Written Answers Nos. 141-160
141. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of persons that availed of and the costs incurred by his Department regarding the cycle to work scheme since it was introduced to date by year and cost in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9981/20]
View answerThe terms of the Cycle to Work Scheme are outlined in circular 66/2017 issued by my Department in respect of teachers and non-teaching staff of Primary, Voluntary Secondary and Community and Comprehensive Schools.
The information requested by the Deputy on the number of applications processed for teaching and non teaching staff paid on payrolls operated by my Department is set out in the following table.
The number of Cycle to Work Applications Processed
|
Years |
Number of applications |
|
2010 |
961 |
|
2011 |
3,985 |
|
2012 |
2,692 |
|
2013 |
2,553 |
|
2014 |
2,650 |
|
2015 |
2,577 |
|
2016 |
2,134 |
|
2017 |
2,114 |
|
2018 |
1,877 |
|
2019 |
1,918 |
|
2020 year to date |
856 |
|
Total |
24,317 |
In addition, my Department also operates a Cycle to Work Scheme for admin staff and the number of applications under this scheme is set out in table 2.
|
YEAR |
Number. |
|
2010 |
93 |
|
2011 |
99 |
|
2012 |
75 |
|
2013 |
69 |
|
2014 |
63 |
|
2015 |
51 |
|
2016 |
62 |
|
2017 |
39 |
|
2018 |
50 |
|
2019 |
49 |
|
2020 |
15 |
|
TOTAL |
665 |
The costs borne by my Department are in respect of the administration of the scheme. The information with regard to these costs is being compiled and they will be forwarded separately to the Deputy.
142. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the temporary buildings for a school (details supplied) will be ready by the start of the academic year 2020/2021; the schedule for the completion of the permanent building for the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10008/20]
View answerA contractor has been appointed to deliver the interim accommodation on the permanent site for the school to which the Deputy refers. My Department is liasing with the school Authority on the programme for delivery of this accommodation and any contingency arrangments if necessary in light of Covid 19.
The tender stage for the permanent build is due to issue shortly it is envisaged that construction for the permanent project will commence in quarter 4 2020.
143. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Education and Skills if an additional year or term of school will be provided to those that attend a special school for their secondary education and that missed the extensive learning and training that happens towards the end of the year to prepare students for work or finishing school; if the extension of enrolment conditions for persons over 18 years of age can be widened further than those listed in the letter sent to schools on 11 March 2020 due to the inability to complete this end of school training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10019/20]
View answerSpecial schools funded by my Department are classified as primary national schools and are intended, in accordance with the provisions of Rule 64(1) of the Rules for National Schools, to cater for children and young persons with special educational needs from the age of 4 years until the end of the school year in which they reach their 18th year.
Special schools may however seek approval from my Department for an exemption from Rule 64(1) in respect of students over the age of 18 who are pursuing courses leading to accreditation on the National Qualifications Framework (e.g. Junior Certificate/LCA/FETAC 3).
A request for an exemption from Rule 64(1) can only be made by a school where:
1. The student is pursuing a course leading to accreditation on the National Qualifications Framework (e.g. Junior Certificate/Leaving Certificate Applied/FETAC 3)
2. The student requires one additional year in order to complete their course
3. Retaining the student in the school for another school year will not prevent a younger pupil being enrolled there
4. Plans are in place to transition the student to a post-school setting at the end of the additional school year
Special schools are invited each year to make applications for exemptions from Rule 64(1) in respect of pupils who meet the above criteria. Where the criteria are met, my Department will approve the exemptions.
Some people with a disability, over the age of 18, and who have complex needs, may require specialised support throughout their lives. Ongoing care and support services within the community, in a post school setting, are provided by voluntary or statutory organisations. Responsibility for such care and support rests with the HSE.
Special school staff typically have extensive engagement with parents, HSE multi-disciplinary teams and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) which involves planning for the child’s future, including options for further education, training, employment or other placement options subject to the child’s abilities, including the young person’s transition to adult services when they reach the age of 18 years.
It is important to note that students with complex special educational needs who transfer to adult service settings can continue to participate in educational programmes through further adult educational programmes or in adult settings which are allocated resources towards educational provision.
Transition between schools and to post school settings can be a difficult time for students with special educational needs and their families and more so this year due to the COVID-19 crisis.
My Department acknowledges that school level transition planning for these students will have been well advanced prior to the school closures.
During school closures due to COVID 19, supports are provided to schools and teachers engaged in distance learning and these are available at https://www.education.ie/en/covid-19/#14
In addition to the general guidance that has been provided for schools, additional support material has also been provided specifically on how schools should provide for the continuity of education for children with special educational needs.
My Department will continue to engage with schools where they have submitted applications for exemptions from Rule 64(1), in order to retain pupils past their 18th birthday. Where such exemptions are sought specifically because of the school closures, my Department will engage with schools individually on how continuity of education and post-school transition planning have been implemented during the closures, in line with the guidelines for pupils with special educational needs.
144. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of his plans for the July provision. [10020/20]
View answerMy Department is planning to provide a summer education programme for children with significant special educational needs as soon as it is safe to do so and in accordance with public health advice.
It is intended that this programme will be similar to the July Provision of previous years.
The Summer Education Programme will take place for children with significant special educational needs enrolled in special schools, special classes and mainstream classes.
The programme will be reliant on schools, teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) choosing to participate on a voluntary basis.
Planning is under way and an announcement will be made shortly.
145. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills if contact will be made with a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10040/20]
View answerCorrespondence has issued to the person referred to by the Deputy on the 5th June 2020.
146. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will address a matter regarding the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10044/20]
View answerThe core function of the redeployment arrangements is to facilitate the redeployment of all surplus permanent teachers to other schools that have vacancies. Thereafter, schools are required under the panel arrangements to fill permanent vacancies from supplementary panels comprised of eligible fixed-term (temporary/substitute) and part-time teachers.
The arrangements for panel access for fixed term (temporary/substitute) and part-time teachers for the 2020/21 school year are set out in Department Circular 0064/2019.
I understand there was an issue with the Teaching Council record of the applicant concerned which has since been updated and the teacher has been informed of her eligibility for the Supplementary Panel.
147. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the provisions in place for mature leaving certificate external candidates; and if, in circumstances in which an external candidate is being tutored, if the tutor will be permitted to submit a predicted grade on behalf of the student. [10050/20]
View answer175. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10192/20]
View answer206. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if special arrangements have been put in place to facilitate students due to sit leaving certificate examinations this summer that are not presently enrolled in a second-level educational institution and may be unable to obtain a calculated grade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10434/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 147, 175 and 206 together.
I published detailed guidance on calculated grades on 21 May. The document sets out information on the process of estimating marks for students to receive calculated grades. The document, together with Frequently Asked Questions, are available on gov.ie/leavingcertificate.
Where a student is not connected to a school and is studying one or more subjects independently outside of school, the Department will look at such situations on a case by case basis and will be flexible in accepting estimated marks and rankings. Every effort will be made to provide an estimated mark where there is sufficient credible evidence of the student’s achievement. Students will be able to use this calculated grade in the same way as a Leaving Certificate grade to satisfy minimum entry requirements.
Where it is not possible to provide a calculated grade students will have the opportunity to sit the 2020 Leaving Certificate examination at a later date when it is safe to do so.
The Calculated Grades Executive Office is currently in direct contact with external students who are taking subjects outside of school, with a view to determining on an individual basis whether it is possible to include them in the calculated grades model.
148. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there has been further development on the summer development programme which will serve as an alternative to the July provision in 2020. [10051/20]
View answerMy Department is planning to provide a summer education programme for children with significant special educational needs as soon as it is safe to do so and in accordance with public health advice.
It is intended that this programme will be similar to the July Provision of previous years.
The Summer Education Programme will take place for children with significant special educational needs enrolled in special schools, special classes and mainstream classes.
The programme will be reliant on schools, teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) choosing to participate on a voluntary basis.
Planning is under way and an announcement will be made shortly.
149. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of plans to provide a school (details supplied) with temporary classrooms for the coming year; if the planning application will be through in time to provide these classrooms; if not, the emergency planning powers available to address this issue; if a project manager has been appointed for this work; his plans if these temporary classrooms will not be ready in September 2020; and the status of the location for the permanent school. [10060/20]
View answerA Project Manager has been appointed to assist my Department in the delivery of interim accommodation for the new schools to be established in 2020 and 2021. A planning application for the school to which the Deputy refers was lodged with the relevant Local Authority on 20 May 2020 and a decision is awaited. The tendering process for the procurement of prefabricated accommodation for the project is currently ongoing.
It is envisaged that the school will open in suitable interim accommodation for the 2020/2021 academic year. In anticipation of any potential delays on the decision on the planning application due to the current Covid-19 situation, contingency accommodation will be made available for the school on the Citywest Education Campus on a short-term basis until such time as the project for its planned interim accommodation is completed.
The permanent project for the school has recently been assigned for delivery under my Department’s Design and Build Programme. This delivery programme uses a professional external Project Manager to progress the project through the relevant stages of architectural planning and construction. The project will now commence Architectural Planning. The permanent site for the project located at Coolamber Drive, Rathcoole is in the ownership of my Department.
150. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason the land behind the temporary classrooms for a school (details supplied) will now be used for temporary classrooms for a new educate together school; the reason the land is not being used for a permanent building for the school; the reason there has been no communication with the school on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10061/20]
View answerThe permanent building for the Gaelscoil to which the Deputy refers will also be progressed at the same location. The school has been advised that its permanent building project has been assigned for delivery under my Department’s Design and Build Programme. This delivery programme uses a professional external Project Manager to progress the project through the relevant stages of architectural planning and construction. The project will now commence Architectural Planning.
My Department was in correspondence with the School in March 2020 outlining the position and advised that a meeting would be arranged with the School to discuss the matter. Unfortunately, due to the current Covid-19 situation it has not yet been possible to make such arrangements, a meeting will be facilitated as soon as circumstances allow.
151. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education and Skills if supports will be put in place for seasonal workers (details supplied) that are out of work as a direct result of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10077/20]
View answerThe State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations.
In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.
152. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the schools in County Kildare that have received funding as part of the 2020 capital funding allocation for development works; and the stages they are at. [10081/20]
View answerMy Department’s website shows the current position on all school projects on the Capital Programme, as well as listing the schools that have had large-scale projects completed from 2010 to date.
These are listed on a county basis. The information is available at www.education.ie and is updated regularly.
153. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of apprenticeship places that were taken up in County Kildare in 2018, 2019 and to date in 2020, by sector. [10085/20]
View answerThere was a total of 212 apprentices registered by employers with an address in County Kildare in 2018, 262 in 2019 and 100 to date in 2020. The breakdown of these by sector is set out in the following table.
Apprentices registered by Employers with address in County Kildare in 2018, 2019 and 2020 ytd
|
Trade |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 ytd |
|
Accounting Technician |
2 |
2 |
0 |
|
Agricultural Mechanics |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Auctioneering and Property Services |
2 |
2 |
1 |
|
Brick and Stonelaying |
2 |
3 |
1 |
|
Butcher |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Carpentry and Joinery |
32 |
35 |
10 |
|
Chef de Partie |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Commis Chef |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Construction Plant Fitting |
8 |
6 |
11 |
|
Electrical |
61 |
82 |
37 |
|
Electrical Instrumentation |
2 |
5 |
0 |
|
Electronic Security Systems |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Farriery |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Heavy Vehicle Mechanics |
11 |
8 |
2 |
|
Industrial Electrical Engineer |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Insurance Practitioner |
0 |
2 |
0 |
|
Logistics Associate |
1 |
6 |
0 |
|
Mechanical Automation & Maintenance Fitting |
9 |
8 |
2 |
|
Metal Fabrication |
10 |
9 |
3 |
|
Motor Mechanics |
21 |
18 |
9 |
|
Network Engineer Associate |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
OEM Engineer |
0 |
2 |
0 |
|
Painting and Decorating |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Pipefitting |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Plastering |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Plumbing |
25 |
33 |
14 |
|
Polymer Processing Technology |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning |
10 |
17 |
2 |
|
Retail Supervision |
0 |
1 |
4 |
|
Software Developer Associate |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Telecommunications and Data Network Technician |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Toolmaking |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Vehicle Body Repairs |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Wood Manufacturing and Finishing |
8 |
11 |
2 |
|
Grand Total |
212 |
262 |
100 |
154. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the eligibility criteria for SUSI grants will be changed to take account of changed financial circumstances that parents of students are experiencing presently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10089/20]
View answerThe decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter for the centralised student grant awarding authority SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) to determine.
The Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment will not affect student grants in the academic year 2019/20. Students will continue to receive their maintenance grants as normal and the duration or value of the grant will not change.
For the 20/21 academic year student grant applications will be assessed based on gross income from all sources for the period 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2019.
However, if a student or party to their application experiences a change in circumstances that is not a temporary change and is likely to continue for the foreseeable future they can apply to SUSI to have their application assessed under the change in circumstances provision.
In the case of a change of circumstances all household income, and not just the income of the person experiencing the change, will be assessed/reassessed on the basis of the current year (2020). Any award or adjustment will take effect from the month in which the change occurred. This provision may benefit some students whose income has fallen in 2020 due to Covid-19 issues.
SUSI’s online application process for student grant applications for the 2020/21 academic year opened on 23rd April, 2020. Students are advised to submit their renewal student grant application as soon as possible. The priority closing dates for the 2020/21 academic year are 11th June 2020 for renewal applicants and 9th July 2020 for new applicants. Further information in relation to student grant assistance is available from SUSI’s website, www.susi.ie. The telephone number for SUSI’s Helpdesk is 0761 087 874.
My Department is fully aware of the difficulties being experienced by students and their families as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. A working group on mitigating educational disadvantage is supporting on-going responses to what is an evolving situation, to ensure the continuation of crucial funding sources such as SUSI grants, the 1916 Bursary Scheme, the Student Assistant Fund, Fund for Students with a disability and other allowances. All stakeholders in this group have worked to support learners without access to sufficient technology and to ensure the continuation of services offered by access and disability offices, guidance counsellors and counselling services.
Students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. This Fund assists full-time and part-time 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. Institutions have the autonomy to maximise the flexibility in the Student Assistance Fund to enable HEIs to support students during the COVID-19 situation.
In addition, tax relief at the standard rate of tax may be claimed in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education. Further information on this tax relief is available from students’ local Tax Offices or from the Revenue Commissioners website, www.revenue.ie
155. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of students that recently took their HPAT exams; his views on whether these exams took place in and around the time of the pre-examinations those students with an ambition to study medicine would have focused more on the HPAT than the pre-leaving certificate; his further views on whether these students are now at a distinct disadvantage in view of the recent announcement that their calculated grades will be partially based on those pre-results; his plans to provide equity for these students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10093/20]
View answerThe Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) independently administers the HPAT on behalf of the universities’ medical schools and the RCSI. Neither I nor my Department has a function in the administration of the HPAT, and my Department does not hold information in relation to the number of students taking the HPAT.
I published detailed guidance for schools on calculated grades on 21 May. The document sets out information on the process of estimating marks for students to receive calculated grades, and this has been sent to all schools. The document, together with Frequently Asked Questions, are available on my Department’s website.
In arriving at an estimated mark for each student, teachers are asked to use their professional judgement, drawing on existing records and available evidence. Teachers will use a number of records in assessing a student’s performance and progress; for example, classwork and homework; class assessments; examinations in school at Christmas or summer, mock exams and also coursework. They will not be simply passing on results from mock examinations or other tests and the estimated mark will not be based on any one assessment or piece of coursework.
157. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if an application for additional accommodation by a school (details supplied) in County Kerry will be examined. [10105/20]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department is currently assessing an application, from the school in question, for capital funding.
Officials have been communicating with the school authority and additional information sought has now been received. The information is being reviewed and the school authority will be informed of a decision in relation to this application shortly.
158. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will address matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10112/20]
View answerEnsuring that every child has a suitable school placement is a key objective of my Department. Significant resources are allocated each year to ensure that appropriate supports are available for children with special educational needs.
Since 2011, the number of special classes in mainstream schools has increased almost threefold, from 548 to 1,618 for the 2019/2020 school year. The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children nationwide; has well established structures in place for engaging with schools and parents; and seeks to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all children who have been identified as needing special class placements.
167 new special classes were established nationally for 2019/20 school year.
The NCSE is planning a further expansion of special class and school places nationally to meet identified need for next year. This process is ongoing,
It is open to any school to make an application to the NCSE for the establishment of a specialised provision and where sanctioned, a range of supports, including capital funding, is made available to the school. The Department of Education and Skills works closely with the NCSE in this regard.
Normally, special class and school places are established with the full cooperation of the schools in areas where they are required. However there are some parts of the country where the NCSE 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 for Education and Skills, I have power under Section 37A of the Education Act 1998 to direct a school to provide additional provision where all reasonable efforts have failed. This legislation has been used to good effect in the recent past.
The enrolment of a child to a school is a matter in the first instance for the parents/ guardians of the child and the Board of Management of a school. My Department has no role in relation to processing applications for enrolment to schools.
The NCSE team of locally based Special Education Needs Organisers (SENOs) are available to assist parents/guardians to identify appropriate educational placements for children with special educational needs and to discuss their child's special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available at: https://ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list
The NCSE works in collaboration with the Educational Welfare Services (EWS) of the Child and Family Agency which is the statutory agency that can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child or can offer assistance where a child is out of school. The local service is delivered through the national network of Educational Welfare Officers (EWO). Contact details are available at http://www.tusla.ie/get-in-touch/education-and-welfare/.
It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998. 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. Under section 15 (2) (d) of the Education Act 1998, each school is legally obliged to publish its enrolment policy.
It should be noted that where a parent/guardian seeks to enrol a child in a school and that school refuses to enrol the child, the school is obliged to inform the parents/guardians of their right under Section 29 of the Education Act 1998 to appeal that decision to the Secretary General of my Department. Only where an appeal under Section 29 is upheld, may the Secretary General of my Department direct a school to enrol a pupil.
I would encourage the family of the child in question to engage with their local SENO on the matter of a placement for their child in September 2021.
159. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he is putting in place contingency plans now for the possible scenario by which children are not able to return to school as normal in late August and September 2020; his views on whether there is a need for these plans to include formal timetabled online lessons by all schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10115/20]
View answerTo assist with the development of contingency plans for the re-opening and operation of schools in an environment that may require social distancing and other public health requirements, my Department is engaging with education partners and relevant stakeholders.
As part of this engagement, each of the education partners were given the opportunity to outline the key issues that they would like to have considered in the context of re-opening schools. The issues raised by the education partners include those referred to by the Deputy in his question.
A core objective of the contingency plans will be to ensure that schools and other education settings can reopen and operate in a safe manner that is consistent with public health advice.
Following consultation, currently underway with the education partners, guidance will issue to schools as soon as possible on the logistical and curricular arrangements to be put in place to facilitate the phased re-opening of schools. This guidance will provide a framework for individual schools to develop plans for the re-opening of school in accordance with their own circumstances, the context and needs of their staff and students and in compliance with public health guidelines.
160. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a school (details supplied) will be included in the school transport scheme. [10116/20]
View answerSchool Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.
The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.
In the current school year over 120,000 children, including over 14,200 children with special educational needs, are transported in over 5,000 vehicles on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country covering over 100 million kilometres at a cost of over €219m in 2019.
A minimum number of 10 eligible children residing in a distinct locality, as determined by Bus Éireann, are required before consideration may be given to the establishment or retention of school transport services, provided this can be done within reasonable cost limits.
All school transport services are reviewed over the summer months. Arising from this review, routes may be altered, extended or withdrawn depending on the number and location of eligible children who will be availing of school transport for the following school year.
Children who are eligible for school transport and who complete the application and payment process on time will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation. Children who are eligible for school transport but for whom no service is available may be offered the Remote Area Grant towards the cost of making private transport arrangements
Children who are not eligible for school transport, but who complete the application process on time, will be considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
Further information on the School Transport Scheme is available on the Department’s website at www.education.ie
