Kathleen Funchion
Question:209. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Education and Skills the previous estimated cost of the junior certificate programme; and the estimated cost of the new junior cycle programme. [31136/18]
View answerWednesday, 11 July 2018
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Implementation of the new Framework for Junior Cycle commenced in September 2014 with the introduction of English, for first year students. Subjects are being introduced on a phased basis up to 2019, as well as the new Wellbeing area of learning.
Given the range of areas and bodies impacted by development, implementation and assessment of the new Framework, as well as the difficulty of disaggregating certain cost elements, it is not possible to provide a figure for the overall costs of its introduction. However, in terms of significant cost components, it is estimated that some €8 million will be spent in 2019 on Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for teachers and the provision of management resource hours to schools. Significant provision has also been made for professional time for all teachers involved in the delivery of Junior Cycle, in order to support schools and teachers in implementing the new arrangements. This allocation equates to 22 hours of professional time for each full-time teacher each year to ensure that class contact time is not reduced, and costs approximately €40 million per annum.
It is not possible, given the broad and embedded nature of many of the costs involved, together with the historical nature of some costs, to provide a figure for the cost of the earlier junior certificate programme.