget 2017. The current SAF allocation for the 2017/18 academic year is €9.1 million.

Schools Refurbishment

Questions (419)

John Lahart

Question:

419. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education and Skills the contact he has had with a school (details supplied) in relation to works that need to be carried out; when the work is expected to start; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25367/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has been engaging with the school in question in the context of proposed insulation works at the school. The school has submitted cost estimates for the proposed works and these are currently being considered. My Department will be in further contact with the school authorities shortly.

Schools Site Acquisitions

Questions (420)

John Lahart

Question:

420. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a proposed site for a school (details supplied); if a site has been purchased; if so, the details of the purchase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25368/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that my Department has agreed to acquire a site located at Ballycullen Road (East), Oldcourt, D16 for the school to which he refers. Contracts have been signed, subject to planning.

The landowner has recently applied for planning permission for development on his lands including outline planning permission for school accommodation.

The patron of the school referred to by the Deputy has recently been informed of the proposed location.

School Transport Provision

Questions (421, 422)

Brian Stanley

Question:

421. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Education and Skills the provision being made for school transport to convey children with disabilities and special needs to preschools that have the capacity and trained staff to cater for them in cases in which such facilities do not exist in the towns in which they reside. [25431/18]

Brian Stanley

Question:

422. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Education and Skills if transport or assistance towards transport for three children with special needs and disabilities will be provided (details supplied). [25432/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

I propose to take Questions Nos. 421 and 422 together.

School transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.

Currently over 116,000 children, including over 12,000 children with special educational needs, are being transported in over 4,500 vehicles on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country covering over 100 million kilometres annually at a total cost of almost €190 million in 2017.

Under the terms of my Department’s School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs, children are eligible for school transport where they are attending the nearest recognised: mainstream school, special class/special school or a unit, that is or can be resourced, to meet their special educational needs.

Eligibility is determined following consultation with the National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers.

The pre-school referred to by the Deputy is not a recognised school and is not funded by my Department, therefore the children in question are not eligible for school transport under the terms of the above scheme.

The terms of the School Transport Scheme are applied equitably on a national basis.

Schools Building Projects Applications

Questions (423)

David Cullinane

Question:

423. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a funding application from a school (details supplied) for the replacement of prefabs to cater for a staff room, an additional special education room, a principal's office and a physical education hall will be granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25434/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I wish to advise the Deputy that the application for capital funding from the school in question is currently under consideration and a decision will be conveyed to the school authority shortly.

I can confirm that my Department has approved temporary accommodation, as an interim measure, to facilitate the establishment of an ASD class in the school for September 2018. The installation of this temporary accommodation has been devolved to the Board of Management for delivery.

School Accommodation Provision

Questions (424)

Willie Penrose

Question:

424. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Skills if consequent to the carrying out of the M4-N4 corridor study pertaining to the provision of secondary school accommodation, if a further evaluation of the findings have been made in the interim; if the provision of secondary school accommodation for Kinnegad will be considered due to significant population increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25453/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

My Department's means of analysing demographic trends and data have changed considerably since the report to which the Deputy refers was completed in 2005.

In order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a Geographical Information System, using data from a range of sources, to identify where the pressure for school places across the country will arise. With this information, my Department carries out nationwide demographic exercises to determine where additional school accommodation is needed at primary and post-primary level.

Where demographic data indicates that additional provision is required, the delivery of such additional provision is dependent on the particular circumstances of each case and may, depending on the circumstances, be provided through either one, or a combination of, the following:

- Utilising existing unused capacity within a school or schools,

- Extending the capacity of a school or schools,

- Provision of a new school or schools.

As the Deputy may be aware, I announced plans for the establishment of 42 new schools over the next four years (2019 to 2022). This announcement follows nationwide demographic exercises carried out by my Department into the future need for primary and post-primary schools across the country and the 4-year horizon will enable increased lead-in times for planning and delivery of the necessary infrastructure.

In addition to the new schools announced, there will be a need for further school accommodation in other areas in the future. Based on the current analysis, this need can be addressed through either planned capacity increases in existing schools or additional accommodation or extensions to existing schools.

While the announcement did not include a new post-primary school in Kinnegad (which is located in the Killucan school planning area), I have highlighted that the requirement for new schools will be kept under on-going review and in particular would have regard for the increased roll-out of housing provision as outlined in Project Ireland 2040.

Student Grant Scheme Eligibility

Questions (425)

Kathleen Funchion

Question:

425. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated cost of reducing the current residency criteria for access to the SUSI grant from three to two of the past five years. [25454/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

To be eligible for a grant, a "student", as defined in Section 14 of the Student Support Act 2011, must demonstrate that he/she has been resident in the State for at least 3 years out of the 5 year period ending on the day before the start of his/her approved course of study.

This requirement takes cognisance of students who wish to take time out to travel or work abroad. Such students can still meet the residency requirement if they have not been outside the State for more than two of the previous five years.

It is also possible for students, who did not meet the residency requirement at the commencement of their studies, to have their eligibility reviewed if they meet the residency requirement during the course of their studies.

Similar and in some cases more restrictive residency requirements apply in other EU Member States. For example, in the UK a student must be resident for the three years prior to commencing his/her studies. In Denmark, a student has to be resident for five years prior to commencing studies.

It is not possible to cost a proposal to reduce the residency requirement to two out of five years. Reducing the residency requirement will attract additional students, including other EU students not currently resident in the State, who currently don’t apply to SUSI. As such, it is difficult to predict what the impact of such a change would be.