Written Answers Nos. 176-195
176. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the work of the community sector high level forum examining issues relating to community employment supervisors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50383/19]
View answerThe Community Sector High Level Forum has extensively examined certain issues pertaining to the Community Employment Sector as a whole having regard to a claim by community employment supervisors and assistant supervisors who have been seeking, through their union representatives, the allocation of Exchequer funding to implement a 2008 Labour Court recommendation relating to the provision of a pension scheme. The membership of this Forum includes public service management and union representatives.
The requirement for such an in-depth examination on the part of the Community Sector High Level Forum arose from the need to ensure that the matter was fully examined having regard to both costs and precedent in the context of the wider Community and Voluntary sector.
It will be appreciated that the implications arising from this claim extend well beyond the CE Supervisors and Assistant Supervisors cadre and impact across the entire Community and Voluntary sector. It is accordingly appropriate that the wider sector implications should be fully taken into account in considering the cost implications arising from this issue.
Taking this important consideration into account it is the position that a detailed scoping exercise was carried out by my Department in 2017 in order to comprehensively examine and assess the full potential implications of the issues involved.
The scoping exercise clearly illustrated that this matter presents very significant issues for the Exchequer, with a potential cost exposure for the State of between €188 million per annum and €347m depending on the size of the sector which is difficult to ascertain, were consequential demands to be made to fund employer pension contributions for all similar State funded Community and Voluntary organisations whose employees are in a similar position to the Community Employment scheme supervisors. This excludes any provision for immediate ex-gratia lump sum payment of pension for those imminently retiring, as sought, which could, depending on the size of the sector, give rise to a further Exchequer cost exposure of up to €318 million.
While CE supervisors and assistant supervisors represent only a very small part of the wider community and voluntary sector, any explicit provision of State funding for such a scheme in respect of those employees would inevitably give rise to claims for similar schemes and funding provision on the part of those many thousands of workers in the broader sector. My Department has to have regard to the full potential Exchequer exposure associated with setting such a precedent.
The Forum met in the period subsequent to the conduct of the scoping exercise where relevant matters in respect of this issue were discussed in comprehensive detail with the members of the Forum. These discussions provided a clear understanding to each of the parties of their respective positions in relation to this matter and the formal engagement process between the parties was accordingly concluded on this basis.
It continues to be the position that state organisations are not the employer of the particular employees concerned and accordingly it is not for the State to provide funding for occupational pension scheme provision.
177. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of plans to establish funding mechanisms for institutes of technology to support the development of their student accommodation capacity. [50061/19]
View answerFunding provided to the Institute of Technology (IoT) sector currently impacts on the General Government Borrowing (GGB). Borrowing for capital development, including student accommodation, is included in the State’s balance sheet and therefore impacts on the Government’s available fiscal space. The National Student Accommodation Strategy includes actions to explore, with the sector, an off-balance sheet solution to allow IoTs to access funding for the development of purpose built student accommodation.
The IoT sector is examining with the Department of Education and Skill and the assistance of the NDFA options to progress the provision of student accommodation for the technological sector on this basis.
178. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the fact that teachers remain unpaid for July provision carried out in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49689/19]
View answerMy Departments July Provision Scheme provides funding for an extended school year for students with a severe/profound general learning disability and/or students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).
The scheme was developed to reduce potential regression in learning associated with these specific categories of special education needs over the summer holidays.
The Terms and conditions of the July Provision Grant Scheme 2019 are set out in my Department's Information Note on the scheme which was published with the application forms and is available on my Department’s website at www.education.ie
There are two elements to the July Provision Scheme:
School Based July Provision – Schools that have special classes for autism and/or severe and profound learning disability can participate in the July Programme. The Department contacts all eligible schools each year to invite them to participate in the programme and extend their special classes into the month of July.
Home Based July Provision – where eligible students cannot be accommodated in a school based programme, funding may be provided towards the provision of 40 hours home based tuition.
In excess of 9,500 payments were made this year in respect of the July Provision Grant Scheme and I can confirm that all of those who provided tuition within the terms of the scheme have been paid. A small number of payments remain to be issued in cases where the Payment Claim forms were received recently.
179. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a school (details supplied) was not successful in securing funding under the summer works scheme. [49700/19]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that the school in question has submitted an application for an External Environment Project under my Department's multi-annual Summer Works Scheme (SWS) 2020 onwards.
The Deputy may be aware that I recently announced details of the schools that will receive funding in summer 2020 in respect of applications submitted for 'Life Safety Systems projects'.
Commensurate with the level of funding set aside for the Scheme, applications are being assessed on a top down basis in accordance with the prioritisation criteria outlined in the Circular accompanying the Scheme. In that regard, applications submitted for other works will be considered under future rounds of the Summer Works Scheme.
180. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a school (details supplied) did not receive funding under the summer works scheme. [49701/19]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that the school in question has submitted an application for an External Environment Project under my Department's multi-annual Summer Works Scheme (SWS) 2020 onwards.
The Deputy may be aware that I recently announced details of the schools that will receive funding in summer 2020 in respect of applications submitted for 'Life Safety Systems projects'.
Commensurate with the level of funding set aside for the Scheme, applications are being assessed on a top down basis in accordance with the prioritisation criteria outlined in the Circular accompanying the Scheme. In that regard, applications submitted for other works will be considered under future rounds of the Summer Works Scheme.
181. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding secondary school places in an area (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the concern among parents and children on lengthy waiting lists for a school place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49730/19]
View answerIn order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a Geographical Information System, using data from a range of sources, to identify where the pressure for school places across the country will arise. With this information, my Department carries out nationwide demographic exercises to determine where additional school accommodation is needed at primary and post-primary level.
For school planning purposes, the area referred to by the Deputy is located in the Wexford school planing area which is currently served by five post-primary schools.
Major new residential developments in a school planning area have the potential to alter demand in that area. In that regard, as part of the demographic exercises, my Department engages with each of the local authorities to obtain the up-to-date information on significant new residential development in each area. This is necessary to ensure that schools infrastructure planning is keeping pace with demographic changes as there is a constantly evolving picture with planned new residential development.
Where 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.
In April 2018, the Government announced plans for the establishment of 42 new schools over the four year period 2019 to 2022. This announcement follows nationwide demographic exercises carried out by my Department into the future need for primary and post-primary schools across the country.
While the announcement did not include a new post-primary school for the Wexford school planning area, the requirement for new schools will be kept under on-going review and in particular will have regard for the increased rollout of housing provision as outlined in Project Ireland 2040.
Under Project Ireland 2040, my Department continues to make progress to increase the infrastructural capacity in the schools sector, in order to meet demographic and other demands.
Loreto College, Wexford which formed part of the Schools Bundle 5 PPP project, was completed in August 2018 and provides for 900 post-primary places. My Department also recently approved a grant to a post-primary school in Wexford town to provide an additional mainstream classroom and science lab and this project has been devolved to the school for delivery.
The Capital Programme details the school projects that are being progressed under Project Ireland 2040. I wish to advise the Deputy that the current status of large-scale projects being delivered under Project Ireland 2040 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.
The Capital Programme also provides for devolved funding for additional classrooms, if required, for schools where an immediate enrolment need has been identified or where an additional teacher has been appointed. Details of schools listed on this programme can be found on my Department's website www.education.ie and this information is also updated regularly.
My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in the area.
The Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018 was signed into law by the President on 18 July 2018. The overall objective of the Act is to provide a new framework for school enrolment, designed to ensure that every child is treated fairly and that the way in which schools decide on applications for admission is structured, fair and transparent.
It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998 and the Admissions Act, 2018.
Parents have the right to choose which school to apply to and where the school has places available the pupil should be admitted. However, in schools where there are more applicants than places available, a selection process may be necessary. The selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants. However, this may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.
Section 29 of the Education Act, 1998 provides for an appeal by a parent or guardian to the Secretary General of my Department, or in the case of an Educational Training Board (ETB) school to the ETB in the first instance, where a Board of Management of a school, or a person acting on behalf of the Board, refuses to enrol a student in a school. Further information on the Section 29 appeals process is available on the Department's website www.education.ie. The Education Welfare Service of the Child and Family Agency (Tusla) is the statutory agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child.
182. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding secondary school places in an area (details supplied); if the local authority will be contacted regarding the need for an additional secondary school in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49731/19]
View answerIn order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a Geographical Information System, using data from a range of sources, to identify where the pressure for school places across the country will arise. With this information, my Department carries out nationwide demographic exercises to determine where additional school accommodation is needed at primary and post-primary level.
The Gorey school planing area is currently served by two post-primary schools, including a 1,000 pupil post-primary school established in 2011 with some 820 pupils enrolled in the current school year.
Major new residential developments in a school planning area have the potential to alter demand in that area. In that regard, as part of the demographic exercises, my Department engages with each of the local authorities to obtain the up-to-date information on significant new residential development in each area. This is necessary to ensure that schools infrastructure planning is keeping pace with demographic changes as there is a constantly evolving picture with planned new residential development.
Where 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.
In April 2018, the Government announced plans for the establishment of 42 new schools over the four year period 2019 to 2022. This announcement follows nationwide demographic exercises carried out by my Department into the future need for primary and post-primary schools across the country.
While the announcement did not include a new post-primary school for the Gorey school planning area, the requirement for new schools will be kept under on-going review and in particular will have regard for the increased rollout of housing provision as outlined in Project Ireland 2040.
Under Project Ireland 2040, my Department continues to make progress to increase the infrastructural capacity in the schools sector, in order to meet demographic and other demands.
The Capital Programme details the school projects that are being progressed under project Ireland 2040. I wish to advise the Deputy that the current status of large-scale projects being delivered under Project Ireland 2040 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.
The Capital Programme also provides for devolved funding for additional classrooms, if required, for schools where an immediate enrolment need has been identified or where an additional teacher has been appointed. Details of schools listed on this programme can be found on my Department's website www.education.ie and this information is also updated regularly.
183. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if reviews have been undertaken to assess the degree of difficulty some students face in cases in which there is an apparent disparity in the way in which languages are taught and tested on the curriculum at leaving certificate level (details supplied); his plans to reform this aspect of the curriculum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49733/19]
View answerLeaving Certificate Arabic was offered in Ireland for the first time in 1997, at Ordinary and Higher levels. The current syllabus is based on the Arabic curriculum taught at secondary school level in the state system of an Arabic-speaking country. A new interim Leaving Certificate Arabic syllabus was introduced in September 2002. A key feature of the 2002 syllabus was the addition to the syllabus of set texts from modern Arabic literature. This reflected the increasing variety in the students taking the subject. However, since the majority of these were expected to remain, first language Arabic speakers, the syllabus introduced in 2002 continued to emphasise reading and writing skills.
The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) propose to commence a full review of the Leaving Certificate Arabic interim syllabus in Q1, 2020 with a view to creating a revised subject specification. NCCA review in the area of Leaving Certificate foreign languages is ongoing, with Leaving Certificate specifications for Polish, Portuguese, Lithuanian and Mandarin Chinese currently in development. A
framework approach towards foreign languages is being taken and this work will inform development of a revised subject specification for Leaving Arabic.
184. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of pupil-teacher ratios in DEIS band schools; the efforts under way to bring down ratios and ensure smaller class sizes in same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49740/19]
View answerThe DEIS programme allows for a reduced class size in Urban Band 1 primary schools with the application of a preferential staffing schedule to these schools of 20:1 at junior classes and 24:1 at senior classes to support those students at the highest risk of educational disadvantage.
Schools in the DEIS Urban Band 2 and Rural bands receive the same allocation under the primary staffing schedule as mainstream schools which now stands at 26:1.
Posts allocated on the basis of the staffing schedule are specifically for mainstream classes and should be deployed accordingly. School authorities are requested to ensure that the number of pupils in any class is kept as low as possible, taking all relevant contextual factors into account. However, school authorities should, where possible, use their autonomy under the staffing schedule to implement smaller class sizes for junior classes. The staffing schudule is available on my Department's website at https://www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active-Circulars/cl0019_2019.pdf
As the Deputy may be aware, DEIS Plan acknowledges the allocation of teaching resources to DEIS primary schools with the highest concentrations of children at risk of educational disadvantage has served to improve learning outcomes. It also commits to the evaluation of the level of teaching resources for schools participating in DEIS to be undertaken to inform future policy in this area.
In order to facilitate this a Class Size Working Group was established comprising representatives from the Education Partners, the Educational Research Centre and the relevant Business Units in my Department. This group has met on a number of occasions to consider class size in the context of improved learning outcomes of those most at risk of educational disadvantage.
A report on the work of this group is currently being finalised, and will take into consideration the feedback and observations of the working group members. It is intended that this will be finalised in the coming weeks.
185. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of school places available in second level schools in Navan, Trim, Longwood, Oldcastle and Athboy, County Meath, by school, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49744/19]
View answer186. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of students seeking places in second level schools in Navan, Trim, Longwood, Oldcastle and Athboy, County Meath, by school, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49745/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 185 and 186 together.
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department does not hold the specific information to which he refers. Detailed information relating to enrolments in all schools nationwide is available on the Department's website at the following link: https://www.education.ie/en/Publications/Statistics/Data-on-Individual-Schools. My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking places.
In order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a Geographical Information System, using data from a range of sources, to identify where the pressure for school places across the country will arise. With this information, my Department carries out nationwide demographic exercises to determine where additional school accommodation is needed at primary and post-primary level.
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.
The requirement for new schools will be kept under on-going review and will have regard for the increased roll out of housing provision as outlined in Project Ireland 2040.
187. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the minor works grant for a school (details supplied) for the 2019 school year; if the school will receive the grant in 2019; if so, when it is likely to be paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49747/19]
View answerThe Minor Works Grant will be paid to all primary schools in the first half of December as part of the investment in education under Project Ireland 2040.
All primary schools will receive a flat rate Minor Works Grant of €5,500 plus €18.50 per mainstream pupil and €74 per special needs pupil attending a special school or special class. The grant is worth €6,425 for a 50 pupil school and over €11,000 for a 300 pupil school. The grant amounts to €29m across all primary schools.
188. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a reply will issue to queries raised in correspondence from a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49754/19]
View answerFlat Rate Expenses are a matter for the Office of the Revenue Commissioners. The Minister for Education and Skills does not have a role in relation to such expenses.
189. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the unacceptable and potentially dangerous conditions that students and staff are working under at a school (details supplied); his views on whether the leaking roof and the unsafe situation this presents needs urgent remedial work; if funding will be committed to same as a matter of priority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49755/19]
View answerMy Department has no record of receiving an application for funding, under my Department's Emergency Works Scheme, from the school and for the project to which the Deputy refers.
Insofar as the school authority has identified issues that require urgent attention, as described by the Deputy, it should immediately submit an Emergency Works Application form for funding to address same. This application will then be given due consideration. The form in question is available on my Department's website.
190. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of a school building project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49760/19]
View answerThe building project for this school has been devolved for delivery to Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (LCETB).
LCETB is currently in the process of preparing a Stage 2(a) Report for review and assessment by my Department. As the project is at an early stage in the delivery process, it is not possible at this time to give a date for its completion.
191. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a child (details supplied) will be offered a place in national school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49801/19]
View answerI am aware of the need for increased specialist education provision in the areas across South Dublin.
The NCSE has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children nationwide and has well established structures in place for engaging with schools and parents.
The Council ensures that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all children who have been identified as needing special class placements.
Nationally, 167 new special classes opened this school year, which means there are 1,618 special classes in place, compared to 548 in 2011.
Provision in our 124 special schools has also increased from 6,848 placements in 2011 to 7,872 this year.
In Dublin alone, there are now 251 special classes and 37 Special Schools providing specialist support to children with more complex special educational needs.
The extent of new classes being opened in recent years shows the willingness of schools to open special classes and normally this is the case.
However there are some parts of the country where the Council has faced challenges in getting schools and their Patrons to voluntarily agree to provide special class or school places.
I know that this can cause much anguish for parents and families involved.
As Minister I have a power under Section 37A of the Education Act 1998 to direct a school to provide additional provision where all reasonable efforts have failed.
The legislation was activated on the 29th October, 2019 following a report by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) which identified a shortage of special school and special class places right across south Dublin.
The NCSE has identified 82 children needing special education school places for this or next year in south Dublin.
This is the second time the power under section 37A of the Education Act 1998 (as inserted by section 8 of the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018) has been used.
The law contains a procedure through which the NCSE can test the capacity of schools in an area to provide more special education places and through which ultimately a Ministerial direction can be made requiring a school to make additional special education places available.
Home Tuition is provided is available as an interim measure for children whom a placement in a recognised school is sought but not available.
SENOs are available at a local level to assist and advise families seeking a suitable placement.
As the Deputy's question relates to an individual child, I have arranged for the question to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
192. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a school (details supplied) will receive a new building. [49810/19]
View answerIn order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a Geographical Information System, using data from a range of sources, to identify where the pressure for school places across the country will arise. With this information, my Department carries out nationwide demographic exercises to determine where additional school accommodation is needed at primary and post-primary level. Approximately 40% of extra school places are delivered by extending existing schools.
The Deputy will be aware that there area number of major capital projects included on my Department’s school building programme to be delivered as part of the National Development Plan. The Capital Programme details the school projects that are being progressed under project Ireland 2040. I wish to advise the Deputy that the current status of large-scale projects being delivered under project Ireland 2040 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.
The Capital Programme also provides for devolved funding under the 'Additional School Accommodation Scheme' (ASA) for additional classrooms, if required, for schools where an immediate enrolment need has been identified or where an additional teacher has been appointed. The application form for this scheme is available on my Department's website www.education.ie, details of schools listed under this scheme can also be found on my Department's website, this information is updated regularly. My Department has recently liaised with the school authority, in question, on this matter.
193. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education and Skills the nature of works being carried out on a school (details supplied); the timeline for completion of the works; if he is satisfied that the level of works being carried out at the school is safe while the school is open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49814/19]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the school to which he refers is among 40 schools in which structural and fire safety deficiencies have been identified.
A substantial programme of remediation work took place during the summer months in relation to these 40 schools and plans are well advanced for the next phases of the permanent remediation programme.
Over the summer, permanent remediation work was carried out in 14 schools, which enabled the removal of precautionary measures from those schools in full. Partial structural remediation was carried out in another school. Structural remediation work for another 6 schools is advancing since October.
Planned detailed structural investigations were carried out in 17 schools over the summer months also and, based on engineering advice, precautionary measures and other engineering solutions were put in place in parts of 13 of those schools, including the school in question, before they reopened after the summer holidays.
The bulk of the remainder of the Schools Remediation Programme is scheduled to be undertaken on a phased basis over 2020 and 2021 and work is well underway in my Department to underpin this. Details will continue to be communicated to the schools, including the school to which the Deputy refers, as my Department’s plans develop and progress.
Safety is the number one priority for pupils, staff, parents and others using the school buildings involved and I want to give assurances that the buildings with precautionary measures in place are safe to occupy. I also wish to acknowledge that remediation is a disruptive process for the schools involved and I want to thank all those connected with the affected schools for their continued patience and understanding as we roll out our plans to fix the problems that have emerged.
194. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a person (details supplied) will receive payment; the reason for the delay in same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49830/19]
View answerPrior to a substitute teacher being paid by my Department, the days worked must be both entered on the Department's Online Claims System system and approved at school level.
I wish to advise the Deputy that an Official from my Department has contacted the person concerned directly by phone and confirmed the steps that need to be taken at school level to ensure payment can be processed.
195. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on capacity issues at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; the steps being taken to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49848/19]
View answerI am pleased to advise the Deputy that the school referred to was approved two mainstream classrooms under my Department's Additional School Accommodation Scheme and that the project was recently approved to go to tender.
