Written Answers Nos. 234-252
234. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to capacity problems in a school (details supplied) with demand currently exceeding capacity; his plans to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42324/18]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that my Department received an application from the school referred to for additional accommodation.
In that regard, my Department has requested additional information from the relevant Education and Training Board. Once received my Department will carry out a technical site visit at the school to determine the works required.
In the interim, my Department has approved temporary accommodation to meet the immediate needs of the school.
235. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps he is taking to address the skills shortages experienced by many companies across all sectors, for example, the majority in information technology, life sciences and construction; the actions being taken to deal with severe skills shortages in the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42329/18]
View answerThe education and training system at all levels has a number of strategies in place to ensure we meet existing and future skills demands in the workplace. Among those strategies are the National Skills Strategy 2025 and the Action Plan for Education 2016-2019.
In addition, recently announced in the Budget, a major new Human Capital Initiative is to be established within the National Training Fund to allocate €300 million from the Fund’s surplus, over the period 2020-2024 to meet the future skills needs of the economy and provide additional investment at levels 6-8 in higher education. This investment will underpin the provision of additional capacity across the higher education sector to meet the priority skill needs of enterprise, to drive regional jobs growth and development, and support key economic sectors in responding to the challenges of Brexit.
236. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to bring young persons out of unemployment through development of and access to apprenticeships to support young persons with fewer opportunities and qualifications in view of recent figures released by the National Youth Council that show thousands of young persons aged 26 years and under have been unemployed for a year or more; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42330/18]
View answerThis Government is committed to doubling the number of people on an apprenticeship programme by 2020 and expanding the apprenticeship model into new sectors of the economy. Arising from our two calls for apprenticeship proposals in 2015 and 2017 sixteen new apprenticeships have now been developed in a range of new occupations, including financial services, engineering, ICT, hospitality, logistics and accounting. Further new apprenticeships will get underway later this year and throughout 2019 in a variety of sectors including construction, engineering, horticulture and agriculture.
As well as developments in new apprenticeships, as the employment and economic situation continues to improve, we have seen strong growth in registrations across the craft trades nationally also with 4,508 new registrations in 2017, which represents a 20% increase on 2016. The upward trend continues this year with 3,504 new registrations recorded at the end of September, 7% ahead of the same period last year.
In addition, as set out in the Action Plan to Expand Apprenticeship and Traineeship in Ireland, SOLAS is currently reviewing pathways to participation in apprenticeship in a range of underrepresented groups, including the groups referred to by the Deputy. The review will identify any barriers that may exist to participation in an apprenticeship programme. The purpose of the review is to ensure that our national apprenticeship system is more reflective of the range and diversity of our population, more inclusive of diverse backgrounds and abilities and that apprenticeship opportunities are more readily accessible to all. The review will result in the publication of actions in this area in the coming weeks, along with the background research.
237. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the measures he is taking to resolve the shortage of primary school places in Kinsealy, Malahide and Portmarnock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42449/18]
View answer244. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the measures he is taking to resolve the shortage of secondary school places in Kinsealy, Malahide and Portmarnock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42456/18]
View answerI propose to answer Questions Nos. 237 and 244 together.
In order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas. For school planning purposes Kinsealy, Malahide, and Portmarnock are located in the Malahide-Nevinstown and Portmarnock school planning areas.
As the Deputy will 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. Approximately 40% of school places are delivered by extending existing schools, rather than by building new schools. The current status of large-scale projects being delivered under the school building programme may be viewed on my Department’s website, www.education.gov.ie and this is updated monthly. A list of large scale projects completed from 2010 to date may also be viewed on the website.
I have highlighted that the requirement for new schools will be kept under ongoing review and in particular would have regard for the increased rollout of housing provision as outlined in Project Ireland 2040.
I wish to advise the Deputy that in September 2014, a new multi-denominational primary school was established to serve both of these school planning areas.
238. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the measures he is taking to resolve the shortage of primary school places in Swords; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42450/18]
View answer239. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the measures he is taking to resolve the shortage of primary school places in Donabate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42451/18]
View answerI propose to answer Questions Nos. 238 and 239 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, I announced plans for the establishment of 42 new schools over the next four years (2019 to 2022), including three new schools to be established in the Swords and Donabate areas as follows:
- A new 8-classroom primary school to serve Swords South to be established in 2019;
- A new 8-classroom primary school to serve the Swords North to be established in 2019;
- A new 16-classroom school to serve the Donabate school planning area to be established in 2020.
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. Consideration is given to the possibility of providing for increased demand in an area through extending the capacity of existing schools by way of a building project or temporary accommodation where there is a short-term requirement or extensions to existing schools. The current status of large-scale projects being delivered under the school building programme may be viewed on my Departments website, www.education.ie, and this is updated monthly. A list of large scale projects completed from 2010 to date may also be viewed on the website.
240. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the measures he is taking to resolve the shortage of primary school places in Balbriggan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42452/18]
View answer246. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the measures he is taking to resolve the shortage of secondary school places in Balbriggan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42458/18]
View answerI propose to answer Questions Nos. 240 and 246 together.
In order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas. For school planning purposes Balbriggan is located in the Balbriggan school planning area.
As the Deputy will 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. The current status of large-scale projects being delivered under the school building programme may be viewed on my Department’s website, www.education.gov.ie and this is updated monthly. A list of large scale projects completed from 2010 to date may also be viewed on the website.
I have highlighted that the requirement for new schools will be kept under ongoing review and in particular would have regard for the increased rollout of housing provision as outlined in Project Ireland 2040.
In September 2014, Coláiste Ghlór na Mara, a new 700 pupil multi-denominational post-primary school under the patronage An Foras Pátrúnachta, was established to serve the Balbriggan school planning area. In addition, in September 2016, Bremore Educate Together Secondary School, a new 700 pupil multi-denominational post-primary school, was also established to serve this school planning area.
241. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the measures he is taking to resolve the shortage of primary school places in Rush; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42453/18]
View answer243. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the measures he is taking to resolve the shortage of primary school places in Lusk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42455/18]
View answer248. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the measures he is taking to resolve the shortage of secondary school places in Rush; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42460/18]
View answer249. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the measures he is taking to resolve the shortage of secondary school places in Lusk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42461/18]
View answerI propose to answer Questions Nos. 241, 243, 248 and 249 together.
In order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas. For school planning purposes Rush and Lusk are both located in the Rush & Lusk school planning area.
As the Deputy will 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. The current status of large-scale projects being delivered under the school building programme may be viewed on my Department’s website, www.education.gov.ie and this is updated monthly. A list of large scale projects completed from 2010 to date may also be viewed on the website.
I have highlighted that the requirement for new schools will be kept under ongoing review and in particular would have regard for the increased rollout of housing provision as outlined in Project Ireland 2040.
As the Deputy may be aware, in September 2013, Lusk Community College, a new 1,000 pupil multi-denominational post-primary school under the patronage of Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Education and Training Board, was established to serve this school planning area.
242. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the measures he is taking to resolve the shortage of primary school places in Skerries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42454/18]
View answer250. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the measures he is taking to resolve the shortage of secondary school places in Skerries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42462/18]
View answerI propose to answer Questions Nos. 242 and 250 together.
In order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas. For school planning purposes Skerries is located in the Skerries school planning area.
As the Deputy will 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. Approximately 40% of school places are delivered by extending existing schools, rather than by building new schools. The current status of large-scale projects being delivered under the school building programme may be viewed on my Department’s website, www.education.gov.ie and this is updated monthly. A list of large scale projects completed from 2010 to date may also be viewed on the website.
I have highlighted that the requirement for new schools will be kept under ongoing review and in particular would have regard for the increased rollout of housing provision as outlined in Project Ireland 2040.
245. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the measures he is taking to resolve the shortage of secondary school places in Swords; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42457/18]
View answerIn order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas. For school planning purposes, Swords is located in the Swords school planning area.
As the Deputy will be aware, I announced plans for the establishment of 42 new schools over the next four years (2019 to 2022. A new 1,000 pupil multi-denominational post-primary school under the patronage of Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Education and Training Board to serve the Swords school planning area was established in September 2018.
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. Approximately 40% of school places are delivered by extending existing schools, rather than by building new schools. The current status of large-scale projects, including those in Swords, being delivered under the school building programme may be viewed on my Department’s website, www.education.gov.ie and this is updated monthly. A list of large scale projects completed from 2010 to date may also be viewed on the website.
I have highlighted that the requirement for new schools will be kept under ongoing review and in particular would have regard for the increased rollout of housing provision as outlined in Project Ireland 2040.
247. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the measures he is taking to resolve the shortage of secondary school places in Donabate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42459/18]
View answerIn order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas. For school planning purposes Donabate is located in the Donabate school planning area.
As the Deputy will 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. Approximately 40% of school places are delivered by extending existing schools, rather than by building new schools. The current status of large-scale projects being delivered under the school building programme may be viewed on my Department’s website, www.education.gov.ie and this is updated monthly. A list of large scale projects completed from 2010 to date may also be viewed on the website.
I have highlighted that the requirement for new schools will be kept under ongoing review and in particular would have regard for the increased rollout of housing provision as outlined in Project Ireland 2040.
251. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the provision of the two new primary schools for Swords, County Dublin, as announced in April 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42469/18]
View answer252. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the provision of the new primary school for Donabate, County Dublin, as announced in April 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42470/18]
View answerI propose to answer Questions Nos. 251 and 252 together.
As the Deputy is aware, I announced plans for the establishment of 42 new schools over the next four years. This announcement followed nationwide demographic exercises carried out by my Department into the current and future need for primary and post-primary school places across the country. This announcement included a new primary school for Donabate and two new primary schools for Swords: one in North Swords and one in South Swords.
The current focus for my Department is to prioritise the 17 schools opening in 2019 so that patrons can be appointed and accommodation solutions put in place as soon as possible. My Department has appointed a Project Manager to assist with this work and potential interim accommodation solution options have been identified for the majority of the 17 schools.
My Department's Design and Build Programme will be the main delivery mechanism for providing permanent accommodation for the 42 new schools. A procurement process is currently underway to facilitate the appointment of a Project Manager who will assist my Department in the provision of permanent accommodation for the new schools to be established from 2020 onwards.
A patronage process is ongoing in respect of the four post primary schools due to open in 2019 and I expect to make an announcement shortly in this regard. A patronage process for the primary schools due to open in 2019 will commence shortly thereafter.
I wish to advise the Deputy that a site currently in my ownership in Mooretown, Swords has recently been granted planning permission in respect of the provision of permanent accommodation for Swords Community College. This planning permission also provides for a primary school on this site and it is intended to locate the new primary school announced for North Swords on this property.
A site identification process in respect of the new primary schools announced for South Swords and Donabate are currently underway. In line with the policy on the use of State assets (Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Circulars 11/15 and 17/16), my Department will be seeking to maximize the use of sites already in my ownership and of available properties in the ownership of other State bodies, where these are considered suitable. In addition as part of my Department's ongoing engagement with Local Authorities in respect of statutory planning processes and under the MoU on school site acquisitions, my Department is examining all potential suitable site options, including appropriately zoned sites, to serve the relevant area.
A decision regarding the location of the schools in South Swords and Donabate will be made at the earliest possible date.
