Written Answers Nos. 216-233
216. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress made with regard to locating a permanent site for a school (details supplied); if Dublin City Council has been directed to actively engage with landowners with a view to securing such a site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41965/18]
View answerI am pleased to inform the Deputy that my Department has agreed to acquire a permanent site for the school in question. The acquisition is currently progressing through the conveyancing stage.
Due to commercial sensitivities relating to site acquisitions generally I am not in a position to provide further details at this time but I can assure the Deputy that the school patron will be kept informed of progress.
217. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of school transport for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41986/18]
View answerSchool transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.
In the 2017/18 school year over 117,000 children, including over 12,000 children with special educational needs, were 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.
A service has been sanctioned to cater for the pupil referred to by the Deputy. Bus Éireann has confirmed that they will be in contact with the parents to advise them of the arrangements.
218. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Skills if correspondence regarding school secretaries will be responded to (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42055/18]
View answerThough schemes were initiated in 1978 and 1979 for the employment of Clerical Officers and Caretakers in primary and secondary schools, where staff employed on these schemes are paid directly by the Department, these schemes have been largely phased out and have been superseded by the more extensive capitation grant schemes.
Under these schemes, the majority of primary and voluntary secondary schools in the Free Education Scheme now receive assistance to provide for secretarial, caretaking and cleaning services. Within the schemes, it is a matter for each individual school to decide how best to apply the grant funding to suit its particular needs.
My Department has recently made significant efforts to improve the pay of school secretaries who are employed using capitation grant assistance. In 2015 my Department engaged with the Unions representing school secretaries on negotiations and agreed to enter an independent arbitration process on the issue. The Arbitrator recommended a cumulative pay increase of 10% between 2016 and 2019 for school secretaries comprehended by the terms of the arbitration process and that a minimum hourly pay rate of €13 for such staff be phased in over the period 2016 to 2019. Following the arbitration process, grant funding used by schools to fund the salaries of ancillary staff is being improved on a phased basis between 2016 and 2019 in order to enable schools to implement the arbitration outcome.
In December 2017, my Department published circular letter 0078/2017 for primary schools and circular letter 0079/2017 for voluntary secondary schools, setting out the application of the third phase increases of the Arbitrator’s recommendations.
Circular 0078/2017 is available at https://www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active-Circulars/cl0078_2017.pdf.
Circular 0079/2017 is available at http://www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active-Circulars/cl0079_2017.pdf.
The increases recommended by the Arbitrator are binding and must be applied by all schools who employ staff to whom the Arbitrator's recommendation applies.
219. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider re-establishing the type of apprenticeship courses previously delivered through the former CERT in view of the serious skills shortages in many areas, particularly the hospitality area. [42063/18]
View answerThe Council for Education, Recruitment and Training (CERT) was a training organisation specifically for the hospitality sector under the remit of Fáilte Ireland. There are currently no plans to re-establish a dedicated training organisation for the sector but rather to deliver the required education and training through the mainstream higher and further education and training sectors.
In 2015 the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) carried out a study on the future skills needs of the hospitality sector including skill needs for chefs and cooks. The objective was to assess demand arising within the sector in Ireland including hotels, restaurants, bars, canteens and catering over the period to 2020. The aim was to ensure that there will be the right supply of skills to help drive domestic hospitality sector business and employment growth. Key findings within the report related to the high replacement/exit rates in the sector which has implications for the ongoing skill requirements of the sector and also with regards to staff retention, including education and training, and workplace conditions and remuneration.
The Study assessed skills demand at all NFQ levels, with a particular focus on career progression opportunities for those at lower skilled levels to help fill anticipated job openings. The report provides a set of recommendations designed to address the skills requirements of the sector over the period to 2020, including the need to establish a National Oversight and Advisory Group, comprising of key hospitality stakeholders, to provide a forum for on-going collaboration to support the needs of the sector and oversee implementation of the EGFSN recommendations.
The oversight group was established in 2016, and was mandated for two year period. The group was chaired by the Irish Hotels Federation and identified five priority areas for progress on which significant progress has been made:-
- Promoting careers in the sector
- Audit of hospitality related courses and facilities in both HE and FET
- Development of apprenticeship and traineeship programmes
- Launch of a dedicated skillnet for the hospitality industry
- Making employment connections – DEASP/Jobsbridge etc
The group has published its report on the audit of both higher and further education courses providing a high level of analysis of the data available that shows the numbers of courses, enrolments and awards in the Hospitality sector to enable the Group to determine how it might address the skill sets required by the sector and to aid it in identifying gaps in the provision of courses.
Arising from this Government’s commitment to expand apprenticeship and traineeship education, there are now two apprenticeships in the hospitality sector operational, a Commis Chef Apprenticeship and a Chef de Partie Apprenticeship with industry leadership from the Restaurants Association of Ireland and the Irish Hotels Federation. A further two apprenticeships in the culinary area are in development, a Sous Chef apprenticeship which is expected to get underway later this year and an Executive Chef apprenticeship which will be rolled out in 2019. A Bar Manager apprenticeship is also in the early stages of development.
In 2015 a new Career Traineeship initiative was initiated by SOLAS in collaboration with the Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and enterprise to develop a more effective model of work-based learning, primarily at NFQ levels 4 and 5, incorporating best national and international research and practice. Networks have been created to facilitate partnerships between ETBs and employers to identify training needs, design training programmes, recruit learners and deliver training on and off the job. There are currently three hospitality traineeships available with further traineeships in development.
A Restaurant and Hospitality Skillnet was established in 2017 and, along with the Taste 4 Success Skillnet, will address skill needs in the sector. There were also almost 5,500 beneficiaries in 2017 of further education and training in the food and beverage and tourism areas.
220. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to inaccuracies in certain textbooks being used for the junior certificate history syllabus; and the person or body responsible for same. [42064/18]
View answerApart from a small number of prescribed texts at post-primary, determined by the NCCA, the decisions on which textbooks to use in primary and post-primary schools are taken at school level. My Department does not generally approve, commission, sponsor or endorse educational textbooks.
Textbooks are commissioned and published by educational publishers, and schools select their books from those available from a number of publishers. The Irish Educational Publishers Association meet with the NCCA in order to discuss the content of the curriculum and to be made aware of any requirements in the curriculum.
The only requirement from the Department, on any resource used in a school, is that it covers the curriculum. Ultimately, the decision on which text, if any, most appropriately covers the curriculum, rests within the school itself.
Any issues regarding the accuracy of texts should be raised with the school management and the publishers.
221. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans for an education promotional mission to China. [42065/18]
View answerOur next Education Trade Mission to China will be led by the Minister for Skills, Innovation, Research and Development, John Halligan TD, from 18 to 24 October 2018.
During this mission, the Minister will visit Beijing, Wuhan and Fuzhou. He will meet with relevant Government Ministers, Provincial leaders, Chinese State Agencies, higher education institutions and will speak at the Beijing International Education Expo.
The objective of this mission is to deepen and enlarge the already strong and growing relations between Ireland and China in education and research – embracing links at the level of Government, official and private agencies and institutions of education and research.
The Government’s Education Strategy 2016-2020 aims to support the development of global citizens through Ireland’s high quality international education system, by attracting talent from around the world to our education institutions and by enhancing partnerships and collaboration with partner institutions and Agencies in key countries. One of the key objectives of the strategy is to increase global links by succeeding abroad; the Minister’s visit to China will further this strategy on an international level. Internationalisation of education brings direct financial benefits to Ireland, and also creates links and relationships between Ireland and many partners at individual, institutional and international level that will bring further engagement and economic activity in the future.
222. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way in which the shortage of apprentices in the mechanical and electrical trades can be addressed; his views on pre-apprenticeship courses in those areas; and the extent of such courses. [42066/18]
View answerApprenticeship is a demand driven educational and training programme which aims to develop the skills of an apprentice in order to meet the needs of industry and the labour market. Consequently, the number of apprentices being registered in a sector is determined by employers in that sector. My Department and SOLAS are committed to supporting the registration of apprentices across all apprenticeship programmes, including in both of these sectors. Electrical related apprenticeship registrations increased from 522 in 2013 to 1,705 in 2017 which represents an increase of 226% during the period and in the mechanical (motor) sector new registrations increased from 485 to 673, an increase of 39% during the same period.
My Department is engaging with SOLAS on a review of pathways to apprenticeship, which will be published in the near future. Work is also underway in relation to pre-apprenticeship provision and I am informed by SOLAS that they are currently engaged with key stakeholders in considering relevant pathways and opportunities for pre-apprenticeship initiatives, including in the craft trades.
223. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a reply will issue to correspondence sent to a person (details supplied) that has been acknowledged as received on a number of occasions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42091/18]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has recently responded to the correspondence in question.
I also wish to advise the Deputy that the property referred to in the detail supplied is owned by the local Education and Training Board. My Department has requested the ETB, as the property owner, to liaise directly with the community group relating to this matter.
224. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education and Skills the dates on which the interdepartmental committee to examine the way in which existing State services can best meet the needs of residential institution survivors has met; the name of the chairperson of the committee; and the date on which the final report of the committee is due to be published. [42151/18]
View answerThe first meeting of the inter-Departmental committee will be held on 5th November and will be chaired at Assistant Secretary level by Ned Costello. The dates of future meetings, work plan and a likely publication date for the final report will be discussed at this meeting.
225. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the provision of new buildings for a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42160/18]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that a project for the school in question is included in my Department's Capital Programme to primarily replace existing temporary accommodation with permanent accommodation.
The Project Brief is being finalised and the Department will be in further contact with the school in relation to the next steps at the earliest opportunity.
226. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the provision of new buildings for a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42161/18]
View answerThe major building project referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage of architectural planning, Stage 2(b) which includes the application for statutory approvals and the preparation of tender documents. All statutory approvals have been secured.
Following the replacement of the consultant architect, the Design Team has reviewed the previous Stage 2b documentation and is upgrading the detail to NZEB standards. An acoustic report has been commissioned and on receipt and review of that report, the Design Team will finalise the detailed design for preparation of the tender documents.
The Design Team anticipates submitting the Stage 2b Report to my Department in January 2019. Upon receipt and review of the Stage 2b submission, my Department will revert to the Board of Management regarding the progression of the project.
227. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the provision of new school buildings for a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42162/18]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, a building project to provide permanent accommodation for the school in question is included in my Department’s 6 Year Construction Programme.
In this regard, the schedule of accommodation for the new school has been finalised and has recently issued to the school authorities for their observation.
228. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding providing a new classroom at a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42182/18]
View answerI can confirm that my Department recently received correspondence from the school referred to by the Deputy seeking a review of their application for additional accommodation. The matter is currently being considered and my Department will be in further contact with the school authority on the matter at the earliest opportunity.
229. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the timeline for the completion of a new extension at a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42187/18]
View answerThe major school building project referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage of architectural planning – Stage 2b (Detailed Design) which includes the application for Statutory Approvals and the preparation of Tender Documents. All statutory approvals have been secured. The Design Team is currently in the process of completing the Stage 2(b) report which will be submitted through the Board of Management to the Department.
Upon completion and receipt of the Stage 2(b) submission the project will then be authorised to complete pre-qualification of Contractors. 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.
A tender stage normally takes between 7 and 8 months to complete.
A letter issued from the Department to the school and its Design Team in March 2018 outlining the projected timeframe for progression of this project to tender and construction stage and the steps involved.
230. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Skills the procedure the principal and board of management of a school (details supplied) must follow to slightly amend the building plan at no extra cost to include a second ASD unit. [42234/18]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible for approving special classes.
As the Deputy may be aware, the NCSE sanctioned one special class at the school, commenced September 2018. In that regard, my Department approved an application to provide permanent accommodation to facilitate this class.
Should the NCSE approve a further special class unit in the school referred to, it would be open to the school to submit an application for additional accommodation should there be a deficit of accommodation.
231. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills if an application for a SUSI grant by a person (details supplied) will be reviewed; and if consideration will be given to the special circumstances in the case with a view to granting the person the maximum payment. [42256/18]
View answerAs part of a comprehensive customer service and communications strategy provided by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI), to ensure that all necessary avenues are open to applicants to receive the information they need, a dedicated email and phone line service is provided by SUSI for Oireachtas members. This was established to meet an identified need for applicants who choose to engage the assistance of their public representatives in making enquiries about their grant applications.
This service complements the established channels provided by SUSI which include online application tracking, a dedicated website, a telephone helpdesk, email and social media, including Facebook and Twitter. Enquiries may be emailed direct to SUSI at oireachtas@susi.ie. Staff in SUSI are responding to email queries within a matter of days.
With regard to the appeal process, if an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a student grant or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to SUSI.
Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down in writing by SUSI and remains of the view that the scheme has not been interpreted correctly in his/her case, an appeal outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to the independent Student Grants Appeals Board within the required timeframe.
232. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position in regard to the introduction of physical education in primary schools; his plans in regard to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42266/18]
View answerAll schools are required to deliver physical education as part of the curriculum. Primary schools are required to deliver a minimum of 1 hour per week while post primary schools are required to deliver a minimum of 2 hours per week.
Healthy Ireland, A Framework for Improved Health and Wellbeing 2013-2025 is the national framework for whole of Government and whole of society action to improve the health and well-being of people living in Ireland. The Framework identifies a number of broad inter-sectoral actions, one of which commits to the development of a plan to promote increased physical activity levels. The National Physical Activity Plan (NPAP) was published in 2016 and contains a range of measures to promote physical activity across society, including in the education sector.
My Department has a number of action under the NPAP as follows:
- Raise awareness among schools, particularly Primary schools, of opportunities to educate through physical activity
- Develop guidance to support schools adopt and implement policies that promote the well-being of their communities under the Get Active! Framework
- Extend the Active School Flag programme
- Fully implement the Physical Education curriculum for all primary and post-primary pupils to meet Department of Education and Skills guidelines
- Evaluate the quality of teaching and learning in Physical Education in a sample of primary and post-primary schools annually
- Develop and provide a programme of continuous professional development in physical education
- Promote the assessment of PE by facilitating teachers and students in managing the assessment dimension of senior cycle physical education through the development of an App (for phones/tablets) and to trial the App with a number of schools.
- Conduct the LifeSkills Survey every three years
- Include children and young people in the development and implementation of programmes in which they are involved.
- Include the promotion of physical activity in children, including through play, as an integral component of education and training programmes that lead to qualifications in early childhood care and education.
- Evaluating the quality of teaching and learning in Physical Education in a sample of primary and post-primary schools annually
- Raising awareness among schools, particularly Primary schools, of opportunities to educate through physical activity
I am progressing these commitments according to the timelines laid out in the National Physical Activity Plan.
233. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of qualified teachers versus the number of third level students who do not have recognised teaching qualifications and who were engaged by the State Examinations Commission to mark State examination papers in each specific subject area for the junior certificate and leaving certificate examinations in 2018, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42320/18]
View answerThe State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations. In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.
