Wednesday, 28 Nov 2018

Written Answers Nos. 1-63

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Questions (15)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

15. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his visit to Helsinki. [48406/18]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

I travelled to Helsinki earlier this month, where I had bilateral meetings with the President of Finland, Sauli Niinistö, and the Prime Minister of Finland, Juha Sipilä.

Finland and Ireland are like-minded on many issues, and both bilateral meetings were very warm and constructive.

In my meeting with Prime Minister Sipila we discussed a range of issues across the EU agenda including Brexit, migration, and economic issues, such as the Multi-Annual Financial Framework and Economic and Monetary Union. We also looked forward to Finland's upcoming Presidency of the Council of Ministers in the second half of 2019.

In the meeting with President Niinistö, issues raised included security and defence and external relations, including the EU's relations with Russia, an issue which is of particular concern in Finland.

In both my meetings, we also discussed bilateral relations between Finland and Ireland, which are excellent, and agreed to continue work to further strengthen our strategic relationship. I also took the opportunity to thank both leaders for their solidarity throughout the Brexit negotiations.

I attended a networking event later that day, hosted by our Ambassador to Finland, where I met with Irish business, cultural and community representatives.

Questions Nos. 16 to 34, inclusive, resubmitted.

Questions Nos. 35 to 39, inclusive, answered orally.

Schools Site Acquisitions

Questions (40)

Alan Farrell

Question:

40. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Education and Skills the action he is taking to deliver a permanent site and building for a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49338/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that, with the assistance of officials in Fingal County Council, agreement in principle has been reached with the landowner in respect of the acquisition of a site at Broomfield, Malahide to accommodate Malahide Portmarnock Educate Together NS.

The schedule of accommodation and brief in respect of the building project has been finalised and the project will now be progressed into Architectural Planning. The urgency attached to this project is recognised by my Department and in that context it is intended that it will be delivered as part of my Department’s Design and Build Programme.

In the interim, work will continue to complete the transfer of the site into my Department's ownership.

Questions Nos. 41 to 45, inclusive, answered orally.

Schools Building Contractors

Questions (46)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

46. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to pursue legal action against a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49542/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

As the Deputy is aware, over the course of the mid-term break my Department undertook structural assessments on all 42 school buildings constructed by Western Building Systems since 2003 following the identification of significant structural issues at Ardgillan Community College in Balbriggan during an assessment undertaken by a structural engineer at the school on 19 October.  The safety of school students and staff has been and will continue to be, my Department's overriding priority.

The summary outcome of the structural assessments conducted across the 42 schools is as follows:

- 19 schools cleared to open in full without any precautionary works

- 19 schools enabled to open in full following external precautionary measures in the form of fencing around all or part of the building and protective decking

- 3 schools enabled to open, initially at ground floor level only, following the implementation of both internal and external precautionary measures.  This relates to two schools in Tyrrelstown and Gaelscoil Eiscir Riada in Lucan.

- 1 building (Phase 1 of Ardgillan Community College) closed

Further detailed structural investigations will be required to determine the nature and scale of the permanent remediation works required across all schools.  

My Department had already, through the Chief State Solicitor’s Office (CSSO), initiated legal proceedings against this company with regard to four school buildings that had presented deficiencies with regard to fire safety.  My Department is now engaging with the CSSO in light of the structural issues recently identified in the 42 WBS schools.

It is the Department’s intention to pursue the company, using all available contractual and legal channels, for the cost of implementing precautionary measures and remediation works arising from the structural assessments.  Officials in my Department have initiated discussions with the Chief State Solicitor’s Office, in this regard.

Schools Building Projects Status

Questions (47)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

47. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a school (details supplied); the progress to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49500/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The major building project for Gaelscoil na gCeithre Máistrí is currently at Stage 1 of the Architectural Planning Process. A Design Team was appointed to this project in June 2017.

Stage 1 is the Preliminary Design Stage where the Design Team analyse all the constraints of the site, develop a preferred design option and cost plan. A Stakeholders meeting was held on 10th October last where the design proposals were presented by the school and its Design Team. Following a detailed review of the proposals presented at that meeting the Design Team was asked to revert with an Addendum Report. 

Upon satisfactory completion of Stage 1 my Department will be in a position to authorise the project to progress to the next stages of Architectural Planning which includes detailed design, obtaining statutory approvals and the preparation of tender documents.

This project is included in the 6 year construction programme and is scheduled therein to go to construction 2019 - 2021.

School Curriculum

Questions (48)

Kathleen Funchion

Question:

48. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans in regard to sexual health and relationship education, including the areas of contraception and consent, in primary and post-primary schools. [49414/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

In April 2018, my predecessor as Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton TD, announced a major review of Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) in schools.

This review, being conducted by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), is currently underway and will cover both the content of the RSE curriculum and support materials, as well as the delivery of the curriculum to students. The areas of contraception and consent are among those included for consideration during the review. 

The review involves an examination of the curriculum at both primary and post-primary level, including an examination of the experience and reality of RSE as delivered in schools, including how the RSE curriculum is planned, how it is taught and how parents are involved; the role of the classroom teacher in teaching the curriculum and the appropriate level of supports which are currently being provided by external providers; and the effectiveness of the continuing professional development (CPD)opportunities which are currently provided by the Department and other bodies to RSE teachers.

The review will comprise three inter-related dimensions. The first involves a desk-top review of recently published research/studies in the area of RSE and publication of a research paper by the NCCA on 20 November. Consultations are also taking place with key individuals and organisations who have responsibility for or who are working in this area and a consultation symposium was held yesterday 27th November  in Collins Barracks. The third dimension involves working directly with schools to examine the experience of RSE in the schools and in classrooms.

It is very appropriate that the time is now being taken to carry out a major review of how we educate our young people about relationships and sexuality.  Issues such as consent, contraception and sexuality need to be taught in a way that not only acknowledges our changing society but also addresses issues that arise in society which indicate a lack of understanding of these areas.  

I expect the NCCA to complete its review in the second quarter of next year.

Schools Building Projects Status

Questions (49)

Brian Stanley

Question:

49. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide a progress report on provision of a new building for a school (details supplied). [49324/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

As the Deputy is aware, a building project, which involves the provision of a replacement school building for the school to which he refers, is included in my Department’s 6 Year Construction Programme.

This school building project will provide a schedule of accommodation to include 8 classrooms, a general purpose room, library and resource area, woodwork and art room, exercise/therapy room and various ancillary spaces. The project brief has also been finalised and it is intended that this project will be progressed under the Department’s ADAPT programme. In this regard, ADAPT is an accelerated programme which uses a professional external Project Manager to co-ordinate and drive the respective design teams on each project. My Department will be in further contract with the school when the Project Manager has been appointed.

Schools Establishment

Questions (50)

Thomas Byrne

Question:

50. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on whether the level of pre-opening capitation funding for patrons is appropriate in view of the costs to patrons of opening a new school. [49449/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

In November 2016 my Department announced improved supports to facilitate the smooth establishment of new primary and post-primary schools from September 2017.

The first element of the improved supports involved new schools being permitted to appoint a school principal from an earlier stage in order to better facilitate the preparatory work involved in setting up a new school.

The second element of the improved supports is the payment of pre-opening capitation funding for each new primary and post-primary school in recognition of the fact that costs are incurred in the period prior to opening a new school. 

This funding of €15,000 at primary level and €25,000 at post-primary level is made available to the Patron to hold on behalf of the newly recognised school. This is paid in addition to the start-up grant of €6,350 at Primary level and €20,000 at Post-Primary level.

The Patron is entitled to seek reimbursement of post recognition start-up costs incurred by it but are ultimately required to provide details of such costs and any remaining balance to the board of management of the new school when it is established.

These improved supports were a very significant step in supporting the smooth establishment of new schools.

Schools Building Projects Administration

Questions (51)

Alan Farrell

Question:

51. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Education and Skills the action he plans to take to ensure the new schools in Swords will open on time in 2019; the action he is taking to ensure that a site is identified for the new primary school to serve Swords south; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49337/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

As the Deputy is aware, 42 new schools are planned to open over the four years based on nationwide demographic exercises carried out by my Department.  Included are two new 8 classroom primary schools to serve Swords North and Swords South, both to open in 2019.

An Online Patronage Process System (OPPS) for these schools will be opened soon. The OPPS has been developed by my Department to provide objective information to all parents which will allow them to make an informed choice about their preferred model of patronage for their child’s education in the new schools.

With respect to the schools' accommodation my Department has secured planning permission for a post primary school and a primary school on a site at Mooretown in north Swords.  It is intended that this will provide accommodation for Swords Community College and the new primary school announced to serve Swords North.  A tender competition is currently underway to appoint a building contractor to provide permanent accommodation on that site.

It is also intended to provide interim accommodation for the new Swords North primary school on the Mooretown site for September 2019.  The new primary school to serve Swords South will also open in suitable interim accommodation in September 2019 and potential options in that regard are currently being considered.

Work is also underway to identify and acquire a suitable permanent site for the new primary school to serve Swords South and Department officials have been engaging with officials in Fingal County Council in that regard.  All potential site options are being identified with a view to determining the optimum location to facilitate the delivery of the school building project.

DEIS Applications

Questions (52)

Brendan Smith

Question:

52. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress made in conferring DEIS status on a primary school (details supplied); if this application will be given further consideration in view of the fact that it has been ongoing for some time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49221/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I am aware that the Deputy raised this matter previously in the House.  Last year my Department 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.   

Schools are not required to make an application for inclusion in the DEIS programme, as all schools both Primary and Post Primary are assessed using this new uniform identification model.

The DEIS identification process uses data from a number of sources to improve accuracy regarding the socio-demographic profile of schools.

To achieve the ultimate objective of allocating resources to best meet the identified need of individual schools, 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.

Therefore in order to ensure the quality of the address data and conduct further analysis, my Department has decided to conduct further quality assurance on the model before extending these envisaged uses of the model. Work is ongoing at present and progress is being made but it is not intended to extend the DEIS programme to any further schools until this work is complete.

Apprenticeship Programmes

Questions (53)

Thomas Byrne

Question:

53. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the actions taken to date to improve linkages between those providing apprenticeships and third level institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49450/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

Apprenticeships currently lead to qualifications at levels 5 to 9 of the National Framework of Qualifications so span further and higher education.   Both the Higher Education Authority and the Technological Higher Education Association are represented on the Apprenticeship Council and on the National Apprenticeship Advisory Committee (NAAC) which advises the board of SOLAS on the craft apprenticeships. Third level institutions are coordinating providers for eleven of the seventeen new apprenticeships now operational following the Apprenticeship Council’s two calls for apprenticeship proposals in 2015 and 2017.  These new programmes span a variety of sectors ranging from financial services, biopharma, logistics to hospitality.  In addition, third level institutions are the proposed coordinating providers for almost half of the further 35 apprenticeships currently in development. 

Furthermore, Institutes of Technology provide two of the three off-the-job phases (phases 4 and 6) for 23 of the 25 craft apprenticeships.  Currently twelve Institutes of Technology are involved in this provision. Institutes of Technology are also involved in the remodelling of the curricula for those apprenticeships to keep pace with new methods and technologies in the workplace and to ensure that apprentices have a broader range of literacy, numeracy, ICT and teamworking skills.

It is important to note that all apprenticeship programmes lead to full awards on the National Framework of Qualifications, leading to clarity around the level of learning outcomes and supporting progression arrangements for apprentices when they complete their programmes.

Schools Health and Safety

Questions (54)

Niall Collins

Question:

54. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills the actions taken to date to investigate the role and responsibilities of project managers, architects and other professionals with regard to the structural and fire safety issues identified at a number of schools constructed by a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49451/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

As the Deputy is aware, over the course of the mid-term break my Department undertook structural assessments on all  42 school buildings constructed by Western Building Systems since 2003 following the identification of significant structural issues at Ardgillan Community College in Balbriggan during an assessment undertaken by a structural engineer at the school on 19 October.  The safety of school students and staff has been and will continue to be, my Department's overriding priority.

I would like to acknowledge the impact this has had on students, parents, school principals, staff, patrons and Boards of Management of all 42 schools, in particular the 23 schools where precautionary measures where carried out. I would also like to thank all concerned for their patience and understanding over the last number of weeks.

My Department will now be moving as quickly as possible to the next phase, which is to initiate more detailed structural investigations at the 42 schools and, following on from this, to implement the permanent remediation works required.  The Department fully intends to pursue the company through all contractual and legal channels for the cost of the precautionary measures and the remediation work.

It is also my intention to initiate an independent review of the Department’s Design & Build Programme, to include aspects such as procurement, quality control, workmanship and oversight, looking at aspects both pre- and post-implementation of the amended building control regulations in 2014.  This will also involve the role and responsibilities of project managers, architects and other professionals.  This will be an independent review conducted by a person or entity outside the Department and will be informed by the more detailed structural investigations to be carried out in the next phase of the programme.

Broadband Service Provision

Questions (55)

Martin Heydon

Question:

55. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress in ensuring high speed broadband to all schools; and the way in which his Department can assist a school (details supplied) in County Kildare. [49543/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The delivery of high quality internet connectivity for all schools is a key objective of my Department. It is accepted that good connectivity is essential to ensure that schools are facilitated to progress the embedding of digital technologies in teaching and learning and for the implementation of new and revised curriculum.

The need to improve broadband connectivity to primary schools is recognised in the Digital Strategy for Schools 2015-2020, and access to high speed broadband is one of the indicators identified in the Digital Strategy Action Plan. An interdepartmental working group has been established to determine how best to address broadband connectivity to primary schools in collaboration with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, in the context of the National Broadband Plan and the Intervention Strategy, and proposed industry provision. 

The policy of my Department is to offer the best quality connectivity to all schools in line with the technical solutions available in the market and within financial constraints. Currently investment of some €15m is allocated annually for the provision of internet connectivity to schools. As the deputy is no doubt aware broadband capacity can vary across geographical locations and is dependent on local infrastructure which can impact on the service that can be provided in individual schools.

The school referred to by the Deputy voluntarily withdrew from the Schools Broadband Programme, which is provided and managed by my Department, during the summer 2018 and entered into their own contract with a service provider. As this service is provided outside the Schools Broadband Programme, my Department has no role and therefore the school will have to continue to engage directly with their provider to resolve any issues with service.

The Schools Broadband Programme is open to all recognised primary schools as such should this school decide to re-join the scheme then the school should make contact with officers of my Department who can arrange for the school to be included in the next Broadband mini competition run by the Department. If this is what they wish to do, the school should make contact with the Broadband Service desk team at [e-mail] who will begin the process of including the school in the programme.

The Department reviews the availability and quality of services and upgrades schools when the opportunity arises, in line with contractual and budgetary requirements. Currently, over 1,100 primary schools have been awarded download speeds of 30Mbps or greater (the baseline download speed required under the National Broadband Plan). This represents more than one third of all primary schools which is a significant improvement in recent years, given that less than 100 primary schools were on those speeds in 2012. Further schools are likely to be upgraded to those speeds in 2018, through EIR's 300K Rural Deployment commitment.

All post-primary schools and some special schools are now on high speed broadband through the Department's High Speed Broadband Programme, managed by HEAnet.

Education Welfare Service

Questions (56)

Mick Wallace

Question:

56. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on whether the use of reduced timetables may leave the State open to legal challenges; his plans to address the underlying issues which lead to the use of reduced timetables; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49510/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The position of my Department is that all pupils who are enrolled in a school should attend school for the full day, unless exempted from doing so for exceptional circumstances, such as medical reasons.

Reduced timetables should not be used as a behavioual management technique, or as a de facto suspension or expulsion.

Where schools apply a shorter school day in relation to a child, such arrangements should only be put in place in exceptional circumstances in order to assist a pupil to return to a school, where a pupil has been experiencing an absence due to a medical or behavioural related condition.

Any such arrangement should be a transitionary arrangement, which is designed to assist the reintegration of a pupil to a school environment.

In making any such arrangements, school authorities should be mindful of the best interests of the child and of the child's right to a full day in school. Schools should seek the advice of NEPS before implementing such arrangements.

I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department is engaging with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and TUSLA Educational Welfare Service on the matter of reduced timetables, with a view to examining options which can be taken to address the issues raised.

School Curriculum

Questions (57)

Thomas Byrne

Question:

57. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the timeline for the review of history as an optional subject for the junior cycle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49447/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

Since my arrival in the Department I have been considering the issue of History in the curriculum. I have spoken publicly of how vital it is that our young people can learn from the past so that they can plan for the future. I think it is very important that our education system should provide the opportunity to learn about, and learn from, key times and events in our history, events that we particularly recall in this decade of centenaries. These include the end of the First World War, the delicate path we walk to mark the foundation of the State, and the role of women in society.  The study of our history can also afford the opportunity to consider and learn from the story of Irish migration, of the journey from conflict to peace on this island, and to learn about the rich history of our Irish language and its place in our culture and our heritage.

It is against this backdrop, of the importance of learning from our past, that I have asked the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) to review the optional nature of history under the new Framework for Junior Cycle. History was one of the new subject specifications introduced to schools just last September.

As part of their review I have also asked the NCCA to identify how we can best promote the study of history in our schools. 

I met with officials of the NCCA yesterday and had an initial discussion on this matter. I expect to receive a report from the Council by the end of the first quarter of next year.

Schools Building Projects Status

Questions (58)

Robert Troy

Question:

58. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the relocation of a school (details supplied). [49461/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department has approved funding for a new purpose-built facility for the school to which he refers.

The project is being devolved for delivery to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA).

My Department is currently making the necessary arrangements to enter into a Service Level Agreement with the NDFA.  This is the first step to initiate the delivery of the project.  

Once the Service Level Agreement is in place, the NDFA will set up the required procedures to commence the design and construction processes.  

As part of the Service Level Agreement, the NDFA will be engaging directly with the school authority to keep it informed of progress once all of the essential arrangements are in place to enable the commencement of architectural planning for the project.

School Accommodation Provision

Questions (59)

Joan Burton

Question:

59. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a date has been established for the commencement of the construction of a school (details supplied); the length of time the construction will take; when he expects the new school to open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49504/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The major school building project for the Schools to which the Deputy refers is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning - Stage 2(b) Detailed Design which includes the application for statutory approvals and the preparation of tender documents.  The Stage 2(b) submission for the project has been reviewed by the Department and comments have issued to the school and its’ Design Team.

The Design Team have been requested to carry out one final review of all of its tender documentation for both the Main Contract and Reserved Specialists to ensure compliance with the Department’s requirements and submit written confirmation from each Design Team member that they have completed this review and are satisfied that the Tender Documents are complete, correct and in compliance with Department and Building Control (Amendment) Regulations tender documentation requirements.

The pre-qualification of contractors for the main and reserved specialist contract involves the compiling of a shortlist of contractors to ensure that there are a number of appropriate and suitable candidates who can undertake the works successfully. The Design Team are currently completing the pre-qualification process.

In March of this year, a letter issued to the school and its Design Team outlining a projected timeframe for progression of this project to tender and construction stage in Quarter 1 2019.

On 11th April this year the Department authorised the Design Team to commence the pre-qaulification of Contractors. However, the design team have experienced significant delays in completing this process. My Department has provided extensive advice and guidance to the design team throughout the process including meeting directly with them twice in May and July of this year.

Due to the delays encountered by the Design Team in the pre-qualification process, it is now expected that the project will commence construction on site in mid 2019.  

The design team are currently indicating that a 24 month construction period is envisaged for this project.

School Accommodation Provision

Questions (60)

Robert Troy

Question:

60. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of an application for building works at a school (details supplied). [49462/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Joe McHugh)

I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department is currently considering the school's application for additional accommodation. My Department expects to be in a position to convey a decision on the application to the school authority shortly.

Oideachas trí Ghaeilge

Questions (61)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

61. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna cén fáth nach bhfuil an Roinn tar éis gníomhú de réir mholtaí imscrúdú an Choimisinéara Teanga inar aithníodh nach bhfuil cothrom na féinne á thabhairt do bhunú scoileanna lán-Ghaeilge i bpróiseas nua na Roinne chun scoileanna nua a bhunú; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [49496/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

Mar is eol don teachta, d'fhógair mo Roinnse pleananna le déanaí chun 42 scoil nua a bhunú sna ceithre bliana seo amach romhainn (2019-2022).

Nuair a chinntear go bhfuil gá le scoil nua chun freastal ar riachtanais dhéimeagrafacha i gceantar, reáchtálann mo Roinnse próiseas pátrúnachta ar leith chun a shocrú cé a fheidhmeoidh an scoil.  Tá teanga theagaisc na scoile atá beartaithe mar dhlúthchuid den phróiseas measúnaithe agus molta a bhaineann leis an bpátrúnacht. Tá sé de rogha ag gach comhlacht pátrúnachta, lena n-áirítear pátrúin atá bainteach le soláthar trí mheán na Gaeilge agus go deimhin aon phatrún ionchasach ar mian leis oideachas trí mheán na Gaeilge a sholáthar, cur isteach ar phátrúnacht scoile nua faoin bpróiseas pátrúnachta.  Tá roghanna tuismitheoireachta maidir le gach pátrún agus seachas sin maidir le teanga theagaisc na scoile, ó thuismitheoirí na leanaí atá ina gcónaí sa cheantar pleanála scoile atá i gceist, chomh maith leis an méid éagsúlachta atá ar fáil faoi láthair sna ceantair sin, thar a bheith tábhachtach i dtaca leis na cinntí a dhéantar maidir le toradh an phróisis sin.  Tá anailís ar an méid éagsúlachta, lena n-áirítear teanga, atá ar fáil cheana féin i gceantar agus sna ceantair phleanála scoile in aice láimhe, san áireamh sa phróiseas measúnaithe.

Déanann grúpa comhairliúcháin seachtrach neamhspleách, An Grúpa um Bunú Scoileanna Nua (NSEG), maoirseacht ar an bpróiseas pátrúnachta.  Tar éis dóibh tuarascálacha measúnaithe mo Roinne a bhreithniú, cuireann an NSEG tuarascáil mar aon le moltaí faoi mo bhráid lena breithniú agus an cinneadh deiridh a dhéanamh ina taobh.  Cuirtear na tuarascálacha measúnaithe agus moltaí an NSEG i dtaca le gach próiseas pátrúnachta den sórt sin ar fáil ar shuíomh gréasáin mo Roinne.

Maidir leis an bpróiseas pátrúnachta don 12 bhunscoil nua atá le bunú in 2019, tá leibhéal rogha na tuismitheoireachta don teanga theagaisc (Gaeilge nó Béarla) le deimhniú fós.   Tá tús le cur leis an gCóras Próiseála Pátrúnachta ar Líne (OPPS) do thuismitheoirí leanaí atá ina gcónaí sna ceantair phleanála scoile ábhartha sna seachtainí seo amach romhainn. Ag an bpointe sin, beidh deis ag tuismitheoirí a rogha a léiriú i dtaca le Béarla nó Gaeilge mar theanga theagaisc sna scoileanna sin chomh maith lena rogha maidir le pátrúnacht na scoileanna.  Chomh maith le roghanna tuismitheoireachta, cuirtear san áireamh freisin méid na héagsúlachta (maidir le héiteas agus teanga theagaisc) atá ar fáil cheana féin sa cheantar sna cinntí maidir le torthaí próisis pátrúnachta.

Sa tuarascáil a chuir siad faoi mo bhráid i mí Dheireadh Fómhair, luaigh an NSEG na hathruithe dearfacha atá corpraithe ag mo Roinnse cheana féin sa phróiseas measúnaithe, amhail roghanna faoi leith a chuirtear ar fáil do thuismitheoirí maidir le teanga theagaisc. Mhol an Grúpa freisin go ndéanfadh mo Roinnse an cheist chasta seo a iniúchadh tuilleadh i gcomhairle leis an príomhchomhlachtaí pátrúnachta. I dtaca leis sin, tá bealaí ina bhféadfaí tuilleadh léirithe a dhéanamh ar roghanna tuismitheoireachta maidir le hoideachas trí mheán na Gaeilge i bpróisis phátrúnachta amach anseo, á n-iniúchadh ag mo Roinnse faoi láthair.  Tógfaidh sé roinnt ama an cheist sin a iniúchadh go hiomlán, lena n-áirítear dul i gcomhairle leis na príomhchomhlachtaí pátrúnachta, agus léirigh mo Roinnse an méid sin ina comhfhreagras leis an gCoimisinéir Teanga i mí Aibreáin 2018.

Ina theannta sin, bhí cruinniú agam le déanaí leis an gCoimisinéir Teanga, Rónan Ó Domhnaill, chun na ceisteanna seo a phlé agus déanfaidh an Roinn roinnt roghanna i réimse na pátrúnachta agus an oideachais trí mheán na Gaeilge a bhreithniú.

Schools Building Projects Status

Questions (62)

Gino Kenny

Question:

62. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the building extension for a college (details supplied) which is stalled at stage 3 following an 11-year wait for a promised state-of-the-art extension and refurbishment; the steps being taken to advance this development in order that the tendering process can commence and contractors can be appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49226/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The major building project for the school 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.

This project is not stalled. Dublin and Dún Laoghaire ETB and its Design Team are actively progressing this project with the guidance and assistance of my Department. 

A revised Brief Change Request from the ETB and its design team has recently been reviewed and approved by the Department.  Dublin Dún Laoghaire Educational and Training Board has been advised by the Department to instruct its Design Team to incorporate the approved Brief Change Request into the Stage 2(b) submission.  The Design Team is currently proceeding to complete work on the stage 2(b) submission.

Upon receipt and review of the Stage 2(b) Submission, my Department will revert to Dublin Dún Laoghaire Educational and Training Board with regard to the further progression of this project at that time.

Schools Building Projects Administration

Questions (63)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

63. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he expects to meet in full the requirements of the school building programme at primary and secondary level with a view to ensuring the replacement of temporary buildings with permanent structures in keeping with best international practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49454/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I wish to advise the Deputy that the current status of large-scale projects, being delivered under the school building programme may be viewed on my Department's website, www.education.ie and this information is updated regularly. In addition, a list of large-scale projects completed from 2010 to date may also be viewed on the website.

I also wish to advise the Deputy of the announcement earlier this year of plans for the establishment of 42 new schools over the next four years (2019-2022). This announcement follows nationwide demographic exercises carried out by the Department into the future need for primary and post-primary schools across the country. The four year horizon will enable increased lead-in times for planning and delivery of the necessary infrastructure.

The National Development Plan (NDP) provides for an €8.4 billion investment in school buildings over the period 2018 to 2027 to deliver on NDP and National Planning Framework objectives through addressing the twin priorities of catering for demographics and ensuring a strengthened focus on refurbishment of existing school stock. This investment will result in an almost doubling of the capital budget for school buildings - €540m in 2018 rising to an annual average of circa. €1 billion in the second half of the NDP period.

The strengthened focus on refurbishment of existing school stock will have different strands including prefab replacement, PE hall and school laboratory build and modernisation programmes as well as the commencement and progression of a deep energy retrofit of primary and post-primary schools built prior to 2008.

The Government remains committed to delivering on existing projects on the school building programme as soon as possible. I am satisfied that the investment available under the National Development Plan (2018-2027) will enable us to modernise and transform our school infrastructure in the years ahead.