Written Answers Nos. 212-231
212. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the school redevelopment project at a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53487/18]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, a building project for the school in question is included in my Department’s Construction Programme.
My Department is currently liaising with the Patron of the school in the context of additional information that the Department requires to progress the proposed project.
When this information has been received and considered, my Department will be in further contact with the school relating to the next steps to be taken to further progress the project.
213. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a decision will be made on a new primary school in Ashbourne, County Meath. [53526/18]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the Government recently announced plans for the establishment of 42 new schools over the next four years (2019 to 2022). This announcement followed 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.
Where demographic data indicates that additional provision is required, the delivery of such additional provision is dependent on the particular circumstances of each case and may, depending on the circumstances, be provided through either one, or a combination of, the following:
- Utilising existing unused capacity within a school or schools,
- Extending the capacity of a school or schools,
- Provision of a new school or schools.
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 line with the ongoing review of school planning areas generally, I can confirm that my Department is currently reviewing the position in relation to primary provision for the Ashbourne school planning area. This review is now well advanced and nearing completion. The outcome of the review will be finalised and made available as soon as possible.
214. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if SUSI will be informed of sections 39 and 40 of the Data Protection Act 2018, enabling elected representatives to make representations on behalf of persons; his views on the position of SUSI on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53550/18]
View answerAs a centralised national service, SUSI implements a process through which student grant applicants and other parties to their application can consent to the sharing of their personal data with each other and with third parties, including public representatives, for the purpose of responding to queries submitted on behalf of applicants and parties to applications.
This process seeks to reasonably balance the efficient handling of applicant queries and third party representations with SUSI’s parallel obligation to ensure that each individual’s personal data is processed fairly and lawfully.
SUSI processes personal data for the purposes laid down in the Student Support Act 2011 and annual Student Grant Scheme and Regulations made thereunder. This data includes information submitted as part of a grant application and other relevant data required for the purpose of assessing and reviewing applications in order to make decisions under the legislation.
In order to give a full response to a query from a public representative on behalf of a person who is a party to an application, it may be necessary to release not only that person’s data, but also data relating to other persons named or identified in the application form i.e. the student applicant, their parents, partners, spouse, siblings, etc.
As a data controller under the Data Protection Acts, the awarding authority is obliged to ensure the protection of the personal data which it collects and must decide on appropriate means of safeguarding that data, including in line with the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Therefore, for SUSI to respond effectively to a representation from a public representative on an individual application in a manner that is fully compliant with data protection law, SUSI must be satisfied that all individuals concerned have consented to the release of their personal data to a third party.
Reflecting the enhanced rights of data subjects to be able to access and exercise control of their data under GDPR, SUSI has implemented a more streamlined process for the management of applicant party consent. A fully online consent process has been developed whereby applicant parties can give, withdraw and update their data sharing consents at any time through the applicant’s online SUSI account, both in respect of each other and in respect of third parties including public representatives.
215. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the amount spent by his Department on public advertising and the purchase of external communications and publicity in 2018 by advertising campaign, including specific amounts on social media campaigns (details supplied) or other digital platforms; the amount spent on public relations or other communications support in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53574/18]
View answerThe details requested by the Deputy in relation to the amount spent to date in 2018 are outlined below.
|
Campaign to promote the teaching profession (an action in the Teacher Supply Action Plan) developed in conjunction with the Government Information Service. The campaign uses a number of mediums including social media (Facebook & Twitter), newspaper (digital) and radio. |
€132,991.00 |
|
National outdoor STEM awareness campaign to take place in January 2019, Campaign run in conjunction with Science Foundation Ireland |
€78,965.00 |
|
Contribution to the cost of the supporting national communication campaign in relation to the launch of Action Plan for Online Safety by Department of An Taoiseach |
€21,051.00 |
|
Funding for a public awareness video about Youthreach which is co-financed by the Irish Government and the European Social Fund as part of the ESF Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning 2014-2020 |
€4,500.00 |
|
Invitation for submission from interested persons and parties on the Review of Out-of-School Education Provision |
€4,219.32 |
216. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if student grant income thresholds will be increased in view of the significant burden the cost of third level education has on families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53612/18]
View answerUnder the terms of the student grant scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students who meet the prescribed conditions of funding including those which relate to nationality, residency, approved course, previous academic attainment and means.
The Student Grant Scheme provides for higher income thresholds for larger families. In addition to this, further increases in the income thresholds are provided for where additional family members are attending further and higher education at the same time.
The income threshold for the special rate of grant is €23,500. The student must also meet other qualifying criteria for the special rate of grant. The highest income threshold, for a family of fewer than 4 dependent children, is €54,240. This will qualify a student for 50% of the student contribution.
In the assessment of means, a deduction can be made for holiday earnings made by the applicant from employment outside of term time but within the reference period. The value of this income disregard was increased from €3,809 to €4,500 in the 2016 scheme.
Changes to the income thresholds for the Student Grant Scheme are announced as part of the Budget process. No changes to the thresholds were included in Budget 2019.
Students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. This Fund assists students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Information on the fund is available through the Access Officer in the third level institution attended. This fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis.
217. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of new consortia-led apprenticeship programmes forecasted under the Action Plan to Expand Apprenticeship and Traineeship in Ireland 2016-2020 in each of the years 2016 to 2018, inclusive; and the number realised, that is, new programmes operationalised for these targets in 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018 for these new consortia-led apprenticeship programmes in tabular form. [53667/18]
View answer218. 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 for craft-based and consortia-led apprenticeships in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53668/18]
View answer219. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of new apprenticeship registrations in each employment sector and subsector for all craft-based and consortia-led apprenticeships in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53669/18]
View answer220. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of live traineeship programmes forecasted for all existing traineeships and the targeted new enrolments in each of the years 2016 to 2020, inclusive; the forecasted number of traineeship programmes, that is, cumulative in addition to planned new enrolments per annum for new and-or relaunched traineeships; and the numbers realised for existing traineeships and new or relaunched traineeships, that is, trainee enrolments and cumulative number of traineeship programmes operationalised for these targets in tabular form. [53670/18]
View answer221. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Education and Skills the apprentice population forecasted in each employment sector and subsector in each of the years 2016 to 2020, inclusive, by craft-based and new consortia-led apprenticeships; and the actual apprentice population in each employment sector and subsector to date. [53671/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 217 to 221, inclusive, together.
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the attached tabular statements.
222. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the case of a person (details supplied) will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53777/18]
View answerThe person in question is in receipt of a teacher’s pension awarded under the statutory primary school teachers’ pension scheme.
The service on which that pension is based consists of:
- Periods of part-time teaching service over the period September 1997 to February 2014 in respect of which salary was paid via my Department
- A short period of part-time service given between November 1991 and February 1994 with an Education and Training Board (ETB), formerly a VEC, which was transferred under the public service Superannuation Transfer Network
- A period of added service awarded where retirement on grounds of permanent ill health is granted
Officials from my Department will contact the ETB in question to request they review the person’s service history with the ETB to ensure that all pensionable service has been included in the aforementioned calculation of service.
The Deputy may be aware that statutory pension schemes provide for service which may be reckoned as pensionable. Certain categories of service which do not reach certain specified thresholds of hours are not reckonable under the terms of the schemes.
The Deputy will appreciate that the statutory pension schemes set down the criteria for the reckoning of service and departure from the provisions of the schemes is not permissible in individual cases.
223. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of speech therapists appointed by his Department in 2018 as part of its demonstration project. [53780/18]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that a demonstration project to provide in-school and pre-school therapy services has been introduced for the 2018/19 school year.
The demonstration project is being developed by a Working Group which includes representatives from the Departments of Education, Children and Youth Affairs, and Health, and the Health Service Executive (HSE).
The project is being managed and co-ordinated by the National Council for Special Education with clinical support also being provided by two HSE Therapy Managers which have been assigned to the project.
It is intended that 19 Speech and Language Therapists will be assigned to the Project, of which 16 are currently in place. It is expected that the remaining 3 Speech and Language Therapists will be in place by January 2019.
It is also intended that 12 Occupational Therapists will be assigned to the Project, of which 11 are currently in place. It is expected that the remaining Occupational Therapist will be assigned by January 2019.
The purpose of the project is to test a model of tailored therapeutic supports that allows for early intervention in terms of providing speech and language and occupational therapy within ‘educational settings’. This innovative pilot will complement existing HSE-funded provision of essential therapy services.
It is designed to provide for a clinical Speech and Language and Occupational Therapy service delivery model of Specialist, Targeted and Universal supports in line with best practice for pupils which will see them receiving supports along a continuum of provision depending on the extent or severity of needs of the child/pupil.
224. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a technical inspection will be carried out at a school (details supplied) at an early date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53832/18]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that my Department is arranging a technical visit at the school in question in the new year.
225. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of children aged between three and five years, inclusive, and six years or over who are in receipt of the home tuition grant for the 2018-19 school year nationally and in west County Dublin, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53851/18]
View answerMy Department’s Home tuition Grant Scheme provides funding towards a compensatory educational service for children with special educational needs seeking an educational placement, as an interim measure until a placement becomes available.
The Home Tuition Grant Scheme also makes provision for early educational intervention for children with ASD aged 3–5 years seeking an ASD early intervention placement who meet the scheme’s criteria.
Over the course of the 2017/18 school year, 60 children with special education needs over the age of 6 availed of this interim provision (20 in Co. Dublin).
Over the course of the 2017/18 school year, 804 children aged 3-5 years availed of home tuition provision. (330 in Co. Dublin).
In the current school year to date, 43 children with special education needs over the age of 6 have been approved for this interim provision (27 in Co. Dublin).
In the current school year to date, 539 children aged 3-5 years have been approved for this interim provision. (282 in Co. Dublin).
Applications can be made at any point of the school year, based on when the child receives a diagnosis and recommendation for a specialised placement. As such, Statistics for the current school year will not be finalised until the end of the school year.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of Special Needs Organisers (SENOs), for the development and delivery and co-ordination of education services to children with Special Educational Needs, including the establishment of special class and special school placements.
160 new special classes have been opened for the 2018/19 school year, which means there are now 1,459 special classes in place, compared to 548 in 2011. 1,196 are Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) special classes. 124 special schools also provide specialist education for those students with very complex special educational needs.
From time to time, the NCSE identifies local areas where additional provision is required. In those circumstances, Special Education Needs Organisers (SENOs) work with the schools and families concerned to resolve the issues involved.
My Department is aware that the establishment of special provision in some schools and communities can be challenging.
The Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018 will assist in addressing this issue in areas where the NCSE is of the opinion that there is insufficient education provision for children with special educational needs.
Section 8 of the Act, which commenced on Monday 3rd December 2018, provides the Minister with a power, after a process of consultation with the NCSE, the board of management and the patron of the school, to compel a school to make additional provision for the education of children with special educational needs.
226. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the case of a person (details supplied) will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53860/18]
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.
Applications to Student Universal Support Ireland [SUSI] for the 2018/19 academic year opened on 5 April 2018. I have been advised by my officials that the student in question submitted an application to SUSI on 31 October 2018 and a decision issued on 23 November 2018.
If the student in question considers that he has been unjustly refused a student grant or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, he may appeal this decision to SUSI within the statutory time limit of 30 days of his decision letter.
Where an individual applicant has an appeal turned down in writing by SUSI and remains of the view that the scheme has not been interpreted correctly in his case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted online by the applicant to the independent Student Grants Appeals Board within the required timeframe of 30 days.
Students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. This Fund assists students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Details of this fund are available from the Access Office in the third level institution attended.
Tax relief also is available on postgraduate tuition fees. Details in relation to this relief are available from the Revenue Commissioners.
227. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Education and Skills the amount spent on social media by his Department in 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018; the projected spend in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53988/18]
View answerMy Department had no social media spend in 2016 and 2017.
As part of the Teacher Supply Action Plan, a campaign to promote the teaching profession went live today, 19th December 2018. My Department worked closely with the Government Information Service and their creative media agencies on the campaign, which includes social media. The detailed invoices in relation to the social media element of this campaign have not yet been submitted to the Department. We will arrange to have the information forwarded to the Deputy in due course.
228. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Education and Skills the amount spent on marketing and media by his Department in 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018; the projected spend in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54005/18]
View answerFor the Deputy’s information, below are the details in relation to the expenditure from 2016 - 2018 inclusive.
During 2018, my Department engaged in a number of high-profile campaigns aimed at raising awareness among the teaching profession and learners of specific initiatives including Ireland's Foreign Language Strategy; a national STEM awareness campaign (€78,965); and an online safety campaign in conjunction with the Department of the Taoiseach (€21,051). In addition a campaign promoting teaching as a career was developed in conjunction with the Government Information Service (€132,991). Social media was utilised as a platform as appropriate.
My Department does not have a dedicated marketing and media budget and consequently cannot predict costs for 2019. Any costs arising in relation to such activities are met from the relevant business unit’s subhead and accounted for in the Department's annual Appropriation Accounts.
|
2016 |
€11,719.55 |
|
2017 |
€38,628.30 |
|
2018 |
€241,726.32 |
229. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of new and renewed SUSI applications received, respectively; the number granted in part and granted in full, respectively; the number of appeals made to unsuccessful applications; and the number of appeals granted for the academic year 2018-19 to the end of November 2018, by county in tabular form. [54016/18]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy follows.
Renewal Applications only
|
Home Address County |
Awarded 100% Rates* |
Awarded Other Rates |
Refused |
Cancelled |
Other** |
Grand Total |
|
Carlow |
442 |
172 |
28 |
5 |
1 |
648 |
|
Cavan |
635 |
224 |
42 |
1 |
3 |
905 |
|
Clare |
889 |
393 |
84 |
8 |
4 |
1,378 |
|
Cork |
2,905 |
1,335 |
309 |
24 |
17 |
4,590 |
|
Donegal |
1,595 |
453 |
92 |
3 |
8 |
2,151 |
|
Dublin |
5,163 |
2,334 |
519 |
48 |
31 |
8,095 |
|
Galway |
1,806 |
764 |
169 |
8 |
15 |
2,762 |
|
Kerry |
1,145 |
425 |
107 |
6 |
8 |
1,691 |
|
Kildare |
1,117 |
486 |
138 |
10 |
6 |
1,757 |
|
Kilkenny |
657 |
277 |
59 |
- |
4 |
997 |
|
Laois |
589 |
217 |
48 |
7 |
2 |
863 |
|
Leitrim |
314 |
100 |
23 |
- |
1 |
438 |
|
Limerick |
1,219 |
559 |
113 |
11 |
6 |
1,908 |
|
Longford |
283 |
83 |
25 |
2 |
0 |
393 |
|
Louth |
886 |
354 |
64 |
7 |
5 |
1,316 |
|
Mayo |
1,163 |
369 |
76 |
9 |
3 |
1,620 |
|
Meath |
1,099 |
389 |
103 |
12 |
8 |
1,611 |
|
Monaghan |
528 |
160 |
37 |
2 |
3 |
730 |
|
Offaly |
535 |
226 |
42 |
2 |
0 |
805 |
|
Roscommon |
546 |
171 |
32 |
1 |
5 |
755 |
|
Sligo |
465 |
228 |
27 |
8 |
4 |
732 |
|
Tipperary |
1,126 |
409 |
65 |
4 |
8 |
1,612 |
|
Waterford |
834 |
343 |
53 |
11 |
1 |
1,242 |
|
Westmeath |
597 |
236 |
54 |
7 |
3 |
897 |
|
Wexford |
1,157 |
92 |
65 |
13 |
6 |
1,633 |
|
Wicklow |
760 |
293 |
61 |
5 |
3 |
1,122 |
|
Grand Total |
28455 |
11392 |
2435 |
214 |
155 |
42651 |
*100% rates are combination of the special rate of maintenance grant & the 100% maintenance grant
**The ‘Other’ column contains applications that are not yet finalised.
New Applications only
|
Home Address County |
Awarded 100% Rates* |
Awarded Other Rates |
Refused |
Cancelled |
Other** |
Grand Total |
|
Carlow |
447 |
151 |
175 |
51 |
13 |
837 |
|
Cavan |
27 |
192 |
267 |
48 |
19 |
1,153 |
|
Clare |
735 |
301 |
323 |
71 |
33 |
1,463 |
|
Cork |
2,881 |
1,092 |
1,329 |
318 |
127 |
5,747 |
|
Donegal |
1,300 |
472 |
453 |
100 |
42 |
2,367 |
|
Dublin |
6,038 |
2,119 |
3,258 |
682 |
366 |
12,463 |
|
Galway |
1,710 |
708 |
827 |
229 |
95 |
3,569 |
|
Kerry |
980 |
405 |
467 |
104 |
51 |
2,007 |
|
Kildare |
1,147 |
438 |
504 |
94 |
44 |
2,227 |
|
Kilkenny |
653 |
250 |
260 |
51 |
25 |
1,239 |
|
Laois |
585 |
201 |
255 |
58 |
22 |
1,121 |
|
Leitrim |
290 |
92 |
110 |
25 |
12 |
529 |
|
Limerick |
1,122 |
483 |
549 |
142 |
53 |
2,349 |
|
Longford |
339 |
102 |
124 |
19 |
16 |
600 |
|
Louth |
1,084 |
348 |
387 |
98 |
40 |
1,957 |
|
Mayo |
963 |
346 |
381 |
90 |
43 |
1,823 |
|
Meath |
1,114 |
386 |
537 |
93 |
58 |
2,188 |
|
Monaghan |
484 |
153 |
178 |
30 |
14 |
859 |
|
Offaly |
550 |
241 |
213 |
40 |
16 |
1,060 |
|
Roscommon |
524 |
192 |
180 |
39 |
27 |
962 |
|
Sligo |
439 |
210 |
240 |
67 |
13 |
969 |
|
Tipperary |
1,146 |
371 |
471 |
91 |
40 |
2,119 |
|
Waterford |
813 |
306 |
330 |
100 |
30 |
1,579 |
|
Westmeath |
714 |
226 |
282 |
65 |
26 |
1,313 |
|
Wexford |
1,110 |
367 |
363 |
79 |
33 |
1,952 |
|
Wicklow |
780 |
250 |
388 |
53 |
29 |
1,500 |
|
Grand Total |
28,575 |
10,402 |
12,851 |
2,837 |
1,287 |
55,952 |
Appeals
|
New |
Renewals |
Total |
|
|
Appeals to SUSI |
3,374 |
1,121 |
4,495 |
|
Appeals upheld* |
1,164 |
442 |
1,606 |
*Nine out of ten appeals (1023 New and 390 Renewal) were upheld due to a change in circumstances or additional information received during the appeal process.
Data on appeals is not disaggregated by county.
230. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools in which the need for refurbishment works has been reported or identified by his Department; the number for which refurbishment works have taken place or are planned by county to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54017/18]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department provides a number of mechanisms through which improvements are carried out in schools. Through the 6 year Capital Programme, the investment plan is about looking to the future and ensuring that our school infrastructure is well prepared to accommodate our growing school population. The programme also addresses the requirements of many schools which are in need of upgrading and refurbishment, although they may not be experiencing significant demographic pressure.
The projects under the capital programme will provide 19,000 new primary schools places and 43,000 new post-primary places. While the Programme relates to major projects capital funding for smaller projects, such as the addition of a classroom etc., is dealt with on an ongoing basis through the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme.
Details 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 be viewed on the website.
In addition, the Summer Works Scheme (SWS) is designed to allow schools, on a devolved funding basis, to carry out necessary improvement and refurbishment works that will upgrade existing school facilities. Under 2016-2017 almost €117 million has been approved to date under the Summer Works Scheme, in respect of over 940 school projects in categories 1 - 9. Details of the successful school applicants are published on my Department's website www.education.ie.
In regard to the remaining applications under Category 10, which relate to external works such as upgrade and resurfacing of yards and car parking, these applications require more detailed analysis. It is intended to undertake this analysis in 2019 with a view to enabling approved applications proceed in 2020.
Finally, for primary schools, the Minor Works grant allows schools to undertake improvement works in full or in part, as the grant allows, without prior application to my Department.
The recent launch of Project Ireland 2040 included an announcement of a major package of investment in education for the next decade with the school building budget increasing by 70%. This investment will provide for the continued increase in demographics while also allowing for a greater focus on refurbishment and upgrading of existing school stock.
Furthermore, my Department is committed to putting in place a grant scheme similar to the Minor Works Grant in place at post-primary level over the lifetime of Project Ireland 2040.
231. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools established in temporary accommodation and that have remained in temporary accommodation for five years or more and for which a permanent site has not been identified. [54018/18]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is being collated by my Department and will be forwarded to him when compiled.
