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Tuesday, 7 Jul 2020

Written Answers Nos. 365-384

Schools Building Projects

Questions (365)

Paul Kehoe

Question:

365. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of progress on a building project for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13749/20]

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Written answers

The Deputy will be aware that a building project for the school in question is included on the Department's Capital Programme to be delivered as part of the National Development Plan (NDP).

My Department is currently finalising the project brief with the aim of progressing the project into the architectural planning process shortly.

In that regard, my Department will also be in direct contact with the school authority regarding the project.

Emergency Works Scheme

Questions (366)

Danny Healy-Rae

Question:

366. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills if funding is being made available for urgent repair works for a school (details supplied) to ensure the works are completed while the school is closed for the summer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13754/20]

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Written answers

I would like to inform the Deputy that an application for funding for roof works under my Department's Emergency Works Scheme has been approved for the school in question. As this is a devolved project it is a matter for the school authority to progress the works.

Physical Education

Questions (367)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

367. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Skills if her Department has received applications and-or proposals from local schools or organisations in east County Meath for a municipal sports centre and running track; if so, the stage the application and or proposals are at; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13767/20]

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Written answers

I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department has received the proposals to which he refers. However, I also wish to inform him that my Department does not provide funding for athletics facilities. I would advise him to refer the matter to the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht in that context.

Schools Building Projects

Questions (368)

Frank Feighan

Question:

368. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason payment for works at a school (details supplied) has not been issued to the contractor that conducted the works at the school; if there is an issue with the school drawing down the funding; if it has already done so; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13768/20]

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Written answers

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that funding was approved under the Additional Accommodation Scheme to enable the school in question to build a two classroom SEN base.

Following receipt of the final drawdown paperwork it was noted that the school submitted additional costings which were not approved by the Department. The Department has since liaised with the school and agreed to pay the final tranche of the approved grant aid at this time. The unforeseen costs during construction are currently under consideration and a decision will be conveyed to the school authority as soon as the assessment process has been completed.

School Staff

Questions (369)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

369. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of primary schools nationwide which will lose teachers in September 2020 due to the reduction in class numbers by county; the number of teachers being lost from each school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13782/20]

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Written answers

I am very conscious of the staffing schedule and the need to prioritise teacher allocations in primary schools given their vital role in communities around the country. I am looking at how best to make further progress in reducing the primary teacher ratio in the context of the Programme for Government implementation.

The key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September.

The staffing process for primary schools is ongoing and the final allocation of teaching posts will not be known until the Autumn after confirmation of enrolments on 30th September and the conclusion of the staffing appeals process in October.

Education and Training Boards

Questions (370)

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

370. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Education and Skills if her attention has been drawn to the ongoing statutory non-compliance across the ETB sector in respect of the issuing of annual pension statements to employees (details supplied); the steps that can be taken to ensure the matter is rectified; and if adequate additional resources will be provided to ETBs to remedy the situation and give comfort and assurance to ETB staff members that they will not be adversely affected by unforeseen errors which have been allowed to prevail by their employers not adhering to their statutory requirements. [13790/20]

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Written answers

The Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and other Provisions) Act 2012 provides for the issuing of annual benefit statements to members.

My officials have been liaising with their counterparts in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to clarify various pension issues peculiar to the work patterns in the education sector which impact on the provision of annual benefit statements. This work is ongoing.

Each Education and Training Board (ETB) is a separate statutory body that is responsible for managing its own affairs, which would include meeting its statutory obligations in respect of the issuing of annual pension statements to employees. The legislative base and accountability framework for ETBs is set out in the Education and Training Boards Act 2013.

In recent years my Department has provided additional financial resources to ETBs to put in place appropriate structures to progress matters in a number of areas including pension statements. I have been advised that a number of ETBs issued Annual Benefit Statements to a number of staff members in 2019 and all ETBs are committed to issuing further Annual Benefits Statements to staff members in 2020.

Each ETB has faced challenges in developing their payroll systems to produce Annual Benefit Statements for their members. Five ETBs have migrated their payroll functions to the shared payroll services for ETBs with a further two planned to move by year end. All remaining ETBs will migrate to shared payroll in the coming years and following that transition staff will be able to generate their own online benefit statements. My officials are committing to supporting ETBs in this work.

Schools Building Projects

Questions (371)

Paul Kehoe

Question:

371. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of a school building project (details supplied); the timeframe for progression of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13795/20]

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Written answers

The major building project the school to which the Deputy refers is at an advanced stage of architectural planning, Stage 2(b) – Detailed Design which includes the application for Planning Permission, Fire Cert and Disability Access Cert and the preparation of tender documents. All statutory approvals have been secured.

A revised Stage 2(b) submission has been received in the Department and is currently under review. The Stage 2(b) submission is a detailed and complex set of documents including all tender documents.

As soon as the review of the revised submission is complete the Department will be in contact with school and it’s Design Team with regard to the further progression of the project.

Schools Building Projects

Questions (372)

Niall Collins

Question:

372. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a school (details supplied) went to tender for full indoor refurbishment; when the work will commence; the timeline for completion of works; if the school is unable to open in August or September 2020 due to works not being completed, if pupils will still go to another school; if so, if school bus transport will be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13803/20]

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Written answers

The Deputy will be aware that the project to which he refers has been devolved for delivery to the school authority under my Department's Summer Works Scheme. As such, it is a matter for the school authority to progress the project.

I can inform the Deputy that we are aware from our engagement with the school with respect to this project that it will not be completed in time for September 2020 as the tragic and extremely difficult issues that arose in the school last year have been exacerbated by the Covid-19 situation. The Department fully appreciates that this is extremely disappointing and frustrating for the entire school community given that they have already spent an entire school year without access to their school building.

I can assure everyone associated with the project that the school authority and its design team, supported by the Department, has done and is doing everything it can to ensure the earliest possible return to the school whilst ensuring that the quality and integrity of the works that need to be completed are protected. In that respect, a significant milestone in progressing the project was achieved on the 26th of June 2020 as the tender for the works in question was advertised on the e-Tenders system. I can also assure the Deputy that my Department will continue to support the contingency arrangements that are currently in place for the school.

Teaching Council of Ireland

Questions (373)

Robert Troy

Question:

373. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the case of a person (details supplied) will be prioritised. [13804/20]

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Written answers

Under the Teaching Council Acts the Teaching Council is the body with the statutory authority and responsibility for the regulation of the teaching profession in Ireland including the registration of teachers in the State.

I am informed the Teaching Council advise that, for teachers qualified outside of Ireland, the assessment and registration process may typically take up to 12 weeks from receipt of all required application documentation. They advise the processing time for standard Irish qualifications is 4-6 weeks assuming all required documentation is received. It is further recommended that teachers apply in advance of their planned return to or commencement of teaching in Ireland.

The application in question was received on June 18th. As the Deputy will appreciate, the process that is applied in accordance with regulatory requirements. This includes vetting through the National Vetting Bureau and so is subject to NVB timeframes, and for applicants returning to Ireland, this includes a requirement to provide overseas police clearance.

The processing timeframes outlined above are those which apply generally and are published on the Teaching Council website, so the expectation and advice is clear in this regard.

When recruiting people to teaching positions, employers must comply with the registration requirements of the Teaching Council Act and with S.I. No. 32/2014. In particular, employers should ensure that registration with the Teaching Council is included as a requirement when advertising vacant teaching posts. Evidence of current registration should also be sought prior to that position being offered. Employers must also ensure that the requirement to maintain registration with the Teaching Council is inserted as a condition within all contracts. These requirements are outlined in the Terms and Conditions of Employment of Teachers and associated information available on the Department of Education and Skills website.

School Transport

Questions (374, 399)

Joe O'Brien

Question:

374. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps that have been taken to ensure the school transport scheme will be able to operate at capacity when schools reopen in view of concerns raised by school bus operators and individual schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13810/20]

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Danny Healy-Rae

Question:

399. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills if clarification will be provided for school bus operators regarding the measures that will be in place and the Covid-19 procedures they will need to implement and follow when they go back to providing school transport at the end of August 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13939/20]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 374 and 399 together.

School Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Skills.

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 2019/20 school year over 120,000 children, including over 14,200 children with special educational needs, were 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.

With regard to the re-opening of schools for the 2020/21 academic year, my Department is currently engaging intensively with Bus Éireann, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and the National Transport Authority on the logistical considerations that arise from public health advice in planning for the reopening of schools. The operation of school transport services in September 2020 will be informed by the outcome of this planning for re-opening schools.

Schools Building Projects

Questions (375)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

375. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the reopening of a school (details supplied) in County Cork. [13811/20]

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Written answers

The Deputy may wish to note that the project to which he refers has been devolved for delivery to the school authority under my Department's Summer Works Scheme. As such, it is a matter for the school authority, advised by its design team, to progress the project .

I am conscious of the tragic and extremely difficult issues referred to by the Deputy and that these have been exacerbated by the Covid-19 situation. I can assure everyone associated with the project that the school authority and its design team, actively supported by my Department's Summer Works team, has done and is doing everything it can to ensure the earliest possible return to the school whilst ensuring that the quality and integrity of the works that need to be completed are protected. In that respect, a significant milestone in progressing the project was achieved recently as the tender for the works in question was advertised on the e-Tenders system.

Public Sector Pay

Questions (376)

Frank Feighan

Question:

376. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the ending of a two-tier pay scale for teachers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13813/20]

View answer

Written answers

The public service agreements have allowed a programme of pay restoration for public servants to start. The starting salary for a new entrant teacher in 2012 was €30,702. As a result of the programme of pay restoration, the starting salary of a teacher is now €36,953 and from 1 October 2020 onwards will be €37,692.

Section 11 of the Public Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017 provides that “the Minister [for Public Expenditure and Reform] shall, within three months of the passing of this Act, prepare and lay before the Oireachtas a report on the cost of and a plan in dealing with pay equalisation for new entrants to the public service.”

The report laid before the Oireachtas on foot of this provision by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform assesses the cost of a further change which would provide a two scale point adjustment to new entrants recruited since 2011. The total cost of such an adjustment across the public sector is of the order of €200 million, of which Education accounts for €83 million. The report also acknowledges that, during the financial crisis, there were policy changes which affected remuneration in different occupations across the public sector (including education).

The matter of new entrant pay is a cross sectorial issue, not just an issue for the education sector alone. The Government supports the gradual, negotiated repeal of the FEMPI legislation, having due regard to the priority to improve public services and in recognition of the essential role played by public servants.

On 24 September 2018, an agreement was reached between the Government and the public services committee of ICTU in respect of new entrant pay.

This agreement is benefitting 16,000 teachers and nearly 5,000 SNAs within the education sector. The deal provides for a series of incremental jumps for new entrants.

Minister Foley is fully aware that the teacher unions have outstanding issues of concern following the September 2018 agreement. These outstanding matters will be given full consideration. This will happen either in the context of any pay review mechanism agreed by the parties to the Public Service Stability Agreement, or in the context of the next round of pay talks. The positions of each of the parties on these matters must be given due regard in endeavouring to reach a mutually agreed resolution.

The current series of restorative measures for new entrants have been achieved through continued engagement and collective bargaining between the Government and the public service unions and shows the benefits that such engagement can bring.

Special Educational Needs

Questions (377)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Question:

377. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Education and Skills the supports available to parents of children with special needs who wish to avail of the July provision and in 2020 cannot find a teacher or special needs assistant in their area willing to participate in providing the July provision for their children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13823/20]

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Written answers

Covid-19 has presented an unprecedented global challenge for all of society, including our children. Learning has been challenging for many students since school buildings closed.

In response my Department published details of Summer Provision 2020 – Reconnecting with Education including a programme for children with complex special educational needs.

Summer Provision 2020 is a discrete response to Covid-19 and is a significant expansion on the July Provision programme of previous years with the eligibility criteria widened to include approximately 9,000 additional primary aged children with complex needs.

Following the decision from Cabinet this week the home based summer programme is also open to children with down syndrome who are attending post primary school.

The programme aims to ensure, in so far as possible, that these children can reintegrate/transition into their planned education setting for the next school year with their peers.

My Department has been flexible in its approach to the programme so as to maximise the number of children participating. In-school or home-based supports can now be delivered in July or August. Where Parents cannot secure the services of tutor they can engage an SNA to provide care support.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has published information to assist Parents in sourcing the services or a Tutor or SNA for the 2020 Summer Provision The information is available on the NSCE website at

https://ncse.ie/information-for-parents-on-private-home-tutor-services-advertising-platforms-for-the-2020-summer-provision-scheme

Full information on summer provision and its various strands, including guidance information for parents, is available at Gov.ie/summerprovision

Special Educational Needs

Questions (378)

Colm Burke

Question:

378. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the summer provision 2020 programme will be expanded to include children with disabilities who will be entering primary and secondary school for the first time in September 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13827/20]

View answer

Written answers

My Department published details of Summer Provision 2020 – Reconnecting with Education including a programme for children with complex special educational needs.

The programme is a significant expansion on the July Provision programme of previous years with the eligibility criteria widened to include approximately 9,000 additional primary aged children with complex needs.

The programme aims to ensure, in so far as possible, that these children can reintegrate/transition into their planned education setting for the next school year with their peers.

In-school or home-based supports by teachers and SNAs will help to prevent regression among children with complex special educational needs.

The eligibility criteria includes the following categories of children:

1. Pupils with a diagnosis of Autism

2. Pupils with severe and profound learning difficulties

3. Any child in special school or a special class in a Primary School

4. Children transitioning into a special class or special school from early year’s settings

5. Pupils in primary school mainstream classes who present with the following disabilities:

- Children with Down syndrome

- Children who are Deaf or most severe hard of hearing

- Children who are blind or have a most severe visual impairment

- Children who have a moderate general learning disability

- Children with severe emotional behavioural difficulties

Following the decision from Cabinet this week the home based summer programme is also open to children with down syndrome who are attending post primary school.

A child must meet at least one of the eligibility criteria.

If a Parent is in doubt about their child’s eligibility, they should consult their child’s school or contact my Department. Contact details are available on my Departments website

https://www.education.ie/en/Parents/Services/summerprovision/summer-education-programme-2020.html

In relation to support for preschool children the Department of Children and Youth Affairs launched a dedicated campaign and website to support transition called “Lets Get Ready” which has received a positive response so far.

This resource has been prepared jointly with my Department. It is universal in scope, and is aimed at children returning to preschool as well as children returning to or transitioning to school.

Information on the site is at a level for all to understand and include a section called ‘Ready for Everyone’ to specifically support transitions for children with special / additional needs.

The website, which is being updated and reviewed by the DCYA based on the feedback from various sources, is available at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/74b0d-ready-for-everyone

Emergency Works Scheme

Questions (379)

Robert Troy

Question:

379. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if an application for emergency works submitted by a school (details supplied) will be granted. [13830/20]

View answer

Written answers

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the school in question has been granted Emergency Works Funding for the additional works to which he refers. These will be incorporated into its existing Additional Accommodation project.

Third Level Institutions

Questions (380, 444)

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

380. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a field hospital on the grounds of the University of Limerick will impact on the potential reopening of the university in September 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13834/20]

View answer

Cathal Crowe

Question:

444. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will issue guidance to third-level institutions on when they should reopen in view of the fact many students are now in the position in which they need to be looking for accommodation but they are not sure when they will be back at college. [14285/20]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 380 and 444 together.

To assist with the development of plans for the re-opening and operation of higher education in an environment that may require social distancing and other public health requirements, the Department of Education and Skills is engaging with relevant stakeholders from the higher education sector. The importance of informing students of arrangements for the new semester in a timely manner forms part of these discussions and all those involved are committed to this. This work is ongoing, and it is hoped that a communication for the sector will be published in the coming weeks.

However Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are autonomous institutions and are entitled to regulate their own academic affairs and administrative processes. Decisions on how courses will operate will be made by each institution, and arrangements will vary between institutions and between courses. The HEIs will communicate the arrangements for the new academic year to students as soon as these arrangements have been finalised. Questions on arrangements for a specific institution or course should be directed to the institution in question.

Schools Administration

Questions (381)

Niall Collins

Question:

381. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a person (details supplied) can repeat sixth class; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13835/20]

View answer

Written answers

I acknowledge that this is a particularly challenging time for all students, and parents across the education system, but particularly for those students who will be transferring from primary to post-primary school.

My Department’s Continuity of Schooling Group has developed guidance for schools which includes advice on how best 6th class pupils can be supported to make the transition to post-primary school, given that they will not have the opportunity to engage in all of the traditional transition activities that they would normally have engaged in.

It is important that pupils move on with their peers and continue on to the next stage of their education. In general, gaps in pupils’ learning arising solely due to the emergency closure of schools should not result in a pupil repeating a year. When pupils have started back in school, the principal and teachers can assess their needs and adapt their teaching programme so that any gaps in their learning resulting from the emergency closure of schools can be addressed. For the vast majority of pupils, this will ensure progression is as seamless a manner as possible.

The guidance that issued to primary schools on Thursday 28th May includes information on managing transitions to include the move from primary to post-primary school. It sets out how existing resources can be utilised to assist with the transition.

The guidance can be accessed via the below link;

https://www.education.ie/en/Schools-Colleges/Information/National-Emergencies-Public-Health-Issues/guidance-on-continuity-of-schooling-primary.pdf

DEIS Scheme

Questions (382)

John McGuinness

Question:

382. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a DEIS application by a school (details supplied) will be expedited. [13840/20]

View answer

Written answers

My Department is in the final stages of refinement of the DEIS identification model, based on school enrolment data and the latest data available from Census 2016 under the HP Deprivation Index.

This work is at an advanced stage and the initial phase of the consultation process with education stakeholder representatives on the technical aspects of the refined DEIS ID model has commenced. It is envisaged that this model will then provide the basis for development of a DEIS resource allocation system to match resources to identified need.

I am confident that the culmination of this work will facilitate the ultimate aim of matching resources to identified need and will allow us to target extra resources at those schools most in need. Until this work is complete, it is not intended to extend the DEIS programme to any further schools.

Special Educational Needs Staff

Questions (383)

John McGuinness

Question:

383. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills if insurance cover will be extended to cover SNAs delivering home tuition during the summer in the homes of participants. [13841/20]

View answer

Written answers

My Department published details of Summer Provision 2020 – Reconnecting with Education including a home-based programme for children with complex special educational needs.

Parents/Guardians select and engage tutors/SNAs for the provision of the home based programme in a private arrangement which is then funded through the scheme.

It is the responsibility of the parent and tutor/SNA to ensure any necessary insurance arrangements are in place.

School Staff

Questions (384)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

384. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the decision to refuse the provision of extra teaching staff to a school (details supplied) will be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13843/20]

View answer

Written answers

I am very conscious of the staffing schedule and the need to prioritise teacher allocations in primary schools given their vital role in communities around the country. I am looking at how best to make further progress in reducing the primary teacher ratio in the context of the Programme for Government implementation.

The key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September.

There is no change to the staffing of the school referred to by the Deputy for the 2020/21 school year.

The staffing schedule operates in a clear and transparent manner and treats all similar types of schools equally irrespective of location. The staffing schedule includes an appeals mechanism for schools to submit a staffing appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeals Board. The appeal from the school referred to by the Deputy was considered by the Primary Staffing Appeals Board and deemed ineligible as the appeal did not meet the criteria published in Circular 18/2020. The Primary Staffing Appeals Board is independent of the Department and its decision is final.

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