Written Answers Nos. 151-163
151. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Education and Skills the schools in County Donegal that do not have DEIS status in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44381/18]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is available on my Department's website, see - Post Primary Schools 2017/18 and Primary All Schools 2017/18, at the following link:
www.education.ie/en/Publications/Statistics/Data-on-Individual-Schools/.
152. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a school (details supplied) in County Donegal does not have DEIS status; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the surrounding schools to this school have DEIS status and that the same socio-economic criteria apply to all the schools in that hinterland but the school in question has not received DEIS status; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that perceived gross and unfair anomalies exist at present in the criteria and mechanisms used in awarding DEIS status; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that this is leading to many eligible schools failing to obtain DEIS status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44382/18]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, my Department has introduced an objective, statistics based model for assessing which schools merit inclusion in the DEIS Programme, so that all stakeholders can have confidence that we are targeting extra resources at those schools with the highest levels of concentrated disadvantage.
The key data sources used in the DEIS identification process are the DES Primary Online Database (POD) and Post-Primary Online (PPOD) Databases, and CSO data from the National Census of Population as represented in the Pobal HP Index for Small Areas which is a method of measuring the relative affluence or disadvantage of a particular geographical area. Variables used in the compilation of the HP Index include not only single parent rate, but those related to demographic growth, dependency ratios, education levels, overcrowding, social class, occupation and unemployment rates. This data is combined with pupil data, anonymised and aggregated to a small area, to provide information on the relative level of concentrated disadvantage present in the pupil cohort of individual schools. This data is applied uniformly to all schools in the country in a fair and objective way, to identify the relative level of concentrated disadvantage present in each school.
The calculation of the level of disadvantage in each school is based on the socio-economic background of their pupil cohort using centrally held data as previously outlined. It is not based on the location of the school but on the geographical CSO Small Areas where the pupil cohort resides. Therefore it is important to understand that the demographic of neighbouring schools will not necessarily be the same and can indicate different levels of disadvantage based on the actual pupil cohort in each individual school.
A detailed document explaining the methodology used in the Identification process is available on the Department’s website at
www.education.ie/en/Schools-Colleges/Services/DEIS-Delivering-Equality-of-Opportunity-in-Schools-/DEIS-Identification-Process.pdf.
DEIS Plan 2017 states that the improved data on the socio-demographic of schools resulting from the new identification model will have an impact not only on the assessment of schools for inclusion in the programme but also on the scaling of resources to allow for more graduated levels of support. This in turn allows for the ultimate objective of allocating resources to best meet the identified need of individual schools.
In order to achieve this, the current identification model needs to be as accurate as possible and this will be facilitated by the use of Eircode to ensure correct inputting of addresses. Further analysis is also required to examine other variables known to be strong predictors of educational disadvantage in the context of resource allocation.
153. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Education and Skills the action he has taken with regard to six children with special needs who were due to commence school in County Kildare in September 2018 but are still awaiting accommodation (details supplied); the supports or assistance which can be provided in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44434/18]
View answerThis Government is committed to ensuring every child with special educational needs has the opportunity to fulfil their full potential.
Funding for special education provision in 2018 will amount to some €1.75 billion, up 43% since 2011 and equivalent to 18.7% of the gross overall current allocation for education and training.
The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Education Needs Organisers (SENOs), for the development, delivery and co-ordination of education services to children with Special Educational Needs, including the establishment of special class and special school placements, in consultation with the relevant education partners and the Health Service Executive (HSE).
The NCSE is aware of emerging need from year to year, and where special provision is required in an area it is planned and provided for.
The NCSE sanctioned a new special class in the school referred to by the Deputy to meet the identified needs of students in Kildare and the relevant teaching and SNA support has been allocated to the school.
To this end, my Department is providing a stand-alone extension to the school. My Department devolved the project for delivery to the Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB).
When a building is completed, certifications for the constituent components are required to be registered with the Local Authority for the purposes of demonstrating that the building complies with building control regulations. This was done on the 22 of October last. The Local Authority is required to turn this around within three weeks. Assuming that there are no issues with the documentation submitted, the building can be occupied once the Local Authority signs off on the documentation. This means that every child with special needs who is waiting to occupy the new building in St. Conleth’s Vocational School should be able to do so within a three-week timeframe.
KWETB, supported by my Department, has always been focussed on ensuring that every child with special needs who is waiting to occupy the new building in the school could do so as soon as possible.
KWETB also continues to engage with the NCSE, parents and our education partners to explore temporary measures that may be put in place to ensure that each child has educational provision appropriate to their needs.
In the interim my Department’s Home Tuition Grant Scheme can provide funding towards the provision of 20 hours home tuition per week for these children as a compensatory educational service until a school placement becomes available.
I want to reassure the Deputy that we are all continuing to strive to achieve these objectives. While we are close to the opening of the building, neither we, the NCSE nor KWETB will stop working until all the children who are waiting for the opening of this building are in it.
154. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to roll out new curriculum area apprenticeship programmes in 2018 and 2019; the level of academic attainment they will sit at; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44460/18]
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 biopharma leading to awards ranging from level 6 to level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). Further new apprenticeships are scheduled to get underway later this year and throughout 2019 in a variety of sectors including construction, engineering, horticulture and agriculture. Details of these, including the target NFQ level, are set out in the following tables. It should be noted that the NFQ level can only be finally determined through the programme validation process.
Apprenticeships due to be rolled out by the end of 2018
|
Apprenticeship |
NFQ Level |
|
|
1 |
OEM Engineer |
6 |
|
2 |
Butcher |
5 |
|
3 |
Manufacturing Data Integration Engineer |
7 |
|
4 |
Sous Chef |
8 |
Apprenticeships due to roll-out in 2019
|
Apprenticeship |
NFQ Level |
|
|
1 |
Advanced Quantity Surveyor |
9 |
|
2 |
Applied Horticulture |
6 |
|
3 |
Arboriculture |
5 |
|
4 |
Associate Sales Professional |
6 |
|
5 |
Baker |
6 |
|
6 |
Bar Manager |
7 |
|
7 |
CGI Technical Artist (Animation, Games, VFX) |
9 |
|
8 |
Engineering Services Management |
7 |
|
9 |
Equipment System Engineer |
9 |
|
10 |
Executive Chef |
9 |
|
11 |
Farm Manager |
7 |
|
12 |
Farm Technician |
6 |
|
13 |
Geo-Driller |
6 |
|
14 |
Hairdressing |
6 |
|
15 |
Healthcare Assistant |
6 |
|
16 |
HGV Driver (2015) |
5 |
|
17 |
ICT Associate Professional in Cybersecurity |
6 |
|
18 |
International Financial Services Advanced Specialist |
9 |
|
19 |
Lean Sigma Manager |
9 |
|
20 |
Precision Turned Parts Manufacturing |
6 |
|
21 |
Principal Engineer |
10 |
|
22 |
Recruitment Practitioner |
6 |
|
23 |
Retail Supervisor |
6 |
|
24 |
Scaffolding |
6 |
|
25 |
Science Aircraft Asset Management |
7 |
|
26 |
Software System Designer |
9 |
|
27 |
SportsTurf Management |
6 |
|
28 |
Stud Farm Management |
7 |
|
29 |
Supply Chain Associate |
7 |
|
30 |
Supply Chain Manager |
9 |
|
31 |
Supply Chain Specialist |
8 |
|
32 |
Wind Turbine Maintenance |
6 |
155. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of male and female apprentices in training by each employment sector and subsector at 30 September 2018 for craft based and consortia-led apprenticeships in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44486/18]
View answer156. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of new apprenticeship registrations in each employment sector and subsector at 30 September 2018 for all craft based and consortia-led apprenticeships in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44487/18]
View answer157. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Education and Skills the actual apprentice population in each employment sector and subsector as at 30 September 2018. [44488/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 155 to 157, inclusive, together.
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table.
Apprenticeships 2018
|
Registrations |
Population at 24th October 2018* |
|||
|
to end of September 2018 |
Female |
Male |
Total |
|
|
Auctioneering and Property Services |
44 |
22 |
29 |
51 |
|
BioPharmaChem |
2 |
6 |
4 |
10 |
|
Laboratory Technician |
2 |
6 |
4 |
10 |
|
Construction |
1,036 |
12 |
3,546 |
3,558 |
|
Brick and Stonelaying |
57 |
164 |
164 |
|
|
Cabinet Making |
0 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Carpentry and Joinery |
403 |
3 |
1,406 |
1,409 |
|
Painting and Decorating |
18 |
4 |
94 |
98 |
|
Plastering |
24 |
74 |
74 |
|
|
Plumbing |
460 |
4 |
1,557 |
1,561 |
|
Stonecutting and Stonemasonry |
5 |
35 |
35 |
|
|
Wood Manufacturing and Finishing |
69 |
1 |
214 |
215 |
|
Electrical |
1,528 |
51 |
6,131 |
6,182 |
|
Aircraft Mechanics |
72 |
11 |
175 |
186 |
|
Electrical |
1,236 |
30 |
5,046 |
5,076 |
|
Electrical Instrumentation |
71 |
7 |
346 |
353 |
|
Electronic Security Systems |
43 |
1 |
135 |
136 |
|
Industrial Electrical Engineering |
20 |
1 |
54 |
55 |
|
Instrumentation |
6 |
1 |
44 |
45 |
|
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning |
80 |
331 |
331 |
|
|
Engineering |
463 |
17 |
2,044 |
2,061 |
|
Farriery |
7 |
25 |
25 |
|
|
Industrial Insulation |
11 |
41 |
41 |
|
|
M.A.M.F. |
125 |
4 |
612 |
616 |
|
Manufacturing Engineering (Level 6) |
7 |
5 |
64 |
69 |
|
Manufacturing Engineering (Level 7) |
8 |
4 |
46 |
50 |
|
Metal Fabrication |
166 |
1 |
717 |
718 |
|
Pipefitting |
37 |
1 |
114 |
115 |
|
Polymer Processing Technology |
11 |
2 |
35 |
37 |
|
Sheet Metalworking |
48 |
140 |
140 |
|
|
Toolmaking |
43 |
250 |
250 |
|
|
Financial Services |
148 |
167 |
208 |
375 |
|
Accounting Technician |
67 |
81 |
56 |
137 |
|
Insurance Practice |
76 |
76 |
122 |
198 |
|
International Financial Services Associate |
3 |
4 |
15 |
19 |
|
International Financial Services Specialist |
2 |
6 |
15 |
21 |
|
Hospitality and Food |
114 |
22 |
105 |
127 |
|
Butcher |
0 |
3 |
3 |
|
|
Chef de Partie |
24 |
6 |
21 |
27 |
|
Commis Chef |
90 |
16 |
81 |
97 |
|
ICT |
32 |
4 |
33 |
37 |
|
ICT Network Engineering |
13 |
13 |
13 |
|
|
ICT Software Development |
19 |
4 |
20 |
24 |
|
Logistics |
24 |
7 |
19 |
26 |
|
Motor |
523 |
11 |
2,425 |
2,436 |
|
Agricultural Mechanics |
29 |
152 |
152 |
|
|
Construction Plant Fitting |
54 |
245 |
245 |
|
|
Heavy Vehicle Mechanics |
142 |
1 |
557 |
558 |
|
Motor Mechanics |
275 |
8 |
1,319 |
1,327 |
|
Vehicle Body Repairs |
23 |
2 |
152 |
154 |
|
Printing & Paper |
0 |
8 |
8 |
|
|
Print Media |
0 |
8 |
8 |
|
|
New Consortia Total |
410 |
240 |
597 |
837 |
|
Grand Total |
3,914 |
319 |
14,552 |
14,871 |
158. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Education and Skills the assessment by the Apprenticeship Council regarding the 77 proposals received in the second call for new apprenticeship categories which closed on 1 September 2017; the apprenticeships that have been approved for roll-out to date; and the timeline for operationalising each new approved apprenticeship in tabular form. [44489/18]
View answerThis Government is committed to expanding the apprenticeship model into new sectors of the economy. A key commitment in our Action Plan to Expand Apprenticeship for last year was to issue a second call for apprenticeship proposals to refresh the pipeline of apprenticeship proposals established through the first call. The call closed on 1 September with 77 proposals received from a range of sectors, occupations and National Framework Qualification levels. Following the evaluation process 26 new programmes were approved for further development into national apprenticeships in various sectors including construction, engineering, horticulture and agriculture. Three programmes from the second call are already underway, Logistics Associate, Laboratory Analyst and Laboratory Technician.
Based on information from the consortia, the information requested by the Deputy in relation to the other 23 programmes is set out in the following table.
|
0 |
Title of proposed apprenticeship |
Industry lead |
Proposed coordinating provider |
Target rollout date |
|
1. |
Advanced Quantity Surveyor Level 9 Duration 2 years |
Society of Charted Surveyors Ireland |
Limerick Institute of Technology |
2nd half 2019 |
|
2. |
Applied Horticulture Level 6 Duration 2 years |
Teagasc |
Teagasc |
2nd half 2019 |
|
3. |
Arboriculture Level 5 Duration 2 years |
Caseys Tree Care Ltd, North West Tree Care, Kilcoyne Tree Care, Arborist Ireland |
Galway Roscommon ETB |
2nd half 2019 |
|
4. |
Associate Sales Professional Level 6 Duration 3 years |
Sales Sense |
Mayo Sligo & Leitrim ETB |
1st half 2019 |
|
5. |
CGI Technical Artist (Animation, Games, VFX) Level 9 Duration 2 years |
Animation Skillnet with Screen Training Ireland |
Dublin IT |
2nd half 2019 |
|
6. |
Equipment Systems Engineer Level 9 Duration 2years |
SL Controls |
University of Limerick |
2nd half 2019 |
|
7. |
Farm Management Level 7 Duration 4 years |
Teagasc |
Teagasc |
2nd half 2019 |
|
8. |
Farm Technician Level 6 Duration 2 years |
Teagasc |
Teagasc |
2nd half 2019 |
|
9. |
Geo-Driller Level 6 Duration 3 years |
Geological Survey Ireland |
IT Carlow |
2nd half 2019 |
|
10. |
ICT Associate Professional in Cybersecurity Level 6 Duration 2 years |
FastTrack into Technology (FIT) |
FIT |
2nd half 2019 |
|
11. |
Lean Sigma Manager Level 9 Duration 2 years |
Teleflex |
University of Limerick |
2nd half 2019 |
|
12. |
Principal Engineer- Professional Doctorate Level 10 Duration 4 years |
SL Controls |
University of Limerick |
1st half 2019 |
|
13. |
Professional Bar Manager Level 7 Duration 2 years |
Vintners Association |
Griffith College |
2nd half 2019 |
|
14. |
Professional Hairdressing Level 6 Duration 3 years |
Hairdressing Council of Ireland |
Limerick & Clare ETB & Image Learning and Development Training Network Ltd |
2nd half 2019 |
|
15. |
Professional Healthcare Assistant Level 6 Duration 2 years |
Kiltipper Woods Care Centre |
Griffith College |
2nd half 2019 |
|
16. |
Recruitment Practitioner Level 6 Duration 2 years |
National Recruitment Federation |
National College of Ireland |
2nd half 2019 |
|
17. |
Scaffolding Level 6 Duration 3 years |
Construction Industry Federation |
Laois & Offaly ETB |
1st half 2019 |
|
18. |
Software System Designer Level 9 Duration 2 years |
Lero |
University of Limerick |
2nd half 2019 |
|
19. |
SportTurf Management Level 6 Duration 2 years |
Teagasc |
Teagasc |
2nd half 2019 |
|
20. |
Stud Farm Management Level 7 Duration 2 years |
Teagasc |
Teagasc |
2nd half 2019 |
|
21. |
Supply Chain Associate Level 7 Duration 3 years |
IPICS The Supply Chain Management Institute |
University of Limerick |
2nd half 2019 |
|
22. |
Supply Chain Manager Level 9 Duration 2 years |
IPICS The Supply Chain Management Institute |
University of Limerick |
2nd half 2019 |
|
23. |
Supply Chain Specialist Level 8 Duration 2 years |
IPICS The Supply Chain Management Institute |
University of Limerick |
2nd half 2019 |
159. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Education and Skills the breakdown of the €57,652,000 capital allocation in first, second and early years education (details supplied) within his Department for 2019, by specific project; the projects that will be commenced and completed in 2019, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44535/18]
View answerThe Capital Allocation available in 2019 under Subhead A will be expended as follows:
ICT Schools - €50m
Public Sector Reform - €4.9m
Department's Capital Requirements - €2.252m
Memorial for Victims of Abuse - €0.5m
Under the Digital Strategy for Schools 2015-2020, €210m has been committed in funding for schools ICT Infrastructure. In 2019 (for the 2018-2019 school year), €50m will issue in grant funding to all recognised eligible primary and post-primary schools.
The allocation available for Public Sector Reform will be employed for the Education and Training Sectors Shared Services projects. These projects will bring Payroll and Finance Shared Services to the Education and Training Boards (ETB) sector, serving the sixteen ETBs providing education at primary and secondary school levels and providing further education and training through SOLAS training programmes and community based schemes. The Shared Services projects will also be bringing payroll shared service to the Higher Education sector and upgrading the Department's schools employees payroll services which currently serve over 115,000 payees employed by over 3,700 schools at both primary and secondary level.
The Department's capital requirements include the provision of necessary office equipment and IT services.
A sum of €0.5m is available for the design and installation of a memorial for the victims of abuse.
160. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Education and Skills the breakdown of the €13,176,000 capital allocation in skills development (details supplied) within his Department for 2019 by specific project; the projects that will be commenced and completed in 2019, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44536/18]
View answerFurther Education and Training (FET) provides learners with key intermediate level skills, enhancing the productivity and adaptability of the Irish workforce. It is delivered in a range of settings throughout the country, with FET providers firmly embedded in local communities. A priority for my Department, is to improve the quality of the settings in which FET is delivered, in order to better respond to the needs of learners and employers.
The National Development Plan includes a €300m capital envelope for FET over the course of 10 year period 2018-2027. With €65m already agreed for 2018-21, this represents an additional €235m over the remaining period of Plan.
The total planned allocation for Further Education and Training purposes under the National Development Plan for 2019 to 2022 is outlined in the following table:
|
SUBHEAD |
2019 (€m) |
2020 (€m) |
2021 (€m) |
2022 (€m) |
|
Further Education and Training |
13.000 |
18.000 |
28.000 |
30.000 |
The additional capital supports will be prioritised to address issues with the condition of the existing capital stock, to roll out critical new apprenticeship syllabi and courses, and to consolidate the provision of further education and training in modern fit-for-purpose facilities that enable the delivery of high quality integrated programmes.
SOLAS, the state agency responsible for further education and training, is engaging with individual ETBs to identify the necessary capital requirements for 2019 through the service planning process. Given the lack of a dedicated capital budget for FET prior to 2018, some investment will be required in the existing capital stock as well as meeting equipment requirements in the apprenticeship area before major new building projects are initiated.
161. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Education and Skills the breakdown of the €47,770,000 capital allocation in higher education (details supplied) within his Department for 2019 by specific project; the projects that will be commenced and completed in 2019, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44537/18]
View answerThe 2018 funding under this subhead is provided to three organisations; the Irish Research Council (€34.05m), HEAnet (€5.45m) and the Irish Centre for High End Computing (€1.1m). The allocation of the additional €7m to the subhead in 2019 between these organisations is currently being finalised.
The Irish Research Council's remit is to support and enhance human capital development, in particular at postgraduate and early stage postdoctoral researcher levels, and to encourage independent exploratory research. Its remit covers the full range of disciplines spanning the humanities, social sciences, business, law, sciences, engineering and technology.
HEAnet is Ireland’s National Education and Research Network, providing internet connectivity and associated ICT services to higher education and research organisations throughout Ireland. Its e-Infrastructure services underpin the academic research and education activity for the third level sector.
The Irish Centre for High End Computing is Ireland's national high performance computer centre, providing high-performance computing services, support, education and training for researchers in higher education institutions and enterprise.
162. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Education and Skills the breakdown of the €822,402,000 capital allocation in capital services (details supplied) within his Department for 2019 by specific project; the projects that will be commenced and completed in 2019, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44538/18]
View answerThe Capital Allocation available in 2019 under Subhead D will be expended as follows:
Schools Sector - €622m
Higher Education - €90m
PPPs - €110m
The Department's Capital Costs - €0.402m
The School Sector allocation will be expended primarily on the delivery of large scale projects and on the Additional Accommodation Scheme. Funding will be available for large scale projects that commenced on site in 2018 or earlier and that will remain under construction in 2019 and for large scale projects that are positioned to commence construction in 2019.
Typically, expenditure of up to 80% of the capital allocation available to schools annually is in respect of the large scale projects and the Additional Accommodation Scheme. The balance available in 2019 will be expended on site acquisitions, the Summer Works Scheme, the Emergency Works Scheme, furniture and equipment provision and other smaller programmes.
The allocation available to the Higher Education Sector for 2019 is significantly higher than in recent years and will allow a number of priority infrastructure projects to progress, including, for example, a new Engineering, Energy and Environment Institute in TCD.
The allocation available for the PPP subhead will be expended primarily on unitary charges associated with the Schools Bundles delivered to date and on the Cork School of Music and the National Maritime College of Ireland.
The Department's capital requirements associated with capital services include the provision of necessary office equipment and IT services.
163. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the deportation order will be revoked in regard to a person (details supplied). [44323/18]
View answerI am advised that the person concerned is the subject of a Deportation Order made on 7 September 2018, following the refusal of the international protection claim made by the person concerned. That Order remains valid and in place.
Representations have been received requesting that the Deportation Order be revoked in this case, and these representations will be considered.
The decision to ensue from the consideration of this request will be to have the existing deportation order 'affirmed' or 'revoked'. Once such a decision has been made, this decision will be notified in writing. In the meantime, the deportation order remains valid and in place.
The Deputy may wish to note that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Services (INIS) of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose.
